J.C. LONG on Characters, Writing, and his new release ‘Hearts in Ireland’ (Guest Blog/Tour)

Hearts in Ireland (World of Love) by J.C. Long
Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs | Tibbs Design

Available for Purchase at

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host J.C. Long here today on his Hearts in Ireland blog tour. Welcome, J.C.!

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Welcome everybody to the next stop on my Hearts in Ireland blog tour! I’m J. C. Long, author of Hearts in Ireland, coming May 10^th, 2017! I’m so glad to be here on Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words. I love to talk about myself (just joking, haha. Okay, maybe not entirely a joke) so today I’m bringing you an interview! The people folks here at SW&RT asked some really good questions, and I’m really excited to answer them! Without further ado, on to the questions!

How much of yourself goes into a character?

I try to make my characters far more well-rounded than I am. If a majority of my characters were like me, the stories would be pretty boring pretty quickly, I think. But, with that said, there are definitely elements of my personality or little quirks that do shine through into the characters, though I don’t often realize it until I’ve finished writing. Noah Potter in my novel A Matter of Duty shares my love of spicy food and aversion to certain textures of food, like tofu. The self confidence issues that the character Tate suffers in Broadway Babe are very much my own. But Ronan, from this upcoming story, is the closest to me. He has the most of me I think I’ve ever put into a character.

Do you feel there’s a tight line between Mary Sue or should I say Gary Stu and using your own experiences to create a character?

I think it’s important for an author to avoid the perfect, idealized characters as much as possible. Perfection is boring. No one wants to read a character that doesn’t make a mistake, because those are usually characters with absolutely zero agency.

Does research play a role into choosing which genre you write? Do you enjoy research or prefer making up your worlds and cultures?

Honesty time: I hate most research, which does influence what I write, I think. Let’s just say you will NOT be getting a Victorian era historical from me (I hate that era, anyway). When I select a project that requires research, I always want it to be something that I love and am interested in. My Hong Kong Nights series required quite a bit of research into the city, but I found it to be really interesting and fun. Science fiction and fantasy have a great appeal because of the ability to make up worlds and cultures as I go along.

Have you ever had to put an ‘in progress’ story aside because of the emotional ties with it? You were hurting with the characters or didn’t know how to proceed?

Yes! I have a contemporary romance WIP that’s sitting about 75% finished. I can’t touch it yet. It involves a character who loses his grandmother, who raised him. This time last year my grandmother passed away, and that loss was devastating. Any time I approach that story I get overwhelmed and can’t think straight. I hope to finish it one day, when the time is right, but for now it’s on hold.

Do you read romances, as a teenager and as an adult?

I didn’t read romance much as a teenager; I was far more into scifi and fantasy. I do read it now as an adult. I’ve developed an appreciation for just how wonderful the genre is (and how difficult to write, as a writer, when the world is a dark and scary place).

How do you choose your covers? (curious on my part)

I like this question. Part of the cover process for me is trusting the artist and the publisher. They know what’s marketable and what will sell the best. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve loved all of the covers I’ve had for my books. With Hearts in Ireland I was given three choices, and I was stuck between the one you see and a second. My boyfriend actually was the tiebreaker for me.

Do you have a favorite among your own stories? And why?

My favorite? That’s a bit difficult. Each story is meaningful to me in its own way. This one is the one that my heart is most invested in, I’ll say that. I can tell you my least favorite—it’s always the one I’m working on right now!

What’s next for you as an author?

I’ve got a busy year ahead of me! I’m currently working on the follow-up to Broadway Boys. When that’s finished I’m jumping into the third book in my Hong Kong Nights series and after that the third book in my Gabe Maxfield Mysteries series (the first and second will be out sometime this year).

Blurb:

When the future is shrouded and it’s hard to find direction, maybe it’s time to let the heart lead the way….

Ronan Walker stands at a crossroads, unsure how to pursue his education… unsure if he even wants to. Now that his mother is gone, all he has left are the wonderful stories of her youth in Ireland, and he’s drawn to the land of his ancestors. There, he seeks out his mother’s family and meets Fergal Walsh, who works at Ronan’s aunt’s bookstore. A love of literature facilitates a fast friendship between the two men, and even though Ronan cannot deny the potential—and his desire—for more, he cannot see a future for the two of them when he leaves Ireland. Fergal must persuade Ronan to give school in Dublin a chance—and convince Ronan that his heart has already found its home.

World of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the globe.

