Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 33
January 16, 2015
Free Fiction Friday: Second Shot – The Senior Year – 43
Second Shot – The Senior Year: Chapter 43
I started the year putting the links to the last five chapters before each post a couple weeks ago and I’ve noticed they’ve been used so I’m going to continue it for the time being. If nothing else it will make it easier for folks to find the last few chapters.
Chapter 38:
Chapter 39:
Chapter 40:
Chapter 41:
Chapter 42:
“A tie?” Darryl twisted the blue and red knot around the pale blue button down dress shirt. “They couldn’t pick somewhere that we could dress like normal people?”
Jason had worn ties often enough that it didn’t bother him as much as it bugged his best friend. Besides, getting dressed up meant Peter would have to as well. Seeing his boyfriend dressed up made it worth hearing Darryl whine. “For Pops, this is normal, D. You’ve been to their house. He wears a tie most days even if he’s not going out.”
“Yeah, well if I lived that mansion of theirs, I’d probably feel like I needed to dress that way too.” Darryl looked at himself in the mirror and made a last adjustment to his tie. “Is your grandfather sending the forty-eight to pick us up?”
“You wish.” His grandmother’s favorite car was the white 1948 Bentley that Peter had admired the previous Christmas. “I’m not sure what they drove here, but they’re not picking us up.”
“Huh?” Darryl looked like his best laid plans had been dashed before his eyes. “How do we get there?”
“We drive ourselves, doofus.” He threw a towel at his friend.
“Besides, Darryl.” They both turned toward the doorway where Peter stood. “We wouldn’t all fit in the back. You’d get stuck with me and Blake and the family would ride in the car.”
Jason stared at his boyfriend. He never got tired of seeing him in a shirt and tie. The concept seemed so weird because he didn’t particularly like them himself. Something about Peter dressed up sent a tingle through him—often with embarrassing results.
“Mhmm.” Darryl said. “Like the Henry’s would leave you to ride with me.”
Peter moved until he faced Jason. Reaching up, he buttoned the collar down over Jason tie. “You’re as much family to them as I am.”
Darryl slid past the pair. “Yeah, but someone has to drive Blake. He doesn’t have a car.”
“Hey,” Jason said when they were alone. “You look nice.”
Peter laughed and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend’s waist. “You say that every time I wear a jacket and tie.”
Before Jason could answer, Peter kissed him. Not a quick, touch their lips together and pull back, but a longer one that threated Jason’s control. Just as things were about to get hotter, Peter backed up.
“I think I need to ask my grandparent to visit and take us to dinner more often.”
“Next time I want a ride in the ’48.” Peter winked and reached for Jason’s hand. “C’mon. Let’s get Dean ready or we’ll be late.”
“How far away is this place?” Peter asked.
“We’re almost there.” At least Jason thought they were. He’d only been to his grandparent’s country club a few times and never coming from school. Once they found the exit, he knew it wasn’t far.
The ride had been nice—very nice actually. Blake told them he was going to ride with Dean and Darryl in the single guy’s car. At first it annoyed Jason, but Peter seemed to appreciate it. And it had been a while since he and Peter had time to themselves. Living in the ‘team’ house meant a lot of guests. Jason liked having his friends over, but sometimes it got a bit much.
On the other hand, this was the first time he’d gone to a family event with Darryl and they hadn’t driven together. Since they’d gotten their licenses, they’d been a team.
Peter placed his hand on Jason’s lap, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Hey, Soccer Boy. Why so quiet?”
Moving his hand off the stick, Jason placed it over his boyfriend’s. “I’m not sure I should mention it.”
“So there is something wrong?” He shifted in his seat so he could face Jason. “I just thought you were tired.”
“Not’s wrong, I was just thinking about something.”
The green overhead sign announced their exit in one mile and he flicked his blinker on to get in the right lane. He twisted quickly to be sure the way was clear, and caught a glimpse of Peter’s concerned expression as he returned his attention to the road.
“It’s nothing really, I’m just wondering if we made a mistake living with Dean and Darryl.” Glancing up he noticed Darryl had shifted lanes behind him. “I mean, we had SO much more time alone together when you had your own place.”
Laughter from his boyfriend wasn’t the response Jason expected. “Sorry, Jase. It’s just when we met you used to say you’d kill to be out to your friends, to do things as a couple and not have to spend our time together cooped up in my apartment. Now you are out and we do stuff with other people and you want to basically go back in the closet. There are tradeoffs to everything. You wanted to live with me and Darryl. There weren’t many other options that I could see.”
Listening to Peter’s explanation, Jason smiled at the truth behind the words. “I know. Maybe I’m just old already, but I liked hangin out, just the two of us at night. Now if it’s not Darryl and Dean arguing about who’s better at Grand Theft Auto, than it’s half the team coming by to hang out. And as much as I love seeing Ethan, having him and Blake stay with us every other weekend is going to get old fast. It’s like having two more roommates—two very horny and loud roommates.”
“We were once like that.”
“Were?” Jason hadn’t thought that part of their relationship had cooled. If anything sleeping with Peter every night led to more of that not less.
“That came out wrong didn’t it?” Jason nodded but they were getting off the interstate so he didn’t look over. “I didn’t mean we do…do that less. I meant we don’t have to plan it anymore. We have a lot more spur-of-the-moment moments than when we didn’t live together.”
“True, I certainly don’t miss trying to find excuses to be alone with you.”
“But…”
Jason sighed and tried to collect his thoughts. “I love D like a brother. In a lot of ways we’re closer than Dean and I, but there are times I’d like to curl up on the couch, just us, and watch a movie. Or not have to worry that my teammates will show up unannounced.”
They’d stopped at the end of the ramp and Jason paused to figure out which way. Since he’d only come from the other direction it took a moment to get his bearings. Flicking the blinker to the left “I hope this is right.”
Peter didn’t say anything as Jason searched for something familiar. A few seconds after the turn, he saw a billboard for Geller’s Antiques that he knew they’d past before. “Yeah, this is the right way.”
“So what’s really buggin you, Jase.”
Twisting his head slightly, Jason saw his boyfriend staring a hole in him. He considered brushing it off, but decided he might not get a better chance to have this conversation. “I’m worried I’m losing my best friend.”
“Totally not what I expected,” Peter said. “How’s that work?”
“It’s…well…I don’t know. I feel like before I met you I was just like Darryl. If you had told me I’d have a house my dad bought, living with Darryl and Dean and the guys were always stopping over, I’d have been, all over it. Just like he is. Now?” He shrugged.
Peter didn’t answer right away. As the silence lingered, Jason mentally reviewing their conversation, wondering if he’d said the wrong thing. Finally, just as he was about to ask, Peter spoke.
“Sounds more like you grew up faster. But the better question is, are you okay with that?”
“Yes and no.” Sensing where the conversation was going, he chose his words carefully. “Yes, because I like us. Being a couple is so much better than being like that. But no, because I feel like I’m drifting away from Darryl. I mean, I know we weren’t going to be in college and roommates forever, but the end is coming faster than I’d expected.”
“I get that.” Peter sat back and seemed to relax. “But it’s not end, just different.”
Jason nodded. “Yeah, your right.”
He didn’t really agree, but he realized Peter wasn’t the right person to have this conversation with. This was the beginning of the end for a lot of things; soccer, college, being roommates with Darryl, their close friendship and other things he’d gotten comfortable with.
In a few months life was going to take them in different directions and things wouldn’t be the same. Tonight was just the start.
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Free Fiction Friday
January 13, 2015
An Interview with Cooper Davis, Author of ‘A King Undone’
Welcome Cooper. Why don’t we begin by you start by telling everyone a bit about yourself.
