Category: Book Giveaways

Like Your Romance Superpowered? Check out ‘Stronger, Better, Faster, More’ by Carlin Grant and Katey Hawthorne (guest post and giveaway)

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Stronger, Better, Faster, More by Carlin Grant and Katey Hawthorne

Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Release Date:12/29/2015
Cover Artist Mina Carter

Buy it here at Loose id or other links here

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is so happy to have Carlin Grant and Katey Hawthorne here today to talk about their latest story, Stronger, Better, Faster, More and Superpowers.  Welcome, Carlin and Katey!  Tell us more!

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Superpowers we Love by Carlin Grant and Katey Hawthorne

Thanks so much for letting us stop by today, Melanie. For our book birthday, Carlin and I decided to talk about a major theme of our new book, Stronger, Better, Faster, More: SUPERPOWERS. What we love, both personally and to write. Read on, and remember to enter our giveaway.

Katey: So, obviously I love superpowers, and obviously Carlin does too, since we met geeking out over Marvel characters. But when it comes to favorites I think I have two clear winners, both of which I have now written about: Pyrokinesis and Superspeed.

Superspeed, at last at last, is featured in Stronger, Better, Faster, More. As the title might imply. I love this power because there are so many great iterations of it and how it affects the character who has it. Some can turn it on and off, which is convenient. Others are constantly sped up, though, which is Vel Chandrasekhar’s ability/problem. So he’s constantly feeling like the whole world is moving in slow mo, constantly having to slow down how he talks, eats, walks, constantly being super impatient with everything. Except he’s actually mega-patient, in his world.

That has been, by far and away, one of my favorite things to write about ever. I’m glad this book and Vel gave me the chance!

Carlin: I actually love superspeed too, when presented the way Vel’s was in Stronger, Better, Faster, More where the character’s entire world is sped up. I’ve found that, in both reading and writing, I’m drawn most to superpowered characters whose abilities either come with drawback when using it, like Beau’s endurance, or is something they have to manage in their everyday life, like Vel’s superspeed.

When writing superhumans, you always run the risk of creating a character that’s too large or powerful to relate to, and I feel like drawbacks help a character stay accessible to the reader. When you see a character struggling to manage the side effects, it makes you want them to succeed. When they go into a fight or rescue situation knowing it’ll mean intense pain for them later, it makes that sacrifice and risk a lot more meaningful.

As for me? I’d go with teleportation. It’s hard to beat fast, free travel.

Title  Stronger, Better, Faster, More by Carlin Grant and Katey Hawthorne

 

 

Book Blurb

When he gets super-endurance powers out of nowhere, being a culinary student and kids’ soccer coach isn’t enough for Beau CGKH_StrongerBetterFasterMore_coverinWarren–he has to be a superhero too. A sweet, hardworking trans man from a close knit family, it’s important to Beau to use his new abilities to stand up for people who can’t protect themselves. When he runs into a speedster at a fire rescue, he doesn’t expect it to be his high school crush, Vel Chandrasekhar. Turns out Vel got superspeed when Beau go his endurance, so they decide to make their single supe act into a duo.

With their immediate attraction and superpowered libidos, it’s not long before Beau and Vel are roommates-with-benefits. That’s the idea, anyhow, if only Beau can keep from falling back into his old crush hard, since Vel’s self-esteem issues have left him skittish about relationships. Just when things are at boiling point between them, though, their search for their own superhero origin story leads them and their families into mortal danger. The only way to survive the truth is to depend on each other–and admit they’re a lot more than friends.

  • Genre: M/M,  Paranormal, erorom
  • LengthNovel (72k)

About the Authors

Carlin Grant is a queer writer who likes to put the focus on LGBTQIA+ characters and has a sweet tooth for romance. Growing up in backwoods North Carolina left them with a love for the characters, culture, and folklore that is common in the rural South, and these themes often show up in their stories. When they’re not writing, Carlin enjoys reading, video games, superheroes, mixtapes, and visiting the beach. They currently reside in coastal NC, where they spend most of their time chasing after their toddler.
Katey Hawthorne is an avid reader and writer of superpowered romance, even though the only degree she holds is in the history of art. (Or, possibly, because the only degree she holds is in the history of art.) Originally from the Appalachian foothills of West Virginia, she currently lives in Ohio. In her spare time she enjoys comic books, B-movies, loud music, Epiphones, and Bushmills.

Giveaway

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the authors.  Good luck and happy reading!

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Jump Back Into The Fantasy World of Jay Jordan Hawk’s Onwaachige the Dreamer (The Two-spirit Chronicles #3) (excerpt and giveaway)

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Onwaachige the Dreamer (The Two-spirit Chronicles #3) by Jay Jordan Hawke
 Release Date: December 17, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Cover Artist: Anne Cain

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Blurb

What would you do for the boy you loved? What if to save him you had to abandon him forever?

