Of Rescues and Throwaways of All Types and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

This Week WRC (Local Channel NBC 4) is having a Clear The Shelters drive, working with shelters in many of the District, northern Virginia, and metropolitan Maryland shelters to move animals out of their facilities and into homes, whether it be permanent or foster. This animal adoption event is nation wide, happening August 15 (yes, I know, that was yesterday, the starting date). Its a tremendous idea so needed when we have an overpopulation of unwanted animals in high kill shelters nationwide or punted aside to starve on our streets.

I linked the Clear the Shelter drive above. Update: 16,000 animals reported from all participating stations adopted as of 11:30pm EDT last night! Woot!

So now a segue. Throwaways and Rescues, Human and Animal In Books and Movies.

Books and movies have always had the power to move us into motion or emotion. They mark our hearts, imprint themselves upon our minds and souls, so much so that images, sentences, and even names can emerge from our memories with enough emotional impact to make us weep, laugh or just quietly smile. Paraphrasing here, W. C. Fields said not to share the stage with animal or child because they would steal the scenes, so true. Stage or book, I found that that when those stories center around animals and children that its effect upon us can be magnified 100 fold. Add to that a romance between gay men who thought having families, (i.e, kids and pets) would never be in their future? And the combination becomes irresistible.

Whether it is Bambi, the Mad Hatter, Ol’ Yeller, Thomasina, or that horse of Amy Lane’s, their power to overwhelm us with love, laughter, or anguish never diminishes. My own hearthounds and other pets, along with those that found their homes and families yesterday through the Clear The Shelters drive, kept me thinking about those many wonderful furred and feathered characters in the stories that have kept all of us entertained and magically connected.

So share with us all, what books, or movies for that matter, do you love to read and reread that have children or pets in them? Rescues or adoptions? What books do you rec?

Ones that jump right to mind are:

The Christmas Throwaway by RJ Scott
Keeping Promise Rock series by Amy Lane
Hound Dog & Bean by B.G. Thomas
The Wrong Man by Lane Hayes
The World in His Eyes by A.J. Thomas
Roads Series by Garrett Leigh
Don’t Name the Puppy by R.D. Hero
Until I Found You by B.G. Thomas
The Castaway Hotel by Bill W (an online web story rec from Paul B)
Shy by John Inman
Red Dirt Heart series by NR Walker (a wombat to die for)

More recs from Stella:

Which books/movies are on your list? Do you wait for Lassie to tell you Timmy’s in the well? Or was that pup that was brought home a shifter? We want to know that too? One such story is one I’m reviewing this week by John Inman, a Belladonna Arms novel, Coming Back. Another? Eden Winter’s Redemption.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, August 16:

Of Rescues and Throwaways of All Types and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, August 17:

Chris McHart ‘Alex’s Surprise/Saving Alex’ Keep Me In Mind tour and giveaway
A BJ Review: Speechless by Kim Fielding
A BJ Review: The Gig (Speechless #2) by Kim Fieldling
Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review – Nowhere Ranch by Heidi Cullinan ~ Audiobook
A Stella Review: Vintage Pride by Elizabeth Coldwell

Tuesday, August 18:

Coffee Sip and Book Spotlight: Amelia Bishop ‘Uncharted Hearts’ (excerpt and giveaway)
Ari McKay ‘Herc’s Mercs: Once A Hero’ book blast and contest
NR Walker’s Vampires are Back with Cronin’s Key III (excerpt and giveaway)
A Mika Review: Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts by Charlie Cochet
A MelanieM Review: Potato Surprise by Angel Martinez
A Stella Review: ACE by Jack Byrne

Wednesday, August 19:

Charley Descoteaux: Buchanan House Release Day Book Blast (excerpt and giveaway)
A Paul B Review: Pint Sized Protector by Charlie Richards
A Stella Audiobook Review: Heart of the Race by Mary Calmes, Greg Tremblay (Narrator) (Audiobook)
A MelanieM Review: Coming Back by John Inman
A Sammy Review: The World In His Eyes by A. J. Thomas

Thursday, August 20:

Cover Reveal: Blue by DP Denman (excerpt and giveaway)
Riptide’s When To Hold Them by G. B. Gordon Tour and Contest
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Retro Review: When To Hold Them by G. B. Gordon
A MelanieM Review: You Are The Reason by Renae Kaye
A Paul B Review: Alpha Coder by Kathryn Sparrow

Friday, August 21:

A BJ Review: The Downs by Km Fielding
A Paul B Review: The Homecoming by J Scott Chatsworth
A Mika Review: Outcast Cowboys by Sarah Masters
A MelanieM Review: The Terms of Release by BA Tortuga

YA Saturday, August 22:

An Aurora YA Surprise: “Wet Hot American Summer” Review

A Mika Review: Lucky Linus by Gene Grant

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★

Is the possibility of fulfilling your heart’s desire worth the risk of breaking it?

Fourteen-year-old Linus Lightman is understandably reluctant to trust his newest foster family, the Nelsons, after he’s bounced through the system since being being taken from his neglectful mother. He’s certain they will reject him when they find out he’s gay, and getting to know them will only lead to hurt later. Trying to cope, he builds a friendship with Kevin Mapleton, and it quickly grows into romance, despite Linus’s fears. Then a video of Linus and Kevin having sex is posted online, and Linus knows from past experience exactly what’s going to happen. This sort of scandal will cost him his new home and Kevin’s love, snatching away his fragile hopes of belonging.

I did not know what to expect out of this book. It was hard for me to read this because I don’t deal with with abandoned children. I knew that going into the story, but I wanted to see if I could. I did, and I would again, because I really enjoyed the story from Linus perspective. Linus never gave up the fight, he was determined not to let his abandonment and neglect bring him down. We see often in real life and in this story how some kids give up after moving from place to place. They lose hope in people, and in themselves. I was angry, distraught reading this, and couldn’t stop crying. I think cried the entire story. I was pleading while reading this book that someone would love him. Linus doesn’t have it easy, but his outlook and attitude is so inspiring. You’d think that he would be surly, down, and depressed. Well he’s not; he’s taking one step at a time. I didn’t know how I was going to feel reading a story about a 14 yr old. This is the youngest age group that I’ve ventured into, and my emotions were put into the ringer. I’m happy with the outcome of the story. I really loved it.

Goodness when I was reading this, and found out that the setting was in Mississippi. I did not expect good things, let me tell you that. Egg on my face for thinking there’s no good folks in the state of Mississippi. The entire NELSON family was amazing. I really loved them. I related so much to Linus, not just aa child of an addict. I know what it’s like to have a parent addicted to something. I was fortunate enough that my dad raised us. I was also fortunate enough to have my mom in my life. I can tell you I fell in love with Lucky Linus from the very start and I’ll be on the lookout for more from Gene Gant.

Cover Art by Paul Richmond: I picked this book because of the cover. The cover model is really adorable, and for some reason he pulled at my heart strings. I thought it was a very fitting cover.

Sales Links: Harmony Ink Press | All Romance | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook

Published July 23rd 2015 by Harmony Ink Press

ISBN139781634760706

edition languageEnglish

A MelanieM Review: Piece of Cake (A Matter of Time #8) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

After years of domestic partnership, Jory Harcourt and Sam Kage are finally going to make it official in their home state of Illinois. It’s been a long and rocky road, and nothing—not disasters at work, not the weather, not a possible stalker, not even getting beat up and having to attend the ceremony looking like he just got mugged—will make Jory wait one more day to make an honest man of the love of his life.

Should be a piece of cake, right?

Jory Harcourt and Sam Kage hold a special place in my M/M book heart as does their series, A Matter of Time. They were my first introduction to Mary Calmes, her stories and couples which I love so much.. So approaching Jory and Sam’s final story with any sort of objectivity is close to impossible, not only for me but I expect for a huge number of Mary Calmes fans who found her in the same manner.

Here at Piece of Cake, the eighth book, we know what to expect from Jory’s behavior. Adorable, stubborn, over the top in love with Sam and his kids, still a magnet for trouble…which always finds him. We know what to expect from Sam Kage. Totally in love with Jory, a lot of bellowing and roaring (not the same thing), a little waving of guns and scaring people, and lots of sex and love.. Here are the adorable kids, which arrived in the latter books, and always more trouble as well as domestic bliss. Was it predictable at times? Yes, but we knew that going in, perhaps, that was even part of the charm. We wanted them happy, we loved the arguments, the makeup sessions, and laughter, the familiarity of it all. Now at the series final, we are all close friends, wishing each other well and a happy bon voyage. No, that’s not a time for objectivity but for goodbyes.

Piece of Cake has not one but two weddings! Ok, one is a couple of scenes at the beginning when police Lieutenant Duncan Stiel and husband (and Jory’s ex) billionaire real estate mogul Aaron Sutter get married again in Chicago. Still! Two weddings! It should have been a double wedding with Jory and Sam. Didn’t happen because each man, Aaron and Jory, had vastly different ideas of what their weddings should be. Jory and Sam’s children, Hannah and Kola, Sam, and Jory are sitting in the 2nd row, and instead of watching the ceremony, all four are having a family “whisper style” argument over the use of the word “crap” at a wedding. Somehow that rang very true. And funny.

That’s exactly why I love these stories so. Mary Calmes combines the love that Jory and Sam have for each other and their children into a funny, human moment any parent will recognize. Its a balance she maintains throughout this story and all the others. That moment of family squabbling, whispered so not to attract any (more) notice but you know that’s unavoidable yet you are treating your kids and their questions/statements with the attention they deserve. Later on, when Jory ignores the danger signs pointing ginormouse arrows at his head and you want to roll your eyes a teensy bit, those earlier moments pull you back, and let you believe that its all just a part of Jory’s character makeup. Jory is Jory, and you’ve long come to accept and love his shortcomings as has Sam Kage.

Now Jory and Sam are preparing to get married in their backyard with their friends and family in attendance, so what could go wrong? Hmmm.

Well, there’s that strange car that seems to be following Jory everywhere…that he’s not taking seriously. Yep, that sounds familiar. Of course its a villain from the past to be dealt with, which happens. All their family and friends we have met and gotten fond of have small parts here, if nothing else as guests at the backyard wedding. Finally Sam and Jory get married and live happily ever after.You just know they do. In short, Mary Calmes gives us and Jory and Sam exactly what we wanted. We all get a Happily Ever After. Sigh.

I happily recommend Jory and Sam and their series, A Matter of Time. Please don’t start here if you haven’t read any of these stories before. This doesn’t give new readers enough of a feeling for the couple, their history, and their relationship for them to enjoy it like those of us coming to it with a ton of good will and back knowledge.

Bon voyage, Jory and Sam, its been a treat!

Cover artist is Reese Dante. That cover is about right. Guns and wedding cake, perfect for Jory and Sam.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 70 pages
Published August 12th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781634765909
edition languageEnglish
seriesA Matter of Time #8
characters:Jory Keyes, Sam Kage

A Matter of Time Series (Goodreads Links):

A Matter of Time, Vol. 1 (A Matter of Time #1-2)*
Books 1 through 4 are also earlier separate editions

Ears, Eggs and Bunnies (A Matter of Time, #6.5)

Parting Shot (A Matter of Time, #7)

Piece of Cake (A Matter of Time, #8)

A Stella Review: The Lightning-Struck Heart by T.J. Klune

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

Once upon a time, in an alleyway in the slums of the City of Lockes, a young and somewhat lonely boy named Sam Haversford turns a group of teenage douchebags into stone completely by accident.

Of course, this catches the attention of a higher power, and Sam’s pulled from the only world he knows to become an apprentice to the King’s Wizard, Morgan of Shadows.

When Sam is fourteen, he enters the Dark Woods and returns with Gary, the hornless gay unicorn, and a half-giant named Tiggy, earning the moniker Sam of Wilds.

At fifteen, Sam learns what love truly is when a new knight arrives at the castle. Sir Ryan Foxheart, the dreamiest dream to have ever been dreamed.

Naturally, it all goes to hell through the years when Ryan dates the reprehensible Prince Justin, Sam can’t control his magic, a sexually aggressive dragon kidnaps the prince, and the King sends them on an epic quest to save Ryan’s boyfriend, all while Sam falls more in love with someone he can never have.

Or so he thinks.

“I don’t have time for all the relations and courting and wooing bullshit,” I said. “I’m a wizard. I havequests.”

“Uh, you’re an apprentice,” Gary said. “And you’re sent on errands.”

“You know how you wanted to dye a strip of your mane purple?” I said.

“Yes. Because I’d be beautiful.”

“Well, too fucking bad,” I said savagely. “I’m not going to do it. You’re just going to have keep it white. Forever.”

“You promised!”

“That was before you were a jerk!”

“Oh my gods,” Gary said. “Lartin. Get over here and untie me. I want to kick Sam in the fucking face.”

“No! He’s going to untie me so I can hex the shit out of you. Lartin. Get your ass over here and untie me.”

“Um,” Lartin said. “I don’t know if you guys understand the point of being captured. Like… I captured you? Right? And so—”

I’m really terrified right now. A review for The Lightning-struck Heart? Almost impossible to write, as a matter of fact scratch the almost, just impossible. What am I going to say about this amazing book? It was perfect, hilarious, unbelievable, I laughed so much. It was simply fantastic, I peed myself every sentence I read. There aren’t funny moments, it’s a continuous of crazy characters, crazy scenes, crazy facts that follow each other at every moment. At the end I wasn’t sure if I was more in love with Gary, the hornless unicorn, or Sam, the prudish wizard (apprentice, sorry Gary!) or TJ for creating something like that. I just knew I wanted more and more of these guys and this world. So hurry up, TJ!

The Lightning-Struck Heart has some specific qualities that made this book precious and unique. The humour is the most evident. I can honestly say I have never read something like that so far, always so much over the top, you have to read it to understand, there are really no words I could write to describe it. I just can tell you to buy it. Then, the dialogue. Just wow! Simply engaging and together with the well developed and eclectic characters cast, made impossible to put my tablet down for a minute. Luckly the book is a long one so I could get my full fix, I was so satisfied at the end. Moreover there’s the all “feeling section” to consider. Really, the emotions and the feelings that pervade the story were overwhelming, in a good way of course. Love, friendship, loyalty, and not least lust. They sprang out from every word.

“It’s you,” I said, not able to look away. “It’s how I feel when I’m with you. How I think I’ve always felt. You’re my lightning-struck heart. It doesn’t matter about the cornerstone. It doesn’t matter about who I am or who you are. Not to me. I think it would have always been this way for me. Even if we had never escaped the slums. Ever since the beginning. Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve struck my heart, and now I have to let you go because you’re not mine to keep. I need someone that I can be strong for. But I need someone who can also be strong for me.”

I want to add that this book was just the confirmation of the great talent TJ has, a terrific gift he absolutely needs to continue to share with us. Of course it’s totally different from the BOATK series or the Tell Me It’s Real one (BTW are you ready for The Queen & The Homo Jock King?), but the genius is there, just amplified at the nth degree. Freaking perfect! I just wish I could give the story more stars, five are not enough.

Cover art by Paul Richmond. It’s not what I’m used to see with this artist work and I honestly wouldn’t have recognised it as his but I like this cover, it’s fitting and powerful.

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

Book Details:

Published July 20th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
Kindle Edition, 533 pages
ASIN B011PVYANK
Edition Language English

A BJ Review: The Pillar by Kim Fielding

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 ★★★★★

When he was just a youth, orphaned Faris was flogged as a thief at the pillar in the Zidar town square and left to die. A kind old man took him in, healed him, gave him a home and taught him a profession. Now Faris is the herbalist who cares for the injured and ill of Zidar. He spends his lonely days haunted by his past and insecure of his place in the community. Until the night he saves a dying slave from the same pillar upon which he’d been flogged.

Boro is a former soldier has spent who has spent his last decade as slave. Faris uses his herbs and ointments to hear Boro’s physical wounds, but both men carry scars that can’t be seen. When these two broken men find solace in each other, constraints of law and social class in 15th century Bosnia make it difficult to sustain the fragile happiness they’ve found together.

From the first page, the imagery in this book grabbed my imagination and created a rich world around me that I could have stepped right into. The story has an almost a fairy-tale feel to it. It’s a simple story at heart, but lush and rich and timeless and full of meaning. Beautifully written. There is certainly brutality, slavery, torture, pain and angst here, but despite that the story didn’t come across as dark to me. It showed the bad, yes, but also the kindness and goodness that can be there as well. Hope and love definitely were the overriding notes this book left with me.

I enjoyed both of the main characters, but also felt that I knew many of the other inhabitants of that quaint little town. I wish I could go for a walk across that bridge with them, into the town where we’d say hi to the townspeople and I feel like I’d recognize them. Then stroll on into the woods to gather herbs. She painted it so well with her words that I’d feel right at home.

This is a beautiful hurt/comfort story. I adored the way the love between these guys grew and deepened as they got to know one another. The perfect way they complimented each other and helped each other to heal inside even as Faris was healing Boro physically. This one totally touched my heart and is one of my favorite by this author at the time of this review.

Seemed to me that the title had a two-fold meaning. . . the obvious one of the stone pillar used for the beatings, but also later there is a reference to Faris, who thought of himself as a worthless thief almost right up to the end, being proclaimed by the town leader to be a pillar of the community. . . and YES, his character totally shined out all through the book but especially with how the whole town rallied around him at the end. So it seemed there are two pillars. . . the stone one in the town square… but Faris was ‘the pillar’ too. And it’s him, more than the inanimate one, that was the center of this outstanding book.

The final chapter’s events fit. From early on, I had a feeling it would end up needing to happen that way or something similar given their world, but I think Faris was right in his assessment that Boro himself needed it to be that way, too.

The cover by Shobana Appavu is absolutely gorgeous and perfectly fitting for this book. Evocative of a fairy tale, just like the story.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 144 pages

Published August 12th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN1632160706 (ISBN13: 9781632160706)

edition language English

url http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

Coffee Sip and Kink Spotlight: Don’t Throw Me Away (Bend Over #2) by Brina Brady

Don’t Throw Me Away (Bend Over #2) by Brina Brady
Release Date: August 14, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Brina Brady
Cover Artist: Cover Art by Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design
http://www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk

Blurb

Shane O’Rourke screws up. He has the best intentions, but doesn’t always think things through. He means well, really he does. Shane gives up his old habits of stealing, lying, and using drugs, but he isn’t the perfect sub. He has some slip-ups here and there. He loves his Dom, and desires to please him in every way. Shane is determined to be honest, but when he finds himself in a big mess, he would do anything to not disappoint his Dom. He fears losing Julien’s love and care. One mess leads Shane into another. And this one threatens more than just his contract.

Julien Callier needs to find a way to get Shane under control. When Julien thinks his sub has cheated on him, he doubts his ability to meet Shane’s needs. Shane would be devastated if he lost his collar and Julien’s love. Shane’s sole purpose is to convince his Dom he is worthy to wear his collar. Can their D/s relationship and their love weather Shane’s mess ups and Julien’s loss of trust in his sub?

This is a Gay adult consensual story focused on themes of corporal discipline punishment and explicit sex.

Pages or Words: 78,000 words
Categories: BDSM, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt

“How did you hook Master Julien?” Nick asked.
“I didn’t hook him. He took me off the streets and then he trained me to be a sub.”
“You don’t look like any of the subs that Master Julien has played with before. He always goes for shaved heads, and he always wants his subs half-naked. You’re supposed to be naked and shaved for a collaring.” This guy wore a leather G-string and black boots.
“That’s between Master Julien and me. It’s none of your damn business.”
“How come he didn’t mark you with a whip on the St. Andrew’s Cross? Master Julien is the whip master.”
“I don’t need to answer your fucking questions.” Shane wasn’t about to discuss with Nick that he never wanted to be whipped. He wasn’t into that much pain.
“No you don’t, but I challenge you to ask Master Julien to whip you publicly on the St. Andrew’s Cross to show your obedience. I mean, what kind of collaring did you have anyway, without being marked with a whip by the whip master?”
“He marked me with a cane.”
“You’re a wannabe. You can’t meet the whip master’s needs. He’s going to get tired of you and that mop of yours.” He yanked on Shane’s hair.

About the Author

I am from Huntington Beach, Ca. I taught various subjects at a Continuation High School in Los Angeles, California for 27 years. I obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in history, Secondary Social Science Credential and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Reading and Secondary Education from California State University, Long Beach. I also enrolled in some creative writing classes at UCLA. I am currently taking classes from Romance Writers of America.

Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brina.brady.3
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrinaBrady
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/brinabrady/
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/PrincessBrina
My Blog http://brinabrady.wordpress.com

Tour Dates & Stops: August 14, 2015

Parker Williams, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Jessie G. Books, Nephylim, My Fiction Nook, 3 Chicks After Dark, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Happily Ever Chapter, Mikky’s World of Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Ogitchida Book Blog, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, Bayou Book Junkie, Molly Lolly, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Jena Wade

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Don’t Throw Me Away’ by Brina Brady. Must be 18 years of ate or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A MelanieM Review: Redesigning Max (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Renowned interior designer Fredi Zimmer is surprised when outdoorsman Max Greene, owner of Greene’s Outdoors, hires Fredi to revamp his rustic cabin in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Fredi is an out-and-proud Metro male whose contact with the outdoors is from his car to the doorway of the million-dollar homes he remodels, and Max is just too hunky for words.

When Max comes on to Fredi, the designer can’t imagine why. But he’s game to put a little spice into Max’s life, even if it’s just in the colors and fixtures he’ll use to turn Max’s dilapidated cabin into a showplace. Who can blame a guy for adding a little sensual pleasure as he retools Max’s life visually?

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out is the most exciting and wonderful time in his life, despite the conservative former friends who think they’re saving him from sliding into hell.

I discovered author Pat Henshaw and her Foothills Pride series with her What’s in a Name? novel.. It’s warmth, attractive location (and story behind that setting) as well as a group of characters that charmed the pants off me and each other and well, I couldn’t wait to see what the author had in store for the next installment. I found out with pleasure with Redesigning Max (Foothills Pride #2).

Where did the series name Foothills Pride come from? The author’s note explains “During the recession at the beginning of the 21st century, many gays and lesbians moved from the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento to the Sierra Foothills. FLAG (Foothills Lesbians and Gays) was formed. This series was written for them.” Pat Henshaw takes that fact and uses it for inspiration, weaving the clash of cultures that arises when the arriving urbanites (gay or otherwise) move into long established homogenous communities. If that community is also white, conservative, and small town, then the divisions between them might be even greater. Or surprisingly small, depending upon the people involved.

Redesigning Max introduces us to Fredi Zimmer. Fredi is an extremely talented, much sought after interior designer and artist. He is connected to several of our couples from the first story in that he designed their coffee houses (Jimmy and Felicity) and bars (Guy). Fredi is not just openly gay but “beautifully’ gay, colors and patterns clothe his body as well as his designs. I adore Fredi, he has fought hard to become the man he is, with some horrific memories lurking just under the surface to mark just how difficult the battle has been. At times, Fredi is also defiantly, “you go, girl” in your face gay. What Fredi doesn’t do is ever back down. Wait until you meet “Boner”. Then Fredi meets Max Greene.

Max Greene is a shy, huge outdoorsman, owner of successful sports store Greene’s Outdoors. Max wants Fredi to redesign the isolated log cabin he inherited from his uncle.. In reality Max is searching for more.. A lifetime of repression under his uncle’s rule have left Max shy, backward when it comes to romance and his sexuality, all of which Fredi starts to awaken.

Max is no typical shy giant. Henshaw, thank goodness, has made Max far more complicated than that. Max has a sense of humor, a deep goodness, a love of nature and artistry that matches Fredi’s so that their union makes complete sense. Pat Henshaw gives us two seemingly disparate characters who are so alike inside that when they “click”, we get it because it makes so much sense. They spend time together, designing the cabin, getting to know each each, which helps make their relationship feel real because we watch it grow in steps.

As with the first novel, they come up against the conservation faction that is against their community’s rising tide of gay population, made worse when its one of their “own”. Henshaw’s descriptions of the pain and anguish this hatred causes is authentic and believable. But its balanced, happily by that ending which I loved.

At the very end we get a bonus excerpt of the next Foothills Pride story,, Behr Facts! Woot! I can’t wait.

Do you love contemporary M/M romance? Not familiar with Pat Henshaw and her Foothills Pride series? I can recommend them both. They don’t have to be read in order. You will get people from each book mingling in the others, so much fun. Pick them up and enjoy them both.

Cover design by AngstyG. I like this cover. The models are close to my ideas of Max and Fredi (not perfect, but hey). The only thing is Fredi is all about the color…where is that?

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

Book Details:

ebook
Published July 29th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC
original titleRedesigning Max
ISBN139781634763172
edition languageEnglish
seriesFoothills Pride #2

Foothills Pride Series:

A Jeri Review: On Solid Ground by Melissa Collins

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

When Jacob “Dax” Daxton returns home from war, he has to fight a new battle – the one to find his place in the world. The man who normally has a clear path to victory surrounded by brothers in combat is suddenly lost and alone. After meeting Beckett Ridge, a bearded tattoo artist, Dax’s journey begins winding down an unexpected path.

Still reeling from events that shook his foundation, Beck has never been part of anything meaningful. Now faced with responsibilities foreign and daunting, Dax’s broken spirit mends Beck in ways he never even knew he was destroyed.

As both struggle to find balance, they are healed by the comfort they find in one other. On the other side of chaos, they hope to find themselves On Solid Ground

You know when you finish a book, you smile and sigh? Yep, Melissa Collins did that to me. Again. Even the cover of this book screams love and romance. Sigh again.

I believe this is only her second or third M/M book but you would never know it. Her characters are flawed and real- just as their relationship is.

Jacob “Dax” Daxton is home from war and adrift. He never felt that he could live up to his “perfect” older brother, especially since he was gay and his family didn’t know. He meets a tattoo artist, Beckett Ridge, and is instantly attracted. Beck has his own set of issues to deal with- including a niece he has custody of and a drug addicted sister.

Watching the love bloom between these two characters was beautiful. Neither of them were “jerks”, as is often the case in M/M (at least to start off), they leaned on each other when they needed to and gave each other space when that was warranted.

Of course there was turmoil and angst. What great love story doesn’t have that? It was at times intense, emotional, romantic and sexy. This book has everything you are looking for in a love story without the sticky sappiness that often goes along with it.

Both of these men struggle to find their way, and luckily for us, they find their way with each other.

Cover art by

Sales Links: Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 253 pages

Published January 13th 2015 by M Collins Author LLC (first published January 2nd 2015)

original title On Solid Ground

ASINB00S88Y534

edition language English

Amelia C. Gormley’s Strain Universe is Back with Juggernaut-Book 2 (contest)

Juggernaut by Amelia C. Gormley
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: L. C. Chase

Sales Link: Riptide Publishing

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to welcome Amelia C. Gormley here today to talk about Juggernaut, the latest release in her Strain universe. Welcome, Amelia!

Hi, and welcome to the Juggernaut blog tour!

Almost before I was done writing Strain, my mind began trying to fill in the blanks of the world we saw in Strain, trying to piece together what had led up to that point. I decided I wanted to write a story chronicling the apocalyptic pandemic, both the events leading up to it and the immediate aftermath. The result, of course, was Juggernaut.

On the Juggernaut blog tour, I’ll be sharing my thoughts about the world of Juggernaut/Strain/Bane, including several cut scenes from Juggernaut which I felt contained important world-building details that in the end just didn’t fit the flow of the story. I’ll also be sharing a couple sneak previews of the third book in the Strain universe, Bane (coming September 21 from Riptide Publishing) as well as giving away three e-copies of Bane before it hits the shelves!

Giveaway

To enter to win, leave a comment on this post including a way to contact you (email, Twitter, or Facebook.) Each stop along the blog tour that you visit offers you another chance to enter. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Riptide Publishing.

Be sure to check the Riptide blog tour schedule for a complete list of other stops. The contest will close Saturday, August 15th, 2015 and the winner will be contacted no later than Monday, August 17th. Any entries made without a way to contact the winner will be invalidated, so please don’t forget to provide your email, or your Twitter or Facebook address. Contest is NOT limited to US entries.
Good luck, and enjoy the tour!
*****

About Juggernaut

They helped destroy the world. Now they have to survive the new one.

For rentboy Nico Fernández, it’s a simple job: seduce a presidential advisor to help cement approval to launch Project Juggernaut. He’s done similar work for General Logan McClosky before, and manipulating people for his favorite client beats the hell out of being trafficked for slave wages in some corporate brothel.

Zach Houtman feels called to work with the most vulnerable outcasts of society. But his father, the Reverend Maurice Houtman, insists that Zach work for him instead as he runs for Senate. Zach reluctantly agrees, but is horrified to see his father leave behind Christ’s mandate of love and mercy to preach malicious zealotry and violence instead. Zach even starts to suspect his father is working with fundamentalist terrorists.

When Project Juggernaut accidentally unleashes a deadly plague that claims billions of lives, Nico and Zach are thrown together, each bearing a burden of guilt. With only each other for safety and solace, they must make their way through a new world, one where the handful of people left alive are willing to do anything—and kill anyone—to survive.

*****
About the Author

Amelia C. Gormley may seem like anyone else. But the truth is she sings in the shower, dances doing laundry, and writes blisteringly hot m/m erotic romance while her son is at school. When she’s not writing in her Pacific Northwest home, Amelia single-handedly juggles her husband, her son, their home, and the obstacles of life by turning into an everyday superhero. And that, she supposes, is just like anyone else.

Blog: “http://ameliacgormley.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ACGormley”
Tumblr: “http://ameliacgormley.tumblr.com/”
Facebook: “http://www.facebook.com/ameliacgormley”
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445292.Amelia_C_Gormley

About the Strain Universe

In the early 22nd century, the US military created Project Juggernaut. It was meant to solve a hopeless tactical imbalance in overseas wars by providing the US military with supersoldiers while crippling enemy resistance.

Instead, it introduced a deadly pandemic that all but obliterated humanity.

The remaining Juggernaut troops work tirelessly to find and protect the surviving uninfected population—even though they themselves are exiled and despised by those they help. But their efforts are hampered by the vestiges of a dysfunctional government, old prejudices that refuse to die, and those few who would do anything—and sacrifice anyone—to become superhuman too.

Strain and Juggernaut can be read independently, in any order. Bane is best enjoyed after reading both Strain and Juggernaut.

For those who wish to read in publication order, that is: Strain, Juggernaut, Bane.

– See more here.

A Little Bit of Coffee and Kink with Building Bonds (Kiss of Leather 1) by Morticia Knight

Building Bonds (Kiss of Leather 1) by Morticia Knight
Release Date: August 26, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh

Sales Links: Pride Publishing | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | iTunes | Kobo | Google Books

Blurb

Kyle’s a natural sub who builds dungeon furniture, yet has no interest in BDSM. It takes a hunky Dom to show him just what he’s been missing.

After Kyle’s partner of five years leaves him for another man on the night of their housewarming party, the shy early thirties carpenter needs to do a serious reassessment of his life in addition to raising some serious cash. With no one else to help him pay the lease on his Los Angeles condo, he worries how he’ll survive. His best friend sets up a meeting with one of the Doms and partners at Kiss of Leather, a gay BDSM Club being built as a premiere destination for those who want the best of the best.

Master Gavin not only wants the best – he demands it. When he meets Kyle, he assumes that part of the builder’s reticence to share anything personal with him must be due to his experiences with an abusive former Master. Not one to back down from a challenge, Gavin determines to break through the walls surrounding the beautiful man he can’t get out of his mind. He’s certain that once he convinces Kyle to sign an initial contract, Kyle might be the first sub to open up his heart.

Misunderstandings and accusations almost destroy everything between them before it has a chance to begin. However, the true obstacle becomes not only whether Kyle will embrace BDSM as a lifestyle, but whether he can handle a fulltime D/s relationship with a big bad scary Dom who’s as sexy as hell.

Pages or Words: 173 pages

Categories: BDSM, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt

“I don’t have to be naked, right? You’re sure I won’t have to be naked?” Kyle sucked in a gulp of air. “Of course, if everyone else is and I’m not…Oh God, they’ll all be staring at me. Maybe I should be naked.”
Gavin stepped from the shower and the sight of his stunning frame with his semi-erect cock swaying, rivulets of water trailing down his beautiful skin over his rock hard abs – it made him want to…
“Kyle. Did you hear what I said?”
“Huh?”
Gavin chuckled then advanced on him. He grabbed Kyle by his nape then pulled him in for a deep kiss. He broke their connection, except he kept his hand circled around Kyle’s neck, holding him there, safe.
“No one expects you to be naked, least of all me. You have a wonderful body that I hope you’ll someday allow others to see, but tonight isn’t about pushing your boundaries.”
“Are you kidding me? They’re not being pushed, they’re being trampled.”
“Kyle. Now would be a good time to remember that you need to address me properly at all times.”
“Oh. Sorry. Are you kidding me, Master?”
Gavin narrowed his eyes at him. “We’ll revisit the tone of your voice later. I don’t want to be late.”
Kyle’s eyes widened. He was such a mass of jangled nerves about going to the dungeon owned and run by Gavin’s friend, he hadn’t noticed how his words might’ve come across.
“I am sorry. I’m just a little freaked out, that’s all.”
Gavin placed another light kiss on his lips. “All right. I’ll let it go this time. I’ll also acknowledge that I might be on the verge of trampling your boundaries. But I think you can handle it and I believe you’ll do very, very well. Focus on your desire to make me proud and let everything else fall away.” Gavin stroked Kyle’s cheek with the back of his hand. “Your safewords always apply, no matter where we are, boy.”
Kyle took in another deep breath. “Okay. Thank you. That helped. I just don’t want to, I mean, of course I want to make you proud, but won’t people be expecting you to have someone more, uh, not only experienced, but either super pretty and twinky or hot and-“
“Stop it. Don’t say another word or there will be a punishment and it’ll involve the cock cage with the penis plug I showed you.”
Oh shit.
“Please. Not that.”
“Then remember how stunning I think you are and how angry it makes me that you would denigrate my beautiful boy.” Gavin pulled him close, nuzzling him behind his ear, placing soft kisses on his skin. “I want only you.”

About the Author

Author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men forever after. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little heart’s desire. Even though she’s been crafting her naughty tales for more years than she’d like to share – her adventures as a published author began in 2011. Once upon a time she was the lead singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She currently resides on the northern Oregon coast and when she’s not fantasizing about hot men she takes walks along the ocean and annoys the local Karaoke bar patrons.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormorticiaknight?fref=nf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorticiaKnight

 Tour Dates & Stops: August 11 – 17, 2015
11-Aug Decadent Delights, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, LeAnn’s Book Reviews
12-Aug BFD Book Blog, V’s Reads, My Fiction Nook, Divine Magazine
13-Aug Amanda C. Stone, Jessie G. Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Mikky’s World of Books, Charley Descoteaux
14-Aug Molly Lolly, Velvet Panic, Parker Williams, TTC Books and More, Love Bytes
17-Aug Prism Book Alliance, Happily Ever Chapter, Rainbow Gold Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Wake Up Your Wild Side, The Jena Wade

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: A signed paperback of Building Bonds, flogger keychain and a $25 Amazon gift card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

So now a segue. Throwaways and Rescues, Human and Animal In Books and Movies.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, August 16:

Monday, August 17:

Tuesday, August 18:

Wednesday, August 19:

Thursday, August 20:

Friday, August 21:

YA Saturday, August 22:

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Sales Links: Harmony Ink Press | All Romance | Amazon | Buy It Here

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Don’t Throw Me Away (Bend Over #2) by Brina Brady Release Date: August 14, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Brina Brady Cover Artist: Cover Art by Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design http://www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk

Blurb

Excerpt

About the Author

Giveaway

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Sales Links: Amazon | Buy It Here

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Juggernaut by Amelia C. Gormley Publisher: Riptide Publishing Cover Artist: L. C. Chase

Sales Link: Riptide Publishing

Hi, and welcome to the Juggernaut blog tour!

About Juggernaut

***** About the Author

About the Strain Universe

Share this:

Building Bonds (Kiss of Leather 1) by Morticia Knight Release Date: August 26, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Pride Publishing Cover Artist: Posh Gosh

Sales Links: Pride Publishing | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | iTunes | Kobo | Google Books

Blurb

Excerpt

About the Author

Giveaway

Share this:

Don’t Throw Me Away (Bend Over #2) by Brina Brady
Release Date: August 14, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Brina Brady
Cover Artist: Cover Art by Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design
http://www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk

Juggernaut by Amelia C. Gormley
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: L. C. Chase

*****
About the Author

Building Bonds (Kiss of Leather 1) by Morticia Knight
Release Date: August 26, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh