M.A. Church's Blog, page 84
September 1, 2018
Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by Destiny is out now at Amazon
Want to see Raiden and Dayo’s life before Bound by Destiny? Want to see how they were when they were younglings? Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by Destiny is out now at Amazon and coming soon to other places!
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GZZ4XD1/ref
Blurb:
Raiden Shou knew who his mate was before he took his first breath. Hard to believe? Well, when it comes to these Tah’Narians and their young, nothing is impossible.
Did destiny bring Raiden and Dayo together? Or something else? And does it really matter when the love of a lifetime awaits?
Follow Raiden and Dayo from birth to their mating day. See how their bond evolves as they grow older, how the struggle of being part of the Tah’Narian royal family takes on an unexpected meaning to the young warriors, and how their hopes and dreams cumulate into a future they can’t wait to embrace at long last.
Excerpt:
“Goodness, Raiden, I swear you’ve grown since I last saw you. Come on in. Dayo’s in his room. I’ll buzz Dale and let him know you’re here.”“Thanks!” Excited, Dayo tore out of his room… and promptly collided with Raiden. It was like hitting a force field—no give it all. “Omph!” Laughing, Raiden grabbed Dayo by the shoulders to keep him from falling. “Sorry.” Dayo wiggled in Raiden’s arm, trying to get his feet back under him. “Jeez. Look where you’re going.”Raiden snorted. “You ran into me.”“Whatever.” He’d learned that term not long ago from his dad, who apparently wasn’t too happy he’d picked it up. Dayo thought it was a great word. “Hey, you wanna go outside?”Raiden released Dayo, then flicked his ear. “When do I not?” “Hey!” Dayo pulled at his ear, flashed a fang at Raiden, and huffed. Why did Raiden have to be so much bigger than him? He eyed Raiden’s tail. He’d yank it, like Szin was always doing, but that really made Raiden growl. Maybe later when Raiden wasn’t expecting him to get even.“Right. Just let me…. Hold on.” Dayo rushed back into his room and searched through the mess on his desk. “There it is!” He grabbed a small communication device his dad always made him carry when Dayo wasn’t at home. He slipped it into his pocket and met Raiden, who leaned against the doorframe. “Let’s go. Just lemme me tell Dad we’re going outside.”“All right.” Raiden followed Dayo to the main living area, where his dad sat on the couch, speaking on a communicator.“Hey, Dad, Raiden and I—”“Hold on a sec, Dale.” Dad glanced at Dayo, his eyes narrowed. “What have I told you about interrupting me when I’m talking to someone?”Dayo poked his lower lip out. Dale and his dad talked all the time. It wasn’t like they ever said anything important. “Sorry. You said not to.”“Actually, what I said was to get my attention before you launch into whatever you’re wanting to tell me,” Dad gently corrected. “Which usually includes you doing it at the top of your lungs, but that’s another matter. Anyway, what’s up?”“Raiden and I wanna to go outside. Okay, thanks! Bye!” Dayo started toward the elevator.“Hold your horses, youngling. That’s fine, just—hold on, Dayo. What was that, Dale?” Dayo shifted from foot to foot. Now what? They were just going outside, not leaving the planet. Jeez.“Yeah, I will.” Dad pinned Dayo with a look. “Dale said to remind you two to stay in the yard. In other words, do not go to the waterfall—which, if you’ll remember, is not part of the yard. Stay close, got it?”Dayo scowled, his tail thumping on the floor. Why was his dad always embarrassing him in front of his friends? “Daaaaad.”“Nope.” Dad held up his hand. “Not doing this, and get that look off your face. You either stay around here, or you stay in your room. Or….” Dad paused, a grin crossing his face. “Or I go with you.”Go with us? “We’ll stay close by!” Dayo screeched, understanding the threat. That’d ruin all their fun. He was tempted to stomp his foot but caught himself. He wasn’t a small youngling anymore, no matter what his dad thought. When was his dad gonna figure that out? “Promise.”“Thought so. And if I buzz you, answer me. Be back before dark too,” Dad added.
August 27, 2018
Tuesday Teaser
Okay, since Destiny: A Prequel to Bound By Destiny done and about to be published, I thought I'd start something else.
Some of y'all might remember Darkness Awaits. This was actually the first book I had published, but the publisher went under about six months after the book was released.
For the longest I didn't do anything with it, but I've decided to overhaul it. It was originally written in first person, but I'm changing it to third... which is going to be a nightmare! My writing style has also changed significantly since then too, so I'm trying to put my voice back in it. The original editor pretty much stripped that out, and with me being new, I didn't know any better, so I let it happen.
Live and learn. Believe me when I say that wouldn't happen now. Anyway, I just started on this. As I get into it, I'll probably change some of the plot points too. We'll see how it goes.
LOL, when I wrote this, I thought 30K was soooo long. *snort* How things have changed.
