A Stella Release Day Review: Mapping the Forest by Brandon Witt

RATING 5 out of 5 stars

Happily ever after has no map, but sometimes fate sends a guiding light.

Gabe Rice, a seasonal ranger at the Rocky Mountain National Park, can’t seem to get his life on the right trail. He loves the rugged beauty of the land, and there is no place he would rather live than the mountain community of Estes Park. But after six years, Gabe is beginning to wonder if he’ll ever get a full-time position or find love. When Gabe sees Luis—and hears his gorgeous singing—he’s compelled to meet him.

Luis Martinez, the new owner of a hotel and steak ride business in Estes, left California and a career as a therapist for a fresh start in Colorado. But even the beauty of the mountains can’t help him forget the past or move forward. Unprepared for his strong attraction to Gabe, Luis is ready to run and hide from emotions he never thought he’d have again.

Suddenly the path ahead opens to a future that looks brighter for both of them, if they can find the courage to walk forward—together.

Gabe is a thirty-two years old park ranger, he has a seasonal position at a National Park, a work he loves a lot even if his boss is a huge PITA. He has a great group of friends that are his only true family, starting with Jordan, his best friend, and her grandmother, a truly force of nature. Nonethless he is pretty lonely and even the love for his work is not enough anymore. Until one night he is spellbound by Steak Man, or Luis, while he is singing and playing the guitar in the middle of the forest during a steak ride. From that moment things will change in Gabe life.

Luis has lately upset his all life as a therapist in California to run an hotel and jeep ride combo sight. Actually it was life that messed up with Luis and took Chris, Luis husband, from him. The hurt for the loss of his partner is still too big and Luis is not ready to take a step forward versus a hypothetical new relationship. But second chances are one of the greatest things in life.

I’m a huge Brandon Witt fan. I believe he is an amazing writer and I deeply enjoyed every story he has written. Mapping the Forest was no exception. Beautifully written and perfectly balanced in the emotions. Definitely a light read with some sadness to overcome and new beginnings to live.

What I particularly loved were the characters, each of them, not just Gabe and Luis, were well depicted, the Gay Boy Christmas Dinner group of friends were all well defined and I so want to read each of their own stories. I already met Paxton in Christmas Miracles of a Recently Fallen Spruce. And then there’s Rob who lost his lover many years ago, Todd, Gabe secret crush until he meets the man of his dreams. I loved Mapping the Forest, I liked how the relationship between the MCs evolves, how they take their time getting to know each other and how later they rush into the chemistry, too strong to be ignored or waited on.

I wish to highly recommend this new release by Brandon Witt, great characters, good plot, excellent writing. I was conquered.

I like the different style of the cover art by Anne Cain a lot.

Sales Links

BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 240 pages

Publication Date: November 4th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN 1634778391 (ISBN13: 9781634778398)

Edition Language English

A MelanieM Release Day Review: After the Sunset (Timing #2) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

Two years after riding off into the sunset with ranch owner Rand Holloway, Stefan Joss has made a tentative peace with his new life, teaching at a community college. But the course of true love never does run smooth. Rand wants him home on the ranch; Stef wants an exit strategy in case Rand ever decides to throw him out. Finally, after recognizing how unfair he’s being, Stef makes a commitment, and Rand is over the moon.

When Stef gets the chance to prove his devotion, he doesn’t hesitate—despite the risk to his health—and Rand takes the opportunity to show everyone that sometimes life’s best surprises come after the sunset.

I first read After the Sunset (Timing #2) by Mary Calmes when it came out in 2011, so I wondered how I would feel about it diving into this couple and series the second time around. Honestly, I think I’ve loved it even more. Something about Rand and Stef just resonate with me. They have from the first story, Timing, and the joy and satisfaction I got from reading this sequel returned all over again.

After the Sunset moves the time frame for the series ahead two years. Rand and Stef have settled into life on the Red Diamond, well, sort of. Adjustments are still being made. Stef is now teaching at a community college and the ranch is becoming more self sufficient as Rand expands his business with Stef’s help. Sounds great, right? With Rand and Stef nothing is ever that easy. With their past histories, their complication personal dynamics, and a somewhat messy family relationships about to push into their lives, things are going to get lively…Mary Calmes style.

That means that Stef’s need to make a commitment to Rand and the ranch will come into play yet again. This time for the doubting ranch hands who are not only a cornerstone of the ranch’s success but have become part of the family there as well. I love how this is their story too. We get to see more of life on the Diamond, the secondary characters, and Rand’s extended family. It all becomes necessary to know them better as people and as part of the ranch to get Stef settled deeper into ranch life and as a permanent fixture there as a half of the Rand/Stef couple.

There is so much drama here. Between Stef and Rand’s cousins, Stef and a few local homophobes, plus all the amazing Stef and Rand sexy interaction. That I can never get enough of. For me they just sizzle. I love the dynamic they have going on. I don’t specifically categorize it because I get it with this couple. It works for me, and I just find them hot.

One character get a spotlight on him here and that’s Glenn Holloway. We met him briefly in the first book but his role is hugely expanded here for reasons I won’t go into because they run into spoiler territory. I ended up liking Glenn. He went from your basic jerk on the range to someone you start to understand and connect with towards the end. Which is probably is really good thing considering the next story features Glenn as the main character.

So I’ve completed Timing and After The Sunset once more. And fallen in love all over again with Stef and Rand and the Red Diamond and its crew. Even Bella the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a huge place in my heart. Mary Calmes series has a way of doing that. They burrow in deep and even if its been awhile since you’ve visited with them, one visit brings all the reasons flooding back why you loved them so in the first place. And yes, I highly recommend this series. Coming up next? When the Dust Settles (Timing, #3). I’ll let you know what I find.

New cover by Reese Dante is darn near perfect. I think she has Stef captured exactly how I think he looks. Truly one of Mary’s golden boys.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition, 169 pages
Expected publication: November 2nd 2016 by Dreamspinner Press (first published August 16th 2011)
ISBN 1634777131 (ISBN13: 9781634777131)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Series Timing – add it to your Goodreads shelf here:

A Paul Review: The Wolves of Daos 5 by Rebecca James

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“As difficult as it was to wrap his mind around, Michael couldn’t deny that it all felt like the truth. He was half-alien, living in an alien civilization, mated to an alien, had an alien inside of him, and evidently other aliens were trying to kill them. In other words, his life was now a bad sci-fi movie”

Luckily for us readers, The Wolves of Daos 5 is a well-crafted science fiction novel. Let’s start with the main characters. Michael has believed he was human all his life. His mother died in childbirth. His father left when he was six. He was raised by his maternal grandmother according to his mother’s wishes. Through his life, he has suffered from social anxiety. At his grandmother’s insistence, Michael goes to college but lives outside the city in a cabin in the woods so he does not have to deal with the other students in a dorm.

Quinn is an alpha werewolf out on a run with a couple of his betas. He smells what he knows is his mate on the wind. He goes to investigate. He sees a young man trying to repair a roof in a driving rain storm. He howls at his mate, who is startled and falls off the roof. Quinn goes to check on the man and bring him in the cabin. When the man wakes up, Quinn tells him that not only is Michael his mate, but also an omega werewolf. Michael disbelieves the story he has been told as a symptom of a concussion. That is until Quinn morphs into his wolf. Michael asks for time to process this and Quinn agrees. Thus begins Michael’s journey into what he terms a bad sci-fi movie.

