Category: Book Reviews

On Tour with Iyanna Jenna’s Just A Little Unwell Book tour and contest

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Book Name: Just A Little Unwell
Release Date: January 4, 2015
Goodreads Link
Author Name: Iyana Jenna

Author Bio:

Iyana writes M/M short stories and novellas. Her works have been published by Evernight Publishing, JMS Books, Books to Go Now, Torquere Press, Bitten Press, Leap of Faith Publishing, Breathless Press, and Alfie Dog Fiction.

Iyana lives in Jakarta, a city famous for its traffic jams, a lot of cars and motorcycles, and people selling stuff on the roads. You can spend two hours on the road going to a place you can reach in half an hour in a normal situation. Thanks to the traffic jams, though, Iyana can come up with a lot of stories, mostly shorties, as she prefers to spend the time during her trips writing into her cell phone rather than sleeping.

Another thing Iyana loves is kitties. Right now she has three of them. Their names are Cil, Horus, and Betsy, and one kitten. When she doesn’t write, she plays with them, or they would play with her when she writes.

Where can you find Iyana?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/books.by.iyanajenna
Twitter: @IyanaJenna
LinkedIn

Publisher: JMS Books
Cover Artist: Written Ink Designs

Sales Links:  JMS Books  Amazon  All Romance (ARe)  Bookstrand  Smashwords

Blurb:Just_a_Little_Unwell_400x600

Patrick Trafford is pleased with the simple life he has, spending his time tending a tiny garden accompanied by his best friend, Chad, who just happens to be a cockroach. Nevertheless, he can’t hide the excitement bubbling in him when a man suddenly appears in the garden.

Damien Abner politely welcomes, albeit somewhat at a loss, Patrick’s warm offer to spend time with him. To have a coffee, watch some movie, and dance along with the characters in it.

They begin to date and Patrick has never been happier, though he barely knows who Damien is — not that it matters to him. For him, being clueless does mean bliss.

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

Patrick floats through the following day. When Damien shows up, Patrick takes him immediately to near the TV, sets the video cassette into place, and clutches Damien’s hands as they dance. He offers coffee and cookies this time and finally brings his guitar out to the sitting room. Patrick feels a bit uneasy when Damien keeps looking at him instead of his guitar.

“Do you like it?”

“Huh?”

“My guitar.”

Confusion flashes across Damien’s good-looking face for a second.

“Oh, absolutely.” His smile cracks. He shifts on the couch to make space for Patrick. Patrick plops down next to him and begins to sing. It’s “More Than Words,” one of his favorite songs. Damien listens carefully.

Damien is silent, even after Patrick has stopped singing. His eyes turn soft.

“So, what do you say? What do you think of my voice?” Patrick asks impatiently.

Damien’s still quiet. Then he closes his eyes and reaches out a hand. He touches the side of Patrick’s face.

Patrick holds his breath and closes his eyes too. He doesn’t dare to move. Damien’s hand feels so warm and good on his skin.

He lets out a heavy sigh when the hand is gone and opens his eyes.

“That’s the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard,” Damien says.

Patrick doesn’t know what to do. He puts aside his guitar — grabs it back — lays it down on the table — takes it back again and holds it close to him. He rocks slowly on the couch.

“Thank you,” he murmurs — not sure whether he is expressing gratitude for the compliment or the touch.

Damien stands up.

“You’re leaving?” Patrick asks, disappointed.

“I have other things I need to do, Patrick.”

Patrick swallows deep. He turns away. “Okay. It’s almost dark anyway and I haven’t been to the garden.”

“Yeah.”

“Will you come again?”

“Do you want me to?”

“I’d love you to.”

“So I’ll come.”

Damien waves and walks away.

As if to remind Patrick he’s there, Chad crawls up Patrick’s shirt front. Patrick palms him up and puts him on the table.

“Do you like him, too?” Patrick asks.

Chad only chirps.

