Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 29

Thirty Things; by Cate Ashwood – Pre-Release Book Blast and Giveaway

Thirty Things; by Cate Ashwood—Pre-Relase Book Blast & Giveaway

Blurb:

Finn and Nate have been best friends their whole lives. When a childhood accident left Finn broken, Nate stood by as all his other friends left. Now approaching Finn’s thirtieth birthday, there is one secret Finn still hasn’t revealed—he has been in love with Nate since they were eight years old. Hiding his feelings for twenty-one years, terrified of what might happen if Nate ever found out has been difficult, but losing his friend would be worse than living forever with a bad case of unrequited love.

There are some things that just have to be done before your thirtieth birthday. As a gift to Finn, Nate plans a road trip across America to check off a list of thirty things to experience before hitting that milestone. Starting in Crawfordsville, Indiana, they tour the country, trying new things and meeting interesting new people. Nate’s having the time of his life, but Finn is holding something back. As the days count down, navigating the back roads suddenly seems easier than figuring out where their relationship is heading.

One thing’s for certain. There will be no turning back.

Release Date: April 3, 2015
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: A.J. Corza
Excerpt:

I opened the box, and inside I found one of those road maps you can buy for ninety-nine cents at a gas station and a pile of envelopes tied together with butcher’s twine.

Nate reached across the arm of the couch and lifted the map, unfolding it so I could see. He had marked out a handful of destinations on the map that amounted to what was a grand circle tour of about half the states.

“We leave in three days,” he proclaimed, obviously proud of himself.

“We’re going on a road trip?”

“You bet. You’re always talking about how there are things you want to see and do, and we’ve never done any of them. So now we have a list of thirty things to do before you turn thirty. Each one of those envelopes has a different task inside. It’ll be fun. Besides, we haven’t gotten to hang out much lately, and I thought this would be good… just you and me road tripping across America.”

“So what you’re saying is you miss me.”

“What I’m saying is, you’re going to be thirty, so I figured we should have one last grand adventure before you’re too old and decrepit to actually enjoy the trip.”

“You’re an asshole,” I said, although by asshole I meant the best friend in the world a guy could have.

He got my meaning.

“Love you too, Finn.” My heart jumped at those words, though I knew he didn’t mean them the way I wished he would. Still, I would take what I could get.

Pre-Order Link:
Dreamspinner Press:
About the author

Cate Ashwood wrote her very first story in a hot-pink binder when she was in the second grade and found her passion for writing. Her first successful foray into romance writing came five years later when she wrote her best friend, who was experiencing a case of unrequited love, her own happily ever after.

Cate’s life has taken a number of different and adventurous roads. She now lives a stone’s throw from the ocean, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, her brand new little boy, and her two cats. Her life is filled with family and friends, travel, and, of course, books.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cate.ashwood

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cateashwood

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cateashwood/

Blog – http://www.cateashwood.com/cates-blog

Tour Stop: March 10, 2015:

Parker Williams, MM Good Book Reviews, Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, My Fiction Nook, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, 3 Chicks After Dark, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Love Bytes, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Kimber Vale, Andrew Q. Gordon, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, The Hat Party, Velvet Panic  Michael Mandrake, Carly’s Book Reviews

Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter Code to enter for a chance to win an eCopy of Thirty Things.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal – Shadows Fall; by JK Hogan

Shadows Fall; by JK Hogan—Cover Reveal & Giveaway
Blurb:

A gift—or curse—gives Titus McGinty the unwanted ability to talk to ghosts. When he starts seeing the same few apparitions repeatedly, appearing with similar gruesome injuries, he begins to wonder what they want from him.

Detective Charlie Hale has a serial killer on his hands. On the loose for weeks, the Queen City Slayer has left the police nothing to go on, no forensic evidence other than what he wants found. The city is running out of time.

The crisis brings Titus and Charlie together—Titus stumbles upon a body and finds himself a suspect. Their budding romance is tested as they are sucked into a web of underground laboratories, restive spirits, and religious fanaticism. They’ll have to work together to find the identity of the killer before he takes his next victim…Titus.

Release Date: June, 2015
Publisher: Wilde City Press
Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan
About the author

J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them. J.K. is hoping to one day have a little something for everyone, so she’s branched out from m/f paranormal romance and added m/m contemporary romance. Who knows what’s next?

J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives in the country with her husband and young son, a cat, and two champion agility dogs. If she isn’t on the agility field, J.K. can often be found chasing waterfalls in the mountains with her husband, or down in front at a blues concert. In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading! For more information, please visitwww.jkhogan.com.

