M.A. Church's Blog, page 128

Sharing a blog post from Bailey Bradford

Please read!

This is a post done by Bailey Bradford on her blog on 4/21/15. I'm going to share it here and also add the link for the post on her blog at the end. I actually live near her friend and have spent time at St Jude's Children's Hospital with my oldest and his asthma. It's a great hospital that really focuses on children's needs. 
~M



Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Cherri and Family

Today is a bad day, and my thoughts are all jumbled. I'll try to have an installment up late tonight if I can get my brain to calm down.

Y'all who have been following the blog for a while probably know of Cherri, my buddy. She's been my roomie, along with Jaymi, at the two GRL's I attended. She came out to visit this past November and we stayed at the beach. She's an awesome friend and I love her dearly. She has incredible kids, too. I've met them. I love them. I adore all of them.

Two days ago, Cherri and I were texting and she told me her son, Peyon (he's 10) was having trouble breathing. He has severe asthma and allergies, so this happens. She'd done his treatments and he was resting, but she was going to take him to the dr in the morning. She did. The doctor thought Peyton had a collapsed lung and sent her to a hospital yesterday. Then the doctors there thought it wasn't collapsed, just being squeezed by fluid.

This morning, they told Cherri Peyton has cancer, a mass on his lung that's spread to his back and is probably still spreading. He's been moved to St Jude's-- Cherri lives in MS but close to TN, so they'd gone to a hospital there already-- and doctors are going to do biopsies and more tests.

I just can't even grasp this. I can't imagine how Cherri and her family must feel, how scared Peyton is. My family knows them, loves them, and just...there are just no words.

I asked Amber to start a GoFundMe for Cherri and family. I'm going to post the link here and if you can, please donate, share, pray, all of the above, whichever one you can do, anything. I'd appreciate it and so would Cherrita.

Meanwhile, I have to get out of the house for a while. I can't be still today.

And I wish I could give y'all a huge, huge **huggz** in person, but I can't, so just know there's ***HUGGZ*** here.

Peyon's Medical GoFundMe


Bailey's blog link

Pride Promotions presents Justice Prevails by Morticia Knight and a Giveaway!

Author Name: Morticia Knight
Book Name: Justice Prevails         Series: Sin City Uniforms            Book: Three (Can be read as a standalone)
Release Date: April 6, 2015
Blurb(s):
Never judge a sexy man by his cover.
Detective Beau Williams is hard-working, dedicated, and professional. He enjoys the finer things in life, but with his heavy caseload that includes what Beau suspects is a new serial killer, he has no time to enjoy much of anything. What the tall redhead needs is someone to shake him up a little.
Investigative Technician Austin Kent never met a snarky joke he didn’t like - or a set of stairs that couldn’t trip him up. One night after a devastating episode at work, Austin sees something else he likes - the handsome detective he’s seen around the station whom he’s always wondered about. But after he makes a drunken fool of himself in front of Detective Williams, he’s sure there’s no hope.
Beau and Austin’s worlds collide right away when Austin is sent to pick up some evidence at the station. Amidst a myriad of twists and turns in the troubling serial killer style murders of Vegas conventioneers, Austin and Beau discover that there’s more to the other than they’d originally thought. There might even be more they’d like to give – unless the killer has the final say.
Pages or Words: 50,662 words
Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance, Men In Uniform, Mystery, Thriller
Excerpt:
 After stepping out of the car, he was once again surprised when Beau took his hand, pulling him, the action reminding Austin that he was wanted. I could really fucking get used to such a thing. In a short time it had gone from being foreign to something he craved.They remained in silence. Beau unlocked the flimsy looking door to a unit a couple of numbers down from the car then pushed inside, dragging Austin along with him, kicking the it shut behind them. Beau didn’t bother with the light, instead he slammed Austin up against what turned out not to be as flimsy as he’d thought and ravaged Austin’s mouth. Beau’s fists clutched the fabric of Austin’s shirt as he hovered over him, grinding his heated erection against Austin’s leg. Austin was done thinking. He grasped Beau’s tight ass that still had enough soft flesh on it for him to knead. He pressed his fingers into Beau’s butt cheeks over and over, the thin fabric of his dress pants a tease. Austin could slide between those cheeks once they were naked. Yeah. That would be good.As Beau continued to keep command of his mouth, Austin angled his body to get his stiffened length aligned with Beau’s. The damn jeans were too thick, too heavy. He wanted the sensation of skin on skin. Beau broke free from his lips but continued to use them on Austin’s jaw then traveled down his neck until he reached the spot on his chest right above the opening of his shirt. Beau licked him there, still grinding, using his fingers to work on the buttons. Austin arched into Beau’s mouth, tangling his own fingers in Beau’s beautiful red hair, running them through the short soft strands over and over.Once Beau had opened his shirt, he shoved it down Austin’s arms. They did a funny dance where Austin turned and twisted as Beau frantically yanked off Austin’s clothes. He fumbled with Austin’s jeans next. They both grunted, panting and groaning as they anxiously grasped at each other. The sound of the Velcro of his sandals signaled that it was time to get his denim all the way off. As soon as those had been kicked aside, he was left standing in his briefs, his tank already shed.“You next.” Austin gasped it out.“I gotta see you first.”

Sales Links:   https://www.totallybound.com/justice-prevails  

About the author:M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys hot stories of men loving men forever after. They can be men in uniform, Doms and subs, rock stars or bikers - but they're all searching for the one (or two!) who was meant only for them.
When not indulging in her passion for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She is currently working on more installments of Sin City Uniforms and The Hampton Road Club, as well as the follow-up to Bryan and Aubrey's story from Rockin' the Alternative.

Where to find the author:
Follow on Twitter: @morticiaknightAdd book on ‘to read’ shelf at Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25009673-justice-prevails Like Facebook Author page:https://www.facebook.com/authormorticiaknight?fref=nfFollow Morticia Knight’s blog: http://www.morticiaknight.com/  Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25009673-justice-prevails
Publisher: Totally Bound
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh


Tour Dates & Stops: 6-Apr Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews
7-Apr TTC Books and More
8-Apr Amanda C. Stone
9-Apr Kimber Vale
10-Apr Joyfully Jay
13-Apr Cate Ashwood
14-Apr Prism Book Alliance
15-Apr Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
16-Apr Parker Williams
17-Apr Divine Magazine
20-Apr Decadent Delights
21-Apr BFD Book Blog
22-Apr Rainbow Gold Reviews Velvet Panic
23-Apr Bayou Book Junkie
24-Apr Carly’s Book Reviews
27-Apr Love Bytes
28-Apr The Novel Approach
29-Apr Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
30-Apr Molly Lolly MM Good Book Reviews
1-May Iyana Jenna Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings

Rafflecopter Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card and Signed paperback copy of Justice Prevails.
Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pride Promotions presents Just The Way You Are by E E Montgomery and a Giveaway!

Author Name: E E Montgomery
Book Name: Just The Way You Are            Series: Just Life #4Can be read as a standalone, but there are elements in the other stories that will add depth to this one
Release Date: April 17, 2015
Blurb(s):After ten years in an abusive relationship and a near-fatal knife wound, Jonathan Watson is finally free. Unused to being able to make even the smallest decision and smothered by family and well-meaning neighbors, he’s floundering in the real world. Jonathan is afraid of falling into another relationship too quickly and realizes he needs time to rediscover who he is before he attaches himself to another man.

