Riley Hart's Blog, page 6
October 7, 2014
Thank you & an update
I want to start off this post by saying a big thank you for all the FULL CIRCLE love. I really appreciate you continuing to take this journey with me.
Now for an update on what's to come. I've had quite a few people asking me so I wanted to post it here to make it easier for everyone.
BLACKCREEK three:
It's currently untitled. I've started it and I'm having fun with Mason and Gavin. I don't have an exact release date and I can't make any promises this early in the game, but my plan is to hopefully have it ready to be released in January or February 2015. You'll definitely get to see the whole Blackcreek gang in Mason and Gavin's book. You'll get updates on Noah and Cooper plus Braden and Wes, and get to spend a little time with them all. As of now, Mason and Gavin's book is the last book in the series. That doesn't mean that can't change... I'm sort of liking this other guy who is in their book but I can't promise his story either. As I get farther into Mason and Gavin's book, I'll have a clearer picture in my head.
BROKEN PIECES three:
This book is also currently untitled. It has NOT been started yet. It's Ben's book. I have a feeling his story will be a tough one to write. It might take me some time--or who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and I won't be able to turn it off. Time will tell. I'm excited to write Ben's book...but I'm also a little scared too. His book WILL be the last book in the Broken Pieces series. One cool thing is, I've already touched base with the photographer I work with and we have a model for Ben! We haven't done a shoot or anything like that but it's exciting to know who will be on his cover. When I can share with you guys, I will!
Thanks again for all the support. Next month will be a year since COLLIDE came out. In that time I've released four books, met some incredible readers online, and had the time of life. I feel so lucky.
Now for an update on what's to come. I've had quite a few people asking me so I wanted to post it here to make it easier for everyone.
BLACKCREEK three:
It's currently untitled. I've started it and I'm having fun with Mason and Gavin. I don't have an exact release date and I can't make any promises this early in the game, but my plan is to hopefully have it ready to be released in January or February 2015. You'll definitely get to see the whole Blackcreek gang in Mason and Gavin's book. You'll get updates on Noah and Cooper plus Braden and Wes, and get to spend a little time with them all. As of now, Mason and Gavin's book is the last book in the series. That doesn't mean that can't change... I'm sort of liking this other guy who is in their book but I can't promise his story either. As I get farther into Mason and Gavin's book, I'll have a clearer picture in my head.
BROKEN PIECES three:
This book is also currently untitled. It has NOT been started yet. It's Ben's book. I have a feeling his story will be a tough one to write. It might take me some time--or who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and I won't be able to turn it off. Time will tell. I'm excited to write Ben's book...but I'm also a little scared too. His book WILL be the last book in the Broken Pieces series. One cool thing is, I've already touched base with the photographer I work with and we have a model for Ben! We haven't done a shoot or anything like that but it's exciting to know who will be on his cover. When I can share with you guys, I will!
Thanks again for all the support. Next month will be a year since COLLIDE came out. In that time I've released four books, met some incredible readers online, and had the time of life. I feel so lucky.
September 11, 2014
Interview with Jamie Lake
Author Jamie Lake stopped by my blog today!
Describe Bad Boy. How is it different than most gay romance novels? Bad Boy is a lot different because it deals with a situation that although people on the surface may think they’d never get into, the human elements are something everyone can relate to. You have a teacher who has his hours slashed and is so desperate to make ends meet that he’s willing to do anything, even compromise his values to survive. In his case, Peter finds himself doing nude massages. He’s single, he’s lonely and figures after years of dating, that he’ll never meet the one. So, although there is a tremendous career risk, he’s willing to take it. But that’s when he finally meets the perfect guy and finds himself in a serious dilemma trying to live a double-life.
How was it that you thought of Bad Boy originally? It was actually inspired by true events. That’s why when some people say, “Oh, this couldn’t really happen,” I kind of laugh a little to myself because on some levels it did actually happen. I just exaggerated and let my imagination go wild about how bad I could really make it for my protagonist.
Making a protagonist an educator is a little different than most m/m novels. Why did you make Peter one? To my knowledge, there aren’t many m/m novels that feature teachers and teachers are hot. I’m sure we can all relate to having a crush on a teacher or two. I had a crush on my Health teacher in high school. Woof! He was fucking hot. Plus, I wanted to think of the very last profession anyone would expect a nude massage therapist.
A cop named Chip is your love interest. That was an interesting choice. I also think Cops are pretty hot too. When I lived in New York, they had the hottest cops. I often would fantasize about a situation or two back then when I was single. So, I figured I’d live out my fantasy through my characters.
Tell my readers about your antagonist. Yeah, he too is loosely based on someone I dated who was in the mafia. When you get to know people in the mafia well, they’re a lot different than you expect. Real human beings, often nice people with integrity but they have that other side, that is not pretty if you cross it.
Did you have any idea people would be so receptive of a hot teacher that massages clients in the nude at night? I was kind of surprised actually. I love the fact that in the m/m world, the readers are open to new situations that they usually don’t read about. I think many people fantasize about being able to rub down hot guys if they could get away with it. Fortunately for us, we can live vicariously through the characters we read about.
