Love Historical Romance with a Twist? Check Out the Release Blitz Ride the Whirlwind by Jackie North (excerpt)

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Ride the Whirlwind

Jackie North

M/M Romance, Time travel, Historical

Release Date: 09.17.19

Ride the Whirlwind-ebook

Cover Designer – Jay Aheer

Blurb

Soulmates across time. Two hearts, stronger together.

In present day, Maxton is good at finding trouble and bad at everything else. Then he receives a letter from his friend Laurie, who went missing. The letter is dated over one hundred years in the past.

In 1892, Trent Harrington, sheriff of Trinidad, Colorado, cast off by his family, lives a respectable but lonely life, devoid of any closeness. He knows he will be alone forever.

Trying to escape a past that keeps chasing him, Maxton drives south to Mexico. When his car spins off the road, he is swept up in a desert whirlwind, which takes him back in time to the year 1892. There, unused to the laws of the wild west, Maxton gets arrested, and is subject to the terrifying whims of two deputies who can do whatever they want to him.

Sheriff Trent Harrington of Trinidad is tasked with escorting Maxton to Trinidad. The request isn’t unusual, but the young miscreant is. Maxton draws Trent’s heart out of its shell with his flashing green eyes and lush head of hair. It isn’t right. It isn’t natural. It’s illegal. Yet Trent cannot resist the impetuous young man.

As the two men travel through the dry, lonely desert to their destination, will they find in each other the love and companionship they never thought they’d have?

A male/male time travel romance, complete with the scent of desert roses, brilliantly colored sunsets, starlit nights, roast rabbit over an open fire, growing honesty and trust, and true love across time.

Buy Link: http://mybook.to/RideTheWhirlwind

Contains references to Honey From the Lion and Wild as the West Texas Wind but can be read on its own.

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Excerpt

Though he very well knew that pride went before a fall, Trent felt quite pleased with himself. He’d managed to purchase two sturdy mounts: Old Sue, a calm-eyed mare who looked pleased to be saddled up and given something to do, and Lathalad, a pinto with remarkable blue eyes, an even more remarkable mostly white coat with a narrow black streak running down the center of his long tail.

He was a beauty for sure, but carried a scar across his breast, which might be the reason he was a tad skittish when he was brought out and trotted around. Trent worried until the man at the stables convinced him the horse could carry a man and supplies easily, that he was built for long rides. As well, Trent caught Maxton looking at the horses, and thought that the gelding was of the appropriate size.

They’d bought supplies of beans, packets of jerky, and, of course, ground coffee. He purchased a coffee pot, two tin cups and bowls, two tin spoons, and a used cutting knife, which he strapped to his right thigh below his gun belt. Whatever meat they needed Trent would shoot along the way.

Trent packed the saddlebags on each horse, showing Maxton how it was done, how to tighten the girth on a saddle, how to adjust the stirrups. How to fasten a pair of canteens across the cantle and tie them tight so they wouldn’t knock about and startle the horse. Then he tied his carpetbag behind the saddle on Old Sue, and the two bedrolls behind the saddle on Lathalad.

Maxton followed along with only half of his attention, as his other half seemed to be scanning the horizon on the edge of town where the stable was located. As well, he was making an expression that Trent couldn’t quite define, but he thought Maxton felt he was being treated like a fool who didn’t know any better. Maybe he did and maybe he didn’t, but it was better safe than sorry.

“It’s just past noon,” said Trent. He took his hat off, wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve, then settled his hat on his head again. “But we can head out now and make our way out into the wild.”

Trent smiled, and wondered if he should actually share what he was thinking, but why not? He and Maxton would be together for several days, what harm would it to do admit this one little thing.

“I do love sleeping beneath the stars,” he said, now, looking at Maxton as he said it. Testing the waters. “Which is a little foolish, seeing as how if we waited a few days and taken the stage, we’d sleep in a hotel every night.”

“I don’t mind sleeping under the stars,” said Maxton. “Took a class on the constellations once, so I know a lot of them.”

Maxton stopped himself from saying more, and shrugged as if it was of no consequence to him. It was the same devil-may-care attitude that he’d carried with him from the moment Trent had laid eyes on him in the cell in Dilia.

Someone had taught Maxton not to care or, if he did, not to let on. Someone had taught him to hide every thought, whether foolish or wise. Someone had taught him to carry himself as though he might be under attack at any given moment.

Trent knew the feeling. Knew what it was like to hide what you were and what you thought. Knew what it was like to be wary and to dance beneath the surface of your own life until you forgot what it was like to breathe fresh air, to hold your head high and be exactly who you were.

Though, as to what Maxton was hiding, Trent didn’t know. He wanted to know, though, because there was a fire in that young man’s eyes. A soft shy tenderness, which Trent saw as Maxton looked out at the horizon and chewed his lower lip, like he was expecting something to come blasting at him from out of the desert.