About the Author

J. C. Long is an American expat living in Japan, though he’s also lived stints in Seoul, South Korea—no, he’s not an Army brat; he’s an English teacher. He is also quite passionate about Welsh corgis and is convinced that anyone who does not like them is evil incarnate. His dramatic streak comes from his lifelong involvement in theater. After living in several countries aside from the United States, J. C. is convinced that love is love, no matter where you are, and is determined to write stories that demonstrate exactly that.

His favorite things in the world are pictures of corgis, writing, and Korean food (not in that order… okay, in that order). J. C. spends his time not writing thinking about writing, coming up with new characters, attending Big Bang concerts, and wishing he were writing. The best way to get him to write faster is to motivate him with corgi pictures. Yes, that is a veiled hint.

Social Media:

Website: www.jclong.org
Twitter: @j_c_long_author
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjclong?ref=bookmarks

Blog Tour and Giveaway for ‘I Do, or Dye Trying’ by Aimee Nicole Walker (A CURL UP AND DYE MYSTERIES Story)

I DO, OR DYE TRYING

CURL UP AND DYE MYSTERIES SERIES, BOOK 4

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE/MYSTERY

IDODT Cover

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wander Aguiar

COVER ARTIST: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

MODELS: Jacob and Matthew

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Aimee Nicole Walker here today. She’s agreed to answer a few questions for us. Welcome, Aimee!

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~Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words Interview with Aimee Nicole Walker~

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Do you plot out your stories or do you let your stories “write” themselves?

I let the stories write themselves. I jot down a few plot points that I’d like to hit, and I make a Cast of Characters page where I add the characters as they pop into the story. That’s as organized as I get when it comes to plotting the story. I’m much more rigorous and structured when it comes to sitting down and writing the story.

Have you ever found yourself caught up emotionally with the lives of your characters to the point you temporarily stopped writing because you weren’t sure you could handle where it was going?

Absolutely! There are times that I know a character has experienced hardships in their lives, but I rarely know what those times entail until they reveal them to me since I don’t plot in advance. There have been many times that I’ve sat and cried when their story came to me. The kneejerk reaction is to step away from the book right then, but I’ve learned to work with that emotion instead of pushing it away.

Does one type of genre speak to you more than another?

As a reader, it was mainly contemporary romance for the past few decades. That’s why I naturally started writing it. I find that my preferences now lean more toward a romance/mystery combo and even paranormal romance. I still want romance to be a main part of the storyline, but the other aspects intrigue me. I get blown away by the talent and imagination that goes into writing paranormal and fantasy books.

What’s the wildest evolution a character of yours has ever done? Or do yours pretty much stay on point?

My characters never stay on point, and they surprise me every single day. There have been many times that I thought, “No, that’s now how this is going to go,” as I write whatever the character reveals to me. I’ve learned to just go with it. The character who surprised me the most was JJ from Perfect Fit. He was much deeper and more complex than I knew until I sat down and wrote his story.

BLURB

Newly engaged Josh Roman and Gabe Wyatt know the road to happily ever after won’t be easy, but the two men are certain their biggest challenges are in the rearview mirror. However, life in Blissville is never what it seems and all signs point to dangerous curves ahead.

Josh and Gabe refuse to take a detour because everything they’ve dreamed of is within reach, not even when professional and personal revelations threaten to wreck their plans. It should be the happiest time in their lives, yet neither man can shake the feeling that something sinister waits around the next corner.

Buckle your seatbelts and hang on for the ride because Josh and Gabe are committed to saying “I do” or die trying.

I Do, or Dye Trying is the fourth book in the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries series. These books need to be read in order as the storyline unravels throughout the series. They contain sexually explicit material and are intended for adults 18 and older.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

Video Trailer: https://vimeo.com/215362953

IDODT Teaser 3

EXCERPT

I expected Gabe to toss me down on the bed and start tearing off our clothes, but he slowly lowered me to my feet so that I could feel how excited he was when my body slid down the length of his. I looked into his gorgeous brown eyes and realized it was going to be a slow burn kind of night with our emotions on display and not hidden behind rutting and grunting.

Gabe cupped my face in his large hands and stared into my eyes. Thunder from the approaching storm rumbled louder and longer as it neared us. I thought it fit the mood perfectly since the emotions I saw in Gabe’s eyes were as stormy as the weather. I knew him well enough that I could easily name them: desire, devotion, and love—so much love. “It’s just the two of us now from here on out, and it’s a damn good thing because there will never be a man who loves you the way that I do.”