Where can we get a copy of Bad Boy? You can get it exclusively on Amazon or email me at JamieLakeNovels AT gmail.
Describe Bad Boy. How is it different than most gay romance novels? Bad Boy is a lot different because it deals with a situation that although people on the surface may think they’d never get into, the human elements are something everyone can relate to. You have a teacher who has his hours slashed and is so desperate to make ends meet that he’s willing to do anything, even compromise his values to survive. In his case, Peter finds himself doing nude massages. He’s single, he’s lonely and figures after years of dating, that he’ll never meet the one. So, although there is a tremendous career risk, he’s willing to take it. But that’s when he finally meets the perfect guy and finds himself in a serious dilemma trying to live a double-life.
How was it that you thought of Bad Boy originally? It was actually inspired by true events. That’s why when some people say, “Oh, this couldn’t really happen,” I kind of laugh a little to myself because on some levels it did actually happen. I just exaggerated and let my imagination go wild about how bad I could really make it for my protagonist.
Making a protagonist an educator is a little different than most m/m novels. Why did you make Peter one? To my knowledge, there aren’t many m/m novels that feature teachers and teachers are hot. I’m sure we can all relate to having a crush on a teacher or two. I had a crush on my Health teacher in high school. Woof! He was fucking hot. Plus, I wanted to think of the very last profession anyone would expect a nude massage therapist.
A cop named Chip is your love interest. That was an interesting choice. I also think Cops are pretty hot too. When I lived in New York, they had the hottest cops. I often would fantasize about a situation or two back then when I was single. So, I figured I’d live out my fantasy through my characters.
Tell my readers about your antagonist. Yeah, he too is loosely based on someone I dated who was in the mafia. When you get to know people in the mafia well, they’re a lot different than you expect. Real human beings, often nice people with integrity but they have that other side, that is not pretty if you cross it.
Did you have any idea people would be so receptive of a hot teacher that massages clients in the nude at night? I was kind of surprised actually. I love the fact that in the m/m world, the readers are open to new situations that they usually don’t read about. I think many people fantasize about being able to rub down hot guys if they could get away with it. Fortunately for us, we can live vicariously through the characters we read about.
Where can we get a copy of Bad Boy? You can get it exclusively on Amazon or email me at JamieLakeNovels AT gmail.
September 4, 2014
FULL CIRCLE available now (and upcoming book news)
FULL CIRCLE is finally live on all the ebook platforms it will be sold at.
I have to admit, it felt like forever on this one. It was a tough book for me to write. It's hard to manage a threesome relationship, realistically through a whole book. Or what feels realistic to me, I guess. To make sure everyone has a role, no one is left out, they're equal in all things. It took a lot of thought. Not only that, but in a lot of ways, this book is different than the first one. At least it feels that way to me. It goes beyond that moment where most books end--the happily ever after, and delves into what it takes to keep it happy. Tristan said I love you at the end of BP, but that didn't magically fix everything. It didn't magically fix him. We all knew they loved each other but this book is about learning to love themselves, and putting in the hard work a relationship takes.
Well that and putting the past to rest...and we all know Mateo's past is a dangerous one... :)
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy the conclusion of Mateo, Tristan, and Josiah's story. Ben broke me in this one. I fell hard for the man and I can't wait to write his story next year.
For those wondering, the next book will be Blackcreek book three--Mason and Gavin's story--early 2015.
And then Ben's book, mid 2015. Ben has revealed a lot to me recently that I didn't know about him. I don't think his story will be easy to write.
Thanks for all the support and links below for FULL CIRCLE. Paperback will be available soon on Amazon. I'm going to share the full jacket below just because I'm in love with it. I think the back and spine is perfect for the series.
Nothing in life is ever easy, and no one is more painfully aware of that than Josiah Evans, Mateo Sanchez, and Tristan Croft. They know what they want—each other—but with three people as broken as they are, all those pieces aren't so easily mended.
Josiah is their glue. All he wants is to give his men what they need.
Mateo wants to absolve himself of his sins. To be worthy of love and to protect it.
Tristan must let go of his past, must learn how to need, and what it really means to take care of someone.
To keep the balance intact, they all have their roles to play. But what happens if the balance shifts? What happens when someone doesn’t play the right part? If one of them falters, they all feel the strain.
The only way to complete their full circle is for all their pieces, despite the curves and rough edges, to fit together perfectly. To do that, Josiah, Mateo, and Tristan must learn to get over the pasts that have defined who they are. And when an old enemy returns and threatens the foundation of their new life, decisions will be made, and boundaries will be tested that could change their lives forever.
Kobo
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
I have to admit, it felt like forever on this one. It was a tough book for me to write. It's hard to manage a threesome relationship, realistically through a whole book. Or what feels realistic to me, I guess. To make sure everyone has a role, no one is left out, they're equal in all things. It took a lot of thought. Not only that, but in a lot of ways, this book is different than the first one. At least it feels that way to me. It goes beyond that moment where most books end--the happily ever after, and delves into what it takes to keep it happy. Tristan said I love you at the end of BP, but that didn't magically fix everything. It didn't magically fix him. We all knew they loved each other but this book is about learning to love themselves, and putting in the hard work a relationship takes.