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Jackie North has been writing stories since grade school and spent years absorbing the mainstream romances that she found at her local grocery store. Her dream was to someday leave her corporate day job behind and travel the world. She also wanted to put her English degree to good use and write romance novels, because for years she’s had a never-ending movie of made-up love stories in her head that simply wouldn’t leave her alone.

As fate would have it, she discovered m/m romance and decided that men falling in love with other men was exactly what she wanted to write books about. In this dazzling new world, she turned her grocery-store romance ideas around and is now putting them to paper as fast as her fingers can type. She creates characters who are a bit flawed and broken, who find themselves on the edge of society, and maybe a few who are a little bit lost, but who all deserve a happily ever after. (And she makes sure they get it!)

She likes long walks on the beach, the smell of lavender and rainstorms, and enjoys sleeping in on snowy mornings. She is especially fond of pizza and beer and, when time allows, long road trips with soda fountain drinks and rock and roll music. In her heart, there is peace to be found everywhere, but since in the real world this isn’t always true, Jackie writes for love.

Website – http://www.jackienorth.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jackienorthMM

Pintrest – https://www.pinterest.com/jackienorthauthor/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/JackieNorthMM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18128460.Jackie_North

Queeromance Ink Author Page –

https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/jackie-north/

Sign Up For My Newsletter – http://eepurl.com/drakS1

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September Stories and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

September Readings And Romance

 

Here we are mid-September and my temperatures are bouncing from summer highs to autumnal 70’s and some of the leaves have started to drop.  As I said all the fall sports have turned my attention to contemporary romances and main characters that are athletes.  Hockey, football (both versions European football, aka American soccer, and of course, the NFL), then there’s rugby, and the miscellaneous sports we have mentioned.

This week, I’ve read books by VL Locey (The Good Green Earth,hockey), Avon Gale and Pipe Vaughn (Goalie Interference, hockey), and the memoir I mentioned last week,My Life on the Line: How the NFL Damn Near Killed Me, and Ended Up Saving My Life by Ryan O’Callaghan and Cyd Zeigler, courtesy of Akashic Books.  That on top of my usual list of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, and regular contemporary romances.

I had passed over some comedic romances that our reader HB had rec’d a few weeks ago and wanted to include them here:

📕HB:Anyway back on topic for humorous reads or books with some humor I would recommend:

THIRDS series by Charlie Cochet
Nine Stones by Ofelia Gränd
Shawn’s Law by Renae Kaye
Tales From Verania series by T.J. Klune
The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker
Lightbearer by L.C. Davis
Learning How to Lose series by Alex Gabriel
Shy by John Inman
At First Sight series by T.J. Klune
Struck by Susi Hawke & Crista Crown (Book 3 in it’s series, shouldn’t be read as standalone)
Any book you can find by Kyle Adams

For myself?  I am rediscovering NR Walker’s outstanding Spencer Cohen series  on audio!  Right now I’m on the first story as narrated by the incomparable Joel Leslie, such a treat.  Look for that review by the end of the month.

So yes, a full week indeed.

It’s also the sort of weather that has me wanting to curl up with comfort reads and start planning ahead for those cold fall and winter nights when all I want to do is listen or read my favorite stories, snuggled up toasty warm and ready for all friends…in book form that is.

The geese overhead are telling and honking to me that it’s not that far away. So with the voice of Joel Leslie as Spencer Cohen in my ears and the gorgeous Sunday weather pulling me outside, I’m making this short and sweet.

I hope your Sunday is the same.

Happy Sunday.  Let me know what you are reading or listening to this Sunday.  Have a great week.  And this is what our week is looking like ahead!

 

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, September 16:

  • This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, September 15:

  • Cover Reveal – Their Special Agent (Thistle Hearts #1) by Mel Gough
  • BLITZ Clueless Cabot by André D. Michaels
  • RELEASE BLITZ Dine With Me by Layla Reyne
  • Blog Tour Dominated but not Subdued by JP Sayles
  • An Alisa Review: Murder in the Condo Next Door by Edward Kendrick
  • A Stella Review: Noah’s Bane (Lormount City, #1) by Wulf Francú Godgluck

Tuesday, September 17:

  • Cover Reveal for Under Pressure by Lauren Ashley
  • Release Blitz Ride the Whirlwind by Jackie North
  • Release Blitz Not Another Statistic by JM Dabney
  • Release Blitz – Allison Temple – Hot Potato (A Seacroft Novel)
  • An Alisa Review: Love You So Sweetly (Love You So Stories #4) by Tara Lain
  • A MelanieM Review: Romancing the Rough Diamond (Romancing the… #4) by Clare London

Wednesday, September 18:

  • Release Blitz, – FLAME AND ASH by Morgan Brice
  • Release Blitz with ARC Reviews – Yours, Forever After by Beth Bolden
  • Release Blitz Signal- V.L. Locey – The Good Green Earth (Colors of Love #4)
  • A Stella Review : Yours, Forever After by Beth Bolden
  • A MelanieM Review: Beyond Identity by Karrie Roman

Thursday, September 19:

  • Release Blitz – Clare London – Romancing The Rough Diamond
  • Blog Tour Kel’s Keeper by KC Wells
  • Release Blitz – Rick R Reed – The Secrets We Keep
  • An Alisa Review: Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love by Kris T. Bethke
  • A Caryn Review: The First Step (Coastal Carolina #1) by Shira Anthony

Friday, September 20:

  • Review Tour – Eli Easton – Puzzle Me This
  • Blog Post – Leta Blake – Bitter Heat
  • A MelanieM Review: Slay Ride by Josh Lanyon
  • A MelanieM Review Under Review by Meg Harding
  • A Lucy Review : Puzzle Me This by Eli Easton

Saturday, September 21:

  • Release Blitz In Safe Arms by Ann Grech
  • Release Blitz Ground Zero by Aimee Nicole Walker
  • An Alisa Review: In Safe Arms (My Truth #2) by Ann Grech

September Reading and Sports  (cont’d. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

September Reading and Sports  (cont’d)

So with the sounds of Friday night high school football as well as the Saturday game that plays behind me still ringing in my ears, I’m well aware of the place that September has as a marker for  certain sports. Fall especially.  It trumpets the call to the line, the shout of “play ball”, and the loud roar of air horns so ubiquitous  at games these days.  Football once again is flooding the media with team speculation, games, and player drama of all types.  One player was let go after being fined for repeated bad behavior and immediately resigned and rehired (Antonio Brown from the raiders to the Patriots), another famously retired pre 30 early leaving millions on the table because of injuries and pain (Andrew Luck).  That drew some derision from some corners, support from much more considering what we know now about brain injuries and the treatment of players as a commodity.  And then there is this.

One that pertains to this community and certainly our stories.  A story and excerpt in The Advocate about NFL lineman Ryan O’Callaghan and his new story My Life on the Line: How the NFL Damn Near Killed Me, and Ended Up Saving My Life by Ryan O’Callaghan and Cyd Zeigler, courtesy of Akashic Books.

 

If we are ever inclined to think that perhaps these authors take it too far in these stories, make the angst and pain too much, make the terror of discovery, and have a character collapse under the weight of being closeted or being unable to face those he loves with the truth that he is gay, well, just read even the excerpt from The Advocate to know perhaps how much some of those authors may have been holding back.  This book is now on my list for this month and I will be reviewing it here.  But go to that link and bring a box of tissues and prepare for a window into courage.

I think we sometimes forget the reality behind our stories.  The grit beneath the sweet contemporary, the raw behind the warm-hearted goodness.  Reading the excerpt from My Life On the Line was a swift and needed reminder of the men who still fight for the right to be who they are in professional and non professional sports these days.  We still have so far to go.

Have a great Sunday.

Now for this week ahead…

 

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, September 8:

  • Dine with Me by Layla Reyne Promo
  • September Reading and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, September 9:

  • Review Tour – Sam Burns – Wolf Lost
  • Blog Tour – Last Call in Wonderland by Rob Browatzke
  • Check our the Tour for T.A.D.: The Art of Death by M.D. Neu
  • An Alisa Review: The Ninth Elixir by Pelaam
  • An Ashlez Review: Wolf Lost (The Wolves of Kismet #1) by Sam Burns
  •  Caryn Review : Last Call in Wonderland by Rob Browatzke

Tuesday, September 10:

  • Release Blitz Happy For You by Anyta Sunday
  • Release Blitz SOULBOUND #3 by Hailey Turner
  • PROMO Andrew Grey
  • An Alisa Review: Kept in the Dark (Locke and Keyes Agency #1) by Charlie Cochet
  • A MelanieM Prerelease Review: Goalie Interference (Hat Trick #2) by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Dead Man Stalking (Blood and Bone #1) by T.A. Moore

Wednesday, September 11:

  • PROMO PARKER WILLIAMS
  • Cover Reveal, for FLAME AND ASH by Morgan Brice
  • An Alisa Review: Love Potion #9 by Tinnean
  • A Lucy Review: Happy for You (Love and Family #3) by Anyta Sunday
  • A MelanieM Audio Review: Family Camp (Daddy Dearest #1) by Eli Easton and Matthew Shaw (Narrator)

Thursday, September 12:

  • AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR – Tainted Life by Mel Gough
  • Blog Post – Sam Burns – Wolf Lost
  •  PROMO Rowan McAllister
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review: Hellion (415 Ink #3) by Rhys Ford
  • A Stella Review :Stained Hearts (Links in the Chain #3) by Parker Williams
  • An Alisa Audio Review: Dirty Mind by Roe Horvat and Vance Bastian (Narrator)

Friday, September 13:

  • Audio Review Tour for Family Camp (Daddy Dearest #1) by Eli Easton and Matthew Shaw (Narrator)
  • Release Blitz Garrett Leigh – Fated Hearts
  • Promo Tara Lain
  • A Lila Review: Mystery of the Bones (Snow in Winter #4) by C.S. Poe
  • An Alisa Review: Hearts of Blood (Chevalier) by Kay Doherty
  • An Ashlez Review Resonance (Rhythm of Love #2) by Neve Wilder

Saturday, September 14:

  • Release Blitz – Leta Blake – Bitter Heat (Heat of Love #3)

A Stella Review: Gentleman Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet #1) by Joanna Chambers

RATING 4,5 out of 5 stars

An elegant werewolf in Edinburgh…

1788. When Lindsay Somerville, the most elegant werewolf in Paris, learns that the man who held him in abject captivity for decades is on his way to France, intent on recapturing him, he knows he must leave the Continent for his own safety. Lindsay cannot take the risk of being recaptured—he may have been free for a century but he can still feel the ghost of his old chains under his fine clothes.

… on a mission…

While he’s in Edinburgh, Lindsay has been tasked with acquiring the “Naismith Papers”, the writings of a long-dead witchfinder. It should be a straightforward mission—all Lindsay has to do is charm an elderly book collector, Hector Cruikshank. But Cruikshank may not be all he seems, and there are others who want the papers.

… meets his match

As if that were not enough, while tracking down the Naismith Papers, Lindsay meets stubborn architect Drew Nicol. Although the attraction between them is intense, Nicol seems frustratingly determined to resist Lindsay’s advances. Somehow though, Lindsay can’t seem to accept Nicol’s rejection. Is he just moonstruck, or is Nicol bonded to him in ways he doesn’t yet understand?

Note: this is the first book of a duology – the story continues and will complete in the second book, Master Wolf.

How could I have resisted when I saw this new release from Joanna Chambers? Not just an historical, but a paranormal too with werewolves. I was over the moon and I wasn’t disappointed at all. Apart from a little particular, the novel ends with a cliffhanger, which I’m not a fan, at all.  In this case, it’s a one more reason I can’t wait for the next installment in the duology.

I was gone for Lindsay from the beginning, sure the first pages weren’t easy to read but later I found myself in a beautiful world enlightened by this eccentric, loyal and lovely person Lindsay is. I followed him through his journey to Edinburgh and there I saw seeing him be so bewitched with Nicol. I learnt how much they both suffered in the past, in different ways, how much they were still linked to that past, especially Nicol, who’s still too deep in grief and guilt.

The story is full of surprises, I wasn’t waiting for the twist at the end (didn’t see it in the least), and I wasn’t expecting Nicol to be so firm in resist Lindsay and his obvious interest and so much more for the sombre human. I can’t wait to know how their relationship will develop.

When it comes to historicals, this author is a guarantee, although I hugely prefer contemporary stories, I’m always so happy to make an exception for her, the writing style is perfect, the plot and the characters so interesting, each time I end with a full heart and a stupid smile on my mouth.

The cover art by Felix d’Eon is different and cute, I like the style and the frame.

 

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 1st edition, 216 pages

Published August 26th 2019

ASIN B07VF2JWW3

Edition Language English

Check Out the Review Tour and Giveaway for Gentleman Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet #1) by Joanna Chambers

 

 
Length: 216 pages
 

Cover Design: Felix d’Eon

 
Blurb
 

An elegant werewolf in Edinburgh…


1788. When Lindsay Somerville, the most elegant werewolf in Paris, learns that the man who held him in abject captivity for decades is on his way to France, intent on recapturing him, he knows he must leave the Continent for his own safety. Lindsay cannot take the risk of being recaptured—he may have been free for a century but he can still feel the ghost of his old chains under his fine clothes.


… on a mission…


While he’s in Edinburgh, Lindsay has been tasked with acquiring the “Naismith Papers”, the writings of a long-dead witchfinder. It should be a straightforward mission—all Lindsay has to do is charm an elderly book collector, Hector Cruikshank. But Cruikshank may not be all he seems, and there are others who want the papers.


… meets his match


As if that were not enough, while tracking down the Naismith Papers, Lindsay meets stubborn architect Drew Nicol. Although the attraction between them is intense, Nicol seems frustratingly determined to resist Lindsay’s advances. Somehow though, Lindsay can’t seem to accept Nicol’s rejection. Is he just moonstruck, or is Nicol bonded to him in ways he doesn’t yet understand?


