Tempeste O'Riley's Blog, page 21
November 11, 2014
Together Bound by Elizabeth Noble
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Book 2: Together Bound
Todd and Nick Ruger have settled into their life and work, the master/slave bond in New Colorado tying them together in a sacred rite of service, protection, and—in their case—love. But out of the blue, Todd receives a letter from the vice chancellor of New Colorado threatening their bond, demanding ownership of Nick under eminent domain.
It turns out Vice Chancellor Clarke desperately needs the help of the sentries, especially Nick, to investigate a problem involving the Chancellor. With New Colorado on the verge of war with West Caldera, a rift in the government would be disastrous. Todd and Nick agree to help, and Nick enters the orphan slave compound while Todd joins the Estate security force.
They don’t expect the danger they discover. Now the target of an unimaginable threat, Nick and Todd will face terrors that lead to murder, imprisonment, and the threat of separation forever as the hopeless battle escalates into full-scale war.
TODD’S hand shot out, and he gripped the doorjamb so hard his knuckles went immediately white and his hand and arm cramped.
This wasn’t happening. It wasn’t goddamn happening. No one could do this. It couldn’t possibly be legal. He couldn’t let Nick see this, he couldn’t. Yet he had no way of not showing him. Nick would have to know. Nick was going to freak.
He’d heard the rumors and stories of special slaves for years and had no idea how Nick or his ability were involved, if at all. Todd wasn’t even sure he completely believed all the rumors; they were sketchy at best. Even those rumors didn’t do anything to explain this.
Mind racing, he went through scenario after scenario, not wanting to face any of them and completely panicked by the realization he’d have to face them all.
Pounding on the door made him start and gulp air into his constricting lungs. Three days, the letter said three days; why was someone here now? It took a few seconds for him to process that someone on the other side of the door was calling his name and it was a voice he recognized.
Todd staggered from the kitchen to the front door and yanked it open without checking to see who it was, something he’d never done before. Apparently Nick wasn’t the only one who was going to freak. Todd was well into his own freak-out. His vision swam, and he stood staring at the man in front of him for a few more seconds before choking out, “Jimmy?”
The older man brushed past him and shut the door firmly behind him. Hands gripping Todd’s shoulders hard, Jimmy gave him a slight shake as his eyes scanned the apartment. “Where’s Nick?”
“They can’t do this.” Todd pulled away a step. “No one can do this. They can’t just take him. Can they?”
“Hell, kid, I wouldn’t have thought so. I don’t know. Todd, where is he?”
“Eminent domain is for property, to build roads and hospitals. Not to take people.”
“Todd! Where the hell is Nick?”
Blinking, Todd lifted his gaze from the paper in his hand to Jimmy’s face. “He’s… it’s Sunday.” Jimmy literally snarled at him. Shaking his head, Todd cleared his throat and concentrated. “It’s Sunday. When we’re in town, we get breakfast at a café near here. He went to pick it up. That’s where I get the coffee you and Nick like so much. Nicky loves the coffee….” Todd’s voice trailed off.
Did Jimmy mean to imply they’d snatched Nick off the street?
Gaze going back to the letter, Todd scanned the words again.
Mr. Ruger,
In accordance with governmental rights of eminent domain you are hereby ordered to remand custody of one slave, Nick Ruger, to the Vice Chancellor’s office immediately. Failure to respond to this letter by August 30, 2423, will result in imprisonment.
You are expected to appear with the above mentioned slave in my office upon receipt of this notification.
Vice Chancellor Geoffrey Clarke
“Why are you here?” Todd stammered, focusing more intently on Jimmy.
“Ya damn fool, they sent me one too. I got mine a few days ago. My name is on record on the bill of sale and listed above yours as owner, so I was notified first.”
“We have to…. I have to go meet…. Would they grab him off the street?”
“If they were going to do that, Todd, I doubt very much you or I would get an official letter.”
Todd balled the piece of paper inside his fist and headed to his weapons locker. “I have to go get… make sure…. They can’t just take him. Why? Why would anyone even want to? Have you seen how much he eats?” After checking the load of his pistol, Todd tucked it back into his shoulder holster and dropped that on the bed. He pulled a knife from the locker and strapped it to his ankle.
Everything stopped, and Todd’s vision narrowed down to a pinpoint when the door swung open and Nick lumbered through, a bag in each hand. He kicked off the sandals he wore in the warmer weather and padded barefoot across the floor. The kid simply wouldn’t keep shoes—or a shirt—on no matter what Todd did or said. Why the hell couldn’t Nick wear shoes like everyone else?
“Hey, Jimmy, I had no idea you were here. I can go back and get more.” Nick smiled and set the bags on the low table near the couch.
Todd grabbed Nick with one hand and reached around him with the other, slammed the door shut and locked it, then pulled Nick firmly against him.
“Todd, what’s wrong?”
Nick’s words were cut short when Jimmy reached out to put a hand on Todd’s shoulder, making his grip on Nick tighten. Growling low in his throat, Todd stepped away from Jimmy, hauling his mate with him. He knew this was going to send Nick all sorts of alarm signals. Todd rarely was physically demonstrative in front of others; yanking him away from Jimmy was only going to fuel that fire.
When Todd’s hand fisted in Nick’s hair, tugging him even closer, Nick squirmed in his grasp. “Todd… ow… you’re hurting me….”
“Did you have any problems getting back?”
“No. Why would I? Todd, you’re scaring me.”
“Were you followed?” Jimmy asked quietly.
“Followed?” Turning in Todd’s arms so he could talk to Jimmy but maintain contact with Todd, Nick glanced from one to the other. “What’s going on? Did I do something wrong?”
Pulling air into his too-tight chest, Todd knew he had to calm down or he could never explain this to Nick. There was no way to keep it from him, as much as Todd desperately wanted to. Nick was going to be freaked out enough for the both of them. Todd needed his head screwed on straight, and he needed it that way fast. Moving his hand away from Nick’s hair and brushing his thumb over Nick’s cheek, Todd whispered, “No, Nicky, of course not.” He had to get control of this situation right now. “Sit down, Nicky.”
“But what’s—”
“Sit.” Todd kept his voice low but firm, leaving no doubt it was a command, not a request.
