Category: Book Tours and Contests

In the Book Spotlight: Laurie Terson’s ‘Rockin’ Around the Ranch’ (excerpt and giveaway)

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Rockin’ Around The Ranch by Laurie Terson
 Release Date: December 11, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: MLR Press
Cover Artist: Melody A. Pond

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Blurb

There a storm is coming. And Christmas is on its way. Jace is supposed to be on his way to Florida. But Jace’s boyfriend Taylor isn’t coming. Taylor’s on a last minute business trip. Hunkering down and taking care of things on the ranch, Jace is trying to make the best of his sorry Christmas. But where the heck did this baby come from?

Taylor is on a business trip when a co-worker’s flu extends his trip. When he should have been heading on vacation with Jace, giving him the best Christmas present ever, he’s stuck in an airport talking to some old guy with a white beard.

 

Pages or Words: 16,000 words
 Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance, Romance, Ranch Hand/Cowboy, Holiday, and a little humor

Excerpt

Chapter One

Jacen Assante hurried past the split rail fence toward the barn. He’d told his co-workers, Shep and Carl, that he’d take care of the barn animals if they took care of the horses. They’d been out riding along the fence line all day looking for holes. Pausing at the barn door, he removed his gloves, pushed his battered Stetson back, and wiped a trickle of sweat from his brow. Even in the dead of winter, riding hard and pulling barbed fence wire could cause a body to sweat. He glanced around taking in the stark beauty of the world surrounding him. Nestled in the closed end of a wide valley and in the distance, mountains rose on three sides. This late in December, other than the pines, the trees were bare of leaves. The late afternoon sun glistened, reflecting from the few patches of snow on the ground. A few still clung to the tree branches. They had gotten their first dusting of snow just a couple of weeks ago. Jace knew they had a lot more snow to come.

They’d moved the cattle to the lower pastures a while back. Keeping them closer to the ranch buildings made sense—easier to get to and care for them. This late in the year, the only ones remaining were the few breeding stock animals his boss, Conner, wanted to keep. His boss sure had his own way of wanting to do things. Not like any other boss Jace had ever worked for.

Like the animals in the barn. Jace shook his head. No weathered wood for this barn. The barn was so darn fancy it was better than a lot of people’s houses. Got to love people with more money than brains. The critters in there had lights and heating. Hell, Conner had even put in central air conditioning. And all for a frickin’ cow, a goat, an ornery mule, and a miniature horse. The cow no longer gave any milk, just stood there chewing her cud. The goat head-butted anything that got close enough, and the mule tried to bite everything it could reach. Useless damn animals. Their horses had their own barn, not as fancy as this one but what the hell. The horses weren’t considered pets. Jace guessed he didn’t care except caring for them took up time when other things needed doing. There wasn’t enough time to get all of the work done. With just a few hands, as soon as they finished a chore they had to start all over again.

Jace watched as the other two cared for the horses they’d used. Shep had the tanned leather face of cowpokes from years ago. But Jace knew Shep was only about fifteen years older than him. That made Shep late forties. Jace always teased him about using sunscreen and moisturizers. Carl was the same age as Jace and took care of himself, much like Jace did. Neither man left the ranch house without sunscreen on. But even with care Jace knew there were a few laugh lines crinkling around the corners of his eyes.

Over the winter months it was usually just him, Shep Lambert, and Carl Drummer on the ranch. During peak season it was the three of them plus a couple of part-timers that worked a few days a week or as needed. Along with the teens that Conner sent their way. Sending at risk teens to the ranch had been a family tradition. Jacen had met Conner the summer he’d been sent there. They had struck up a friendship that lasted to this day.

Conner had spent every one of his summers working the ranch with his grandfather. Then while Conner had gone off to make his millions in real estate, Jace had stayed on to work the ranch. When Conner had inherited the ranch from his grandfather nothing had changed. Things had kept on the way they always had except now there was enough money to improve and expand the bunk house. This had upped the number of teen boys that could spend their summers learning about life and teamwork. Conner still dropped in to visit at least once a year, spending a week or so doing the things he had during his youth.

Shep’s voice bellowed, breaking into Jace’s musing. “Hey Jacen, ya going to move your ass or you going to stand there and daydream about your vacation instead of leaving on it?”

Shep and Carl were having way too much fun teasing Jace this year. It was good natured teasing because both of them knew how devastated Jace had been last year when his plans had been cancelled.

“Don’t be an ass.” He heard Carl chide Shep.

“I’m going, I’m going. But one, only Taylor or my momma call me Jacen. And you don’t look like either one. And two, I only have a few things left to pack. Like the toothbrush I’m using tonight.”

Shep threw his dandy brush at Carl’s head. “And who wanted to bet on the vacation going off as planned?”

Jace turned toward them. “What the hell? You guys have a bet going?” With each word out of his mouth he got pissed just a little bit more. What the hell where they thinking?

Holding up both hands, Shep looked to Carl for help. “Now, Jace, don’t go getting your mad on. We’re mostly betting on it so that it does happen. And it wasn’t just us. Jesse and Pete both have money on this too. Hell, Evan does too.”