Fourteen-year-old Joshua Ishkoday faces an impossible decision as a terrifying dream sets him upon a thrilling and treacherous journey of self-exploration through the dangerous vastness of the Wisconsin northwoods. There, along with his best friends, Mokwa and Little Deer, Joshua summons the power to confront his greatest fears. To do so, all he has to do is trust in his dreams. Unfortunately, Joshua discovers that his dreams have been deceiving him thanks to the intrusion of strange creatures. For out in the middle of the forest dwell the enigmatic Memegwesi, bizarre manitous who have a special plan for Joshua. Joshua soon realizes that he has three monsters to battle: the extraordinary creatures haunting his dreams, the dangerous torrential storm brewing in the northwoods, and finally, the greatest demon of all—his homophobic mother.

 

Pages or Words: 200 pages/57,547 words
Series is best read in order.
 Categories: Fantasy, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Paranormal, Young Adult

Excerpt

A Scout is Brave – Excerpt #9 (197 Words)

            Cody realized he had made a big mistake. But somehow it just seemed easier to talk about homosexuality now that he had already spent a few hours discussing it with Joshua. Taboo subjects rarely seemed forbidden once shared. And frankly Cody didn’t think he had said anything that was out of line, but the sight of his father coming toward him with a fierce and determined expression, dramatically illustrated otherwise.

            Pastor Bob grabbed and pinched his son’s ear as he caught up with him.

            “Come with me,” he grunted, pulling his son forward.

            “Ouch,” Cody whimpered as his dad pulled him down the trail. “Dad, that hurts!” he cried out.

            “Don’t you ever embarrass me like that again in front of anyone!” Pastor Bob shouted. He didn’t let go of his son’s ear as he continued his tirade. “What’s the matter with you anyway? Do you want people to think you are some sort of queer!” Pastor Bob got a sick look on his face as he said that hated word. “Now get back to camp!” he yelled, letting go of Cody’s ear.

            Cody ran down the trail to the campsite. He cried all the way back.

Pukawiss the Outcast – Excerpt #9

 

“Okay, so I wasn’t supposed to tell you any of this,” Mokwa said. “That’s why I’ve been reluctant to talk about it.”

“What do you mean?” Joshua asked.

“Gentle Eagle asked me not to say anything. And when he asks you not to do something, you listen. He’s an elder, and he’s my friend.”

“Okay, so why doesn’t he want me to know? What are the Midewin exactly?”

“They are sort of a secret society of—” Mokwa paused for a second. “—of medicine men,” he finally said. “Their job is to preserve the old ways. They are powerful shamans.”

“Why is that a secret?” Joshua asked.

“Well, when the Christians tried to stomp out Ojibwe religion, they saw the Midewin as a threat. Many were persecuted. That sort of forced them underground, so to speak.” 

“What does any of this have to do with me?” Joshua asked. “Why did Pastor Martin want to know if I heard about them?”

“He is just paranoid,” Little Deer said. “If we are telling you about the Midewin, it means to him that we are ‘converting’ you.”

“Yeah,” said Jenny. “To Pastor Martin that’s like the dark side.”

 “But I still don’t know what my father, or my grandfather, has to do with all of this,” Joshua said, confused. “It doesn’t make sense.”

“I told you that I’d tell you about the Midewin,” Mokwa said to Joshua. “But you’ll have to get the rest from your grandfather.”

Onwaachige the Dreamer – Excerpt 9

“Pukawiss, maybe when we get to Manitou River you can take a nap or something. You probably just need to dream for the manitous to talk to you.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Joshua said, finding the suggestion agreeable. “I’ll try.” But he was increasingly convinced that this whole thing had been a bad idea. He had dragged his best friends into the Northwoods based solely on a dream. Granted, his dreams had been miraculously accurate so far, but this dream was different. He was putting his life on the line for it. Even worse, he was putting the lives of his friends on the line. It was an awesome responsibility to bear.

But next to the self-doubts and the anxiety was a powerful and exhilarating sense of liberation. Certainly being away from civilization, out in the dark forest, could be quite terrifying. They were, after all, relying solely on their own resourcefulness and what little supplies they had brought with them. But Joshua felt increasingly confident that he had learned enough to survive out here, for a few days at least. And he had his friends with him to help. Their faith in Joshua helped him to find his own confidence. Maybe his dreams really were messages from the manitous….There was something very comforting about knowing that above and beyond the trials and tribulations of life, there was in fact a larger meaning and purpose to it all. So what if he didn’t know the entire plan? That simple cry for help he heard in his dreams hinted at a much larger world than people normally perceived, one that reached out to Joshua and noticed him. It was frightening and comforting at the same time. And with those contradictory thoughts, Joshua believed everything was going to be all right. The manitous were with him, watching over him, determined to keep him and his friends safe. That, he finally understood.