Where to find the author:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJKHogan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JK_Hogan

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jkhoganbooks/

Tumblr: http://officialjkhogan.tumblr.com/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+JKHogan/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jkhoganbooks

Tour Stop: March 7, 2015:

Parker Williams, BFD Book Blog, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Love Bytes, Charley Descoteaux, Bike Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Cate Ashwood, Romance the Night, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Divine Magazine, Havan Fellows, Kimi-Chan, Hearts on Fire, Carly’s Book Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Fallen Angel Reviews, Amanda C. Stone, Andrew Q. Gordon, The Hat Party, Elin Gregory, Nephylim, Velvet Panic

Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter Code to enter for a chance to win a signed paperback of either I Survived Seattle or Love and the Real Boy.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Months of Pictures – Yeah I’m WAY behind

I’ve been meaning to post these since Christmas, but I’ve been busy so here is a couple months of pictures.  Including Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, Christmas at Grandma Caryl’s, Christmas at Grandma Merry’s, New Year’s Day, a Snow Day, Valentine’s Day baking, Swim Class, and Emma’s Birthday – Whew.

Enjoy!

-AQG

 

Served Hot; Annabeth Albert – Book Blast and Giveaway

Served Hot; by Annabeth Albert – Book Blast and Giveaway
Blurb:

In Portland, Oregon, the only thing hotter than the coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries are the hard-working men who serve it up—hot, fresh, and ready to go—with no reservations…

Robby is a self-employed barista with a busy coffee cart, a warm smile, and a major crush on one of his customers. David is a handsome finance director who works nearby, eats lunch by himself, and expects nothing but “the usual”—small vanilla latte—from the cute guy in the cart. But when David shows up for his first Portland Pride festival, Robby works up the nerve to take their slow-brewing relationship to the next level. David, however, is newly out and single, still grieving the loss of his longtime lover, and unsure if he’s ready to date again. Yet with every fresh latte, sweet exchange—and near hook-up—David and Robby go from simmering to steaming to piping hot. The question is: Will someone get burned?

First in the new Portland Heat series!

Publisher: Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Press
Cover Artist: Kensington Art Department

(These may be used as part of the giveaway.)

Favorite childhood book?

Anne of Green Gables

Favorite childhood author?

Too many to count, but I loved Judy Blume, Gordon Korman, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Ann M. Martin

Excerpt:

A little idea niggled at my brain—like an evil elf had tapped me on the shoulder. “You know, if you give me your card, I could call you if you leave your wallet behind again.”

There. His cheeks went dusky pink. I finally got a blush out of him, but hell if I could decipher what it meant. I could predict people’s taste in coffee, down to preferred syrup flavor, but I still sucked at decoding anything as complex as human emotions.

“Ah. Um.” He did the nervous cough thing again.

“Never mind.” I wiped my hands on my apron. “I’d better get back.”

“Wait.” He opened the wallet, plucked out a white card with a blue logo, and offered it to me. His broad fingers brushed mine again as he handed it over. Another barely there touch, but I felt the charge all the way down my spine, like I’d chugged a triple shot.

My breath tripped with wishing he’d add a “call me anytime.” Brian would have. But David just stood there silently. Straighter than the Fremont Bridge and denser than a concrete pylon.

About the Author:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter.  In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbert

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbertauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

Tour Dates: March 3, 2015

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Andrew Q. Gordon, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, Cate Ashwood, Charley Descoteaux, My Fiction Nook, Foxylutely Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Velvet Panic, Hearts on Fire, Love Bytes, Amanda C. Stone, Prism Book Alliance, Queer Town Abbey, Christy Loves 2 Read, Emotion in Motion, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Up All Night, Read All Day, Multitasking Mommas, Cathy Brockman Romances

Sales Links:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:
 Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win a $20 Amazon or Starbuck’s Gift Card of the Winner’s Choice:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event.  Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:

Best Chance; by Aria Grace—Book Blast and Giveaway

Best Chance; by Aria Grace—Book Blast and Giveaway
Blurb:

 

Vinnie is happy as a bartender at Ray’s and not looking for anything serious to complicate his life. He has great friends and a simple life. When Chance comes into his bar, he brings more than just memories of the summer they spent together in high school. The widower has a fifteen month old son that could change everything for Vinnie, if he’s willing to take the chance.

Publisher: Surrendered Press
Cover Artist: Kris Kendall

Excerpt:

“It’s not exactly the penthouse, but it’s home.” I reach back for Chance’s wrist and tug him in behind me.

“I didn’t come here for the amenities,” he says, resting his hand on my hip and squeezing.

“No?” I turn so his arm is wrapped around my waist. “What did you come for?”

My face is inches from his. His warm breath washes over me as I stare into those desperate eyes.

“This.” Chance’s eyes drop to my mouth as his head tilts and he leans into me. As soon as his full lips close over mine, I want to sing. I instinctively open my mouth to accept his tongue as it lightly brushes over mine. We aren’t tentative kids anymore. We’ve both had time to perfect our techniques over the years so by the time I drag Chance into my room, I’ve touched every space in his mouth that I can reach.

Our hands aren’t left idle as we tug on clothes and pull down zippers until we’re both naked and panting on my bed.

“God, I’ve missed you, Vin,” Chance says against my chest as he drops kisses on my skin.

