Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 22
June 20, 2015
Strictly Professional (Part of the ‘Just Desserts’ anthology); by Iyana Jenna
(Please note, this is a mixed anthology. Strictly Professional is an MM Romance, but most of the stories in the anthology are MF.)
Blurb:
As the only senior graphic designer at Downey Handbags, Zane Kotsky expected to become the head of the creative art department when the company planned to expand its business. His hope crashed when it turned out that the company wanted someone from outside to be the manager. Knowing that, Zane planned to leave the place at once, but that was before he met the man who would become his boss, Joachim Wessling.
Publisher: Iyana Jenna
Cover Artist: Renee George
Excerpt:
“I don’t know, but…” He sighed and began telling her everything that was said in the meeting, including his own thoughts and self-promise not to go. He also asked her not to tell anyone.
“Of course I won’t. But I agree with you. You can’t leave. You have to show them how good you are and how wrong they are not to pick you.”
“Thank you, love.” He sniffed and sank his fork into his warm, moist muffin. It looked tasty enough that it helped him forget about the meeting though only for a second.
“Still, there’s a chance you might like this new guy.”
Huh? Zane’s head whirled up so fast he got dizzy. “I thought you were on my side.”
“I’m not taking sides. I’m just thinking of what’s best for everyone. For you, for the company.”
“Then you must think I’m not good enough to be the art department manager.”
“I never said that.”
“No, seriously.” He set his muffin aside and folded his arms on the table, facing her straight on. “What do you think I need to improve? Like I told you earlier, the management people thought I wasn’t mature enough.”
“I don’t think there’s something wrong with you. I said something about the new person because I think finally you’ll get someone equal to you. Someone you can argue with about a design and who can argue back. You realize that no junior designers dare say anything against you, right?”
“I, err…” Zane didn’t know what to say. He always thought he treated them fairly. He wasn’t a tyrant.
“You can be childish sometimes.”
“See? You think there’s something wrong with me.”
Mira sighed. “Come on. It’s for your own good. If you behave properly, management will see that you’re serious. That newcomer is an outsider anyway. He won’t know shit about our company.”
“Whoa.” He had never heard dirty words out of her mouth before. Then he shrugged and took a sip of his caramel macchiato.
“You promised yourself you’d show Downey they couldn’t get rid of you easily.”
Zane still said nothing. She nudged at him, almost tipping over the contents of the cup he was holding.
“Hey.”
“Promise me.”
“Okay, okay.”
About the author:
Iyana writes M/M short stories and novellas. Her works have been published by Evernight Publishing, JMS Books, Books to Go Now, Torquere Press, Bitten Press, Leap of Faith Publishing, Breathless Press, and Alfie Dog Fiction.
Iyana lives in Jakarta, a city famous for its traffic jams, a lot of cars and motorcycles, and people selling stuff on the roads. You can spend two hours on the road going to a place you can reach in half an hour in a normal situation. Thanks to the traffic jams, though, Iyana can come up with a lot of stories, mostly shorties, as she prefers to spend the time during her trips writing into her cell phone rather than sleeping.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iyanajenna
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/books.by.iyanajenna
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IyanaJenna
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/iyanajenna/
Blog: http://iyanajennaauthor.wordpress.com/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/iyana-jenna
LinkedIn:
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6996391.Iyana_Jenna
Publisher: Iyana Jenna
Cover Artist: Renee George
Tour Date: June 20, 2015:
Parker Williams, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog, MM Good Book Reviews, Happily Ever Chapter, Up All Night, Read All Day, Havan Fellows, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, Multitasking Mommas, Inked Rainbow Reads, Cate Ashwood, Bike Book Reviews, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, My Fiction Nook, The Hat Party, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Bayou Book Junkie, Andrew Q. Gordon, The Novel Approach, Divine Magazine, Kimi-Chan, Foxylutely Book Reviews
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link for a chance to win a $5.00 gift card :
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 19, 2015
New Release—Crossed Wires; by T. Strange
Blurb:
Rory isn’t expecting much more than clowns and elephant poop when he agrees to take his niece and nephew to the circus, but he finds himself entranced by the trapeze performers. Returning to the circus another night, he meets Lev and Tanner after the show and finds himself just as interested in the men themselves. They take him back to their hotel room for a night of steamy sex. After the circus leaves, Rory can’t stop thinking about the duo, though they never call him. He enrolls in a trapeze class as a distraction, and is astonished to find out who’s teaching the course.
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BS Clay
Release Date: June 17, 2015
Excerpt:
The spotlight followed him across the tent, other lights coming up in succession as he swung past them, creating a corridor of light for him to perform in.
At the height of his swing, on the opposite side of the tent from where he had begun, a spotlight appeared on another platform. Another man stood there. He was wearing magenta and teal as well, but his pattern was the opposite of his partner’s. He leapt off, holding his trapeze, then flipped himself so he was hanging upside down.
I looked back at the first man, and I almost cried out when he leapt. He didn’t even have a trapeze to stop his fall, but the second man had swung out to him. They met at the perfect moment, both their arms outstretched until they met, and then they were swinging together, safe.
Sales Links:
http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4412
About the author:
T. Strange is an author of M/M romance, published with Torquere Press. She writes both BDSM and vanilla, so there’s something for everyone! Her first novel, My Zombie Boyfriend, was published in 2015. When not reading or writing, T. enjoys playing with her many pets, gardening, and watching videos of Duo XY.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tq.strange
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTStrange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TqStrange
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tqstrange/
Tour Dates & Stops: June 19, 2015
Parker Williams , MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Jessie G. Books, Andrew Q. Gordon, Kimi-Chan, Havan Fellows, Tara Lain, Happily Ever Chapter, The Hat Party, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Decadent Delights, Just Love Romance, Emotion in Motion, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Bayou Book Junkie, Redz World, Velvet Panic, Iyana Jenna
Click the Rafflecopter link to be entered to win an e-copy of Crossed Wires:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
June 18, 2015
Ari; by Cheryl Headford—Release Day Book Blast
Title: Ari
Author: Cheryl Headford
Genre: LGBT, romance, transgender, intersex, M/M, F/F
Length: Novel
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing
Synopsis
After having known each other online for some time, writers, Benji and Ari meet at a convention.
Their attraction is both immediate and mutual.
But all is not straightforward—Ari is intersex and Benji transgender.
Together they embark on a journey.
A journey that unites families, and heals old wounds.
But not everyone is happy with the blossoming love between these two unique and special individuals.
Will an act of aggression crush the flower before it can bloom?
Book trailer
Buy Links
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/?p=1298
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YUT48QE/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YUT48QE/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00YUT48QE/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00YUT48QE/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ari-1820879-341.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ari-cheryl-headford/1122098431?ean=9781925222487
Excerpt
MY EYES slammed open to a world gone mad. Bella barked as an enormous flash of light was followed immediately by a god-awful bang and rumble that shook the house on its foundations. Before I quite got my bearings, another brilliant flash of lightning blinded me and thunder cracked and rolled down the valley. I yelled at Bella for howling, cursed her for waking me—then I checked the clock.
“Jesus. Marc, it’s ten past five. We slept in. We have to get up. Now.”
“Benji?” Marc’s sleepy voice was sharp with alarm. He cried out with terror when another flash of lightning was followed by a deep boom and the lights flickered.
“Benji?”