Thanks for inviting me to talk a bit about my work. I’ve been writing since before I could actually spell! I’m not kidding. I’ve written scripts, movie reviews, and in my thirties, finally began writing narrative fiction. My previous male/male romances were all contemporary, although one was a paranormal werewolf romance. I couldn’t help myself on that one, as what could be hotter than two alpha werewolves who had to mate to stop a feud between their packs?
Your latest book is A King Undone. Tell us a bit about that?
I have a great love for historical romance—I mean, even really old school classics. It occurred to me that it would be extremely fun to turn that genre on its head, and create a world where most of the same conventions still existed. Peers, nobility, courtship, manners…but cast all that in a world where men could openly marry and court men. It’s meant to be a bit tongue in cheek that way, even as it’s a tender and emotional book, as well. Well, and I like to think there’s some great humor in all the banter, as well.
This is part of the Noble Pleasures Series – how many books do you envision the series going?
Book two, A KING AWAKENED comes out in September, and is the sequel to this book, with the same two heroes. Book three, A GENTLEMAN REVEALED publishes in December, and will be about King Arend’s royal secretary. That takes the series in a somewhat new direction, in that each book will have the HEA in a single volume. Arend and Julian’s story just turned out to be too big for just one book. Then, I have two more books already begun that continue the series. I can’t say more about the heroes, except…well, I’ll tease a bit and say that A GENTLEMAN REVEALED takes the series in a bit of an Austenian direction, focusing on a group of brothers and their widowed father. So imagine Elizabeth Bennett’s sisters…but if they were men instead. It’s also more of a drawing room romance, that third book. More akin to the Victorian m/f romances—it even begins with a ball!
In your world, same sex pairings seem acceptable, the nobility seem to be able to acquire concubines from a temple that exists for that purpose. Where did the inspiration for this world come from?
Ah, great question. In my writing, I tend to very much be a “what if” writer. I start with a nugget of an idea, then begin to say, “But what if?” I adore m/m historicals, but it’s hard to arrive at a believable happy ending without a bit of plot wrangling. And I will likely write a conventional m/m historical—because inherent in those difficulties is also the potential for a metric ton of conflict. But in this world, I just pictured all the doings of the ton and balls and scandal sheets, and thought how very fun it would be if all that were going on between gentlemen.
What part of the book was the most fun to write and why?
I love when they meet at the temple and how Arend starts off huffy and trying to keep his royal reserve, but then winds up unstoppably charmed by Julian. The banter was so much fun, it just came alive with a force all its own.What part made you struggle them most?
The fact that I seem constitutionally incapable of writing a short book! And finally realized that the story I had for them was much too long for one digital book. So then I had to figure out the HFN ending, one that would satisfy, but leave all the intrigue and conspiring of the Lords Council still a threat.
Have you ever based characters on anyone you know?
No, honestly not. I draw on parts of myself for some of them, and then close friends see parts of me in my characters that I don’t even realize I’m channeling. To me, my characters just gain a life of their own in my head. It becomes like they’re real people I know. It’s strange, I know.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
I love dialogue and repartee and when that comes alive for me, I’m in my favorite zone. I also love coming up with the most perfect piece of prose—which often happens very late in the game. For instance, I loved this bit in A KING UNDONE, and it was added late in my many iterations of the book:
For a virtual eternity Arend remained, willing his father to raise a glance, to acknowledge the love he bore for Darien. To acknowledge precisely the depth of what Arend would sacrifice upon the pyre of their bloodline.
To see the brokenness forming inside Arend, hewing itself out of his substance and manhood like a fissured iceberg, adrift in their most northerly sea.
But his sire, the king of their fine realm, could not be bothered to offer another thought in Arend’s direction; therefore, at last, he spun on his heels and did as he’d been bidden.
What’s your least favorite?
I sometimes like starting a new book, but often, the disparity between the most recent finished project—and the new one, with its blank canvas and unformed essence—gets to me. I just try to work the mantra that each book I’ve written started way, way back with nothing. That I can’t compare to the most recent finished product, or forget the rough start of a new work, just because I’ve recently finished something to that happy-shiny, finished state.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
A KING UNDONE is a HFN story, and the final HEA awaits in book two, so I’m hard at work on giving Arend and Julian that happyily ever after. I know fans are clamoring, and HFN stories can be frustrating. So I just encourage readers to remember that…we’ll get there with book two!
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
I can’t say that it’s a book most people haven’t read, but it’s one I adored—Tibby Armstrong’s NO APOLOGIES which is set against a Hollywood backdrop and has an enormously clever story structure revolving around the film they view at the premiere. It’s very intelligent, emotional and has superbly drawn characters.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to have met and hung with Truman Capote. Talk about a character and amazing writer. Fitzgerald. Jane Austen for sure. Probably Jane most of all. A woman with a truly romantic, brilliant heart who lived and wrote at a time when doing so was audacious for her gender.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
I am a total television hound. I love doing a series, back to back episodes until I have the look of a cave-dwelling hermit.
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?
I’m crazy about traveling the world over, and learning new things—everything from languages to baking pie. I enjoy the challenge of something new and mentally stimulating.
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
I love to hear from my readers! I’m on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter. Or you can email me at Cooperdavisbooks@gmail.com
Twitter is: @cooperdavisbook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cooperdavisbooks.
BLURB:
Sometimes you have to risk everything, to follow your heart…
Noble Pleasures, Book 1
In a world where gentlemen openly court and marry fellow noblemen, the threat of scandal still lurks behind every velvet drape for kings and princes. Such has been the fate for King Arend Tollemach, forced to sacrifice his heart on the altar of regal duty.
Now that his wife is dead and his royal obligations are at an end, he’s ready to take an unthinkable risk. King Arend seeks a concubine from Temple Sapphor, a secretive, gated world where he will finally shed his virginity—as least as it pertains to making love to a man.
Julian never thought he’d spend ten years on the temple shelf, passed over again and again. Just when he despairs of ever finding placement in a nobleman’s bed, Arend walks into the temple. A lonely eyed, beautiful king who could easily steal his heart.
Arend discovers he has no problem opening his bed to the exquisite concubine. The problem lies in finding the key to his long-shuttered heart.
Warning: Contains a beautiful, virgin king desperate to bed another man, a concubine who fantasizes about being claimed and revered by a strong monarch, and a sea of scandal set against a sensual, palatial backdrop.
BUY LINKS:
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AUTHOR BIO:
Cooper Davis first discovered the allure of m/m storytelling when she watched My Beautiful Launderette with a college roommate. Later, her passion for stories about men falling in love and finding their HEA together was stoked by online slash fiction. After years as an avid fan of m/m and slash, Cooper finally decided to try her hand at penning her own stories about same-gender romance and love.
A voracious reader across all subgenres of m/m fiction, Cooper is particularly fond of courtships set against the breathless backdrop of scandal and intrigue found in period drawing rooms. She is thrilled that her first historically themed m/m romance series debuts this December with A KING UNDONE (Samhain).
AUTHOR LINKS:
Contact info: http://cooperdavisbooks.com/contact/ Website: http://cooperdavisbooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CooperDavisBook Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooperdavisbooks
Giveaway:
Leave a comment to be entered to win a free eBook copy of A King Undone. One winner will be selected from all comments made by midnight on 1/19/15.
An Interview With Author Nephy Hart.
Nephy Hart is one of the first people I met writing LGBT fiction. She was a featured author on Gay Authors when I joined. When I emailed her out of the blue with a question, I was more than a little surprised when she answered. But she did and we’ve gone on to be good friends. She’s previously published under the name Cheryl Headford and Nephylim, but is now using one pen name – Nephy Hart. Having her kick off my 2015 guest interviews is a great way to start. So with that, let’s get to it.