Truer words had never been spoken, and they deserved a response that was equally honest and free of snark. I slid one hand around Gabe’s neck and covered his heart with the other one. “I didn’t know I was capable of loving someone the way that I love you; I didn’t know my heart could feel so full. I surely never dreamed that a man like you would love me the way you do.”

We started undressing slowly and treated every inch of revealed skin like a cherished gift we’d been waiting for our entire lives; flesh that was too precious not to kiss or taste. There was a slight tremble to Gabe’s hand when he bumped his fingers teasingly along my spine and to his lips when he pressed them to the skin over my heart.

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy

who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees.

I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

Dyeing to be Loved, Book 1

Something to Dye For, Book 2

Dyed and Gone to Heaven, Book 3

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An Ali Review: Faking It (Ringside Romance #2) by Christine d’Abo

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Max Tremblay should be happy. His night club, Frantic, is one of the most popular gay clubs in Toronto, and his childhood refuge, Ringside Gym, is well on the way to reopening. But when he finds yet another drunk in the alley beside the bar, Max isn’t sure this is the life he truly wants.

Grady Barnes has it all. He’s rich, famous, and wants for nothing. Well, nothing but a good relationship with his father. When he discovers that his father is going to force him into an arranged marriage, Grady has had enough. He tracks down Max, the man who got him to safety after a night of overindulgence, and makes him a proposal: pretend to be his fiancé for two weeks and he’ll invest in Ringside Gym.

When the pair travel to Vancouver to attend a family wedding, the flames of their mutual attraction ignite, and they discover that the only difference between pretend and reality is how well they can fake it.

I totally love the fake boyfriend trope. I don’t know why because I wouldn’t believe it for minute in real life, but I love reading about them in books. This story did not disappoint. This was one of the better ones I’ve read.

Max helps Grady one night at his club and a series of events lead to them pretending they’re a couple while they attend a wedding for Grady’s brother. How hard can it be? Well, as it turns out, pretty hard. Max underestimates the horribleness that is Grandy’s family.

The two men find they are genuinely attracted to each other but Grady’s personal life is a mess and he can’t be a partner to Max when he can’t even deal with his own life. The story takes a serious twist mid way through and it becomes a story filled with emotions. There’s a bit of heartache for everyone involved before we finally get to their hea.

This is the second book in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone. There are a few appearances by characters from the first story but only in a peripheral way.

I enjoyed this one a lot, even more than the first book in the series, and it’s one I would definitely recommend.

The cover is done by L.C. Chase and I think she did a great job of it. The cover is striking and catches your attention right off. It’s also complementary to the cover on book one.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 238 pages

Published May 8th 2017 by Riptide Publishing

ISBN13 9781626495531

Edition Language English

Series Ringside Romance #2

Andrew Grey on Writing, Inspiration, and Setting the Hook, his latest release (author guest blog and excerpt)

Setting the Hook by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Release Date: May 12 2017

Sales Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Dreamspinner Press

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Andrew Grey here today talking about Setting the Hook, his latest story and the inspiration behind it. Welcome, Andrew.

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On Inspiration and Setting the Hook by Andrew Grey

Labor Day weekend I had the opportunity to fish on the gulf for the first time. It was an amazing experience and I had an incredible time And as you can guess, I looked out over the water, fishing, talking, laughing, and the entire time my mind is running though how I could use all the experiences in a book. I stored them away until the idea for Setting the Hook started developing in my mind. I do have to tell you that while the situations were different, that weekend we did experience many, of the things in the story, including the hurricane, catching the sharks, as well as meeting some amazing people who left an impression on me. I can’t wait for my next fishing trip so I can see what comes out of that. ~ Andrew

Blurb/Synopsis:

It could be the catch of a lifetime. William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen’s fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn’t the only view William enjoys, but he’s never made his move. A vacation romance just isn’t on his horizon.

William Westmoreland escapes his unfulfilling Rhode Island existence by traveling to Florida twice a year and chartering Mike Jansen’s fishing boat to take him out on the Gulf. The crystal-blue water and tropical scenery isn’t the only view William enjoys, but he’s never made his move. A vacation romance just isn’t on his horizon.

Mike started his Apalachicola charter fishing service as a way to care for his daughter and mother, putting their safety and security ahead of the needs of his own heart. Denying his attraction becomes harder with each of William’s visits.

