M.A. Church's Blog, page 127
May 12, 2015
Pride Promotions presents Would I Lie To You? by Brad Vance and a Giveaway!
Author Name: Brad Vance
Book Name: Would I Lie To You?Series: The Game PlayersBook: One
Release Date: April 24, 2015
Blurb(s): Software billionaire Marc Julian’s orderly life is shattered one night by a cyber-intrusion into his company’s servers. He’s always surrounded himself with the best people, but finding the culprit behind this might require a real expert...and sometimes it takes a thief to catch a thief. Jesse Winchester and his team of “grey hat” hackers are suddenly available to Marc. Marc doesn’t know if he should trust Jesse with the keys to his company’s kingdom. After all, Jesse’s a convicted felon, sent to prison for violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. A felon sentenced to thirty-five years in prison, who mysteriously served only three years before being released…
Marc’s first company, his whole life, was shattered because he trusted the wrong person. This time there’s even more at stake, but few other options. Especially when his evil enemies, the billionaire industrialist Krom brothers, are revealed to be the source of the intrusion.
Is Jesse there to help Marc, or does he have his own history with the Kroms, his own score to settle? As Jesse and Marc spend more time together, their growing intimacy is at war with their need to win their respective battles. Soon the game they start to play with each other, against each other, becomes more exciting, more exquisitely frustrating…and more dangerous.
Pages or Words: 289 pages
Categories: BDSM, Crime Fiction, M/M Romance, Thriller, Cybercrime
Excerpt:He’d made a mistake with Marc. He’d thought they could play a game together, to pass the time, let off steam, release stress. Marc was smart enough to know that that’s all it was.Right?But the look on his face, when Jesse said goodbye… The shock. The disappointment. The…Say it. The hurt. That was when Jesse knew that for Marc, it had been more.That was when Jesse knew that it had been more for him, too.
Sales Links: (Amazon exclusive) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WNMVKZC
About the author:Brad Vance writes gay romance, erotica and paranormal stories and novels, including the breakout hits "A Little Too Broken" and "Have a Little Faith in Me."
Where to find the author:Facebook: www.facebook.com/brad.vance.10Facebook Author Page: www.bradvanceerotica.wordpress.comTwitter: www.twitter.com/BradVanceAuthorGoogle: https://plus.google.com/u/1/+BradVance/about
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6886454.Brad_VancePublisher: Brad Vance
Cover Artist: Brad Vance
Tour Dates & Stops: May 11 – May 29, 201511-May Parker Williams
12-May Prism Book Alliance
13-May Decadent Delights
14-May Kimi-Chan
15-May Bayou Book Junkie
18-May Velvet Panic 3 Chicks After Dark Inked Rainbow Reads
19-May Divine Magazine Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My
20-May Love Bytes
21-May Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
22-May Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance
25-May BFD Book Blog
26-May Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
27-May Iyana Jenna
28-May Molly Lolly MM Good Book Reviews
29-May My Fiction Nook Butterfly-O-Meter Because Two Men Are Better Than One
Rafflecopter Prize: One of three E-book copies of ‘Would I Lie To You?’ by Brad Vance
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
And now for the interview!!!How do you develop your plot and characters? What comes first, the plot or characters?It really varies. For “A Little Too Broken,” I was rolling my eyes at the New Adult genre, which had just hit its stride, all the “young beautiful and broken can they love again” tropes. I thought, what if there were two people who were literally broken, who couldn’t just fix each other and all’s magically well at the end of the book? Suddenly I had these two guys in my head, a vet who’d lost his legs in Afghanistan and a guy who was HIV+. Now that would meet a definition of “broken”! And all of a sudden, there they were, Tom and Jamie, demanding a novel. In other cases, it can just be a picture. I found the cover model for “Would I Lie to You?” on a stock site, and fell in love (check out the cover and you’ll agree, I’m sure). Who is this guy? I asked as I looked at the picture. And he was just such a charming criminal type that Jesse started to develop from that picture.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to tell us about?Two sequels to “Would I Lie to You?” – one a standalone book about Ryan the Escort, who just demanded one, he was so interesting to me (and the fans!). And then the next Marc and Jesse adventure. And I have one in the queue about “Officer Joe,” a good cop in a small California college town, and his adversarial/romantic dynamic with a San Francisco reporter. So there’s plenty in the pipeline!
How do you do research for your books?I’ll read a lot of books, definitely. For “Lie,” which has a lot of plot related to computer hacking, I read “Countdown to Zero Day,” a book about Stuxnet, the computer virus that the Americans and/or Israelis created to sabotage the Iranian nuclear program. There’s actually an action scene scene in my book that a reviewer called “hinky,” because it sounds so unbelievable, but I took it straight from that book! I read a lot of books about Special Forces for my “Sam and Derek” series, and an absolute ton of material for the “Colum’s Viking Captivity” series – but, you know, SF guys and Vikings are cool and exciting, so that’s not hard work!
Are you a plotter or a pantser?Definitely a plotter, now. I pantsed it when I was just writing short erotica because, well, we all know how those end! Once I got into novels I realized that wasn’t going to work out for me. The novels change direction quite often once you get going, the characters reveal themselves and their motivations and it alters the plan, but as long as there is a plan, I don’t lose control of the material.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?TO RULE THE GALAXY! I’ve been lucky that this year, I was able to quit my day job to write full time. Right now my long term goal is basically, to never ever have to take another day job again.
If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?I just finished “Common Ground,” a nonfiction book about the forced busing controversy in Boston in the 1970s, when they tried to integrate the schools through busing kids across town to new schools. It really reads like a sprawling novel; it would make a fantastic miniseries on HBO. It’s got the poor white families, the poor black families, the newspaper editors, the judges, the white middle class gentrifiers…it’s like The Wire, it’s such a vast canvas. I’m astonished nobody has done it yet.
How do you personally distinguish between pornography, erotica, and erotic romance?Well, porn is visual. Real people having real sex in front of a camera. Erotica is verbal, it’s words on paper. For me the difference between erotica and erotic romance is that in pure erotica, sex drives the plot, if there is any. You know, ding dong, it’s the pizza boy! In erotic romance, the plot is what you’re really reading for, and the hot sexin’ is a result of the character’s development, the events in the plot. The hot sexin’ should be a bonus, if an erotic romance doesn’t stand up as a novel w/o the sex, then it’s straight erotica.
What are the biggest public misconceptions about erotic romance?That it’s all trash, that its readers are simpletons who can’t read Booker Prize books, that all the writers are hacks who can’t write anything else. A lot of literary types look down their noses on it because it’s so very vulgar, darling, to read a book for its plot. It’s very elitist – people who write novels with plot are low common tradesmen, while the gentlemen craft lovely sentences and luminous prose with little regard for “entertainment.” There was someone recently on Slate magazine who condemned the idea of adults reading Young Adult fiction. Why, they should be reading postmodern novels with ambiguous endings, and let go of their childish longing for happy endings! So it’s not just romance that the elites rail against – it’s any book that makes you feel good when you get to the end.
What advice would you give an author who wants to write erotica?Well, you need a very dirty mind J If you’re someone who’s squeamish about kinky sex, about pushing boundaries, about polymorphous perversity in general, don’t do it. I’d also say that, if you do have a dirty mind, write as much as possible to your own kinks. Don’t chase a trend down the street if it doesn’t turn you on. Readers will know that it’s not doing it for you, and it won’t do it for them either.
And now for the review!5 stars!
Whoa, get ready for some major twists and turns lol! They’ll make your head spin, but by God you’ll love every minute of it. Very rarely have I read a book where the attraction between the two main characters (Marc and Jesse) affects me so deeply. You can’t help but pull for them.
Marc Julian owns a software company which has made him filthy rich lol. The man is very involved in his company too. The team he’s built has earned his trusts and respect.
Jesse Winchester is an ex con who was sent to jail for hacking. And he’s out with only serving a tenth of his time. Hmmmm… lol. Oh, and he’s a computer genius. Marc and Jesse meet when Jesse is brought into Marc’s inner circle to help solve his current issues. And they are some serious issues. So of course Marc wants to know how Jesse’s out with so little time served.
Each man has have things happen in the past that… well, makes them very hesitate to get involved. Once you get burned it’s hard to trust again. It’s hard to move on and let things go. But some things are worth taking that chance on.
And when these two connect sexually… the pages smoke lol. I hope to read more on these two.
May 10, 2015
Pride Promotions presents Light in Endless Dark by Huston Piner and a Giveaway!
Author Name: Huston Piner
Book Name: Light in Endless Dark
Release Date: May 13, 2015
Blurb: Kevin Reeves lives with his mother and abusive father and dreams of going to Dickerson University. Lonely and easily cowed, he works as a janitor to save money and signs up for night courses at the community college. There, he meets Dominic Pierce, a sexy emo who also happens to be blind. Kevin is immediately attracted to Dominic and soon a mutual attraction develops into a full-blown romance. After a violent confrontation with his father leads to Kevin moving in with Dominic, he discovers that the neighborhood gang is terrified of the blind emo, referring to him as El Sanguijuela.
Meanwhile, Jacky Larson, who outed Kevin as a sophomore, begins blackmailing him for sex at work, leaving him ashamed and panicked that Dominic will dump him if he finds out. But Dominic has dark secrets of his own, including a job he won't discuss that keeps him away from sunup to sunset and secret nightly excursions. Can Kevin get away from his blackmailer without losing Dominic in the process? Will he ever discover what Dominic does all day and where he sneaks out to every night? And can their love survive when Kevin finally uncovers the truth?
Pages or Words: 57,500 words
Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, Horror, M/M Romance, New Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Excerpt:We were no sooner on the couch than Dominic had me in his arms and I was really flying. He nibbled on my neck, sending waves of pleasure through me. The sharp edge of his teeth grazed my skin, ready to bite into me. But he stopped and froze all over for a second, leaned back, and his sightless eyes betrayed a confused indecision that startled me. For a moment, he seemed lost. But before I could formulate words to ask him what was wrong, his expression changed, his lips returned to mine, and his tongue renewed its attack. Friday night, his kisses had been tentative and delicate, but now he pressed his lips to mine with animal-like ferocity and gripped me in a powerful embrace. He licked and nibbled on my neck while unbuttoning my shirt, and then he nudged me forward to remove it. I started to lift his pullover, but he pushed my hands away. His fingers explored my naked torso and roamed over every inch of exposed skin, adding to the tension building up inside me.
