Category: Contemporary fiction

An Ali Review: Cops and Robby by Carol Lynne

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

Cops and RobbyCops, Cole and Morgan Caldwell, have always had to hide their love for each other from the outside world. They are content with each other until the night they rescued Robby. Beaten and left in an alley by a john, Robby has never known true kindness and soon falls for both men, but Robby’s got a problem. His pimp, Vince, isn’t ready to let him go.

 

Can two cops love a prostitute or will Robby’s baggage be too much for them to carry?

 

Cole found Robby in an alley in pain on his way home one night.  Morgan is wary of the stranger and doesn’t want anyone to come between him and Cole.  As they give Robby time to heal they learn some new things about each other.

 

Cole and Morgan already have a taboo relationship, but it is based on their deep love for each other.  They don’t hide their relationship from Robby and welcome him to their lives.

 

My heart broke for Robby with how bad his life has been so far and how he believes that Cole and Morgan are just too good to be true.  Cole loves having someone to take care of, while Morgan has someone else to protect.  This was a shorter story that held a lot of emotions, it was wonderful to see the three of them get their HEA.

 

The cover art is nice, but needs to be zoomed in a bit to see the details.

 

Sales Link: Wilde City Press | Amazon

 

Book Details:

ebook, 21,992 words
Published: 2nd Edition, April 13, 2016 by Wilde City Press
ISBN: 9781925313925
Edition Language: English

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Permanently Legless by JL Merrow

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Permanently Legless newChris came home from Afghanistan when he was severely injured and lost both legs. Finally released from medical care and adjusting to civilian life, with his sense of humor intact, he sets out for the local gay bar where he met a guy the week before he shipped out. Josh has been on his mind a lot, and he hopes to at least get to see him there, though he’s pretty sure Josh has forgotten him, and even if not, Josh may be turned off by Chris’s disability.

When Josh gave his number to Chris, he really hoped he’d hear from him again. It’s been close to a year but the man was truly unforgettable. Now, when he turns around and spots Chris, he’s shocked but finds himself still attracted. Can there be any hope for someone Chris probably filed away as a one-night stand?

I hope all readers enjoy this story as much as I did. Though brief, it packs a lot of punch. And it’s also full of humor, much of it from Chris and his light-hearted view of his circumstances. Both characters are sweet and seem genuinely suited to each other. A nice tidbit to make me wish for more about these guys in the future.

Cover art on this new edition, by Written Ink Designs, depicts a fully armed soldier in uniform looking skyward. There’s a British flag superimposed at the bottom of the cover with a small wheelchair in the left corner. The cover captures Chris’s spirit.

Sales Links:  JMS Books |  Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition, 23 pages
Published June 4th 2016 by JMS Books (first published January 22nd 2012)
ISBN139781634860994
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Stella Review: Set Me Free by Kitty Stephens

RATING  3.75 out of 5 stars

Set Me FreeAaron Ledbetter’s future had been planned out for him since before he was born. Each year, the Ledbetter family vacation on Tybee Island gave Aaron a chance to briefly free himself from his family’s expectations. When he meets Jonas “Lucky” Luckett, a caricature artist in town with the traveling carnival, he must choose between the life that’s been mapped out for him, and the chance at true love.

Set Me Free is Kitty Stephens‘ debut novel, in my opinion a very well done young adult story. Two things conquered me, the characters and the writing.

Lucky is eighteen years old, his highschool teacher found him a summer job to a carnival off the coast of Georgia. He is nervous, knowing this is a great chance for his future in an art college but it can’t wait to start enjoying a summer doing what he can do best.

Aaron is looking forward his three months on the Tybee Island to live without his parents’ expectations to go to Harward, take over their company and marry his bestfriend, Lyn. He wants nothing of that.

Aaron and Lucky come from two very different words, being together is hard,  for Aaron, deeply in the closet with no intention of coming out due to parents that have planned his life without asking for their son’s dreams. And for Lucky too, out and proud, with no money and only his talent and a supporting (except for distracting boyfriend) mum. It was a pleasure to see their relationship bloom, Aaron let go of his fears and open up to Lucky. At the same time it was painful too, especially when Aaron and Lyn kept things from each other, afraid of the implications their actions and with who they fall in love, could have on their lives.

