Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 68

New Releases: Monday May 27, 2013

All authors face the same daunting task – how to get their book noticed. In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I’m going to post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s were it is.

I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.

If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.

Outlast The Night: Ariel Tachna
Sequel to Chase the Stars
Lang Downs: Book Three

Blurb:

Office manager Sam Emery is unemployed and out of luck. When his emotionally abusive wife demands a divorce, he contacts the one person he has left, his brother, Neil. He doesn’t expect Neil to reject him, but he also doesn’t expect the news of his divorce—and of his sexuality—to be met with such acceptance.

Neil takes Sam to Lang Downs, the sheep station Neil calls home. There, Sam learns that life as a gay man isn’t impossible. Caine and Macklin, the station owners, certainly seem to be making it work. When Caine offers Sam a job, it’s a dream come true.

Jeremy Taylor leaves the only home he’s ever known when his brother’s homophobia becomes more than he can bear. He goes to the one place he knows he will be accepted: Lang Downs. He clicks with Sam instantly—but the animosity between Lang Downs and Jeremy’s home station runs deep, and the jackaroos won’t accept Jeremy without a fight. Between Sam’s insecurity and Jeremy’s precarious position, their road will be a hard one—and that’s without having to wait for Sam’s divorce to be final before starting a new life together.

Buy Link:

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3813

Bio: 

Ariel Tachna lives outside of Houston with her husband, her daughter and son, and their cat. Before moving there, she traveled all over the world, having fallen in love with both France, where she found her husband, and India, where she dreams of retiring some day. She’s bilingual with snippets of four other languages to her credit, and is as in love with languages as she is with writing.

Links:

Web site: http://www.arieltachna.com.

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/arieltachna

Email: arieltachna@gmail.com.

When Dachshunds Ruled The Serengeti: Michael Murphy

Blurb:

Phillip and José, newly minted Ivy League roommates, couldn’t be more different. Phillip is an only child from a wealthy New York City family. José is the oldest of nine children of Mexican migrant workers. He has only known rural life in the Southern US—though he was born in California, his family moved from state to state, following the crops across the country.

Phillip comes to school with every electronic gadget known to man. José arrives with the clothes on his back, a paperback he pulled from the trash in a bus station, and a notebook and pencil. They both need to adapt to their new environment and, in the process, quickly become fond of each other despite their differences.

As their fondness grows into love, their world is turned upside down when they are charged with caring for José’s eight younger siblings. To Phillip, sharing José is not easy. To José, caring for his siblings is his most important responsibility, even more so than his education. If his relationship with Phillip is to survive, they have to bridge the gap between two very different worlds.

Buy Link: 

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3819

Raining Men: Rick R. Reed

Sequel to Chaser 



The character you loved to hate in Chaser becomes the character you will simply love in Raining Men. 



Blurb:

It’s been raining men for most of Bobby Nelson’s adult life. Normally, he wouldn’t have it any other way, but lately something’s missing. Now, he wants the deluge to slow to a single special drop. But is it even possible for Bobby to find “the one” after endless years of hooking up? 

When Bobby’s father passes away, Bobby finally examines his rocky relationship with the man and how it might have contributed to his inability to find the love he yearns for. Guided by a sexy therapist, a Sex Addicts Anonymous group, a well-endowed Chihuahua named Johnny Wadd, and Bobby’s own cache of memories, Bobby takes a spiritual, sexual, and emotional journey to discover that life’s most satisfactory love connections lie in quality, not quantity. And when he’s ready to love not only himself but someone else, sex and love fit, at last, into one perfect package.

Buy Links:

Ebook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3826

Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3873

Author Bio

Rick R. Reed Biography

Rick R. Reed is all about exploring the romantic entanglements of gay men in contemporary, realistic settings. While his stories often contain elements of suspense, mystery and the paranormal, his focus ultimately returns to the power of love. He is the author of dozens of published novels, novellas, and short stories. He is a three-time EPIC eBook Award winner (for Caregiver, Orientation and The Blue Moon Cafe). Lambda Literary Review has called him, “a writer that doesn’t disappoint.” Rick lives in Seattle with his husband and a very spoiled Boston terrier. He is forever “at work on another novel.”

Visit Rick’s website at http://www.rickrreed.com or follow his blog at http://rickrreedreality.blogspot.com/.

You can also like Rick on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rickrreedbooks or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/rickrreed.

Rick always enjoys hearing from readers and answers all e-mails personally. Send him a message at jimmyfels@gmail.com

‘lil q update

Hi!

Wednesday ‘lil q finally had the surgery to put in the ear tubes. After weeks of doctor visits and coordinating schedules, surgery took all of five minutes. It was over so fast, they told us not to leave the waiting area because we wouldn’t have time to even get a cup of coffee.  They were right.

In the three days after, it seems she is speaking more and clearer. That is saying something as despite being the youngest in her toddle class, Isobel’s language skills are as good or better than the other kids.

I added some pictures that show, before, right after, on the ride home, and five hours later.  We’re all glad it’s over and she’s doing well.

Here’s a link to the pictures: Surgery

Purpose To Be Release June 21, 2013

Seems like a lifetime ago I signed the contract to have Purpose published, but I finally have a date and a cover.

I’m still working out what I’m going to do regarding the release promotions, but I’m planning to try something a bit different.  In writing the book, I had some definite ideas about Will’s past. Things he did, events, milestones.  I don’t like flashbacks very much and to be honest they didn’t really fit anywhere as I was writing the book.  But they would still add depth and context to the story. So I’m going to be releasing some as part of the promotion and I’ll post them on my site as well as on various blog hops.  So check back and I’ll have a time table for guest posts and I’ll set up a page for the original short stories that are connected.

