Elisa Rolle's Blog, page 275

2016 Rainbow Awards: The Necromancer's Dance & The Necromancer's Dilemma (344-08-30-2016)

The Necromancer's Dance and The Necromancer's Dilemma (2 books as 1 submission) by S.J. Himes
Gay Fantasy

The Necromancer's Dance (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #1)
Series: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer
Paperback: 284 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (February 25, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 153083693X
ISBN-13: 978-1530836932
Amazon: The Necromancer's Dance (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #1)
Amazon Kinlde: The Necromancer's Dance (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #1)

In a world where magic is real and evil walks amongst humanity, a young sorcerer is beset upon by enemies, both old and new. Angelus Salvatore is the only necromancer in all of Boston, and his name is whispered warily by the undead and fellow sorcerers alike. He and his brother Isaac are the lone survivors of an attack by an army of the undead, in which Angel used a spell so powerful it forever marked his place in history. Now, years later, Angel struggles to balance his career as a teacher of the higher magical arts, his role as big brother, and a tenuous relationship with an Elder vampire from the local clan. When his brother's boyfriend is used as a pawn in a mysterious plot to draw Angel out, Angel is once again drawn back into the old hostilities that fueled the Blood Wars and led to his family's death. Leaning on others for help is something Angel cannot do, and while he searches for clues into who may be targeting him and his brother, Angel finds his heart steadily growing occupied with Simeon, Elder and vampire. Dealing with death magic and vampires on a daily basis may leave Angel jaded when it comes to life and staying that way, but the more time he spends fending off the ancient vampire's attention and affections, the more he realizes he wants to give in. Can Angel find out who wants him dead, and keep his heart safe in the process? How can he fall for a vampire, when his whole family was torn apart by an army of the undead? Death stalks the streets of Boston's historic Beacon Hill....and there is no one more suited to battle against death than a necromancer.

The Necromancer's Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2)
Series: The Beacon Hill Sorcerer
Paperback: 280 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (July 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1535135514
ISBN-13: 978-1535135511
Amazon: The Necromancer's Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2)
Amazon Kinlde: The Necromancer's Dilemma (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer #2)

Even love can die without trust. Angel’s brother, Isaac, has returned home, and the pair begins to make slow and awkward attempts back to each other. Learning how to be a brother to a grown man instead of a parental figure has Angel adjusting his behaviors and habits, and Isaac still remains a mystery. Was it merely entering adulthood that turned Isaac away from an overprotective Angel, or does Isaac carry a secret that will keep them from finally being a real family? Daniel Macavoy, Angel’s new apprentice, is torn between his bond with Angel and the grasping machinations of his father. Dealing with a traumatized apprentice with dangerous holes in his magical education, saving Daniel may be harder than Angel first thought—especially since the biggest problem is not revenge, but guilt. The one shining beacon in his life is Simeon, Elder vampire of Boston’s only Bloodclan. Four hundred years old and sexy as sin, Simeon is warrior and sage, patient and cunning. The strength Angel draws from Simeon’s devotion and the newborn mate-bond between them is steadfast and true…and the fount of death magic that animates the undead lord places Angel in the midst of a power struggle for control over himself, his lover, and his family. Through it all, Angel is beleaguered by the unwanted attention of a troll-hybrid, the adventures of a dragon in the city, and a serial killer has decided to hunt the back alleys and midnight streets of Boston.

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Strong Medicine by J.K. Hogan (343-08-30-2016)

Strong Medicine by J.K. Hogan
Gay Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: Wilde City Press, LLC (July 29, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1925506142
ISBN-13: 978-1925506143
Amazon: Strong Medicine
Amazon Kinlde: Strong Medicine

Two men who meet in a psychiatric institution couldn't possibly find happiness together--could they?

The world seemed to be telling disgraced former child star and singer Cameron Fox that he would never be happy again. A drunken car accident gets him sentenced to a work release program at Riverbend Behavioral Health Facility.

