Tempeste O'Riley's Blog, page 13

Organization, Outlining, Insanity, and Me….

Recently I’ve been asked both in my real life and on line about how I keep my ideas organized. If I use outlines, note cards, spreadsheets, etc. What writing program I use is the other biggie I seem to get asked a lot and well, the answer is really one and the same.

Yes, I said it’s the same thing.

Now, before you roll your eyes and huff at me for not giving a real answer, let me explain. You see, I use Scrivener for Microsoft Windows and love it. It makes my life so much easier as it comes ready built to handle all the things I need for organizing my writing projects.

Having said that, NO, I do not outline. I’ve tried. I’ve failed. Trust me, you would not want to read a book from me that came out of me outlining and trying to stick to said outline. It. Would. Not. Be. A. Good. Thing. I promise. Yes, I know how to outline, but my characters seem to think it’s a challenge to their story if I do and they will then do everything they can to derail the nice neat storyline I had all set up. (Asshats! Everyone of ‘em.)

Well, I can’t honestly say that’s all I use, lol. I do have a nice little spreadsheet that has all my story ideas, past, present WIP, and future plans listed. I play around with the order planned and fill in bits of info (like the MCs and if they’ve appeared before) as I write. But, I don’t have a ton of programs and folders out there. I don’t have pretty paper and neat pens (this part makes me sad as I used to love writing longhand. Sadly, due to Ehlers-Danlos messing up my hands, I’m doing well to type most days—writing only consists of me signing my name to a check or the likes :/ )

I’m curious though, what do you use to organize your projects? I know most of my readers aren’t also authors, but that’s fine, lol, I’m still curious. How do you keep your work from becoming the kind of clutter that will drive you insane? Getting Scrivener and using it each and every time is what saved my sanity. (That and having it autosave to DropBox so I never lose another partial manuscript again.)

Now you know how I write… though not necessarily how I keep my sanity (who said I was ).

I’m off to finish up Fangs with a Heart, book 2 in the Chain of Fate series. If you haven’t read it yet, check out book 1: Whiskers of a Chance.

Share you ideas in the comments below.

Release Day! Thárros by C. Kennedy is Out!

Θάρρος





Thárros. Greek. Meaning courage
Courage. n. /ˈkərij/
1. The ability to do something that frightens one.
2. Strength in the face of fear, pain, or grief.



~*~
Courage is resistance to fear,
mastery of fear,
not the absence of fear. ~Mark Twain
 

High school senior Michael Sattler leads a charmed life. Almost. He has great friends, parents who love him just the way he is, and he was a champion hurdler until someone took out his knee when they kidnapped his boyfriend. Yet, Michael is determined to make the USATF tryouts in spite of his injuries.
 
Christy Castle is Michael’s entire world. Healing from years of abuse, his abduction by a predator has left him hiding a new secret as he tries to start his life again. Together, Michael and Christy work to recover from their wounds in time to make prom and graduate high school. To complicate matters, Christy is astonished to learn a fellow victim from his native Greece has survived. Christy will stop at nothing to bring him to the US to keep him safe.
 
But the prosecution of Christy’s kidnapper looms large in their futures and the struggle to return to normal only worsens. Christy’s past continues to haunt them and, when the prosecution turns ugly and Christy’s new life is torn apart, only their unrelenting courage and determination can save them from the nightmare that threatens to destroy their future together.

Now available at Harmony Ink/Dreamspinner Press, Amazon US,
Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Omni Lit/All Romance eBooks!



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Read Chapter One or Read en français

About Cody

Cody is an award-winning author who lives, most of the time, on the West Coast of the United States. Raised on the mean streets and back lots of Hollywood by a Yoda-look-alike grandfather, Cody doesn’t conform, doesn’t fit in, is epic awkward, and lives to perfect a deep-seated oppositional defiance disorder. In a constant state of fascination with the trivial, Cody contemplates such weighty questions as If time and space are curved, then where do all the straight people come from?
 
When not writing, Cody can be found taming waves on western shores, pondering the nutritional value of sunsets, appreciating the much-maligned dandelion, unhooking guide ropes from stanchions, and marveling at all things ordinary. Among many other awards, Omorphi was a runner up in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and Slaying Isidore’s Dragons was a finalist in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. Cody does respond to blog comments and emails because, after all, it is all about you, the reader.

Find Cody on Facebook, Twitter @CodyKAuthor, Pinterest,
Tumblr, Google+, Instagram, Ello, Goodreads, Medium,
Booklikes, and read a free serial story, Fairy
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Cover Reveal: Dreamers’ Destiny, plus #excerpt and #giveaway

People don’t just materialize into reality simply because you want them to so desperately that waking up breaks your heart. 

Dreamers’ Destiny
by Tempeste O’Riley
a Standalone story
M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Release Date: May 13, 2016 (ebook/print)
Length: Novel
PreOrder:

♥ ♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ ♥ ♥

Add to: Goodreads

Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dream walker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.

Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.

Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.

Life may not be “a dream within a dream,” but this story both begins and ends with one. Always remember to make the most of each moment.

Chapter 1 (explicit!)

Liam shifted his weight as he straddled Cameron’s hips and positioned himself so his hard cock settled in the valley of Cam’s tight little butt. He loved how Cam’s ass rounded, how there were those prominent little divots near the top that begged for his tongue to dip into. As he looked down at his lover, his gaze automatically traced the tattoo that covered his back and cheeks. He loved the sensual way the wings arched and curled over his shoulder blades and trailed down the sides of his back, the last bit cupping his firm ass. The Celtic knot in the center framed the slight bumps down his spine in such a way he couldn’t help but trace them on his way down. The gold and silver ink contrasted beautifully against Liam’s creamy, pale skin.

He caressed Cam’s neck and shoulders before he moved down Cameron’s back again. Liam molded a palm over one bare buttock. With the other hand, he stroked up and down Cam’s back. Up and down. His fingers paused on different spots of the tattoo and then started again. Liam bent forward, tracing the intricate design with the tip of his tongue. The hint of sweet skin and musk burst across his taste buds, drawing a groan from deep within him. He never could get enough of this man.

Cameron squirmed, pushing up against Liam. “Lee, please don’t tease.”

He chuckled, loving how ready for his touch Cam always was. “Just taking my time, baby. Can’t get enough of your taste… of you,” he added and nipped Cameron’s side.

“Then taste me lower,” Cam panted, raising his ass as much as possible with Liam still sitting on him. “I know how much you like eating me. Please, Lee.”

Liam did love rimming Cam’s perfect little hole. The way he would writhe and whimper was almost enough to send Liam over the edge on its own.

“Dammit,” he groaned.

He rutted against Cam for a moment, but the simple words and friction made him crave more. Liam continued to trace the intricate pattern down Cam’s back, licking and sucking the flesh as he descended. When he reached Cam’s cheeks, he grasped each and massaged, exposing Cam’s tight passage. Each time he pulled them apart, Cam pushed back into the motion, the whimpers and moans enough to tempt Liam to skip the appetizer.

Instead, though, he pulled Cam’s hips up so Cam was on his knees with his chest on the soft, black sheets of the bed. He loved how Cam’s creamy skin looked against the dark colors. Liam licked his way down Cameron’s cleft, not stopping as he passed over his entrance. He grazed Cam’s taint with his teeth, loving the gasp that escaped. He then licked back up, making several passes but never stopping at the fluttering hole he so desired.

When he finally zeroed in on his target, he alternated nibbling and sucking on the tender flesh there with stabbing into Cam with his tongue.

“Liam, I’m begging you, please… I need…. Dammit, fuck me!” Cameron’s voice was high and needy, as it only got when Liam rimmed him. Liam loved that tone.

He reached out and took the bottle of slick, popped the top, and poured a small amount on his fingers before dropping his mouth down to gently suck one of Cam’s balls into his mouth.

“Oh God!” Cam panted, shaking hard.

He touched Cam’s hole, enthralled with the sounds and the shiver that tore through Cam as he first pet, then slowly pushed his middle finger all the way to the knuckle inside Cam’s willing body. Liam switched to the other ball, laving and sucking on it as he pumped his finger in and out of the hottest, tightest body he had ever felt.

Eventually Liam added a second and then third finger, twisting and scissoring as he went. As Cam fucked himself, Liam sat back on his heels, watching as his fingers disappeared over and over again. He was careful not to hit Cam’s happy button, though, wanting to savor how his body tightened around his cock, not his fingers.

“If you don’t get in me soon, Liam, I’m not going to make it.”

“That’s okay, baby. I’ll pound you through your first and keep filling and stroking you until you’re hard and shooting again.”

Cam shuddered at his words, his hands scrabbling on the sheets as he slammed back harder, the sounds coming from him no longer coherent. When Liam couldn’t take it anymore, he withdrew his fingers and poured more slick into his palm.

Cam twisted his head so he could glower, his silver eyes blown wide. “What the—?” He stopped and stared as Liam made a production of stroking the lube up and down his cock, caressing and squeezing the shaft.

“Head down, ass high, Cam,” Liam barked, loving how fast Cam hurried to do as ordered.

When Cam was in place, Liam lined the tip of his rod up to the tight, pulsing hole and gave short, teasing jabs. Cam only tolerated it for a minute or two before he slammed backward, impaling himself on Liam’s hard cock in one violent push.

Desperate not to lose it already, Liam held on tight to Cam’s hips, holding him in place until his need backed off a bit. The pulsing of Cam’s muscles around him made it harder to accomplish, but he wouldn’t change a thing about the man under him. Once Liam was certain he wouldn’t come, he began slow, full slides, reveling in the exquisite heat wrapped around him.

