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

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

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

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

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

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

~ Authors On Ebooks~

Parker Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What things would you change if you were starting over?

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

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

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

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

Where do you see ebooks and yourself in the future?

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

Wulf Francu Godgluck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What things would you change if you were starting over?

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

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

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

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

Where do you see ebooks and yourself in the future?

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

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

them.

Jay Northcote

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And now for this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 23:

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

Monday, October 24:

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

Tuesday, October 25:

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

Wednesday, October 26:

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

Thursday, October 27:

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

Friday, October 28:

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

Saturday, October 29:

A MelanieM Review: Shield of the Dragon by Megan Derr

About the Authors:

Parker Williams can be found at his Goodreads blog

Wulf Francu Godgluck

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can find Wulf at his website

Jay Northcote

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

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

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

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

Contact Jay at:

Website http://jaynorthcote.com/
Twitter jay_northcote

In the Release Spotlight: The Viscount And The Artist – Alyson Pearce (excerpt and book details)

The Viscount And The Artist – Alyson Pearce

Length: 299 pages

Buy Links: Amazon US Amazon UK AllRomance Smashwords KOBO

Blurb

Andrew Cardwell is a man driven by duty to his country and to his family. After the death of his uncle, he’s determined to provide security and stability for his family as the new Viscount Cardwell—even if that means marrying and producing an heir. Surprising himself, Andrew decides to sponsor a young artist named Jeremy for the season, to help him find a patron. What he doesn’t anticipate is how well Jeremy fits in his bed…and his life.

Jeremy Leighton knows what it’s like to be a disappointment. The only son of a vicar, he’s refused to follow the path his father set for him, choosing his passion for art, instead. He accepts Andrew’s proposal, hoping to prove to his father—and himself—that he can succeed as an artist. After spending time with Andrew in and out of bed, Jeremy struggles not to fall for the damaged viscount, knowing the season will likely end in Andrew’s engagement.

Between a meddling cousin, a widow on the hunt for a new husband, and their own doubts about the relationship, how can Andrew and Jeremy shed the expectations of others to find true happiness?

Excerpt

Sitting in the carriage outside Boodle’s, Jeremy fiddled with his coat buttons. A cold sweat had started along the back of his neck. Talking about finding a patron was one matter. Actively looking for one was completely different. He looked over at Andrew. The man was the embodiment of fashionable: his jet black tailcoat was expertly tailored, the waistcoat beneath adding a touch of colour and pattern. Even his cravat was tied in a perfect Osbaldeston. Next to him, Jeremy looked like a simple country boy, wearing clothing his father had bought him when he entered Oxford. His stomach rolled, and he regretted eating such a large dinner.

“You’re going to be fine,” Andrew said.

Jeremy fastened his buttons for a third time.

“Just relax. Hands at your sides. Deep breaths. Follow my lead and stay by my side.”

Nodding, Jeremy let his hands drop. He waited until Andrew opened the carriage door before climbing out. The sight in front of him was formal and imposing, and Jeremy wanted nothing more than to climb back into the carriage. The ground floor exterior was a white stone, while the upper levels were brick. The showpiece of the building, though, was the large, domed window in the centre, trimmed by white, scalloped stone.

“Come on.”

Andrew clapped Jeremy on the shoulder and steered them toward the door. It felt rather like he was being marched to the gallows. As they passed through the columned entrance, Jeremy balled his fists at his sides.

“You have to relax, Jeremy,” Andrew murmured. “No one is going to come and escort you out. You are here as my guest, and therefore you belong here. Unclench your fists. Drop your shoulders. Remember, every man you meet here is a potential patron. Treat them as such. Be respectful, but be yourself.”

Jeremy nodded, forcing his shoulders down. “All right. Where to first, Cardwell?”

“Let’s start by finding friends.”

After a giving Jeremy a quick tour of the ground floor, Andrew led him up the steps, toward the salon. A number of men had already started to gather at the card tables, and Jeremy stayed as close to Andrew as he possibly could. A large man with a bulbous nose and beady eyes broke away from the rest and started toward the both of them, favouring his left leg.

“Thomas Stanhope,” Andrew whispered. “A member of the Commons and not someone you want to work with.”

“Cardwell!” The man’s voice was thin and raspy, and his gaze darted between Andrew and Jeremy. “Back just in time for the Season, I see. Is your uncle with you?”

Andrew’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Uncle Richard passed a few weeks ago. You sent a letter expressing your condolences.”

Stanhope’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “Did I? I…You must forgive me. My mind is not what it once was.”

“Of course.” The words came out clipped. “Stanhope, allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Jeremy Leighton.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Stanhope’s face, though Jeremy couldn’t place it. Whatever it was made him uncomfortable.

“Leighton…” The man frowned, as though he were trying to piece together a puzzle.

“It’s a pleasure,” Jeremy said, shaking the man’s hand.

“The pleasure is mine.” Stanhope didn’t release his grip. “Tell me, how did you become acquainted with our Cardwell, here?”

The man’s palm was sweaty and Jeremy longed to pull away, but when he tried, Stanhope simply tightened his grip. “My father was friends with Lord Richard Cardwell. I’ve been acquainted with his family since birth.”

The confusion twisted into something like satisfaction, and Stanhope smirked, a gleam in his eye.

“I see. And how—”

“Cardwell!”

Jeremy looked over Stanhope’s shoulder to see a man taller than Andrew walking over. When he looked back at Stanhope, the man’s expression had soured.

“Excuse me. I look forward to seeing you again, Mr. Leighton.”

Stanhope walked away, his expression clouded. Andrew breathed a sigh of relief and the tension visibly eased.

“Perfect timing, Percy,” Andrew said. “I thought I would have to cut Jeremy’s hand off to get him away.”

“You looked like a caged animal.” The man embraced Andrew and then pulled away. “I wondered if you would be here for the Season. We placed bets on whether or not you would turn up. Thaddeus put you down as sitting out.”

Jeremy blinked. How could he be so crass?

“It’s as though he doesn’t know me at all,” Andrew shot back. He turned to Jeremy. “Lord Percival Beaumont, this is Mr. Jeremy Leighton. Percy and I attended Harrow and Oxford together.”

As Beaumont shook his hand, Jeremy could practically feel the man scrutinizing his appearance. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord,” he said, not quite meeting Beaumont’s gaze.

Beaumont gave him the same easy-going smile he gave Andrew. “Pleasure’s all mine. Please, call me Percy. Andrew, Thaddeus and Oliver are at May’s Buildings. I thought you might want to head over.”

Andrew looked to Jeremy. “What do you think? Would you rather visit the Eccentrics than stay here?”

Given the stuffy crowd and their interactions with Stanhope, Jeremy was more than eager to leave. “Yes. Could we go, please?”

“Lead the way, then, Percy.”

The trio headed back down the stairs and out the door. Rather than hailing a carriage, they set off on foot. The sun had almost completely set, and a slight chill had entered the air, but it wasn’t anything Jeremy’s coat couldn’t protect against. As they walked, Jeremy found himself trailing behind Andrew, with Percy at his side.

“So you went to school with Andrew, then?” Jeremy asked. It was easy to relax around Percy, who treated him with the same warmth he treated Andrew. Stanhope, with his odd behaviour, had had the opposite effect on him.