Welcome back Nephy. I know you’ve been writing for a while, how long would you say you’ve been writing seriously?
That not so easy to answer. I’ve been writing off and on since I’ve been able to write. One of the teachers in my primary school used to joke that I should dediate my first book to her. Fortunately, I didn’t agree to that because when it came to it there were just so many others before her in the queue. However, I did think about her, as I have a lot since, and her encouragement for my writing.
Over the years I wrote a number of stories that never got read, then I found an online writing site – Gay Authors. How I came to get there is a long story, but that’s where my serious writing began. To put it quite simply, I got addicted. I was addicted to the writing, to the feedback, to the community. I made some great friends there, including you, and it really was the springboard to my writing career. Since I started writing there I haven’t looked back.
I want to say, that was about five years ago, but I have an uncomfortable feeling it was longer than that.
So this past year you’ve released quite a few books, talk a little about some of them.
My memory is most dreadful! What books did I release last year?
Well, there was Project X. That was a story I originally posted on Gay Authors, in the Premium section, so it was only visible to those who paid a subscription. Thankfully there have been more and more of those over the years, and because of them GA has developed and grown. It was kind of my first attempt to ‘write what you know’. I did a law degree, so I decided to write about law students, based on people I’d met on my degree and set at the university I attended. It really didn’t turn out that way.
Yeah, sure it started out at the university, and it began with exploring relationships between three students, but one of them didn’t even do law and the whole ‘write what you know’ thing went out the window when the whole thing dived into science fiction. Who would have thought that?
My favourite experience in working on Projext X with the wonderful people at Wayward Ink Publishing, was designing the book cover, which was an adventure on its own that’s documented in a blog post, if anyone’s interested.
Then there was the Stranded anthology with WIP and that one had a rather strange beginning. I started writing it at the UK Meet in Bristol last year. It was quite overwhelming for me and I hid in a corner and started writing. The story is set at the meet and, although I haven’t used any of the people I met there as characters, I have used the setting and experiences I had. Unfortunately not the naked waiters.
Again, that story shocked the hell out of me. My trip to the UK Meet started with a dead hamster and a storm, as did the story, but from there it got weird and I turned into a transsexual angel with pink and blue hair, who fell in love with someone very unusual indeed. Oh Gods, I wish I knew Ari.
Then, of course, there was Memories of Forgotten Love. That one, too started out on Gay Authors, and came second in their first novella competition. It went
through quite a change with Featherweight Press. This is the second book published with Featherweight, the first being The Face in the Window, another GA veteran. On both occasions I had a fantastic experience with my awesome editor, Christie, and the amazing cover designers.
This book started as an article I read how comas are not depicted accurately in fiction. I set out to write a situation that was as accurately depicted as I could get it. One of my favorite parts of writing is research, learning new things and applying them in new ways. I had a blast with this one. I discovered, by the way, that coma is, indeed often treated unfairly in fiction. Either it’s skated over, or totally misrepresented (cue the immaculately made up woman who after months in a coma opens her eyes and is instantly back to normal), or has no real consequences.
Yet again, the story wriggled out of my hands and took an unexpected turn. My simple story about a boy recovering from a coma, became a deep mystery with deceit, danger and distraction all around. Everyone thinks Noah tried to kill himself by jumping off a balcony – everyone but Noah. While struggling to regain his memory and physical abilities, he fends off psychiatrists who are trying to persuade him to admit to his suicide attempt, tries to persuade his ‘best friend’ that their argument hadn’t pushed him to the brink, and all the time, trying to work out what did, actually happen. Then, when the truth comes to light, the danger becomes even more present and the story taked another, completely different twist. Phew.
You might have realized from this that I am not the kind of person who sits down and plans out her books before she starts writing. I get a kernel, an idea, a character or something that sparks of the writing frenzy. Then I sit down and write. I’m often surprised by the way the story goes, and it does it right under the pen, so to speak. I find myself writing things I’d never planned or expected, and that makes the writing experience all the better for me.
Your latest release is Draven’s Gate, what is that about?
I love Draven’s Gate. It’s about a young man called Keiron, who’s already getting old and set in his ways. All he wants is a quiet life, with a stable job, a nice home and a loving boyfriend. Well, he’s got two out of the three. He’s already coping with a wild Irish lover when he starts seeing things in his garden and his whole world tips upside down when a naked boy turns up on his doorstep telling him he’s to be his slave for three months.
The ‘boy’ turns out to be a fairy, Draven, who is unendingly curious and exceedingly clumsy. Together, they explore a world that Keiron thought he knew, and Draven didn’t know at all. Who knew humans drink milk from cows, and that fairies get high on sherbert?
Unfortunately, Kerion’s boyfriend isn’t too keen on his lover sharing his home with a fairy who likes walking around naked and doesn’t seem to have any boundaries at all. When he gets a face full of thorns he plots revenge and sets off a chain reaction that almost kills Draven and seems set to drive Draven and Keiron apart for good.
In order to save his love, Keiron has to push aside his desire for a comfortable life and take a walk on the wild side into places he never believed existed, let alone felt comfortable visiting.
I had the best fun with this one. Draven was an amazing character to write and the whole unpredictability of the fey really caught me and blew me away.
Where did the inspiration for that come from?
Fairyland.
Is this going to be part of a series?
I would love it to be, but I seriously don’t think it will be. Maybe one day I’ll come back to Draven, but there are too many other things in front of him in the queue to make that likely. I’ll never forget him, though. He was such a dream to write.
What part of the book was the most fun to write and why?
The part where Draven went to the cinema. It had me giggling the whole way through. He gets to interact with some teenage girls, who make Keiron way jealous, freaks out at the whole film experience, then gets high as a kite on a sherbert drink. It was an extremely funny scene that turned black at the end – just as I like it.
The visit to fairyland was fun, too, as I got to indulge my imagination.
What part made you struggle the most?
Honestly, none of it. The whole thing flowed very naturally from beginning to end, but I guess if you want struggle it would be not to indulge in exploring sex with a being that can fly and change his size. As this is a YA/NA book sexual contact is kept to a minimum, but I had to delete quite a lot of fun stuff I’d indulged myself in.
Tell us something interesting that is not in the blurb?
Keiron hates the countryside. He likes order and cleanliness, and hates mud and wildlife. On one occasion he takes Draven out into the country, and he hates every minute of it. Draven, of course, is like a kid in a candy shop. He splashes Keiron in the stream, and acts as a magnet to a bunch of local wildlife. Keiron, is not impressed, especially when the mouse pees in his pocket.
Okay, so moving on to something near and dear to my heart – yes you know where I’m going – Hostage. This was the first of your stories that I read. I’m really excited to hear that Harmony Ink bought the rights. Tell us more.
What can I say? Hostage is a story that’s very dear to my heart. It was my first attempt at YA and also at sci fi/fantasy. My imagination went wild, although it was all contained (I hope) within a very ‘normal feeling’ experience. What do I mean? Well, I’m not sure I can explain it very well, but for me, one of the things that puts me off fantasy and sci fi is that they’re so ‘big’, full of sweeping landscapes and people doing great deeds and living lives that need thought and understanding.
Hostage is full of people doing small deeds, like a camping in the back of a car, riding on a train, and discovering you have ‘abilities’ to manipulate people and matter. We meet princes who behave just like teenage boys, kings who are happy to eat bread and cheese while hiding in the attic of a pub, and a really evil villain with his sights on world domination, although we only meet him once.