I found the writing very good, the reading flew easily and I get to the end without even realizing it. I particularly loved the descriptions, I really felt myself in the carnival, on the beach, at Lucky’s booth waiting for him to draw me in. The author did an amazing work, she sucked me into the MCs’ lives and it was impossible to let them go.

At the end what I got was a story about freedom, summer loves and finally achieve your wishes. It is sweet, emotional and lovely. I feel I can recommend it. I can say I’m curious to read more by Kitty Stephens.

The cover design by CB Messer is what caught my attention first. It’s so cute and sweet, I simply couldn’t resist. And it perfectly portraits the story of Aaron and Jonas.

Sales Links: Interlude Press | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition,192 pages
Published June 6th 2016 by Duet, an imprint of Interlude Press
ASIN B01GPD1EZU
Edition Language English

Connect with Harper Miller On Writing LGBT Characters of Color, Interracial Romance & Complexity (Kinky Connect Chronicles) by Harper Miller

Complexity

TITLE: Complexity (Kinky Connect Chronicles) by Harper Miller
COVER ARTIST: Taria Reed Digital Artist

LENGTH: 140 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 8, 2016

Interracial/Multicultural Romance and Writing LGBT Characters of Color

By Harper Miller

My latest release Complexity features a gay interracial/multicultural pairing. One of my MCs is Puerto Rican, and the other is white. Writing this story, I had to tap into a multitude of sources to ensure I got Manny’s character right. Luckily, I have numerous Puerto Rican friends. My translator who assisted me with Manny’s lingo is Puerto Rican, and my copy editor is also Puerto Rican. It was like winning the lottery with getting input with this story! I believe that if you’re writing about a culture that is not your own, it’s imperative to get feedback from people who live the culture day in and day out. It also helps that one of my beta readers is a bisexual male. Of course, they’re not the authorities on what makes someone Puerto Rican or bi, but they prevented me from heading into WTF territory and provided some authenticity.

When I envisioned this story; I knew I wanted my hero to be different. We’re used to seeing the “spicy Latin lover” in romance novels, and I wanted to get as far away from that image as possible. Why not a guy who was the epitome of what most people would perceive as uber-masculine and rough around the edges? More real, less refined, and street savvy. Those qualities attracted me to Manny’s character. I envisioned him as the anti-hero. The everyday guy who just happened to stumble upon a ridiculous situation that altered the course of his life.

I also wanted to tap into the hookup culture when it comes to being online. Sites like Grindr make it so incredibly hard for dating to happen. While I’m not a gay male, I can say for certain that sites like Tinder, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and Match.com aren’t any better from a woman’s perspective. Someone is always looking for the next best thing. With Manny, he wanted one thing and one thing only, a mind-blowing orgasm. Funny, he got way more than he bargained for.

For me, it was important to mention the racial dynamics between Chris and Manny. Far too often people skim over their characters discussing race as if it will take away from the story. I think taking the racial dynamics into account makes the story real. In 2016, race is still an issue, and it’s often something that impacts interracial couplings so why not touch on it?

I write primarily interracial/multicultural erotica for this very reason. We don’t get to see people of color at the helm of mainstream contemporary romance. We also don’t often see people of color with kinky tendencies show up in well-developed plots. The Kinky Connect Chronicles kills two birds with one stone. You get stories that acknowledge racial differences and embrace kinky proclivities. Oh, and there’s hot man lovin’… RAWR!

Sure, I’m a bit bias, but if you’re looking for a story that’s engaging and quick with just the right amount of filth, I think you should give Complexity a whirl.

BLURB

Fairy tale endings weren’t made for people like me. Happy for now usually ain’t in the cards, either.