He never counted on meeting Ben Urquhart, though. Ben tempts Jonathan to forget everything and take a leap.  For Ben, it's love at first sight, and he doesn't want to take it slow. He wants to build a life with Jonathan, free from harm and full of laughter. But before they can take the next step, they must protect Jonathan from his possessive, threatening ex. Jonathan must find the courage to confront him and break the chains of his past before he can be truly free to build a future with Ben.
Pages or Words: 70,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:Chapter ONE

JONATHAN SHIVERED in the early morning air but not from the chill. He wrapped his arms around himself and groaned as his wound tugged against the movement. He relaxed slowly as the pain eased. From where he stood, he could see between the two apartment blocks to where the sun glinted off the Brisbane River. Five years ago he used to watch the ferries puddle their way up and down the river, dropping passengers here at Hamilton and across the way at Bulimba. He’d missed that view for a long time. He wondered if he’d miss the house now that he was leaving it.

The house was gray—morning gray, Anthony had called it, but it had always looked like unwashed, neglected underwear to him. The lines of the house were precise and symmetrical, unlike the yard. The front lawn bore scars, just like his chest. They were from his Cruiser skidding to a stop the night Anthony had sent him to kill Mark. His eyes burned as he thought how close he’d come to doing what his boyfriend told him to.

At the time, he didn’t think he had any other choice. It was kill or be killed. Literally. By the end of that night, Mark had been the only one left uninjured. Liam’s leg had thankfully healed quickly where Anthony had stabbed him. Anthony was still in hospital with a self-inflicted knife wound to the stomach, and Jonathan… Jonathan was done with that life. Anthony’s knife in his chest—so close to his heart it was clearly intended to be fatal—had cured him of whatever delusions he’d held onto that let him believe he was in love with the man. Even Anthony’s assertions that Jonathan was responsible for him being in a wheelchair since the car accident two years before wouldn’t get him to stay.

He was out of it now, or at least he would be as soon as the removalists came and took his stuff away. Then he could begin to heal. The first step had been to learn to breathe again after his lung collapsed when Anthony stabbed him. The next step… he didn’t know what the next step after this was. He wasn’t going to admit it to anyone, but he was just as terrified now, starting a life of his own—on his own—as he was when he thought he was going to die.

The trembling began again. Dizzy. Couldn’t catch his breath. He leaned beside the front door and forced himself to bring his mind back to the here and now and looked around again. There was a new section of fence now, and the Cruiser had been repaired and sat at the curb, waiting for him. His cousin must have had the damage repaired while Jonathan was in the hospital—learning how to make his lung work again after his boyfriend had tried to kill him. He shook the thoughts from his head. He had to stop thinking like this or he’d go mad.

Sleep last night had been impossible. The house had been cleaned, but nothing was going to completely remove the blood splattered on the white carpet. His blood.

A low rumble burbled through the air, and a truck turned onto the street. Jonathan’s heart raced. “You can do this,” he whispered, although he wasn’t quite sure which part of “this” he was talking about. It could be dealing with strangers on his own, or it could be leaving Anthony—finally. He pressed the heel of his hand over the dressing on his chest. Staying with Anthony was no longer an option.

The truck stopped and turned to reverse into the driveway. The high-pitched beeping made Jonathan jump and, to calm himself, he focused on the two men sitting in the cab. The driver looked young and blond, the passenger older and shriveled, his hair sticking out in unkempt tangles.

“Two people. Not Anthony. You’re outside, everything’s marked. You don’t need to go inside with them at all if you don’t want to. You can do this.” He counted his breaths in and out. The beeping stopped, the engine cut out, and the driver’s door opened.

Long, well-formed legs slipped from the cab, by-passing the step completely as a muscled body slid to the ground. Khaki cargo shorts bunched enticingly around a spectacular package before settling loosely around slim hips as the man’s boot-clad feet landed on the ground and he stood away from the truck. Jonathan moved his gaze up the body. The worn T-shirt did nothing to hide the trim stomach and prominent pecs and the sleeves framed the rounded deltoids perfectly. Jonathan sighed as he lifted his focus higher to see the man’s wide smile.

Sales Links: Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6274Print: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6275

About the author:E E Montgomery wants the world to be a better place, with equality and acceptance for all. Her philosophy is: We can’t change the world but we can change our small part of it and, in that way, influence the whole. Writing stories that show people finding their own ‘better place’ is part of E E Montgomery’s own small contribution. Thankfully, there’s never a shortage of inspiration for stories that show people growing in their acceptance and love of themselves and others. A dedicated people-watcher, E E finds stories everywhere. In a cafe, a cemetery, a book on space exploration or on the news, there’ll be a story of personal growth, love, and unconditional acceptance there somewhere.

Where to find the author:You can contact E E Montgomery at eemontgomery11@gmail.com; on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ewynelaine.montgomery; on Twitter: @EEMontgomery1; or at her web site: http://www.eemontgomery.com/ and blog: http://www.eemontgomery.com/blog.


Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25163510-just-the-way-you-are
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Tour Dates & Stops: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Parker Williams, Decadent Delights, Cate Ashwood, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Bayou Book Junkie, Inked Rainbow Reads, BFD Book Blog, Love Bytes, My Fiction Nook, Chris McHart, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, MM Good Book Reviews, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Velvet Panic, TTC Books and More, Charley Descoteaux,  Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews





Rafflecopter Prize: One copy of the each of the first three books in the seriesRafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pride Promotions presents A Good Family Man by Thianna Durston and a Giveaway!

Author Name: Thianna Durston
Book Name: A Good Family Man
Series: Corbin’s Bend
Book: Season Three, Book 8 (This is the first M/M book of the series)Release Date: August 6, 2015
Blurb: Jack Carmichael’s natural instinct is to take care of people. In his job as a U.S. Marshal, he has done that for 25 years. Unfortunately, being married to his job has left his love life in tatters. Now classified unfit for duty, he retires and comes home to Colorado to figure things out. Dominant and used to taking control like his brother Brent, he has never been interested in spanking. Until a cute Nurse Practitioner catches his attention.
Josh Martin feels lucky. He's not only accepted into Corbin's Bend, but he'll be working at the brand new Corbin's Bend Medical Clinic as its only Nurse Practitioner. At thirty-two, he figures this is his last-ditch attempt at finding a dominant partner who isn't abusive. He finds more than his share of dominant men in Corbin's Bend, not the least of which are the Carmichael brothers. Brent's dominance is both comforting and unnerving, Jack's turns him on.
Josh is unlike any submissive male Jack has encountered and when the younger man asks him out, he decides to give it a go. One day of fun turns into two, three...until Jack, with more failed relationships than he can count in his past and unsure he can be the head of house Josh needs, leaves, burying himself once again in work. Forced to see the error of his decision, he puts aside the worries that have plagued him for months and returns to Corbin’s Bend. To become the good family man he wants to be, he has to earn back Josh’s trust and truly take on a role he’s never considered before: head of a loving discipline household.  
Pages or Words: 150 pages
Categories: BDSM, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt: Excerpt One: (Currently unedited)
Leaping from his current spot, he landed on one of the pads down below, reveling in feeling alive for the first time in months. After chalking up his hands, he turned toward the man next to him who was stretching out his arms andLooking over at him, for a moment Josh looked unsure of himself and finally he smiled, a cute dimple showing in his left cheek. “When I’m done. I didn’t actually forget anything. I just wanted to see you and, well, see if there was anything there.”
Grinning, Jack nodded as he looked at his watch. “Well, then. What do you think about dinner and possibly dancing later on at Tracks?”
Josh’s eyes practically popped out of his head. “I love Tracks! There’s a great bistro nearby. What do you say we meet there in…” He looked at his wristwatch. “Two hours? Then hit the club after?” The grin on his face would have been impossible to resist even if Jack had wanted to.