I found Michael charming as he navigates into this alien world into which he is brought into by Quinn. As with anyone new to a society, he makes occasional social faux pas. The whole checking out another man’s crotch as a way of greeting just puzzles Michael. Michael is also introduced to Ezzy, another omega who must be somehow related to Lucy Ricardo. The schemes that he drags Michael into makes him comment that he shouldn’t be his Ethel. Author Rebecca James builds an interesting world where Daos 5 is actually superimposed on Earth’s reality through magic. One of the more interesting beings in the book is that of the doctor that is taking care of Michael. People who are averse to slimy things will know where Michael’s apprehension with the doctor comes from. This is an excellent start to what I hope will be a long series of books.

The cover by Brandyjo Newton is gorgeous. It fits the book well.

Sales Links

Rebecca James | Amazon | Smashwords | ARe

Book Details

EBook, 195 pages

Edition Language: English

Published: September 24, 2016 by Rebecca James

ASIN: B01M0WFAUV

Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV (Part IV) and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV (Part IV)

Today, we are going to finish up our authors perspective on writing and publishing eBooks with two authors familiar to readers here at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words. Elin Gregory, author of wonderful M/M historical novels and Joe Cosentino, author of the Cozzi Cove and Nicky and Noah Mysteries among others. They kindly consented to answering our questions about writing, writing eBooks and publishing.

Reflecting back, while many authors see the eBook format as one that’s here to stay, other points of view vary widely. Here are two more to add to our picture of the eBook as it matures into an established book format and method of getting one’s story heard and out to readers world wide.

Elin Gregory

✍From Elin Gregory, author of On a Lee Shore, A Taste Of Copper, and many more:

As an author, what has your experience been publishing ebooks? Especially self published ebooks? Did you start off that way? Was a traditional publishing house not the answer? Or if it was, why?

I’ve been writing fiction for as long as I can remember but very much took on board the message that proper books were written by ‘posh folk’. Impressions that you form as a child can be very difficult to shake off as an adult so, although I wrote many novels, it was always as a cheap form of amusement rather than with any intent. In my thirties I did show a friend what I had written. She was a deeply thoughtful and serious reader and a rollicking Regency romance with a bisexual hero really wasn’t her thing. Her reaction was so negative that I went back into the writing closet. It wasn’t until the rise of the internet and online writing fora that I tried sharing things again, to a much better response, and a friend who was a published author encouraged me to try ebooks. This was in the early 2000s before ebooks were widely available and I didn’t follow it up at the time. I wish I had.

How has the ebook industry changed since you started publishing? How do you view these changes?

It hasn’t actually changed that much other than fewer publishers, more opportunities to self publish and OMG huge numbers of authors. The consequence of this is that I think it’s getting harder to be published by one of the ebook houses – which isn’t bad. As a reader I appreciate feeling that publishers are striving for excellence. But as an author, whether with a little house or as a self pubber, it’s very hard to be ‘seen’ when there are hundreds of new books each month.

Have you as an author benefited, are indifferent, or has it made your job more difficult to get your books out there?

I’ve benefitted in that I don’t believe I’d have ever been picked up by an agent. The competition is FIERCE. So ebooks have given me a terrific opportunity to share my work. The difficulty is in writing books that don’t properly fit the main categories so never really being sure how to describe them. Tagging them M/M won’t work because M/M is, in many readers’ minds, synonymous with erotic romance. They aren’t really romance, lacking that focus on the relationship. I can’t describe them as gay fiction because that, to me, specifically refers to books written by gay authors. I can’t call them LGBT+ fiction because they mostly only cover the G. Tagging is really important in order to allow readers to find you.

What things would you change if you were starting over?

I wish I had been braver and had submitted the short novel I finished in 2005. It might have sunk without a trace but people might have liked it. Who knows?

If I was starting now – probably not much. I don’t think I have the steely core of self esteem you need to be a successful self publisher/self promoter. When ones natural style is to say “Oh by the way, there’s this book I wrote … no, forget it. You probably wouldn’t like it” you’re not going to sell much.

What has been your biggest challenge? And biggest victory as an author – other than publishing that is? Is it see your genre expand?

Biggest challenge – LOL marketing! Biggest victory – ummmm, not sure. I’ve had a few lovely reviews and when you’ve been doing something for well over 50 years and someone thanks you for it, oh, how the heart lifts!

But expanding the genre is happening and it’s FANTASTIC. I can buy books that are genre first now – sci fi, thriller, historical, kitchen sink drama and all the rest – with amazing, complex characters and deeply interwoven plots. Books to really sink my teeth into by authors I just want to cheer, authors I aspire to emulate! More choice has to be a good thing.

Where do you see ebooks and yourself in the future?

I think we will carry on a pleasant low key association, like the type of friend you might not see for a couple of years but the relationship picks up where you left off. I would like to publish a bit more frequently but one does what one can and if nobody wants it – well markets change. No point worrying about it until it happens. I’ll be writing anyway.

Joe Cosentino

✍From Joe Cosentino, author of the Nicky and Noah Mysteries, the Cozzi Cove series, The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland, and many more

From being touted as the death of the printed format to the savior of reading to everything in between. As an author, what has your experience been publishing ebooks? Especially self-published ebooks? Did you start off that way? Was a traditional publishing house not the answer? Or if it was, why?

As an actor and playwright, I did the happy dance on my desk when Dreamspinner Press agreed to publish my novella adaptation of my one-act play, AN INFATUATION, loosely based on my high school years and high school reunion. That inspired me to write another novella, A SHOOTING STAR, loosely based on my years as a theatre major in college. The staff at Dreamspinner Press was amazing. I received a main editor, four assistant editors, a cover artist, and a publicity manager. The head of the company, Elizabeth North, answered my emails quickly, cordially, and completely. We even shared a hilarious late-night email exchange about my funny Italian family. The two novellas started out as e-books. They did so well that Dreamspinner Press gave me my own paperback anthology of the two novellas, which just recently won a Rainbow Award Honorable Mention. We are now planning an audiobook for those. We are also planning audiobooks for my other two novellas: THE NAKED PRINCE AND OTHER TALES FROM FAIRYLAND (my gay take on my favorite fairytales like Cinderella, Pinocchio, Jack and the Beanstalk, Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, and The Snow Queen) and A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (my romantic novella set on the gorgeous and magical island of Capri, Italy), both being performed by the amazing and versatile actor Joel Leslie and releasing in November and December respectively. In addition to the things I have already mentioned, the benefit of having a publisher is the assurance that your books are getting out into the market, and that you are part of a family of authors who support you. I’ve met so many generous authors who have given me advice, featured me on their blogs, and read my books. The advantage of publishing an e-book is the lower price and easy availability, though some readers prefer the paperback and/or audiobook. I assume the e-books are less expensive to publish, though print on demand has greatly reduced the cost and need for bookstore returns for publishers of paperbacks.

How has the ebook industry changed since you started publishing? How do you view these changes? Have you as an author benefited, are indifferent, or has it made your job more difficult to get your books out there?

Though I have eleven published novels and four more written and being released over the next several months, I’ve only been writing novels for two years. As my mother says, “Don’t you have anything better to do than write novels?” Hm. I wonder if Stephen King’s mother asked him that. In any case, during the short time I’ve been writing, the only change I’ve seen is the increased number of readers in all venues. Some swear by ebooks. Others want to hold the paperbook in their hands. And the rest want to hear the book performed by a skilled narrator while they exercise, drive, or rest. The more formats available for a book, the easier it is to promote.

What things would you change if you were starting over?

I wouldn’t worry so much about whether or not my books would be published. I’ve been lucky enough to find the right publisher for each of my series. For example, Lethe Press publishes my comedy mystery series, the Nicky and Noah mystery novels, loosely based on my life as a college theatre professor (though thankfully nobody has been murdered at my college). DRAMA QUEEN (Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Poll winner of Favorite LGBT Mystery, Humorous, and Contemporary Novel of 2015) is available as an ebook, paperback, and audiobook performed by the amazing Michael Gilboe. DRAMA MUSCLE (Rainbow Award Honorable Mention) is available as an ebook and paperback. An audiobook is in the works. DRAMA CRUISE releases in ebook and paperback on December 1. Steve Berman of Lethe Press sees the value in offering his customers ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks. He also enjoys humor and a good mystery with a surprise ending.

What has been your biggest challenge? And biggest victory as an author – other than publishing that is? Is it to see your genre expand?

My biggest challenge has been working as a college professor/department head while I write and help promote so many books. My biggest victory is receiving so many wonderful messages from readers who tell me my books made them laugh, cry, feel romantic, and see their lives differently. For example, I created the Jana Lane mystery novels with straight leading characters and gay supporting characters, and found many straight people loving the gay characters as their favorites, and claiming that thanks to those books their positions changed on equality. The series about an ex-child star making a comeback while she solves murder mysteries on sets is published by The Wild Rose Press in ebooks and paperbacks: PAPER DOLL, PORCELAIN DOLL, SATIN DOLL, CHINA DOLL, and RAG DOLL which releases on November 13. Since the series takes place in the 1980’s, the beginnings of AIDS is featured in the novels, and also Jana’s best friend and agent are gay and partnered. The series attracts a different readership to my other novels. I am delighted to expand in that way. I also love shocking the readers each time with the surprise endings.

Where do you see ebooks and yourself in the future?

I think ebooks are here to stay. However, I also believe paperbacks and audiobooks aren’t going anywhere, as I’ve witnessed many readers who continue to prefer them. As for me. I spent part of the summer writing teleplays of some of my books. I think they would all make terrific television series, especially my Cozzi Cove series published by NineStar Press as ebooks and paperbacks: COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK, (Divine Magazine Honorable Mention and TBR Pile Book of the Month), COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD, and COZZI COVE: STEPPING OUT which releases in January. The stories of ex-football player Cal Cozzi and his guest bungalows in a gay resort on a gorgeous cove on the New Jersey Shore is ripe for television. Hear that producers. Make me an offer!

Looking back over all our wonderful authors interviews, I begin to see certain similarities stand out. All expect the eBook format to continue, as well as all forms of printed formats and audiobooks. Most wish they had been braver, started to write or publish sooner. Wish they had listened more to their own voices instead of perhaps someone else telling them that what they were writing wasn’t what would sell or that the public wanted to read.

Its been wonderful to have all these authors opinions for the last two weeks. My thanks to Parker Williams (Of Love and Corn Dogs), Wulf Francu Godgluck (Tooth, Claw, and Horn Chronicles), and Jay Northcote (Housemates, Nothing Serious ), Elin Gregory, and Joe Cosentino for appearing in this series. Your participation has been invaluable.

Have you learned something from our authors? Still have a question or two to ask? We have a giveaway for our readers below. Leave a comment or question to be entered.

And Happy Halloween and Samhain everyone!

We will be switching things up for November as we start to roll into the holiday seasons. We will get back to our publishers at a later date. Thanksgiving is coming here in the States. Hmmm…what will be our topic next? Only a wild turkey might tell….

Giveaway

Elin Gregory is giving away a eBook copy (pdf format) of her M/M historical novel, A Taste of Copper, as well as our own giveaway of $10 of Dreamspinner gift certificates to 4 lucky readers. To win, leave a comment and an email address where you can be reached on how reading eBooks has impacted you. Could be the amount of books you buy, what type of books, where you buy them. Anything. Winners will get to choose their prize, first come first served. Contest ends November 8th at midnight. Must be 18 years of age or older.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 30:

Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV (Part IV)
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
A Paul Review: The Wolves of Daos 5 by Rebecca James

Monday, October 31 (Happy Halloween – Happy Samhain):

In the Spotlight: The Queer and the Restless by Kris Ripper (Riptide Publishing Tour/Giveaway)
Alisa Release Day Review: Spell Cat (The Aloysius Tales #1) by Tara Lain
A Caryn Review: Faded Into You by Remmy Duchene
A Lila Audiobook Review Running Wild by SE Jakes and Narrated by Dorian Bane
A Stella Review: Coffee Boy by Austin Chant

Tuesday, November 1:

Quinn Anderson on the Challenges of Writing and her latest release, Hotline (Riptide tour/giveaway)
Release Blitz & Review Tour – Romancing The Wrong Twin – Clare London
A MelanieM Review: Romancing The Wrong Twin by Clare London
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Pansies by Alexis Hall
An Alisa Review: Crashing Waves by CJ Baty

Wednesday, November 2:

L. Rockwood Talks Dark Fantasy and “Defiant Revival” (Author Guest Blog/Book Release)
Tara’s “Spell Cat” Book Blast and Review (linked to the post)
A Melanie Releases Day Review: After the Sunset (Timing #2) by Mary Calmes
A Paul Review: Julio’s Wolf (Werewolves of Manhattan #6) by A.C. Katt
Alisa Release Day Review: Private Dances by BA Tortuga

Thursday, November 3:

Summer Season from Series Recap Tour – Treading The Boards Series – Rebecca Cohen
In the Spotlight: Posy Roberts on her latest release Stroke of Luck (author guest post, excerpt )
A Melanie Release Day Review: Summer Season by Rebecca Cohen
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Love on Location by Lucy Felthouse and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
A Lila Audiobook Review: The Senator’s Secret by K.C. Wells and John Solo (Narrator)
An Alisa Audiobook Review: Lights, Camera, Cupid, the Bluewater Bay Anthology

Friday, November 4:

Cover Reveal for Nobody’s Home by Dev Bentham
Honeymoon Their Way by Morticia Knight Blog Tour and Giveaway
Black Snow by EAB (Dreamspinner Author Guest Post)
A Lila Review: Twice in a Lifetime by Shawn Lane
A Stella Release Day Review: Mapping the Forest by Brandon Witt

Saturday, November 5:

A Melanie PreRelease Review:Hanging The Stars (Half Moon Bay #2) by Rhys Ford
A Melanie Review: Death Mask by Lexi Ander

~About This Sunday’s Contributing Authors~

About Elin Gregory:

Elin Gregory lives in South Wales and has been making stuff up since 1958. Writing has always had to take second place to work and family but now the kids are grown up it’s possible she might finish one of the many novels on her hard drive and actually DO something useful with it.

Historical subjects predominate. She has written about ancient Greek sculptors, 18th century seafarers but also about modern men who change shape at will and how echoes of the past can be heard in the present. Heroes tend to be hard as nails but capable of tenderness when circumstances allow.

There are always new works on the go and she is currently editing a novel about spies in the 1920s, finishing one set in 6th century AD England and contemplating one about the Second World War. Any excuse to buy more books!

You can reach Elin at:

Website: http://elingregory.com/
Twitter: ElinGregory

About Joe Cosentino:

Joe Cosentino – Joe Cosentino’s books and plays

www.joecosentino.weebly.com

Bestselling author Joe Cosentino won Divine Magazine’s awards for best mystery novel, best humorous novel, and best contemporary novel of 2015.

Amazon Bestselling author Joe Cosentino’s books were voted Favorite LGBT Mystery Novel, Favorite LGBT Humorous Novel, Favorite LGBT Contemporary Novel, and Second Favorite LGBT Romance Novel in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Poll. Many of his books have won Rainbow Award Honorable Mentions, and one was voted TBR Pile Book of the Month. Joe wrote In My Heart: An Infatuation, A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays, and the Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press); Drama Queen, Drama Muscle, and Drama Cruise Nicky and Noah mysteries (Lethe Press); Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, and Rag Doll Jana Lane mysteries (The Wild Rose Press); andCozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, and Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out Cozzi Cove beach novels. He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, Charles Keating, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. Joe was voted 2^nd Place for Best LGBT Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015. http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com

A Stella Release Day Review: Must Like Spinach by Con Riley

RATING 5 out of 5 stars

Jon’s future in New York should be bright. He’s on the corporate fast track as an executive problem solver, yet he can’t help feeling hollow. Yearning for a life spent outdoors makes no sense if he wants to flourish in this city, nor does losing his cool with clients when they make bad decisions. Only leaving the East Coast behind for three months can save his business reputation.

His exile in Seattle has unexpected upsides. Jon’s rented home has a garden where his true passions blossom. It’s overgrown yet idyllic—perfect if he didn’t have to share it with another tenant. Tyler might be as cute as hell, and their landlady adores him, but Jon can’t let himself fall for someone who seems lazy.

Three months could be enough time to see Tyler clearly, but choosing which to nurture long-term—love or a business career—might take Jon longer than one summer.

Con Riley is one of my favorite authors. She never disappoints me and always comes up with amazing stories, I’m thinking of the Salvage Stories and Seattle Stories series, stories and characters unforgettable. Must Like Spinach soon intrigued me as soon I saw it, starting from the title. I began reading it with high hopes but I was a little disconcerted when I saw Con used the present tense. I was almost despairing, I don’t like this verbal form at all and I quite often ended with hating the whole book since I found it hard to follow the plot. So I was reading the first page on my kindle, trying to cheer me up and focus on the words and on my love for the author’s previous works. And forget about the hateful present, until I realized the writing was perfect despite it. Easy to read and really well done. Kudos to the author.

Must Like Spinach is the story of Jon, who is living in New York and working at one of the most prestigious consultant firms in the city. He’s actually not cut out for this kind of job and when the chance at working on another project in Seattle is offered to him, he’s happy to take it. Three months in another city will help him understand what he really wants for his future. What he isn’t expecting is to fall in love with the owner of the smallest and messiest garage apartment he’s never seen. And this owner is not an hot man but a lovely old lady, who in Jon’s opinion, needs to be saved from the (cute but still a leech) guy named Tyler. And Jon can’t ignore and walk away, he has to know Peggy is taken good care of. While falling in love with Peggy and her flourishing garden, in need of the same care, Jon will learn who is Tyler and what he is really doing for the lovely woman. And he will fall in love again, this time with this tireless cute guy who is slowly showing Jon a different world and future.

What caught my heart were the characters and not just the main ones. I have to say all of them were lovable and well depicted, I want all of them in my life because they can make it better like they did with Jon’s. They have a reality well balanced with a lightness and sense of community and family even where there’s no blood relations, so uncommon in the last books I read. It conquered me till the end. One more thing I like was the pacing, the story was a truly joy to read, easy, light and slow paced with no rushing through scenes after scenes while giving each chapter the right consideration.

If you like enemies to lovers, no angst and slow burn stories, I’m sure Must Like Spinach would be a winner. It’s one of my favorite of the 2016.

The cover art by Natasha Snow is good, I like it, the font, the model, the colors were all right.

Sales Link

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 245 pages
Published October 19th 2016 by Figment Ink
ASIN B01MCW7C0D
Edition Language English

Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV! (Part III) This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV! (Part III)

Last week Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words finished up our reader’s thoughts on eBooks, how they use them, where they find them and the authors that write them. This week, its the authors turn. From hardback and paperback or even the graphic novel to the eBook, what does writing and publishing eBooks mean to an author? Has it helped them find an audience? Made it easier to publish a novel? Made it harder to find time to write because they are so busy promoting themselves and their stories? And is the eBook industry changing?

I know…what a lot of questions to dump onto an author already burdened with so much to do these days. But I thought it might help us understand eBooks from their perspective and maybe let us appreciate those stories that we read just a little more when we consider the author’s point of view. Maybe you as readers have questions you want to ask our authors?

That’s why we are dividing our authors blog section into two parts, one this week and into the next. If you have questions, please comment below and all week long. If we use your questions? See the contest at the end of this blog for your answer!

The authors participating this week are Parker Williams (Of Love and Corn Dogs), Wulf Francu Godgluck (Tooth, Claw, and Horn Chronicles), and Jay Northcote. Thank you all for participating and taking time away from your busy schedules to answer my questions.

~ Authors On Ebooks~

Parker Williams

✍From Parker Williams, author of Haven’s Creed, Of Love and Corn Dogs (Of Love and… Book 1),Protector of the Alpha (Shifting Needs #1) and more:

As an author, what has your experience been publishing ebooks? Especially self published ebooks? Did you start off that way? Was a traditional publishing house not the answer? Or if it was, why?

No, I started out being published by Harmony Ink (the YA arm of Dreamspinner Press.) A friend encouraged me to try it, and even helped me get the book ready to submit. Hitting that ‘send’ button was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, because I grew up thinking that writing wasn’t for me (thank you, Dad!)

How has the ebook industry changed since you started publishing? How do you view these changes?

I’m not sure how much the industry has changed since I started in it. Self-publishing has been a terror for me, because I’m not sure what the heck I’m doing. I pay a company to format my books, because the rules for each site are wide and varied.

Have you as an author benefited, are indifferent, or has it made your job more difficult to get your books out there?

I’ve had to be more creative to get my book noticed. My saving grace was running Pride Promotions, because I had a list of bloggers who I already worked with who were willing to help me. So to them, I am exceptionally grateful.

What things would you change if you were starting over?

If I were to start over, I would be less hesitant about some things that I thought would turn people off. Haven’s Creed, for example. I was so certain no one would buy it, and even more certain that I would get pilloried for publishing it. As is the came with most books, it has some who loathed it, but surprisingly a lot of people seemed to enjoy it. It gave me the courage to explore some other things I might not have done otherwise.

What has been your biggest challenge? And biggest victory as an author – other than publishing that is? Is it see your genre expand?

My biggest challenge is not knowing what I’m doing with self-publishing. I wish I could understand it, or find an easier way to format, because I feel silly having to ask for help. My biggest victory? The very first letter I ever got that told me my writing made a difference to someone. Knowing that even just one person thought my story was worthwhile.