About the Author:

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Aria enjoys the year round sunshine and laid back environment of the west coast. She lives with her husband and two children on a quiet hill that gives her lots of time to read and write. Her first series was a semi-traditional look at sexy gigs found online. She has now ventured into the exciting M/M world of gay erotica. She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to drop her a note or visit her at http://www.ariagracebooks.com.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aria.grace.37?fref=nf&pnref=story

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/ariagracebooks?ref=hl

Twitter: @ariagracebooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/search/?q=ariagracebooks

 

Tour Dates: February 28, 2015

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, MM Good Book Reviews, Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Rainbow Gold Reviews,  Lee Brazil, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Andrew Q. Gordon, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, Cate Ashwood, My Fiction Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, 3 Chicks After Dark, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Amanda C. Stone, Hearts on Fire, Up All Night, Read All Day, Gaylist Book Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Because Two Men Are Better Than One

Sales Links:
Amazon:
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win a signed paperback of Best Chance and $25 gift card to Amazon or iTunes:
 a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event.  Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:

Palace Dog; by R.E. Nelson – Book Blast and Giveaway

Palace Dog; by R.E. Nelson – Book Blast and Giveaway
Blurb:

In April 1975, as the government in Saigon is falling, Michael Andrews prepares to make his way back to Vietnam to find the love he was forced to leave.

But Michael’s journey begins four years earlier. He joins the Air Force to keep out of the Army and out of Vietnam, but his first assignment is teaching English in Saigon to members of the Vietnamese military in an Army program called Palace Dog.

As an artist, and a man, before his time in Vietnam, Michael found life lonely and unsatisfying. In the midst of war, Michael searches for direction and meaning. He ultimately finds love and hope with Thao, a young Vietnamese art student, only to have their already uncertain future wrenched from them when he is pulled out of the country.

For Michael, his return in 1975 is inevitable and without question, though the outcome he hopes for is anything but assured.

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Fun Fact About R.E:

(This may be used as part of the giveaway.)

Three things on your bucket list?

I don’t have a bucket list—take life as it comes.

Excerpt:

The cyclo had bumped across the bridge, following the curve in the road, then moved quickly down the final straight stretch, past houses and shops, past rows of trees and walls and occasional open spaces, past vendors who lined the street’s edge selling gasoline in glass bottles. Motorcycles, Lambretta mini-buses packed with people, cream-and-blue Renault taxis, pedestrians with baskets and boxes—all crowded the street. Noises, smells, and smoke came from everywhere, and as the driver increased his speed, I smiled, gripping the metal frame tighter and pushing slightly with my feet as the moist wind rushed around me.

Speeding through the streets of Saigon, wearing the green Air Force-issued jungle fatigues, my life of a year ago seemed unreal.

About the Author:

R.E. Nelson was born in Texas and raised in Southern California. He has been writing for as long as he can remember. One of his earliest recollections related to writing is winning an essay contest in sixth grade–something patriotic about the American flag. When he travels, his preference is staying in select areas for an extended period of time and learning about that place. He has lived in both Vietnam (twice, actually) and Saudi Arabia, and also spent time in Egypt, South Korea, Shanghai (his only China visit thus far), and Dubai. Now he is happy to call San Francisco home.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @RENelson13

Tour Dates: February 27, 2015

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, MM Good Book Reviews,  Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Rainbow Gold Reviews,  Lee Brazil, Fallen Angel Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Andrew Q. Gordon, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, Cate Ashwood, Charley Descoteaux, My Fiction Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Elin Gregory, Wicked Wolves and Dreaming Dragons, EE Montgomery, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Rebecca Cohen Writes, 3 Chicks After Dark, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Velvet Panic, Kimi-Chan, Full Moon Dreaming

Sales Links:
Paperback:
eBook:
 Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win an e-Copy of Palace Dog:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event.  Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:

Susan Mac Nicol Has A New Men Of London Book Out!

Best Selling Author Susan Mac Nicol has a new release, Sight and Sinners….. okay, enough of the sound bite. Susan is one of the best friends I’ve made since joining the genre. We’ve done interviews, guest posts, video chats and more, so this time I’ll just tell it to you straight—buy the book, you won’t be disappointed. Susan is a wonderful author who writes real characters and interest plots. I love her work and I’m sure you will too.  So check out the blurb, kick the tires a bit, then go buy the book.  (No, I’m not part of the official tour, so don’t look for me in the list. She’s my friend, however, so I want to help spread the word.)
Sight and Sinners; by Susan Mac Nicol.
A Men of London, book.
Blurb

THE MEN OF LONDON

From Charing Cross to Waterloo, there’s no escaping love.

SEEING THROUGH…

28-year-old Draven Samuels has a tragic past, but as an investigator with a high-profile London company he now gets what he wants. Tough, sarcastic, and sceptical, he has no patience for lies and even less for people who waste his time. Even if they’re as beautiful as the wild and dark-haired Taylor Abelard. Especially when they’re talking over the body of a murder victim.

