Tempeste O'Riley's Blog, page 16

Cover Reveal: WHISKERS OF A CHANCE by Tempeste O’Riley

Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give Keith and Jason their chance at love?

Whiskers of a Chance
by Tempeste O’Riley
M/M Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Release Date: September 30th, 2015 (ebook/print)
Length: Novel

Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.

Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.

When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?

PreOrder from Dreamspinner Press

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Excerpt:

“Jason?” Keith asked after a few minutes of lying there quietly, holding Jason around his waist.

“Hmm?”

“I’m sorry,” Keith mumbled into his shoulder.

Sorry? “What for?”

“I’ve never lost control like that. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he continued. “Be still and I’ll clean you up.”

Jason lay there, trying to figure out what Keith was referring to, but his mind drew a blank. All he could think about was how wonderful and perfect being with Keith felt. When Keith returned with a warm cloth and a towel, he wiped the spend and lube off Jason from his navel to the top of his butt. He then produced another cloth and dabbed carefully along Jason’s hip.

“Ow!” Jason snapped and pulled away. Confused, he looked down and noted not only the marks he knew would be finger-shaped bruises shortly but also four puncture marks just above his hipbone. “What the hell?”

“I, um…. Be still and close your eyes for a moment,” Keith murmured, not meeting his gaze. “Please.”

Even with the evidence that Keith could, and had, hurt him, Jason still felt safe with Keith. He nodded and closed his eyes, unsure why he did so. He gasped a moment later when Keith’s tongue ran up his hip, slowly tracing the small cuts. Every time Keith licked him, he moaned as a flash of heat ran up and down his spine in a way he’d never felt before. The logical part of his brain wanted to push Keith away, knowing that human mouths and wounds didn’t mix; the rest of him told that part to shut the hell up and enjoy the moment.

“All better.” Keith’s voice was soft and tentative, which it hadn’t been since they’d met.

Jason opened his eyes and met Keith’s, again falling into the depths of the oceans within. “What?”

“I’ve waited for you, waited for so long to find someone like you, and when I do, I go off and hurt you the first time we’re together.” Keith whispered as if he were talking to himself, not Jason, which confused him even more.

“I don’t understand, Keith.”

“I know, just please believe me when I say it wasn’t intentional.”

Jason thought about it before he nodded. “It’s just a scratch, Keith. I’m the one who pushed you to be rougher. Now,” he added, looking around the room, “you think we could find a more comfortable place to cuddle than the floor?”

He didn’t want to move, but the cold tile wasn’t doing anything good for him. Keith helped Jason pull off the stubborn pants still clinging to one ankle. Jason then let out a yelp when Keith fluidly stood and proceeded to scoop him off the floor and carry him to the couch. Keith sat and pulled Jason between his thighs so Jason’s back rested against his chest and loosely wrapped his arms around Jason’s waist.

“Um, you have no drapes and we’re both still naked.”

“The only window with a view to where we’re sitting now is yours, so unless you have someone at home,” Keith rumbled, his tone turning possessive, “I don’t see the problem.”

Knowing Keith couldn’t see him, Jason smiled, pleased at the words and tone. “No, no one lives there but me. Not even a pet, unless you count my laptops,” he mumbled, post-sex lethargy claiming him quickly.

“Good—now rest, Jay. We can talk later.”

The last thing Jason felt and heard before sleep claimed him was Keith’s warmth and what he could have sworn was a cat purring.

Other Books By Tempeste:

♥ Designs of Desire ♥ Bound by Desire ♥ Desires’ Guardian ♥ Temptations of Desire ♥ Truth in Lace ♥

♥ ♥ Grand Adventures ♥ Hope & Love ♥ Caged Sanctuary ♥ ♥

About the Author

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. Though new to writing M/M, 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.

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.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Dreamspinner

Facebook Page * Facebook Group – Tempeste’s Temptations * Tumblr

RELEASE DAY: “Glamour Blade” by Áine P Massie

Reality and perception aren’t always what they seem.

Sometimes the greatest hope is found when two hearts find their truth and their home.

