Sean Michael on Time Change, Routine, and his latest release ‘Personal Best 2’ (author guest blog)

Personal Best 2 by Sean Michael
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Alexandria Corza

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Sean Michael here today talking about his latest release Personal Best 2. Welcome, Sean.

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Thank you to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me today!

So, we fell back by an hour over the weekend and I haven’t been able to catch up since. The time change – both of them – really mess me up. You wouldn’t think an hour would make that big a difference, but it does, every time, and it seems to be getting harder to deal with the older I get.

Plus it’s now dark at like 4:30, and that’s only going to get worse the closer we get to Christmas. I think that’s why we do lights and decorations outside – it really brightens the dark nights up.

I imagine for someone like Mike, from Personal Best 2, who very much relies on his routine, it wouldn’t matter. He’d simply adjust everything by an hour. Or at least his coach Jessy would!

Mike and Jessy were such a joy to write, I did all three books over one summer and it was a sad thing for me when they were done with their story because I didn’t want to let them go. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them.

Sean Michael

smut fixes everything

Blurb:

Swimmer Mike Gauliet is moving up in the elite ranks of the American swim team, despite his repetitive stress injuries. He’s hiding his pain from coach Jessy Turner, not wanting to give in to it or let his coach and lover down, and by the time he gets treatment, it’s almost too late.

Jessy helps Mike heal, both in an out of the bedroom, and their need for each other grows as quickly as Mike’s career. They’re scorching hot and ready to go to the top competitions when another injury forces Mike to the sidelines. Jessy thinks this one is no accident, and Mike has to work hard to recover the lost ground.

Mike needs a break from the nonstop stress of training, so they move to the coast so Mike can recuperate once again. But their struggles don’t end with getting him back in competition form, and they can’t truly call it a victory unless they can find the balance between their romantic relationship and Mike grabbing the success he’s earned.

About Sean Michael

Best-selling author Sean Michael is a maple leaf–loving Canadian who spends hours hiding out in used book stores. With far more ideas than time, Sean keeps several documents open at all times. From romance to fantasy, paranormal and sci-fi, Sean is limited only by the need for sleep—and the periodic Beaver Tail.

Sean fantasizes about one day retiring on a secluded island populated entirely by horseshoe crabs after inventing a brain-to-computer dictation system. Until then, Sean will continue to write the old-fashioned way.

Sean Michael on the web:

WEBSITE: http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com

BLOG: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/

TWITTER: seanmichael09

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/seanmichaelpics/

An Ali Audio Review: No Tears for Darcy by Vicki Reese and Brock Hatton (Narrator)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Letting love pass them by would be a crime.

Former forensic accountant Cameron has lost nearly everyone he’s ever loved, and now his vintage clothing shop has been broken into and trashed. When town police chief Will Carson asks an out-of-town cop friend of his for help, Cam takes one look at the dark-haired, blue-eyed detective and knows he’s in real trouble—and it has nothing to do with vandalism or murder.

Pete Minchelli is on leave from his job in Philadelphia due to a gunshot wound, but he figures he can help an academy buddy with some light police work. Plus, he’ll have a chance to experience small-town life. He’s tired of the big city and all its corruption. But he quickly discovers that not all the bad stuff happens in cities. What he doesn’t expect to find is death, treachery—or love.

This was a romantic suspense with a pretty entertaining plotline. The story is told from multiple points of view. This is not something that always works for me but in this case I found myself enjoying see the story unfold through the various character’s eyes.

I liked both Cam and Pete and I thought their romance was lovely. It was sweet and I really liked the two of them together. They had what I would consider a happily for now. I would definitely like to read a short story about them down the road.

This was narrated by Brock Hatton who was a new narrator for me. I thought he had a nice voice and did a good job on the different characters and the different points of view.

Overall I really enjoyed this and would recommend it. Both the author and narrator were new to me but I would try both of their works again.

Cover Artist: Tiferet Design

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Audible | Amazon

Audiobook Details:

Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins

Audible Audio
Published September 13th 2018 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published April 3rd 2018)
Original Title No Tears for Darcy
ASIN B07GVRFNKN
Edition Language English

An Alisa Review: Lazy Sundays (Lazy Days #1) by K-lee Klein

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Scott Weston’s car is sensible, his suits are bland, and his job is stable but boring. Mundane routine helps keep his anxiety and obsessive tendencies under control. Socializing—especially dating—isn’t on his list of strong skills either, and, made worse with the echoes of his disapproving mother. So he’s content to stay at home with his lists and cleaning and wildlife documentaries, until a one-night stand goes unexpectedly right.