Reclusive, traumatized writer Jonah Radley has an entire graveyard of skeletons in his closet. Jonah regularly hospitalizes himself for psychotic episodes caused by a horrific childhood trauma, his biggest secret--one he refuses to speak about in therapy.

Jonah and Cameron form a bond inside the hospital, forged in mutual pain and hope for a better life. Once they leave the hospital, they must decide if they are brave enough to explore the intricacies of living with mental illness--and find a new normal together.

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: For Never and Always by Ana J. Phoenix (342-08-30-2016)

For Never and Always by Ana J. Phoenix
Bisexual Paranormal Romance
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 4, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1530373336
ISBN-13: 978-1530373338
Amazon: For Never and Always
Amazon Kinlde: For Never and Always

Seth finds himself alone at an abandoned train station, with no idea what happened, or how he got there. He boards a train, only to discover it’s a special express transporting the recently deceased to their final destination. The conductor tells him he’s having a near-death experience. Seth wonders if it has something to do with his violent boyfriend, but that doesn't matter. All that matters is getting the hell off the train before he actually dies. But when he spots his best friend and secret crush among the traveling dead, the urge to leave fades...

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Ringed Love (Sentries #6) by Elizabeth Noble (341-08-29-2016)

Ringed Love (Sentries #6) by Elizabeth Noble
Gay Fantasy Romance
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 23, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1634772474
ISBN-13: 978-1634772471
Amazon: Ringed Love (Sentries #6)
Amazon Kinlde: Ringed Love (Sentries #6)

"Sequel to Tethered Pair "

"Sentries: Book Six "

New Colorado Protectorate fell with the assassination of Chancellor Clarke. Afterward, like many others, Todd and Nick Ruger left the land of their birth and made a home up north in Yellowknife. Though they have to say a sad farewell to friends and loved ones, they are taken in with open arms and in turn offer shelter to others.

They must still contend with angry ghosts, Windigos, and water spirits, but through it all, their love and devotion for each other never falters. Nick is awarded a degree in veterinary medicine and trains students from Yellowknife, while Todd becomes the town sheriff and takes on new sentry apprentices of his own. They remain steadfast in their duty as sentries as well, leaving a legacy meant to protect and defend those who need it the most.

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

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GRL Featured Blog: M.A. Church

Werecats, aliens, and country boys… Oh my!

Recently a fan pointed out that my books revolve around three major things: shifters, aliens, and country boys. At first I laughed, then I got to thinking… and then I got to checking. *grin* And what you know? She was right.

I won’t lie—my first love is paranormal. Or is it science fiction? Okay, okay! It’s both of them, lol. So what drew me to them? There are no easy answers. There’s something about taking a character and making him into something more that appeals to me. Always has. Aliens can have any color skin, eyes, hair, extra body parts—whatever my imagination comes up with. It’s a thrill I can’t explain.

So, my fascination with werecats…. What possessed me to write about normal, everyday house cats? Well, normal is nothing more than an illusion, and my werecats are very grateful for it too! While I love the big and sexy shifters like werewolves, I wanted to do something that revolved around the felines. I’d done a story about a cougar shifter, so I wanted something a little different this time.

I based the series on my cat, Kitty-Kitty, and my love of cats. Thus my version of werecats—but they’re much larger than the normal house housecats. My werecats aren’t as big as werecougars, but they are the size of Savannahs, which are pretty big hybrids. Unlike Savannahs, my werecats don’t have the same coloration.

Did someone say aliens? In my sci-fi books, I’ve created aliens who had tentacles. I wanted these aliens to be a little scary but sexy too. So how do you make tentacles sexy? It wasn’t easy, but trust me, it can be done. ;) I’ve also created aliens with snakelike qualities like slitted pupils and forked tongues.

Other characters ended up being nonshifting, snakelike paranormals who looks human until something happens to bring forth the Vetala side of their nature. The Vetala are also often compared to vampires. I’ve dabbled in fantasy with characters with the ability to breathe underwater who were not mermen, but I’ve also written mermen, lol.

And finally, the oddball of the bunch—my country boys—who tend to show up even in my paranormal and sci-fi books. I don’t write a lot of contemporary, but I’m working on changing that. An upcoming contemporary book has one the main characters as a country boy. Of course. That won’t be out until November, though.

It Takes Two to Tango will be released by Dreamspinner on September 26th. This is Remi’s book, and the third book in the Fur, Fangs, and Felines series.

Blurb:
Can two very different men find the love they need to survive?

Remi Ginn’s an easygoing werecat with a love of snarky T-shirts who would be perfectly happy with a human mate. Is that what the goddess Bast gives him? Of course not. Instead she gifts him with Marshell, a Vetala: a snakelike nonshifter who drinks blood to survive. A man who’s just as toppy as Remi—and even more powerful than the West Falls Clowder’s Alpha and heir apparent.

While Remi decides whether he can handle the fates’ choice, hunters attack Marshell. In an explosion of passion, Remi and Marshell mate and Remi declares Marshell his. Now they have to figure out how to make their relationship work as they dance around each other.

The clowder is in turmoil, and Remi’s acceptance of Marshell rocks the very foundation of the insular group. The consequences will be far-reaching. And if that isn’t problem enough, the situation with the hunters is far from resolved… as the appearance of an Alpha werewolf proves.

Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/it-takes-two-to-tango-by-ma-church-7563-b

Exclusive Excerpt:

Remi
I loved my job as a beta. I loved my clowder. I didn’t want to leave if Dolf couldn’t accept Marshell, but I also didn’t what to lose my mate. Mates were a gift from our goddess Bast, and we didn’t turn our backs on such a gift.
“Remi, I think you and Marshell need to talk.” Aidric pushed his food around on his plate too. “Marshell may be powerful. He may even be more powerful than you. But Dolf, has anyone asked him if he’s even interested in leading a group? He can’t challenge you for position since he’s not a werecat. Am I right about that?”
“You’re right,” Alpha Armonty said. “He can’t. But what if he let his power leak around the clowder members? That could erode Dolf’s position as Alpha. Or what if they refused to accept Marshell because of it? Dolf is well liked. Our members could be threatened by Marshell’s power.”
“What if we called a meeting and told the clowder? The Vetala don’t live in groups like us or werewolves, do they?” Brier asked.
“No,” I said. “They don’t. At the most you’ll have a hunting pair. They hunt in twos as a precaution. Other than that they stay to themselves. Janelle and Marshell hunt together, and they lived together after they moved here. Well, until Janelle met Sam and Heller met Lawson. They still hunt together, though.”
“‘Hunt.’ Earlier you called the humans they fed from ‘prey.’ Am I the only one who finds that kind of freaky?” Brier asked.
“We shift. For all we know, they find our shifting kind of freaky,” I spat. Oh yeah, I was beginning to see why Dolf reacted as he did when he told us about Kirk.
“I didn’t mean it as an insult.” Brier held up his hand. “But come on, Remi. You telling me it doesn’t freak you out some? I’m guessing your mate would want to feed from you. I mean, he would, wouldn’t he? Even though you’re not human?”
Shit. He would hit on the one thing I couldn’t answer.
“Okay, I’m going to throw this out there, so don’t yell at me,” Aidric said before I could formulate a response to Brier’s question. “Our clowder is already uneasy since we’ve added two humans—”
Dolf sighed. “This again? Dammit, they are not—”
“Yes, yes, they’re no longer human since they mated two of ours,” Aidric hurriedly added. “But they weren’t born werecats. They grew up with different values and beliefs. Now we’re talking about accepting another paranormal—which we’ve never done in our clowder until Janelle—who’s stronger than our Alpha.”
“It’s a problem,” Brier agreed.
“Look, the man’s my mate,” I snapped, my anger rising. “While I don’t want to leave you guys or my clowder… he’s my mate. Do you get that? I’ve watched how Kirk fought to be accepted. Hell, he still fights. Lawson probably will too. I’ve already heard rumblings about Janelle from some of the older clowder members and—”
“Wait a minute. Rumblings? What are you talking about?” Aidric demanded. “Dolf?”
“After her and Sam’s joining ceremony, the betas and Alpha met at Sam’s house for the welcoming party we always have,” Dolf said, rubbing at his eyes. “A few of the elders’ wives dropped off food—again, as they always do—then left. Janelle had a few words to say about there not being any other women there but her.”
“She referred to us as a ‘good ol’ boys club’ and pointed out there are no women as betas either,” Heller said. “That there are very few women business owners. She asked Lawson if our clowder was stuck in the nineteen twenties.”
Dolf massaged his temples.
“How do you know she said that to Lawson?” Alpha Armonty asked. “Lawson wasn’t at the party after the joining ceremony. It was just those of us with rank.”
“She said that to Lawson after the joining ceremony,” Heller said.
“We’ve never had a woman try for a beta position,” Alpha Armonty added. “That’s why we don’t have one.”
“Do they even know they can?” Heller took a deep breath. “I feel I should add that Lawson considers Janelle and Marshell family. If Mrshell isn’t accepted, Lawson has let me know it’s going to be a problem for him.”
“Now what does that mean?” Dolf demanded.
“He’ll leave the clowder,” Heller said. “He says if the man he considers a brother isn’t good enough for us, then neither is he. If he leaves, then I go with him.”
“So I might end up losing two of my betas?” Dolf slammed his hand on the table. “No, dammit. I won’t. All of you matter too much to me.”
“Janelle is right about the small-minded attitudes, Dolf. That might make some mad, but it’s true. You don’t want to lose us? Then this clowder needs to come out of the nineteen hundreds and join the twenty-first century. I won’t walk away from Marshell.” I sat back in my chair.
Well, looks like I made up my mind what to do about my very powerful, very deadly mate.



Author Bio:
M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!
When not writing, she’s on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two grown children.
She was a finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Awards, runner up in the 2015 Rainbow Awards, and is a member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Author Links:
Blog * Twitter * Facebook * The Harvest FB fan page * Goodreads * Amazon * E-mail *




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2016 Rainbow Awards: Lessons for Sleeping Dogs by Charlie Cochrane (340-08-29-2016)

Lessons for Sleeping Dogs (Cambridge Fellows Mysteries) by Charlie Cochrane
Gay Historical
Series: Cambridge Fellows Mysteries
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Riptide Publishing (June 2, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626492743
ISBN-13: 978-1626492745
Amazon: Lessons for Sleeping Dogs (Cambridge Fellows Mysteries)
Amazon Kinlde: Lessons for Sleeping Dogs (Cambridge Fellows Mysteries)

Cambridge, 1921

When amateur sleuth Jonty Stewart comes home with a new case to investigate, his partner Orlando Coppersmith always feels his day has been made. Although, can there be anything to solve in the apparent mercy killing of a disabled man by a doctor who then kills himself, especially when everything takes place in a locked room?

But things are never straightforward where the Cambridge fellows are concerned, so when they discover that more than one person has a motive to kill the dead men—motives linked to another double death—their wits get stretched to the breaking point.

And when the case disinters long buried memories for Jonty, memories about a promise he made and hasn’t kept, their emotions get pulled apart as well. This time, Jonty and Orlando will have to separate fact from fiction—and truth from emotion—to get to the bottom of things.

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Unguarded by Lou Kelly (339-08-28-2016)

Unguarded by Lou Kelly
Gay Contemporary Romance
Paperback: 302 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1535216867
ISBN-13: 978-1535216869
Amazon: Unguarded
Amazon Kinlde: Unguarded