-AQG

Blurb:

Forty years ago the Spirit of Vengeance—a Purpose—took William Morgan as its host, demanding he avenge the innocent by killing the guilty. Since then, Will has retreated behind Gar, a façade he uses to avoid dealing with what he’s become. Cold, impassive, and devoid of emotion, Gar goes about his life alone—until his tidy, orderly world is upended when he meets Ryan, a broken young man cast out by his family. Spurred to action for reasons he can’t understand, Gar saves Ryan from death and finds himself confronted by his humanity.

Spending time with Ryan helps Will claw out from under Gar’s shadow. He recognizes Ryan is the key to his reclaiming his humanity and facing his past. As Will struggles to control the Purpose, Ryan challenges him to rethink everything he knew about himself and the spirit that possesses him. In the process, he pushes Will to do something he hasn’t done in decades: care.

Pre-order link: Purpose from Dreamspinner Press

Author Profile: Elizabeth Noble.

Today’s guest is another author I’ve actually met in person. The fact that she still speaks to me after having met me speaks to her good heart and kind nature.  Elizabeth Noble is the author of many books, and she’s here today to talk a bit about technology and the author. (She even gives us the links to many sites,) If you get a chance, check out her new, revamped website and you’ll see she knows a thing or two about the topic. And while you’re there, why not buy  her latest book(s) while you’re there as a thank you for the good info she’s sharing today.  So with that -

Author Profile: Elizabeth Noble

Has Technology; Knows How to Use It

There is a virtual buffet of ways for authors to connect with readers and readers to find their favorite authors and books. There is Facebook, WordPress, Blogger, Google+, Pinterest, and, well you get the idea. As many ways as there are to connect, there are blogs and wikis and videos offering up instructions on how to use them.

I’m not going to compete with the blogs, wikis and videos, they’ve said it all and far better than I ever could.

Something I’m interested talking about today is what to use all these wonderful things on, and some software that easily transfers what you need onto multiple devices. Yes, I said those horrible words, software and devices!

As writers, we often use dirty words, yet none quite elicit the emotions software (whatnots and thingamabobs) and devices (gizmos) do. The best advice I’ve heard concerning social media is pick one or two, stick with them and do them well.

I say the same advice transfers exceedingly well to software and devices. Now, remember I don’t have a degree in computerology, mine is in biology, and I don’t work in the computer industry, I’m a veterinary nurse. These are simply things I’ve tried and found work really well. I want to share!

The first thing is it all starts with your computer, be it desktop or laptop. That’s the thing that is going to be your main clearinghouse for all your writing and networking needs. Any software that’s worth having is going to be on this device. Think of it as the mothership.

There are two basic species of gizmos other than the mothership, Android and Apple. I have Android based gizmos, but most of the whatnots and thingamabobs that you can use and put on an Android gizmo, you can also find an Apple version of and visa-versa. I’ve even seen apps capable of merging Android and Apple whatnots and thingamabobs for people who have both species of gizmos.

Okay, now that we got all that technical jargon out of the way we can dive right into the important stuff.

Recently I was lucky enough to participate in a writer’s conference. Naturally a good deal of time was spent on social media and marketing. The great big question was how to fit these activities in with writing and editing. One of the presenters whips out her cell phone in the middle of her presentation; holds it up and says something to the effect if you have one of these you have a great tool for keeping up with your social media.

I’m going to take this concept—and it’s an important, very true concept—one step farther and say if you have a smartphone you have a wonderful tool for writing on the go as well.

Even full time writers without day jobs have to occasionally drag themselves from the keyboard (or pad of paper) to complete tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up the kids from school, taking the dog to the vet and all the other stuff day to day living demands.

I don’t think there has ever been a writer who existed that didn’t have plot inspiration, great dialog or character backstories present themselves when they were someplace other than their place to write.

This is where your gizmos become your most valuable tool.

Standing in line at the grocery store and the solution to that plot hitch strikes? Waiting on your child to exit school when the reason why character B does what he does? Sitting in an exam room waiting for your dog to be vaccinated and the most amazing story line starts rolling in your head? Afraid you’ll lose that thought before you get to write it down? We’ve all had that happen.

Have a smartphone? It doesn’t have to be the latest and greatest, you still have a little computer in your hand.

I use several thingamabobs that I keep on all my gizmos as well as the mothership. Through the magic of the internet what I put on one appears for accessing on another.

Microsoft Office, if you use it, doesn’t just come with Word, it comes with a nifty thing called One Note (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/onenote/). It’s a virtual notebook that takes up literally no space in your purse, bag or kitchen table. There is also a One Note app for phones/tablets. So if some brilliant idea strikes I can take out my phone and record it right away. There is a free version that is very similar called EverNote (https://evernote.com) if you don’t have Microsoft Office. I have a separate ‘notebook’ for each project I’m writing and within that separate ‘pages’ for characters, plots, important things I’ll never remember otherwise, research links…just plain stuff. I figured it out once that if that was a paper notebook it’d be about three feet tall and weigh approximately as much as my car.

The next most important writing app I have is called Keep (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.keep&hl=en). It’s a sweet place to jot down to-do lists, I can take a picture of something to put on it and have for later use. Think of it as virtual sticky notes, or a little flip pocket notepad.

Both of these apps sit on the home screen of my phone. These, or other similar versions, can be put on any phone or tablet (that includes Kindle and Nook) for quick access. They are easy to use and customizable for your individual needs. I never have to search for a pen to write with either.