The dents on my wall from where my headboard kept knockin’ against the same spot was the first clue that I needed to calm my ass down. At the rate I was racking up notches and plowing through hookups, I wasn’t ever gonna find nothing real. Guess I kinda jinxed myself. I created my circumstances. You can’t get what you want if you keep falling back into the same pattern of bad habits. But then things changed. I stumbled onto somethin’ I never in a million years expected to happen. You gotta understand, I’m never the guy who wins. It was supposed to be just sex, but that shifty, rhyming and scheming bastard, Cupid, pulled a fast one.

I may have changed some stuff to protect a couple of people. But before you go believing the tabloids, make sure you understand that you’re gettin’ the lowdown straight from the source.

I needed to get this off my chest and it’s only fair that you at least get my side of it all. At some point, I might regret telling you any of this, but for now, you need to know.

*Disclaimer* This is a novella. Not a short story, novelette, or novel. This tale features an M/M pairing. If gay erotica/erotic romance is not your cup of tea and you are offended by same-sex relationships or crass language, you should bypass this story. Content is intended for a mature audience, 18+.

Complexity is the fourth installment in The Kinky Connect Chronicles. The Kinky Connect Chronicles are short erotic stories/novelettes all wrapped up in neat little bows. These stories are standalones. No cliffhangers in the lot!

Could we be more different? Him: famous, rich white dude. Me: Latino entrepreneur who stocked up on ramen noodles and peanut butter when Key Food had a sale. This dude was so beyond my scope but he didn’t act any differently than a hookup I would’ve scored downtown at one of the gay bars in Chelsea.

Honestly, I didn’t know if me taking this shit with Christopher to the next level was a good thing or a bad thing. I held my own. I had my own business and made money legitimately doing shit I loved. Some days were a struggle, and I fell on hard times every now and again, but I woke up with a sense of purpose. Maybe I was overthinking things. I knew this was just about sex, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I was some sort of pity fuck or if Chris had a Latino fetish. He seemed genuinely attracted to me, but you know, there’s always somebody on the web lookin’ to get their rocks off with that token piece of ass.

I needed to stop with the assumptions and just take the moment for what it was, because an opportunity like this wouldn’t ever happen again.

Stayin’ in my head was gonna fuck everything up, so I focused on the twinkling lights near the waterfront seventeen stories down. “Good, I don’t bareback either. If rubbers aren’t required, we ain’t fuckin’. Seems like it’s a little too late to be having this discussion, but I’m clean. I get tested every six weeks. Got a copy of my results in my wallet if you wanna see.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Every six weeks? Sleep around a lot?”

I laughed, pulling off my polo. “I like sex. I like safe sex. I like to be certain I stay safe, so if that means gettin’ tested more often, I’m cool with that.”

Sales Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | All Romance eBooks | Kobo Store

Harper Miller is a thirty-something native New Yorker. She’s traveled the world and lived in a variety of places but always finds her way back to the Big Apple. A lackluster love life leaves time to explore new interests, for Harper it is writing. The Sweetest Taboo: An Unconventional Romance is her debut novel. In her mind, the perfect Alpha male possesses intellect, humor, and a kinky streak that rivals the size of California.

When she isn’t writing, Harper utilizes her graduate degree in the field of medical research. She enjoys fitness-related activities, drinking copious amounts of wine and going on bad dates.

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A Stella Review: Roadside Rescue by Caitlin Ricci

Rating:  3.75 out of 5 stars

Roadside RescueAfter her girlfriend leaves her for an ex, Kelly takes off with her mustang, Shoni, and as many of her things as she can pack into her truck. The flip of a coin has her going west along I-70 from her home in Missouri, sending her toward Colorado. While driving through Dove Creek, she gets a flat tire on her trailer. She has a spare, but in his panic, Shoni manages to jerk the trailer enough to damage the wheel.

Her salvation comes in the form of sexy mechanic, Brigid, who owns a shop nearby. With a few days to wait for the wheel, the two get to know each other. A bit of fun isn’t all Brigid wants from her, but Kelly isn’t ready to jump into anything new so soon after her break up, and when Brigid offers her a job, Kelly doesn’t want to tie her life to someone so completely again.

Kelly is in need of some stability, and that’s exactly what Brigid is offering her. If she’s willing to take a chance on letting another woman into her life again, Brigid might be just who she needs. 