Sales Links: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4386
About the author:
Huston Piner writes books prominently featuring gay characters. His first book My Life as a Myth was nominated for the 2014 Stonewall Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature and was a 2013 Rainbow Awards finalist. His second book, the highly anticipated Conjoined at the Soul, was published in February 2015. In the edgy Light in Endless Darkness, his first New Adult offering, he explores the supernatural romance of a gay vampire. Huston lives in the mythical town of Chadham, Virginia, with his partner and three domineering cats.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huston.pinerFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huston-Piner/409082522533786Twitter: https://twitter.com/HustonPinerPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hustonpiner/Other: http://www.hustonpiner.com/home.htmlOther: http://huston-piner.livejournal.com/
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6582756.Huston_Piner
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BSClay
Tour Dates & Stops: May 11, 2015 Parker Williams , Rainbow Gold Reviews , Kimi-Chan , Molly Lolly , Inked Rainbow Reads , BFD Book Blog , Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Bike Book Reviews, Decadent Delights , Bayou Book Junkie , Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews , Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents , Divine Magazine , Chris McHart , Boys on the Brink Reviews , MM Good Book Reviews , Wake Up Your Wild Side , Velvet Panic , Nephylim , 3 Chicks After Dark , The Hat Party , Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My
Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Light In Endless Dark’ by Huston Piner
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
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May 8, 2015
Pride Promotions presents A Counselor Among Wolves by Liv Olteano and a Giveaway!
Author Name: Liv Olteano
Book Name: A Counselor Among Wolves
Series: Leader Murders
Book Two(Recommended to be read in order)
Release Date: May 8, 2015
Blurb:
Sequel to A Tooth for a Fang
Leader Murders: Case Two
Five dead leaders, their bodies arranged in a pentagram. Treason, lies, and backstabbing. A make-believe affair that turns into a real mating.
Timothy Sands is a PBI counselor, half-fey, half-elf, with a secret crush on Herman Weiss, PBI director. As a new chapter is added to the Leader Murders, it is Weiss’s responsibility to investigate what seems an impossible-to-solve case. The other problem? Weiss is suffering from rages, and his only salvation lies in Tim’s emotional-grid-balancing skills. They only have to pretend to be a couple for Tim to use his talents, and he owes Weiss a big favor. Piece of cake, right?
The fey might be involved in the Leader Murders. Someone on the Council might be their ally, and another prominent PBI figure looks more and more suspicious as they investigate. The stakes are upped when Timothy’s father, the Fey King, threatens to leave the Council destitute if they don’t hand Timothy over to him. Weiss’s brilliant solution? Mating Timothy and forcing the Council into protecting him.
There’s only one small hitch in that plan: instead of protecting one, the Council might decide to get rid of two.
Pages or Words: 230 pages
Categories: Crime fiction, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Excerpt:He looked up, those gorgeous eyes focused on me like lasers. “Until we sort this out, Sands, you’re my new partner.”No freaking way. “What?”“You heard me,” he grumbled. “In case I get a rage, you have to be there to prevent me from lashing out. We both know you can, as fey.”Of course he had to use the right word now that he was angling for something.“And we both know I’m not allowed to,” I added, shaking my head. “The Fey Act prevents us from exercising our… special abilities on Council territory. Going against that would make me a criminal before the Council. I might like you alive, but I like me alive even more.”Weiss stood to his full, impressive height and stepped close to me. I expected some sort of intimidation act. He was Weiss after all—that came to him naturally. His hulking shape loomed over me, his breathing becoming the only thing I could hear. I swallowed and fought the urge to run the hell out of there.“Look up, Edelweiss,” he almost purred.The tone was so incongruous with everything Weiss was that I did look up, wide-eyed. All the better, since him standing and me sitting gave me an almost cruel close-up with his crotch.“There’s an exception from the Fey Act,” he said, grinning crookedly.“What?” I screeched, shaking my head.“Think about it, it would fit. You’d watch over my temper, make sure I won’t do anything I’d regret later. Buy me enough time to find out what’s going on,” he added, his gaze turning sad.This was just too much. “Is this a prank?” I asked incredulously. “You can’t be asking me to hook up.”He grabbed my arms and pulled me to my feet. “Listen, Edel. If you report me, they’ll put me down. You know they will—it’s the law. The Council can’t afford to do me—of all people—any favors, not after Amanda. They won’t invest the time to look into it. What they will do is write it off as terminal rages and cap me. I’m not asking you to hook up. Just pretend that we’re together for a while… until we figure out what’s going on with me. If we can’t find anything that can be solved in a couple of weeks, I’ll go to the Council and turn myself in. Please,” he whispered. “Do it for Alf at least, if not as a favor to me.”I gulped. “That’s low, Weiss, bringing your seven-year-old into it.”His gaze darkened. “If I get a rage when he’s around….” He trailed off and shook his head. “I’m asking you to prevent me from killing innocents. Begging isn’t my thing. But I am begging you to help me now. I’m that desperate.”“Must be. Nobody ever comes through the door unless under dire circumstances,” I said flatly. “There are other fey around. You could hook up with one of them—for real. They’d level your emotional grid on instinct. Why do you need me?”“Because I trust you,” he stated simply. “And so does the Council. Trusting someone new would be… difficult right now, for everyone.”“I understand that, but if you got a fey to fall for you for real, then—”“Then I’d make the same mistake I did with Amanda,” he said, looking down. “I may have been an idiot then, but I’d like to think I’ve learned some lessons from the whole fucking ordeal. You’re my only option, Sands.”Weiss leaned in closer, too close. His scent invaded my lungs, the warmth of his body bringing sweat to my temples again. Blood pounded through my veins, the illusion I could somehow, by some miracle, get to touch his lips getting me high. I focused on my thoughts, ignoring my body. This was when it really mattered that I didn’t give myself away. This was when I had to stand my ground, not let my private desires get in the way of my ethics. Ethics were important for a therapist… but Weiss wrapped his arms around me slowly, as if giving me time to bolt. I didn’t try, I didn’t move… I didn’t even dare breathe, waiting to feel his arms close around me. I hated myself instantly for it, but after years of dreaming, and hoping, and stealing glances… the man of my hot, sweaty dreams was going to hold me.“If I have to actually seduce you, then I will, Edel,” he whispered with a grin in his voice.I flattened my lips. “Oh, because I’m that easy, you think?”He chuckled in a self-deprecating way. “Because I’m that desperate.”My heart broke a little. Of course he’d think seducing me was such a terrible task that he’d only resort to it out of sheer desperation. I tried to hide my hurt feelings, brush them under the carpet. I looked down, hoping my gaze wouldn’t give me away. “You’re not my type,” I stated coldly.“You were Travis’s boyfriend for a while there, so I know you like the leader type.”Shit, this was just what I needed. His mentioning Travis didn’t help at all with my conviction to not do this. I’d broken up with Travis because I’d realized I was actually pining away after Weiss the whole time Travis and I were together. Either Weiss knew, or his killer alpha instincts were pushing him in the right direction. If I balanced his emotions without us being a couple officially, the Council would find out. They had fey consultants to keep an eye out for anyone fiddling with emotional grids. They’d take me in, PBI counselor or not. And Weiss did have a point on the trust thing. He’d have to trust some stranger with a secret that would get him killed, were it to get out.When alphas got terminal rages, it wasn’t treatable. Their hormones turned them into wild, senseless monsters—they had to be put down, for everyone’s sake. A raving mad Weiss would be even more dangerous than anyone. His family was known for their incredible genes and strength. The thought alone gave me the chills. If the Council got wind of this, they’d put him down—no doubt about it. I couldn’t, in good conscience, turn down his plan, not under these circumstances. Not when a seven-year-old kid—whose mom was going to be executed this week—depended on him.Weiss was all Alf would have. I couldn’t allow the poor kid to become an orphan. Nobody would ever take in a Weiss alpha-to-be, and we all knew Alf had the alpha hormones. Weiss had gotten him tested. Only a matter of time before the kid reached adulthood and the hormones started flooding his system. I couldn’t just leave Weiss to hisfate, not when he’d saved my life five years ago. Not when the thought of a world without him strangled me.I looked up. “Don’t try to pull that crap with me. I’ll help you because, despite this bastard move of yours, you’re a good guy. I’ll help because you have a seven-year-old son who’s about to lose his mother, and you’re all he’s got. I’ll do this because it’s scientifically interesting to explore the case. But don’t think you can sucker me into it with a grope or a fuck. I can help you right now because I’m half fey. That also means I know when you’re pretending…. I know what you feel as you’re feeling it. You can’t bullshit me, Weiss. And stop calling me Edel.”He chuckled darkly and took two steps back, assessing me with more interest than he’d ever shown. “Well, go figure. Little Edel has some teeth of his own, and he knows how to bite.”“I don’t think that pissing me off is what you should go for right now.”“Maybe not. But it’s fun.”“Get out of here, Weiss. Go home, think on this until tomorrow morning. If you’re set on going ahead with it, we’ll start this show then.”He stuck his hands in his pockets and cocked his head to the side. “Oh, no. You’re coming home with me. Don’t look so stricken, we’ll just pretend to be a couple. But we won’t pretend the being together part. We are going to be together, all the time, from now until we figure this shit out. I can’t take the chance of a rage happening when I’m at home.”I shivered. “You mean you want us to be nose to nose 24-7? Are you insane?”He snorted. “I don’t think therapists are allowed to use the word. Not nose to nose literally, unless your magic trick requires it?”“We don’t have to be too close, but in the same house for sure. I’m not strong enough to pull it off over long distances,” I begrudgingly admitted.It wasn’t something to be proud of. The whole couple dispensation had been given in the Fey Act because being involved with someone made fey balance their lover’s emotional grid on reflex. We couldn’t really help doing it for our lovers—those we actually loved, to be precise. It didn’t matter where they were. But for a long-term singleton fey like me, it was a rusty skill to balance emotional grids. My balancing muscles were dusty and flappy from lack of use. The fact I had a crush on him did help, though I hoped he didn’t know about it. But it would still be hard work for me.“There you go,” he said. “You’re coming home with me until we solve this shitty situation.”“You mean you want us to actually live together while we’re pretending?”He nodded.“Starting tonight?” I asked in a faint voice.He nodded again.“It won’t look good. You’re still officially with Amanda, even if her execution is just around the corner.”“You think anyone will be outraged because I’m betraying her? If anything, it will show my pack that I still have some sort of balls. They might start doubting that fact after what Amanda did. Besides, a mating is just like a human marriage. Putting an end to it officially is more of a technicality when it’s clear everything is over. It doesn’t keep some from moving on. It wouldn’t keep a werewolf alpha from moving on. It won’t.”“You’re going to use a fling with me as proof of balls? Seriously?”“Actually, I’ll be using it as my chance to keep breathing. But if my pack thinks I’m over Amanda, I certainly won’t mind it. Nobody will. And it won’t look like a fling at all.”“Sweet flapping wings, what have I gotten myself into?” I muttered, shaking my head and looking at him.“You’re saving my life, Sands. Shitting around aside, I’ll owe you big time. I’m sure it’ll come in handy to have the PBI director at your mercy,” he added.I breathed out slowly. “Yeah… I can just picture you being at my mercy, totally in character for you.” He laughed—loud, full, and rich. The sound made my heart jump in my throat, and I found myself shaking my head and smiling. I allowed warmth to spread through my heart for a moment. Looking on the bright side, I’d get to spend a lot of time with my crush. He was probably annoying, had smelly morning breath, and farted while he slept. After a week or two of that, I’d finally get over him. And I would earn a lot of favors from him in the long run, provided he didn’t end up dead during this experiment—and didn’t get me killed either. I knew just the thing his support would work wonders on. He wouldn’t like it, I was sure, but that was the funny part about favors: once you owed them, you had to deliver.All I had to do was spend all of my time with a man I’d been fantasizing about for years, balance his emotional grid, and not give away my stupid crush. How hard could that be?