History has taught Devon DuCaine that dating can be uncomfortable, but there’s just something about Scott. He may be the opposite of Devon’s own long-haired, tattooed, free-wheeling spirit but he brings out the nurturer in Devon. Maybe it’s Scott’s surprising fascination with Devon’s motorcycle, or his shy surprise in moments of affection, but there’s more under those sensible suits than meets the eye. The most important person in Devon’s life, his mom, taught him love and compassion and that’s all he wants to share that with Scott.

Their one-night stand turns into a regular thing, but Scott doesn’t trust it to last. He’s pretty sure Devon is hiding something. He’s even more sure that once Devon gets to know him, the attraction will fade. And then there’s his mother. However many sparks fly between them, Devon will have his work cut out to convince Scott they can have their happily ever after.

(This book was originally published as 2 short stories. They’re combined here with massive edits and double the content from the originals.)

I read the original shorts a long time ago and know I enjoyed them but didn’t remember much. I was excited to read this one and get a fresh look at this story and I really enjoyed it.

Scott has never had much encouragement or support and love from his family while Devon has a wonderful support system behind him and his own self-confidence. They come from such different backgrounds but have much more in common than one could ever think.

Scott is so terribly shy and unsure, just waiting for his time with Devon to end. I felt his pain and fear but loved how Devon wanted him to see how worthy he was. It took a bit to get to know Devon since the first part of the book was all from Scott’s point of view and Devon was very secretive but once he opened up he held on with both hands. I just wish Scott hadn’t been hurt so much in the process. I liked their relationship once they figured everything out and how they supported each other. There were a few times where things were discussed multiple times or brought up again after a previous discussion and that is really the only problem I had with the story.

The cover art by Karrie Jax is wonderful and I loved the visuals of the characters.

Sales Link: Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 383 pages

Published: September 26, 2018 by K-lee Klein Books

Edition Language: English

A MelanieM Audiobook Review: The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton and Scott Richard Ehredt (Narrator)

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In medieval England, duty is everything, personal honor is more valued than life itself, and homosexuality is not tolerated by the church or society.

Sir Christian Brandon was raised in a household where he was hated for his unusual beauty and for his parentage. Being smaller than his six brutish half-brothers, he learned to survive by using his wits and his gift for strategy, earning him the nickname the Crow.

Sir William Corbett, a large and fierce warrior known as the Lion, has pushed his unnatural desires down all his life. He’s determined to live up to his own ideal of a gallant knight. When he takes up a quest to rescue his sister from her abusive lord of a husband, he’s forced to enlist the help of Sir Christian. It’s a partnership that will test every strand of his moral fiber, and, eventually, his understanding of the meaning of duty, honor, and love.

Per Eli Easton herself,”this new edition of The Lion and the Crow from Dreamspinner has about 12K new words added, including new scenes and a new epilogue, plus it’s been fully re-edited.” Having read the original novel when it first came out and loved it, I couldn’t wait to see what this new, revised version sounded like in an audiobook format. What a unmitigated joy this audio turned out to be!

In The Lion and the Crow, Easton sinks her teeth into 1300’s England. It’s a crude and cruel place, where brawn, privilege, and brutality thrive and all else struggle to survive. Especially beauty in youth, no matter the gender. It’s a product and something to be used by others, and a weakness. It’s a mean, savage land of titles, and entrenched nobility and their rules. The poor, the odd, those on the edge are bound to suffer and die.

It’s in this setting, that we have Sirs Christian Brandon and William Corbett. One the youngest son and least regarded in his household because of his beauty, small size, and the fact that his mother was the second wife. Sir William Corbett, who came looking for help for himself and his abused sister from Christian’s father, is the opposite. Huge, a first son and heir, a lion in stature in every way. The characters the author has created in each man is perfect for the time, the personalities, the words and dialog the flows between them that reflects the society and the world around them. Whether or not, you are a fan of historical fiction, you can’t help but be pulled into this story and their lives by her authentic descriptions and vivid scenes.

The romance between Christian and William as it progresses from attraction to deep love on their journey from Christian’s castle to the land where Willian’s sister lives also feels historically accurate as it does believable. William is filled with shame over his feelings towards Christian, how they come to work through the issues in their heads and hearts rings true in every way. It’s sexy, scary, hard, and utterly romantic in a Medieval way. Through the action, the adventure of the journey to save Elaine from her abusive husband in an age where she’s considered his property, the dangers inherent in their weak numbers in an enemies land…it has all the elements of an harrowing and memorable tale.