A sudden burst of light filled the sky, releasing a violent rumble that shook the ground below them. It had quickly grown ominously dark, and any moment now, they would all be soaked.

“Thanks so very much, manitous! Appreciate it! Really, I do.”

 

Buy the book: Harmony Ink

 

Meet the Author:

Jay Jordan Hawke holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in history, as well as a second master’s in Outdoor Education. He loves everything sci-fi, especially Star Trek! He teaches high school history and anxiously awaits the day when he can write full time. His hobbies include camping, movies, reading, running, and writing. His first book, Pukawiss the Outcast, was a Lambda Literary Award finalist for Best Young Adult Gay Fiction. He resides in one of the Great Lakes states.

Where to find the author:

 

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Tour Dates & Stops:

17-Dec

18-Dec

21-Dec

22-Dec

23-Dec

24-Dec

25-Dec

28-Dec

29-Dec

29-Dec

30-Dec

Final

 

Giveaway

Enter to win a Two e-books to two different winners from any of the three books in the series (Pukawiss the Outcast, A Scout is Brave, or Onwaachige the Dreamer).  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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Mannies Incorporated Series is Back with Three To Get Ready ( Mannies Incorporated #4) by Sean Michael (excerpt and giveaway)

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Three To Get Ready ( Mannies Incorporated #4) by Sean Michael
 Release Date: December 18, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Sean Michael
Cover Artist: Kris Norris

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Sean Michael here today to celebrate the  release of Three To Get Ready. Welcome, Sean.

Thank you for helping me to celebrate the release of Three To Get Ready, a Mannies Incorporated story.

So usually, I’m usually knee deep in frigid temperatures and lots of snow at this time but this year there is no snow, there are no cold temps, it’s early fall or mid-spring weather. At the end of December. This makes me sad.  Christmas cookies, however, make me happy, no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Cookies are one of the things that help manny Dan and his charge Nathan bond over in Three to Get Ready. Together they make all sorts of cookies, but the first ones they bake together is peanut butter. I myself do not like peanut butter cookies. I don’t actually like peanut butter in anything sweet aside from paired with jam in a pb&j sandwich. So I’m not going to be sharing any peanut butter cookie recipes. I will however share one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes. Maple Cookies. This is also a very Canadian recipe as it has real maple syrup in it. They have the added benefit of being very easy to make – which for me is always a requirement!

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Maple Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c. butter

1 c. brown sugar (packed)

1 c. real maple syrup

Directions:

Cream those together really well.

Then add an egg and a teaspoon of vanilla

In a separate bowl, sift together 4 c. flour, 2 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. salt

Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients

Roll into 1 inch balls and place on greased or parchment paper covered cookie sheets

Press a walnut into the top of the ball – I try to use a whole section so it looks like wings

Bake at 350 for 10 minutes

A couple of these cookies and a glass of milk would be a wonderful snack to munch on while enjoying Three to Get Ready.

Sean

Smut fixes everything

Now more about Three To Get Ready ( Mannies Incorporated #4) by Sean Michael

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Blurb

Single father Jack Jones is in dire need of a new nanny. His five year old son Nathan is legally blind, he has twin baby girls arriving in less than two months and the girl currently working for him is leaving at Thanksgiving to go home and continue her higher education. If Mannies Incorporated doesn’t come up with a viable candidate soon, he’s not sure what he’s going to do.

Dan Miller is on the hunt for a new job. He’s had some great placements with Mannies Incorporated, many as Manny to multiple birth families to get them over the hump. He even has experience with special needs children, so the job he’s interviewing for looks like it’s right up his alley.

When Dan arrives at Jack’s house, he discovers that this Jack Jones is his Jack Jones, the man he was in love with during college, and who broke up with Dan because Dan wanted children. Will Dan and Jack be able to put the past behind them and work together, or will their past keep them from having a future together?

Pages or Words: 64,000 words/190 pages
This book can be read as a standalone
 Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt

Dan Miller followed the instructions on his GPS to one Jack Jones’ house for his interview. He was trying to decide if it was a good or bad omen that he’d dated a Jack Jones. It had ended, so maybe bad. On the other hand, they’d ended because Jack didn’t want kids and he did, which was better to learn early on, before they’d invested a lot of time in each other, right? So good sign.

Chuckling at himself, he went over what Drake at Mannies Inc had told him about the family.

Single gay dad, one special needs son – the boy was nearly six and clinically blind. Apparently he could see general shapes if they were high contrast and he could see lights and light contrast. There were twin girls on their way. In a couple of weeks in a few weeks in fact.

Newborns were Dan’s favorite. He loved that new baby smell. He loved their chubby little cheeks and limbs, their fat bellies and how quickly they changed.

After reading the file, he’d had to agree with Drake that he seemed like a really good fit for the family.

The position was live-in, so he paid close attention as the condo came into view. Not far from the beach, it was a decent size, not too big, but not tiny. The front was neat and he could see the backyard was fenced in.