Sales Links:
Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6351
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6352
About the author:
Liv Olteano is a voracious reader, music lover, and coffee addict extraordinaire. And occasional geek. Okay, more than occasional.
She believes stories are the best kind of magic there is. And life would be horrible without magic. Her hobbies include losing herself in the minds and souls of characters, giving up countless nights of sleep to get to know said characters, and trying to introduce them to the world. Sometimes they appreciate her efforts. The process would probably go quicker if they’d bring her a cup of coffee now and then when stopping by. Characters—what can you do, right?
Liv has a penchant for quirky stories and is a reverent lover of diversity. She can be found loitering around the Internet at odd hours and being generally awkward and goofy at all times.
Where to find the author:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LiviaOlteanoTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/LiviaOlteano Site: http://liv.liviaolteano.com/ Blog: http://blog.liviaolteano.com/ Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/zZ7T9
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25311292-a-counselor-among-wolves
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: AngstyG
Tour Dates & Stops: May 9, 2015Parker Williams , Cate Ashwood , Inked Rainbow Reads , Full Moon Dreaming , BFD Book Blog , Multitasking Mommas , Amanda C. Stone , Bike Book Reviews , Velvet Panic , Molly Lolly , Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents , 3 Chicks After Dark , The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat , Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews , Chris McHart , MM Good Book Reviews , Divine Magazine , Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words , The Blogger Girls , The Hat Party , Mikky's World of Books , Decadent Delights
Rafflecopter Prize: An e-copy of ‘A Counselor Among Wolves’ by Liv Olteano
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 7, 2015
In Enemy Hands Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
The trip to the palace was turning into a nightmare.
“What are you doing?” Varo glared at Adlar.
Adlar ignored the heated looks Varo flashed his way as he placed the shirt Varo held back in the closet. He’d finished packing his clothes, and now was overseeing Varo’s.
“What does it look like I’m doing?”
“Picking out my clothes.” Varo took the shirt back out of the closet. “I’m more than capable of dressing myself appropriately to meet a king. Well…” Varo glanced at his clothing choices. “I used to be. What I wouldn’t give to have access to my wardrobe. But then, all my things have probably been… appropriated by my brothers.”
Adlar let Varo keep the shirt after hearing that. “Speaking of brothers… our king is just my brother and—”
“Oh no.” Varo swung around. “No king is just anything, no matter what you may think. He may be a blood relation, but ultimately that means very little, Adlar. Trust me on this. Blood is not thicker than water.”
Adlar paused, taking in Varo’s flushed face. He heard the pain behind the words. Frack, just exactly what kind of people were the Yesri? “I… sometimes that’s true. And sometimes it’s not.”
Varo just snorted, but the moment passed.
Adlar didn’t want to pursue this subject. Not when he didn’t have time. But he did intend to come back to it at some point. “Besides, we’re not attending any formal functions.”
Adlar moved some of the clothing Varo had packed, examining each article.
“ Now what are you doing?” Varo asked, disgruntled.
“Just looking.”
“Just looking?” Varo put his hands on his hips. “It looks like you’re monitoring what I pack.”
“It looks like that because that’s what I’m doing.”
There were two rather large trunks on the floor by the bed. One held Adlar’s clothes and other personal things while the other trunk was to hold Varo’s. Not that VAro had much to begin with, but that didn’t matter.
“Oh, for stars sake, I’m not a child, Adlar. I know how to pack.”
“I’m sure you do.” This wasn’t an attempt to control Varo, but more of a security measure.
There was no way he’d let Varo sneak something in the palace that could later be as a weapon against the king. While it was becoming painfully apparent Varo’s family were no better than space junk, he and his brother were very close.
He knew full well such an attempt would result in a death sentence for Varo. That was unacceptable. No one, and he meant no one , was going to take Varo from him. Varo including.
“Would you like to do my packing?” Varo asked sweetly, still holding a shirt he’d picked out.
Adlar flopped down on the bed, crossed his ankles, and then stacked his arms under behind his head. Might as well get comfortable since it looked as if this was going to take a while.
“Sure. How do you feel about being naked the whole time?”
“Right.” Varo dropped the shirt in the truck. “Never mind.”
Adlar smirked as he watched Varo flounce back to the closet. “If you’re sure, princeling. It would solve the problem of what to pack.”
“Oh, I’m sure.”
Adlar watched as Varo’s pants tightened over his ass as he bent over the truck to straighten something. Too bad. Varo would look sexy with nothing but all that blond hair and his collar on… and nothing else. And he was going to be dreadfully uncomfortable if he didn’t stop that train of thought.
Eventually Varo managed to get packed, and Adlar hadn’t seen anything added to the trunks to be concerned about. They loaded the trunks in his personal flyer, and Adlar secured his home. The trip to El-Deiray, the capitol city, was uneventful and mostly passed in silence.
As they neared, security scanned his flyer as they did any craft that came within distance of the palace. Once he passed inspection, he commed the palace to arrange for a servant to meet him at his reserved space.
No sooner did he dock than a young Helkan female appear with a luggage hovercraft. Since she was so small, Adlar loaded the trunks on the hovercraft. He made a mental note to check to see why she was assigned the duty… or if she even was.
She didn’t have the upper body strength to handle such massive luggage that many arrived with. Someone was either slacking off or had made a mistake, and that was unacceptable. Adlar requested their trunks be sent to his rooms.
As he led Varo through the palace, he tried to see it through the other male’s eyes. The floor was a white marble-type material that lightened the room. The walls they strode past were shining veined Black Phospolrock with endless rows of floor to ceiling windows.
Tall white columns separated each massive window. Lights in the columns also lightened the hallways. The ceilings were half-arches done in the same material as the floor. It was elegant and understated… much like his brother.
They turned into a small hallway and passed several palace guards that eyed Varo. Adlar didn’t like it, but he understood. Varo was class and elegance wrapped up in bright blond hair and simmering brown eyes. He fit in the grand surroundings, whereas Adlar often didn’t feel like he did. Varo shined. Adlar belonged to the shadows.
He caught the guard’s eye and let his displeasure show briefly. He swore he heard a thud as they dropped their gazes to the floor in a rapid bid to appease him.
Varo’s head bobbed back and forth as he looked around, not noticing. “Impressive, but um, can I ask where we’re going?”
Adlar walked toward a door at the end of the hallway. Two guards stood in front of the sturdy, decorative doors.
“My brother’s private rooms.” Adlar stopped in front of the guards and turned to Varo. “Varo, they’re going to search you. Please stand still.”
“Is that really…” One of the guards reached for his stunner. “Okay, okay! Check away. Stars.” Varo held his arms out, frowning at Adlar. “Do they really think I’d try something with a trained assassin right here? Not to mention this stupid collar.”
One of the guards scanned Varo using a small handheld box.
Adlar shrugged. “It’s standard procedure. I’m sure your family does the same.”
“He’s clear,” the guard said as he opened the chamber door.
“Thank you.” Adlar slightly bowed his head. He knew Varo was clean, but he also knew the guards wouldn’t let Varo pass without checking. It was better to be safe than sorry in his opinion.
The doors opened to a spacious, two-tiered room. The lower level where they entered contained bloodred large couches that overflowed with pillows in shades of red and overstuff white chairs that had been positioned in the middle of the room. The floor was the same white marble-type material as the hallways with an oversized back and white geometrically designed rug.
The walls were also the same shining veined Black Phospolrock with columns. Each massive pillar contained square, medium-sized lights that stretched the length of the column. They glowed. One whole side of the room was floor to ceiling windows that allowed light in to lessen the gloom of the day.
There was also a black entertainment center on another wall. On yet another wall was a huge floor to ceiling fireplace covered in Black Phospolrock. Rather large white stairs led to another level that held an enormous bed draped in sheer white fabrics.
“Varo, it is my pleasure to introduce King Omori, leader of the Helkan people and my brother.”
Coming down the stairs was a striking male. His long, silky black hair fell to his knees. On each side of his face he wore a braid. His pointed ears held rings made from Black Phospolrock. He wore simple, black flowing pants tucked into black boots that extend to mid thigh.
His shirt was a dove gray that opened into a V down the front exposing a muscular chest. Even in his quarters the king wore a variety of weapons that hung from his waist. He had a long, straight nose, chiseled cheekbones, and a square jaw. Just like all Helkans he had pale, flawless skin. His eyes were the same bright amber as Adlar’s.
Adlar extended his hand toward Omori. “King Omori, this is Prince Varo Kutchif and third son to the Yesri king. He is also mine, claimed in battle.”
Omori stopped before Adalr and Varo. He bowed slightly at the waist. “Greeting Prince Varo of Yesri. I bid you welcome.”
Varo bowed also, but his was much deeper of a bow as due for a king. “Many thanks, King Omori.”
TBC
The trip to the palace was turning into a nightmare.
“What are you doing?” Varo glared at Adlar.
Adlar ignored the heated looks Varo flashed his way as he placed the shirt Varo held back in the closet. He’d finished packing his clothes, and now was overseeing Varo’s.
“What does it look like I’m doing?”
“Picking out my clothes.” Varo took the shirt back out of the closet. “I’m more than capable of dressing myself appropriately to meet a king. Well…” Varo glanced at his clothing choices. “I used to be. What I wouldn’t give to have access to my wardrobe. But then, all my things have probably been… appropriated by my brothers.”
Adlar let Varo keep the shirt after hearing that. “Speaking of brothers… our king is just my brother and—”
“Oh no.” Varo swung around. “No king is just anything, no matter what you may think. He may be a blood relation, but ultimately that means very little, Adlar. Trust me on this. Blood is not thicker than water.”
Adlar paused, taking in Varo’s flushed face. He heard the pain behind the words. Frack, just exactly what kind of people were the Yesri? “I… sometimes that’s true. And sometimes it’s not.”
Varo just snorted, but the moment passed.
Adlar didn’t want to pursue this subject. Not when he didn’t have time. But he did intend to come back to it at some point. “Besides, we’re not attending any formal functions.”
Adlar moved some of the clothing Varo had packed, examining each article.
“ Now what are you doing?” Varo asked, disgruntled.
“Just looking.”
“Just looking?” Varo put his hands on his hips. “It looks like you’re monitoring what I pack.”
“It looks like that because that’s what I’m doing.”