Chapter One
The silky weight of the blindfold might obscure Michael’s vision, but it did nothing to stop the heavy breathing behind him. A chill raced up his back, his muscles tightening because this wasn’t the first time he’d dreamed this and knew what was coming. A sharp pull at his hair jerked his head back, his dream lover kissing the side of his neck. Sharp, pointed teeth nipped along his jugular.
“Fuck,” Michael gasped, shivering at the implied threat from those teeth.
Secured against a broad chest, his mysterious lover lightly ran his hand down the front of Michael’s shirt, torturing his pierced nipple through the thin material before moving on to the next. Michael moaned.
“Don’t move until I tell you,” he whispered.
“W-who are you?”
“The wait is almost over, Michael. Soon we’ll be together. I’ll give you what you need, what you’ve yet to admit you crave.”
The fact his question wasn’t answered, along with the possessiveness, should’ve sent up a million red flags. But instead of scaring him, the words resonated deeply within. Instinct long buried insisted there was nothing to fear, even when rational thought said otherwise. He leaned his head back, his breath stalling out as cool fingers brushed his skin as each shirt button was undone. When the folds parted, Michael tensed.
“Remember to breathe, beautiful.”
Michael exhaled noisily. Who knew breathing was required in a dream? That thought was derailed when the hoops in his nipples were twisted. The sharp, brief pain faded when the touch turned gentle.
“Ah, shit.” Michael clenched his fists. The temptation to explore all that flesh pressed against him was nearly overwhelming. But something warned him he shouldn’t.
The shirt slid off his body, pooling at his feet. Slowly his arms were pulled behind him, and cold, hard metal enclosed his wrists. The loud click startled Michael, and a small tentacle of fear wiggled through the mist of pleasure blanketing his mind.
“Trust me, Michael. I won’t harm you.”
Michael knew that. This was, after all, a dream. Michael whined when a hard cock ground against his ass. Jeez, someone was hung like a jury. Michael’s cock strained against the front of his jeans, wetting his boxers, and quickly becoming uncomfortable.
“Touch me. Please. I need to feel your hands on me.” Michael shook in his lover’s arms.
He wiggled his hips—determined to force the issue since asking wasn’t getting him anywhere—then jumped when several hard slaps rained down on his ass. Heat snaked straight to his cock, making him harder.
His balls pulled up tight to his body, and he groaned. Just a few slaps and he was in jeopardy of coming. It was ridiculous, and thrilling, and so over the top that the shock of being spanked almost outweighed the shock of how much he liked it. How could a simple slap to the ass ignited such a desperate yearning?
“More. Please, more.”
“Easy, now. We’re going to take this nice and slow. I’m going make you scream when I finally claim you, then I’m going to make you beg for more,” the dream lover hissed in Michael’s ear.
“Fuck.” Could words alone make a person come?
Some of y'all might remember Darkness Awaits. This was actually the first book I had published, but the publisher went under about six months after the book was released.
For the longest I didn't do anything with it, but I've decided to overhaul it. It was originally written in first person, but I'm changing it to third... which is going to be a nightmare! My writing style has also changed significantly since then too, so I'm trying to put my voice back in it. The original editor pretty much stripped that out, and with me being new, I didn't know any better, so I let it happen.
Live and learn. Believe me when I say that wouldn't happen now. Anyway, I just started on this. As I get into it, I'll probably change some of the plot points too. We'll see how it goes.
LOL, when I wrote this, I thought 30K was soooo long. *snort* How things have changed.
Chapter One
The silky weight of the blindfold might obscure Michael’s vision, but it did nothing to stop the heavy breathing behind him. A chill raced up his back, his muscles tightening because this wasn’t the first time he’d dreamed this and knew what was coming. A sharp pull at his hair jerked his head back, his dream lover kissing the side of his neck. Sharp, pointed teeth nipped along his jugular.
“Fuck,” Michael gasped, shivering at the implied threat from those teeth.
Secured against a broad chest, his mysterious lover lightly ran his hand down the front of Michael’s shirt, torturing his pierced nipple through the thin material before moving on to the next. Michael moaned.
“Don’t move until I tell you,” he whispered.
“W-who are you?”
“The wait is almost over, Michael. Soon we’ll be together. I’ll give you what you need, what you’ve yet to admit you crave.”
The fact his question wasn’t answered, along with the possessiveness, should’ve sent up a million red flags. But instead of scaring him, the words resonated deeply within. Instinct long buried insisted there was nothing to fear, even when rational thought said otherwise. He leaned his head back, his breath stalling out as cool fingers brushed his skin as each shirt button was undone. When the folds parted, Michael tensed.
“Remember to breathe, beautiful.”
Michael exhaled noisily. Who knew breathing was required in a dream? That thought was derailed when the hoops in his nipples were twisted. The sharp, brief pain faded when the touch turned gentle.
“Ah, shit.” Michael clenched his fists. The temptation to explore all that flesh pressed against him was nearly overwhelming. But something warned him he shouldn’t.