His jaw dropping, Jace stared at the two ranch hands. “What the fuck? Carl, even your boyfriend is in on this?”

“Hell, Evan wasn’t going to pass on this bet. And yeah, we were just doing that reverse psychology thing.” Carl smiled at Jace, seemingly pleased with his logic. “You know like when you want something bad enough you make it seem like you don’t so you aren’t disappointed.”

“Yeah, right guys.” Jace shook his head, not believing any of it as he made his way over to the barn. “And next you’re going to tell me you believe Santa Claus is real too. Keep talking and digging that hole deeper.”

Today he wanted the last of his chores for the day to be done. He had to get back to the farmhouse and finish the packing so he and his boyfriend could leave on vacation in two days. They were going for seven warm, sunny, tropical days in Florida. Just him and Taylor, lying on the beach, soaking up all the sun they could handle. They would be drinking all kinds of fruity rum drinks all day. No bosses, no cattle, no cowhands, no snow, no worries. After canceling last year’s vacation, Taylor had promised this year it was going to happen. Damn, he was looking forward to it. It felt kind of strange that he wasn’t going to be on the ranch for Christmas. He was such a sentimental sap about Christmas. He loved everything about the holidays here on the ranch. The snow, then going out and cutting a tree. The cooking, decorating and the shopping for that special present, yep, he loved it all. Oh, he’d never admit any of that out loud or anything, but it was still all true.

Thinking of Taylor, Jace rolled his eyes. He hated the label of boyfriend. After three years together you’d think there would be a better word. It made them sound like they were back in high school or something. Taylor Lawless was thirty six, for Christ sakes. And a regional manager of a restaurant chain, too. Jace hated that Taylor had to travel some for his job, but there wasn’t anything Taylor could do about that.

Taylor’s job was the only bone of contention they had between them. Taylor lived on the ranch with him, mostly. He still had a place in town but never stayed there. And there was enough to do around the ranch for Taylor to be put on the payroll. Taylor could do the office paperwork and payroll. And he was such a good cook, he could do that too. It was his pride that made Taylor stay at his damn job, since he hated his boss—or at least that was what Jace thought from the things Taylor said.

Shaking his head Jace decided that he wasn’t going to think about it anymore. They were going on vacation. That was all there was to it. He couldn’t let thoughts of last year derail this year’s plans.

Sliding the door open, he went into the barn. Taylor would be home in about an hour. They’d have dinner with the guys, and then get the rest of their packing done. Then Jace had plans that involved him, Taylor, their king-sized bed, and a whole lot of lube.

Buy the book:  All Romance (ARe) 

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Meet the author:
Laurie Terson grew up in So Cal, where she lived most of her life. She met her husband of thirty plus years there. A victim of the empty nest, when her daughter and son moved out, she has replaced them with a 5 lb dog named Peanut. The three of them currently live under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Always a daydreamer, stories of one kind or another have lived in her head. She has always been and still is avid reader. She decided to try her hand at writing when she was challenged by a friend after they discussed how she was re-writing scenes from books to make them go the way she thought they should go.

When not reading or writing she can be found watching sports, of all kinds. A tomboy while growing up, she loved fishing, camping and traveling. She also enjoys going to the movies, cooking, wine tasting and crafting.

She is a believer that love is love, no more, no less. And that gender doesn’t matter because everyone deserves a happy ever after.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Bonkers About Books, Bayou Book Junkie, 3 Chicks After Dark, Happily Ever Chapter, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Inked Rainbow Reads, Book Lovers 4Ever, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, Alpha Book Club, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Velvet Panic, The Hat Party

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $5 Gift Card to the retailer of choice, link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

 

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Coffee Sip and Book Break with ‘Indigo’ by RJ Jones‏ (excerpt and giveaway

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Title: Indigo Road
Author: R.J. Jones
Cover artist: Meredith Russell

Synopsis

Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.

Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.

Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?

While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.

From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.

Genre: New Adult, Gay Romance, Contemporary
Length: Novel

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Buy Now

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01867I9M4/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01867I9M4/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01867I9M4/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/594892
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-indigoroad-1926713-149.html

Giveaway

Prizes: 1 ecopy of Indigo Road; 1 ecopy of any RJ Jones’ backlist titles, winner’s choice.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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About the Author

R.J. Jones started as a reader and eventually made the progression to reviewing. It wasn’t until two men popped into her thoughts, insisting on telling her their story that she started to write.

It started with one scene. A hot and dirty one in the shower…

R.J.’s initial thought was if she could write their scene then they’d shut up and allow her to concentrate on other aspects of her day. Not so. That shower scene ended up being 3000 words long and three hours of work.  And still, they didn’t shut up.  They told her their entire story and she didn’t sleep for days. Sometimes she couldn’t keep up with what they were telling her and she had to keep a notebook by her bed.

Whilst she was writing their story a side character decided he needed his story told too. Then other characters followed suit.

