M.A. Church's Blog, page 166

Dreamspinner Spins Me A Dream... Wrapped in Leather

Yay! Wrapped in Leather is under contract with Dreamspinner. It's the first in a series of BDSM novels that start with "Wrapped in..."

The release date is Jan/Feb of 2014. It's a contemporary/BDSM novel that ended up in the 68K range. So that means it'll be released in eBook and print formats. In the story a Dom and a untrained sub find that trust, along with their love of leather, is the foundation a relationship is built on.


~ ~ ~

A love for leather and Fate is the tie that binds. High school history teacher, Toshi Baylor, is having the day from hell. He's made reservations for a romantic evening with his lover, Ian, at The Steak House. But Fate can be a tricky lady. A canceled dentist appointment on a Friday afternoon provides Toshi the opportunity to start the weekend off with a bang. Toshi arrives unexpectedly at Ian’s, his boyfriends, apartment. But the ‘bang’ comes in the form of finding Ian cheating on him. Heartbroken and angry, Toshi still keeps his reservation at The Steak House... alone.

Fate isn’t through quite yet. Jase Taylor is alone too. He wants to find Mr. Right, not Mr. Right Now. His auto repair shop keeps him plenty busy. Then there’s the BDSM club he’s a member of, Wrapped Up. Jase is a Dom who has a love of leather, but frankly, even the subs at his club have lost their appeal. Plus, having your own business isn’t all fun and games. He’s had the day from hell. So he feels the need to unwind with a good meal, and he calls in a reservation at The Steak House.


Bring on the weekend. Somehow wires get crossed thanks to similar last names and Jase is left without a reservation. Toshi and Jase end up eating dinner together. And what begins as a meal becomes so much more.



   Excerpt: Toshi pulled in the parking lot and found a place up front. Yanking the collar of his coat up, he hurried to the front door of the restaurant. Being a Friday evening, the place was already packed. Good thing he’d made a reservation. Just as he reached for the door handle, he heard the low, sexy growl of a motorcycle behind him. Damn, what a sound. Stopping to look, he noticed a well-built man on a Harley hunting for a parking place. He had a blacked-out face shield helmet and wore a black leather jacket.Toshi watched as the guy parked and swung a leg off the bike, jeans tightening across what looked like a fine ass. Toshi gulped. Now that was some fantasy material. The guy stood next to the bike—oooh, he was tall too. The helmet, along with the leather jacket, gloves, and boots gave him a mysterious, dangerous look, with a strong side of kinky thrown into the mix. “Damn,” Toshi muttered, his dick twitching with interest. The guy wore leather, one of his favorite things. The stranger removed his helmet and leather gloves. Nice, short dark brown hair and a sexy goatee—Toshi swallowed hard. His dick was doing more than twitching. Gods, everything about this guy screamed smoking hot, kinky sex. The leather alone was enough to rev his imagination. Which was unfortunate, since the man he was drooling over was probably straight. But hey, he could dream. He entered the restaurant before his interest was noticed, just to be safe. Wow, the biker guy really flipped his switches. He was more than a little surprised at how he’d responded—no one had stirred his interest like this since he’d started dating again. Not even Ian had got him this hot. Toshi sidelined his thoughts when he was greeted by the hostess.“Good evening, sir. One for dinner tonight?” Angie, the hostess, flipped her long hair over her shoulder, a smile on her face. “Yeah, I had a reservation under the name Baylor for eight.” A breeze swirled around Toshi as the biker guy walked inside the restaurant.“Great! We’re really slammed tonight. If you’ll follow Dan, he’ll show you to your table.” Toshi heard the hostess Angie start her spiel again. She didn’t get far. “Oh no, oh sir, I’m so sorry! We don’t have a Mr. Taylor listed.” “Look, I spoke to you, remember? I called and made a reservation at eight tonight for one. It was a little loud in there when I called.” Toshi shivered and slowed at the deep voice behind him. That sound reached right down to his balls. “I-I…. I’m so sorry, sir. There seems to be a mix up with the last names of you and the customer who was just here. But, we should have a table coming up in about an hour.” “An hour? You’re kidding, right? You made a mistake, not me, but I have to wait? Jesus, can this day get any worse? Look, I’ll just sit at the bar until something comes available.” “I’m sorry sir, but the bar is full. I’m so sorry for the mix up, but there simply isn’t a table open. And there isn’t any room at the bar right now.” “I want to speak to the manager.”“Sir—” “Now would be good.” Toshi damn near panted at that commanding tone. Without thinking, he turned around and walked back to the scowling man. “Um, sorry, but I couldn’t help overhearing. If you’re okay with it, you can share a table with me. I’m by myself anyway.”

My Sexy Saturday Blog Hop - Shadows in the Night

Happy Saturday and welcome to My Sexy Saturday! For this hop you post 7 paragraphs or 7 sentences or 7 words. It can be from a WIP or something published.
For this week, I thought I’d do something from my latest release Shadows in the Night. It’s a paranormal/shifter novel that focuses on two men raised in different times—Jason, a Native American shifter, and Chip, a modern man with modern ideas.
Time has also brought with it an enemy that harbors a deep-seated hatred for Jason; an enemy who will use whatever means necessary to bring Jason to his knees… including Jason’s own mate.
Enjoy! And don’t forget to visit the rest of Blog Hop!
 


Shadows in the Night - A Leap of Faith Novel
How the hell was he supposed to get this animal out of his house? Especially since it acted as if it wasn’t ready to leave. Not that it mattered; he was not opening the door right now, not with whatever else was out there. Chip rested his hand on his chin. And what was the scent? He had smelled it earlier when the big cat crowded him into the front door. It reminded him of another scent, but his scrambled mind couldn’t place where he’d smelled it.
Maybe in the morning he should take his shotgun and do a little exploring. Then again, he was really more of a city boy. As Chip sat at the kitchen table, his uninvited houseguest curled on the floor, head resting on its paws, eyes closed. Every move Chip made had the cougar’s ears twitching toward him. Nearly half an hour had passed, and Chip’s ass ached from the hard kitchen chair. To add to his discomfort, his stomach was gnawing. After a particularly loud grumble, the animal’s eyes blinked opened, and the big cat stretched its long body. Sharp claws extended from the pads of the cougar’s paws, and then it came to its feet. Chip gulped at the sight.
“Jesus, you need a trim.”
The animal looked at him and yawned, displaying long, deadly canines. Chip swallowed hard again. He had a predator sitting at his feet, eyeing him. What if he wasn’t the only one hungry? Chip gripped the table as the cat stepped closer to him, whiskers twitching. Then the creature turned and padded over to the refrigerator, rubbing against it. Chip shook his head. Talk about your not-so-subtle hints. He slowly stood, waiting to see what the big cat would do. Unconcerned, it moved into the living area and made its way around the room, stopping at each window.
“Damn thing acts like it’s checking the windows and stuff.”
Since the cougar was occupied, he grabbed the prime cut of streak he’d planned to grill for dinner later in the week. Better to sacrifice the steak than have the animal sample his prime cut. With that thought in mind, he decided steak would be the only meat he fixed. No point in tempting Fate. Turning his back, he quickly prepared a bag of prepackaged salad and dumped blue cheese dressing over it. When he turned back, he came face to face with the big cat, who was sitting on the bar.
“Sweet baby Jesus!” Chip yelped.
Buy links:eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3990
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3991
 