A third whatnot I have and use is Google Docs (docs.google.com). This is especially helpful when writing with others. Documents can be created and shared amongst a group, so everyone can add ideas, plot lines or whatever. It keeps a file folder on the mothership and stores all your important stuff online in a cloud as well and will do so automatically.

DropBox (www.dropbox.com) and SkyDrive (https://skydrive.live.com)  are online ‘cloud’ storage. There are others, and they all have free versions. The greatest thing about these is if I take a picture, or work on a story on the go, they are automatically saved not only on my phone (or tablet) but my mothership and my little section of the cloud. That means I’ll never lose a picture or comments on a galley again!

Download several different types of note taking, idea-organizing apps and as with the social media pick one or two and do them well. The others are simply chewing up storage place, so take them off your gizmo. My personal rule is if one of these devices or software isn’t something I can figure out how to use in a short time I give it up for something else. None of these things will work well for you if you spend more time trying to figure out how to use them than actually using them.

One of the most important features of all these gizmos is by simply choosing the backup online option if you lose your smartphone or tablet, or if it’s damaged, your information is not lost. Reinstalling the app on a new gizmo reinstalls all your important data stored on that app as well. You have the option to back everything up onto your mother-ship too.

However, and I cannot stress this enough, do not be afraid to try these tools. They won’t bite and there is a forum on practically everything filled with people who know more than you and are willing to share that information. A forum I’ve found very helpful is Android Forums (androidforums.com). Another great source is wireless carriers and manufacturers; they all have user forums to find help.

It’s important to know how to use your electronic gizmos and mothership, and that includes finding the right tools to use on them. Just as a thesaurus and dictionary are tools for writers, electronic devices and their software are equally important tools of our trade, not just cool toys to look at pics of grumpy cats. We owe it to ourselves to use these things to make our lives easier and more organized.

Collared Souls:
Blurb:

Freedom is within reach for Todd and Nick Ruger, but their dreams of Elk’s Ridge are dashed by Vice-Chancellor Raleigh’s troops. With his mate imprisoned, Nick searches for help and finds an unlikely and unexpected ally. But Todd’s release leaves them once again in debt to Chancellor Clarke.

Their mission sends them to the small village of Eldrid in search of a historic record of owners and slaves with unique abilities. Eldrid holds even more secrets from the past—including the origins of sentries—as well as conspiracies of the present that are set to launch a new battle that will turn lover helplessly against lover. Though Todd and Nick know the realities of war are hard lessons, it will be a fight to draw on the strengths of their bond, survive, and learn to forgive.

Buy Link:

Collared Souls

About Elizabeth Noble:

Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.

Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess named Rosie, and two cats, Murphy and Yeti. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe!). When she’s not writing she’s working as a veterinary nurse, so don’t be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives.

Website  http://www.elizabeth-noble.com

Dreamspinner page: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_423

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Noble/e/B0052JEZVY

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.noble.77

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elizabeth-Noble/120757231345733

Google+ pages:  https://plus.google.com/110207268360224371489/posts

https://plus.google.com/b/106536309910672083581/106536309910672083581/posts/p/pub

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK-JfwbmS0l4e_Ns0U2SIyQ?view_as=public

Wednesday Briefs – Second Shot – The Senior Year – 10

Blake stretched as Ethan ran the warm washcloth over his skin. Despite both having cum twice, Ethan still looked aroused. He let out a sigh, hoping Ethan knew how good it felt.

“You don’t need to do that.” He didn’t, however, try to stop Ethan.

“Yeah I do. I made a huge mess all over you.” Ethan flipped the cloth over and ran it over Blake’s torso a second time.

“Nothing to be sorry for.” Blake smiled. Even in the semi-darkness he could see enough of Ethan’s tight lean body to feel the effect. “Making a mess was part of the goal.”

“Good point, but if I don’t clean it off, it will make your chest hairs clump together.” He looked around the room before tossing the dirty cloth on the floor.  After rubbing Blake’s chest with a dry towel, he laid his head down and gently stroked the cooled skin. “Much better.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Blake laughed. “Did you clean me off just so you could put your head there?”

“Of course. Do you think I want to get cum all over me?” Ethan continued to run his hands across Blake’s chest and stomach. “Besides, your body is amazing.”

Wrapping his arm around Ethan, Blake kissed the top of Ethan’s head. “Next time you say you want to sit on me to cum, I’m going to flip you on your back and make you shoot all over yourself instead.”

“Oh how butch. Did I ever mention I love a guy who takes charge in bed?”

“Several times.” He felt Ethan’s hand stray closer to Blake’s groin. The rush of blood to the area had him nearly hard again. “It was the first thing you said after you kissed me when we met.”

When Ethan’s hand brushed against the head, he reached down and squeezed Blake’s cock. “Someone’s up and ready again.”

Blake moaned and closed his eyes. “Yeah, you have that effect on me.”

“I like having that power.” He flexed his fingers again then let go. “But I think I need a bit of a break.”

He pulled Ethan closer and laughed. The feel of Ethan’s smooth, slightly sweaty skin on his only added to Blake’s mood. “That’s cool. This is nice.”

The building, which during the semester overflowed with noise, felt unnaturally silent. During the week Blake had found the quiet difficult and unsettling. Now he found it incredibly sensual as he could hear Ethan breathing. The rise and fall of the body on top of him had a calming effect.

“So, you okay?”

The question took Blake by surprise, as much for breaking the silence as for the content.

“What do you mean?” He knew what Ethan meant, but thinking about it quickly deflated his mood.

“With what happened with your teammates.”