William and Mike’s latest fishing excursion starts with a beautiful day, but a hurricane’s erratic course changes everything, stranding William. As the wind and rain rage outside, the passion the two men have been trying to resist for years crashes over them. In the storm’s wake, it leaves both men yearning to prolong what they have found. But real life pulls William back to his obligations. Can they find a way to reduce the distance between them and discover a place where their souls can meet? The journey will require rough sailing, but the bright future at the end might be worth the choppy seas.

Series: Standalone
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Excerpt

Dean got his bag and began slathering himself up. William already had, and he smelled of coconut and the rich, almost sweet scent that Mike would know anywhere. He kept his attention where it needed to be, but William kept tugging at his senses.

Mike knew he was attracted to William. He’d figured that out the first time William had showed up for a charter. Mike had taken one look at his broad shoulders and small waist hugged inside a tight T-shirt that might have been one size too small and his heart had raced. Mike still had fantasies about that white shirt that showed off the ripples in William’s belly and the way William’s nipples stuck out the perfect suckable amount. It had been hard for Mike to keep his attention where it needed to be, and now, even after four years, it wasn’t any easier. William was the kind of guy Mike could fall for. But that wasn’t going to happen. The list of reasons was so long, it could reach to the bottom of the Gulf.

William was a sophisticated man from the Northeast who worked in the family business, making engine parts for tractors, cranes, bulldozers, and all kinds of specialty engines. He lived outside Providence and was highly educated. There wasn’t any way a guy like him would be interested in someone like Mike. Besides, Mike saw him two times a year for the better part of a day when William came fishing. Their lives and worlds couldn’t have been more different, so whatever interest Mike might have in William was going to remain that—interest. Not action, and certainly nothing more than friendship of a sort. The fact that William got Mike’s motor running faster than the one on the boat was immaterial. He lived in Apalachicola, a town of two thousand people who made their living on the Gulf and where most people had family going back generations. There weren’t gay people in town as far as he knew, and Mike had no intention of being the one and only so folks could look at him differently.

“Mike,” Gordon called, pulling him out of his thoughts. “Are we getting close?”

“Yup.” Mike verified their position and turned on the fish finder, slowing down and checking out what was underneath them. “Go ahead and drop.” He slowed their speed even more, and Gordon released the anchor.

They came to a stop, the boat rocking on the waves as they got the guys ready. Mike let Gordon do his thing, and soon both Dean and William were reeling them in.

“I got a huge one!” William cried, his line whizzing out from the reel.

“Mike!” Gordon cried. “It broke the reel.” He hurried over as the line came to the end, nearly jerking the pole out of William’s hand.

Mike come up right behind him, taking hold of the rod as well, pressing to William’s back. “Get the large line spool. We can roll it onto that by hand.” He didn’t want to move but put space between them anyway, grateful for the distraction. Whatever William had was strong and large. Gordon passed him gloves, and he yanked them on, then pulled in more and more line. Foot after foot the line was retrieved, and William’s catch got closer to the surface.

“Shark,” Dean cried, pointing as a large yellow-gold body appeared from under the water.

“It’s a nurse shark,” Gordon said. “Odd to catch one during the day.”

Mike nodded his agreement. “I’d guess it’s about six feet.” He pulled back as the shark broke the surface right near the boat. “Someone snap a picture.” He held the line still, and Gordon got some pictures. So did Dean. Then Mike cut the line, and the shark took off back down into the water.

“Do you think it will survive?” William asked.

Mike shrugged, watching the waves, and thankfully the shark didn’t make an appearance as a floater.

Dean returned to his line, got a bite, and hauled in a really nice-size grouper, which went into the box with more ice.

“Let’s move on.”

Gordon hauled in the anchor, and they went in search of another location.

The morning passed with some nice catches. Dean and William ate lunch in the shade as Mike tried to locate a spot he’d had good luck with before. Out of habit and because of his mother’s warning, he checked the weather reports once again.

“Wind on the Gulf is still expected to diminish, as are the waves. However, Hurricane Marshall is continuing its fast pace toward the Space Coast, showing no signs as yet of turning north, has picked up speed, and will likely make landfall near Daytona Beach. It is now expected to turn north and ride up the center of the state and into Georgia.”

Mike sighed and took off his headphones. The weather wasn’t threatening, but he’d check in another hour for another update. Mike wasn’t so concerned about getting caught in the storm itself as much as the storm entering the Gulf and stirring up the waves.