Sales Links:   
About the author:Thianna likes to say she’s eclectic, fun, and just a bit naughty. She can also add, subtract, multiply, and divide in her head, but if people ask her to do it at parties, she isn’t impressed. While she would love to say there wasn’t a genre she had read that she didn’t enjoy, it would be a lie. For some reason, she keeps skipping to the ends of mystery books to find out who done it.
The creator and acquisition editor for the Corbin’s Bend Romance series, she wants to know: Who else wants to be safe, secure, and spanked in Colorado?
Under the name Thianna Durston, she writes M/M romance. Under Thianna D., she writes M/F romance.
Where to find the author:Thianna’s Website - http://mm.thiannad.com/Thianna’s Blog- http://blog.thiannad.com/Facebook Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/ThiannaDurst...Twitter- https://twitter.com/ThiannaDurstonGoogle+- https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ThiannaD...

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25005586-a-good-family-man
Publisher: Blushing Books
Cover Artist: Anthony Walsh
Tour Dates & Stops: Parker Williams, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Decadent Delights, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Bike Book Reviews, Divine Magazine, Carly’s Book Reviews, Love Bytes, The Hat Party, Inked Rainbow Reads, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, MM Good Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Velvet Panic, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Multitasking Mommas, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance, Amanda C. Stone, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Chris McHart, Andrew Q. Gordon
Rafflecopter Prize: $5.00 gift card
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Upcoming Release by Mann Ramblings : THE LUXORIAN FUGITIVE

Hey, everyone! Today I have a good friend and one of my trusted beta readers on the blog promoting his upcoming release, THE LUXORIAN FUGITIVE.
~M




The debut M/M sci-fi thriller by Mann Ramblings is available on April 17. Buy links are below!
THE LUXORIAN FUGITIVE Book One: Ship Logs of the Santa Claus


Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Luxorian-Fugitive-Ship-Santa-Claus-ebook/dp/B00V6KO1CG/
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-luxorian-fugitive-by-mann-ramblings/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theluxorianfugitive-1768560-145.html
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luxorian-fugitive-mann-ramblings/1121637747?ean=9781925222388



Blurb:
Sergeant Liam Jacks is the security chief of transport vessel, The Santa Claus. He travels the planetary cluster with Marc Danverse, his best friend and captain, seeking to escape his tortured past and find some peace of mind.
Having been through a civil war together, Danverse and Liam are close. Maybe too close....All that changes when mysterious stranger, Hadrian Jamison, an escaped Adonirati, books passage to Alpha Centauri. Can he be trusted? Can theWhen Hadrian's owner shows up, Liam is forced to go against orders in order to launch a rescue mission to save him.
The ensuing conflict may be more than any of them expected.

Excerpt:
“Liam, are we going to be all right?” Danverse hadn't stopped fidgeting since he returned to the dock. The air of unease was so out of character for the captain; Liam didn't like it. Danverse not being in charge would upset the sense of order to his universe. Liam sighed. “Yeah. We'll be fine. I'm just a little embarrassed by it all. I wish I could find a better way to bury the past.” “You will. And you let me know if you need help with anything.” Liam snorted. “Pervert.” “Not just that.” Danverse laughed. “I mean with anything you need.” “I know.” It felt like the first time he’d smiled in days. Soon after that the first passenger came aboard. Dr. Davis Cellus was a professor in his fifties who had been on sabbatical and would be heading back to his regular life. He was heavyset, with a thin goatee and shaved head, dressed in comfortable clothing that spoke of a meager wage, but his manner indicated a modest lifestyle. Liam was convinced his accounts were heavier than he let on. They turned the second passenger away. Clearly she had ignored the “No Hetero, No Female” rule. She had to be escorted off by station security when she started arguing. Danverse maintained that Mrs. Claus insisted she would be the only female on the ship. Liam knew better. Danverse hadn’t always placed such restrictions on passengers, but the ship wasn't designed with separate facilities. Privacy wasn't a focus on a military vessel and he didn't want to spend the currency on making the changes. Voyages lasting easily six or more weeks at a time became tedious with complaints from hetero passengers unhappy about walking in on crew members having sex in the shower room or other areas. Danverse had no interest in changing the men's habits. Non-hetero passengers complained less or joined in. Since they didn't have passengers on every trip, removing orientation and gender issues made the whole process a lot easier. The captain liked it that way. Marley Keyes was next. He was a rough-looking man with a medium build heading for a new job opportunity on Alpha Centauri. He seemed uncomfortable and maintained an iron grip on the satchel strapped around his shoulder. Marley claimed to have never been off planet before. Liam was suspicious of the twitchy man, but the background check came up clean, so another passenger joined the ship. The boarding period was almost over before the last person on the manifest appeared. Liam had to remind himself not to stare. It was the hooded man from the café. “I am Hadrian Jamison. I should have a reservation for passage to Alpha Centauri. I hope I am in the right place.” The man’s rich voice bore a subtle accent. Liam checked his list and scanned the man's hand. He seemed hesitant to be registered. Liam gave the data a cursory glance and then turned the pad off. Danverse threw a questioning look in his direction. “I'm Captain Marc Danverse.” He shook Hadrian's hand. “And this is my security chief, Sergeant Liam Jacks.” As Hadrian turned and traded greetings, Liam got his first proper look at the hooded man. Hadrian was above average in size, just a little shorter than Danverse. His hand was veined and strong. He sported wild, long, dark hair and dark facial stubble over an olive complexion, and had the most entrancing eyes Liam had ever looked into. Thick dark eyelashes outlined the white in stark contrast to ice-blue irises ringed in sapphire. It was otherworldly, and he was gorgeous. Liam found a heat rising in his chest as those beautiful eyes looked up at him through the locks of hair falling haphazardly over his face. “Do you have any other belongings to load?” Danverse asked, glancing at where Liam’s and Hadrian’s hands were still touching. “No, thank you. The bag I am carrying is all I need,” Hadrian said, nodding to the pack slung over his shoulder. He hesitantly removed his hand from Liam's. “Then I can show you to your quarters,” Liam offered. With one outstretched hand and the other lightly at Hadrian's back, he directed the last passenger up the steps. He noticed Danverse watching them with a cocked eyebrow as they passed. His mouth was slightly open but he didn't say a word as they stepped on board. What the hell was that odd look about?
 Bio:
Like many gay men, when MANN RAMBLINGS grew up, there weren't any heroes he could relate to. The world held him back while he tried futilely to hide the real person inside. So much has changed since those hollow days. He finally found his voice, the voice that says it’s all right to revel in the so-called inappropriate joys, laughs, and loves that storm inside a man's head. It took a long time to find that courage and now that it's here, he plans to use it well.
While spending years more focused on visual arts, he never let go of his innate passion for storytelling—he wanted to write and draw comic books when he grew up. Once he discovered M/M fiction, a whole new world opened with new possibilities. Why couldn't you have fantastic and dynamic tales with an M/M cast? He started reading the online tales of authors like, Night Tempest, Rob Colton, and Alicia Nordwell, which only fueled within him the need to create. Eventually he found GayAuthors.org, and with a little coercive nudge from Night Tempest, started sharing his tales with an unexpected level of positive response. That experience and support gave him the courage to cross his fingers and aim for the world of M/M publishing.
Born and raised in Michigan, Mann Ramblings continues to type away, wishing it was practical to use a noisy, old fashioned keyboard that clacks with each strike, if only to annoy his loving partner and spoiled miniature dachshund.

MANN RAMBLINGS can be found at:  Email * Facebook * Twitter * Blog* Goodreads


  
And now for the interview!
Question 1: If you were a candy bar what would you taste like?
I hope it would be something really decadent like a rich, dark chocolate bar with a touch of vanilla you couldn't get enough of, but with my luck it would be like eating Skittles. LOL I never had problems getting dates back in the day, so maybe there's something to be said for chocolate.

