Tempeste O'Riley's Blog, page 40
August 5, 2013
Inspiration for Designs of Desire by Tempeste O’Riley
Reblogged from Kim Fielding, Author
Thank you for having me over, Kim.
So, Kim asked me a question about my recent release (and debut novel) “Designs of Desire”, “What was the inspiration for your story?” Today, I’m going to share my answer with not just Kim, but with you as well.
“Designs of Desire” is the story of James Bryant and Seth Burns. The story really started out as me venting my issues with how “normal” people oft times view others that are not physically perfect. You see, James has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—
August 3, 2013
Snippet Sunday: Desires’ Guardian
With Designs of Desire having just released, I though some of you might like to get a peek into the next story in the series, Desires’ Guardian.
Chase Manning is a freelance IT God, best friend to James, and party-boy twink, or at least that’s what he shows the world. When he meets Rhys he’s beyond smitten but when Rhys turns down his advances Chase shuts down his heart. As time goes on though, he struggles to keep his walls up against the man that invades his thoughts, dreams, and heart.
Rhys Sayer is the owner of The Coiled Dragon Agency, the PI / Bodyguard company he and his best friend Mark own. When he first lays eyes on Chase Manning, he’s not in a good place emotionally and causes any possible future together to go poof, maybe. But with a little determination, and the help of his and Chase’s friends, he sets out to win the heart of the one man that he believes was made just for him.
Chase pulled up as close as possible to the front of the Onyx Rose B&B, the hotel where the wedding rehearsal and reception were being held, barely taking in how beautiful the setting was. He had been here before, of course, being it was the very first in a chain of GLBTQ hotels that Carrington Enterprises—Seth Burns specifically—designed and owned. If it weren’t for the building before him, James and Seth would never have met and there would be no pending nuptials.
A young man darted over offering his assistance. Chase smiled, thankful for the full service they offered even though it was set up as a B&B, not a traditional stuffy hotel. "Can you grab me one of those big dolly thingys? I have a lot to transport inside and need to do so quickly."
In a matter of minutes Chase—with Chad-the-valets help—had the tuxes and other clothes for the wedding party, the programs, and a few wedding presents that had arrived early loaded. Chase tossed the man his keys and headed inside to start delivering items.
I hope you enjoyed this little snippet. Desires’ Guardian will be back next Sunday to tease you a little more.
Desires’ Guardian is the second story in the Desires Entwined series. Book #1, Designs of Desire, was released on July 29th. You can find out more about Desires’ Guardian or Designs of Desire, by clicking on their names.
Be sure to check out the other authors with #SundaySnippets!
August 2, 2013
Weekend Tour Recap–Designs of Desire
Weekend recap for my New Release Tour for Designs of Desire!
July 28, 2013 – Close Encounters With The Night Kind: What Makes M/M So Hot? & Review
July 29, 2013 – Nikki Prince: Crutches and Ring Splints? What’s that got to do with romance?
July 30, 2013 – Madison Parker: Interview
July 31, 2013 – Shae Connor: Guest Post: Top 5 Places James Love To Go In Milwaukee
August 1, 2013 – Casea Major: Romance and the MC with a Disability
August 2, 2013 – Anne Barwell: Character Profile
August 1, 2013
Seth & James Visit Drops of Ink
Reblogged from Drops of InkA big welcome today to fellow Dreamspinner author, Tempeste O’Riley who is sharing profiles of James Bryant and Seth Burns from her debut book Designs of Desire, book #1 of the Desires Entwined series. Tempe is currently working on Desires’ Guardian and Temptations of Desire, both part of the Desires Entwined universe.
July 31, 2013
Romance and the MC with a Disability by Tempeste O’Riley
Welcome, Tempeste! Glad to have you today!
Hello and thank you Casea for hosting Designs of Desire, and me, the author, lol. Today I’m going to tackle an oft ignored topic… the disabled MC. It’s a topic that many don’t think about or concern themselves with—almost like if someone has a disability they aren’t a whole sexual being…Seriously!??
Everyone can have a fully enriching life despite physical or mental limitations.
Guest Blog: Top Five Places James (from Designs of Desire) Loves To Go In Milwaukee
Reblogged from shaeconnorwrites:
Tempeste O’Riley first novel, Designs of Desire, released on Monday from Dreamspinner Press. She’s here today to share a little about her main character, James, and his favorite spots in his city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She’s also having a contest to win a copy of Designs of Desire, so after you’re done reading, go HERE to enter!