“Yeah.”

“That’s it?” Ethan twisted until he stared at Blake. “Just yeah?”

“What else is there to say?” If he thought about it too much it might ruin their weekend. “I don’t think any of them will say anything.”

Ethan rolled on his side and put his head on the same pillow Blake used. “You just seemed a bit upset after we ran into them.”

“I’m fine.” Scared would have been a better word. He turned to his left and found Ethan looking at him. Even in the dim light he could see the concern on his face. “Really, I’m fine.”

“It’s okay to be a bit freaked out.”  He reached over and began to rub Blake’s arm. “When I came out I was terrified.”

If Ethan meant to calm his nerves, it didn’t work. “I’ll be okay. It had to happen at some point.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well….” What did he mean? They could have been more careful. Had a story prepared if they ran into someone. “It’s just, if we keep seeing each other, people will figure it out.”

“I guess that’s true.” Ethan didn’t sound convinced. “Are you mad at me?”

“What?” How could Ethan have thought that after what they’d just done? “Of course not. Why would you ask?”

In the silent room, Ethan’s swallowing sounded like a shout. He turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling for a few heartbeats. “I don’t want you to blame me. I mean, I like you and ….”

He twisted so his body fronted Ethan’s side. “I don’t blame you. Why would you think that?”

Shaking his head, Ethan resisted when Blake tried to get him to turn around. “I suggested we go out.”

“So?” This time Blake pulled harder and Ethan relented. “I made reservations for us, remember.”

With a bit of a dopey smirk, Ethan nodded. “True.”

“Look, if I think about it too much it makes my stomach hurt.” He left out that his guts felt like they were twisting into a knot. “But if I had to pick someone to see us out together, it would be those three. Even if they’ve figured it out, they probably won’t tell anyone. They know better than to out anyone.”

For a moment he almost believed his own words. They sounded good, but they did nothing to calm his anxiety.  He still remembered the look on Matt’s face. Nothing good would come of that.

“Who are you trying to convince?” Ethan put his hand on Blake’s cheek. “You don’t have to pretend with me.”

He knew Ethan meant well, but confronting the truth wouldn’t make for a pleasant visit. “I can’t say I’m okay that they saw us, but I’d never blame you. I know avoidance isn’t an answer, but can we forget about it for now?”

“Yeah, sure.” Ethan leaned closer and kissed him.

Quick, almost chaste, the kiss was meant to reassure Blake, not arouse him. “Turn around? I want to fall asleep hugging you.”

Ethan kissed him again and turned around. When he snuggled back, Blake felt himself get hard again in almost no time.  Rather than make a sexual comment, Ethan pulled Blake’s arms tighter.

“I could get used to this, Blake.”

Although he knew it couldn’t happen give their situations, Blake focused on now. “So could I.”

Be Sure To Checkout The Briefs Of These Other Flashers:

MA Church

Michael Mandrake  

Cia Nordwell

MC Houle 

Lily Sawyer

Renee Stevens 

Julie Lynn Hayes

New Releases: Monday, May 20, 2013

All authors face the same daunting task – how to get their book noticed. In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I’m going to post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s were it is.

I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.

If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.

Only had a few requests this week, so if anyone wants to be included for next week, email and let me know.

Buried Bones: Kim Fielding
Sequel to Good Bones
Bones: Book Two
Blurb:

Werewolves don’t have a how-to manual—nor do men embarking on a new life together.

It’s been a few weeks since Dylan Warner wolfed out and killed Andy, the crazed werewolf who originally turned him and later tried to murder Chris Nock. Architect Dylan and handyman Chris are still refurbishing Dylan’s old house as they work out the structure of their relationship. They come from very different backgrounds, and neither has had a long-term lover before, so negotiating their connections would be challenge enough even if Dylan didn’t turn into a beast once a month.

To make matters worse, Dylan’s house is haunted, and events from both men’s pasts are catching up with them. Dylan has to cope with the aftermath of killing Andy, and Chris continues to suffer the effects of a difficult childhood.

In his quest to get rid of the ghost, Dylan rekindles old friendships and faces new dangers. At the same time, Chris’s father makes a sudden reappearance, stirring up old emotions. If Dylan and Chris want to build a lasting relationship, they’ll have to meet these challenges head-on.

Buy link: [Pre-order before the May 22, 2013 release date.]
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3817

Kim Fielding: http://kfieldingwrites.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @KFieldingWrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KFieldingWrites
Rob & Lou’s Wild Weekends: Victoria Blisse

  Blurb:
Hold on tight, it’s going to get wild!

Rob and Lou could pass you in the streets and you’d likely not notice them. They’re in their thirties, have a family and jobs to hold down and they do it with smiles on their faces. But occasionally they get a little time off and that’s when things get seriously sexy.

Light-hearted and fun, this mini-anthology features episodes from this couple’s wild weekends. Making the most of the mud, finding the erotic nature of an apron and even having a sexy visit to a fish and chip shop. Rob and Lou make the mundane much more pleasurable so join them on their kinky ride.

Includes a bonus short story ‘Damsel in Distress’ and excerpts from other ebooks by the award winning queen of rosy, raunchy and rubenesque erotic romance, Victoria Blisse.

Buy Link:

http://victoriablisse.co.uk/books/rob-lous-wild-weekends  (all buy links found here)

Author Bio:

Victoria Blisse is a Mother, Wife, Christian, Manchester United Fan and Award Winning Erotica Authoress. She is also the editor of several Bigger Briefs collections, and the co-editor of the fabulous Smut Alfresco and Smut in the City and Smut by the Sea Anthologies.