Question 2: Who would you want to have as a stripper at your birthday party?
Oh, man... There are so many well built guys with ink that appear on Facebook posts (and other sources **cough**) that I'd like to rub up against, I'd never be able to pick just one. Can I get a rugby team or two?

Question 3: Do your characters ever take over your writing and make the story go somewhere you didn't originally have in mind?
I'm pretty good about plotting my stories out in advance. A lot of time is spent planning the hows and whys that get me from point A to point B. While situations and inspirations have come up that made me realize how to improve the story, I've been fortunate enough that my characters developments haven't derailed my plans. So far... **crosses fingers**

Question 4: If you could snap your fingers and have an invention to do anything you want, what would you want it to do?
Subjugate that rugby team into stripping for my birthday...

Question 5: Do you use real actors/people in order to get the perfect look for your characters or stick with your own imagination?

My background is in visual arts, so my imagination seems to take on a life of its own. There aren't many real life actors that fit my character profiles to my satisfaction. Some of my characters are more rugged than the standard Hollywood variety. I know some writer design their characters around a model/actor they find, but I usually have the character in mind first then build their appearance around it. 

New Release by DSPP: The Eye And The Arm by Andrew Q. Gordon

ABOUT THE BOOKTitle: The Eye And The Arm
Series: Champion of the Gods Book 2

BLURB:  After defeating Meglar at Belsport, Farrell returns to Haven to recover from his injuries, but Khron, the god of war, has other ideas. He gives Farrell a new mission: free the survivors of the ancient dwarf realm of Trellham from their three-thousand-year banishment. To fulfill Khron's near impossible task, Farrell will need the help of his distance ancestor, the legendary wizard Kel. But Kel has been dead for a thousand years.
Farrell finds information hinting that Kel is alive, so he moves his search to Dumbarten, Kel's birthplace. To reach Dumbarten unannounced, Farrell and Miceral disguise themselves as mercenaries on board a merchant vessel. Their journey is disrupted when pirates attack their ship. While attempting to subdue the attack, Farrell is struck down by one of Meglar’s minions.
Unconscious and trapped in his own mind, Farrell's only chance for survival rests with Miceral and the peregrine king Rothdin entering his thoughts and helping him sort fact from illusion. To reach Farrell, they will need to rely on an untested spell from one of Kel's spellbooks. If they succeed, Miceral can guide Farrell home safely. If not, Farrell will destroy not only himself, but Miceral, Rothdin, and everyone around him.
DSP Publications
Length: 99,775 words/296 Pages
Release Date: April 14, 2015

Video Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk6OfKOU6nc&feature=youtu.be


 EXCERPT:“Relax, my friend.” Klissmor’s presence calmed Miceral’s growing anxiety. “You won’t feel my presence.”
Miceral took a deep breath. “Will I be able to hear?”
“Every word. Ready?”
“No, but let’s do it.” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
“I need your eyes open for everyone to see.”
He snapped his lids open, blinking several times before could focus again. “Sorry.”
“Master Teberus.” Miceral knew the words came from him, but as promised, he didn’t feel anything. “I have Masters Erstad and Wesfazial as well as Wizard-Priestess Glendora. Ask your questions to Miceral and we four will also hear you.”
“Astounding.” The elder Arlefor glanced at the high priestess. “All four at once?”
“Wizard.” Miceral had heard that tone enough to know Klissmor’s mood. “Maintaining this link, this far away with this many minds, is a strain. If we are to save Farrell, you must focus on him.”
“Of course. My apologies.” Teberus bowed deeply. “My examination of the one who did this to Farrell confirmed that he is no wizard.”
“Then how in the eight gates of Neblor did that man defeat Farrell?” Even though Teberus couldn’t know, Miceral recognized the voice as Wesfazial’s.
“The obvious answer is the correct one. A wizard gave this man the weapon.”
“But Farrell could defeat all four of us and all the other wizards you brought with you and not be tested.” Erstad’s steady temperament sounded tested. “No weapon used by a nonwizard should be capable of this.”
Teberus raised the crest of his hairless eyebrow. “But since that is what happened, we must use it as the basis of our search for a cure.”
No one answered. As the silence dragged on, Miceral’s anxiety slowly returned. If Haven’s senior wizards didn’t know what to do, who could?
“Tell us what happened.” Erstad’s request almost didn’t register with Miceral.
“No,” Klissmor said. “Show them. Let them see the memory.”
Miceral closed his eyes and focused on reliving the attack. The clarity of the image caused his chest to tighten, making it hard to breathe. He knew the result, but watching it again, almost in slow motion, added to his agony.
When the image played over again, he realized Klissmor must have been guiding his thoughts.
“My apologies, old friend—the need is great.” Klissmor’s voice didn’t interrupt the stream of images.
“Do whatever you need. Just find a way to save Farrell.”
“Your friends are doing all they can. Have faith that Lenore will send us what we need.”
When the memory started for the third time, he didn’t find any comfort in Klissmor’s assertion. The Six wouldn’t—couldn’t—help. He needed something that didn’t exist—a great wizard like Heminaltose or Kel.
“In theory, I recognize the magic.”Erstad sounded confused. “But I’ll need to find a reference to be sure.”
“What about Farrell?” He knew he shouted, or at least what Farrell told him passed for shouting, but he couldn’t prevent it. “He could be dead before you find that.”
“It can’t be helped, Miceral. I need to be sure before I suggest a counterspell. If I’m wrong, whatever I try might kill him.”
“He is in no immediate danger.” Teberus put his hand on Farrell’s forehead. “But my fear is the number of spells that draw on him for power. I can only give him but so much. If he doesn’t wake, his body will burn out.”
“Do what you can, Master Teberus. We’ll begin searching immediately and contact you when we find the answer.” When Erstad stopped speaking, Klissmor’s presence left with him.
“Hurry. Please.” Miceral knew no one heard him.

BUY LINKSDSPP Link: http://www.andrewqgordon.com/2015/04/champion-of-the-gods-books-one-and-two-available-now/
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Eye-Champion-Gods-Book-ebook/dp/B00VGZB6SS
Amazon UK Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Eye-Champion-Gods-Book-ebook/dp/B00VGZB6SS
Are Omnilit Link: https://www.omnilit.com/product-theeyeandthearm-1773344-234.html


ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.
He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of eighteen years, their young daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day and not get the shakes.

SOCIAL MEDIA:Website: www.andreqgordon.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon,
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.andr...
On Twitter: @andrewqgordon,
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewQG...
Email: andrewqgordon@gmail.com


GIVEAWAYFIVE Winners will win one e-copy of ANY book* each from DSP Publication’s backlist.
*Giveaway is of any currently released DSPP book, which excludes the books that are on pre-order and “The Eye And The Arm”.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Zombie Boyfriend review - 5 stars