Title: Glamour Blade
Author: Áine P Massie
Series: House Millar, #3
Publisher: Encompass Ink, Teen
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 18, 2015
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Purchase: Amazon

When Rory Ó Cuinn, a Sidhe warrior, is sent by the Sidhe Queen’s Council to reestablish the magically enhanced vampire hunters known as Guardians, he doesn’t question his mission.

Lord Lorccán is a rare vampire noble, as he only kills humans who are far more monster than not. When he meets the enigmatic vampire Mistress Anya from the House Millar, he believes he’s found an ally in creating a warrior class to police the vampires and protect the innocent—human and vampire alike.

The two goals bring Rory and Lor together, in more ways than one. But Sidhe nobles aren’t meant to love the damned and Rory fights against a rising attraction for Lor, just as Lor pushes every one of Rory’s buttons—mostly on purpose.

When they team up, using both their magics and knowledge, to save those that matter most and find possible future Guardians, their predesigned realities and perceptions change and twist. As love, hate, passion, and betrayal collide, the only question left is which emotions the pair will grasp and hold.

Excerpt

I gently squeezed the hand that still held mine. “Lorccán, could we adjourn to the study? I want to spend more time getting to know my charge and hopefully I can then figure out the strange reaction you both have had to the vampire girl.”

“I already told you, Piscín, my home is yours. The study would be fine, as long as Dec doesn’t mind.”

“No, I’m game.”

We stood and headed to the study where I had spent most of the day before.

“Oh, hey. You do realise that there’s no one here to yell at us for acting up?” Declán suddenly chirped, grinning from ear to ear at Lorccán, as they proceeded me into the study.

The growl that suddenly burst from Lorccán was frightening. All at once he turned and pounced at Declán. Dec spun with amazing speed for a human and managed to use Lor’s strength and weight against him. When they landed, Declán was on top, attempting to pin Lor’s hands to the floor.

Before I thought about it, I had silver blades in hand and surged forward to protect Declán. Dec suddenly shifted from straddling Lorccán to crouching over him protectively, his own blades suddenly appearing in hand. “Stop! Put your blades down now, Rory! Don’t make me have to fight you, please. I will if you push.”

I stopped to process Declán’s words against what I’d just witnessed. “But, he attacked you!” I countered. “Why are you protecting him?”

“He was not attacking me. Rory, he was reacting to what I’d said. Now, put your blades away. I don’t wish to fight you, but I will not allow you to harm Lor.”

Lorccán had gone still as only a vampire could, eyes wide with disbelief. “I would not attack Declán. You misunderstand. We were playing. We found out the first time we met that he without his blades, and me without my fangs and power, are actually pretty closely matched. Anya found it amusing, but his husband always becomes upset; convinced I’m either incapable of control or trying to seduce the lad. Nicholas is far too possessive and jealous for us to play or practise if he’s nearby.”

Looking back and forth between the two, Declán had not moved from his defencive stance over Lorccán yet, I tried again, “But the growl. The surprise attack. But—”

“Why would I defend him if he was attacking me?” Declán interrupted.

“I don’t know, but as you serve vampires and a House, mate with vampires, even guard them at council meetings…how would I know why you would protect a creature that was attacking you?”

Lorccán’s face crumpled at my words. He went from a look of disbelief to one of hurt in an instant, then turned away from me. Reaching up to shift himself from under Declán, he murmured barely above a whisper, “Creature? You truly believe I would try to kill Dec? I know you’ve only known me a couple of days but—” Shaking his head he stood with such swift motion, I froze.

“Declán, you are more than capable of educating your trainer in how things are for you. You do not actually need me here for this. I will speak with you later.”

“Lor,” Declán said as he grabbed Lorccán’s arm. “He doesn’t understand yet. He’ll learn to see you like we do.”

Lorccán gave a tight nod, then was gone.