THE DARKNESS

Psychic Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel the ghostly vibrations of people close to him who’ve passed on. It’s why he doesn’t get too close to the living. But this time, against his better judgment, despite Draven’s mocking rejoinders, Taylor will get closer than ever before. The mystery surrounding a dead friend will lead the two men down a dark and seedy trail of blackmail and lies. Add in the heartbreak of a family tragedy, and events lead them straight into each other’s arms. By the end of this night, all their demons will have risen—and been banished with the dawn.

Buy Links:
Amazon U.S.:
Amazon U.K.:
Amazon Australia:
Amazon Canada:
Amazon Germany:

ARe:
Smash words:
About the Author:

Susan Mac Nicol is a self confessed bookaholic, an avid watcher of videos of sexy pole dancing men, self confessed geek and nerd and in love with her Smartphone. This little treasure is called ‘the boyfriend’ by her long suffering husband, who says if it vibrated, there’d be no need for him. Susan hasn’t had the heart to tell him there’s an app for that…

She is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason. She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.

Lover of walks in the forest, theatre productions, dabbling her toes in the cold North Sea and the vibrant city of London where you can experience all four seasons in a day , she is a hater of pantomime (so please don’t tar and feather her), duplicitous people, bigotry and self righteous idiots.

In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a little while, good things happen to good people.

Sue is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association in the UK.

https://www.facebook.com/susiemax77

https://twitter.com/SusanMacNicol7

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SusanMacNicol/posts

https://www.tsu.co/authorsue

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW20QTDv3GopseV0mRVZcOw/videos

http://susanmacnicol.wordpress.com

http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/susan-mac-nicol

http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Mac-Nicol/e/B008YE9GGI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

http://www.scoop.it/t/romance-and-sex

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6472959.Susan_Mac_Nicol

 

An Interview With Brandilyn Carpenter of Prism Book Alliance Review Site

Rather than only interview other authors, I thought I’d try to mix things up and interview other people in the ‘business.’ Today’s guest is Brandilyn Carpenter, book reviewer and owner of Prism Book Alliance.  I’m very privileged to be able to call her my friend – I mean she walked to hell and back to get my glasses during GRL ’14, that has to make us tight.  Anyway, she agreed to answer a few questions about something all authors are interested in, even if we say we don’t—reviews.

Oh yeah, Brandilyn is giving away a $10 ARe Omnibucks to one lucky commenter who answers a question at the end of the interview.

Welcome Brandilyn. Thanks for agreeing to answer a few questions today.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your work with Prism Book Alliance.

I am a mother of 3 and an avid reader. I have had many hobbies over the years, but reading has always been one of the top. I started Prism Book Alliance on a whim, to be honest. I already had a blog where I posted reviews when I remembered to. I decided one day I wanted to expand and asked a few fellow M/M lovers… over the course of a few months Prism Book Alliance was born.

Since its inception Prism has grown to post up to 40 reviews, 15 guest posts, 7 Outside the Margins posts, Tea Time, and 2-3 reviewer-penned columns a week.

PBA has several features each week aside from book reviews, what are they? 

The most popular is probably our Outside the Margins column, of which you are intimately familiar. We have 29ish authors in the M/M and F/F fiction world who each posts once a month. I leave the content of these posts up to the authors themselves. We have a few that do exclusive blog-based serials. We have book related topics. We have personal topics. It is a way for our readers to connect on another level with some of their favorite authors and a way for some of our favorite authors to find new readers. Look for Outside the Margins daily at 8:30am CST.

We also have Tea Time with Alexis Hall. During Tea Time author Alexis J Hall sits down for a virtual round table about whatever topics strike his fancy. This is a semi-monthly column. Look for Tea Time with Alexis J Hall and friend on the first and third Thursdays at 11am CST.

Every Friday at 11am CST you can join us for a fun look into the psyches of your favorite Prism Reviewers. Each week we answer a burning question during Five Thing Friday. Questions from what are your favorite flowers to who are your favorite characters, and everything in between. You never know what the topic will be until we post!

Each Saturday we host the Retro Reads Spotlight where we spotlight the backlist of one LGBTQ+ author with an interview and giveaway. Each Saturday we also host reviews for titles that are 6 month old or older. It is a chance to rediscover favorites of the past. This week we will be spotlighting The Butterfly Hunter by Julie Bozza.

The first Sunday of each month sees our Prism Recommended Reads announcement. This is just a small way for the Prism team to recognize the best of the best for the previous month. There is approximately one Prism Recommended Read for every 10 books we review in a month.

Our final “special” column is the Sunday Spotlight. This column holds a special place in my heart. It is our chance to talk about topics that matter to us in the LGBTQ world. They can be directly related to the genre or the world at large. We hosted Queer Romance Month using our Sunday Spotlights last October. We have tackled the closet from the inside and out. We have talked about our favorite covers and a least favorite tropes. Sundays are reserved for the Sunday Spotlight. It is the only day of the week we don’t post reviews. This past week we tackled Fiction versus Reality.

Also we have an ongoing comment contest. Every legitimate and thoughtful comment made on the blog each month is entered into a contest for a $25 Amazon or AllRomance eBooks gift card. Awarded on the first of the following month.

