Rick R. Reed's Blog, page 102

FREE FOR YOUR KINDLE: Sea Change by Jeremy Page

Whenever I see a good Kindle book for free, I like to share it with you. This novel, although I haven't yet read it, sounds mesmerizing. Get it quick, because these titles often do not stay free for long.

From Publishers WeeklyPage (Salt) provides a fresh perspective on parallel lives in his latest novel about life after the death of a child in a seaside English town. Five years after the loss of his young daughter, Guy is living alone on a boat drifting aimlessly about the North Sea. His world is far from uninhabited, however, as the characters of his diary swirl about his mind. He writes about what could have been, imagining a life where his daughter is still alive and accompanying her still-married mother and father on a road trip through America. Interestingly, domestic bliss doesn't permeate the fantasy; the tale is wracked with drama and familial discord. As Guy teeters between two lives, the thin line of reality becomes very hard for him to discern. He struggles to find answers in both the endless sea and vast imagined stretches of America, and eventually comes into contact with another family, also reeling from loss, which gives rise to the possibility of stability and comfort. With lyricism and poise, Page renders a doubly engaging story, with one narrative as intricate and essential as the other. (Dec.) (c)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tantalizing Tuesday: A New Release from Sloane Taylor & Robert Appleton

From time to time, I like to share with you exciting new works from fellow authors. Today, that work is:

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CLAIRE DE LUNEBy Robert Appleton & Sloane TaylorISBN-13: 978-1-61124-011-5 (Electronic) ISBN-13: 978-1-61124-995-8 (Print) Amber Quill Press – Amber Heat
Genres: Science Fiction / Futuristic / Action / Adventure / Mystery / Detective / Voyeurism Heat Level: 2 Length: Novel (70k word)
Buy your copy. 
BLURB:You're invited to the galaxy's most prestigious beauty pageant. Clothing optional. Romance and danger…fully provided…
Cocky young detectives Gerry Rappeneau and Sebastian Thorpe-Campbell arrive at the premier lunar resort expecting a week of eye candy and long massages. With a half-billion-credit purse up for grabs, this year's pageant is the focus of a hundred worlds. And beauty isn't the only thing in the eye of the beholder.
One contestant, Evelyn Lyons, is attacked and her assailant killed. Surely a simple case of a stalker gone mad, as nothing bad ever happens at the Selene contest. So the brochure says.
The closer Gerry gets to Evelyn, the more he is convinced she's hiding something. His meticulous character sparks with her wild, sassy nature, and they embark on a torrid affair. Their forbidden romance isn't the only thing set to ignite in Pont de Reves.
Sebastian's infatuation with demure Claire Villiers, another contestant, threatens to put all four of them in harm's way.
A deadly trail of corporate conspiracy, monstrous assassins and hot bikini wax is more than anyone bargained for in this incendiary erotic mystery. Get ready for some serious heat on the dark side of the moon.
EXCERPT:…Evelyn glared across at Van der Sands, her grey eyes metallic and sharp. Busy placing the new drinks order, the banker didn't notice her.
"He's a son of a bitch." Evelyn retrieved a white business card and a ballpoint pen from her purse. She wrote on the back and slid it to Gerry.
He swallowed hard as he read, Clean the bastard out & I'll sleep with you tonight.
She let her hands fall loose at her side, unmasking her face. Gerry's first thought was one of easy acquiescence. Whatever she wanted! If this was the start of some kind of saucy foreplay, why the hell not? Then he watched the curious game within the game unfold.
A few slow-burning fireworks started the show. Sly glances between her and Van der Sands; the brunette girl with fleeting yet repeated eye contact; Evelyn whistling a tune. Subtle—but the shared air was definitely combustible. What was going on among the three of them? And what did she have against her old boss?
He slipped the card into his pocket. The drinks arrived and Van der Sands made sure everyone was ready to resume. "Le jeux est fait. Un banco de quatre cent mille."
The CEO wasn't messing around. High stakes, just like the previous round. Gerry might have backed off—four hundred thousand was two fifths of his total allowance for the night—but Evelyn's note and the bizarre charades had already piqued his interest. "Banco," he announced.
Van der Sands dealt him two quick cards and a lengthy, probing stare. Gerry matched the latter. At first the man had seemed indifferent, almost petty about the game of baccarat. Now there was fiery curiosity in his eyes, as though he needed to know who this blond opponent was and why Gerry was in league with her. He thought of it as dick-measuring by proxy. Neither man knew the other, but they had become tacit rivals by association with the same beautiful woman.
A seven and a two—a natural nine. A great first hand. Gerry tapped his cards, signifying he didn't want another. Van der Sands would now have to err on the side of risk.
He drew a nine and a five. A score of four. To get close to nine, he had to risk another card.
The croupier flipped an ace. "Cinq a la banque."
Gerry nudged Evelyn's arm before arrogantly tossing his cards face up into the center.
"Monsieur Rappeneau wins." The croupier retrieved the cards and awarded Gerry his chips.
The brunette congratulated him with an approving nod and a silent clap. Her black elbow-length gloves added to her mystique. Evelyn, boasting a mischievous grin, stroked his thigh under the table, edging dangerously close to his dick. His next sip of Mackison competed with a gasp. He covered his mouth. It was all he could do to stop a mouthful of beverage showering the green baize. Evelyn's hand had strayed into sensitive territory. He didn't know whether to yank it away or shove it deeper into his crotch.
"Keep it up," she whispered in his ear. "And that goes for your winnings, too. Tonight, I'm gonna screw your brains out."
Jesus Christ! His hold on propriety slipped like an eel through soapy rubber gloves. The casino grew close. Stifling. Evelyn grabbed his crotch and massaged the tip of his erection. He gave another gasp. The brunette watched him through the prism of her glass while she sipped her Malibu. The way those sensuous black gloves contrasted with her white arms and shoulders… Oh, God! He glanced down at Evelyn's breathtaking tits. His hand shaking, he took a large swig of Mackison. It helped. Only for a moment. Evelyn moved in close and placed her hand on his shoulder. She gave him a look so serious and seductive he felt his erotic self tumbling into her cleavage. Somebody…help.
"Un banco de trois cent mille."
The Australian answered, "Banco."
Gerry wrenched himself to his feet. He regained the wherewithal to kiss Evelyn's cheek before stuttering, "Excuse me. Shan't be a minute," to the other startled players. Breathing a long, shivery sigh on his way to the restroom, he tripped on a step and almost bulldozed a waitress into her trolley of snacks.
"Good God." He locked the men's room door behind him. "She's an animal. I'm dating a goddamn wild animal…"

