Back To Hot Summer Reads And This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sun Reading

Hot Summer Reads

So after appropriately, my computer summer meltdown, we are back to discussing what’s hot in this summer’s reading list.  Are you a reader that haunts your favorite writer’s blog looking for any word on their upcoming releases?  Do you search out the most recent book news via their publishers or Goodreads? How do you get your book news?

I get it all those ways  and more….I follow authors on their twitter accounts, blogs, Goodreads, ravenously gobble up the upcoming new releases news that come my way via all the publishers and even the authors themselves.  New Rhys Ford, oh my!  Charlie Cochrane…woohoo!  Alex Beecroft, Amy Lane…actually I have a long, long, list.  I bet you do too.

Plus there’s plenty of  room on my lists for my author discoveries and new books that I read and fall in love with.  But back to the business at hand.  I haven’t had time to compile my summer  reading list with all the computer casualties to deal with and the new startup.  So help me out. What authors and what releases are on your list for this summer?  What are the hot summer books?  Tell me! And you just might end up with a hot summer prize!

girl reading between stacks of books summer

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, June 26:

  • Back To Hot Summer Reads
  • This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, June 27:

  • No Master by Christine d’Abo Series Finale Tour and Giveaway
  • Practice Makes Perfect by Jay Northcote – Blog Stop -Charity Book
  • A Stella Review:  Practice Makes Perfect by Jay Northcote
  • A Free Dreamer Review: King of the Storm by B.A. Brock
  • A VVivacious Review: A More Perfect Union Anthology

 

Tuesday, June 28:

  • Blog Tour for They Called Him Nightmare by Deja Black
  • Cover Reveal of The Orchard of Flesh By Christian Baines
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Dark Blood by Caleb James
  • A Lila Review: Elemental Love by L. M. Somerton
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: They Called Him Nightmare by Deja Black

Wednesday, June 29:

  • A Stella Review:  Snakes Among Sweet Flowers by Jason Huffman-Black
  • Anthony by JP Barnaby Tour and Giveaway
  • An Ali Review: Anthony by JP Barnaby
  • An Alisa Review: Murder Most Yowl by Quinn Dressler
  • A BJ Audiobook Review: Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Sacrati by Kate Sherwood

Thursday, June 30:

  • Blitz and Giveaway – Relearning the Ropes by DC Juris
  • An Ali Review: Hot Dogs and Kisses by JD Walker
  • A Paul Review: A Time to Rise by Tal Bauer
  • A Lila Review: Amnesia by Sean Michael
  • A MelanieM Review: Absinthe of Malice by Rhys Ford

Friday, July 1:

  • Werewolf’s Tale and a Druid’s Sword by Lexi Ander (excerpt and giveaway)
  • blitz for July 1st for K Lache’s novel, Valor (excerpt and giveaway)
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: A Second Harvest by Eli Easton
  • A BJ Audiobook Review: Romanus by Mary Calmes
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: A Kind of Romance by Lane Hayes
  • A MelanieM Review: Ace In the Hole by Ava Drake

Saturday, July  2:

  • An Ali Review: Heaven Sent boxed set by Jet Mykles
  • A Paul B Review: The Werewolf Tutor (Shreds #1) by Jade Astor

 

girl reading under palm tree

 

 

A MelanieM Review: Mud, Movies, Bullets and Bulls by B.A. Tortuga

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

Muds, Movies Bullets and BullsFour men in need of a helping hand….

When a cowboy finds he has grit in all the wrong places, what is he to do? Meet the man of his dreams, of course. But what will save two cowboys from getting bogged down in the mire?

An ex-rodeo cowboy who hates working with Hollywood actors meets a movie star who is looking for something real. Will they get a happy ending, just like in the movies?

A redneck ends up injured and stranded, and his old friend comes to the rescue. It’s the old story of the one that got away. What will they do to keep each other in their lives—and will it be too late?

A professional bull rider is starting to feel his age. When he’s injured far from home and his career is threatened, it’s up to his best friend to step in and point out the other options. Both men have plans—but will they include each other?

If you asked me who is one of my favorite authors, I would reply B.A. Tortuga for a number of reasons, the first coming to mind is her ability to bring regional voices vividly to life in a way that makes you feel that you are seeing them laugh, love and yes, sometimes cry across the pages of her stories.  Books like Mud, Movies, Bullets and Bulls which are a collection of some of my favorite stories are a wonderful way to either discover this author or remember why you love her writing so much.

Stories in the order you find them in the book.

Mud On Tires – 5 stars out of 5

When Lee strips naked to rescue a cow stuck in the mud, last thing he expects is another cowboy named Collin to come to his.  This story has it all,  dialog full of regional twang and zest, laughter and love, dogs that have as much character as the men they follow and of course, pie!  Its not just Tortuga’s love for her cowboys but the locations and people.  Those small steakhouses low on decor and high on some of the best steaks you’ll ever eat?  I’ve been there and they are on these pages.  So are the waitresses that know your name and your eating preferences.  How I love this story.