She is equally at home behind a laptop or a cooker and she loves to create stories, poems, cakes and biscuits that make people happy. She was born near Manchester, England and her northern English quirkiness shows through in all of her stories.

Passion, love and laughter fill her works, just as they fill her busy life.

You can find often find Victoria procrastinating on Facebook http://facebook.com/victoriablisse , Twitterhttp://twitter.com/victoriablisse  and Pinterest http://pinterest.com/victoriablisse

To find out more check out http://victoriablisse.co.uk

Butt Pirates in Space: 
Authors: Kiernan Kelly, Kage Alan, Angelia Sparrow,  T.C. Blue, and Shae Connor
Blurb:
Strap yourself in and strap something on as you’re transported across  galaxies and lifetimes. Whether it’s an interspecies pregnancy  between two hormonal males, a swashbuckling group of pirates, or free  gifts that talk, you’ll soon learn why in space, no one can hear you cream. Open wide for BUTT PIRATES IN SPPAAACCCEEE!


Anthology includes:

What to Expect When Your Boyfriend is Expectingby Shae Connor:
What fun is a cross-species pregnancy without an old-fashioned kidnapping to shake things up?
Spacehunters by Kage Alan:


The Future of Perfect Love Is A Bitchfest!
B’Utopia by Kiernan Kelly:

There are times when even a space pirate needs to do the right thing. This isn’t one of them.

Free Gift with Purchase by T.C. Blue:
Sometimes the free gifts are the ones that keep on giving… whether you want them to or not.
Pride of the Rangers by Angelia Sparrow:

Disgraced Lieutenant Commander Cliff Cody of the Space Exploration Rangers escapes from prison and turns pirate.


MLR Press: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=ANTHBUTT
Amazon, Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Butt-Pirates-in-Space-ebook/dp/B00CJDCRGG

Amazon, Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Butt-Pirates-Space-Kiernana-Kelly/dp/1608208648

Barnes & Noble, Nook/Paperback: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/butt-pirates-in-space-kiernana-kelly/1115166102

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-buttpiratesinspace-1173674-143.html

The Gig: Kim Fielding
Free eBook Release May 22, 2013
Sequel to Speechless

A Bones/Speechless Crossover
Blurb:

An accident in Drew Clifton’s past left the former novelist with aphasia, unable to communicate through either speech or writing. Through sheer strength of will, he built a quiet but lonely life for himself. But now he’s fallen in love with Travis Miller.

Travis has his own issues—a permanent eye injury and unemployment. But he’s determined to help Drew find ways to engage and succeed again in the wider world, and a guitar-playing gig at a local coffeehouse seems like a good start.

Dylan Warner and Chris Nock happen to be in the audience that evening, and they have a few niggling problems of their own. Perhaps a chance meeting will provide solutions that might benefit all of them.

Author Profile: Andrea Speed

Today’s guest is the multi-talented, Andrea Speed.  Andrea is going to tell us a bit about herself and her work.  So sit back and check reality at the door, because it’s going to get tested.

Author Profile: Andrea Speed

1)     Tell us about yourself – be as specific or vague about personal details as you feel comfortable – where do you reside, age, family, pets etc

I sprung for the inner thigh of Zeus’s cousin twice removed, and it’s been downhill ever since.

2)    Do you have a day job besides writing and if so – what?

If I told you, I’d have to kill you. So please fill out the attached paperwork absolving me of blame, and I’ll get back to you.

3)    You’ve written many books and different types, what got you started writing?

I really don’t know. It feels like I’ve always done it. My grandmother was a writer, and my father is an inveterate liar, and those things seemed to predispose me to making stuff up. Being a nerd on top of this didn’t help at all.

4)    Josh of the Damned has a new book out, what’s he up to?

It may or may not be the end of the road for Josh. The Quik-Mart Corporation are more determined than ever to open up in the Hell dimension, and Medusa, ruler of that dimension, is determined to have Josh stop it before it causes the barrier between dimensions to fall. But considering he’s just a convenience store night clerk, what exactly can he do about it? But he’s going to have to find a way if he wants to save Earth. All that for minimum wage! He deserves a raise.

5)    In my youth I used to read several different comic books, you work with comic books, tell me more.

Well, I review them from time to time, and I’ve interviewed creators. I haven’t done any per se, except I’ve written a couple of forwards. (For the fabulous Bomb Queen: Dirty Bomb and Diary of A Catering Whore.) Comic writing is much like script writing, and it’s a different beast I’ve never mastered. I also have some very good friends in comics. We’re all writers and creators.

6)    We all have favorite books what’s yours? Is there a writer or writers who inspired you to write or whose writing style you look up to?

Hmm. Wow. That’s a tough one. I usually like the next one I have out the best. I like scenes and passages almost more than entire books, because I can always pick out something that, in retrospect, I didn’t like or shouldn’t have done. I should like Infected: Freefall best because it won me a Rainbow Award, but I suppose I have a soft spot for Infected: Shift, mainly because it all goes to hell near the end, we finally see Roan just totally lose it, and the frightening ramifications of that. Also, despite that, he’s still not the most dangerous thing in that house, because Holden’s there, and he wants revenge. It’s a true pick your poison moment for the poor bastard bad guys. Although I really don’t feel sorry for them at all.

7)    Do you have a favorite character from your books? If so who?

Oh, I kind of love them and occasionally hate them all in good measure, but I suppose I’d be lying if I didn’t admit Roan was a favorite of mine. We both have migraines and astonishingly poor taste in music … and, some would say, a remarkably similar shitty attitude.