Welcome Nick Howard

Like all authors, I look for opportunities to talk about my writing. So foremost, I want to thank Michelle for the chance to post some information on a story I wrote.
No matter where you live, I’m sure you’ve come across some rather interesting laws and regulations. In Alberta we have a law that states “Businesses must provide rails for tying up horses.” The fact that it may be illegal to ride a horse in most cities has not made the law disappear. Some other laws have come about because the authorities have given up trying to control poor behaviour. An example of this was when prohibition ended, many governments set up Liquor Control Boards/Commissions in the belief if they couldn’t stop people from drinking, then at least they could set up rules on how people did so.
I decided to have some fun and make up a few laws in a story called Be Careful What You Wish For. In this medieval/fairy tale story the authorities had given up on trying to stop the nasty habit of kidnapping damsels so they set up rules for the kidnapping and the treatment of the damsels. One of regulations states: “A damsel may be kidnapped and taken against her will under the following conditions. One, the kidnapper is considered a man of honour. Two, the damsel is kidnapped for purposes of romance or lust and not financial gain. And three, the kidnapping must be done at night, and not less than a three-quarter moon.” Of course one law led to another, such as how the damsel may be gagged. Such is bureaucracy, once they have a regulation they just want to add to it. 
The story is published by Samhain Publishing, http://store.samhainpublishing.com/careful-what-wish-p-6220.html and is also available from Amazon, http://www.amazon.ca/Careful-What-You-Wish-ebook/dp/B004EHZQO0.
My website is www.nshoward.com and my blog is www.nseroticwriter.com  
Blurb:
Fairy Godmothers don’t always know what’s best. Or do they?


“If love is pain, I want to be hurt!”

It must have been her distress over being dumped by Sir Justin that made Princess Lilly less than precise expressing her wish to her Fairy Godmother. Otherwise, she would not have ended up the indignant prisoner of Sir Gawain, a vile knight who wouldn’t know how to properly treat a princess if the instructions whacked him upside his armored helm.


She should be angry, but she has no one to blame but herself, and no way out. The Kidnapping of Damsel Laws are very specific—once she is taken, she has no choice but to submit to his seduction. Every kiss, caress…and spanking.


Still, she’s determined not to make it easy for him. If he thinks he will bend her to his delicious…no, barbaric intentions, he has a serious flaw in his logic. Yet as he carefully executes his plan of exquisitely pain-laced pleasure, she finds her body responding quite against her will. And her mind racing with immoral thoughts that threaten her jealously guarded virtue.


Until there is a very small, tiny, remote possibility that Sir Gawain might win her hand…
 
Excerpt:“I’ll undo your ankles so you can walk. If you don’t come along nicely with me I will carry you instead.” Sir Gawain untied her ankles and then checked the ropes around her wrists. “We don’t want you to be able to escape now, do we?”
“Whatever,” she said in an exasperated princess-like tone.
He grinned. “Such an attitude.” He touched the rope around her arms and torso. “This seems to be a little loose.” He undid the knot and pulled the rope and tied it tighter than before.
Lilly made a small princess moan as her breasts slipped past the gown’s neckline.
“You look very fine indeed now, my princess. Come with me.”
Princess Lilly held her head up high and followed the despicable Sir Gawain. She knew she couldn’t escape him by running and hated the undignified thought of being carried.
She crossed the grounds and stepped inside his castle. Several servants bowed and curtsied as they went by. Lilly knew her breasts and erect nipples were exposed for all to see but being a princess she carried herself as if she was properly dressed, tied ropes not withstanding.
“Are you worried what is going to happen to you?”
“No. I cannot control what you will do with me. I hope you will feel bound by the laws you used to kidnap me and not try to impregnate me and will release me in one week.”
“Of course I will abide by those conditions. Up the stairs please.”
Lilly looked around. The small castle was well appointed with rich furnishings and decor. The thick carpet felt soft under her tender princess feet. “Well at least your castle has some pretence of civilization, unlike you.”
“Insulting me before your spanking, Princess? A bit risky I would say.”
“I am prepared for what you may do to me. I will accept your spanking as you have that right under the law. I am a kidnapped damsel and will obey the laws as I live under our laws fully. Perhaps you may have had the opportunity to have someone read them to you.”
Sir Gawain laughed. “Excellent, my princess, you do have fight in you. Your room is just to our right.”
Lilly entered the room and looked around. The bedroom had a four-poster bed in the middle with a table along one wall. She saw the silvery moon shine through the open window and then turned her attention to the far wall where an open door led to a washroom. Lilly looked inside and saw it contained a large soaking tub along with a table full of small vessels. She peered at them and concluded they contained the usual oils and soaps she had in her own bathroom. Lilly turned around and looked back along one wall where ropes, metal cuffs, chains and whips hung. Next to them was a wardrobe and she opened the doors, revealing various garments.
“They are for you to wear. I believe they will all show off your beauty and make you feel more comfortable.” He pointed to a braided rope hanging next to the head of the bed. “If you require anything, simply pull the cord and servants will come immediately.”
“Anything but my freedom, I presume.”
He smiled. “I will untie you now and then later I will give you your first spanking.”
“My first? You plan to spank me on a regular basis?”
He began to untie her ropes. “Don’t you agree as a kidnapped damsel you will need more than one discipline? I am sure you do not plan to give in easily.”
“I won’t be giving in at all. I can quite assure you.”
“If you are worth kidnapping then surely you must agree I need to do whatever is at my disposal to convince you, pleasant and otherwise.”
She sighed as she rubbed her arms and wrists. “I see your point there.”

Welcome Tim Smith

Romancing the Words 
By Tim Smith
 
I have an ongoing argument with a writer friend over the use of language in erotic romance. We’re both male authors of contemporary straight romance but we approach the job differently. I like to treat my readers to steamy sensuality and extensive foreplay; he prefers to throw in every four-letter word he can think of and get it over with in one or two paragraphs.
 
There are a few words I don’t like to use when writing sex scenes. One is the “F” bomb because I think some writers overuse it for shock value and it doesn’t really add anything to a realistic romantic encounter. I say that because not many women have used that word with me during sex unless it was followed by “off” or “you.” Another is a term used to describe part of the female anatomy (begins with “c,” rhymes with “hunt”) because I’ve heard from readers who said it offended them. I conducted a survey on a few chat boards to see how people felt about this, and the results indicated that a majority of women find it offensive. I’m in this game to win readers, not lose them.
 
Here’s where it gets tricky – how do I depict a hot sexual encounter without wallowing in the gutter or resorting to purple prose? It forces me to be ultra creative, coming up with euphemisms that make my point without being crude. This is an example from my bestselling interracial romantic thriller Memories Die Last: 
 
Nick stood and approached Felicia. He pulled her close and ravenously kissed her, his tongue challenging hers to a passionate duel. She rubbed his shoulders and back then moved down to slip her hands under the elastic waist of his shorts, kneading his butt. Nick moved his hands to caress her firm breasts then ran his palms along her torso. Her perfume and natural scent acted like an instant aphrodisiac, turning him into an animal. Felicia put her arms around his shoulders, hoisted herself up and wrapped her long legs around his waist, bringing her groin in contact with the bulge forming in his shorts. Nick kissed her more deeply, probing her mouth while she did the same to him. He moved his hands down to her firm ass and rocked against her, getting harder the longer they dry humped.
 
