M.A. Church's Blog, page 180

Goddess Fish Blog Tour - Lee Brazil

Welcome everyone! I’m doing something new, lol. I’m now a hostess for the Goddess Fish Blog Tours. Today I’m highlighting Lee Brazil from the Breathless Press Blurb Blitz. Breathless Press will be awarding a $20 Breathless Press GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Make sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chance of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/01/breathless-press-glbt-january-blurb.html     
About Breathless Press:http://www.breathlesspress.com/ 
Breathless Press is an e-book publisher specializing in Romance and Erotic(a) stories. 
Our mission statement is simple: To provide the opportunity for readers to connect with romance authors through the purchasing of quality e-books at a low price. 
Starting in the summer of 2009, Breathless Press came into existence. Since then, we have been producing top end romance and erotic stories for valued readers to enjoy. 
Our Goal? 
Breathless Press is an electronic publisher of paranormal, erotic, and mainstream romance, releasing one to three e-books a week in a variety of downloadable formats. It is Breathless Press' mission to provide readers with quality romance books in electronic formats and to raise the standard in e-publishing.  Donovan's Deal by Lee Brazil 
 
http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=10&products_id=408 
Blurb:
Making a family is harder than keeping house. Donovan's patience is wearing thin, but Mischa needs time to make things right. Will Christmas bring heartache or compromise? 
Mischa Blake needs the relaxation of the Blake brothers' weekly poker games now more than ever as he feels the pressure of his responsibilities as a parent, partner, and student multiplying. When one of his siblings proposes reviving their game of Truth or Dare, Mischa revolts. Instead, they all agree to share a truth, and Mischa has to decide how much of his domestic situation to share with his family. 
The frantic pace of life is overwhelming, and Mischa has begun to let things slide. With the holidays just around the corner, he figures his current situation is a temporary thing. When he misses one of his son's soccer game that Donovan left work early to attend, time runs out.
Upset by the hurt in their son's eyes, Donovan decides that something must be done. He's worried that he's pushed Mischa into doing things at the wrong time, pushed his dreams on his young lover, just pushed too hard for too much in general. 
In a desperate attempt to get Mischa to think about what he wants instead of what Donovan wants, Donovan issues an ultimatum. He sends Mischa away with orders to think about his priorities.
 
Excerpt:
"Where have you been, Mischa?"  
It took a moment for the impact of the question to soak into his lust dazed mind. But he got it. Furious, he pushed Donovan's hands off and stepped back. "What do you mean where have I been? Last time I checked, I was an adult capable of coming and going as I pleased." 
"That's funny. Really. Because last time I checked you and I were partners, the next best thing to married and the fathers of a disturbed child who needs structure, routine and love."  
Donovan's voice lost its reasonable tone and his anger was clear. Tough. Fury coursed through Mischa's veins. Was Donovan suggesting somehow that he was at fault? "I am still your partner, and Matt's father. But that doesn't mean I don't have other responsibilities and can just hang around here picking up after the two of you."  
"Is that how you see us? Responsibilities? I guess that answers me pretty neatly, doesn't it?"
His jaw worked furiously. Fist clenched at his side, Mischa opened his mouth to speak.  
"Just...stop. Whatever clever, rebellious retort you're about to make, hold on to it. Don't say something you can't unsay, just, please listen to me." Donovan interrupted him.  
Mischa drew in a long deep breath. Yeah, what he'd probably been about to say might have hurt someone's feelings...but what about his feelings? He nodded.  
"I pushed you into too much, too quickly. The last three years should have been you enjoying college, us enjoying each other, and instead, I pushed you to adopt and be a parent. It was too much. But I could swear that you loved him as much as I did the moment we set eyes on Matt."
Heart aching, Mischa whispered, "I did." What the fuck was going on? Why did it sound like Donovan was breaking up with him?  
"The thing is, Mischa. We're adults. We made all the choices and Matt got pulled along with us. Now, I understand how you could want to be free, to hang out with your friends, go to parties and..." He waved a hand. "Do whatever you want."  
A warming flush spread over his face and Mischa lost all interest in sex. "What are you talking about?"  
"You were supposed to be here to go to the soccer game with us. You said you were going to the library. You disappeared. Ran off with Dex and Trick without even bothering to tell us where you were going, because I'm damn sure you didn't take those two to the library with you! How do you suppose that made me feel? How do you think it made Matt feel?"  
Biting his lip, Mischa stared at his lover. "I..."  
"I'm an adult and I can handle it, Mischa. But Matt is a child and he's been hurt by enough people who are supposed to care for him. I can't let you keep hurting him like that." 
"I love Matt. I'd never hurt him."  
"Your not being here hurts him, Mischa." Donovan met his gaze steadily. "You need to take the weekend and think this through."  
  Tomorrow I'll be back with Teaching Teacher and on Thursday I'll highlight Merry Christmas, Shelton. ~M

Into the Darkness

Egoistical, wealthy, and spoilt beyond reason. Four young men who take what they want without thought or care to the damage done to others by their actions. They leave a trail of destruction in their wake. Cold and amoral… they are hunters that search for sexual pleasure at Night Moves, a trendy club they frequent.
But what happens when the hunters become the hunted? When these young men carefully hid dark desires are sniffed out by nonhuman predators much more terrible than them? The tables are turned on Jordan and Allen when a vampire as old as time takes an interest in the brothers. Amused that they stalk him on the dance floor at Night Moves, Chaus wonders if he has found two humans who are as morally corrupt as he.  
So beware… you reap what you sow. The Bad Boys Club has lost one member… is it about to lose two more? 
Book Two in the Bad Boys Club series is out!  
http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1977
 
Tag: Jordan and Allen are out for fun, but they're playing a dangerous game with an ancient predator...
 