Blurb: Edward Grey is a medical student by day, necromancer by night. He lives alone with the first zombie he ever raised, his childhood cat, Boo. Edward’s life is simple: studying medicine, training his necromantic powers with his mentor, Mariel, and having weekly dinners with his parents. When he finds a very attractive corpse in a park and brings it home to reanimate, he accidentally creates a sassy, free-willed zombie who believes Edward is the one who murdered him.  With no memory of his former life, Edward names the zombie Kit and tries to win his trust. Kit slowly adjusts to his new un-life with Edward’s help, though he’s still suspicious of Edward’s role in his death and is convinced that Edward is hiding his former identity. Edward is very attracted to Kit, but understands why Kit doesn’t trust him. As they become closer to one another, Kit turns to Edward for comfort and love. The fragile trust they’ve built together will be tested when Kit unexpectedly regains his memory and seeks revenge on his murderers.
* * * * 5 stars!Okay, first off, I haven’t read a lot of zombie books, but I hosted this Pride Promotions tour because the cover and the blurb caught my attention. It’s not that I don’t like zombies, lol, it’s just most of them are not exactly what I’d call romantic. Well, this book is different. There *is* a romance, there *is* humor, and there *is* an interesting plot line. And how many times do you feel sorry for the zombie? Usually you’re too grossed out by them to feel anything but just… grossness, lol. But in this book, I did feel for Kit (the zombie).Kit is a murder victim left for dead in a park. You find out the whole story later, which I’m not going into. Edward, a pre-med student who just happens to be a necromancer, finds Kit. *grin* Hey, you gotta have a way to reanimate those dead bodies, and Edward can’t resist the urge to bring Kit back to life.But something happens, and Kit is unlike any zombie Edward has ever seen. Kit can think and talk… he has a personality. *snicker* Oh, does he have a personality. Can you say high-maintenance? This is a zombie who has more personal hygiene products than a fashion model! As the story goes on, you see the wants, needs, and desires Kit has… and OMG, poor Edward is trailing along trying to figure out what the devil he’s created!I’ve mentioned the humor and the creepiness and how well the author combined the two. But there are moments of cuteness in this too. Creepy cuteness, lol, but cuteness none the less. Of course you have your gore. It is a zombie book. I mean, you don’t feed your zombie a cheeseburger… unless you’re prepared for some gross results—a zombie’s dietary requirements are different than humans. Boy, lol, are they different. I really enjoyed this book and the writing style, so much so I’m going to check out the author’s other books.
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Buy link: Torquere

Pride Promotions presents My Zombie Boyfriend by T. Strange and a Giveaway!

Author Name: T. Strange
Book Name: My Zombie Boyfriend
Release Date: April 15, 2015
Blurb: Edward Grey is a medical student by day, necromancer by night. He lives alone with the first zombie he ever raised, his childhood cat, Boo. Edward’s life is simple: studying medicine, training his necromantic powers with his mentor, Mariel, and having weekly dinners with his parents. When he finds a very attractive corpse in a park and brings it home to reanimate, he accidentally creates a sassy, free-willed zombie who believes Edward is the one who murdered him.  With no memory of his former life, Edward names the zombie Kit and tries to win his trust. Kit slowly adjusts to his new un-life with Edward’s help, though he’s still suspicious of Edward’s role in his death and is convinced that Edward is hiding his former identity. Edward is very attracted to Kit, but understands why Kit doesn’t trust him. As they become closer to one another, Kit turns to Edward for comfort and love. The fragile trust they’ve built together will be tested when Kit unexpectedly regains his memory and seeks revenge on his murderers.
Pages or Words: 64,000 words
Categories: Humor, Romance, Horror, Contemporary, M/M Romance, Urban Fantasy, New Adult, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Paranormal
Excerpt:Kit took one look at the concoction and raised his eyebrows in disbelief and disgust. “What is that supposed to be?” “It’s your food. Mmm! Delicious, brains! Zombies love brains!” I could see right away that I had gone too far. “I am not a dog or a child, Edward. And I don’t appreciate your stereotyping.” Oh, great. I had offended a zombie. What a schmuck. “I’m sorry, Kit. Won’t you at least try it?” “Is that a slice of brain?”“…yes. Technically. It’s not human!”“Oh, it’s a brain, but it’s not human. That makes it all better. What’s in the rest of it?”“The rest of the cow?” No, this was not going at all well. I pleaded. I cajoled. I begged. He poured it down the sink.
Sales Links: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.ph... 
About the author: My Zombie Boyfriend is T. Strange’s first full-length novel, though she has published several shorter works with Torquere Press. When not writing, T. enjoys gardening, spending time with her horse, and, of course, reading. T. lives in Canada with her wife, surrounded by pets.
Where to find the author: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tq.strangeFacebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTStran... https://twitter.com/TqStrangePinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tqstrange/Ot... https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... http://tqstrange.tumblr.com/Other: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=464
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: B. S. Clay
Tour Dates & Stops: April 10, 2015
Parker Williams, Bayou Book Junkie, Tara Lain, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Molly Lolly,Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Love Bytes, Charley Descoteaux, Decadent Delights, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Cate Ashwood, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, TTC Books and More, Andrew Q. Gordon, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Wake Up Your Wild Side, 3 Chicks After Dark




Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘My Zombie Boyfriend’ by T. StrangeRafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pride Promotions presents Foolish Encounters: A Rainbow Gold Anthology and a Giveaway!

Author Name: Amy Lane, Angel Martinez, Elin Gregory, Freddy MacKay, JC Wallace, Tali Spencer & Tinnean
 Book Name: Foolish Encounters: A Rainbow Gold Anthology 
Release Date: April 1, 2015
Blurb: An accident, a chance encounter, a thought blurted out, a boat blown off course, a change in direction that suddenly runs into the line of fire – the smallest misstep can change everything. These foolish encounters are the moments around which lives pivot and sometimes spin out of control. Join us for tales of imprudent choices and bad decisions that can lead just as easily to hilarity as they can to tragedy.
 Pages or Words: 426 pages, 92,600 words 
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction (Please remember that not all stories will encompass these categories.)

Excerpt:Well Hello, Eight EyesBy Tali SpencerAn hour later, restless and feeling more than a little bit trapped by the tight dimensions of the single main room, he looked out the windows and saw that the rain was letting up. It was barely a drizzle now. The prospect of fresh air and a look at his surroundings moved him to open the door and step onto the narrow plank porch.
He’d told Cory he would not leave the cabin, true, but the porch was part of the cabin. Right?
He immediately shivered. He’d come ashore without his coat and figured he must have shrugged out of it underwater. That the weather had taken a cold turn, he felt bitterly. Though the gale had subsided, a brisk November wind whipped trees mostly stripped of autumn foliage. The sun dropped beneath the clouds and threw shadows across the porch and past a few low trees as it painted a bright exclamation point upon a choppy, watery horizon.
Lake Michigan. And he was facing west, because that was a sunset.
Unless he’d been magically transported across the thumb of Door County and into Green Bay, he had to be on an island.
He squinted through the trees to each side but couldn’t make out which direction would take him to town. At the edge of a wildflower-filled clearing to the north, he spied movement on a weathered split log fence. Something big and rust-colored scuttled onto one of the posts and stopped there, positioning its hairy body atop a multitude of bristling legs.
Another creature appeared to pursue it, alike with many legs but displaying some kind of bizarre colored shield upon its back. It was dancing on the fence rail, waving two or more legs at the first creature.
Spiders?
Hell no. No way were spiders as big as raccoons.
The first spider crouched. The second one minced closer. A third one jumped up on another part of the fence, also flashing its colored appendage.
Oh. Fuck. They were huge! Tanner stepped back. A board beneath his heel creaked. The spiders froze. All three jumped in place, turning to face him with creepy legs and eyes as big as tennis balls.

Sales Links: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/foolish-encounters-a-rainbow-gold-anthology/#.VRIAAGaGKQk

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-foolishencountersarainbowgoldanthology-1777497-166.html Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VH512E0

About the authors:Amy Lane
Amy Lane has two kids in college and two kids in soccer, and four fur-babies up in her business as she writes. She, her Mate, and her brood live in a crumbling crap mansion and squander their funds on movies, travel, and joy.


Angel Martinez
While Angel Martinez is the erotic fiction pen name of a writer of several genres, she writes both kinds of gay romance – Science Fiction and Fantasy. Currently living part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware, (and full time inside the author's head) Angel has one husband, one son, two cats, a changing variety of other furred and scaled companions, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate. 

Elin Gregory
Elin Gregory lives in South Wales and has been making stuff up since 1958. Writing has always had to take second place to work and family but now the kids are grown up it’s possible she might finish one of the many novels on her hard drive and actually DO something useful with it.