There were two rather large trunks on the floor by the bed. One held Adlar’s clothes and other personal things while the other trunk was to hold Varo’s. Not that VAro had much to begin with, but that didn’t matter.
“Oh, for stars sake, I’m not a child, Adlar. I know how to pack.”
“I’m sure you do.” This wasn’t an attempt to control Varo, but more of a security measure.
There was no way he’d let Varo sneak something in the palace that could later be as a weapon against the king. While it was becoming painfully apparent Varo’s family were no better than space junk, he and his brother were very close.
He knew full well such an attempt would result in a death sentence for Varo. That was unacceptable. No one, and he meant no one , was going to take Varo from him. Varo including.
“Would you like to do my packing?” Varo asked sweetly, still holding a shirt he’d picked out.
Adlar flopped down on the bed, crossed his ankles, and then stacked his arms under behind his head. Might as well get comfortable since it looked as if this was going to take a while.
“Sure. How do you feel about being naked the whole time?”
“Right.” Varo dropped the shirt in the truck. “Never mind.”
Adlar smirked as he watched Varo flounce back to the closet. “If you’re sure, princeling. It would solve the problem of what to pack.”
“Oh, I’m sure.”
Adlar watched as Varo’s pants tightened over his ass as he bent over the truck to straighten something. Too bad. Varo would look sexy with nothing but all that blond hair and his collar on… and nothing else. And he was going to be dreadfully uncomfortable if he didn’t stop that train of thought.
Eventually Varo managed to get packed, and Adlar hadn’t seen anything added to the trunks to be concerned about. They loaded the trunks in his personal flyer, and Adlar secured his home. The trip to El-Deiray, the capitol city, was uneventful and mostly passed in silence.
As they neared, security scanned his flyer as they did any craft that came within distance of the palace. Once he passed inspection, he commed the palace to arrange for a servant to meet him at his reserved space.
No sooner did he dock than a young Helkan female appear with a luggage hovercraft. Since she was so small, Adlar loaded the trunks on the hovercraft. He made a mental note to check to see why she was assigned the duty… or if she even was.
She didn’t have the upper body strength to handle such massive luggage that many arrived with. Someone was either slacking off or had made a mistake, and that was unacceptable. Adlar requested their trunks be sent to his rooms.
As he led Varo through the palace, he tried to see it through the other male’s eyes. The floor was a white marble-type material that lightened the room. The walls they strode past were shining veined Black Phospolrock with endless rows of floor to ceiling windows.
Tall white columns separated each massive window. Lights in the columns also lightened the hallways. The ceilings were half-arches done in the same material as the floor. It was elegant and understated… much like his brother.
They turned into a small hallway and passed several palace guards that eyed Varo. Adlar didn’t like it, but he understood. Varo was class and elegance wrapped up in bright blond hair and simmering brown eyes. He fit in the grand surroundings, whereas Adlar often didn’t feel like he did. Varo shined. Adlar belonged to the shadows.
He caught the guard’s eye and let his displeasure show briefly. He swore he heard a thud as they dropped their gazes to the floor in a rapid bid to appease him.
Varo’s head bobbed back and forth as he looked around, not noticing. “Impressive, but um, can I ask where we’re going?”
Adlar walked toward a door at the end of the hallway. Two guards stood in front of the sturdy, decorative doors.
“My brother’s private rooms.” Adlar stopped in front of the guards and turned to Varo. “Varo, they’re going to search you. Please stand still.”
“Is that really…” One of the guards reached for his stunner. “Okay, okay! Check away. Stars.” Varo held his arms out, frowning at Adlar. “Do they really think I’d try something with a trained assassin right here? Not to mention this stupid collar.”
One of the guards scanned Varo using a small handheld box.
Adlar shrugged. “It’s standard procedure. I’m sure your family does the same.”
“He’s clear,” the guard said as he opened the chamber door.
“Thank you.” Adlar slightly bowed his head. He knew Varo was clean, but he also knew the guards wouldn’t let Varo pass without checking. It was better to be safe than sorry in his opinion.
The doors opened to a spacious, two-tiered room. The lower level where they entered contained bloodred large couches that overflowed with pillows in shades of red and overstuff white chairs that had been positioned in the middle of the room. The floor was the same white marble-type material as the hallways with an oversized back and white geometrically designed rug.
The walls were also the same shining veined Black Phospolrock with columns. Each massive pillar contained square, medium-sized lights that stretched the length of the column. They glowed. One whole side of the room was floor to ceiling windows that allowed light in to lessen the gloom of the day.
There was also a black entertainment center on another wall. On yet another wall was a huge floor to ceiling fireplace covered in Black Phospolrock. Rather large white stairs led to another level that held an enormous bed draped in sheer white fabrics.
“Varo, it is my pleasure to introduce King Omori, leader of the Helkan people and my brother.”
Coming down the stairs was a striking male. His long, silky black hair fell to his knees. On each side of his face he wore a braid. His pointed ears held rings made from Black Phospolrock. He wore simple, black flowing pants tucked into black boots that extend to mid thigh.
His shirt was a dove gray that opened into a V down the front exposing a muscular chest. Even in his quarters the king wore a variety of weapons that hung from his waist. He had a long, straight nose, chiseled cheekbones, and a square jaw. Just like all Helkans he had pale, flawless skin. His eyes were the same bright amber as Adlar’s.
Adlar extended his hand toward Omori. “King Omori, this is Prince Varo Kutchif and third son to the Yesri king. He is also mine, claimed in battle.”
Omori stopped before Adalr and Varo. He bowed slightly at the waist. “Greeting Prince Varo of Yesri. I bid you welcome.”
Varo bowed also, but his was much deeper of a bow as due for a king. “Many thanks, King Omori.”
TBC
May 3, 2015
Pride Promotions presents Get Off My Case by Lisa Oliver and a Giveaway!
Author Name: Lisa Oliver
Book Name: Get Off My Case
Release Date: December, 2014
Blurb: The first 20,000 words of this story were published as a free read for the Goodreads MMRomance Group Love's Landscapes Project. 49,000 words have been added to make this into the book my characters wanted it to be.
Shane West was used to being the only wolf shifter at the Stockton Police Department. His enhanced senses helped him do his job efficiently and he prided himself on keeping control of his animal instincts. Gay from the first day he'd shifted, he also expected to live his long life alone, and provided it meant that he didn't have to come into contact with any of his ex-pack, he told himself he was happy. And he was. Until Dimitri Polst was assigned as his new partner.
Confirmed ladies man, Dimitri Polst knew Shane from before he'd ever shifted into his wolf form. Two years older and from the same pack, Dimitri had made it his teenage mission to bring as much pain and humiliation to pretty-boy Shane as possible. But years later, he searched for that pretty boy, now all grown up, with a completely different mission in mind.
Being fated mates was hard enough, but when one man is straight and the other one has no reason to trust, then sparks are bound to fly. Add in a serial killer who is making inroads into the gay population and a possible shifter involvement, and Shane and Dimitri have a lot of thing to overcome before they get their HEA.
Pages or Words: 69,777 words
Categories: Erotica, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Paranormal, Romance
Excerpt:By the time Dimitri had got to the back door of the club he knew his wolf was close to the surface. He could feel his eyes changing and the hair on his arms start to tingle. It was only through sheer force of will that he stopped the change completely. Must not shift in front of humans, he tried to remind himself as he searched the dark alley, sniffing for his mate’s unique scent. There, deep in the shadows. The young blond was wrapped around Shane’s waist and neck like he belonged there. Growling loudly Dimitri strode over to where the two men were hidden, his hands changing into claws as he itched to grab the little interloper and tear his body to inch sized bloody pieces. He couldn’t and wouldn’t hurt his mate, but he could and definitely would shred the little blond until he wasn’t a threat to Dimitri’s mating again.“Dimitri, stop damn it!” Shane called out in a low voice as he carefully wound the young blond’s arms from his neck. “This is not what you think.”Dimitri stopped himself, just, and watched as Shane spoke in a low voice in CJ’s ear and then gave him some money. CJ looked up at Dimitri and scowled at him and then took off back into the club. Shane flung out his arm and grabbed Dimitri by his belt loops and smashed him into the same wall he had been leaning on while he was entangled in his blond. But Shane’s eyes weren’t full of passion, Dimitri noticed. His mate was pissed off with him, big time.“You just cost me some valuable information, fuck wit. Now what the hell did you think you were doing?” Shane snarled at him in a low voice. “Is that how you get all of your information, detective,” Dimitri snarled right back. “By giving sexual favors to your tipsters?” Fuck, with Shane so close Dimitri could barely breathe. His cock was so hard in his jeans that it hurt and he couldn’t break his stare with his mate. Man, this guy was awesome when he was angry. Shane tipped his head to the side and then took in a deep breath, obviously smelling Dimitri’s arousal. For a moment he looked confused, but that expression was gone in an instant and Shane’s angry gaze was back again. He leaned in flush against Dimitri’s body and growled softly in his ear, “CJ is an informant of mine. He’s been beaten before for talking to the wrong people and I don’t want to see my friend in hospital. We act like a hookup so he will be safe, asshole. So don’t go judging what you don’t understand.”“But you’ve fucked him, right?” Dimitri regretted the words the instant they came out of his mouth as he watched a flash of pure murderous intent race across his mate’s hard face.“Not that it’s any of your business, fuckwit, but I have never done anything sexually with CJ or any of my informants. Unlike you, I have standards.” Dimitri knew Shane was referring to the fact that when Dimitri was still in school he used to fuck anything in a skirt regardless of who it was. With his jock reputation and good looks he never lacked for girls willing to lift those skirts and give him what he wanted. But right now Dimitri didn’t care that Shane was angry with him, or that he might have fucked up an investigation. Shane was leaning on him, chest to chest, but had kept his groin area away from Dimitri. And Dimitri was so turned on he couldn’t think. He needed friction on his cock and he needed it now. He reached out and grabbed Shane by his hips and pulled the man’s groin into his. Both men groaned as their dual erections nudged each other and Dimitri rocked into Shane looking for more. “What the fuck do you think you are doing?” Shane snarled. Dimitri could see Shane’s eyes were blown with lust and the man was panting softly. Against his cock, Shane’s sizable erection nudged his and for the first time in his life Dimitri wanted to see another man’s cock. But not just any cock - Shane’s.“I haven’t got a clue,” Dimitri said honestly, his own deep voice raspy with lust, “But I know I like it.”
Sales Links:
Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QPCCP5UAllRomanceebooks - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-getoffmycase-1713827-340.htmlSmashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/504334
About the author:
Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips. When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook here, or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthorTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/wisecrone333Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lisaoliver79Website: http://www.supernaturalsmut.com
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4839871.Lisa_Oliver
Publisher: Oliver Group Publication
Cover Artist: Lisa Oliver
Tour Dates & Stops: 4-May Decadent Delights My Fiction Nook Cate Ashwood
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April 30, 2015
In Enemy Hands Chapter 7.1
Chapter 7.1For the next few days, their routine was pretty much the same. They ate the morning meal and then explored the surrounding area near Adlar’s home. Varo spent the evenings learning to cook, which more often than not ended with laughter. Varo was hopeless in the kitchen, but he did try. They laughed, and they talked.