Blurb: Pounding music and writhing bodies fill the dance floor at Night Moves. Brothers Jordan and Allen share everything, and are part of a very small, very elite group of friends. What do they have in common? More money, power, and connections than most people can even fathom. These young men consider themselves above the law. Spoilt, powerful, and totally amoral, they use men without a thought for the consequences of their actions. Tonight the brothers have their sights set on a sexy redhead -- they're determined to have him in their bed!
Chaus is an ancient vampire as cold as his deadly kiss. Driven by a taste for kink, he's searched for centuries to find someone as debauched and sinful as he is, only to be continuously disappointed by humans and nonhumans alike. One desire drives him: a pet to call his mate that he can torture and pleasure with his lethal desires. His hunt has brought him to Night Moves, and he's on the prowl.
Jordan and Allen are out for fun, and they place a bet on a deadly game. But they're playing with a predator -- and a dark, hidden secret that the brothers possess will be the catalyst that brings Fate down on them. The Bad Boys Club has once again picked the wrong target to play with.
 
Publisher:
Razor’s Edge Press
A Changeling Press LLC Imprint


Excerpt:
Jordan sat at the conference table, dispassionately watching a certain Mr. Havers fall apart. He, Allen, and their father had just finished taking over a very small family-owned chain of boutiques they’d been watching for a while now. The owner hadn’t wanted to sell -- the business had been in his family for several generations. It hadn’t mattered in the end. Jordan and Allen wanted the chain, so they used their wealth and power to take it. He and Allen planned to run it themselves, and run it the way they wanted. Which hadn’t gone over well with the previous owner. The brothers needed a hobby to occupy their time, and this was it. Neither man cared that there were people’s livelihoods tied to that business.
“You’re going to what? But you don’t understand,” Mr. Havers nearly yelled, drawing Allen’s attention from a stack of papers that sat before him. “These people have families to support. If you fire them, in this economy, it’s unlikely they’ll find jobs anytime soon. Please, they’re good, hardworking, and loyal workers. The best you could ask for.”
Allen looked to Jordan and rolled his eyes. “Not our problem.”
“We don’t want them. They’re loyal to you, not us.” Jordan sipped his coffee, completely unconcerned that over five hundred people would be out of a job in two weeks. “We’re restructuring from the ground up. End of story. Out with the old and in with the new, if you will.”
Mr. Havers pounded his fist on the table. “These are people with bills to pay, children to take care of, college fees to deal with, mortgages… please don’t do this. It’s bad enough you forced me to sell, but don’t punish them. Most of my workers are close to the core group of our customers.”
Allen hooted. “After we’re done, we’ll be targeting a better class of customers. That’s another reason your employees aren’t needed.”
Mr. Havers gaped at the insult.
Jordan stood. “It’s a done deal, Mr. Havers. You no longer have a say, and frankly, I couldn’t care less what happens to your employees. Or, for that matter, you. We made you a damn good offer for your chain in the beginning. It’s not my fault you didn’t take it, and you ended up with less and your people lost their jobs. With their skill sets, maybe they can flip hamburgers at some fast-food place. They’ll find something, I’m sure. Regardless, as Allen said, it’s not our problem. It’s nothing personal, just business. You understand, surely? And this meeting is now over.”
Allen gathered all the papers together and looked at his watch. “We’ve spent enough time on this. Good day, Mr. Havers.”
Mr. Havers rose so swiftly that his chair flew back, hitting the wall. “You bastards. You don’t give a shit about anyone but your own kind. It’s the average working man that keeps this country --”
“Oh Lord, here we go singing the praises of the working man.” Allen sneered as he stood up. “I’m calling Security.”
“Good idea,” Jordan said. “We have somewhere else we need to be.”
Mr. Havers picked up his coffee and threw the lukewarm beverage at Jordan. He stormed to the door, yanking it open so hard it left a dent in the wall. “Don’t bother, I’m leaving. You both are nothing more than animals. If there’s any justice in this world, you’ll meet someone who will ruin the both of you the way you’ve ruined so many others.” The door slammed shut behind him.
“Yeah, right.” Allen looked at Jordan. “He got you good, didn’t he?”
“He’s nobody, less important than the dirt under my feet.” Jordan shrugged, annoyed. He used a napkin to blot his shirt. “Damn shirt probably costs more than everything he wore to this meeting.”
“I’d have to say he especially didn’t like you.”
“Now the feeling is mutual.” Jordan rolled his eyes as he tossed the napkin. “Like we care what happens to those employees. Come on, let’s get out of here. I’m going to have to change before we party.”
* * *
Jordan leaned on the railing, looking down at the wiggling mass below him. Lights flashed and music thumped as bodies writhed on the dance floor of Night Moves, a trendy upscale bar. The floor was crowded. It was Friday night, after all, and time to celebrate. “Do you see him, Allen?”
“No, I lost… wait. There he is. Yeah, I got him now. Damn, can we pick ‘em or what? Fuck, Jordan, I can’t wait to see him on his knees with my cock buried in his ass while he sucks you.”
Jordan scanned the crowd down on the dance floor until he found their prey. There he was. Poor Allen. He might want the guy, but he was just going to have to wait. Jordan planned on having that redhead’s ass first. He was, after all, the older brother.
Jordan’s smile faded. He’d hoped this one would be different. Over the last several months the hunt he and Allen had taken part in had become… boring.