He found a good location, and Gordon threw the anchor. While the guys fished, Mike ate his lunch and then switched with Gordon so he could eat as well, and William offered them whatever they wanted from his overflowing cooler.

The next few hours fell into a routine for Mike and Gordon, interrupted by Mike’s occasional daydreams about William. Mike checked the weather every few hours. The next check had little new information, but the report at two was disturbing.

“Hurricane Marshall made landfall at Daytona Beach and has been downgraded to a tropical storm. The eye is currently twenty miles north of Orlando. It continues to move west-northwest at twenty-nine miles an hour and is now expected the enter the Gulf as a tropical storm, but could strengthen once it gets over water. Stay tuned for further advisories.”

Mike’s stomach clenched and he looked to the east. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, and the storm was hundreds of miles away. Usually Mike stayed out until six and then headed back to the marina.

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page
Barnes and Noble Page
Dreamspinner Press
Facebook
Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey
Goodreads
Twitter @andrewgreybooks
Website For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Two for Trust by Elle Brownlee

Rating: 3. 5 stars out of 5

A fairy-tale vacation—if he can get the ending right.

American nurse Finch Mason steps beyond the comfort of his orderly life and takes a dream trip to England, complete with a National Trust Pass so he can visit numerous historical sites. At the first one on his list, he’s warmly welcomed—and told he bought a pass good for two.

Finch doesn’t hesitate to offer the pass to Benedict, a handsome Brit also there on an outing. They spend a magical week touring the countryside, and while it’s too soon to get attached, Finch wishes their time together would never end.

Then Finch finds himself stuck abroad with no money, and he has no one to turn to but Benedict. Benedict is happy to help, but he also owes Finch some answers—such as who he really is and why he was at the estate where they first met.

Two for Trust by Elle Brownlee is a very old fashioned romance. It reminds me very much of those old movies and books where the heat was in the touch of a hand and the shared looks because that’s pretty much all you’re going to get here. This is romance sans the physical aspect except for the kiss and the implied “togetherness” to come. Fade to black.

However, the rest was charming, maybe a little fusty in that old way I’d forgotten, that I enjoyed the book for what it was. A slow buildup of a relationship between Finch and Benedict and when I mean slow I mean molasses on a cold winter morning slow. They aren’t clueless about the way they feel about each other. No, but it’s tied up in all sorts of things money, and estates and well, British. Honestly Finch reads more English then he does American. If I forgot about the fact that he’s supposed to be from the US, then it fit better. Finch could be anyone away on his first big trip and it works. His mistakes are those of a first timer and are very believable. Brownlee has made him a nurse and his inclination to help, to jump in and rescue defines his character. We get Finch, and so does Benedict, although not that he wants to at the start.

What makes this book so lovely and warm are the characters that Brownlee creates for it. Not just Benedict and Finch, but all the wonderful supporting cast, including the ones at the manor to Benedict’s family that ends up playing a major role in their relationship.

Eddie Izzard does a very funny bit in his routine about the difference between US and British films. He talks about in the British one (Room with a View) , romances where the mc is shuffling matches to the American ones where we switch it up to Room with a View of Hell, Pond of Hell etc. If you haven’t seen the bit, You Tube it or click on the link, it’s brilliant. This story is the shuffling matches one, with just one or two nods to the American in it.

Anyhow, now I’m thinking about Eddie Izzard.

If you like sweet stories with zero heat and lovely characters, then this Dreamspun Desires addition from Elle Brownlee is just the thing for you.

Cover Artist: Bree Archer. Design and art works for branding the series and this story. Nicely done.

Sales Links

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 252 pages

Expected publication: May 15th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ASIN B071KTP61X

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Carpenter and the Actor (Ellery Mountain #3) by RJ Scott

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I really enjoyed this third story in the series that started with The Fireman and The Cop, and moved to the Teacher and the Soldier—the stories of Finn and Mal, and Daniel and Luke—all of whom make an appearance in this one.

In this installment, Kieran finally gets his chance for a happy ever after when he meets Jason McInnery, an actor taking a break from the paparazzi and craziness of his Hollywood lifestyle by seeking solitude in the Ellery Mountain Cabins where Kieran is the all-around carpenter and handyman. Jason’s brother died a year ago, in an accident with the sportscar Jason gave him so he’s carrying survivor’s guilt and feeling the loss desperately as the anniversary nears. But the photographers haven’t left him alone with his grief and he’s nearing the end of his rope.