As the days passed both of them lowered their defenses and got to know one another. But the nights… the nights were spent in unbridle lust. Adlar never forced Varo to his bed. Instead he tempted and teased.
And Varo couldn’t resist.
Yet another day had come and gone. They’d eaten the last meal and cleaned up after themselves. Now they were in Adlar’s office. Adlar was at his desk doing whatever it was he did on a small comp.
Varo sprawled on the long, armless black relaxation couch reading. He was still shocked at how many actual paper books Adlar owned. At first he hadn’t understood what the big deal was, but as time had passed he begin to see.
There was something about holding a book, turning the pages… and its smell. He couldn’t describe the rich scent except to say it was old. His father would have have laughed at such a sentiment, but Adlar had just nodded like he got it.
In the beginning he’d called Adlar an animal. Now he was beginning to wonder if the Helkans weren’t more sophisticated than his own people. Adlar was educated, polished, and well-spoken. If it wasn’t for the fact they took slaves, he might have believed they were better than his people. But slavery was wrong. And if continued down that road, he’d ruin the evening.
“Varo?”
Varo looked up from his book. “Yes?”
“I really need to get some training in, and I was wondering if you would like to take part?”
Varo immediately flashed back to that first night he’d seen Adlar’s idea of training. He was nowhere near that level. “Um, I saw you that night, you know. I don’t have your level of experience. I won’t be much of a workout for you.”
Adlar smiled. “You watched me that night? Why didn’t you join me?”
“Ah, I didn’t want to disturb you. And frankly, I wasn’t in the mood for an ass kicking. I’ve never trained with a battle bot before. I’m not a soldier.”
“No, princeling, you’re not. But that doesn’t mean you’re defenseless. I’d like to increase your knowledge.”
Varo set down the book he was reading. “That won’t get you in trouble?”
Adlar cocked his head. “I don’t understand. In what way would training you get me in trouble?”
“Teaching a slave to fight. Would that not be a problem?”
Adlar just snorted. “You already know how to fight. I’m just going show you a few things. Besides, the only person I answer to is my brother.”
Varo was glad Adlar brought that subject up. “Speaking of your brother, I have a question, if you don’t mind.”
“What?”
“You once said he’s younger than you, but yet he’s king. Shouldn’t you, as the eldest, be king?”
“Our ways are different than yours. In our culture, the first-born child becomes leader of the D’noir. If you remember, the D’noir is a group of ten assassins who protect the king. The men who belong to the D’noir are close to each other. They form strong ties.”
“So you never had a chance to do something else?” Varo asked.
“Did you?”
“Well, no.”
Adlar shrugged. “Didn’t you grow up knowing you were part of the royal family and what your role would be? Is the eldest of your brothers not the crown prince? Is he not the one slated to become king? Isn’t the second-born son considered the spare?”
“Okay, yes, that’s true.”
“Those are your traditions. This is ours. I’ll tell you something too, Varo. I’m glad I’m not king. I don’t have the patience for such an undertaking. And politics? I’d end up knifing someone.”
“Don’t have the patience? What about how you skulk in the shadows when you’re waiting to kill someone?”
“Please, I rarely skulk,” Adlar said. “That sounds so sinister. More like lie in wait.”
Varo rolled his eyes. “And that doesn’t? But I do agree with you. I have no desire to rule and never had. Not that it matters. I’m so far down the line it would never happen.” Especially now, but why bring that up? “Just curious though. What would happen if your brother couldn’t rule for whatever reason?”
“I would, of course, step in until his son was old enough to take over.”
“Oh, he has a child?” He had no idea.
But then, why would he? It wasn’t like he and Adlar were friends. But now that he thought about it, it seemed like he did vaguely remember hearing something about it. He hadn’t really cared at the time.
“Of course. He was two: a son and a daughter.”
“Do you?” Stars, he hadn’t thought of that until now.
“Have children?” Adlar asked. “No. That hasn’t been a priority for me, but I’ll have to at some point.”
“So you plan to take a female as a mate?” What would happen to him, then? Would she also have control over him? And why in the blazes did Adlar having sex with a female bother him?
Adlar stared at him until the silence grew. Finally he spoke. “Not… not now. I’ll use a surrogate mother when the time is right.”
“Oh. Okay.” Relief flooded through him, then disgust at his reaction. Why did that make him feel better? Right. You know why that relieves you.
He didn’t want to share Adlar with anyone else. Which was the height of stupidity. No way could this end well for him.
“So, about working with me. Are you interested?”
“I guess.”
“Excellent. Follow me.”
He followed Adlar to the same courtyard he’d seen Adlar practiced. Adlar showed him how to stretch out and loosen his limbs, then handed him a weapon.
Thanks to the light, Varo saw the knife clearly. It was simplistic in its design. The handle was Black Phospolrock that had been refined until it was nearly iridescent. The blade was black and thicker at the base.
“Really?” Varo asked as he examined the weapon.
“It’s a training weapon. The blade can cut, but it’s very dull. It would take a lot of work to use this to kill.” Adlar showed Varo his weapon. “Mine is the same, so I don’t have an unfair advantage.”
“Okay. I was just surprised you’d give me a weapon.”
“You behaved yourself the last time you had one.” Adlar strode to a control panel on the outside wall of the courtyard. “We spar only. No hits to the face, no broken bones. Agreed?”
“Agreed.”
With a nod, Adlar began to circle Varo. Varo turned with Adlar, working to keep Adlar in front of him.
Even with the lights, Adlar obviously was a creature of the night. His body flowed, his moves were smooth. Deadly. Varo maintained his breathing, determined to keep it slow and steady. He glanced down at Adlar’s feet.
“No. Keep your eyes on my face. Watch for tells. Trust me, there are always signs if you know what to look for, like eyes narrowing or lips tightening. Maybe their nostrils flare before they attack.”
Varo jerked his gaze up, and kept his eyes trained on his opponent as they circled each other. He studied Adlar’s face, but there was nothing to see. It was like looking at a blank mask. No emotion was there. Nothing. It was kind of scary.
Then he thought he caught something. Yes! Adlar’s lips twitched. Adlar suddenly darted in and swung a fist at Varo’s face. Varo jerked his head back, and Adlar’s fist whistled past his nose. Stars, he felt the air brush past him.
“Excellent! You saw something, didn’t you? What gave it away?”
“Your lips twitched.” Varo thought he saw approval in Adlar’s eyes. The Helkans admired courage above all else from what Varo had learned in his brief captivity. Their people reviled cowardice.
“Good catch.”
“I’m also betting you did that on purpose.”
“Oh? Why?” Adlar asked, still circling Varo.
“A first year cadet would have caught that, and you’re not first year anything. Neither am I, Adlar, so stop acting like it.”
Adlar grinned, a look of satisfaction gracing his face. The he threw back his head and laughed.Moving quickly, Adlar dove at Varo’s feet, knocking him to the ground. Varo grunted. Stars the male was fast.
The other rolled away so fast Varo barely had time to react. He did manage to get in one good swipe with his dagger though. Smirking, he watched a red welt rise upon Adlar’s bicep. He sprang back to his feet and grinned at the Adlar.
It was only a graze, but Varo was rather proud he’d even managed to get near Adlar. Adlar sprang to his feet and turned to face Varo. He glanced down at his arm, and a look of satisfaction passed over his face.
“Well done, Varo. You’ve drawn first blood.”
“Technically, I haven’t. You’re not actually bleeding.” He refused to admit he was breathing hard too. He backed away from Adlar. God, he was tired. And the other male wasn’t even breathing hard!
“True, but we’re not actually trying to draw blood.”
They continued the fight, each trading blows. They might be pulling their punches, but Varo was still aching from the hits he took. What had possessed him to tell Adlar not to teach him like a rookie? For every one hit he landed, Adlar landed three. What was really disconcerting was he knew Adlar was going easy on him too.
Adlar was careful not to hurt him, at least. Good thing. If this had been a real fight, he’d be in trouble. No, that was incorrect. He’d be dead. Sweating now, and panting, he knew he needed to end this and soon.
Best bet was to go on the offensive. Adlar wouldn’t expect that. He hoped. With a battle yell, he threw himself at Adlar, who sidestepped him… just like he wanted. Swinging around quickly, he raised the knife over his head and leaped onto the Adlar’s back.
He brought the knife down toward Adlar’s neck. He wasn’t planning to really hurt Adlar. He had planned to mimic cutting Adlar’s throat. He didn’t stop to think how Adlar might respond. In a lightning-fast move, Adlar reached up and grabbed his wrist.
As he pulled Varo forward, he twisting downward, bringing his face close to Varo’s. “Nice try, princeling.”
He pulled away and hurled Varo over his head and onto the ground. Varo landed on his back, blinking in shock. Adlar kicked Varo’s knife across the courtyard. Varo watched, helpless, as it landed several feet away.
Well, that was the end of that, thank all the stars. But before he could speak, Adlar straddled him. Grabbing Varo’s wrists, Adlar yanked them over Varo’s head. Holding his hands hostage, Adlar bent down and took Varo’s mouth, insistently nudging his lips open.
He thrust his tongue deep into Varo’s mouth. Varo couldn’t miss the possessiveness of the kiss. He went limp under Adlar, letting the other male take over. His cock strained against his pants as Adlar drove him crazy with his lips.
Having his hands restrained added another edge, one he hadn’t ever thought of before. He felt helpless, and he liked it. He whimpered into Adlar’s mouth. He wanted more. Adlar ended the kiss and raised his head.
Varo gasped for breath at the desire he saw shining in Adlar’s eyes. Desire, and something more. Something that looked like affection. Finally Adlar smiled. He eased his body off Varo’s and stood.
Leaning over, he held out his hand to Varo. “Good fight.”
Getting tossed over Adlar’s head and ending up flat on his back was a good fight? Well, he hadn’t ended up bloody. And he walked away from it intact. He was willing to bet that didn’t happen often even when Adlar sparred. So maybe it was a good fight.
He took Adlar’s hand and let himself be pulled to his feet. “Thank you. Tossing me over your head like that was pretty cool.”
“The counter to it is easy,” Adlar said as they walked back to the main housing unit. “Next time I’ll show you.”
“I’d like that.” They entered through the kitchen.
Adlar fixed them both something to drink. Once they satified their thirst, Adlar suggested Varo go take a shower and clean up while Adlar finished what he was working on. Varo did as Adlar suggested. It wasn’t until the hot water hit him did he realize why Adlar had suggested this. Grateful for the suggestion, he moaned softly as the kinks in his back and shoulders loosened.