Pages or Words: 5,600 words

IJBadgeTour Dates: January 23, 2015

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Nephylim, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Lee Brazil, Inked Rainbow Reads, Andrew Q. Gordon, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, Amanda C. Stone, Molly Lolly, Christy Loves 2 Read, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Cate Ashwood, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Velvet Panic, My Fiction Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Carly’s Book Reviews, The Hat Party

Contest: Rafflecopter Prize: 2 e-copies of ‘Just A Little Unwell’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the link provided to enter the contest and for all further contest details.

Rafflecopter Code:
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Down Under Author: Penny Brandon

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Meet Penny  Brandon!

 

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Penny Brandon is the author of the Blind Passion series, Murphy’s Law, and others listed below.

To get to know Penny Brandon a little better, the author agreed to share with us her thoughts on an Australian Christmas, and holidays in general.  Penny has also included an excerpt from her book as well. Look for that below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Author Bio 1

Penny has been a lover of books since before she could read and a maker of stories before she knew how to talk properly, so it was only natural that she started writing when she could hold a pen. From fairytales to teenage romances to the hot, erotic stories she writes now, she’s always held the same belief; to love what she puts down on paper. Which means she doesn’t love cooking, cleaning or weeding the garden. She does, however, love to travel and has lived in England and Ireland and now resides in Australia, where she intends to stay and discover all that she can of this beautiful country.

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Author Contacts

Contacts/Follow at :
Twitter @PennyBrandon
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/pennybrandon3/
Goodreads Author Page
Website
Blog http://www.pennybrandon.blogspot.com.au/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/penny.brandon.3

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Author Books Stories Down Under1 copy

 

Bringing Him HomeBehind Every CloudMurphys LawPB_BlindPassion

 

 

 

 

✍Blind Passion – published by Loose id LLC

Attraction for Adam was not a handsome face, a striking smile, or beautiful eyes, but a scent that would drive him to distraction or a voice that could make his heart beat faster. When the combination of the two walked into his life in Luke, Adam couldn’t help but want him. But how was he supposed to know if Luke felt the same attraction? He had no prior experience, no past encounters, nothing to help him. Not even his sight.

One look at Adam and Luke wanted him. Sensual, gorgeous, kind, with a strength that Luke was drawn to, Adam was everything Luke desired. Being in Adam’s arms, showing him the pleasure of a man’s body, being touched, held, and desired in return, had Luke wanting more, had him wanting what he knew he couldn’t have.

It didn’t matter to him that Adam was blind, but Adam deserved more than someone like him. Luke was a man with a broken past and falling in love with Adam was a foolish thing to do, especially because Adam would never love him back if he found out what Luke was hiding.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: male/male sexual practices, voyeurism
✍Bringing Him Home – published by Loose id LLC

Jared knew that looking for a man to love was pointless because he’d never be able to bring him home. But one chance meeting and one hot night with Kyle had Jared seriously trying to figure out if he really had to live by the rules of someone else’s intolerance.

Torn between wanting Kyle and facing the narrow-mindedness of a small country town, Jared didn’t know what to do. Could Kyle really want Jared enough to deal with the town’s hostility together? By the time Jared got himself ready to talk to Kyle, to ask him, Kyle had left.

Kyle had been looking to find someone to love, looking for a place to call home, and one blazing night spent in Jared’s arms and Kyle knew Jared was just the man he was looking for. But Kyle had a feeling Jared didn’t want to bring Kyle home with him and when he found out why he had no choice but to leave.

It didn’t matter that he wanted Jared, or even that Jared wanted him. The town where Jared lived was the one town Kyle swore he would never set foot in again.

✍Choices (Looking Glass #1) – published by Loose id LLC

Marc was straight, always had been and always thought he would be, but when shown his true love in a magic mirror he was shocked to find out his true love was a man. Not only that, it was up to him to convince his true love they were meant to be together. All bad enough, but after finding Liam, the only way he’s able to persuade Liam to go out with him is to offer him sex – even though that was something Marc was definitely not ready for.

