A Jeri Review: Chief’s Mess (Anchor Point #3) by L.A. Witt

Rating: 3 Stars out of 5

I am generally a fan of LA Witt and this is the third book in a series in which I read all of them. And I have to say, meh.

I enjoyed the characters themselves- especially Anthony (plus redheads are WAY underrepresented in books). But there was so.much.sex. Granted- that is how they met, at a bar for a hookup. And then they did the long distance thing so as soon as they were together again they were immediately naked. But for me, it really detracted from the story.

I wanted to see more of Noah and his struggle with alcohol. While it is obvious that he is an alcoholic, we didn’t see a ton of it on page unless Anthony was talking or thinking about it. I did appreciate that he was an alcoholic for no other reason than he was an alcoholic. No past trauma or PTSD. Alcoholism is explained away many times with “reasons”. Noah had no reason.

The long distance thing seemed a bit unrealistic as often as they were flying back and forth to see each other. By my count it was about every other weekend when Noah had off. That is quite pricey.

A little less sex, a little more depth into the characters would completely change my review.

 

Cover art by L.C. Chase is eye-catching and sexy.

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 291 pages
Published June 19th 2017 by Riptide Publishing
Original TitleChief’s Mess
ISBN 162649603X (ISBN13: 9781626496033)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesAnchor Point #3

An Alisa Review: Different Dynamics by Tamir Drake

Rating:  4.25 stars out of 5

 

Richard doesn’t mind being an omega; all he cares about is playing good hockey, even though it means ignoring the media that tries to rip him apart for it. They don’t think omegas should be allowed on the ice, but he gets along fine. He’s team captain. He can play with the best of them.

 

The one sticking point is his heats; Richard might be on suppressants, but he’s one of the unlucky ones who still gets a heat every four months or so. They suck to deal with, especially alone, but seeking out a heat partner isn’t an option. The PR nightmare alone keeps him from any kind of hook-up. He can’t risk it. Hockey is all he’s got.

 

When Richard’s heat comes early while his team is on a roadie, teammate and best friend James helps him out of a bad situation. Tired of hurting, Richard decides it’s better not to go it alone. And James is safe and warm; he’s a great alpha who knows just what Richard needs. When Richard also imprints on big, bad rival player, Dmitry Sokolov? There’s sweet comfort in a three-way with lots of knotting and dirty talk.

 

Richard might be on cloud nine.

 

I really liked this story.  Considering Richard is an omega he knows next to nothing about his own biology other than the fact that he still gets heats even with the suppressants.  He has never had anyone to help him through his heats before and isn’t sure what to do about how he is feeling but with James and then also Dmitry they are able to take care of him.

 

Richard has always had to keep his guard up and protect himself from the nay sayers, but watching him finally have the opportunity to give up his control and let James and Dmitry take care and protect him was wonderful.  This story is told from Richard’s viewpoint so we can see his confusion and helplessness when it comes to how this heat reacts to his medicine and hormones.  James and Dmitry make it clear that they want to be there for Richard in the future in which Richard is hopeful for, but there is mention about both of them having to be there for heats and Dmitry doesn’t live near Richard and James.  I’m not sure if it can change by heat or if he will continue to need both of them if they continue their relationship.

 

Cover art by Natasha Snow is great and gives us a great visual of Richard.

 

Sales Links: Nine Star Press | Amazon | B&N

 

Book Details:

ebook, 63 pages

Published: June 26, 2017 by Nine Star Press

ISBN: 9781947139329

Edition Language: English

It’s Back to Bluewater Bay with ‘All Wheel Drive’ by ZA Maxfield (giveaway)

All Wheel Drive (Bluewater Bay #18) by Z.A. Maxfield
Riptide Publishing

Cover art by L.C. Chase

Read an Excerpt/Purchase it Here at Riptide Publishing

 

 

About All Wheel Drive

Healey Holly is battered, depressed, and looking to go to ground in his childhood home. He wants to rent the garage apartment, but it’s Diego Luz’s place now, and the last thing Diego wants is to share it.

Diego is recovering too—from the accident that put him in a wheelchair and the death of his mother shortly after. The garage apartment is where he’s keeping his mother’s things, and as long as they’re up those stairs and he’s down on the ground, there’s no way he can deal with his loss.  And that’s just how he likes it.