Percy nodded. “Our families run in the same circles, so of course I knew Andrew, but I didn’t become friends with him until university.” He lowered his voice. “We, ah, share similar interests.”

The meaning was clear. Already, Jeremy was starting to pick up on the cues and the codes. “Of course,” he said.

Part of him wanted to ask whether or not they had been together, but a much larger part didn’t care to know.

“I do believe I’ve stunned you. Forgive me, I’ve said too much.”

“Not at all. I simply…”

“I see.” Percy nodded slowly. He glanced ahead at Andrew before turning back to Jeremy. “I wouldn’t worry, if I were you. What happened between us was years ago, and I found we’re much better suited as friends. Relax.”

“I would have a greater chance at relaxing if everyone stopped encouraging me to do so,” Jeremy retorted.

“My apologies. I meant only that I would like to get to know you better, as a friend of Andrew’s.”

“Gossiping about me, are you?” Andrew’s voice came from up ahead.

“You only wish,” Percy replied. He looped his arm through Jeremy’s. “Tell me about your relationship with Andrew.”

“My father was close friends with Andrew’s uncle, Richard.”

Percy flashed him a smile. “That tells me nothing about you and Andrew.”

“There’s not much to say.” Jeremy licked his lips. “I’m an artist looking for a patron. Andrew saw my work and commissioned me to paint his portrait, and in return he offered to let me come with him to London.”

“And does he give you anything else in return?”

Anger flared in Jeremy’s veins and he let out a harsh breath. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”

“I mean nothing by it,” Percy said gently. “As I said, I only wish to get to know you better. I know Andrew, and I only want the best for him. For you both. I know how difficult it can be to get close to him.”

“What do you know of his difficulties?”

“As one of his oldest friends, I believe a better question would be what do I not know of his difficulties?” The man regarded him with an air of suspicion before relaxing. “Come to my townhouse tomorrow afternoon. We can discuss the matter further there.”

“And what do I tell Andrew?”

“That he isn’t invited.” Percy laughed, his entire face lighting up. “He’ll hardly like it, but he will recover. Sometimes it is nice to remind him that he cannot control everything and everyone.”

Review Tour Stops

October 5 – MM Good Book Reviews
October 7 – Zipper Rippers
October 10 – BooksLaidBareBoys
October 12 – From Top To Bottom Reviews
October 14 – Dog-Eared Daydreams, Love Bites & Silk Ties
October 19 – Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
October 21 – Engaging Secrets, Making It Happen, Diverse Reader, Bayou Book Junkie, Full Moon Dreaming, MM Book Escape
October 22 – Bella’s Blog, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook

Author Bio

Alyson Pearce is an American transplant currently living in London, where she works full time in publishing and as an author of M/M romances. She fell in love with romances after discovering her grandmother’s library and hasn’t looked back. As a member of the LGBT community, she believes that everyone deserves their chance at a happily ever after. In her spare time, Alyson enjoys cooking, reading, and shouting at contestants on Chopped. The Viscount and the Artist is her first novel.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlysonPearceAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pearce_alyson

Website: http://www.alysonpearce.com/

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Shift into Romance with Wolf, in League (Wolf #3) by A.F. Henley (guest post, teaser, and giveaway)

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Wolf, in League (Wolf #3) by A.F. Henley

It is such a huge pleasure to not only be back as a guest here on Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words, but to be able to introduce you to the third release in my Wolf series, Wolf, in League. This is such an exciting time for me and I am honoured to be able to share that moment with you. For those who might be joining the tour for the first time, welcome, and thank you very much for stopping in. For those who have been following along since the start, thank you, it’s awesome to have you back.

As I’ve no doubt already said along the line, I promised myself I was going to keep the intros short, get right to the excerpts, and try not to take up too much of everybody’s valuable time. But I beg you for just a quick moment so that I can let you know about the giveaway I’ve got coming along with me. To celebrate this new release, I’m offering up a signed, print copy of Wolf in League, a “crystal and silver” diamante Howling Wolf Pendant, and a $20 gift certificate to the Less Than Three Press book market, to one lucky tour-wide winner. Just follow through to the end of the post for all the details.

And now, the teaser, and another quick look at Wolf’s villain…

Tiny Teaser: Post 11

Brothers, hear me…

His fingers stilled. His expression darkened. Sweet fuck, he hated the formality. Despised it, even. “Brothers.” As if. As if in a hundred thousand decades that would ever be the feeling he’d have for the rest of them. But the dark old princes insisted on it, and for now it was wise to keep the illusion of servitude. There would come a time when he would make the rules. After all, didn’t they already lean in to listen? Didn’t they already ask him the how and the when and the where? Did they not cock their eyebrows and pretend to confer and consider while merely waiting for him to give them the answers? Was he not, in fact, already making the rules? Setting up the game pieces? Making the moves?

And was he not already making them very well?

Oh, yes. He was.

At least in this crazy world of Skype and emails, scanners and instant messaging, there was no need for mental connections or face-to-face meetings. A good thing, really. The time he would have had to take socializing, smiling, and convincing others with his sure expressions and stances was time well saved. And there was so fucking much to do.

… It is time. Time in Europe and Asia. Time in America, in Africa, Australia, and the Antarctic. Time in every corner of every continent, every county and city of every country.

It is time to rise.

Wolf, in League Excerpt

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Blurb

Wolf, in League

It’s been months since anyone at the Committee has had any contact from the O’Connell family or their pack members, and they are not happy. Suspicious of the activities that took place in D.C. and determined to find out what the wolves are up to, the Committee recruits one of their newest residents, Doctor Matthew Dietrich, to play the part of neighbor and infiltrate the family.

Matthew has always been a keep-to-himself kind of person. Though idealistic and optimistic, he prefers to work in solitude, at night, while he researches the findings that he hopes will one day change the world. When he’s approached by the executives of the Center, he has no idea why they’d choose him. And to say he is skeptical over the concept of men that can shift into wolves would be an understatement. Until he meets his new partner, the man that will play the part of his “husband” in the Committee’s scheme, Doctor Gavin Strauss.

Genre: Gay, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Notes: Wolf, in League contains some explicit and violent content

Book 3 in the Wolf series

Purchasing Link

wolf-in-league-bt-giveaway

The Giveaway

On behalf of the tour, please join the giveaway by taking part in the Rafflecopter below. The prize consists of a signed, print copy of Wolf in League, a “crystal and silver” diamante Howling Wolf Pendant, and a $20 gift certificate to the Less Than Three Press book market.

For all the terms and conditions, please check out the t’s and c’s posted on the Rafflecopter.

** Please note that this giveaway is being offered tour-wide and there will be one winner awarded for the entire event.

ENTER RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE:

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As always, my heartfelt thanks to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for having me today, and a great big thank you to you, as well, for joining me. Best of luck with the giveaway and I hope you enjoyed the post!

Until next time,

AF Henley ❤

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About the Author

Henley was born with a full-blown passion for run-on sentences, a zealous indulgence in all words descriptive, and the endearing tendency to overuse punctuation. Since the early years Henley has been an enthusiastic writer, from the first few I-love-my-dog stories to the current leap into erotica.

A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, tend to flourish.

Henley has been proudly publishing with Less Than Three Press since 2012.

For more information, please stop by for a visit at afhenley.com.