Just Like in the Movies – 4.5 stars out of 5

Dooley Robinson, horse wrangler to the movies meets closeted movie star on the rise Tyler David Garrison and begins a relationship like no other.  This was a different sort of  Tortuga story but one I liked just as well as the others oddly enough.  Why?  Because she was able to convey a relationship between the  men, and the love and affection without there actually having a lot time on the page together.  You could feel them missing each other so in just a couple of words or phrases.  Perfect.

Ricochet – 5 stars out of 5

What can I say? I’m such a sucker for these sorts of stories.  Friends to lovers, a man finally returning home where he belongs.  A hilarious mom and dad welcoming party and a best friend like no other.  At 36, Holt takes a hard look at his life, and doesn’t like what he sees and decides to make a change.  He’s headed home where he belongs.  But he needs to extract himself from his current situation first and that comes with a cost.  It will be his best friend since forever, Teague, coming to his rescue and bringing him home to make it right.

Every part of this  story rings true.  The deep friendship, the “knowing” that comes of years of growing up together as boys that telegraphs  across the pages, the funny and sharp scenes with Momma and Daddy when they see what’s happened to their boy.  Tortuga manages to bring both the humor and the angst out in a situation where you want to cry and laugh and you know both emotions are exactly right.  As is the relationship between Hold and Teague.  It doesn’t come easily, it comes with some sharp words, but it works and its wonderful and its my favorite story of the group.

No Bull – 4.75 stars out of 5

No Bull finishes the collection and its probably the right one to do so as the men finish out their careers as bullriders, a favorite theme of B.A Tortuga’s.  But it starts in a hospital with the aftermath of a bull ride gone horribly wrong.  Joss is in the bed and wired up with more broken bones than his best friend and rodeo partner, Mackey, can count.  What follows is a tale of friendship that turns into something deeper than neither man fully expects and yet it happens so naturally.  Again its told beautifully, with men who have known each other for some time and are now at the end of their respective bull riding careers.  A lovely tale and a great way to end this collection.

I just love this book and highly recommend it.  Not familiar with B.A Tortuga?  I can’t think of a better way to make your introduction to this wonderful author than with Mud, Movies, Bullets and Bulls by B.A. Tortuga.   It will make you laugh, its sexy, full of itty bitty cowboys and the men who love them and you won’t want to put it down.

 

Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza does a great job with this cover.  I love it.

Sales Links:  Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition, 206 pages
Published June 24th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634771605 (ISBN13: 9781634771603)
Edition LanguageEnglish
1st Edition of Mud on Tires published by Torquere Press, 2006.
1st Edition of Just Like in the Movies published by Torquere Press, 2007.
1st Edition of Ricochet published by Torquere Press, 2007.
1st Edition of No Bull published by Torquere Press, 2006

An Ali Review: Reaping Fate (Reaping Havoc #2) by A.J. Rose

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Health care reform is dead. Concept photo.
.

Then Mitch is assigned to reap a serial killer’s victim.

Mitch and Nate are willing to go to just about any lengths to bring the killer to justice, but Divinity has a plan for everyone, and the reapers are at risk of being terminated themselves if they meddle too much. Mitch knows better than to tempt fate, but Nate isn’t wired to sit idly by while innocent people lose their lives to a vicious killer.

Nate sets out to balance the scales of justice for the souls in their charge, but what happens when he becomes the killer’s bug in the web? Ca he stop a killer without exercising his own free will or putting those he loves in the crosshairs? Only Death knows, and he’s not talking.

I enjoyed this next installment in the Reaping Havoc series.  Mitch and Nate have been together awhile and are working as reapers in their town.  A murder victim that Mitch is called to do doesn’t set right with Nate.  He wants to investigate and find the killer.  There is a rule though that reapers can not get involved and by doing so Nate and Mitch are risking their contract and their life together.  I thought the plot was well done and a little more fast paced than book one.  This series has a nice paranormal twist and is not overly angsty.  We meet some new characters in this story and I really liked Sebastian and his husband Robert.
You can read this book as a standalone but it would be a big spoiler for the first book so you should probably read them in order.  This is a low angst paranormal series that has a unique storyline.  The main focus in the murder mystery with a nice on going love story between the two main characters.
Cover art. I love the cover.  I think it is really well done and is a great depiction of the plot of the story.

Sales Links:  ARe | Amazon

Book Details:
ebook, 277 pages
Published May 4th 2016 by The Grim Writer Press
Original TitleReaping Fate
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series: Reaping Havoc

Ride Into Romance with The Pinkerton Man Series by CJ Baty (Author guest post, excerpt and Giveaway)

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have CJ Baty here today talking about why write an western/historical romance? Welcome, CJ!

Why write a western/historical romance?

