A Stella Review: The Storm Before The Calm by Cate Ashwood

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Charlie has one passion in life: dancing. It’s his salvation when it feels like the world is swallowing him whole. When his mom secretly secures him a spot in the summer intensive at the Free Rein Dance Company in New York, he is thrilled. He knows that once the summer ends, he’ll have to return to Beacon to get a job and help support his family, but for those two months, he can spread his wings.

In New York he meets Max, a junior instructor who is everything Charlie wishes he could be. Bold and self-assured, Max radiates pride in who he is. As they spend time together, Max shows Charlie what life can be like past the walls of his closed-minded home town. But Charlie doesn’t know if he’s ready to show the world who he truly is when standing in the spotlight is the last thing he wants.

I think I became a Cate Ashwood fan since the first time I read one of her books called Keeping Sweet and I can say that she hasn’t once disappointed me. The Storm Before The Calm was another winner. Simply beautiful and perfect. I highly recommend it! It’s a positive book, light, sweet, full of emotions. Exactly what I love to read!

The story between Charlie, just graduated from high school and Max, a twenty-one years old dance instructor, was a joy to read. The chemistry between them was explosive. They were good for each other. In a safe place and with a safe and right person, Charlie was finally able to be himself, he simply flourished. I usually tend to prefer stories with older MCs, but Max and Charlie were mature in their youth, solid in their feelings and career.

I was in love with Charlie’s mom. She was so sweet. I loved their relationship. It’s how I imagine a family should be. She raised him alone, she’s the greatest supporter of Charlie’s passion, dancing. She paid for his lessons even when they didn’t have much money. She’s the one to book him a summer internship in a dance company in New York.

Dancing is not just a passion to Charlie, it’s his lifeline, the only thing that saved his life in his worse days at high school. Days spent to be bullied and with no one to step by his side. Days spent feeling dirty. The same days spent in the beautiful world the dance is.

“When I reached my bathroom, I closed the door, locking it behind me. My mom wasn’t home, but shutting out the world made me feel better somehow. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, turned on the water and stood under the spray. It was so hot I almost couldn’t stand it, but I needed as much heat as possible to melt away the muck that clung to me. I scrubbed at my skin until it was red and raw, then stepped forward, bracing my hand against the wall as I let my head fall under the water. My tears mixed with the spray from the shower, and I could almost pretend they weren’t there at all. I let them fall freely, sobs shaking my body. All the frustration and anger and hurt I’d bottled up during the day spilled out of me. Dylan would never see me cry. Never. In this place, locked away, it was safe to let go.”

The first couple of chapters were a little hard to read to me. Charlie broke my heart in more than one scene. I was afraid to have stepped in an heavy story, full of angst, something good but at the same time depressing, you know what I mean?

Fortunately, apart for a dozen of tears I shed at the start, this book was light and sweet. The story was good, the writing perfect and the characters amazing. I couldn’t have asked for more! And the title is right, exactly what the book is about.
5 full stars!

Cover art by Anna Sikorska. Beautiful cover! The icing on the cake.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published June 5th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ebook, 200 pages
ISBN13 9781634760867
Edition language English

SALE LINKS

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AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Before-Calm-Cate-Ashwood-ebook/dp/B00YHHHJZ6

DSP

A Sammy Review: The Right Time (Right and Wrong #3) by Lane Hayes

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

“Nate, you’re a control freak with illusions of grandeur. Bad things happen sometimes. Thank you for sharing your confession. I absolve you. You can go on with your life now, and let go of your guilt.”

I chuckled humorlessly. “That easy, eh? Where have you been all these years?”

“Right here waiting to be your hero and set you free. It all comes down to being in the right place at the right time.”

Nate’s always been the one to run from things. He buries himself in work and deals and things that are easy to separate from emotion. This time he runs to Santa Monica, where with the help of his friends, he rents a beautiful apartment. What he doesn’t expect is for a loud neighbor slash landlord to be anything but annoying. Sweet, funny, endearing, so full of life. Everything about Alex pulls Nate in, and like a spark it lights and sets flames.

But if it were all about the fire and passion, life would be easy. That’s not the case. Nate has his own demons to deal with and Alex has to work his way around a religious father and navigating coming out. But there’s something to be said for finding each other at the right time, and their time is now.

“I want to give you something. A song. A piece of music. Something for you to remember me. I don’t want you to hear Beethoven and feel sad about things that never could be. I want to give you… hope.”