Cari Z. Shares Her Love of Writing Weapons and her latest release Friendly Fire (giveaway)

Friendly Fire by Cari Z.
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase

Release date: October 17, 2016
Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Cari Z here today to share her thoughts on her latest release Friendly Fire and her love of writing weapons in her guest blog, Weapon of Choice. Welcome, Cari!

Weapon of Choice by Cari Z

So, hey—I like writing weapons.

This isn’t news to anyone who’s read me before. If I had a tagline (gosh, I should have a tagline, get on that, brain) it would be something like, “Guys and guns,” or “Romantic explosions for all!” Or not, whatever, but really—I like writing weapons. I like thinking about how to use them, and I like writing characters who use them well. I like futuristic weapons and old-fashioned weapons and common items that just happen to be at hand used as weapons. I like fight scenes, armed and unarmed, and I love me some big old explosions.

I also love training with weapons. Not all of them—despite a childhood filled with firearms, I’m still not really a gun girl. They’re important and contemporary and something to know how to use, especially if you live in America, but I don’t carry one and I don’t own one. I do own a lot of knives, though. However many you’re thinking, add a few more. Plus a couple of tactical pens, and an extendable baton or two. Or three. One of the best things about writing a contemporary novel? Getting to give one of my main characters, Lennox, the job of my dreams: arms merchant!

No, just kidding, someone else in the book is an arms merchant, and this isn’t really his story. Lennox installs home security systems, but he also sells weapons for personal protection. This is where the old adage “write what you know” really came into play for me in Friendly Fire. I train with Spyderco-style folding knives (dull ones, because I want to be able to play more than once) a couple of times a week, and am familiar enough with sticks and batons not to beat the hell out of my hands—or my partner’s—when working with them. I love knives. If I could have written a dozen more chapters about Lennox doing nothing but stroking his weapons while describing them in loving detail, I would have. *snerk* Sadly, I couldn’t work that in, but if you read Friendly Fire, you’ll see my predilections come to light in a couple of scenes.

Hey, it could be worse. I could be really into potato canons. Actually…

Blurb

friendlyfire_600x900 Elliot McKenzie is the king of reinvention. Five years after losing his job and his lover and almost going to prison, his self-help program, Charmed Life, is more successful than he’d ever dreamed. He thinks he’s put his sordid past firmly behind him, until he starts receiving cryptic threats . . . and realizes it might not be as over as he’d hoped.

Security expert Lennox West has been lost since a deadly skirmish in Afghanistan led to his forced retirement from the Army. His PTSD makes helping his ex raise their daughter a challenge. When his ex’s sister asks him to set her boss up with a security system, Lennox isn’t expecting anyone like Elliot McKenzie—a man who captures his attention and makes him feel relaxed for the first time since leaving the service.

But Elliot is dangerously stubborn. Even as the threats against him escalate, he refuses to involve the police, and Lennox fears that stubbornness could kill him. A battle of wills ensues that brings them closer to each other than either man expected. But if the threats turn real, they might not live long enough to get their future together.

About Cari Z

Cari Z was a bookworm as a child and remains one to this day. In an effort to combat her antisocial reading behavior, she did all sorts of crazy things, from competitive gymnastics to alligator wresting (who even knew that was legal!) to finally joining the Peace Corps, which promptly sent her and her husband to the wilds of West Africa, stuck them in a hut, and said, “See ya!” She also started writing, because some things she just thought she could do better. She’s still climbing that ladder, but can’t stop herself from writing, or from sharing what she creates.

Cari enjoys a wide range of literary genres, from the classics (get ‘im, Ahab) to science fiction and fantasy of all types, to historical fiction and reference materials (no, seriously, there are so many great encyclopedias out there). She writes in a wide range of genres as well, but somehow 90% of what she produces ends up falling into the broad and exciting category of m/m erotica. There’s a sprinkling of f/m and f/f and even m/f/m in her repertoire, but her true love is man love. And there’s a lot of love to go around.

Cari has published short stories, novellas, and novels with numerous print and e-presses, and she also offers up a tremendous amount of free content on Literotica.com, under the name Carizabeth.

Connect with Cari:

Website: http://cari-z.net/
Blog: http://carizerotica.blogspot.com/

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Friendly Fire, one lucky winner will receive a copy of Friendly Fire signed by Cari Z! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on October 22, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

In the Series Spotlight:Mockingbird Place Series Tour by Kris Cook (excerpt)

Series: A Mockingbird Place

Novels Included: The Marine in Unit A, The Cowboy in Unit E, The Fireman in Unit C, The Doctor in Unit H, The Fighter in Unit J

Author: Kris Cook

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: Available Now

The Marine in Unit A: “A very nice read that I totally enjoyed. I will read more by this author especially this series.” – Inked Rainbow Reads

The Cowboy in Unit E: “Yes, I recommend the series. Smokin’ hot and smart men who are not afraid to expose their feelings or get in touch with their emotional side. Well done, again, Mr. Cook! I look forward to the next book – impatiently!“ – Happily Ever Chapter

The Fireman in Unit C: “Kris Cook gives us another issues driven story that his Mockingbird Place Guys must deal with to get their lives settled.” – Amazon Review

The Doctor in Unit H: “This story is riveting and I read it from start to finish without putting it down!
Kris takes you on a journey with his words – enjoy!!!!!!!” – Amazon Review

The Fighter in Unit J: “A story of love triumphing over the sorrows of the past!! From the beginning to the end there are surprises that you don’t see coming. Mockingbird Place is my dream home!” – Amazon Review

The man who has been more of a dad to me than my biological father is dead.

He rescued me from the streets six years ago—a runaway teenage boy, escaping a family who thought I was an abomination.

Now what do I do? I have no one.

My life might look great from the outside. I’m in college. I have my own apartment. I have lots of friends.

But I’m dying on the inside.

I feel so alone. Lost. Hopeless.

I’m not the kind of person to wallow in self-pity. I need a distraction.

The guy moving into Unit A may be just what I need to take my mind off of losing my dad.

****

21-year old Oliver Lancaster is attracted to 22-year old Adam Stockton, the former-Marine moving into Unit A. But attraction for the closeted man morphs quickly into something deeper, something meaningful, something that terrifies Oliver. What will happen if Adam learns about the secret from his past?

Warning: contains skinny dipping, two hot men kissing, and sexual situations taking place in a 10-unit Mediterranean complex filled with college-aged hotties.

The good news is the most gorgeous cowboy I’ve ever seen is moving in next door to me. The bad news? He’s not alone. Hanging on his arm is a very pregnant woman. Are they a couple? It sure looks like they are. So not only is he not gay, but he also has a girlfriend, or a wife, or whatever. Just my luck.

****

21-year old Trace Cotton is an artist who never shows his paintings to anyone. When cowboy Luke Wagner moves into Mockingbird Place with a very pregnant Ava, Trace believes he must fight his attraction to Luke since he’s taken.

When Ava collapses outside Trace’s apartment, he comes to her rescue. Things aren’t what they seem on the surface, but when Trace finds out the truth will it be too late for a chance at something real with Luke?

Warning: contains hot showers with singing, two sexy men kissing, and sexual situations taking place in a 10-unit Mediterranean complex filled with college-aged hotties.

A serial arsonist sets fire to the unit next to Jackson’s apartment—the unit the sexy fireman Eli lives in.