Note: this is the first book of a duology – the story continues and will complete in the second book, Master Wolf.

 

About The Author


Joanna Chambers always wanted to write. She spent over 20 years staring at blank sheets of paper and despairing of ever writing a single word. In between staring at blank sheets of paper, she studied law, met her husband and had two children. Whilst nursing her first child, she rediscovered her love of romance and found her muse. Joanna lives in Scotland with her family and finds time to write by eschewing sleep and popular culture.

 
 

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More Sports Romances and Recommendations. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

More Sports Romances and Recommendations

Yes, its officially September and a perfect time to continue our chat about sports and sports in romances.  Football and tailgating, airhorns and goals scored.  Fall just speaks of sports.  Among other things of course.

As I hurried to put in rows of mums, HB was commenting with a wonderful list of sports recommendations.  Here they are below.  This will give me a breather to find my dusty list and add to it.  Where do you put some of your favorites?  What heading do they fall under?

Check them all out below and leave a comment. You never know when a gift cert might pop up!

Sports Romance Story Recommendations by Sport

From our reader, HB:

 

I haven’t read too many sports books but what I can remember seeing and have read in each category are:

Rugby/Soccer.
Ten in the Bin by N.R. Walker
Offside by Ryan Loveless
Ravages by R.A. Padmos
Glasgow Lads series by Avery Cockburn
Pull Me Under by Zarah Detand
Hunted by Liz Powell
More Than the Ball by Brandon Redstone
Balls and Strikes by Sean Michael

Ice Sports:
Frozen Hearts by Teegan Loy
Power Play by J.M. Snyder
The Magic Broom by Teegan Loy
See the Light by Cassandra Carr
Seattle Marauders 1-2 by Riley Shane
Blue Line Hockey 1-9 by Stephani Hecht
Home Ice by Kate Sherwood
How To Quit Playing Hockey by Isa K.
Him 1-2 by Sarina Bowen
Heart in Hand by salifiable
Straight Shooter by Heidi Belleau
Training Season by Leta Blake
Breathing Snow by Dev Bentham
Cold War by Keira Andrews
Winging It by Ashlyn Kane
Crashing the Net by Samantha Wayland
Home and Away by Samantha Wayland
Different Dynamics by Tamir Drake (A/B/O)
City Boy by A.E. Wasp

Noah by Ben Ryder
Enforcing Emory by Mickie B. Ashling

Rodeo:
Bully for You by Catt Ford
Bullheaded by Catt Ford
A Wild Ride by Andrew Grey
After the Sunset (Timing 2) by Mary Calmes
Home of His Own by T.A. Chase

Equestrian (Polo,Jumping, Racing, Dressage):
Polo series by Mickie B. Ashling is the only one I know of and you’ve already mentioned,
Force of Law by Jez Morrow has a small polo scene written in too but is not a sports romance.
One Step Forward by Tia Fielding

Water Sports:
My Hero 1-2 by Max Vos
Riding the Board by Cate Ashwood
Heels Over Head by Elyse Springer
Slow Bloom by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Aquamarine by Sara Bell
Stroke! by M.J. O’Shea
Rocking the Boat by Christopher Koehler
Synchronicity by Keira Andrews
Making It by Louis Stevens

Baseball/Football American NFL:
A Perfect Game by Reno MacLeod and Jaye Valentine
Deep in the Count by Madison Parker
Four Corners by Kate McMurray
Caught Running by Madeleine Urban
Out in the Field by Kate McMurray
Grand Slam by J.T. Cheyanne
Bromosexual by Daryl Banner
Caught Looking by Kathleen Lee
Southern Scrimmage series (book 1-6) by Mercy Celeste
Playing for Keeps by Lexi Ander
Safety Net by Keiko Kirin
Quarterback Sneak by Pepper Espinoza
Man-to-Man Coverage Series by Nico Jaye (free)
Long Pass Chronicles series by Tara Lain
Horizons by Mickie B. Ashling
Steamroller by Mary Calmes
Fourth and Long by Michele Micheal Rakes
Given the Circumstances by Brad Vance
Sacking the Quarterback by Carol Lynne
Out of the Pocket by Bill Konigsberg
Out of Position books by Kyell Gold
Rebound by Remi Ryan

Other:
All for the Game series by Nora Sakavic
Wrestling With Desire by D.H. Starr
Kieran & Drew by L.A. Gilbert
Superhero by Eli Easton
Match Maker by Alan Chin
The Unforgiving Minute by Sarah Granger
Prize Package by Kyle Adams
Overdrive by Ariel Tachna
Pinned by Maris Black
Pool Hall Green by Sara Bell
Fight by Kelly Wyre
The Locker Room by Amy Lane
Dance With Me by Heidi Cullinan
Heart of the Race by Mary Calmes
Exposed by Skylar M. Cates
Out of Bounds by T.A. Chase
Jock Dorm series by Bobby Michaels
Volley Balls by Tara Lain
Gearshark series by Cambria Hebert

Dumb Jock Series by Jeff Erno, covers multiple sports.
Out in College 1-3 by Lane Hayes also covers a different sport in each book.
Jock Series by Wade Kelly is another

 

And now for our week ahead…..