July 30, 2013
Guest Author Wednesdays ♥ Tara Lain
Hello everyone. Today I’m thrilled to have Romance Author Tara Lain stop by. She’s got a great post on the Beautiful Boys of Romance, her new novel, Cataclysmic Shift, even a wonderful excerpt from! Don’t forget to leave her a little love below!
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Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 20. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog in Laguna Beach, California, a pretty seaside town where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!
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Cataclysmic Shift
Super cat, Aloysius, may be the most powerful witch’s familiar in the world, but when he takes a blast at the hand of an evil witch he loses it all — power, memory, and his feline form — to become the ethereal human beauty, Alain Bellarose. When Alain wakes up naked on the floor surrounded by dogs and cats, his eyes first set upon Luke Elliott, the handsome and mysterious veterinarian. Suddenly, the prospect of being human doesn’t seem so bad. Luke has a lot to hide and he likes animals way more than people, but he can’t resist the flamboyant boy who washes his face with the side of his hand and tries to lick his own privates! The loss of Aloysius depletes the power of the Witch Master, Killian Barth, and that of his “secret weapon” Sammy and leaves their coven sitting ducks for two very nasty females. When Alain discovers that he’s really a powerful cat, he’s faced with the ultimate choice. To protect his community, or stay with the man he loves.
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Hi everyone. I’m so happy to be here with Tempeste. I’m Tara Lain and I write the Beautiful Boys of Romance. Today, I’m celebrating the addition of some new gorgeous guys to my pantheon in a book called Cataclysmic Shift. It’s a story about a cat–who turns into a guy–and falls in love with another guy–but ultimately has to choose between power and love. Sort of a boy meets cat story!
Most everyone who knows my books understands what I mean by the Beautiful Boys of Romance. Almost all my work includes at least one hero who is particularly lovely in appearance, has a unique even quirky personality, and often possesses a touch (or more) of androgyny. Look at my novella Hearts and Flour. One of the heroes, Quentin Darby, is so pretty he easily passes as a woman which is good because he’s a cross-dresser! He’s smart but gentle and very Southern, peppering his phrases with “oh my”. On the opposite end of the “pretty boy” spectrum is JJ LaRousse from Snow Balls. Big and hunky, JJ looks like a handsome football player, but he’s more queen than quarterback. Fluttery and effeminate, JJ is a constant surprise to those who expect him to be an alpha male.
In my paranormal series, The Aloysius Tales, I have the added advantage of the supernatural to make my men gorgeous. Killian Barth, the Witch Master, has blond hair to his waist and beauty that goes beyond human. In Brush with Catastrophe, Ryder McMasters literally becomes more beautiful every day as he grows into his true self. And now, there’s Alain Bellarose in Cataclysmic Shift. Alain is the human manifestation of a powerful witch’s familiar who appears as a black cat. With his long black hair, piercing blue eyes and pale skin, Alain is truly one of romances most beautiful boys. But quirky? Well, turn a cat into a human and you get a guy with self-assurance, independence, a love of lying in the sun, and a certainty that if he tries hard enough he can lick even his most private parts!
I’ve included an excerpt from Cataclysmic Shift and I hope you enjoy it! I also included a Rafflecopter so you can enter to win some fun prizes. Thank you so much for coming by!
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“MERRRRRWAOOOOOR.” ALOYSIUS LANDED on Killian’s back, his claws digging in for traction. He leaped to Killian’s shoulder. Like lightning, power flashed up Killian’s spine and out his hands in invisible bolts. The black cat familiar amped his power by a hundredfold. Killian might be the most powerful male witch in ten generations, but with Aloysius he was way more formidable. The blonde witch pulled the door in front of her, but that was little protection from his casting.
Crash!
He heard a scream. Good. Maybe that one was down.
Silence. Killian peeked over the chair top. Had he hurt them both?
“Sweetheart? Are you there?”
Holy shit. Blaine. Killian’s husband’s voice came from the side door of the lecture hall.
“Stay back, Blaine. Don’t come in. Stay out.”
That most loved, beautiful face came around the corner of the door. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”
“Merwaorr.”
Killian felt Aloysius tense on his shoulder. The cat loved Blaine so much. “Stay out, Blaine. Danger!”
Blaine frowned. Wrong words! Blaine would move the heavens to protect Killian and Aloysius even though he was a very vulnerable human. Killian popped up over the top of the chair. “I’m fine. Stay away, please.”
“What the hell is going on?” Blaine stepped through the door.
No. Gods. Both witches jumped out from their hiding places with hands raised to cast toward Blaine.
No way, bitches.