Cam reached back with one hand, clutching Liam’s hip, tugging at him. Liam knew what Cam wanted, but refused to change his pace. Since he still held Cam hard, Cam was completely at his mercy—a fact Liam thoroughly enjoyed.

“What’s the matter, Cam?” he asked, thrusting harder and faster for a moment before slowing down again. “What do you need, baby?”

“Dammit, Lee! Fuck me through the goddamn bed!” he roared, tightening around Liam until Liam saw stars.

Liam released Cam’s hips, took two handfuls of cheek instead, and pulled them apart. He watched for a moment as his cock slid in, but then pulled back and slammed in hard. Over and over again, he drilled into Cam’s willing body, shifting until Cam keened with every thrust. Happy with his angle, he sped up again, his thrusts brutal as he took everything Cam offered and more.

Cam screamed, his body tightening painfully around Liam, but Liam kept pounding through Cam’s release, not ready to end the pleasure for either of them. He slowed when Cam’s body sagged and his channel unclenched, but did not stop.

He reached around Cam and scooped up some of his spend to use as lube. He wrapped his large hand around Cam’s half-hard shaft and stroked in time with his gentler thrusts, squeezing and tugging the way he knew Cam liked best.

The jolt under him from Cameron made him chuckle, as did the begging that started back up again. “God, you’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”

“Nope,” he argued, adding a twist to the head of Cam’s cock as he stroked and thrust. “But I can never get enough of you, so shut up and let me love you,” he demanded.

“Liam….”

He pulled out and flipped Cam over, needing to see Cam. Looking into Cam’s stormy gray eyes wasn’t a want; it was an all-encompassing compulsion.

“What are you—?”

“Keep your eyes open,” he barked. As soon as Cam opened them again and met his gaze, he slammed back inside, thrusting so hard he shifted Cam up the bed in increments. “I need to see you come for me, baby. Please, come.” His voice bottomed out on the last word.

Electricity crackled deep in his gut and spine, his balls pulled up tight, but he couldn’t go over the edge until his lover did. When he wrapped his fingers around Cam’s angry red member again and pulled, Cam arched back and his mouth dropped open, but no sound came out. His dick spewed shot after shot again of viscous white fluid over Liam’s hand and abs.

The sight alone sent Liam hurtling over the razor’s edge he’d been hovering on, his body throbbing in time to his heartbeat as he emptied into Cam’s body. With the last pulse of his dick, his arms gave out and he slumped down onto Cam’s chest, spent.

After a moment Liam shifted and gently withdrew before he collapsed on his side. When Cam didn’t move, he chuckled, pulled him over, and wrapped his body around Cameron’s still-trembling form.

“Liam?” he whispered.

“Hmm?” Liam nuzzled his lips against Cam’s nape.

“Thank you.”

Confused, he shifted so he could look into Cameron’s eyes. “For what, baby?”

“For being so good to me and always knowing what I need.” Cam leaned in, brushing his lips against Liam’s so softly, they barely touched.

“I—”

Beep…. Beep…. Beep….

“No! Not yet!”

Beep…. Beep…. Beep….

“Dammit,” Liam Grady growled as he opened his eyes to the early morning sun peeking through his curtains. He turned his head away and tried to ignore the evil little noisemaker on his nightstand. Even though he knew it was useless, he reached out and smoothed his hand over the cold sheets.

Another damn dream.

Dreams were the only times he felt happy or fulfilled anymore, not that it did him any good, seeing as his perfect man didn’t exist outside his imagination.

Rolling onto his back, Liam roughly rubbed his hands over his face, trying to shake the lingering memory of Cam’s touch. Frustrated with life and his lack of a real relationship, he reached out and pounded his fist down on the demonic alarm clock. Satisfied when it went silent, he flipped the sheets off himself. He was annoyed, but not surprised, to see the mess he’d made. It was worse than puberty.

He hopped out of bed and stripped himself and his bed before he headed into the bathroom to grab a quick shower before making it down to the store. The Feathered Quill was a small bookstore he owned near downtown and his pride and joy. However, it would not open itself.

An hour later, he walked the aisles of his shop, breathing in the unique scent of paper and ink that permeated it. The aisles were neat and wide, with a few comfortable chairs scattered about for those who preferred to sit to browse. The carpeting on the floor muted the sounds of countless kinds of footwear, but he also had mirrors in various places so he could see around the store without having to crowd his visitors.

Once satisfied with how welcoming it seemed, Liam headed into the back. He switched on the small CD player he’d set up, the speakers in strategic places throughout the store, and was content when the first notes of Mozart’s Für Elise wafted through the store. He grabbed the first case of new books he needed to put out and carried them out to the floor.

The bells Di gave him when he first opened The Feathered Quill still hung on the front door, and when they jangled, he paused as he put out a new set of erotic romances. Moments later, his best friend since they were both in diapers poked her head around the corner. He remained squatting and watched her as she looked around before finally noticing him. A smile lit up her entire face as she glided over to where he worked.