Well that and putting the past to rest...and we all know Mateo's past is a dangerous one... :)
Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy the conclusion of Mateo, Tristan, and Josiah's story. Ben broke me in this one. I fell hard for the man and I can't wait to write his story next year.
For those wondering, the next book will be Blackcreek book three--Mason and Gavin's story--early 2015.
And then Ben's book, mid 2015. Ben has revealed a lot to me recently that I didn't know about him. I don't think his story will be easy to write.
Thanks for all the support and links below for FULL CIRCLE. Paperback will be available soon on Amazon. I'm going to share the full jacket below just because I'm in love with it. I think the back and spine is perfect for the series.
Nothing in life is ever easy, and no one is more painfully aware of that than Josiah Evans, Mateo Sanchez, and Tristan Croft. They know what they want—each other—but with three people as broken as they are, all those pieces aren't so easily mended.
Josiah is their glue. All he wants is to give his men what they need.
Mateo wants to absolve himself of his sins. To be worthy of love and to protect it.
Tristan must let go of his past, must learn how to need, and what it really means to take care of someone.
To keep the balance intact, they all have their roles to play. But what happens if the balance shifts? What happens when someone doesn’t play the right part? If one of them falters, they all feel the strain.
The only way to complete their full circle is for all their pieces, despite the curves and rough edges, to fit together perfectly. To do that, Josiah, Mateo, and Tristan must learn to get over the pasts that have defined who they are. And when an old enemy returns and threatens the foundation of their new life, decisions will be made, and boundaries will be tested that could change their lives forever.
Kobo
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
August 28, 2014
FULL CIRCLE preorder!
If you haven't heard, FULL CIRCLE is available for preorder from Amazon!
Nothing in life is ever easy, and no one is more painfully aware of that than Josiah Evans, Mateo Sanchez, and Tristan Croft. They know what they want—each other—but with three people as broken as they are, all those pieces aren't so easily mended.
Josiah is their glue. All he wants is to give his men what they need.
Mateo wants to absolve himself of his sins. To be worthy of love and to protect it.
Tristan must let go of his past, must learn how to need, and what it really means to take care of someone.
To keep the balance intact, they all have their roles to play. But what happens if the balance shifts? What happens when someone doesn’t play the right part? If one of them falters, they all feel the strain.
The only way to complete their full circle is for all their pieces, despite the curves and rough edges, to fit together perfectly. To do that, Josiah, Mateo, and Tristan must learn to get over the pasts that have defined who they are. And when an old enemy returns and threatens the foundation of their new life, decisions will be made, and boundaries will be tested that could change their lives forever.
Preorder from Amazon
Nothing in life is ever easy, and no one is more painfully aware of that than Josiah Evans, Mateo Sanchez, and Tristan Croft. They know what they want—each other—but with three people as broken as they are, all those pieces aren't so easily mended.
Josiah is their glue. All he wants is to give his men what they need.
Mateo wants to absolve himself of his sins. To be worthy of love and to protect it.
Tristan must let go of his past, must learn how to need, and what it really means to take care of someone.
To keep the balance intact, they all have their roles to play. But what happens if the balance shifts? What happens when someone doesn’t play the right part? If one of them falters, they all feel the strain.
The only way to complete their full circle is for all their pieces, despite the curves and rough edges, to fit together perfectly. To do that, Josiah, Mateo, and Tristan must learn to get over the pasts that have defined who they are. And when an old enemy returns and threatens the foundation of their new life, decisions will be made, and boundaries will be tested that could change their lives forever.
Preorder from Amazon
July 18, 2014
Full Circle
I know it feels like it's been forever. Believe me, it has for me too but there is an end in sight! And I'm so happy to share with you the cover and blurb reveal for FULL CIRCLE. Plus, I'm sharing the first chapter with you.
So... here it is :)
FULL CIRCLE: Available September 2014
Cover image by jackson photografix
cover design by X-Potion Designs
Follow-up to BROKEN PIECES
Blurb:
Nothing in life is ever easy, and no one is more painfully aware of that than Josiah Evans, Mateo Sanchez, and Tristan Croft. They know what they want—each other—but with three people as broken as they are, all those pieces aren't so easily mended.
Josiah is their glue. All he wants is to give his men what they need.
Mateo wants to absolve himself of his sins. To be worthy of love and to protect it.
Tristan must let go of his past, must learn how to need, and what it really means to take care of someone.
To keep the balance intact, they all have their roles to play. But what happens if the balance shifts? What happens when someone doesn’t play the right part? If one of them falters, they all feel the strain.
The only way to complete their full circle is for all their pieces, despite the curves and rough edges, to fit together perfectly. To do that, Josiah, Mateo, and Tristan must learn to get over the pasts that have defined who they are. And when an old enemy returns and threatens the foundation of their new life, decisions will be made, and boundaries will be tested that could change their lives forever.
Excerpt:
Unedited and subject to change.
CHAPTER ONE
Josiah
Josiah stood in the middle of the building that would soon be his coffee house. In the two weeks since they’d gotten Rhonda back, and Tristan had come home to Josiah and Teo, things hadn’t stopped moving. They hadn’t had much time for anything between Tristan being busy at work, getting Rhonda settled back into her apartment, and now this. This being his dream—the one thing Tristan and Teo had both insisted they made time to get done, sooner rather than later.