That’s an extremely good question because I never in my wildest dreams thought I would. When Wayward Ink Publishing put out a call for stories for an anthology, “Men in Uniform”, I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of this. I’d been a fan of WIP and their anthologies for quite a while. I did have a problem though. I had no idea what to write.

There are so many great cop, firefighter, defective stories out there. Some of my favorite authors write those kinds of stories but I had never attempted it. So what was I going to write. My mind flashed back to a fan fiction story I wrote several years ago and I wondered could I use that theme but put in America during the same time period. I did my research and found that the Pinkerton Agency was in its early beginnings  and they had a very distinctive uniform . . . bowler hats, long leather coats and a unique badge. That was it for me. When Lily Velden informed me that the Pinkerton Man had been accepted for the anthology, it was a joyful day indeed. I was going to be a part of the Wayward Ink family.

I fell in love with Stiles from the moment I first typed his name. He’s not ashamed of who he is or with whom desires. There are times when he has self doubts, but he is a loyal to those he cares about and he is driven to see justice done. He was a character that I could see having many adventures. I can’t wait to share more of them with you.

Now more about The Pinkerton Man series…

Book One Synopsis

THE PINKERTON MAN

Stiles Langberry leaves England under the dark cloud of blackmail.

He resettles in America with a new name, becoming a Pinkerton Agent.

His new employer sends him undercover to a brothel that serves homosexual men, where prostitutes are being murdered. In the course of his investigation, he becomes involved with Paul, one of the prostitutes. Complicating matters, one of the suspects draws Stiles like no man before him. Stiles knows he must stop the killer before he strikes again.

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Book One Synopsis

HOME ON THE RANGE

Pinkerton Agent Stiles Long is sent to the Circle W Ranch to uncover who is killing the ranch’s cattle. In order to discover the truth about the goings on at the ranch, Stiles has to prove to the ranchers he’s more than a good-looking city slicker.

Savage Beare, the head ranch foreman, is far from happy that Stiles is there to check things out. He has secrets of his own.

Stiles finds Savage incredibly good-looking, but cold and aloof.

He’s also a suspect. One of many.

When Stiles’ best friend and partner, Lizzie Ferguson, is kidnapped things begin to shake apart.

Stiles doesn’t trust anyone and he needs to find Lizzie before it’s too late.

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Buy Links

Don’t miss the discounted prices until 48 hours after release!

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/pinkerton-man-series-by-cj-baty/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-pinkertonmanseries-2058762-158.html
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Pinkerton-Man-Books-One-Two-ebook/dp/B01H1ZCQTE/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pinkerton-Man-Books-One-Two-ebook/dp/B01H1ZCQTE/
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Pinkerton-Man-Books-One-Two-ebook/dp/B01H1ZCQTE/
Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Pinkerton-Man-Books-One-Two-ebook/dp/B01H1ZCQTE/

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Book Trailer

Excerpt

A deep voice coughed at his side. Stiles looked up to see an incredible pair of green eyes fixed on him. A feeling stirred in Stiles and he tested the waters by grinning at the gentleman to his left. He smiled back: a wide jubilant expression.

“Hello. Is that seat taken?” he asked, pointing at the seat across from Stiles.

Stiles waved his hand in a ‘have a seat’ motion and the man sat gracefully, facing him. Removing his hat, his eyes sparkled as he looked Stiles over. There was no doubt that he liked what he saw.

“Patrick O’Donnell.” He offered his hand to Stiles.

Taking the hand firmly in his own, Stiles felt the warmth and smoothness of the man’s skin. He was definitely not a rancher. Stiles doubted he’d ever done a hard day’s work in his life. Their hands lingered, entwined longer than polite society would approve. One more clue that he was as inclined as Stiles was for the company of another virile man.

“Stiles Long,” he said as their hands separated and they reclined in their respective seats, each observing the other.

“Where would you be traveling to, Mr. Long?”

“I’m headed for Mercer, Wyoming on business.”

“Business in Mercer.” He laughed. The sound was deep—smooth like the skin on his hand—and made the hairs on Stiles’ body stand to attention.

“Do you know the area? I’m looking at buying a ranch there.”

“Actually, I’m headed home to Mercer myself. I own the hotel and saloon in town. Patty’s Place. Will you be staying with me?” One corner of his lips turned up, giving his face the appearance of a one-sided grin. It caused Stiles to return the same.

“It seems I will be for a night. Though, I will need to hire a coach to take me to the Circle W Ranch as soon as possible.”

A shadow fell across O’Donnell’s face and a scowl reached the corners of those green eyes, which were now dark and stormy. “You’re looking at the Circle W to buy.” It was not really a question. It was more accusatory in meaning.

“Possibly.” Stiles decided it would be better to tread carefully until he knew more about Mr. Patrick O’Donnell. The man stayed a moment longer, then made an excuse that he needed to see someone else on the train. Stiles watched after him as he went and felt a little dumbfounded. What had just happened?