PBA doesn’t only review MM Romance, does it?

Nope. We consider for review any title with main characters on LGBTQ+ spectrum. This include genre fiction, M/M Romance, F/F Romance, Trans*, and Bi. It doesn’t have to be romance to be reviewed. We have 15ish reviewers with a wide range of interests.

If you have a book you would like us to consider, contact us :)

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/contact-us/

What got you started read/reviewing MM Romance and LGBT Fiction?

Who the hell knows. No seriously, I have had my blog for a while, but it was a product review blog. Then I started reviewing books. Then the books I was reading turned into M/M Romance a few years ago, but I wasn’t reviewing as much on my blog. However, I had fallen in love with the genre.

It was actually Goodreads that got me started on M/M Romance. I was in the Kindle Smut readers group over there and someone suggested I read Cut & Run. I avoided it for a while, but then my sister told me I needed to read it and she gave me a few other series I “needed” to read in the genre (A Matter of Time by Mary Calmes, Sanctuary by RJ Scott, and Warders by Mary Calmes). By the time I had finished those 4 series, I was absolutely hooked. I quickly discovered more and more in the genre.

As for what gave me the idea to create Prism? That is a little harder to pinpoint. Basically, I see the genre as too important to stay quiet.

In short, I love this genre and I think it is an incredibly important one with the ability to open people’s eyes and make them change the way they see the world. I fully believe what Dreamspinner Press author Andrew Grey said at RainbowCon 2014, the literature leads the way. It isn’t a coincidence that the rise in the acceptance of GLBTQ fiction has paralleled the acceptance of GLBTQ in society and the fight for equality. By the time my kids are of an age to worry about these things, I want it not to matter who someone loves.

Have you received any negative reactions from friends about running a ‘gay’ fiction site?

I don’t know that I would call them friends, but acquaintances… oh yeah. My daughter and I were pushed out of her scout troop (for which I was co-leader) for my views and my blog. I had my position on the board for that organization threatened because of my blog. I did find support on the board as long as I didn’t link my blog to the council in any way. I finally stepped down because I wasn’t willing to compromise my beliefs.

I live in a the Suburbs of Houston, but grew up in a small Texas Town. I have no issues talking about what I do. I wear a rainbow bracelet every day. I freely wear my “Gay Romance” shirts from DSP, as well has my NOH8 shirt and another one I recently purchased from Shane Bitney Crone. I also have a Prism Book Alliance skin on my ever-present cell phone.

I have received “the look” on more than one occasion and the whispers behind my back.     I have had many people from my past “unfriend” me on Facebook because “while I support people’s right to be with whomever, I don’t want it in my face.” or because I promote “porn.” I have also been thanked for being an ally by friends and strangers. That isn’t why I do it, however. 

What’s the hardest part about running a review site?

The Time involved. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that comes with running the site. I spend well over 2/3 my “weekend” and at least 4 hours a day (give or take) everyday on blog stuff. Usually more…. and that doesn’t count the time I spend reading and reviewing.   I am a stay at home mom to three small kids. They want all my time as well. It is a balancing act.

Give authors one piece of advice when dealing with their reviewers?

Be nice, sincere, and professional.

If we like your book we like your book. If we hate your book, we hate your book. I am going to be honest and professional about it. I expect the same in return. You don’t have to love what I say about your book. You don’t even have to read what I say. But how you handle a less than glowing review tells me a lot about you as a person.

We are your ally. If we like your book, we can drive sales your way (trust me, I have had people go onto Amazon on their phones at conferences and buy books on my say so). If we love your book, but don’t have respect for you, we won’t be as inclined to talk up your book.

What types of books won’t PBA review?

We don’t review het or mainstream fiction. As long as there are LGBTQ+ main characters, we will consider it for review.

We review Young Adult, New Adult, Contemporary, Historical, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Thriller, Horror, BDSM, Slave Fic, M/M Romance, LesFic, etc, etc, etc… We review fluff and hardcore. We have reviewers for almost anything in the genre.

We review eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.

What’s your favorite part of running the site?

The people.

I have an absolutely fabulous team that I would not give up for anything. I have made friends on both sides of the pen. I have met people with interests so varied and eclectic, that I can’t even name them. I have met people I would not know otherwise.

What’s your least favorite?

The people.

Okay, I will expand that a bit. I have met some wonderful people through my work on the blog, on both sides of the pen. Many of whom I hope to have in my life for years to come. I would never have had the guts to go to a single Con, much less 3 this past year, without some of the people I met in this genre.

However, as loving and supportive as I find the genre to be on the whole, there are times that I just can’t take all the people. Sometimes I feel like I am herding cats. Sometimes I feel like I am the peacemaker among children. Sometimes there is drama. Sometimes it just is.

I am an introvert by nature… probably why I retreat into the world of books. I am a loner by nature as well. Sometimes, I just have to shut off the Internet and let the blog take care of itself for a few days.

Anything new and exciting on the horizon for you or the site that you can share?