In so many ways, Josiah owed Teo his life. Teo had physically saved him more than once and now he owed Tristan his dream—the only thing beside the two men standing next to him that he felt could complete him, in a way. Because they did complete Josiah.
Josiah turned to Tristan in his perfect suit, and studied the sharp cut of his jaw. Leaning over, Josiah kissed him there. “I can’t believe you did this for me.” Though he really could believe it. Tristan was like Teo in that he didn’t realize how big his heart was—at least when it came to Josiah.
“It’s nothing.” Tristan shook his head, uncomfortable with praise, as always. That was something they needed to work on. Both his guys did.
“Think of it as a business investment. I don’t waste money on things that I don’t feel are important—on things where I don’t see a profit.”
Josiah rolled his eyes. Tristan could play this off however he wanted. Josiah knew the truth. As did Mateo and Tristan himself. He’d done this because he loved Josiah. Josiah didn’t doubt that, even if Tristan hadn’t said it again since the one time the words left his lips two weeks before.
There had never been a second he believed everything would get magically fixed in that one night but they were on the right path. They’d get there, and things were better.
“We shoulda’ brought beer. Aren’t you supposed to drink somethin’ to celebrate shit like this?” Mateo stepped around them, fingering one of the earrings in his ear.
Josiah watched him, wondering how this happened. How he not only fell in love with an ex-gang member and a state prosecutor, but how they were all three lucky enough to fall in love with each other.
“Wine. You drink wine on occasions like this. Or champagne, actually. I promise, I’ll convert you one day.” Tristan stopped beside Teo, a half-smile on his lips.
“Nope. Never gonna happen. That shit’s too stuffy for me. It’s for rich, white guys.”
Tristan stepped closer to Mateo and Josiah just watched. He loved watching his men interact with each other—thrived on the light moments they had where they could laugh and tease because they were too few and far between.
Tristan held Teo’s chin between his thumb and first finger. “And yet I’m sure you never saw yourself enjoying a rich, white man. That changed, as will the rest.”
Teo jerked out of Tristan’s grasp but there was a small grin on his lips. “White boys are my downfall. Come ‘ere, Jay.”
Little jolts of electricity fired beneath Josiah’s skin, at the deep, husky sound of Teo’s voice. Both of these men could do that to him, turn him on, turn him inside out with just a word. With just a look.
Josiah moved forward, stopping in front of Teo, who leaned against the counter. Tristan stood next to them both, facing them. This time, it was Teo who grabbed Josiah’s chin, except he only tilted it up as he leaned forward. His mouth covered Josiah’s gently…always so tender when he touched Josiah. It was different than the way he handled Tristan, than the way Tristan handled either of them, with wild hunger.
How could he love something that was basically the opposite in both of them? Loved the way Teo was always so careful with him, treasuring Josiah as though he had to protect him, even in something like a kiss; while at the same time, loving that Tristan knew he didn’t have to be. Or maybe he didn’t know how to be. He felt the passion in them both—one gentle and the other fierce but each equally strong. Funny, that it was the man who’d seen death, who had delivered death that had the need for the softness.
Teo’s tongue dipped into Josiah’s mouth, owning it the same way Tristan did when he kissed Josiah. Teo was the first man he’d had his mouth on, and he knew it as well as he knew his own. Knew the feel of Teo’s tender press of lips, knew the difference between his facial hair rubbing against Josiah’s compared to the texture of Tristan’s.
Josiah stepped between his legs, their bodies touching.
Too soon, Teo pulled back, before turning his head Tristan’s direction. His other lover gave a short, almost curt looking nod. When he did, Teo leaned Tristan’s way this time.
Josiah still stood between Mateo’s legs as he took in the sight of his lovers kissing, and eased Tristan’s fingers away from his pulse as Tristan let Mateo lead the kiss. Tristan’s hand tightened around Josiah, as though Josiah was giving him something in this moment too.
Maybe others wouldn’t understand it. Josiah had no doubt they wouldn’t but he knew he gave Tristan as much as Mateo did as they kissed. Knew the three men all gave each other something they needed.
When Mateo pulled away from Tristan, Tristan spoke. “I seem to remember the two of you planning to get dirty for me in here.”
“We will,” Mateo promised him.
“You have to get dirty with us, though.” Josiah still held Tristan’s hand. He placed his other on Teo’s abdomen.
Another nod from Tristan. “I will.” And then he let go of Josiah’s hand and cupped his face. “You deserve this place. It…” He closed his eyes, let out a breath, and then opened them again. “It’s important for me to be able to do this for you. I need to do this for you.”
Josiah’s heart started going wild the way only these two men could do to him. He knew Tristan felt like he let people down in his life, that he tried to make up for it the only way he could. Helping Josiah get his coffee house was another way for him to do that, and Josiah loved him for it. Turning slightly, he kissed Tristan’s hand. “No, you don’t. Having you is enough, but thank you. This means the world to me.”
