Skate into Love with Changing on the Fly- M/M Hockey Charity Anthology Tour (excerpts and giveaway)

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AboutTheBook

cotf_cover_2016TITLE: Changing On The Fly – M/M Hockey Charity Anthology

AUTHOR: Avon Gale, V.L. Locey, Cherylanne Corneille, Mary Smith, Heather Lire, Samantha Wayland

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

COVER ARTIST: Jen Needles

LENGTH: 368 Pages

RELEASE DATE: October 12, 2016

BLURB: Changing on the Fly is a celebration of romance, featuring six M/M stories about hockey players falling in love on – and off – the ice. All proceeds from the anthology will be donated to a charity that supports inclusiveness in athletics.

The anthology will be available starting in October, 2016, for a limited time only.

It includes the following stories:

Even Strength by Cherylanne Corneille

Next Season by Avon Gale

Going Home by Heather Lire

On Broadway by V.L. Locey

The Brother and the Retired Player by Mary Smith

Take a Shot by Samantha Wayland

Excerpt

V.L. Locey’s On Broadway:

 

“You’re about as far from being just a guy as I am from being able to play “Rocket Man” on harmonica.”

“Is that the song your mom named you after?” I fell back to the bed, feet dangling to the floor and hands clasped behind my head.

“Good guess.” He appeared behind me after a moment. I tipped my head back to look at him. His green eyes were darker now, smoky jade and hot with desire. “You’re really sexy in a Toby McGuire Spider-Man kind of way.”

“I don’t have any superpowers,” I replied as he leaned over and placed his hands on either side of my head.

“Not true,” Rocket whispered before covering my mouth with his. My eyes drifted shut as my fingers knotted up the bedding. His mouth was hot and wet, his tongue skilled, his taste a subtle blend of Korean buffet. “You’re Riley Zeally,” he murmured between nibbling kisses that made my heart pump faster, “the face of professional hockey.”

I reached up from the duvet to push my fingers into his hair. “I want you,” I panted between his short, maddening sweeps of my mouth.

 

Samantha Wayland’s Take a Shot:

 

“There already is someone who loves to spend time with you, who loves hockey and your friends and their ridiculous pranks. Who gets that you have to travel and that you’re tired!”

Tim blinked, appearing utterly bewildered. “Who?”

“Me, you asshole! Me.”

Tim threw his hands in the air. “What about you?”

“I appreciate you exactly as you are. I love our life. Our friends. You. Even the super fucking irritating things, because apparently there is something wrong with me. I love that you can’t hide what you’re feeling, almost ever. And that you say what you’re thinking, even when I can’t do the same. I like living with you, a fucking neat-freak nudist, and working with you, and there’s never been a time, not once, that I was tired of being around you. You’re gorgeous and you’re kind and you’re the best person I know. So shut up about there not being someone who can appreciate everything about you. There already is. And unfortunately for you, it’s me.”

 

Heather Lire’s Going Home

 

“What the fuck, man?” Blake growled at Dex.

“What?” he asked, innocently. Too innocently. “I was just making conversation with an old friend from high school. One who helped both of us graduate.”

If he’d known when he started this trip down memory lane that he’d be running into the person who’d had a staring roll in the epic disaster that had been his last night in town, he’d never have started it. Micah had also held a staring roll in every single one of his sexual fantasies back then as well.

“Fuck you, Dex.”

“Think about it like this…this is a new start for both of us. A chance to fix the things in our lives that we fucked up. Me with my career and you with Micah.”

 

Cherylanne Corneille’s Even Strength

 

He took a few laps around their end of the rink to loosen his legs. On his fourth pass around the net, he picked up a stray puck and carried it on his stick before shooting it into the net. Boone bumped his shoulder and nodded toward the glass as they rounded their end of the rink again.

What the hell? He glanced in the direction his teammate indicated. Two men around his age wearing New York’s jerseys held up a brightly colored sign that said simply, “Thank you, Nate.” He puzzled on the meaning until he made another lap. One of them also held a small rainbow flag.

 

Mary Smith’s The Brother and the Retired Player

 

Our lips touch, and the spark is struck. He pulls me closer and grips my hips. I can feel his hardness already, and my dick twitches at the contact. Our kiss intensifies as our tongues touch. I hold him closer, and the light scruff of his pale beard tickles me. I never want to leave this spot, but finally, I pull back.

 

Avon Gale’s Next Season

 

Nick stopped as Sparrow went to get into his Escalade, which he’d somehow remote started the second they got out of the building. Nick drove a 2002 Ford Focus and was lucky if it started when the key was in the ignition.

“So, uh,” Nick said, not wanting to just walk off but still as uncertain as he’d been in the locker room about what to say. “See you in Philly, I guess.”

“Yeah,” Sparrow muttered, yanking the door to his luxury SUV open with too much force. “See you in Philly, kid.”

Nick managed to get his own car door open, grabbed his ice scraper, and turned the car on so he could blast the heat. He watched Sparrow drive away, leaving tire tracks in the snow.

BuyLinks

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Smashwords

Kobo Store

Barnes & Noble

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AuthorBio

 

V.L. Locey

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a flock of assorted domestic fowl, and two Jersey steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand. She can also be found online on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and GoodReads.

Website: http://vlloceyauthor.com/

 

Avon Gale

 

Avon Gale was once the mayor on Foursquare of Jazzercise and Lollicup, which should tell you all you need to know about her as a person. She likes road trips, rock concerts, drinking Kentucky bourbon and yelling at hockey. She’s a displaced southerner living in a liberal midwestern college town, and she never gets tired of people and their stories — either real or the ones she makes up in her head.