The shirt slid off his body, pooling at his feet. Slowly his arms were pulled behind him, and cold, hard metal enclosed his wrists. The loud click startled Michael, and a small tentacle of fear wiggled through the mist of pleasure blanketing his mind.
“Trust me, Michael. I won’t harm you.”
Michael knew that. This was, after all, a dream. Michael whined when a hard cock ground against his ass. Jeez, someone was hung like a jury. Michael’s cock strained against the front of his jeans, wetting his boxers, and quickly becoming uncomfortable.
“Touch me. Please. I need to feel your hands on me.” Michael shook in his lover’s arms.
He wiggled his hips—determined to force the issue since asking wasn’t getting him anywhere—then jumped when several hard slaps rained down on his ass. Heat snaked straight to his cock, making him harder.
His balls pulled up tight to his body, and he groaned. Just a few slaps and he was in jeopardy of coming. It was ridiculous, and thrilling, and so over the top that the shock of being spanked almost outweighed the shock of how much he liked it. How could a simple slap to the ass ignited such a desperate yearning?
“More. Please, more.”
“Easy, now. We’re going to take this nice and slow. I’m going make you scream when I finally claim you, then I’m going to make you beg for more,” the dream lover hissed in Michael’s ear.
“Fuck.” Could words alone make a person come?
August 24, 2018
Reese's Stuffed Rice Krispies Treats - Finicky Friday
INGREDIENTS
Cooking spray, for pan
5 tbsp. butter
1 (10-oz.) bag marshmallows
1/2 c. smooth peanut butter
Pinch kosher salt
6 c. Rice Krispies Cereal
12 Reese's cups
1/4 c. melted peanut butter, for garnish
1/4 c. melted chocolate, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Line a 9”-x-13” pan with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Stir in marshmallows, peanut butter, and salt and stir until mixture is melted. Remove from heat.
Immediately add Rice Krispies and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Working quickly, press half of mixture into an even layer in pan, then top with a layer of Reese’s. Press remaining mixture over Reese’s.
Drizzle with melted chocolate and peanut butter, then refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.
Slice into squares and serve.
link: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a20268441/reeses-stuffed-rice-krispies-treats-recipe/
August 20, 2018
Tuesday Teaser
Okay, so Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by Destiny (The Harvest Young) is on the 2nd round of edits. Right now it's around 16Kish. It basically shows Raiden and Dayo from birth to age eighteen, when they mate.
I hadn't planned to write the early years (so to speak lol) but an abundance of disappointed comments made me rethink that.
What I'm posting below are cut scenes that won't be in the book. Why? Well, the book is about Raiden and Dayo... and Szin was figuring too prominently lol.
When I have a better idea when this will be out, I'll post on social media platforms.
~M
THE NEXT thing Raiden knew, there was light, and he was being lifted out of his warm, tight space. Someone blew in Raiden’s face, and impressed, he and bellowed. Loudly. Thankfully he was wrapped up and placed in a weird contraction. Still, he screamed.“Oh, by the great gods, he’s… he’s so… Doc? Doc! What’s wrong?” Keyno demanded.“Nothing is wrong. Keyno… Dale… there are… there are… you have twins. Oh, gods, two young!” Doc gasped, lifting Raiden’s twin out.“What!” Keyno shouted. “Two? There are two in there? There can’t be!”Raiden continued to scream. They needed to get Szin to him now.“John, we’re going to need a long-term transvector, several growth lights…. You’d best hit the hot-call button, my mate.” Szin? Raiden’s bellow was drowned out by Keyno’s upset yowl as the emergency call for more medical personnel went off. Ow. Why is that so loud?“The second young…. His vitals aren’t good, and he’s very small,” Doc said. “His color is off. We’ll do everything we can, of course, but—”Szin? Can you hear me? Put him with me! Szin!“No!” Keyno shouted. “Doc, please, my friend, do something. Anything, please!”“Keyno, having twins is a miracle in itself, you know that. Having both survive….”There was a loud thump. Now what?“Doc, put him with the other young. Now. Don’t question me, just do it. His name is Szin. He’ll be fine as long as you keep him near Raiden, his brother. Trust me,” Dale said. “Someone check on Keyno; make sure he hasn’t cracked his head open or something, and wake him up. He needs to know that both will be fine. The idea of losing another young…. Just, please check on Keyno.”Thank the gods! Raiden stopped screaming as soon as Doc placed Szin next to him. He watched as Szin’s skin lost its blue tinge, and his breathing leveled out. Sorry I scared you. Szin reached for Raiden. Things got a little rough there for a second. So, here we are, huh?Here we are. I told you everything would be fine. Love you, little brother. Satisfied, Raiden examined his twin.Love you too. Man, I’m beat. Szin snuggled close, and they went to sleep.
Where to find up-coming releases:
August 14, 2018
Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by Destiny
Okay, so Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by Destiny (The Harvest Young) is finished and with the editor. This is going to be a really short book. It may end up around 14Kish, depending on edits. It basically shows Raiden and Dayo from birth to age eighteen, when they mate.