OH GOD. First off, let me just put it out there that this book was like a slow serenade for me. It took me a bit, but I began to slowly fall in love with it and then all at once I crashed and was completely and totally infatuated. Kind of like Alex and Nate’s journey. Slow and tentative at first and then BAM.

Where do I even start? Well, I guess the beginning is as good a place as any. This took me a bit longer to get into, but I think that may have had to do with some life stresses more than the story itself. I found Alex completely charming and authentic and though Nate was completely different from him, I was equally enamored with him and the rawness to his character. It may be cheesy, but they just fit together so well. Nate – who is serious and needs help to let loose, Alex – who is so free but needs someone to ground him, to be there and live in the moments with him. They were each others people. Simple as that.

We had gotten glimpses of them in the past, and it all led very nicely into this one. For those who are wondering, we do get some lovely guest appearances from the other boys (including Mack!) It was really a perfect balance of giving the readers some older favorites but building these great new favorites too (but who am I kidding, they’re all favorites).

I also have to say that I think Lane took the thermometer and cranked that puppy up. This was sizzling. I literally heard it crackling as I was reading! From sex in the dark hallway of a club to a jealous encounter in the gym leading to a sexy laundry room encounter and the truly passionate exchanges in between. There were some simple details that really pulled me in, like when one character would frame the others face with his arms and lean forward. It was just so smooth and wonderful.

And then there was the humor, which wasn’t as rampant as one may be used to with Lane’s books, but was still there and had me smiling (like how there’s no real loser in a bet where a blowjob is being exchanged.)

It was like getting a glimpse through thick fog of something profound, something just out of reach. I was so close. And this time, I wasn’t alone.

When it comes to the conflicts that they were dealing with, while the issue between Nate and Julie isn’t revealed until close to the end, I had a good idea of what it was. As a social worker, I see a lot of things, and how they were feeling was so palpable to me, even without the words behind it. I want to make a note that this does not necessarily mean that things were dealt with in the healthiest of ways, but that’s just so human and so real that it touched me. And really, who prescribes how you deal with that situation? I cannot imagine the heavy burden that comes with it. It, like the rest of the story, felt authentic.

My heart felt this story in the last fifty percent like a consistent beat weighing heavily on it. I felt for the characters in my gut and even teared up when that feeling became so incredibly intense (paired with classical music). In a word, this book left me utterly charmed.

I certainly hope it’s not the last we see of these characters. There’s still more to know and learn. But still, thank you Lane for another great story.

The cover by Aaron Anderson is nice and simple. It easily flows with the other covers in the series. I do have a bit of an issue with the placement of the white and how it makes it look like he has a vanishing arm, but it’s still a nice cover.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 220 pages, also in paperback
Expected publication: June 26th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781634762175
edition languageEnglish
url https://lanehayes.wordpress.com/coming-soon/
seriesRight and Wrong #3

Series: Right and Wrong

In the Spotlight: Lane Hayes ‘ The Right Time (Right & Wrong Stories # 3 ) excerpt and giveaway

The Right Time (Right & Wrong Stories # 3) by Lane Hayes
Release Date: June 26, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback

About The Right Time….

Workaholic Nate Erickson is a successful real estate developer who thrives on long hours and stress. When a Los Angeles project prompts him to relocate to Santa Monica, he welcomes the change of scenery. Nate has always considered romantic entanglements trouble, but his sexy next-door neighbor isn’t easy to ignore. Which makes no sense, because Nate is straight… or so he’s always thought.

Alex Reyes is a retired professional soccer player turned West Hollywood business owner with an insatiable lust for life. He loves his family, friends, and work. But there’s one life challenge left to accomplish: coming out publically. Respect for traditional Latino values has kept him in the closet, but Alex begins to think he and his new neighbor might help one another combat their fears. As Alex and Nate forge a strong friendship, they soon realize facing their personal demons will take more courage than either man bargained. The reward is immeasurable… if the timing is right.