Website: https://www.avongalewrites.com/

 

Cherylanne Corneille

 

Cherylanne Corneille has been writing almost as long as she has loved the game of hockey, so it was inevitable that she would eventually combine two of her favorite pastimes into one hobby. She will watch almost any game but prefers to cheer on the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tyler Seguin.

When not writing or watching hockey, she enjoys running and has completed 18 half marathons.  She also loves Stars Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Captain America.

Cherylanne lives in Central Florida with her cat, who was almost called Puck or Hanifin but sometimes answers to the name Phasma.

Website: https://cacorneille.wordpress.com/

 

Heather Lire

 

Heather has traveled all over the world, speaks several languages, collects romance books like they’re going out of style, and has multiple book boyfriends. Ok, she hasn’t been all over the world, except in her mind. She does however speak multiple languages and collect romance books. Her long-suffering husband and sons roll their eyes at all her book boyfriends. When she’s not busy on her next novel she can be found in her classroom where teaches one of those many languages, at one of her sons many sporting events or on twitter talking about what else, romance books.

Website: http://heatherlire.com/

 

Samantha Wayland

 

Samantha Wayland has three great loves in life; her family, writing books, and hockey. She is often found apologizing to the first for how much time and attention is taken up by the latter two, but they forgive her because they are awesome and she clearly doesn’t deserve them.

Sam lives with her family—of both the two and four-legged variety—outside of Boston. When she’s not locked away in her home office, she can generally be found tucked in the corner of the local Thai place with other socially-starved authors and an adult beverage. Her favorite things include mango martinis, tiny Chihuahuas with big attitude problems, and the Oxford comma.

Website: http://www.samanthawayland.com/

 

Mary Smith

Best Selling Author, Mary Smith, has been coming up with stories her whole life. She has written A HOCKEY TUTOR and THE NEW HAMPSHIRE BEARS SERIES along with numerous other titles, as well as co-authored THE PENALTY KILL TRILOGY, OH CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN SERIES, and THE NINTH INNINGS SERIES with Lindsay Paige. When not busy writing or rooting for the Chicago Blackhawks you can find her with her nose stuck in her Kindle.

Website: http://www.authormarysmith.com/

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Winner’s Prize: $20 Amazon GC

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TourSchedule

October 10: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

October 11: Joyfully Jay

October 12: MM Good Book Reviews

October 13: Gay Book Reviews

October 14: Open Skye Book Reviews

October 17: RJ Scott

October 18: Diverse Reader :: Bayou Book Junkie

October 19: BFD Book Blog

October 20: MM Book Escape

October 21: Molly Lolly: Reader, Reviewer, Lover of Words :: Alpha Book Club

 

In the Spotlight with Pansies (Spires Universe) by Alexis Hall (giveaway)

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Pansies (Spires Universe) by Alexis Hall
R
iptide Publishing
Cover art by Simoné

Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

About Pansies

Alfie Bell is . . . fine. He’s got a six-figure salary, a penthouse in Canary Wharf, the car he swore he’d buy when he was eighteen, and a bunch of fancy London friends.

It’s rough, though, going back to South Shields now that they all know he’s a fully paid-up pansy. It’s the last place he’s expecting to pull. But Fen’s gorgeous, with his pink-tipped hair and hipster glasses, full of the sort of courage Alfie’s never had. It should be a one-night thing, but Alfie hasn’t met anyone like Fen before.

Except he has. At school, when Alfie was everything he was supposed to be, and Fen was the stubborn little gay boy who wouldn’t keep his head down. And now it’s a proper mess: Fen might have slept with Alfie, but he’ll probably never forgive him, and Fen’s got all this other stuff going on anyway, with his mam and her flower shop and the life he left down south.

Alfie just wants to make it right. But how can he, when all they’ve got in common is the nowhere town they both ran away from.

Available from Riptide Publishing: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/pansies

About Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall was born in the early 1980s and still thinks the 21st century is the future. To this day, he feels cheated that he lived through a fin de siècle but inexplicably failed to drink a single glass of absinthe, dance with a single courtesan, or stay in a single garret.

He did the Oxbridge thing sometime in the 2000s and failed to learn anything of substance. He has had many jobs, including ice cream maker, fortune teller, lab technician, and professional gambler. He was fired from most of them.

He can neither cook nor sing, but he can handle a 17th century smallsword, punts from the proper end, and knows how to hotwire a car.

He lives in southeast England, with no cats and no children, and fully intends to keep it that way.

Connect with Alexis:


Website: quicunquevult.com
Blog: quicunquevult.com/blog
Twitter: @quicunquevult
Goodreads: goodreads.com/alexishall

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Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Pansies, one lucky winner will receive their choice of 3 ebooks from Alexis Hall’s backlist. Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on October 15, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Here’s Reading You! Readers on eBooks! This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

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Here’s Reading You! Part I

Readers on eBooks!

Today we are starting to look at ebooks from a number of perspectives ~ that of the reader, the author, and the publisher!  Remember when the eBook was a startling new format?  And the eReader?  Oh my!  Some people railed against them both! Calling them the demise of the book world, saying print would be forgotten, the bookstores demolished…fish falling from the skies, dimensions colliding…well, uh hem…you get my drift.  Did that happen?

Nope.