Tristan stepped back and glanced at the door as though someone walked in, as though someone could see them through the closed blinds. “Mateo is right. We should celebrate.”
The three of them had never had much to celebrate in their lives. They were three broken men, three broken pieces, that only worked when they were together.
“Yeah, Jay and I will be bustin’ our asses on this place soon. We should celebrate while we can,” Teo said.
“We can grab some dinner on the way home—”
“No.” Josiah interrupted Tristan’s reply. “I’ll cook.” He loved making meals for his men.
“How did I know you’d say that?” Tristan smirked.
“Because you’re a smart guy. Be smarter and don’t argue with him. I like his cookin’.” Teo winked, and then the three men walked out of what would be Josiah’s coffee house, and headed home. Together.
So... here it is :)
FULL CIRCLE: Available September 2014
Cover image by jackson photografix
cover design by X-Potion Designs
Follow-up to BROKEN PIECES
Blurb:
Nothing in life is ever easy, and no one is more painfully aware of that than Josiah Evans, Mateo Sanchez, and Tristan Croft. They know what they want—each other—but with three people as broken as they are, all those pieces aren't so easily mended.
Josiah is their glue. All he wants is to give his men what they need.
Mateo wants to absolve himself of his sins. To be worthy of love and to protect it.
Tristan must let go of his past, must learn how to need, and what it really means to take care of someone.
To keep the balance intact, they all have their roles to play. But what happens if the balance shifts? What happens when someone doesn’t play the right part? If one of them falters, they all feel the strain.
The only way to complete their full circle is for all their pieces, despite the curves and rough edges, to fit together perfectly. To do that, Josiah, Mateo, and Tristan must learn to get over the pasts that have defined who they are. And when an old enemy returns and threatens the foundation of their new life, decisions will be made, and boundaries will be tested that could change their lives forever.
Excerpt:
Unedited and subject to change.
CHAPTER ONE
Josiah
Josiah stood in the middle of the building that would soon be his coffee house. In the two weeks since they’d gotten Rhonda back, and Tristan had come home to Josiah and Teo, things hadn’t stopped moving. They hadn’t had much time for anything between Tristan being busy at work, getting Rhonda settled back into her apartment, and now this. This being his dream—the one thing Tristan and Teo had both insisted they made time to get done, sooner rather than later.
In so many ways, Josiah owed Teo his life. Teo had physically saved him more than once and now he owed Tristan his dream—the only thing beside the two men standing next to him that he felt could complete him, in a way. Because they did complete Josiah.
Josiah turned to Tristan in his perfect suit, and studied the sharp cut of his jaw. Leaning over, Josiah kissed him there. “I can’t believe you did this for me.” Though he really could believe it. Tristan was like Teo in that he didn’t realize how big his heart was—at least when it came to Josiah.
“It’s nothing.” Tristan shook his head, uncomfortable with praise, as always. That was something they needed to work on. Both his guys did.
“Think of it as a business investment. I don’t waste money on things that I don’t feel are important—on things where I don’t see a profit.”
Josiah rolled his eyes. Tristan could play this off however he wanted. Josiah knew the truth. As did Mateo and Tristan himself. He’d done this because he loved Josiah. Josiah didn’t doubt that, even if Tristan hadn’t said it again since the one time the words left his lips two weeks before.
There had never been a second he believed everything would get magically fixed in that one night but they were on the right path. They’d get there, and things were better.
“We shoulda’ brought beer. Aren’t you supposed to drink somethin’ to celebrate shit like this?” Mateo stepped around them, fingering one of the earrings in his ear.
Josiah watched him, wondering how this happened. How he not only fell in love with an ex-gang member and a state prosecutor, but how they were all three lucky enough to fall in love with each other.
“Wine. You drink wine on occasions like this. Or champagne, actually. I promise, I’ll convert you one day.” Tristan stopped beside Teo, a half-smile on his lips.
“Nope. Never gonna happen. That shit’s too stuffy for me. It’s for rich, white guys.”
Tristan stepped closer to Mateo and Josiah just watched. He loved watching his men interact with each other—thrived on the light moments they had where they could laugh and tease because they were too few and far between.
Tristan held Teo’s chin between his thumb and first finger. “And yet I’m sure you never saw yourself enjoying a rich, white man. That changed, as will the rest.”
Teo jerked out of Tristan’s grasp but there was a small grin on his lips. “White boys are my downfall. Come ‘ere, Jay.”
Little jolts of electricity fired beneath Josiah’s skin, at the deep, husky sound of Teo’s voice. Both of these men could do that to him, turn him on, turn him inside out with just a word. With just a look.
Josiah moved forward, stopping in front of Teo, who leaned against the counter. Tristan stood next to them both, facing them. This time, it was Teo who grabbed Josiah’s chin, except he only tilted it up as he leaned forward. His mouth covered Josiah’s gently…always so tender when he touched Josiah. It was different than the way he handled Tristan, than the way Tristan handled either of them, with wild hunger.
How could he love something that was basically the opposite in both of them? Loved the way Teo was always so careful with him, treasuring Josiah as though he had to protect him, even in something like a kiss; while at the same time, loving that Tristan knew he didn’t have to be. Or maybe he didn’t know how to be. He felt the passion in them both—one gentle and the other fierce but each equally strong. Funny, that it was the man who’d seen death, who had delivered death that had the need for the softness.