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, September 1:

  • Sports Romance and Recommendations
  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, September 2:

  • Review Tour – Joanna Chambers – Gentleman Wolf
  • Cover Reveal Angel of Death by MD Neu
  • Book Blitz – Various Authors – Between The Covers
  • MelanieM Review:Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4) by Avon Gale
  • A Stella Review: Gentleman Wolf by Joanna Chambers
  • A Lucy Review The Low Road by Eleanor Harkstead

Tuesday, September 3:

  • Blog Tour Pure by JM Dabney
  • Blog Tour – Just Like Heaven by T.L. Bradford
  • A MelanieM Review: Pure (Trenton Security #4) by J.M. Dabney
  • A Melanie Review Just Like Heaven by T.L. Bradford
  • A Lila Review The Windmines of Bora Bora (Virasana Empire: Sir Yaden Book 2) by Beryll & Osiris Brackhaus

Wednesday, September 4:

  • BLITZ Beyond Identity by Karrie Roman
  • Cover Reveal – Nightside: An Erie Vampire Tale – V.L. Locey
  • Audio Review Tour – RJ Scott – Single
  • A Stella Review If You’re Going Through Hell Keep Going (Mann of My Dreams #1) by Tinnean
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Art of Death (Lychgate #1) by Bob Appavu
  • A MelanieM Audio Review :Single (Single Dads #1) by R.J. Scott and Sean Crisden (Narrator)

Thursday, September 5

  • Release Blitz – Sam Burns – Wolf Lost
  • An Alisa review Him Improvement by Tanya Chris
  • A MelanieM Review: Dine with Me by Layla Reyne
  • An Alisa Review: Him Improvement by Tanya Chris
  • A MelanieM Review:Drama Dance (Nicky and Noah Mystery #8) by Joe Cosentino

Friday, September 6:

  • Release Blitz Eli Easton – Puzzle Me This
  • DSP PROMO Victoria Sue
  • Blog Tour Resonance by Neve Wilder
  • A Melanie Prerelease Review: Hellion (415 Ink #3) by Rhys Ford
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review:In Safe Keeping (Heroes and Babies #2) by Victoria Sue

Saturday, September 7:

  • A MelanieM Review:Coach’s Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) by Avon Gale

Blog Post and Giveaway for Gentleman Wolf (Capital Wolves duet #1) by Joanna Chambers

Hello, and thanks for having me here to talk about my new book, Gentleman Wolf. I thought I’d talk a little bit about why I set this book in 18th century Edinburgh and why I called the book “Project Two” before it had a title…

Gentleman Wolf is the first of two historical werewolf romances featuring Lindsay Somerville and Drew Nicol (their story completes in the second book, Master Wolf).

So it’s two books about two men—and what’s more, it’s about werewolves—people who have two forms: wolf and human. It’s written in two points of view (Gentleman Wolf is all in Lindsay’s point of view. Master Wolf will be all in Drew’s). There’s classic dualism themes too: mind and matter; good and evil. All in all, there’s lots of two sidedness and that called for an appropriately two-sided setting. So of course, I thought of my own city of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is full of two-sided things.

Most obviously, Edinburgh has an Old Town and a New Town—in fact, it was around the time that Gentleman Wolf is set that the development of the New Town really began. These two aspects of the city are very different. The Old Town contains the ancient, historical parts of the city and has a distinct aesthetic, all crow-stepped gables and tall tenements. By contrast, the New Town is rational and clean with classical architecture and spacious streets and crescents.

It’s not just the physical features of the city that give Edinburgh its dual nature though. Two-sidedness is a theme that crops up in many other famous Edinburgh stories, both true and fictional. Think of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The rational scientist and the dark monster. Or Deacon Brodie—a real life man who was hanged in the same year Gentleman Wolf is set—Brodie was a respectable cabinetmaker by day and a burglar by night. Or contrast the long tradition of religious faith (John Knox, for example) and the enlightenment thinking of the late 18th century.

See why I called it Project Two?