About the author

CJ BATY lives in southwest Ohio with her very patient husband and two encouraging children. Her heart however, lives in the mountains of Tennessee where she hopes to retire some day. The mountains have always provided her with inspiration and a soothing balm to the stresses of everyday life.

The dream of writing her own stories started in high school but was left on the back burner of life until her son introduced her to Fan Fiction and encouraged her to give it a try. She found that her passion for telling a story was still there and writing them down to share with others was much more thrilling than she had ever expected.

One thing she has learned from life and she is often heard to say is, “You are never too old to follow your dream!”

C.J. BATY can be found at:

Website: http://cjbaty.blogspot.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=344242482358480&fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbaty

Its All About the Wedding with Daniel & Erik’s Super Fab Ultimate Wedding Checklist’ by K.E. Belledonne (author interview, excerpt and givewaway)

Checklist 1600px (Smashwords, Amazon)

Daniel & Erik’s Super Fab Ultimate Wedding Checklist by K.E. Belledonne
Release Date: June 23, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Interlude Press
Cover Artist: C.B. Messer

Today Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to be interviewing K.E. Belledonne, author of Daniel & Erik’s Super Fab Ultimate Wedding Checklist. Hi Kat, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.

Q. What genre is your book and what drew you to this genre?

This book’s genre would technically be “romance”, but it’s not a traditional romance. There’s no bodice ripping or long luxurious love scenes. It’s a M/M romantic comedy. It’s light, it’s fun, it’s breezy and at times a bit silly. It’s a good time read.

I adore romantic comedy, it’s one of my favorite genres to read, and to watch. I love that we all know the basic structure of the plot, but how that plot is achieved can vary greatly. It’s like writing a sonnet – there are rules that govern it, but the content can vary greatly.

Q How many days a week do you write?

I try to sit down at my computer to write at least three days a week. Some weeks, I manage to get 5 days, and some weeks, I don’t get any at all. I always carry a notebook with me almost everywhere I go, so I can scribble down ideas, or write chunks of scenes when I have some downtime.

Q On average, how long does it take to write a book?

I’d say I’m averaging about a book a year. I like to do a lot of research, and I need to build in a lot of time for shifting things around. I also write more than one book at a time; while this book was with my editor, I started writing the next, and doing research for another.

Q Do you have a trailer for your book? If yes, give us the link. If not, do you think you’d like to have one done at some point?

I don’t have a trailer for this book, simply because I lack the skills to make one! I would absolutely love to have one done. Books always play like movies in my head, even the ones I’m writing. I tend to write in a very cinematic style, so I think a book trailer would really be a great addition to the book!

Q If I could be a character in a book, I would be _______?

I would absolutely love to be Eloise Kelly from Lauren Willig’s The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. I adore those books. They are such fun to read, such

wonderful romances and they make me laugh out loud. I’m always in a better mood after I read one, and that’s exactly what I want out of a book. Eloise is smart, and strong, and yet still goofy and nerdy. I love her.

Thanks, Kat, for the wonderful interview.  Now more about Daniel & Erik’s Super Fab Ultimate Wedding Checklist by K.E. Belledonne!

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Blurb

When Daniel gets caught up in the demands of a cheeky wedding planning app, his fiancé Erik grows frustrated with his preoccupation with adhering to heterosexual traditions. Will Daniel’s groomzilla ways give them the wedding of their dreams, or ultimately lead to their relationship’s demise?

 

Pages or Words: 53,000 words, 188 pages
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance, Rom Com

Excerpt

“I think Aurora is disappointed in me.”

“What?” Erik rubbed at his eye. It wasn’t even early morning, judging by the weak light coming through the blinds from the streetlights. “Who?”

“Aurora. The wedding planning app.” Daniel lay on his back, wide awake and staring up at the ceiling.

“The wedding planning app is not a sentient being. It has no feelings or opinions.”

“I feel like she’s judging me. I’m sorry if I woke you up.”

“Oh my god, go to sleep.”

“I can’t. I’m never going to sleep ever again.” Daniel tugged the blanket higher up his chest, folding his arms over it and exhaling heavily.

“You’re being dramatic.”

“I’ve got too many things buzzing in my head. There’s too many things I’m going to forget to do.”

“I thought that’s why you had that damn app, so you don’t have to remember anything; it’s all right there saved on your tablet.”

“Yes, but I have to remember to put everything in it.″ Daniel rolled over. ″She doesn’t just know everything—”

“A: She is not a she. It is an it. B: What are we doing tomorrow?”

“Oh my god, what is the point of sharing the app calendar if you’re never going to look at it?” Daniel wailed.

“I look at it. It’s just crammed so full of everything that I have no idea what’s going on when.”

Daniel blew out his breath. ”Look, I know you don’t like the calendar. We’ve been over that, but I don’t know how else to keep track of all of these appointments and deadlines.”

“I told you, we could color-code them, or something,” Erik rolled to his side and punched at his pillow.

