Tempeste O'Riley's Blog, page 34
December 14, 2013
Update / Thank You from TJ Klune
Reblogged from TJ’s Facebook page
Two of the sweetest men need our help. Whether it be a prayer, a wish, a note of good recovery or if you can, a few dollars to Eric’s fund, please send them along.
This is for Tj Klune and Eric Arvin. *hugs* and *love*
Eric’s Medical fund link: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/eric-arvin-support-fund/116877
Caring for Eric Arvin…
Anyone who follows the M/M genre closely will know that one of our own is currently in the hospital in pretty bad shape. Our group of friends immediately deployed, booking hotel rooms pooling money to help defray the costs of hotels, food, and travel. We were working to ensure Tj and the rest of Eric’s family will be supported by keeping one or two people at the hospital at all times for the next few days. Additionally, we are trying to ensure Tj has a place to stay near the hospital, as it is not in their hometown.
But we found out today his stay is going to be a lengthy one, and we’ve realized it’s not possible for us to maintain this level of friendship badassery for very long, and we need to keep his family near him to keep his spirits up and aid in his recovery. So many people have sent messages offering to help in any way, we decided to set up a way to do so.
Any funds you donate are appreciated. They will be helping to defray the costs of keeping Tj and their family and friends nearby to help Tj and Eric. Furthermore, all excess will be going directly to Eric and Tj for their use in Eric’s recovery.
Thank you all for your outpouring of love and support. It means the world to the guys. All comments left here will be passed along to Eric and Tj.
Take a minute and find in yourself to help because we take care of our own. Every little bit helps! Thank you. ♥
Contribute link: Medical Fund for Eric Arvin
December 13, 2013
Giveaway: Designs of Desire Audiobook
Guess what? Gay Romance Audiobooks on Facebook is giving away an audiobook download of Designs of Desire RIGHT NOW
To enter, visit Gay Romance Audiobooks and comment on the giveaway post! It’s that easy! Also, you can check out a little sample while you’re at it. :c)
Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.
As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable-including James-if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.
James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?
EBook:
Paperback:
Audiobook:
December 10, 2013
Guest Author Wednesdays ♥ Etienne
Hello everyone! I’m ecstatic to have M/M author Etienne with me today. He shares a bit about himself and some of his stories. He even offers a special discount to my readers… Please say hi and leave him a comment or two below.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Etienne lives in central Florida, very near the hamlet in which he grew up. He always wanted to write but didn’t find his muse until a few years ago, when he started posting stories online.
These days he spends most of his time battling with her, as she is a capricious bitch who, when she isn’t hiding from him, often rides him mercilessly, digging her spurs into his sides and forcing the flow of words from a trickle to a flood.
♥ Site ♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ ♥ Smashwords ♥
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Bottoms Up
About a Bottoms: Book One
RN First Assistant Chris Bottoms enjoys being a bottom. Though abused by his stepfather as a boy and conditioned to enjoy sex only one particular way, he’s come to make the most of his life. And he enjoys bottoming—to the hilt—whenever and wherever he can.
As if colorectal cancer wasn’t enough of a trial, the subsequent botched surgery robs him of normal bodily functions—no more prostate massage for Chris. In the middle of his medical drama, his best friend, Mickey O’Donovan, accepts a promotion that brings him to live in Jacksonville. Roommates in college, they’ve remained friends and occasional fuck buddies ever since. Chris’s crisis brings their relationship to a new level, though, and long-suppressed feelings are revealed.
Chris and Mickey settle down together and life is good, even though they can no longer indulge in their favorite sexual position. But Chris can’t seem to catch a break. When his past rears its head, Chris and Mickey must face a new challenge, together.
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What do you find the hardest part of being an author?
Writing synopses and blurbs.
Oh, how I hate the dreaded synopses!
What’s you favorite thing about writing?
Being able to create characters and make then do what I want them to. Of course, they sometimes take on a life of their own and I lose control of their actions.