Were there some adjustments to be made?  Certainly.  But other factors were at large too.  Big box stores were giving way to internet sales, niche bookstores were on the rise and ebooks?  Establishing themselves as a format. No longer an experiment…sales were rising! eBook publishers were being founded to meet demands of the readers in all niches.  eReaders from different sources were coming on the market to meet the demand. !  I still have my first generation Kindle.  Guess what?  Works just fine.  ‘Course its long been replaced by a new one with fancy lighting that’s easier on my eyes.  Or maybe you are reading on a notebook now…so many options.  All this is my way of saying the ebook is here to stay.  Its just another format now, along side the printed form, and the audiobook.  Its no longer the “new” guy in town.  And predictably the sales demonstrate that as well.  Its audiobooks that demonstrate the greatest growth in numbers.

So I was curious.  For our readers, authors and publishers.  What’s the take on ebooks these days?  Where are we  finding them?  How do we feel about them from many angles and where do you think we are going from here?

Last week, I started to ask our readers for some answers to the questions, where do you find your ebooks?  Where do you go to find that next story or next new author?  It used (and maybe still is) to be the NY Times Best Seller List for the hardback and softcover, but for the eBook the answer is a variety of places I was happy to see:

From Suze 294:

I get my read recommendations from a number of review blogs I subscribe to, including Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words! I have gradually whittled them down to about 6-8 whose reviews seem to match my reading wants.
I also subscribe to a few favoured authors newletters and/or follow on wordpress to get both their new releases and those they have enjoyed.
I also get the newsletters/updates from ARe, Pride Publishing, Dreamspinner, Riptide (think there is more too) to pick up new releases and deals!!!
On GR I check the feed from friends to see what they are reading but I dont get so many new reads there. The New Releases/Deals and Steals threads are handy too though it does rely on us posting what we see elsewhere.

From Tex Reader:

Thanks for the offer and the inquiry. I mainly have 3 sources, and I mainly search for gay-themed books across a number of favorite genres. Most recently I’ve usually used GR – I’m a member of several glbtq groups and follow their posts, as well as have several fav authors, and I find books on various “best of …” lists. Initially, I mainly looked at library and Amazon “best” lists and various award nomination lists, like Lambda, Rainbow, etc. Finally, I’m a member of a gay men’s book group in Chicago, and our discussions can lead me to some authors of interest.

From Monica:

I tend to find my authors from a variety of sources. I get recommendations on Amazon based upon books I’ve already bought. I have discovered a few that way. I also participate in Goodreads M/M Group’s Don’t Buy My Love program and discover a lot of new authors/books. Also just general recommendations on Goodreads. I’ve recently subscribed to Scribd and have discovered a couple of new authors there. I still have my old standby of favorite authors but every now and then I like to break away and discover something new.

From Ana:

I find them mostly on goodreads, by friend’s recommendations, or in post on goodread’s groups when other reader mention them. I also find some in reviews from reviewing blogs i like. If the book sounds interesting I’ll go to goodreads to check it out and if i liked it i buy it. Also by suggestions from authors i follow on twitter, facebook or their blogs. I’ve found some great authors that way. I read either from publisher or independent authors, i don’t really have a preference there, if the book sounds good, i’ll read it.

From Natalie:

I get lots from friending authors and bloggers on FB. I check Amazon lists but probably most from GR friends, and their friends, in reviews and comments. I follow all my authors on GR and most on Amazon. I usually know about new books faster from GR and FB than from notifications from Amazon. I buy direct from publishers or/and ARe as often as I can.

From Fehu:

I use Scribd, it a subscription service for ebooks mostly, if there is a book I want to try but am uncertain if I’d like it I’ll use my credit there to get the book. Some of their books are unlimited and thats also a good way to get a new author/book to get noticed, since one only has 3 credits per month. When looking for things to chose for the credits on Scribd, I use the monthly lists of new releases at Goodreads or themed lists if I am looking for some particular genre/theme.
Especially for new independent authors its important that the book are shelfes correctly, since a lot of people use the Goodreads lists for reading challenges. A nice cover and a good summary are also a must. Drawn covers get more attention at least its that way for me, a leftover from my manga reading days. Reviews are nice especially if its been around a few month.
I buy my books where its convenient for me, like ARe and Amazon but also Kobo. Sometimes the publishers website but its inconvenient to have a lot of accounts. KU is also a good way to get noticed, again it should be shelfed, the author might think about joining the GR M/m KU group, add the book to the upcoming list there and shelf it on the bookshelf of the group.

That’s just a small sampling of the replies so far.  But the trend is clear.  When searching out for that next book or author, there is no one source.  As a reader, we are looking everywhere.  That includes myself.  I love that!  To me, it means we are open to new possibilities, new authors, new stories!  That the new author has a better chance of finding a audience for their voice, their story, because readers are searching through a multitude of venues for their next book.  And yes, if that author wants it, perhaps they have a better chance of finding a publisher.  The internet and its various communities has become our book and author hunting ground and we are putting it to good use.

We also follow those authors we like through a number of sources as well be it Goodreads or their own blogs or their publishers.  Let us not forget we follow them on Twitter, Pinterest, FB, Snapchat and various other media too.  I wonder if writers these days wish they could just write and not worry about the rest.  We will hear from them later on.

There is one week left to get your comments in before our reader winners are chosen.  Next week we will finish up with our readers perspective and be on to how our authors view ebooks and writing.

Contest Reminder:

Readers, tell me how you find your independent authors. Buy randomly? Pick them out from Goodreads? Already follow them? Or maybe you don’t? Maybe you only buy books from a publisher or a author linked to a publisher. I want to know that too. 3 winners who leave comments will get a $10 gift certificate (Dreamspinner, or Amazon, or Riptide…your choice). This contest will end quickly as I need the answers to use in in my blog, so think about them. Contest ends Oct 15th, midnight. Make sure you leave your email address where you can be reached. More winners maybe chosen if the comments are extra wonderful. Thanks.