“Aurora doesn’t give you that option.”

“Well, it should.”

“I agree, but there’s nothing I can do about that.” Daniel bunched his pillow up under his head. “Tomorrow, we have four appointments to meet with caterers: two in the morning, two in the afternoon.”

“Why so many in one day?”

“It’s the only day we both have available this week, and I am not going to make any decisions about the food at our reception without you there to discuss it.”

“Seriously, you could just make a choice, and I’ll live with it.” Erik rolled over.

“I don’t want you to just ‘live with it,’ Erik.″ Daniel tried to keep his voice neutral, but failed. ″This is our wedding. I don’t want you to just ‘live with it.’”

“Why are you getting so worked up about it?”

“We only get one chance at this. Everything needs to be perfect.”

“You’re going to drive us both crazy, you know that, right?” Erik tugged the blankets back up over his shoulder.

“Well, then, we’ll both be crazy.” Daniel squinted up at the ceiling. He was so tired of making these decisions. Why were there so many options? Why were there so many decisions? The planning was getting on Erik’s nerves; he was getting on Erik’s nerves. Erik was getting on his nerves. They were both just a pile of irritated nerves because the to-do list didn’t seem to be getting any smaller.

Daniel’s phone chimed with another notification from Aurora.

New Private Message from: MommyMargie.

His mother probably had another ludicrous suggestion for the reception, or a passive-aggressive reminder of the hymn that she and his father had had played at their wedding, that their grandparents had had played at their wedding and that she expected to hear at his wedding. Or maybe his parents had decided to paint the living room green. Who knew?

 

 

Buy the book

 

 

 

Meet the Author

 

K. E. Belledonne is a writer, editor and translator. A native New Englander, Kat spends her spare time listening to Glenn Miller records, reading history books and cheering on her beloved Red Sox. Her first novel, Right Here Waiting, was published by Interlude Press in 2015.

 

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

23-Jun

Prism Book Alliance, Unquietly Me, Book Lovers 4Ever, Man2ManTastic, Three Books Over The Rainbow,

BFD Book Blog

24-Jun

Bonkers About Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

27-Jun

Oh My Shelves, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

28-Jun

Havan Fellows, V’s Reads, My Fiction Nook, Open Skye Book Reviews

29-Jun

Up All Night, Read All Day, Velvet Panic, MM Good Book Reviews

30-Jun

Molly Lolly, Full Moon Dreaming

1-Jul

Attention Is Arbitrary, Alpha Book Club

4-Jul

Happily Ever Chapter, The Novel Approach, Love Bytes

5-Jul

Nephy Hart, Bayou Book Junkie, Divine Magazine

6-Jul

A.M. Leibowitz, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, 3 Chicks After Dark

 

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Grand Prize: $25 Interlude Press gift card, 5 first prizes of an e-copy of Daniel & Erik’s Super Fab Ultimate Wedding Checklist.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

 

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Taking the Plunge by Scott Kramer—Blitz and Giveaway

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Author: Scott J Kramer

Title:  Taking the Plunge

Series Title and Number: Jane Monterrey Mystery #1

Publisher:  Prizm

Cover Artist: Kris Norris

Release Date:  6/29/2016

Heat Level: 1

Pairing: n/a

Length: 80,000 words

Genre:Mystery

Add to Goodreads

Taking the Plunge Cover

Synopsis

Jane “CK” Monterrey is an inexperienced Cincinnati private eye whose world is flipped when local millionaire George Halberran plunges to his death outside her office window. Hired by George’s eccentric mother, Vucktoria, to investigate her son’s death, Jane has no idea how messy things can get. With the help of sexy Officer Brad Hyatt, her nosy mother and all sorts of quirky new friends—from little numismatics to a monkey that dances to Michael Jackson’s Thriller—Jane stumbles along trying to find out if George really was murdered without getting hurt herself.i

Purchase

Torquere Press

Taking the Plunge Square

Meet the Author

 

Ever since Scott’s mother denied naming him Scott Fitzgerald Kramer, writing has been in his blood. He watched his grandfather use an old-fashioned typewriter to compose memories about his grandmother. Finding out quickly that typewriters didn’t like him, Scott began carrying a scrap of paper and a pencil. Word processing changed his fate.

Scott lives in Cincinnati with his beautiful wife and two adorable little girls. During the day, Scott as Mr. Kramer terrorizes sixth grade students, forcing them to read and write. Slowly, they come to realize that reading is fun and writing is something they have to do to pass his class.

Taking the Plunge is Scott’s first novel in the Jane Monterrey Mystery Series. The second book Trouble Comes in Pairs will be published. You can visit Scott at http://scottjkramer.wordpress.com/

Giveaway

Rafflecopter Prize: One winner will be selected to win an eBook copy of Taking the Plunge.