Liam thought Marc was crazy. Marc was straight and he was talking about true love and making a life together, but Liam didn’t believe in love and he certainly wasn’t going to fall in love with a crazy straight guy regardless of how sexy he was. But he hadn’t reckoned on Marc’s pushy attitude or his offer of sex which, no matter how much he knew he should, Liam couldn’t turn down.

✍Murphy’s Law – published by Loose id LLC
✍Behind Every Cloud – published by Loose id LLC
✍First Kiss (Looking Glass #2) – published by Loose id LLC  

Free Stories:

✍Wanting Jack from Goodreads Hot Summer Days
✍Jackman from Love is Always Write at Goodreads

Genre(s): LGBTQ Fiction, M/M Romance, Contemporary Fiction, Erotic Romance

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Wanting Jack from Hot Summer DaysJackman cover

 

 

 

 

 

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Penny Brandon) is an eBook copy of Murphy’s Law. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . John’s Question: Where did Nik and Ben find Radulf?

Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Penny’s Guest Post on Christmas

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an Excerpt from Murphy’s Law!

Hi, my name is Penny, and I now live in Australia, but I grew up in England, so Christmas is quite different, mainly because of the seasons. Though a lot of traditions are the same, I think moving from one country to another can be a bit of a culture shock. David, from Murphy’s Law certainly thought so, and while trying to emulate an English Christmas in his new home town in Outback Australia, he came across a few variations.
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“What do you think?” David stood on the ladder, precariously balanced on the second to top step as he readjusted the star.

“I think you should get down.”

Scott’s frown had David sighing. “I’m fine. I’m only three feet off the floor.”

“I know, but that’s enough to break an arm or sprain an ankle if you fell.”

If it hadn’t been such a possibility, David would have come back with some sharp retort. He hated being reminded how much of a klutz he was, even if Scott had every reason to be on guard.

Ignoring the worry on Scott’s face, David once again pointed to the star. “Well?” he asked.

“It’s beautiful, but I don’t understand all the fuss.”

“Fuss?” David twisted, glaring at Scott as the man instinctively put out his hands to stop him from toppling off the ladder.

“You know this is my first Christmas away from home.”

“I thought this was your home.” Scott’s frown deepened.

“You know what I mean. An English Christmas is so different from an Aussie one.”

“Of course it is. We’re in opposing hemispheres. It’s cold up there, and warm down here.”

“Warm?” David used his forearm to wipe the sweat off his brow. “It’s forty degrees outside.”

“Which is why we’re inside with the air conditioning on.” Scott’s pragmatic point of view frustrated David because Scott just didn’t get it.

David was used to days curled up in front of an open fire, with a mug of hot chocolate while wrapped up in a soft blanket. Granted, being wrapped in Scott’s arms while sitting on the front porch and having a cold beer wasn’t bad either, but it just didn’t feel like Christmas. Here he was greeted with Galahs and Wattles, not Robin Red Breasts and Holly Bushes. In England there would be snow on the ground, and the air would have a crisp sharpness to it that took your breath away. Whereas the heat in outback Australia was hot and dry, and everywhere was covered in red dirt.

Knowing he couldn’t change the climate, David at least wanted to re-create the cosy atmosphere he’d experienced while growing up in England, and that included a decorated Christmas tree. He glanced at the tinsel and baubles, the twinkling lights and the star on top, and thought it was perfect. Now all he needed were the gifts to put underneath.

“Um, did you pick up the turkey and ham?” he asked, hoping Scott had forgotten so there was a chance to grab the hidden presents from the bedroom closet.

“Yes, and the prawns.”

“The what?”

“Prawns. You know, for dinner.”

“Christmas dinner?” David stared at Scott, aghast. Surely he couldn’t be serious.

Scott grinned at him, his pale blue eyes lit with amusement. “Yes. It’s a tradition of ours.”

David was all for traditions, but prawns, on Christmas day? “Why?” he asked.

“My grandmother started it. She didn’t want to be cooking on a hot summer’s day, so she got my granddad to go and buy something that could be eaten without her having to cook it. He came back with prawns.” Scott tilted his head to the side. “We’re not the only ones to do it. A lot of Aussie’s have prawns on Christmas day.”