I have to admit that epilogue had me choking back the tears and then finally just bawling like a baby. Nothing like living a lifetime with these two men that you have come to love deeply and finding it has been lived well and true.

And oh that narrator! Such a richness in his voice, such gravel and depth that the English language and Eli Easton’s story just flows off his tongue with a sort of poetry. Each character has a distinct personality/voice. Scott Richard Ehredt makes each man or woman someone we can believe in and relate to. It’s the first time I have heard him narrator a story but now I will actively seek out more novels read by him because he’s just superb. He took an already excellent story and elevated it further.

If you love to listen to novels, The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton and Scott Richard Ehredt (Narrator) is one I highly recommend. I recommend it to lovers of historical romance and fiction and to lovers of romance no matter the era. I think its perfection, especially as narrated by Scott Richard Ehredt. Don’t pass this one up.

Cover Artist: Maria Fanning. I love this cover. It’s one of my all time favorites in tone and composition. That’s truly the Lion on the cover.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Narrated by: Scott Richard Ehredt
Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Audible Audio
Published July 14th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published June 1st 2013)
ASINB011LNDE3Y
Edition LanguageEnglish
CharactersSir Christian Brandon, Sir William Corbet settingEngland

An Alisa Review: Carnival Cowboy by Temple Madison

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

At the end of a bloody trail, Johnny Redd finds an incredible secret.

While struggling with a bullet in his chest, he crawls along the ground until he finds himself surrounded by a maze of quaint carnival tarps. Inside is a world of color, costumes, false hair, nails, eyelashes — and a man who dresses like a woman. It’s a world of trickery, deception, and lies. Johnny makes it just inside the tent when his strength fails and he faints dead away. When he awakes, he’s reminded of the bizarre reality that surrounds him.

It’s that he learns he has been taken care of by a man – er. woman — by the name of Frenchy Starr. The name rolls from the tongue of this fallen angel, this princess of darkness, this twilight queen. She’s a mystery, a dangerously beautiful mystery, and Johnny slowly becomes ensnared in the trap which she sets.

After one night of incredible love, a jealous fan shoots Frenchy. Thinking her dead, Johnny’s heart is broken and he leaves in search of something to fill the hole she left in his heart.

Enter Kit Dalton.

I’m not really sure what to say about this story. I didn’t like the whole fend for yourself and it doesn’t matter about anyone else attitude that went on in the story, maybe it was right for the time period but it made it hard for me to enjoy the story. Also, the characters didn’t often talk directly about subjects and it was frustrating.

Johnny and Kit have a connection but they both need to come clean first which takes most of the book. I didn’t feel like I was able to connect with these characters or understand them all that much. Most of the writing just felt disconnected from the characters. I didn’t not like it but it didn’t connect with me either.

The cover art by Written Ink Designs works well for the story.

Sales Links: JMS Books | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

Ebook, 21,050 words

Published: September 22, 2018 by JMS Books

ISBN: 9781634867412

Edition Language: English

Book Blast – The Signal Box by Lazlo Thorn (except)

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: The Signal Box

Author: Lazlo Thorn

Publisher: MLR Press

Cover Artist: Lex Valentine

Genre/s: Gay Romance / Erotica with some BDSM themes

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 34,000 words / 75 pages

Release Date: April 5, 2018

It is a standalone book.

Add on Goodreads

“When you tie me like that, when I’m sure I can’t get free,

well it’s like everything becomes still.

I’m still. Everything is calm.”

Blurb

Autumn, 1913. Wiltshire, England. Davy Buckland, a boiler cleaner in the engine shed at the local railway station, was nineteen when he took a shine to the signalman at nearby Oakwood Junction. He didn’t know much about Nathaniel, but he recognised a man who could show him the ropes and how the isolated signal box in the Edwardian countryside where he worked, could provide the perfect hideaway for their clandestine games. By the time the Great War had started and these two ordinary men had become lovers, it wasn’t only the trains that were greased up and running on a good head of steam. But just how long could they keep this affair a secret? And what would the consequences be, if their unusual sexual liaison was ever discovered?