You see the problem? If she ever wants to sleep again then she needs to write.

R.J. is a wife and a mother to two boys. She is surrounded by males. Even her dog is a boy.

R.J. Jones can be found at:

Website: http://rjjonesauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robyn.j.jones.1711
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rjjonesauthor
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/rjjones-author
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rjjonesauthor/

In the Book Spotlight: Voss Foster’s ‘A Fool’s War’ (excerpt and giveaway)

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A Fool’s War ( #3) by Voss Foster
 Release Date: December 2, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Prizm Books
Cover Artist: Kris Noriss

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Blurb

Marley is alive, and back with Toby and the rest of Zirkua Fantastic. But King Jester, the spirit of discord, still roams free, and his most fearsome creations, the Princes, have been loosed from their prisons. Now, human and immortal alike are disappearing, no sign of a body or a struggle to be found. More and more of them each day.

Now, it’s the duty of the last remnants of resistance to stand strong against the impossible, battle back the chaos before it ravages Earth. And all the while, a single question remains unanswered: can life ever return to normal after this?

 

Pages or Words: 51,000 words
 Categories: Fantasy, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Urban Fantasy

Excerpt

Toby wrapped an arm around Marley, felt the hard muscles of his arms. “You’re wonderful.”

“Well, I try.”

They wandered through the camp. Once, it had been a circus, the greatest circus in all the world: Zirkua Fantastic. But it died when King Jester escaped. Now, only haunted remnants remained. Hawkers’ corridor, once lively with trade, stood as dusty, weather-beaten booths, the machines and stock left abandoned. The tent frame stood, its fabric long burned away.

And there was the graveyard. It started with Darius, killed in King Jester’s escape. But it grew. It grew too much, too fast. After they rescued Marley, they buried what was left of the victims, of the old performers.

Toby turned his eyes away from the graves, back to the skeleton of the tent. Those humans who chose to stay, after everything, spent most of their time here. Toby shook his head. Again, was this really safety? Could they really be safe, even with the protections. Those who stayed behind stayed to fight.

When Toby looked at them, he didn’t see them alive. Just dead. Killed by Coyote or killed by King Jester or, done away with. Whatever happened down in the town. And he wasn’t the one who could keep them safe. Not against King Jester or his army of half-breeds.

Buy the book: Torquere Books

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Meet the Author

Voss Foster lives in the middle of the Eastern Washington desert, where he writes science fiction and fantasy from inside a single-wide trailer. He is the author of Tartaros, The King Jester Trilogy, and the Evenstad Media Presents series, among others. His short fiction has been featured in various magazines and anthologies, including Andomreda Spaceways Inflight Magazine. When he can be pried away from his keyboard, he can be found cooking, singing, practicing photography, and belly dancing, though rarely all at the same time.

 

Where to find the author:

 

Tour Dates & Stops:

December 9:

The Hat Party, Bayou Book Junkie, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, KathyMac Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Velvet Panic, Full Moon Dreaming, Happily Ever Chapter, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Nephy Hart, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Mikky’s World of Books

December 10:

Havan Fellows, Parker Williams

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Zirkua Fantastic (King Jester #1).  Must be 18 years of age or older.   Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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Let the Memories Continue for The Greatest Gift by Felice Stevens (release day/giveaway)

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The Greatest Gift

Memories, Book 3

Felice Stevens

M/M Romance

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Cover Designer:  Dar Albert/Wicked Smart Designs

Cover Photo:  StockPhoto

Release Date:   12.10.15

BLURB:

After five years, Alex Stern and Rafe Hazelton have what seems to be the perfect marriage. Alex is entering his last years of residency and Rafe’s veterinary business is busier than ever. For Rafe, all that is missing is a child, but Alex, afraid of ending up to be a man like his father, isn’t as sure. He doesn’t want to make any mistakes.

When a new patient enters the hospital, Alex is drawn to the young, desperately ill single mother, who shares her fears for the future of her young son. Rafe worries about the toll on Alex becoming emotionally invested in a patient, yet he too can’t walk away once he meets the little boy, and together they vow to help in any way possible.

Families are not always born of blood— love is a gift no one can plan for. And sometimes from the darkest of tragedies, the brightest light will shine.

This is a 25k word novella in the Memories series.

 

 AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1YZUJpG

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1Njkl9F

AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/1U5kwds

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EXCERPT

“Okay, Alex. I can see Dylan likes you and Jude is a smart girl. She wouldn’t give her baby to just anyone. But let us know where you are throughout the day, please.”

“Of course.”

They said their goodbyes and Valerie gave them her car seat for Dylan. Rafe expertly buckled it into the backseat of their car and off they went to the Bronx Zoo.

Rafe steered the car up the FDR Drive toward the zoo, and Alex decided to sing a song to keep Dylan entertained. He searched his memory for a song and only one came to mind. He started to sing and Rafe glanced over at him in disbelief.

“Alex.”

“What?” He bit his lip to keep from smiling.

“That is not an appropriate song for a four year old to sing.”

Alex could see Rafe fighting to keep from bursting out in laughter.