Roadside Rescue was my first Caitlin Ricci work I read, plus it was the first FF story I tried. And I have to say it was a success.

Kelly is travelling with her mustang gelding, Shoni with no idea where to go. She just wants to leave Missouri behind and she has no intention to be back. Until her truck stops in Dove Creek, population 291, where Brigid, a beautiful mechanic, lives. The attraction between the two women is clear from the first sight.  But after a bad break up with a cheating exgirlfriend, it is too soon to Kelly to be involved with someone and trust that person, right? Still, Brigid is a force of nature and pretty impossible to resist.

Roadside Rescue is very short, just 35 pages, but really well done. I liked the writing, easy to read and the characters were enough developed and with enough background, just to make the reader enjoy the story. And the little sex scene was the icing on the cake. It was sexy and lovely and real too. I liked it a lot and I’ll surely read more by Caitlin Ricci, maybe another FF.

The cover art by Natasha Snow is well done, great colors and the artist is a favorite of mine.

Sales Links:  NineStar Press | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 35 pages
Publication Date June 27th 2016 by NineStar Press
ISBN13 9781911153610
Edition Language English

Book Blitz for The Runaway Millions by Parker Avrile (excerpt and giveaway)

Runaway Banner

Title: The Runaway Millions

Author: Parker Avrile

Series Title and Number: The Runaway Model Book 2

Publisher: Paris April Press

Cover Artist: Paris April Press Designs

Release Date: April 12, 2016

Heat Level: 3

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 261 pages (78,000 words)

Genre/Tags: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance

Add To Goodreads

 

covermarch4

Synopsis

They’re the perfect couple until the money runs out…

Kyle, a rising model, is the toast of Manhattan. Bryce, a wildcatter who got rich in the Bakken gas fields, is an inch away from becoming America’s newest billionaire.

But their world is turned upside-down when a competing oil company wrests away Bryce’s business, his personal jet, and even his condo. Bryce has no choice but to scramble to save his career– even though a famous rock star is sniffing around in hopes of claiming Kyle for his own.

When Kyle steps forward to defend another model accused of a terrible crime, he’s deported. The tabloids follow him, happy to spread rumors about his alleged affairs with the beautiful and the famous of Europe.

Can love survive when one man is on his way up while the other is on his way down? When an ocean divides the lovers? When the gossip columns can’t help stirring the pot? The Runaway Millions is Book 2 in The Runaway Model trilogy. This 78,000 word full-length novel complete with a HEA can be read as a stand-alone but if you prefer to read the series in order, please start with The Runaway Model.

Excerpt

Kyle cleared customs in minutes. Checked into the lounge. Ordered not champagne but a tall glass of cranberry juice over ice.

He was early. Sinking into a deep brown leather seat acres away from any other visible human, he plugged in his phone to make sure the battery was topped off.

In an hour the lounge would be packed arse-to-elbow with screaming, giggling, new-to-business-class tourists. But it was empty and silent now.

A voice call then.

While he still had the chance.

“Bryce,” he said. “Pick up. Please pick up, love. I’m about to board a flight to London. I’ve been deported.”

“Kyle.” The line was clear. Crisp. It was like Bryce had suddenly appeared out of nowhere to speak into his ear.

“I’ve been kicked out of America, love.”

“I’m sorry,” Bryce said. “But I have to admit I’m not entirely surprised. You were taking some crazy chances.” He sounded tired.

Kyle could imagine Bryce pushing his sandy hair out of his blue-gray eyes. A pang of loneliness shot through his heart. Why did fate always find a way to keep them apart?

“My agent lined up some jobs for me in London. If you’re not too busy–”

“You know that I’m very busy.” The words were hard, but the tone was soft. Weariness could do that. Bryce needed a break. He really did.

“Then next week it’s on to Paris,” Kyle said. “Ever been to Paris?”

There was a pause. “I have to save what’s left of my business, Kyle. I can’t drop everything to take a romantic jaunt to Paris.”

“Please, baby. Just two nights.”

A longer silence.