He was bored. God, how ludicrous was that? He got all the ass he wanted, and still he was bored.
Maybe he was getting jaded, but the thrill was fading. The guys he and Allen picked up were all the same. They fell into their beds with hardly a whimper, got fucked, then went home. He wanted… Jordan exhaled silently. He didn’t know what he wanted. But he damn sure knew this lifestyle was getting old. It would be… nice… if he could find someone who fit his needs; someone who could stand on his own as easily as he did, but would give up control when he demanded. That was his idea of the perfect ideal man… right?
“So?” Allen nudged him, interrupting his thoughts.
The roving lights of the club wandered over their choice, his red hair shining for just that moment, and Jordan’s cock hardened. Both he and his brother had a thing for redheads. A smirk tilted his lips as he watched their prey’s body grind on the dance floor. He sincerely hoped their guy had freckles. He loved tracing those sexy little brown dots with his tongue while their chosen piece of ass cried out in pleasure.
Their friends, Hugh and Kain, didn’t get their fascination with gingers. They didn’t understand how well that pale skin showed marks… like those from his hand slapping down on an upturned ass.
“So… what?” Jordan so enjoyed winding his brother up.
He rested his elbows on the railing. For VIP’s, the club had a decadent, kinky side. The second level was members only, and membership was awarded on the basis of money, power, and prestige. The second level was where other jaded predators like he and his friends roamed. The bottom level -- the dance floor -- was where the fresh meat was displayed. After all, every predator needed prey.
“Don’t start that shit with me, Jordan. I’m not in the mood for games tonight,” Allen hissed. “We’ve scored once today, and I’m ready to celebrate.”
“Really? But isn’t that what this is? A game?”
“Oh damn, you’re in a mood, aren’t you?”
Jordan tracked the pretty little redhead’s movements. The guy didn’t look to be very tall, thank God, and had wavy, shoulder length deep red hair. Both he and Allen liked their bottoms to be slightly smaller than they were, and slender. This guy appeared to be perfect. It was hard to tell with his clothes on, but their prey moved with a grace that called to him, and he was sure it called to Allen, too. The guy had a swimmer’s build -- long and sleek. He had to be in pretty good shape; he’d been dancing nonstop for some time.
Jordan stood a few inches over six feet, and Allen was an inch under him. They were both muscular but without the bulk that signified serious body builders. They both had excellent tone and were ripped in all the right places. Neither of them had much hair on their bodies, and kept what little they had on a tight rein. Control was the name of their game.
“Are we just going to stare at him all night, or what?” Allen complained as he flipped his dark, sable brown hair out of his face.
Jordan took his eyes off the prey for a moment and looked at his brother. Annoyed chocolate brown eyes stared back at him. Jordan mentally sighed. His younger brother really was handsome. The lights of the club brought out the caramel highlights in his brother’s hair, made them shine. He’d made fun of the idea at first, but after seeing the results, he’d had his hair done. Of course, Allen had teased him for two weeks straight over that one.
“You really need to learn some patience -- enjoy the hunt, let the anticipation build.” The song ended and a new one started, this one with the dark overtones that Jordan liked.
They weren’t twins, but they did look a lot alike. Same build, same hair color, pretty much the same facial features. It was almost like looking in the mirror. Well, except for the fact Allen had dimples, and Jordan had a dent in his chin. And they both liked redheaded men, liked to dominate them. They shared the men they picked up, often placing bets beforehand on who would get the guy’s ass first.
And oh yeah, they were richer than God, too. If they wanted something, or someone, they either bought it, or just took what they wanted. They didn’t fear the stupid laws that governed the land. Those were for the common people, not for people like them. Not for the privileged.
“Right.” Allen rolled his eyes. “And while you’re up here practicing your stupid patience, someone else is going to make off with our target.”
Even their friends, Hugh and Kain, got in on these bets. They had one going on right now, as a matter of fact. Hugh had bet five thousand dollars Allen would get the redhead’s ass first. Jordan couldn’t resist taunting Hugh about his bad pick. If they struck out, then he and Allen owed Hugh and Kain five thousand dollars apiece. Pocket change, really, but it made things more interesting.
Jordan chuckled softly. “Settle down. Our guy will be there when we get ready.”
From the corner of his eye Jordan saw Allen cross his arms over his chest, and shook his head. Allen was only eighteen months younger, but good God, he was impatient. That was why he was the COO of the world famous high-end department stores their father owned and Allen was the CFO. They both had business degrees from Harvard.
The next song started and Allen leaned closer. “I’m ready, Jordan. Come on, man.”
He glanced over at Allen, who vibrated with the need to start their hunt. It wasn’t any wonder he won most of the bets he and Allen placed -- Allen couldn’t contain himself once he wanted something. Of the two of them, Allen was the weaker. Jordan frowned. Maybe weaker wasn’t the right word, but Allen sure didn’t have his iron control. 

Winner!

 Congrats Cyn!  You're the winner of the giveaway! I'm sending Chris your email addy now! Hope you enjoy the book. Thank you guys for all the comments! Y'all are great. :) Keep your eyes open for the next giveaway.  ~M

Welcome Chris T. Kat!