Pages or Words: 225 pages, 80,000 words

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

Excerpt for The Right Time by Lane Hayes

I hadn’t worked out with a professional in years, and it felt foreign to wait for someone else’s direction.
“Any issues with your shoulders or arms? Any injuries I should know about?” he asked, handing me the weights.
“No, I’m good.”
“Great. Start with your palms facing your thighs, lift them both over your chest, then lower the left. Good. And now the right.”
He stood over me diligently, making slight corrections when needed. My supine position gave me an interesting perspective. When I looked up, I noted how his strong brow offset his twinkling eyes. I swallowed uncomfortably and turned my head, only to find myself staring at his crotch. His dark shorts seemed to hint they were covering a generous package.
Holy fuck.
“You doing okay?”
“Uh yeah. Hey, weren’t you going to tell me about your Friday night?” I needed him to talk. I didn’t trust my thoughts anymore, and I was stuck in my current position crazily aware of a man in a way I hadn’t been in over fifteen fucking years. Diversion in any form was welcome.
Alex snorted. “I already told you. I went dancing, and oh yeah, I did get lucky.”
He added the last part with a hearty chuckle, no doubt catching my wide-eyed expression. I hadn’t expected that.
“Oh.”
“You asked.”
“Right.” I did? The strong flash of jealousy took me by surprise, but I pressed on. “Did you go back to the beach to get those girls’ numbers last weekend?”
He looked confused for a second, but a slow cocky grin soon spread across his handsome features as he crouched so his face was close to mine.
“No, I told you they weren’t my type.”
I gulped and watched his eyes lower to my throat. He licked his top lip and reached out to adjust my wrist.
“Lift ’em both at the same time, Nate. That’s it. Push it. Harder.”
I sent up a quick prayer I wasn’t sporting a tent in my shorts. Alex’s voice, touch, and yeah, the unintentional innuendos were making me nuts. And horny. I felt terribly out of my element. I wasn’t sure what we were talking about anymore, but the potent silence made me more uncomfortable than speech. Keep talking, I thought.
“So a dance partner?”
“What? Oh. Yeah, I think so. I can’t remember. It was just one of those things, you know? Sit up. Let’s give your arms a break.”
“Just one of those things?”
“Yeah. One night. No numbers exchanged. No hassle, no fuss.”
I had no words. Literally.
Alex chuckled gleefully as he led the way to a leg machine. He gave instructions and stood back to observe me for a moment.
“It’s not necessarily my favorite kind of sex, but hey….” He shrugged his shoulders with his hands outstretched as if to say “what’s a guy to do?”
I recognized this cue. It was my opportunity to commiserate about the trials and tribulations of being a single man with a healthy sexual appetite. Now was my chance to admit it was nice every once in a while to have sex of the nonsolo variety with someone who knew the score. But I was tongue-tied and equally aware of a completely different undercurrent. One I wasn’t brave enough to explore.
“You can stop having fun at my expense any time.”
Alex squeezed my shoulder and smirked playfully. “You’re easily rattled.”
“How so?”
“You seem like someone who has a place for everything and likes everything in its place. You have a routine, and you don’t appreciate any deviation. I should be flattered you came to the gym with me at the spur of the moment.” He paused, running his tongue over his plump bottom lip. “If you’re not careful, I’m gonna think you like me.”
The air between us crackled. Alex leaned forward so his handsome face was mere inches from mine. His proximity alone seemed to issue a challenge. Daring me to confess I was more than I appeared to be. I doubt he expected any revelations, but his intent was certainly to… how had he put it, rattle me. And damn, it was working.

About Lane Hayes

Lane Hayes is finally doing what she loves best. Writing! An avid reader from an early age, Lane has always been drawn to romance novels. She truly believes there is nothing more inspiring than a well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Lane discovered the M/M genre a fews ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel, Better Than Good, was a 2013 Rainbow Awards finalist. She loves travel, chocolate, and wine (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and their very old dog in an almost empty nest.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: Lane Hayes https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008562883399&fref=ts
Facebook Author Page: LaneHayesauthor
Twitter: LaneHayes3 https://twitter.com/LaneHayes3
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7125719.Lane_Hayes

Contest:

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $25 gift card & e-book copy of ‘The Right Time’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
Rafflecopter Code:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Dates & Stops: May 26, 2015
30-Jun
Prism Book Alliance
Love Bytes
Carly’s Book Reviews

2-Jul
Bike Book Reviews
Hearts on Fire
Joyfully Jay
BFD Book Blog

7-Jul
Cathy Brockman Romances
Mikky’s World of Books
Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
Wake Up Your Wild Side

9-Jul
Bayou Book Junkie
Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews
3 Chicks After Dark

14-Jul
My Fiction Nook
Molly Lolly

16-Jul
Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My
Because Two Men Are Better Than One
Inked Rainbow Reads
Emotion in Motion

21-Jul
Cate Ashwood
Divine Magazine
Amanda C. Stone

23-Jul
Rainbow Gold Reviews
Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance
MM Good Book Reviews

24-Jul
Velvet Panic

25-Jul
Multitasking Mommas

Its Release Day for Damages Incurred by J. R. Gray (excerpt )

Its Release Day for Damages Incurred by J. R. Gray

buy Links: Amazon | Evernight Publishing |

Their world is crumbling on the King’s shoulders.
Elliot is missing.
George has failed and his demons are threatening to swallow him whole.
Jesse’s life is slipping through his fingers.
Zac is doing everything he can, but he’s plagued with flash backs of a life he can’t remember.
Can they get it together to save themselves or Elliot?