“Please. I’ve missed you. It’s a bad time for us to be apart, Bryce. It’s too new, love. You know that.”

“I know. I do know that. I’ll come. Paris. Next week.”

Purchase

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Itunes

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Meet the Author

ParkerI ran away to Vegas. Now I’m running from it.

Website | Twitter

 

 

 

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A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Always Another Side by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating 4.5 stars out of 5

Always Another SideEight months ago, Jack’s world was shattered when he found out his long-time lover and life partner, Simon, was cheating on him and decided he no longer wanted to live with Jack. Eight months ago, when Tyler proclaimed his love to his boyfriend, James, he found out how foolish he was when James told him he already had a partner and what he and Tyler had together wasn’t love—it was just sex.

Two men with hearts badly bruised finally agreed to their friends’ machinations to bring them together for a blind date. Both went reluctantly, but both found the seed of what could and would become a second chance to find happiness—as long as they remembered their hard-won lesson of the importance of communication in a relationship. And it seems like the baby steps they take are going to lead them somewhere special. Even though Jack doesn’t want to get into another relationship, Tyler’s heart is set on finding the man of his dreams. That’s how he got in trouble with James—he jumped into what he thought was going to be forever, but he jumped too soon.

This time, both men take it slowly and they talk about what’s important to them and how they feel about the past. There’s a bump in the road to happiness when Jack finds out Tyler was involved in the breakup of someone’s relationship, but after thinking it over, and talking to Tyler about it, he realizes that Tyler is on the other side and was likely equally hurt. Finding they have a lot in common, they keep dating, spending occasional nights with each other<spoiler>