Get Your Foot in the Door at Amber Quill Press

Attention Authors of M/M Erotic Fiction... March 24, 2010          
         
ATTENTION AUTHORS OF M/M EROTIC FICTION~ CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ~Once again, Amber Allure (the GLBT imprint of Amber Quill Press) is pleased to announce a Call for Submissions. Although we're not open to "general" submissions, we are looking for stories that fit specific themes being planned for release in 2011. For detailed information and submission guidelines, please visit our website at...
http://amberquill.com/AmberAllure/AA_submissioncalls.html
       
         


For further information on these and more than 1000 additional titles, please visit our websites... Amber Heat - Gimme Fever!Website: http://amberheat.com Amber Allure - Where Love Is Blind To Gender!Website: http://amber-allure.com Amber Quill Press, LLC - The Gold Standard In PublishingWebsite: http://amberquill.com  ~ Buy Direct And Save! ~

NEW COVER: Speed Demon Coming Out on January 30, 2011

It's always exciting when I get a new cover. Just seeing how someone else visualizes the story is a thrill that never gets old. This one is for a short e-book I have coming out early next year from Amber Allure (the GLBT imprint of Amber Quill Press).

What do you think?

Synopsis
Jealousy can be such an ugly emotion, but can it drive one to kill?

Jake is in love with Cayce, an older, bestselling author who thinks of him only as a friend. Cayce is enthralled—as is everyone else—with Garland, a gorgeous waif of a boy, famous for his eccentric clothes and an unparalleled desire to be at the center of attention. Constantly.