Book 1: http://smarturl.it/amazon-BV
Book 2: http://smarturl.it/amazon-BM
Short story: Dinner for the Dead is part of the Hope & Love anthology: http://smarturl.it/HopeLove
Book 3: http://smarturl.it/GlamourBlade

About the Author

Áine P Massie is originally from Florida, she now lives in Wisconsin where she works on her House Millar series full time while raising four children (the term herding cats comes to mind). Her major in College was Childhood Education (specializing in ages zero to five) with a minor study in Deaf Culture/ASL. She is also a Wiccan priestess dedicated to the gods, family, and love.
Áine is a proud member of the Rom-Critters, the Romance Writers of America®, WisRWA, and Rainbow Romance Writers. Áine has always had a particular fascination with vampires, mythology, and the unusual. When she can escape from her children and books, she enjoys… oh yes, reading, playing, ritual, a good cappuccino, and working with her healing stones.
Her first published work came in high school where she was part of a writing and drama group. However, she has been reading the likes of Shakespeare and Poe since late elementary school and enjoys most forms of fiction.

Social Contact

Site – http://smarturl.it/apmassie

Blog – http://smarturl.it/housemillar

Author FB – http://smarturl.it/apm-fb

House Millar FB – http://smarturl.it/HM-fb

Twitter – http://smarturl.it/anya-twitter

Google + – http://smarturl.it/apm-g

Cover Reveal: “Devotion” by Grace R. Duncan

Will Tanner realize he’s wrong and claim his mate before Finley’s devotion is gone?

Devotion

Published by Dreamspinner Press

Release date: September 11, 2015

220 pages

Cover artist: Reese Dante

Preorder:  http://hyperurl.co/xje1c8

Blurb:

Finley Cooper is tired of waiting for his destined mate to be ready to claim him. In deference to human laws, he’s already agreed to wait until he’s eighteen. But now his birthday has come and gone—and his mate has a new set of excuses. Finley doesn’t understand it any more than his wolf does, and he’s beginning to wonder if fate made a mistake.

Tanner Pearce wants nothing more than to claim his mate, but he worries that Finley is too young. Tanner will never forget what happened when his best friend mated at Finley’s age, only to have that mate end up feeling trapped and breaking their bond. While rare, it can happen, and the fallout Tanner witnessed as his best friend tried to deal with the break has haunted him for years.

When Finley finally has enough, he threatens to find someone who will claim him if Tanner doesn’t, and Tanner realizes he needs to come to terms with his fears or risk losing his mate forever.

Excerpt:

Finley fumed silently in the passenger seat the whole way back to his parents’ house. He was tired of waiting. Two years of being put off by his mate, the one the fates had chosen for him. Two years of intense sexual frustration—jacking off provided very little relief—knowing who he wanted, who he should have, but not being able to have them. He wasn’t about to go fuck someone else, not when he had a mate—even if he didn’t have the man—but he was tired of not having him, of not having anything.

Two years of watching the one person who wasn’t supposed to be able to walk away from him… walk away from him. Time and time again.

He held on to his anger as long as he could. He wasn’t going to give in to the other stuff until he was in his room, away from his parents and sisters, and Tanner had left again and was far enough away that it wouldn’t transmit over their bond. He’d always bemoaned the distance limitation of it, loving that feeling of connection, however light. But now he was glad for it because he couldn’t let Tanner know how all this was feeling. He couldn’t. He could not let Tanner see how much it hurt to be rejected over and over and over again.

He was beginning to wonder if Tanner really wanted him. He didn’t understand why Tanner couldn’t see that he could get all those experiences and still be mated. That he didn’t want those without Tanner. That he wanted to be with Tanner when he succeeded in school, wanted to see Tanner’s pride in him for doing well.

He knew, eventually, Tanner was going to be alpha, and, as the alpha’s mate, there’d be responsibility to go with that. But Tanner’s father wasn’t anywhere near ready to step down. It would be quite a few years before that was even an issue. As long-lived as they were, Tanner’s father, at forty-two, was still considered young as far as shifters go. They had time for that.

So he couldn’t figure out why. Tanner’s excuses were just that: excuses. The only thing Finley could get from them was that Tanner didn’t really want him and hadn’t figured out how to tell him yet.

Oh, he knew Tanner wanted him physically. The few times he’d managed to get Tanner to kiss and make out, he’d certainly felt Tanner’s response. Like in the club, Tanner was usually as hard as he was. But he couldn’t get so much as a mutual hand job out of the man, much less anything more.