I really enjoyed this story, my first from this author. I found the characters were very well-developed, and the relationship, which initially seemed so fragile, proved to be strong, making it a pleasure to watch the men develop as a couple. And though I thought I knew what might happen, when it did I just went with the flow and knew that the author would move them to where they needed to be. That may sound odd or awkward, but truly, I simply enjoyed the storytelling, the characters, and their situation. This book was a pleasure to read—just the right amount of angst and romance, and wonderfully hot, sexy older characters. What’s not to like? I recommend this to those who enjoy contemporary MM romance with older MCs.

~~~~~

Cover art by Natasha Snow depicts a very handsome older man—the perfect depiction of Jack, one of the MCs.

Sales Links:   Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 167 pages
Published June 3rd 2016 by Annabelle Jacobs
ASINB01G8T7GIU
Edition LanguageEnglish

In the Spotlight: A Second Harvest by Eli Easton (Character Bio, Excerpt and Giveaway)

Eli Easton has  provided Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words with a special Character Bio:

BIO – CHRISTIE LANDON

Christie Landon, 30, is the epitome of the Manhattan party boy and pretty blonde twink. But when his best friend OD’s, Christie decides he needs to get sober and get away from the temping gay club scene. He inherited a small house in Lancaster County from his aunt, and he goes there to get the place ready for sale. He works from home as a graphic designer and he soon picks up his aunt’s love of cooking as well, thanks to her many cookbooks. Christie has a tender heart but he’s bold and likes to speak his mind.

 

 

 

A Second Harvest 
(Men of Lancaster County #1)
by Eli Easton



Blurb:
David Fisher has lived by the rules all his life. Born to a Mennonite family, he obeyed his father and took over the family farm, married, and had two children. Now with both his kids in college and his wife deceased, he runs his farm alone and without joy, counting off the days of a life half-lived.

Christie Landon, graphic designer, Manhattanite, and fierce gay party boy, needs a change. Now thirty, he figures it’s time to grow up and think about his future. When his best friend overdoses, Christie resolves to take a break from the city. He heads to a small house in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to rest, recoup, and reflect.

But life in the country is boring despite glimpses of the hunky silver fox next door. When Christie’s creativity latches on to cooking, he decides to approach his widower neighbor with a plan to share meals and grocery expenses. David agrees, and soon the odd couple finds they really enjoy spending time together.

Christie challenges the boundaries of David’s closed world and brings out feelings he buried long ago. If he can break free of the past, he might find a second chance at happiness.

 

         

 

 

Available in Paperback
Excerpt

Chapter 1

David sat against the rough wooden boards of the cow stall and watched Gertrude die. She opened her big brown eyes once toward the end and gazed at him for a long moment. In the glow of the lantern light, her lashes cast deep shadows so David couldn’t see what emotion might be in those eyes. Was she grateful he was sitting up with her? Did she know it was time to go? Was she relieved to finally be leaving this farm where she’d spent her entire long life?

But she was just a cow. Probably she thought none of those things. When she closed her eyes again, it was for the last time. An hour later she stopped breathing, and she was gone.

It felt like an era passed with her, silently and stealthily. David was there when Gertrude was born. She was the first cow that was his, designated as such while still in the womb, a birthday present from his parents. He raised her and showed her at the Harrisburg farm fair when he was in eleventh grade. She was a beautiful brown jersey with classic lines, and she won a third-place ribbon that day. David was proud enough to burst. For years afterward Gertrude was a reliable, strong milking cow.

A farmer didn’t get sentimental about animals. That was plain stupid. But David was not able to kill Gertrude when her milk production fell off. She’d half performed for another decade until he eventually retired her to pasture. If anyone asked, he told them it was good to have a mature cow around to show the rebellious younger ones what was what, teach them the routine. And Gertrude was a leader by personality. She knew how to put other cows and heifers in their places. But the truth was, David just couldn’t bear to load her in the truck and take her to the slaughterhouse.

She was a part of his boyhood, and it was right she was dead now. God knew the boy in him was a far distant memory.

He turned off the lights in the barn and walked back to the house. It was foolishness to have stayed up with her. The day’s work had to be done whether or not he had a good night’s rest. He was too old for this.

The light in the kitchen was on as he approached the house. He checked his watch. It was just past 5:00 a.m. Amy must be up.

For the past two years, Amy had come home from college for the summer to work as a nursing intern at the Lancaster hospital and to help him run a CSA program on the farm. It was Amy who did all the customer work. She made up the flyers, packed the boxes of produce, and met with the customers every week when they came to pick up their shares. She was good at that sort of thing. He wished he could pay her more, but like every other operation on the farm, the profit from the CSA was a very faint line of green. David honestly didn’t know how most farmers made it. His grandfather had paid off the farm, but still, between property taxes, upkeep and maintenance, animal feed, and everything else, he made just enough to get by. As his dad used to say, the gravy was thin.