And I would *LOVE* to see the genre expand. I think too many people see M/M or F/F literature, and automatically shuffle it off to the side without even giving it a chance. There are some stellar storytellers out there that they’re missing out on.

Where do you see ebooks and yourself in the future?

I hope to be writing until the day I die. When I go, I want to have my collection of books buried with me, so I have something to read while I wait for eternity to pass.

Wulf Francu Godgluck

✍From Wulf Francu Godgluck, author of the Neon White, and the Tooth, Claw, and Horn Chronicles and more:

As an author, what has your experience been publishing ebooks? Especially self published ebooks? Did you start off that way? Was a traditional publishing house not the answer? Or if it was, why?

I have self-published all my books and don’t think I would change that anytime soon, you have more freedom as a self-published author but you also have to carry the cost and the risk thereof: Publishers already have an established readership, whereas if you are an author just starting out and self-publish your first book, you need to build that readership first, you also run the risk of plagiarism and piracy, where unfortunately you don’t have a legal team to back you up. But again you would earn more royalties on each individual copy sold, you determine the price of your book but you also run the risk of loss if you do not sell enough copies to compensate for the cost of getting your book published.

I guess it all depends on where and with what you are more comfortable. The only reason I self-published in the first place is publishers tend not to like my books because of the tone of my writing, as it tends to be a bit on the dark side.

How has the ebook industry changed since you started publishing? How do you view these changes?

In my honest opinion a lot, and not for the better, new books pop up every day now and the problem is the writing of these books is becoming poorer and poorer. Because the problem we are facing today is the lack and misunderstand of literacy, I don’t have enough fingers and toes to count the number of authors and readers that still does not get the concept of showing and not telling, the difference of just simply reading what is actually written and then to thinking about what was said in that sentence as to what is actually conveyed, then there’s lack of using beta readers, and yet these books still sell? And more often than not it’s self-published books. So the bigger question we need to ask ourselves is; can readers really differentiate between a well-written book and a poor one, in all honesty, it seems that the poorly written books these days are the ones selling. Why? Because readers deem this poor quality of literature acceptable.

Why readers? Because it’s a vicious endless cycle – poorly written books are read by readers- reader becomes authors- produces poorly written book because of reading poorly written books.

Have you as an author benefited, are indifferent, or has it made your job more difficult to get your books out there?

Assuming this question is based on the previous answers, yes it has made my job more difficult: anyone can tell a story, not everyone can write a novel. It took me five years to even feel ready to show my first novel to readers, and that’s not from reading a lot, that came from writing, learning how to write, learning the difference between showing and not telling a story, learning how to convey the right words in the right way to paint the picture I want to portray inside the reader’s mind and the emotions I want to invoke inside the reader’s heart. It came from endless rewrites- first drafts, second drafts, and third drafts. From taking a step back and thinking about what I am writing, and from working very closely with my beta readers and editors and mentors who have been in the industry for years. And lastly evaluating myself and my writing as to how much I, as an author, has grown from the first piece I wrote to the current piece I have published.

Now, I, and many other authors have to compete with books, that are almost in a sense mass produced and that are deemed acceptable pieces of literature. That does make an author feel a bit dejected, that does make us question ourselves and whether or not the time, effort and blood placed into a manuscript is even worth it. Reader so easily voice, that we don’t write fast enough or that a particular author is only capable of publishing a novel once a year: And there is a very good reason for that, good things take time, we want to make sure we don’t push out something that’s going to be flat, one dimensional and unemotional.

And we are in the losing side here, because I see it so often when a really good book gets bashed down and really bad one gets praised. There are so many authors out there both new and experience that does not get the praise their work deserve.

It’s like a very good friend of mine said, “good writing should be like a movie for blind people.”

But we are also pressured against reader’s demand: Am I going to risk losing readers, and take the time to produce a novel to the best of my abilities, however long that may be- or am I going to give into the demand of the industry and produce something flat, quick and easy, with no flavor or substance?

What things would you change if you were starting over?

Not a lot, I would for one spend more time establishing a readership and interacting with more readers before I released my first book, but again it comes back to time. Writing a novel takes up a lot of time, establishing a readership and maintaining that readership via social media is a whole job in itself, so where do you draw the line, where do you find the balance? Authors are still people, they still have families, jobs and responsibilities outside of the writing world. Even as a full-time author I find this very difficult to balance. So now as the industry has changed; it crucial for any new author to establish a readership before they have their first book out in the publics’ hands.

What has been your biggest challenge? And biggest victory as an author – other than publishing that is? Is it see your genre expand?

Biggest challenge: Making sure my next book exceeds the one before it, Good, great, I’ve written a good book I can be proud of, now comes the next novel. Reader’s expectations. This always guts me during the writing process. The fear that this new book might not live up to the hype of its predecessor. And it’s both real and healthy, it encourages me to strive for better, to work harder, not to have the plot run away with me and high-jack the story to a point where it can’t be saved, and lastly writer’s block and writer’s burn out.

Biggest victory as an author: I’m discovering who I am, learning more about myself and what I am capable of, how talented I am and recognizing myself worth, but still be able to stay humble throughout this process because trust me, it can go to your head.

Where do you see ebooks and yourself in the future?

To grow more as a writer, to one day hopefully become a full-time writer in the horror genre and be successful in it.

As for ebooks in the future, one can only hope that we find some way to better protect our work against piracy and plagiarism, as with the advance of technology, there are its disadvantages; illegal distribution of books and selfishly stealing others work is a threat to both writers and the industry. With ebooks being so easily distributed as they are in the numerous ways they can be scattered throughout the big web. It’s hard to keep track of where they end up and how to protect

them.

Jay Northcote

✍From Jay Northcote, author of Nothing Serious and the Housemates series and many more:

My first experiences in publishing were with Dreamspinner Press almost three years ago. They published in paperback and eBook format, but the vast majority of my sales were eBooks.

I made the switch to self-publishing about a year into my career as an author. With it being so easy to self-publish eBooks in particular (although it’s also easy to publish paperbacks through Createspace) I didn’t see that there was much benefit for me to stay with a publisher once I had a readership.

Even in the relatively short time that I’ve been publishing, the industry has changed a lot. The market for our genre is growing, but is also getting exponentially more crowded. It’s hard for authors to get noticed. Kindle Unlimited and the huge number of indie authors have driven prices down—which has a knock on, negative impact on author earnings. However, the rise in popularity of eBooks has allowed me to have a career as an author that I would otherwise never have had. I don’t believe that I would ever have considered writing as a full-time job if it hadn’t been for the boom in the e-book market and the subsequent growth of small presses and Indies. I count myself extremely lucky to have found my readership and to be able to do this as my job. I’m grateful to all my readers for making this possible.

It’s hard to predict the future in such a volatile and rapidly changing market. Ebooks are here to stay, and I think subscription services like KU are too. Personally, I would like to see more consistency in eBook pricing across the industry. The 99c novels that dominate the charts are making it harder for authors to earn a living. But I’m hopeful that as long as I work hard and stay focused, I will be able to keep writing full-time for the foreseeable future.

As you all can see, their experiences run the spectrum, from self publishing to working with established publishers to using both methods of getting their stories to their audience. All see the ebook as a format that’s here to stay. But how will the market change? And how will the authors and publishers have to adapt to the changing market? That remains to be seen.