Nick carried Felicia into the bedroom and gently deposited her on the bed. He slipped off his shorts and lied next to her to resume his kissing and fondling. Felicia placed both hands on either side of his face, pulled his lips to hers and rammed her tongue into his mouth. Nick’s hand went to her breast to pinch and tweak her nipple until it was as firm as a gumdrop. Felicia moved one of her hands to his groin, grabbed him then squeezed and stroked him into complete hardness. Nick’s hand snaked along her belly to her crotch. He slid his fingers along her lips, making her wetter then slipped two of them inside her. Felicia’s breathing rate picked up the longer he played with her and she stroked him faster.
 
Nick slithered along her body and planted his face between her legs. He hungrily devoured her, savoring her taste. Felicia pressed her groin against his active tongue and lips, moaning her approval at what he was doing to her. Nick massaged her with his tongue and lips until Felicia gave out a loud moan and climaxed. He continued licking her after she came, enjoying her musky taste.  
 
Nick got on his knees and assumed his position between her legs. She pulled her legs up toward her torso, grabbed his erection and forcefully guided him in. He made a long slow thrust until his entire length was imbedded inside her. Felicia closed her eyes and gasped while Nick thrust his hips.
 
“You fill me up,” she breathlessly murmured then began rocking against him.
 
                                                                        * * * *
 
Another book I wrote a few years ago, Anywhere the Heart Goes, presented a different scenario. I was looking for a unique angle so I made the heroine a well-schooled pupil of the Kama Sutra. This created a wealth of possibilities. Here’s one of the scenes between the leads, Rachel and Sam:
 
Rachel disappeared into the bedroom while Sam selected some CDs, settling on Tony Bennett, Errol Garner and Dean Martin.  He returned to the dining room, took off his blazer and draped it over the back of a chair, wondering what Rachel was preparing. His stomach fluttered slightly in anticipation.  He took another sip of wine as Rachel sauntered down the hallway toward him, having changed into a short red satin robe that came to the top of her thighs.  She locked her eyes onto his, giving him a smoldering gaze and a look that broadcast the words “I want you.”
 
She held out her hand. “Come with me,” she softly commanded.
 
Sam took her hand and followed her to the bedroom, which was lit by three strategically-placed candles, all emitting the scent of mandarin.  The bed had been turned down, revealing white satin sheets.  Rachel took hold of Sam’s shirt, pulling it from his waist.  He slid it over his head while she unbuckled his belt, followed by his pants.  Sam kicked off his shoes, stepped out of his pants and briefs and dropped his shirt on the floor.  Rachel untied the sash to her robe, letting it flow open and stepped closer. She pulled his face down toward hers to kiss him, moving in so close that her breasts made full contact with his chest.  Sam felt himself involuntarily respond, his hardness rubbing against Rachel’s pubic area. Rachel pressed her mouth against his like his tongue was the vermouth to complement her gin.  
 
He placed his hands under the robe, running them along her smooth back.  Rachel put her hands on his upper arms and gently pushed them down so that his hands rested on her butt while she continued kissing him. Sam fondled her firmness, enjoying the feeling. She moved her hips against his, alternately making contact with his hard-on while grinding her ass into his hands. He let Rachel take charge, getting more into her slow seduction.  After several minutes, she pulled away, took his hand and led him to the bed, where he stretched out waiting for Rachel to join him. 
 
She stood next to the bed, the flickering candlelight highlighting her features as she maintained steady eye contact. Her hazel eyes were still glowing softly while a trace of a smile stayed on her lips. Rachel shrugged off her robe, letting it fall to the floor, and then she picked up a bottle of massage oil from the nightstand, pouring a small amount into her palm. She leaned over and began massaging Sam’s shoulders, rubbing the oil on him in a circular motion. He inhaled the fragrance but didn’t recognize it.  “What is that?” he softly inquired. “Patchouli,” Rachel replied while kneading his upper arms. “It increases arousal.”
 
Sam closed his eyes as his breathing shifted into a relaxing steady cadence, enjoying her touch. Rachel applied a little more oil to her palm before moving to his pecs, steadily moving her hands down his torso, relaxation overtaking his body like the soothing waters of a Jacuzzi.  Sam felt himself responding, even though Rachel didn’t touch his groin. She kneaded his thigh muscles, and his legs went limp. After a few minutes, she stopped her massage, knelt on the bed beside Sam and lowered her head over his chest. Rachel let her long hair barely touch his chest and stomach, then rhythmically moved her head from side to side, slowly, her hair tickling his skin as she moved downward along his body.  Sam felt a sense of anticipation building within. The fragrances of the candle and oil combined with Rachel’s sensual touching techniques hit him like a freight train, derailing all control.  He gasped as he felt Rachel’s mouth envelop him, not taking him completely in but concentrating her lips on the tip, working him as though she were sucking the juice from a piece of fruit.  The longer she continued, the harder Sam’s pulse beat. His level of arousal increased with each move of her lips, long-dormant senses being awakened.
 
“You’re making me crazy,” he softly moaned.
 
Rachel chuckled wickedly. “That’s the idea -  make you crazy so it’s the best ever.”
 
“It’s working.”
 
                                                                        * * * *
 
I’m put off by the opinion some people offer that erotic romance or erotica is merely “porn with a plot.” There’s a lot more to it than that and if it’s done correctly, it shows the most natural evolution in a relationship between two people. I don’t really care for gratuitous sex scenes when I read a book, though. That makes me think the author ran out of ideas and said “I don’t know what to have these people do next, so let’s throw in some hot sex!”
 
And that’s porn with a plot.
 
 
Author bio:
 
Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author whose books range from romantic intrigue to contemporary erotic romance. He is also a freelance photographer. When he isn’t pursuing those two passions he can often be found in The Florida Keys, doing research in between parasailing and seeking out the perfect Mojito. More information about his work can be found at his website, www.timsmithauthor.com. His books are available for purchase at www.extasybooks.comand www.amazon.com.

Winner of the Renee Stevens giveaway!

 And the winner is...  Sin Chan! I've sent Renee your email addy. :) Congrats! Hope you enjoy the book, it looks like a good one. ~M

Wednesday Briefs

Sorry I missed last Wednesday, guys. The Kiddo moved into her dorm last Wednesday. After we all returned home, she got a call saying she'd been upgraded into a better dorm. Which was great, but we ended up moving her again Thursday. I was ready to just fall down and die, lol. The new dorm was on the 2nd floor.

And... as some of you know, she's lost a friend every year since ninth grade. Well, Friday night another guy she knew commited suicide. His girlfriend is Kiddo's best friend. There was no warning, nothing, that there was anything wrong in the boys life. We still have no idea why. Needless to say, things have been just nuts around here. The funeral was yesterday.

Monday she took a test to qualify for her major. If she hadn't passed, it would've put her a year behind in getting her music teaching degree. She passed, by the way. :)

~M


Welcome to the Wednesday Briefers flash group. The short stories have a maximum of a 1000 word count plus links at the bottom to the other flashers. The prompts for this week are: "Are you hung enough?" or "crazy in love" or use a pickle or have a character dye his or her hair or "I'll roast you over an open flame if you..."or make a Queen reference or use a lap dance or "desperately seeking... " or use: parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme or use: "Two's company, but three's..."
~ ~ ~ ~
~Nighttime Promises is the 3rd book in the Nighttime series, which is published by Romance First. I'm using the prompts to help me get going on this book. Yes, this is a tentacle story lol.
Fair warning! I'm going to pull this about 3/4th of the way through, expand it, and send it off. Most of the story will be shown on here though. I'm giving this warning so no one will be caught off guard when I pull the story.
 