8)    Did getting your first book contract change your outlook on writing?

Yes. It made me think I could actually do it, which I still wonder about at times. But publishing does give you a certain sense of validation.

9)    Have you ever self published anything?  If you have, how does it differ from having a publisher buy your work?

Briefly, yes. Infected and a horror story I still really love, Alone With The Dead. It differs in the fact that the publisher paid an advance for my work. But there were other benefits too, notably the editing, which helped make for a better end product.

10) Marketing – yes, I said that dirty word. Talking about your approach to ‘selling’ your book and this impacts your writing?

Well, I’m the wrong person to ask, as I’m terrible at selling my own work. So it has no impact at all because I can’t do it.

11) Do you ever model characters after people you know? Looks? Personality? Life events?

Oh yes. There are bits and pieces of myself and people I know in nearly every main character and some minor characters too. I don’t physically base any character on an actual person, though, as that way leads trouble. And I’ve used a few real life events and bits sprinkled throughout, but with tiny tweaks so that hopefully the people they happened to or who contributed to it in some way won’t recognize themselves and sue my ass.

12) If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Oh, Douglas Adams. I bet he’d be good for some wisdom and a few laughs. And isn’t that really the best you could hope for?

13) Do you like to travel?  Do you ever go places and find inspiration for a new story in a new place?

I love to travel, but circumstances and finances have kept me from doing so. Luckily, inspiration can come from anywhere.

14) If you could meet any of your characters who would it be? Paris would be a blast. I don’t think he’d take what I did to him personally either, which is good for me. Although Doug, Josh’s stoner roommate, would probably be good to just hang around with, although I imagine he’s a very cheap date.

15) What’s next for you? After how well received this is, what can all your anxious fans expect next?

Well, Infected: Undertow will be out this summer, and I should have a fantasy novel called Strange Angels from Riptide Publishing out later this year. It’s a weird one, my first attempt at a full on fantasy novel, and … well, I’ll just swear now I’ve never dropped acid. No one will believe me after the book’s released. Also, I have a bit of warped genre flash fic coming out in Fireside Magazine, although I’m not sure of the release date yet, and I have a story coming out in the Make A Play daily dose anthology for Dreamspinner Press. I’m also working on a couple of other things, but I can’t comment on them, as I feel like I’ll jinx them.

Oh, and I’ll be taking part in an M/M writer’s meet up in Seattle on September 14th, along with a whole bunch of other m/m writers. More info is here: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/102681-gay-romance-northwest-meet-up—-sept-14-2013—-seattle

Thank you for coming on my humble little site.

Andy

Blurb
Josh Of The Damned:#2 Triple Play

Josh Caplan thought he’d solved his home office problem and stopped the Quik-Mart Corporation from expanding into hell, but it turns out a guardian’s work is never done. Medusa has plans for him, and she’s not the only one.

What’s a poor night clerk to do when he’s besieged on all sides by deluded vampire slayers, angry zombies, crazy gods, and the most terrifying enemy of all: a dickish CEO?

To survive this, Josh will have to do more than just rely on his necromancer boss, his hot vampire boyfriend, and his yeti stalker. This time, he’ll have to find his own inner hero to save the day.

Buy Links:

Riptide

Amazon

Excerpt

There was an odd sort of comfort in just not worrying that you were about to die. Well, sort of.

Josh went home in the morning, certain he’d get a phone call about not bothering to come in for work tonight, that his last check would be mailed to him, but he was so unconcerned about it all that he just brushed his teeth and went to bed. So this was the end of his short career at the Quik-Mart—so what? There were plenty more low-income, no-hope jobs in the sea. Besides, he couldn’t have let those company guys through the portal, or reality would have imploded and everyone would have been killed. He’d picked the lesser of two evils.

When he woke up to find Doug on the couch, smoking a bowl and watching American Dad, his roommate told him there’d been no calls for him. Weird. Did it really take that long to get a message back to the home office? Or were they up to something? Since the portal didn’t open until nightfall, the home office was limited in what they could do during the day. He was sure this was some mix-up, but he got dressed and headed to the bus stop anyway.

Cindy, the early evening clerk, was finishing her shift when he showed up, and the Quik-Mart looked the same as always. She had no message for him, so he started working as normal, wondering if they were going to fire him mid-shift. Or maybe they’d be coming back with more guys this time? Not that it would help them. Bobo could probably crush the entire army, and with Colin helping, he could do it in half the time.

Colin showed up with the first lizard customer of the evening, although they weren’t together (well, as far as he could tell). Colin had a weird look on his face, one Josh figured was either worry or an upset stomach. Did vampires get indigestion?

Colin came up to the counter and pulled something out from his coat. It looked kind of like an iPad, only it was way thinner, black, and when Colin gave it to him, Josh discovered it was lighter than most paperbacks. Whoa, was there an Apple iHell now? “This some new kind of tablet?”

Colin shrugged and shook his head, sending a mixed message. “Medusa wanted to talk to you.” His expression was grave.

“So, what? This a new way to knock me out?” As Josh inspected the tablet for some hidden Taser nodes, the screen popped to life, and even though it was riddled with interference lines, he could see the brass figure of Medusa sitting behind her desk, wearing those same glasses as before, her hair rippling around her like it was caught in its own private windstorm, her lips so red it made her mouth look bloody. Her suit today looked to be an almost violent blue.

“Colin told me what an excellent job you did yesterday,” she said, her voice coming out staticky, but clear enough that the lizard in the chip aisle jumped and almost dropped his bag of Ruffles. So they all knew what she sounded like, huh? Maybe she broadcasted end-of-year messages, like the Queen or Lady Gaga.