Buy Links

Excerpt

He bounded up the steps enthusiastically and entered the signal box still dressed in the dirty overalls he’d worn while working on the engine that morning. By contrast Nathaniel Bixby, the signalman, looked clean and very smart in his dark black railway uniform, white shirt and company cap with the copper SWR badge. He was a tall, clean shaven man with hair the colour of a rusty firebox, handsome in an ordinary way. His uniform suggested broad shoulders and enhanced his capable bearing. His military background made him used to wearing a uniform well and his only concession to civilian life was a loosened tie. As Davy entered, he stood proudly by the rack of eight tall metal levers, some red, some yellow and some black, each the height of his chest, that dominated the area in front of the big window. He had a dirty rag draped over his shoulder. He looked at Davy then checked the time using the big pocket watch he kept in his waistcoat.

“You’re early,” he said.

“Sorry, Mr Bixby. I thought I’d come straight here,” Davy replied.

“So I can see,” Nathaniel said, studying the dirt all over Davy’s face and overalls. “Throw a log on the fire. The pot’s hot. Make yourself a cup of tea. Let me get the thirteen-twenty out of the way and then we’ll get started.”

Nathaniel dutifully returned to his job and using the old rag to improve his grip began pulling some of the levers to switch the points and set the signals, taking particular care to set the stop signal on the branch line to ensure a clear passage for the impending express that would shortly reach the junction.

Davy opened the small, black stove in the corner of the signal box, poked the embers and put another log in it from the nearby basket. Then he brewed a cup of tea in a stained tin mug. He observed as the older man deftly made light work of the heavy-duty engineering in his office. A couple of bells rang a rhythmic beat in code with a message from a neighbouring signal box along the line. Nathaniel responded in kind. With the rack set, he waited, leaning casually on one of the levers while looking up the line for signs of the express. Then right on cue and with a piercing whistle the train he had been preparing for came thundering round the bend, past the box and into the cutting. The windows rattled and the surrounding trees vanished in volcanic clouds of steam as the fire-breathing monster made off into the distance and once again the little clearing in the woods was quiet. Nathaniel returned the levers to their original settings and, as was his custom, hung the old rag over the one on the end. He turned to Davy.

“It’ll be quiet now for a bit,” he said with a grin.

Nathaniel took off his waistcoat and company cap, put them on a nearby chair next to the desk in the corner of the room and locked the door. Next, he rolled up his sleeves revealing the strong, hairy forearms that gave him the strength to make such light work of the heavy, clunky levers in the box.

Davy gulped down the rest of his tea while Nathaniel retrieved an old canvas rucksack from under the desk. He unfastened the bag and took out a short length of rope. Davy lay face down on the hard, wooden floor and—in a by now well-rehearsed routine—placed his hands behind his back where Nathaniel bound them. First his wrists and then his ankles. Then more rope, longer this time, firmly around his upper body and shoulders and finally that cruel ligature that drew his ankles right up to his wrists rendering Davy immobile and blissfully helpless. Davy watched as Nathaniel stood up and studied his handiwork for a moment. Then he replaced his waistcoat and cap before he silently returned to his post at the lever rack.

Lying motionless on the floor, Davy could feel the rough floorboard against his cheek. He glanced over to where Nathaniel was standing with his back to him, watching out of the window and vigilantly minding his station. From this angle, Davy could see the scratches in the heels of his well-worn black leather boots and the backs of his tall, strong legs. After a moment, Davy tested the ropes, but as usual Nathaniel had been very thorough, careful to put the knots out of the reach of his nimble fingers and to place the coils around his body where the contours of his own muscles blocked any prospect of easy slippage. He rolled. Now, he was facing the back of the box. Once again, he tried flexing his arms and legs, pushing against the ropes but if anything, the struggling only seemed to make everything feel even tighter, even more of a tangle. So, he wrestled with the restraints some more, relishing the sensation. He knew from experience that being tied up like this it would take him hours to get free. He was a prisoner, just the way he liked it.

About the Author

Lazlo Thorn published his first novel (The Signal Box) in 2018. In his work he explores themes about life, death, love and sexuality, set against the social mores and prevailing attitudes to gay sex at different times and in different places.

His forthcoming novel (Pain and Promise), due for release shortly, takes the reader to a small town on the Adriatic coast of Italy where two love stories, separated by almost forty years, become linked in an unexpected way.

He has nursed an ambition to be a writer for a number of years, but has only recently been able to make sufficient space in his life to begin committing some of his ideas to paper. The author has lived and worked in various countries and travelled widely in Europe and beyond.

Today, he lives in England with his husband, in a quiet seaside town on the south coast.