 
Length: 216 pages
 

Cover Design: Felix d’Eon

 
Blurb
 

An elegant werewolf in Edinburgh…


1788. When Lindsay Somerville, the most elegant werewolf in Paris, learns that the man who held him in abject captivity for decades is on his way to France, intent on recapturing him, he knows he must leave the Continent for his own safety. Lindsay cannot take the risk of being recaptured—he may have been free for a century but he can still feel the ghost of his old chains under his fine clothes.


… on a mission…


While he’s in Edinburgh, Lindsay has been tasked with acquiring the “Naismith Papers”, the writings of a long-dead witchfinder. It should be a straightforward mission—all Lindsay has to do is charm an elderly book collector, Hector Cruikshank. But Cruikshank may not be all he seems, and there are others who want the papers.


… meets his match


As if that were not enough, while tracking down the Naismith Papers, Lindsay meets stubborn architect Drew Nicol. Although the attraction between them is intense, Nicol seems frustratingly determined to resist Lindsay’s advances. Somehow though, Lindsay can’t seem to accept Nicol’s rejection. Is he just moonstruck, or is Nicol bonded to him in ways he doesn’t yet understand?


Note: this is the first book of a duology – the story continues and will complete in the second book, Master Wolf.

 

 

About The Author


Joanna Chambers always wanted to write. She spent over 20 years staring at blank sheets of paper and despairing of ever writing a single word. In between staring at blank sheets of paper, she studied law, met her husband and had two children. Whilst nursing her first child, she rediscovered her love of romance and found her muse. Joanna lives in Scotland with her family and finds time to write by eschewing sleep and popular culture.

 
 

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Release Blitz and Giveaway for Code Name: Liberty by Marshall Thornton

 

 
Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal LinkExclusive to Amazon and Available to Borrow with Kindle Unlimited
 
Length: 290 pages
 
Blurb
 

In the summer of 1980, the news is full of the upcoming election and the hostage crisis in Iran but Patrick Henry Burke is not paying any attention. He’s met a Persian prince and his head is full of romance. All of that changes though when a sexy CIA agent, Gary Walker, approaches him and asks that he spy on the prince and his father. They’re attempting to prevent the hostages from being released to guarantee Carter won’t win the presidency in hopes that the Reagan administration will be grateful enough to assist the prince’s father in becoming the new Shah of Iran. As Patrick gathers information about an impending illegal weapons deal, he struggles to understand who might be lying to him and who might be telling the truth.

 
Author Bio
 

Marshall Thornton writes two popular mystery series, the Boystown Mysteries and the Pinx Video Mysteries. He has won the Lambda Award for Gay Mystery three times. His romantic comedy, Femme was also a 2016 Lambda finalist for Best Gay Romance. Other books include My Favorite Uncle, The Ghost Slept Over and Masc, the sequel to Femme. He is a member of Mystery Writers of America.


 

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Release Blitz Tour and Giveaway for Gentleman Wolf (Capital Wolves Duet #1) by Joanna Chambers

 

 
Length: 216 pages
 

Cover Design: Felix d’Eon

 
Blurb
 

An elegant werewolf in Edinburgh…


1788. When Lindsay Somerville, the most elegant werewolf in Paris, learns that the man who held him in abject captivity for decades is on his way to France, intent on recapturing him, he knows he must leave the Continent for his own safety. Lindsay cannot take the risk of being recaptured—he may have been free for a century but he can still feel the ghost of his old chains under his fine clothes.


… on a mission…


While he’s in Edinburgh, Lindsay has been tasked with acquiring the “Naismith Papers”, the writings of a long-dead witchfinder. It should be a straightforward mission—all Lindsay has to do is charm an elderly book collector, Hector Cruikshank. But Cruikshank may not be all he seems, and there are others who want the papers.


… meets his match


As if that were not enough, while tracking down the Naismith Papers, Lindsay meets stubborn architect Drew Nicol. Although the attraction between them is intense, Nicol seems frustratingly determined to resist Lindsay’s advances. Somehow though, Lindsay can’t seem to accept Nicol’s rejection. Is he just moonstruck, or is Nicol bonded to him in ways he doesn’t yet understand?


Note: this is the first book of a duology – the story continues and will complete in the second book, Master Wolf.

 

About The Author


Joanna Chambers always wanted to write. She spent over 20 years staring at blank sheets of paper and despairing of ever writing a single word. In between staring at blank sheets of paper, she studied law, met her husband and had two children. Whilst nursing her first child, she rediscovered her love of romance and found her muse. Joanna lives in Scotland with her family and finds time to write by eschewing sleep and popular culture.