More authors next week. Do you have questions for these or any authors? Send them in. I will forward them on and use them in our blog next week or the week after.

Giveaway: From the readers leaving comments I will be choosing 3 more winners to receive $10 gift certificates from Dreamspinner Press. Contest ends at midnight, November 3rd. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

And now for this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 23:

Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV! (Part III)
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
A Paul Review: The Beginning (Sirius Wolves #6) by Victoria Sue

Monday, October 24:

Release Blitz & Review Tour – Con Riley’s Must Like Spinach
Riptide Blog Tour: Change of Address by Jordan S. Brock
Alisa Audiobook Review: Corey: The Atherton Pack 3 by Toni Griffin
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: Changing World by Cari Z
A Paul Review: Germ by April Kelly

Tuesday, October 25:

Reclaiming Hope by Shell Taylor Tour with Guest Post
Riptide Blog Tour and Giveaway: Interborough by Santino Hassell
A Stella Review: Different Names for the Same Thing by Francis Gideon
A Caryn Review: Interborough by Santino Hassell
An Alisa Review: His Scar by Erin E. Keller

Wednesday, October 26:

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: The Closet Boy by Sean Michael
Blog Tour and Giveaway: Full Circle by Victoria Sue
Contact, Gothika Volume 5 Tour with Guest Post and Giveaway
An Alisa Review: Night Train to Orleans By Carolina Valdez
A Paul B Review: Full Circle by Victoria Sue

Thursday, October 27:

Cover Reveal – Alpha Barman by Sue Brown
In the Spotlight:On Fire by Alicia Nordwell (Guest Post)
An Alisa Review: Open Omega and His Bitter Bear By Susan Laine
A Free Dreamer Review: 18% Gray by Anne Tenino
A Release Review: Touchdown (Game Day Book 1) by T.S. McKinney

Friday, October 28:

In the Spotlight: Make Someone Happy by Hank Fielding (Guest Post)
A Stella Release Day Review: Murmuration by TJ Klune
An Alisa Review: Of Paws and Pet Rocks by J.D. Walker
A Lila Review: A Sip Of Rio by Teodora Kostova
A MelanieM Review: Too Many Cases by Julia Rancourt

Saturday, October 29:

A MelanieM Review: Shield of the Dragon by Megan Derr

About the Authors:

Parker Williams can be found at his Goodreads blog

Wulf Francu Godgluck

They come to me in the night, creeping into my head. Their voices are all different, their stories all dissimilar, but they keep saying the same thing…

“Show us, tell us to the world. Bring us into yours, and make us known.”

Then I sit and they take over. They tell their tales of love, loss and sinister misfortune, not all of them get a happy ending, but they are pleased when their part is written.

I sometimes find myself lost in my own mind; a world very similar to our own yet so different. Things don’t go bump in the night—they squeal, and crawl under your skin, making you grind your teeth, and your stomach turn over and put your nerves on edge. Then there’s the drama. Oh, the drama!

I write because I must! There is so much inside of me that needs to get out. So many stories to tell, characters that want to be heard, and hearts lost and won. Words and art are my way of bringing my world to others. I enjoy telling tales of the human condition but working in elements of the supernatural. Werewolves, Vampires, Zombies, Witches and the unexplainable all set against the human world or worlds of their own.

I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, grew up in a working class family and enjoy writing, cooking and spending my husband’s money! Yeah I’m a cocky little brat too 🙂 (and proud of it, spankings included.)

You can find Wulf at his website

Jay Northcote

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.

Contact Jay at:

Website http://jaynorthcote.com/
Twitter jay_northcote

A VVivacious Review: Gryffon Hall by Alexis Duran

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Wryler Glimmerveen is forced into an unsuspecting alliance with Lord Aeric Rouchet who is well feared for being a monster.

Aeric Rouchet is the Lord of Gryffon Hall, a sprawling castle at the edge of the Black Forest, a forest well known for the monsters it spawns.

As Wryler makes his journey to the Black Forest he can’t be anything but anxious about the things that await him at

Gryffon Castle but he has no clue as to the mysteries waiting to unfold.

This was an utterly delicious read. It was an amazing retelling of “The Beauty and the Beast” and I loved the author’s perspective on this particular fairy tale.

Wryler Glimmerveen was the perfect Beauty with a little bit of fae in him. What I loved about Wryler was that neither was he the stalwart hero nor the damsel of distress of fairy tales. He was just perfect, anxious to the point of no return but ready to stand his ground even against his beast of a husband.

Aeric Rouchet was an amazing Beast and proud of it. He was like a yummy hero just out of a historical romance and my God was he hot or what?

I loved Aeric and Wryler they had the perfect dynamic from the beginning and their chemistry was sizzling hot. They really had that going for them.

Personally I loved how this book spins the tale of ‘The Beauty and the Beast’. Here’s a Beauty ready to forge his own path and a Beast proud of his beastly ways, so wait… where is the wrench in the works well as you will know if you have read and seen a lot of faith tales, where there is a fairy tale there is a certain deal maker waiting to profit.

I loved how this book is written. It is well paced and all the elements are well established and play out really well as a whole. Overall this book was awesome, amazing and brilliant!

Cover Art by April Martinez. I didn’t like the cover as much as I loved the story. Personally the men on the cover in no way fit the Wryler and Aeric in my head.

Sales Links

Loose id LLC

Book Details:

ebook, 150 pages
Published August 30th 2016 by Loose ID
ISBN139781682521885

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Slave Hunt (The Subs Club #5) by J.A. Rock

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Review: CONTAINS POSSIBLE SPOILERS

Thirty people. Two hours. Only the strong will survive.

When Riddle decides to put on a slave hunt, the Subs Club is on board. Tops hunting bottoms in the woods with paintball guns? Yes. Captives strung up on whipping posts, at the mercy of their captors? Hell yes. But on the morning of the hunt, nothing’s going according to plan. Miles and Drix are at odds over Miles’s reluctance to move in together. Dave is determined to show up D, who thinks Dave won’t last two minutes in the woods. Gould finds himself torn between obeying his master’s orders and living out a longtime fantasy. And Kamen inadvertently becomes a double agent when he aligns himself with two different parties.

By the end of the hunt, alliances will be forged and broken, loyalties will be tested, relationships will be strengthened…and someone will barrel roll. Narrated by ten different characters, Slave Hunt tells the story of two hours in the woods that will change everyone forever. Or at least, remind them that love is the greatest victory of all.

In the last two years, I’ve read quite a few stories written to “tie up” the loose ends in a series, and this is by far one of the very best. In fact, it’s so good that I actually rated it higher than most of the other stories in the series. Highly enjoyable and extremely clever in its execution, J.A. Rock wrapped up the series and left me with a memory of the guys of The Subs Club that I’ll treasure for a long time.

After thinking about it for a day or two, I realized what I loved most about the story was the inclusion of the POV of the Doms of the four principal subs. There’s actually ten POV’s in this story, and at first I thought that would be bizarre, but it worked well because we got to see the boys through the eyes of their Doms and their friends. And although we saw some of the Dom’s introspection through interactions with their subs in the other stories, actually getting inside their POV in this one gave me a whole new appreciation of just how perfect each Dom is for his or her sub.