As site we are kinda coasting on status quo at the moment. I have ideas churning, but I don’t know which are going to come to light and which won’t. While I was typing out this interview, Beverley told me “no” on one of my ideas. (probably for the best…) Beverley is my voice of reason; she keeps me sane. :)

I do know that I want to add a few more reviewers on, and probably another column or two. But what those will be, I don’t know.

We are one of the named sponsors at UKMeet this year. That is exciting. I have no idea what it will mean for Prism Book Alliance or what special thing we will be doing there, but I will come up with something. It will be my first trip outside North America, so I am excited and nervous in equal measure.

A handful of us are planning to attend GRL again this year, so that will be fun, as well.

Besides reading and running PBA, what else do you enjoy?

As I said earlier I am a stay at home mom. I have 3 kids, ages 7, 5, and 3, and they are my number one priority and the lights of my life. Only the 7 year old is in school at this time, so I have the 5 and 3 year olds all day every day. When I am not reading or blogging, I am with them. Heck, 1/2 the time I am reading or blogging with one or more of them attached to my side on laying in my lap.

My other hobby is photography, though I haven’t had nearly the time to indulge lately as I would like.

Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything at all.

*crickets* Now I understand that deer in the headlights look I sometimes get from authors…

How about I just end with how to get in touch with us. If you are interested in having your title reviewed or appearing as a guest on Prism Book Alliance, please contact us: http://www.prismbookalliance.com/contact-us/

 

Blog Address: http://www.prismbookalliance.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/prismbookalliance

Twitter: @BrandilynRC

Tumblr: http://brandilynrc.tumblr.com

Prism Book Alliance Review Policies and Submission Guidelines

Can I do an giveaway? $10 ARe Omnibucks to a commenter who answers the following question: What are some of your go to comfort reads?

One winner will be selected at random from all comments left by midnight EST, March 2, 2015.

The Librarian; by Lee Brazil – Book Blast and Giveaway

The Librarian; by Lee Brazil – Book Blast and Giveaway
Blurb:

A rash vow of celibacy puts Valentine Michaels in the path of seduction.

Val is at a crossroads in his life. A college dropout, he’s gone as far as he can in his career as a cosmetologist, owning his own style salon. He no longer finds satisfaction in it, though he’s put years into proving to his bigoted parents that a college degree and the veneer of straightness aren’t the only roads to success. They’d turned their backs on him, and he proved he didn’t need them to make it.

His love life is no better than his working life. His relationships always start with a bang and fizzle into boredom, or worse, anger.

Adrian Grey has his own agenda for helping Val: he’s been in love with Val since they were freshmen. The intervening years of listening to Val’s gossip about his lovers and relationships have taught Adrian just what it was he did wrong all those years ago, and he thinks this time around he now knows exactly how to get—and keep—his man.

Publisher: Lime Time Press
Cover Artist: Laura Harner

Fun Facts About Lee:

(These may be used as part of the giveaway.)

What’s the hardest step for you as a writer? Planning? Writing? Editing? Something else?

Plotting. I have a hard time working on plot outlines.

Coke or Pepsi? (Or something else.)

Dr. Pepper! I’m a Pepper.

Excerpt:

Impatiently, Val flipped his powder-blue locks over his shoulder, tapping the little whisk broom against the counter where his supplies were arranged neatly. “Derek, you left me standing around at Paul’s for an hour, a place I totally hate by the way, without even a phone call to say you weren’t coming, and then I walk past you playing ball in the park with your friends on the way back here. I’m not overreacting!”

He ran a swift eye over his supplies. Scissors, combs, spray bottle with water, gel, mousse. Everything in order. While he prepared his workstation, he listened with half an ear to the deep voice on the other end of the phone, trying to explain or rationalize or whatever, but he wasn’t into hearing what Derek had to say. The guy was an immature jerk who put his own wants ahead of everything, even if it meant leaving Val standing in a group of young college kids he barely knew, in a bar he usually avoided like the plague. He’d gone to the party in the first place for Derek. Being stood up while doing something so selfless pissed him off. Just once in a relationship, Val wanted to find a guy who put him first, who loved him more than sports, friends, and all the other temptations the wicked world offered. “Just forget it, Derek. You don’t get it. It’s not just last night; it’s the whole last few months.”

More rumbling and babbling in his ear. He ran a dust cloth over the client’s chair and then adjusted its height. Prepping his station at the salon was second nature and required little of his attention. Kind of like listening to Derek. Why the fuck do I listen to this shit? Derek had all the emotional understanding of a two-ton truck. Cute as hell, but clueless about what would melt Val’s heart. In fact, Derek might accurately be called dense altogether. A little consideration, a romantic gesture or two, would go a long way. Hell, an apology instead of an excuse would probably have gotten him a second chance even this morning. Eh. Who are you kidding? Derek is a symptom, not the illness itself. “Fuck off, Derek. It’s over. Do me a favor and lose my number, okay?”