When he spots Kieran, he’s immediately attracted, but when he later spies him bent over, working on a project, he decides to propose a two-week fling with the cute young man while he’s in the area. As it turns out, the perky, talkative, smaller man is the more dominant of the two, and they embark on some very hot and heavy fun with rope, among other things. But it’s what develops between them outside the bedroom that makes both men think twice about the two-week time limit.

Nevertheless, neither is willing to propose a solution until just before Jason leaves, when they break down and agree they want more. Can they make it work? After all, Hollywood and the Tennessee mountains are pretty far apart. This is a sweet romance with engaging characters, as were the others in the series, and we get the bonus of return visits with old friends as they work together on Daniel’s plans for a home for returning vets who have no family. I liked both the story itself and the fast pace of the romance. They definitely deserved to be happy together.

If you like sweet MM romances that you can polish off in a day and feel good when you finish, by all means, consider this and the others in the series.

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The attractive cover by Meredith Russell is similar to others in these new editions in that the background is an eye-catching sky blue with the lower pane featuring a panorama of the mountains and the upper pane featuring upper body shots of both MCs—the blond Kieran and the brunet and bearded Jason.

Sales Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2plC1kk

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2r307xx

Book Details:

ebook
Published May 10th 2017 by Love Lane Books Limited (first published April 29th 2013)
RJ Scott Website
Series Ellery Mountain #3

Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Teacher and the Soldier (Ellery Mountain #2) by RJ Scott

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

I really enjoyed this second story in the series that started with The Fireman and The Cop, the story of Finn and Mal, both of whom make an appearance in this one. Primarily featuring Finn’s friend, Daniel Skylar, whose mother owns half of the Ellery Mountain cabin property where most of the guys live, Daniel is stunned almost speechless when he comes face to face with Luke Fitzgerald, who has returned to town to settle his father’s estate. His father was the nasty drunk killed in the first book, and Luke, a victim of his father’s physical abuse through his teen years, has not been back since he ran away at age eighteen.

Now, he has to sign papers for the other half of the Ellery Mountain Cabins business so that he can put the property up for sale, get back out of town, and hopefully, never look back.

At first, his time is spent hiding in his hotel room. His panic disorder is running high and he’s extremely resentful toward townsfolk, principally Daniel’s mother, who failed to intervene when his dad was beating him during his high school years. But when he finally ventures out and manages to try to conduct a civil conversation with Daniel, he loses his temper and pops him in the jaw. Not one for physical violence, the former soldier recognizes signs of anxiety and refuses to engage. In fact, he takes the time to get to know Luke and helps him to calm.

Over the few weeks Luke is in town, although he still wants to leave when the paperwork is settled, he comes to know Daniel, Finn, Kieran, Max and others and finds himself hovering between staying and going. His relationship with Daniel has progressed from friend to friends-with-benefits and now it appears that it may be even more than that. When he gives up and decides to head out of town, will Daniel be able to stop him? Does he even want to?

This is a sweet romance with engaging characters and return visits with old friends. I liked both the story and the pace and both characters were really wonderful men who totally deserved to be happy together.

I’m looking forward to the next in the series when we finally get to see what happens with Kieran.

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The attractive cover by Meredith Russell is similar to others in these new editions in that the background is an eye-catching sky blue with the lower pane featuring a panorama of the mountains and the upper pane featuring upper body shots of both MCs.

Sales Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2q6M89I

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2pl6IX4

Book Details:

ebook, Second
Published May 10th 2017 by Love Lane Books Limited (first published April 22nd 2013)
URLhttp://rjscottauthor.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/the-school-teacher-and-soldier.html
SeriesEllery Mountain #2

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Fireman and the Cop by RJ Scott (Ellery Mountain #1) 2nd Edition

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

When Max Harrison arrives on scene at a raging fire at the police station in Ellery, though it’s only his second day on the job, he doesn’t hesitate to run into the burning building to rescue the cop who’s apparently trapped inside. He manages to get Finn Ryan out just before the building collapses and that’s likely only due to his size and strength as he was able to free Finn and then throw him over his shoulders to race ahead of the flames.

Though there’s an immediate attraction on both sides, Finn’s primary concern is in solving the arson crime, but then his brakes fail on his trusty pickup truck and the odds swing in favor of Finn being a target. Back in the hospital again, Finn refuses to believe he’s a target but he accepts Max’s help, and the two attempt to keep trying to build a relationship around their different schedules and busy lives.