Pulling into the drive, he turned off the engine and took a deep breath. Okay. Interview time. He climbed out of the car, with his best ‘I’m the perfect man to look after your kids’ face on.

He knocked on the front door.

“Daddy! Maddie, someone is here!”

“I’ll get it, man. Hopefully this one will work for your daddy, Mr. Picky. I have to leave the week of Thanksgiving. I have to.”

The door opened and a lovely dark-skinned young woman stood there with a skinny little boy in thick glasses. “Hey there. Can I help you?”

“Hi, Dan Miller. I’m here to see Mr. Jones?”

“Sure. Come on in. I’m Maddie, Nathan’s personal assistant.” She winked at him.

“Very nice to meet you.” He shook her hand.

Then he turned his attention to the little boy. “Hey there, You must be Nathan.”

“Uh-huh. Nathan James Jones.” One hand was held out. “Pleased meeting you.”

Dan took Nathan’s hand and shook it solemnly. “Pleased to meet you, too.”

“Hey there. Sorry, man. I was paying some bills. Crazy life.”

Dan looked up at the familiar voice and blinked. Strong jaw, blond curls, and the bluest eyes in the history of the earth — that was Jack. His Jack.

Dan felt like he’d been poleaxed.

His Jack who didn’t want kids, no way no how was he fucking crazy for even suggesting it.

“Jack?” Oh, smooth, Dan. Clearly it was Jack. Hell, even if he couldn’t believe his eyes, the folder he’d gotten from Drake had said the guy’s name was Jack.

“Dan? Danny? Oh, my God!” Jack’s eyes went wide. “Look at you. You look amazing.”

He kind of hated the way Jack’s words made him stand a little taller, a little straighter. “So do you. The years have been good to you.” Twelve years. Shit, things had changed in that time, that much was obvious, but not how just a glance from those devastating eyes could make his cock perk up. That hadn’t changed a damn bit.

Buy the book::Amazon |All Romance Ebooks

 

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Meet the Author:

Often referred to as “Space Cowboy” and “Gangsta of Love” while still striving for the moniker of “Maurice,” Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and pursuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to “Chicago.”

A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.

Barring any of that? He’ll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

18-Dec: Inked Rainbow Reads, Gay Book Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, Kirsty Loves Books, Dawn’s Reading Nook

21-Dec: Sassygirl Books

22-Dec: Open Skye Book Reviews, Divine Magazine, Book Lovers 4Ever, Foxylutely Book Reviews

23-Dec: Velvet Panic

24-Dec: Unquietly Me, The Novel Approach

25-Dec: Havan Fellows

28-Dec: Up All Night, Read All Day, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

29-Dec: MM Good Book Reviews, Prism Book Alliance

30-Dec: Bayou Book Junkie

31-Dec: Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, The Hat Party

1-Jan: Happily Ever Chapter

4-Jan: QUEERcentric Books, Full Moon Dreaming

5-Jan: Making It Happen

6-Jan: Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings

7-Jan: Multitasking Mommas, 3 Chicks After Dark

8-Jan: Molly Lolly, A.M. Leibowitz

11-Jan: Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

12-Jan: Jessie G. Books

13-Jan: Bonkers About Books

14-Jan: Love Bytes, Alpha Book Club

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Three To Get Ready’ by Sean Michael.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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What Happens When the Earthquake is Over? Find out in Caraway Carter ‘The First Time’ book blast and contest

The First Time

The First Time by Caraway Carter
(Sequel to ‘Storming Love: Earthquake – Anders & Ujaruk)
 Release Date: December 25, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: MLR Press
Cover Artist: Winterheart Designs

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Blurb

After surviving through a massive earthquake, Anders and Ujaruk know they can handle a crisis, but what about everyday life? Ujaruk moved in to help Anders while his leg healed, now that the cast is off, what happens next? Families, holidays and the first time.

 

Pages or Words: 105 pages, 29,000 words
 Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance

Excerpt

The ground had opened up, and he was screaming.

He was outside the cave, and the trees were falling down everywhere. His broken leg was throbbing and Ujaruk was nowhere to be seen. And then, with a heaving like a bear rolling over a boulder, the thin crack in the ground widened into a huge fissure less than five feet from where he lay on the slanted hillside. Anders screamed again as he began to slide helplessly down the slope toward the yawning, gaping mouth of the hungry earth.

As he grabbed at the turf sliding away beneath him, he saw Ujaruk running toward him from the other side of the widening part in the earth. “Anders? Anders!”

But Anders was sliding down the slope into the chasm, helpless, screaming all the way as Ujaruk shouted his name…

He jerked awake.

His hands were grasping bedsheets, not turf. He was here in his bed, in his house, nowhere near that cave. Safe. He was safe.

It had just been a dream. He hadn’t been swallowed up by the earth. He hadn’t been in danger at all — Ujaruk had got him out of the cave and to the hospital.