Nighttime Promises #7
Daroshi waited until Bryan was in the shower before he answered the persistent buzzing. His hand passed over a blank screen and entered the code to unlock the door to Medical. With a swish, the door retracted.
Daroshi raised one scaly eyebrow. “Well, Bryan did insist I not kill whoever was out here without good reason. You being the commander’s mate would be a good reason not to, I think.”
Shawn shook his head. “I’d like to state for the record that you guys have a weird sense of humor. Is Bryan up and around yet? And may I see him?”
Daroshi blocked the door with his body. Shawn was no threat. He knew Shawn was no threat, but he couldn’t make himself move out of the way. He wanted Bryan all to himself, with no outside interference… and that wasn’t likely to happen. And it shouldn’t. He couldn’t isolate Bryan. That would create a whole new set of problems. He knew that, but he still just wanted to be left alone.
“Please, Daroshi? I know you want to wrap him up and protect him, but he doesn’t need to be isolated from the few of us that are his same species. And you know I’m his friend. This is… hard for us—space travel, aliens, new worlds… mates with tentacles.”
Oh stars, he’s right. Why didn’t I think of that? Bryan probably feels… He’s probably afraid, and I didn’t stop to think all this might be overwhelming. And here I am blocking Shawn… making him practically beg to see his friend. Gods, Ziang would gut me for that alone.
Daroshi bowed his head slightly in deference to Shawn’s position as Ziang’s mate. “Please enter, Shawn. Bryan is taking a shower and should be out shortly.”
Shawn patted Daroshi on the arm as he passed. “Thanks. I know that wasn’t easy for you. Your kind is so protective of your mates, and I get that. I had to get really creative when asking Ziang to let me come here.”
Daroshi’s lip twitched. He was quickly learning their mates had the ability to wrap them around their little fingers. Shawn was very good at getting what he wanted; Daroshi had seen that firsthand. At the same time, he didn’t think Bryan would try to manipulate him in quite the same way. No, Bryan would tell him what he wanted… clearly and simply. Then glare at him until he got it.
Daroshi followed Shawn toward the back, where Bryan’s medibed was located. “I’m sure he enjoyed every minute of it, too. You did have an escort, right?”
Shawn stopped by the medibed, a slightly amused expression on his face. “Oh yes. Blayno was with me. I guess you didn’t see him.”
No, he hadn’t seen Blayno, and that was a lapse of judgment that could get him killed or endanger Bryan. He had to get his act together, as Bryan would say. “I, ah… I believe I hear the sonic shower shutting off. Bryan should be out in a moment. Would you like a refreshment?”
“No thanks, I’m not—”
“Hey Daroshi? Did I leave those clothes… Oh hey, Shawn. How’s it going, man?”
Daroshi suppressed the growl that threatened to tear its way out of his chest. Bryan was dressed in a drab brown towel which was secured at his waist. He didn’t have another stitch of clothing on, yet he stood there in front of Shawn as if it was the most natural thing in the universe. Daroshi stared at the well-developed chest covered with a slight dusting of hair. Same thing with Bryan’s legs… those muscular legs and bare feet. His mate was one sexy human, and he wanted to throw him down on the medibed and… 
Bryan glanced at Shawn then at Daroshi. “Hey, big guy, what’s with the sound effects?”
Shawn snorted. “Oh jeez. He doesn’t like that you’re standing there practically naked in front of me. They get a little twitchy about stuff like that. Maybe I should come back later. Two’s company, but three’s a crowd and all that jazz.”
“Chill out, Daroshi. It’s not cool growling at my buddy. I’ll grab the clothes—that them on the bed? And I’ll get dressed in the other room. Problem solved.” Daroshi rolled his eyes at Shawn as he picked up the clothes and left the room.
As soon as Bryan left, Daroshi realized what he’d done. Paling slightly, he faced Shawn. “I apologize, Shawn. I meant no insult.”
Shawn raised his hand. “I understand and I get it, okay. Bryan doesn’t yet. He doesn’t realize just how possessive your kind is. He didn’t mean anything by coming out here in a towel.”
Daroshi scrubbed his hands over his face. “This… feeling he stirs in me is something I’m not… used to.”
“Like I said, I get it. Talk to Ziang, Daroshi. I’d imagine he’s experiencing some of those same… feelings. And keep in mind this isn’t easy on any of us.”
Daroshi pursed his lips. “I will, just as soon as we get done with the Council and we get the both of you settled. Going by Bryan’s earlier reaction, I’m going to have a lot of… redecorating... to do.”
“Um, yeah. You can bet on it.” Bryan joined Daroshi. “So, how do I look? Will I pass?”
Daroshi swallowed. All he wanted to do was strip Bryan out of those clothes again. “You will more than pass.”
Bryan grinned. “A man of few words.” Then he turned to Shawn. “So, what brings you here?”
“We’re approaching their planet. Ziang is busy being the captain, so I thought I’d hang out here until Ziang’s free from taking this big ass ship into port. I’m not supposed to be on the Bridge.”
Daroshi nodded. “That’s true. Well then, let’s open one of the port windows so you two can see.” 
TBCDon’t forget to visit the other briefers!
Lily Sawyer
Cia Nordwell
Nephylim
J.A. Harmon
Andrew Gordon
Victoria Adams
Tali Spencer
Michael Mandrake
Julie Lynn Hayes

August Alfresco Event!

August Alfresco  Comment on this post to be in to win one of these fabulous prizes:
~A Kindle and £50 worth of Total-E-Bound ebooks.
~or £50 worth of Xcite ebooks 

Welcome to the hot and sultry month of August. Temperatures rise here in the southern United States as we start the August Alfresco event! And with the hike in temperatures comes a yearning for the weekend.
What are the three words that can get the heart thumping, send blood pressure though the roof, and make the very breath in your chest freeze? That can make a grown person yell with unabashed joy, have their hands shake with excitement, and bring tears to their eyes in relief? What are three little words that are worth their weight in gold?
That’s right… a long weekend.
Those three little words are some of the most important in our vocabulary, aren’t they? I no longer work, but when I did… I lived for three-day weekends. Yes, yes, I had summers off because I taught, but those weekends made the other ten months somewhat bearable.
This story is about life getting in the way of a relationship and two men who refuse to continue to let that happen. It’s about reconnecting and the joy of finding themselves once again and meeting their needs. And yes, there is humor, lol.
Sometimes, a three-day weekend can be a life savior, lol. 
The Yellow Rope
 