“Hey, Liam. What do ya got there?” Dianne asked, glancing from him to the tasteful sign designating the area for erotic LGBT romances.

He arched one brow at her but held up one of the books to let her see the cover. “This here’s a book,” he drawled. “Inside it are words, hon. And it’s,” he added with a gasp, eyes wide, “got boys doing naughty things to each other in it.”

She giggled and swatted him on the shoulder before snatching it from his hand. “Brat. I know what it is. I meant who’s it by?” She examined the cover and grinned. “It’s the newest Grey novel! Sweet!”

“Yes, Di, you can get it today, but I already have your copy behind the desk, so hand it over and back away from the smexy boys in love.” He held his hand out, waiting for her to return the book in question.

“Is it signed?” she asked, batting her eyes at him as she finally returned the book in question.

“Duh! I had to order it special, just for you.”

Dianne was all of five feet, maybe. She had blonde hair and bright blue eyes that were made even bigger by the wire-rims she wore, and a smile so big he wasn’t sure how it fit on her little heart-shaped face. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “Thank you, sweetie. You’re the best.”

A small chuckle slipped out as he watched her, glad he could bring her a little joy. His customers and his best friend seemed to be the only bright spots in his life anymore. Once upon a time, he’d considered his dream lover, Cam, to be one of those, but that was back when it was an occasional dream and he was lonely. Now, torn between wanting to live in his dreams and never wanting to dream again, he didn’t know what to do.

“Oh dear.” Dianne peered at him over the edge of her wire-rimmed glasses. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing, Di,” he said, waving off her solicitous question. He knew if he wasn’t careful, she’d be on one of her “save the nephew” kicks. “Now, are you going to stand there all day or help me here?”

“Hmm…. But watching you work is hot,” she countered, leering down at him.

For the first time in months, he laughed loud and long, unable to get the image out of his head. “God, I love you, girl,” he declared, set the books in his hand down, and stood, scooping her up as he did, and spinning her around.

“So good to hear you laugh again. Now, are you going to tell Auntie Di all about what’s bothering you?”

He set her back down and sighed. “Nothing really. I’m just not sleeping well.”

Her eyes narrowed as she scowled at him. “Still with the dreams? We need to find you a real boy. One that’s cute and sweet and hot as hell between the sheets,” she explained, waggling her thin, perfect eyebrows at him as she smirked.

“No more blind dates, Dianne,” he grumbled. He bent to finish putting the books away. He thought back to her last three attempts at finding him “Mr. Right” and cringed. They had been the worst dates of his life. Controlling, whiny, and arrogant were not his thing in friends, much less in a partner. “Please.”

“Fine,” she snapped. “I just want you happy, Liam. That’s all.”

“I know, and I appreciate it, but—” He stopped speaking when he heard the bells jingle again. “Hold that thought,” he whispered before heading to the front of his store to welcome his customers.

The next few hours were a constant barrage of people coming in to browse or to pick up special orders. When things finally settled, he found himself alone in the store, Dianne having left for work a little earlier. He restocked and cleaned a bit. One of the only things he didn’t enjoy about his store was the complete hit-or-miss of when shoppers would come.

He was sitting at the counter doodling idly when someone pushed open the door and entered, smiling. A short, thin man headed straight for him as he called out his greeting.

“Hey, I’m here to pick up a couple of art books for Andy at the Indigo Dragon. They in?”

“Yep. Give me just a second.” Liam had turned to look through the holds on the shelves behind him, when he heard a gasp. He pulled the book bundle and spun to find out what had caught the man’s attention.

Instead of examining a book or one of the little kitschy, impulse items on the counter, the man—John? Jean? No, Jason, that’s it—held the page Liam had been drawing on, his head tilted slightly. Jason’s eyes flicked from the page up to meet Liam’s. “You designed this?”

Liam set the books down and took the paper to see what had caught Jason’s interest. When he looked at it, he realized he had drawn Cameron’s back, butt, and tattoo. He swallowed hard, not liking someone admiring his Cam—No, Cam isn’t even real, so it’s stupid to get jealous!

“Just something I saw once. Looked cool,” he mumbled.

“Dude, you should totally bring this in. Andy or Bass would love to get their hands on this.” He traced his finger down the wings reverently. “Bet it would be sweet on the biceps too,” Jason added as they both stared at the sketch.

“I’ll think about it. Thanks,” he added, retrieving the sketch before ringing the items up and bagging them.

Honestly, he had thought many times over the last few months about having a small version of Cameron’s tattoo put on his body. He had chickened out every time he had considered the whole needles-and-pain thing, though. However, now that someone else had spoken his secret wish aloud, the idea seemed to haunt his thoughts as he set about helping new customers as they entered behind the retreating man.

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“I found it a beautiful tale of unhappiness changed to romance and then love with a happy ending.”