Historical subjects predominate. She has written about ancient Greek sculptors, 18th century seafarers but also about modern men who change shape at will and how echoes of the past can be heard in the present. Heroes tend to be hard as nails but capable of tenderness when circumstances allow.

There are always new works on the go and she is currently editing a novel about spies in the 1920s, finishing one set in 6th century AD England and contemplating one about the Second World War. Any excuse to buy more books!

Freddy MacKay
Freddy grew up in the Midwest, playing sports and running around outside. And honestly, that much has not changed since Freddy was small and throwing worms at other kids, expect worm throwing has been replaced with a healthy geocaching addiction. Freddy enjoys traveling and holds the view a person should continually to learn about new things and people whenever possible.

Freddy's contemporary LGBTQ book, Incubation: Finding Peace 2, won 3rd Place - Best Gay Erotic Fiction in the 2012 Rainbow Awards. In 2013, Freddy's story, Internment, tied for 3rd Place - Best Gay Fantasy in the Rainbow Awards. Freddy's steampunk/SF story, Feel Me, was a Finalist and honorable mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards for SF.

JC Wallace
JC "Jake" Wallace started writing from a young age, but took a break for marriage, kids, and college (in that order). A few years ago, he rediscovered his passion and ventured out into the brave new world of publishing. He now has several novels and short stories published. At night and on the weekends, Jake writes about all things men, believing there is nothing hotter than two men finding and loving one another, whether for a night or forever. An avid reader of M/M romance, Jake loves a good twist of a plot, HEA, HFN, or tragic ending. He also writes what his bestie calls HUNK (Happy Until the Next Kidnapping). In his daytime hours, Jake works with individuals with autism and behavior problems. He is owned by a beautiful partner, three kids, two grandchildren, two dogs and one cat. He lives in the Adirondack Mountains in Northern NY.

Tali Spencer
Tali Spencer fell in love with writing at an early age and never stopped. Thanks to a restless father, she grew up as a bit of a nomad and still loves to travel whenever she can. Her longest stint in one place was Milwaukee where she went to college, enjoyed a series of interesting careers, and raised three surprisingly well-adjusted sons. She later married her true love and put down new roots in Philadelphia, where she lives in an ongoing Italian American family sitcom. At least she’s learned how make good pasta. When not writing, Tali reads everything from sweet goofy romances to medical research, manages her fantasy football team—go Gekkos!—and takes long walks with her loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.

Tinnean
Tinnean has been writing since the 3rd grade, where she was inspired to try her hand at epic poetry. Fortunately, that epic poem didn't survive the passage of time; however, her love of writing not only survived but thrived, and in high school she became a member of the magazine staff, where she contributed a number of stories.

It was with the advent of the family's second computer – the first intimidated everyone – that her writing took off, enhanced in part by fanfiction, but mostly by the wonder that is copy and paste.

While involved in fandom, she was nominated for both Rerun and Light My Fire Awards. Now she concentrates on her original characters, and recent novels have received honorable mention in the 2013 and 2014 Rainbow Awards.

A New Yorker at heart, she resides in SW Florida with her husband and two computers.

Ernest Hemingway's words reflect Tinnean's devotion to her craft: Once writing has become your major vice and greatest pleasure, only death can stop it.
Where to find the authors:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freddy.m.mackay, https://www.facebook.com/amartinez2,  https://www.facebook.com/amy.lane.167, https://www.facebook.com/Tinnean, https://www.facebook.com/jcwallacebooks, https://www.facebook.com/elin.gregory, https://www.facebook.com/tali.spencer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreddyMacKay, https://twitter.com/AngelMartinezrr, https://twitter.com/amymaclane, https://twitter.com/jcwallacebooks, https://twitter.com/ElinGregory, https://twitter.com/tali_spencer, https://twitter.com/tinneantoo
Other: http://www.wildecity.com/Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildecity/Other: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowgoldreviews, https://twitter.com/LGBT_Reviews


Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25105431-foolish-encounters
Publisher: Wilde City Press, LLC
Cover Artist: Adrian Nicholas
Tour Dates & Stops:
8-Apr Angel Martinez Decadent Delights
9-Apr Molly Lolly Carly’s Book Reviews Bayou Book Junkie
10-Apr MM Good Book Reviews Chris McHart Hearts on Fire
11-Apr Rainbow Gold Reviews
13-Apr Divine Magazine Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words Love Bytes Bike Book Reviews
14-Apr Cate Ashwood Prism Book Alliance BFD Book Blog
15-Apr Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance Inked Rainbow Reads Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews Foxylutely Book Reviews

Rafflecopter Prizes:3 eBooks of Foolish Encounters
$10 Gift Certificate
$15 Gift Certificate
An eBook copy of They Come by Night by Tinnean,
An eBook copy of Snow on Spirit Bridge by Freddy MacKay
Choice of eBook from Angel Martinez's backlist
Choice of eBook from Elin's Gregory's backlist
Surprise prize from Tali Spencer
Choice of eBook from JC Wallace's backlistRafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway


And now for the interview! *Grin* Most of you know Tali and I have been good friends for years, lol. I had a blast interviewing her. I was also one of the beta's for the story! These questions are based on her book for the anthology. Enjoy!~M

1. What research did you do for a story about spider shifters?
My knowledge about spiders consisted mostly of childhood adventures with tarantulas (thanks, El Paso) and a powerful respect for garden spiders and their gorgeous, predatory webs. For “Well Hello, Eight Eyes” I wanted more, and when I started looking into the mating habits of spiders I discovered this video of an adorable little jumping spider. He’s tropical and very colorful and I knew I had my spider. Cory is based on this little guy: he’s red-haired, jumpy, and rather endearing (at least to his author).
I also researched jumping spiders native to the upper Great Lakes, Native American mythology about spiders, and just basic spider behavior. Most are very shy, understandably. And though jumping spiders do produce silk, they use it to make tethers, hiding places, and bind their prey rather than to build webs. These spiders also have great big (for their size) eyes—eight of them—and very good, though complex, vision. So I worked with that and gave Cory big pretty bottle-green eyes—but he has to wear glasses as a human because in that form he’s near-sighted.
Female spiders are interesting, too. They’re usually drabber, but also bigger. Many species devour their mates, or any male they can capture, during the mating season. For that reason, the males are more than a bit afraid of them.

2. In the story you mention a November Witch. What’s that?
I grew up in Wisconsin on the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior. The lakes are immense, very deep and cold, and create some fierce weather. In late autumn, low pressure over the lakes pulls down cold Canadian/Arctic air and also warm air up from the Gulf of Mexico. And that’s what creates a November Witch—deluges of rain and strong, hurricane force winds whipping up the water to create large waves. If you’ve ever heard the Gordon Lightfoot song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” you’ve heard about how dangerous these storms are for even very large commercial ships. Small craft don’t go out if they think conditions might deteriorate.
In “Well Hello, Eight Eyes” my protagonist, Tanner, goes out in his small boat despite warnings because he wants to lay a wreath on the lake at the spot of his lover’s death.
I took some liberties by creating an actual Witch, a native entity my islanders once offended and who they still greatly respect. Native American tribes around the Great Lakes believe in a water spirit that has considerable sway and can be malevolent. Myths also include Spider as a nature spirit.