Now that he was clean and his muscles no longer ached, he was starving. He returned to Adlar’s office to find Adlar snacking on finger foods on a large tray. Some of the fruit he recognized, like the red Hayberries. There were several different colored berries he’d before, along with two different kinds of dip: one was white, and the other was blood red.
He also saw Adlar had included cubes of Algraine cheese and thick dark brown crackers. A number of thinly sliced meats decorated the tray along with sliced black Breadian pickles and Katmere Moon olives.
Oh, Adlar had Moon olives. Varo’s mouth watered. The white round fruit tingled on the tongue when bitten and had a sweet explosive taste. They were considered a delicacy in many cultures and expensive.
“Oh, thank the stars! I’m starving.” Varo hurried over to the spread of food. “That looks really good. And you have Moon olives. Stars, I love those things.” Varo grabbed a small plate and started filling it, adding his fair share of the olives. Next to the food were glasses with water in them.
“Help yourself, and then join me.” Adlar gestured to the food. He already had a plate and was seated at a small table in the office.
Varo stacked food on his plate then sat down across from Adlar. He nodded to the stuff on Adlar’s desk. “Did you get all of your work finished?”
“Actually, yes. Good thing since while you were taking a shower, my brother contacted me.”
Varo’s stomach dropped. “Oh? What does he want?”
Adlar continued to eat, not noticing Varo’s sudden stiffness. “He wants us to come to the palace.”
“Us?”
“Yes. He wants to meet you.”
Varo grasped his plate, his knuckles turning white. His mind flew in all different directions. Why would the Helkan king want to meet him? Was it because he was a Yesri prince? Or for some other reason?
“Um, could I ask why he wants to meet me?”
“He knows who you are and how you came to be here, but….” Adlar shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ve mentioned you to him a time or two.”
Varo didn’t know if he should panic or plot. He really never thought he’d get an opportunity to meet the Helkan king. Now that he was, what should he do?
TBC
April 29, 2015
Pride Promotions presents Dreams of the Forgotten by Lexi Ander and a Giveaway!
Author Name: Lexi Ander
Book Name: Dreams of the Forgotten Series: Sumeria’s Sons Book: 3 Not be read as a standalone
Release Date: March 15, 2015
Blurb(s): For Tristan and Ushna, nothing comes easy and with each passing day the challenges grow and the dangers multiply. The safe home they are building for their family and tribe is threatened from all sides, and the peace they seek is being torn apart by enemies and internal strife. Tristan dares not reveal his condition to any but those closest to him, all the while he's plagued by dreams he cannot remember upon waking...
And over all of it hangs the knowledge that his time with Ushna is running out. Because Ushna already has a Flame awaiting rebirth, and though Tristan would die to protect that bond, he constantly struggles against his beast who demands they bind Ushna to their side.
Pages or Words: 63,000
Categories: Fantasy, Gay, Paranormal, Polyamory, Urban Fantasy
Excerpt:Ushna's Lupe, the third form of half-man and half-wolf that all Lycan warriors used for battle, pushed forward as his need to protect took over. Short, fine, black hair burst through his skin under my hands as his chest and arms thickened, his face elongated, and his mouth filled with jagged teeth. Even with fingers tipped with razor-sharp claws, he was careful as he delicately held me in his protective arms. He growled loud and long in warning.
The light switched on, flooding the room with blinding white light. I heard Gregori in the background yelling in anger, followed by a hollow thumping noise, and wounded yells. I scented who'd invaded our bedroom before I gazed over Ushna's shoulder.
Several weeks ago, Elder Koller had made a call to pull childhood friends of ours, Stanley Kendall and Jory Swaine, from California. The suggestion had been made after the Magi Triad had tried to kidnap both Gregori and Ushna, and the elder knew these two were men I trusted. We had been expecting them at any time, and I would've laughed at their antics if I wasn't worried Ushna would eviscerate our friends.
Gregori, his red hair wild, clad only in blue sleep pants, had a fistful of Stan's dark hair and a foot planted in the middle of his back, bowing Stan over backward. Gregori wielded a shoe like it was a Sumerian sword and beat Jory with it. Jory tried to defend himself against the onslaught of the shoe and fight off the two guards who were attempting to subdue him.
"You stupid idiots!" Gregori yelled at the top of his lungs. "You could've hurt him, you oversized oafs! What's wrong with knocking?!"
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
"Ushna is going to eat you and I should let him! It would remind you to respect your alpha!"
Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.
"Senseless overgrown children!"
Half a dozen guards filed into the room, taking charge of Stan and Jory, relieving a bedraggled Gregori. Scowling furiously at our friends, Gregori gradually crawled onto the bed, talking soothingly to Ushna, who hadn't stopped growling. I ran my hands down his fur-covered back to soothe him.
"Everything is okay, Ushna," Gregori cooed.
I cupped my hands around his face, gazing into his ruby red eyes. "I'm okay," I whispered to him. "Come back to me."
He released the Lupe, and Ushna the man emerged, the harsh and horrific features melting away. His body shuddered, muscles clenched and convulsed as his control returned.
It'd been years since I'd seen our two friends. Where Stan was dark, Jory was light. Stanley Kendall had wavy dark brown hair that roughly covered his brow, but didn't quite touch his collar. His eyes were so brown they were virtually black. He sported a couple days of growth on his chin and cheeks. The stubble looked good against his bronzed skin.
Jory Swaine, on the other hand, had short blond hair, was clean shaven with bright turquoise eyes and golden skin. Stan was broader through the chest with his athletic build while Jory was leaner. Both wore leathers; Jory's pants where loose, hanging low on his hips and revealing the waistband of his boxers, while Stan looked like he was poured into his.
Ushna turned a furious gaze on Stan and Jory, who were standing in the farthest corner, appearing chastised and contrite. "What in the hell were you thinking!" He roared at them. Gregori and I made shushing noises, but Ushna continued to rumble.
"Ah… surprise?" Stan offered weakly, slightly confused.
"Ushna, it's okay; they didn't know," I said.
Ushna snapped his human teeth at our friends. I swear if we'd been alone, I would've jumped and taken him right there.
"Xenres, are you injured?" Corey Bahar was the first to swear a blood oath to me. He'd been Captain until this unexpected growth of the tribe and now he was the newly appointed Arms Master of the Royal Guard. In private, he was most adamant in the use of my title, Xenres, which meant prince in our language. Corey didn't take his sable gaze off Stan and Jory as he approached me. The man looked like he'd been up for hours with his braided blond hair gleaming, clothes pressed and tucked. Did he ever sleep?
Jory chortled at Corey's words, which caused Gregori to throw a shoe and bean Jory in the head.
A string of curse words exploded from Jory. "Dammit, Gregori! What the hell was that for?" He rubbed the sore spot.
Gregori didn't answer. Corey's question was all it took to make Ushna start snarling again as he ran his hands over me, checking for obvious injury. Gregori rubbed small circles on Ushna's back. I grabbed his hands and craned my head around to get him to look me in the eye, to see me.
"Hey, hey! I'm okay. I'm not hurt." I kissed his hands.
"I want Nathan to look at you." Ushna's worried gaze continued to study me. Nathan Janick, my brother and the resident doctor, had meticulously cared for me during my pregnancy so far.
"All right." I knew nothing less would appease him.
Stan watched our exchange. The longer he listened, the more confused he appeared. "What's the big deal?" He crossed his arms, scowling hard. He and Jory had acted as they normally would around us, with carefree roughhousing.
I grabbed Ushna's attention before he could bark back a reply. We'd purposely kept my pregnancy within my inner circle. I hadn't left the Clearwater area, which was my territory. When I needed to go to town, I wore a ring Gregori had made for me, a ring of illusion that had hid my swollen stomach. I didn't meet with outsiders without it.
We hadn't told Stan and Jory. All communication had gone through Elder Janus Koller, who'd recruited them to work for the Elder Council in the Enforcement Division. Neither Ushna nor I had spoken to these two before now. Needless to say, we hadn't anticipated their surprise.
"Master Corey," I calmly said, "we're all right. I'm sorry we woke you." I needed privacy for the talk we were going to have with our old friends.
Corey gave a slight bow. The expression on his face let me know we would be revisiting the issue of posting guards outside the bedroom. I had been successful at convincing Corey that the small group of warriors staying in the house was enough security. We didn't need someone standing on sentry duty in the hallway. To appease Corey, I had even agreed to allow an armed detail to shadow me around the ranch when I left the house. This stunt of Stan's and Jory's would make Cory feel vindicated in his original assessment. I would have to talk quick at the next security meeting to keep the arrangements the way they were now.
"It was no bother, Xenres." Corey shot Jory a hard look when my friend snorted a laugh. He appeared to be gauging whether Jory was being disrespectful to me or making fun of him. "I won't be far if you need me," he said before closing the door behind him.
Jory tried to hide his smirk by rubbing a hand over his face. I knew what was coming before he opened his mouth. "Damn, Tristan. You've got people bowing and scraping to you. What've you been doing?"
Sales Links: http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=116&products_id=876
About the author:Lexi has always been an avid reader, and at a young age started reading (secretly) her mother’s romances (the ones she was told not to touch). She was the only teenager she knew of who would be grounded from reading. Later, with a pencil and a note book, she wrote her own stories and shared them with friends because she loved to see their reactions. A Texas transplant, Lexi now kicks her boots up in the Midwest with her Yankee husband and her eighty-pound puppies named after vacuum cleaners.Where to find the author:
Web site: http://www.lexiander.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexi.ander.9Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LexiAnder1Blog: http://lexiander.blogspot.com/E-mail: lexi.ander.author@gmail.com
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6521302.Lexi_Ander
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Cover Artist: London Burden
Tour Dates & Stops: 27-Apr Joyfully Jay Emotion in Motion
28-Apr Prism Book Alliance Hearts on Fire
29-Apr Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words Love Bytes Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My
30-Apr The Novel Approach Decadent Delights
1-May BFD Book Blog Divine Magazine
4-May Molly Lolly MM Good Book Reviews
5-May My Fiction Nook Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves
6-May Inked Rainbow Reads Chris McHart
7-May Amanda C. Stone Cate Ashwood
8-May Boy Meets Boy Reviews Rainbow Gold Reviews
RAFFLECOPTER PRIZES:1. $20 Amazon Gift card, $20 All Romance Gift card, hard copy of Dreams of the Forgotten, swag (pens, bookmarks, and such)2. $20 All Romance Gift card, hard copy of Dreams of the Forgotten, swag (pens, bookmarks, and such)3. hard copy of Dreams of the Forgotten, swag (pens, bookmarks, coffee cup)4. e-book copy of Dreams of the Forgotten5. e-book copy of Dreams of the Forgotten
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
And now for the interview. And let me say I'm a huge fan of Lexi's, lol!A huge 'thank you' to Decadent Delights for hosting me today!
What comes first, the plot or characters?