“It’s okay. I’m here. It’s just a thunderstorm. We need to get going. We slept late.”
Marc jumped up and scampered around the bed to hug me tight. The dog was still whining and yipping, clearly unhappy, and the rain absolutely hammered.
“Typical,” I grumbled as I pried my little brother off me and headed for the bathroom. Marc followed, so close he tripped me.
“Whoa. You can’t go in the bathroom with me.”
“But I’m scared.” He underlined his words with a yelp when another round of thunder and lightning rolled over us.
“You can’t come in the shower, so don’t be silly. I’ll leave the door open, okay? You can sit on the stairs, or in your room.”
Marc was unhappy, but I managed to take a quick shower. As soon as he was able he came in, sat on the closed toilet, and watched me do my hair.
“You have very pretty hair.”
“What’s brought this on? You’re usually criticizing.”
“You shouldn’t complain. You should take compliments where you can get them, at your age.”
“Cheeky bugger. I’m not old.”
“You are, compared to me.”
“Only by seven years. I’m still a teenager.”
“Only for four weeks.”
“Then I’ll have to make the most of it while I can.”
About the author
CHERYL HEADFORD was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.
Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.
Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re-enactment group who traveled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.
It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.
In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and her two cats. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. The part of her that needs to earn money is a lawyer, but the deepest, and most important part of her is a storyteller and artist, and always will be.
Website: Nephylim-author.blogspot.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.headford
Twitter: @SevenPointStar
June 16, 2015
Turning His Life Around; by Grace R. Duncan—Cover Reveal and Excerpt
Can Kane recognize what’s right in front of him before he loses everything?
When Kane Harris’s world turns upside down, his lifelong best friend is the only one to catch him.
Years ago, Ian Kelly accepted Kane would never return his love, since he knows Kane believes he’s incapable of it. Ian is willing to settle for what he can get—a best friend, sometimes casual lover, and occasional submissive. He’s learned he can’t live without Kane, but he can’t let Kane know. Because when, not if, Kane confirms that Ian’s love will never be returned, Ian won’t be able to take it. But when Kane loses his job and asks Ian to step up their play to help him deal, Ian’s ability to hide his feelings falters. Then Kane starts his own computer security firm and asks Ian to join him, and Ian struggles further.
It’s not until they visit the exclusive BDSM club the Iron Door that things come to a head. Kane screws up big time, and he’s afraid he can’t fix it. He’s sure he’ll lose his best friend, his Dom, his everything… forever.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release date: July 6, 2015
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Excerpt:
IAN COAXED his ancient Toyota into the parking spot next to Kane’s Accord and shut off the engine. He was exhausted. He’d gotten into a fight with the IT director again, was given another project to work on with the database developer whom he hated with a passion, and had been forced to sit through no less than three completely useless meetings in the afternoon. All he wanted to do was eat something and go kill something. Not necessarily in that order.
He dragged himself out of the car and locked it, tossing his bag over his shoulder. He trudged up the steps, giving a halfhearted wave at their elderly neighbor, a sweet old lady not entirely with it anymore. She was out on her balcony in little more than a nightgown, watering nearly dead plants. She smiled a wide, toothless smile and he gave a weak smile back.
He finally made it to the apartment door on the third floor. He slammed the door deliberately so Kane would know he was home, then kicked off his shoes, hung his keys up, and shed his jacket. He put it in the closet before heading down the hall.
Their living room wasn’t all that big, but they didn’t care. Half of it was taken up with their computer desks, stuffed next to each other and covering one entire wall. Opposite them was the large flat screen TV and entertainment center, complete with all three major gaming consoles, a home theater system, and large collection of movies and games. In front of the TV, between it and their desks, was the one piece of furniture they’d spent any real money on: their couch. They’d had more than a few friends crash with them, and they’d finally broken down and bought a decent one for them to sleep on. It had certainly come in handy a few times when they’d decided to fuck there in the living room too.
Ian shook his head at the thought and turned his attention to Kane. He had his headphones on and there was a battle going on the screen, one hand was on the keyboard, and the other was on the mouse.
“No, goddammit! He was… fuck. What do you mean you’re out of power? That’s not what I see! Just… send in the pet. Fine. Look, we’re in the bottom of fucking Moria. You can’t fuck around like that!”
Ian leaned against the wall, crossing his arms, and watched the battle. There were way too many enemies for Kane’s group—he could see that from there.
“Goddammit!” Kane shouted, ripping his headphones off and throwing them onto the desk.
“Pick-up group?” Ian asked.
Kane spun around, and Ian glanced over Kane’s shoulder to see his character’s corpse lying on the ground. “Yeah. Why do I get into them again?”
Ian shook his head. “I don’t know. They’re not usually that bad in Middle-earth, though, are they?”
“No, which is why I’m so pissed.” He sighed. “Must be the daytime players.”
“Want to order in tonight?” Ian asked, crossing the room to stand next to his friend.
“Chinese?” Kane looked up hopefully, and Ian laughed.
“Sure. If we can order from the place that does the sushi too.”
“Done!” Kane grinned and snatched at the menu he kept pinned to the small bulletin board over his desk. “How was your day?” he asked as he looked over the menu.
Ian sighed. “Long. Meetings all damned afternoon. I hate meetings. I hate people. And, um, don’t you have to deal with your group?” He pointed at the screen.
Kane shook his head. “No, I dropped it. I should port back, though.” He turned back to the computer and clicked a few things. His corpse revived, the pretty green swirls surrounded him, and the loading screen came up, complete with a twenty-four-inch version of a spider.
Ian shuddered and looked away. Instead, he turned to inspect his friend. He could tell something was bubbling under the olive skin and nearly black eyes. He knew it was very likely the old job, the new job hunt, and the frustration Kane was likely feeling over it. Kane always thought too much, spent way too much mental energy worrying about things.
“Did you work out today?” he asked, giving in and playing with a bit of Kane’s shaggy ebony hair.
“Yeah,” Kane said, and that one syllable told Ian enough: that while the workout might have done some, it most certainly wasn’t enough. He knew Kane would have gotten started on what he had to do, would have done what he felt he needed to, and hated every second of it. He was likely worried about money and not looking forward to working for another bullshit company with bullshit politics and bullshit people.
He knew his friend well.
They’d been friends since they were six. He’d met Kane one hot summer day behind his house, and from that point on, Kane had just always been there.
Kane spun back around in his chair and surprised Ian. He wrapped his arms around Ian’s waist and pulled until they were tight against each other, burying his face in Ian’s stomach.
“Kane?”
It’s not that they never hugged or touched. They did—quite often, in fact, for two people who weren’t committed lovers, but this was… different.
“Sorry. Just….” He didn’t continue, instead shook his head a little.
At a loss for what to do, Ian wrapped his arms around Kane’s shoulders.
They stayed that way for a few moments, and then Kane pulled back. “I’m sorry. Just overthinking things today.” He peered up at Ian. “And you’re tired. Let’s get dinner ordered. Want to play for a while?”
Ian considered him for a moment. As much as he wanted to log in and play too, he knew Kane’s current state of mind was not conducive to making any kind of progress. They’d end up dying more than once; then they’d get frustrated over it. Death in the game was relatively painless, but it was still annoying and inconvenient. Which would only serve to make things worse.
Maybe what he needed was another type altogether. “Maybe. Maybe what you need is a different kind of play tonight.” Ian watched Kane’s eyes. His pupils expanded just a bit and his breathing quickened. “Would you like that, pet?”