 
 

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Sports Romance and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sports Romances and M/M

We started talking sports and romance last week.  Baseball and hockey primarily.  And what sports are and were featured in LGBT romances. I’ve been reading a lot of MM hockey romance this month, getting caught up on our hockey recs and books/series I had missed.  Last week’s discussions also prompted me to start thinking about what other sports are featured highly in LGBT contemporary romances?  Right away rugby jumped into my brain.  Sean Kennedy’s outstanding series Tigers and Devils as well as Dahlia Donovan’s sexy  The Sin Bin series.  Soccer and rugby, English and Aussie rules, totally different, I know. Hot men in shorts with great legs.  Kill me now.

Don’t get me started on the French Rugby calendar Dieux du Stade  fans self!

So yes, those sports as well as hockey are right up there in romances.  Also ice skating seems to be on the rise as well.  A hockey and ice skating combo?  Hot hot hot.  There is one in the RJ Scott/VL Locey Harrisburg Railers Series.  And a couple of standalones if I could jog my memory.  I really need a better system of recording these stories.

Swimming.  Sean Michael has several of those.  BA Tortuga and her rodeo cowboys, in fact, loads of bull riders and ropers out there.  But NFL and MLB? I can’t think of too many as I said last week.

Some gymnastics….also Sean Michaels….comes into mind.  It might even be the same series.  I wondered what you had to say and this is what HB replied:

 

From HB:Basketball and football in romance seems less frequent to me. I think I’ve only read one basketball sport romance in 10+ yrs of reading m/m fiction and only seen a handful maybe less with ones that have football. I think there are less popular ones out there like soccer, ice skating, lacross, rugby and equestrianism that get even less attention. Swimming I think is a big one after hockey and the focus usually falls over the two.

Yep, forgot about the equestrian sports.  That’s a big one.  Jumping, Polo, Dressage, Racing!  From Mickie Aisling to others.  Horses are well represented in romance along with the men who love them.

So you know what’s coming.

Recommendations. Let’s divide them up by category.

Rugby/Soccer.

Ice Skating

Rodeo

Equestrian (Polo,Jumping, Racing, Dressage)

Water Sports (do not go there!)

Baseball/Football American NFL

Other

Let’s see what we can come up with.

Meanwhile I’m still reading and reviewing my way through Avon Gale’s incredible Scoring Chances series and will finish it up this month.  Stay with me.  Here is our schedule this week.

 

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, August 24:

  • Sports Romance and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, August 25:

  • Review Tour – RJ Scott – Today (Single Dads #2)
  • Release Blitz Tour – Joanna Chambers – Gentleman Wolf
  • Review  Audio Tour Wake Up Married serial, Episodes 4 – 6: Fight Their Feelings, Meet the Mob, Happy Ending (Wake Up Married #4-6) by Leta Blake ( and Alice Griffiths
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review:Today (Single Dads #2) by RJ Scott
  • An Alisa Review : Already Home (Finding Home #4) by Carly Marie
  • A Caryn Review: An Uncommon Whore (An Uncommon Whore #1) by Belinda McBride
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audio Review: Wake Up Married serial, Episodes 4 – 6: Fight Their Feelings, Meet the Mob, Happy Ending (Wake Up Married #4-6) by Leta Blake ( and Alice Griffiths

Tuesday, August 26:

  • BLOG TOUR Heel by KM Neuhold
  • PROMO Mason Thomas
  • Book Blitz – Ann Lister – A Rhythm You Feel (The Rock Gods: East Coast Label Book One)
  • A MelanieM Review: Omega from the Ocean (Heron Manor Book 1) by Amy Bellows
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review The Witchstone Amulet by Mason Thomas
  • An Alisa Review Heel by KM Neuhold

Wednesday, August 27:

  • BLITZ A Noble Cause by Mickie B. Ashling
  • Review Tour for Escape (Rebellion #1) by Annabelle Jacobs
  • PROMO Belinda McBride
  • A MelanieM Review :Escape (Rebellion #1) by Annabelle Jacobs
  • A Lila Review: Soul on Fire by Tal Bauer

Thursday, August 28:

  • Release Blitz – Marshall Thornton – Code Name: Liberty
  • TOUR LOVE UNDER GLASSE by Kristina Meister
  • An Alisa A Alisa Audio Review :In Safe Hands (Heroes and Babies #1) by Victoria Sue
  • A MelanieM Review:Overtime (Scoring Chances #3.5) by Avon Gale

Friday, August 29:

  • Audio Blitz Dirty Mind – Roe Horvat
  • A Chaos Moondrawn Review : Hitting Black Ice by Heloise West
  • A MelanieM Review: Empty Net (Scoring Chances #4) by Avon Gale
  • A Stella review If You’re Going Through Hell Keep Going (Mann of My Dreams #1) by Tinnean

Saturday, August 30:

  • Blog Post – Joanna Chambers – Gentleman Wolf
  • A MelanieM Review:Coach’s Challenge (Scoring Chances #5) by Avon Gale