“Do you still have pudding and mince pies?”

“Of course, but we have cream or ice-cream instead of hot custard.”

“Oh.” David liked custard. His mom used to make it from scratch. Not that he’d be able to do that himself, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to go without it completely.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I got you some.”

“You did?”

Scott wrapped his fingers around David’s ankle, absently rubbing a scar he’d got while learning to ride his bike as a child. “Of course I did. I also bought all the ingredients to make a trifle, just in case.”

So maybe Scott did get it. David smiled then leaned down to capture Scott’s firm lips. They were warm, and tasted of…well, Scott.

“Do you think we can start some traditions of our own?” David asked while sliding his arms around Scott’s neck.

“Yes,” Scott murmured. “And that’s letting me put up the star every year so you don’t have to climb a ladder ever again.”

“Okay.” David was quick to agree, but he was thinking of a different kind of tradition. Maybe one involved skinny dipping in the pool.
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Down Under Day 23- Welcome, Penny Brandon, NZ/AUS Facts of the Day

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Welcome, Penny Brandon!

It’s Day 23 of our Down Under Author Showcase and we’re heading towards the end.    Our featured author today is Penny Brandon.  It’s through a scene  about an Australian Christmas that I got my first taste of the holiday viewed through an Australian colored lens, so its wonderful that Penny Brandon gives us another perspective on this holiday.  Don’t forget to check out all Penny Brandon’s stories, her bio, and enter her giveaway of the day!

I hope you all are having as much fun as I am with the Australian and New Zealand facts of the day.  If you think about it, drop me a line and let me know which were your favorites.

Thanks to Wayward Ink Publishing, we are adding another contest to the already full pot,  check out your chances to win more gift cards on the Down Under Author Showcase page.  Look for Wayward Ink Publishing and enter via the Rafflecopter link provided.

Now onto our facts of the day for Australia and New Zealand…

 

 

Australia Fact(s) of the Day!

In land area, Australia is estimated to be 7,692,024 square Kilometers and the sixth largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States of America and Brazil. It has, however, a relatively small population.Australia globe

Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. The mainland is the largest island and the smallest, flattest continent on Earth. It lies between 10° and 39° South latitude. The highest point on the mainland, Mount Kosciuszko, is only 2,228 metres.

Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth. Its interior has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world and about three-quarters of the land is arid or semi-arid. Its fertile areas are well-watered, however, and these are used very effectively to help feed the world. Sheep and cattle graze in dry country, but care must be taken with the soil. Some grazing land became desert when the long cycles that influence rainfall in Australia turned to drought.

 

New Zealand Fact(s) of the Day!

New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin, the rarest sea lion, the Hookers Sea Lion, theHooker's Sealion largest flightless parrot, the kakapo, the oldest reptile, the tuatara, the heaviest insect, a weta, the biggest earth-worms, the smallest bats, some of the oldest trees, and many of the rarest birds, insects, and plants in the world.

On Tour with Kari Gregg and Tame a Wild Human (tour and contest)

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Hi, everyone, thanks for having me on this tour for Tame a Wild Human! Don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of this post for a chance to win a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit.

About Tame a Wild HumanTameAWildHuman_400x600

Drugged, bound, and left as bait on the cusp of the lunar cycle, Wyatt Redding is faced with a terrifying set of no-win scenarios. Best case: he survives the coming days as a werewolf pack’s plaything and returns to the city as a second-class citizen with the mark—and protection—of the pack. Worst case: the wolves sate their lusts with Wyatt’s body, then send him home without their protection, condemning him to live out the rest of his short life as a slave to the worst of humanity’s scorn and abuse.

Wyatt’s only chance is to swallow every ounce of pride, bury his fear, and meekly comply with every wicked desire and carnal demand the wolf pack makes of him. He expects three days of sex and humiliation. What he doesn’t expect is to start enjoying it. Or to grow attached to his captor and pack Alpha, Cole.