I hadn't planned to write the early years (so to speak lol) but an abundance of disappointed comments made me rethink that.
What I'm posting below are cut scenes that won't be in the book. Why? Well, the book is about Raiden and Dayo... and Szin was figuring too prominently lol.
When I have a better idea when this will be out, I'll post on social media platforms.
~M
BirthIT’S TIME, Raiden whispered.Finally. Szin yawned, waking up. I can barely move.Yeah. Raiden tried to turn, but nope, not enough room. Hope Dad is ready.Hope dabba is ready. Raiden laughed mentally in Szin’s head, fully aware Dad hadn’t told dabba about the surprise that would soon hit him between the eyes.Raiden, if I don’t make it, will you—I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise. You’ll be fine. Dad knows what to do later. Raiden grasped Szin’s hand. He could tell Dad’s back was hurting him. Dad had even taken a bath to dampen the pain. It didn’t help, of course. Szin and Raiden moved together as Dad stepped out of the bath then gasped in pain. “Jesus, what the hell?”Think Dad’s figured it out, yet? Szin asked.Probably. He’s had pains shooting across his back since last night. The pain receded. They waited for the next one to hit. “Okay, that freaking hurt,” Dale griped.He’s only nine weeks along. I know, but it’s time. We’ll be okay, Szin. I hope you’re right. There’s too much ahead of us, too much to do. Um, what’s he doing now? Feels like he’s getting dressed and, ah, I think we’re going downstairs. Minutes passed, then Szin and Raiden bounced as Dad walked. They listening to water filling something, then the refreshing scent of fauna filtered to them.Seriously? He’s watering the plants? Szin snorted. He won’t be for long.“Keyno,” Dale suddenly yelled. “Oh God, Keyno. Keyno!” From somewhere above them, Szin and Raiden heard the pounding of feet. “By the gods, Dale!” Szin startled at a loud thump near them. Holy cow, what was that?I…. I think he jumped from upstairs. Good grief.“Christ. It may look like a jungle in here, but it isn’t. The stairs are there for a reason, you maniac.”“What’s wrong? Are you okay? I heard you cry out!”“It’s time,” Dale said.“Time for what?”“Time to change the jet packs on the flyer. What the fuck do you think it’s time for? I’m in labor, Keyno.”Ohhh, bad word. I’m sure it won’t be the last one, Raiden said.“No. You can’t be in labor. You still have three weeks yet. Oh gods, Dale, you cannot be in labor! You’re wrong!”Szin and Raiden tensed as another pain gripped Dad. Raiden, did Dabba really just tell Dad he was—Yeah. Yeah, he did. “Did you say I’m wrong? Trust me when I say you do not want to argue with me about this. Fucking hell, that last one really hurt. I want pain medication, and I mean now, dammit, so go get my overnight bag.”Did I say good grief yet? Szin asked.
Something tells me it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
May 21, 2018
Tuesday Teaser - the Bound by Destiny prequel
Okay, y'all, this is a deleted scene from the up-coming prequel about Dayo and Raiden. If you've read The Harvest series, you may recognize parts of the conversation Raiden and Szin can hear lol.
Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by DestinyThe Harvest Young
Nearing birthSOUNDS WOKE Raiden. The rhythmic thump, thump, thump comforted him, and he stretched. Low murmurs caught his attention. “So, have you decided on a name?” Gibor asked.Oh, that’s Gibor. I hope Chad is here too. “Well, we were thinking about Raiden,” Keyno said. “It means ‘thunder and lightning.’”Hey, dabba! There was a slight pressure above him. It felt like dabba was rubbing his dad’s belly. Raiden, huh? I like it. A lot. “Have you picked a name yet?” Keyno asked. Who is dabba speaking to? Maybe Gibor again?“Dayo. It means ‘joy’ and it fits, believe me.”Raiden perked up. That was Chad. They were talking about his mate! Dayo was a good name too. Others spoke, discussing names, but they didn’t interest him. He concentrated on Chad instead, at hoping he sensed Dayo so he… wait, wait, something wasn’t right. Chad’s heart rate was up and… oh gods, so was Dayo’s. His mate was struggling to breathe. Raiden shifted in the enclosed area holding him, but damn, there wasn’t a lot of room. Why is he struggling?What are you…? Hey now, stop all that wiggling. There’s not enough space for you to moving so much. And jeez, why do you have to be so big?Raiden grabbed the hand poking him and wrapped around the other body, and his twin snuggled close. Sorry. I’m just—Worried? Yeah, I got that. Like the name too. Raiden is a strong name. But why are you worried?Already his twin knew him well. Szin, something’s wrong with Chad.What’s wrong—wait. My name is Szin? How do you know that, and I don’t?From Dad. Raiden shrugged. I caught the thought from him.Szin huffed. Again, why didn’t I know this?Um, because you sleep so much? Raiden jumped when Szin kicked him. Ow, stop!I sleep so much because your big body gets more nutrients—more everything!