“Um, oh. Well, he deserves credit, too. Him and Bobo. The Quik-Mart guys would have ignored me if they hadn’t been there.”

She smiled, but it seemed predatory. Her lipstick probably wasn’t helping. “Everybody received their due credit. As it is, Josh, I could use an agent who can work in your dimension regardless of whether the vortex is open or not. I’d say you passed the first test with flying colors.”

“Um, huh?” He kind of knew what she was saying, but he couldn’t quite believe it. Was this whole thing—from Medusa tasking him to stop the home office, to the stupid parking lot battle—a test?

“How would you like to work for me?”

Josh looked at Colin, but he stared back blankly, his expression giving nothing away. “Umm . . . do I have a choice?”

Her grin grew wide enough that it nearly threatened to split her face in half, and her snakes quivered like they were waving goodbye. Or laughing at him. “What do you think?”

Oh shit. Not until this moment had the job of burger flipper ever seemed so damn good.

Wednesday Briefs: Second Shot – The Senior Year – 9

“I ate too much.” Ethan bumped Blake with his shoulder. “Why didn’t you stop me? “

Smiling, Blake bumped back, just a bit. “I didn’t know I needed to say, ‘Ethan, don’t eat six slices of sausage, pepperoni pizza.’ I figured you’d stop at four.”

When Ethan made contact again, their bodies stayed together long enough for Blake to feel a hand touch his. He had to fight the urge to grab the ‘offending’ hand, but it was still too light out to risk that. Still, he didn’t rush to move away.

“Oh, you should have known.” Ethan shook the take away box with a few slices inside. “I told you I liked pizza.”

When Blake turned his head toward the sound, Ethan winked at him. “So now you expect me to be Carnac the Magnificent?”

“The great Carwho?”

“Carnac.”

Still looking confused, Ethan shook his head. “Who’s that?”

“Not sure.” Blake had searched it before, but it sounded better this way. “That’s what my granddad always asks when he says I expect him to be a mind reader.”

“You’re using your grandfather’s shtick on me? Really?”

The quirk to Ethan’s lips had Blake on the edge all night. It threatened to derail his plans for a real date before they went back to his room. He didn’t want Ethan to think he only wanted sex, but it took a lot not to suggest they go back right after dinner. A warm breeze gently covered him in humid air, adding to his desire to go back to his dorm.

“Yeah, really.” This time he initiated the contact. “Besides, it’s new to you, right?”

“That might be true, but it doesn’t make it a good line. I’d suggest….”

“Blake?”

They both turned in the to the left. Blake knew his teammate’s voice before he looked.

“Hey, Davis.” He nodded toward his other teammates, Eric and Matt. “Hey, what’s up?”

“Just getting back from dinner.” Eric answered. He noticed Ethan and waved. “Hey, you’re Jase’s friend, right?”

Blake felt a wave of panic hit. He’d known the risks, but didn’t really expect them to run into anyone. Had they seen them touching? It had been innocent enough. Hadn’t it?

“Yeah,” Ethan stepped forward. “Ethan. You’re Eric, Davis and Mike, right?”

“Matt.” Blake noticed that Matt didn’t spare Ethan much eye contact. After he gave his name, Matt turned his focus back on Blake. “Jason didn’t mention you were staying with them. We just left him, Peter, Dean and D.”

“Yeah, well…” Ethan looked over, but Blake didn’t react. “I’m not staying with him this weekend. I’m hanging out with Blake.”

The answer slammed into Blake’s solar plexus. His body trembled until he let out his breath. Matt’s stare continued the accusation Blake heard in his words.

“He’s staying with you?” Eric looked from one to the other. “I didn’t know you two knew each other.”

“Neither did we.” Ethan said. He added a small laugh that almost caused Blake’s dinner to come up. “We live about ten miles apart, had a bunch of friends in common and hung out at the same places. I needed some time away from home – mom’s cool and all, but I’m not used to being there anymore.”

Davis laughed and elbowed his roommate. “Yeah, we know what that’s like.”

Matt’s expression remained stony.  After his lips twitched he shook his head. “Come on guys, let’s go.”

“Sure, Matt.” Davis’s eyes darted around as if looking for an answer. “Um… we’re going to the team house to play Grand Theft if you two want to swing by.”

It took some effort, but Blake managed to swallow. Only after Matt turned and walked off, did he find his voice. “Thanks, we’ll talk about it.”

“Okay.” Eric pointed toward Ethan. “Good seeing you again.”

His heart still banging against his sternum, Blake watched his teammates leave.  Eric and Davis ran to catch up with Matt, whose determined stride added to Blake’s unease.

“You okay?”

Blake felt a hand on his shoulder and couldn’t stop himself before he pulled away. Seeing Ethan’s face sag, he moved closer, but the mood remained tense.  “Not sure. I think Matt figured it out. He seemed pissed at me, too.”

“Because he figured it out? ” Ethan’s posture improved and he seemed focused.

“I don’t know, probably.”

“Isn’t he one of Jason’s best friends?”

“Yeah.” Which is why Matt was the last person he thought would care.

“That’s what I thought.” Ethan shrugged and his smile returned. “I wouldn’t worry about it. He’s probably got something else on his mind. Anyone who’s that close with Jason wouldn’t have a problem with you.”

“True.” Blake knew Matt pounced whenever the smallest whiff of homophobia stirred up on the team. But Matt’s eyes.  Whatever bothered him, Blake felt certain it had to do with him.