“I couldn’t think of anything else.”

“More. Sing more, Alex.” From the backseat, Dylan continued the song. “Hundred bottles of beer on the wall…”

“I can’t believe you’ve had this child less than an hour and you’ve already taught him a drinking song.”

“Hey,” said Alex, protesting Rafe’s accusing tone. “I can’t help it if he’s a smart kid and picks things up quickly.”

“Impossible.” Rafe muttered under his breath, turning into the parking lot of the zoo and finding a spot to pull into. He killed the engine and turned to face Alex who gave him a wide-eyed stare.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t pull that innocent look on me.” Rafe huffed. He tried to affect a stern look but Alex could see the twinkle in his eyes behind his glasses.

“It would help your outrage if you didn’t look like you were about to laugh yourself.”

“Hmmph.” Rafe turned away, but not before Alex saw his lips twitch with suppressed laughter.

“Hey,” said Alex. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

That got him a full blown smile and a kiss.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

 

 SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter:   http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?

Get Your Kink On with J.A. Rock’s The Subs Club! A Special Guest Post Just For You by J.A. Rock (

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The Subs Club (The Subs Club #1) by J.A. Rock
Publisher:  Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: Kanaxa

Purchase it and read excerpts here

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have J.A. Rock here to talk about her latest series, The Sub Club and to share a promo video she made.  Get your kink on here with The Subs Club!  Happy Reading.  Welcome, J.A. 

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Hi! I’m J.A. Rock, and right now I’m touring the internet talking about my latest release The Subs Club—Book 1 in The Subs Club series. Thanks so much to the blogs that are hosting me on this tour, and be sure to leave comments on the tour posts for a chance to win your choice of two backlist ebooks and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Complicated Sandwich

This blog post is really just an excuse to share “Complicated Sandwich,” a Subs Club promo video my roommate and I made. And the video itself was really just an excuse for the two of us to eat a giant sandwich. We love eating.

We had a lot of fun shooting this—and major props to Chris, who has zero interest in BDSM or romance novels, and yet was totally on board when I said I wanted to do some creative promo for my new book series.

“Complicated Sandwich” follows the two of us through a delicious meal comprised of an extremely long sandwich and very large glass of wine, as Chris attempts to find out what The Subs Club is about, and I try to convince him it’s just about people eating sandwiches. But when he pushes me for details, I finally snap and school him on BDSM using our sandwich as a metaphor.

Naturally, what might look like a simple shoot was riddled with complications. Our sandwich kept falling apart, and had to be staked together. The dog, whose only job was to eat a tiny sandwich off the floor—a role she’s been training for her whole life—stole the top part of the bread and attempted to walk off-screen with it. I bought us real wine instead of grape juice, and didn’t really think about what that would mean if we had to do multiple takes… (What it meant was that I took a five-hour day nap after filming).

But we suffered for our art. And we give you “Complicated Sandwich.” Plus a blooper reel, which shows how real the struggle was.

Watch “ HYPERLINK “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD0nwFn77EY&feature=em-upload_owner”Complicated Sandwich.”

Watch HYPERLINK  \l “t=4m37.2s”the blooper reel.

About The Subs Club (The Subs Club #1)

TheSubsClub_600x900A year ago, my best friend Hal died at the hands of an incompetent “dom.” So I started the Subs Club, a private blog where submissives can review doms and call out the douche bags.

A perfect example of the kind of arrogant asshole I mean? The Disciplinarian. He has a pornstache. He loves meat, stoicism, America, and real discipline. And he thinks subs exist to serve him.

But . . . not everything about him is awful. His Davy Crockett act just seems like a cover for his fear of intimacy, and part of me wants to show him it’s okay to get close to people. And, I mean, sue me, but I have fantasized about real discipline. Not role-play, but like, Dave, you’re gonna be thirty in four years and you still work in a mall; get your ass in gear or I’ll spank it.

Not that I’d ever trust anyone with that kind of control.

I’m gonna redefine “battle of wills” for the Disciplinarian. Or I’m gonna bone him. It’s hard to say.

—Dave

About  The Subs Club Universe

After the death of their friend Hal at the hands of an irresponsible dom, submissive friends Dave, Kamen, Miles, and Gould band together to form the Subs Club—an organization seeking to expose dangerous local doms. The club slowly evolves as romances blossom, loyalties are tested, and tensions mount in a community already struggling for unity in the wake of Hal’s death.

From domestic discipline to knife play to fashion paraphilia, and from family drama to new jobs to first loves, the members of the Subs Club explore life’s kinks inside and outside of the bedroom as they attempt to let go of the past and move forward.

About the Author

J.A. Rock is the author of queer romance and suspense novels, including BY HIS RULES, TAKE THE LONG WAY HOME, and, with Lisa Henry, THE GOOD BOY and WHEN ALL THE WORLD SLEEPS. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Alabama and a BA in theater from Case Western Reserve University. J.A. also writes queer fiction and essays under the name Jill Smith. Raised in Ohio and West Virginia, she now lives in Chicago with her dog, Professor Anne Studebaker.