It was dark when he stepped out into the back entrance of the penthouse. His footsteps echoed through the halls as he walked. George should be in bed as he was generally an early riser, but Jesse half expected him to be consoling his pain with a slave.
He paused in front of the play room, swallowing hard. What if his actions had been the final straw in George moving on? What if…
It was too painful to finish the thought. He set his hand on the handle, telling himself he could face what he found inside. He turned it silently and pushed the heavy door forward. It was dark inside, only the lights of the city illuminating the toys spread over the massive wall. The door was soundproof, but now that it was open, all he heard was the light snore of a slave. He closed the door quickly and then pressed a hand into his aching chest. He stalked forward, seeing the flicker of a fire on the wall as he approached the living room.
He stepped around the corner to find George looking pensive staring into the fire, drink in hand. He paused, waiting for an invitation. One never came. George acted as though he didn’t see him. Jesse opened his mouth, but he didn’t know what to say. There wasn’t an apology that could even cover the pain he’d put George through.
He fell to his knees. “Forgive me,” he whispered.
George didn’t respond. Jesse fell forward pressing his forehead into the cool hardwood floor. Warm hands closed around his arms, dragging him to his feet, and he was enveloped in George’s arms. His eyes started to mist, and he couldn’t catch a full breath. It was all too much to bear. He’d left his heart when he left George, and there were no words for what it felt like to be back here. He buried his face in George’s neck and wrapped his arms around him. George kissed every spot he could reach on Jesse in their position.
It was so much more than dominant and submissive like this. Jesse’s heart ached. The pain radiated through his bones. He’d been holding off losing it for so long he hadn’t even realize how bad the pain had gotten, how numb he’d been.
Buy links

Other books in the bestselling Bound Series by J.R. Gray

Legally Bound – UK – All Romance eBooks
Breach of Contract – UK – All Romance eBooks
Illicit Activity – Evernight

About J. R. Gray:
When not staying up all night writing, J.R Gray can be found basking in the warm glow of the Miami sun, or at the gym where it’s half assumed Gray is a permanent resident. A dominant, pilot, and sword fighting enthusiast, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. Gray frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns, to jot down nonsense. The bane of Gray’s existence are commas, and even though it’s been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder.

If Gray wasn’t writing…well, that’s not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave or possibly a mental institution where the tales would end up on the walls in crayon and finger paint.
JRGrayBooks.com
twitter.com/theoriginalgray
twitter.com/booksbygray
facebook.com/GrayBooks
booksbygray.tumblr.com
theoriginalgray.tumblr.com (NSFW)
https://www.pinterest.com/JRGrayBooks/

Buy links: Illicit Activity

Evernight Publishing | All Romance

Discovering New Authors: Mika on Posey Roberts!

Reviewer Mika On Author Posy Roberts!

Posy Roberts is one of the most under rated authors to me. I remember scrolling through Goodreads recommendations list based on what I read and saw her cover for Spark. I thought to myself it was a different cover, looked like snail in the sand. I decided to give it a chance, and have not looked back. To me Posy is the type of author who writes real life situations.

Her Fusion series? I cried through most of it. It’s so realistic. Her characters could be your next door neighbors, your co-workers, or even your family. She pulls the emotions out of her fans. I guarantee you reading that second book in her series, you’d have to add her to auto-buy. That did it for me. Whenever someone wants to read about real life, drama, children, acceptance, and love, Posy Roberts is one of my top contenders.

With her latest book Cheeky Hipsters and Jocks, I saw an entire different Posy Roberts, it’s not much steam to her books, but this one was steamy. I loved it. I feel like as a reader, I’m seeing her grow and evolve as an author. Sure, it’s not all about the sex, but just to have the smiles without the tears is fun to me.

I’d definitely recommend Posy Roberts to any reader really. I don’t think she’s the type of writer that should be stuck in one box. She’s extremely versatile when it comes to writing characters. I like tear-jerkers, and hurt comfort books, and she definitely brings it out. The writing is always good.