But the man who wants Finn out of the way permanently is closer to Finn than he thinks and it looks like he might be successful the next time. Can Max get to Finn in time? Will Finn finally agree that Max might be in his life for more than a quick rescue and a quick night in bed? This story is fun and adventurous and lays the groundwork for future stories set in this small US town.

I recall reading the first edition of this story long ago. In fact, it may have been one of the first I ever read in the MM genre, and it led me to an appreciation of RJ Scott’s writing. Sometimes fluffy, always sweet, and often just the perfect touch to brighten a dreary day, this one is a delicious sample of how pleasant it can be to spend the afternoon with her heroes. Though it doesn’t have the depth of some of her longer novels, it certainly provides enough to fill my sweet tooth. And the best news is that it’s the first of a series so we’ll get to read the stories of Finn’s friends, Dylan and Kiernan, among others in the balance of the series. I’m looking forward to it. This one is definitely recommended.

The second edition features a new, bright blue cover by Meredith Russell. The lower pane is a panorama of the Ellery Mountain area and the upper pane features two very handsome rugged-looking men, one with dark hair, and one with light. It’s attractive and attention-getting and gives us a good idea of what the MCs look like.

Sales Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2q4jat1

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2plna9D

Book Details:

ebook, second, 115 pages
Published May 10th 2017 by Love Lane Books (first published January 14th 2013)
ISBN139781785640667
URLhttps://www.rjscott.co.uk
SeriesEllery Mountain #1 settingEllery, Tennessee (United States)

Retro Review Tour and Giveaway: Ellery Mountain 1,2 & 3 by RJ Scott

Ellery Mountain Series

Fireman & The Cop (Book #1) :Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2q4jat1 Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2plna9D

The Teacher & The Soldier (Book #2) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2q6M89I Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2pl6IX4

The Carpenter & The Actor (Book #3) Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2plC1kk

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2r307xx

The Doctor & The Bad Boy (Book #4) Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Paramedic & The Writer (Book #5) Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Barman & The SEAL (Book #6) Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Agent & The Model (Book #7) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

The Fireman & The Cop

Rescuing a cop from a burning precinct is in Maxís job description; falling in love was never part of the deal.

Max Harrison moved from the city to take up a role as assistant to the mayor, while also a volunteer firefighter. When he meets Finn Ryan in Ellery, he falls in lust that burns as hot as the fires an arsonist is setting in town.

Finn Ryan is a cop, and somehow heís attracted trouble. Going back into a fire to rescue the town drunk is just the start. Now he has to rely on the man heís falling for to make sure it doesnít end with him dying.

The Teacher & The Soldier

Soldier, Daniel Skylar, falls hard and heavy for school teacher Luke Fitzgerald. How can he make him stay in Ellery?

Luke Fitzgerald left Ellery Mountain for college and vowed never to come back. When his abusive father is murdered, he has no choice but to return. Luke only goes home to sell off his share of the Ellery Mountain Cabins, but everything changes when he meets the son of the other owner. Daniel Skylar lives every day to the limit and sees a future in Luke.

It doesnít matter what Daniel says, or how much he needs Luke. Luke isnít staying once everything is sold off. Surely Daniel can understand that what they have between them is just a two-week fling; there is no way it could be love.

Can Daniel persuade Luke that they are in love, and they can build a future together?

The Carpenter & The Actor

Jason is running from tragedy, hiding in Ellery, but itís only when he meets Kieran that he finds love.

Jason McInnery, hounded by the paparazzi after his brotherís death, runs to the one place where he hopes people wonít sell him out. The place where he was born. Hiding in the tourist cabins at Ellery Mountain Resort out of season, he thinks he finally has room to breathe.

Kieran Dexter is a man who knows what he wants; gorgeous actor Jason tied up and begging. When the hottest sex heís ever had turns to feelings of love, heís faced with convincing Jason to give them a try and stay in Ellery.