Just how H.O.T. are most of your books?
Not very. I have 21 books out, at least half of which contain no explicit sex. We know what happens in a bedroom, so why do we need to discuss it in detail.
In fact, I maintain that if the writing is good enough, we should need all that sex. On the other hand, descriptive sex is sometimes called for. For example, in my story about an ex Army Ranger who had his penis blown off in a grenade attack,
I felt it both necessary and appropriate to describe how he obtains sexual relief. The answer is, of course, prostate massage, and he meets another former Army Ranger who has long digits. Hence the title: Magic Fingers.
Magic Fingers is one of my favorite stories of yours.
How sweet or romantic do they tend to be?
Depends on how you define "romance." All of my books contain love stories, but I’ve never thought of them as romances, at least, not in the Harlequin/Victorian sense.
You won’t find very much gushing and overwriting in my books. I write about real men, typically strong men, and most men, particularly strong ones, seldom articulate their feelings, nor do they internalize them. They just grab life by the balls and deal with it. One of my novels, Sold!, tells the story of a young American college graduate who, while on his first Peace Corps mission in Africa, is captured and sold to slavers. Some pretty bad things happen to him and he winds up being the sex slave of an oil sheikh. A reviewer complained because there weren’t several pages of him weeping, wailing, and bemoaning his fate. Get real! Real men don’t do that. Think the original James Bond movies. Bond, even when captured, gets to his feet, finds a way to escape, and sometimes diddles the Bond girl at the same time. LOL
Do you have a specific writing style?
Straightforward/contemporary.
Which is you favorite storyline/angst situation and why? What inspired you to write about it?
My current book, Bottoms Up, which was released Nov 20th. It tells the tale of a young Navy guy who was conditioned at an early age to be a bottom, because he was sodomized by his stepfather between the ages of 12 and 15. Colorectal cancer surgery leaves him wearing an ostomy bag, and with his anus sewn shut, so no more ‘prostate massage’. To make matters worse, a drunk surgeon accidentally cut a nerve, and the character will have to go through life using a catheter on himself in order to perform a basic bodily function.
It’s based on a true story. I’ve known such a man for many years. He had similar surgery in the early eighties which left him wearing an ostomy bag and using a catheter on himself. For the last thirty years, he’s had to deal daily with the ostomy bag and self-catheterization. Instead of being bitter and sour on life, he’s one of the nicest, most outgoing men you’d ever want to meet. He differs from the character in my book in one respect – he’s totally straight.
Anyhow, back to the character. Aided by counseling and with the help of his college roommate and best friend turned lover, the character finally managed to obtain sexual release without penetration, and they settle down to a life together.
Then the past rears its ugly head.
Boxers or Briefs? I know which I prefer . . . *wink*
When I was young, lo-rise briefs, but these days it’s boxers. After all, who wants to look at an old fart in sexy undies?
Favorite author?
The late Robert B. Parker, author of the Spenser mystery novels, than whom nobody was better at dialogue. He is sorely missed.
And among the living, WEB Griffin, whose novels about military life are unsurpassed.
Favorite quote?
Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death. ~Auntie Mame.
What’s next for you?
The final book of the Bottoms trilogy is in submission, and I was starting to work on the final book in another trilogy, but….. There was a story idea simmering in my brain, and when it boiled over, I suspended work on the trilogy and began to write. I won’t give away any details, except to say that it’s about a college junior who has a bet with his jock buddies that he can find out what’s in another guys pants. Working title: Buzz Bets Badly But Begets Bliss.
How’s that for alliteration?
LOL, Love the title! Goo luck and thank you for stopping by, Etienne :c)
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My most gritty book is Sold!, the story of a young American college graduate who, while on his first Peace Corps mission in east Africa, is captured by armed men and sold into slavery. He ultimately becomes the sex slave of an oil sheikh. The story deals with his capture, his experiences as a slave, and his ultimate escape and reunion with his boyfriend.