About Author Posy Roberts!

Posy Roberts writes about romantic male love. Whether her characters are family men, drag queens, or lonely men searching for connections, they all find a home in her stories.

Posy is married to a man who makes sure she doesn’t forget to eat or sleep; her daughter, a budding author and dedicated Whovian, helps her come up with character names. When Posy’s not writing, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and singing spontaneously about the mundane, just to make normal seem more interesting.

Contact the author via

Goodreads ♦ Twitter ♦ Website

Some of Posy Roberts Stories:

Spark (North Star, #1)
Fusion (North Star, #2)
Flare (North Star #3)
Cheeky Hipsters & Jocks (BFP:The Secrets Collection)

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

It’s the 4th of July Weekend here in the US (as well as wherever US citizens happen to be overseas) and that usually means fireworks, food, friends and families combining in celebration of our Independence Day! Its been a soggy one, a humid one but the fireworks were still so glorious and loud and my dogs hated every second of it, even from under the bed covers at home.

I expect to hear the fireworks and local “booms” going off tonight as well. It’s going to be a long night for us all. Any one got doggy ear plugs we can borrow?

I hope you are all having a good time this Sunday. This week our reviewer Paul B is launching his monthly column here, Paul’s Paranormal Portfolio where he’s going to blog about all things supernatural and paranormal in LGBTQIA fiction. This week? It’s all about the mpreg, a highly contested element in some supernatural/high fantasy/scify stories. How does Paul feel about it? Check it out on Wednesday, July 8th to find out and let us know what you think about mpreg as well!

Also this week, we continue our Author Discovery Blog. Here one of our reviewer’s talks about an author they have recently discovered and why their stories resonate with them so. I love finding new authors and stories, hope you will as well.

And now for this week’s schedule.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 5, 2015:

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, July 6, 2015:

Megan Mulry’s “Bound for Passion” Author Interview and Tour
Chris McHart – Alex’s Surprise & Saving Alex book blast and giveaway
Reviewer Author Discovery: Posy Roberts
A Paul B Review: Fae For All (Cloverleah Pack #6) by Lisa Oliver
A MelanieM Review: The Pinch of the Game by Charlie Descoteaux

Tuesday, July 7, 2015:

Launch Announcement of Totally Pride from Totally Entwined Books
Lane Hayes ‘The Right Time‘ Keep Me In Mind tour and giveaway
A Sammy Review: The Right Time by Lane Hayes
Alexis Duran ‘Betwixt and Between‘ book blast and contest
Guest Blog: Isabelle Rowan “Snowman” Tour
A MelanieM Review Repeat: Snowman by Isabelle Rowan

Wednesday, July 8, 2015:

Cover Reveal for A Demon Inside by Rick R Reed (giveaway)
A Stella Review: The Storm Before The Calm by Cate Ashwood
A BJ Review: Winter Kill by Josh Lanyon
Paul’s Paranormal Portfolio-Mpreg in Stories

Thursday, July 9, 2015:

Release Day for Beneath the Scales by Aurora Peppermint
Book Spotlight: The Luckiest by Mila McWarren and giveaway
MA Church ‘Bad Boys Club’ Book Blast and Contest
A Stella Review: For Real by Alexis Hall
A MelanieM Review: Acting On Love by SJ Frost

Friday, July 10, 2015:

Jon Key’s Obsidian Sun Book Blast and Giveaway
CC Dado ‘Imposter in Zebra-striped Briefs’ virtual tour
A MelanieM Review: Imposter In Zebra-striped Briefs by CC Dado
In the Book Spotlight: Ari by Cheryl Headford – contest
A Mika Review: Death’s Ink Black Shadow by John Wiltshire

YA Saturday, June 10, 2015:

Aurora Peppermint’s Beneath the Scales Spotlight!

Happy 4th of July from Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words!

Happy 4th Of July from

all of us at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words!

Those of us who celebrate the US Independence Day and those of us abroad are taking the day off to spend it with our families and vacation and such. We hope that everyone has a happy, safe, and awesome day and weekend. Happy Reading and wonderful stories!

Melanie, Barb the Zany Old Lady, Sammy, Stella, Paul, Mika, BJ and Aurora!

We have more than a few covers that just stunned us this month. Look for that post later today!

In the Book Spotlight: Empty Nests (Nested Hearts #1) by Ada Maria Soto

Empty Nests (Nested Hearts #1) by Ada Maria Soto
Release Date: June 12, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook and Paperback

Neither James nor Gabe has ever had a real relationship. They might make a connection if they can get past their differences—and their fears.