Website:   “http://www.jarockauthor.com/” 
Blog:  http://jarockauthor.blogspot.com/” 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jarockauthor” 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ja.rock.39

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Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Subs Club, J.A. Rock is giving away two titles from her backlist and a $10 Amazon gift card! Your first comment at each stop on this tour enters you in the drawing. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 12, 2015. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. Entries. Follow the tour for more opportunities to enter the giveaway! Don’t forget to leave your email or method of contact so Riptide can reach you if you win! Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Book Spotlight is on Tivi’s Dagger by Alex Douglas (excerpt and giveaway)

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Tivi’s Dagger by Alex Douglas
 Release Date: December 2, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: Kris Norris

Blurb

The son and heir to a noble, Nedim Melchion has always been used to the more illicit pleasures in the high society of the Divine Kingdom of Lis, where laws are harsh and punishments harsher. So far his money and status have protected him from the grim realities of life…but now that the Protectors who police the land have a new leader, life has taken an unwelcome turn for the worse.

What could be more unfashionable for a noble in his prime than being forced to wear a pilgrim brown tunic while trudging through the dangerous mountain kingdom of Methar to pay homage to the Gods at an ancient shrine? Bound to serve by a Rite invoked by his devout older brother, Nedim can do nothing but count the footsteps until he can get back to his friends, his favorite tavern and his decadent ways. But as he and his traveling companions are guided through the land of the love gods by a handsome young monk, will Nedim find reason to change his ways?

 

Pages or Words: 61,000 words
 Categories: Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt

The monks had provided so much breakfast that by the time we finally set off, I felt bloated and idle. Mother Kiti had offered Brin some bottles of wine for the journey, which – much to everyone’s disappointment – he had refused. My spirits dipped as I contemplated what lay ahead, all of which was to be endured in a condition of unwelcome sobriety. A foot-numbing trudge through a land full of poisonous creatures and mistrustful inhabitants – not to mention the apparently treacherous cavernous pass Brin had neglected to inform us of – to a little-known shrine in the back arse of nowhere, where I would kneel to the Thirteen, none of whom I believed in, and force words of penance I did not mean to spill from my mouth, all in order to satisfy my brother.

It was remarkable how firmly Brin believed that I would return to Lis a changed man – not the same wretch who would, after having visited the holiest of sites, resume drinking and fornicating as I had every intention of doing. Brin’s convictions had always been his strength and his tragedy. He had fully believed the Protectors would welcome him back into the fold right up until the moment they stripped him, held him down and forced the burning brand against his flesh. For a moment I felt sorry for him, but then I stumbled on a stone and wrenched my ankle. When I’d limped off the pain, I trailed sullenly behind the group, cursing my brother once again and feeling more than sorry for myself.

What would they say at the Duck and Swan if they could see me now? Nedim Melchion, heir to the Melchion title and fortune, a desirable bachelor in his prime who had the pick of the most beautiful and discreet women the city had to offer – not to mention the finest wardrobe – now to be seen trudging along behind a donkey on a rocky mountain path sporting muddied leathers and a dismal brown pilgrim’s tunic. The situation could not be any worse. I would be a laughingstock, and would surely not hear the end of jokes about “filthy adventurers” – the travelling, sword-for-hire types upon whom the nobility of Azmara looked down from great heights.

I was no stranger to travel, but even in the most basic surroundings I had always prided myself on maintaining at least a modicum of style and grooming. From what I had learned from others who had undertaken such a journey, it appeared that pilgrims were required to show their devotion by being dirty and unkempt at all times, concerned only with spiritual matters. Taking in the mountain landscape around me, I comforted myself with the thought that at least there were few about who would see me in such a dismal condition.

Lana was striding along at the front with Brin and Kari while Kel led the donkey back down to the bottom of the path, where Matativi’s statue sat staring blindly into the distance, the dagger tucked once more behind its back. We turned left onto a narrow path which maintained a gentle downhill trajectory. The air was lush and smelt of rain on pine leaves and the mist had lifted a little, revealing thick forest to the left side and a plunging drop on the other. When the pebbles I kicked went over the edge, their fall was a distant rattle.

Snippets of conversation drifted to my ears over the crunch of my boots and the song of morning birds.

“So you know a little of our language,” Kari was saying to Lana.

“When I was a girl my family employed a nanny who hailed from these parts. She spoke of Methar often and sadly, as if she could never return home. I never really understood why.”

Kari scratched his chin, deep in thought. “Perhaps she was a criminal or an apostate, an outcast. Only the truly desperate among us seek employment in Lis.”

Brin’s hands formed fists, but he said nothing.

Lana tugged at her long braid thoughtfully. “Perhaps. But I do not understand. We also do not favor your God, yet you freely allow us passage through your land.”

Kari seemed to consider Lana’s words for a moment. “There is an old saying here, selire meteen. It means something like look to your own. The affairs and beliefs of outsiders do not concern us. But for those who have turned their backs on our Lady, Methar can be a cold place.”