This book contains more sex scenes than most of my books because of the nature of what happened to the main character.
Interested readers can use the coupon code SC95X at checkout and receive a 25% discount. The coupon is good through the end of 2013.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
12 Days of Christmas #BlogHop
Blog Hop: 12 Days of Christmas
Event Date: December 1st – 12th 2013
Hosted by: As You Wish Reviews & Confessions of the Paranormal
Sponsors: As You Wish Tours & Book Dragon Designs
The story I just finished writing, part of the Desires Entwined series, is Temptations of Desire. In it, one of my MC’s is a gender fluid chef named Alex Noble an he’s decided to share one of his favorite cookie recipes with you today. It’s a white chocolate chip chocolate macadamia nut cookie made without butter!
White Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
1. 1 cup applesauce, unsweetened 6. 2/3 cup cocoa powder
2. 1 1/2 cups white sugar 7. 3/4 tsp baking soda
3. 2 eggs 8. 1/4 tsp salt
4. 2 tsps vanilla extract 9. 2 cups white chocolate chips
5. 2 cups all-purpose flour 10. 1/2 cup chopped macadamias
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, blend applesauce, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the applesauce mixture until well blended. Mix in the white chocolate chips/chunks and macadamia nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake for about 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are slightly browned. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
*Makes 4 dozen cookies!
Seeing as Temptations of Desire is not out yet, I’ll share a little with you from the first book in the Desires Entwined series, Designs of Desire.
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel / 200 pages / 6 hours 18 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: July 29th 2013
Formats: EBooks, Paperback, and Audio book
Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.
As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.
James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?
Excerpt:
James allowed his gaze to wander around the entryway, taking in the welcoming setting. Noticing a worker passing through, he asked, “Excuse me. Do you know where I can find Mr. Burns?”
“Yeah, he’s in the manager’s office over there.” The man was covered in dust. He gestured toward a closed door near a large desk, then continued on his way. James couldn’t help looking around once more to admire the rich wood tones, marble tiled floors, and beautiful crown molding, before he headed off in the right direction.
Before he could knock, the door swung open and a harried looking woman stormed out, slamming it so hard it popped back open. Maybe now isn’t the best time, he thought and started to turn away when Mr. Burns appeared in the doorway.
“James,” he said. “Thank God you’re here. Please tell me you brought some ideas, before Stacey drives me to drink. She wants to start painting but can’t until we have everything settled with the designs.”
The way Seth’s eyes pierced him made James feel both nervous and ten feet tall at the same time. “If you have some place I can set up, sure. I have a few designs for you to look over.” He kept wondering why they had waited so long to employ Skye Designs. Normally you do all the branding much earlier in the project.
Motioning down the hallway, Seth led him into a large room—probably meant to be a conference or reception room, considering the carpet and acoustic tiles in the ceiling. “Come in. What can I do to help?” he asked, watching James settle into a comfortable chair before unloading his pack.
James was nervous. He’d never had such a significant or large account before, but he was excited as well. “We normally have the designs approved before getting to this point, but I’ll do my best to catch up. Give me just a minute to set up, then you can see what I have.”
“We’ll get to that in a few. I want you to finish setting up then come with me.”
James stopped midmotion and looked up, confused. “I thought—” He shook his head. “Never mind. Okay.”
Seth led James out of the room, into a wide hallway with large windows spilling filtered sunlight onto the veined marble floor, and began showing him around. Seth stayed close, so close James occasionally caught a whiff of his intoxicating scent, something bright yet deep—cardamom and cedar with a light musk. He wasn’t sure, but he was beginning to think just being near Seth could become a delicious addiction.
As they exited the elevator on the second floor, James stopped dead in his tracks. His heart beat so fast and loud he felt certain Seth would hear it slamming into his ribs. He stared ahead and prayed he was having a terrible nightmare. Those he could wake up from. Please!