Hey everyone! Today Chris T. Kat is taking over my blog to talk about her latest release Secret Chemistry. *Rubs hands together* This sounds like just my kind of book. And guys, check out that cover. I love it! So, pull up a chair and join us!


M.A. , thank you very much for having me on your blog again! I'm excited to share my new release Secret Chemistry with you and your readers. It'll release on January 11th; and I'm doing a giveaway too! Just comment on this post and you're entered into the draw for one e-copy of Secret Chemistry. The contest will run from today to the 12th. Good luck and don't forget to leave an email addy! 



Blurb:Not all werewolf societies are created equal. The one Tim Evans grew up in detests those not of “pure blood”—so when Tim discovers his mate is Jay, a male fox-wolf hybrid ten years his junior, it shocks him, to say the least. Too young to claim his mate and too weak to protect him from the rest of the pack, Tim fears for Jay’s life. When a human gets hold of Jay, Tim believes he has lost him forever.The next eighteen years are hell. Tim devotes his life to his family and running their stable, but anger and depression threaten to consume him. Then fate brings Jay back into his life. Tim knows Jay feels the same attraction he does—mates always do. So why won’t Jay act on it?

 Jay Cox: A hybrid between wolf and fox   Secret Chemistry is an m/m shape-shifter story. The two main characters are Tim Evans, a werewolf, and Jay Cox, a hybrid between wolf and fox. Why didn't I write a story in which the two main characters are both werewolves? That question is easy to answer: the whole plot wouldn't have worked in that case. I've read a lot of stories dealing with how a werewolf society reacts if their alpha wolf (or beta or simply a pack member) shows up with a male mate, especially if he only loved / bedded women before. Yes, I could have written such a story, and I admit I love reading those kind of stories. Still, this isn't the point of Secret Chemistry. I wanted to focus on a different aspect. What if the werewolf society could deal with gay werewolves but had other prejudices? In Secret Chemistry Tim Evans' pack doesn't like hybrids; not at all. A lot of pack members detests the individuals that are not pure-blooded. They even go so far as to hunt and kill them, uncaring that these hybrids have a human part as well.
 Jay Cox, Tim's mate, is a hybrid between a wolf and a fox. For those who know me a little bit, know I'm a fox-lover. I've always been, even as a kid. I've collected pictures, figures, toys, books, what-have-you about them. Unfortunately (still makes me hopping mad) I lost most of it during a move. So, what makes foxes—especially red foxes—so special to me?
Honestly, I don't really know. Most people who have a favorite animal can't pinpoint exactly why it's exactly that animal. For me it's probably the mixture between cat and dog attributes the fox inherits. I've read a book about the red fox which is fittingly titled “Red Fox – The Catlike Canine”. It's written by J. David Henry and I'd highly recommend it if you're interested in the red fox's biology. For Secret Chemistry I loved the idea of a hybrid between a wolf and a fox, both animals with strong characteristics in appearance and behavior.

  Image courtesy of [porbital] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net The wolf is the largest member of the canid family. He's described as a powerful animal with broad features. They live in packs, hunt together and have a strong hierarchy within their pack.   Image courtesy of [James Barker] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net  The red fox is much smaller in comparison to a wolf. He's usually described as a graceful and elegant creature but also as wiry and high-strung. Jay combines the best of both worlds, so to speak. Tim and Jay are mates and meant for each other. At first not even Tim can believe his eyes and heart. Just like the other wolves in his pack he's prejudiced, but once he's over his initial shock he vows to protect Jay. If necessary with his own life.  If you like you are also welcome to participate in the GoodReads giveaway for the paperback version of Secret Chemistry here:http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/40767-secret-chemistry 