Things really heat up when Jackson offers Eli a place to stay until Unit C is livable again. Jackson, being OCD, requires everything in his life to be neat and orderly, but Eli’s life is chaotic and messy, especially because of the man’s ex, who keeps pushing his way back into the fireman’s life. Living with Eli turns out to be much more than he bargained for. As much as he would love to just throw caution to the wind, Jackson believes it is best to keep things between him an Eli on the friend level. Nothing more. But an unexpected kiss rocks his world and he must figure out the real reason he’s terrified of the feelings Eli is bringing out in him.

Will Jackson see that a future with Eli can help him let go of the guilt from his troubled past?

Jackson McAllen – Unit D

After spending several hours at the university’s library studying for my forensic psychology test next week, I drive away from the campus, anxious to get into my apartment and warm bed. Though I love the class, the amount of required reading has kept me very busy.

Thankfully, I don’t have any classes on Fridays this semester, so I can sleep in tomorrow. I’ll need the rest for Saturday’s tennis match. The new coach doesn’t believe in canceling no matter the weather. I really hope the forecast for the weekend is correct. We’re supposed to have clear skies and temperatures in the sixties. That will be a relief since this entire week has been so cold, especially today, which is the coldest.

The car is registering the outside temperature at ten degrees below freezing. It gives me a chill just looking at it.

I pull into my parking space at Mockingbird Place, my home sweet home. Bracing myself to face the cold, I open my car door and immediately smell smoke.

I look around and see where it’s coming from. Shit. It’s Eli’s apartment.

God, I hope he’s at the fire station working and not inside.

I call 9-1-1.

The dispatcher answers, “9-1-1. What’s your emergency?”

“I’m reporting a fire at Mockingbird Place.” I give her the address. “Unit C. I’m going to run to the door and make sure no one is inside.”

“Sir, for your safety you need to wait until the fire department gets there,” she says in a stern voice.

As I’m running, I tell her, “No way am I waiting.” At Eli’s door, I try to turn the knob. It’s locked. I pound as hard as I can. “Eli! Eli! Are you in there?”

My neighbors come out of their apartments. More smoke billows out the front window. I see that it’s broken. This could be arson. That realization multiplies my worry. Where the hell are you, Eli?

“I know I’m not supposed to hang up on you, ma’am, but I have to call my friend to make sure he’s okay.” Not waiting for her to respond, I click off of 9-1-1 and call Eli’s phone.

Sirens begin to wail in the distance.

Fuck. No answer.

Out of the corner of my eye I see something move. Hoping that it’s Eli, I turn and see the white stray cat that we’ve all adopted running down the sidewalk.

I knock even louder. “Eli!”

Suddenly, the door opens, releasing a massive amount of smoke. Eli rushes out with a towel around his waist and another covering his mouth.

“Eli, are you okay?”

Coughing, he puts his arms around me. “Yes, I am.”

I’m overwhelmed with relief that he is safe, but I’m feeling so much more that I can’t explain. There’s no time to sort out these thoughts right now.

Eli coughs a few more times and then his demeanor goes into fireman mode. “Jackson, we need to step away from the building. It’s too dangerous. Please help me get everyone back.” He doesn’t wait for me but begins lifting his hands and motioning everyone to the other side of the pool. Following his lead, I do the same, directing our neighbors away from the fire.

Once he’s satisfied that everyone is safely away from the blaze, I take off my coat and give it to him. Then he and I run around to the back of Mockingbird Place and meet a fire truck, an ambulance, and a police car, which are pulling into the parking lot next to our units.

The firemen jump out and get to work like a well-oiled machine, pulling out the hoses and other equipment.

Still coughing, Eli steps over to the man in charge, who is broad shouldered with salt and pepper hair.

“Grayson? What the hell are you doing here wrapped in a towel?” the man asks.

“It’s my place, Captain,” Eli chokes out. “I was in the shower when I heard glass breaking and smelled gasoline. I ran downstairs and saw my sofa and curtains go up in flames. I grabbed my fire extinguisher from under the kitchen sink and tried to put out the blaze but it was already out of control.”

“Damn arsonists. This is the fifth fire we’ve had to deal with in the past two weeks.”

I curl my hands into fists, angry about the attacks on gays that have occurred in the area. First it started out as bashing. Eleven LGBT people ended up in the hospital. After the police increased their presence down on Cedar Springs, that’s when small apartment complexes around the area, like ours, were set on fire. Although there has been no evidence connecting the bashings to the arsons, the entire community is on edge.

The captain motions to the EMTs to come over. “He’s one of ours. Inhaled some smoke. Take good care of him.” He turns to Eli. “We are getting this under control. You know the drill. Stay put.”

“Yes, sir.”

As the EMTs give Eli oxygen and provide him blankets, the captain and his team put out the blaze.

“I’m fine, fellas.” Eli seems far from fine to me, at least not emotionally, which is no surprise considering all he’s gone through.

Even so, he’s still the perfect example of male beauty. He’s six-foot-one, just like me. Muscles for days. Piercing blue eyes. Thick, dark hair. Just like the old cliché says—tall, dark, and handsome. He looks like a very strong, tough guy, but still, who would be fine after their home caught on fire? I hate that this has happened to him.

A little while later, the captain walks over to us. “Eli, the good news is we were able to keep the fire from spreading to your second floor. The bad news is everything in your living room is toast. And you know the kind of water damage you’re going to have to deal with.”

“Yes, sir.” He sighs. “And the smoke damage too. The adjoining unit has a couple who are expecting a baby. I’m going to need help finding them a place to stay. Lashaya can’t take a chance breathing in the residual smoke.”

“You may be jumping the gun,” I tell him. I know how terrific a guy Eli is—always concerned about everyone else more than himself. “There might not be any smoke in their place. If there is, we’ll all work on getting them settled until it’s safe for her to return to their apartment.”

He nods. “I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

“We did find the remains of what looks to be a Molotov cocktail in the middle of your apartment,” the captain says. “Before you can get inside the investigators will have to go over your place first.”

Eli closes his eyes. “Maybe they’ll find a clue to who did this.”

Of course he’s still struggling with what has happened. Who wouldn’t be?

“I’m sorry but you’re not going to be able to stay here.” The captain puts his arm around him. “You can stay at the station until this gets all sorted out. I know it might be hard to get much rest but at least you’ll have a clean bed and a shower.”

Everything inside me wants to help Eli. “Why don’t you stay with me? I have the extra bedroom now that Trace is living with Luke, Ava, and the baby. And you and I are about the same size. I have plenty of clothes you can wear.” I don’t want him to think I’m only offering as a gesture of charity, so I add, “And quite frankly, I could use the company. I’ve been a little lonely since Trace moved out.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I am. The first thing we need to do is get you out of the cold.”

He shakes his head. “I’d rather stay here until the fire is completely out.”

Knowing I would feel the same way if it were my place on fire, I nod. “Okay. But I’m going to get something for your bare feet. I’ll be right back.”

I run into my place and up the stairs. I pull out a pair of slippers from my closet.

As I rush back to Eli, I see the fire is already under control. The captain is talking with two police officers, a male and female. I also spot Sarah and Martha, who we lovingly call S & M, giving the firemen coffee and hot chocolate.

I hand the slippers to Eli. “I hope these fit you.”

“My feet feel like icicles. Thanks, Jackson.” Putting them on, he smiles. “Perfect, buddy. Already feel better. But let me give your coat back. You must be freezing too.”