http://www.extasybooks.com/the-yellow-rope/ 
Blurb:A cranky submissive...Luke Walker is tired. He spends long hours between his job as a teacher assistant at an elementary school and helping out his family at their restaurant. Coupled with the fact that his degree is going to waste, he’s discouraged and fatigued by too much work and endless southern heat, and not enough time spent with his live-in partner.An understanding Dom...Gage Holt has been on both sides of the fence. He believes that in order to be a good Dom, one has to understand being a sub. Unfortunately, he’s had some bad experiences in pursuit of that knowledge, and suffered a great deal. But that’s in the past now.A long weekend...Three little days... Gage is determined to see that his man gets what he needs in every way he can give it to him. Anything to remove the dark circles from beneath his beautiful eyes. For the next seventy-two hours, he’s going to pamper his boy—in his way. He’ll fight a bull that hates him, battle with a crusty old woman at a gift shop who snubs him, and deal with the never-ending lack of money just to bring the shine back to Luke’s eyes. Luke willrelax and have some fun, even if Gage has to tie him to whatever flat surface happens to be handy. 
Excerpt:Forty-five minutes later, they were at the pond, a blanket spread out and the cooler set in the shade. They borrowed a couple of lawn chairs and some poles from Luke’s parents. They were all set. Luke cast his line, then sat, a happy sigh releasing from his lips. He had a pole in one hand, a cold drink in the other, and his partner nearby. “This is heaven.” “Happy, babe?” “Man, yeah. It just doesn’t get any better, Gage. I’m glad you thought of this.” “Well, you deserved it after all that’s been going on.” Gage ruffled Luke’s hair as he pulled up a lawn chair. “I have to say, I haven’t seen you this relaxed in a while.” “You’ve made sure of it. And you’re right, I needed this, and you, very badly. I feel great now.” Luke kicked back in the chair. “And I have to say—shit, I got a nibble! Yeah, yeah, I got…whoa!” Luke jumped up from his chair. He’d fixed his pole for catfish and, from the feel of it, he had a good-sized one. He jerked the pole up, setting the hook. And the fight was on. “It’s gotta be huge, Gage! Damn,” Luke fought the fish, trying to reel it in. “It’s trying to pull me in!” “Don’t let it get away.” Gage sat in his chair, watching Luke fight the fish. “Get away? Damn thing may be hauling mein. I may end up on some cave wall as a drawing done by this thing!” Gage laughed as Luke finally dragged the thing up on the bank. “Nice size, even if it is a little on the small side.” “Ha! Says the man who has caught nothing. Okay, admire my catch, then I’m going to release it.” Gage waited until Luke released the fish, then stood. Smirking, he walked over to where Luke was wiping his hands, grabbed Luke by the collar of his shirt, turned, and walked to the blanket, dragging Luke behind him. “Hey, look, I’ve caught something!” “What are you doing?” Luke, laughing, followed along. “About to admire my catch.” Gage tugged Luke down onto the blanket. “What?” “Strip.” Gage’s eyes burned with a hot, sexy look. “Gage…Okay, okay, stripping!” Luke peeled off his clothes quickly. The warm air brushed against his body, making him shiver in the heat. His length stood straight up, begging for attention. “Hands and knees. Ass in the air.” Which Luke knew, translated, meant he was about to be fucked hard and fast. Turning his head, he watched Gage unearth some lube from the cooler. Damn, that shit was gonna be cold. He braced as Gage stripped and settled behind him. Fingers covered in—sure enough—cold lube teased his hole. One finger worked its way in and curled, looking for his hot spot. “Gonna be fast,” Gage panted. “Yeah,” Luke moaned as Gage nailed his prostate. He hissed, feeling the cold from the lube. “Jesus, right there!” Another finger slipped in, and the two digits worked to stretch him. Gage slapped his ass, earning another moan from Luke as cool fingers wrapped around his prick, stroking fast. The sun beat down on their naked bodies, sweat covering them both as Gage worked another finger inside.   Chapter Seven The guardian muscle loosened, and Gage all but growled as he released Luke’s cock so he could slick himself up. Luke would come, but only by Gage fucking him. He was determined Luke would scream for him. He wanted to hear the echo around them as he pleasured his lover. Holding Luke’s hips, he positioned himself. “Ready?” “Fuck yes!” Gage slammed home, burying himself to the hilt as Luke arched his back. A startled yelp had him waiting, the need to move biting him hard. Panting, swearing up a storm, Luke hissed for him to get to it. With a choked laugh, he did as he ordered. Hips pistoning, he rode Luke hard, giving his lover all he had. Sweat dripped in his eyes as Luke’s channel squeezed his prick. Luke pushed back, slamming against Gage as hard as he could. There was nothing sweet about this. Finally, with a sharp scream, Luke came. Come spewed out in front of him as Gage continued to stroke, teeth gritted. “Come in me, Gage. Give it to me…” Luke struggled to stay up as Gage pounded his ass. “Love ya, babe.” Gage threw his head back, Luke’s words triggering his orgasm. With a scream of his own, he filled Luke as white lights blinked at him, his head swimming. With a gasp, he fell against Luke and both of them sank to the blanket. Gasping, Luke giggled under Gage. “How the hell do you have enough energy to laugh? And what are you laughing at?” “If I get that kind of reaction from catching one fish…well, then, I’ll have to see how many I can come up with today.” Gage slipped out and he rolled over. “We’re gonna kill each other.” “Yup.” Luke sighed happily. “Can’t wait.” “You’re crazy, and I love you, too.” Luke cleaned up while Gage lay on the blanket, watching. “Man.” “What?” Luke threw the wet wipes he’d used in a trash bag. “You could’ve pulled out, you know.” “Yeah, could’ve.” Gage raised an eyebrow as he reached for his drink. “Honestly, didn’t think of it.” “Next time…try. Try real hard.” Gage laughed. “Sorry, babe. I don’t know what you’re worried about, though, it’s not like anyone is gonna see you.” Luke’s mouth fell open. “But—but, you won’t be the one with a wet spot on his ass!” Gage choked as he swallowed the wrong way. Coughing and spluttering, he reached for a napkin. “Jesus, give a guy some warning next time.” Luke grinned as he slipped on his jeans and shoes. “Serves you right. And you might want to get dressed. I see some cows making their way over here.” Gage jumped up. “Shit. Thought they were in the other pasture. Where the hell did I throw my jeans? Shit.” Luke didn’t answer as Gage fumbled around behind him. “Ah, Gage?” “What? You find my jeans? Found my underwear and tennis shoes.” Gage slipped his tighty whites on. “Dammit to hell, stupid jeans didn’t just walk off.” “Ah, Gage…” “And where the hell is my shirt? Did you eat the damn thing, or what?” Gage hopped around on one foot while putting his tennis shoe on. “If I were you, I’d be more worried about getting my shoes on. And I mean like now, love.” Luke was throwing food in the hamper as fast as he could. “What’s your problem?” “Dammit Man is with them. Seriously, get a move on, dude.”  Gage, in briefs and tennis shoes, stood frozen. “Do you mean to tell me that insane bull is coming this way? Shit a brick, Luke!” “Put the truck between us and him…now, Gage!” Luke grabbed Gage by the arm and pulled him towards the truck.  “That fucker hates me!” Gage, half-naked, stumbled along behind Luke. “He never goes after you.” “Oh, believe me, I’m totally aware of that fact.” Luke rolled his eyes. Muttering, he hurried Gage along. “Probably because you’re as bull-headed and dominant as he is.” “Christ, I’m not even dressed.” Gage snarled, infuriated. The damn bull had literately caught him with his pants down. “And I heard that, you little imp.” “Yeah, yeah, yeah—whatever. You can take it out on my ass when we get home. Just be glad your underwear isn’t red.”  Author bio:
M.A. Church lives in the southern United States and spent many years in the elementary education sector. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two children. Her hobbies are gardening, walking, attending flea markets, watching professional football, racing, and spending time with her family on the lake.
But her most beloved hobby is reading. From an early age, she can remember hunting for books at the library. Later nonhuman and science fiction genres captured her attention and drew her into the worlds the authors had created. But always at the back of her mind was the thought that one day, when the kids were older and she had more time, she would write a book.
By sheer chance she stumbled across a gay male romance story on the web and was hooked. A new world opened up and she fell in love. Thus the journey started. When not writing or researching, she enjoys reading the latest erotic and mainstream romance novels.
 