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A MelanieM Review: Sand-Man’s Family (Wild and Precious #3) by CJane Elliott

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

sand-mans-familyWhen Sandy Nixon’s conservative Catholic parents discover he’s had sex before marriage, they are furious. But when he blurts out he’s bisexual, they go ballistic. After they threaten him with conversion therapy, Sandy does what many queer kids long to do—leaves his homophobic parents in the dust. He moves in with his Uncle Phineas and Phineas’s partner Cody in Portland, Oregon, and is finally safe to be himself. Sandy misses his siblings, though, and decides to visit his former home in Rockford for Thanksgiving. On the train, he runs into Jade Byrne.

As the only out gay kid in their Catholic high school, Jade has stared down homophobes while being fabulous in the school musicals. He’s crushed on Sandy for years. But he’s made sure never to show it, even after they had a onetime hookup, because Sandy’s the good Catholic kid, the altar boy, and the apparently straight athlete—all the things Jade isn’t. Traveling back to Rockford together sees the start of a month of adventures, a blossoming attraction, and a chance for Sandy to learn what it means to have a family that hurts and to choose a family that heals.

Sand-Man’s Family is a continuation of that wonderful series (Wild and Precious)  from CJane Elliot and this time we get to see Sandy Nixon’s story, Phinny’s nephew.  Sandy escaped from his family after a fight and the threat of a “gay away” camp from his drunken father and conservative mother, the flight carrying him on the train west to his drag queen uncle Phinny in the second story There You Are (Wild and Precious #2).  Sandy’s back history has been the thing I’ve been waiting on and this wonderful story is a treat all around.

Again, I continue to be amazed at the fullness of the characterizations and the amount of story CJ Elliot packs into 125 pages.  It feels so much larger.  Sandy is such a great young person.  Still growing as a individual, working his way through all his sexual feelings, his crushes and figuring out who he is.  You just fall in love with him more as you watch him struggle and grow.

And of course, there’s Phinny and Cody, Sandy’s uncle and partner along as support, offering their guidance, food, and whatever Sandy needs at the moment.  Jade is a great new addition to the series and the sparks flew between Sandy and him immediately.  Plus again, Elliot makes Portland another quirky character that slides effortlessly into place here and all the books of the series.

Elliot’s writing is smooth, the conversations and dialog on point and at the level of age of the characters.  I laughed out loud at some points in the story and sniffled at little at others, the author really understands the uncertainty and  hesitation that comes with each stage of finding yourself at that age.  Just lovely.   Did I wish for more?  Of course, with this series and story 125 pages is never enough for me. However, I look forward to whatever the next book may bring.  I love this series so and I hope its something wonderful for a skateboarder in need of help.

Pick them all up and read them in order.  I highly recommend them all, including Sand-Man’s Family by  CJ Elliot.

Cover art by Angsty G is wonderful and perfect for the story.  Loved it.

Sales Links:  Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 125 pages
Published May 4th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634772253 (ISBN13: 9781634772259)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Series Wild and Precious:

Wild and Precious (Wild and Precious, #1)

There You Are (Wild and Precious, #2)

Sand-Man’s Family (Wild and Precious, #3)

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Rekindled Flame by Andrew Grey

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Rekindled FlameWhen he arrives at the scene of a raging fire with his unit, Morgan doesn’t waste any time going in to rescue a disabled man from his burning apartment. The moment the family who owns the house tells him about their trapped tenant, Morgan notifies his captain and goes. Getting permission isn’t as important to him as saving the man’s life, and it’s a good thing he didn’t hesitate because he manages to pull Richard out of the apartment with no time to spare. Morgan cares about the people he pulls from burning buildings and always checks on them the next day, so when he heads to the hospital to check on Richard, he’s shocked to find that Richard is Richie, his childhood best friend.

He and Richie were next-door neighbors, and in fact, their friend Amy performed a marriage ceremony for them in the barn on her property. Playing wedding with the little girl to keep her busy while her mom got ponies ready for all of them to ride was fun—up to a point. Boys don’t usually like to play wedding, but Morgan had kept the nail-turned-into-wedding-ring he received that day because it was soon after that his father just suddenly packed them up and moved out of town without giving Morgan a chance to say good-bye to Richie, and it’s something that Morgan never forgot.

Now, he offers Richie the spare room in his house while the man gets his life back in order. He doesn’t know it at first, but Richie has nothing left, including hope. Richie was severely injured in a classified mission in Iraq, and he’s never recovered physically or emotionally. His PTSD causes nightmares, and when the arsonist strikes again, this time trying to burn down Morgan’s house, it’s evident that Richie is the intended victim. However, Morgan is more concerned with the fact that Richie is in danger than with the attempt on his house, and he realizes his heart might not survive if he loses Richie again.

But even though Morgan seems to be one-hundred percent committed to getting romantically involved with Richie, their romance is a slow-burn, especially from Richie’s perspective. Between his injury and his inability to be specific about classified information, he can’t participate in helping to find the arsonist. And to top it off, though he cares for Morgan, he’s afraid Morgan is getting in over his head with someone so disabled.