He didn’t understand it. He did get why they waited until he was eighteen before doing anything, even if he didn’t like it. There was no way they could end up in a human jail. Their wolves couldn’t take that kind of captivity, and when they spontaneously shifted from the stress… well, that just wasn’t going to work. So he’d waited, because he knew there was always the chance someone from the human high school he attended could call and even his parents couldn’t get them out of it.

But the waiting was killing him. Especially since he had a lot more invested than his dick. He’d long since fallen in love with his mate, long since added his heart to the mix. And knowing that love wasn’t returned was eating at him.

He’d started his little trips to the clubs right after he’d turned eighteen and Tanner had started giving his new excuses—college, experiences, the whole pile of crap. So Finley had decided he needed to try to push things, provoke something more out of Tanner. He wanted to see if he could get Tanner to do something.

But so far all he’d gotten was the occasional dance, like tonight, and more often, annoyed looks, a lot of sighs, and being dropped back off at his parents’ house while Tanner went home. Alone.

And Finley went to bed to jack off. Again.

He couldn’t even seem to get anything possessive out of Tanner. Tonight, his grabbing the blond guy’s hand had been the first time anything like that had happened. Most of the time, Tanner just grabbed him and dragged him out of the club.

Finley was tired of waiting. He was tired of dancing around this shit. He was tired of being put off. He was eighteen, hadn’t so much as touched another guy’s dick, much less had sex, and he was sick of it.

Most of their kind were mated at this time. He knew some were waiting longer, usually because they went to college and the like. And Finley might have happily gone off to college and taken another four years—if he hadn’t met his destined mate and this hadn’t felt so urgent.

But it did and he was going crazy from it. It was time to force the issue. If Tanner didn’t want him, it was time to find someone who did.

He wanted his destined mate. He wanted the man he was in love with. But he could, and would, sever the bond that they’d started and form one with someone new.

Someone who wanted him.

Maybe it was time for a change of scenery. No one else in their pack was gay, much less interested him. In fact, the only other two teenagers his age had both been jocks in school and very much not someone he hung out with. His grandparents had been hinting that they’d love for him to visit, and his grandmother—who didn’t seem to understand the age thing either—had been going on and on about this new “pup” in their pack who was gay.

When Tanner pulled up in front of Finley’s house, he couldn’t bring himself to say a word. He climbed out, slammed the door, and went in the house without looking back.

He called to his mother to let her know he was home, then took the steps two at a time. Once he was in his bedroom, he stripped to his boxers, curled up on his bed, stared at the ceiling. He listened for Tanner’s car to pull out of the driveway; then he’d give in, let the memory of their meeting fill him as it seemed to do so much these days. And once Tanner was far enough away, he could let the rest of his emotions out.

* * *

Preorder Devotion today: http://hyperurl.co/xje1c8 !

* * *

About the author:

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

#BDSM #BlogHop 2015

Bondage & Discipline, Domination & submission, Sadism & Masochism

BDSM encompasses so many things. It’s understandable why someone who has never participated in it might be confused about what it truthfully entails. We’d like to set that straight. For every person involved in what we call the Lifestyle, there’s a different way of doing things. However, no matter where you go, you’ll encounter a few basic tenets and the folks who are participating in our blog hop would like to show you how some of these things really work.

Welcome to this years BDSM Blog Hop! The hop will run for a full week and yes, I will be posting more than once. One of the things I try to do in my writing is give everyone a chance at love. Period. In December of last year, I published “Caged Sanctuary” my first BDSM romance. I hate the word first in this case as I actually consider “Designs of Desire” to be my first, but there is a misconception that many have. There is the incorrect belief that BDSM is all about abuse. There is also a strange belief many outside the Life have that says only hard core pain, servitude, bondage, etc. is real BDSM.  (Oh, and yes, Designs has it’s kink, lol, just look at the follow up, “Bound by Desire” for their collaring ) I have a major problem with that, but I’ll get on that soapbox another time, lol.

Sometimes a person is submissive, but either won’t or can’t do the harder things. That doesn’t mean a Dom into sensation play isn’t a real Dom simply because he doesn’t use a flogger or paddle. There is only one right way to live the Life, a BDSM one…. Do you know what it is? It’s all about what is right for the participants. Not what others want. Not what you saw or read or dreamt. The only right way to participate in a scene or lifestyle is the do what feels good, what excites and satisfies the participants.

And, since many of you know about my mobility and joint issues (which yes, has sparked more than one MC in my stories, lol), I’d like to add the following questions to the mix. What do you do if the sub that’s caught your eye happens to have a disability? What if the submissive has suffered abuse or has PTSD? What if you have to make accommodations for the sub? Do you pass him or her over simply because they aren’t able to do things the way you are accustomed to requiring of your boy/girl/pet/etc.?

Or…. What if the Dom has the disability? What if s/he can’t or won’t do certain things because of their health, past, etc? These are things I believe often get lost in the fun and kink of it all for some. In “Caged Sanctuary”, Kade is a sub who lost the use of his legs thanks to being gay bashed. He’s a strong man, but as far as being a sub, he doesn’t believe he is desirable to a Dom. He can’t kneel, he can’t stand, he can’t do…. fill in the blank. But when he finds a Dom that wants him, that doesn’t care about the accommodations and such, he’s afraid to believe. I’ve included a little teaser of right after the first time Kade truly get’s to fly, and gets to see for himself that he’s still the same submissive he was before, and that yes, he can still serve.

Excerpt

Deacon chuckled at how eager his boy was to see himself all trussed up. Smiling, he excused himself and returned shortly with his laptop. He had downloaded the images from his digital camera and had the shots ready for Kade in the photo viewer.

“I took three. One before we began but after you were decorated and bound with the ropes, the other two are later.”

“Why two later?” Kade stared at the computer, not taking his eyes off it, though Deacon hadn’t turned it so he could see the images.

“Let me show you. I think it will be obvious why when you see them.” Deacon settled on the bed next to Kade and turned the screen so Kade could see. The first was as he’d stated, of Kade tied to the bamboo pole, taken at an angle to see how open Kade was in that position, the intricate latticework of the silk ropes, and how he was blindfolded with his arms bound above him.

The next drew a gasp from Kade. He was in the same position, but the hand prints from the initial spanking and the flogging of his back were clear in the shot, as was how he strained his arms and back up as if seeking another strike. “That’s….”

“Gorgeous? Sexy as hell?”

Kade nodded as he reached out to trace one finger down the spine and along the legs of his image. “I don’t look broken like this.”

Deacon knew he was frowning, but didn’t care. “You’re not broken, Kaden. I would happily throttle the asshats that convinced you otherwise.”

“And the last one?” Kade asked, showing no sign of having heard Deacon.

“The last one is my favorite of the lot.” Deacon tapped the pad on the laptop again and the image changed.

Again, Kade hadn’t really moved much, but now the cane striping was clear on. His back was also streaked with Deacon’s spend. He had promised himself he wouldn’t enter Kade that way the first time in scene, but he’d been so hard he hurt and couldn’t resist adding his come to the beautiful marks on his boy. In Deacon’s personal opinion, Kade was the most beautiful sub he had had or seen.

“Oh, my…. You can see that I’m flying, my tears,” Kade whispered, voice reverent.

The odd watery tone made Deacon look at Kade again. When he did, he realized tears streaked Kade’s cheeks. “Oh, my sweet boy, why are you crying?”

“Never thought I’d fly again, much less be able to serve like this.” Kade quickly wiped at his eyes, turning away from Deacon. “Sorry.”

Deacon took a firm hold of Kade’s chin, pulling gently until Kade faced him. “Do not ever, and I do mean ever, apologize for being you. For serving me so perfectly. For feeling joy. Tears are not a sign of weakness,” he added when Kade seemed confused. “Your joy, your pain, your pleasure, all belong to me whether I’m right there with you or not. You’re my boy now.” Deacon dipped his head to take Kade’s lips in a soft kiss, hoping to show his boy how much he was wanted and how much he pleased Deacon both in and out of scene.

© 2014 Tempeste O’Rilely

Giveaway

I’m offering up an ecopy of any of my backlist to a random commenter who leaves a note with their comment/submission (pun intended, lol) that tells me what they believe makes BDSM the fun, sexy, passion it is for so many.

Also…. There’s a BlogHop Grandprize….

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

To follow along with the hop (and for more chances to win some great goodie) visit….