As the lunar cycle ends, Wyatt begins to realize that the only thing to fear more than being sent home without the pack’s protection is being sent home at all.

About Kari Gregg

Kari Gregg lives in the mountains of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia with her Wonderful husband and three very Wild children.
When Kari’s not writing, she enjoys reading, coffee, zombie flicks, coffee, naked mud-wrestling (not really), and . . . coffee!

Connect with Kari:
Website: KariGregg.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Kari.M.Gregg
Twitter: @karigregg
Goodreads: goodreads.com/KariGregg

Giveaway

Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a $10 Riptide Publishing store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on January 25th. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Down Under Author: Maggie Mitchell aka Maggie Nash!

 

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Meet Maggie Mitchell aka Maggie Nash!

 

Maggie Mitchell is the author of  Muses Across Time series, Illuminations (Maggie Nash) and other books listed below.

To get to know Maggie Mitchell a little better, the author agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

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Author Bio 1

Maggie Mitchell lives in her dream place by the sea. Of course, sometimes she even gets the dreams written down in a story. Lucky for her she has a musician for a husband who understands the creative spirit. In her other life she’s a nurse educator who manages Learning & Development for a large private hospital. When she’s not working, you’ll find her out on her balcony enjoying a glass of Moscato or a cappuccino made on her beloved espresso machine.

Author Contacts

Contacts/Follow at :

Twitter @mmitchellwrites
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4996618.Maggie_Mitchell
Website: www.maggiemitchell.net
Blog: www.maggiemitchell.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggie.mitchell.129

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Author Books Stories Down Under1 copy

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Books:

Muses Across Time Series:
Chasing Terpsichore : https://www.totallybound.com/chasing-terpsichore
Calling Calliope: https://www.totallybound.com/calling-calliope

Sun Man Meets Moon Woman (in Moonlit Encounters) : Amazon

Genre(s):

Maggie Mitchell – Contemporary/Fantasy/Greek Mythology
(I also write as Maggie Nash – Erotic Romance/Contemporary BDSM/Victorian BDSM/Romantic Suspense)

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Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you, Maggie Mitchell) is the Winners choice of:
eBook (any format) of Chasing Terpsichore OR Calling Calliope . Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

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Author Qand A

How do you think books written from authors in Australia or New Zealand differ in style, language, and culture?

I think Aussie authors like to break rules, so if there is a genre or literary rule to break, the Aussies will give it a try! We’re also very irreverent, and I think that comes through in our voices. I always get a laugh when I read an Aussie book.

My first impression of AUS/NZ was from stories and novels like Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds or Nevil Shute’s A Town Like Alice as well as from movies like The Man from Snowy River, The Dish, Rabbit Proof Fence, Strictly Ballroom, and yes, Crocodile Dundee!  There are so many out there.  What is your favorite AUS/NZ stories and favorite Australian/New Zealand movies?

 

One of my all time favourite Aussie movies would have to be Muriel’s Wedding. It encompasses so much of what it was like growing up in Australia – and the difficulties of trying to fit in to what society wants us to.  The good thing is that it didn’t take itself too seriously.  Who can forget those ABBA costumes!

 

If you were a tour guide, what would you like a visitor to see and what impression would you want them to take away with them when they leave?

 

I think Australia is the best country in the world, but of course I’m biased  If there was one thing I would want people to remember when they leave, it’s the beauty of the wide open spaces, the freedom to do as you please, and the way we all pull together and support each other.

 

What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

At the moment I can’t go past the place where I live on the South Coast of New South Wales.  It’s a small city with friendly people, and the coastline is awe inspiring. I grew up by the beach, so many years later I feel like I’ve come home.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on more stories in my Muses Across Time series. The next one is about Thalia, and she finds herself stranded on a large sheep station in the Kimberly region in the Top End of Australia. Needless to say, her lack of knowledge of all things farming leads to much hilarity.