This was a great love story as well as a suspenseful action drama. The guys do get their HEA, but it’s a difficult journey to get there. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well as the MCs and, of course, the German Shepherd and the Golden Retriever puppy featured in the story were the perfect icing on the cake for me. I recommend this one to lovers of Andrew Grey, especially if you happen to enjoy sweet and sexy MCs and those who manage to overcome seemingly insurmountable disabilities.

~~~~~

Cover Art by LC Chase shows a young man bare from the waist up in a close-up on the cover. In the background is a raging inferno, a firefighter fighting the flames, and an empty wheelchair—all important to this story.

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Published June 13th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634774698 (ISBN13: 9781634774697)
Edition LanguageEnglish

In the Spotlight: Independence Daze by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly (excerpt and giveaway)

Independence Daze 1000x400

Title: Independence Daze

Author: A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly

Publisher: Torquere Press

Cover Artist: Les Byerley

Release Date: 6/29/16

Heat Level: 5

Pairing(Male/Male, Ménage): M/M, Menage

Length: 21K

Genre: BDSM, Contemporary, Menage

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Synopsis

Paul and Hamish are at it and at each other, again in the third installment of A.J. Llewellyn and D.J. Manly’s best-selling BDSM Voyages series.

Paul and Hamish may be married but that doesn’t mean their sex life has to be a snore fest. These guys always give each other exactly what they need when they can find time in their busy lives. In between feeding Hamish’s ravenous, pregnant sister, and negotiating relationships with deadbeat, rock star fathers, the lovers are always looking for ways to spice things up.

This time, overworked Paul is in for it when Hamish decides to take him on a special retreat that involves a yurt, a Peruvian shaman, and some noxious liquid that wipes out all limits to the imagination. Independence Day never saw anything like this coming!

Excerpt

I walked out of the plant at two in the morning. It was at this point that I permitted myself to feel it. I was dead tired and it was chilly. I regretted not bringing a jacket but then I hadn’t expected it to take so damn long, or for the night to turn cold. I had to keep reminding myself that for a coastal state, California was desert. Outside, I put up the top of the convertible and texted the office with a reminder to bill the plant and also make a report in the morning.

When I pulled up into our driveway, I turned off the engine and closed my eyes. I almost fell asleep there. I think I would have if not for who I knew was waiting for me inside. Although, I was pretty sure Hamish had conked out at this hour. With all the energy I had left, I walked up to the door and put the key in the lock. Thankfully, Hamish had left the alarm off.

I walked inside, locked the door and set the alarm. As I climbed the stairs I noticed a light on in the master bedroom. Hamish sometimes fell asleep reading so I tried to be quiet anyway as I crept in. I paused, my brow wrinkling as I heard a low buzzing sound coming from the bed. My eyes widened when I saw Hamish lying flat on his back with his slave collar on. He’d attached the collar’s chain to the bed post. Two other chains with nipple clamps lay on his chest. I guess he expected me to do the honors by installing those.

I smiled as I came around to the bottom of the bed. Both his legs were raised and spread wide in the air, resting on leather stirrups we’d attached overhead. A rather large vibrating butt plug protruded from his ass, and his cock was strapped nicely with a studded leather cuff.

“Your hands are free,” I said, my cock stiffening as I slowly ran my gaze over him.

He smiled. “I can fight if you try anything I don’t like.”

Hamish used to be a boxer. No one messed with him unless he wanted it. Right now, he wanted it…badly. “So you’ve been busy.”

“You told me to stay awake, remember?”

“All this for me,” I said, straddling his waist and grabbing both wrists. He was breathing hard as he looked up at me. I wasn’t so tired anymore. I reached over to get the padded cuffs we had tucked behind the bed. I brought up one and attached his wrist. Hamish made quite a show of struggling.

I attached the other cuff and leaned back. “My, my, all mine to play with.”

“I’ll scream,” he threatened with that gleam in his eyes. “A stranger coming into my house to have his way with me. If I make a lot of noise,” Hamish explained, “the police will come.”

“Not if they can’t hear you, they won’t,” I whispered.

Purchase

Torquere Press

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Meet the Author

A.J. Llewellyn

A.J. Llewellyn’s obsession with myth, magic, love, and romance might have led to serious stalking charges had it not been for the ability to write. Thanks to the existence of some very patient publishers, A.J.’s days are spent writing, reading and dreaming up new worlds. A.J. has definitely stopped Google-searching former boyfriends and given up all ambition to taste test every cupcake in the universe to produce over 200 published gay erotic romance novels.

A.J. wants you to read them all. A.J. can be found lurking on Facebook and Twitter—part-time class clown being another occupation. When not writing or reading, A.J.’s other passions include juggling, kite-boarding, and spending a fortune buying upgrade apps for Pearl’s Peril and Farm Heroes Saga.

D.J. Manly