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An Ashez Review: Capital Assets (Rattle on Wall Street #1) by Cecelia Storm

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

For years I’d avoided omegas. They were too tempting. In heat, they pulled alphas like me across a hot, dangerous line. I couldn’t risk hurting another one…

Until I caught his scent on a cold Manhattan night. My extravagant world crashed around us as our bodies and hearts collided. His taste brought me to my knees.

All this time I thought I was different. I thought I could change this city, choked by corruption and greed. But one omega, struggling to find his way, showed me the frailty of authority, and the power of acceptance.

Now we fight. We stand up to those who seek to break us; but how much pain can we endure? Is our love and future worth the blood and bruises? How can life possibly spring from the ashes around us?

“It was a kiss I’d never felt before; it was the slow, gentle taste of a person who holds a piece of your heart, and whom you have greatly missed.”

Help us as we try to see the world around us for what it is, and find the love we know is in our broken hearts

I was confused with this one – I read “alpha/omega/beta” and immediately thought of shifters, though I now know that this was not a shifter romance, so perhaps I was misconstrued by the context before I even read the book. I like Jer well enough, he did get “bitchy” midpoint and I was kind of put off by him after that, but I really enjoyed Archer a lot, a strong willed male is always a well done in my opinion. Overall the story was nice, the progression was OK, and the characters were great.

First MPREG book too, which I knew was a thing but had never read before, I didn’t mind, it was quite unique.

I just continued to find myself drifting from the story, so if it can’t hold my attention the whole way through it’s just not my thing. Though it was a well written story so I suggest you take a read for yourself – you may love it!

Cover – Fitting, just shows a rich male, so that was apt in this case

Sales Link: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 240 pages
Published October 19th 2018 by Royal Court Publishing
ASIN B07JCJCKK3
Edition Language English
SeriesRattle on Wall Street #1

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Seeking Solace (The Walker Boys 3) by Ari McKay

Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5

All hands on deck for a shipboard romance—with a secret.

Like his cousins, Devin Walker aspires to be a chef, but he wants to indulge his wanderlust while feeding his customers, and working a cruise ship seems like the solution. Since he can’t find an opening in the kitchen, he’s happy to start out in a position behind the bar.

While onboard Poseidon’s Pearl, Devin is assigned to shepherd a visiting executive. Paul Bailey is quiet and unassuming, and the car accident that cost him his leg also shattered his confidence. He doesn’t think he’s attractive to other men anymore, and Devin is eager to show him just how wrong he is. Paul has a surprising secret that might sink their passionate affair before it even leaves port.

The Walker Boys series by Ari McKay all center around main characters that are or have aspirations to be chefs with their own restaurants. Seeking Solace (The Walker Boys 3) by Ari McKay falls into the latter category. Devin Walker, of the enormous Texas Walker clan, has been working on board the Triton line cruise ship learning the kitchen and “the ropes”, waiting for the chance to move up into the role of chef. It’s a job he loves, even though he wants it to be temporary in the long run with his goal of opening his own restaurant, just as a trained chef would.

Everything is going according to plan, until he is assigned the role of liaison to a visiting executive who needs to learn more about the Triton cruise business from the bottom to the top, never realizing who the man is that he’s showing around.

So, yes. It’s the false identity trope but it works here. I mean haven’t you all seen Undercover Boss on tv? Not that far fetched an idea anymore. The addition of Paul working through his acceptance of his disability, the worries over his appearance (scars and prosthetic) felt authentic and grounded this romance in a definite reality as opposed to a sheltered cruitse glow. I liked that the author(s) gave the readers a believable “behind the scenes” feel to the cruise line and it’s workings. I enjoyed that and the staff.

The chemistry between Devlin and Paul was hot, sweet, and lovely to read. I delighted in their romance and the cruise in general. Plus don’t get me started on the food here. I felt as though I was going to gain weight just through reading some of the detailed, vivid descriptions of the drinks and drool worthy menu items alone! Really mouth watering and scrumptious!

The cruise takes place over two weeks so the attraction/instant love element is a bit of a stretch for me. The physical attraction and like? Absolutely. Love? On the road to, yes. Which is why I enjoyed the HFN ending that McKay left the couple at. That felt more honest with one exception involving the ship. Won’t go there, spoiler territory. I just thought it was unlikely that Devlin would have done that given his working relationship there.

The Walkers Boys and their search for HEA or in this case HFN is a fun series for people who love sweet contemporary romance with a mixture of food and travel. From Texas to North Carolina and New York (Breaking Bonds) to cruising and back to Texas, this series has a little something for everyone. They work well as standalone stories but are fun read together as well.