 

Down Under Day 22 – Welcome, Maggie Mitchell ( aka Maggie Nash) and AUS/NZ Facts of the Day

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Welcome, Maggie Mitchell!

Today is February 22 and our featured Down Under writer is Australian Maggie Mitchell who also writes under the name Maggie Nash.  Books under both names are listed on her author page so be sure to check them all out.  Find the Scavenger Hunt word of the day and make sure to enter Maggie’s contest/giveaway.

Today it’s a tale of 2 Blue Lakes, one in Australia and one in New Zealand!

 

Australia Fact of the Day:australia-physical-map

Blue Lake is located on Mount Gambier in Southern Australia.  The Blue Lake in Mount Gambier, South Australia is a large deep lake located in an extinct volcanic maar associated with the Mount Gambier. It is one of four crater lakes on Mount Gambier. Of the four lakes, only two remain, as the other two (Leg of Mutton and Brown) have dried up over the past 30 to 40 years as the water table has dropped. Last eruption was over 4,500 years ago.

Blue Lake AUSview from Mt. Gambler

 

 

New Zealand Facts of the Day:

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Blue Lake, in Nelson Lakes National Park, has the clearest water in the world.blue_lake_underwater_2

New Zealand has three official languages: English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.

and…….

More people die in New Zealand each year playing lawn bowls than scuba diving. (Imagine the commitment!)

In the Author Spotlight: An Interview with Amanda C. Stone on The Adventures of Cole and Perry (contest included)

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Book Name: The Adventures of Cole and Perry
Release Date: Mid-January
Author Name: Amanda C. Stone

An Interview with Amanda C. Stone…

1.  I love the concept behind the Adventures of Cole and Perry?  What was your inspiration or muse?

The entire project came from what happens in The Anniversary. That little nugget had been in my head forever before I had to write it down. After it was done, the rest of the shorts became obvious.

2.  Biggest thrill/chill outside of seeing your book published, was it the cover?  The thrill of anticipation? Seeing a book release from the other side?

Finally seeing it published. There were a bunch of hurdles that I wasn’t expecting, and most of them were out of my control. So getting to the point that it was published was the best feeling in the world.

3.  How long did it take you to write The Adventures of Cole and Perry?

I wrote The Anniversary in a less than a week. Once I had the core idea of each of the stories it took maybe a week for each one, give or take a day or two. So overall, roughly 6 to 7 weeks of actual writing time with breaks between each one for real life.

4.  How do you choose the names for your characters?

It’s actually really hard for me to pick names. I sit there and look at the meaning behind the name on baby name websites. As a former teacher I take into account kids I’ve had in my classes with those names. There are times when whole chapters are written with GUY 1 and GUY 2 in place while I’m still deciding on names.

5.  Do you want to write in genres other than contemporary romance?

Oh yes. I’ve got ideas for some high fantasy stories and paranormal. I’m sure as I go along this journey I’ll add more genres. It’ll depend on where the characters take me.

6.  Have you always wanted to write?

As far as I can remember.

7.  Biggest influence on you as a writer?

Stress. HA! Just kidding, sort of. I’m one of those writers that lets the characters lead the way. I know mostly where I’m going and some of the stops along the way. But I’m along for the ride as well.

8.  What’s next for Amanda C. Stone?

I’ve got two projects I’m working on next. One I hope to have finished by my birthday. The other if I can finish by the end of the year I’ll be happy.

 

Author Bio:

Armed with her Batman notebook, fourth grade Amanda C. Stone was ready to start writing stories about unicorns, family members, and her imaginary friends Pink Amanda and Blue Amanda. Today, Amanda is armed with a new notebook, along with a laptop, and a never ending supply of caffeine. Her stories are about all kinds of things, but the most important aspect is people falling in love.

Where to find the author:

Publisher: Self-published
Cover Artist: Amanda C. Stone

Sales Links: All Romance (ARe)   Amazon   GoodreadsTheAdventuresOfColeAndPerry400x600

Blurb:

It all started when Cole met Perry in a bar. Over three years they had some exciting adventures, and misadventures. The six stories included in this book are all about their journey from bar to wedding.