Killian leaped up. Thunder rumbled above the history building. He cast a bolt. The blonde witch jumped aside, and she and the other female focused together, pouring power in a visible flash toward Blaine.
Gods! Killian hurled himself in the air to try and get in front of his lover, casting at the same time. Not going to make it. No, please. Me, not Blaine. No!
“MERRRRRRRRWAOOOOWRRR!”
Aloysius moved so fast even Killian’s eyes could barely perceive it. His black, furry shape propelled in front of Blaine, pulling the bolt of power like a magnet.
Blaine screamed, “No, Al.”
The cat’s body lit up like a flare, with all the black hair standing out. He flew into the air, twisted twice, and fell, fell, fell to the floor—limp and still.
Gods, not Al!
Without Aloysius, he felt like someone turned his power switch to low. Killian whirled on the witches. The two of them stood with wide eyes staring at the scene in front of them. He started blazing power at them, bolts hitting at their feet one after another, the wood and carpet of the floor shattering. But compared to a moment ago, the bolts were weak. They had to know that. Why didn’t they fight back?
Another bolt. He didn’t want to kill them. He needed to know what this was about. Strange. They looked horrified. As he approached, they glanced at each other, turned as one, and raced out the door behind them.
Killian ran after them, out into the sunlight of the bright early-summer day. No sign. Gone. Damn, he had to see to Al.
He hurried back through the door. Shambles! He flicked his fingers and put the room to rights, then ran down the aisle of the lecture hall. Blaine knelt over Aloysius with his ear pressed to the cat’s lean flank.
Killian stooped down on Al’s other side. “How is he?”
Blaine looked up with tears in his eyes. “I think he’s breathing but just barely. And he’s not moving at all.” He sat up. “Shit, what was that all about? Who were those witches?”
“I don’t know. They just appeared when Al and I were packing up to leave.”
Blaine spread his hands. “Here, really? I thought you supernaturals didn’t like us humans to know about you.”
Killian put a hand on Blaine’s arm. Blaine was a physicist, and his acceptance of witches was always tinged with acid. He only believed because he had to. And he had to if he wanted Killian as his husband. “They must want something really badly to take the risk. And I have no idea what it is.”
Blaine frowned. “It seemed like they wanted to kill me.”
Killian shook his head. “That doesn’t make any sense. And I don’t know why they ran away. They had to know that Al magnifies my power. They outnumbered me two to one. Still, they ran.”
Blaine stroked the silky black fur and looked up at Killian with pleading eyes. “Okay, baby, do your stuff. Make him well.”
Killian took a breath. He placed both hands on the slim body. Only a small spark of life force pulsed, but it was steady. Thank gods. “He took a strong hit. Those females are very powerful.” Sadly, without Aloysius, Killian was less so.
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Hearts and Flour
A raw food fanatic and a cupcake baker — can two hearts rise above the flour?
To Micah Truveen, raw, vegan food is his religion. So when his devoted customers start showing up with white flour cupcakes, Micah could kill. To cap off a rotten day before Valentine’s Day, Micah comes home to find his boyfriend, Dharamaram, in bed with someone else. In frustration, he throws the rat out and agrees to go to his friend’s orgiastic anti-Valentines party where he meets a gorgeous cross-dressing guy who gives him a night to remember.
Southerner, Quentin Darby wishes he could stop wearing women’s clothes. He desperately wants to live up to the glowing opinion his grandmother holds of him, so he’s never even told her he’s gay. And now there’s this guy who makes him wish he could just be who he is. But Micah finds out that Quentin is none other than the baker responsible for the plague of cupcakes afflicting the community! And Dharmaram adds a little blackmail to the mix. Two guys with nothing in common except love–food for thought.
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Snow Balls
Big, handsome and hunky, JJ LaRousse looks like an alpha male but acts like an interior decorator. And he’s trying to be happy about it — until a robbery at the famous Laguna Winter Fantasy brings JJ face-to-face with tough cop, Ryan Star. JJ hears Ryan likes guys who are manly men, so he drops his voice an octave, colors over his pink hair, and tries to pass as a football fan. Ryan Star may be tough but he hides in the closet at work since he learned in New York that being a gay cop can cost you your life. His attraction to that big, handsome kid threatens his anonymity, but he can’t seem to resist. JJ is just his type. But then JJ goes skiing and comes face to face with his greatest nemesis– and all the secrets come out of the closet. Can Ryan love JJ for who he really is? More important, can JJ?
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Q&A with Author Tempeste O’Riley
Reblogged from Madison Parker’s blog
New interview with Tempe O’Riley, author of DESIGNS OF DESIRE. I have a soft spot for MCs with disabilities, and this is a lovely hurt/comfort romance. It also features some light BDSM with a gentle and living dom. Win/Win!