At age fourteen, James Maron decided to prove he wasn’t gay despite vast evidence to the contrary. Now at thirty-two, he’s getting ready to send his son to college and wondering what he’s supposed to do next. Outside his son, his life consists of an IT job he hates and watching telenovelas with the women in his apartment building.

Gabriel Juarez is the CFO of a technology giant. He has looks, charm, fantastic wealth, a workaholic personality, and a string of boyfriends who only stick around because he’s too busy to tell them to leave.

A bad laptop/projector interface causes James and Gabe’s paths to cross. Friends, family, and coworkers jump to match Gabe with a nice guy, and James with anyone. But are they too different? Everyone will have to tread very carefully to keep things from ending before they start.

Pages or Words: 68,835 words

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

“So,” Dylan started as he scraped the last of the noodles from his plate. “Remember that conversation we were having about the new AP English teacher?”

“If you pull a piece of paper out of your pocket right now, I will never forgive you.”

Dylan grinned and pulled a tightly folded piece of paper from his pocket. “Saturday after next, if you want, you have a date.”

James was pretty sure teenagers were not supposed to be as hung-up on their father’s love life as Dylan was. “No. No, I do not.”

Dylan pushed over a printout from his school’s faculty webpage. There was a phone number handwritten at the bottom. “Thirty-five, no kids. He likes music.” Dylan had highlighted that line. “You like music, he likes music. He said he’d love to take you to see a band he likes.”

“Goddammit, Dylan! I do not need you setting me up with strangers.”

“He’s not a stranger, he’s the school’s AP English teacher, and I wouldn’t have to if you’d get out of the house once in a while. Seriously, Dad, I’m out of here in less than a year. I don’t want you moping around this place alone. I worry about you turning into a crazy old cat lady.”

Ada Maria Soto is a born and raised Californian, Mexican-American/WASP, currently living as an expat in New Zealand. She got her Bachelor’s degree in Theater Directing at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, which she attended in a fit of stubbornness. She got a Master’s degree in Film and TV Producing from the University of Auckland in New Zealand which she applied to on a manic whim. Nine years later she’s still in Auckland with a partner, kid, and mortgage.

She has dysgraphia and phonological dyslexia which can lead to some interesting typos.

She is a sports fan dedicated to the Oakland A’s, San Jose Sharks, Auckland Blues, USA Eagles, New Zealand All Blacks, New Zealand Black Caps, and the Chennai Super Kings.
Where to find the author:

Official Website: http://adamariasoto.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ada.m.soto.568
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AdaMariaSotoAuthor
Twitter: @adamariasoto
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+AdaSoto/posts
DSP Author Arcade: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/AuthorArcade/ada-maria-soto

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Both books of the series (one will not be out for a few months). Link and prizes to be provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Dates & Stops:
12-Jun
Carly’s Book Reviews

16-Jun
Prism Book Alliance
My Fiction Nook

19-Jun
Bike Book Reviews
Butterfly-O-Meter
Love Bytes

23-Jun
Hearts on Fire
Kimi-Chan

26-Jun
Amanda C. Stone
MM Good Book Reviews

30-Jun
3 Chicks After Dark
Mikky’s World of Books
Inked Rainbow Reads

3-Jul
Happily Ever Chapter
Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
Rainbow Gold Reviews
BFD Book Blog

7-Jul
Bayou Book Junkie
TTC Books and More
Molly Lolly
Multitasking Mommas

In the Book Spotlight: Andrew’s Prayer by Ashavan Doyon (excerpt and giveaway)

Book Name: Andrew’s Prayer by Ashavan Doyon
Release Date: July 8, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: Brandon Clay

Sales Links: Torquere Books

For Andrew Tuttleman, sex is a means to an end. With a mother too sick to pay the bills on her own and college bills to pay, Drew has spent years resorting to sex with strangers to keep a roof over his mother’s head and keep himself at school, far away from the hell where he grew up. This summer, his usual tricks are still paying the bills. But there’s a new one, Grant, who never got the memo that a trick is a no-strings deal. Convinced that Drew is the answer to a hopeless prayer, Grant seems ready to pursue Drew to the ends of the earth.