“Yes, Sir.” Kane’s voice was clear and deferent, his eyes dropping away.
Ian’s own breath quickened and he worked to get hold of himself. “Very well. Strip, get the cushion, and get on your knees. Wait here for me.”
“Yes, Sir,” Kane answered, voice already rough with anticipation, and as Ian stepped away, he hurried to obey.
Pre-Order Link:
Pre-0rder it now from Dreamspinner Press!
About the Author:
Grace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age – many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica.
A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children – both the human and furry kind.
As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.
Where to find Grace:
Website ◊ Facebook ◊ Twitter ◊ Goodreads ◊ Email ◊ Amazon Author Page
June 15, 2015
No More Hiding; by Renee Stevens—Author Interview
Please welcome my friend Renee to the Land of Make Believe. I first met Renee on the Gay Authors Website and I’ve been a fan of her work of five years now. Her new release—No More Hiding—is now available from Dreamspinner Press and she’s stopped by to talk about herself, her writing and her new book.
Welcome Renee. We’ve known each other for a while, but start by telling everyone else a bit about yourself.
Oh boy, time to talk about myself. Ok then. I live in Wyoming with my husband and our house typically is like a zoo with 3 dogs and 3 cats. I spend most of my time outdoors when the weather is good, especially camping. I got into writing as a teenager but didn’t do much with it until I hit my twenties. I read just about everything, contemporary, paranormal, sci-fi, and a few others. I like sewing quilts, but I have to be in the right mood to sit at the sewing machine for hours at a time. Other than that, I spend most of my time being a homemaker and writing.
This is a fun time for you, your new book, No More Hiding, is officially available for purchase. What was it like when Dreamspinner Press said, ‘why yes, Renee, we’d like to publish your book?’
I still remember opening my email and seeing the words “Contract Offer: No More Hiding”. I was seriously in shock. I couldn’t believe it and just stared at the words for a minute before finally opening it. I think I re-read that email like 3 times to make sure I wasn’t imagining things and then I called my husband. I was so excited once it finally sunk in.
Your first stories were posted for free on-line. Talk about how that was for you.
It’s been great. Not only have I got some awesome feedback from it, but I’ve also met so many wonderful people. I wouldn’t be where I am with my writing without them, as they’ve helped me learn where I need to improve.
You write in different genres, which ones and which is your favorite?
I mainly write contemporary and paranormal. I actually really enjoy writing vampire and shifter stories. There are so many “legends” about both and it’s fun to play with them. I think the hardest thing is there are so many cliché’s with both genres and if I want to veer off the path that is generally acceptable, I have to figure a way to explain it.
Okay, let’s talk No More Hiding. What’s it about?
My main character Phillip tried to play the straight life by getting married. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. His ex-wife eventually learns why their marriage didn’t work out, and takes their two kids, despite Phillip actually winning custody. Phillip has spent the last six years looking for his children, with no luck.
For those 6 years he hasn’t really lived his life and his brother Robert has decided enough is enough. They will never stop looking for the kids, but Phillip needs to start living again. Robert tells him about a new gym that has opened up and Phillip ends up meeting Vance.
Phillip and Vance face many obstacles in starting a relationship, the biggest one being Phillip needing to tell him about his kids. The question remains on whether or not Vance will be able to accept it and whether they will be able to work through the different obstacles they face.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters would most likely be considered Vance and Phillip. Vance is an attorney and Phillip is an accountant. Both of them are very down to earth and both have suffered from emotional upheavals in their lives.
I also consider Robert to be a main character. He’s Phillip’s twin brother and has a major role throughout the book. He works in construction. I think I can honestly say that Robert is my favorite character in this book for the simple fact that he supports Phillip no matter what. Throughout the story, he’s there; no matter what is going on, Phillip can count on Robert.
What part of the book was the most fun to write and why?
There were a few parts that were fun, but for the most part I’d say the interactions between Phillip and his brother Robert. There are a few humorous parts throughout the book where you can watch Phillip and Robert banter back and forth or try to get one over on each other.
What part made you struggle them most?
Any part having to deal with Phillip’s kids. It was hard to get the emotions right and there were so many times that I had a hard time writing it because I couldn’t hardly see through the tears.
Tell us something interesting that is not in the blurb?
Herm, something interesting not in the blurb, preferably without giving away any plot surprises. Trevor, who Phillip meets at the gym, is a bit of a character. He constantly colors his hair different colors and isn’t afraid to say what he’s thinking. He also seems to have some sort of connection to Vance that Phillip just can’t seem to figure out, but it does cause him a few moments of worry.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on revising my vampire novel, Joined by Blood. I’m hoping to submit it within the next couple of months. Other than that, I’m working on a military story called Thwarted as well as a collection of flash fiction stories.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
There’s not really a specific story that I’ve been reading. For the last few days I’ve been reading all the of “Don’t Read In The Closet” stories that are put out by the Goodreads group M/M Romance. Most of them are short stories and there are definitely a few gems amongst all the stories. I think just about everyone could find something they enjoy within all the currently posted stories.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Tough question. I’m assuming it doesn’t have to be someone famous. I’ve already met my fellow author Alicia Nordwell, and it was great. I think the next fellow author I’d like to meet is Mann Ramblings, author of The Luxorian Fugitive. Not only do I enjoy his work, but we’ve also become great friends who talk on a near daily basis. Unfortunately, we live far away from each other, so it’s doubtful we’d ever actually get to meet in person.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
It depends on the day, and the season. If it’s winter, and cold outside, then I like to spend my time sewing quilts. If it’s summer, my favorite thing to do is go camping, fishing, and four-wheeling. My husband and I take the dogs and just go have fun and relax in the great outdoors.
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
There are two questions I get asked all the time. One is about how I got into writing M/M romance. That one is an easy question because it all started when I read a book by Sara Bell called “The Magic In Your Touch”. I really enjoyed the story and thought at the time that maybe I should give it a try. My first story, Eternity, is a bit rough and in the future I may revise it, but after writing that, I just kept going.
The other question I get asked all the time is about women writing M/M romance and what my stance on it is. Considering I’m a woman myself, obviously I don’t have issues with it. But lately I’ve been thinking about this a lot. As far as I’m concerned, why shouldn’t women write M/M romance? People write about stuff all the time that they couldn’t have possibly experienced. Paranormal stories, sci-fi stories, fantasy, and M/M romance have one thing in common. Research, research, research. Whether it’s from doing a lot of reading, talking to people, or searching on the internet for answers. As long as an author is willing to put the time in to research something and the story is good, it shouldn’t matter who writes it.
No More Hiding:
Phillip Jorgensen tried to live the straight life and ended up divorced. But he wouldn’t trade his two kids, Jacob and Samantha, for the world. His ex-wife has kidnapped them and he’s been searching for them for six long years. But he’s not giving up—never, not for anything. His twin brother has encouraged him to start living again, but how is he going to find romance with all his baggage?
When he meets Vance Pierce at the new gym, Phillip sees a chance to find some happiness.
Phillip has to explain the whole sordid mess to Vance and pray that he understands that he’ll never stop looking for his children. That’s easier said than done. Telling Vance might be risky. Is their connection strong enough to convince Vance to stay? Or will he think that Phillip is too damaged to love? This is Phillip’s chance at the life he never thought he could have. But is it possible?