I was so concerned with getting him the slippers I didn’t think about grabbing a coat for myself. “I’m fine. Keep it, Eli.”

The captain leads the police officers to us. “This is Eli Grayson. Eli, they have a few questions they need to ask you.”

“I’m Detective Soliz,” the female officer says, and then motions to her partner. “And this is Detective Morrison.”

I recall what the outside temperature registered on my car earlier. Ten degrees below freezing. “Officers, I know you have to ask him questions but could we please go inside my place so he can warm up?” I point to my back door. “I live next door to him.”

Soliz nods. “Of course. Lead the way.”

Once we’re all settled into my apartment, I turn up the heat and put on a pot of coffee. I wish my friend Detective Derek Stone could take Eli’s statement. But Derek only works homicides.

“Mr. Grayson, I understand Captain Murphy told you about his suspicions that this could be arson,” Soliz says.

“Yes he did.”

“Do you have any idea who might have done this?”

“No. I don’t have any enemies that I know of.”

Morrison asks, “Have you had an argument with anyone recently?”

Eli shrugs. “I did have an argument with my friend Scott a couple of days ago, but that’s not unusual. We’ve been arguing with each other since I kicked him out, but I’m certain Scott’s not capable of this.”

Of course the bastard is capable of this and so much more. Why can’t Eli see the guy for who he truly is?

Soliz looks directly at Eli. “What were you arguing about, Mr. Grayson?”

“Same old thing. He wants me to forgive him and take him back.”

We all know the asshole cheated on him, even if Eli has never said so. I saw Scott making out with a guy at a club when he was still living with Eli. And despite Eli breaking it off with the bastard and kicking him out, the creep somehow is able to make Eli feel sorry for him.

I bring out a tray with coffee, cups, cream, and sugar. “Officers, would you like some coffee? It’s freezing out there.”

“I sure would,” Morrison says.

Soliz smiles. “Me, too. Thank you.”

“What about you, Eli?” I ask him.

“Please. I’m still cold.”

After taking a sip of coffee, Soliz turns back to Eli. “What’s your friend’s full name, Mr. Grayson?”

“Scott Foster.”

“Do you have his address and phone number?” she asks.

“I do. In my cell.” Eli frowns. “Oh shit. It was on the table next to my sofa. Um…Scott lives in a condo on Cedar Springs not far from Oak Lawn. I think they’re called Whispering Pines.”

“Whispering Pines?” I’m stunned. “Those are really nice.”

“Where does Mr. Foster work?” Soliz asks Eli.

“He just started working part time at the 7-Eleven on Lemmon a couple of weeks ago.”

I wonder how in the hell his ex can afford to live in an upscale condo. Is Eli subsidizing him?

Eli takes a sip of his coffee. “But like I said before, Scott isn’t capable of such a crime.”

“But he certainly is a big jerk,” I blurt out and immediately wish I could take it back. “Sorry, Eli. You know none of us here like Scott after all he did to you.”

“What is your name?” Soliz asks me.

Damn it. I should have kept my mouth shut. “Jackson McAllen.

“What can you tell us about Mr. Foster?”

“I don’t really know him. I only saw him a few times when he and Eli were still together.”

She leans forward. “And?”

“And I don’t care for him.”

“Can you elaborate?” Morrison asks in a I-mean-business-so-don’t-try-to-bullshit-me tone.

“I’ve seen him throw a drink in Eli’s face, scream at Eli at a club, and throw Eli’s clothes in the pool.” Rage rolls up inside me. Why can’t Eli see his ex is a useless piece of shit? “Scott Foster is a total asshole.”

Soliz glances at her partner and then turns back to me. “Are you and Mr. Grayson dating now?”

“No, we are not,” Eli jumps in. “Jackson and I are only friends.”

His words sting me. “Right. Just friends.”

“I don’t understand why you’re wasting time, officers,” Eli says. “Stop trying to pin this on Scott. I told you, he’s not capable of this.”

The male officer’s eyebrows rise. “Have you heard the saying from Hamlet ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks’?”

Is Morrison referring to Eli’s ex being the arsonist or that Eli and I should be together? God, I wish Eli and I could be more than friends. I like him. I like him a lot. But he and I wouldn’t work. His life is too complicated and messy for me. Blame it on my OCD. I must have things simple and orderly.

Maddox Butler

Some people say you can’t fall in love at 18. But I did. And the man of my dreams? Jaris Black. He was also 18.

Our first year at medical school we moved in together. It was…perfect.

Until…

I haven’t seen or talked to him in six years. But I’ve never stopped thinking about him. Jaris is a very successful doctor, which is no surprise to me. Still living in Unit H at Mockingbird Place.

God, how I’ve missed him.

I won’t drag Jaris into the chaos that is my life. No. I won’t. But my mother who is dying has requested to see him. They were so close. Still are.

I had to honor Mom’s wish. I called him and he’s arriving in an hour. Can I keep my feelings hidden from him? I need to, for his sake.

Will it take a miracle for this Episcopal priest and MMA fighter to fall in love?

Stephen

I call him Anthony, though everyone else calls him Tony. Why? Because I know there’s more to this rude, obnoxious, sullen, sexy man. Anthony totally mesmerizes me. He’s like a drug habit I can’t quit. I’m a priest. I should know better.

We are friends. Or were. I guess he felt safe with me since I’m a priest. But when he learned that my church is welcoming to gays and that it even has gay priests, he backed off. I haven’t been totally honest with him about my feelings, but I’m sure he senses them.

He’s incredible in the fighting cage and wins all his fights. Before Anthony, I never cared for boxing, let alone mixed-martial arts fights. But now? I’m enthralled every time I see him battle it out with an opponent. What does he whisper to them before he pummels them to the mat? I wonder.

Why does he keep his guard up with everyone, especially me? He’s pushed me away at every turn. He’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t believe in anything. Not God. Not anyone. Not even me.

I should just walk away. But I just can’t. Every time I look into his eyes something overwhelming and undeniable pushes me to keep holding on to hope. Is there a chance for us or is it just a fool’s fantasy?

——

Anthony

I like sex, but making love? That’s not in the cards for me. If a guy wants more from me than wild, sweaty sex… I move on. There’s plenty of others to choose from.

I don’t let people in. It never works out. Never.

I made a mistake opening up to Stephen when he moved into Mockingbird Place. Why do I like him so much? He’s a priest. Father Stephen. And he believes in things I see as fairy tales. I have my reasons. I’ve seen the darkest parts of humanity, and I didn’t see any divine light breaking through.

I’ve iced him out. I know what he wants, and I can’t give it to him. I’m not white-picket anything. Never will be. But I can’t get him out of my mind. It’s driving me crazy. The only thing I know to do is to shut out everything and jump back into the cage. That’s the only place it gets really quiet for me and I can forget for a few precious moments.

Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris’s total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was “My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn’t it about time? I’ve been out since I was twenty-five.” A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer’s favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris’ influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.

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In the Spotlight: Riptide’s Bluewater Blues (a Bluewater Bay story) by G.B. Gordon (giveaway)

bluewaterblues_600x900

Bluewater Blues (Bluewater Bay #15) by G.B. Gordon
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase
Release Date: October 17, 2016

Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

About Bluewater Blues

Jack Daley left his music career behind—along with his domineering father—and is struggling to make a new life for himself and his autistic sister in Bluewater Bay. When a summer storm sweeps a handsome stranger into his general store, Jack is more than ready for a fling. No strings attached, because Jack can’t share the secrets he and his sister are hiding from. Unfortunately, his feelings refuse to stay casual.