Jake's discovery of something as mundane as a few over-the-counter sleeping pills pulls Speed Demon into a tale of thwarted love, a story of a twisted triangle, and just maybe, a tale of crime and revenge from beyond the grave.

What I'm Thankful For

After having narrowly averted a heart attack last Saturday (but with a stent put in one of my arteries which was almost completely blocked), I have a lot to be thankful for this holiday.

1. My heart. It may have a stent implanted in it, a leaky valve and other assorted problems my doctors and I now have to continue to watch out for, but hey, it's still tickin' and for that, I'm very grateful.

2. Bruce. My partner in life, light of my life, my everything. Oh, it's so good to have someone by your side and taking selfless good care of you when something like this happens (and even when something like this doesn't). I love and treasure my man and don't know how I got so lucky...so I'm really thankful we found each other eight years ago.

3. Nick. My son, who has always been the "creation" I'm most proud of (although he is most certainly his own man), stood by me during this difficult time with humor, compassion, and warmth that made its way to me all the way from Montreal.

4. Susan and Melissa. My big sister and little sister, respectively. Thank you both so much for calling every day and for the concern and love you sent across the miles. You may be all that's left of my immediate family, but you're all I need.

5. Lily. Yes, she's a dog. But her joy at seeing me when I came home from the hospital was indescribable. The love in those big brown eyes is more healing balm than all those medications they sent me home from the hospital with.

6. Venus and Chandra. My good friends in Chicago, who have become real family to me and show it constantly, even though we have been apart now for four years.

7. Verniqua. My best friend in Seattle...his very presence at the hospital demonstrated so much.

8. You. I was overwhelmed by the messages, the tweets, the flowers, the cards, and all the concern so many of you showed me over these past few days. I am truly grateful that all of you are out there, whether I have met you in person or only virtually, you're kindness means more to me than I can put into words.

I wish all of you the happiest of Thanksgivings...and want to express my gratitude and love to each and every one of you, from the bottom of my damaged little heart.

Bite a Weenie: A sneak peak from DIGNITY TAKES A HOLIDAY

My so-called romantic comedy, Dignity Takes a Holiday, will be released by Dreamspinner Press in January of the new year. Below is a little taste from the book, showing the twisted humor the book delivers and the rather thwarted relationship between Pete Thickwhistle and his mom, which is at the heart of the novel.


Enjoy! And do let me know what you think.

Pete spent the next two weeks in a fruitless job search. No one wanted to hire him ("Personally, I can't blame them," Helen told him). He was feeling particularly tense when he emerged, looking guiltily up and down the street, from L'Amour Adult Playhouse. He wore a trench coat bought at Goodwill, giant sunglasses and a beat-up fedora he had hung on to from the 1960's. Concealed beneath the trench coat was a #36, The Kamikaze, dildo. The dildo was eight inches long and six inches around. Pete both feared and desired the object. He prayed Mother would never discover its existence.

A few days later, Pete was starving as he watched Helen at the stove, stirring a big, steaming pot. He wiped away a line of drool that had formed at the corner of his mouth.

"There ya go!" Helen had done the plate up beautifully: with a sprig of parsley and a pat of butter positioned just so on Pete's heap of corn. Steam rose from the hot dog, hidden beneath its toppings, and Pete breathed it in, savoring the aroma of the warm roll and all the trimmings. "I made it just like at the restaurant. I hope you like it...honey." Helen was grinning.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Pete picked up the warm bun, opened wide, bit down and found he could not bite through the hot dog. Brushing aside all the trimmings, Pete discovered that there was not a hot dog encased in the bun, but the dildo he had so carefully hidden. There still remained the impression of his teeth in the flesh–colored rubber.

Pete covered his mouth, eyes wide and staring. He suppressed a gag at the back of his throat. And yet again, heat radiated upward from his neck to envelope his face and ears. The heat was not from the steam.

Helen stood at the stove, watching her son and snickering.

"Mother, how could you?"

"I was cleaning your room."

"You had no right."

"I had every right. This is my house and I intend to keep it clean."

Pete was flabbergasted. "I'm entitled to a little privacy, don't you think? I am 47 years old."

"You're sick. If that's what you need your privacy for, then you're sick."