“C’mon.” This time when Ethan moved closer, he gave Blake’s hand a quick squeeze.  “Let’s go drop this off and we can figure out what to do with the rest of our night.”

Anger threatened Blake’s already fragile control. Did Ethan only think about sex? He’d just outed Blake to his teammates.  When he turned to yell at his date, the retort died on his lips.

A smirk, a leer, maybe even a suggestive eyebrow wiggle Blake expected. The look of concern? He hadn’t been ready for that. Shutting his mouth, he tried to swallow, but his mouth was too dry.

“I’m sorry, Blake. Really I am.”

“You didn’t do anything, it just happened.” Despite the words, Blake knew his face told a different story.

“If I’d  been a bit quicker, I could have lied better.”

Blake’s stomach twisted again, then felt like it flipped over for good measure. “Ethan, stop. You didn’t do this and it wasn’t up to you to lie.” It took several deep breaths to calm before he could continue. “I knew the risks even if I never really expected it to happen.”

“So you’re not mad at me?” A hint of a smile tweaked Ethan’s lips.

“No.” The head shake was as much for him as for Ethan. Being a douche and making Ethan leave wouldn’t undo what had happened. “But do you mind if we stay in tonight?”

“Hmm.” The thousand-watt smile that made Blake’s chest tighten was back. “I guess I can manage that.”

Be Sure To Checkout The Briefs Of These Other Flashers:

Nephylim 

Andrew Gordon

Lily Sawyer 

Cia Nordwell

Ava 

Michael Mandrake

Renee Stevens

MA Church

J.A. Harmon

Julie Lynn Hayes

Book of the Month (Voting)

Reblogged from Sid Love:

The Blog of Sid Love are putting to vote those books that were reviewed right from the inception of this blog till 30th April, 2013! This is your chance to show how much you have enjoyed the books that were recommended by us. If you have loved a book, please vote for it and make it the "Book of the Month!" on this blog.

Read more… 29 more words

The Last Grand Master is in its first 'contest' if you've read it and liked it please think about voting for it. Thanks

New Releases: Monday May 13, 2013

All authors face the same daunting task – how to get their book noticed. In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I’m going to post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s were it is.

I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.

If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.

Only had a few requests this week, so if anyone wants to be included for next week, email and let me know.

Off Stage: Right: Jaime Samms
Blurb:

Damian Learner and his grunge band, Firefly, are on a meteoric rise to success. If they get the right break, fame awaits. Seeking more professional management, Damian independently strikes a bargain with the best agent in the business, Stanley Krane. Unable to afford the penalty for breaking old contracts, Damian agrees when Stan’s best friend, country and Western megastar Vance Ashcroft, offers to buy him out of his old contract.

Overwhelmed by a crippling loan, secretive guilt, Stanley’s expectations, and a volatile relationship with Lenny, Firefly’s lead guitarist, Damian disintegrates. Bad habits of too much sex, booze, and drugs create a rift in the band. Finally Vance, with his understanding of Dominant/submissive behavior, sees that submissives Damian and Lenny are falling into chaos, clinging to each other to try to avoid the inevitable crash.

When the pressure to perform becomes too much and the unthinkable happens, Damian and Lenny have to decide: accept that they need something they can’t get from each other, or burn out and take Firefly with them. Vance is ready to claim Lenny, but even Stan’s hesitant agreement to give Damian the direction he needs might not be enough for Damian—or the band—if he loses Lenny.

Review:

Off Stage: Right was reviewed on MM Good Book Reviews by Pixie who says: “I recommend this story to those who love damaged young men, finding what you long for, a touch of D/s, a controlling Dom, a mess up sub, some really hot sex and a happy ending for Damian and Stan.”

with the rating of 4 Hearts on 4/25/2013. Here’s the

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/off-stage-right-by-jaime-samms/

Buy Link:

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3781

Jaime Samms

Total E-Bound

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaimeSamms (@JaimeSamms)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.samms?ref=tn_tnmn

website: www.jaime-samms.com

The Boys of Summer: Sarah Madison
Blurb:
David McIntyre has been enjoying the heck out of his current assignment: touring the Hawaiian Islands in search of the ideal shooting locations for a series of film company projects. What’s not to like? Stunning scenery, great food, sunny beaches…and a secret crush on his hot, ex-Air Force pilot, Rick Sutton.

Everything changes when a tropical storm and engine failure force a crash landing on a deserted atoll with a WWII listening post. Rick’s injuries, and a lack of food and water, make rescue imperative, but it takes an intensely vivid dream about the war to make David see that Rick is more than just a pilot to him. Will David gather his courage to confess his feelings to Rick—before it’s too late?

Buy link:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00CCUVR7G

Finding Jackie: Lou Sylvre
Blurb:

Sequel to Delsyn’s Blues 

Vasquez & James: Book Three 

Luki Vasquez and Sonny Bly James finally have their Hawaiian wedding, and it’s perfect, almost. But their three-phase honeymoon is riddled with strife. Luki’s status as a working badass spells discord for the newlyweds. A former informant from Luki’s days with ATFE brings a troubling message (or is it a warning?) from a Mob hit man. When Luki’s sixteen-year-old nephew, Jackie, is lured into capture and torture by a sadistic killer, the honeymoon is well and truly over.

The couple put aside their differences and focus on the grueling hunt, which takes them from leather bars to dusty desert back roads, and calls on Sonny’s deep compassion as well as Luki’s sharpest skills. Their world threatens to fall apart if they fail, but their love may grow stronger than ever if they succeed in finding Jackie—before it’s too late.

Release May 17th, 2013 (pre-order now!)
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3812
[image error]