The Anniversary
Another cancellation of plans by his boyfriend forces Cole out to the neighborhood bar. Not long after arriving he meets Perry. Even as exciting as Perry is, he’s unsure how the night will end.

The Fight
Cole and Perry are struggling to make time for each other and constantly at each other’s throats. A fight to the death will decide who is right or wrong in their arguments. But Cole really doesn’t want to shoot Perry.

The Threesome
Deciding they want to spice up things in the bedroom, Perry wants to have a one-time threesome. Cole’s nervous and doesn’t want to ask any of their friends to join them. Perry finds the perfect solution.

The House
After two and a half years together, Cole and Perry want to buy a house. Once they find the perfect house, they get to spend their first morning together in their new space. Perry will have to help Cole decide which room is his favorite.

The Baby
Both Cole and Perry are exhausted. Taking care of a three month old is hard when she’s up all night and is always hungry. If only they could find where they put the bottle warmer.

The Wedding
Cole is ready to make his commitment to Perry life-long. After careful planning, they created the perfect event. What could possibly go wrong? If only Cole didn’t ask the same question.

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

“Cole. I have a surprise for you. I want you to close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them.”

Cole looked up from his magazine at the doorway Perry’s voice drifted in from. He put the magazine on his nightstand and closed his eyes.

“They’re closed,” he called out. He wasn’t sure where Perry was in their apartment, but he sounded close.

Rustling and a strange squeaking noise reached his ears. Cole furrowed his brows trying to figure out what Perry was up to and what he was hearing.

“Okay. Go ahead and open your eyes.”

Cole popped his eyes open. He closed them and then re-opened them again. Nope, he still was seeing what was in front of him.

“Perry. Why is there–?”

Perry cut him off before Cole could finish his thought.

“So, we had talked about fantasies and things like that. I told you this was mine. So I’d like to introduce you to Freddy. Freddy, I’d like to introduce you to my boyfriend, Cole.”

Cole smiled at how nervous Perry was. His boyfriend was adorable trying to be brave with his ideas.

“Nice to meet you, um, Freddy. Perry, where did you meet Freddy?”

Perry had a small smile on his face that showed Cole he appreciated he was alright with what was happening.

“Online. I found Freddy on some website. Can’t remember the name now.”

Cole was stunned. His boyfriend didn’t go to those types of websites for any reason. Just meant Perry wanted to have the threesome and was willing to do it without asking one of their friends. Cole was so happy Perry had found a way to have his fantasy.

Pages or Words: Around 17,000 words

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A MelanieM Review: A Minor Inconvenience by Sarah Granger

Rating: 4.75 (rounded up to 5) stars out of 5

Duty, honor, propriety…all fall in the face of love. 

A Minor Inconvenience coverAs Lord Wellington wages war against Napoleon, Captain Hugh Fanshawe, third son of Lord Fanshawe, returns from the Peninsular War permanently injured.  His leg torn apart by a French musket ball, Hugh is reduced to quiet, lonely days compiling paperwork at Horse Guards headquarters, the one place he can still make a difference.

From the battlefields to his office, now Hugh’s life is only interrupted by his mother and sister’s social schedule as he accompanies them to functions and galas.  Hugh’s only solace is that his mother no longer tries to fix his up with “suitable girls” with large dowries, thanks to his injuries.  Then Hugh’s restricted, lonely life is upended with the arrival of Colonel Theo Lindsay.

Theo is everything Hugh is not—a man of physical perfection and easy yet distinguished address. Surprisingly to Hugh, Theo appears to be interested in befriending him. Theo turns out to be a pivotal person in Hugh’s life.  An embarrassing turn of events reveals their fondness for the company of men, and soon, a friendship forms that quickly turns into something sexual and deep.

But there’s a mighty war still being fought, and a suspicion of a French spy at work in the Horse Guards.  The search for the spy’s identity and the subsequent revelations will have drastic consequences on all involved, not the least of which is Hugh’s heart!