Healey believes in science. Diego believes in luck. It will take a blend of both, and some prayer thrown in besides, for these two to learn that it’s the journey and the destination that matters.

Available now from Riptide Publishing! 

About Bluewater Bay

Welcome to Bluewater Bay! This quiet little logging town on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula has been stagnating for decades, on the verge of ghost town status. Until a television crew moves in to film Wolf’s Landing, a soon-to-be cult hit based on the wildly successful shifter novels penned by local author Hunter Easton.

Wolf’s Landing’s success spawns everything from merchandise to movie talks, and Bluewater Bay explodes into a mecca for fans and tourists alike. The locals still aren’t quite sure what to make of all this—the town is rejuvenated, but at what cost? And the Hollywood-based production crew is out of their element in this small, mossy seaside locale. Needless to say, sparks fly.

This collaborative story world is brought to you by eleven award-winning, best-selling LGBTQ romance authors: L.A. Witt, L.B. Gregg, Z.A. Maxfield,  Heidi Belleau, Rachel Haimowitz, Anne Tenino, Amy Lane, SE Jakes, G.B. Gordon, Jaime Samms and Ally Blue. Each contemporary novel stands alone, but all are built around the town and the people of Bluewater Bay and the Wolf’s Landing media empire.

Check it out at Riptide Publishing! http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/universe/bluewater-bay

About ZA Maxfield

Z. A. Maxfield started writing in 2007 on a dare from her children and never looked back.  Pathologically disorganized and perennially optimistic, she writes as much as she can, reads as much as she dares, and enjoys her time with family and friends.  If anyone asks her how a wife and mother of four manages to find time for a writing career, she’ll answer, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you give up housework.”

Her published books include Crossing Borders, Epic Award finalist St. Nacho’s, Drawn Together, ePistols at Dawn, Notturno, Stirring Up Trouble, and Vigil.

Readers can visit her website at http://www.zamaxfield.com, and contact her at zamaxfield@zamaxfield.com.

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of All Wheel Drive, one lucky winner will receive an ecopy of Hell on Wheels and a $25 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on July 15, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Leigh Carman on Tour for her Players of LA and ‘Two-Man Advantage’ (exclusive excerpt)

Two-Man Advantage (Players of LA #3) by Leigh Carman
Dreamspinner Press

Available for Purchase at

Amazon

iBooks

Kobo

B&N-

Dreamspinner

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to  host Leigh Carman today on her Two-Man Advantage tour.  She’s brought along an exclusive excerpt for everyone to enjoy!

 

Blurb

A hockey star skating on the edge of a catastrophe.

A PR specialist so adept, he’s called “the Fixer.”

Working together will be the biggest challenge of both their careers.

The LA Vikings hockey team is fed up the violent outbursts of its huge, intimidating enforcer, Viktor Novak. Hounded by a homophobic and domineering father, Viktor takes out his frustrations by spilling blood—on and off the ice. Now he has one last chance to clean up his image, or his career is over.

That’s where Bowen Miller comes in.

Bo has taken on the hardest cases and succeeded—by micromanaging every aspect of a client’s life—at the expense of his own happiness. But in the stubborn, hot mess that is Viktor, Bo might have met his match—both in and out of the bedroom. One man is out of control, and one controls everything. But when sex and attraction come into play, those roles are open to negotiation.

Exclusive Excerpt

Vik and Bo’s first encounter

Bo

When Vik doesn’t move, I take a closer look. I know what I’m seeing; I just don’t believe it. No fucking way. His lightly stubbled face is flushed, nostrils flaring wide. His light blue irises are nearly gone, eclipsed by enormous dark pupils. Vik’s full red lips are slick, and I can see the restraint in his clenched jaw, his twitching muscles, all of them jumping as he fights his primal urges.

He wants me. Viktor Novak wants me.

“That picture in your office,” Vik says, his voice a low, seductive rumble that vibrates straight to my cock. “The one of the football player, Van Archer.”

Wait, what?

Now I’m the one who tenses up, once again ready for a fight with the exhausting Viktor Novak. Maybe what I’m reading as desire on Vik’s face is actually hostility. Maybe I’m only seeing what I want to see when in reality, there’s nothing there.

“What about it?”

“He’s gay.”

“He is,” I answer, bracing myself for an almighty argument.