Teo’s tongue dipped into Josiah’s mouth, owning it the same way Tristan did when he kissed Josiah. Teo was the first man he’d had his mouth on, and he knew it as well as he knew his own. Knew the feel of Teo’s tender press of lips, knew the difference between his facial hair rubbing against Josiah’s compared to the texture of Tristan’s.
Josiah stepped between his legs, their bodies touching.
Too soon, Teo pulled back, before turning his head Tristan’s direction. His other lover gave a short, almost curt looking nod. When he did, Teo leaned Tristan’s way this time.
Josiah still stood between Mateo’s legs as he took in the sight of his lovers kissing, and eased Tristan’s fingers away from his pulse as Tristan let Mateo lead the kiss. Tristan’s hand tightened around Josiah, as though Josiah was giving him something in this moment too.
Maybe others wouldn’t understand it. Josiah had no doubt they wouldn’t but he knew he gave Tristan as much as Mateo did as they kissed. Knew the three men all gave each other something they needed.
When Mateo pulled away from Tristan, Tristan spoke. “I seem to remember the two of you planning to get dirty for me in here.”
“We will,” Mateo promised him.
“You have to get dirty with us, though.” Josiah still held Tristan’s hand. He placed his other on Teo’s abdomen.
Another nod from Tristan. “I will.” And then he let go of Josiah’s hand and cupped his face. “You deserve this place. It…” He closed his eyes, let out a breath, and then opened them again. “It’s important for me to be able to do this for you. I need to do this for you.”
Josiah’s heart started going wild the way only these two men could do to him. He knew Tristan felt like he let people down in his life, that he tried to make up for it the only way he could. Helping Josiah get his coffee house was another way for him to do that, and Josiah loved him for it. Turning slightly, he kissed Tristan’s hand. “No, you don’t. Having you is enough, but thank you. This means the world to me.”
Tristan stepped back and glanced at the door as though someone walked in, as though someone could see them through the closed blinds. “Mateo is right. We should celebrate.”
The three of them had never had much to celebrate in their lives. They were three broken men, three broken pieces, that only worked when they were together.
“Yeah, Jay and I will be bustin’ our asses on this place soon. We should celebrate while we can,” Teo said.
“We can grab some dinner on the way home—”
“No.” Josiah interrupted Tristan’s reply. “I’ll cook.” He loved making meals for his men.
“How did I know you’d say that?” Tristan smirked.
“Because you’re a smart guy. Be smarter and don’t argue with him. I like his cookin’.” Teo winked, and then the three men walked out of what would be Josiah’s coffee house, and headed home. Together.
June 22, 2014
STRIPPED AWAY cover reveal!
I am very excited to share the cover of Ellis Carrington's next book, STRIPPED AWAY. It is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait for this book to release.
Stripped Away Cover Reveal
Coming August 1, 2014! The sequel to Stripped Clean, Dave and Ricky’s story.
About Stripped Away:
HE DOESN'T RECOGNIZE HIMSELF
David Moorehouse has spent his life hiding behind masks. Nice guy. Best friend. Reverend's kid. After finding his father dead on the floor, he’s stripped of his job at the family church and his identity as the quiet, nice guy. The life he knew is over, and he doesn’t know what to do next.
HE KNOWS ANGER BETTER THAN ANYONE
Ricky Slade is itching for a fight. By the time he meets David, he’s struggling to save his business, his best friend, his drug-addict brother, and his own sanity. He’s got no patience for his business partner’s judgmental brother showing up and getting in his face.
Their angry heat turns into a fiery inferno, but Ricky's fresh off a bad breakup, and David is getting guilt-tripped by his family and his ex. Every time they fight, they fall into bed, but will that be enough when things around them come apart?
Excerpt:
“You know—” Dave made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. “Never mind. I don’t know what you’re talking about and I don’t want to know.” He threw his stuff in the rear of Ricky’s cab, then turned to jab a stiff four fingers into the center of Ricky’s chest. “Least we can agree on the dickhead thing. I mean, who shows up to a funeral with a firearm?”
Ricky didn’t show up to funerals at all when he could help it. Easier to avoid acknowledging death that way. “Need I remind, you tried to turn away your own brother? That sort of potential was exactly why I brought the thing.”
Ooh. Jumping jaw muscles and gritting teeth and everything now. “He’s only my brother by blood. I hardly know him.”
Ungrateful punk. “He’s the closest thing you got. He deserved to be at that funeral much as you did. ‘Sides, he was born first.”
Dave advanced on Ricky again, hot breath puffing and panting. “My mama’s heart can’t take that kind of shock. I was trying to keep the peace.”
Ricky matched the threat in Dave’s posture. “The person whose behavior was shocking, Church Boy, was yours.” He licked his lips slowly, grinning at the way Dave’s pupils got smaller and larger and smaller again, like he couldn’t decide whether lust or pissed-as-hell was winning in this fight of theirs.