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This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

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Sunday, October 9:

  • Here’s Reading You! Readers on eBooks!
  • This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 10:

  • Spotlight Tour and Giveaway – Pansies by Alexis Hall
  • Changing on the Fly- M/M Hockey Charity Anthology Tour
  • A MelanieM Review:  Changing On the Fly Anthology
  • A Stella Review: Defenseless by AJ Rose
  • A Melanie Review: Reading the Signs by Keira Andrews
  • A VVivacious Review: The Alpha’s Revenge by Shane Keleher
  • A Paul Review: Eternal Circle (Sirius Wolves #3) by Victoria Sue

Tuesday, October 11:

  • Book Release Recap:  A Cowboy’s Home by RJ Scott (giveaway)
  • New Book Blitz & Giveaway –Crazy Joe (Tales From The 77th Precinct) by A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly
  • Release Blitz – Breaking Hell’s Rules – Lyssa Dering (excerpt and giveaway)
  • An Ali Releases Day Review: Breaking Hell’s Rules by Lyssa Dering
  • A Melanie Release Day Review: Ben and Shiloh (The Belladonna Arms #4) by John Inman 
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Enjoy the Dance (Dancing #2) by Heidi Cullinan

Wednesday, October 12:

  • Riptide Tour & Giveaway – Wolf’s Clothing by EJ Russell
  • In the Spotlight:A Rancher’s Son Recap Tour by RJ Scott (excerpt and giveaway)
  • An Alisa Release Day Review: Chase this Light by Francis Gideon:
  • A Lila Review: Prince of Land and Fire by Emily Carrington
  • A Jeri Review: THIRDS Beyond the Books: Volume 2 by Charlie Cochet
  • A Caryn Review:  Morning My Angel by Sue Brown

Thursday, October 13:

  • Jessie G’s His Premier Blog Tour and Giveaway
  • A Caryn Review: Pictures of You (’90s Coming of Age #1) by Leta Blake
  • A Paul Review: To Catch His Mate by JD Walker
  • An Alisa Review: Amen To Love by Carolina Valdez
  • A Stella Review: A Selfless Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Friday, October 14:

  • Blueprint by RJ Jones Blog Tour
  • Release Day and Review Blitz for Suncatcher – Smilodon Pride Book 2 by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus
  • Overly Dramatic -Series Recap Tour & Giveaway- Treading The Boards Series – Rebecca Cohen
  • Release Blitz  Tour – Annabelle Jacobs – All Hallows’ Eve
  • Storming Love: Tsunami Tales are Here with Nic Starr’s Sebastian & Owen (exclusive excerpt)
  • A MelanieM Review:  All Hallows’ Eve by Annabelle Jacobs
  • An Alisa Release Day Review : Sunchaser by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus

Saturday, October 15:

  • In the Spotlight: The Captain’s Promise by T.J. Land (excerpt)
  • A MelanieM/Barb the Zany Old Lady Joint Review: The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: Suddenly Yours by Jacob Flores

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A Lila Review: Bitter Legacy by Dal Maclean

Disclaimer: if promiscuity, open relationships, or perceived cheating are deal breakers for you, this isn’t your book. 

Rating: 5+ stars out of 5

bitter-legacy-by-dal-macleanLondon.

Detective Sergeant James Henderson’s remarkable gut instincts have put him on a three-year fast track to becoming an inspector. But the advancement of his career has come at a cost. Gay, posh and eager to prove himself in the Metropolitan Police, James has allowed himself few chances for romance.

But when the murder of barrister Maria Curzon-Whyte lands in his lap, all that changes. His investigation leads him to a circle of irresistibly charming men. And though he knows better, James finds himself enticed into their company.

Soon his desire for photographer Ben Morgan challenges him to find a way into the other man’s lifestyle of one-night stands and carefree promiscuity. At the same time, his single murder case multiplies into a cruel pattern of violence and depravity.

But as the bodies pile up and shocking secrets come to light, James finds both his tumultuous private life and coveted career threatened by a bitter legacy.

Bitter Legacy is a bloody brilliant debut book. See the Britishism? I had to set the tone because not many authors can pull it off. For once, some try to play it down to make the story more accessible for worldwide audiences. Others only have research to go by, but Dal Maclean makes the reader travel with her characters. We are with them for the full ride even when the story is narrated in its entirely from James’s POV.

Needless to say, the settings, language, meals, and everything in-between engages the reader from the very beginning. Yes, the Oxford comma was necessary in the previous sentence. All these serves as the perfect background for a well-presented story, filled with police procedures and investigations. Perhaps my only complaint in this regards would be Scrivenor’s authenticity. It was hard to follow when he spoke more than two or three sentences at a time, but by the end of the story, I was used to him and his brogue.

Now to the characters. Everyone, from Ben’s lovers to the murder victims had a layered background. There were no flat or unnecessary characters, and each one of them provided a clue to solve the overall mystery. The cultural diversity was refreshing, and it displayed London’s diversification. Family ties, friendships, and acquaintanceship played a central role.

As a narrator, Jamie is a complicated character. He had an entirely different life before starting to work as a Detective Sergeant. We see how those aspects influenced the way he conducted the investigations and how he related to others. For some, Jamie can be considered weak or malleable. There were many moments in which I wanted to shout, don’t do it or don’t give in. But in reality, his strength comes from the way he gave everything he had for others. And we couldn’t discard his physical attributes and intelligence.