  Here’s an excerpt from Chapter Three of Secret Chemistry: 
 He lost all sense of time as he hunted the other wolf... the other guy. His world narrowed to the scent in front of him.Sometimes dizziness caused him to stumble a few steps. Whether the dizziness came from exertion or from the scent, Tim didn’t know. He didn’t much care, either. Not even about the battle he had left behind like a coward, not about his parents or siblings. Dimly, he was aware that they’d ventured deep into Bass River State Forest, a place his father sometimes took him and Daniel for canoeing.Guilt made a quick appearance and would probably be his companion for some time to come, but Tim just couldn’t force himself to care about anything other than the scent, and more specifically about the source of the scent, fleeing from him. The originator of the scent belonged to him and only him. Tim would protect the guy, no matter what it would cost him.Having acknowledged the owner of the scent was male and that he still intended to do whatever was necessary to keep him safe, Tim pulled up his last reserves and sped up.Tim quickly closed in on the scent's carrier. Rounding a tall tree, he almost ran straight into another wolf. Trying to catch his breath, he blinked at the dark-furred wolf who gasped as hard for air as Tim did. He didn't recognize the wolf, which could only mean she wasn’t a member of his pack.Tim was confused. The wolf in front of him was grown-up and female. Still, she carried the scent on her. Tim frowned. She carried it on her, but she wasn’t the source. Boldly, he stepped toward her, searching for some hint of the scent’s source. The wolf growled deep in her throat and bared her teeth.Tim stopped in his forward movement, gauging his chances against the larger wolf. He was strong, but he’d only ever brawled with wolves his age. Taking on an adult wolf could backfire, badly.While he pondered his chances, a small movement behind the wolf’s forelegs caught his gaze. Tilting his head slightly to one side, he barked. A small head peeked out from behind one foreleg. A small, gray-and-red-furred head with a black snout, black ear tips, black socks, and the brightest blue eyes Tim had ever seen appeared.
Tim reared back in shock. He was face to face with a hybrid pup.
 Putting some space between them, Tim just stared silently at that… thing in front of him. The pup nudged its mother’s legs. Hesitantly, she allowed him to sit between her forepaws. The pup directed a soft, questioning yip at the wolf.The wolf answered the yip, and Tim tried his best to at least get a hint of what they were talking about. Of course, all wolves could converse telepathically, but only if they chose to include you in their conversation. While they were in their wolf form, it was also their only way to communicate.
The older wolf didn’t seem inclined to allow Tim to eavesdrop.She bored her dark-amber gaze into Tim’s, and he hastily distanced himself a few inches. Tim stuttered, What… what is he? It’s a boy, right?The mother straightened up, her voice full of pride. Yes, he is. He’s also a hybrid between wolf and fox. He unites the strength of both our breeds. Not that you or your kind would understand that.
My kind?Yes, your kind. The one that hates the unknown.I don’t—Yes, you do. You’re scared of a sweet, innocent child. Now, please let us go so I can at least rescue one of my children.The pup started to whine. He got up on his hind paws to angle for his mother’s snout with his forepaws. She obliged and bent down her head. The pup licked her snout fiercely, his tail swishing back and forth. All the while, he emitted soft yips.
Tim was surprised by the effect the affectionate and tender gesture had on him. Tears welled up in his eyes. The desire to help protect the pup—or should it be kit?—skyrocketed so fast and high that Tim shook his head to clear it.A loud howl echoed through the wood. Immediately all audible signs of wildlife vanished. A shocked silence settled over the wood.The pup scurried behind his mother’s legs, peeking out from behind them. He trembled visibly, his small chest heaving way too fast and his eyes shining even more brightly. It took Tim a second to recognize tears of absolute terror pooling in those beautiful eyes.The wolf got up with a terrified look on her face. Tim watched her ears, showing her alertness and that she was ready to dash off any second. His gaze darted from her to the small pup who looked at him in a way Robin sometimes did. It was his you’re going to make this okay, right? face.Do you need help?The older wolf turned startled eyes at him. She narrowed them while also nudging the pup’s head behind her legs.
So you can kill him?The pup gasped, then whimpered. Tim’s heart broke a little bit upon hearing those sounds. He was unsure about a lot of things, but he knew for sure he’d do everything in his power to keep that little buddy safe.   Chris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, where she shares a house with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there's any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or crafts.

 
Blog: http://christikat.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/christi_kat
GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/ChrisTKat
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisTKat
 
Buy link for Secret Chemistry:
e-book: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3520
paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3521 
 

Wednesday Briefs

 
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:
"survival of the fittest"
or use: tarragon, root, energy,
or "Please pass me the..."
or "One plus one equals..."
 or use: redemption, salvage, spice,
or use a joker in your story
I’m using one plus one equals…   All That He Desires #3He laughed slightly as the wind carried the young man’s words to him. “Guardian Angel, my ass. Oh, little one, that’s the last thing I am.” Soon the one he’d marked would know that. All he needed was for Jules to cash in the winning ticket, and the deal was sealed. The lovely human would be his for the taking. “Soon,” he whispered as he got in his car.* * * *The next morning, Jules reread the instructions on the back of his ticket. He’d been too tired and much too excited to make sense of anything last night, and the wine coolers probably hadn’t helped. He signed his name, and just to be safe, planned to make a copy. According to the ticket, he had ninety day before he’d have to claim his prize, but he didn’t intend to wait. Frankly, he needed the money too badly. “Oh God, this is it!” His hand shook as he picked up the phone. He’d grabbed a quick shower and something to eat earlier. He was ready, by God. As unbelievable as it was, thanks to a stranger his life was going to take a turn for the better. He wondered if he’d ever find the guy who stopped by the gas station last night… and did he want to? It still worried him why a person he was unfamiliar with would do something like this.  “Maybe there really are some good people left in this world.” Shrugging it off, Jules made the call to find out what he needed to do to claim his winnings. Maybe one plus one really did equal two. Over the next several weeks his life took a dramatic turn after he filled out the claim form. He knew the only reason he was announced as a winner was because of the ‘stranger gifts young man with winning ticket’ angle, and sure enough the local news did want to do interviews. The amount he’d won wasn’t that big in the grand scheme of things. And what do you know—even some friends he hadn’t spoken to in years came out of the woodwork wanting something. He’d been warned about this, so he was prepared. But what he wasn’t prepared for was who else came out of the woodwork. His parents had the nerve to call him and demand the money back they paid for his first year of college. It was with an unholy delight he told them to get, ah… get lost. In so many words. Jules paid for his last semester, found a better place to live, and bought a decent vehicle. What was left of the money, he put in the bank. And, oh yes, he quit one of his jobs.  Two months had passed since that fateful day. * * * *“So?” “So, what?” Jules asked his best friend Miles. They were at his apartment, it was Thursday night, and they were having pizza. It wasn’t that long ago that ordering a pizza was a special treat and he made sure to remember that. Jules bit into the delicious pie, a string of cheese running from the pizza to his mouth. He washed the bite down with a frosty Coke. That was another little pleasure he insisted on… real Coke, not that bargain brand. “Oh, come on, dude. You have enough to get that new gaming system. It’s only a couple of hundred dollars. And, well, we’d need some new games too.” “There’s nothing wrong with this one. So what if it’s not the greatest and latest.” Jules rolled his eyes at the sad puppy dog look he was getting from his friend. “Stop that, man. What I have left has got to get me by until I graduate and get a job. I’m not blowing any of it on some stupid gaming system.” “Spoil sport.” Miles picked up the controller. “But I guess I don’t blame you. It’s not like you have parents to help out.” “Yeah.” Jules munched some more pizza. “I wish…” “Don’t stop there.” Miles waves a piece of pizza around. “Go on.” “Aw, well, it doesn’t really matter what I wish, now does it? They hate me and that’s never going to change. I do wish they didn’t live in the same town as me, though. I ran into Mom at Walmart a few days ago and she wouldn’t even speak to me. That was… awkward.” “Awkward? I’d say that totally sucked.” “It wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t a possibility I’d bump into her or Dad every time I ran up to the store to grab a fucking carton of milk or something. That’s what sucks.” “Well, after we graduate, we’ll blow this place, move to the big city, get jobs that pays the big bucks, and party like… what are we gonna party like?” Miles grinned suddenly. “I know, we’ll party like it’s 1999!” “1999?” Jules snorted, reaching for a napkin. “Really, dude? Your taste in music is horrible.” Miles leaded back on the couch, a grin lightening his face, and winked. “It’s an acquired taste.” “It’s something all right. Just not sure what.”  Suddenly Miles grew serious. “I am sorry, though. It must be tough. I can’t imagine my parents turning their backs on me for nothing more than my sexual preference. That’s just whack.” “It is what it is, but yeah, you’re lucky. No one should have to go through that.” Miles held up his Coke. “Then here’s to them moving!” Jules shook his head, but still clinked his cup against Mile’s. “It’ll be a cold day in hell before they moved from here. Just saying. But thanks for the thought.”  “You just never know, Jules. Stranger things have happened. Look at you.” “Yeah, look at me,” Jules said as he sipped his drink. Miles didn’t know the half of it. TBCDon’t forget to visit the other briefers!Chris T. Kat m/mTali Spencer m/mVictoria Adams m/fElyzabeth VaLey m/fNephylim m/mJulie Lynn Hayesm/m