It really depends. In Alpha Trine, I created the plot around the character, Zeus. In Sumeria's Sons, I created the characters around the plot. They both have their merits. If I have a plot already in mind, then I know, essentially, where I want to take the story, but I have to create characters who have the motivations to follow the plot that I've laid out. On the flip side, creating a plot around a character is more of a touch and go because the character drives the plot in the direction that they want, and I end up changing direction with the character. In those instances, sometimes the ending isn't the one in which I'd envisioned.
What is the hardest part about writing for you?
The hardest part of writing is getting the thought and feeling from my head onto paper. Sometimes the flow is awesome and I can't write fast enough to keep up. But there are times that I stare at the screen, knowing on a emotional level what I want to convey but the words just won't come. When I attempt to describe or delve in the scene, nothing seems right and I'm unsatisfied. Typing and deleting several times over until I get it right.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Dude. Back in 2000 I was flying out to see my cousin in Houston, and then we were going to fly to Tuscan together. That was when your loved ones could walk to the gate with you. Anyway. My husband and I arrived at the airport really early, and I hopped to the bathroom before we grab something to eat together. So I was standing in line and the lady at the counter to the left was motioning and whispering. I couldn't hear her so I went closer and closer until I was leaning over the counter to hear her say, "The back of your sundress is tucked into your pantyhose." Y'all, my husband didn't even notice I was walking around the airport with my butt hanging out. Mortified. Honestly, I could have killed him and hid in the bathroom for the next week. Instead, I pretended I wasn't fazed and that no one saw my hiney.
What are the best and worst pieces of writing advice you ever received?
The worst piece of writing advice I have been given was to describe as little as possible because it wasn't necessary, nobody wanted to read it. When I followed the advice, readers and beta readers began asking if there was something wrong. The stories seemed incomplete, half finished. Granted, there is a certain point in which something can be overly descriptive, but something to consider is there are readers who love it. I cannot tell you how many times I've heard Robert Jordan criticized about his descriptions. My husband hated it, I loved it. It's all about personal preference. So my advice to new authors would be to find your own balance and style.
The best piece of advice, get rid of info dumps. I love information, especially in fantasy/sci-fi. But when writing it, I can just drop the info in one section instead of dolling it out where and when it was needed. I'm getting better at this and I figure I will continue to struggle with it for a little while since writing professionally is still new.
Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?
I love listening to music while writing because it can help to push the flow and emotion of certain scenes. Each story gets their own play list but there are some staple songs that usually make it on to each one.
One Thing – Eleven FingerHero – SkilletThis Is How A Heart Breaks – Rob ThomasSerenity – GodsmackDrive – Melissa FerrickDown and Out – TantricBurn – The CureThe Pretender – Foo Fighters
Sometimes I only listen to game soundtracks because they are all instrumental but still able to convey emotion, intention. Some of my favorites are:
Halo 4 (although they all are great)Songs of Skyrim300 (Original Motion Picture)Journey (The Original Soundtrack from the Video Game)Mass Effect 3Crysis
(Although not soundtracks, still excellent instrumental music)Lindsey Sterling Feather and Skull – Adrian von Ziegler
Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.” ― Frank Herbert, Dune
What draws me? Being able to imagine something different from the norm, to work outside of the box creating a story/plot/characters that are in some way different than what came before. For me, it's very freeing because it like exploring an unknown landscape, drawing in my mind's eye of what I want to see, and then putting what I see into words.
April 28, 2015
Pride Promotions presents Crossed Hearts by K. Vale and a Giveaway!
Author Name: K. Vale
Book Name: Crossed Hearts Book one in the Hearts and Scars series
Release Date: April 27, 2015
Blurb(s): One heart’s been broken. The other is secondhand.
Kory Vansant doesn’t deserve to be alive.
As time sucks him dry of energy, sapping the final ounces of strength from his congenitally enlarged heart, he's forced to end his career as Kory Kent, porn star. Staring down death, he questions his life choices and prays for a miracle. For another chance at life, he vows to change who he is at his core.
His prayers are answered. A perfect heart now beats in his chest, but it comes at a heavy price. The donor is an innocent young man cut down far too prematurely.
Kory's blemished history and his donor's spotless past are far from ideal matches.
As his debts skyrocket, Kory can’t help but think his resolve to walk the high road is being tested. After he meets the adorable Will Squire at the gravesite they both visit, he’s doubly damned because there’s no way he can keep up his end of the bargain. What happens when a man breaks a deal with a higher power?
Will often prefers the company of the dead to that of the living. Following a bad breakup, he pours himself into his two jobs—funeral director at his uncle’s mortuary and part-time paramedic. He’s drawn ever closer to Kory, as if fate sticks her fickle hand in and pushes them together like two unlikely puzzle pieces. But sometimes history can’t be buried, and maybe divine intervention isn’t always right. Will discovers everyone is imperfect, no matter how pretty the outer package, and opening one’s heart is never easy, but can be oh, so worth the pain.
Pages or Words: 70,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt:The man scratched the scrub on his chin. “Heart recipient,” he said finally. “I’m Kory—umm…Kory Vansant.” Holding out his hand, he took another step. Will’s fingers were swallowed in warm skin and bone.“Will Squire.” Again, he couldn’t tear his gaze from the tease of scar tissue jutting from the crotch of Kory’s shirt collar. The urge to reach out and trace a finger over the pink relief of healed tissue was strong. Just like I touched Brandon’s incision. The stark difference between the two—one wound marking the end of a life and the other a salvation—was surreal. Will was nothing but an outsider looking in on a miracle, but somehow he felt he’d come around full circle.“Want me to get naked so you can see the whole thing?”Will closed his eyes for a moment and then looked up, his face flaming with a mix of embarrassment and immediate, fierce arousal. “I’m sorry. Totally rude.”Kory smiled good-naturedly. “No worries. It’s a way to reclaim who I am, or was. Or some crap. I’m not just my medical status, like they keep saying at my support group.”“No. Of course you’re not.”He laughed loud and deep, and the warmth in Will’s face drifted down his body. “I’ve adopted it as my little icebreaker whenever people stare,” Kory said.“Well, ice broken.” Will gulped. Hell, ice melted into a rolling boil.Sales Links: http://www.amazon.com/Crossed-Hearts-Scars-Novel-ebook/dp/B00W0IJW1I
About the author:K. Vale writes erotic romance of all stripes, from hot hetero to mouthwatering manlove. Find her MF work published under Kimber Vale. Come for the sex. Stay for the story. Stalk Kimber on Facebook and Twitter @KimberVale, and check her site for updates, new releases, and freebies at http://www.authorkimbervale.com.
Where to find the author: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimber.valeFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimber-Vale/311761975532531?ref=hlTwitter: https://twitter.com/KimberValePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimbervale/
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25150920-crossed-hearts?from_search=true
Publisher: Kimber Vale
Cover Artist: Dana Priebe
Tour Dates & Stops: April 27 – May 8, 201527-Apr Prism Book Alliance The Novel Approach
28-Apr Bike Book Reviews Rainbow Gold Reviews Wake Up Your Wild Side Amanda C. Stone
29-Apr Decadent Delights Inked Rainbow Reads
30-Apr Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words Divine Magazine
1-May Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews Molly Lolly
4-May Bayou Book Junkie
5-May Cate Ashwood
6-May TTC Books and More Love Bytes
7-May MM Good Book Reviews BFD Book Blog
8-May My Fiction Nook Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance
Rafflecopter Prize: $20 Amazon Gift CardRafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
AND NOW FOR THE INTERVIEW!
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?I’d love to be able to fly, but I suppose that isn’t terribly practical. If I were the only person who could take to the skies, I’d likely be gunned out of them in short order. Maybe something like telekinesis—it’s much more subtle with the potential to do both good and evil. I’d be interested to see whether I go supervillain or superhero. Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?I do. It’s a compilation of Kimber, which is a nickname my BF in middle and high school gave me a la Gem and the Holograms, and Vicki Vale from Batman (a coworker used to call me Kim Basinger once upon a time).
How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?Well, I don’t know that I’m different from all the other MM authors out there… I guess I basically write what I like to read (real-feeling characters, slower-building love, heavy on the romance and humor, hot sex with an occasional kink, light on the angst) and avoid the things I don’t care for (instalove, unrealistic characters and dialog, vilified women, BDSM). I should clarify that I enjoy reading angst, but I’m not great at writing it. I try, but judging by most reviews, my readers wouldn’t consider my stuff angst-heavy.
What would we find under your bed?I’m guessing dust and cat puke. Wait here, I’ll go look.Okay. Definitely dust, a backpack, a long bow, and some sort of Japanese sword because my husband is weird.
Favorite non-alcoholic drink?Coffee in the morning and tangerine Mio in water after that.
What are your favorite TV shows?The hubs and I watch Walking Dead and Talking Dead religiously, Tosh, Amy Schumer, True Detective, Game of Thrones, Z Nation, and, most recently, Turn: Washington’s Spies. Oh, and I lovelovelove Drunk History.
How do you personally distinguish between pornography, erotica, and erotic romance?Porn is visual, in my opinion. Erotica and erotic romance can have the exact same sexual elements, but straight erotica is missing the emotional connection of a romance. It’s difficult to write a short erotic romance, but it can be done, usually with characters that have a history before your story starts. In most cases, erotic romance ends up longer to allow time for the characters to develop that intimate connection.
Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?Not too often, so I’m thrilled when I do. Mostly I’m asked if there will be more books in my Shooting Stars series. The answer is yes, I’m working on a Shooting Stars 3.5 called Balancing Act, which involves Kyrie and Greg having a few loose ends tied up, and the introduction of my MC for book 4 (Swedish supermodel, Anders). I also have two more books planned for my Hearts & Scars series if anyone is curious (Mando and Jake’s book is next, and Matt gets the third).
Update on Behind the Eight Ball
So, I turned in Behind the Eight Ball to Dreamspinner on the 23rd. Yay! I haven't heard anything yet, but hopefully I will soon. :)
The story ended up at 71K. That's a little less than Trouble Comes in Threes. The series is called the Fur, Fang, and Felines series. LOL. Tal, Kirk, and Dolf are in this, of course, but it's Heller's story.
Synopsis:A cool autumn morning, a yard full of birds, and a kitty on a mission. What more could a shifter want? Beta Heller Wirth has it all… except a mate: a shifter mate, that is. He’s been looking, but so far it’s a no-go in the fate department. And after seeing how happy Dolf is with Tal and Kirk, Heller really wants to meet that special someone... as long as he's a shifter.
Frankly Heller can’t think of anything worse than having a human mate. Many in his clowder agree. While Kirk may be okay, Heller knows humans are dangerous. They kill without remorse. They destroy whatever they touch. They just can’t be trusted. Period. He ought to know—his sister died at the hands of a human lover, and Heller can’t forgive humanity for that.
So of course the goddess Bast gives him a human mate. While getting his truck detailed, fate strikes. Heller catches a whiff of his mate. Oh, he's a happy kitty... until he figures out that scent's from a human. He reacts badly and runs—and by doing so, rejects his mate.