What an amazing story!  I am so fond of M/M historical romances but accompanying that love of historical fiction is a critical eye towards the locations, settings, and cultural references of the times.  Too often that’s where a novelist goes astray, with dates, people and events not thoroughly researched.  But not here!  No, Sarah Granger has done a fabulous job of bringing the tumultuous times of the Peninsula War (1807 to 1814) to life in every way.  Through the eyes of Hugh (our narrator) we overhear the correspondence to and from Wellington as the war wages overseas and the incompetence and politics interfering with Wellington’s progress (or lack of) at home.  There are recounted clashes and tortured remembrances of bloody campaigns in Spain, and every scene, every bit of dialog feels believable and authentic.

But Granger doesn’t stop there with pulling us into the life of the English ton and upper society.  Hugh’s young sister, Sophie is fond of milliners, mantua-makers and such and is often found regaling Hugh with the descriptions of her latest gowns even as Hugh’s eyes glaze over.  I adored Sophie and her relationship with Hugh is telling, tender and happily contributes to our portrait of the man.

There are the uniforms of the 52nd Foot, the 95th Rifles and Horse Guards, the dress of the men in formal and informal occasions, the barouches, curricles, and phaeton’s and other horse drawn carriages of the times.  There’s the mention that Hugh’s valet wishes his master would have his coats made at Weston instead of patronizing Scott, an inferior tailor. And when Hugh’s not paying attention, the valet manages to tie Hugh’s neckcloth in the Mathematical style.  I could go on and go, the references accurately framing out the author’s time period for her story and giving A Minor Inconvenience a solid historical  foundation and universe upon which her characters and plot stand quite easily.

However, wonderful an author’s world building translates, it still needs great characters to breathe life into the story.  Hugh and Theo are marvelous characters believable in their ages, experiences and background.  But no matter how much I adored Theo, its Hugh that’s this story’s emotional center.  Hugh sees himself as a stolid, good sort of fellow. Not up to the gloriousness of his brothers and sister.  The oldest George is now Lord Fanshawe, intelligent, responsible and grave in his duties.  The second brother is James, a god in appearance, brave without fault, charismatic and an officer close to Wellington. Then there is Sophie, gorgeous, huge hearted, Sophie who looks like their mother, who made a brilliant marriage because she was and still is a well-known beauty.  And then there’s Hugh, whose eyes and hair color are not a match for his mother or siblings.  He’s serious, hurting over the loss of his career and disability and hiding his “unnatural” love of men. Hugh loves to fade into the background where he thinks he belongs. Trust me, Hugh will grab at your heart with all his awkwardness and serious demeanor.  I adored Hugh, even more so when fitted into his family’s framework ( I love his family as well).  Every character here is a marvel and necessary component to this story.

There is a mystery, well not so much of a mystery as I had the spy’s identity figured out.  This part of the story is the only place that I felt needs a little more construction and layers to it.  We build up to a reveal that never quite comes off as explosive or as dramatic as it could have been.  That said, this part also caused me to bawl like a baby over the pain it causes a a main character and the events that follow.  And yes, I love, loved the ending.  It was funny, believable and a HFN as it had to be while the war was still being waged.

I would love to see a return to this couple and England after the war.  What  happens to Lindsay and Hugh?  Does Sophie ever marry her rose-growing lord?  I need to know and hope there’s a sequel to follow.

A Minor Inconvenience is what is said when referring to the damage done to Hugh’s leg.  It’s just a “minor incovenience” , to all but Hugh who has to live with it.  How I love this story and I highly recommend it to all, not just the lovers of m/m historical romance but romance period.  I am going to search out more stories by Sarah Granger.  I’ll let you know what I find!

Cover Artist ?  I’m not sure who the cover artist is but they did a terrific job with the different uniforms and backdrop.

Sales Links:  Samhain Publishing   All Romance (ARe)   Amazon   Buy it here

Book Details:

ebook, 264 pages
Published January 14th 2014 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN 161921766X (ISBN13: 9781619217669)