Ricky himself had adrenaline swirling through his veins and a tornado in his belly. Man, this shit was better than a third ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl “I mean damn, any more heated and you and I coulda wound up going to the dirt right there in front of everybody. Bet that woulda really given your poor mama something to— fuck.”
David growled and gripped Ricky’s shoulders, hauling him front-first against the side of the truck. “Shut up. Shut the fuck up!” His breath beat harsh and ragged against Ricky’s ear.
With what air hadn’t been squeezed outta Ricky’s lungs, he laughed at Dave again. Was that the intelligent option? Hell no. This dude had the markers for being at least three colors of crazy. Ricky didn’t back down though, so he’d push until the other guy did.
Or until someone got hurt.
He’d have said no way could this guy kick his ass, not with his glasses and wiry frame, but Dave handled Ricky’s body with a reasonable amount of strength and know-how. Not enough for a total ass-kicking, maybe, but enough to impress. Speaking of impressive…. “If you think I’m gonna be intimidated by the anaconda you’re rubbin’ against my backside, Church Boy, you got another thing coming.” He sucked in a breath. “Gotta tell you though. If fucking in the parking lot is your thing, you really gotta give a guy some advance warning. I would’ve parked in an unlit area.”
Ricky’s most-likely unexpected response must’ve startled Dave into loosening his hands. Ricky twisted Dave’s arm and turned them both, pushing Dave’s back into the truck and Ricky’s fists into Dave’s chest. “See, that’s what I figured,” Ricky murmured with his lips a hair from one mother of a betrayed sneer. “Damn shame, too.”
Dave narrowed his eyes. “What’s a shame?”
Ricky smiled slightly, shaking his head. “You’re all bark, Church Boy.”
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Stripped Away Cover Reveal
Coming August 1, 2014! The sequel to Stripped Clean, Dave and Ricky’s story.
About Stripped Away:
HE DOESN'T RECOGNIZE HIMSELF
David Moorehouse has spent his life hiding behind masks. Nice guy. Best friend. Reverend's kid. After finding his father dead on the floor, he’s stripped of his job at the family church and his identity as the quiet, nice guy. The life he knew is over, and he doesn’t know what to do next.
HE KNOWS ANGER BETTER THAN ANYONE
Ricky Slade is itching for a fight. By the time he meets David, he’s struggling to save his business, his best friend, his drug-addict brother, and his own sanity. He’s got no patience for his business partner’s judgmental brother showing up and getting in his face.
Their angry heat turns into a fiery inferno, but Ricky's fresh off a bad breakup, and David is getting guilt-tripped by his family and his ex. Every time they fight, they fall into bed, but will that be enough when things around them come apart?
Excerpt:
“You know—” Dave made a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. “Never mind. I don’t know what you’re talking about and I don’t want to know.” He threw his stuff in the rear of Ricky’s cab, then turned to jab a stiff four fingers into the center of Ricky’s chest. “Least we can agree on the dickhead thing. I mean, who shows up to a funeral with a firearm?”
Ricky didn’t show up to funerals at all when he could help it. Easier to avoid acknowledging death that way. “Need I remind, you tried to turn away your own brother? That sort of potential was exactly why I brought the thing.”
Ooh. Jumping jaw muscles and gritting teeth and everything now. “He’s only my brother by blood. I hardly know him.”
Ungrateful punk. “He’s the closest thing you got. He deserved to be at that funeral much as you did. ‘Sides, he was born first.”
Dave advanced on Ricky again, hot breath puffing and panting. “My mama’s heart can’t take that kind of shock. I was trying to keep the peace.”
Ricky matched the threat in Dave’s posture. “The person whose behavior was shocking, Church Boy, was yours.” He licked his lips slowly, grinning at the way Dave’s pupils got smaller and larger and smaller again, like he couldn’t decide whether lust or pissed-as-hell was winning in this fight of theirs.
Ricky himself had adrenaline swirling through his veins and a tornado in his belly. Man, this shit was better than a third ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl “I mean damn, any more heated and you and I coulda wound up going to the dirt right there in front of everybody. Bet that woulda really given your poor mama something to— fuck.”
David growled and gripped Ricky’s shoulders, hauling him front-first against the side of the truck. “Shut up. Shut the fuck up!” His breath beat harsh and ragged against Ricky’s ear.
With what air hadn’t been squeezed outta Ricky’s lungs, he laughed at Dave again. Was that the intelligent option? Hell no. This dude had the markers for being at least three colors of crazy. Ricky didn’t back down though, so he’d push until the other guy did.
Or until someone got hurt.
He’d have said no way could this guy kick his ass, not with his glasses and wiry frame, but Dave handled Ricky’s body with a reasonable amount of strength and know-how. Not enough for a total ass-kicking, maybe, but enough to impress. Speaking of impressive…. “If you think I’m gonna be intimidated by the anaconda you’re rubbin’ against my backside, Church Boy, you got another thing coming.” He sucked in a breath. “Gotta tell you though. If fucking in the parking lot is your thing, you really gotta give a guy some advance warning. I would’ve parked in an unlit area.”
Ricky’s most-likely unexpected response must’ve startled Dave into loosening his hands. Ricky twisted Dave’s arm and turned them both, pushing Dave’s back into the truck and Ricky’s fists into Dave’s chest. “See, that’s what I figured,” Ricky murmured with his lips a hair from one mother of a betrayed sneer. “Damn shame, too.”