I write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming about writing. Eroticism between consenting adults, in all its many forms is the icing on the cake of life but one does not live by sex alone. The story of how two people find love in spite of the odds is what really turns me on.

Social Media Links:

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/A.J.-Llewellyn/e/B002DBJBC2

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/aj.llewellyn

http://www.facebook.com/dante.manly

Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/ajllewellyn

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/ajllewellyn

http://www.twitter.com/djnovels

Website:

http://www.ajllewellyn.com

http://www.djmanlyfiction.com

Giveaway

Rafflecopter Prize: One winner will be selected to win an eBook copy of Independence Daze.

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Collars ‘N’ Cuffs, A Wayward Ink Publishing Anthology Book Tour and Giveaway

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Title: Collars ‘N’ Cuffs
Authors: Layla Dorine, Aimee Brissay, Lily Velden, Alina Popescu, Kassandra Lea, Carol Pedroso, Eddy LeFey, Asta Idonea
Genre: Gay Romance, BDSM
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

How about a little bondage?

Does D/s get your motor running?

Do you enjoy a serving of pain to go with your pleasure?

Does your mouth water at the thought of clamps and cuffs and other naughty stuffs?

Then look no further!

The authors of Collars ‘N’ Cuffs have dripped wax on their keyboards, flogged their erotic bones, and whipped up their creative juices to bring you a collection of stories certain to enflame your imagination.

Excerpt – A Touch of Kink by Alina Popescu

Tudor sighed and shook his head. “Why the fuck are you always on his side? You’re supposed to be my friend, not support him all the time! You were the complete opposite with Vincent.”

“Vincent was a douche,” Radu said, his voice taking a dangerous edge. “He acted like an ass from the start and made your life miserable. He was the biggest selfish bitch I’ve ever met. Kahoni is not like that.”

“Oh, excuse me, Mr. Perfect Judge of Character!”

Radu grinned and nodded his thanks. “Why, I didn’t know you’d noticed. I am pretty good at it, you have to admit.”

Tudor wanted to contradict him but couldn’t. Radu really was a great judge of character. He was never wrong, even if his descriptions of other people were as offensive as they could be. He felt Radu’s arm around his shoulders, and a gentle squeeze made his heart sink even further.

“Trust me, buddy. He loves you. It’s clear in his fucking puppy eyes every time he looks at you. He’s not Vincent; I guarantee that.”

“Thanks, Radu.”

“Don’t thank me yet,” Radu said as he started to move away from Tudor. “All I am saying is your relationship won’t end because Kahoni is a dick. There are still plenty of ways you can screw this up.”

Collars N Cuffs Cover

Buy Links

Don’t miss the discounted buy prices valid until 48 hours after release!

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/collars-n-cuffs-a-wayward-ink-publishing-anthology/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-collars039n039cuffsawaywardinkpublishinganthology-2057986-166.html
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Collars-Cuffs-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01G984JB2/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collars-Cuffs-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01G984JB2/
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Collars-Cuffs-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01G984JB2/
Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Collars-Cuffs-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01G984JB2/

Book Trailer

Stories included

FORGED IN STEEL

Layla Dorine

The last thing Flint expected upon discovering a homeless young man rummaging through the dumpster behind his shop was a kindred spirit.

The last thing Trace expected to find in that dumpster was a home.

 

PLAYING IT SAFE

Aimee Brissay

To safe or not to safe?

That is the question.

 

ROOM TO PLAY

Lily Velden

Jack wanted to dabble in some light BDSM, looking for a little role play. A little role-reversal.

Rhys took to their games like a duck to water.

 

A TOUCH OF KINK

Alina Popescu

A moody and angry Tudor follows his friend, Radu, to the airport to pick up a client.

Despite Radu’s efforts, he’s still sulking over his boyfriend, Kahoni, not being able to fly over for his birthday.

But the airport only opens up the door to a stream of steamy surprises for Tudor. Will his mood improve?

Collars N Cuffs 3D Cover 

LET’S DANCE IN SIN

Kassandra Lea

Samuel wants to play with his favorite toy and Flynn is only too willing to oblige.

But first, he has a little treat for his delectable angel.

 

NEW LOVE, NEW SIGHT

Carol Pedroso

Exiled and lonely, Sorl longs for home.

Kidnapped, blind, and scared, Unjarf seeks help of any kind.

When they meet can love bring rescue, hope, and most importantly new sight?

 

SWITCH

Eddy LeFey

Robert is floundering, trying to get his life back together.

Daniel offers to help, to teach Robert what it means to truly let go of control, in order to be able to seize it again.

Life truly is a…. switch.

 

HELL BOUND

Asta Idonea

When Taharial, angel of purity, descends to Hell to reprimand him, lust demon Asmodeus cannot resist having a little fun with his unwanted guest.

However, when he chains Taharial to his bed, events take a turn he didn’t expect.

Giveaway

Prize – 1 x $10 WIP Gift Card
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