Mark Keao is married to his job as a costume designer on Wolf’s Landing. He’s autistic, so he’s used to people not knowing how to interact with him, but that doesn’t mean he wants to be a hermit. Especially when he meets Jack Daley, who dances with brooms, shares his love of the blues, and gets him like no one else. But relationships have proven complicated in the past.

Just when Mark is ready to try anyway, Jack pulls back. But Mark isn’t giving up, and neither is Jack’s sister. And then there’s the music both men love, bringing them together time and again. It will take trust, though, to bring them together for good.

Bluewater Blues is available from Riptide Publishing: http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/bluewater-blues

About GB Gordon

G.B.Gordon worked as a packer, landscaper, waiter, and coach before going back to school to major in linguistics and, at 35, switch to less backbreaking monetary pursuits like translating, editing, and writing.

Having lived in various parts of the world, Gordon is now happily ensconced in suburban Ontario with the best of all husbands.Santuario is G.B. Gordon’s first published work, but many more stories are just waiting to hit the keyboard.

Connect with Gordon:

Website and blog: gordon.kontext.ca
Twitter: @gb_gordon
Goodreads: goodreads.com/gbgordon

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Bluewater Blues, one lucky winner will receive $20 in Riptide Publishing credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on October 22, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Bluewater Bay

Welcome to Bluewater Bay! This quiet little logging town on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula has been stagnating for decades, on the verge of ghost town status. Until a television crew moves in to film Wolf’s Landing, a soon-to-be cult hit based on the wildly successful shifter novels penned by local author Hunter Easton.

Wolf’s Landing’s success spawns everything from merchandise to movie talks, and Bluewater Bay explodes into a mecca for fans and tourists alike. The locals still aren’t quite sure what to make of all this—the town is rejuvenated, but at what cost? And the Hollywood-based production crew is out of their element in this small, mossy seaside locale. Needless to say, sparks fly.

This collaborative story world is brought to you by eleven award-winning, best-selling LGBTQ romance authors: L.A. Witt, L.B. Gregg, Z.A. Maxfield, Aleksandr Voinov, Heidi Belleau, Rachel Haimowitz, Anne Tenino, Amy Lane, SE Jakes, G.B. Gordon, and Jaime Samms. Each contemporary novel stands alone, but all are built around the town and the people of Bluewater Bay and the Wolf’s Landing media empire.

Release Tour: Tempting Tristan(Harborside Nights #3) by Melissa Foster (excerpt and giveaway)

Tempting Tristan (A Sexy Standalone M/M Romance)

Series: Harborside Nights
Author: Melissa Foster

Release Date: October 19, 2016

Tempting Tristan is a stand-alone M/M romance featuring two sexy, hot alphas.

Fresh off the heels of yet another bad relationship, Tristan Brewer is taking a break from men to try and figure out where he keeps going wrong. He knows his biggest fault–he leads with his heart, not his head–and that’s never going to change. But after several introspective weeks, he’s beginning to get a handle on things. That is, until badass heartthrob Alex Wells walks into his bar…

Alex has spent eight years in the Army, months in a hospital bed, and far too long hiding his sexual identity. He’s guilt-ridden, damaged, pissed off, and up for a Silver Star–for the incident that nearly cost him his life, and kept him from his grandmother’s funeral. But all he wants to do is forget his stint with the institution that allows but doesn’t necessarily accept, and live the life he’s always dreamed of.

The chemistry between Tristan and Alex ignites from the moment they meet, and the more time they spend together the hotter the flames become. But the closer Tristan gets, the more Alex’s walls go up, and when the two walk onto a military base, Tristan finds out Alex’s physical scars aren’t the ones that run the deepest.

***

HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real series of stand-alone romances that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as “summer” friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They’re tough, edgy, and accepting–most of the time. This series is written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster with LGBT themes.

“Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!” New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

“With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!” New York Times Bestseller J. Kenner

We step forward at the same time, and he presses his rough hand to my cheek. “I don’t know what kind of pussies you went out with before, but I wanted to fucking claim you in there.”

He slides a hand around my waist, tugging our bodies together. I feel every hard inch of him, and he’s got me so hot I’m sure we’re going to combust.

“I’ve spent almost nine years hiding who I am, and I’m not willing to do it anymore,” he says through clenched teeth. “Not here, where I came to start over. Where I came to live on my terms without the goddamn military hanging over my head.”

“I have no interest in hiding,” I assure him.

“You’re sure? Because I really want to kiss you right now, and I don’t care who sees us.”

I respond by pulling his mouth to mine, my break from men long forgotten. We stumble backward, crashing into the railing, fighting for dominance as we did yesterday morning. The passion between us has a life of its own. My hands claw over his ass, up his back. I want to strip him down and take all of him. I want to discover why he’s so rough and learn what about those shadows that are lurking behind his gorgeous eyes. Instead I take, and give, and take more of the angry kisses. When we finally tear our mouths apart, my body’s still reeling, and we both curse under our breaths.

“Okay?” he pants out.

I nod, knowing if I open my mouth, I want to fuck you, is going to come out.

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“Can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer.”

Tristan shrugs. “Have at it.”

“Why were you taking a break? I get that your ex was a prick, but is there more to it?”

He looks down the street, across the street, and then his hand cruises through his hair as it has so often that I’ve already come to expect it when he’s nervous.

“Ian was a prick, but the rest is going to make me sound like a pussy,” he admits.

“I’ve only known you a day, and I already know nothing can make you sound like a pussy.”

He meets my gaze, and his jaw tightens. He lifts his chin and I recognize the struggle between feeling proud and worrying about looking weak. I fight that battle on a daily basis.

“I give away my heart too easily, and I end up getting hurt.”

His eyes never leave mine, and that trust, that confidence, is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.

“I was right. Nothing can make you sound like a pussy.” I slide my hand to the hard ridge of his jaw and lean in closer. “I’ve never given my heart away. That makes you braver than me.”

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

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Love Wins in ‘Touchdown (Game Day Book 1)‘ by T.S. McKinney Tour (excerpt and giveaway)

Title: Touchdown

Series: Game Day Series Book 1

Author: TS McKinney

Publisher – Dark Hollows Press

Genre: M/M Romance

Published: September 7, 2016

Alexander Bryant has lived his entire life making everyone else happy. After meeting Lincoln, will he have the courage to finally do what makes him happy?

Alexander – I like to consider myself a rebel – an ass-kicker that takes what he wants regardless of what others think. I make my own path and flip off the people who don’t agree. I laugh in the face of conflict. Nobody tells me what to do.

In reality, everything about me is a lie – past, present, and future. The Bryant family name requires certain things and all my decisions are based on those requirements. I like football, but the family name demands I love it. I want to be an artist, but the family name demands I be a lawyer. The family demands I fall in love with a nice girl, but I’m falling for, well, the opposite of nice AND girl. I’m a coward and a liar.

Lincoln – I like to imagine myself a loner – a cold heartless bastard that takes what he wants. I lived the biggest part of my life with parents that were ashamed of me for more reasons that one could begin to count, so I trust no one. I have a low tolerance for bullshit and hate liars. So why did I go and fall in love with the biggest liar of them all?