—than mine. Szin snarled. Never mind that, you said something’s wrong with Chad? What’s going on, and is it very bad? I’m not sure, and yes, it’s bad.You need to tell Dad when he goes to sleep. Szin insisted. We both will.Raiden couldn’t settle. Why were the adults taking so long? How much time could they waste talking about nothing? Szin drifted next to him, once more asleep. Raiden sighed, upset about that too. Szin was smaller than him, and it concerned him. He didn’t know what he could do to help or make sure Szin was better fed. They tumbled together, Szin resting easier when they were close. But Raiden remained awake, chafing at the wait. After what seemed like forever, he heard his dabba suggest they call it a night.Finally! Now Dad, hug Chad.Hopefully his dad caught the gentle nudge he sent mentally. Dad needed to touch Chad, then maybe Raiden could figure out what the problem was he sensed with Dayo. Raiden almost shouted with joy when Dad followed through and hugged Chad. Fear swamped Raiden as soon as the two men touched. Not only was something wrong, Chad’s life was in danger. As was Dayo’s. Frantically Raiden reached out to Dad, but he couldn’t get through this time. Dale’s mind was on too many other things.But as soon as his dad went to sleep, Raiden tried to get his attention again, but all he accomplished was making his dad restless.Need help? Szin asked, yawning as he woke up again.Please! My mate’s life is in danger. We must get through to Dad. He has to get Chad to the doctor before he and Dayo die!Dayo? Oh! You mate has a name now?Gods, focus, will you?Bite me, fuzzball, Szin snapped, then focused on Dad, whispering in his mind. There’s something wrong. Take him to see a doctor, please. Danger. There is danger. No time to waste. Please, please. It’s so important.Raiden and Szin bumped into each other when Dale shifted in bed and then rolled onto his other side. I know Chad looks… well, tired doesn’t cover it. But how can you be so sure? Dale asked.Oh gods, Dad wasn’t listening. And Szin was being too nice. Raiden took over the mental link, desperate to get Dad’s attention. Danger, danger, danger. He’ll listen to you. You must make him go to the doctor. Make him. Immediately. There’s a problem. Tomorrow—make him go tomorrow. Don’t wait! He could die—his young could die. You can’t let that happen. It’s important that Dayo lives. Very important. You have no idea how important—to me.Dale shuddered. Okay. I’ll buzz him tomorrow and make him go see Doc. He won’t be happy, but I’ll drag him by the hair if I have to. If worst comes to worst, I’ll get Keyno involved. He’ll set Gibor after Chad. That should do the trick. I’ll have to tell Keyno now, you know that, right? I won’t have a choice.Raiden wished they wouldn’t wait until tomorrow, but at least they were aware there was a problem. He wasn’t sure why Dad hid that he could speak to them from dabba, but it didn’t matter now.Oh, could you tell him to purr louder, please? Raiden rolled his eyes as Szin’s request echoed in his head. Anxiously, they listened to dabba and Dad’s conversation, and snickered when Dad snapped that he didn’t want to hear the word impossible—that he was mated to an alien and pregnant, so nothing was impossible. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. You can really hear him? Talk to him? Dale, no one has ever been able to communicate with a young like that!” Keyno exclaimed.Huh. So this thing we do, it isn’t normal? Not from what they say. Raiden shrugged, listening to dabba and Dad argue. They needed to finish arguing and get to the important stuff: Dayo.Szin snorted. Just wait until he finds about Dad’s other surprise. Me!“He asked you to purr louder too,” Dale said. “Great… gods.” Okay, that was kinda funny. The next thing Raiden knew, his dabba was yelling about feelings, getting Chad looked at now, and buzzing Gibor. Relieved they weren’t waiting until morning, Raiden drifted off for a short nap.