“Perhaps it is not so different from Lis after all,” Lana said with a sidelong glance at my brother, then began making safer conversation about the beautiful scenery around us and the different birds and beasts she hoped to see on our journey. Thoroughly depressed, I tuned out Lana’s gay chatter and listened to the rush of a nearby stream and the silence of the mountains that loomed all around us.

On a normal day back in Azmara I would not yet have arisen from my bed. The servants would be laying out the finest silks and leathers for me to don before I would indulge in a long and lazy lunch on my balcony, gazing out over the harbor where the trading boats were docked, a hive of colorful activity. When the wind blew in from the east, it would carry the scent of spices and fruit and jasmine. In the evening I would make my way to my private rooms at the Duck and Swan where my friends – men and women like me, heirs to nobles, idle and beautiful and completely lacking in devotion – would be lounging on the plush cushions, eating fat purple grapes from golden bowls. The innkeep would serve the finest smuggled wines and any woman I chose, and then the evening would begin – drinking games, filthy jokes that would have made the Protectors’ ears wither and fall off, culminating in some wholesome bedplay, should the whim seize us. All of which I was supremely talented at, and enjoyed immensely.

The beauty of being born into money meant that as long as I took a few rudimentary precautions, none of Lis’s harsh Immorality laws would ever apply to me. If I’d been a believer, I would have kissed the feet of all thirteen Gods in gratitude for my privilege. The Protectors were powerful, but they did not have enough men to prevent all the land’s sins. To compensate, they employed private citizens as their eyes and ears, and a coin purse slipped into a pocket could render them blind and deaf in no time.

I was so deep in my memories of those wonderful nights at the Duck and Swan that I had not noticed that Kari had fallen into step beside me until he spoke.

Buy the book: Torquere Books

 

Meet the author:

Alex Douglas is an author at Torquere Press.

 

 

Where to find the author:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B015D83KHS?ref_=pe_1805931_64002121

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

December 9:

The Hat Party, Bayou Book Junkie, Chris McHart, Bonkers About Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Charley Descoteaux, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, KathyMac Reviews, Velvet Panic, BFD Book Blog, Book Lovers 4Ever, A.M. Leibowitz, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews, Jessie G. Books

December 10:

Havan Fellows, Parker Williams

 

Giveaway

Enter to win a E-copy of ’Tivi’s Dagger’ by Alex Douglas, must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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Its Release Day for ‘Professional Distance’ by Silvia Violet (excerpt and giveaway)

PD Tour Banner.png

Professional Distance

Thorne & Dash Book 1

Silvia Violet

Professional Distance Cover

Cover Design: LC Chase

Cover Photo: StockPhoto

Release Date: 11.28.15

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1T7HM9A

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1XiMCHu

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1Id1TTh

BLURB

Thornwell Shipton is wealthy, uptight, closeted, and an incurable workaholic. A tragic love affair left him terrified of relationships, so he tells himself sex is better scheduled and paid for.

Riley Dashwood is young, easy-going, and comfortable in his own skin. He’s a passionate baker and an aspiring chef, working as an escort to save up for culinary school.

They’re clearly made for each other.

When Thorne hires Dash, it’s lust at first sight. After a few scorching nights together, both men start to wonder if what’s between them is more than physical, but their age gap and resistance to romance make them afraid to change their professional relationship to a personal one. Dash pushes Thorne to admit he wants things he’s denied himself for years. Kinky things. Soft, caring things. Things that force him to open his heart, not just his body. To move forward, one or the other must take a risk and ask for what he really wants.

TEASER

Professional Distance Teas

EXCERPT

 

Thorne’s workweek was just as bad as he’d expected it to be. At least, the memories of Dash and the anticipation of what was to come once he was back in town on Friday made it bearable, more than bearable actually. He’d jacked off every single night in the hotel, thinking of Dash while he finger-fucked himself and pretended it was Dash’s cock inside him.

That afternoon, he’d had a final tedious meeting with the client who claimed to want his advice but argued with him every fucking step of the way. A delay at the airport did nothing to ease Thorne’s annoyance. His neck and shoulders ached with tension by the time he landed in Atlanta. He couldn’t wait to see Dash. After coaxing, pushing, and manipulating clients all week, he wanted to let go and concentrate on nothing but pleasure. He was so eager to be held down, forced, and used that he had to move his jacket in front of him to hide his hard-on as he stood in the taxi line.

He reached home with barely time to clean up and change before Dash arrived. When he emerged from the shower, he slipped on his plush terry robe, another one of the luxuries he afforded himself. The robe had cost more than some of his colleagues’ suits, but he had the money, and he loved the feel of the soft fabric against his skin. He figured there was no need to dress since he hoped to be naked within minutes of Dash arriving. This time he wasn’t going to let Dash distract him. He was going to get down to business right away.

The buzzer alerted him to a visitor before he had a chance to pour himself a cocktail, but that was fine—even the best bourbon was no match for Dash.