Ben isn’t a traditional main character. Even when the story is mostly about Jamie’s life and work, his relationship with Ben colors the readers’ view of the events being investigated, and Jamie’s self-worth. Their relationship goes beyond the physical; it’s complicated and intrinsic to the central mystery. The author did an excellent job keeping the reader from figuring out if they love or hate him. The more we learn about him, the more we understand his actions. Even so, I wanted the final outcome to be different. I think a bittersweet ending could have worked better than the HEA.

The antagonist is one of the friendliest I had seen in a long time. I wanted this person to play a bigger role throughout the story instead of just showing here and there, but in the end, it worked. I had hope for redemption, but sometimes we have to let go of our darlings. And figuring out who/whom had the bitter legacy was a welcome surprise.

I expected this story to be a psychological thriller but not to this extent. The way the murders and the characters are weaved together show a complexity many authors try to evade. This book works because every plot line presented was equally important to the overall idea. The number of sex encounters in the story is as important as the amount of time Jamie spent working the case and as necessary as its full cast.

To figure out the case, the reader has to pay attention to every detail no matter how small or insignificant it appears. The story does start slow, but as soon as it picks up, it’s hard to put down. I’m a fast reader, but this book made me want to read faster. I wanted to know what would happen next. Plus, I wanted to know if my guesses were correct.

And yes, you guessed it—I’m leaving the stories specifics out of my review. Anything I say could be considered a spoiler. I did add the disclaimer at the top, but those topics are part of the blurb. This is not an MM Romance or a police procedural novel, it both and none; perhaps a literary fiction hybrid.

Overall, this is one goes under my best reads for 2016.  I don’t do re-reads, but this is a story I’d not mind listening to if it becomes available in audiobook. The complexity of the plot lines and the characters are worth re-exploring. I highly recommend this book; it’s definitely an ace. See, I did it again. 🙂

I can’t wait for another book from this author. I’m a fan of her style.

The cover is eye-catching, but hard to relate to the story. The man in it is Jamie, but the colors don’t translate as police lights. It makes me think of a sci-fi cover.

Sale Links: Blind Eye Books | Amazon | Barnes & Nobles

Book Details:

ebook, 350 pages
Published: Oct 4, 2016, Blind Eye Books
ISBN: 9781935560432
Edition Language: English

Book Blitz for The Wolves of Daos 5 by Rebecca James (Excerpt and Giveaway)

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Title: The Wolves of Daos 5

Series: Wolves of Daos 5 1

Author: Rebecca James

Publisher: Rebecca James

Cover Artist: Brandyjo Newton

Release Date: September 24, 2016

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 195

Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, mpreg, shifter, paranormal,

Add to Goodreads

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Synopsis

Michael has wrestled with anxiety his entire life, and finding out he’s half-werewolf doesn’t help matters. When bond-mate, Quinn, takes Michael to the werewolf colony, Michael finds more surprises in store for him, and some may be more than he can handle.

Excerpt

Looking over his shoulder as they walked, Michael saw that the milling crowd that had been gathering at the palace gates now filed in behind them, as though they’d been waiting for Quinn and Michael’s arrival in order to be admitted. Looking ahead, a vast courtyard lay before them with pruned hedges and extensive gardens that had been cut back in preparation for the coming winter. Michael’s heart picked up when he spotted what appeared to be several huge lizards lounging in the inner courtyard near the front of the palace where he and Quinn were not, thankfully, headed.
“Komodo dragons?” Michael asked.
“What? Oh, yes. We brought them here from Indonesia. Very effective deterrents to trespassers.”
“I’ll bet.” Michael stared at the frightening creatures.
“This way,” Quinn said, setting off toward the side, passing through an archway and along an ivy-covered wall where two guards led three chained and naked men headed for a door leading away from the main part of the stone structure. Quinn propelled Michael toward a larger iron door at the far end of the narrow lane. Michael couldn’t help but stare at the men. Were they slaves? They certainly appeared to be, with their dirty appearance and hands and feet manacled and the long chain connecting them one to the other.
“Prisoners,” Quinn said, as though answering Michael’s unasked question. Sometimes he really did seem to read Michael’s mind. “Escor. Scum.”
The corridor leading to the door was narrow and crowded. Quinn wrapped his arm around Michael’s waist and maneuvered them through, while Michael continued to stare at the prisoners. He’d never seen anyone like them; completely hairless, lacking even eyebrows and lashes, with long, slim feet and oddly-shaped heads. Two large werewolves wearing red tangas and brandishing curved sticks urged the prisoners along. As Quinn and Michael passed the line of men, one looked directly at Michael, his silver eyes with dark, vertical pupils reminding Michael of a snake. Michael thought they must be contact lenses—he’d seen some that gave a similar effect. As Michael returned the gaze, quick as lightning, the man’s tongue darted out, thin and forked, touching Michael on the arm at the same time that Atlas yelled and pulled Michael backward until his shoulder hit the opposite wall. Quinn threw himself at the prisoner, his hands around the man’s thick throat.

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Meet the Author

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Rebecca James writes m/m and m/m/m romance in the contemporary, paranormal, and sci-fi genres. Writing has been her passion since childhood, but it wasn’t until recently that she got up the courage to publish. She lives in the southern United States with her husband and three children.