I hope that the book had a blend of the ordinary and extra ordinary that will give the whole thing a realistic feel, rather than a fantastical one.
As far as its journey to publication is concerned, well I took it down from GA some time ago. Probably the best part of two years. I first submitted it to another publisher who said it was way too long and had to be under 100,000 to be even considered for YA. I worked hard on it, cutting out everything I could find that wouldn’t materially alter anything, and I still could only make it to about 120k. That’s when I thought – to hell with it, there are plenty of YA out there with more than 100k words, so I’ll try somewhere else.
One of my altime favourite YA books Omorphi by Cody Kennedy is published by Harmony Ink and that is well over 100k words, so I knew they accepted books of that length. Therefore I thought I’d sub with them. At that time, I had no idea Harmony Ink was an imprint of Dreamspinner Press. If I had I don’t know if I would have subbed, because I thought, and still think Dreamspinner is out of my league. I was unbelievably thrilled when I got the offer letter. I just hope my experience with Harmony will be as great as they have been with the publishers, editors and cover artists I’ve been excited to work with, and not the ones I wish I’d never worked with.
You recently decided to devote your full time to writing. How did it feel making that choice?
It wasn’t really a choice. Well, yes it was, but not one I would have made if the law firm I’d been working for hadn’t closed down. The situation among family lawyers in the UK, with the disgraceful actions of the government in withdrawing Legal Aid, and therefore access to law and justice for the very people who need it most, is dire. More and more small firms are closing, and larger ones are taking on paralegals rather than qualified solicitors.
A combination of a great sense of injustice, the necessity of working in a large firm, and the sheer lack of job opportunities decided me that I wasn’t going to stay in law. I did think about looking for work in another area, but due to ill health of myself and my son, I felt I needed a break from going out to work and I decided to pour my energies into trying to make a business and a living from my writing.
My success has been sketchy so far. I’m not a very organized or a disciplined person, and the problem with working from home is that there’s a great temptation not to. There are always other things to do, housework, shopping, paying bills, going out to lunch with friends etc. My resolution this year is to start treating my writing as a business, and to get to grips with all the things I’m really bad at, like publicity and promotion, keeping my blogs current etc. It’s not going so well so far.
What was the hardest part about leaving an office type job and becoming a writer full time?
Not having a work’s Christmas party. No, seriously, it’s the social aspect. Being a family law solicitor I met a lot of people on a daily basis, and formed good relationships with many of them, at least to the extend of being able to have a laugh and a joke. Working at home can be isolating, especially as both myself and my son are disabled and we don’t get out much.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Writing. I love to write. I love to sit in front of my laptop and let my fingers take me on a journey. It’s my biggest stress release and greatest joy next to my children.
What’s your least favorite?
Editing. Once the story is written, it’s out, it’s done. To have to go through it again and again, changing a word here and there, cutting out a scene, re writing a conversation. Bleargh! I do recognize it’s a necessity, which is why I force myself through it, and the experience depends a lot on the editor. Some editors can make an unpleasant job an excruciating nightmare, while others can make an unpleasant job, if not fun then at least rewarding.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
Oh Lord, lots. I’ve recently subbed another book to Wayward Ink and I’m keeping my fingers crossed on that one. I have another waiting in the wings and am about to finish the first book in a three book YA fantasy series which I will also be subbing there.
I’m working with Cool Dudes on releasing another book this year, and have a story to sub in WIP’s Angel and Demons anthology.
I’m writing six or seven books simultaneously, three or four of which are almost finished. One of them is Book IV of the Enigma series which is the only one so far to have more than two books in the series.
Unfortunately, at the moment my time and energy is being sucked into trying to get the structure of my business in order…setting up a website, getting into the habit of posting regularly on my blogs, keeping up with social media etc etc. As I am so bad at all of this, and so badly organized it’s taking up way too much of my time and when I do get time to write I’m too tired and drained to enjoy it, so I’m not getting very far. Hopefully that will change gradually as I start to get better organized.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
I truly believe that The Statue by Zathyn Priest should be compulsory reading in schools. Why? Because it deals with important issues in a revolutionary way. The story centers on the relationship between a journalist and a young man he meets while doing a story on a mental institution. At first he thinks the boy is a visitor, then learns he’s a patient with paranoid schizophrenia.
Zane hallucinates that a gang of boys is stalking and tormenting him, but has formed a relationship with a man who exists only in his own head, but who keeps the tormentors at bay. Due to the treatment he receives at the hospital, the man in forced out of his head, and he believes he’s been trapped in a stone statue in the hospital grounds.
Throughout the story Zane helps the journalist through his gentle innocence and wisdom, until he suffers a breakdown. No one will listen, that all he really needs is to be allowed his boyfriend, but to the doctors all delusions are bad and have to be stamped out ruthelessly.
The whole thing culminates, for me, in one conversation regarding the nature of love, and whether love for a flesh and blood human being is any more real than that for someone who only exists inside your head. That conversation is the most powerful I’ve read in a very long time.
I’m also fangirling over Omorphi by Cody Kennedy, and The Shed by Dianne Hartsock, both of which are very powerful books.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
You, Andy of course, because you’re amazing and I would love to give you a hug and say thank you for all you’ve done for me.
I would also love to meet Ann Rice and talk to her about where she got her inspiration for her vampire books, as well as Ann McCaffrey to talk about dragons.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
You can have fun when you’re not writing?? I love to visit museums, and so does my son. We share a deep interest in history, although he tends to more modern history while my love is ancient history, especially Iron Age Celts. Before my mobility issues became too bad, I used to belong to a Celtic re enactment society (I think that would be rannaissance group for the Americans) and we’d travel all over the country with living history and fighting displays.
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?
I like cooking, although I’m not really able to do much these days. I’ve passed my love of baking on to my son, so he’s the one who stands at the counter these days while I shout instructions, and help with the decorating.
I love creating things. I paint, of course, as you know, but I also enjoy cross stitch, embroidery and all kinds of craft projects. I just wish I had more time to do it all.
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
That’s the hardest question of all. I’m pretty sure that if readers want to know anything at all about me they’ll find it out there somewhere. I’m pretty much an open book. I don’t hide anything, for better or worse.
I’m a vampire, a fallen angel, a slipped goth (ie one who is too old and tired to be bothered with the make up anymore), a mother, a sister, a great great aunt, a freak and proud of it. I’m fat, disabled and lazy, but I have a great sense of humour and I’m full of curiousity, passion and excitement for just about anything.
Um…. Can’t think of anything else to say, so…thank you Andy Mwah. See you all soon somewhere.
Oh, I’m going to be at Second City Signing event in Birmingham in July and at the UK Meet in Bristol in September. I’m very socially awkward, so if anyone is attending and notices a little black cloud hiding in a corner, come talk to me and I’ll transform into a sunbeam in front of your eyes.
Sales Links:
Below are the sales links for some of her books. You can find a complete list of sales links on her website:
The Face in the Window:
Memories of Forgotten Love:
Project X:
Stranded:
Or check out Nephy’s Author Pages on Amazon or Amazon UK for a full listing:
Amazon:
Amazon UK:
About the Author:
Nephy Hart 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.
Nephy 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, Nephybecame the storyteller for a re enactment group who travelled 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, Nephylives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son, dog, hamster and two cats. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. She’s never been happier since she was made redundant and is able to devote herself entirely to her twin loves of writing and art.