—Rainbow Book Reviews, on “Designs of Desire”

“Designs of Desire is a tough realistic book that is touched by violence countered by the growing love between the two heroes.”

—Sensual Reads, on “Designs of Desire”

“It paints a stunning image of rebirth as Deacon and Kaden’s relationship begins to unfurl, like a rose as it opens its petals to the sun.”

—Carly’s Book Reviews, on “Caged Sanctuary”

“This is my favorite in this series so far. I love seeing how these characters are growing, all of them. As individuals, as couples, as friends, and as a family.”

—MM Good Book Reviews, on “Desires’ Guardian”

“The writer did an excellent job with the characters, they are likable and perfect. Not perfect in the way that they have no flaws, but in a way that they grab you and complement each other.”

—Love Bytes Reviews, on “Temptations of Desire”

“Tempeste created an amazing world for these paranormal species. I got lost in the story and wondering how all the pieces wove together.”

—Molly Lolly, on “Whiskers of a Chance” 

Designs of Desire – Simple Desires*+ – Bound by Desire* – Desires’ Guardian – Temptations of Desire – Truth in Lace* – Desires’ Pride* – Signs of Desire

Micah’s Medicine+ – Caged Sanctuary – Whiskers of a Chance

*shorts in series +shorts in anthologies

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what they couldn’t—defy the hate and come out. He has been their hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic who loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. They has done many things in their life, yet writing has always drawn them back—no matter what else life has thrown their way. They counts her friends, family, and Muse as their greatest blessings in life. They lives in Wisconsin with their children, reading, writing, and enjoying life—especially now that they have joined the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence® (as Novice Sister Eroti-Quill… can’t imagine where that name came from).

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, WisRWA, and Rainbow Romance Writers. Tempe’s preferred pronouns are they/them/their/theirs/themselves. To learn more about Tempeste and their writing, visit http://tempesteoriley.com.

Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog

Tempeste’s Temptations (FB Group)

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Rent Me Series in Review Week: Rent Me, book 1

Rent Me
Series: Rent Me
Author: Brina Brady
Genre: M/M Erotic BDSM Romance
Publisher: Brina Brady
Release Date (ebook/print): May 27, 2014
Release Date (audio): June 9, 2015
Length: Novel 436 pages
Length (audio): 12 hrs and 5 mins
Add to Goodreads

Russian mobster spanks his rent boy. Ouch!

Rent Boy Brennen wants to belong to his lover Dmitri Dubrovsky. The Russian mobster controls every inch of his life in and out of bed. Brennen works for Dmitri’s escort service. His only desire is to please his lover. When Dmitri marries Nika, his lover moves him out of their home to an apartment in Beverly Hills and tells him nothing has changed.

What is Brennen going to do now?

Brennen does not understand his lover’s Russian culture not allowing homosexuality. Two different cultures and age difference clash.

Amazon eBook

Amazon Print

Audible

Warning: This is a Gay adult consensual story focused on themes of corporal discipline punishment and explicit sex with light elements of BDSM between adult men over the age of eighteen.

This was the very first Brina Brady story I ready (won’t be my last, I assure you!) and from the very first, I was hooked. The story isn’t ‘pretty’ and the relationship isn’t ‘easy’ or even ‘healthy’ in many ways, but for these two men, it’s the only way for them to live, love, and eventually find their happiness… together. This is a hard book at times but it’s hot, OMG is it H O T and Brina doesn’t pull in punches whether it’s sex, discipline, or any of the characters going a little off the rails (don’t worry, they always find their way back).

With Rent Me, we see the story of Brennen, a young man that is seeking a way to understand his lover, come to terms with what it means to be the lover of a Russian mob boss, and deal with his own inner demons. Yeah, and this all while attending law school. Then you have the mobster Dmitri who is well… honestly, while I wanted to beat the man regularly, I loved him to pieces. I can’t really explain him without giving you the whole story—yes, he’s that complex.

Overall, this is a story that is gripping, hot, deep, and will not only keep you turning the pages all night, you might have to take a few “personal release” breaks before you’re finished reading. It’s a great read and made me hungry for book 2, Own Me (review tomorrow).

Dmitri pounded his fists on the table and said, “Now, you are being disrespectful to me.”

“Well, you are siding with all our enemies.”

“What the hell are you talking about? You are under my protection and in exchange, I asked you to respect me. And if you disrespect me, I am in charge of the consequences. You agreed to this. Do you remember our written agreement?”

“Yes, I remember. Sorry if I was disrespectful, but I feel you don’t treat me like an adult.”

“Sorry is not good enough this time. For your punishment, you have three choices. Your first choice is to quit being an escort. Your second choice is for me to take you back to Adrik. Your third choice is to give your consent to be whipped with my belt and it won’t be play discipline.”