Miles, with his need for pain and his difficulty in sharing his feelings was never a particularly lovable character, and he’s still not in this story, however he does finally open up to a few people. The turmoil now is that, three years after meeting Drix, Miles still can’t vocalize a request for Drix to move in with him. Reflecting on how he should answer his son when the boy asks how many fathers he has, Miles thinks about responding that he has one father and “one charming guardian whom your father loves deeply” but isn’t in your life “because your adoptive father is fear’s own ward.” Even though I loved his recognition of his own weaknesses, it was Drix’s perspective on their coupledom and on his sub’s needs and desires that made me want to go back and reread their story, Pain Slut, once more.

Kamen’s story, Manties in a Twist, was originally one of my favorites, and though I enjoyed him in this book, it was RYAN who took the blue ribbon for best character. The little man wrote each of his POV chapters in CAPS. According to Kamen, “Ryan is the kind of guy, you see him, and you want to hold him with your whole soul…” I pretty much agree with Kamen after this story. It’s hard to recall my favorite scene between the two, but I certainly enjoyed the time spent at the post after Ryan “captured” Kamen and Ryan’s inner dialogue, “no shit, I loved calling this fucking giant my boy.” By the end of the book it was quite evident that these two were made for each other.

Gould and his Master, Kel, and alternate Dom, Greg, had a much more enjoyable dynamic in this book than in their first story, 24/7. That’s really attributable to the time that has passed, and how much Gould has worked on his issues, both with a psychologist and with Kel over the past few years. But he’s so much happier and well-adjusted now that it was easy to see how much he’s changed for the better. As his story ended he was right where he needed to be—content with his two lovers and ready to be made to “beg and mean it”.

Of all the couples in this series, it was really hard to pick the one I liked best, but I have to admit it turned out to be Dave and D, principally because of how well I got to know them during this hunt. If you had asked me before I started the book, I would have definitely said “No way!”

Within their POV’s and through observation in scenes told from the perspective of Drix and Kamen, I learned what really makes these men tick and was taken on a journey to the heart and soul of their relationship. David is a gregarious character, always willing to talk and joke and be sociable, while D is quiet and reserved and has a difficult time expressing his love out loud. One would think they wouldn’t mesh, but they certainly do.

Dave was one of the most well-prepared subs on this hunt. Despite wearing the most skintight camo pants ever invented—“my pants made balloon animals out of my intestines”—he and D had practiced being in the woods, with D showing him how to track and to evade capture. Thinking back about his practice times in the woods before the event, he gave quite a good summary of his and D’s personalities—“I’d killed a squirrel with the slingshot. Mostly by accident. I’d cried for twenty minutes over its body, while D eyed the carcass like he wanted to take it home and cook it. I made him help me hold a funeral instead.” I included that quote here because it really sums up how diverse/opposite their two characters seem to be, but as with many introverted, soft-spoken men, there’s more to D than appears on the surface. And in D’s final reflection, he reveals much of the depth of his love for David as he thinks about being given “the love of a man who gives me all of himself, even when I’m not sure what to do with it.”

If you’ve followed the Subs Club, this is a must read. If you haven’t, definitely pick up the first book. Each sub has a particular kink reflected in the title of their story and because the time frame is spread out over several years, we get to enjoy each sub as he meets his new Dom, or Master and Dom as in Gould’s case, and we also get to revisit the others and appreciate how much they’ve matured. But this finale is the epitome of that. It’s just too terrific for words, and I obviously highly recommend it.

Cover art by Kanaxa is typical of the series. Its simplicity is not only its hallmark but its finest feature.

Sales Links

Riptide Publishing

Here’s Reading You – Readers and Authors (Part II). This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Here’s Reading You – Readers and Authors (Part II)

Last week, we started our look at eBooks. How has the eBook changed reading, writing, and perhaps even publishing for you? Perhaps some people may share a view from the beginning, when eBooks started to flourish and others when the eBooks were already an established format as they are today. Where do we think this format might go next? I have no idea. Do you?

We’ve asked how do our readers find their stories and authors? What do you think about eBooks? How do authors feel about writing and then publishing their beloved books as ebooks? And we will be asking publishers the same questions too. How has the eBook changed publishing? And where do they see it going from here?

One reader, batchelorboy55 brought up an interesting point I’ve missed so far. Advantages of the eBook and eReaders. Normally, we talk of the amount of books we can now take with us. Some people enjoy the anonymity of it all…no covers to display, its all safely tucked away electronically. Other talk about the types of books we can now buy because the authors have a reader audience that can find them…us! But how about those other advantages? Batchelorboy55 said “I now use my ereader with a large font, and when particularly fatigued can swap across to a digital audio, or text to speech audio setting.” Yes, that’s an important point. One I should have brought up before.Whatever the reason you may be having eyesight issues, being able to have a larger font and make the books easier to read? Its beyond marvelous. Same goes for the backlit readers. It eases the eyestrain. How about being able to look up a word without having to leave to get your Websters? All that should be factored in as well. These are all terrific reasons to use a eBook and eReader. What other advantages do you think I’ve missed?

So here is some of the last of our readers comments. Is yours among them? Be sure to read all the way to the end where we start to move into our authors posts for next week (and I’ve announced the winners) ….

From Theo:

I mainly purchase books from new authors at publisher site, so authors who go independent without publishers are seldom on my radar, except when they are recommended by multiple people/authors (Jordan L Hawk was recommended by Rhys Ford and KJ Charles, River Jaymes and Leta Blake was recommended by multiple friends). However, once I like books by certain authors, I follow them on social media or subscribe to newsletters to make sure I don’t miss their new works.

From Ami:

Independent Authors: Before, I got to know independent authors from Goodreads reviews. But these days, I don’t go to GR anymore for updates. Instead, I tend to go scrounge the ‘recommendation’ section from Amazon based on books I love. I found them to be useful. I also subscribed to few author’s newsletters, diligently keep track of upcoming sections from favorite publishers and ARe, as well as checking out Netgalleys.

batchelorboy55:

One comment that often gets missed is ‘readability’.
As a librarian (45+ years) we always struggled with how technology could help readers with eyesight issues, blind, aged etc.
The ebook seems to have made that much more accessible than the clunky magnifiers collecting dust in the back corner of the library, as no-one knew how to work them, nor did many come seeking it.
Just as cumbersome were the sets of cassette tapes (some 20 tapes or more), with braille stick-ons indicating playing order.
I now use my ereader with a large font, and when particularly fatigued can swap across to a digital audio, or text to speech audio setting.
I have to admit though that Dragon Speaking still daunts me when it comes to shopping online for titles. Thankfully I’m not quite there yet, and I can guarantee that I’ll have a sizeable TBR collection to wade through first.

Jbst:

Mostly, I find them through review blog sites, known authors’ blogs whose books that I’ve enjoyed, Goodreads and Amazon reviews, Also, it may be through an ebook that I won in a contest or if the story or author was nominated and/or won awards. Sometimes, it’s just because I liked the cover, blurb, genre.

Forgot to mention about that sometimes a freebie book or MM group’s free stories have resulted in finding a new author which I’ve became a fan. Although, I’ve become much more picky about the freebies now.

mztikicat:

I get many referrals/recommendations from friends, group threads and updates at Goodreads. Also follow several m/m blogs, receive emails from Dreamspinner Press, ARe and a few other publishers. And I utilize Bookbub and Amazon, not just for the daily deals, but also for updates regarding new books being released by authors I follow.