Find Nephy at:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SevenPointStar
Facebook: Private: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.headford.1
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Nephylim.author
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/nephylim-author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4462803.Nephylim
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=140237118&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
Adult Blog: http://nephylim-author.blogspot.co.uk/
Young Adult Blog:http://cherylheadford.blogspot.co.uk/
January 12, 2015
New Release: A Valet’s Duty; by H. Lewis-Foster – Book Blast and Giveaway
A Valet’s Duty; by H. Lewis-Foster
Blurb:
At the turn of the twentieth century, Henry Simpkins is a valet at Taverslow, the Earl of Wayshaw’s Somerset home. When the Earl’s younger brother, Rafe, arrives from his villa in Italy, Henry is given the task of caring for his mischievous dogs, Pepe and Paolo. As part of his duties, he also goes to Rafe’s room each night to tidy away his clothes.
One night, Rafe tentatively asks Henry to go beyond his valet duties to relieve Rafe’s sexual tensions. Henry enjoys their increasingly intimate encounters, but he’s soon disturbed to find he feels more for Rafe than mere physical attraction.
Now, Henry faces a difficult decision. Can he remain in the same house as Rafe if his affections are not returned?
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Cover Artist: Trace Edward Zaber
Excerpt:
The next few nights passed in a similar way, with Henry nodding and smiling, and sometimes laughing, when Rafe talked of his life in Umbria. Falling to sleep each night in his narrow bed, Henry found himself dreaming of orange trees and vineyards. Sometimes he even dreamt of Rafe wandering among them in the Mediterranean sun, but on the fourth night when Henry went to Rafe’s room, something had changed.
Rafe seemed on edge as he opened the door, and he sat on the sofa in silence as Henry carried out his tasks.
Henry started to leave, when Rafe spoke at last, an unfamiliar tension in his voice. “Simpkins, could I ask you something?”
“Of course, sir.”
Rafe gazed intently at his fingernails, giving Henry no clue as to what he might ask. His eyes remained lowered as he made his enquiry.
“Simpkins, are you—are you the same kind of man as Oscar Wilde?
About the Author:
H. Lewis-Foster lives in the North of England, and has always worked with books in one form or another. As a keen reader of gay fiction, she decided to try writing herself, and is now the proud author of several short stories and her debut novel ‘Burning Ashes.’
H. likes to create characters who are talented, funny and quite often gorgeous, but who all have their faults and vulnerable sides, and she hopes that you’ll enjoy reading their stories as much as she loves writing them
Author Contact:
Tour Dates: January 13, 2015
Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Prism Book Alliance, BFD Book Blog Bayou Book Junkie, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Tara Lain, Andrew Q. Gordon, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Love Bytes, My Fiction Nook, Christy Loves 2 Read, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic, Havan Fellows, Elin Gregory, The Hat Party, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Fallen Angel Reviews, Nephylim, Dawn’s Reading Nook
Sales Links:
Amazon:
Amber Quill Press:
Barnes & Noble:
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January 11, 2015
New Release – A Dangerous Reality; by Layla Wolfe – Guest Post and Giveaway
New Release: A Dangerous Reality; by Layla Wolfe
Blurb(s):
Keep your lovers close—and your enemies in bed.
TURK
My club sent me to track him down. And when my mission was over, I never wanted another one again. When I found him, I kicked the shit out of Havelock Singer. I issued the mightiest beatdown of all time. Problem is, we’re evenly matched. We’re equals in every way, and when we finished whaling on each other, exhausted, we fell into each other’s arms.
I’ve never regretted it for an instant. It’s been the ride of my life. But loving another man in the MC world is a risky business. As if our business isn’t already brutal and ruthless enough, Lock’s homophobic sergeant-at-arms Stumpy gets an eyeful of our lovemaking and blackmails us into doing some of his dirty work, or be exposed for what we are—a couple of deviants.
This run into the Indian reservation is sleazy and beneath us, but now I’m cornered, and I’ll do anything to keep my sweet master Lock from being lynched by his club.
LOCK
When that kingpin Carmine Rojas got a load of my beautiful stallion Turk Blackburn, he’d stop at nothing to have him—and Rojas gets what he wants. It’s my fault we’re in this situation. I should’ve kicked Turk’s ass and sent him packing back to The Bare Bones. I wasn’t even close to being ready to come out, but now they’re forcing my hand.
I can hear my destiny calling me. Either I’ll slink back to my club like a hetero bounty hunter with no morals—and no respect from anyone in my own backyard—or I’ll step up to the plate and be the lion of the day.
Either way, my lover and I are screwed. Our clubs are going to hound us underground or into another country before we escape this mess—if we don’t die trying.
“Living off the grid and being an outlaw brings a dangerous reality.” –Ron Perlman
Publisher’s warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. It contains scenes of gay sex, consensual BDSM, illegal doings, dubious consent, and man-on-man violence.
Publisher: Quicksilver Books
Cover Artist: Jan Bowles/Red Poppy
Sales Links:
eBooks:
ARe:
Amazon:
Paperback:
CreateSpace:
About the Author:
Bestselling author Layla Wolfe is satisfied with a leather jacket, one bad-ass pink camo compound bow, and a vicarious outlaw lifestyle. Layla Wolfe is the pen name of multi-published erotic romance author Karen Mercury.
Contacts:
www.laylawolfe.com
www.facebook.com/layla.wolfe
www.twitter.com/LaylaWolfeAutho
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8072579.Layla_Wolfe
Tour Stops:
Parker Williams, Fallen Angel Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Bayou Book Junkie, Velvet Panic, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Jade Crystal, Iyana Jenna, Love Bytes, Queer Town Abbey, Andrew Q. Gordon
Click the Rafflecopter Link below for a chance to win an e-Copy of A Dangerous Reality and a $10 Gift Card:
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This is a Pride Promotions event. Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:
January 10, 2015
First Update of 2015
Ten days into January already. Wow. {{Shakes head.}} The start of the new year sets off a flurry of activity, be it at work, the gym, blogging, writing or publishing. Everyone seems to have boundless energy to ‘start’ over. In some ways it’s really odd because January 1st isn’t really any different than December 18th, August 28th, June 5th or April 10th. They’re all Thursdays. And yet, an overwhelming number of new goals kicked on January 1st. Far more than any other day I guess.
Yep, I’m part of that too, I reckon. Aside from the perpetual goals of exercise more, eat better and drink coffee and more water, I added a couple writing/author goals. Happily I’m doing well on my writing/author goals. (To be fair, I already exercise regularly, I eat pretty well, but I’m struggling with the coffee/water thingy.)
First, as many readers of my blog know, Dreamspinner Press has created a new imprint (division, line of books, area of focus- whatever) called DSP Publications. They’re going to publish LGBT fiction that is not romance focused. So instead of trying to fit what is primarily a Fantasy/Sci-fi/Mystery/Historical/etc with a minor gay romance subplot into the Romance genre, DSP Publications is going to market these books as Fantasy/Sci-fi/Mystery/Historical/etc with a minor romance subplot. DSP Publication is republishing the works of about 30 of their Dreamspinner authors whose books fit the new focus and marketing them in more genre specific channels. To my surprise and delight, my books were chosen to be released.
Here’s a link to the shiny new site that opened 12/1/14: http://www.dsppublications.com
So here’s how the new imprint affects me:
The Last Grand Master
The Last Grand Master – Champion of the Gods Book 1 -Re-release:
On February 10, 2015, The Last Grand Master will be re-released by DsP Publications. If you’ve not read it yet and are interested in buying a copy, it’s out of print right now until the re-release date. But you can pre-order it now on the DsP Publication site.
Look for a blog tour starting sometime in February.
