Elisa Rolle's Blog, page 272

2016 Rainbow Awards: The Scorpion's Empress by Yoshiyuki Ly (374-09-02-2016)

The Scorpion's Empress by Yoshiyuki Ly
Lesbian Erotic Romance
Paperback: 186 pages
Publisher: Solstice Publishing (May 31, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1625263805
ISBN-13: 978-1625263803
Amazon: The Scorpion's Empress
Amazon Kindle: The Scorpion's Empress

After years of serving a corrupt government, Ser Videl, an idealistic paladin, learns that her younger sister is tangled in a dark scheme against Raj Mangala, the compassionate yet troubled empress of the city’s oppressed lowtown; the two women meet and are deeply drawn to one another, finding a shared sanctuary in their violently-divided city. Videl’s loving devotion is just what Raj craves, but Raj is wary of letting her guard down while protecting her throne. Determined to prove her worth, Videl chases after Raj and works to unravel the mystery of the plots against the empress. Raj wants Videl to serve her emotional and sexual needs, and the two explore a meaningful relationship of dominance and submission that delves fully into their deepest wants. When the conspiracy against Raj comes to a head, Videl’s loyalties are tested when she is forced to choose between her past and her empress.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Checkmate Ever After by Lex Chase (373-09-02-2016)

Checkmate Ever After by Lex Chase
Gay Anthology / Collection / Sci-Fi / Futuristic
Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: DSP Publications (December 15, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634764617
ISBN-13: 978-1634764612
Amazon: Checkmate Ever After
Amazon Kindle: Checkmate Ever After

Second Edition

Checkmate: Books One through Four

The day disgraced superhero Memphis Rook literally fell into Hogarth Dawson’s lap, you could say it was fate. But the brawny Rook did nearly crush Garth’s pancreas. What started as two ships passing in the night ended on the weirdest adventure of their lives. Together, Rook and Garth form Checkmate, a daring super duo that keeps Axis City safe from a rogue’s gallery of nefarious villains, dastardly masterminds, and a coalition of calamity. Fighting evil wherever it appears―from reality shows to comic book conventions―Checkmate serves up knuckle sandwiches of justice. But by day, they’re a couple of broke losers who can barely afford a burger and navigating a weird thing called a relationship. Ain’t true love grand? Rook and Garth may be in over their heads, and even super heroes fail sometimes, but they’re ready to take a stand when no one else will. Don’t hate the players, because Checkmate owns the game.

First Edition of Pawn Takes Rook published by Dreamspinner Press, 2013.

First Edition of Cashing the Reality Check published by Dreamspinner Press, 2013.

First Edition of Conventional Love published by Dreamspinner Press, 2014.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Urban Fairy Tale by Lex Chase (372-09-02-2016)

Urban Fairy Tale (The Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy #3) by Lex Chase
Gay Fantasy Romance
Series: Screw-Up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy (Book 3)
Paperback: 274 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 19, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634771575
ISBN-13: 978-1634771573
Amazon: Urban Fairy Tale (The Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy #3)
Amazon Kindle: Urban Fairy Tale (The Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy #3)

Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy: Book Three

A Fairy Tales of the Open Road Novel

Modern-day fairy-tale princess Taylor Hatfield has problems. One, he's a guy. Two, he's an insomniac Sleeping Beauty. Three, his practically perfect brother, Atticus Hatfield, this generation's Snow White, has been irrevocably corrupted by the Witchking. The Library, a clandestine organization, seeks to write "The End" on Atticus, and Taylor is given the impossible task when his own parents endorse his brother's demise. With his true love, the huntsman Corentin Devereaux, at his side, they once again set out to find Atticus, but Atticus won't go down without a fight.

The quest ends how it began. But instead of the quirky, corkscrewing Americana road trip, Taylor and Corentin must contend with the dangers of the urban jungle. With an unexpected ally at their side, they're forced to question all they know about the legacy of Snow White.

As the world of the Enchants and the mundane hang in the balance, Taylor knows what he must do: go pick an apple.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Bayou Fairy Tale by Lex Chase (371-09-02-2016)

Bayou Fairy Tale (Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy #2) by Lex Chase
Gay Fantasy Romance
Paperback: 294 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 19, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613727941
ISBN-13: 978-1613727942
Amazon: Bayou Fairy Tale (Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy #2)
Amazon Kindle: Bayou Fairy Tale (Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy #2)

Screw-up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy: Book Two

A Fairy Tales of the Open Road Novel

Modern day fairy-tale princess Taylor Hatfield has problems. One: he’s a guy. Two: he’s Sleeping Beauty, the most useless princess in existence. Throw in his true love, Corentin Devereaux, a huntsman descended from child-eating witches, and Taylor’s younger brother, Atticus―this generation’s Snow White―who tried to kill him. That didn’t go so hot.