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Release Day Tour and Giveaway: Surviving Elite High: The Next Generation by John Ames

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AboutTheBook

1400x2100TITLE: Surviving Elite High: The Next Generation

AUTHOR: John H. Ames

COVER ARTIST: Louca Matheo

LENGTH: 74,908 words

RELEASE DATE: October 7, 2016

BLURB: Surviving Elite High fans, the wait is over! More romance, drama and mystery are unfolding at Elite High before the back-to-school bell has even rung!

Seventeen year old, blond-hair, blue-eyed and adorable Robbie Carroll, orphaned at a young age and mysteriously never adopted, has finally found his dream family. Nick Hawking and John Ames, now married, wealthy, and powerful, make Robbie their son, defying the young man’s past- one that Robbie himself has no memory of- that has scared all other prospective parents away. Now, Robbie has great parents and a hot brother, Nicky and beautiful sister, Lily, who take him into their midst and make him part of their tight circle of friends who all go to Elite High.

One of those friends is Tim Mercer, a gorgeous football player at Elite High. Tim’s dark looks and simmering eyes capture Robbie’s heart at first sight. But Robbie can’t be sure that Tim feels the same way, or even if he’s gay too. Moreover, even if Tim is available, there are some people around him who don’t want Robbie to get close to him, and will go to ANY lengths to keep him away. Why? What do they want with Tim? What is the secret that Tim is harboring? And who is that strange man in Robbie’s visions, who haunts his life and his dreams? Find out here!

Excerpt

Robbie looked away, no doubt his cheeks were bright red. The door swung open again and Allison stepped inside with two teens that appeared his age. The girl on Allison’s left was beautiful, too beautiful to even describe. Her long golden blonde hair hung over her shoulders and her eyes were like two crystal blue diamonds that shone brighter than the stars. She was the spitting image of her father, Nick, but what took his breath away was the guy standing on Allison’s right. He was a few inches taller than him and drop dead gorgeous. He had tanned skin that seemed to glow, the perfect body hidden behind his tight clothes, light brown hair that waved from side to side, and the purest hazel eyes that Robbie had ever seen. They were simply too mesmerizing to be real.

“There you are!” John approached them, placing an arm around them, and gently pushed them forward. “Robbie, this is Lily and Nicky.”

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AuthorBio

Juan H. Alvarado was born in El Salvador C.A. He currently lives in Belize and began writing in 2008. He posted some of his work on an internet website, and after receiving positive feedback, he completed several full-length novels under his pen name, John Henry Ames. His first completed novel is Surviving Elite High. The story chronicles the life of a gay sixteen-year-old boy as he makes his way through life as an outcast in the shadows of an elite high school where he is tormented by two psychopathic bullies. His passions are writing, reading and spending time with the ones he loves.

||  Website & Blog  ||  Facebook  ||  Twitter  ||  Goodreads  ||

A MelanieM Review: Rain and Whiskey (Stormy Weather #1) by B.A. Tortuga

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

rain-and-whiskeyGalen Frost buys a house and a bait shop in a small Florida town to get away from his life as a semipro football player. When he meets good-time bartender Shane Barton, the heat between them is instant and intense—like the burn of good whiskey.

Galen and Shane don’t have much in common beyond their healthy libidos and their love of a good time, but the intoxicating heat brings them together like rain on the ocean, whipping up a frenzy of weather… good and bad. When trouble blows ashore, they will have to ride out the storm that breaks between them as Galen’s past rears its ugly head.

I first read Rain and Whiskey way back when so I was beyond delighted to get reacquainted with Len and Shane of B.A. Tortuga’s Stormy Weather series.  Turns out  I had missed them something fierce.

From the moment Shane and Galen lay eyes on each other in Miss Lynn’s bar where Shane is tending bar there is no keeping these two apart!  In true Tortuga style, they almost combust right on the bar floor but make it to Galen’s new home in the swamp and Bait shop.  Its heat, sweat, and sex…all delivered in that wonderful Tortuga vernacular and style!

Shane grabbed a bottle of Cuervo and started pouring a round of shots, laughing at Vic’s lame-assed joke about titty bars and avoiding Old Man Roberts’s roving hands, all the time moving to the music, knowing his ass in those jeans in the big mirror behind the bar? Money in the bank, baby.

Everybody who was anybody stopped by, chatted him up a second, grinning and trying to talk over the music. Jake kept giving him that “how do you do that,” stupidass, monkey-face look. Shit, he’d been tending bar here for a good long time— since spring break in ’95, just under seven years ago. He’d come down to play with a couple three baby faces from college and sorta got stuck in the sand and the surf and the good life.

He was thinking he’d not go home after his shift tonight. He liked the crowd, liked the band, and got his booze for free. That way he wouldn’t have to deal with that… smell in his apartment.

Whatever the hell it was.

“Can I get a whiskey?” He could hear that voice right through the music, maybe because it had a drawl that wouldn’t quit. Brown eyes, cowboy hat pulled low, and tall enough to lean right over the bar.

Oh, hello.

It doesn’t matter whether the person talking is a Florida conch or a Tennessee  country boy, Tortuga has the sayings and dialog that flow from their lips just right.  It fluid and natural without sounding corny, unless of course that’s her intension.  This author has the ability to throw you not only into the characters but the location and the local culture as well just by a few utterances by a person, no matter their importance.  It’s right there in the “Miss Lynn”, “Old Man Dewey’s bait shop”, and what’s in those ever present coolers outside. Nothing is left to chance.

Part of what I love about these stories is learning about the characters as we go. That slow reveal, the peeling back of layers. The spark is instantaneous but both men take the time to get to know each other.  That includes why a semi pro football player is down in the swamps with a bait shop.  This story is chock full of sex but its being had by very believable men.