Lily Sawyer

Winner

  Kazy You're the winner of the contest! I’ve sent you an email. J Thank you, guys, for the great turnout. This one is over but… lol. There’s more things coming! This Thursday I’m doing another giveaway for a friend of mine, Chris T. Kat. She has a new release from DSP. And also, lol, Into the Darkness, comes out Jan 11th from Changeling Press, so I’ll be doing something for that too. Then there’s the birthday bash coming Jan 23rd-25th.  I’ll do something for Perfect during those days.   Ooooh, and I have a surprise lined up for February. Well... several surprises, but one very special one. So, lots of things coming, lol. ~M

Celebrating One Year!

 Can you believe today is one year ago I started this blog? And when I started it I had no idea what I was doing, lol. Boy, a lot can change in one year. I kinda know what I'm doing now! *snort*  I can hear some of you laughing out there! *Eyes everyone out there in internet land* Oh hush, lol. I'm better than what I was. :) So what if there's been a few times I gave myself a headache trying to figure this thing out? Or butchered the English language while screaming at the laptop... yeah, lol. Even made up a few worlds. ;) LOL. Looking back has been an eye opener. I'm shocked (and very thankful) how well my blog has grown. I've had a lot of fun doing it; and okay, there were times I wasn't too happy with things... but that's life, right? Life isn't a bowl of cherries. But I fumbled around until I found things that seem work. I've had some very interesting people on, found new author's I like (and hope you guys did too), and grown as a writer. Laughed at some of the funny things said here... both by myself and you guys! I can't wait to see what the next yeat brings, and see how I've grown at the end of it.   

So, as a thank you, I'm running a very short contest. Starting from when this posts to Tuesday evening is the length of the contest. Yup, short, lol. I have some things planned for this week, and this was spur of the moment.

At the end of the contest, I'll pick one person to win a GC from Amazon for ten dollars. Just leave me a comment and an email addy.

Please remember the email addy or I can't contact you! I'll pick a winner and contact them by email. When they email me back, I'll send the GC. If I don't hear back by Wednesday afternoon, I'll pick another winner.

Thanks so much guys!

~M
 

Welcome Julie Lynn Hayes

Hey everyone! Come on it and join us. It's cold out, but I have plenty of hot chocolate ready, lol. Today I have Julie Lynn Hayes visiting with me. She's here to talk about her book, Revelations, coming from Museit Up Publishing Feburary 8th.