Q&A with Author Tempeste O’Riley
In Designs of Desire, the main characters eventually develop pet names for each other. What, if any, pet names have you used with your significant other(s)?
July 29, 2013
Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind Scavenger Hunt
Today is my turn in the wonderful Close Encounters of the Wicked Kind Scavenger Hunt! With my first book having released yesterday, I decided to let you get a little peek inside, as it were. Hope you enjoy and make sure to participate in all the great giveaways!!!
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Designs of Desire
by Tempeste O’Riley
M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Press Release Date: July/August 2013
Length: Novel
Preorder: Dreamspinner Press
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?
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Excerpt
Driving through the morning fog, James headed to the hotel construction site. Seth had assured him it was almost completed and was safe to visit. James pulled in and parked up front, then grabbed his backpack—the one he used outside the office to carry items—off the passenger seat. James slung the pack onto his back. He set his sticks in the gravel of the parking area, climbed out of his blue CRV, and headed up the wide, stonework stairs to the main entrance of the soon-to-be hotel. Hate stairs, he sulked. The ramp wasn’t finished yet.
Once he entered the foyer, 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.
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From July 1st — 30th you can HOP around the blogs, comment on each, follow their rules, and be entered to win some great prizes!
Site Prize: $5 Amazon Card (you must leave a comment with your email to enter)
Now for your part . . . Answer the question below in the rafflecopter space marked with the blog title, NOT in the comments.
One autographed print copy of The Sunset Warrior by Leanore Elliot
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy book by Nikki Prince
An E-copy of The Remedy Maker by Sheri Fredricks
Choice of 1 backlist e-copy of Rosanna Leo
Choice of 2 backlist e-copies from Seraphina Donavan
A Bound gift pack which includes: Autographed Print copy of Bound, Necklace, and Book marks by Bonnie Bliss
A pdf copy of Touch of the Gods: The Wager by D.X. Luc
A copy of Dangerously Mine by AM Griffin
Autographed print copy of Immortal Love and an E-copy of PRimal Song by Danica Avet
An Autographed paperback from Cristal Ryder
E-copy of The Witching Pen Omnibus from Dianna Hardy
Swag Pack from A R Von
A T-shirt from Michel Prince
An Autographed copy of the promotional paperback Dreams of Ink by Kallysten
$5 Amazon card from Samantha Pleasent
$5 Amazon card from Ashlynne Laynne
Autographed copy of The Hunter Diaries in paperback by Serena Zane
Tammy Dennings Maggy: Swag: coffee mug, tote bag, pen, mouse pad, key chain
The Autographed Print Copy of the Satin Rose Experience by Sandra Bunino
E-book Copy of Blood Avenged by Gabrielle Bisset
E-book Choice of Blood’s Voice or Blood Bound by Aine Massie
Autographed Print Copy of Only Scandal Will Do by Jenna Jaxon
Autographed Print Copy of Dark Passion Rising by Shannon Albright
E-copy of The Heart of a Wolf Series by MaryLynn Bast
Autographed Print copy of For His Eyes Only by T.C. Archer
E-copy choice of backlist book from Katie Salidas
Autographed Print copy of My Highland Love
E-copy of Arresting Behavior by Morticia Knight and sexy swag pack!!
Winner’s choice of Backlist book by Naomi Bellina plus Swag pack!
Choice of 2 e-books: Croc and the Fox by Eve Langlais, Doms of Dark Haven anthology, The Vampire’s Boy by Theda Black, or Dex in Blue by Amy Lane, winner’s choice from: Sharing Links and Wisdom
Choice of e-book from Lea Barrymire
$5 dollar Amazon Card From Natasha Blackthorne
You can comment (answer the site questions) on 1 or all participant sites and be entered for the grand prizes! Good Luck to All!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sites
An InLinkz Link-up
Crutches and Ring Splints? What’s that got to do with romance…
Today is Release Day! Nikki Prince has graciously shared a bit about Designs of Desire, why there are finger splints and forearm crutches, and even a giveaway!
Reblogged from Author Nikki Prince’s blog
Morning everyone! I’m thrilled to be here at Nikki Prince’s author blog. Today I’m going to talk a little about the ring splints you see on the books cover an the crutches from the blurb (see below, :c) ). You see, my knowledge of EDS, the genetic disorder James has, is not just from internet research. Nor is my knowledge of forearm crutch. I too have EDS, use crutches to walk…
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