Dreamspinner Press:
Release Date: June 12, 2015
Cover Artist: Maria Fanning
Excerpt:
“I’m sorry, I have to go. I forgot… I just… I have some stuff I have to do.”
“Want me to go with you?”
Phillip glanced up and grimaced at the frown on Vance’s lips. He tried to force a smile but probably failed completely. “Thanks, but no. This is something I have to do by myself.”
“Listen, if it’s about what I said….”
“It’s not.” Phillip shook his head. He’d been trying to tell himself that they were only friends—workout buddies—but Vance’s earlier words about dating came back to him. He’d been right. Phillip sighed. He needed time to think without the distraction of Vance. He’d only known him a month, and he’d already forgotten his kids. That wasn’t acceptable. Jacob and Samantha had to be his first priority.
“Phillip?”
The sound of his name jerked him from his thoughts, and Vance stepped toward him. He stepped back, keeping distance between them.
“Enjoy your swim.” He turned and fled into the locker room. Hopefully Vance wouldn’t follow until he could get changed and leave.
He ignored the showers and hurried to his locker. He stripped out of his suit and slithered into his clothes, not caring about the water that still clung to his skin. He heard the door to the pool open and started shoving his things into his bag.
“You could have kept swimming.” He didn’t look at Vance as he stepped into the row of lockers. Guilt ate at him for not only having forgotten Sam’s birthday, but for ruining Vance’s day as well.
“Could have. Didn’t want to.”
Phillip straightened, unable to keep from looking at Vance as he leaned against his locker scrutinizing him, his brow furrowed. Phillip searched for words to explain his behavior but came up empty.
You could try the truth.
Buy Links:
Dreamspinner Press – Paperback
About the Author:
Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of admin and Anthology Coordinator.
Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works. When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts.
When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing.
Where to find her:
An Interview With Nikka Michaels and Eileen Griffin—Authors of “In the Distance”
Today I get to welcome back the duo of Nikka Michaels and Eileen Griffin. They agreed to let me interview and talk about their newest release, In the Distance. So with that, let’s get started:
Welcome Nikka and Eileen. You’ve been guests before, but remind folks who you are.
Eileen: Hi Andrew! Thanks so much for having us on your blog today! Most people probably don’t know this, but I was lucky enough to meet you at GRL last year. Hearing about your adorable daughter and stealing a dance from you at the party on the last night was an absolute highlight for me J For those who don’t know me, I’m Eileen Griffin and have been writing M/M romance for about two years now. I live in Texas, but I’m happiest when I’m traveling abroad.
Nikka: Hi Andrew! Thanks again for having us on your blog. I haven’t been as lucky as my lovely co-writer Eileen in meeting you in person yet, but hopefully one day! I’ve been writing romance, both solo and co-writing with Eileen for almost two years. I live in weird and wonderful Oregon.
Many of us have written with a co-author for a book or two, but you both are a writing team. Can you tell us a bit how that works?
Eileen: Nikka and I have both written individual works (Nik more so than I have), but we love plotting, outlining, and writing longer stories together. Writing is such a solitary endeavor that it’s comforting to have someone with you throughout the process who shares your ups and downs, your frustrations and triumphs, and who loves your characters as much as you do. As far as how we work together: we both work on the outline by chatting online while we’re outlining since we live in different states, then we typically alternate writing different chapters/characters.
Nikka: There’s something immensely satisfying writing solo but I really love writing as a team. Eileen is definitely the organizational backbone of our duo and is the master plotter and outliner. She keeps us both on track when we start writing and without her outlines I’d be adrift. I agree with her about co-writing keeping us sane. We love the worlds we’ve created and getting the chance to work with her on a daily basis is an honor.
How many books have you written together? Which was the first?
Eileen: Altogether, we’ve co-written five books with Chasing Matt as our first work as a writing duo.
Okay, let’s talk In the Distance. What’s it about?
In the Distance is about two guys, Tyler and Trevor, who are introduced in Book Two of our In the Kitchen Series, In the Fire. Book Two focuses on Tyler being taken under Ethan’s wing (a head chef and one of the MCs in the first two books) after being kicked out of his parents’ house and forced to live on the streets. Trevor, on the opposite end of the spectrum, comes from old money and a good family but almost loses his friendship with Jamie (the other MC of Books One and Two) when he tries to sabotage Jamie’s and Ethan’s relationship. Tyler and Trevor get thrown together in In the Distance and have to navigate the waters of their two completely different worlds and family lives as they discover and act on the growing attraction between them.
Who are the main characters?
Tyler Mitchell: a twenty-year old from Seattle who was homeless and on the streets before Ethan took him under his wing and gave him a job at his restaurant. He’s currently a student at the Culinary Institute of Seattle.
Trevor Pratt: a thirty year-old from New York, Jamie’s best friend, and a total player in the singles scene because he’s anti-commitment after almost losing his best friend (and one-sided love interest for eight years). Trevor is an entertainment manager who doesn’t need to work, hence his lovely nickname of “Trustfund”, but loves what he does and takes pride in doing the best job he can do for his clients.
What part of the book was the most fun to write and why?
Eileen: Nik and I have different answers for this one. My favorite part to write was toward the end of the book when Trevor has to work to earn back Tyler’s trust. There’s a scene where Tyler is working at a community garden and Trevor surprises him there. The truth is Trevor screws up royally in Book Two, In the Fire, and a lot of readers didn’t like him. However, Nikka and I saw beneath his spoiled exterior. For years, Trevor just wanted to find the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. He thought he had found that with Jamie, but Jamie’s heart had always belonged to Ethan. In this garden scene, I wanted to give the readers a view of Trevor’s softer, more vulnerable side, and allow them to see that he wasn’t such a bad guy, after all.
Nikka: My favorite scene was the confrontation between a highly inebriated Trevor and Ethan from In the Raw and In the Fire. I can hear Eileen laughing as she knows that I was relishing writing this scene even before we began the first chapter. These two have a history and they both care about Tyler in different ways, so watching them face off was glorious.
What part made you struggle the most?
Eileen: I think I speak for both of us when I say the hardest scene to write/get through was when Tyler sees his parents again after two long years. We wrote things a parent should never say to their child (or anyone, for that matter) and we had to take breaks while writing it because our hearts were breaking with each word we typed.
Nikka: I second that. Tyler isn’t a child anymore, but no one should have to deal with the type of abandonment and verbal abuse that his parents heaped on him. Love is love, in all its forms and parents have a responsibility to love their kids for all that makes them unique.
Tell us something interesting that is not in the blurb?
Both men grow up emotionally in this story, but Tyler also gains an inner strength he didn’t know he had. After being abandoned by his parents, Tyler is terrified of disappointing his friends and bosses. I think we’re all a little bit like Tyler when we’re young. Sometimes others want for us isn’t always what we want for ourselves, and yet we put our dreams on the back burner for fear of hurting the ones we love with what we (stupidly) think are selfish whims.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
Eileen: Together, we’ve already outlined and started writing the second book in our Cooper Mountain Series, and we’re working on the outline for Book Four of the In the Kitchen Series. Individually, I’m working on a solo piece that is more RomCom-ish than angsty.