Why did I want to be a geologist, again? He wondered muzzily.

Then he realized that part of the dream had been real. Ujaruk was calling his name. “Anders? You awake yet, hon?” There was a knock at the door, which creaked open as Ujaruk shouldered it aside. “Good morning!”

“You’re still here,” Anders said, turning over in the rumpled bed and trying on a smile. “Good morning.”

“Where else would I be?” Ujaruk grinned, holding out a cup of coffee with one hand and a breakfast tray with the other. Four strips of bacon and a scramble of eggs sat on a plate in the middle of it, overshadowed slightly by a bobbing yellow daisy that threatened to fall out of the too-short bud vase it was standing in.

“I had a dream,” Anders said. “I dreamed that — that you’d taken a job in Arizona.” He turned his face away so that the lie didn’t show. His heart was still racing.

“Crazy dream,” Ujaruk commented. “Can you see me in Arizona? I’d roast in nothing at.”

Anders smiled. “I’m glad it was only a dream, then.”

I wonder how much longer I can stay in this cast, he thought as Ujaruk put the tray over him in the bed, smiling weakly at his— boyfriend? Roommate? Coworker…

He turned his mind to the food in front of him as Ujaruk sat down in the single chair next to the bed.

It’s been two months. How many more do we have?

Buy the book:

AllRomance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thefirsttime-1936907-149.html

MLR: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowAuthorBooks.php?list=_ABKLIST225&author=Caraway!Carter

Meet the author:

Caraway Carter has worn numerous hats. He’s been a furniture salesman, a dresser, a costumer, an actor/waiter, a rabble rouser, a poet and most recently a writer. He married his husband on Halloween and they are the loving parents of two rambunctious cats. He loves words and stringing them together, he loves sex and sexy men, he loves seeing how far his muse will take him and he’s looking forward to entertaining you.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, BFD Book Blog, Divine Magazine, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Hat Party, TTC Books and More, Louise Lyons, Happily Ever Chapter, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, A.M. Leibowitz, Tara Lain, Bayou Book Junkie, Mikky’s World of Books, Dawn’s Reading Nook, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Molly Lolly, Velvet Panic, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 1 copy of Storming Love: Earthquake Anders & Ujaruk & The First Time.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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The Sidewinders are Back with Part & Parcel by Abigail Roux (Riptide Tour/contest)

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Part & Parcel (Sidewinder #3)  by Abigail Roux
Published by Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist L.C. Chase

Release Date:  December 19, 2015
Buy the book here at Riptide’s Part & Parcel page

About Part & Parcel

Nick O’Flaherty and Kelly Abbott had their happy ending in sight when a friend’s call for help almost ended with them losing it to the blade of a knife. Now, in the aftermath of near-disaster, both men are trying to heal and move on.

Moving on together, though, is harder than either of them realized it would be. Kelly struggles with simply being a lover instead of the Doc, while Nick is mired in his recovery. The distance between them inches along in stilted silence.

Desperately seeking solace, Nick finally gathers the courage to sort through the possessions his dear friend and fellow Sidewinder teammate Elias Sanchez left him when he died. Instead of comforting memories, Nick and Kelly find a stack of letters and strict instructions from Eli that prompt them to send out a call for assistance. With Eli’s letters in hand, Sidewinder sets out on one last mission together, seeking peace and absolution from beyond the grave—and from each other.

About Abigail Roux

Abigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year.

Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of Call of Duty throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head.

Connect with Abi:

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Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Part & Parcel, we are selecting TWO giveaway winners! One will receive the last four Cut & Run books in audio, and the other will receive the full Sidewinder series in audio. Your first comment at each stop on this tour enters you in the drawing. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 26, 2015. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. Entries.  HYPERLINK Follow the tour for more opportunities to enter the giveaway, and don’t forget to leave your email or method of contact so Riptide can reach you if you win!

Sidewinder

This series is part of the Cut & Run universe.

– See more at: Riptide Publishing’s Sidewinder page.

Coffee Sip and Book Break: Tina Blenke’s ‘Life Worth Living’ (author interview, excerpt and giveaway)

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Life Worth Living by Tina Blenke
 Release Date: December 9, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Wilde City Press
Cover Artist: Adrian Nicholas

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Today I’m very happy to be interviewing Tina Blenke, author of Life Worth Living. Hi, Tina, thanks for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.