Flipping the phone shut, he shoved it into the pocket of his smock and busied himself cleaning up his workspace. A quick spray of glass cleaner to the mirror, a swipe or two with a rag, and he was done. Done with Derek, done with men, done with romance and love and sex, and fuck it all. He could be celibate. Masturbation didn’t count as sex, did it? He’d need something if he wasn’t getting any.

About the Author:

Somewhere in a small town in up-state New York are a librarian and a second grade teacher to whom I owe my life. That might be a touch dramatic, but it’s nevertheless one hundred percent true.

Because they taught me the joy of reading, of escaping into worlds crafted of words.

Have you ever been nine years old and sure of nothing so much as that you don’t belong? Looked at the world from behind glasses, and wondered why you don’t fit?

Someone hands you a book, and then you turn the page and see… There you are, running from Injun Joe in a dark graveyard; there you are fencing with Athos; there you are…beneath the deep blue sea- marveling at exotic creatures with Captain Nemo.

I found myself between the pages of books, and that is why I write now. It’s why I taught English and literature for so many years, and it’s why my house contains more pounds of books than furniture.

If I’d had my way, I’d have been a fencer…or a starship captain, or a lawyer, or a detective solving crimes. But instead, I am a writer, and I’ve come to realize that’s the best thing in the world to be, because as a writer, I can be all those things and more.

If I hadn’t learned to value the stories between the pages, who knows what would have happened? Certainly not college…teaching…or writing

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.brazil

Twitter: @leebrazil

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leebrazil/

 

Tour Dates: February 24, 2015

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, Havan Fellows, Amanda C. Stone,  Molly Lolly, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Bayou Book Junkie, Kimi-Chan, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bike Book Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews, Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews,   Andrew Q. Gordon, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, Cate Ashwood, Michael Mandrake, Velvet Panic, Iyana Jenna, Dawn’s Reading Nook

Sales Links:
Amazon:
Smashwords: 
All Romance: 
Direct From Author Via Payhip:
 Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win $5.00 ARe gift card or an e-Copy of the book:
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When In Bloom; by Nicole Dennis – Book Blast and Giveaway

When In Bloom; by Nicole Dennis – Book Blast and Giveaway
Blurb:

Will the personal challenges of a former Army doctor and a brilliant florist get in the way of a chance at life and love?

Fighting type one diabetes since childhood, Jude Sebastian runs to prove he can live a normal life, until epileptic seizures begin to change his life. Even with Dawson, his medical alert Golden Labrador, at his side, Jude finds daily life difficult. He owns the floral shop Flowers in the Breeze, and designs everything from simple bouquets to elaborate themes for weddings and celebrations.

At the Shore Breeze Clinic, Jude comes across a man clearly suffering with a PTSD episode. A new arrival in the small town, Doctor Elliott Sheffield, a retired Army Ranger doctor, is looking for a second chance after what he saw in the Middle Eastern deserts.

Wanting a normal relationship, Jude tries to deny his disorder, but something is happening. He can’t regulate his sugars and his disorder worsens. When he returns to the clinic, Dawson alerts Jude to an oncoming seizure.

Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes referencing PTSD, seizures and diabetes.

Publisher: Totally Bound
Cover Artist: Emmy Ellis

Fun Facts About Nicole:

(These may be used as part of the giveaway.)

What kind of shifter would you be?

Oooh. A kitty of some sort.

Twinks or Bears?

Twinks are too darn cute and bouncy.

Coffee, tea, or something else?

Tea tea tea… Oooh. Could use a good cup of chai!

Excerpt:

Cursing under his breath as the sky turned orange with another incoming sandstorm, Dr. Elliott Sheffield hated the situation. Though they’d tried to tie down the damn tent, the ferocious wind tugged the straps, causing openings everywhere to expose the critical care unit to the elements. Why had he ever agreed to come to this desert hell in the Middle East?

After struggling through several storms like this one, he knew the clouds could turn the sky black for at least seven hours. Pushing out the noises of men calling out in pain and fearing for their lives, he concentrated to save the man on the operating table. His hands and forearms were covered in blood as he searched for the damned bleeder in the man’s belly.

“Come on… Come on… Where the fuck are you?”

As the winds howled, Elliott felt the grit of the fine layer of sand digging underneath the scrubs and within any openings of his uniform. Along with the sweat dripping down his nape, the sand mixed with the moisture and aggravated him. Damn stuff could get through any crack and crevice of tent, Humvee or building. This place sucked when it came to performing delicate surgery, but he didn’t have a choice. The soldiers were here. He needed to be nearby to care for them.

“Shit… Got it,” Elliott said and made the necessary stitches to close the nasty bleeder. He scrambled to put the soldier’s innards back in place, flushed everything with saline to cleanse, and stapled the exterior wound. “Cover him up tight. We’ll come back and make it nicer.” He stepped back to let the other physician and nurse finish. He peeled off and tossed the gloves. Removing the sweat-soaked mask, he left the curtained-off operating theater and went back to the main infirmary.

When the blasted Taliban insurgents had overrun the garrison stationed at the American base, Elliott had transferred with most of the surgical team to the Canadian–British combat hospital at the Kandahar airfield.