Destiny: A Prequel to Bound by DestinyThe Harvest Young
Nearing birthSOUNDS WOKE Raiden. The rhythmic thump, thump, thump comforted him, and he stretched. Low murmurs caught his attention. “So, have you decided on a name?” Gibor asked.Oh, that’s Gibor. I hope Chad is here too. “Well, we were thinking about Raiden,” Keyno said. “It means ‘thunder and lightning.’”Hey, dabba! There was a slight pressure above him. It felt like dabba was rubbing his dad’s belly. Raiden, huh? I like it. A lot. “Have you picked a name yet?” Keyno asked. Who is dabba speaking to? Maybe Gibor again?“Dayo. It means ‘joy’ and it fits, believe me.”Raiden perked up. That was Chad. They were talking about his mate! Dayo was a good name too. Others spoke, discussing names, but they didn’t interest him. He concentrated on Chad instead, at hoping he sensed Dayo so he… wait, wait, something wasn’t right. Chad’s heart rate was up and… oh gods, so was Dayo’s. His mate was struggling to breathe. Raiden shifted in the enclosed area holding him, but damn, there wasn’t a lot of room. Why is he struggling?What are you…? Hey now, stop all that wiggling. There’s not enough space for you to moving so much. And jeez, why do you have to be so big?Raiden grabbed the hand poking him and wrapped around the other body, and his twin snuggled close. Sorry. I’m just—Worried? Yeah, I got that. Like the name too. Raiden is a strong name. But why are you worried?Already his twin knew him well. Szin, something’s wrong with Chad.What’s wrong—wait. My name is Szin? How do you know that, and I don’t?From Dad. Raiden shrugged. I caught the thought from him.Szin huffed. Again, why didn’t I know this?Um, because you sleep so much? Raiden jumped when Szin kicked him. Ow, stop!I sleep so much because your big body gets more nutrients—more everything!—than mine. Szin snarled. Never mind that, you said something’s wrong with Chad? What’s going on, and is it very bad? I’m not sure, and yes, it’s bad.You need to tell Dad when he goes to sleep. Szin insisted. We both will.Raiden couldn’t settle. Why were the adults taking so long? How much time could they waste talking about nothing? Szin drifted next to him, once more asleep. Raiden sighed, upset about that too. Szin was smaller than him, and it concerned him. He didn’t know what he could do to help or make sure Szin was better fed. They tumbled together, Szin resting easier when they were close. But Raiden remained awake, chafing at the wait. After what seemed like forever, he heard his dabba suggest they call it a night.Finally! Now Dad, hug Chad.Hopefully his dad caught the gentle nudge he sent mentally. Dad needed to touch Chad, then maybe Raiden could figure out what the problem was he sensed with Dayo. Raiden almost shouted with joy when Dad followed through and hugged Chad. Fear swamped Raiden as soon as the two men touched. Not only was something wrong, Chad’s life was in danger. As was Dayo’s. Frantically Raiden reached out to Dad, but he couldn’t get through this time. Dale’s mind was on too many other things.But as soon as his dad went to sleep, Raiden tried to get his attention again, but all he accomplished was making his dad restless.Need help? Szin asked, yawning as he woke up again.Please! My mate’s life is in danger. We must get through to Dad. He has to get Chad to the doctor before he and Dayo die!Dayo? Oh! You mate has a name now?Gods, focus, will you?Bite me, fuzzball, Szin snapped, then focused on Dad, whispering in his mind. There’s something wrong. Take him to see a doctor, please. Danger. There is danger. No time to waste. Please, please. It’s so important.Raiden and Szin bumped into each other when Dale shifted in bed and then rolled onto his other side. I know Chad looks… well, tired doesn’t cover it. But how can you be so sure? Dale asked.Oh gods, Dad wasn’t listening. And Szin was being too nice. Raiden took over the mental link, desperate to get Dad’s attention. Danger, danger, danger. He’ll listen to you. You must make him go to the doctor. Make him. Immediately. There’s a problem. Tomorrow—make him go tomorrow. Don’t wait! He could die—his young could die. You can’t let that happen. It’s important that Dayo lives. Very important. You have no idea how important—to me.Dale shuddered. Okay. I’ll buzz him tomorrow and make him go see Doc. He won’t be happy, but I’ll drag him by the hair if I have to. If worst comes to worst, I’ll get Keyno involved. He’ll set Gibor after Chad. That should do the trick. I’ll have to tell Keyno now, you know that, right? I won’t have a choice.Raiden wished they wouldn’t wait until tomorrow, but at least they were aware there was a problem. He wasn’t sure why Dad hid that he could speak to them from dabba, but it didn’t matter now.Oh, could you tell him to purr louder, please? Raiden rolled his eyes as Szin’s request echoed in his head. Anxiously, they listened to dabba and Dad’s conversation, and snickered when Dad snapped that he didn’t want to hear the word impossible—that he was mated to an alien and pregnant, so nothing was impossible. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. You can really hear him? Talk to him? Dale, no one has ever been able to communicate with a young like that!” Keyno exclaimed.Huh. So this thing we do, it isn’t normal? Not from what they say. Raiden shrugged, listening to dabba and Dad argue. They needed to finish arguing and get to the important stuff: Dayo.Szin snorted. Just wait until he finds about Dad’s other surprise. Me!“He asked you to purr louder too,” Dale said. “Great… gods.” Okay, that was kinda funny. The next thing Raiden knew, his dabba was yelling about feelings, getting Chad looked at now, and buzzing Gibor. Relieved they weren’t waiting until morning, Raiden drifted off for a short nap.
May 17, 2018
Finicky Friday: Lemon Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
1/4 cup good olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic (9 cloves)
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts, skin on (6 to 8 ounces each)
1 lemon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the garlic, and cook for just 1 minute but don't allow the garlic to turn brown. Off the heat, add the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and 1 teaspoon salt and pour into a 9 by 12-inch baking dish.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and place them skin side up over the sauce. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally with salt and pepper. Cut the lemon in 8 wedges and tuck it among the pieces of chicken.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts, until the chicken is done and the skin is lightly browned. If the chicken isn't browned enough, put it under the broiler for 2 minutes. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot with the pan juices.