My links:
Twitter @nomoretears00
Facebook: M.A. Church http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Chur...
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5141393.M_A_Church * * * * 
And be sure to check out all the August Alfresco posts at http://smutalfresco.co.ukand comment on each one to have more chances to win.
 
Want More Information? How to Join In:
Visit the smutalfresco.co.uk site every day of the competition and open that days envelope.Leave a comment on the days blog to get another entry into the August Alfresco Prize Draw.One Entry Per Person Per Blog each day. You can get a maximum of 28 entries per person in total for the Draw.
Terms & Conditions:
August Alfresco runs from 1st Aug - 29th Aug.The Winner will be drawn at Midnight GMT on the 31st Aug 2013.The Winner will be announced on the Smutters.co.uk Blog and Smutters Facebook Page .The competition is open to everyone over the age of 18.The prize is non-transferable, non refundable and cannot be exchanged for any cash/prize alternatives.

Welcome Renee Stevens and a Giveaway!

Hey guys! Come on in, find a seat, and grab a neat looking drink lol. Today Renee is visiting me. I met her a while back through Cia when I was still writing on Lit. Later on in the post she'll tell you how to enter her giveaway. :) 
 One of the things I get asked quite often is how I feel about feedback.  Personally, I love getting asked this question and I know that different authors look at this different ways.  Personally, I love to hear exactly what my readers think, both the good and the bad.  The only thing I ask is that if a reader is going to criticize my writing, that they make that criticism constructive. 


I fully understand that not everyone is going to enjoy my work.  Perhaps my writing style just isn’t a reader’s cup of tea and that’s fine, but if there was something specific that my readers didn’t like, I’d love to know.  Perhaps they didn’t think my characters were believable.  Rather than just tell me that they weren’t believable, I’d love to know why.  What about them made it difficult to connect with?  Perhaps the reader felt the plot needed some work?  What could have been improved in their opinion?  Did they feel parts were too hurried?  Were there parts that dragged on for too long?  What, in the readers opinion, could have been done to improve the overall story? These are things that can help me improve in either future stories or if I decide to go back and revise the story that is being discussed.  While I may not always agree, these are things that can help me ultimately improve.
Expanding on a While “I loved this” reviews are great to get, they really don’t tell me what I’m doing right just as “This story sucked” reviews don’t tell me what I’m doing wrong and what I need to improve on.  As an author, I am always trying to learn and grow.  I strive to improve with each story that I release to my readers and the only way I can do that is to know what I am doing that works and what I am doing that doesn’t. 
With that being said, I invite all of my readers, whether they are reading a published book or a free online story to contact me.  Sometimes it may take time for me to reply, but I always reply to my readers.  If you have something you feel I should know regarding my stories, drop me a line, I’m more than happy to hear from you and there are multiple ways to get in touch with me!   
Blog: http://reneestevens.blogspot.com/
GayAuthors: Renee Stevens
Twitter: @Renee_Stevens
Facebook: Renee Stevens




Now for the giveaway!  Leave a comment on this blog, and your email, to enter for a chance to win a copy of my eBook!  Comments can be left through Monday, August 19th, and the winner will be announced on Wednesday in the Wednesday Briefs post.  All commenters will also be entered for a chance to win either a $10 Amazon gift card or a $10 Gay Authors Gift Voucher to be given away at the end of the month on my own blog, Nature of the Heart!    

Blurb:
Cyan waited years to discover what dragon spirit the fates gifted him with. He anticipated his first flight, his parents at his side, as he launched himself into the sky for the first time. Best of all, one day he'd find his mate and spend the rest of his life with someone by his side. Unfortunately for him, things didn't go exactly as he'd always planned.
 
Excerpt:
Cyan gracefully turned to study the world below him. He was lost in the beauty of his clan's land when he caught the sound of wings close by. Before he could turn, something large slammed into him from behind spinning him out of position. As he fought to regain control of the air current he caught a blur of movement out of the corner of his eye as another dragon slammed into him from the side. He roared in pain and anger as the two dragons attacked him. He turned to defend himself just in time to dodge the second attack from the Red he had been watching earlier.
Cyan hovered in the sky as the two dragons kept coming at him, trying to slice open his underbelly with their sharp curved claws.  He knew he couldn’t fight them both; he was already getting tired just dodging their attacks.  He flipped around so that he was facing the ground and tucked his wings close to his body, diving towards the earth far below.  He could hear them following and barely managed to keep a few lengths ahead as they freefell towards the tree covered hills.  Fear urged him on and he could feel his dragon’s desire to face the fight but he ignored it.  He wouldn’t let the stories about him become true, no matter what the cost was to himself. 
He waited until he was in danger of crashing into the treetops before he opened his wings and curved his body, sending him gliding across the top of the canopy before rising back into the sky.  Cyan heard the crash and the sounds of branches snapping and looked behind him, unable to pull his gaze away from the scene unfolding below.  The Red hadn’t managed to pull up in time and had slammed through the leaves and branches to land in a heap on the forest floor.
He craned his neck trying to see the other dragon, but it was nowhere in sight.  He halted his ascent and turned, using his wings to keep him hovering in the sky.  Even with his enhanced vision, he could barely make out the Red as it shifted into its human form to reveal his childhood friend, Silas.  Cyan screamed in pain at the sight of his friend’s crumpled form, the guttural roar echoing across the sky.  He fought the urge to go help Silas and watched as his mate, Neesa, rushed out of the trees and crouched at his side.
It wasn’t the first time he’d been attacked by someone wanting to drive him from the area, it was actually something he was used to.  If it had been anybody but Silas he probably could have shrugged it off, but knowing he’d caused a one-time friend to be injured made an agonizing pain blossom in his chest.  It felt like a fist had been shoved into his chest and was in the process of squeezing the life out of him. 
Cyan knew this wouldn’t be the last time he was forced to defend himself and realized that it was time; he couldn’t bring himself to fight those he had grown up with any longer.  He had to do what he had been putting off for well over a year.  He had known he would eventually have to leave the clan’s lands behind and had already searched out a place, totally isolated and free of other shifters. 
He should have left long ago, but he’d kept hoping that things would change.  That the clan would see that he posed no danger to them and would welcome him back with open arms.  A childish fantasy maybe, but one that he clung to as though his very life depended on it. The grip on his heart tightened and he fought back tears as he turned his back on the scene below and headed east to start a new life.  A new life where he wasn’t constantly looking over his shoulder and fighting to stay alive because of someone’s unfounded fear that he would lose all shreds of sanity. 
Available For Sale At:Amazon
All Romance
Gay Authors 
 
For more chances to win the gift cards and a copy of my eBook if you don't win here, join us for the rest of the giveaway tour on the following dates!!
August 24th: The Land of Make Believe "Challenging Fate eBook Giveaway"
 August 31st: Nature of the HeartAmazon Gift Card & GayAuthors.org Gift Voucher Giveaway
 
Bio:
Renee Stevens resides in Wyoming with her husband, and while they have no two-legged kids, they have plenty of the four legged variety.  With three canines and three felines, her life is never boring.  When not sitting in front of her laptop working on her next story, Renee prefers to escape to the great outdoors.
Renee began writing in her early teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties.  Since then she has written a number of stories, most of which can be found online for free.  She hopes to e-publish a few more of her works in the very near future.
While she does have some modern pieces, her favorite characters to work with are shifters and vampires.  When not writing, camping, or refereeing the critters, Renee spends her time as a Moderator and the Anthology Coordinator over at GayAuthors.org. 