Standing there, looking him up and down, was a phantom from his past. Victor d’Leone was even more powerfully built than the last time he had seen him. He stood in the hall, his arms crossed over his barrel chest, scowling. The sea-foam green eyes James once thought so beautiful and loving now bored holes through him. The ghosts of the last time Vic had been near him shot pain-filled shards of memory through him. Away. Yes, he had to get away.
“I… I… I…,” James stammered. He scrambled back into the elevator and almost fell when his left crutch slipped on the metal edging. He punched the close door button repeatedly while fighting the panic attack threatening to destroy his job and sanity. “No, no, no. Not happening,” he mumbled.
He hadn’t waited for Seth to react, nor had he explained anything; he’d just bolted. James headed toward the exit as soon as the elevator doors opened—forget the damn presentation. He scrambled for the steps, desperate to reach the car before he completely lost it.
Life was never that easy.
Seth appeared out of nowhere, sprinting after him in his expensive Armani suit and custom leather shoes. “James! Stop!” he commanded.
Fighting the panic, James tried to get a hold of himself. Stop? Is he nuts? “I can’t be here. I—I’ll come back later.” With protection!
A powerful hand grasped his right arm. Startled, he stopped. Staring at the hand that bound him to his worst nightmare, he begged, “Please, let me go.”
Try as he might, he couldn’t stop the panic and fear as it suffocated him.
PRIZES:
Grand Prize: $150 Amazon or B&N Gift Card or Paypal Cash
First Prize: One (1) eBook from Every Participating Author (That’s a total of 78 books!)
Second Prize: Bundle of eBooks – Various Authors
Site Prize: $10 Gift Card to Amazon or ARe (leave a comment with email below to enter site giveaway!)
Please visit each of the blogs, check out the recipes, leave comments and remember to leave your e-mail address on each post.
Review Day Tuesday: Razzle Dazzle
Didn’t he know how much I love him too? I told him over and over, even when he didn’t tell me.
Title: Razzle Dazzle
Series: Gin & Jazz #2
Author: Morticia Knight
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh
Publisher: Totally Bound
Pub Date: November 29th 2013
Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Heat: Burning
Length: 189 pages
Add to: Goodreads
Jack is on the verge of silent film stardom, but Hollywood glory won’t heal his broken heart. But the seductive screen idol—Roman Pasquale—sweeps Jack away, and makes him his own. Will Roman’s obsessive love finally bring Jack true happiness?
Jack is devastated by the loss of Nick, his best friend and lover. His only other friend, new Hollywood star Trixie Fox, comes to his rescue. What he doesn’t know, is that she’s also helping Roman Pasquale in his carefully planned seduction of the shy and innocent Jack.
Suave film screen idol—Roman Pasquale—has been obsessed by Jack Stone from the moment he spotted him at a Global Studios party. He will stop at nothing until the golden-haired young man belongs to him. An expert at getting what he wants, Roman plans every wicked word, look and move to bring him closer to achieving his prize.
Jack is on the brink of stardom, and can’t believe that his movie star crush, Roman Pasquale, is taking an interest in him. But he resists the older, more sophisticated man’s attempts at seducing him. After all, he still loves Nick, and just isn’t ready to try again with anyone else. But when Roman turns on the charm, Jack is tempted. Can Roman replace Nick in Jack’s heart? Or is the magical world of the great Roman Pasquale all an illusion?
Reader Advisory: This book contains drug use, a reference to a prior rape not shown and a scene of M/M/M/M. This book is best read in sequence as part of a series.
♥ ♥ Totally Bound ♥ All Romance ♥ Amazon ♥ ♥
Review:
Razzle Dazzle is book 2 in the Gin & Jazz Series by Morticia Knight. And OH does it live up to it’s predecessor! I do suggest getting and reading Hollywood Bound first though.
Jack is alone, heartbroken, and having trouble caring about anything in the aftermath of Nick leaving him, but unbeknownst to him, he’s caught the eye of Roman Pasquale. Roman isn’t willing to let anything get in the way of his gaining Jack’s attention… and of keeping it. Problem is, Jack isn’t interested in risking his heart again.