For those who like some angst with their romance, there is an element of that here for you.  Its realistic and well done.  There’s also a bit of kink here too.  These are some hot, feisty men who can’t keep their hands off each other.  So be prepared for lots of sex.

As  I said, I was so happy to see this back, and that mean the next will follow.  Normally you find B.A. Tortuga’s men out west, but don’t miss out on Shane and Galen residing in the swamps in Florida.  I absolutely recommend them.

Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza.  I liked the cover.  It works for the story.

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Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition, 220 pages
Published October 7th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press (first published March 1st 2005)
Original TitleRain and Whiskey
ISBN 1634775694 (ISBN13: 9781634775694)
Edition LanguageEnglish

SeriesStormy Weather #1

A Lila Release Day Review: Model Bodyguard (Haven Investigations #2) by Lissa Kasey

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
model-bodyguard-by-lissa-kaseyThings are going well for androgynous model Ollie Petroskovic, ex-Marine Kade Alme, and their business, Haven Investigations, until rock star Jacob Elias shows up in need of their services… and trouble follows.

Jacob is a playboy with a serious penchant for kink, slaves, and sex toys. He’s also Ollie’s ex—and all that implies. With the media exploiting his personal life, a stalker sending blood-soaked “gifts,” a bumbling security team, and a family he can’t trust as far as he could throw them, Jacob is in desperate need of a bodyguard for his latest tour, and Kade can’t refuse.

While Kade deals with new doubts about his partnership with Ollie and struggles with reminders of his war injuries, Jacob’s stalker escalates from blackmail and threats to murder. As Kade and Ollie work to keep Jacob safe and find the culprit behind the attack, a web of family secrets, lies, and abuse slowly emerges, leading up to a final confrontation that they might not walk away from—and that will have lasting repercussions for Kade and his relationship with Ollie.
This is the second book in this series and I happened to like this one better than the first.  The author changed it up a bit by having this book be from Kade’s point of view rather than Ollie’s and I think that worked out really well.  I liked Kade as the narrator a great deal.  He is a good guy and it was good to see his perception of things.  I actually felt there was more depth to Ollie’s character in seeing him through Kade’s eyes.  
As the blurb states the guys get involved in a case surrounding Ollie’s ex.  A lot of things happen in this story and it is very fast paced and entertaining.  I actually found myself kind of liking Jacob too by the end of the book.  The guy’s relationship is solid and they are doing really well together.  Most of the issues revolve around Ollie trying to get himself back to a good place physically and mentally after all he’s been through since Nathan’s death.  There are times when Kade’s behavior towards Ollie is almost like parenting and that’s something I’m not a big fan of but it wasn’t a big enough issue to cause me to dislike the plot.
This book ends in a huge cliffhanger.  Way bigger than the cliffhanger in book one.  If there was any complaint I had about the book it would be that the cliffhanger from book one is not touched on at all in this book.  In fact it’s barely mentioned.  That seemed odd to me.  It seemed like they should at least be discussing it from time to time.
Overall I really enjoyed this book.  These two are an interesting couple and I enjoy the cases they end up working.  This could be read as a standalone but I would recommend reading these books in order to get the most enjoyment out of the relationship dynamics.
Cover artist Garrett Leigh:  I like this cover a lot.  I think it looks great and really conveys the feeling of the story.
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Book Details:
ebook, 270 pages
Expected publication: October 7th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634777840 (ISBN13: 9781634777841)
Edition LanguageEnglishSeriesHaven Investigations #2

A Jeri Release Day Review: The Ghost in the Mirror (Samuel Dexter #1) by Faith Gibson

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

the-ghost-in-the-mirrorIf you are looking for something a little different, look no further than The Ghost in the Mirror. Sam Dexter “Dex”, is injured while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. When he wakes up in the hospital, he finds his memories gone- even the woman claiming to be his grandmother brings him nothing. He is sent home with her to recover, and while he wants her to tell him everything, she wants him to try to remember things on his own.

While in the hospital he was seeing visions of his military brothers who lost their lives. He chalked it up to his head injury and tried to forget about it. Until he starts seeing a little girl when he gets home. After finally admitting to his grandmother what he is seeing, she tells him of HER grandmother who was said to have the same gift.

And so begins Dex’s quest to find out what happened to the little girl and along the way is reintroduced to his high school love Orlando, Orlando’s nephew- who seems to have a special connection with Dex, and Orlando’s sister.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because although the ghost element could have been really cheesy- it wasn’t at all. Four stars  instead of higher because I don’t think the way Dex dealt with- or didn’t deal with- his amnesia were very realistic. He just seemed accepting of the fact that he had no memories and wanted to get them back. I wanted him to get mad. Throw a fit. Yell at someone. But he was very complacent.

I am going to hazard a guess that this book is the beginning of a series. Although a good story in and of itself, there is a lot of set up for future books.  I look forward to reading them and watching Dex regain more and more of his memory.

Cover art by Jay Aheer is eye catching and perfect for the story.

Sales Links

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Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 267 pages
Published September 29th 2016 by Bramblerose Press LLC
ASIN B01LBWB6S0
Edition Language English

In the Spotlight: The Ghost in the Mirror by Faith Gibson (excerpt and giveaway)

Title: The Ghost in the Mirror (Samuel Dexter #1)
Author: Faith Gibson
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: September 29, 2016
Photographer: Randy Rls Sewell

What do you do when you have no memories of your life except the one moment that took everything away?