Cover art: Alexandria Corza. Has the moon and ship as the backdrop and Paul as the center model. If that is supposed to be Devlin, a total miss of the mark.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Dreamspinner

Book Details:

ebook, 206 pages
Published November 6th 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 139781640805231
Series The Walker Boys

Striking Sparks

Breaking Bonds

Seeking Solace

Andrew Grey on the Top 5 Type of Romance he Likes to Write and his new novel Fire and Agate (Carlisle Deputies #3) (guest post and excerpt)

Title: Fire and Agate

Author: Andrew Grey

Series: Carlisle Deputies #3

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Release Date: Nov 6 2018
Cover Artist: Kanaxa

Book Links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Dreamspinner Press

Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Andrew Grey here today. Andrew is on tour for the next story in his Carlisle Deputies series, Fire and Agate.. Welcome, Andrew.

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I wanted to have some fun, so I thought a top 5 post would be in order. Here are my Top 5 favorite types of romances to write. I must say that I read and write a wide range of characters, but these are some of my favorites in no particular order.

Andrew Grey’s Top 5 Favorite Types of Romances to Write

1) Cops – given the title that we’re celebrating, that’s probably a no brainer.

2) Firemen – Hunky guys in fire pants sometimes sleeping in the same room together.

3) Rural – I spent part of my childhood in the country, so I know first hand those boys know a lot about the birds and the bees.

4) Cowboys – They’re iconic and can be stunning, cantankerous, and a lot of fun to write.

5) Discovering love – There’s something that feeds the soul about writing a character that is really just discovering that they are worthy of being loved.

Blurb/Synopsis:

When Chris Anducci is moved off jail duty and into the sheriff’s office, he doesn’t expect his first assignment to be protecting a witness against a human trafficking ring. Knowing the new sheriff doesn’t abide screw-ups, Chris reluctantly agrees to work the case.

Pavle Kasun has spent the last four years of his life at the mercy of others. When an opportunity presented itself, he took it, resulting in his rescue. Now the safe houses he’s placed in are being threatened and he needs protection if he is to have any sort of chance at a life.

Chris opens his home to Pavle, but he doesn’t expect Pavle and his story to get under his skin… and stay there. Soon they discover they have more in common than either of them thought. Slowly Pavle comes out of his shell and Chris finds someone who touches his heart. But as the men looking for Pavle close in, they will stop at nothing to get him out of the way. But even if Chris can keep him safe, he might not be able to protect his heart if Pavle moves back home.

Genre:M/M Contemporary Romance/Law Enforcement

Excerpt

Slowly a figure, curled up and small, made an appearance from around the side of the dresser. The first thing Chris noticed were the biggest, brownest eyes he had ever seen, filled with the pain of years of hurt. They blinked, and then Pavle stepped farther into the light. Even standing, he looked half hunched over.

“This is Deputy Chris. He’s here because he’s going to help keep you safe.”

Pavle raised his head slightly, his black hair, long and uneven, falling to the sides of his face.

“Hello,” Chris said, mimicking the soft tone the others had used. “I’m Chris. They told me you needed help, so I’m going to protect you so no one hurts you anymore.” In that moment, he made up his mind to do whatever was needed to help this man, and if that meant moving him into his home to protect him, so be it.

“I’d like it if you went with Deputy Chris. He is a good man and will not hurt you,” Marie explained slowly and gently.

Chris didn’t expect Pavle to believe her or to agree to come. “It’s okay if you don’t want to,” Chris said, crouching down so he was at the same level as Pavle. “This is your choice.”

“Choice?” Pavle asked in a raspy voice that tore at Chris’s insides, looking at him and then back to Marie.

“Yes. You can choose to stay here or go with Deputy Chris. We want you to be safe, but we aren’t sure how well we can protect you here. If you go with Deputy Chris, he will protect you. Keep you safe.”

“INS?” Pavle asked.

“No. He is good man. Caring. He will help you.” Marie seemed to have infinite patience.

Pavle blinked, standing still, then nodded and walked to Chris. It seemed as though he either didn’t understand or thought he didn’t have a choice, even though he was being given one. Chris held out his hands, palms up, to show that he wasn’t going to hit him. When Pavle looked at him with those huge eyes and the face of an angel, he looked much younger than the twenty-four listed in his file. Maybe that was his previous owner’s fetish. Still, after all he’d been through, Pavle’s handsomeness and light shone through, with soft features and an almost delicate frame.