Nikka: In addition to the co-written books Eileen mentioned, I’m working on a short story featuring a pastry chef reunited with his old flame.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
Eileen: Ooooh! I have soooo many favorites in the M/M genre! The THRDS Series by Charlie Cochet and the Whyborne and Griffin Series by Jordan Hawk are two of my all-time favorite series, but I’d also have to recommend the Don’t Series by Jack Pyke. Fair warning, they’re dark and gritty and difficult to read at times, but they’re beyond fantastic 
Nikka Michaels: If you’re a fan of space operas and speculative fiction, the Chaos Station series by fellow Carina Press writing duo Kelly Jensen and Jenn Burke is awesome. Chaos Station and Lonely Shore are out now with three more titles to come and I cannot wait.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Eileen: Wow. That’s a hard one. I’d have to say William Shakespeare. There’s so much controversy surrounding who he really was, where was he during those missing years between when he left Stratford and when he arrived on the scene in London, and whether he was he some fictitious entity created by a nobleman to cover up the indecency of someone of noble birth writing dramas. Plus, the crowd he supposedly hung out with was a wild one, so I’m sure we’d have a pretty damn good time in the tavern while we talked.
Nikka Michaels: I’d meet my lovely co-writer who I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting in real life. Even after two years of writing together, countless phone calls, chats and web meetings I’d love to give her a hug in person.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
Eileen: I’m kind of boring, so this is my “OMG – THIS IS MY PERFECT NON-WRITING DAY!!!” (SHOUTY CAPS are totally necessary to convey how excited I would be to have this day.) I would wake up late (I’m usually up by 5:30 or 6), have my coffee in peace and quiet while I read for an hour, go get a pedicure with an extra-long massage, then meet some friends for drinks and dinner (most likely Tex-Mex, Indian, or Thai) and then curling up in bed with a glass of wine and my Kindle so I could read until I finally fell asleep. A realistic fun day is more likely going to Target (god, I love that store), getting to read without being interrupted, and having dinner out so I don’t have to worry about prepping, cooking, or cleaning.
Nikka: Eileen is definitely not boring but I’m going with her idea. A perfect non-writing day is sleeping in, drinking coffee as I read in the morning, a lazy day doing a Netflix marathon after a good meal with friends would all be a part of my perfect day.
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
Eileen: I just wanted to say thank you to all of our readers. I think, as writers, we put our hearts and souls into our books and hope there will be people out there who will love the finished product as much as we do. To have people ping us on Twitter or FB with how much they enjoyed reading out books makes all the late nights, early mornings, editing sessions, and revising jags worth it.
Nikka: I second what Eileen said so eloquently. Thank you, if you’re reading our books and thank you for stopping by Andrew’s blog to find out about In the Distance. We love creating the world within the In the Kitchen series and it’s still very surreal to think that people are reading our words. Without readers, bloggers, reviewers, fellow authors, friends and the Carina Press family we’d never be able to get this opportunity and it’s much appreciated.
Thank you both for being my guest today!
In the Distance
Because sometimes it takes some distance to finally see what’s right in front of you…
Tyler Mitchell has worked hard to rebuild his life after his family kicked him out. A culinary student and sous chef who spends his spare time volunteering with kids, he’s happy enough even though he has no time to consider a relationship.
Trevor Pratt is finally getting over losing his best friend and the one person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, but it’s taken screwing every cute guy in Manhattan to get there. He’s vowed to repair the friendship he endangered, but that’s hard to do when his friend’s new employee catches his eye. Despite being warned to stay away from Tyler, Trevor knows the sous chef is more than just a hookup.
Romance is a terrible idea. Trevor is ten years older and a relentless playboy. Tyler is still unsure of his place in the world. Neither of them is ready for life-changing love, but as things heat up, their chemistry in the bedroom might just take that decision out of their hands.
Read about Ethan and Jamie’s romance in In the Raw and In The Fire, Books 1 & 2 in the In The Kitchen Series, available now!
Series: In the Kitchen, Book 3
Release Date: June 15, 2015
Publisher: Carina Press
Excerpt:
I threw him a dirty look over my shoulder as we walked out of the diner. “Okay. So I might have had my dad’s Platinum AmEx card to help me out, but I struggled just like the rest of my classmates.”
Tyler’s low, deep laugh hit me in all the right, and wrong, places. “Poor baby. I’m sure it was hard to choose between the double shot extra whip latte and the regular Joe Blow latte.”
God, it was good to hear him laugh. “Hey now. Leave my double shot latte out of this,” I shot back as I unlocked the doors to the Mercedes coupe I’d rented.
His laughter slowly faded as I pulled out of the parking lot. I had only been to Ethan’s old place a few times when Jamie had first moved back to Seattle and before they had bought a new condo together. But Tyler made sure to keep me on the right track with directions, his voice getting softer and softer the closer we got to the apartment.
I pulled up to the curb, letting the car idle instead of parking and walking him to his door. As much as I found myself not wanting the night to end, it wouldn’t have been smart to push whatever this was. Anyone else? We’d already be upstairs with Tyler’s pants around his ankles and my mouth on him. But he wasn’t just anyone else.
Tyler, who had been staring out his window, slowly turned toward me. The soft lights of the dash barely illuminated his face. God, he looked young, innocent and worth every ounce of protectiveness he brought out in the people who cared about him.
“Thanks for the ride. And dinner. It was nice.”
He turned again and reached for the door handle.
“Hey, Tyler. Wait up.”
BUY LINKS:
Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes and Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Carina Press / All Romance eBooks
About the Authors:
Eileen Griffin:
Eileen Griffin lives in the southwest, but loves to travel and has spent many summers crossing Europe with nothing but a backpack on her back. She enjoys TexMex, lives for good wine, and has a certain penchant for purple unicorns. She loves reading all genres of books, but her current obsession is writing M/M romance.
Where to find her:
Website and Blog / Twitter / Facebook Profile / FB Author Page / Goodreads / Evernight Publishing / Amazon US / Carina Press / All Romance eBooks
Nikka Michaels:
Nikka Michaels lives in the rainy Pacific Northwest where she spends her time cooking, laughing and crafting romantic tales to satisfy her craving for HEAs with heat. A voracious reader, novice knitter and music lover she’s been known to multitask without breaking a sweat. She loves to read and write M/M romance but believes everyone deserves a love story.
Where to find her:
Website / Blog / Twitter / FB Profile / FB Author Page / Goodreads / Cobblestone / Evernight Publishing / Carina Press / Amazon US / All Romance eBooks
June 14, 2015
“Indigent”: An Anthology To Benefit Homeless LGBTQ Youth
I’m sharing this with readers today to highlight the growing problem of homeless LGBTQ youth and an effort to help address it. Five authors got together and with the wonderful help of Cool Dudes Publishing, they put out an anthology of stories. All proceeds will go to the charities highlighted below, so if you have a few extra dollars, pounds, loonies, whatever, consider buying the book and helping some of those least able to help themselves.
About the Anthology:
Five authors have joined together to produce stories evoking both loss and hope. Reaching deep within their fiery imaginations, these stories take flight and showcase dreams for a better today and future for LGBT everywhere. Embodying a diverse set of talents and stories, this volume sets out to grab the hearts of those who read the m/m genre and to offer hope to LGBT across the globe.
Frederick Eugene Feeley Jr’s “Indigent”, after which the anthology takes it’s name, brings the reader to witness an apocalyptic war between the good and evil that rages in one man’s mind. Soon he will know that his prob- lems are insignificant compared to those of others.