Welcome Shira Anthony

Hey guys! Today I have a very special promo... a M/M story about mermen! *blush* Okay, I have to admit this book caught my attention when Shira first starting talking about it. I mean, come on... mermen. o.0 It's on my TBR list... just as soon as I get a few free minutes lol. ;)

~M




Stealing the Wind (Mermen of Ea #1), by Shira Anthony

Thanks, my dear, for hosting me on your blog today and letting me talk a bit about my brand new Dreamspinner Press release, Stealing the Wind !  I’ve brought along a friend.  Hope you don’t mind.  He’s a bit… er… slippery at times.  I’m hoping he’ll answer a few questions about mermen for us today.  So without further ado, let me introduce Ian Dunaidh, captain of the Phantom.  Say hello, Captain.
Ian:  *blinks*  Where the hell am I?
Shira:  We talked about this a few days ago.  Remember, an interview on MA Church’s blog.  You look a bit confused.  And…ah…naked?  Where are your clothes?
Ian:  That’s your fault.  You didn’t tell me I’d be sitting here talking to you when you pulled me out of the water without warning.  I would have brought something to wear.
Shira:  Perfect timing for my first question, then.  But you might want to sit down, Ian.  I think MA is getting a pretty good look at your…  Well, then, on the topic of clothing…. I know you transform into and out of your merman form, but what do you do about clothing when you do?
Ian:  *scowls*  We usually take our clothes off before we transform.  The tail tends to rip up our trousers. If I knew I was going to be yanked off my ship by a mage—
Shira:  Writer.  Not mage.
Ian:   Whatever you call yourself, you brought me here using some sort of magic.  If I know I’m going to need to walk around on land, I usually try to strap some clothes to my waist before I transform.  *crosses legs*  But since we’re here, you’ll just have to live with my lack of clothing.
Shira:  Works for me!  So, about transforming… How do you do it?
Ian:  It’s quite easy.  I just imagine myself in this form and my body changes.
Shira:  Anywhere?  Can you show us now?
Ian:  *glares*  Of course not.  It only happens when an Ea is in the water.  What good can come of transforming on land?
Shira:  I suppose you have a point.  So when you transform, do you have scales?
Ian:  We are not fish.
Shira:  Oh.
Ian:  We’re far more like dolphins than fish.  Mammals.  Do you think we lay eggs?  *crosses arms over very broad, sexy chest*
Shira:  Ah.  No.  I guess not.  I never really thought about it.  Uh… so… how do you… well… you know… do it?
Ian:  *raises eyebrows*  Do what?
Shira:  Ah… you know… er… mate?
Ian:  *laughs and looks smug*  How much detail would you like?
Shira:  *blushes beet red*  A little?
Ian:  *smirks*  We have openings in our tails.  Our sexual organs are internal, but they look and feel like human organs.  Much like a dog’s manhood is sheathed, ours is as well.
Shira (a bit too quickly): Thanks.  So you live in the sea, right?
Ian:  We live on land.  I suppose we could live our lives in the sea, but we’ve lived on land as long as I’ve been alive.
Shira: Just seems a little strange that you live on land and have sailing ships.  I mean, why not just swim where you want to go?
Ian:  Ships are faster for long distances.  Besides, we have to sleep, just like any human. 
Shira:  I see.
Ian:  I need to get back to my ship.
Shira:  *grins*  You mean Taren?
Ian:  *scowls again*  My ship.  Taren is my prisoner.
Shira:  Oh, I sort of thought you two were… you know… mates?  *giggles*  I made a pun!
Ian:   *taps bare foot on floor*
Shira:  I got you there, didn’t I?
Ian:  Send me back to my ship.  Now.  Or I’ll….
Shira:  You’ll what?
Ian:  Never mind.
Shira:  I already know about your power, Ian.  I wrote you, remember?
Ian:  *raises a single eyebrow*
Shira:  Sending you back!  Thanks for joining me, Ian. *waves*
Ian:  That’s “sir” to you.
Shira:  Sending you back now, Ian, sir! 
Ian says “thank you” for having him visit.  Or something like that.  He’s a bit preoccupied with his new prisoner, Taren Laxley.  If you know what I mean.  Taren’s arrival aboard the Phantom has put Ian in a pretty awkward position, especially since Taren has no idea he’s also a merman.
Want to read what happens when Taren and Ian butt heads?  Or when Taren realizes he’s not human?  Stealing the Wind is now available from Dreamspinner Press!  You can buy it at the Dreamspinner website, Amazon, or AllRomanceEbooks.
I’ll leave you with the blurb.  Want to read an excerpt?  Click here.  Stealing the Wind is high adventure, high romance, set on the high seas.  With a few very sexy and slippery men thrown in for good measure.  (Yes, Ian, I can see you staring daggers at me!)  Hope you enjoy the story! –Shira
******
Taren Laxley has never known anything but life as a slave. When a lusty pirate kidnaps him and holds him prisoner on his ship, Taren embraces the chance to realize his dream of a seagoing life. Not only does the pirate captain offer him freedom in exchange for three years of labor and sexual servitude, but the pleasures Taren finds when he joins the captain and first mate in bed far surpass his greatest fantasies.

Then, during a storm, Taren dives overboard to save another sailor and is lost at sea. He’s rescued by Ian Dunaidh, the enigmatic and seemingly ageless captain of a rival ship, the Phantom, and Taren feels an overwhelming attraction to Ian that Ian appears to share. Soon Taren learns a secret that will change his life forever: Ian and his people are Ea, shape-shifting merfolk… and Taren is one of them too. Bound to each other by a fierce passion neither can explain or deny, Taren and Ian are soon embroiled in a war and forced to fight for a future—not only for themselves but for all their kind. 

 

Welcome Julie Lynn Hayes

Writing an historical novel is different than writing a lot of other types of books because it involves things that actually happened, not just things that take place in the author’s head. Verifiable events and times which can be remembered or read about in history books. This requires more meticulous research into the era involved, and people’s lives at that time. Also, collaborating with another author is different from sitting down and writing whatever comes to mind. SL Danielson and I managed both feats in our first collaborative effort, My Fair Vampire . The research was relatively easy to do, especially made easier as we set the book in our own back yard—turn of the century St. Louis, Missouri, during the time of the Louisiana Exposition. Or you might know it by its more common name—the World’s Fair.
As for learning to write together, that came with trial and errors, but we seemed to fall into a definite rhythm of literary cooperation almost immediately, and in the process became friends.
I imagine every literary couple has its own methods for writing together. Without the Internet, though, most couldn’t do it, and we were no exception, despite living in the same town. We did our work via emails and attachments. Back and forth, both in the writing and in the plotting. And bit by bit a story began to grow.
Basically we started by each creating a character. These two became our protagonists. We developed them separately but worked on the plot together.  William Deming is a young reporter from a small Utah newspaper who is given the chance to cover the World’s Fair—and he leaps at it! Fresh-faced and eager, he arrives by train to the city that has the spotlight of the world for this moment in time. Many people in St. Louis were opening their homes to the visitors that flooded their town, renting rooms to the newcomers for the duration of their stay. William finds a place within walking distance of the Fair, to his delight, a boarding house on Lindell Avenue, run by a Russian woman by the name of Ekaterina, who just happens to have a dark and mysterious nephew. His name is Misha.
But Misha has a secret, one he dare not reveal to the handsome reporter who intrigues him so. Misha is a creature of the night. A vampire. Turned by the not-yet infamous monk Rasputin in his homeland of Russia, Misha has come to the United States to live with his aunt in order to avoid service in the Russian army. He is discreet both in taking sustenance and in satisfying the needs of his libido, which hungers for young men, and not women. But how long can he withhold the truth from William, and when it comes out will he lose him forever?
Working with another writer has advantages. You have someone to bounce ideas off of, someone to do half the writing, someone who understands the characters and the situations as well as you do who can give you insight into them and vice versa.  If you pick the right co-author, and work hard together, your book can come together in less time than if you’d written it alone. Thanks for having mehere today, Ialways enjoy visiting with you!
 