“Mr. Dash is here to see you, sir. Shall I send him up?” Michaels asked.

“Yes, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

Thorne frowned at the agitated state of his stomach. Butterflies. Fucking butterflies. He’d hired this man, and he was—oh fuck, why’d he have to think of that—twenty years younger.

Dash knocked, the same two sharp taps as last week.

Once Thorne let him in, Dash eyed him appreciatively. “Dressed for the occasion?”

“And why shouldn’t I be?” Thorne asked as he pushed the door shut.

“It’s a good look for you.” Dash’s gaze traveled down Thorne’s body. “You have beautiful feet.”

“Is that a thing for you?” Thorne asked, wiggling his toes.

Dash laughed. “So you can be playful after all.”

Thorne snorted at his impertinence.

“And my thing is whatever my client wants.”

Thorne raised a brow, challenging him.

“It’s not a particular fetish of mine—though I appreciate beauty in all forms and places—but I aim to serve my clients’ needs.”

“Or to tell them what those needs are.”

“Is that what you’d like me to do today?” Dash asked. He seemed to grow a few inches taller as he let the commanding persona settle over him.

Thorne ignored him. Dash had his messenger bag with him again, but he was also carrying a white paper bag that smelled of cake—rich cake.

“What’s that?” Thorne reached for the bag.

Dash slapped his hand away. “It’s a surprise for later.”

Thorne frowned. “Why do I feel like you wanted to tack ‘if you’re a good boy’ on to that sentence?”

Dash laughed. “Maybe I did.”

“I told you I—”

“Don’t do submissive. And I told you I wasn’t so sure you didn’t.”

Thorne hated how right Dash might be. “Look—”

Dash held up a hand. “I have an idea for tonight. Would you like me to run with it and see where it takes us, or are you going to wrestle control?”

Why the fuck did that sound so sexy—grappling with Dash, fighting for who would be on top. “Is both an option?”

Dash grinned. “We’ll have to see.”

“Worried about an old guy’s stamina?”

“You don’t seem the least bit old to me.”

Dash’s statement caught Thorne off guard, because it wasn’t made in the same playful tone. It sounded serious, heartfelt. Or maybe Thorne’s brain was too clouded by lust to tell. “I’d like to hear your idea.”

Dash set the paper bag down on the coffee table and unzipped his satchel. He pulled out a plug—not the giant vibrating one that had caught Thorne’s attention the week before—a basic one that was large enough to make a man really feel it but not scare him.

Thorne inclined his head toward the plug. “I like it so far.”

“Then turn around.”

Thorne almost protested. But he was the one who’d insisted they get right down to business.

“Kneel on the couch and brace yourself on the back.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Silvia Violet writes erotic romance in a variety of genres including sci fi, paranormal, alternate history, and historical.

She can often be found haunting coffee shops looking for the darkest, strongest cup of coffee she can find. Once equipped with the needed fuel, she can happily sit for hours pounding away at her laptop. Silvia typically leaves home disguised as a suburban stay-at-home-mom, and other coffee shop patrons tend to ask her hilarious questions like “Do you write children’s books?” She loves watching the looks on their faces when they learn what she’s actually up to. When not writing, Silvia enjoys baking sinful chocolate treats, exploring new styles of cooking, and reading children’s books to her wickedly smart offspring.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Newsletter: http://silviaviolet.com/newsletter

Facebook: http://facebook.com/silvia.violet

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Silvia_Violet

Tumblr: http://silviaviolet.tumblr.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/silviaviolet/

 

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link provided by the author and promoter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c86a96702/

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Get into the Game of Love with Status Update by Annabeth Albert (excerpt and giveaway)

9781459290594-COV

Status Update by Annabeth Albert
 Release Date: December 7, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Carina Press
Cover Artist: Carina Press

Banner300x250

Blurb

Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He’s a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister’s wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he’s left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah’s hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn’t add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he’s ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it’s even begun?

Book 1 of the #gaymers series

Pages or Words: 64,000 words
 Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, New Adult, Romance

Excerpt

Chapter One

Noah knew the dog was trouble as soon as he and Ulysses entered the campground’s off-leash dog area. The little guy—some sort of Chihuahua/mini-pin mix in a yellow-and-green checked coat—stood in the center of the scrubby grass, barking his fool head off. The only human in the dog area sat at the picnic table on the far side, completely absorbed in his shiny phone, oblivious to his dog strutting around like all eight pounds of him would be enough to keep potential threats out.

Ulysses gave Noah a look, like “you really expect me to ignore that?” Noah tightened his hold on the tennis ball chucker. Ulysses never did well competing with smaller dogs for his toys. He unclipped Ulysses with a stern look.

“Be good.”

Still yapping, the little dog rushed over to inspect his new enemy. Predictably, Ulysses wandered away to do his business. He was too old for these sorts of games.