Link: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-chicken-breasts-recipe-1923711?ic1=csrecommend
April 23, 2018
Sinister Hunger (Bloodstream Book 1) by Katze Snow
Sinister Hunger (Bloodstream Book 1)by Katze Snow
Vampires? ✅Sizzling, page melting sexy time? ✅Morally ambiguous characters? ✅Beautiful and interesting worldbuilding? ✅Sow burn beginning with an enemies-to-lovers? ✅Riveting and ORIGINAL vampire lore? ✅
Blurb:A world of intrigue. A life of lies. A future of sacrifice.
Vincent Hudson is a vampire hunter, and his life is about to be ruined.
When a hunting trip ends in tragedy, he is forced to do the unthinkable—seek refuge in Sanctuary Hope, where each family must nominate a member to the city council. But there is a catch.
In exchange for refuge, the nominees are turned into bloodslaves for an elite chain of vampires, and unaware of the gut-wrenching reality, Vincent nominates himself. He only wanted to save his group.
Now, a life of captivity and war await him. . .
Excerpt:
“Aaaargh, no! Please don’t eat me!”
“Eat you?” Maddox chuckled with dark conviction. He snaked a hand down Emory’s fluttering chest. “Dear boy, I am going to drink from you, then I am going to fuck you into utter oblivion. You won’t be able to think let alone breathe when I am done with you.” A wicked smile tugged at his pale lips. “Afterward, I will fuck my subordinate like the little slut he is, then I shall order him to fuck you and fill your sweet little ass with his seed. My guards will take turns on you throughout the night. Yes, yes, that would please me greatly, Emory. Very much so.”
His slid a gloved hand into Emory’s pants, the fine, blond hair trimmed neatly to his flesh, and cupped his flaccid cock. His fangs tickled the plains of Emory’s smooth neck, tongue lapping at his creamy skin. Meanwhile, he moved his hand up and down Emory’s shaft....
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C7QM9N9The vampire/hunter book you've been waiting for. #1 in LGBT Horror. Only 99c until Monday!
Reviews:“I am a fan of Katze's writing anyway but this book blew me away. Her best book to date!” 5⭐️“The vampire book we've been waiting for.” 5⭐️ “Dark, violent, and absorbing.” 4.5⭐️“Fascinating plot and intriguing characters.” 5⭐️“This book had intense clear world building and is going to be a great series. I read this book from start to finish in one sitting couldn't put it down.” 5⭐️
Bio:
After leaving school and renting a crummy flat at sixteen, Katze Snow now lives in Scotland with her wolf-dog and kitty. When she’s not writing or listening to music, she works for a top-secret, underground organization, but sshhh, it’s a secret. She finally published her debut novel in 2016.
If you’d like to join her mailing list for EXCLUSIVE FREEBIES, and be kept updated on her books, you can do so here: www.katzesnow.com/contact
Goodreads: https://katzesnow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatzesnow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatzesnow
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatzesnow/
April 1, 2018
Case of the Missing Drag Queen by Michael Rupured
Hey y'all! Please welcome Michael Rupured to the blog. :) He's here to talk about an up-coming release from DSPP. Check it out!
Release date: June 19, 2018; novel
Drag Shows and the Case of the Missing Drag Queen
Thank you, Michelle, for the opportunity to tell your fans about my upcoming release. It’s not a romance. My attempts at writing love stories readers will enjoy have failed miserably. Instead, it’s a lighthearted mystery chocked full of interesting and memorable characters.
Friendless Luke lands a job tending bar in the Garden—a three-story venue with rooms designed to appeal to different segments of the LGBT community. Luke works in the Gilded Lily where drag queens perform every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The cast includes the dark and lovely Simone, the queen of the cathouse Kitty Galore, the trailer park fairy Pixie Wilder, the pride of the Bluegrass Miss Ruby Dubonnet, and guest performers from near and far.
No other form of entertainment compares to a good drag show. Hell, even bad drag has entertainment value. There’s so much to it: hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, song choice, lip-syncing, engaging the audience and sucking them into the illusion. Perfecting the total package takes time.
No two queens are alike. As with strippers in a titty bar, performers want to stand out from the other queens. Styles run the gamut from raunchy to refined with everything in between and then some. RuPaul’s Drag Race is a fun show with top-notch performers. Still, behind-the-scenes drama aside, nothing compares to a live show.
Building a story around drag shows was a lot of fun. Writing dialogue for such colorful personalities was a blast, and finding songs for the queens to perform brought back a lot of memories. I hope reading the story will be as fun as writing it was.
Blurb
Broke, saddled with a mountain of debt, and dependent on his Aunt Callie's support, aspiring writer Luke Tanner has returned to Kentucky to put his life back together after a failed five-year relationship.