WIP it Wednesday: “Whiskers of a Chance”

I can’t believe my first paranormal is coming out soon…”Whiskers of a Chance is due out in Sept/Oct of 2015! (Oh, and I just got the preliminary work on the cover and *swoon* am so in love with!)

*Kermit flail*

As promised, I’m sharing a little more from my upcoming baby. This story started out as a short. Yep, I tried to write a short that was not an add on. I’ve only managed that twice and in both cases, I plan to go back and write those into full books this year or next, lol. So yeah, me and short stories just don’t work.

That said, I couldn’t leave poor Keith and Jason to languish, so I reworked the short and let the full story unfold. I hope you will like the outcome!

So, in the vein of 6 Sentence Sunday (which is where you all got to learn about Designs of Desire if you recall, lol) I thought I’d start showing off little snippets. This one isn’t 6 sentences, but it’s close.

Adam Skyler’s expression was stoic, as always, but the energy pouring off him was bordering on violent. Keith waited for his father to respond; knowing Keith would get what he wanted, though not certain what the cost would be yet. One did not simply do things without the great and mighty Adam Skyler, Alpha of the Glacier Rim Tribe, giving his approval… except when he and Taylor did.

“Why are you only bringing this to me now, Keith? You know how I feel about your sister’s wild ideas of living with the humans. It’s dangerous!”

“Other tribes live—”

In case you didn’t catch it already… the blurb for Whiskers:

Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.

Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.

When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?

If you missed last weeks snipped, click HERE to catch up.

Supreme Court rules states must allow same-sex marriage

Washington (CNN)In a landmark opinion, the Supreme Court ruled Friday that states cannot ban same-sex marriage, establishing a new civil right and handing gay rights advocates a victory that until very recently would have seemed unthinkable.

The 5-4 ruling had Justice Anthony Kennedy writing for the majority with the four liberal justices. Each of the four conservative justices wrote their own dissent.

The far-reaching decision settles one of the major civil rights fights of this era — one that has rapidly evolved in the minds of the American pubic and its leaders, including President Barack Obama. He struggled publicly with the issue and ultimately embraced same-sex marriage in the months before his 2012 re-election.

“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice and family,” Kennedy wrote. “In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were.”

http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/26/politics/supreme-court-same-sex-marriage-ruling/index.html

WIP it Wednesday: “Whiskers of a Chance”

So,”Whiskers of a Chance is coming out in Sept/Oct of 2015!

*Kermit flail*

I’m super excited as this will be my first paranormal romance. I thought I’d share a little starting now about my upcoming baby. This story started out as a short. Yep, I tried to write a short that was not an add on. I’ve only managed that twice and in both cases, I plan to go back and write those into full books this year or next, lol. So yeah, me and short stories just don’t work.

That said, I couldn’t leave poor Keith and Jason to languish, so I reworked the short and let the full story unfold. I hope you will like the outcome!

So, in the vein of 6 Sentence Sunday (which is where you all got to learn about Designs of Desire if you recall, lol) I thought I’d start showing off little snippets. This one isn’t 6 sentences, but it’s close

Keith Skyler sat in the hard, high-back wooden chair across from his father, Adam, fighting the desire to scowl at the ignorant male. It was bad enough to be called into his office like a recalcitrant child, but to have to sit in the uncomfortable chair while Adam sat in the plush office chair irked him even further. The positioning was deliberate, to remind Keith that his father had the power, as if he didn’t know that already. “What part of ‘Taylor and I are moving to one of the outer areas of town’ don’t you understand? You insist that since Taylor is without a mate, she needs me to live with her. You also demand it so Zeke can have a male figure in his life, at least until Taylor or I mates. She wishes to move closer to her work, as do I.”

Oh yes…. Did I show you all the blurb for Whiskers? No? Well, let me fix that right now

Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.

Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.

When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?

“The Geek and His Artist” and A little Showcasing of Characters!

Hello! Thank you so  much to Tempeste O’Riley for the blog space today!

I am an unashamed gamer. I love love love playing video games. I have limitations—I get vertigo if I spend too much time in first person—but I still love to play. Many of my characters are gamers. I just can’t resist them.