For two years, Taylor and Corentin live their Happily Ever After. But Corentin is cursed to lose his memory every seven days, including his life with Taylor―a painful reminder that he can’t provide for the man he loves. Taylor insists Corentin has the strength to succeed, and when Taylor discovers a way to break the curse, he is more than willing to pay the cost.

When an enchanted blizzard devastates Corentin’s hometown of New Orleans, Taylor is convinced Atticus is to blame and grows desperate to find him amid the Big Easy turned frozen wasteland. Corentin believes Taylor is chasing a ghost while he chases the ghosts of his own past. Old tensions scratch open scars, leaving both to wonder if they have each other’s best interests at heart. The clock is ticking until Corentin loses his memory and the rabbit hole goes so deep they may never come out.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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GRL Featured Blog: J.P. Bowie

Memories of GRL from J.P. Bowie

Every year when I start getting ready for GRL I think back to the very first time I met Carol Lynne in 2009 in Kansas. She had organized a small gathering of authors and readers, and we had fun talking about the genre we love. I think it was from that the kernel of an idea for something bigger sprang. With Carol, collaborating with Ethan Day, Lynn Lorenz, Theresa Emil and a little help from me, GRL was born. And how appropriate it is that this year we’re back in Kansas City.
New Orleans was our pick for the first GRL and it was fabulous. How could it not be when our hotel was right in the middle of the French Quarter? If we weren’t doing readings or workshop stuff you could step outside and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that was Bourbon Street. This, mind you, not long after Katrina, but the city was still in party mode and we made the most of it. Some wild nights to remember.
But what was great about the first GRL was the almost immediate camaraderie amongst the authors and readers. For the first time those who write in the m/m genre could promote and discuss their books in a friendly environment without fear of down-the-nose looks from other authors, so prevalent at other conventions. As for the readers to be able to chat face-to-face with their favorite author over lunch or a cocktail, many of them told me that was the highlight of the weekend. My favorite moment was the Riverboat Cruise book signing.
So, the first GRL, though small in number, just over 200 attendees, was a success and we had to it again, right? So on to Albuquerque and the numbers grew, authors, publishers and readers came from all over the world, and more fun was had, a disco night (with strippers!) was added along with a costume ball – another success, and plans were made for the following year. So Atlanta followed, then Chicago and last year my home town of San Diego where I finally got Phil, my hubby, to attend and he had a great time enjoying the craziness that goes along with serious(?) stuff like book signings and author meets and spotlights and more craziness. It’s really about having fun, meeting new people, catching up with old friends, making new ones… can’t wait for the hugs and smiling faces.
GRL has grown, and with the added influence, ingenuity and hard work of Reese Dante and her hubby Ron it will continue to be a success. Kudos to the originators, Carol Lynne, Ethan Day, and Theresa Emil for making GRL, THE fun convention to be part of every year. See you in Kansas City!



Highland Hearts by J.P. Bowie
Publisher: Pride Publishing (July 12, 2016)
Amazon Kindle: Highland HeartsJul

Callum Robertson has inherited his grandfather’s mansion in northern Scotland, but the house comes with a history he knew nothing about—should he be thrilled, or feel threatened as the house seems to lure him in?

When Callum Robertson first sees the old Scottish country mansion his grandfather bequeathed him, his immediate instinct is to sell the antiquated pile for whatever he can get for it—admittedly not much in a downturned market. Then he meets Craig MacPherson, a local farmer with auburn curls and sparkling gray eyes, and suddenly the gloomy old house doesn’t look quite the white elephant it first appeared to be.

Craig tells Callum that it’s rumored the house is haunted but by what or whom no one seems to know. Books flying off shelves then being mysteriously replaced give Callum pause to reconsider his rejection of the idea of an actual ghost haunting the place. When he finds a journal relating to the history of his family, he is, by turn, intrigued then fascinated as the saga unfolds through the writings of his ancestors.