On his twenty-fifth birthday, Luke meets diminutive Pixie Wilder, a long-time performer at the Gilded Lily. After headliner Ruby Dubonnet doesn’t show up, Pixie takes her place as the star of the show—a motive that makes her a suspect in Ruby’s disappearance.
Luke reluctantly agrees to help his new-found friend clear her name. He and Pixie set out to find the missing drag queen, and in the process, put themselves in danger.
Cover Artist:
Alexandria Corza
https://www.seeingstatic.com/
Buy Links (Now available for preorder)
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Queen-Tanner-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07C94VK8S
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1128301067?ean=9781640806672
DSP Publications
eBook: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-case-of-the-missing-drag-queen-by-michael-rupured-459-b
Paperback: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-case-of-the-missing-drag-queen-by-michael-rupured-460-b
Author Bio
Michael Rupured writes stories true enough for government work about gay life from the 1960s to today. This life-long Southerner was born in Fayetteville NC, grew up in Lexington KY, and after 18 months in Washington DC, moved to Athens GA where he’s lived since 1999. By day, he’s senior faculty in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. He’s an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, the Kentucky Wildcats, and any team playing the Florida Gators. In his free time, Michael tinkers with his garden, plays with Toodles (his diabetic chihuahua), and keeps up with his many friends around the country. Previous novels include Until Thanksgiving (thriller), No Good Deed (mystery/thriller), Whippersnapper (regional), and Happy Independence Day (historical).
Visit his website (http://rupured.com), follow on Twitter @Crotchetyman), like his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichaelRupured/) or shoot him a message (mrupured@gmail.com)
Release date: June 19, 2018; novel
Drag Shows and the Case of the Missing Drag Queen
Thank you, Michelle, for the opportunity to tell your fans about my upcoming release. It’s not a romance. My attempts at writing love stories readers will enjoy have failed miserably. Instead, it’s a lighthearted mystery chocked full of interesting and memorable characters.
Friendless Luke lands a job tending bar in the Garden—a three-story venue with rooms designed to appeal to different segments of the LGBT community. Luke works in the Gilded Lily where drag queens perform every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. The cast includes the dark and lovely Simone, the queen of the cathouse Kitty Galore, the trailer park fairy Pixie Wilder, the pride of the Bluegrass Miss Ruby Dubonnet, and guest performers from near and far.
No other form of entertainment compares to a good drag show. Hell, even bad drag has entertainment value. There’s so much to it: hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, song choice, lip-syncing, engaging the audience and sucking them into the illusion. Perfecting the total package takes time.
No two queens are alike. As with strippers in a titty bar, performers want to stand out from the other queens. Styles run the gamut from raunchy to refined with everything in between and then some. RuPaul’s Drag Race is a fun show with top-notch performers. Still, behind-the-scenes drama aside, nothing compares to a live show.
Building a story around drag shows was a lot of fun. Writing dialogue for such colorful personalities was a blast, and finding songs for the queens to perform brought back a lot of memories. I hope reading the story will be as fun as writing it was.
Blurb
Broke, saddled with a mountain of debt, and dependent on his Aunt Callie's support, aspiring writer Luke Tanner has returned to Kentucky to put his life back together after a failed five-year relationship.
On his twenty-fifth birthday, Luke meets diminutive Pixie Wilder, a long-time performer at the Gilded Lily. After headliner Ruby Dubonnet doesn’t show up, Pixie takes her place as the star of the show—a motive that makes her a suspect in Ruby’s disappearance.
Luke reluctantly agrees to help his new-found friend clear her name. He and Pixie set out to find the missing drag queen, and in the process, put themselves in danger.
Cover Artist:
Alexandria Corza
https://www.seeingstatic.com/
Buy Links (Now available for preorder)
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Missing-Queen-Tanner-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B07C94VK8S
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1128301067?ean=9781640806672
DSP Publications
eBook: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-case-of-the-missing-drag-queen-by-michael-rupured-459-b
Paperback: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/the-case-of-the-missing-drag-queen-by-michael-rupured-460-b
Author BioMichael Rupured writes stories true enough for government work about gay life from the 1960s to today. This life-long Southerner was born in Fayetteville NC, grew up in Lexington KY, and after 18 months in Washington DC, moved to Athens GA where he’s lived since 1999. By day, he’s senior faculty in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. He’s an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, the Kentucky Wildcats, and any team playing the Florida Gators. In his free time, Michael tinkers with his garden, plays with Toodles (his diabetic chihuahua), and keeps up with his many friends around the country. Previous novels include Until Thanksgiving (thriller), No Good Deed (mystery/thriller), Whippersnapper (regional), and Happy Independence Day (historical).
Visit his website (http://rupured.com), follow on Twitter @Crotchetyman), like his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichaelRupured/) or shoot him a message (mrupured@gmail.com)