"Mother! I'm a grown man and I have my needs."

Helen waved her son's remarks away. "There are plenty of men around if it's fucking you need."

"Mother! I never told you I liked men!"

"Well..." Helen snickered, ignoring Pete's 'coming out' remark. He supposed, dejectedly, it hadn't needed saying. "Where'd you get that thing, anyway?"

Helen was still chuckling to herself as Pete rushed from the room in tears.

Helen doubled over in renewed laughter when she heard the slam of her son's bedroom door. She picked up the dildo, shaking her head and staring at it. "Christ Almighty."

FREE For Your Kindle: Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin

Continuing my tradition of sharing free Kindle finds, today's book is Armistead Maupin's Michael Tolliver Lives . I read it when it came out and can attest that it's a great, and surprisingly touching, novel.

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Maupin denies that this is a seventh volume of his beloved Tales of the City, but—happily—that's exactly what it is, with style and invention galore. When we left the residents of 28 Barbary Lane, it was 1989, and Michael "Mouse" Tolliver was coping with the supposed death sentence of HIV. Now, improved drug cocktails have given him a new life, while regular shots of testosterone and doses of Viagra allow him a rich and inventive sex life with a new boyfriend, Ben, "twenty-one years younger than I am—an entire adult younger, if you must insist on looking at it that way." Number 28 Barbary Lane itself is no more, but its former tenants are doing well, for the most part, in diaspora. Michael's best friend, ladies' man Brian Hawkins, is back, and unprepared for his grown daughter, Shawna, a pansexual it-girl journalist à la Michelle Tea, to leave for a New York career. Mrs. Madrigal, the transsexual landlady, is still radiant and mysterious at age 85. Maupin introduces a dazzling variety of real-life reference points, but the story belongs to Mouse, whose chartings of the transgressive, multigendered sex trends of San Francisco are every bit as lovable as Mouse's original wet jockey shorts contest in the very first Tales, back in 1978. (June)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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NEW RELEASE: Out on the Net

Out On The Net
by Rick R. ReedISBN-13: 978-1-61124-017-7 (Electronic)
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Romantic Comedy / Exhibitionism / Public Places
Heat Level: 2
Length: Novella (18k words)New Release 35% Discount (One Week Only)
Description: New from Rick R. Reed, author of the Amber Allure best-sellers Fugue and Superstar ......
Ray Tolliver has bad timing. Cold feet? It doesn't get much worse than accepting you're gay twenty minutes before your wedding to a woman, yet that's just what happens. Join Ray as he recounts in his blog the hilarious and touching events that lead him on a journey toward true love. Although he originally starts looking for love in all the wrong places, will he eventually find another man who wants more than just quick sex? A man who appreciates romance, hearts, and flowers? Or will he find that self-acceptance and bliss do not always go hand-in-hand? And what of Alice, Ray's lovely, jilted fiancée? Will she find it in her heart to forgive the man who left her at the altar? These questions and more are answered in this unique love story, told in the form of blog entries. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the power and difficulties of loving not only others, but yourself...........Find Out More!
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The End of the World Matt Alber

I saw Matt Alber perform last night in Seattle. This song, The End of the World,  really moved me--and before I saw him, everyone said to me, "Oh you have to see this video." I didn't look it up on YouTube until this morning. I was glad I got to hear Matt sing this live first (although it's a great video) because in addition to him being about six feet away from me, I heard his story of making the video and approaching his straight Sicilian barber about shooting the video in his barbershop.

The barber asked, "Matt, you're really gonna kiss a man?"

And Matt told him, "Yes. And it's going to be the most romantic kiss you've ever seen."

And Matt was right. See for yourself.

TRICKS Gets Its First Review--A Rave

I woke up to very good news this morning. Amos Lassen, the uber Amazon reviewer and Eureka Literary Pride reviewer, gave a rave  for my new novel, TRICKS. It's great to get the validation because this is my first full-length gay romance novel. Amos said:

"Now you ask—did he pull off the love story? Indeed he did and he gives it to us with all the obstacles and problems that arrive when a couple embarks on a relationship..."

Read the whole review.

Check out synopsis, excerpt, and order your copy here.