Drew, on the other hand, isn’t so convinced. Grant comes with trouble in the form of a wife and three kids, not to mention a single and unwavering requirement: that Drew give up his livelihood. Grant’s kiss makes Drew ache for more, a romance that he never dreamed possible. He finds himself unexpectedly willing to try. Can Drew weather Grant’s angry father, wife, and a daughter determined to kick him in the shins so hard that he’ll leave Grant’s life forever? It all relies on Grant’s faith in an impossible prayer.

Pages or Words: 76,300 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, New Adult

Andrew Richard Tuttleman approached the ramshackle cinderblock house cautiously. There was another car parked in front, off the side of the road, and his mom didn’t drive. The voices inside were loud, and not in any sort of good way. Drew’s car was parked in the driveway, filled with suitcases and a few boxes that he’d left there. He’d stored more back at the University, but he wasn’t certain just what sort of reception he’d get. Not now that his mom knew.

Coming home hadn’t been a difficult choice. Sure, it was over a thousand miles. Sure, it was going to be hot, sticky, and miserable. It was still home. His mom was the only person in his life who’d said “I love you” that he had believed. She’d even said it after she found out. She’d been in tears, she’d screamed. But she’d still said “I love you,” and Drew never doubted for a moment that she’d meant it.

The screaming in the house got worse. It took only moments for Drew to reach the house and fling open the door. Any other time it would be kept locked in a self-delusional attempt to pretend safety, but the three chains that helped secure the door hung limply from the wall. A towering white man with a bushy black beard and a shaved head stood threateningly over Drew’s mom. He was in jeans and leather vest — no shirt.

“I done gave you your extra week. Now where’s my fucking money, b–“

“Don’t you dare finish that,” Drew said. He felt his leg for the comforting distension the knife he always carried made in his pants.

Ashavan Doyon spends his days working with students as part of the student affairs staff at a liberal arts college. During lunch, evenings, and when he can escape the grasp of his husband on weekends, he writes, pounding out words day after day in hopes that his ancient typewriter-trained fingers won’t break the glass on his tablet computer. Ashavan is an avid science fiction and fantasy fan and prefers to write while listening to music that fits the mood of his current story. He has no children, having opted instead for the companionship of two beautiful and thoroughly spoiled pugs. A Texan by birth, he currently lives in New England, and frequently complains of the weather.  Ashavan went to school at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, getting his degree in Russian and East European Studies, with a focus in language and literature. He has two incomplete manuscripts from college that he goes back compulsively to fiddle with every so often, but is still not happy with either of them.

He still loves fantasy and science fiction and reads constantly in the moments between writing stories.   Ashavan loves to hear from readers and can be reached at ashavandoyon@gmail.com

Where to find the author:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ashavandoyon.writer
Twitter: @ashavandoyon
Website: http://www.ashavandoyon.com

 Tour Dates & Stops: July 3, 2015

Parker Williams, Molly Lolly, Full Moon Dreaming, My Fiction Nook, Andrew Q. Gordon, Happily Ever Chapter, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Love Bytes, BFD Book Blog, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Inked Rainbow Reads, Jessie G. Books, It’s Raining Men, Michael Mandrake, Velvet Panic

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A MelanieM Review: Cherish the Land (Lang Downs #5) by Ariel Tachna

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Sequel to Conquer the Flames
Lang Downs: Book Five

Seth Simms never wanted to be a cowboy, although to listen to his best friend, Jason Thompson, tell it, he isn’t one. He just happens to have lucked out in coming to live on Lang Downs with his brother ten years ago. He found enough stability to finish high school and go off to university, but he never really believed Lang Downs would be the same haven for him that it had become for so many others. He’s too messed up in the head. No one would accept someone with his issues.

All his life, Jason has had one goal: to come home to Lang Downs as resident veterinarian when they need his skills and jackaroo when they don’t. And it means he gets to spend time with Seth during his occasional visits, even though his dream of going from friends to lovers is hopeless since Seth is straight.

When Seth unexpectedly comes home to stay, Jason takes it as the boon it is. But juggling a relationship with another jackaroo and his friendship with Seth isn’t easy, and that’s before Jason realizes how deep Seth’s issues run and how dangerously Seth chooses to cope with them.

With Ariel Tachna’s Cherish The Land, another heartwarming series comes to a close and does so beautifully. I have never been to Australia (a long held desire) but I have felt like I have been transported there by several authors and their incredible stories, including Ariel Tachna’s Lang Downs series. My introduction to Lang Downs, a cattle station in the Northern Territory, came with Inherit the Sky (Lang Downs, #1). With that story Ariel Tachna brought Lang Downs Station, the men that love and live on it, and the “close to nature” lifestyle inherent with living on land that is both beautiful and extreme. By the end of that amazing story, I felt that not only did I know these men but that I had spent actual time at Lang Downs, getting a feel for the land and the roll call of seasons that sweep over it.