Lawson Dupre isn’t exactly sure what just happened in his car detail shop. One minute there was a guy about to pass out, then he seemed okay and was even flirting, and then he runs out the door like the hounds of Hell were after him. Lawson’s best friend and one of the co-owners of the shop, Janelle Foles, quickly explains who she suspects the stranger is to Lawson.
Welcome to the wonderful world of shifters lol.
Which Lawson knows all about—because Janelle’s also not human. Lawson is one of those rare humans who know paranormals exist. Janelle and her brother, Marshell, are Vetalas—snake-like paranormals. So finding out his mate is a werecat isn’t freaking Lawson out. The fact that his mate seems to hate humans is. If that’s not enough to deal with, there’s a werewolf stalking Lawson.
Watch the fur fly as Heller and Lawson struggle to overcome deeply misguided beliefs and hurt feelings. As Heller and Lawson work out their problems, tension builds around them.
Heller
Heller's bedroom
Inside of Heller's home.
Heller as a cat.The eyes are the wrong color. They should be a bright blue in this form. :)
Lawson
Janelle
Marshell
The story ended up at 71K. That's a little less than Trouble Comes in Threes. The series is called the Fur, Fang, and Felines series. LOL. Tal, Kirk, and Dolf are in this, of course, but it's Heller's story.
Synopsis:A cool autumn morning, a yard full of birds, and a kitty on a mission. What more could a shifter want? Beta Heller Wirth has it all… except a mate: a shifter mate, that is. He’s been looking, but so far it’s a no-go in the fate department. And after seeing how happy Dolf is with Tal and Kirk, Heller really wants to meet that special someone... as long as he's a shifter.
Frankly Heller can’t think of anything worse than having a human mate. Many in his clowder agree. While Kirk may be okay, Heller knows humans are dangerous. They kill without remorse. They destroy whatever they touch. They just can’t be trusted. Period. He ought to know—his sister died at the hands of a human lover, and Heller can’t forgive humanity for that.
So of course the goddess Bast gives him a human mate. While getting his truck detailed, fate strikes. Heller catches a whiff of his mate. Oh, he's a happy kitty... until he figures out that scent's from a human. He reacts badly and runs—and by doing so, rejects his mate.
Lawson Dupre isn’t exactly sure what just happened in his car detail shop. One minute there was a guy about to pass out, then he seemed okay and was even flirting, and then he runs out the door like the hounds of Hell were after him. Lawson’s best friend and one of the co-owners of the shop, Janelle Foles, quickly explains who she suspects the stranger is to Lawson.
Welcome to the wonderful world of shifters lol.
Which Lawson knows all about—because Janelle’s also not human. Lawson is one of those rare humans who know paranormals exist. Janelle and her brother, Marshell, are Vetalas—snake-like paranormals. So finding out his mate is a werecat isn’t freaking Lawson out. The fact that his mate seems to hate humans is. If that’s not enough to deal with, there’s a werewolf stalking Lawson.
Watch the fur fly as Heller and Lawson struggle to overcome deeply misguided beliefs and hurt feelings. As Heller and Lawson work out their problems, tension builds around them.
Heller
Heller's bedroom
.png)
Inside of Heller's home.
Heller as a cat.The eyes are the wrong color. They should be a bright blue in this form. :) 
Lawson
Janelle 
Marshell
April 23, 2015
In Enemy Hands Chapter 7
by Oren Miller (Cycy)If anyone is curious, these are the two characters who inspired In Enemy Hands. Beautiful, aren't they? I'd kill to have that as a cover.Chapter SevenVaro staggered into the shower, the hot water pounding down on him. He needed…. He didn’t know what he needed. Answers would be good. An explanation, maybe. Something to explain what in all the gods’ names just happened in there.
Never, never had he felt such heart-ripping desire for another soul. He’d even let Adlar feed from him. He’d offered his neck to Adlar. What had he been thinking? Adlar could have ripped his throat out and bled him dry. He could have… He wouldn’t. Not that. He might turn the damn collar on, but he wouldn’t endanger me.
He couldn’t say how he knew that, just that he did. Varo touched his neck, feeling for the bite marks. Sure enough, there were two small wounds on his neck. He ran his fingers over them. They felt slightly tender, but nothing that would bother him.
Turning his face to the water, he let it wash over him, soothing his pleasantly sore body. Sex had always been enjoyable, but what he and Adlar shared passed enjoyable. It shook the very foundation he’d built his life on. All he knew about himself and the world around him had changed.
He’d come so hard his teeth rattled. And he begged for it. Begged to be taken. Begged for more. Begged to be fucked and fucked hard. There was no denying he’d loved every unit second of it. Adlar had taken control, and he’d let him. Wanted him to, even.
Adlar had told him what he could and couldn’t say… and he’d obeyed Adlar. A shiver ran through him as he remembered the broken pleas and whispered words of longing. His cock threatened to harden again, and frowning, he looked down at it. That’s enough out of you.
Star cursed thing had gotten him in enough trouble as it were.
His stomach growled, reminding him he was hungry. Shoveling all sexual thoughts out of his head, he washed his hair then the rest of his body.
After finishing his shower he dressed, braided his damp hair, and joined Adlar in the kitchen. Evening had darkened the land. Was it just that morning Adlar had been attacked? How much his life had changed in such a short time?
Adlar cooked and didn’t require any assistance from him. Which was just as well. He was… confused. And tired. Tired in mind and body. His feelings for Adlar scared him. They left him reeling and twisting. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop this… this—whatever this was—between them.
He wasn’t sure he wanted to, and that scared him even more. There were times he wished the Helkans had just blown him out of the sky. A split unit second of pain and it would’ve all been over. He wouldn’t be here possibly falling in love with his captor.
“Varo?”
Varo caught himself before he cringed. “Yes?”
Adlar stared at him, not speaking. Moments passed, and finally Adlar spoke. “Are you okay?”
Was he okay? Well now, wasn’t that a loaded question. He hadn’t been okay since he landed on this planet.“Yes, why?”
“You just seem distracted.”
Distracted? Ah well, I guess that works just as well as anything else. Yes, I could be called distracted. “I’m tired is all. The day has been… eventful.” Varo snorted mentally. Eventful. Yes, again, that’s one way of putting it.
“I see.” Adlar didn’t speak again until he finished eating. “Why don’t you go to bed, then? I have some… things to finish before I retire.”
“Okay.” Varo stood. He’d caught the slight pause at the word things but he was too tired to question it. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “Do you want me to clean up?”
“That’s okay, I’ll do it. You go on.”
“Thank you.” He didn’t need to be told twice. Varo left the eating area and hurried to the bedroom.
He noticed Adlar had changed the sheet. He must’ve done that while he showered. Good. He didn’t relish the thought of sleeping in the wet spot. As he stripped, he stared at the bed. So much white , he mused. It almost gave the place an innocent appearance.
He knew better, though. There was nothing innocent concerning Adlar. A steady thumping caught his attention. Moving toward the sound, he walked to the window. To the far left of the main housing unit there a courtyard, illuminated by an artificial light. There stood Adlar.
Facing him was battle bot hovering in midair. Varo had seen military units like this at home. Soldiers used them for combat training. This one was silvery in appearance, and about four feet tall with a cylinder shape.
There were three sections to the robot, and each section could rotate separately. The top section had an ‘eye’ and could fire small darts or knives at a target. The middle section had a robot arm that wielded a sword or spear.
The bottom section contained either a whip or rope that would jettison out in an effect to trip the user or tie their legs. The machine had different levels for combat readiness and was an excellent sparring partner or teaching tool.
But it was also just a machine. It didn’t care about broken bones or blood that could result. Adlar stood at the ready. His dark clothes hugged his body. Varo noticed he’d tied all that black hair back and out of the way. His mouth watered. The other male oozed sex appeal.
As he watched, the bot began to spin. The buzz of the whirling motion filled the courtyard, an insidious threat of violence to come. Adlar moved with the bot as it stalked him, his attention focused solely on the machine.
The danced around each other, and Varo held his breath. He knew what was coming. With no warning, several darts flew out of the ‘eye’ of the apparatus toward Adlar. Did the darts have rubber tips or were they needle sharp?
Most soldiers practiced with the pointed ends capped for safety reasons, but Varo was willing to bet Adlar didn’t. Varo watched entranced as Adlar twisted his body this way and that, avoiding the flying objects hurtling at him.
He was poetry in motion: beautiful, fluid, and deadly… and fast. Gods, he was fast. Varo could hardly keep up with how swiftly Adlar moved. And he knew Adlar didn’t have cybernetic enhancements. Adlar bent his body backward in an effect to avoid one of the darts aimed at his face.
As he arched back, one hand braced him on the ground. With the other, he plucked one dart out of the air by its handle as it flew past. With a push from the hand he’d braced on the ground, Adlar came back up to a standing position, and, in a move that was a smooth as Yesri silk, he flipped the dart toward the bot, which had to use some of its own defenses to protect itself.
A wide-bladed knife on a mechanical arm came out of the middle section and deflected the dart. From a sheath on his back, Adlar pulled a sword too and moved to intercept the battle bot in a sword fight.
“Gods,” Varo mumbled, impressed.
The clang of metal on metal echoed around the area. As Adlar and the battle bot fought, Varo watched. What kind of concentration did it take to do that? Even as Adlar fended off the sword, he had to contend with the rope that snaked out from the bottom section and tried to trip him.
The fight continued until the bot managed to disarm Adlar. Varo watched as the sword flew across the courtyard. But that didn’t stop Adlar. Before the sword landed in the dirt, Adlar had another weapon ready to use as a defense: knives.
The curved, single-edged knives with handles fit into a person’s palm comfortably, or so he’d heard. Varo was willing to bet they had serrated edges. As he looked on, Adlar used the knives in tandem. These ‘swingblades’ were capable of slicing and stabbing positions.
The design complemented the natural motions of a person’s arms and hands in close combat. He’d seen such blades on his home planet. It took years of practice to learn to use them correctly. Varo shook his head as he watched Adlar battle the bot.
It was so easy to forget Adlar was a killer. Adlar’s touch didn’t inspire fear. No, indeed, that was not what Adlar inspired in him. Varo turned from the window and walked to the bed. Now that he was no longer involved in the battle outside his window, he noticed how cool he’d become.
For a moment he wished Adlar was there to wrap his arms around him. He crept into bed and pulled the covers up to his chin. Now he yearned for Adlar to be there? To hold him? What was he doing? Since when did he yearn for his enemy? But that was the problem. While he wasn’t sure exactly what Adlar was now, he was sure the other male wasn’t his enemy anymore.
Tears pricked his eyes, but he roughly wiped them away. What was he doing? This wasn’t him. Gods, he missed the sunlight and the warmth of it on his skin. The never-ending gloom here was getting to him. That was all.
As he drifted off to sleep even he didn’t believe that.