One of the games I love to play is The Sims 3. I’m what they like to call an architect. I love to build and decorate houses. I also love to create my characters in The Sims. It’s a way to give myself a visual of each of my guys—sometimes even more than the main characters.

I wanted to share the guys from The Geek and His Artist with you today.

First up is Jimmy:

Jimmy Bennet, age 17.
Birthdate: February 23, 1998
Height: 6’6” Weight: 198 lb. (beanpole!)

He is patterned after a friend of mine from high school who was just as tall and skinny as Jimmy is from Geek.

Next is Simon Bennet, also age 17.
Birthdate: June 21, 1998
Height 6’1” Weight: 150 (dripping wet), at least at the beginning. He gains a few pounds once Jimmy’s mom starts feeding him.

Character Development and “Fire and Ice” by Andrew Grey

Hardest thing about character development?

For me, one of the tricks of character development is to choose a name. Names are important and when developing a character, having the name tells me a great deal. I like my names to evoke a feeling about who the character is. When I wrote A Wild Ride, I knew who Dante was as soon as the name came to me. The same is true of Carter and Donald, (Ice)Ickle.

But I think the most difficult thing is determining what their flaw is and how to use that flaw to make the story more interesting and further character development and change. That goes to the heart of the story and can take time to develop and make sure is clearly defined in my head. However once I have done that and have the roadmap I want to follow, the character becomes clear and fleshed out for me. Then at that point, I have a real story with the meat I love.

Title: Fire and Ice
Author: Andrew Grey
Series: Carlisle Cops (Book 2)
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: May 25, 2015
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Length: 200 pgs 
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Carter Schunk is a dedicated police officer with a difficult past and a big heart. When he’s called to a domestic disturbance, he finds a fatally injured woman, and a child, Alex, who is in desperate need of care. Child Services is called, and the last man on earth Carter wants to see walks through the door. Carter had a fling with Donald a year ago and found him as cold as ice since it ended.

Donald (Ice) Ickle has had a hard life he shares with no one, and he’s closed his heart to all. It’s partly to keep himself from getting hurt and partly the way he deals with a job he’s good at, because he does what needs to be done without getting emotionally involved. When he meets Carter again, he maintains his usual distance, but Carter gets under his skin, and against his better judgment, Donald lets Carter guilt him into taking Alex when there isn’t other foster care available. Carter even offers to help care for the boy.

Donald has a past he doesn’t want to discuss with anyone, least of all Carter, who has his own past he’d just as soon keep to himself. But it’s Alex’s secrets that could either pull them together or rip them apart—secrets the boy isn’t able to tell them and yet could be the key to happiness for all of them.

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“It’s okay,” Carter soothed. He parked the car and hurried around, opened the door, and unhooked Alex from the seat belt. Then he pulled him out of the car and into his arms. He was shaking like a leaf. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Alex looked up at the building and shook in Carter’s arms. A car pulled in behind them, and Donald got out and strode over to where they were standing. “He’s mean,” Alex whispered as Donald stepped closer to them.

“No, he’s not. He’s just—” Carter smiled. “—grumpy.” He tickled Alex slightly, and Alex giggled and wrapped his arms around Carter’s neck.

“I’m professional, not grumpy,” Donald said and walked toward the front door of the hospital.

Carter followed along behind. “He is grumpy,” he said to Alex and walked inside.

Donald was already at the desk, and after a few minutes, he returned and motioned them to the chairs. “We need to wait, but it shouldn’t be long. I used your name as well.”

Carter looked at the woman behind the desk, and she smiled brightly at him. He sighed and sat down. Alex stayed on his lap, and Donald sat next to him. They didn’t talk, but every few minutes Donald shifted nervously. Carter kept his attention on Alex, but every few minutes he couldn’t help taking a peek at Donald in his suit and tie, all buttoned up.

Carter knew the exquisite body that lay hidden under those clothes. He and Donald had… well, they’d had a fling, a one-night stand that had ended up stretching out over an entire weekend a year earlier. It had been hot, sweaty, and Carter had thought well worth repeating as many times as possible, but obviously Icicle hadn’t. As soon as the weekend was over, Carter realized just why everyone referred to him as Ice, because Carter didn’t just get the cold shoulder; he’d had his nuts frozen off completely.