It wasn’t any better here.

Elliott shoved a weary hand through his hair. He scratched at the heavy bearded growth. Since his boots had hit the sand, he’d adapted to the crazy, never-ending situations, difficult in the best of conditions, but aggravated in the worse. He’d figured out ways to suture and clean some of the most devastating wounds he’d ever seen in his career. He could never get around the constant issue of infection from the damn sand.

“Fucking sand…”

The thump-thump-thump of helicopter blades surrounded them. Everyone within the base knew the meaning behind those blades. It was never good.

“We have incoming patients,” someone called out.

“They’re not friendlies! Take cover!” another soldier shouted as bullets flew through the sand and darkness.

Crouching, riveted as soldiers rushed around, Elliott thought about the patients. He knew their lives were at the most risk, unable to defend themselves. When dark figures invaded the tent, Elliott covered a nearby patient. Several loud blasts blew through the base as bombs went off in rapid succession. He called out when searing heat scored through his shoulder.

Blood and gore rose in front of his mind. Within seconds, all the time it had taken to save these patients was destroyed.

“Doctor…”

“Doctor…”

Elliott blinked. He tasted the fine grit of the sand.

“Doctor…”

“Dr. Sheffield? Are you okay?”

When fingers touched his wounded shoulder, Elliott screamed and pushed back until he hit something hard then plopped his ass on the ground. The intensity knocked Elliott out of the intrusive flashback from his five years spent in Kandahar. He was home in the States. Having left Afghanistan and his ten year military career, he had now lived and worked in Florida for the last nine months.

He lowered himself until his scrub-covered ass hit the floor. He pressed his hands flat on the cool tile of the emergency room to ground himself in reality. He looked around, goggled as other staff fought to save a patient with a vicious belly wound. Two others moved toward him. He held up a hand and hyper focused on the blood-covered blue latex.

“Are you with us, Elliott? Can you rise?” another doctor said in a calming tone.

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m here.”

“Where were you?”

“Kandahar.”

“Do you know what set you off?”

“Insurgents overran the base and hit the clinic and caused so much destruction among the patients and created more. It was the appearance of the wound. I took care of so many of them. Most were ruined by the fucking sand.” Elliott knocked his head against the wall.

“Easy. Can you stand? I’ll get you back to the lounge.”

“I’m okay, Harry, take care of the patient.” Elliott pushed himself to his feet and stripped the gloves from his hand. He wobbled out of the room and down the hall.

“Dr. Sheffield?” a nurse called.

He held up a hand. “Taking ten.”

“But…”

Something toppled with a harsh clatter. The broken glass caused Elliott to crouch again in a protective corner and cover his head.

“Dr. Sheffield!”

Lost again in the sand, heat and blood, Elliott stayed put in his cover position. What the hell was he doing here in civilian life? He couldn’t avoid the truth of how he suffered from PTSD.

“Dr. Sheffield… Major…”

He lifted his head at the sound of his Army title. Another doctor crouched in front of him. Through the haze of blood and sand within his memory, he almost didn’t recognize the fellow soldier. James was a friend, a psychiatrist and military officer with the Air Force.

“Major, are you with us?”

“Not an attack…” Elliott knew his gaze would be dead and haunted since he saw it so many times in the mirror after one of the dreams woke him.

“No, Major, a tray filled with containers crashed,” James said. “Major, I need you to stand and come with me. We’ll have a chat.”

“Yeah, guess I need to do that,” Elliott said as he looked beyond James. “I kinda lost it there.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time a soldier covered his ass,” James said as he rose.

Elliott followed James, who chose to find someplace quiet and separated from the chaos of the ER.

About the Author:

Ever the quiet one growing up, Nicole Dennis often slid away from reality and curled up with a book to slip into the worlds of her favorite authors. Over the years, she’s created a personal library full of novels filled with dragons, fairies, vampires, shapeshifters of all kinds and romance. Always she returned to romance. Still, there were these characters in her head, worlds wanting to be built on paper, and stories wanting to be told and she began writing them down whether during or after class. She continues to this day. Only recently has it begun to become fruitful, spreading out to let others read and enter her worlds, meet her characters, and see what she sees. No matter what she writes, her stories of romance with their twists of paranormal, fantasy and erotica will always have their Happily Ever Afters.

She currently works in a quiet office in Central Florida, where she also makes her home, and enjoys the down time to slip into her characters and worlds to escape reality from time to time. At home, she becomes human slave to a semi-demonic tortie calico.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoleDennis.Author

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nicoledennis.author/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nicoledennisaut/books-n-promo/

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/nicoledennisauthor

Tour Dates: February 20, 2015

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, Amanda C. Stone, Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, MM Good Book Reviews, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Havan Fellows, Lee Brazil, Fallen Angel Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Andrew Q. Gordon, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Hearts on Fire, The Hat Party

Sales Links:
https://www.totallybound.com/when-in-bloom
 Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win an e-Copy of When In Bloom:
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This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event.  Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions: