Posy Roberts is Talking Inspiration Behind the ‘Stroke of Luck’ by Posy Roberts (guest post and excerpt)

stroke-of-luck-by-posy-roberts

Stroke of Luck by Posy Roberts

 

My best friend has an upcycling business. That means she takes sturdy, old furniture that is ugly as sin, because of dated finishes, and turns it into something fabulous that people fight over when she sells it. So this last September, I went to Goodwill with her to hunt down pieces with good bones. I found treasure of my own: dishes. As I was driving away, a woman crashed into the back end of my car. Bye-bye tail light and bumper.posycar

Hello story!

That experience was the impetus for Stroke of Luck. That, and one of my fave holidays: Halloween. And fate. And small worlds. And destiny pushing people together over and over again to give them multiple chances to get it right.

Marc and Cas meet at Goodwill while Cas looks for Halloween costume ideas. It doesn’t go well since Marc laughs at Cas’s choice of jackets. Cas is a defensive sort, a guy who flies off the handle, and he’s a bit of a hothead. Marc, on the other hand, is laid back and cautious. He’s even more cautious than usual at the start of the story because everything he owned burned in a fire and he’s essentially living off the charity of others. That’s why Marc is at Goodwill, furnishing a kitchen on a scant one hundred dollars. And he comes up short.

Despite their attraction for each other, they don’t get it right the first time they meet. Or the second. But the world keeps shoving them back together with one unfortunate situation after the other, which ends up doing something wonderful. Both men learn a great deal about each other before they’re finally given a chance to get it right. Marc learns how loyal and protective Cas is about his best friend, Maisie, and Cas learns Marc is helpful and kind, with all the rough edges he’s used to in a man already worn away.

Can you tell I’m a little bit in love with both of these men? This was so fun to write. It was exciting to write about two bisexual men who also practice what I try to practice in my own life: never assuming a person’s sexuality. Being bi, myself, I’ve been labeled straight because I’m married to a man, and when I get together with other bi and pan people, we often talk about how frustrating this is. So to be able to write about two men who refused to have their sexuality defined by their bed partners and who are also unwilling to make those assumptions about each other… yeah, it was like coming home, which is why I dedicated it to those who refuse to make assumptions.

This is a feel-good book that should leave you smiling and ready to head for your local Goodwill to put together costumes for whatever Cosplay you’re into. But consider backing into your parking spot so when you leave, you don’t get your tail end bashed in.

For those of you who follow along with my flavor ratings on books, this is sweet with a little bit of kink involved.

You’re gonna fall in love with me. You’re already halfway there.

strokeofluckf1After everything Marc owned burned to a crisp, he’s living off the kindness of others. A model condo is his temporary home, and his last dime went to essentials. He doesn’t need another distraction, but the fates conspire against him, setting up a chain of encounters that bring him face to face with Cas.

Cas’s love life has been in limbo for years, lovers moving on as soon as they discover how close he is to his best friend, Maisie. Then he meets Marc. The attraction between the two men can’t be denied, but Cas isn’t sure he can risk his friendship for a guy who will only end up leaving when he sees how close he and Maisie are.

When Marc and Cas discover they live in the same building, it’s kismet. But Marc has to invite chaos into his life if he and Cas stand a chance, and Cas faces a choice between friendship and love. Luck may be on their side… if they’re willing to risk it all.

Genre: MM Romance, contemporary, bisexual, LGBT, Halloween, friendship, love, fate
Length: Novella, 25,000 words
Publisher: Labyrinth Bound Press
Buy Links (On KU for 90 days)

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M29RHHU
Universal Amazon: myBook.to/StrokeofLuck
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32790522-stroke-of-luck

Real. Genuine. Love.

image009Posy Roberts writes about the realistic struggles of men looking for 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 a Jill of all trades and master of the drill and paintbrush. She’s married to a partner who makes sure she doesn’t forget to eat or sleep during her writing frenzies. Her daughter, a budding author and cinematographer, helps her come up with character names. For fun, Posy enjoys crafting, hiking, and singing spontaneously about the mundane, just to make regular life more interesting.

Amazon | Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Facebook

Subscribe to Posy’s Newsletter

newletter Button

 

A Paul B Review: Julio’s Wolf (Werewolves of Manhattan #6) by A.C. Katt

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

julios-wolf-by-ac-kattThe sixth installment of the Wolves of Manhattan starts a little differently than the rest.  We have already met Julio Reyes, the destined mate of Etienne Daurensbourg.  As an independent call boy, he helped Donal when Donal was under control of an abusive pimp.  Due to his generous nature, Donal’s mate Alexi thanks him by making Julio’s dream come true—tuition for beauty school and an apartment to live in while attending with a promise to help start his own business after.  However, all that may never come to be as a former client of his stabs him in his new apartment.

Etienne is one of three unranked alphas on the board of Garou, the company run by the North American werewolf council.  He and Alexi went through alpha training together when they were younger.  He, along with Armand, helped secure the release of Alexi from a Russian prison and relocate him and his staff to America.  Having been introduced to his mate just recently, Etienne hopes he does not have the problems the other alphas had with claiming their mates.  To be safe, he sends one of his betas to Julio’s new apartment to check out the area.  Luckily, he arrives in time to save Julio’s life. 

With Julio recovering from injuries and his assailant caught, Etienne hopes that his mate will be receptive to the idea of werewolves and mates.  However, there is trouble brewing in his home pack as one beta believes Etienne is unworthy of being alpha as Alexi, a stranger to America, got his mate first.  The other alphas believe that the charge is unwarranted as mates are given by the gods as they see fit.  However this problem must be dealt with.  As Etienne faces the challenge of the pit, or where werewolf challenges are fought to the death, he wants to take care of this problem before he officially makes Julio his mate. 

This is another enjoyable read in A. C. Katt’s engrossing werewolf series.  The basic story line remains the same but each novel seems to have a different twist to it, which prevents it from ever being boring.  As the rest of the alphas meet their mates (there are only two left), it appears that the series is gearing up for a final confrontation with the leader of the Russian werewolf council and his tyrannical ways.  It appears that Julio will be the strategist of the mates being a human high beta.  The end of the book previews the next mate, who happens to have been a childhood friend of Julio’s, who is also of Celt descent. 

Winterheart Designs again comes up with a cover that serves its purpose.  The models for Julio and Etienne are how I would have pictured them.  They are pictured above a New York skyline.

Sales Links

MLR Press

7104e-waxcreative-amazon-kindle

6f71e-all2bromance2bbutton

Book Details

EBook, 191 pages

Edition Language:  English

Published:  September 20, 2016 by MLR Press

ISBN:  978-1-944770-33-4

Series:  Werewolves of Manhattan

A MelanieM Release Day Review: After the Sunset (Timing #2) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5 

after-the-sunset-by-mary-calmes-iiTwo years after riding off into the sunset with ranch owner Rand Holloway, Stefan Joss has made a tentative peace with his new life, teaching at a community college. But the course of true love never does run smooth. Rand wants him home on the ranch; Stef wants an exit strategy in case Rand ever decides to throw him out. Finally, after recognizing how unfair he’s being, Stef makes a commitment, and Rand is over the moon.

When Stef gets the chance to prove his devotion, he doesn’t hesitate—despite the risk to his health—and Rand takes the opportunity to show everyone that sometimes life’s best surprises come after the sunset.

I first read After the Sunset (Timing #2) by Mary Calmes when it came out in 2011, so I wondered how I would feel about it diving into this couple and series the second time around.  Honestly, I think I’ve loved it even more.  Something about Rand and Stef just resonate with me.  They have from the first story, Timing, and the joy and satisfaction I got from reading this sequel returned all over again.

After the Sunset moves the time frame for the series ahead two years.  Rand and Stef have settled into life on the Red Diamond, well, sort of.  Adjustments are still being made.  Stef is now teaching at a community college and the ranch is becoming more self sufficient as Rand expands his business with Stef’s help. Sounds great, right?  With Rand and Stef nothing is ever that easy.  With their past histories, their complication personal dynamics, and a somewhat messy family relationships about to push into their lives, things are going to get lively…Mary Calmes style.

That means that Stef’s need to make a commitment to Rand and the ranch will come into play yet again.  This time for the doubting ranch hands who are not only a cornerstone of the ranch’s success but have become part of the family there as well.  I love how this is their story too.  We get to see more of life on the Diamond, the secondary characters, and Rand’s extended family.  It all becomes necessary to know them better as people and as part of the ranch to get Stef settled deeper into ranch life and as a permanent fixture there as a half of the Rand/Stef couple.

There is so much drama here.  Between Stef and Rand’s cousins, Stef and a few local homophobes, plus all the amazing Stef and Rand sexy interaction.  That I  can never get enough of.  For me they just sizzle.   I love the dynamic they have  going on.  I don’t specifically categorize it because I get it with this couple.  It works for me, and I just find them hot.

One character get a spotlight on him here and that’s Glenn Holloway.  We met him briefly in the first book but his role is hugely expanded here for reasons I won’t go into because they run into spoiler territory.  I ended up liking Glenn.  He went from your basic jerk on the range to someone you start to understand and connect with towards the end.  Which is probably is really good thing considering the next story features Glenn as the main character.

So I’ve completed Timing and After The Sunset once more.  And fallen in love all over again with Stef and Rand and the Red Diamond and its crew.  Even Bella the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a huge place in my heart.  Mary Calmes series has a way of doing that.  They burrow in deep and even if its been awhile since you’ve visited with them, one visit brings all the reasons flooding back why you loved them so in the first place.  And yes, I highly recommend this series.  Coming up next?  When the Dust Settles (Timing, #3).  I’ll let you know what I find.

New cover by Reese Dante is darn near perfect. I think she has Stef captured exactly how I think he looks.  Truly one of Mary’s golden boys.

Sales Links

        

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd Edition, 169 pages
Expected publication: November 2nd 2016 by Dreamspinner Press (first published August 16th 2011)
ISBN 1634777131 (ISBN13: 9781634777131)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Series Timing – add it to your Goodreads shelf here:

L. Rockwood In The Author Spotlight on his release ‘Defiant Revival’, Writing, and Much More (Author Interview)

defiantrevivalfs_v1

Defiant Revival by L. Rockwood
D
reamspinner Press
Cover Art by Angsty G
Release Date October 28, 2016

Sales Links

0dbe2-dreamspinner2blogo

7104e-waxcreative-amazon-kindle

5e127-waxcreative-bn-nook

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have L. Rockwood here today to talk about his latest release from Dreamspinner Press, Defiant Revival, world building, writing and much more.  Welcome to STRW, L, tell about about Defiant Revival’s and yourself as a author:

defiantrevival_fbprofile_optizimedforfeed

I was able to come up with my own universe and a whole new humanoid species, but for some reason I struggle writing about myself. It’s as if my creativity tap just gets turned off when I go to write about writing. That is… without a prompt! I love answering questions and so I will do my best to hit them all.

Q: Where do you normally draw your inspiration for a book from?  A memory, a myth, a place or journey, or something far more personal?

A: Death and rebirth are huge for me, not only in this series but also in my works in progress. I have always been the macabre sort, but it’s more than that. In my teens and young twenties I lived through numerous near death experiences, a good half of them my own fault. Surviving these are not what I count as my rebirth, however. It was when I picked myself, chose to live and started to embrace all of myself. Oh, and Dragon Ball Z definitely showed me heroes never truly die.

Q: Are you a planner or a pantzer when writing a story? And  why?

A: Totally pants. I have tried outlining stuff in the other story I’m working on, but it just doesn’t flow for me that way. I will write whole chapters in my head during long car rides, though.

Q: Contemporary, supernatural, fantasy, or science fiction narratives or something else?  Does any genre draw you more than another when writing it or reading it and why does it do so?

A: I wrote fantasy, but I don’t think it was the genre that drew me. I feel like the story drew me to that genre, instead. I don’t exactly know which is my favorite, yet, but it has to be both dark and funny.

Q: If you had a character you’ve written you would write differently now at this time in your writing career, who would it be and why?

A: I have kind of fought within myself about my portrayal of Loretta. After finally presenting as male and now knowing the profound pain, firsthand, of having to act like or identify as the name and sex assigned to me at birth because of what my legal records say, I can hardly stomach making her shed her identity. But then I remind myself she is in a different universe where no one knows what being trans is, nor is there a word or any protections for it. I also see her as selfless and caring enough to sacrifice herself for her friends, but I don’t know if her doing it so nonchalantly is really the best portrayal. I no longer have to treat her in a sexually fluid way in the third book, at least, and Ari is no more. Yay!

Q: Can a author have favorites among their characters and do you have them?

A: Of course! My favorite is hands down Micah. Why? He is actually loosely based on my wife! There isn’t too much direct correlation (besides them both being tiny and cute), but the way he and Billiam love each other is completely inspired by our own relationship.

Q: If you were to be stranded on a small demi-planet, island, or god forbid LaGuardia in a snow storm, what books would you take to read or authors on your comfort list?

A: Kurt Vonnegut is my all time favorite, especially Slapstick, so I’d want his catalogue. I’d need some manga too, so I pick Kuroshitsuji. I’d have to get pigeon mailed the new chapters though.

Q: How early in your life did you begin writing?

A: Kindergarten maybe? I know I won a school writing contest in second grade for my short story Gumbelina. It was a retelling of Thumbalina except she was made of gum and got eaten by a frog.

Q:Were you an early reader or were you read to and what childhood books had an impact on you as a child that you remember to this day and why?

A: My mom read me Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs so much that I memorized it. I could repeat it word for word before I was even able to read it. I was hitting the chapter books right outside of kindergarten though.

Q: What question would you ask yourself here?

A: Why have you qnot written any unicorns into your series yet? What is wrong with you!?

Q: If you were writing your life as a romance novel, what would the title be?

A: The Bear and the Princess

defiantrevival_fbbanner_dsp

About Defiant Revival

To free the kingdom from the depravity of Cardinal Aldrious, Prince Micah Helvendeere must take his rightful place as ruler.

Unfortunately, the prince has been dead for a year.

Billiam Grimhart, former page to the prince, knows Micah’s assumption of the throne is the last chance to purge Casperland of the cardinal’s corruption. And for that to happen, the prince must be revived. Only one person stands a chance of achieving the nearly impossible: exiled enchantress Shemmy DuBois, a raunchy bog witch with an affinity for corpses and a heart of gold. Billiam sets out to coax Shemmy to their cause, despite what wading through piles of bodies will do to his favorite shoes.

If he can accomplish it, Billiam might finally get to consummate his love for the prince—something Shemmy is keen to witness. But first, they’ll need to steal Micah’s body, brave a land inhabited by vicious faeries, and accept the help of accomplices as vile and perverse as their enemies. They might be far from typical heroes, but sometimes those are the only people who can get the job done.

If you like dark and edgy high-concept fantasy that’s not for those with delicate sensibilities, join Billiam, Shemmy, and their Faelock allies as they stage their revolution.

About L. Rockwood

L. Rockwood is survived by his artist wife, Rae, and their three adorable but stupid cats. He is also quite alive however terribly morbid. It is thanks to this macabre fascination (and likely his Scorpio moon) that death and rebirth is the central focus of all his works. L. definitely has a lighter side, usually manifesting in hot pink or glitter, as he is just as obsessed with all things kawaii.

L. is an out and proud pansexual, transgender man. He draws from his own experiences, striving to celebrate the various and beautiful ways love and sexuality can manifest through his characters. His time is split between the Central and Lost Coasts of California. He has yet to spot his favorite animal, the unicorn, in his travels, but he will never give up hope.   

https://facebook.com/L.rockwoodwrites

https://pinterest.com/cupcakehell

defiantrevival_postcard_front_dsp defiantrevival_postcard_back_dsp

Love A Wonderful Supernatural Romance? Check Out Tara Lain’s “Spell Cat” (Excerpt and Giveaway)

 

Spell Cat
by Tara Lain 
 
Blurb:
When Killian Barth, history professor, meets Blaine Genneau, quantum physicist, they ignite their own big bang. But Killian can’t pursue a physics professor—or a human. As the most powerful male witch in ten generations, Killian must bolster his dying race by reproducing—despite the fact that he’s gay.
Even a fling with Blaine is out of the question, because Killian has been told sex with humans drains his power. But if that’s true, why can young human Jimmy Janx dissolve spoons with the power of his mind? If Killian can sort through the lies he’s been fed, he’ll still face his biggest obstacle — convincing rational scientist Blaine to believe in magic.
With his ancient and powerful cat familiar, Aloysius, on his shoulder, Killian brings the lightning against deceit and greed to save Blaine from danger and prove love is the greatest power of them all.
(Don’t forget to check out Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words’s Review Here…Its a Recommended Read!
Available for purchase at
            

 

Also available in paperback
Excerpt

Blaine was standing at the end of the counter a few feet away, staring at Killian.

How long could a witch live with his heart stopped?

Oh gods. He understood. Heat. The way he felt this moment dwarfed every emotion he’d had with Moran by a thousand. A million. The chasm between indifference and… passion. His heart beat fast, his breath caught in his chest, and his eyes never wanted to look on another sight, just Blaine.

He ought to run, but whether away or straight to Blaine, he wasn’t sure.

“Mrwar.”

Blaine seemed to catch the welcome in that meow. He smiled and took a step closer. “Hi, Al. Good to see you, buddy.”

Aloysius unwrapped himself from Killian’s neck, did one bound off the tabletop, and launched himself into Blaine’s waiting arms. Oh Powers, would that Killian could do the same. He actually had to hold himself still, or he knew he’d follow the cat.

Blaine petted Al as the cat did his imitation of a moving fur coat, purring so loudly Killian could hear him, even a few feet away. “You seem happy to see me, anyway.” He looked up. “Are you happy to see me, Killian?”

Killian nodded. Correction—his head nodded. He had no power over it.

Blaine walked even closer. “Could I have lunch with you? Talk to you?”

The head nodded again.

The human slipped into the chair beside Killian. Sweet Powers, he smelled so wonderful. That sweet and spice together.

“This sure is one great cat. Where did you get him?”

Killian cleared his throat. “Gift, uh, a gift from my mother.”

Blaine chucked Al under the chin, and the cat let him. “My mother hates cats.” He looked up, and Killian swam into the pools of deep green. “Of course, my mother hates me, so she’s not likely to give me the time of day, much less a pet.”

“Surely not.”

He grinned. “That she hates me? Oh yeah. I keep defying her by choosing to be gay when her preacher has clearly cleansed me of this delusion at least ten times, so she washed her hands of me.”

“But you didn’t choose—Oh, you’re joking.”

Blaine’s grin faded. “I wish it were a joke. Then a lot of beaten-up, confused kids would have parents who loved and understood them.”

There were worse things than having a manipulative witch for a mother. “I’m so sorry, Blaine. I didn’t mean it like that.”

Blaine smiled. “I never thought you were making fun. I just have a weird sense of humor sometimes.”

Then he did it. He put his hand on Killian’s arm. Such a simple gesture. Flash! Heat blazed in Killian’s head, and hot steel filled his cock. Blaine started and pulled his hand away. Those green eyes widened, and he stared at Killian like he was either the answer to a dream or a cobra, and Blaine wasn’t sure which. “Holy shit!”

Killian tried to make sense of his brain synapses and grasped at the first thought. “Uh, food—did you want food?”

Blaine leaned over and whispered in his ear. “I want to eat with you and talk to you and sleep with you and take you home with me. But right now I want to make love to you so badly I’m having trouble focusing.”

There was that head nod again. Where the fuck did that come from?

“Does that mean you want to make love to me too?”

Killian stared at Blaine, the human physics professor whose simplest touch could drain a witch’s power until his own mother didn’t know him and his people couldn’t benefit from his great sperm and—and all that dogma. The answer was yes. He did want to make love to Blaine. He wanted it more than anything. The evil witch voice piped up in his head. Yep, these humans are tempting. That’s how the witch race got so depleted. He was the strongest male witch in ten generations. That had to be worth something. He’d never had a really satisfying relationship with a man, even for a short time. He wanted one. Didn’t he deserve just a little happiness before he gave his life for his people? He’d tried it the right way, the witch-stamp-of-approval way, and nearly got his back broken for his trouble.

Blaine was staring at Killian like he was in suspended animation; only the fingertips that scratched Al’s head moved. There. That was it. Blaine had the best possible credentials. Aloysius, who was no dumb cat, adored the human… and so did Killian. Just that simple. He didn’t care if he rotted in witch oblivion, or if he lost some of his fabled power. How much damage could he do in such a little while? “Yes.”

Blaine came to life. “Excuse me?”

“Yes. Please take me home with you.” He swallowed. “And all those other things.”

Blaine’s smile lit like a midwinter bonfire.

“Mwrarrrrr, mrrrrrwarrrr, mrrrrwarrrr.”

The bloody cat was singing while he slithered around Blaine’s neck in some happy dance known only to strange and powerful blue-eyed familiars.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 32. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft.  She lives with her soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog near the sea in California where she sets a lot of her books.  Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

 

You can find Tara at Lain

               



Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Presented By

 

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Pansies (Spires Universe) by Alexis Hall

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

pansies-by-alexis-hallWhew!  I’m emotionally exhausted from following just a few weeks in the lives of Alfie and Fen as they rediscover each other and move their relationship forward from enemies to lovers.

When Alfie leaves his posh London apartment, secured with money he’s made while working as a financial guru for the past seven years, he drives in his equally posh sports car back to his hometown of South Shields in Northern England where nothing is posh.  It’s rundown and depressing, and yet he feels hopeful and renewed by getting in touch with his roots.  A night out has an unexpected result—he spies a hot twink with long hair and a gorgeous ass in the local bar, but when the two end up in bed together he learns this isn’t a stranger at all.  It’s the guy he knew as James in high school—a guy who he bullied and tortured to the point where James’s life was so miserable he went by his middle name, instead of his real name of Fenimore, nicknamed Fen.  And Fen is shocked when he learns Alfie doesn’t recognize him at all, but he sets Alfie straight when he gives him the tongue-lashing he deserves—and not the kind of tongue Alfie may have been hoping for.

Though the story was long, I enjoyed the fact that the author took the time to explore each man’s personality and psyche individually and then together, weaving memories of their pasts with the present, unfurling Alfie’s feelings of his discovery of being gay, and then of falling in love, and finally, of realizing what love really means and of coming to terms with who he is.  At times heartbreaking, at times infused with humor, each man’s story is unique, and yet the stories are easily intertwined to bring the couple to the present where they discover a love neither had envisioned and neither is willing to give up.

I was swept up in their story, at times rooting for Alfie, at times crying for Fen, and once—wanting to smack Alfie upside the head for listening to advice from Fen’s father.  Thankfully, the story ended with a HEA—always the best ending in my opinion.  I recommend this to those who enjoy MM romance, especially a romance that takes the time to fully develop between two men who were at odds previously and now learn to appreciate the best and worst in each other’s lives.

The cover by Simoné is fantastic!  In fact, I chose the book based on the cover. It clearly depicts Pansies, the flower shop around which the story is based, and it shows the couple in a joyous moment—big, muscular Alfie, holding a smaller, lithe Fen as they laugh together in front of the shop.

Sales Links

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Riptide Publishing

All Romance | iBooks | Kobo

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 376 pages
Published October 8th 2016 by Riptide Publishing
Original TitlePansies
ASINB01M8FV8RB
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesSpires Universe

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Romancing the Wrong Twin by Clare London

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

romancing-the-wrong-twinHow tangled can a romantic web get?

When gruff mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George seeks sponsorship for his latest expedition, his London PA insists on a more media-friendly profile—like dating celebrity supermodel Zeb Z.

Zeb can’t make the date, so he asks his identical twin, Aidan, to stand in for just one evening. Aidan, a struggling playwright, shuns the limelight to the extent people don’t even know Zeb has a sibling, but he reluctantly agrees.

When the deception has to continue beyond the first date, Aidan fights to keep up the pretense. Dominic likes his sassy, intelligent companion, and Aidan starts falling for the forthright explorer. But how long can Aidan’s conscience cope as confusion abounds? Will coming clean as “the other twin” destroy the trust they’ve built?

I am so hooked on these Dreamspun Romances from Dreamspinner that I can’t wait to get my hands on them as the pop up.  Each one gives our old romance novels  (aka Silhouette or whatever brand you may have gobbled up)and their well used, often loved themes a LGBTQIA twist.

In Romancing the Wrong Twin, Clare London uses, yes, that delicious plot of switched identity and twins.    One twin?  A famous male model, fabulous, sexy,  and a serial dater.  His brother?  Quiet, in the theatre, a writer and director in need of money for his play.  The stage is definitely set for fun and romance and London makes the most of the format by adding in a bear of a mountaineer, Dom, in need of a backer for his climb up Mt. Eiger.  Why not have the famous mountaineer “date” the famous model? After all they share a ad agency…should be a cat walk.  Or not when one famous brother asks the not so famous one to be his Stand-in.

I had a bit of difficulty the first couple of pages.  A case of too much description of extraneous things getting in the way of connecting me to the characters but once I met the irascible Dom and his crew the story started to click.  It got better when Aidan and his theatre troupe came into the story.  You could see how much Aidan was struggling to make it and the affection that all his actors/friends had for him.  That background gave substance (as well as his feelings for his twin) to the reason behind the switch that was pulled.  It wasn’t a lark.  London established a foundation for her plot and it made the story viable.

Aidan and Dom made a great couple.  London gave them the right amount of chemistry and sexy scenes.  I adored them.  And there was just enough  anticipatory angst built into the plot to make you wonder close to the end of the story how the revelation would be handled.  Nicely done.

But one other thing surprised me.  Zeb, Aidan’s brother.  There’s a plot twist here.  I don’t know if I missed his story or if London (please say yes) has his story coming out.  We need to know Zeb’s story too.  How about a Romancing the Right Twin?  Surely that’s in the works?  I’ll be on the lookout, but in the meantime grab up Romancing the Wrong Twin by Clare London.  Its a fun, sweet romance in the Dreamspun Desires series from Dreamspinner Press.  Its one I recommend.

Cover art by  Paul Richmond continues to work well to brand the series and the story.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, Dreamspun Desires #21, 256 pages
Expected publication: November 1st 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
Original TitleRomancing the Wrong Twin
ISBN 1634773721 (ISBN13: 9781634773720)
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Crashing Waves (The Warfield Hotel Mysteries #2) by C.J. Baty

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

 

crashing-waves-by-c-j-batyJustin Warfield ran away to Italy to put the events of last summer and a certain dark-haired private eye behind him, to no avail. If anything, he can’t help but rehash what happened over and over. When he finally returns to South Carolina, the hotel he runs with his brother has suffered a series of incidents that are starting to look less accidental after a death threat is received.

 

Not satisfied that Moses Lee and his local police will find the culprit, Peter Warfield calls in the services of his good friend Marcus Drummond to help. Marcus is torn. He wants to help his friend, but he also knows that if Justin has moved on after their failed flirtation last summer, he will be devastated.

 

Tensions mount as danger seems to follow them at every turn, stalking them as they get closer to solving the mystery of who is behind the sabotage of the hotel.

 

I read the first book in this series last year and had a bit of trouble remembering it, so it took a little bit for me to get into this book.  Justin had pushed Marcus away after the first book leaving both himself and Marcus hurting.  This book begins just after Justin has returned to Beaumont and there have been “accidents” happening around the hotel.

 

Marcus and Justin are forced together again when Justin’s brother, Peter, calls Marcus to come and help.  Both plan to avoid each other, but it doesn’t work out quite as well as they thought.  When Peter decides to be responsible and to actually talk to Marcus about his feelings things seem to take a turn for the better.  However, no matter what happens between them there always seems to be something going wrong.

 

In this story we get to see both of the MCs points of view, but are also given a glimpse of the one who is causing all of the problems.  Seeing how Justin and Marcus still care for each other and are willing to work through their problems was wonderful, but knowing the crazy thoughts of someone wanting to hurt them dampened it a little.  They’re working out their relationship at the end of the book and it seems like the series may be continuing and if it does, I can’t wait to see these characters a bit more.

 

Cover art is great and catches a reader’s eye.

 

Sales Link: Bottom Drawer Publications | Amazon | ARe

 

Book Details:

ebook, 199 pages

Published: September 16, 2016 by Bottom Drawer Publications

Edition Language: English

Series: The Warfield Hotel Mysteries #2

Release Blitz and Review Tour – Romancing The Wrong Twin by Clare London (excerpt and giveaway)

Clare London – Romancing The Wrong Twin

Author: Clare London
 
Release Date: November 1 2016
 
Length: 59,000 words
 
 

Blurb:
How tangled can a romantic web get?When gruff mountaineer Dominic Hartington-George seeks sponsorship for his latest expedition, his London PA insists on a more media-friendly profile—like dating celebrity supermodel Zeb Z.Zeb can’t make the date, so he asks his identical twin, Aidan, to stand in for just one evening. Aidan, a struggling playwright, shuns the limelight to the extent people don’t even know Zeb has a sibling, but he reluctantly agrees.When the deception has to continue beyond the first date, Aidan fights to keep up the pretense. Dominic likes his sassy, intelligent companion, and Aidan starts falling for the forthright explorer. But how long can Aidan’s conscience cope as confusion abounds? Will coming clean as “the other twin” destroy the trust they’ve built?

Excerpt

The pretty young woman who met Aidan at the door smiled warmly. “I’m Tanya, Mr. Hartington-George’s personal assistant. I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Z. I’m quite a fan.”
“Zeb,” Aidan said, hoping he hadn’t hesitated for too long. “Please just call me Zeb. And… yes. Thanks.”
“Come on through.” She gestured him into the hallway. “You’re on time.”
Aidan wondered why she sounded surprised at that. He repitched his natural voice a little higher to Zeb’s teasing tone and smiled brightly in return. “Of course.”
A sneaked look in the hallway mirror had him rolling his eyes. Mission accomplished, Zeb! He barely recognized himself. Usually he was most comfortable in a sweatshirt and jeans, but now he was dressed in what Zeb Z would wear on a daily basis: a pair of skintight, distressed-denim jeans with inexplicable splits across the knees; high-top boots in soft purple leather that screamed expensive yet were surprisingly comfortable; and two lightweight T-shirts under an off-the-shoulder, electric blue sweater. Admittedly the blue brought out the color of his eyes—no one ever said Zeb didn’t have a well-developed sense of personal style—but the rest of it made him look like an overaged member of a boy band.
A younger man darted out from what must have been the living room, clutching a leather jacket to his chest as if in protection. He saw Aidan, glanced at Tanya with widening eyes, then back at Aidan. Then he thrust out his hand and said perfectly cheerily, “I’m Eric. He threatens to kill me on a daily basis.”
Aidan just shook hands and nodded. He had no idea what to say to that, or even what it meant.
Tanya frowned at Eric. “Whatever. We’re just going. The car will come for you at seven. In the meantime, if you’d like a drink?”
But Eric took her arm and guided her toward the front door. “They can cope with that themselves, Tanya. Come on.”
And Aidan was left on his own in the hallway.
He took a deep breath to center himself. The house wasn’t huge, but it was in a very fashionable area of Ladbroke Grove and far more luxurious than his own small flat. That said, there wasn’t much furniture and the decoration wasn’t modern. The hallway walls were painted in plain, cool colors. No pictures hung on the walls, and there was only a single bureau and hat stand, albeit in quality wood. Eric had left the living room door ajar behind him, and Aidan took a quick peek inside before announcing himself. From what he could see, again the walls were plain and the furniture sparse. It was as if the owner was in the process of moving out—or had never really settled in.
A male figure paused in front of the half-open door. He was distracted by something on the other side of the room, so Aidan got a first secret glimpse of the man he’d been told so much about.
H-G.
He was much more handsome in real life than on TV, though in most of the documentaries, H-G was wrapped up in furry parkas or oilskins with his face more than half-hidden with a scarf and balaclava. Today he was wearing a very smart pair of dark trousers, a startlingly white dress shirt—which had to be brand-new to still have that sheen—and a well-cut suit jacket that settled comfortably across an impressive set of shoulders. H-G’s hair was a fabulous thatch of dark curls, and he had a dark beard and mustache to match. Guiltily Aidan recalled Zeb’s mischievous nickname: Hairy Guy. But that conjured up a Wild Man of Borneo kind of image, and H-G was far from that. The hair was naturally unruly but had been styled to a level just off his shoulders, and the beard was well trimmed.
Aidan had never been attracted to hairy bears, not that he’d ever had much of a choice. As Zeb had gleefully pointed out more than once, Aidan seemed to attract needy and spiteful wankers who got off on bleeding him dry of any compassion and care. Oh, and his money too.
Okay. Self-pity over, right now. I’m not Loser Aidan now. I’m the charismatic and disgustingly fascinating Zeb Z.
For the first time in this bizarre performance, Aidan felt the tickle of mischief. This just might be fun after all. He pushed the door fully open, walked into the room, and cleared his throat.
H-G turned slowly around to face Aidan fully. His gaze ranged over Aidan’s body, and his eyes widened. “Well. They didn’t lie.”
“Who didn’t? What about?”
H-G raised his eyebrows. “Well, firstly, they said you were a bit feisty.”
Feisty? Aidan hadn’t heard that word outside of romance-novel blurbs.
“And you wouldn’t be fazed by… you know.”
“No, I don’t know. By what?” Aidan bit his lip to stop a laugh escaping.
“My celebrity.”
Jesus. Zeb was right. The man was one big blob of arrogance. “No,” Aidan said coolly. “I’m not.”
“That’s from working in the business, I suppose.”
“Business?” Oh, right, he was meant to be Zeb. “Yes, of course. When you’ve seen so many guys without the spray tan and makeup,” he gabbled without thinking first, “you soon realize they’ve got the same equipment under it all.”
H-G blinked twice, hard. And then he laughed—a loud, bold sound, echoing warmly in the bleak room.
Aidan wanted to laugh with him, but maintained his cool stare. “What’s so funny?” Had he blown it already? He hadn’t even left the house with the man yet.
“They didn’t tell me you were witty, Zeb. I may call you Zeb?”
Why? “Oh yes, right. Of course.”
Dom’s language was quaintly old-fashioned, but Aidan found it rather charming, especially after the theatrical bickering of the Dreamweavers and his brother’s exuberant and affected chatter.
“And secondly?” Aidan prompted.
“I’m sorry?” H-G frowned at him.
God, what a scowl he has. “You said they didn’t lie, and then you gave the first reason.”
H-G raised his eyebrows. “You have a good memory.”
Yes, he does have lovely eyes. “Yes, I do. Especially when I’m listening.”
H-G’s mouth twisted as if he were trying not to smirk. “Secondly, they didn’t lie about your looks, and that you were even better-looking in real life. I concur. You’re bloody gorgeous.”

 



November 1 – BooksLaidBareBoys, The Way She Reads, Hearts On Fire Reviews, From Top To Bottom Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Joyfully Jay
November 3- Sinfully MM Book Reviews, Sexy Erotic Xciting, Carly’s Book Reviews
November 4 – Love Bytes
November 5 – VampryreLady’s All Things Bookish, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
November 7 – The Geekery Book Reviews, Bonkers About Books, Book Lovers 4Ever, Making It Happen, Wicked Faerie’s Tales And Reviews
November 9 – Diverse Reader, Naughty Book Eden, MM Good Book Reviews
November 11- Tara Lain

Author Bio

Clare London took her pen name from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home, she juggles her writing with her other day job as an accountant.


She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with award-winning novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic, and sexy characters. 


Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter three stage and plenty of other projects in mind… she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home. 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Quinn Anderson on the Challenges of Writing and her latest release, ‘Hotline’ (author guest post and giveaway)

hotline_600x900

Hotline by Quinn Anderson
R
iptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase
Read an Excerpt/Buy it Here

Hello, everyone! This is Quinn Anderson, author of the Murmur Inc. series, and I’m here to share some inside information about, Hotline, coming out October 31st. Stay tuned to hear about where I get my ideas, writing comedy, and how I went “undercover” as a sex worker to research my novels. Leave comments on the tour posts for a chance to win a $10 Riptide Publishing gift card! 

What about Writing is Easiest vs. Most Difficult?

by Quinn Anderson

I’m very fortunate. Two of the things that many authors consider to be the most difficult are the easiest for me. 1) Coming up with titles (I often think of a title before I’ve even conceived of a book to go with it), and 2) actually sitting down and writing every day. I don’t always write much—a thousand words here or there—but I do it whenever I have a spare moment. Even when I’m taking a break from writing, I have a little voice in the back of my head that’s always urging me to get some work done. I also don’t get writer’s block, or at least, I haven’t yet. Knock on wood. I plan out my books in their entirety long before I start typing. They don’t always end up how I planned—in fact, they seldom do—but I always know the general direction in which I’m headed. It makes it a little more difficult to get lost along the way.

The hardest parts for me are staying in character and actually communicating my thoughts. I don’t usually write about my personal experiences, so I often have to rely on my characters to guide me through whatever scene I’m writing. That can be difficult if the character and I don’t see eye to eye on what should be done. I’m an outgoing person, so writing shy characters in particular is frustrating for me, because I want to write them standing up for themselves and stickin’ it to the man, but I know that isn’t always (or ever) what they’d do. It’s hard to watch them get passed over or mistreated and not be able to do anything about it! The other issue I have is that I often want to communicate a very specific emotion or idea, but I’ll want to do it in a way that’s far too convoluted. I’ll get notes back from my editors saying, “I get what you’re going for here, but this idea is too clunky” and then I end up staring at it in frustration until I decide it’s not worth it and delete it.

Bonus round: I consider writing angst to be very difficult. It makes me all squirmy. If you’re a fan of my work, you’ll notice my books are often very low angst. I just don’t want anything bad to happen to anyone! And I’m holding the pen, so thankfully it’s my call. Although, I think I put my character through a fair amount of grief anyway.

About Hotline

Zack never intended to become a phone sex operator, but with half a college degree and a smart mouth, his options were limited. It helps that he has a knack for thinking on his feet and a willingness to roll with whatever his clients throw at him. Sure, he gets his fair share of creeps and unconventional requests, but it pays the bills, and he’s in no danger of breaking his one rule: never fall for a client.

Until a man named “John” starts calling, and Zack finds himself interested in more than a paycheck. It’s not just that John has money, or that his rumbling baritone drives Zack wild. He’s everything Zack isn’t: educated, poised, and in total control of his life.

A twist of fate brings them face-to-face, and now that they’ve seen each other—and spent an unforgettable night together—they can’t go back to the way things were. A sex worker and a trust fund brat . . . It’s like Romeo and Juliet, but with less stabbing and slightly fewer dick jokes. Hopefully they can pull off a more successful ending.

Hotline is available from Riptide Publishing. http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/hotline

About Quinn Anderson

Quinn Anderson is an alumna of the University of Dublin in Ireland and has a master’s degree in psychology. She wrote her dissertation on sexuality in popular literature and continues to explore evolving themes in erotica in her professional life.

A nerd extraordinaire, she was raised on an unhealthy diet of video games, anime, pop culture, and comics from infancy. She stays true to her nerd roots in writing and in life and frequently draws inspiration from her many fandoms, which include Sherlock, Harry Potter, Supernatural, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Buffy, Marvel, and more. You will often find her interacting with fellow fans online and offline via conventions and tumblr, and she is happy to talk about anything from nerd life to writing tips. She has attended conventions on three separate continents and now considers herself a career geek. She advises anyone who attends pop culture events in the UK to watch out for Weeping Angels, as they are everywhere.

Her favorite television show is Avatar: the Last Airbender, her favorite film is Tangled, and her favorite book is Ella Enchanted. She can often be spotted at conventions, comic shops, and midnight book releases. If you’re at an event, and you see a 6’2” redhead wandering around with a vague look on her face, that’s probably her. Her favorite authors include J.K. Rowling, Gail Carson Levine, Libba Bray, and Tamora Pierce. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending too much time on the internet, screwing the rules, finding the Master Sword, guided falling, consulting for the NYPD, guarding the galaxy, boldly going, and catching ’em all.

Connect with Quinn:

hotline_tourbanner

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Hotline, one lucky winner will receive $10 in Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on November 5, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!