Now, I can’t say I love Nick or Roman’ per se, but I can see why Jack loves them both. I love love-triangles, and this one… yeah, cannot wait for book 3, Tarnished Glitter, to come out so I can find out the answers to all my questions—like who does Jack choose!
This is a sinfully sexy story that anyone who loves the roaring 20’s, Hollywood, and love amongst men will enjoy. If you haven’t given Ms Knight a chance before, grab yourself some Gin and Jazz and have a little fun.
About the Author:
M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys a good saucy tale – after all, who doesn’t? Since she loves several genres, you may find your heroes in a contemporary, historical, paranormal or sci-fi setting. One of her passions is bringing people’s fantasies to life on the page, because life is too short for even one boring moment. Her stories are volcanic in heat, deep in emotion, and sprinkled with doses of humor.
When not indulging in her obsession for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. The Pacific Northwest is the ideal spot to enjoy both hiking and beachcombing. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She now resides on the northern coast of Oregon, where the constant rain and fog remind her of visits to family in England and Scotland when she was a child.
She is currently working on the Gin & Jazz series about the glitz and glamour of 1920’s Hollywood – with more naughtiness to follow in 2014.
♥ ♥ Site ♥ Totally Bound ♥ Twitter ♥ ♥
December 9, 2013
December 7, 2013
Razzle Dazzle by Morticia Knight [Excerpt / Giveaway]
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Razzle Dazzle (Gin & Jazz, Book 2)
Jack is on the verge of silent film stardom, but Hollywood glory won’t heal his broken heart. Then the seductive screen idol—Roman Pasquale—sweeps Jack away, and makes him his own. Will Roman’s obsessive love finally bring Jack true happiness?
Jack is devastated by the loss of Nick, his best friend and lover. His only other friend, new Hollywood star Trixie Fox, comes to his rescue. What he doesn’t know, is that she’s also helping Roman Pasquale in his carefully planned seduction of the shy and innocent Jack.
Suave film screen idol—Roman Pasquale—has been obsessed with Jack Stone from the moment he spotted him at a Global Studios party. He will stop at nothing until the golden-haired young man belongs to him. An expert at getting what he wants, Roman plans every wicked word, look and move to bring him closer to achieving his prize.
Jack is on the brink of stardom, and can’t believe that his movie star crush, Roman Pasquale, is taking an interest in him. But he resists the older, more sophisticated man’s attempts at seducing him. After all, he still loves Nick, and just isn’t ready to try again with anyone else. But when Roman turns on the charm, Jack is tempted. Can Roman replace Nick in Jack’s heart? Or is the magical world of the great Roman Pasquale all an illusion?
EXCERPT
Jack didn’t even bother taking the menu. He knew Roman would order and, truthfully, he didn’t care one bit what they ate anyway. Even if he had to beg Roman to make love to him, it was going to happen that night. There was a sense of freedom as soon as the thought hit him. It was okay. He could be with Roman, and it would all be wonderful. He could feel it.
“They are bringing us both Crab Louie salads. I thought we might not want to eat anything too heavy this evening.”
Roman paused, seeming to gauge Jack’s reaction.
“I agree.”
Roman’s mouth curled into a seductive smile and Jack knew it wouldn’t be long.
“I asked them to add avocado to yours. I know how you like it.”
“Thank you, Roman. You always seem to know what I want.”
“Do I? Hmm. I wonder what it is that you might be wanting right now.”
Jack swallowed. “You.”
Roman adjusted himself in the booth. He gave Jack another smile, and waved his hand in the air. The waiter appeared immediately.
“Cheque, please.”
That seemed to confuse the server. “Sir?”
“The cheque. Now. You may box up the salads and give them to my driver.”
The waiter left, shaking his head.
Roman moved in closer to Jack. “Shall we?”
“Yes. We shall.”
“Then I am the happiest man alive.”
Jack left it at that. Anything else he might try to say could ruin the moment. And he wanted this moment to stay forever in his heart as potent and alive as it felt right then.
Jack wasn’t sure how he made it back out to the car, but he was aware of the cooling night air, and how well Juan kept his expression blank. It most likely was a skill he had learned from working for the great Roman Pasquale for so long. Jack waited for Juan to open the back door this time. He was getting the hang of the whole movie star thing. It still seemed silly in a lot of ways, but it wasn’t bad. After all, if it meant Juan had a good job, then he supposed it was worth it.
As soon as they were both seated and the car drove out of the parking lot, Jack could feel the tension and heat between them. He looked shyly over at Roman. There was such a look of anticipation on Roman’s face as he considered Jack, that he didn’t know how they would be able to contain themselves for the ride home. Touching was out of the question.
“Only twenty minutes more, Jack Stone.”
Jack’s breath hitched in his throat. It was impossible for him to speak.
The ride took what amounted to forever for Jack, and as they passed through the elaborate wrought iron gates and up the driveway past the marble fountain, tears stung Jack’s eyes. It was all too much. The last time he had been there, all that had happened since then, and now…
As soon as the vehicle came to a halt on the gravel driveway right next to the front steps, panic rose inside Jack.
Roman gently touched his shoulder. “Jack?”
He gulped in mouthfuls of air and gripped the edge of the back seat of the Hudson.
He heard Roman say something to Juan about leaving the car for later, and Jack was relieved that Juan had left. He just wanted to be completely alone with Roman. He laughed. That was the exact opposite of the way he’d felt a while before.
Roman slid in the seat next to Jack, put an arm around his shoulders and drew him close.
“Jack. If you’re not ready…”
Jack turned in Roman’s embrace, threw his arms about Roman’s neck and kissed him hard on the lips. He thrust his tongue in Roman’s mouth, aching to taste him there, and everywhere. Roman yanked Jack onto his lap, and battled him for dominance. They grasped and clung to one another in the raw hunger of denial. Roman clutched the greased strands of Jack’s hair, and held him fast in the ferocious kiss.
Jack struggled to get as close as he could to Roman, and was finally able to straddle him. Their dress clothes tangled between them, the soft fabrics sliding into bunches, creating frustrating barriers. Jack ground his erection into Roman’s abdomen, his swollen ball sacs rubbing against Roman’s impressive hardness as he rocked back and forth.
Roman broke the kiss and bit the side of Jack’s neck. It was just enough to simultaneously hurt and drive him wild. Roman licked the spot he’d nipped with long slow caresses of his tongue. Cum dripped from Jack’s tip, and he knew he couldn’t last. Still Roman lapped at his neck, nibbled at the sensitive crook and moved to his throat, licking his way up to Jack’s chin.
“Oh, Roman, I need you. I need you inside me.”
Roman stopped his journey. He pulled Jack’s head back by his hair. His eyes were even darker than Jack remembered.
“Then you shall have what you want. But not here.”
Morticia Knight Author Bio:
M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys a good saucy tale – after all, who doesn’t? Since she loves several genres, you may find your heroes in a contemporary, historical, paranormal or sci-fi setting. One of her passions is bringing people’s fantasies to life on the page, because life is too short for even one boring moment. Her stories are volcanic in heat, deep in emotion, and sprinkled with doses of humor.
When not indulging in her obsession for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. The Pacific Northwest is the ideal spot to enjoy both hiking and beachcombing. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She now resides on the northern coast of Oregon, where the constant rain and fog remind her of visits to family in England and Scotland when she was a child.
She is currently working on the Gin & Jazz series about the glitz and glamour of 1920’s Hollywood – with more naughtiness to follow in 2014.
Find Morticia here:
www.morticiaknight.blogspot.com
or @morticiaknight on twitter, and https://www.facebook.com/morticia.knight on Facebook.
Giveaway!!!
What is a party without prizes? Enter to win books, giftcards, and a sweet glamour prize pack!!!
QTA Christmas Blog Hop
Blog Hop: Christmas Blog Hop
Event Date: December 8st – 13th 2013
So, Queer Town Abby asked all the authors participating “What does Christmas mean to you?”
Now, I had to think about that for a few minutes before I decided what to write about. You see, there are many holidays this season and I don’t celebrate Christmas, but rather Yule. But the points the same, IMO.
It’s a time of family, friends, and love! Sharing songs, catching up, cooking together and eating ourselves into a coma. But for me it’s also a time to give thanks for what I have instead of focusing on what I want. A gift is something to give, not something to see to get.
My favorite thing to do at the holidays is find others in my area that have less and see if there isn’t something I can do for them. Toys for the kids or a food basket / gift card for the family so they can have a feast as well. One year I bought a bunch of coats at a thrift store—they were cheep and clean—and gave them to people that needed them.
So, what does the holiday mean to me? Giving of yourself so others can have time and share life with their loved ones.
What does it mean to you?
Now, the story I’m currently writing, part of the Desires Entwined series, is Desires’ Guardian. In it, one of my MC’s, Chase, loves cooking. It’s his favorite hobby! I’ve decided to share one of his favorite cookie recipes with you today.
Frosty the Snowman Sugar Cookies
Cookie Ingredients:
1. 1/2 cups butter, softened
2. 2 cups white sugar
3. 4 eggs
4. 1 tsp vanilla extract
5. 5 cups all-purpose flour
6. 2 tsp baking powder
7. 1 tsp salt
Decoration Ingredients:
1. 60 large marshmallows
2. gel frosting (in the little tubes)
3. 10 cups frosting
4. chocolate nonpareil candies (Sno-Caps)
5. thin pretzel sticks
6. mini peanut butter cups for hats
7. fruit leather (flavor/color of choice) cut into 1/2” strips (I use Fiskars scissors to make the edges pretty)
Cooking Directions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into round or oblong shape for Frosty. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.
4. Decorate as below. Makes 5 dozen cookies.
Decorating Directions:
1. Using gel frosting, make eyes and nose on marshmallows.
2. Frost the sugar cookies with homemade or store-bought glaze.
3. Before frosting sets, stick marshmallows to tops of cookies. Add chocolate nonpareil candies for buttons, cups for hats, and pretzel sticks for arms. Use 1/2 -inch-thick strips fruit leather for scarves.
Seeing as Desires’ Guardian is not out yet, I’ll share a little with you from the first book in the Desires Entwined series, Designs of Desire.
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel / 200 pages / 6 hours 18 minutes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: July 29th 2013
Formats: EBook, Paperback, and Audio book
Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.
As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.
James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?
Excerpt:
Seth opened his briefcase and began pulling out folders and large manila envelopes and setting them in front of James. He paused, peered up at James, and blinked hard. “I should call someone to carry these things for you,” he mumbled, glancing at the items and toward James’s crutches. “You can’t fit all this in your bag.”
James pinched the bridge of his nose while counting to ten in his head. Why do they always see the sticks instead of me? “Mr. Burns.”
“Seth, please,” he interrupted, giving James a soft smile.
“Seth, Chase acts as my assistant when needed. He will tend to anything I can’t transfer up to my office personally. There is no need to be concerned.”
A strange look flashed across Seth’s face, but his expression quickly returned to his previous in-command smile. “Very good then.”
They chatted a bit about ideas and plans before Seth shifted his coat sleeve back to check his watch. With a slight frown, he said, “Well, I need to head back to the office. I will leave this all in your fine hands, James. Please call me here.” He pulled out his business card and wrote something on the back. “I look forward to our next meeting.”
Seth held out his hand. James flexed his fingers and clasped the offering. He knew this was for work, but somehow it felt different this time. Warm and strong, the grip shot tingles up his arm. Seth seemed to hold on a little longer than necessary for business needs. It had been so long since a man touched him, at least without violence or pain. James shook off the thought he might be interested. Beautiful men like Seth didn’t waste their time on guys like him. Besides, he wasn’t certain he wanted to go down such a painful road again.
James stood in the doorway, watching Seth saunter out the main doors, wishing for something, though not really sure what.
PRIZES:
What is my current WIP? (HINT: It’s part of the Desires Entwined series…)
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December 4, 2013
Guest Author Wednesdays ♥ Lily Sawyer
Hello everyone! I’m ecstatic to have M/M author Lily Sawyer with me today. She shares a bit about herself and a little about two of her stories. Please say hi and leave her a comment or two below.
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Lily Sawyer has to credit her late mother for her interest in reading and writing. She used to take her to library and opened up to her the world of books. Lily took a writing class in an adult enrichment program and got hooked, and she started off writing stories set in various fandoms she was interested in. After getting some encouragement from family members and friends, she finally decided it was time to write her own original stories. Lily recently returned to drawing and was in an art class. She loves to garden and likes to go bike riding and on long walks and is a romantic at heart.
♥ Site ♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ ♥ Amazon ♥
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Finest Things
Aidan Mason and his partner moved to San Diego to start a new life, but soon after, Aidan’s world changed when Kyle died. Now a wedding invitation from friends back home in Connecticut has arrived, and Aidan decides to attend. He knows he’ll have face his prejudiced family, but he doesn’t even suspect he’ll find a way to heal his heart.
A part of the 2009 Daily Dose Set, To Have and to Hold, which includes 30 M/M romance stories providing a glimpse of the many forms of love: love at first sight or a love for the ages, wedding bells or engagements, or that inexplicable something that makes you think "I do," the men in these stories are all touched by its spell.
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What do you find the hardest part of being an author?
I find editing to be the most challenging for me. It reminds me of the ‘red pen’ teachers would draw all over your school papers.
What’s you favorite thing about writing?
I love creating characters and settings/situations and incorporating pieces of my own life experiences into my novels.
Just how H.O.T. are most of your books?
My stories are more sweet than hot, not that I don’t enjoy some erotic love making, but I tend to love hugging and cuddling and being sweet to one another, than being sexually explicit.
Hot sweet or romantic do they tend to be?
They tend to be balanced between sweet and romantic.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I’m somewhere between a plotter and a panzer.
Which is you favorite storyline/angst situation and why? What inspired you to write about it?
In my book "Love on the East End" I wrote about a character who was going to commit suicide. At the time gay teens were in the news committing suicide. It affected me so much I decided to write a scene about it.
Boxers or Briefs? I know which I prefer . . . *wink*
Oh I think we’re on the same page, Briefs.
Favorite author?
I have a number of authors, but my favorite is Shira Anthony, she has two series that I love.
"Blue Notes" I feel like I’ve traveled to Europe and listened to some incredible classical music after I’ve read those books.
And I love her merman in "Stealing the Wind." she is currently putting together a sequel that I can’t wait to read. Here books are available at Dreamspinner Press.
Favorite quote?
"To Know is nothing, to imagine is everything." (I love to collect quotes, I have many inspirational ones that carry me through the day)
What’s next for you?
Right now I am contemplating that very thing. I’ve had writer’s block for a while and some RL issues have really made my head spin. So I’m not sure what is next. I am hopeful I might be able to put pen to paper in the new year. I want to thank all my readers for their continued support.
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Love On The East End
Gabriel Meyer’s restaurant is a dream come true, but he gets more than he expected when in the course of his business he meets William Thomas, owner of Rolling Hills Winery. Food and wine more than come together on the east end of Long Island as they discover just how complementary Gabriel and William really are. Their seeming paradise is disturbed, however, when they meet young Ben Stewart—a troubled teen who is being bullied at school over his sexuality. Can they help this young man and fight the intolerance that lies on the east end of Long Island, or will it consume them?
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