Noah gave a halfhearted wave in the direction of the owner, but the guy didn’t look up from his phone. The young guy was a typical hipster tourist—thick tortoise-framed glasses, artfully messed-up dark hair, with a thick purple streak, falling over his forehead. Slim build, but his wide shoulders stretched his too-thin jacket, making the shiny fabric ripple with his motions. He wasn’t any more prepared for November in Utah than his designer dog. Still, he was a cute guy, if one was the type to notice things like that, which Noah was not.

Noah looked away, studying the sheer cliffs that surrounded the Capitol Reef National Park. Didn’t matter how much time he spent in Southern Utah, he never got tired of the view. Phone guy was missing the light shifting into one of those perfect late fall sunsets that made the early dusk worth the loss of daylight. Pink streaks mingled with gray sky to cast a rosy glow over the scrubby grass and low fence of the dog area.

Rowwwr. Ulysses flopped at Noah’s feet, a deep beseeching whine rattling out of his barrel chest. He was eighty pounds of unhappy. He’d waited patiently all afternoon while Noah worked, and now he was missing out on his ball time thanks to the teacup gatekeeper.

“Okay, but play nice.” Noah threw the ball hard with the chucker toy, going for enough distance to outstrip the tiny dog’s ability to keep up with Ulysses. Not surprisingly, the little guy was tenacious, cutting off Ulysses’s path to the ball. Ulysses gave a warning woof, and Noah broke into a run, heading after the dogs.

“Down,” he called out. Ulysses wouldn’t attack the smaller dog, but he wasn’t above a major tantrum. And despite the smaller dog acting as instigator, people would see the huge black dog and toss out the “aggressor” label. Noah preferred to exercise him late in the day—Ulysses simply didn’t enjoy playing with other dogs, and Noah wasn’t one to force his dog into uncomfortable situations.

The little dog stood over the ball, yapping up a storm while Ulysses barked and growled, ignoring Noah’s command to sit.

Finally, the owner hefted himself off the picnic bench.

“Pixel, baby, what are you doing?” the owner called in a melodic voice that didn’t inspire Noah’s confidence in the man’s ability to control his dog. “Did the big doggie scare you?”

Hah. Typical. Noah snorted. “Can you grab the ball?” He didn’t trust those little dog breeds—too quick to snap. He’d nearly been bitten trying to retrieve a ball more than once.

“Oh sure.” The guy reached under Pixel—typical cutesy name for an annoying dog—and delicately plucked the ball free, but instead of handing it to Noah, he gave it a toss, sending both dogs running.

Oh great. Noah let out a slow breath, little puffs of vapor in the crisp evening air that did nothing to defuse his tension.

“It’ll be okay.” The way-too-handsy guy patted the sleeve of Noah’s parka. “They just need to work it out. Pixel loves to play.”

Noah took a step to the side. Who did that? Touched complete strangers? But the guy kept up his friendly grin, not unlike his dog, who kept gamely chasing Ulysses. Ulysses won the race to the ball this time and hightailed it back to Noah. Not releasing his prize, he whined softly.

“Hey, boy. You got a toy?” The guy knelt to dog level and extended a hand, but instead of sniffing, Ulysses shook his head.

“Sorry. He’s not much on new people.” Neither am I. Noah’s voice sounded rough to his own ears—too many days with only Ulysses to talk to.

“It’s okay.” The guy straightened, then extended a hand to Noah. “I’m Adrian Gottlieb. You been at Capitol Reef long?”

“Couple of weeks.” He returned Adrian’s handshake, hating it when a little buzz shot up his arm. Unlike his own gloved hand, Adrian’s hand was bare, a hint of a tattoo playing peekaboo with his cuff, his grip strong and firm. And Noah had absolutely no business noticing anything more than the guy’s relentless friendliness.

Adrian smiled expectantly as he released Noah’s hand.

“Oh, I’m Noah. And that’s Ulysses,” he added, because dog people always wanted to know all about the dog. No doubt the guy was bursting to tell Pixel’s life story.

“Add-dreeee-an,” a heavily accented voice called from the gate. A beefy guy close to Noah’s age leaned on the fence, bald head gleaming in the setting sun. “I’m lonely. When are you coming back?”

“Coming,” Adrian shouted, then gave Noah a shrug with a “what can you do?” expression on his face. He grabbed Pixel and jogged across the field.

Noah nodded like he knew anything about handling demanding friends. Adrian greeted the mammoth dude with a quick peck. Okay then. Not a friend. He should have guessed, but he was a bit slow about relationship stuff. The country was changing, even way out here, but no one would dare try even that much PDA in his tiny West Texas college town. His stomach gave a weird flip—not quite discomfort, but something else he refused to name. Time to return his attention to Ulysses. He hurled the tennis ball as hard as he could.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Googleplay

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Meet the Author

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

Where to find the author:

 

Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, The Hat Party, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, 3 Chicks After Dark, Havan Fellows, Bayou Book Junkie, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, V’s Reads, Jessie G. Books, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Just Love Romance, Mikky’s World of Books, Happily Ever Chapter, Book Lovers 4Ever, The Jena Wade, Charley Descoteaux, Louise Lyons, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Michael Mandrake, It’s Raining Men

 

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $20 gift card.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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