“I can’t believe you want to bring me back to Adrik.” Brennen shook his head. “I’m not quitting my job. Especially now since you are married. And you are not going to punish me with a belt. You’re my boyfriend.”

Dmitri got up from the table, picked up the red apple timer on the stovetop, and set it down in front of Brennen. When he had gotten into trouble, Dmitri and Mischa used the timer for time-outs. The timer was their way of giving him some quiet space to think about what he had done wrong.

“Why a belt? Brennen looked up at Dmitri.

“Did you think I would discipline you with our play paddle?”

“But Adrik used to hit me with a belt.” He was annoyed at his own whining voice.

“It’s punishment. Quit your damn escort job, then.”

“I can’t believe you are doing this to me,” Brennen said.

“You have twenty minutes to decide which punishment you want. You only have three choices, but if you don’t accept any of the choices, then you are choosing to walk away from me as your lover.”

“You don’t mean this, do you?” Brennen asked.

“Have you ever known me to lie to you?”

“No.”

“I will always take care of you, but you will no longer be my lover if you don’t choose one of the three punishments. Our relationship is based on me being the top man who makes the rules and you are the bottom man who follows the rules. You knew this when we became lovers.”

Dmitri set the apple timer. “You have twenty minutes to decide.” He left him alone in the kitchen with the red ticking frying pan clock.

Why was he doing this?

Brennen knew Dmitri could force him back to Adrik. But even if he made him go there, he would probably be able to run away. He did not want to take any chances. No, that was not an option, and Dmitri knew that.

Dmitri playing God again.

This was all about Dmitri forcing him to quit the escort job at the agency. Brennen was not going to quit his job. He loved it, and it made him feel good about himself. But to walk away from Dmitri as his lover was not what he wanted either. The only thing left was to give consent to be punished with the belt. How hard would he hit him? The timer continued to tick along with the clock on the wall. His nerves went to hell.

Dmitri entered the kitchen as the timer buzzed. Brennen covered his ears and slapped it. He picked the apple timer up and returned it to its proper place.

“What have you decided?” Dmitri asked.

I read and write M/M Gay Erotica/Romance novels.

I am a retired high school teacher with a Master’s Degree from California State University of Long Beach and UCLA.

I taught various high school subjects including the following:world history, math, Algebra, Careers, CAHSEE prep, Independent Studies,science, Adult School, Orientation, and even middle school for three years. Let’s not talk about the middle school experience. I prefer teaching high school seniors.

During the day, I read and write. I enjoy taking writing classes in my spare time.

Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Cookies anyone…?

As many know, my youngest is a gender fluid girl scout (and I couldn’t be prouder of her!) Today is her 1st day selling cookies! Anyone love Girl Scout cookies and want to help her meet her cookie goal?

Click to order http://ow.ly/3z5Ssb

 

#RainbowSnippets: Dreamers’ Destiny – 02/13/2016–02/14/2016

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

My snippet is 6-ish sentences from my upcoming book, Dreamers’ Destiny, due out in April 2016 from Dreamspinner Press. Dreamers’ Destiny is m/m, erotic romance. (I refuse to acknowledge the sounds as words for this weeks snippet… and that may or may not be after creative punctuation, lol – please ignore and enjoy!)

Oh, and 18+ only please

Hope you enjoy!

* * *

“Thank you.”

Confused, he shifted so he could look into Cameron’s eyes. “For what, baby?”

“For being so good to me and always knowing what I need.” Cam leaned in, brushing his lips against Liam’s so softly, they barely touched.

“I—”

Beep…. Beep…. Beep….

“No, not yet!”

Beep…. Beep…. Beep….

© 2016 Tempeste O’Riley

* * *

Blurb:

Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dreamwalker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.

Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.

Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.

* * *

Follow along at Rainbow Snippets, founded by Charley Descoteaux for all the great teasers!

Cover Reveal: PATIENCE by Grace R. Duncan

Patience
Forbes Mates, Book 2
Dreamspinner Press
Cover by Reese Dante
Release date: 3/7/2016
230 pages
Preorder: ebook: http://bit.ly/1mgLZwP paperback: http://bit.ly/1UODapT

Blurb:

Jamie Ryan was almost ready to accept he’d never find his destined mate. They’re uncommon to begin with and same-sex versions downright rare. Since his gay best friend found a destined mate, Jamie figured he was out of luck. Until end of semester stress forces him to go through the full-moon shift early. Stuck in wolf form, he runs into none other than his destined mate. Who’s human.

Chad Sutton has always had good instincts. They served him well as a detective and continued on when he went private. Those instincts tell him there’s something about the dog that comes up to him while running away from animal control that isn’t quite right. He works to put the pieces together, but is unsuccessful until his dog turns into a human before his eyes.

Jamie has no idea what a shifter mate bite will do to a human. He’s terrified to try—and possibly kill his mate. They hunt together for answers while working together on a case for Chad. It’s easy to see they belong together, but Jamie fears the gods gave him someone he can’t keep.