First Love – A Champion of the Gods StoryIn preparation for the re-release of Book 1, I wrote a short prequel dealing with and even ten years prior to when The Last Grand Master begins. This is going to be a free story from DSP Publications and it will be available for download on January 27, 2015. I’ve been given permission by DSP Publication to create a paperback version on Createspace and that will be available starting January 27, 2015, as well. If you want a paperback copy, that is only going to be available for purchase. (Although I may have a few to give away.)
The Eye and the Arm – Champion of the Gods Book 2 (No cover art yet)
The long (too long?) awaited release of Book 2 is finally set. April 14, 2015 is the release date for The Eye and The Arm. I’ll have more details in a month or so, but I’m super excited (Obviously) that Book 2 is almost ready for release. It’s been a long time coming. This time there won’t be a long delay between books. I’ve got the rough draft of Book 3 completed (there is even an excerpt at the end of The Eye and the Arm). What’s more, Book 2 will have an index of names and places. I think it’s been worth the wait so I hope everyone else does to.
Purpose: Re-release:
I’ll be honest, I was really disappointed with how well Purpose did (or didn’t really) do. It never seemed to get the traction I’d hoped for and expected. (I’m sure expectations aren’t ever realistic, but I had high hopes for this book have a bit more appeal than it did.) DSP Publications is going re-release Purpose on October 6, 2015 (tentatively). That alone is worth the update post. :)
Blog events:
For 2015, one of my goals is to do more guest posts. January is off to a good start with several guest posts already posted. But starting January 13, 2015 I’m going to have a guest interview every Tuesday. Some weeks there will be more than one interview but every Tuesday I plan to have a colleague come by and introduce themselves and their work to everyone who reads my blog.
Anyone interested in being a guest should email me. I’m happy to accommodate all requests to come be a guest!
Here is a tentative schedule for the next few weeks (Tentative in that I may be adding more guests along the way.)
January:
January 13—Nephy Hart – Interview
January 14—Cooper Davis – Interview
January 15—My guest post on Prism Book Alliance
January 20—Shira Anthony Interview
January 22—Anyta Sunday Guest Post
January 27—Rick R. Reed Interview
January 28—Elizabeth Noble Interview
January 28—My guest post on Love Bytes
February:
February 3—Rhys Ford Interview
February 5—SJD Peterson Interview
February 10—Lynn West Interview
February 11—Lane Hayes Interview
February 17—Brandilyn Carpenter Interview
January 9, 2015
Cover Reveal – The Wrong Man; by Lane Hayes
Cover Reveal – The Wrong Man; by Lane Hayes
Blurb:
Successful owner of an upscale boutique in fabulous West Hollywood, Brandon Good swears by his personal edict to “live in the present.” After a bad break-up, he agrees to dog sit to keep his mind off his ex. Never did he expect the dog to belong a man from his past, the only man to ever truly break his heart.
When Jake Westley relocates to join the WeHo fire department, the last thing he anticipates is reuniting with his secret high school love. Thrilled with the prospect of reconnecting with Bran, Jake feels no guilt in using his charming old dog as an unwitting matchmaker. As they rekindle their friendship, it becomes clear the intense attraction they once felt is stronger than ever. But as hard as they try to leave the past behind, painful memories resurface. Bran will have to confront his fears and consider the possibility that the man he swore was absolutely the wrong one might be perfect after all.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Pre-Order Link:
Dreamspinner Press – eBook:
Dreamspinner Press – Paperback:
Excerpt:
Again, I questioned my sanity. Something was odd in my world for sure. My heart was beating double time when he finally turned onto my street. A quick escape was my best bet. I had my fingers wrapped around the car door handle and was ready to rip my
other hand from his grasp when he slowed down. He must have sensed my intent to bolt, because he held on to me until I was forced to give him a “what the fuck?” look.
“Let me walk you to your door.”
“Jake, let’s not do this. Please. I really don’t want this evening to get any weirder than it already has been. Thank you for tonight. For dinner and pretending to—”
“Hey, nothing is weird here. It’s dark, and I’m walking you to your door—”
“I’m a big boy. I’ve got this.” I detached my hand from his grip and opened the door.
“Thanks again.”
When I reached the sidewalk, he was waiting for me. The man obviously was hard of hearing.
“You are stubborn.” I gave him my best evil eye before I trudged up the path ahead of him.
“Me? You’re the difficult one. I’m trying to be nice—”
“You don’t have to prove you’re nice to me. I get it. That doesn’t mean—suit yourself.”
“Humor me.”
I fished my key from my pocket as I approached the well-lit front porch.
“Here I am, safe and sound. No need for worry,” I said flippantly as I turned to Jake.
“You ca—”
I swallowed my words. He was closer than I expected. Much closer. I felt the warmth from his body but wasn’t prepared for the hunger I saw in his eyes. I licked my bottom lip nervously. I knew what was going to happen, and though I wasn’t sure it was a good idea, I wasn’t going to stop him. He bent slightly and brushed his nose against mine. I felt his breath on my lips as I waited for him to close the distance between us. Neither of us moved. He smelled delicious, that intoxicating combination of soap and a hint of musky cologne I’d noticed the morning he hugged me in my kitchen. I could have happily buried my nose in his shirt or in the curve where his neck met his shoulders. I closed my eyes and leaned in the tiniest bit closer, expecting him to take over. He still didn’t move.
“Aren’t you going to ki—”
And then he pounced. He crashed his mouth over mine and snaked his arms around my waist, fusing our bodies together. His hands traveled up and down my back while he licked a sensual line across the seam of my lips, requesting entry. I heard myself moan as his tongue danced and collided with mine in a lustful assault. I arched into him instinctively. Jake lowered his hands to my ass, drawing me in tightly as he thrust his hips forward. The friction was hot, and his demanding kisses had my head reeling. This was nothing like our frantic make-out sessions years ago.
Just as that errant thought surfaced to remind me whom I was grinding against like a teenager on my front porch, Jake turned his full attention to my mouth. I was painfully hard, but he was right. We shouldn’t be doing any of this. But I couldn’t seem to stop myself. I bit at his jaw and then licked my way to his ear, flicking the lobe gently with my tongue until I felt his teeth at my neck. I made a strangled sound and went limp in his arms. He was overpowering in a subtle, almost unexpected way. I was two seconds away from ripping his shirt when a car went down my street blaring hip-hop music at an obscene volume. I pulled away and rested my forehead against his shoulder. We stood quietly catching our breath for a moment.
Then Jake pressed a soft kiss on my cheek and stepped away. “Good night, Bran. Thank you for… well, just thank you. I’ll see you soon.”
I stared after him like an idiot, watching him open his door and start the SUV. I heard the familiar hum of distant traffic and smelled the fragrant sweet star jasmine from my neighbor’s garden. Everything looked and seemed to be in place, but something was different.
Author Bio:
Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles both be men! Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her first novel was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards and her third received an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and the coolest yellow lab ever in an almost empty nest.
Author Contact:
Website: https://lanehayes.wordpress.com/
Facebook: LaneHayesauthor
Twitter: @LaneHayes3
E-mail: mailto:lanehayes@ymail.com
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter Link below for a chance to win a $10.00 gift card:
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January 8, 2015
Free Fiction Friday: Second Shot – The Senior Year – 42
Second Shot – The Senior Year: Chapter 42
Since one of my 2015 goals is to post more consistently and to keep up with my FFF posts, it seemed right that I start the year off right. That said, many of you probably have no recollection of what’s going on—so before I post the next chapter here are the links of the last five chapters (If you like having the last five chapters at the top of the newest one, leave a comment and I’ll make it a regular feature):
Chapter 37:
Chapter 38:
Chapter 39:
Chapter 40:
Chapter 41:
Jason saw movement to his right and turned to scan the open space between him and the field house. The group leaving the building was too far away to make out everyone, but he easily recognized his grandfather. Without knowing, he had a fair idea who the other people hovering around Graydon University’s most generous benefactor.