3. Most people think spiders are creepy. Why write about spiders?
Last year for April Fool’s Day, Rainbow Book Reviews held an event wherein authors were asked to contribute their most outrageous prompts. In a Facebook chat with Marc, who was running the event, I mentioned that my most out-there story of all time involved spiders. He was hooked. Because… spiders. He asked me to submit a prompt and I came up with one featuring spiders, but much less perverted than my out-there story.
The event had readers vote for which stories

4. The islanders in the story are spider shifters because of a curse. How did they get cursed in the first place?
Because “Well Hello, Eight Eyes” is a short story, it doesn’t really go into depth about the curse and how it happened. What happened is this: in the late 1600s a group of French trappers set up camp in the area around Green Bay. They learned that one of the tribes was bringing a large shipment of beaver pelts to Montreal to trade. The pelts were worth a fortune. So the greedy trappers, most of whom had taken native women as wives, came up with a plan. A few of them arranged to travel with the tribe’s representatives (and the pelts). What they did instead once out on the lake was kill the natives and steal the pelts.
They hid the pelts on the island. A shaman for the tribe tried to find out what happened to her husband and the other tribesmen. She inquired of Spider, because spiders are clever and have vast webs, but Spider—whose daughter loved one of the trappers—told her it was the Water Witch who had killed the people. When the shaman discovered the truth, she had the trappers and their women taken to the island. There she cursed them into spider form. She could not wholly strip their humanity, though, so they are humans at night. Spider, a trickster spirit, protected her children by weaving magic around the island to conceal it. The Water Witch can carry a grudge, so the island’s inhabitants are really wary about going out on the lake.

5. Do you think you might revisit this story in the future?
I’m tempted. I can see Cory wanting to go with Tanner to the mainland. The logistics of that could be fascinating. How would Cory handle being on the mainland during the day? Going out in public is not an option. Tanner’s family might start to wonder why they never see Cory except after dark. Someone with an active imagination might think Tanner is dating a vampire. And of course I could explore the whole notion of spider silk and bondage. Can Cory in his human form produce silk? Or would he need to do the tying up while in spider form? A man and his spider love interest can have some pretty interesting adventures!

Author BioTali Spencer fell in love with writing at an early age and never stopped. Thanks to a restless father, she grew up as a bit of a nomad and still loves to travel whenever she can. Her longest stint in one place was Milwaukee where she went to college, enjoyed a series of interesting careers, and raised three surprisingly well-adjusted sons. She later married her true love and put down new roots in Philadelphia, where she lives in an ongoing Italian American family sitcom. At least she’s learned how make good pasta. When not writing, Tali reads everything from sweet goofy romances to medical research, manages her fantasy football team—go Gekkos!—and takes long walks with her loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.
Visit Tali’s blog at http://talismania-brilliantdisguise.blogspot.com
E-mail: tali.spencer1@gmail.comGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6454423.Tali_Spencer
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tali.spencer
Twitter: @tali_spencer

To Touch the Sky release - Book #2 in the Leap of Faith series

Hey everyone! My latest novel called To Touch the Sky was released on April 3rd. It’s a paranormal/shifter novel that focuses on a modern man named Simon. He’s a blond-haired, brown-eyed twink with a snarky mouth and a bulldog attitude to match. He might be on the short side, but he doesn’t let that affect his wants and desires.
On the recommendation of a co-worker, Simon visits a bar out in the middle of nowhere. What he finds there changes his life. The sexy Native American owner of the bar pulls at something deep inside Simon. Simon wants Hawk in a way he’s never wanted another man. Too bad Hawk isn’t onboard with the idea. But even as Hawk runs, Simon refuses to give up. There’s just something there. Nevertheless, even a bulldog can take only so much rejection.
Hawk, a Native American shifter, has lived since before the white appeared on the shores of what we now call America. Hawk witnessed a horror, firsthand, that has scarred him for life. He failed once in keeping a loved one safe—how can he ever accept the responsibility of a mate? This once-proud warrior has shut himself off from life. While still struggling with that loss, he’s gifted with a vision of his blond-haired, brown-eyed mate—a mate he refuses to accept.
Now, in present time, Hawk owns a bar, has casual sex, and never, ever dates men that match his vision. His life is how he wants it, even if his friends don’t agree. Little does Hawk know that Wha-tay, the Great Spirit, isn’t happy with the situation, either.
When these two worlds collide, who will be the winner? Can the Native American shifter learn to let the past go and forgive himself? But… can Simon accept there are beings out there that are… less than human?

Blurb: 

Leap of Faith: Book Two

He can run, but he can’t hide…

Centuries ago, Hawk made a terrible mistake which has haunted him since. Fear of responsibility and feelings of unworthiness leads him to denying the mate Wha-tay showed him in a vision. So now Hawk runs his bar, has casual sex, and never, ever dates men with blond hair and brown eyes. But then Simon walks into his bar, and the future he’s feared is about to end up in a brawl if Hawk doesn’t do something—fast.

Simon Carter has a smart mouth and a bulldog temperament. So when Hawk runs, Simon pursues the sexy man, only to be rejected. Just as Simon decides to give up, someone—or something—visits him to change his mind… and scares him to death. Now Simon is backpedaling, and Hawk is in pursuit.

Desperate to reassure Simon and keep him safe, Hawk is forced to reveal his secrets before he’s ready. Can Simon learn to accept things aren’t always as they seem? Is the connection between them strong enough to help Hawk overcome centuries of pain? The only way the two men will move beyond Hawk’s past is for both of them to take a leap of faith.

Pages 210

Cover Artist L.C. Chase

Buy links:
AmazonAReDreamspinner ebook Dreamspinner paperback



Excerpt:
ON A star-filled night, the full moon shone brightly over the untamed land. Predators—nothing but shadows in the dark—moved silently through the forest, hunting for unsuspecting prey. A symphony echoed all around: tree frogs sang, crickets chirped, and a raccoon prowled in search of something to fill his empty belly. A barred owl hooted, and his call reverberated into the night. Bats silently dipped and spun as they hunted for food on the air currents as danger lurked.

A mysterious shadow moved through the forest as it tracked the docile prey not far beyond the safety of the trees. Out on the moon-draped landscape, the plains reached for miles. The buffalo stood silently as the night held the land tight in its grip.

In this wild land, there was only one creature that walked upright, stalking the flat plains and rolling hills on two legs. The Great Spirit, called Wha-tay, had created Mother Earth. Then her children, The People, inhabited the land and settled at The Tree of Life—the soul of Mother Earth.

Wha-tay bound each child born to The People with a spirit. Once bound, they had the ability to use the gifts the spirit had and take the shape of that spirit’s earthly form. Children of Wha-tay lived in harmony with the creatures around them. The land provided what they needed to survive, and they gave thanks for the sacrifices made to support them.

“It’s too bright, Mapiya. Do something.”

“I am, Chetan. But if you rush me, I may accidentally hit you with lightning.”

“You haven’t had an accident with your powers since you were a young child.”

Mapiya just looked at Chetan.

Chetan rolled his eyes. “As usual your humor is as sharp as a dull blade.”

Mapiya cleared her thoughts, letting the words that would bring her powers fill her mind. Closing her eyes, she gave her body over to her totem spirit and called to the Spirits that ruled the air. Taking a deep breath, she began to chant. A cool, gentle breeze wrapped around her body.

The clear nighttime sky slowly filled with rolling clouds that blocked the moonbeams. The silvery light faded as the night darkened. Mapiya’s long hair whipped above her head as the breeze strengthened. Opening milky white eyes, glowing with power, she cast the land into shadows.

“Impressive,” Chetan whispered. “That’s good, Mapiya. The moon’s behind the clouds, and the land is cloaked in darkness.”

Mapiya turned to Chetan, a smirk on her face. “Try not to stumble over your own feet now, warrior.”

“I’m more worried about you hitting me with a bolt of light from the sky.”

“It’s crossed my mind.”

A low growl drew Chetan’s attention to a shadow that parted from the darkness. A sleek black cougar paced forward, nudging its head against Chetan’s deerskin-clad leg. He scratched the cougar behind the ear. “Ready to hunt, are you? The others ready?”

The black cougar, known as Hania in his human form, glanced back to the forest. There in the darkness, Chetan could see the glowing eyes of predators staring at him. Squinting, he saw several of The Children in shifted form. Chetan sniffed the air. Unless he was mistaken, there were golden cougars, wolves, coyotes, and several bobcats.

Along with those were animals that did not roam their land. More than a few big cats they had no name for waited silently too. Their coats were a reddish-orange with dark stripes. This was the largest of the big cats and weighed a vast amount. Other shifters had horselike bodies but were covered in black and white stripes.

Then there were shifters who resembled deer, but they had light brown coats with white underparts with distinctive black stripes on the sides. Their horns were long and pointed, with slight curvature. A few owls perched on branches, waiting for the signal. They would be their warning system. Behind them were more of their tribe in human form, carrying bows and other weapons.

“Mapiya, make sure the breeze doesn’t carry our scent to the buffalo. Keep our smell downwind.”

“This is not my first hunt.”

“Still.” Chetan shrugged as he turned to the group of predators that waited. “Everyone in shifted form, split up and come at the herd from the west and east. Those of us not shifted will get ahead of the herd. As they pass by, we’ll try to take as many as we can once the buffalo have stampeded toward us.”

The black cougar made a huffing noise, and Chetan glanced down at him. “Give us time to get into position, Hania. Remember, only take the weak and the old ones.”

Another warrior in human form, Lootah, shifted his bow higher onto his shoulder. “I’ll leave a little before the women finish skinning to make sure the fires are ready for the celebration.”

“Thank you. That would be helpful.” Chetan nodded. Lootah’s totem was one of those big cats for which they had no name. They assumed the animal existed somewhere in the world.

Chetan stared at a very young brave shifting from foot to foot. “Isi, you’re to stay with me at all times.”

Isi rolled his eyes. “Is that really—”

Chetan held up his hand, halting Isi’s words. “Yes. I promised your mother I’d keep an eye on you.”

Isi’s bottom lip stuck out. “You’re not my father.”

“True, I’m not. But your father’s with the other shifters, so responsibility for your safety passed to me. You’ve never stalked a herd this large, and I don’t want you getting hurt. Give me any problems, and I swear I’ll tie you to the nearest tree. Understand?”

“Yeah.”

Chetan stared at the young warrior.

Isi rolled his eyes but changed his answer to show the respect due. “Yes, Chetan.”

By the Great Spirit, this kid was going to be the death of him. He’d been involved in Isi’s life since the young brave had been born. This was his sister’s only child since Wha-tay hadn’t blessed Isi’s parents with more children. Chetan let his eyes wander over Isi. Isi was a man according to their ways, but he was still so young minded.

Isi didn’t show the maturity seen from the other young warriors, which worried Chetan. Privately he felt the young one was spoiled. But that wasn’t the only thing preying on Chetan’s mind. He glanced at his sister, Alaqa, who waited silently with several other women. She and her mate, Niyol, were among several members thinking about leaving the tribe to explore the wilderness, as were quite a few of the older braves. It was insanity. They wanted to leave the very foundation of their lives. He didn’t understand it.

A breeze caressed his cheek, refocusing his attention, and he gave an unvoiced prayer of thanks for the upcoming bounty. The buffalo provided everything they needed. Without it chance of survival was nil. The buffalo’s hides covered the tepees and made their beds, blankets, and winter coats.

Their drums, which pounded long into the night, also came from the hides. No part was wasted. They dropped red-hot stones into the animals’ stomachs, and those became their soup kettles. Cups came from the buffalo’s horns; the knives were his bones. Bowstrings and thread were made from the sinews. The ribs were fashioned into sleds for the young ones and hoofs became rattles. The buffalo’s mighty skull was their sacred altar.

Chetan took one last glance over the noiseless landscape and nodded. It was time. Softly he spoke, “After the hunt, we’ll give thanks to the mighty buffalo for his sacrifices, and to Wha-tay for her gift of such beasts. May the wind carry your arrow, may your aim be true, and may we all return safely.”

Chetan and the other braves moved like ghosts across the land to the locations they’d picked out several days before. While in his hawk form, he would’ve been useful with his keen eyesight, but his ability with the bow was unmatched. Between the bows and the spears, the males of his tribe were deadly.

He glanced at the sky. Overhead an owl tracked him and the others. Time crawled as all the braves took their positions, and the owl returned to the trees. Long moments passed as he readied himself for what was to come. Suddenly the energy in the air changed, became more electric. The ground rumbled under his feet as panicked buffalo charged across the plains.

Dust filled the air. As he left his hiding place, the strong, musky scent of their prey assaulted his nose. The excited, high-pitched cries of many braves echoed endlessly, causing more confusion among the buffalo. Fear and anticipation heightened his sense of awareness. His blood pumped through his veins in a pounding rush. Oh, how he wished he flew on the air currents so he could watch. What a sight it must be.

He chased the stampeding animals. Everything was working well. The shifted tribe members moved the herd the way they wanted. Chaos ruled the buffalo. Clutching his bow, Chetan took aim at the magnificent beast that charged past him and let his arrow fly. Power raced through his body as his arrow landed true.

The thrill of the hunt washed over him; his heart pounded in his chest. Nothing made him feel more alive short of taking to the skies. Sounds assaulted his ears—the dying shrieks of the animals, the howls of the wolves, the screams of the cougars, and the steady fall of hooves coming close….

Much too close.

“Oh spirits,” Chetan whispered. He’d let his attention drift from his nephew, and now…. His own cries joined the madness as a monstrous bull darted from the stampede and charged Isi.

The maddened animal had several spears embedded in its body. The night was cool, and steam blew from its nose. The rank smell of the animal nearly gagged Chetan. As reality slowed to a crawl, he saw Isi standing still, his hands by his side, staring. Sound distorted and warped as Chetan yelled for Isi to move, draw his bow, do something. His voice was hopelessly lost in the pandemonium raging around him.

Isi stood frozen as the buffalo charged.

Chetan continued to yell as he ran toward the young brave, waving his arms frantically. If he could just get the bull’s attention… if he could just get to Isi’s side before…. He saw a black cougar chasing the buffalo, gaining rapidly. More cat shifters landed on the buffalo’s back and attacked, sinking their great canines into the animal. It still wasn’t enough. The bull was now a short distance from Isi and bearing down, the young warrior in its sights.

Oh, Wha-tay, I’m not going to make it! His legs pumped, his breath wheezed… and it didn’t matter. Oh please, Great Mother, no. Not this young one. Please. It’s my fault. I let myself get distracted. Don’t take him. Take me instead.

The cougar raced beside the buffalo, then darted in close as it latched onto the throat in an effort to suffocate the massive beast. The danger was immense; the buffalo would trample the cougar if given the chance. The bull was too close, and still Isi stood unmoving. Why is he just standing there? There was no way, no way for him to get to Isi in time.
Chetan stumbled to a stop and raised his bow, carefully taking aim. Please, please, let my aim be true. The arrow struck the buffalo dead in the face, but it was too late. It plowed into Isi with its mighty horns. Isi’s body flew high into the air, blood spurting from terrible gouges. A scream filled the air. Was that Isi? Isi’s mother? Or the bull?

“No. No!” Chetan’s own scream joined the ones around him.

Reviews:
To Touch the Sky was reviewed on Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words by Paul with the rating of 4.5 Stars on 4/1/2015. Here's the link: http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords.com/2015/04/01/a-paul-review-to-touch-the-sky-leap-of-faith-2-by-m-a-church/
To Touch the Sky was reviewed on The Blogger Girls by Nikyta and given the rating of 4 Stars on 4/3/2015. Here's the link: http://thebloggergirls.com/2015/04/03/book-review-to-touch-the-sky-by-m-a-church/