My name is Dex and I’m a Marine. Somewhere in the horrors of the sand overseas, an explosion took out not only most of my unit but also my memories of everything that happened before that day. When my memories don’t return, the explosion also ends my career in the military. That one moment costs me everything.

Starting from scratch sucks. I don’t even know what foods I like or what types of music I listen to. Am I a boxer or briefs man? Do I like women or men? I also have to figure out what I’m going to do with my life from this point on.

While adjusting to my new life, I start seeing things — things that no one else can see. I think that maybe my head injury caused more than amnesia. When one of my “visions” won’t leave me alone, I have no choice but to believe in ghosts.

Along with the ghosts during the day, at night I dream vividly of two men. But are these two men merely dreams, or are they memories? When one man steps through the door of my hospital room, I have the answer. This man literally tries to lead me down memory lane, culminating in a searing kiss. Too bad my brain isn’t cooperating, because this man is breathtaking.

With the help of my sassy grandmother, I begin to rebuild my life.

I am Samuel Dexter, and these are my stories.

WARNING: This book contains scenes that might be considered triggers for some. Sam is a Marine involved in an explosion. This book also (mildly) describes children being kidnapped in the past and their remains found later.

 

“Let me say I love the characters in this book!” – Tasty Wordgasms

“It draws you in and you have to keep reading.” – Alpha Book Club

“Love, love Faith!!!! I highly recommend this book. Another smashing success by a very talented author.” – Reader Review

I sat down on the stump and allowed the sound of the water to soothe my soul. When I had complained about karma coming after me for some wrong I’d done, Grams chewed my ass out and said I was being kept alive for something I had yet to do. Fate had tried to kill me twice, and I had survived both times, so I obviously had a purpose for still being here. That purpose manifested itself in front of me. I was so used to Cindy being around me now that I had stopped being surprised when she showed up. She climbed down the bank and stood in the water.
“Can you feel that? Can you feel the water rushing over your feet?”
She shook her head no. The little girl bent down and tried to run her hand through the rolling water, but nothing happened. It was in that moment that I vowed to stop being a whiny bitch. This little girl had lost her life, most assuredly in a horrific way, and I was complaining because I was alive. She floated back onto the bank and walked toward me. Cindy climbed up on my lap and leaned her head against my good shoulder. I would have given anything to feel her hair tickling my neck. This precious child needed comfort, and I couldn’t give it to her.
“I’m sorry I got hurt, but I promise I’ll start searching for clues again real soon. I have to go to see Dr. Carr tomorrow, so I’ll stop by the old fairground then.” Her essence combined with mine briefly, letting me know she was okay with what I had said. It was the strangest feeling, having another entity flow through you. She leaned back and mouthed something. Of course I couldn’t hear her and reminded her of it. She jumped down from my lap and mimed singing into a microphone. “You want me to sing?” Cindy nodded so hard, her hair bounced up and down. “Okay, kid. It’s your ears.”
I’d been in a pensive mood ever since Orlando’s visit at the hospital, so I decided to sing something upbeat. I started belting out Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”, and my little ghost started dancing. She grabbed the sash of her dress, holding on to both dirty ends as she twirled around, making her blue dress float around her. For the first time since she appeared to me, Cindy smiled, and I laughed. I was so caught up in the connection between the two of us that I didn’t hear the footsteps behind me. When a voice joined mine, blending in perfect harmony, I froze and Cindy disappeared.
I wanted to stop singing so badly, but I wanted to continue hearing his beautiful voice worse. I closed my eyes and sang, because if I looked up at Orlando, I’d have probably done something really unmanly. Like cried. And begged. And begged while I was crying. I’m not sure what I’d have begged him for, but it seemed the right thing to do. After the song was over, only then did I open my eyes. “We always did sound good together,” he whispered.
“I wish I could remember that.” I spoke honestly, keeping my eyes to the spot where Cindy had been. “I want so badly to remember it all, and I bet you’d probably like to forget.”
“Honestly? Yes. Most days I would like to forget I ever met you. Then there are the good days I cling to what we had and hope it wasn’t my only shot at ever finding love. But if it was, then at least I knew a love like no other.”
Orlando’s words killed me. Stabbed me in the heart, twisted, and pulled the organ out of my chest, tossing it to the ground where it landed with a flat thud at my feet. Then I remembered that he had a wife and child. If what he just said was true, he didn’t love his wife. God, how screwed up was that?
“Before we get to the reason I’m here, would you mind telling me who you were singing and laughing with when I walked up?”
Well, fuck.

 


Faith Gibson is a multi-genre author who lives outside Nashville, Tennessee with the love of her life, and her four-legged best friends. She strongly believes that love is love, and there’s not enough love in the world.
She began writing in high school and over the years, penned many stories and poems. When her dreams continued to get crazier than the one before, she decided to keep a dream journal. Many of these night-time escapades have led to a line, a chapter, and even a complete story. You won’t find her books in only one genre, but they will all have one thing in common: a happy ending.

 

When asked what her purpose in life is, she will say to entertain the masses. Even if it’s one person at a time. When Faith isn’t hard at work on her next story, she can be found playing trivia while enjoying craft beer, reading, or riding her Harley.

 


 

Faith is the author of The Stone Society, a paranormal, post-apocalyptic shapeshifters series; The Music Within, a MM romance series; and The Samuel Dexter books, stories about a retired Marine ghost hunter who has lost all his memories from before the accident that took him out of commission.

Want an Authorgrpah?  Head over to http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/authorFGibson now

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