Now through five stories, it comes to an end, and it sort of breaks my heart to let it and all these couples go. But just as in nature, there is a natural cycle to things, so it happens here. Tachna takes most of the loose plot stories and floating characters and brings them home, whether to Lang Downs or somewhere close by and does it in the manner that all the previous stories have been written-gentle, persuasive and loving.

There are no explosions here, just a narrative that moves with the unstoppable progression and a quietness that is so unflinching, so natural that the events seem as though they were written in the red dust of the land covers all that enters it. Lang Downs has always been a sanctuary…for gay men, for those in need of safety and acceptance. Seth Simms accepted that haven once, with his brother, Chris Simms of Chase the Stars (Lang Downs #2) years ago. But he left for heartbreaking reasons. And those same reasons are now pulling him home. Seth is a vulnerable character, his fears deep and his pain secret. Its affect on him has become one of shame and withdrawal. I had forgotten over the course of the series how complicated Seth was and this story renews that believable characterization once more.

Jason Thompson was an original member of the first story along with his family. He has grown tremendously (including his age as well as depth) as each book appeared and fully takes his place as a main character here. I have always loved him and his family, never more so than in the events that occur here with Seth, who is such a damaged soul.

All the couples get pulled into the tragedy that occurs (all too commonplace in the removed outback), and the situation as it works itself out and resolves was one that I had hoped would lead to an all new series, not an end to this one. Ah well….

What happens involves the adjacent station run by the rigid and homophobic brother of Jeremy Taylor who now lives at Lang Downs, along with his lover, manager Sam Emery of Outlast the Night (Lang Downs #3). Also involved? Thorne Lachlan and Ian Duncan of Conquer the Flames (Lang Downs #4). Each has an important role at Lang Downs and each has an important part to play as this final installment rolls out. Did I say how much I will miss them all? Yes indeed, and that includes all the various dogs, cats and horses that have appeared to become part of the family as well.

Did all the loose plot threads get resolved? Did all the characters find their HEA? No, realistically so. And while that lead to a small amount of frustration with this story, it also serves to keep hope alive that Ariel Tachna might revisit this series once more to update us on all the lives and goings on of the people of Lang Downs and beyond. Hope is good, right?

Haven’t read this series yet? Need a new contemporary saga to fall in love with? I absolutely recommend Ariel Tachna’s Lang Downs series and Cherish the Land (Lang Downs #5). The writing is evocative and seamless. The images deeply moving and sometimes emotionally shattering. And the love these men feel for each other and the land flows off the pages and into your hearts in stories you won’t easily forget in books its hard to put down. Here’s hoping this won’t be the last time to journey to Lang Downs and men I adore.

Cover art by Anne Cain is simply beautiful as it has been for each book in the series.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It here

Book Details:

ebook, 220 pages
Published June 8th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC
ISBN139781634760881
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.dreamspinnerpress.com
seriesLang Downs #5

Books in the Lang Downs Series in the order they were written and should be read are:

Inherit the Sky (Lang Downs, #1)
Chase the Stars (Lang Downs, #2)
Outlast the Night (Lang Downs #3)
Conquer the Flames (Lang Downs #4)
Cherish the Land (Lang Downs #5) – series finale

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The Right Time (Right & Wrong Stories # 3) by Lane Hayes Release Date: June 26, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

About The Right Time….

Excerpt for The Right Time by Lane Hayes

About Lane Hayes

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Its Release Day for Damages Incurred by J. R. Gray

buy Links: Amazon | Evernight Publishing |

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Reviewer Mika On Author Posy Roberts!

About Author Posy Roberts!

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This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 5, 2015:

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Happy 4th Of July from

all of us at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words!

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Empty Nests (Nested Hearts #1) by Ada Maria Soto Release Date: June 12, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

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Book Name: Andrew’s Prayer by Ashavan Doyon Release Date: July 8, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Torquere Press Cover Artist: Brandon Clay

Sales Links: Torquere Books

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The Right Time (Right & Wrong Stories # 3) by Lane Hayes
Release Date: June 26, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Empty Nests (Nested Hearts #1) by Ada Maria Soto
Release Date: June 12, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Book Name: Andrew’s Prayer by Ashavan Doyon
Release Date: July 8, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: Brandon Clay