Mari Evan’s “Stumbling into Forever”, involves a handsome young vampire who will learn that just a sip of blood is the difference between love and freezing to death.
Leona Windwalker’s “If Only the World”, takes rejection to another level. A heartbreaking story that is turned on it’s head by the kindness of strangers.
Shaye Evans’ “Rescued”, is a contemporary social statement about the af- termath of a young man’s life after his drink has been spiked at a bar.
LeAnne Phoenix’s “Higher Love”, takes us on an almost spiritual journey through the minds of two people who have never met, but have spo- ken on a telepathic level. When they do come together, that bond is already cemented but there is a price to pay.
Authors: Frederick Eugene Feeley Jr, Mari Evans, Leona Windwalker, Shaye Evans, M. LeAnne Phoenix
Publisher: CoolDudes Publishing (PTY) LTD
Publication Date: 15 June, 2015
Charities Supported
Our nature is to live and let live.
Often disregarding the plight of our homeless, our sick, our tired and our handicapped LGBT fellow beings. It gives us great pleasure in presenting this edition to assist our community members wherever they may be. Many of our community members have nowhere to sleep, nothing to eat, and have no work. The proceeds collected from this book will go to rewarding several charities across the globe. These charities are passionate about what they do. Some take in the homeless and others provide a home for the aged and the handicapped. The charities whom we will be assisting are:
GALA is a centre for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGB- TI) culture and education in Africa. Their mission is, first and foremost, to act as a catalyst for the production, preservation and dissemination of knowledge on the history, culture and contemporary experiences of LGBTI people.
Lost-n-Found is Atlanta’s only non-profit organization dedicated to taking homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth off the street and into more permanent housing, Lost-n-Found Youth is dedicated to the advocacy and service of youth from 13 to 25 years old.
Youth Off The Streets is a non-denominational community organisation working for young people aged 12-25 who are facing challenges of homeless- ness, drug and alcohol dependency, exclusion from school, neglect and abuse. We support these young people as they work to turn their lives around and overcome immense personal traumas such as neglect and physical, psycholog- ical and emotional abuse.
http://www.youthoffthestreets.com.au
The Albert Kennedy Trust supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans homeless young people in crisis. Every day they deal with the the effects home- lessness can have on young people’s lives.
These charities require funding to assist desperate, needy members of our community and this book is a mere drop in the ocean of how we can reach out socially to them.
Indigent has been produced to entertain and delight and all the stories leave the reader with a “feel good” state of mind.
Author Information
Frederick Eugene Feeley Jr
F.E. Feeley Jr was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and lived there for twenty years before joining the military. He is a veteran of the US Armed Services; having done a tour in support of Operation Iraq Freedom in 2002-2003, he turned college student, pursuing a degree in political sci- ence. He now lives in Southeast Texas where he is married to the love of his life, John, and where they raise their 1½-year-old German shepherd, Kaiser.
As a young man, reading took center stage in his life, especially those nov- els about ghosts, witches, goblins, and all the other things that went bump in the night. His favorite authors include such writers as Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Anne Rice, whose work allowed him to travel to far off plac- es and meet fascinating and scary characters. As a gay man, he wishes to be able to write good fictional literature for those who love the genre and to write characters that readers can relate to. All in all, he is a cigarette smokin’, whiskey drinkin’, rock and roll lovin’, tattoo wearin’ dreamer of a man with a wonderful partner who puts up with his crap and lets him write his stories.
Mari Evans
Mari is a wife and the proud mother of a very active daughter, two
dogs and two cats. She’s a very social kind of girl, who loves to talk. It’s both her best and worst quality.
From the moment she could read, she devoured books. Anything goes, as long as it has a happy ending.
There were always stories swirling around in her head and as a child she liked to lay in bed and let the characters have their story and happy ending. It wasn’t until 2013 that she actually tried to put one of the whole stories down and submit it to a publisher. To her own surprise and excitement it was accept- ed. This gave her the drive to keep going.
The decision to write m/m was made when a friend told a story about a young gay man that struck a chord, even as her husband had already encour- aged her to try it earlier.
Now she found her passion, having already found the love in her family and friends, her life is completely chaotic, crazy but wonderful.
Shaye Evans
Shaye is a proud Australian and best selling author of the M/M Romance genre.
At age nineteen, Shaye found her love in the m/m genre when she read her first M/M and was instantly hooked, but it took her an entire year to begin writing her own. She has had five of nine short stories accepted to be published in 2014 alone. Something she is very proud to admit—and who wouldn’t be
When not writing or plotting her next piece, Shaye keeps busy by either reading one of over four-hundred books in her collection, designing her next book cover, or shopping. She one day dreams of being a paramedic and her books making it to the movies!
Leona Windwalker
Leona is a long time staunch supporter of human rights and environmental causes. Her favorite genre is m/m fiction and she particularly enjoys the sci fi, fantasy and action suspense sub-genres, especially if they have a nice seasoning of romance. She has far too many books on her Kindle, has overloaded her phone with even more, and when not reading, writing, being driven to distraction by her children, or being overlorded by her three cats, spends time trying to locate the portal that the sock monster uses to steal socks from her dryer.
LeAnne Phoenix
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas in the mid-1970’s, Ms. Phoenix was
young and wild (and even free!) during the crazy wondrous decade known as the 1980’s and the even crazier but now grungy decade of the 1990’s. Music is second only to the muses that live and breathe to fill her mind with beautiful men, and music always helps them to tell their stories. She is never without her iPod or her computer no matter where she goes, although, she does like to hike and take pictures of the sky and the moon, and even the occasional shot of the sun through the branches of a tree.
An avid cat lover, Ms. Phoenix has been owned by many throughout her life, though her current owner is one Lily-Rose, who really would like for her to step away from the keyboard and pay her some attention! After all, hasn’t she earned it?
Editor Biographies
Louis J Harris
Louis lives in Germiston, South Africa. He has published three novels, “Stars Fall”, “Revival”, and “Swimmer”, his short stories have appeared across the globe. He is the owner of CoolDudes Publishing and has been an affiliate member of the South African Professional Editors Group.
Kimi D Saunders (Leona Windwalker)
Leona is a long time staunch supporter of human rights and environmental causes. Her favorite genre is m/m fiction and she particularly enjoys the sci fi, fantasy and action suspense sub-genres, especially if they have a nice seasoning of romance. She has far too many books on her Kindle, has overloaded her phone with even more, and when not reading, writing, being driven to distraction by her children, or being overlorded by her three cats, spends time trying to locate the portal that the sock monster uses to steal socks from her dryer.
Links
Louis J Harris
louisjharris@cooldudespublishing.com
Kimi D Saunders (Writes as Leona Windwalker)
https://twitter.com/ShroudedDancer
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leona-...
Frederick Eugene Feeley Jr
www.authorfefeeleyjr.wordpress.com
Mari Evans
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mari-E...
Shaye Evans
https://www.facebook.com/ShayeLEvans?...
LeAnne Phoenix
mleannephoenix.com
FB: mleannephoenix
Twitter: @MLPhoenix
CoolDudes Publishing
https://www.facebook.com/pages/CoolDudes-Publishing/1524105151191706
https://twitter.com/search?q=cooldudes%20publishing&src=typd
Twitter: (@lgbtpublisher)
https://www.pinterest.com/cdgaypub/
June 8, 2015
Cover Reveal: Collusion; by Eden Winters
Dead men can’t love.
Former drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter “died” in the line of duty while working off a ten-year sentence in service to the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau, only to be reborn as Simon “Lucky” Harrison. The newbie he trained, former Marine Bo Schollenberger, is now his partner on (and maybe off) the job. It’s hard to tell when Lucky doesn’t understand relationships or have a clue what any sane human is doing in his bed. Bo’s nice to have around, sure, but there’s none of that picking-out-china-together crap for Lucky.
While fighting PTSD, memories of a horrid childhood, and a prescription drug addiction, Bo is paying for his mistakes. Using his pharmacy license for the good guys provides the sort of education he never got in school. Undercover with his hard-headed partner, Bo learns that not everything is as it seems in the world of pharmaceuticals.
When a prescription drug shortage jeopardizes the patients at Rosario Children’s Cancer Center, it not only pits Bo and Lucky against predatory opportunists, but also each other. How can they tell who the villains are? The bad guys don’t wear black hats, but they might wear white coats.
Release Date: Second edition releases June 20, 2015
Series: Diversion
Book #: Two
Click to view slideshow.
Publisher: Rocky Ridge Books
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Excerpt:
For once the neighbors were fairly quiet. However, if they started their normal shit tonight, Lucky might have to kill them, or whip out the badge he kept carefully hidden in his closet, along with the golf shirt and ball cap emblazoned with the SNB logo.
A few moments later his cell phone chimed with an answer from Bo. “K. Catching cab.” Not an overwhelming response, but Lucky would take it.
He shoved dirty dishes into the dishwasher, scooped clothes off the floor and tossed them into the closet, and put a pot of water on the stove to make Bo a cup of green tea. A knock counterpointed the steady ba-boom, ba-boom starting up from the next apartment. Fucking hell! Why couldn’t the assholes be decent neighbors for one damned night? Lucky opened the door to find Bo slumped against the wall, shirt wrinkled and hair in an every-follicle-for-itself state of disarray.
“You look like warmed over shit.” Lucky held the door open, suspicions about a drug relapse igniting anew.
Bo managed a half-hearted smile. “Yeah, it’s good to see you, too.” He staggered into the apartment and collapsed onto Lucky’s couch. “God, am I ever tired.”
“Tired? What do you do every day? Sit behind a desk and talk on the phone?” Catty, yes, but after days of being ignored, Lucky wasn’t in the mood to play nice.
“I’ve been scrambling since daybreak, tracking down dead-end leads for someone who might supply us with some drugs.”
Lucky put a finger to his lips. “Shh… keep your voice down. You’ll get my crackhead neighbors excited shouting the ‘D’ word.”
Bo pinned Lucky a glassy-eyed glare. “I don’t care who’s living over there, the scary’s on this side of the wall. As I was saying, I’ve been following leads, trying to locate pharmaceuticals for the hospital.” He gave Lucky a “happy now?” face.
“What kind of leads? Any of interest?”
Bo dropped his head back to rest on padded upholstery. “We’ve been approached by seventeen different wholesalers today, not on the list I gave you, who’ve offered us stock at ridiculous prices. The first question they ask is what meds we’re having trouble getting so they can go snatch them up and sell them to us for enormous markups, the bastards. It’s against company policy to tell them anything.
“Graham called another meeting with the department heads for tomorrow. We’re putting in one more plea to let us consider a gray market broker. We’re pretty fucking desperate.”
“Graham?” And we’re?
“Mr. Danvers, the head buyer.”
Lucky had a file on Graham Danvers, such as it was. Squeaky clean with a nauseating disposition toward humanitarian awards. Apparently, he invested a good bit of time and money in local charities. Ava didn’t seem to like him. The highly vocal pharmacy tech just became Lucky’s new best friend. “Bo, remember what I told you about getting personally involved with suspects? You’ve got to remain objective.”
Bo shot to his feet. “Damn it, Lucky! Graham isn’t a suspect! He’s a pharmacy buyer, for crying out loud. Do you have to be suspicious of everybody?”
He had to ask? “Yes, I do. It’s in my job description.”
“Your job description is the same as mine. I read it, I signed it. There’s nothing in there about mandatory trust issues.” Bo added under his breath, “Or about being an asshole.”
“Hey, maybe you got a new revision. Take Keith, for example. ‘Asshole’ was definitely in his.”
Bo pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “Lucky, I work with Graham, and trust me, he’s on the up and up.”
“Oh my God! You haven’t told him why you’re there, have you?” Shoving Bo back toward Atlanta seemed more and more likely.
Arms folded across his chest, Bo glowered, the stance and expression reminding Lucky of himself. “Do you actually believe I’m an idiot?”
Lucky opened his mouth to reply but Bo cut him off. “Don’t answer that. But remember, I graduated head of my class at pharmacy school and served my country in Afghanistan. I’m not a moron and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t treat me like one.”
After a moment Lucky ventured again, “Did you?”
“Did I what?”
“Tell him why you’re there.”
Throwing his hands up in the air, Bo stomped across the living room. “No, you suspicious son of a bitch, I didn’t. But I also believe you’re out of your mind if you consider the man a suspect.” He flopped back down on the couch with a huff.
Lucky remained standing, leaning against the bar separating the poor excuse for a kitchen from the poor excuse for a living room. He studied his partner, cataloguing the telltale signs of burnout. Tired? Check. Moody? Check. Less sociable? Double check. Some folks weren’t cut out for handling the type of shit the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau dealt with, and from day one Lucky had suspected Bo wouldn’t make it. Of course, he’d said the same about Keith and anyone else who’d stayed long enough for Lucky to learn their names.
“Are you hungry?” Lucky asked, though at the moment he didn’t have much in the way of vegetarian cuisine handy, unless he counted the makings for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
“No.” Bo stared out the window at the brick wall of the next building.
“Can I fix you some green tea?”
A weak, “That’d be nice,” barely reached Lucky’s ears.
Moseying into the kitchen and going through the motions of tea preparation allowed Lucky time to mull things over. He recognized the listlessness, the lack of greeting when he opened the door. Even to himself, he and Bo appeared to be merely coworkers right now, nothing more. Losing Bo as a lover hurt like hell, for he alone came close to understanding what made Lucky tick. Or, lacking understanding, accepted Lucky’s quirks as part and parcel, never trying to change what made Lucky “Lucky.” Bo only nudged and manipulated for the greater good, like weaning him off caffeine so he slept better. Oh, and the whole, “Tell me about yourself, Lucky” thing. Maybe Bo should have been a shrink instead of a pharmacist.
Plain and simple, the man couldn’t handle the job, though Lucky couldn’t imagine very many people dealing with sick kids and remaining unchanged. Before when the pressure reached critical levels, Bo sought comfort in alprazolam. Had he resorted to self-medicating again?
Watching a man he’d come to care about slowly slide back into the nightmare of addiction, and a possible jail sentence, was more than Lucky could bear. He’d do his damnedest, talk to Bo in a better moment, and only if he couldn’t break through would he fill Walter in.
Not tonight. If Bo allowed him to, tonight Lucky would hold him, love him one last time before doing what he had to do. Because if Lucky’s hunch proved right, Bo might never forgive him.
Sales Links:
About the author:
Eden Winters was captivated young by storytelling, and her earliest memories include spinning tales for the family’s pets. Her dreams of writing professionally took a sojourn into non-fiction, with a twelve-year stint in technical documentation.
She began reading GLBT novels as a way to better understand the issues faced by a dear friend and fell in love with the M/M romance genre. During a discussion of a favorite book, a fellow aficionado said, “We could do this, you know.”
Good-bye gears, motors, and other authors’ characters; hello plots and sex scenes. This has resulted in such prize-winning stories as Settling the Score, The Angel of Thirteenth Street, Naked Tails, The Wish, Duet, and Diversion.
Somewhat of a nomad, Eden has visited seven countries so far. She currently calls the southern US home, and many of her stories take place in the rural South. Having successfully raised two children, she now balances the day job with hiking, rafting, spoiling her grandchildren, and stalking the wily falafel or elusive tofu pad Thai at her favorite restaurants. Her musical tastes run from Ambient to Zydeco, and she’s a firm believer that life is better with fur kids and Harley Davidsons.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenWinters
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eden-Winters/300380906658065?ref=settings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenWinters1
Tour Stops:
Parker Williams, Cate Ashwood, Andrew Q. Gordon, Mikky’s World of Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, BFD Book Blog, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Happily Ever Chapter, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Divine Magazine, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Charley Descoteaux, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Love Bytes, MM Good Book Reviews, Dawn’s Reading Nook, The Novel Approach
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter Link below for a chance to win an e-book set, 1 each of the four currently published Diversion books: Diversion, Collusion, Corruption, and Manipulation.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sci-Fi/Fantasy News
As many readers of mine know, I’ve a big Sci-fi/Fantasy bias. Well, Queer Sci-Fi held a flash fiction contest this May and the winners are announced today. I entered, and didn’t win, but that isn’t important. QSF is going to compile all the entries and create an eBook for sale to help fund QSF and their efforts to bring LGBTQ Sci-Fi/Fantasy to a wider market. Click the QSF logo below to see the winning entry and after you read it, I hope you’ll sign up for news updates so you’ll know when you can buy the book.
Queer Sci-Fi
June 7, 2015
Cover Reveal: Scent of the Heart; by Parker Williams
Blurb:
Casey Scott grew up being told he’d never amount to anything, and despite the unwavering
love and support from his best friend, Jake, the idea sticks in the back of Casey’s mind. When he
discovers he has a unique destiny in an enclave where shifters and humans live together, he
seizes the chance, wanting for once in his life to be someone special.
Tsvetok Yerokhin lost his parents to the evil ruler of the enclave when he was a boy. The
responsibilities of raising his two younger brothers nearly overwhelmed him and self-doubt
took over. When the new Alpha and his Protector arrive in time to save his life, Sev is grateful,
but he’s even more shocked when he scents his mate with them.
Casey isn’t prepared for the feelings that sweep over him when he meets Sev, but he refuses to
act on them because he’s straight. Still, there is something so alluring about Sev that Casey can’t
help being drawn to him.
As the two explore the edges of their new discovery, an evil returns, determined to control the
enclave or destroy it. The Alpha and Protector are powerless to stop it, but Casey holds the key
to victory. If he can discover what it is, he has a chance to save them all. To be the hero.
Unfortunately, the hero has to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, and for Casey that
means losing his heart.
Book: Two—Shifting Needs
(Series should be read in order)
Publisher: Parker Williams
Cover Artist: Laura Harner
Release Date: June 15, 2015
Excerpt:
Casey had slept in the early evening, exhausted from his activities of the day. First the twins came, and their birth wasn’t easy. One of them, the boy, refused to come out. Normally shifter births were in and out in less than an hour. This one had kept him elbow deep for four. When the child was finally born, he had a full head of fluffy gray hair, indicative of his mother’s rabbit side. When they’d asked his advice on what to name their new son, Casey had said Thumper. His parents had fallen in love with the name, and Casey learned that people who had never seen a movie had no idea what humor was.
Then there was the incident with the stupid skunk in the forest. He hoped to hell Jake never found out, because after all the crap Casey had given him, he knew for a fact there would be hell to pay.
His intent had been to sleep a few hours, then try another dreamwalk. They always left him drained when he didn’t have a tether to this world. Casey shook his head. Six months ago he never would have talked about different worlds, men that could become animals, or ghosts outside of his weekly Dungeons and Dragons game. Now it seemed he was actually living a campaign. He was a shaman, a wizard of sorts. Jake was a paladin, righteous and good. Zak was…well, Zak probably would have been royalty. With his demeanor and attitude, he would have made a great king.
He’d been dozing fitfully; his dreams filled with visions of future events, where a fork in the road left him with too many decisions. One was life, the other was death, but both were fraught with peril. The knocking at his door had jolted him awake, and he was actually glad for it.
Sev looked absolutely miserable as he stood at the door. This would be only the second time the man had come to see Casey. Most everyone else in the enclave had stopped by, even for a friendly visit, numerous times. Yet Sev always hung back. This time, Casey needed to understand what was going on.
When they came in contact, skin on skin, Casey had no idea what happened. A surge ran up the length of his arm, seemingly connecting him to Sev. He could tell the man across from him needed his help. Sev was different from all the others in the enclave who’d come and talked to him in the last six months. He didn’t need advice; what he needed was someone to understand.
Sev sat at the table, looking for all the world as if he were lost. He sipped the calming tea that Casey had brewed, his eyes downcast as he told Casey his story—the death of his parents, the problems he now had with his brothers, and his uncertainty that he was doing the right thing. Never before had Casey wanted to pull someone into his arms and promise them that everything would be all right. He’d heard so many stories after Elizar’s defeat—beatings, rape, murder, and still he was able to maintain a detachment. Not with Sev.
“How can I help?”
Sev sighed. “I don’t know that you can. I just wanted to talk to someone.”
Casey could see the shine of tears when Sev finally lifted his head, and his chest tightened as he stood and wrapped his arms around the man. He didn’t have words, and he couldn’t think of any other way to comfort him. Not one of the salves, potions, ointments, teas, or other remedies on his shelves had the power to offer the healing that a hug brought.
“Thank you, my mate.”
The words were so soft Casey was certain he had misheard them.
Sales Links:
About the author:
Parker Williams believes that true love exists, but it always comes with a price. No happily ever after can ever be had without work, sweat, and tears that come with melding lives together.
Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Parker held his job for nearly 28 years before he decided to retire and try new things. He enjoys his new life as a stay-at-home author and also working on Pride-Promotions, an LGBT author promotion service.
Where to find the author:
Connect with Parker on: Twitter: @ParkerWAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parker.willi...
Or you can visit his website: http://www.ParkerWilliamsAuthor.com
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7092418.Parker_Williams
Tour Stops:
Cate Ashwood, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Velvet Panic, Havan Fellows, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Full Moon Dreaming, MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, The Hat Party, 3 Chicks After Dark, Mikky’s World of Books, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Love Bytes, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Charley Descoteaux, Inked Rainbow Reads, Becky Condit, Andrew Q. Gordon, Bayou Book Junkie, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Hearts on Fire, Divine Magazine, Happily Ever Chapter, Nic Starr, My Fiction Nook, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Christy Loves 2 Read, Molly Lolly, Carly’s Book Reviews, Amanda C. Stone, Nephylim, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Lee Brazil
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter Link below to be entered for a chance to win one of two $10 ARe gift cards:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