  • Tell us about your book.
    • Jake has been admiring Quentin from afar for four years during college. With encouragement from his roommate and best friend he reveals his secret and finds out that Quentin’s been keeping a secret of his own. It’s a sweet love story but the secret could tear them apart if Quentin’s family ever finds out. It’s a story of secrets, lies and hiding in the shadows without truly living.
  • How difficult was it to get into the main character’s head?
    • There are some aspects of Jake that are easy to identify with such as his disconnect with his family during his forced coming out. But he’s driven and attends college fawning over his secret crush for years. During a dark period of the story, Jake stumbles in his life and needs to find his compass again. It’s a downward spiral that was difficult to write because of the depths of his depression – this was the hardest because Quentin didn’t want to leave him there but it was a journey that Jake needed to make on his own.
  • Is this book a standalone or do you plan on visiting it again?
    • Initially, it was intended to be a standalone story and it certainly could stay that way. But, there was another character in Life Worth Living that begged for months for his story to be written – and can you believe that it’s even darker than Jake’s? The draft is already complete and out with my beta readers right now. It has also been written as a standalone but exists in the same universe as Jake and Quentin.
  • Why did you choose to write M/M stories?
    • It would be more appropriate to say that the genre chose me. There is a romantic appeal that draws me in because other than my writing, I don’t consider myself a romantic person at all. I’m more direct and closed off and I think that’s reflected in my characters. They have more depth and more than they might first appear on the page.
  • Where do you find your inspiration?
    • That’s a good question. When I was writing recently, there was a song that was playing in the background that immediately brought to mind a story that led to the most delicious little plot bunny. I had to stop writing my WIP to jot down a few notes based on that one song. Sometimes, there might be a couple I see on the street and I make up a story about them and other times it’s a picture on the internet. Muses are all around me and there are only so many hours in the day.

Thank you, Tina, for sharing so much with us today.  Now more about Life Worth Living…

Blurb

Jake has been hiding in plain sight, always a few rows behind his straight-crush Quentin during their four years of college. He’s been successful so far but just as they’re about to graduate, Quentin finds out Jake’s secret and Quentin shares one of his own. He’s in the closet.

Jake isn’t about to let this opportunity pass him by especially when Quentin is scheduled to leave for the East coast in a few short summer months. Willing to keep Quentin’s secret from his upper crust politically-fueled homophobic family, Jake shares his bed and eventually his heart.

Quentin’s life in the closet is non-negotiable. His family has strong political ties and any word about their son’s sexuality would cast him out of the family and out of his inheritance which he desperately needs to finish his education. He’s been successful keeping his sexuality a secret for years until he meets the irresistibly adorable Jake at an early graduation party.

Quentin is unable to ignore his desire for Jake and makes the life-altering leap that holds his future in the balance. Locked away from the public eye, the two men admit their love for one another. In three short months, they will be forced to part ways for graduate school but the challenges of potential scrutiny, family commitment and an un-promised future may prove to be more than they can overcome.

 

Pages or Words: 63,267
 Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt

“Cora? He’s really gone, isn’t he?”

“You did what you had to do to save both your life and his career. You didn’t do a goddamned thing wrong, you hear me? You are one of the bravest men I know,” she growled.

“Yeah, right. I’m the gayest man you know.”

“You shut the fuck up right now, Jake. I don’t let anyone bad-mouth you around me and that includes you. It takes a real man to stand up for who he truly is on the inside. The easy way out would be to hide who you are and live in the closet for fear of what the world will say or do to you.”

“Now that’s not fair,” I argued immediately, thinking of Quentin’s situation.

“And for what? Admitting that you want to love another man? It’s a beautiful romantic notion, Jake. You throw yourself bare to the world for love, the noblest feeling in the world, and all you expect in return is someone to return the feeling. And what does that rat bastard do? He shows you what it feels like to be loved, only there was a condition on it, wasn’t there? As long as he could hide you from the world and not be proud of the honest, kind and decent man that you are. He should have been yelling your name from the mountains or something. Instead? Instead, he runs and hides so he can save his face from his family.”

Buy the book: Wilde City Press | Amazon

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Meet the Author

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Tina is a retired Air Force brat and has lived in several states as well as a handful of countries. She has always had a soft spot for literature and is a voracious reader. When she isn’t writing, she can be found cuddled up with a good book. Though Tina adores a thrilling novel with sappy lovesick heroes, she is terrified of things that go bump in the night. This makes for quite a complicated relationship with zombies, something that she just can’t get enough of.

 

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

23-Dec

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Full Moon Dreaming

30-Dec

Love Bytes, Kirsty Loves Books, Book Lovers 4Ever

6-Jan

Wake Up Your Wild Side, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, Hearts on Fire

13-Jan

BFD Book Blog, The Hat Party, My Fiction Nook, Louise Lyons

20-Jan

KathyMac Reviews, Unquietly Me, Inked Rainbow Reads, Jessie G. Books

27-Jan

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Alpha Book Club, Havan Fellows

3-Feb

Happily Ever Chapter, TTC Books and More, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Prism Book Alliance

10-Feb

The Novel Approach, Bayou Book Junkie, Molly Lolly, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy

Final

 

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 3 – $5 Amazon gift cards (1 winner each).  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.   Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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In Our Contemporary Romance Spotlight: When It’s Right (Mile High Romance #1) by Aria Grace (excerpt and contest)

Title: When It’s Right (Mile High Romance #1)
Author: Aria Grace

Genre: M/M Romance

Published: December 23, 2013

When Shane Greenly left his home in Casper Mountain, Wy, he was leaving more than just the closet. He needed a fresh start to pursue his dream of running a dog training ranch without having to deny who he really is. 
Meeting Alex was one of the best things that could have happened to Shane. They were at the beginning of a wonderful relationship when the unthinkable happened and Shane had to leave. The consequences of his past mistakes could not be hidden any longer.