Blurb:  In 1904, the world’s spotlight shone brightly on St. Louis, Missouri—gateway to the West and host of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Visitors came from all points of the globe to wonder, to gape, to taste, to explore and to enjoy the marvels which the World’s Fair had to offer. An ambitious young reporter from Utah, William Deming, sees his chance to not only visit the fair, but make a name for himself by reporting on its goings on. He takes a room in a boarding house, close to the Fair itself. What he doesn’t count on is meeting Misha—a young and handsome Russian, whose aunt owns the boarding house. 
Misha is something William has never encountered before—a vampire! As if that isn’t enough to accept, when a man is discovered murdered at the Fair, William has to wonder if his Misha is involved. Especially as there seems to have been a connection between the vampire and the victim. Will an old flame cause new problems for William and Misha? Will they find love at the World’s Fair? Or will theirs be doomed to be a fatal attraction?
Excerpt:  Prologue 
April 23, 1904
William unfurled the crisp Utah Gazette in his hands. The periodical smelled of fresh ink, and the paper was still warm. 'Hot off the press', as the saying went. He took care not to hold the page too long, so his fingers wouldn’t smudge the fresh print.
1904 World's Fair to be held in St. Louis, Missouri.
William's heart skipped a beat. Such an opportunity! To meet people from distant lands, to see amazing sights from around the globe—truly a marvelous undertaking. I must make certain I become the reporter Mr. Andrews chooses to send to the exposition.
He licked his lips in anticipation and felt his woolen pants rise. Travel always had that effect on him. Of course, so did the delicious possibility of an exotic visitor who might cross his path. One that didn't speak English, but was a linguistics master in the language of sex. It'd been far too long for him, and he needed to tip the scales in the other direction.
He slipped into the washroom and nervously checked his reflection in the mirror. His blond hair was darkened by a liberal amount of oil; he only used it to tame his unruly cowlick. His cheeks appeared hollow in his thin, pale face, and his chin pointed. His favorite feature was his large, blue eyes; after that, he was most fond of his tame nose, thankful his family's history of large noses had not carried over to him.
He adjusted the round Benjamin Franklin-like spectacles he'd worn since he was ten years old, when he’d squinted at the blackboards at school. All eight of his older siblings taunted him with cries of four eyes and other teasing nicknames, which he greatly resented. Over time, though, he'd adjusted to the glasses. As his grades surpassed most everyone else's in the family, he felt as smart as they made him look.
He smoothed down his large tie and flattened out his vest. His brown woolen suit was still somewhat new—a Christmas present from his parents. He’d have to get it tailored a bit. He'd lost some weight since he’d moved from the quiet mountains to the relatively hectic Salt Lake City to take his position at the Gazette. The work kept him busy, often with little time to eat. 
 Chapter One 
April 30, 1904
The crowds began arriving even before the sun, making their way from streetcars, from shuttles, and on foot—some having parked their vehicles at great distances in order to attend this historic event. They milled patiently about the main entrance gate on Lindell Boulevard until eight o'clock, mingling with the three hundred some-odd St. Louis police officers who’d been assigned there. At that time they were allowed to slog their way through the turnstiles and onto the fairgrounds themselves. This grand event had actually been delayed for a year. Originally meant to begin on April 30, 1903, which would have been the centennial of the day on which Thomas Jefferson completed the Louisiana Purchase, it had been postponed to allow time for it to be done properly. Even President Roosevelt—who’d traveled to St. Louis on the original day just for the occasion—had to admit that while progress was remarkable, and everything was just "bully" (as he put it in his own inimitable way), it did need more time in order to be the vision they wanted it to be.
The weather in St. Louis had decided to cooperate, which in and of itself was something of an accomplishment, as the natives of that fair city would attest. Balmy temperatures were an added incentive to attend the Fair; the day was filled with gentle breezes, and sunny skies, and spirits were running high.
Shortly after nine o'clock, the opening ceremony speeches began, the first speaker being none other than David R. Francis, whom many considered to be the architect and chief mover of the World's Fair. Former mayor of St. Louis and former governor of Missouri, now a respected member of the business community once more, he’d begun drumming up support for the Fair back in 1896. Having obtained five million dollars from the U.S. Congress, he went on to acquire ten million more in state, city, and private funding, forming the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company. He was named its president, and people referred to him thereafter, with affection, as President Francis.
After Francis's speech, in which he referred to the 1904 World's Fair as a distinct step forward, a marching band led by John Philip Sousa began to play, to everyone's delight. The strains of Stars and Stripes Forever reverberated throughout the area by the Grand Basin where all were congregated. After some two hours of speeches, the crowd parted to admit a carriage escorted by cavalry from Jefferson Barracks. The vehicle contained none other than Secretary of War William Howard Taft, who spoke on behalf of Theodore Roosevelt, who waited back in Washington, in the East Room of the White House. Taft spoke of harmony and world peace, of nations working together for the good of all, of hopes for the future.
Once Taft concluded his speech, it was time. An expectant hush fell over the crowd, which was estimated somewhere in the two hundred thousand range. President Francis pressed a gold telegraph key, which sent a signal to the waiting President Roosevelt back in Washington. In turn, T.R. pressed his own key, sending the signal back to St. Louis. Thousands of flags in a multitude of hues were raised on high, while water flowed into the fountains and the waterfall known as the Cascades, which traversed the hill from Festival Hall down to the Grand Basin, to the cheers of the excited throng. 
The 1904 World's Fair had begun!
 
Julie Lynn Hayes was reading at the age of two and writing by the age of nine and always wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Two marriages, five children, and more than forty years later, that is still her dream. She blames her younger daughters for introducing her to yaoi and the world of M/M love, a world which has captured her imagination and her heart and fueled her writing in ways she'd never dreamed of before. She especially loves stories of two men finding true love and happiness in one another's arms and is a great believer in the happily ever after. She lives in St. Louis with her daughter Sarah and two cats, loves books and movies, and hopes to be a world traveler some day. Currently unemployed,  she continues to write her books and stories,  and reviews which she posts in various places on the internet. Her family thinks she is a bit off, but she doesn't mind. Marching to the beat of one's own drummer is a good thing, after all.  Her published works can be found at Wicked Nights, Dreamspinner Press, and Silver Publishing.   You can email her at tothemax.wolf@gmail.com or follow her blog, Full Moon Dreaming
 
Buy link: http://www.extasybooks.com/my-fair-vampire/
 
 
My Links:
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My Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3442231.Julie_Lynn_Hayes
 
My Publishers:
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Museit Up Publishing: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php
eXtasy Books:  http://www.extasybooks.com/index.php?route=product%2Fauthor&author_id=979