If Bodyguard, Derick Britt, can make it through Afghanistan, he should be able to handle guarding rock star Heath MacFayden. But when obstinate and out of control Heath makes headlines for being outed in a gay sex scandal, the situation spirals. Fans clash with protesters; a stalker threatens Heath’s life; and the media drags Derick into Heath’s sex scandal. Through the chaos, Derick finds his professionalism compromised as he discovers the vulnerable man Heath is underneath his rock star persona. Derick can handle being front page news, but can he handle his growing feelings for Heath? Rock stars aren’t supposed to wake up every morning wanting to crawl under a rock, but Heath MacFayden’s world is unraveling. After having his private sex life exposed for the entire world to see, his upcoming U.S. tour is in jeopardy, and he can’t leave his house without being mobbed by reporters. After breaking free from a damaging relationship, Heath finds himself with no one he can trust. Derick Britt is exactly Heath’s type – but the last thing Heath needs is another alpha male telling him what to do, not matter how tempting it may be to lean on someone strong. Heath is determined to guard his heart, but with Derick around that might not be possible. Unguarded is a full-length, stand-alone novel with NO cliff hanger, but lots of steamy sex, salacious scandals, and sizzling suspense.

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: The Edge of Control by Lou Kelly (338-08-28-2016)

The Edge of Control by Lou Kelly
Gay Romantic Suspence
Paperback: 328 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 153362660X
ISBN-13: 978-1533626608
Amazon: The Edge of Control
Amazon Kinlde: The Edge of Control

When passion pushes David Carlson into dangerous territory will he walk the razor’s edge between life and death in order to be with the man he loves? As the youngest Chief of Medicine at Southside General Hospital, David Carlson has no business lusting after the most hostile nurse on the ER staff. A professional, hard-working, over-achiever, he’s finally realized his life-long dream of promotion, and the last thing he needs now are complications. But he can’t help being intrigued by the enigmatic Ian James. Not only is Ian flat-out gorgeous, he’s also mysterious. And he awakens in David a passion that he hasn’t felt since … well, ever. Unfortunately, Ian James is a man with a dangerous past and an even more dangerous present, and loving him will come at a cost. Can David trust him? Is he willing to put his entire career on the line to protect a man who might be playing him? Is Ian capable of loving and trusting him back? Discovering the truth will take David into the heart of blackmail, corruption, and scandal. Straight to the edge of control.

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Key Maneuvered by James Brock (337-08-28-2016)

Key Maneuvered by James Brock
Gay Erotic Romance
Paperback: 184 pages
Publisher: Beau to Beau Books (December 27, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1618453750
ISBN-13: 978-1618453754
Amazon: Key Maneuvered
Amazon Kinlde: Key Maneuvered

J.D. didn't miss what he didn't have, including family. He barely remembered his mother and had never known his father. Following the death of his grandfather, he becomes the neighborhood pass-around-kid, raised by a group of caring church members. When travelling evangelists Brother Bob and Sister Tina hear him play the piano, they quickly take him into their fold, where his talent and tragic story tear at the hearts of churchgoers across the Bible belt. A hit on the revival circuit, J.D.'s talent and Bob and Tina's showmanship soon turn their straw of a show into pure gold. Brother Bob and Sister Tina are becoming more than financially secure, but they need J.D.'s talent and story to keep their ministry going and their money growing. When a clash between the old time religion that J.D. was raised with and his sexual orientation becomes a crisis, he runs to the military to hide, where he finds love with Ethan. But sweet, sexy Ethan, has a dark secret of his own, a secret that involves someone near and dear to J.D., which may keep the two men apart forever.

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

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2016 Rainbow Awards: Vegas Stripped by James Brock (336-08-28-2016)

Vegas Stripped by James Brock
Gay Erotic Romance
Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Beau to Beau Books (October 28, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1618453688
ISBN-13: 978-1618453686
Amazon: Vegas Stripped
Amazon Kinlde: Vegas Stripped

Loner and con man Sam is a love ‘em and leave ‘em kind of guy. Born into a world of scams, hoaxes and schemes, he settles in Miami after making a major art swindle, only to lose his heart to the wrong man. Broke and broken, he rockets out of the sunshine state only to be detoured to Las Vegas. Running from the problem is nothing new to this flim-flam man, but he has always worked alone until now. Pulling off the scam that his life now depends on, he is forced to join a motley crew of amateurs, including a former reality star, a retired showgirl, and a disabled vet and his stripper brother, who is running a con of his own. Love, loss, redemption and sex are set against the bright neon of the Las Vegas strip in this sizzling romance!

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

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