Excerpt:  

Jamie threw back another shot and set the glass on the bar. It was days like this that made him wish to hell his metabolism wasn’t so damned fast. Thanks to his wolf, there wasn’t much he could do. His body processed alcohol almost as fast as he could drink it.

It didn’t help that he’d been feeling out of sorts the whole day. After his last final, he’d loaded the rest of his things from his dorm room into his car. All through it, he’d felt just… off. He couldn’t wait until he got back out to pack lands and Tanner and Finley’s house. They both insisted he take one of the spare rooms when he wasn’t on campus.

He hadn’t wanted to at first. He wasn’t sure he wanted to sit around and watch Tanner and Finley be loving and physical. It wasn’t so much that he still had feelings for Finley. He didn’t, thank the gods. It was more of a different sort of jealousy. Now that he’d seen what it was to have a mate, he wanted one of his own—badly.

Tanner and Finley had tried to set him up with their friend the pack doctor, Miles. While Jamie could admit Miles was most definitely hot, with his long red hair and lean physique, Miles wasn’t his destined mate. And they got along well enough, but he didn’t even feel the interest with Miles he had with Finley. Luckily for both of them, Miles felt the same. They’d been able to occasionally fuck and be good friends, but that’s as far as it had gone.

Thankfully, Tanner and Finley weren’t as bad as he’d expected. They kept most of their physical stuff to their bedroom, with the occasional touch and kiss in front of him. So going back there for holidays and breaks wasn’t as bad as he’d been afraid it would be.

And now he wanted nothing more than to get on the road and make the hour-and-a-half-in-traffic trip back. His wolf had been prodding him for a while, and he needed to shift and run, let him loose.

Jamie tried to think of the last time he’d shifted outside of the full moon. When he realized he wasn’t sure, it made sense that he was so antsy. He was rather surprised he hadn’t started chasing the mailman down the street or chewing on his roommate’s slippers. Their kind had an unfortunate tendency to display horribly doglike behaviors—in human form—when they didn’t shift often enough. The worst of the side effects included full-blown attention deficit issues. Considering he was at the tail end of his junior year in college and squeaking through finals, Jamie counted himself lucky he’d managed to keep from any of that.

The prodding was undoubtedly the reason he was feeling out of sorts. His wolf prowled just under the surface, and he wondered if he shouldn’t just tell his friends good-bye and head home.

“Come on, man! You’re being a lightweight tonight,” his roommate, Dwayne, said, shoving another shot at him. “You usually drink all of us under the table.”

“I gotta drive home, dude,” Jamie said. He wasn’t about to explain that it didn’t matter how many shots he had, he could sober up in no time and still drive.

“You can crash on my couch,” Troy offered.

Jamie turned to his other friend and shook his head. “Naw, it’s okay. I guess I can do a couple more.” He picked up another glass and lifted it to his lips, then stopped when he realized the fine hairs on the back of his hand weren’t quite so fine. He blinked, confused, since his vision was still normal.

Right then, the colors faded to grays. Jamie downed the shot quickly and closed his eyes, pretending to struggle to swallow the liquor, trying to fight his wolf back into its place.

Not yet. Just a little longer.

When he opened his eyes, the color was back, but his wolf was even closer to the surface. He glanced at his watch—a digital with the moon phases on it, just in case—but the full moon was still more than two days away. The date didn’t seem to matter, though. Jamie was losing the fight against his wolf, and he needed to get out of there—fast.

“Dude, you okay?” Troy asked, peering at him.

Dwayne was grinning from the other side. “I think he finally had one too many.”

Jamie jumped on the excuse. “Uh, yeah. Something with that last shot. Need some air. Sorry.” With that, he hurried out to the street and took a deep breath. Unfortunately, Forbes Avenue in the heart of Oakland—Pittsburgh’s college district—wasn’t the best place for fresh air. All he got for his trouble was two lungs full of exhaust and a burning nose. He knew better—he’d been fighting the stench of city for most of the last two years—and he cursed himself for doing it anyway.

Shaking his head at himself, he darted past the Dunkin’ Donuts and the door to The O, then around the corner, looking for a quick place to hide. His vision turned gray again, and he struggled to hold his wolf back at least until he could get hidden. He ducked into the alley just beyond the building and let out a breath.

Before he could think of how to handle this, his wolf broke through, and Jamie found himself forced through the shift. His gums itched as his teeth dropped, his claws extended, and fur erupted over his skin. His bones and muscles realigned, and seconds later, he landed on four paws.

He shook himself hard and gave himself just a moment to savor being in his fur again. But this was not the place for him to be in wolf form. He was too far away from Schenley Park, or any other park, for that matter. Never mind the fact that wolves didn’t wander around in city parks. They weren’t even truly native to this region, much less would they be found in a park completely surrounded by city.