And finally, ushering us into our blog next Sunday with the author’s point of view, someone who represents both the reader and author’s perspective:

Anna Larson:

As a reader: I don’t pick a book based on author or on publisher. If I like the Blurb and the reviews are decent, I’ll buy it. I get “recommendations” from BookBub, Amazon, Goodreads etc. I don’t check for publisher status at all so I don’t go looking for only from publisher x books. The blurb and a good cover is what will attract me to buy a book from anyone.

As an Author: My first short story was published in e-book format only from a small independent group as the publisher. My first longer book was both print and e-book, the second was e-book only for over a year. And my third is print and e-book from the start. All done independently.

Contest Winners!

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments. Here are our winners for the $10 gift certificate (Dreamspinner, or Amazon, or Riptide…your choice) in no particular order. Notice that there are 5 not 3 winners. I have added two more because of all the wonderful comments. I will be in contact with you about your choice of gift card.

Fehu
Tex Reader
batchelorboy55
mztikicat
Monica

New contest starts next week with our Authors Perspective on eBooks so be here with us for that too!

Now for this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 16:

Here’s Reading You – Readers and Authors (Part II).
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
A PaulB Review: The Promise (Sirius Wolves, #4) by Victoria Sue

Monday, October 17:

Riptide’s Tour and Giveaway: Slave Hunt (The Subs Club #5) by J.A. Rock
Cover Reveal for Quarry by Elizabeth Noble
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Slave Hunt (The Subs Club #5) by J.A. Rock
A Jeri Release Day Review: Guyliner by J. Leigh Bailey
A Caryn Release Day Review: The First Act by Vanessa Mulberry
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: A Kind of Honesty by Lane Hayes

Tuesday, October 18:

Love those Spooky Boys? Check out Katey Hawthorne’s WITCHY BOYS (excerpt and giveaway)
Release Day Tour : Sirius Wolves are back in Full Circle by Victoria Sue (excerpt)
Love Wins in ‘Touchdown (Game Day Book 1)‘ by T.S. McKinney Tour (excerpt and giveaway)
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Witchy Boys by Katey Hawthorne
A Stella Review: Of Love and Corn Dogs by Parker Williams
An Ali Audiobook Review: Groomzilla by Tere Michaels and Nick J. Russo Narrator
A VVivacious Review: Gryffon Hall by Alexis Duran

Wednesday, October 19:

In the Spotlight: Riptide’s Bluewater Blues by G.B. Gordon (giveaway)
Release Tour: Tempting Tristan: Tristan Brewer (Harborside Nights #3)by Melissa Foster (giveaway)
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Bluewater Blues by GB Gordon
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Timing by Mary Calmes
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Hexmaker (Hexworld #2 ) by Jordan L. Hawk
An Alisa Release Day Review: A-Viking by Kiernan Kelly

Thursday, October 20:

In the Series Spotlight:Mockingbird Place Series Tour by Kris Cook
An Alisa Review: The Cowboy in Unit E by Kris Cook
An Alisa Review: The Doctor in Unit H by Kris Cook
A Jeri Release Day Review: Turn the World Upside Down by Nyrae Dawn
A PaulB Review: The Dilemma by Victoria Sue

Friday, October 21:

Riptide Tour and Giveaway: Friendly Fire by Cari Z
Release Blitz & Review Tour – Con Riley’s Must Like Spinach
Blog Tour and Giveaway:AF Henley’s Wolf in League
A Caryn Review: One Pulse Anthology
A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Disciple (The Wheel Mysteries #4) by Susan Laine
A VVivacious Review: My Bare Naked Heart” by David Avery

Saturday, October 22:

Review Tour – Alyson Pearce – The Viscount And The Artist
A MelanieM Review: The Viscount and The Artist by Alyson Pearce
A MelanieM Review: Dragon Detective by Mell Eight

A MelanieM/Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker

Rating: 5+ stars out of 5

After being dumped by his long-term boyfriend for being overweight, Henry Beckett decides to make some drastic changes. In a vain attempt at getting his boyfriend back, Henry does the most absurdly frightening thing he can think of.

He joins a gym.

Reed Henske is a personal trainer who isn’t sure he’ll ever be ready to date again. He’s sick of guys who are only interested in the perfect body image, never seeing him for who he really is.

As Reed tortures Henry with things like diet and exercise, Henry enamours Reed with recipes and laughter. As the friendship lines start to blur, Henry is convinced there’s no way Thor-like Reed could ever be interested in a guy like him.

Reed just has to convince Henry that life isn’t about reaching your ideal bodyweight. It’s about finding your perfect counterweight.

The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker proved to be a bit of a wonderful issue here at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words. Two of us had each read it and fallen in love. What to do about the review? The only solution was a combined review. Here’s our thoughts on The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker:

Barb, the Zany Old Lady:

This was a truly enjoyable story on so many levels. First and foremost, Henry is probably the most likable guy I’ve met in a long time. Reed is equally personable, though more subtle in the way he grabbed my attention.

Very humorous, as this tale unfolds, it’s evident that it’s about more than simply guy meets guy. The story explores societal norms about bodyweight and the fact that one’s self-perception of body image goes a long way toward both emotional and physical health and long-term success. I respect this author’s treatment of the topic and appreciate the encouragement toward a way of life that includes both healthy eating and exercise as a way to reach balance. So many authors subconsciously, or purposely, encourage dieting and slimming down as a way to attract a man’s attention. That wasn’t the case here, and I applaud the author’s efforts in keeping the focus on the inner self rather than the outer shell. Wrap all this up in a story that contained two very endearing characters, and it’s one I would highly recommend.

From MelanieM:

I think this is really the best book N.R. Walker has written. The character of Henry especially was so surprising. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like him in any novel before. Its not just his intelligence, or his self depreciating manner, but his slow acknowledgement of his life choices, good and bad, his adjustments towards a healthier life style. Its just such an amazing exploration of one person’s journey from one state to the next and all the while, Henry remains Henry at the core. Walker has created a character with such a basaltic center to his personality that as other things change, we know that the foundation that is Henry will not. Reed is also someone who has been crafted along the same memorable lines, although perhaps in an altogether different mold (or so we are lead to believe at the start). Together Henry, Reed, Anika and her boyfriend Sean, and all that incredible dialog that had me laughing, giggling, and sometimes sniffling more than a little…well, this will be in my top 10 books of the year.

As with all N.R. Walker stories, the pace has a natural flow to it, never hurried, never slow, it just carries you along with the characters as Henry fights his inclinations to take the easy path, and then as the choices he makes gets more natural for him and then part of his schedule. I can’t being to share the joys you will find inside this story, inside these characters. Its a journey I never wanted to see end. and its an exploration you need to take for yourself.

Its one both Barb and I highly recommend.

Cover art is simple and perfect.

Sales Links

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 244 pages
Published September 12th 2016 by BlueHeart Press
Original TitleThe Weight of It All
ASINB01LYGV7HD
Edition LanguageEnglish

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Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV (Part IV)

Elin Gregory

✍From Elin Gregory, author of On a Lee Shore, A Taste Of Copper, and many more:

Joe Cosentino

✍From Joe Cosentino, author of the Nicky and Noah Mysteries, the Cozzi Cove series, The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland, and many more

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Here’s Reading You ~ An Author’s POV! (Part III)

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