May 10 – Reading In Sarah’s Corner, Bonkers About Books, MM Good Book Reviews
May 12 – Dog-Eared Daydreams, Foxylutely
May 13 – Padme’s Library
May 15 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
May 17 – The Geekery Book Review, Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books, Keysmash
May 19 – The Romantic Fanatatic, Making It Happen, Jim’s Reading Room, Bayou Book Junkie, Xtreme Delusions

Author Bio

RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a weekís break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldnít defeat.

mailto:rj@rjscott.co.uk
www.rjscott.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/author.rjscott?ref=ts&amp;fref=ts
www.goodreads.com/author/show/3432558.R_J_Scott
twitter.com/Rjscott_author
www.librarything.com/author/scottrj

Giveaway

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Release Blitz and Giveaway: Maelstrom by Kass Barrow

Buy Links: JMS Books | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 69,000 words

Publisher: JMS Books

Blurb

When Kylor Knightley, a multi-millionaire nightclub owner, is out talent-spotting at an open mic event in Londonís Limehouse district, the last thing the stiff-lipped Brit expects is to fall head-over-heels for a devastatingly handsome singer ten years his junior.

Born in New York, twenty-two-year-old Eden McFadden now calls London home and has ambitions of making it big in the capitalís music scene. In the meantime, the feisty free spirit is secretly rocking it as a stripper at a gay club in Soho. But when fate brings him and Kylor together in Limehouse, it starts a chain of events that tears both of their worlds apart.

Itís going to take some serious attitude adjustment for the smart-mouthed stripper and the arrogant British gent to find common ground, but the attraction is too strong to ignore. Sometimes you have to trust in fate and see where it takes you.

Excerpt

Eden was so pumped about meeting the guy with the sparkling turquoise eyes that he couldn’t wait to tell someone. He wasn’t usually one to gossip, but he’d pulled up a chair alongside Blade, who was busy removing his guyliner. Eden was talking to Blade’s reflection in the mirror, relating the moment he’d looked down and seen the gorgeous guy staring back up at him.

Just then someone shouted, “Which of you is green?” and there was the stranger; standing in the doorway next to a security guard.

Eden sat gawking at his visitor and all the strength drained out of his body as if someone had pulled his plug. Blade nudged him. “Don’t just sit there. That’s your guy, isn’t it? God, he really is gorge!”

Eden slowly got to his feet, praying his knees wouldn’t give way, and shoved a shaky hand in the air. “That package is for me.”

The weak attempt at humour was his way of handling the embarrassment he felt because he knew that if the token had been black or pink the security guard wouldn’t have needed to ask whose it was. Everyone knew Stemmy’s tokens were black and Oberon’s were pink. But this was only the second time Eden had handed out a token. The last time he’d invited a guy backstage, his guest had been under the mistaken impression the token entitled him to instant sexual gratification, but Eden hadn’t been that into the guy.

The guard nodded at Eden’s visitor and left.

Still in just his pink briefs, Eden scurried back to his own station and rummaged around in his duffel bag for a clean top. The first thing to come to hand was his old Keep Calm and Carry On Funking T-shirt. He quickly pulled it on and rolled it down his sweat-dampened chest and abs. Then he stood by his dressing table, ready to greet his guest, with one hand resting on the table for support. Eden knew he shouldn’t be getting this worked up over someone he’d only just clapped eyes on. He had no idea what the guy was like. I haven’t even spoken to him yet. Maybe he’s just a good-looking asshole in a suit.

As the guy approached, Eden’s eyes widened in awe. It felt like he was watching the scene through a slow motion filter. He was entranced by the rhythmic sway of the guy’s narrow hips and everything else in the room faded to a blur. The guy’s suit jacket was unbuttoned and his left hand rested inside the trouser pocket, while his right arm hung loose by his side. It was like a breath of self-assured elegance had wafted into the room.

And then there was his hair. It was glorious. A flame-coloured shock of tumbling waves, its hue changed as the light danced over it, like an abstract of wildfire and scorched earth. It jarred with the image of the sophisticated city gent in the cool blue suit. It was hypnotising, the way the picture was so wrong and yet so right.

Eden could tell straight away this guy was no bit player on life’s stage. He had a starring role. You could tell from his arrogant swagger that the only rules he ever played by were his own. He was like a dream come true to Eden. A guy with “Fuck Me” written all over him and a seriously hot “Fuck You” attitude to compliment the looks.

Eden swallowed hard. Where have you been all my life?

Author Bio

Kass Barrow lives 100 miles north of London in a small town in the farming county of Lincolnshire. Despite always having lived in the same area she has seen a fair bit of the world, from the eerie innards of the Kingís Chamber in the Great Pyramid, to the majestic vistas that come with snowboarding in the Rockies.

However, none of these life experiences prepared her for the emotional roller-coaster ride of penning a novel. Now she has become so accustomed to having four handsome gents in her life ñ her husband, her dog and her two main characters ñ that she canít imagine life any other way.