“Sexy, charming, hot and delightful book!” – Amazon Review

“Touchdown is funny, naughty and delightful” – Amazon Review

“Super sexy and sassy!!” – MM Book Escape

Alexander

I lay there, or at least I think I’m lying down on some sort of soft surface. Soft and cozy. Smells nice. Yeah, it feels like a mattress, but it also feels like I’m floating on a fluffy cloud. I can hear things, some soft music playing, but it sounds like everything is so far away. I’m toasty warm. Even in my sluggish mind I know I’ve never felt this relaxed in my entire life. I can’t explain it – other than I never want the feeling to go away.

I should probably open my eyes and try to at least wake up, but it feels so damned good that I keep them clenched tightly together. There’s a nagging twitch in the back of my mind, telling me something isn’t quite right and I should be concerned, very concerned, but I don’t want to listen. I try to shut out my mind and focus only on what my body is saying.

I want to relax and enjoy whatever the hell this is. I don’t use drugs, but I’m pretty sure I’m going to start if this is the result of pill popping. Did I drink too much? Nope; if I had, I’d be feeling more like a rattlesnake being poked instead of a cuddly slug cocooned someplace…that smelled so damned nice. What the hell was that scent? I liked it. I’m pretty sure if I was able, it would turn me on. For the first time in my life, I feel like I might not have the energy to even get it up…and it feels so good that I don’t even care.

What had I been doing? Where was I? What had happened and how could I make it happen again?

“Alexander.” A husky voice invaded my state of peace and relaxation.

I peeked an eye open and immediately wished I hadn’t. Fuck. Fuck. Double fuck. What the double fuck? I tried to scramble away from the man looming over me but my limbs felt like fucking jelly that had been left out in the sun. My arms wouldn’t work. My fucking legs wouldn’t work. The only thing that was fucking working was the voice inside my head screaming for me to run for my fucking life. Well, shit. I’m naked. Yep, naked and apparently I’m in another man’s bed. I don’t belong in the beds of other men. Nope, not me. Especially not the bed of Lincoln Montgomery, spanker of bare asses.

“Calm down, Alexander,” Lincoln said in that deep, sexier than sexy voice. “You’re going to feel weak after our scene. It’s natural so don’t be alarmed. Don’t move,” he ordered as he turned away to reach for something. Before I could even consider trying to at least slide across the bed and belly crawl for the window so I could jump to my death, he was back around and offering me a bottle of water. No way was I drinking that shit. I’m sure it’s drugged; just like whatever I drank last night had to have been drugged. That’s why I was feeling so weak. And fucking wonderful.

Oh, shit. The scene! I had actually let another man spank me with a crop. In front of a crowd. Practically naked. I’m pretty sure I begged for it. I eyed the window again, calculating if I could make it before Lincoln grabbed me and hauled me back to his bed. Sure, I’d die naked and humiliate my parents and grandparents, but that would have to be their fucking problem. For the first time in my life, they would just have to deal with me breaking the rules. Technically, I suppose, I wasn’t breaking them. Mother just always said to have clean underwear on in case you are in an accident. I suppose in her mind no underwear would surely beat dirty underwear.

“Stop acting like a child, Alexander. We’re on the tenth floor. You would splatter,” Lincoln scolded. “Now drink your water. After an especially intense scene, you need plenty of rest and fluids. You’ve gotten the rest, so let’s drink our water, shall we?”

Apparently he could read my mind. Perfect.

“I don’t want your water, Lincoln. You’re probably just trying to drug me again,” I spat. Hell, I knew he hadn’t drugged me, but it sounded a hell of a lot better than I was stone-cold sober when I stripped in front of strangers and let a grown-ass man spank me. Oh wait, I’m also naked in his comfy bed. We probably fucked, too.

It gets better and better.

I wiggle a bit to see if I’m sore in places I shouldn’t be sore. Yep, I sure the fuck am. Of course that could very well be from the spanking I received, but, then again, it could be from something much worse. Shit, did I let this man fuck me? Double shit, why does the thought of that not piss me off like it should?

“Are you implying I’ve drugged you, Alexander?” Lincoln asked as he opened the bottle of water. I opened my mouth to tell him I damned straight thought he drugged me, but before I could get it out, he had scooped up my head and forced the bottle against my lips. “Drink,” he ordered.

So I drank it.

“Very good,” he praised and I glowed like a fucking moron. Why the hell would I care if he was happy or not? I should be feeling the opposite. Actually, I should probably punch him the face – if only my damned arms didn’t feel like a ton of lead. Since an angry glare was the only weapon I possessed at the moment, I glared. And glared. And glared.

He laughed – the motherfucker.

“You’ve got a pretty pout, Alexander. I’m sure you use it to get your way on most occasions, but it won’t work with me so put it away. Don’t waste your time and mine.”

His voice sounded like a growl. A very sexy, very arousing growl. Something inside of me wanted to purr. I settled for, “Fuck off, Lincoln.”

“Do you remember what happened earlier?” He pulled a chair right up against the bed and leaned closer to me than I felt comfortable with. No, scratch that. He leaned closer than I wanted to feel comfortable with. As it turns out, what I think I want and what my body wants might be two different things, as in on opposite ends of the chart. My head is screaming “no” but my body is dying to get closer to him. As my nostrils flare, I realize the scent that has been driving me crazy with lust is none other than Lincoln Montgomery. Could it get any worse?

“I’m straight,” I blurted out, trying to convince myself more than Lincoln. “Not gay.” Yeah, clarify it like he didn’t have a clue what straight meant. I’m a fucking idiot.

He smiled. It was one of those indulgent smiles that parents give children when they say or do something ridiculous. “Yes, thank you for telling me, Alexander. Again.”

Oh yeah, I had already told him that. Shit.

“Don’t worry. Straight men end up on the other end of my crop and then naked in my bed all the time.” Another indulgent smile. “It happens alllll the time.” He mocked.

“Did we?” I asked. I had to know. Shit, I didn’t want to know.

“Did we what?” Lincoln asked with a smirk. He knew damned well what I wanted to know. “Did we fuck?” I hissed, furious he made me say it and even more furious at the blush creeping across my body.

Lincoln remained perfectly quiet and I knew the delay was only meant to make me suffer as long as humanly possible. His eyes, a deep midnight blue, twinkled with merriment at my expense. I wasn’t sure of a hell of a lot of things at the moment, but I was one hundred percent certain that if Lincoln had fucked me, I enjoyed it. There was an aura of arrogance that he wore like a second skin – not the stupid kind of arrogance, but the kind that one got from being told how incredibly awesome they were. At fucking. He was probably awesome at fucking.

Finally, he said, “Trust me, Alexander; you would know it if I’d fucked you.” He leaned closer to me. “Every inch of you, inside and out, would know you’d been properly fucked.” His hot breath tickled my cheek as he spoke the words…the words that tickled me somewhere else. Fuck. How horrifying would it be if my cock got hard right about now? Pretty fucking horrifying.

“Plus, you’re straight, remember?”

T.S. McKinney lives in East Tennessee with her high school sweetheart/husband and all the countless dogs she picks up from deserted country roads. Her professional career has been in business but her heart has always belonged to the fantasy world found in books.