“once again Aria has blown me away with another great book! “ ~5 Star Review (by Amy Hertzog on Amazon)

“If you love a good M/M book that is well-written, precise, and adventurous – this book is for you. Two thumbs up and 5 stars!” ~5 Star Review (by Ricky M. Hansen Jr. on Amazon)

“It is a heartwarming story that leaves the reader knowing that things really can work out for the best, and love truly does prevail.” ~5 Star Review (by wtcdean on Amazon)

Finally looking at the texts that came in throughout the day, I see one from Steph from early this morning.
Looks like you’ve been replaced

There is a photo attached of Shane on the lawn with Stormy. She is trying to grab something from behind his back and he’s laughing. He has a perfect smile. Seeing him so happy warms my heart. His dark eyes are so sexy and he looks damn good on my lawn, with my dog and… in my shirt. That is my shirt, right? I can feel little Alex starting to twitch just thinking about how that happened. He fills it out better than I do.
I wore that on Thursday. Why would he put on my dirty shirt? I know why I would put on a guy’s dirty shirt but that couldn’t be his reason… Well, maybe I was wrong about that country boy.
Pulling a couple bottles from the mini bar, I lie back on the bed debating whether to call him or not. I empty the small whisky bottle into a can of Coke that was only half full and grab my phone. He’s wearing my shirt for god’s sake. A straight guy wouldn’t do that.

Before I lose my nerve, I thumb out a quick text to Shane.
I see you met Stephanie.
Not two minutes later, I get a response.
Yeah. She seems nice.
Nice, hunh? That doesn’t give me much. I’ll have to go the more direct route.

She is nice. And single. She’d come over if you called her. She probably even has a hot girlfriend 4 a one nighter if you’re looking 4 something casual.
No way for him to be vague about that. If he responds, I should have my answer.
Thanks but not really my style. LOL

Damn, he’s good.
Which part? The hot girlfriend or the one nighter.
Please say girls, please say girls, please say girls.
Both.
Thank you, sweet baby Jesus!
I guess we have more in common than a love of dogs.
Okay. That was lame. I need another drink. Opening up a bottle of vodka, I drink the shot straight. Just enough to warm me up. It’s been several minutes so I might have spooked him. I try him again.
Is this a bad time?
No. Just took Stormy out one more time and now we’re in bed.

Oops. Forgot to ask about my dog. The whole reason he’s at my house. What a bad daddy I am! Ah well, all the more reason to find her a new daddy. Whoa, I think I feel those shots already.

So are you seeing anyone right now?

No. Very single.

Maybe we can get a drink sometime next week?

Sounds good.

So you’re in bed now? In my bed?

LOL. Yes.

Me too.
Is trying to sext too trashy for our first flirt session? I’m gonna have to assume yes so I’ll let the poor boy go. As hard as it is to do it. And as hard as I am for him.
I’ll let you get comfortable and go to sleep.

OK. Good night Alex.

Good night Shane. BTW, you look fucking hot in my shirt.

Okay, I couldn’t resist that last part.

Born and raised in beautiful California, Aria enjoys the year round sunshine and laid back environment of the west coast. Her career started out in tech writing and web development and has evolved into all things marketing with fingers in everything related to book publishing. 
She lives with her husband and two children and more pets than she can keep track of. Despite her crazy schedule, she loves the time she carves out to read and write. Whether it’s on the beach or on the couch at 2am, she is a woman obsessed!
She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to drop her a note or visit her at www.ariagracebooks.com.
If you’d like to know when Aria’s next book is coming out or where she’ll be signing, join her mailing list at: http://bit.ly/AriaGraceFanList

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Title: When I’m Weak
Series: Mile High Romance #2
Author: Aria Grace
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2015 
Jamie presents a flamboyant and slutty attitude to the world because he’s been hurt before. Even though it’s mostly an act, he hides behind his persona to keep people at arm’s length. With only a small group of trusted friends, he’s vowed to never allow a man to have power over him again. Power to hurt him. Power to take away his freedom. Power to label him as a predator for the rest of his life.
Reed and his sister run a home preschool for toddlers. His focus is on getting credentialed so he can take some of the burden from Abby. He doesn’t have time for friends, much less a lover, but when he meets Jamie, he recognizes something in the man that makes him want to get closer. 
Unfortunately, Jamie’s past prevents him from truly integrating into Reed’s future. It’s not just a matter of the heart. It’s a matter of the law.