For the first part of the interview go here.    Well, let’s see if we can continue where we left off. I let a day pass, and now we’re visiting with author M.A. Church, gone down to her neck of the woods where it’s a bit warmer than where we were before.  I’ve had a talk with Lucifer and let him know that his showing up again wouldn’t be greatly appreciated, so I think he’s amusing himself somewhere else. At least I hope so.
Michelle, can I get a drink, please?
“Sure thing. Hot chocolate all around?”
Not quite what I had in mind, and I can tell Judas agrees, but Jesus smiles and nod, so we go along. “Yeah, sure, sounds good.”
“Be right back.”
“Nice place you have here.” I raise my voice to make myself heard.
“Thanks,” she calls back, appearing moments later with a tray with four cups of steaming chocolate, topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Hmmm, looks really good. We each take our mug, and take our places.  Michelle and I have the couch, while the boys sit across from us, on the loveseat.
Now, where were we?   Oh yes, talking about the band.
“So you’re the lead singer of the Apostles, are you?” I look at Jesus and he nods. “Mind if I ask what name you go by?”
“Of course not. Joshua Stone.”
“Ah, I get it. Joshua. Your real name. I like that.”
“A rose by any other name,” Judas interjects, and everyone chuckles. I can’t help but notice the glances that Judas steals at Jesus. I think Jesus notices too.
“So, what’s your name, Judas?” I query him.
“They call me Mr. Jarvis. The people outside of the group, that is.”
“And what part do you play with the band?”
“I guess I’m what you’d call the manager. I book the tour, make all the arrangements, see that all the permits and such are in order everywhere we go.”
“Sounds like you do a lot of work.”
Judas snorts. “More than most of them.”
“I don’t know how I could get along without Judas,” Jesus confides, and we all turn our heads to find him turning a bit red. He clears his throat and glances down at the floor.
Moving on then…
“What about Mary Magdalene? What does she do?”
Judas snorts again. “Nothing useful, I can assure you.”
“Judas, please…”
I watch Judas carefully. He seems torn between continuing with his thought and placating Jesus. He finally opts for the latter and simply says, “She isn’t part of the group this time. She has a career of her own. Pop star, she calls herself.”
“Oh really? What’s her stage name? Anyone we might know?”
“Undoubtedly, but she wouldn’t want me to say so I’ll simply say M and leave it at that.”
“You mean M like Madonna?” Michelle pipes up. Judas’ only reply is to lay his finger across his lips, giving her that look that means he’s not speaking.
“I assume Lucifer goes by a different name?” I decide to aim the question in another direction.
“Yes, he calls himself Lassiter. He’s the head of this group of sheep… Well, it’s all in the book, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is.” I nod.
“Although I’ve heard rumors,” Judas continues, fixing his blue eyes on me, “that he’s going to get a story of his own. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, now would you?”
Awkward silence ensues as I try to think of something witty to say, and fail miserably, so I simply take a deep drink of chocolate and burn my tongue instead. Smooth move, Ex Lax…
“I’m very grateful that you’ve written about us.” Jesus breaks the silence, playing peacemaker. “Aren’t we, Jude?”
“Don’t call me…” he starts, but then relents and nods. “Yes, very grateful. “
Jesus rises and looks at Judas. “We need to get ready for tonight,” he says softly, reaching for Judas’ hand, which he readily gives.
“You’re right, we do.”
Looks like this interview is at an end.
“You guys need me to drive you back?”
Judas shakes his head. “I have it covered, don’t worry about it.”  He reaches into a pocket, pulls out something that he hands to Michelle. She gives him an inquisitive look. “It’s a ticket for tonight’s concert.” He winks at her. “See you there.”
“Why, thank you very much, Judas.” She grins.
“No, thank you for being such a wonderful hostess and inviting us into your home.” Jesus hugs her, and then Judas follows suit, before they head out the door.
“Looks like we’re going to a concert tonight.” I grin at Michelle. “I have a feeling it’s gonna be good.”
Maybe I can talk them into another interview later, but this one went pretty well, I think. 

Blurb:

Judas has never been very popular, not in any incarnation that he and Jesus and the others have lived through. But he doesn't care about that. All he cares about is following the instructions of God as set forth in the script that they follow. And Jesus. For Judas has secretly loved the son of God for over two thousand years.


But now he decides that enough is enough, and he's tired of watching Jesus die far too early, and for what? This time Judas is determined to see that Jesus lives a long and happy life, no matter what price he has to pay to accomplish it...no matter if he has to make a deal with the devil himself. 

Revelations is a story of what could be, told by those who play it out, time after time after time, unbeknownst to the rest of mankind. They've come back again, for yet another round. But this time is going to be different.

Excerpt:
Prologue: God


            It's not always easy to sit on the sidelines and watch what is happening, to resist the urge to intervene in his best interest. My son's that is. Jesus. But I do so, because I know it's for his own good. As well as for the good of mankind. I can't let my concerns as his father override my vested interest in the fate of man. But sometimes that is easier said than done.


            This morning I am not alone. Someone else is with me, someone with his own agenda, although we are not as diametrically opposed as some would imagine us to be. Good and evil aren't the simplistic concepts some would portray them as being—there are more grey areas there than you might think. And rightly so.


            He smirks. Too much for my taste, I have to admit, but sometimes he does have his moments, and he too has a part to play in what is happening in the world of men. Someone needs to fill the role of the villain, after all.


            The stage is being set for the third act, the scripts have been handed round, and the actors are taking their places. Will this time end any differently than the others? That depends on my son, on Jesus. I'm thinking this will be the time when he'll make the change.


            "He'll change nothing," Lucifer interjects, although I've asked him nothing, certainly not inquired as to his opinion.


            I glance at him. He's dressed to within an inch of his life, and wears the most ridiculous sunglasses I've ever seen. I decide not to comment on his fashion sense. "I think he might, this time. I think he's ready for change."


            Lucifer snorts. "It's been two thousand years, and neither one has exactly caught on yet. Why should this time be any different?"


            "Care to put your money where your mouth is?"


            He eyes me carefully. "I would, but you see you have this whole mystic omnipotent God thing going on. Personally, I don't care for those odds."