Dave narrowed his eyes. “What’s a shame?”
Ricky smiled slightly, shaking his head. “You’re all bark, Church Boy.”
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April 23, 2014
STAY excerpt
“How’s the Squirt?” Braden asked.
“Turning her cousin’s room into a fort. She was pretty damn happy to get out of the house.” His voice was slightly somber when he spoke.
“Eh. Don’t take it personal. Forts are pretty cool.”
He smiled when Wes laughed.
Under the table, Braden locked his fingers through Wes’s as they rested on his leg. He turned when he heard a familiar laughter and saw that a few of the guys from the firehouse came in and were seated at the bar.
“Am I allowed to be glad you came?” he said to Wes.
“When I’m drunk, you’re pretty much allowed to do whatever you want.”
He had this sexy, sweet, loopy look in his eyes. His brown hair messier than it usually was. The urge to rub his cheek against Wes’s facial hair hit him. Jesus, he liked seeing Wes like this. Hated the fact that he had to be drunk to feel free, but Braden couldn’t stop staring at him, either. He was all responsibility, seriousness, but right now he was just…Wes. He realized that he liked Wes a little more than he’d thought.
“Dance with me, Wesley.” Braden nodded toward the dance floor as a slow song played.
Wes frowned. “There are guys from your firehouse here. Cooper said he didn’t know you were bi until he got with Noah, and that no one at the station knows. I just assumed it was something you wanted to keep to yourself.”
Braden didn’t work that way. He was right that none of them knew, but it wasn’t because he purposefully kept it to himself; he just hasn’t been with any men in Blackcreek until Wes. “Nah. I’d have to give a shit what other people think for me to want to keep it to myself—which I don’t, if you were wondering. You’re sexy as hell and I want to dance with you. You’re much more agreeable when you’re drunk, so this might be my only chance.”
He waited for Wes to say no. Waited for life and responsibilities and whatever it was that Wes kept hidden behind his walls to reemerge. But it didn’t. Without letting go of his hand, Wes stood and led Braden to the dance floor.
Available now only 2.99!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
April 22, 2014
STAY is live on Amazon
It feels like it's been so long but Wes and Braden's story is finally live on Amazon. The other sites are coming soon! Just waiting for them to go live.
Wes Jensen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’s life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn't great at getting close anyway.
Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after. From the start, Wes intrigues him, and Braden isn't one to deny himself something he wants. And he wants Wes. The more time he spends with Wes and the little girl who constantly keeps them on their toes, the more Braden realizes this isn't just about getting the guy who walked away.
As their lives intertwine more and more, Wes discovers Braden isn't as shallow as he thought. But after everything Wes lost in his life, he isn't sure he can risk his heart, and truly want Braden to stay—and if he did, would Wes’s quiet life be enough for Braden?
Amazon
You can read the first chapter, enter a giveaway and see a great review on Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews.
Wes Jensen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’s life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn't great at getting close anyway.
Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after. From the start, Wes intrigues him, and Braden isn't one to deny himself something he wants. And he wants Wes. The more time he spends with Wes and the little girl who constantly keeps them on their toes, the more Braden realizes this isn't just about getting the guy who walked away.
As their lives intertwine more and more, Wes discovers Braden isn't as shallow as he thought. But after everything Wes lost in his life, he isn't sure he can risk his heart, and truly want Braden to stay—and if he did, would Wes’s quiet life be enough for Braden?
Amazon
You can read the first chapter, enter a giveaway and see a great review on Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews.
March 12, 2014
March 11, 2014
STAY cover reveal
It's finally time to reveal the cover and blurb for STAY. I think it goes perfectly with COLLIDE. I hope you like it!
Blackcreek Book Two
Blurb:
Wes Allen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’ life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn't great at getting close anyway.
Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after. From the start, Wes intrigues him, and Braden isn't one to deny himself something he wants. And he wants Wes. The more time he spends with Wes and the little girl who constantly keeps them on their toes, the more Braden realizes this isn't just about getting the guy who walked away.
As their lives intertwine more and more, Wes discovers Braden isn't as shallow as he thought. But after everything Wes lost in his life, he isn't sure he can risk his heart, and truly want Braden to stay—and if he did, would Wes’ quiet life be enough for Braden?
Cover Image by: Jackson photografix
Cover Design by: Kelley York
Release date: April 22nd
Blackcreek Book Two
Blurb:
Wes Allen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’ life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn't great at getting close anyway.
Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after. From the start, Wes intrigues him, and Braden isn't one to deny himself something he wants. And he wants Wes. The more time he spends with Wes and the little girl who constantly keeps them on their toes, the more Braden realizes this isn't just about getting the guy who walked away.
As their lives intertwine more and more, Wes discovers Braden isn't as shallow as he thought. But after everything Wes lost in his life, he isn't sure he can risk his heart, and truly want Braden to stay—and if he did, would Wes’ quiet life be enough for Braden?
Cover Image by: Jackson photografix
Cover Design by: Kelley York
Release date: April 22nd