He opened the sliding glass door and saw Amy in her bathrobe pulling some fresh eggs from the fridge.

“Hey, Dad.” She yawned. “What are you doing out at the barn so early?”

“Gertrude passed.”

“Aw! That’s a shame.” Amy didn’t sound too broken up about it. Then again Amy learned young not to get attached to the animals.

He grabbed a glass from the cupboard, went to the fridge, and poured himself some orange juice. But when he went to lift it to his mouth, he was surprised to discover a hard, thick lump in his throat. He put the glass back on the counter and breathed. Ridiculous. He hadn’t gotten particularly choked up, even when Susan died. But then she was sick for a few years. Her death was a blessing in the end.

“Things live. Things die. That’s the way of it.” His voice was gruff, but the lump eased. He drank his juice.

When he put the glass down, Amy was watching him with a frown. “You sound so cynical. I worry about you, Dad. You should take Mrs. Robeson up on her offer for dinner. I think she really likes you.”

“I’m not interested in Mrs. Robeson.”

Amy rolled her eyes. “You should give her a chance. Mom’s been gone two years now. She wouldn’t want you to be alone forever. And Mrs. Robeson taught both Joe and me in Sunday school. She’s a very nice lady.”

David gave Amy a warning look. “I don’t care to discuss my love life, thank you. Are you gonna cook those eggs, or are you waiting for them to hatch?”

Amy snorted a laugh, but she opened a cupboard and brought out a skillet. “Slave driver! I just worry about you. I hate that you’re all alone here when I go back to school. Joe hardly ever comes home.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I know! That’s the problem. You’re turning into a crusty old hermit. Next time I see you, you’ll have a beard down to your belly button. I know you live on TV dinners, hotdogs, and chips. It’s not healthy. You should get remarried. I know Pastor Mitchell thinks so.”

“Pastor Mitchell wants to get some of his old maids and widows married off so he doesn’t have to handhold them so much. I’m not interested.”

David was half teasing, but Amy still gasped. “Dad! That’s a terrible thing so say!”

David waggled his eyebrows, unrepentant, and exited the kitchen.

He went upstairs and took a shower. The sleepless night hit him along with the hot water, and he knew it would be a long day. Why had he felt compelled to sit up with Gertrude? She probably hadn’t even known he was there. But at the thought of her, another wave of sadness hit him. An image ran through his mind—one of falling leaves and the boy he’d been playing in them, laughing. He had no idea where that came from or why.

Out of the shower, he used a hand to wipe off the fogged mirror. He looked at himself critically to see if he could get away with not shaving this morning. His reflection surprised him briefly, as it always did. He felt so old. He always expected to see white hair and a sagging face when he looked in the mirror. But there were only a few strands of gray at the temples of his dark-brown hair and in his close-cropped beard. His face was not young, but it wasn’t sagging yet either. He’d lost a good thirty pounds since Susan died, so he actually looked younger.

Fine. He might not look old, but he sure felt it. And he suddenly understood why he sat up with Gertrude. He wanted to watch her as she escaped the farm at last, as she simply left her body and went away, gone where no one could prevent her going and no one could follow.

One day David would leave too, maybe just that way. He’d shut his eyes and vanish, leaving a shell behind. But dear Lord, he was only forty-one this past May. Even if he died when his dad did, at age fifty-eight, he had years to wait yet.

Just to… wait.

 

 

About The Author

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, an organic farmer and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an avid reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story.  She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time.  She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens.  All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.

You can find Eli at
         

 

 

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Out of the Heat and into Romance with Rise Out Of The Flames (Phoenix Brothers #1) by Jackie Nacht (Excerpt and Giveaway)

 Rise Out Of The Flames (Phoenix Brothers #1) – Jackie Nacht

Author: Jackie Nacht
 
Release Date: June 24 2016
 
Buy Links: 
Length: 15,000 words
 
Publisher: MLR Press 
Blurb: 


Come and get saved by these phoenix firefighters brothers.

Holden, a phoenix shifter, works at Rhodes Fire Department alongside his family. When he encounters his Sun, Rick, he’s half naked on the fire escape and Holden knows he’ll do anything to save Rick from the burning building. Even with the world knowing about paranormal beings, Holden has to figure out a way to tell Rick about himself. Phoenixes exist under the radar; keeping to small groups out of the limelight. Slight problem with maintaining secrets since it seems Rick may have unknowingly exposed himself to the phoenixes new enemy. How will Holden protect Rick with what happens when he goes up in flames? 

Excerpt
 

 

Prologue
Eighteen years agoìHurry, Holden.î Holdenís mother undid his seatbelt and carried him out of the car. He plopped down on the cold pavement in his footie pajamas, then Momma went running for the fire station, holding his hand.
Men rushed around them. ìUncle Niall!î Momma screamed.
ìJazzy, you want me to take Holden? Edís bad. Heís gonna need to burn out!î Uncle Niall called out to us.