A ball grazed the side of his arm and he spun around with a start. Two of his teammates threw up their hands as the ball landed at the feet of a defender. Fortunately it was a scrimmage and not a real game.
“Tellerman!” Coach Stevens yelled. “Get your head out of your ass or you’ll be running laps for an hour after practice.”
Jason almost ran over to tell his coach that his grandfather, the athletic director and the university president were on their way over, but instead he nodded and hustled back to keep his head in the practice game. Coach Stevens had been around long enough to know what he could do or say. Besides, Raymond Henry wouldn’t be in the least bit offended by the coach yelling at his grandson for slacking off.
Much as he wanted to hear the exchange between his grandfather and Stevens, he focused as best he could on the game. He’d just managed to get back in position when Blake stole the ball back. Having erased Jason’s miscue, Blake pressed the attack. Pivoting back toward the opponent’s end, Jason ran full out to help his friend.
Blake passed the ball to Davis who drew the defenders to far side of the field. Instead of continuing toward the goal, Davis crossed the ball back to Blake who threaded the ball through two defenders into a clear space a few feet in front of Jason.
Feigning left, which gave him a clearer path to the goal, Jason pulled Matt, the defender with him. He noticed Blake slipping into an area vacated by another defender who came at Jason. With the barest of nods to his friend, Jason fired the ball across the front of the goal.
Blake broke before Jason finished his kick. While the goalie and remaining defenders moved to follow the shot, Blake dove into the path of the ball. Snapping his head at the last instant, Blake redirected the ball into a wide-open part of the goal. He landed with a thud on the muddy ground, but popped right up to celebrate the score.
Before Jason could enjoy Blake’s impressive effort, Matt bumped into his shoulder.
“He saved your ass, Jase.” He kicked at clump of mud. “Good thing he owes you.”
Pushing back, Jason smirked. “Yeah he did, but who’s keeping track.”
“Tellerman!” The coach yelled across the pitch. “Both Tellerman. Get over here.”
Jason dropped his head and glanced at his friend. “Do you think he knows anyone else’s name except mine today?”
“This time I think it’s cause your Pops is here.” Matt nodded in the direct of the group from the field house. “Probably wants to remind Fur Butt that soccer is king at Graydon so long as a Tellerman is on the team.”
“Ugh.” Jason had no desire to be around their athletic director. No doubt Mr. Ferber—or Fur Bitt, as the team referred to him—was trying yet again to get Pops to help pay for a new football stadium.
Blake ran over and put Jason in a hug. “Nice cross, Jase.”
“Tellerman! Stop acting like a pee wee soccer player scoring his first goal and get over here!”
“Yeah, he definitely wants you there.” Matt tried not to laugh, but it came out.
“C’mon, Blake.” He noticed Dean jogging over and tugged his friend’s arm. “I want you to meet, my grandfather.”
“Um….” He eyed the rapidly closing group. “I don’t know. Coach did call for me.”
“Yeah, but my grandfather really likes Ethan and if he finds out you’re here and I didn’t introduce you, I’ll be in trouble.” He pulled again. “And honestly, you’ll be in more trouble with Fur Butt if you piss off Pops and he doesn’t get his donation.”
Still looking unsure, Blake let Jason drag him along. They began a quick job and made it to Coach Steven right after Dean and a few seconds before the others.
“Sweet header, Blake.” Dean high fived his friend. “Oh, and nice cross, bro.”
Their coach’s eyes narrowed and focused on Blake. “I don’t remember calling for you Finch.”
“I…um…Jase said….”
Jason moved over just enough to give Blake a breather. Keeping his voice down, he glanced at his rapidly approaching grandfather. “Coach, trust me. My grandfather will want to meet Blake.”
The dignitaries were too close for Steven’s to respond.
“Coach Stevens.” Mr. Ferber said, sounding none too happy. “Why are Jason and Dean and…?”
“Blake Finch.” Jason added when it was clear the athletic director didn’t know who Blake was.
“Because Ronald, Coach Stevens knows I’d appreciate the opportunity to speak to my grandsons.” Mr. Henry glanced at the university president for a half second before turning his attention back to Coach Stevens. “Thank you, for allowing Jason and Dean a break to say hello.”
“Of course, Mr. Henry. But I’m afraid it will only be a brief visit.”
Jason’s grandfather laughed and held out his hand. “I appreciate the small courtesy. Jason, Dean and I can catch up at dinner.”
After shaking hands with the coach, Mr. Henry gripped Jason’s shoulders and smiled. “You look well. And nice pass. I was expecting you to shoot but that move opened up the space nicely for you teammate.”
“That was the idea.” If he hadn’t been muddy, he’d have hugged his grandfather. Instead he held out his hand. “Good to see you, too, Pops. Is Grandma here?”
“Of course. Do you think I’d visit without her?” The little twinkle in his grandfather’s eye when he spoke about his wife made Jason smile. He hoped he and Peter would be that happy for that long. “She’s having tea at the moment. And you, Dean. University life seems to agree you.”
“Thanks, Pops. I’m really liking it.”
He cast his grandson a suspicious eye. “And are your grades what they should be?”
“Yep, Jase and Darryl are like house mothers.” He laughed and punched Jason in the arm. “They make sure I study.”
“Damn right they do.” Coach said. “They know how much you mean to the team. Can’t have you academically ineligible.”
Mr. Henry smiled. “I never had a doubt there would be a problem with that. Boys, your grandmother and I expect you to be ready for dinner at 7:00.”
“We’ll be there. Um, before we go, I wanted to introduce you to my teammate, Blake. He’s good friends with Ethan.” He hoped his grandfather picked up on the hint, but if not he’d explain later.
“The Miller boy?”
Jason snorted. That he still referred to Ethan as ‘the Miller boy,’ always amused him. “Yes, sir.”
The older man turned and held out his hand to a visibly nervous Blake. “Raymond Henry. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Finch.”
“Thank you, sir.” He wiped his hand on his shorts, but given his last dive, that only made then dirtier. Red faced, he scrambled to find a clean spot on his jersey, rubbed his hand quickly and held it out. “Nice to meet you to, sir.”
“Impressive goal just now. I hope you save some of that for the games.”
“Yes, sir. But it was a great pass. If I’d have missed I’d be embarrassed.”
Mr. Henry laughed. “Nonsense. The pass was good, but so was the finish. Don’t be ashamed of your feats.”
“Okay, boys.” Coach Stevens gave them the look that told them to leave. “Get back to the scrimmage.”
“Yes, Coach.” They said in unison.
“A moment if you please, Coach Stevens.” Mr. Henry said before Jason could say goodbye. “Mr. Finch?”
“Yes, sir?” He glanced at Jason. Having no idea what his grandfather wanted, Jason shrugged.
“If you’re not busy, I’d like you to join us tonight.”
“I….” He looked at Jason first then Dean. The deer in the headlights look on Blake’s made Jason feel sorry for him.
“Yeah, he’ll come.” Dean said. Blake looked over like Dean had just sold his car out from under him. “We’ll talk him into it.”
“Excellent.” Mr. Henry nodded. “We’ll see all of you at seven. Remember, coat and tie required.”
Jason had been to enough of these types of things were the kids were brought in to make an appearance then leave quickly so the ‘adults’ could talk. That and Blake looked like he was about to pass out. “C’mon. Let’s get back to practice.”
The three started to job back to their teammates who had gathered at midfield for a rest and a drink. Half way there, Blake slowed to a walk.