“You can go on through,” a nurse said when she came out to get them. Carter stood and followed her, still carrying Alex.

“I can take him. There’s no need for you to spend your entire evening here with him,” Donald said and carefully reached for Alex. He didn’t try to bite him again, but he most definitely was not happy, and after a few moments, he simply began to cry. Not whimpers, but out and out wailing, with tears of desperation.

“It’s all right. I’ll stay with him. Maybe he’ll calm down.” Alex practically jumped away from Donald and back into Carter’s arms. That seemed to settle things, and they walked together to an examining room.

Carter laid Alex on the bed and hoped he’d stay there. Thankfully it seemed comfortable enough, and Alex stayed still. Carter found the switch and dimmed the lights. Alex yawned, and Carter held his hand. Eventually the little guy fell asleep. “I have no idea how long he’s been awake.”

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Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

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#Interview w/ #GuestAuthor Keelan Ellis

Interview with Guest Author

Keelan Ellis
Under The Same Cover

Thank you for stopping over to visit, Keelan. In case my lovely readers don’t know who are—though I’m certain they all do… right guys?—I thought I’d do a little sit-down visit with you and help us all get to know you a little better.

I strive to write stories that feel true, with real human emotion and a sense of humor. Also, with cute boys making out with each other.

What makes your stories different from other authors out there? 

There are a lot of terrific authors in this genre. I’m new to it as a writer, and I guess I’m still working on distinguishing myself, but it’s always been important to me that my characters talk to each other like real people who have real relationships, that they joke with each other and get mad at each other in ways that ring true. I’ve been in my share of relationships, and I draw on all of them when I write. 

When did you first consider yourself an author?

I’ve considered myself a writer since I was a child, but I didn’t consider myself an author until I’d finished writing my first book. That book is currently unpublished and undergoing a rewrite, but I was still very proud of myself for finishing it. 

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do to get past it?

I suffered terrible writer’s block after finishing I’ll Still Be There. I felt paralyzed as to what I should work on. I had a million ideas that all seemed great, but when I tried to start any of them, they seemed to dissolve like dust. I tried a bunch of things, including asking friends for prompts for short stories, writing fan fiction, taking time off. None of these things worked. The only thing that made a real difference was setting aside a scheduled time and forcing myself to write. There’s nothing to it but to do it, apparently. I also had to let go of a lot of perfectionism and insecurity about what I was writing, and move forward even when I wasn’t sure it was good enough. Sometimes you just have to push past that, and you can always go back over it later. 

I was asked a great question recently and thought I’d ask it of my visitors as well… If your writing was translated, which would be your preference:  TV, movie, play, or Broadway?

I think this particular book would work best as a movie, but most of what I write would make great television, in my opinion. I am a huge fan of TV at the moment, and I appreciate how the medium allows the writers to explore a story so much more deeply. They’re able to include characters and details that a film would never have time for. 

Does your family know what you write, and if so, how did they react when you first told them what and how explicit your writing would be?

My husband knows what I write, and to be honest I think he was a little weirded out at first. I still haven’t let him read this book, but now that it’s all finalized I’m going to. My kids are way too young to read my writing! 

LOL
Most of mine are too (though my eldest has read a little, I think reading sex a parent wrote, even if the child is well over the age of majority, is icky (or so I was told, lol)).
Have you ever met someone in real life, or a stranger, that you turned into a MC?

Yes, more than once. 

Who is your favorite author and why?

It’s so difficult to choose a favorite, but I will tell you that I always look forward to new Tana French books. She writes the loveliest mysteries with twists that I have never once been able to figure out ahead of time. Her characters all feel very solid, and the plots are beautifully crafted. 

Boxers, briefs, commando? What’s your favorite way to “dress” your man?

I usually go with boxer briefs. Commando has been known to happen, though.

Do you as an author concentrate on one genre?  Or do you feel as though you should try to find your voice amongst the many and various genres?

I have plans for books in a few different genres. This book is part historical fiction, part paranormal, and part contemporary romance. Paranormal isn’t my usual thing–in fact, this was the first time I’d ever tried it–but I found I really enjoyed it. It’s a very freeing genre. 

And just because I love to tease