An encounter with what he feels must be the spirit of his great-great-great-uncle Alistair makes him change his mind not only about selling the house, but also about his future with Craig.

About J.P. Bowie: J.P Bowie was born in Scotland and toured British theatres in numerous musical shows including Stephen Sondheim's Company.

Emigrated to the States and worked in Las Vegas, Nevada for the magicians Siegfried and Roy as their Head of Wardrobe at the Mirage Hotel. Currently living in Henderson, Nevada.




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2016 Rainbow Awards: Betting on Forever and What Lies Between Us by Felice Stevens (370-09-01-2016)

Betting on Forever and What Lies Between Us (2 novellas as 1 submission) by Felice Stevens
Gay Erotic Romance

Betting on Forever (The Breakfast Club #2)
Series: The Breakfast Club
Paperback: 246 pages
Publisher: Felice Stevens (November 15, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1519177054
ISBN-13: 978-1519177056
Amazon: Betting on Forever (The Breakfast Club #2)
Amazon Kindle: Betting on Forever (The Breakfast Club #2)

A weekend fling in Atlantic City couldn’t be more out of socially shy Zach Cohen’s comfort zone, but a bet with his best friends forces him to put aside the humiliation he’s hidden for years and step away from behind his computer screens and online world. When he meets Sam Stein, despite their spark, Zach expects nothing more than a night of passion and a kiss good-bye. Yet weeks later, he can’t keep the man out of his head. After a split-second decision with tragic results ends his twenty-year police career at the same time as his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging, he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted. Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend was much more than a one-night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality, and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.

What Lies Between Us (The Breakfast Club #4)
Publication Date: February 12, 2016
Amazon Kindle: What Lies Between Us (The Breakfast Club #4)

Now that he’s living with Sam Stein, Zach Cohen is finally ready to move on from his unhappy past. His days are filled with wedding preparations, yet he still finds time to make plans and decisions without consulting Sam and his mother, firmly believing he knows best.

Sam is ready to settle in for the perfect life with Zach but years of bad habits have come back to haunt him. Struggling to accept himself and his future, he chooses not to share his fears, unwilling to look weak in Zach’s eyes.

Real life gets in the way of the best intentions and when their secrets explode, the aftermath challenges the foundation of a relationship both believed unshakeable. Falling in love is the easy part, and Zach and Sam discover that only with honesty can they overcome what threatens to tear them apart.

This is a novella of approximately 25,000 words in The Breakfast Club series

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: "What Does "Queer" Mean Anyway by Chris Bartlett (369-08-31-2016)

"What Does "Queer" Mean Anyway: The Quick and Dirty Guide to LGBTQIA+ Vocabulary by Chris Bartlett
LGBT Non Fiction
Series: The Quick and Dirty Guide
Paperback: 70 pages
Publisher: It's the Journey Not the Destination LLC (July 18, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1535529601
ISBN-13: 978-1535529600
Amazon: "What Does "Queer" Mean Anyway: The Quick and Dirty Guide to LGBTQIA+ Vocabulary
Amazon Kindle: "What Does "Queer" Mean Anyway: The Quick and Dirty Guide to LGBTQIA+ Vocabulary

Do you know what "queer" means? Do you know how to use it correctly and politely? Does your tongue trip over itself when someone says "transgender?" In this clear and concise text Chris Bartlett provides direct explanations for how to use and interpret LGBTQIA+ identifications. Writing to those who are unsure of how to talk about alternative sexualities and gender, the author uses case studies and historical examples to unpack this often misused and misunderstood vocabulary. For much of his life Chris felt unsure of how to politely address and to interact with people who place themselves outside of the traditionally encouraged heterosexual mold. This fear of appearing ignorant or rude led him to avoid interacting with some people and prevented him from sticking up for others when he should have. The truth is that being uncomfortable and unsure around a new concept does not make anyone a bad person but when that mindset prevents one from being fair and equitable to others then there is a problem. After reading this Quick and Dirty Guide to LGBTQIA+ vocabulary you'll be confident enough to ask polite questions about gender and sexuality and informed enough to understand the answers.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Matchmakers: A Shifting Isles Trilogy by G.R. Lyons (368-08-31-2016)