            I arch an eyebrow. "I may be omnipotent, but Jesus does have free will and he does possess the ability to make his own decisions. You think I'd stack the deck in my son's favor? Just to win a bet with you?"


            "Let's say I'm taking no chances." He smiles. "Tell you what, though—give me free rein. Let me do what I want, and you not say anything or do anything to interfere with me? As far as they're concerned, that is."


            I open my mouth to object, he hastily interjects. "No killing, I swear to it."


            That's better. I still have some measure of control over the serpent.


            "So be it." I agree, turning my attention back to where it had been, to my son. I'm smirking now. Openly.


            O ye of little faith, watch and learn. 
Author Bio: 
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. While working a temporary day job, 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 Dreamspinner Press, and MuseitUp Publishing, and she has also begun to self-publish at various places on the Internet.  
 
My Links:My blog:  http://julielynnhayes.blogspot.comMy facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527332074My Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3442231.Julie_Lynn_Hayes
 
My Publishers:Museit Up Publishing:  http://museituppublishing.com/Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_222

Into the Darkness

Hey everyone! Into the Darkness, book #2 in the Bad Boys Club, will be released Jan. 11th from Changeling. Remember, this is my dark desires series where even the predators aren't safe. So, think long and hard before you tread...


http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1977
 
Tag: Jordan and Allen are out for fun, but they're playing a dangerous game with an ancient predator...
 
Blurb: Pounding music and writhing bodies fill the dance floor at Night Moves. Brothers Jordan and Allen share everything, and are part of a very small, very elite group of friends. What do they have in common? More money, power, and connections than most people can even fathom. These young men consider themselves above the law. Spoilt, powerful, and totally amoral, they use men without a thought for the consequences of their actions. Tonight the brothers have their sights set on a sexy redhead -- they're determined to have him in their bed!
Chaus is an ancient vampire as cold as his deadly kiss. Driven by a taste for kink, he's searched for centuries to find someone as debauched and sinful as he is, only to be continuously disappointed by humans and nonhumans alike. One desire drives him: a pet to call his mate that he can torture and pleasure with his lethal desires. His hunt has brought him to Night Moves, and he's on the prowl.
Jordan and Allen are out for fun, and they place a bet on a deadly game. But they're playing with a predator -- and a dark, hidden secret that the brothers possess will be the catalyst that brings Fate down on them. The Bad Boys Club has once again picked the wrong target to play with. 
Publisher:
Razor’s Edge Press
A Changeling Press LLC Imprint


Excerpt:The valet handed Allen his keys and stomped off.
“Took long enough,” Allen mumbled, then turned to say something to Chaus.
Chaus allowed his eyes to blaze that pale blue that signified what he was as he pushed into the human’s mind and fought for control. Submit to me, Allen.
“No…” Chaus could see the fear claw at Allen, his face paling. He could almost feel him battle against the pull to submit. The struggle was brief. His mind lost the fight and his face smoothed out.
Excellent. Now, drive. Chaus quickly relayed his address mentally to Allen and stepped behind Jordan.
“Allen, what do you say to ordering take-out once we get to my apartment? You hungry?” Jordan frowned as Allen slid into the driver’s seat of his BMW without answering, his movements stiff and wooden. “Allen?”
Chaus wrapped his hand around the back of Jordan’s neck, his fingers curling to the front. One fingernail slowly extended to a sharp point, the slide of a razor sharp claw caressing Jordan’s neck as the point came to a rest against the soft skin of Jordan’s jugular.
“Easy now. Feel that? One wrong move and I’ll slit your throat.” Chaus spoke calmly, his voice whispering over Jordan’s skin. “I really don’t want to do that, Jordan, because I have such plans for the two of you tonight.”
Jordan barely moved, hardly dared to breathe. “W-what…”
Chaus leaned closer and licked Jordan’s neck, his tongue pressing against Jordan’s hammering pulse. “Mmm, so good. You and your brother stalk the night looking for men to use to appease your selfish pleasures. Such a cold, callous game the two of you play. The tide has turned, has it not? And the both of you are my prey. Now, behave. Besides, there is your brother, yes? He’s under my control, Jordan. Surely you won’t abandon him to me, leaving him all alone? Get in the backseat.”
* * *
Jordan froze, unable to believe what he felt at his neck. Where the hell had the knife come from? His gaze cut to the left, to where Chaus stood slightly behind him. He opened his mouth to speak and Chaus shook his head, then grinned. A deadly cold smile graced Chaus’s lips. At that smile, Jordan’s voice deserted him. Cold fear washed thorough him. His vision grayed at the edges. Every bit of moisture in his mouth dried up, and he struggled to swallow. His guts clenched as terror unlike anything he’d ever known robbed his body of strength.
Chaus had fangs.

Feature and Follow

Well, the first week of the new year has gone by and it's TGIF! Man, this week has flown. Happy Friday everyone :) and welcome to Feature & Follow Friday.




Q: What New Years Blogging or Writing resolution have you placed on yourself? 

My Writing resolution for this year is to get ten books published. *laugh* That's not as big as it sounds. Five are already under contract, and I'm waiting to hear on two more.  That leaves three. Of those three, one is something I've put on the back burner too often, so it has a pretty good start. The other two... well, we'll see what comes up with them, lol. I do plan for them to be novel length.   My Blogging resolution is to have new guest bloggers visit and be a guest on more blog. Plus share more real life things. :) I've had folks ask for more about me, and more pictures of Kitty-Kitty. *grin* I'll see what I can whip up!~M