“Holy shit balls.” Blake said. “What did I get myself into?”
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January 7, 2015
Artistic Endeavor Blog Tour – an Interview with Whitley Gray
Welcome Whitley. You’re a new to me author, so let’s start by telling everyone a bit about yourself.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing romance in 2008. Before then, I did a lot of technical writing in my job.
What was your first story?
A vampire romance.
What was your first published story?
The first romance publication was Meredith Medical Center (Red Hot Publishing), a serial erotic story. My first M/M story was part of that series.
Michael being a one-night-stand artist, are there other men from his past that would make this part of a series?
There is one ex who makes a brief appearance in Artistic Endeavor. At this point, I don’t know if that individual would be eligible for his own story. I’d consider it.
What part of the book was the most fun to write and why?
Exploring the contrast between a guy who thinks he knows everything about sex and another who has no preconceived notions about sex. Ironically, the newbie has a lot to teach the pro.
What part made you struggle them most?
The hardest part was to keep Michael from being too flip, which might turn Cobey (and readers) off.
Tell us something interesting that is not in the blurb?
Cobey goes shopping for intimate supplies.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
Getting the story down. When it flows—like it did here—it’s wonderful.
What’s your least favorite?
Repetitive proofreading.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
The second High Concept book, featuring homicide cop Beck Stryker and FBI profiler Zach Littman.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
The Silence of the Lambs. A lot of material not in the movie. In M/M, The Boy with the Painful Tattoo.
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Shakespeare. A lot of brilliance in there.
What’s a fun – non-writing – day for you?
There aren’t many of those. Mostly it’s work the day job and write. If I have a day to myself, I’d spend it watching movies and fixing something fancy for dinner.
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?
I love movies—at home, not at the theater. Cooking and trying new recipes.
Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
I’m passionate about corralling HIV. The transmission is on the upswing, especially among young men and even more among young minority men. These people were not alive during the eighties, and need to be educated about being safe.
Blurb:
When friends ask one-night stand connoisseur Michael Esteban to introduce college professor and virgin Cobey Miller to the joys of sex, Michael balks. Lust is his thing, not leading a twenty-five year old novice. But shy Cobey has problems meeting men, and their introduction fuels Michael’s decision to help Cobey become a gay-sex-loving guy. It’ll all be fun and games—unless someone falls in love.
Buy Link:
Amazon
EXCERPT:
In the dimly lit bar, Michael drummed his fingers on the table. “Maybe you should have let me meet him somewhere without you two along as chaperones.”
Eli chuckled. “It took me a week to convince him to meet you. He’d never go for the blind date thing.”
“Well, he’s late. Sure he’ll show?”
“Relax.” Burke massaged Eli’s neck. “He’ll be here.”
Ordinarily Michael looked forward to sizing up a new man. In fact, he’d already taken stock of every guy in the room. If Cobey didn’t show, the bartender looked like a good prospect. Prolonged eye contact, a big grin, and a wink when serving Michael’s beer. Yep, good prospect. Someone new.
Of course, Cobey would be new. Too new. Michael sighed. How was he supposed to introduce himself? Hello. I’m the guy our mutual friends have asked to be your sex instructor. How’s it hangin’? Yippee.
“There.” Eli nodded at the entrance. “Just coming in.”
For a moment it was too crowded to see much, but the herd of patrons parted. Michael licked his lips. Well, well, well. The picture hadn’t done Cobey justice. Nicely wide shoulders, narrow hips, hair a man could get a grip on. Dark eyes. A perfect mouth—full but not too full. How was it possible this gorgeous male specimen had never been intimate with another guy? And Michael had the opportunity to be the first one.
I can certainly sacrifice myself for the greater good by teaching him.
About the Author:
Once upon a misspent youth, Whitley read and wrote stories under the covers at night. At some point, real life intervened, bringing with it responsibilities and a career in the medical field. After years of technical writing, Whitley became enamored of romance and took on the challenge of giving it a try. Inventing characters and putting them through paces in interesting ways turned out to be addictive, and along the way, Whitley discovered having two heroes is twice as nice. A pot of coffee, quiet, and a storyline featuring a couple of guys makes for a perfect day.
Social Media Links:
Website: Stop by www.whitleygray.com and feed your fix for heat between the sheets with erotica and M/M romance.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitley.gray
Blog: www.whitleygray.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/whitleygray
Giveaway Details:
A Rafflecopter giveaway has been set up through which four lucky winners will be chosen. Click the Rafflecopter link below for a chance to win one of these giveaways:
1 Winner will take away a $20 Amazon Gift Card.
3 Winners will get a free e-copy of “Artistic Endeavor” each.
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January 6, 2015
Cover Reveal – Always Been You; by Jess Buffett
Cover Reveal – Always Been You; by Jess Buffett
Blurb:
After recovering from a shooting that took the lives of his best friends, Seth Hall returns to his hometown for the first time in eleven years with his two children in tow. Intent on setting up a happy, stable life for them, he vows not to allow his past to intervene with their future. That is until Jared, the boy who had broken his heart all those years ago, returns to his life a full grown man who knows exactly what he wants…Seth.
Jared Stewart thought he had lost his only chance to be with Seth after a series of misunderstandings and mistakes. When Seth finally comes home and back into Jared’s life, Jared vows to do anything it takes to keep him there. However, while Jared and Seth grow closer, they discover that not everyone is so happy for them.
Will they be finally able to make a life for themselves together? Or will they be torn apart again, by people they thought they could trust?
Publisher: Reckless Lovers Press
Cover Artist: Jess Buffett
Sales Links:
Keep an eye on her website – http://jessbuffett.wordpress.com for details
Excerpt:
Excerpt:
Seth was practically screaming in the other man’s face by this point. He couldn’t believe the guys nerve. Out the corner of his eye Sal made an appearance, but hesitated in the doorway, obviously unsure as to whether or not he should interrupt.
Lightning fast, Jared grabbed his wrist, using it to pull a struggling Seth closer until they were flat up against each other. He leaned in close to Seth, whispering into his ear. “Let’s get a few things straight. I have never felt sorry for you. I did not choose a school far away from you until you told me to. Everything we discussed stayed between us, and I would never have freaked over kissing you. And I’ll be damned if I let you run away from me again.”
Seth’s eyes widened at the same time Jared crushed their lips together, searing him right down to his toes. Jared’s arms became steel bands, and they held him tight. Dear god! He did not see this coming.
Author Bio:
Jess Buffett was born and raised in New South Wales, Australia. She is a mum of two, married to her high school sweetheart.
Jess is a hopeless romantic who is a huge fan of M/M and M/F romance with a happy ending—anything with hunky men in all their glory, whether they be Shifters, Vampires, Cowboys, or the boy next door.
A caffeine addict who shamefully can’t make a decent cup of coffee to save her life, Jess believes in soul mates, happily ever afters, and in love at first sight, but that sometimes people need a second or a third for the brain to catch up.
Author Contact:
Facebook Author Page
Friend on Facebook
Tour Stops:
Parker Williams, The Hat Party, Molly Lolly, BFD Book Blog, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, Hearts on Fire, Carly’s Book Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Cate Ashwood, Love Bytes, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Kristy’s Brain Food, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Sinfully Sexy, Iyana Jenna, Elin Gregory, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, MM Good Book Reviews, Andrew Q. Gordon, Velvet Panic, 3 Chicks After Dark, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Lee Brazil, Queer Town Abbey, Foxylutely Book Reviews
Click the Rafflecopter Link below for a chance to win an eBook copy of Always Been You’ upon release, and a $10 Gift Card:
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