Matchmakers: A Shifting Isles Trilogy by G.R. Lyons
Gay Anthology / Collection / Fantasy Romance
Series: Matchmakers
Paperback: 614 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 24, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1534740864
ISBN-13: 978-1534740860
Amazon: Matchmakers: A Shifting Isles Trilogy
Amazon Kindle: Matchmakers: A Shifting Isles Trilogy

Get the entire Matchmakers Trilogy for one low price! Second Chances: Nineteen-year-old porn star Remy Dawes loves his job at Matchmakers, a gay nightclub, but the fantasy he portrays every night doesn't leave room for what he really wants: companionship, love, someone to come home to, someone just for him. Who would ever take seriously a kid who practically sells his body for others' pleasure? Thirty-five-year-old Chance Whitaker has sworn off dating younger men after having been cheated on one too many times, until the owner of Matchmakers convinces him to take a chance on Remy Dawes, a gorgeous kid who surprises Chance at every turn. As things fall apart through meddling, death, and betrayal, will there be a second chance for two people to find love? Second Drafts: Novelist Shain Ahren is committed to only one thing: himself. Living alone and having an endless string of one-night stands, Shain's carefully crafted routine ensures no one will ever control him again. But one trick he met at Matchmakers, years ago, he can't get out of his head. Painter Elliden Crawford yearns to be controlled. Born with an extreme chemical imbalance, Elliden struggles to keep the fits at bay so he won't be a danger to others. Only once in his life did Elliden ever truly feel safe, just one night when he met a stranger at Matchmakers. When Matchmakers brings them together again, Elliden finally gets what he needs, while Shain's world is thrown into complete disarray. Will Shain ever relinquish control, or will they be fated to remain a discarded first draft? Second Place: Danny Berringer lives up to the name of his nightclub. Ever since he cheated on Bryan, the love of his life, he's been making up for it by helping others find love. He even matched up Bryan with Eric Grant, except Bryan's perfect marriage seems to have fallen apart, and Danny is dying to know why. He doesn't get couples wrong. Ever. Bryan Landry had his heart broken by Danny, then had it put back together by Eric, but he can't have Eric anymore, and it's all his fault. He spends his nights at Matchmakers having random tricks and trying to avoid Danny, but the meddlesome matchmaker won't leave him be. Thrown together through guilt, death, and temptation, Bryan denies his feelings while Danny clings to dreams of Bryan's forgiveness. Will Danny always lose, or can he win second place in Bryan's heart?

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: A Grande Romance by Antonio (367-08-31-2016)

A Grande Romance by Antonio
Gay Mystery / Thriller
Paperback: 234 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 2, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1536872962
ISBN-13: 978-1536872965
Amazon: A Grande Romance
Amazon Kindle: A Grande Romance

Life was just grand for Julian Grande. His dream of opening a bookstore had come true. He loved the town he was living in and had his best friend Noreen working for him. And the sexy fireman Jaxon Reed had entered his life. But then things take a turn for the worse. Lives may hang in the balance unless Julian and his friends can get to the truth of things. They need to solve a puzzling mystery that has the whole town in its grip.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Softpaw (Smilodon Pride #1) by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus (366-08-31-2016)

Softpaw (Smilodon Pride #1) by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus
Gay Paranormal Romance
Series: Smilodon Pride
Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; First Edition edition (May 23, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1522882979
ISBN-13: 978-1522882978
Amazon: Softpaw (Smilodon Pride #1)
Amazon Kindle: Softpaw (Smilodon Pride #1)

Connor’s life used to be the dream of any cultured werecat. He spent his days in Paris’ gay quarter with comfortably little real work, playing the piano, surrounded by art, fine food and good friends. Now, a feral vampire preys on the prostitutes of ‘his’ quarter, killing the boys of the Marais one by one. When Connor invites a newly arrived hooker to stay on his houseboat, the last thing he expects is Michel to be a member of the Brigade Criminelle - a troubled, hunky rookie cop sent undercover to explore Connor’s connection to the murders, picked mostly because he had been a boy of the Marais himself, not so long ago. Hiding their true natures becomes a problem for both when their inital attraction becomes much more than they ever thought possible. But in order to bring down the serial killer and maybe have a chance at making their relationship work out, one of them will have to take the first, critical leap... This standalone paranormal m/m romance about cops and rent-boys, werecats and vampires is the first book of the ‘Smilodon Pride’ collection.

Rainbow Awards Guidelines: http://www.elisarolle.com/rainbowawards/rainbow_awards_2016.html

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