“I’ll gather his few things,” Annette said.

Marie extended her hand to take Pavle’s gently. He went with her in silence. She led him out of the house, and once they were in the sun, Chris got a better look at him. Pavle was pale, probably from years of being inside. Chris reminded himself to ask Marie about any past injuries. He suspected that Pavle had been treated very badly in the past and he needed to know if he was okay physically.

“Thank you for doing this,” Marie said once she had opened the door to Chris’s car and gotten Pavle settled in the passenger seat. He sat without moving or looking to either side. “You have to keep him safe. He is the main witness against the man who held him for nearly two years. We need to get that man and then trace back to the people who sold Pavle to him. We’re pulling each thread to see what we can unravel.”

“Okay. I will do my best, I promise you.”

“I’ll follow you to your house and help Pavle get settled.”

As Marie got to her car, Pavle reacted for the first time.

“She’s just riding separately. She will be back in a few minutes.”

Chris drove the short distance to his house and pulled into the garage. He didn’t want Pavle to be seen, and yet he also didn’t want him to feel like a prisoner again by being hidden. He got out and waited, hoping Pavle would get out on his own. After a few moments, Pavle opened the door and climbed out of the car. Chris opened the door to the yard and motioned for Pavle to go ahead of him.

Marie came though behind him, and Chris closed the garage doors and joined the two of them in the yard. Pavle looked around, saying nothing. Chris wished he would say something… anything. He was way too quiet, and that worried Chris because he had no idea what he was thinking, and damn it all, those eyes still held buckets of fear.

“It’s okay. This is where you are going to stay.” Marie gently coaxed Pavle toward the house, and he shuffled along, looking at the yard. Hopefully he liked what he saw. Chris had spent too many hours working out stress for the garden to be unappreciated.

Chris opened the back door, went inside, and turned on lights, letting Marie bring Pavle in the kitchen, motioning toward the living room. Maybe this was the biggest mistake of his life. He wasn’t equipped to handle someone as fragile and frightened as Pavle. Chris had no clue what he needed or even how to get through to him.

“I sold?” Pavle finally asked barely above a whisper.

Chris caught Marie’s gaze, and his heart twisted in his chest. God, this was going to wrench his guts six ways from Sunday.

“No. This is where you are going to live. You are not going to be sold to anyone any more. Deputy Chris is here to help you and nothing more.” She patted his hand and took Pavle through to the other room.

Chris got three glasses of water and put some cookies on a plate. He needed some sugar if he was going to get through this in one piece.

Marie and Pavle were talking softly on the sofa when Chris handed each of them a glass and offered them cookies. Marie took one, and Pavle stared at the plate as though it were a foreign object. Finally, he took one and ate a small bite before shoving the whole thing in his mouth, chewing and swallowing like he hadn’t eaten in days, then he drank the entire glass of water.

Chris offered him another, and Pavle took it in disbelief, ate it quickly, and then rested his hands in his lap.

About the Author

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

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

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter@andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

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

Release Blitz – His Two Leading Men by Aidan Wayne (excerpt and giveaway)

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: His Two Leading Men

Author: Aidan Wayne

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Aidan Wayne

Genre/s: Contemporary sweet gay romance, menage

Heat Rating: 2 flames

Length: 57,000words/ 205 pages (309 in kindle format, 296 in PDF)

It is a standalone story.

Release Date: November 9, 2018

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Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Blurb

Broadway star Skye’s whole life is an act.

On the surface, he’s living the New York Dream – acclaimed by critics for his stunning debut, playing to packed audiences every night.

They don’t know the truth.

Battling crippling anxiety, every show is a struggle for Skye. Only one thing gives him the courage to step into the spotlight every performance – the steady, calming support of costumer Russell. But Skye can’t burden Russell with all his demons…

When wealthy patron Brent takes an interest in Skye, everything the actor knows is turned upside down. Charismatic and confident, Brent is everything Skye isn’t… and just what he needs. But how can he choose between gentle Russell and magnetic Brent? Russell means so much to him, but the chemistry between Skye and Brent is undeniable.

Or does he have to choose at all…?

Excerpt

Quick changes, Skye decided as he scrambled offstage yet again, were the worst part of any show. It was the start of full-dress rehearsal week for the Broadway debut show Child’s Play, so he was figuring out how to get into and out of his costumes–and in time to scale the ladder to the height of center stage so he could descend from the ceiling. He’d botched it twice already, not making it in time for his cue, and he was a mess of nerves trying to get decked out in his light-up tuxedo while he paid attention to the music.