He prodded his wolf, trying to nudge him back so he could take his human form again. However, his wolf refused to relinquish control. Jamie struggled, trying to internally reason with his wolf—if he could go back to human, he could get home to the forest and shift for a while. His wolf wouldn’t listen. He was getting truly worried now, when his human side couldn’t pull the lupine side back.

No matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to get control. Huffing, Jamie sat and considered his options, though there were very few. He could keep trying to shift, but he suspected that would be an exercise in futility. He could try to get to his car… except there was no way he could get the door open, even if he could get down the street and through the garage unseen.

He turned to his clothes and nosed through the pile of denim scraps that used to be his jeans. He managed to pull his phone out with his mouth, but the screen wouldn’t recognize the touch of his paw. Not that he knew what he’d do anyway. Call Finley, maybe. But that obviously wasn’t an option.

He looked toward the street but knew that was a bad idea, no matter how much he wanted to get away. Until he was human again, he didn’t dare risk venturing out of the alley. That left the other direction.

Jamie looked down at his clothes, then left them to explore the short distance to the back wall. He found milk crates, a huge trash compactor, the currently raised bottom of a fire escape, a couple of recycling bins, and not much else. A door that presumably led into the kitchen of The O sat in the wall to his right. At the end of the alley, it turned in an L-shape into a tiny parking lot Jamie hadn’t known was there.

It was dark enough no one should be able to see him, so he figured his best bet at this point was find a spot in the corner and wait. Hopefully, after some rest and time in his fur, his wolf would let go and he could get back into his human skin.

He nosed open one of the recycling bins first. It took a couple of trips, but he got his clothes, shoes, watch, phone, and wallet into the bin. Even if they ended up in a dump somewhere, he didn’t want them just lying out on the ground where someone could steal them. Once he was human again, he could fish them out, but until then at least they were out of sight.

He found a quiet spot under the fire escape and behind the door to settle in. With a sigh, he lay down and rested his head on his paws to wait.

* * *

If you haven’t read it yet, now would be a great time to check out Devotion, Forbes Mates #1 and where you get to meet Jamie first. Find out more about Devotion and see how you can get Tanner and Finley’s story here: http://www.grace-duncan.com/devotion .

* * *

Grace Duncan grew up with a wild imagination. She told stories from an early age – many of which got her into trouble. Eventually, she learned to channel that imagination into less troublesome areas, including fanfiction, which is what has led her to writing male/male erotica. A gypsy in her own right, Grace has lived all over the United States. She has currently set up camp in East Texas with her husband and children – both the human and furry kind. As one of those rare creatures who loves research, Grace can get lost for hours on the internet, reading up on any number of strange and different topics. She can also be found writing fanfiction, reading fantasy, crime, suspense, romance and other erotica or even dabbling in art.

Find Grace here: Website ◊ Facebook ◊ Twitter ◊ Youtube ◊ Goodreads

#RainbowSnippets: Dreamers’ Destiny – 02/06/2016–02/07/2016

 

My snippet is 6-ish sentences from my upcoming book, Dreamers’ Destiny, due out in April 2016 from Dreamspinner Press. Dreamers’ Destiny is m/m, erotic romance. (I refuse to acknowledge the miscount of this weeks snippet… and that may or may not be after creative punctuation, lol – please ignore and enjoy!)

Oh, and 18+ only please

Hope you enjoy!

* * *

Cameron squirmed, pushing up against Liam. “Lee, please don’t tease.”

He chuckled, loving how ready Cam always was for his touch. “Just taking my time, baby. Can’t get enough of your taste… of you,” he added and nipped Cameron’s side.

“Then taste me lower,” Cam panted, raising his ass as much as possible with Liam still sitting on him. “I know how much you like eating me… please, Lee.”

© 2016 Tempeste O’Riley

* * *

Blurb:

Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dreamwalker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.

Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.

Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.

* * *

Follow along at Rainbow Snippets, founded by Charley Descoteaux for all the great teasers!

#RainbowSnippets: Dreamers’ Destiny – 01/30/16–01/31/16

Follow along at Rainbow Snippets, founded by Charley Descoteaux for all the great teasers!

 

My snippet is 6 sentences from my upcoming book, Dreamers’ Destiny, due out in April 2016 from Dreamspinner Press. Dreamers’ Destiny is m/m, erotic romance. (I was a little creative with my punctuation to make it 6 sentences, lol…)

Oh, and 18+ only please

Hope you enjoy!

* * *

He caressed Cam’s neck and shoulders before he moved down Cameron’s back again. Liam molded a palm over one bare buttock. With the other hand, he stroked up and down Cam’s back… up and down. His fingers paused on different spots of the tattoo and then started again. Liam bent forward, tracing the intricate design with the tip of his tongue. The hint of sweet skin and musk burst across his taste buds, drawing a groan from deep within him—he never could get enough of this man. 

© 2016 Tempeste O’Riley

* * *

Blurb:

Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dreamwalker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.

Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.

Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.

* * *