One final glance at Jimmy, and Nick walked quietly to the overstuffed chairs and sat down. He wouldn’t move until given permission. Todd rarely invoked such control, but when he did Nick obeyed him completely and without question. He locked his gaze on Todd with wide, frightened eyes.
Not knowing how to say it, Todd simply held the letter out to Nick for him to read. Tears sprang from Nick’s eyes. He sucked in a breath and let the paper flutter to the floor. “You promised me.” Nick’s words came out in a sob. “You promised no one would ever take me away from you. Now you’re going to just hand me over? Todd? Please? You promised.” He was pale, shaking, chest heaving, with tears running unstopped down his cheeks.
Nick actually thought Todd would follow through with this? That just pissed him off. Vice chancellor or not, this asshole had no right to do this to Nick—to them. Nick shouldn’t have to worry about being forced away from his master and his home.
“God, Nick, no! Never, I’d never do that. How many times do I have to say it? Do you really believe I’d so much as give something like that a second’s worth of thought?” It was a knee-jerk reaction on Nick’s part, that Todd understood, but it still hurt that Nick would think he’d be so easily and quickly given up.
“No. I-I’m… I don’t know what I think.”
“I showed you so you can help me work this out.” Todd settled on the arm of the chair and laid one arm across Nick’s shoulders. At once Nick’s long arm snaked out and circled him, Nick’s wide hand spread open against Todd’s side. Nick pulled himself as close as possible with the chair arm between them.
“Todd.” Jimmy spoke quietly. “You’ve been asking the important question: why would the vice chancellor, or anyone, for that matter, want to do this? Why would they even think of doing it?”
“We can’t let them,” Todd said.
“You promised if anyone tried, we’d go away. We can pack up and go away.” Nick looked up, fingers digging into Todd’s waist and his grip tightening.
Anger swelled again in Todd’s chest. This was wrong. “Do you like this apartment, Nick? Our home? Going to the café and the other places I take you?”
“You’re more important to me than those things.” Fresh tears threatened to spill down Nick’s cheeks.
“Aww… Nicky, you’re way more important than those things, but why should you have to give them up? Why should we? We didn’t do anything wrong. We didn’t break any laws. We’ve done everything we’re supposed to, and that bastard has no right to take what we have away.”
“What are we going to do?”
That was a question Todd didn’t have a ready answer to. “I don’t know, buddy.”
“You boys stay here. The main library will be open soon. I’m going to see what I can dig up on Vice Chancellor Clarke.”
“What are we supposed to do, just sit here?” Todd stood but didn’t move far from Nick.
“You’re a helluva lot safer here.”
“You mean me,” Nick said quietly, gaze focused on his knees.
Todd sighed. “This isn’t your fault.
“Look.” Jimmy crossed the room. “We don’t know that someone isn’t watching you or won’t try grabbing Nick. You’ve got a stack of newspapers over there. Go through them and see if you can find any clue as to what this guy wants Nick for.”
Nodding, Todd followed Jimmy to the door, closed it softly behind him, and checked twice to be sure the locks were in place and secure. “Guess we’d better get at it.” He pulled the newspapers off the floor and dropped them onto the kitchen table. Dipping his head at the bag Nick had abandoned when he came in, Todd sighed. “We might as well eat while we do this.”
Nick stood and grabbed the bag, again recognizing Todd’s subtle command, for which Todd was grateful. To him it meant Nick’s trust in him hadn’t diminished or even been tarnished. He set the bag on the table beside the papers and sat in one chair. Todd pulled the items out and set Nick’s in front of him. “C’mon, Nick. You’ve got to eat, and there’s no sense in letting good coffee go to waste.”
“I’m not really hungry.”
“Nicky, eat. We’re going to work this out. Don’t worry. Please?”
Nick nodded, pulled his plate closer, and grabbed up one of the newspapers. Todd crossed to their study, took a couple pads of paper and pens, and returned, setting one down for Nick and one for himself before swinging into his own chair.
Hours later, Nick had moved to the couch and was half asleep with a newspaper spread over his chest. Todd had decided a break was in order and was fixing them sandwiches when Jimmy reappeared. He took Todd’s offering of a sandwich, biting into it as if he hadn’t eaten in days.
Gaze drifting to Nick, Jimmy smiled fondly. “How you guys doing?”
Todd shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck. “Okay, I guess. Did you find anything?”
“Yeah, this Clarke guy is the squeakiest clean politician ever.”
“That’s about what we found out too. There’s nothing on him in any recent news that might account for that letter.”
Nick sat up and blinked at them. He shoved the paper away and ran a hand through his hair a few times. “There are some odd reports about the chancellor and a few incidents at the Chancellor’s Estate.”
“We’re going to have to go talk to this man. I’ll send a message to the office here in town in the morning.” He turned from Nick and faced Jimmy. “You’re welcome to stay here with us.”
“Naw, you two need to be alone, and I’m not very good at being a guest. There’s a small hotel a few blocks over. I’ll stay there.” After patting Todd’s shoulder, Jimmy crossed the room and grabbed Nick’s foot, giving it a shake. “Make sure he behaves himself.” He winked at Nick and tipped his head toward Todd.
Smiling up at him, Nick nodded. “Yes, sir.” He fell silent until Jimmy had left and they were alone once again. “Todd?”
Todd slid onto the couch beside him, brushed Nick’s bangs away, and kissed his forehead. “You remember the rules of being a hostage?”
“Yes. Blend in, keep up my strength, follow their rules.”
“Right. If this is some trap, you keep your head. If we get separated, I will come for you. Got it?” Todd suppressed a shiver, remembering Nick’s words when he’d thought Todd had died. I wanted to be with you. “I’m not dead until you see my body.”
“Yes.” Nick nodded soberly. “I don’t want to go see that man.”
Todd sighed. “Me either, but I don’t see that we have a choice. He wants you for something, and I just keep coming back to one thing: you’re a sentry and owned by a sentry. We’re sentries, and if he’s in trouble somehow, or even if he just thinks he is, then it’s our job and our responsibility to help him. But this thing goes south, if it’s some kind of trap or not a hunt, we’re gone. I promise you, Nicky.”