“Hey,” his quick-changer murmured as he affixed Skye’s mask. “You’ve got this.”

Right. Skye nodded and hurried over to the ladder.

After rehearsal was over and the cast was undressing and taking off makeup, Skye decided to track down the quick-changer. His calm amidst the storm had really helped, and Skye wanted to say thanks.

It had been chaotic and dark, but Skye didn’t have a problem remembering what he looked like. Taller than Skye, with dark brown skin and kind eyes.

He found him fixing costume pieces on their hangers, and seeing him in full light–he looked more like someone who should be modeling clothes, over making them. “Hi,” Skye said, trying to sound more confident and less shy. “Uh, I’m Skye. I don’t think we’ve been introduced?”

The quick-changer chuckled, a low, throaty sound, and held out a hand. “Russell,” he said. “And I know who you are. Hard to miss the Power Prince.”

Right. Skye was still in full makeup. He, at least, was easy to recognize. He ruefully rubbed the back of his neck. Skye tried his best to get to know the stage crew, but between them and the cast there were a lot of people to keep track of. Once the show was up and running for a few weeks he’d definitely be better at it, but people sort of stayed in their little boxes during rehearsals. They didn’t meld properly into one complete unit the show actually started. But Russell he wasn’t going to forget. “I just wanted to say thanks.”

“What for?”

“For, you know, encouraging me back there. I really needed it. And it helped a lot.”

Russell smiled at him. “Happy to help.”

“Yeah, uh–” It didn’t feel like enough, just saying thanks. And he didn’t know the guy yet–but it’d be a good idea to get to know him. Especially considering he’d be the one helping Skye strip down and then dress back up twice a show. “Are you busy, now that rehearsal is done for the day?”

Russell shook his head. “Just need to finish prepping this all for tomorrow. Shouldn’t take me long. Why?”

“You want to grab a bite to eat together?”

“Sure.”

“Want to meet by the back door when you’re ready? I have to take all this off anyway.”

Russell chuckled again. “I might be done before you are, but sure, yeah. Meet you then.”

Skye grinned. “Great.”

He left to go peel off his costume, unpin his wig, and take off all the stage makeup. In the end, he just wiped off as much as he could manage. He was pretty sure all Broadway actors had perpetually lined eyes at this point. Well, it wasn’t like he minded that much–it did make his eyes pop.

When he was dressed in real-people clothes again, he grabbed up his bag and left for the backstage door. A few people were still milling around, but Russell was standing a little off to one side. Not checking his phone or anything, just watching what was going on around him.

Skye went up to him. “Hey,” he said. “Thanks for waiting. Looks like you were right; you were done before I was.”

Russell blinked at him and then laughed. “So that’s what you look like when you’re out of makeup. I’ve been wondering.”

“You have?”

Russell shrugged. “I mean, I’ve seen everyone’s playbill headshots, but by the time I get to most of you, you’re all in makeup, if not costumed.”

“I thought you were one of the costumers.”

“Yeah, but that mostly means I’m sewing or repairing or washing. I just get put on the quick-changes once we get into dress shows. I’ve got fast fingers.”

Skye laughed. “Okay, good to know. And, I mean, I appreciated them. You’re going to be the one working with me?” Hopefully he didn’t sound to eager.

“Yup. For the changes on that side of the stage that need an extra pair of hands, I’m your guy.”

Skye smiled. “Nice to hear.”

“So where we headed?”

“Oh, uh,” Skye might not’ve thought that far. “What are you in the mood for?”

“You pick. You were the one who did the inviting, after all.” Russell grinned at him.

Skye tried not to panic. He wasn’t so great at choosing things. “Um.” There was that burger joint a block away that he and the others frequented a lot, that might be a good place. But maybe that was too fast-foody? There was a sushi bar pretty close by too, but Russell might not like that. Maybe–

“Actually,” Russell said after what was probably too long a pause on Skye’s part, “I could really do with a burger. That sound good to you?”

Crisis averted. Second time that day Russell had done that. “Yeah.” Skye smiled. “That sounds great.

Meet the Author

Aidan Wayne has been publishing LGBTQ+ fiction since 2016. While they usually stick with contemporary romance (both adult and YA), some soft sci-fi/fantasy has been known to sneak in as well. They primarily write character-driven stories with happy endings, because, dammit, queer people deserve happy endings too.

Author Links

Giveaway

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