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Want Kink and Romance? Get it with Morticia Knight’s ‘Safe Limits’ (excerpt and giveaway)

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Safe Limits ( Kiss of Leather #2) by Morticia Knight
 Release Date: December 22, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh

Blurb

The men from Kiss of Leather gather together to rescue a terrified young sub. But it’s Master Derek who wants to keep him for good.

Master Gavin and his boy, Kyle are celebrating their newly established bond when Master Josh calls requesting their help. Josh’s sub, David, needs the men to help his best friend from childhood while they’re away at a BDSM convention in San Francisco.

Corey ran away from his Master after a horrible scene, but he blames himself for everything that happened. No Master would ever want him if they were to find out what he did. Corey’s not sure if he’ll ever feel safe enough to give himself to a Master again anyway, even if all he’s ever wanted was to belong to somebody.

Master Derek agrees to watch over Corey until Josh and David return from the convention. All he needs is another pretty twink messing with his head and his heart, so the older, growly bear of a man determines to keep his distance. But when Corey wakes up screaming after a devastating nightmare, Derek is more drawn than ever to the young sub – the need to keep Corey safe from whatever or whoever has hurt him becoming his main priority.

Kyle and Corey develop a friendship when Corey assists Kyle in the dungeon furniture workshop. Kyle has his own fears – the ones that make him feel he’s broken because of the things he desires to do with Gavin. Through helping Kyle, and receiving his own help through Derek, Corey decides he’s ready to let go of the demons from his past and move forward into a new life.

Now if Corey can only get Derek to believe that he’s ready – and to finally do something about it.

 

 

Pages or Words: 51,265 words, 164 pages
 Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Not a standalone, Series should be read in order

Excerpt

Derek was not one to live with mystery – especially with someone under his roof. He respected Corey’s boundaries and his need to keep certain things to himself, but he didn’t think it was completely unreasonable to at least attempt to be friendly with each other. Corey finally answered him.

“I’m usually up pretty early. I can’t sleep much past seven, even when I was going to school and it was the weekend.” Corey’s eyes tracked everything in the kitchen that wasn’t anywhere near Derek. “Plus, I get really tired at night. I used to be the one who fell asleep on New Year’s Eve.”

“Used to be?”

Corey finally looked in his direction. “Tony was more of a night owl. He insisted I stay awake the last few New Year’s.”

“Tony your Dom?”

Corey actually appeared to shrink into himself even more. “Ex-Dom.”

“Hmm.” Derek shut off the burners then pressed the lever down on the toaster. “Hungry?”

“Yeah.” Corey nodded with an enthusiasm that made Derek wonder about the kid’s recent circumstances and whether he’d had enough to eat. He finally lifted his gaze to Derek. “Can I set the table for you? Or…something?”

“I’m not that formal here. You can grab the orange juice and butter from the fridge though. I already have plates and glasses.” Derek wondered if he could draw Corey out of himself a bit more. Mundane topics seemed to be relatively safe. The mention of the Dom had caused him to shut down instantly. “Hope you like chorizo and eggs.”

Corey brought over the items Derek had requested. He set them down then moved quickly away.

“Anything you have is great. I meant…” Corey swallowed, his expression pained. “I meant to say thank you to you last night. I should’ve said it to Gavin…” Corey’s eyes flashed up at him with panic. “Um, Master Gavin and Kyle, but they left before I could tell them. This is really cool of you to do. So, thank you.”

Derek offered him a smile. It wasn’t an expression he employed often, but he sensed that Corey needed some reassuring. “Sure. You’re welcome.” He finished pouring the juice then handed the tumblers back to Corey. “Here you go. Have a seat and I’ll get the rest.”

Corey nodded and did what he was told. Derek found himself intrigued by the young man. It was the absolute last damn thing he needed at the moment, but he couldn’t help it. Corey was too young, too pretty – but he didn’t seem to be too spoiled. Derek ached to know more. All he had to do was figure out how to approach Corey without scaring the shit out of him.

Buy the book:

Pride Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK  | Barnes & Noble

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About the Author:

Author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men forever after. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little heart’s desire. Even though she’s been crafting her naughty tales for more years than she’d like to share – her adventures as a published author began in 2011. Once upon a time she was the lead singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She currently resides on the northern Oregon coast and when she’s not fantasizing about hot men she takes walks along the ocean and annoys the local Karaoke bar patrons.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, The Novel Approach, Divine Magazine, The Hat Party, Happily Ever Chapter, Bayou Book Junkie, BFD Book Blog, V’s Reads, TTC Books and More, 3 Chicks After Dark, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Lovers 4Ever, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, MM Good Book Reviews, Nephy Hart, Bonkers About Books, Jessie G. Books, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Alpha Book Club, Velvet Panic, Gay Book Reviews

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of book one: ‘Building Bonds’.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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