They spent the rest of the evening preparing to leave in a hurry if need be. Their night was far from restful. A line of thunderstorms rolled through after midnight, making Nick even jitterier. Todd gave up on any sleep and was up before dawn. He wrote a reply to the vice chancellor, left Nick a note, and slipped out of their apartment.
The early-morning air was cool and still damp from the earlier storms. Later there would be heat and humidity, but now in the grays and golds of morning, the air was fresh and clean. He headed to the messenger depot a few blocks away, pleased to find a few already on duty. His short note requesting an appointment on its way to the vice chancellor, Todd hurried back home, not liking the idea of leaving Nick alone for too long. His message would get to the vice chancellor’s office probably before it was even open, so he was expecting an answer later in the morning.
When he stepped through his apartment door, Nick was just wandering out of the bathroom.
“I sent a message. I imagine we’ll hear back this morning sometime.” Todd kept his voice soft. Nick nodded, lifted a towel to his head, and rubbed it over his hair. He crossed to the closet and pulled out a pair of loose-fitting cotton pants with matching shirt for Nick and dress pants and shirt for himself. “We should probably wear something nicer than jeans. They’ll search us for weapons—none are allowed in the government offices without permits—so keep your eyes open, stay on your toes.”
“All right.”
Todd watched as Nick dressed, admiring how Nick’s shoulders and arms filled out the material that just accentuated enough the V formed by broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. The outfit was dark green and offset Nick’s eyes and skin tone beautifully. The pants fit snugly around Nick’s waist, but the material draped straight down off his hips, which somehow came off as incredibly sexy. Nick knew how much Todd liked seeing him in those clothes, and Todd figured it would give Nick an extra boost of confidence. The material was light enough that even in the heat of the day, he’d be comfortable. It had the added advantage of being loose enough that if any sort of fight broke out, Nick’s movement wouldn’t be constricted.
They were nearly done with breakfast when there was a knock on the door. Todd saw how the color dropped from Nick’s face and how he gripped the table edge until his knuckles turned white when Todd opened the door and a messenger handed him an envelope.
“I’m supposed to wait for a reply.” The girl was maybe twenty. She smiled at Todd and leaned in the doorway as if that might impress him.
Barely glancing at her, Todd nodded. “Okay, give me a few minutes.” He let the door swing shut and glanced over at Nick. “He wants us to meet him at his office at eleven.”
Nick bit his lower lip and nodded tightly.
After writing his reply that they’d both arrive at the vice chancellor’s office at the requested time, Todd gave the note and a tip to the girl waiting in the hall. She took the money, let her eyes trail up and down Todd, pouted, and left. Shutting the door, he couldn’t help rolling his eyes and shaking his head.
“We’ll stop by the hotel Jimmy’s staying in, let him know what’s going on. I’ll give him an extra key too. Any trouble, you know to go to him.”
“Yes.”
Todd was going to be a much happier man when they arrived across town and got this whole stupid mess sorted out.
Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.
Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess named Rosie, and two cats, Murphy and Yeti. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe!). When she’s not writing she’s working as a veterinary nurse, so don’t be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives.
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November 10, 2014
Cover Reveal: Dismantling Evan by Venessa Kimball
Happy Cover Reveal Day!!!!!
I have been eagerly waiting to share Dismantling Evan’s cover and blurb with you for weeks now! Today is the day and I have a few giveaways to celebrate with you!
In this post, I am sharing not only the cover and blurb for Dismantling Evan, but the musical playlist I have spend the last five months building, listening to, being inspired by while I have written a story that has taken me through so many emotions, so much research, and so much heartache, anger, and joy (sometimes simultaneously).
The thing about Dismantling Evan is that it is not a typical teen contemporary novel. This is not a genre driven piece of fiction. It is most definitely a literary driven piece of fiction because of the social issues addressed in the novel and how they reflect on our society, which is far from what I have written in the past. (For those of you who have read my paranormal sci-fi series will agree when you read D.E.)
Okay, okay! I have made you wait long enough….here is Dismantling Evan’s breath-taking cover (SK Whiteside- you are amazing!) and the much awaited back cover blurb.
Are you intrigued?
Anyone that is a teenager, has a teenager, or was a teenager long ago will find themselves in the the pages of D.E. at some point and that is why I fell in love with Evan’s snapshot of a not-so-average teen living with baggage in a very typical and sometimes intolerant society.
January 13th can’t come fast enough for me! squeeeeee!
For those of you that LOVE book trailers for novels, I have one for Dismantling Evan to share.
Still intrigued (Oh, and curious about THE GIVEAWAY in the title of this post?
ME TOO!CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN1 OF 2 $20.00 VISA GIFT CARDS&
1 OF 3 VENESSA KIMBALL BOOKS SWAG PACK (INCLUDING D.E. SWAG)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you have trouble accessing it there, here is the link to my Facebook fan page Giveaway tab
https://www.facebook.com/VenessaKimballAuthor?sk=app_228910107186452Want to put D.E. on your To Be Read list onGoodreads?Here is the link!https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23008767-dismantling-evan
Want to connect via Twitter and Facebook?
Twitter:
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Make sure to check out www.VenessaKimball.net as well for updates, book signings, new projects, and more in addition to the information on my blog.
Marked Yours by Elizabeth Noble
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Book 1: Marked Yours
Three hundred years ago, natural disaster reformed the face of North America, and the people who lived in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains would never be the same.
Now, the master/slave bond in New Colorado has become a sacred rite of service, protection, and, sometimes, for the lucky, love. Nick and his intended Master, Todd Ruger, a sentry of the territories, have grown up knowing that they were pledged to this bond. They’re looking forward to the ritual with both excitement and trepidation—it’s something they’ve prepared for their entire lives. But New Colorado’s institution of slavery has made dangerous enemies on a frontier fraught with trouble, and they are unprepared for the trials their new relationship will face. Their bond needs to grow very strong, very fast if it’s going to survive the collision of old superstition, new beliefs, and the ever-present danger of the natural and supernatural frontier.
PERHAPS one of the most difficult things in Todd Ruger’s life was waking up that morning and not pinning Nick down and showing the boy just how much he wanted him. After spending years watching Nick grow from afar, the only thing he’d been able to think of these past months was what having Nick would be like. He’d waited for what seemed like forever to receive Nick. He reminded himself again that to do this right would be worth it. While the kid was shy and unsure, he did seem to want to please Todd. More importantly, he seemed to like Todd.