Creating wicked worlds where one can meet the perfect hero – and then do anything to him that you want – has been a hobby that has brought her plenty of hours of fun and naughty entertainment.
When not working, reading, or writing, she loves to spend time with my family and forcing them (because they don’t really have another choice) to allow me to redecorate their houses…and listen to my naughty…sometimes sadistic stories.

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Theo:

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

From Ami:

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

batchelorboy55:

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

Jbst:

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

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

mztikicat:

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

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

Anna Larson:

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

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

Contest Winners!

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

Fehu
Tex Reader
batchelorboy55
mztikicat
Monica

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

Now for this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 16:

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

Monday, October 17:

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

Tuesday, October 18:

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

Wednesday, October 19:

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

Thursday, October 20:

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

Friday, October 21:

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

Saturday, October 22:

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

In the Spotlight: The Captain’s Promise by T.J. Land (excerpt)

The Captain’s Promise (Adrift #4) by T.J. Land
NineStar Press

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Release Date: October 17, 2016

Purchase Links

NineStar Press | Amazon | All Romance Ebooks

COUPON CODE: Get 20% off preorder on NineStar Press website with coupon code “preorder”

* (Good until release day)

Book Blurb

Now that the crew of The Prayer have settled down on an uninhabited alien world, their captain intends for them to forge a new life for themselves. But Khurshed’s plans are interrupted when the ship receives a distress call from a nearby planet. While most of his lovers are excited by the prospect of making contact with their new neighbors, First Officer Antoine argues that responding might endanger the crew. As it turns out, his fears are well placed…

Excerpt

Dirty, panting, and sweating like a pig, Rick stood back and surveyed his greatest achievement. Ten rows of newly sown green beans, ten rows of spinach, and ten rows of zucchini; the first crops he’d planted outside the rigorously controlled and monitored confines of The Prayer’s oxygen garden in four years. The first Earth crops that had ever been planted on this planet. In this galaxy, even.

“Bitchin’,” he said to himself.

“Don’t curse in front of the baby vegetables,” said Thomas, slinking up behind him and draping his lanky arms over Rick’s shoulders. “You don’t want ’em growing up as warped and perverted as you, do you?”

“Fuck off, Meléndez,” Rick drawled, tilting his head up to accept a kiss.

“How come our first crops are fucking greens? I haven’t had a donut in close on five years. Why can’t you plant some…bread seeds?”

“Wheat, you ignorant loser. We don’t have any grain.”

When they’d first set out from Earth, they’d been equipped with everything they needed for the duration of the one-and-a-half-year journey to Pluto, including a cargo hold full of supplies for the dwarf planet’s fledgling colony. They’d had nutrient shakes, chewable protein bars, enough canned food to feed one hundred people for four years, the reliable bounty of Rick’s vegetable garden, and flour. When they were set adrift by the enemy, they’d comforted themselves with the knowledge that they’d die of boredom and cabin fever long before they starved. Even so, Rick recalled vividly the bleak looks on everyone’s faces three years ago when Echo had informed them that the last of the flour was finished.

“Besides, donuts? That shit’s bad for you. Echo’s fruity desserts aren’t doing it for you anymore?”

Thomas made his meh face. “He’s been using that weird melon-shaped thing we found a lot lately. I can’t get used to the aftertaste. It always feels like someone coated the back of my tongue in cement.”

“Don’t let Echo hear you say that. He’ll be whatever his equivalent of upset is. And he might poison your dinner.”

Their new vegetable garden had been planted in the lee of the rocky hill next to which The Prayer currently squatted, her landing gear obscured by the long grass. Being situated in the planet’s temperate zone, they wouldn’t have to worry about the periodic decades-long draughts that assailed the southern regions. Because Antoine’s current fascination was the local marine life, they were within walking distance of the beach. There was another ancient abandoned town a few miles east, though Rick wasn’t all that eager to go exploring again just yet. Not after what had almost happened to Zachery and the captain.

Khurshed, Rick reminded himself. That’s what he asked you to call him.

Thomas was resting his chin on Rick’s head, a habit he’d picked up since Rick had started shaving his scalp. The explosion that had taken his eye had also burned off a good chunk of his hair, and Zachery had said it was as good a time as any to try a new haircut. Rick had agreed. Then, stupidly, he’d given Zachery free reign to experiment on him. The result was so arrestingly hideous that he’d had no choice but to go bald. Thankfully, it turned out that all three of his boyfriends thought his new look was sexy as hell. Rick wasn’t so sure, but he couldn’t deny that having his bare scalp stroked and fondled made it feel as though someone had pumped kerosene into his dick.

“Comfortable up there, asshole?” he inquired of Thomas.

“Sorry,” he said, not sounding the least bit sorry. “It’s the price you pay for being my shortest boyfriend.”

“Okay, I’m gonna bite your nipples off for that,” said Rick, peeling off his gloves and turning around so he could get at them.

When Rick had first met Thomas, he hadn’t thought much of him. He’d come off as a bland everyday nice guy, maybe a bit of a worrywart, with unassuming good looks. Nothing special. As they’d gotten to know one another better over the course of the four years they’d been lost in space, they’d become amicable acquaintances, though not quite friends. Rick had liked him while never being one hundred percent comfortable in his presence, his feelings towards the ship’s security officer muddled by what he now recognized as a huge, unacknowledged crush. Then the captain had come along and dragged them all into bed with him, and after that, everything had worked out.

Rick wasn’t the type to rate his boyfriends; he felt as drunkenly, giddily in love with the captain and Zachery as he was with Thomas. That said, they were all vastly different people, and they each had their own place in Rick’s life. Thomas was the one Rick went to when all he wanted was someone to make him smile. When he’d emerged from the medical pod, Thomas had been the first to be allowed to see his empty eye socket, and in the weeks that followed, Rick had turned to him whenever he started thinking dark thoughts. No matter what else was going on, Thomas always made him feel good.

“Oh yeah,” Thomas said, his breath hitching as Rick settled a hand over his dick.

Rick smirked. One of the reasons Thomas always made him feel good was that making Thomas feel good was so, so damn easy.

“You’re such a whore,” he told him, rubbing the spot behind his left ear like he was a cat. As Thomas sagged against him, mumbling incoherently, Rick kissed him hard, grinding their dicks together while he moved his hand from Thomas’s ear to massage the back of his neck. As soon as Rick had learned where Thomas’s soft spots were, he’d realized that he could do pretty much anything with him.

“You like that?” he asked. Not because he had any doubt that Thomas did. It was just nice to see Thomas try and fail to make his tongue work, because sweet gentleman Thomas never ignored a question.

“Y-yeah,” he husked. “’S nice.”

Rick smirked. I have so got your number, pretty boy.

“How about we go inside?” Rick said. “Wouldn’t want to traumatize the baby beans, would we?”

Pairing: MM, MMM

Orientation: Asexual, Bi, Gay

Identity: Cis, Trans

Length: Novelette

Words: 18300

Pages: 42

tcpban

Author Bio

T.J. Land is a South African writer of erotic romance and sometimes other things. Her main inspirations right now are her plants, Emily Carroll’s art, and her seething hatred for the final season of Downton Abbey. She hopes you’re hanging in there.

Check out NineStar Press’ events calendar for information on additional blog stops for The Captain’s Promise and other upcoming releases!