Momma picked up the pace. ìNo, heís going to find out sooner or later.î
ìHeís five, Jazzy. Nowís not the time!î Uncle Niall protested.
Holden didnít get to hear any more. They turned the corner and went straight into a room Holden hadnít gone into with his little brothers. There was white tile along the walls and high amounts of steam. They turned the corner, and Holden saw several firefighters sitting, tired, in folding chairs as the showers rained down upon them. He searched for his dad, but couldnít find him in the sea of sooty men.
ìJazz,î Holden heard his father rasp out, and his mother maneuvered him through the other firefighters. In the corner, where no water reached, lay Holdenís father. Three guys surrounded him, peeling away his destroyed gear.
His face was burned severely, and Holden clutched his mommaís hand. ìMomma,î he whimpered out.
Momma knelt down in front of him. ìItís going to be okay, Holden. Daddy will be just fine. You need to see just how special you and your brothers are.î
Holden shook his head as his dad gasped. ìDaddy!î Holden screamed as his dadís destroyed body erupted into flames. Ash billowed all around the area. Holden cried out, trying to break free of his momís grip. My dad!
Holden covered his eyes as the ash around them made its way to Momma and him. He bowed his head down, crying, hiding as he waited for the ash to settle.
After a moment, Momma patted him on the head. ìHolden, itís fine now.î She scooped him up, resting him on her hip. Holden tucked his face into her shoulder and cried freely.
ìHolden, honey. You need to look up. Daddyís just fine,î Jazzy soothed.
Holden wiped his face on Mommaís shirt before he turned and gazed down at the floor. Men were covering his dad with a blanket. His dad lay there, naked, burns completely gone from his face and hands. Ash began falling and covering him.
ìDaddy?î Holden broke his hold and ran to kneel next to his father.
Daddy reached up and palmed Holdenís cheek. ìSon, itís time you found out how special your family line is.î
 
Chapter One
Present DayThere were plenty of things Rick Hills could have brought out with him on the fire escape besides his PC. A pair of pants was at the fucking top of the list, since he stood there in his humping reindeer boxer briefs. And it was summer! Not only was he out of season, but everyone in a ten-block radius would know how scrawny he was under the baggy clothes he usually wore. No shirt, no socks, just obscene reindeers getting laid all over his boxers. Even in this dire situation, embarrassment surrounded him like the black smoke coming out of the building.
A pair of shoes was another item he could use right about now, but no, he was in the middle of an online raid, and thought he didnít want to let his other gamers down. How the hell was he going to take down a boss when his building was going up in smoke? Then there was his work on it. Many irreplaceable photos. All the families counted on him to capture those special moments in their lives. Rick was in a shitty situation. God, did his computer back up automatically after he transferred the photos today? He hoped so, because his cameras were going to burn.
Oh, and one more thing, how in the world was he going to get down when the fire escape was fucking broken? Shit, a phone would have been nice, too.
Neighbors came out to gaze up at the burning building and him. Jesus, of all the ways to go out. He had to do it in front of his nosy neighbor, ninety-year-old Mrs. Florence who loved to pinch his cheeks every time he passed. And no, it wasnít the cheeks on his face.
Rick noticed several onlookers on their phone and prayed that one of them was actually talking to 9-1-1 instead of posting about what was happening on social media. A few snapped a shot, and he could only pray that come morning, his photo wouldnít go viral.
Someone was underneath him, making an attempt to fix the broke-dick ladder. Rick should tell the guy it was no use, that kids had been using it to break into the apartments. The wolf-shifter neighbor, a floor beneath him, had taken it upon himself to make sure no one came in to steal his electronics again, shifting and tearing the ladder to pieces. At the time, Rick was grateful to the guy, since he was also a victim of the robbery, but now, it might just cost him his life.
Fear choked him, and Rick whipped his head around, seeking for an alternative escape. He couldnít go back into his apartment; his place was already billowing with the thick black smoke. Shit. Panic settled in, and he began to tremble on the escape. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There was no way out of this except to jump, and he was five floors up. The fall would kill him, for sure.
Sirens sounded in the distance, and Rick peered down the street to see emergency lights in the distance. Rick blew out a quivering breath. He might just see the light of day again.
 
Author Bio:


Short, sexy and sweetó where a little love goes a long way.Thatís the best way to describe Jackie Nachtís stories.
She was introduced to M/M Romance through her sister, Stephani, and read it for years. Then, she thought it was time to put her own stories on paper. Jackie began writing short and sweet stories that ended with a happily ever after.
Thinking back to her own book addiction, where there were many nights Jackie stayed up way too late so she could read just one more chapteró yeah, rightó Jackie decided to write short romances for young adults as well as adults. Hopefully, they will give high school and college students, or working men and women something they can read during their lunch hour, in between classes or just when they want to briefly get away from the daily stresses of everyday life.

Giveaway

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