Todd lay quietly, watching Nick as he woke up. Long limbs that carried a decent amount of muscle moved slowly. Sometime during the night he’d pressed his cheek to Todd’s shoulder, which brought out a surge of protectiveness and possessiveness Todd hadn’t known he was capable of. He stretched, and Todd watched how muscle slid under smooth skin. Nick yawned, opened his eyes a crack, and smiled, making Todd’s breath catch in his chest. Nick’s hair hung in wisps over his face. His almond-shaped eyes were deep pools of hazel Todd could easily get lost in. Todd was relieved; a good bit of the fear he’d initially seen in Nick’s face and eyes had dropped away. Now he simply watched Todd patiently.
He wasn’t sure what he liked more—Nick’s soft, gentle eyes or his sweet smile and dimples.
Brushing some of the rebellious strands from Nick’s face, Todd asked, “Sleep okay?” Wrapping his head around the thought that this marvelous creature beside him was his, would share his life and—hopefully—bed made him dizzy. He could force Nick, of course. He owned Nick, and Nick was obligated by law to do whatever Todd wished. But that wasn’t how Todd wanted this to go. He didn’t want to instill fear in Nick, as he’d seen in others’ slaves. He didn’t even want a slave. Todd wanted a partner, someone to count on and who’d count on him. Earning Nick’s trust was far more important to Todd than beating him into submission.
Nick had responded so well to Todd’s experimental touches and words yesterday, and seeing him smile like he had made Todd’s heart beat wildly. He’d been so surprised by Todd’s small gestures of care, it made Todd realize how much his own life was lacking in the affection they were both so obviously starving for.
“Yeah, I did. Did you?”
“Oh yeah.” Todd stretched and sat up. He needed to move away from Nick or crawl inside him. He poked his head outside, turned, and grinned. “They’re still out cold. We can get cleaned up in peace.”
Nick scooted across and out of the wagon and followed Todd to a small stream.
“I’ve been here lots before.” He pointed to a small bend in the stream and an outcrop of rocks. “We’ll have more privacy over there.”
With Nick in tow, Todd picked his way over some rocks and along the stream bank until they were out of sight and hearing of the others. Nick followed amiably. Todd watched how his eyes darted everywhere, taking in every detail of their surroundings. His life might have forced him to melt into the shadows and be unseen by society, but Todd realized this boy didn’t miss a thing.
From the day he turned twelve and Nick’s binding to him was initiated, Todd grew up knowing he’d have this person in his care, be responsible for him. Discovering that Nick wasn’t a mindless dolt brought Todd a definite sense of relief. If push came to shove, in any situation, he was sure Nick could hold his own. That eased Todd’s fears about what would happen if he and Nick were ever accidentally separated in a dicey situation. Todd knew Nick had been raised to be Todd’s property, but what Nick probably didn’t know or realize was that already he was becoming Todd’s most prized possession. Todd was more and more looking forward to tomorrow. They’d be home and alone to get to know each other.
After relieving himself and keeping a keen ear out for Nick, who’d disappeared behind a tree, no doubt to do the same thing, Todd peeled his coat and shirts off, leaving just his jeans and boots on. Nick followed suit and stripped to the waist. They were both shivering, and their teeth were chattering when they’d washed, though Todd seriously enjoyed the view of Nick’s muscled body glistening with water droplets.
Just as he yanked his T-shirt over his head, Todd heard movement through the bushes. He lifted one hand to his lips, telling Nick to keep quiet. Nick nodded; he understood. Moving slowly, Nick pulled his own clothes on and glanced around. Todd eased his pistol from the shoulder holster that was gripped in his hand. He only marginally relaxed his stance when a man stepped through the trees and brush.
“What are you doing here, Ruben?” Todd lowered his gun but didn’t put it away. He shot a quick look at Nick, who’d finished dressing and stood motionless, watching Todd and the other man.
“Just came to check on you boys.”
“We’re fine. Go back to the wagons.”
Ruben gave Todd a look that made him wonder if his pants were zipped. He had to concentrate on not squirming under the other man’s intense gaze. Stepping around Todd, Ruben moved closer to Nick.
“Thought maybe you’d be sharing some of this fine stock you’ve gotten yourself.”
When Nick didn’t move away, just stood there staring at Ruben, Todd felt a swell of pride. This boy—his boy—was definitely no pushover. If Ruben intimidated him, he certainly wasn’t showing it. Todd was doubly pleased when he realized Nick already trusted in Todd enough to follow whatever choice Todd made for them.
Just as Ruben reached out to run a hand down Nick’s face, Todd closed the distance between them and smacked Ruben’s hand away. Todd’s eyes met Nick’s, and he saw a flash of relief, and something else, in the younger man’s eyes. “I don’t share well,” Todd ground out.
He kept Nick well away from the others until they broke camp. He didn’t trust them; he wasn’t even sure he trusted his father. As they continued on their trip, a cold wind whipped up. For the first part of the day, Nick quietly watched the scenery go by. He looked thoughtful, worried. Todd didn’t know what to say to him, or if he should say anything. He simply let the incident blow by.
Finally, Nick spoke.
“Thank you,” he said very quietly.
When Todd glanced sideways at him, Nick huddled down into the heavy shirt.
“For what?”
“What you did this morning.”
Todd patted Nick’s knee, drew in a breath, and sighed it out long and slow. “Nicky, like I told you yesterday, it’s just you and me. I’m not handing you off to anyone. I don’t believe in that shit. They’re a bunch of assholes, and honestly, my father, even though he’s a great hunter, he’s not much better. You stay away from them. And if they or anyone else ever lays a hand on you, I want you to tell me.”
Nick nodded.
“What is it you can do?” Todd asked. “I was never clear on that.”
“I can see when someone has evil inside.”
“What’s it look like?”
Nick shrugged. “Mostly black. Sometimes a person’s face looks funny, distorted, frightening. Once when I was really little, I saw the evil leave a girl and she died. My village thought I’d done something. If you… your father hadn’t put in a bid for you and me to….”
When Nick swallowed hard and his voice trailed off, Todd nodded. He understood. Nick would have likely been killed. Todd shifted the reins to one hand and put his arm around Nick’s shoulders, tugging him closer. “It’s cold,” he muttered, pleased when Nick nudged into his side and relaxed against him. “Have you practiced using your ability to see evil?”
Nick shook his head, and Todd felt how his hair rustled softly against his coat. “I was told it would be important to your family; that was why they let me live.”
“Okay, we’ll work on it and figure it out. I grew up being told I’d have you and there was an ability you had I could use and that without the right master you might not survive.”
Todd felt Nick shift so he could look up at him, but said nothing. Their ride was quiet but comfortable to Todd, with Nick leaning against him as if they’d known one another forever.
Their camp was tense that night, and Todd was happy they’d be back in the city by midmorning the next day. He told Nick to stay with their wagon while Todd got their food for the night. He’d seen how the other men, his own father included, watched Nick, watched him. Waiting until his father was closer to his own wagon and alone, Todd confronted him.
“I want to do this my way. You said—”
“I said”—John turned to face Todd fully, hands gripping a branding iron already turning red—“that I’d see what I could do. This has to be done. You know that, and Nick does too. We have to follow what the city elders want, and they want it done before he’s in the city.”
“Fine, but not like this. He’s just starting to trust me. The only thing he probably knows is he has to wear my mark. Not—” Todd pointed to the large iron. “—not that.”
John’s jaw clenched. “You’re talking like he’s someone. He’s property, nothing more than horses or cattle.”
“He is someone. Hell, I’ve seen the work those two do!” Todd shouted. His arm shot out, pointing at two other men sitting with Ruben. Branders. “It’s cruel, not necessary, and he could die.”
“Then he’ll die. I’m sorry, son.”
Todd’s only warning was John’s eyes dropping. Grabbed from behind, Todd was thrown off guard. He kicked out, hitting nothing but air. There was one of him and eight of them. “Nick! Run!”
“Todd, stop it!” John snarled at him. “You’re making it worse.”
Nick looked up, bewildered. His eyes widened for a few seconds. He didn’t run. In fact, he stood up and clenched his hands to fists. “What are you—”
“Nicky, run! I mean it. Run now!” Todd glared at his father and then at the other men. “There’re better ways.” He bucked and kicked wildly, trying for freedom. “Hurt him and I’ll—”
“Shut up.” One of the other men, someone Todd had known since childhood, shouted and hit him hard enough in the side of the head to make his vision explode in a starburst of color for a few seconds.
Todd was tied and shoved against one of the wagons, and then tied to it. A rag was wadded up and forced into his mouth, but that didn’t stop him from shouting obscenities at them. Nick had just begun to trust him, and now they were doing this. What Todd had built between them was going to be wrenched away in a few brutal minutes.
With Todd out of the way and Nick having no idea what was coming, Nick was easy prey. Four men descended upon him. While Nick tried to rip his arms from their grip, he didn’t hit any of them. Striking anyone was a death sentence to slaves. His shouting turned to pleading when he was dragged to a spot near the center of the wagons and forced to his knees.
One of them grabbed him by the face and forced a bottle of whisky into his mouth. “Believe me, boy. You’ll thank me for this.”
Todd shouted threats and pleas. If Nick vomited, he’d drown.
Stripped to the waist, Nick was tied spread-eagle on the ground. Ruben yanked his belt off and strung it around Nick’s neck. When the first brand was pressed to Nick’s left wrist and he howled in pain, shouting for Todd, Ruben pulled the belt tight, cutting off his air. A second, matching brand was put to Nick’s right wrist. Todd saw how Nick’s eyes went wide with terror and pain when one of the men took the larger brand John held.
Putting one foot on Nick’s chest, the man held up the iron and turned it, inspecting it closely. His face split into a grin as he pressed his foot against Nick. In the next instant, the brand was driven down and held against Nick’s chest. His entire body bowed up as far as the restraints allowed, and his scream shattered the night air.
Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.
Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess named Rosie, and two cats, Murphy and Yeti. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe!). When she’s not writing she’s working as a veterinary nurse, so don’t be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives.
Website ♥ Dreamspinner ♥ DSP Author ♥ Amazon ♥ Facebook ♥ Facebook Page ♥ Google+
November 5, 2014
Release Day: TRUTH IN LACE Now Available (#FREE)
Truth in Lace
by Tempeste O’Riley
Desires Entwined, #3.5
Gay, Gender fluid, Contemporary, Coming of Age
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: November 5, 2014 (ebook)
Length: Short / 24 pages
Order:
♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ ♥ All Romance ♥ ♥
Add to: Goodreads
Description:
When Alexander James Noble looks in the mirror, he sees a freak looking back at him. Despite his high grades and plans for culinary arts school after graduation, his parents would hate him if they really knew him.
Forced on a shopping trip with his twin sister, Lyric, and her friends, Alex eyes the girls jealously, longing to be able to dress like them—to be them. The constant struggle of being “gender fluid,” wrestling with an identity that seems to change daily, begins to wear on Alex. But all those questions and fears seem more manageable when his sister gives him his first skirt and lace panties.
Excerpt:
ALEX LOOKED around, worried someone might see him watching Lyric, his twin sister, and her girl posse as they did each other’s hair and nails. They took nearly every piece of clothing out of her closet and tried them on, swapping items between the four girls until they all were happy with how they looked.
He sat on his twin bed, glancing over the top of the book he was “reading” to check the mirror again as he looked on with envy. They were allowed to spend time together, doing girly things. He knew, however, if any of them noticed him using the bathroom mirror to look into his sister’s room, they would tattle, claiming he was being a pervert.
Ha! If only they knew. It wasn’t them he was lusting after; it was their clothing and the ease with which they interacted. Girls could be feminine or butch, and no one thought a thing about it. Or, at least his dad didn’t care. But a boy wanting to wear a dress or wishing for pretty shoes or undies? Yeah, hell no. So not okay.
He’d realized about a year ago that girls held no appeal for him, not in the same way they did for the other guys his age. No, it was the boys in his class who had his stupid cock standing up and his stomach tight and fluttery. He’d attempted to deny it, but no matter how hard he tried, girls only held his attention because of how they acted and what they wore.
“Oh,” one of the girls squealed. Candy, he thought. “Wait ’til you see what I talked my sis into buying me.” Alex looked over the top of his book in time to see her proudly holding up a pair of purple lace panties and a matching bra. The huge grin on her face was so full of glee, he wanted to hit something. He knew where that exact outfit came from, having looked at it himself under the pretext of buying something nice for Lyric.
Angry at himself for being a freak, he slammed his book closed, hopped off the bed, and grabbed his coat off the back of his door before he stomped out the bedroom, planning to go for a long walk. Maybe they’ll be gone by the time I get back, he fumed. He got as far as the front door when he heard Lyric behind him.
“Alex? Can you drive us to the mall?”
They both had licenses, but only he had a car. Another stupid double standard, but it was one of the few in his favor. He spun on his heel, intending to tell her he had somewhere he had to be, but when he saw the pleading look in her eyes, he caved. He always caved for her. He was older by all of ten minutes, but when it came to willpower, she ruled all.
He frowned, not liking the idea, but resigned to spending his evening in the stores he could only wish he was allowed to shop in. Hell, it wasn’t that he wanted to be a girl. No, he was perfectly happy with the equipment he was born with; he just sometimes felt fem and wished he could wear the clothes that expressed who he was instead of the wrapper he’d been born with.
“Yeah. I guess, but I’m not a pack mule,” Alex grumbled.
“We know,” Lyric said, and patted him on the back. “Come on, it’ll be fun. We can shop, eat greasy foods Mom would kill us for without getting in trouble, and there’s the cooking store you can browse if you want.” She offered the last part up as a tasty morsel, knowing that was his biggest weakness at the mall.
Alex loved to cook and had already applied to a couple of culinary schools for after high school, determined to have the future he wanted, not the one his dad tried to foist on him. Seriously? What in the world was that man thinking? Bad enough his father had forced him into sports when Alex was younger, determined to “make him a man” but wanting him to go into construction with him—his father was the foreman for the company he worked for—was beyond him.
Alex was almost five-nine, slender but with firm muscles, with the same light mocha skin as his sister. People did not think butch when they looked at him, not if they had eyes and a brain cell or two. He worked hard not to look too girly, though, afraid of what his father would say and do.
“Hey,” Lyric said, snapping him out of his thoughts. “Why don’t you go warm the car up, and we’ll be there in a minute?”
“Yeah. Sounds good, just don’t forget to leave a note. You know Mom and Dad will freak if you don’t.”
“Stupid rules,” she grumbled as she turned and left him standing there.
Shaking off the darker thoughts, he headed to the car. He tried to prepare himself for the annoying music and chatter that taking his sister’s friends anywhere always included.
Other Stories by Tempeste:
Praise:
“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”
“Tempeste O’Riley clearly has designs on our attention with Designs of Desire, a story as heart breaking as it is heart warming.”
—Sensual Reads, on “Designs of Desire”
“The writer did an excellent job with the charactesr, 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”
About the Author:
Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual gender fluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.
Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.
Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, Rainbow Romance Writers, and WisRWA. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com.
Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog
October 28, 2014
Release Day! HEALING by Grace R. Duncan
In a world that’s gone to hell, will you let old fears keep you from the chance at more than just survival?
When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan’s protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other.
Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.
♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ Amazon ♥ AllRomance eBooks ♥ ♥
He should have known better. Under normal circumstances, it was a stupid move, but right here, right now, “stupid” didn’t begin to cover it.
Duncan glared at his leg for another moment, then leaned his head back against the wall. He needed to keep moving. It hurt like hell, but he had to keep going. It wasn’t going to get better on its own. The gash needed to be cleaned and bandaged, and even if the break wasn’t bad, it should at least be braced. And it wasn’t like he could call an ambulance. Or even go into an emergency room.
Well, he supposed he could go into an emergency room, if he was in the city. But like a lot of other people, he avoided the cities whenever possible. And when it wasn’t, he stayed as far on the edge as he could. But even there, it was a dangerous risk. As corrupt as the cities were now, the price of anything was higher than most could pay. He’d heard rumors that, in some of the worst cities, people simply got shot if they couldn’t pay what the thugs in power wanted. It was all rumor, but rumor he wasn’t about to ignore.
So he did his damnedest to stay away.
He’d been stupid to jump off the ledge. Even at only a couple of feet higher than he was tall, the risk hadn’t been worth it. He’d have thought, after nearly three years, he’d learned how to be more careful and not take those kinds of risks. It wasn’t the first time he’d fallen and hurt himself—though, thankfully, the last one hadn’t involved a broken bone. Maybe it should have; he might have learned his lesson then.
“Really fucking stupid, Dun.”
Duncan steeled himself and pulled to his feet, grimacing when the sharp pain shot up his ankle and through his leg. “Fuck,” he muttered, breathing hard through his nose. When he finally focused past the pain, he looked up and noted the position of the sun, the only real indication he had for the time, and figured he had another good hour or two of light. If he was right about where he was, he wouldn’t need all of it. He tucked the stick he’d found under his arm, grimaced when it dug into the soft flesh, but then leaned on it and hobbled along again.
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.
♥ Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ DSP ♥
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GIVEAWAY!
Enter to win an Amazon.com $25 gift card!
Don’t forget to follow the tour for more chances to win! Every comment on the tour is another entry into the Rafflecopter grand prize giveaway!
Thanks for stopping by!
October 22, 2014
A Thank You Letter from me to those I met at GRL
Afternoon!
Now that I’m more alive and recovered from GRL, I have a couple of things I want to say. Don’t worry, they’re good things, promise.
I tend to be more withdrawn the more I lose my self mobility. Being put on crutches 7 years ago was bad enough–the way people changed in how they treated me was heartbreaking! I stopped being a person and became the ‘sticks’ :'(
This summer I went from sticks to a wheelchair and have gotten SO much crap since that I was honestly nervous how people at GRL would react. (Since not using sticks the attitudes of many have gotten worse, yelling as if I can’t hear them otherwise, talking r-e-a-l-l-y s–l–o–w…, ignoring if I need help getting a door open (you’d be amazed how hard that can be even at places that claim to be wheelchair accessible) etc., or one of my personal favs… taking over control of my chair without asking—I’ve been hurt twice that way in the last two months.)…
Well, I can now say with 100% conviction that the people at GRL are some of the most wonderful, patient, and loving people I’ve ever met! Everyone was super friendly and helpful ((OMG the ramps in that hotel grrrr)). No one was anything but helpful, even driving me around or in one case *you know who you are, you wonderful woman* made it where I could use my electric wheelchair instead of the manual as the place was too spread out, too steep, etc.
Ya’ll have given me hope in humanity, hope that there really are caring people out there that can see past the sticks, past the chairs and other devices, to see who we are and not find us wanting!
Thanks to everyone I met! Ya’ll are wonderful, special, (and HOT) people and
p.s. And to those that made it possible for me to sit down at the fire and play Cards Against Humanity (and for me to get back into my chair after) *happy tears* you made my whole month! Thanks so much!
October 21, 2014
From Dreamspinner Press…
September 22 to October 20, 2014
Hidden Gems
These ebooks are 30% off for a limited time!
October 12, 2014
Blog Tour for Through the Years
Thanks Tempe, for hosting me today.
I wanted to talk about another minor character today. Minor in both senses of the word, actually. Not one of the major characters, and not an adult.
Luka was supposed to be basically a mention in the life of one of Edward’s and Gene’s “kid’s” lives. I put kids in quotes because Lauren is really Rob’s daughter, but because of the close relationship between Edward, Gene, and Rob (three of the ‘five musketeers’ from college), Edward and Gene kind of look on her as their daughter too, so Luka, is considered to be their grandson.
Luka is actually adopted after a really rough period in Lauren’s life, but no one makes that distinction. He’s instantly and thoroughly accepted as another grandchild as soon as Lauren brings him home.
Luka is a handicapped boy that Lauren meets while volunteering at a respite home. He has hydrocephaly and Cerebral Palsy and is extremely limited, physically. His love of life, and mischief, shine through from the very beginning, though, even when he has no consistent way of communicating. Something about him calls to Lauren immediately and together, they both heal and grow.
Luka is based on a two real-life kiddos that I know. I’m a special education teacher…have been for decades…so I know quite a few kids with handicaps. Luka is an amalgam of two young boys I worked with. We’ll call them A and B. A was eight years old when I worked with him, and was so physically limited that the only way he could communicate was by looking to the left for ‘no’ and straight up for ‘yes’. Even that was a huge breakthrough. Once we got that system in place, we learned a good bit about the little boy that we never knew before.
Most people looked at his physical form and decided that he just wasn’t ‘in there’ mentally either. That’s a common mistake people make and I’ve found it’s very rarely true. Just because a child is extremely limited physically and can’t or doesn’t communicate, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they are cognitively delayed or that they’re not taking in everything around them. It also doesn’t mean they don’t have opinions.
A, we found, was very opinionated. He had strong preferences for some foods over others, which we had actually found out through trial and error even without the communication system, but with it, he was able to tell us in advance if he wanted his broccoli for lunch today, and whether he wanted his cake with or without ice cream. It seems like a small thing, but he really blossomed once we found a way to give him some control over all those small things in his life that, before eight years old, were just decided for him, not by him.
B, was in a similar boat, though he was much older when I worked with him. He was already 15 years old and no one had ever found a communication system that worked. We experimented all that year and finally found one. There was a system available at the time called a Versascan which resembled a large clock with only one hand. We put pictures around the outside and he was able to use a switch attached to the device to slowly spend the hand until it pointed to the picture he wanted. We started out simple and ended up with a bunch of overlays where the main one would determine which overlay we put on next, and he would keep narrowing down the choices until he expressed what he wanted to do.
On the main overlay, we had “I love” and “I hate” as well as other things. Up until this point, B’s mother had bought Winnie the Pooh everything for him. His room was done in Winnie the Pooh. He had Winnie the Pooh clothes. Mom had even put Winnie the Pooh stickers all over his wheelchair. The first thing B said when he finally had the means was, “I hate Winnie the Pooh.” Through various symbols on the Versascan and a series of yes/no questions, we found out that he wanted Winnie the Pooh replaced with Randy Travis…his favorite country singer as it turned out. His mom was great about it. Over the next couple of weeks she brought in all of his Winnie the Pooh clothes to share with other kids who actually liked the character, and B got a whole new wardrobe with Randy Travis plastered everywhere.
There was another communication story involving B’s love of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” but that’s a story for another time.
Comment below to be entered into the raffle.
Here’s how the raffle works:
I’ve listed the tour stops below and have given either the link to the blog in general or to my post specifically. Feel free to stop by as many as you want. For each stop that you comment on, you will receive one entry to the giveaway. I’ll check all the stops numerous times throughout the tour and will draw five winners on Thanksgiving Day, so even if you come in late to the tour, you can go back through the list and comment on past stops.
I’m giving away five prizes. 1) a signed paperback copy of Through the Years; 2 and 3) electronic copies of Through the Years, 4) your choice of either a signed paperback copy or an audiobook of Living Again (the audiobook won’t be available until December), and 5) an electronic copy of Haunted.
Blog Tour Stops for Through the Years
Blog Stop
Date
Blog Owner
Blog Address
1
October 6
Anne Barwell
http://annebarwell.wordpress.com
2
October 7
Grace Duncan
3
October 8
Jessica Skye Davies
http://jessicaskyedavies.blogspot.com
4
October 9
Shira Anthony
5
October 10
Emma Tett
6
October 11
Kim Fieldings
7
October 12
Bike Books Reviews
8
October 13
Tempest O’Riley
9
October 14
Sean Michael
http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca/
10
October 15
Allison Cassatta
11
October 16
Jana Denardo
http://jana-denardo.livejournal.com/
12
October 17
Louise Lyons
http://louiselyonsauthor.wordpress.com
13
October 18
PD Singer
14
October 20
Shae Connor
15
October 21
Suki Fleet
http://sukifleet.wordpress.com
16
October 27
Charlie Cochet
http://purpleroseteahouse.charliecochet.com
17
October 28
Elizabeth Noble
http://www.elizabeth-noble.com/my-blog
18
October 29
Tara Lain
19
October 31
Sophie Bonaste
http://sophiebonaste.blogspot.com
20
November 4
Kit Moss
http://kitmossreviews.blogspot.com
21
November 10
Lane Hayes
22
November 13
Mike Rupured
Thanks again Tempe, for letting me stop by today.
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5539
Blurb for Through the Years
Edward and Gene were instantly drawn to each other when they met at college in Maryland. Fast friends, they developed a “closer than brothers” relationship. But then Edward began to feel more for Gene. In 1967, those kind of feelings would not be tolerated. Not even by Edward himself.
Gene always thought he was asexual. He had never been attracted to anyone… until he met Edward. He dreamed of Edward as more than a friend throughout college, but he knew Edward would not welcome that kind of attention. So Gene wasn’t surprised when Edward reacted badly to a drunken kiss just before Edward’s graduation. He was surprised when Edward moved to Florida and had little to do with him for years afterward.
When fate finally brings them back together, Edward is married and has a little girl. Gene gladly accepts the role of “Uncle Gene,” happy to have Edward in his life in any capacity. Together, they face all the trials and tribulations life throws at them, including the death of Edward’s wife, and as each grows and matures, their life views change. The relationship they’ve secretly wanted all along is closer than ever, and if Edward can break free from his homophobic upbringing and admit his feelings for Gene, there might still be a chance for them to share their lives in the way they both desire.
A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
Brynn Stein has always loved to write. Fan fiction, original fiction, whatever. While Brynn wrote in numerous genres – everything from mystery, to contemporary, to supernatural – she had always tended toward strong male characters. And then she discovered ‘slash’, male/male romance, and all those strong male characters were finally allowed to express their love for one another. It seems that there are always at least two characters clamoring to tell Brynn their story.
Brynn lives in Virginia with one of her two two-legged children, and two four-legged ones. Her supportive family encourages her writing and provides a sounding board for fledgling stories. When she isn’t writing, Brynn teaches children with special needs. In free time, when such a thing exists, she reads anything she can get her hands on, and haunts bookstores. She draws and paints, and enjoys the outdoors—especially if she can get to the beach—and is always thinking about her next story.
Please feel free to contact Brynn at any of the following:
https://twitter.com/BrynnStein
http://brynnstein2.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/brynn.stein
or
October 10, 2014
Cover Reveal for “Healing” by Grace R. Duncan
In a world that’s gone to hell, will you let old fears keep you from the chance at more than just survival?
Healing
a Pandemus Chronicles story
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: 98 Pages
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Release Date: October 29, 2014
Blurb
When Duncan stumbles into a pharmacy in search of something to fix his broken leg, he’s surprised to find someone else there. Like the rest of the post-pandemic world, it appeared empty. Instead, he discovers Mark, a former nurse who walked away from his profession after losing too many patients to the virus. Despite swearing he’d never practice medicine again, Mark patches Duncan up over Duncan’s protests. He even finds an abandoned house in the tiny town, and they settle in until Duncan heals enough to look out for himself. Much to the chagrin of both, they find themselves caring for each other. Duncan welcomes it, thrilled at finding someone he can trust. However, he’s well aware of the shadows in Mark’s eyes and understands Mark’s reticence as he learns the story. But as he’s starting to do things for himself again, Duncan realizes he doesn’t want Mark to leave. He’s not sure if can get Mark to let go of his fears so they can stay together and love. But Duncan’s damned sure going to try.
Preorder it at Dreamspinner Press now!
October 8, 2014
A Closed Door, by Andrew Q. Gordon
Today I have a special treat for you! *yay*
Yes, Andrew Q. Gordon stops by today with his new story, A Closed Door and has even given us a little peek inside! So, let me introduce you to Andrew and A Closed Door…
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Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.
He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of eighteen years, their young daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day.
♥ Website ♥ Twitter ♥ Blog ♥ Facebook ♥ Email ♥
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A Closed Door
by Andrew Q. Gordon
Cover Artist: Lily Velden and Jay Aheer
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing.
Outted at thirteen, Orin Merritt left home after high school hoping to escape the hell his life had become. Ten years later when a tornado destroys his childhood home and kills his parents, Orin finds himself in an entirely new nightmare. One he can’t run away from.
Blaming himself for failing the two people who always loved and supported him, he returns home and confronts his past in the person of his one-time best friend, Thomas Kennett. Thomas not only rejected him when Orin came out, he led the group that tormented Orin into leaving.
As he struggles to deal with his grief, Orin also labors to fulfill the pledge he made to his parents before their death. In the process, Orin learns that sometimes when you go away to find yourself, you leave the answers you’re looking for behind.
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Excerpt:
“Orin, I won’t.” Thomas stood a bit straighter and his eyes lost the sad, pleading shine. “I won’t hurt you again.”
“You can’t promise that. Things happen.” Orin watched as his words dragged Thomas back from the brink of hope.
“If you truly believe that, then there’s nothing I can do. You have to believe there’s a chance or else I can’t prove it.”
“That’s not what I’m telling you.” He locked his gaze on Thomas’s. “If I say yes, I’ll have to take down the walls I surrounded my heart with to keep it safe. Once it’s gone, I won’t be able bring it back if I get hurt. Not now.
“So what I’m saying is, think about what you’re asking me to risk. If you really love me, ask yourself if are you willing to risk what will happen to me if you can’t keep your promise.”
He knew how unfair he’d been, but self-preservation had been a skill he’d honed over the past fifteen years. He needed Thomas to know just how serious the repercussion could be for his actions.
“Orin, I . . . I . . . how . . .?” Their faces were inches apart, and Thomas moved in for another kiss.
This felt different than the first—less urgent, but no less intense. Orin trembled at the leap he was about to take. When they stepped back, Thomas rubbed his thumb across Orin’s cheek.
“I do love you, Orin. More than I can say. So much, that I’m not willing to risk what will happen if I fail you again. I don’t have that right.”
Thomas’s lips quivered and the tears welled at the bottom of his eyes. He kissed Orin’s forehead gently.
“Good-bye, Orin. Please be happy.” Without looking back, Thomas walked to the front door, opened it, and walked away.
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Other Books:
The Last Grand Master: (Champion of the Gods – Book 1)
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