Vik nods. He begins to say something, and then his mouth snaps shut as he hesitates. More curious than cautious, Vik presses on. “Are you?”

“Does it matter?” I snap, every one of my defenses at the ready. It’s no secret I’m gay. I don’t hide my sexuality, but I don’t announce it when I meet people either. If Vik wants to come at me, he’s going to get a knockdown, drag-out fight.

Vik shifts closer, splaying an immense hand on the stone countertop on either side of my waist. Intimidated by his sheer size and proximity, the fight drains out of me, and I lean back, the unforgiving granite pressing painfully into the base of my spine, making me acutely aware that this man has the ability to hurt me quite seriously any time he chooses. The fact that he could so easily dominate me physically unexpectedly turns me on so much my dick is suddenly harder than the granite surface I’m trapped against.

What the hell? I dominate, I don’t submit. So why am I rock hard and leaking like a faucet at the thought of Vik overpowering me?

“It matters to me,” Vik murmurs, his gaze dropping to my mouth before returning to my eyes.

The way Vik answers allows me to exhale, letting go of some of my fear. My initial assumption was correct. The man before me isn’t angry, he’s… hopeful.

I inhale a shaky breath and swallow. “Yes. I’m gay.”

For the briefest of seconds, Vik’s gaze widens, and a spark of desire flashes in his bright blue eyes. Then so many things happen at once, I have no time to process it all. Vik’s heavy lids drop to half-mast and he closes the remaining space between us, pressing the hot, hard length of his body against mine. Two strong, masculine hands grip either side of my head, fingers long enough to curl around the base of my skull, and Viktor Novak, star hockey player and noted brawler, lowers his face to mine and kisses me.

Sensory overload hits, and I’m frozen in place. Hot skin covered in tattoos, the faint taste of mint toothpaste, the warm scent of Viktor, the feel of his rough hands on my clean-shaven face—all of it combines to render me completely useless as his lips move over mine. It’s only when Viktor boldly thrusts his stiff cock against my groin, grinding it against my own rigid length as he simultaneously swipes his tongue across my mouth, that I wake up and get with the program.

Vik slides that wet tongue over my lips again, more insistent this time, and I can’t help but groan, opening my mouth as heat builds at the base of my spine. Vik takes advantage of my parted lips, immediately plunging his velvet tongue deep into my mouth. I release the countertop and wrap my hands around his backside, grabbing two big handfuls of those spectacular, rock-hard glutes, and tug him closer, smashing our erections together.

“Oh fuck,” Vik breathes against my lips. Those two little words nearly have me coming in my pants. I’ve never been so out of control in my life. The threads of reality unravel around me, spinning away as raw instinct takes over my conscious behavior. No twink hookup has ever incited this type of reaction from me. I’m wanton, willing, and completely uninhibited. Out of control. It’s frightening yet… freeing.

Viktor’s hands leave my skin, and I whimper from the loss of contact, leaning forward to chase that delicious mouth. When Vik’s thick fingers begin pawing desperately at my clothes, shoving the custom-fitted jacket down my arms to land on the floor then moving to unbutton my shirt, I realize his intentions. In a flash, I begin to eagerly assist Vik in shedding my clothes, yanking my silk tie loose and sliding it off my neck.

Halfway through undoing my dress shirt, Vik growls and loses patience with the dozen tiny pearl buttons. With one swift tug, he tears open the front of my shirt, buttons pinging off the kitchen cabinets and skittering across the hardwood floors. My cuffs are still fastened by a pair of platinum cuff links, so now my shirt is inside out, hanging from my wrists, and I can’t get my hands free. Vik either doesn’t notice or could care less. In the blink of an eye, he has my slacks unzipped, shoves his hand in, and takes my aching cock in his scorching hot palm.

“Jesus, Vik,” I rasp, my chest heaving. The touch of his hand on my dick is blistering hot and so fucking good, but much too brief. Vik lets go of my cock, and I panic. “What? Why are you—?”

My question dies in a strangled moan as I watch Vik shove down his own sweats and underwear, not even bothering to pull them all the way off. Instead he hooks them under his huge, tight sac, lines up our cocks, and wraps a calloused hand around both of our rigid lengths. Vik squeezes them together and my eyes roll back in my head. I struggle to free my arms, desperate to touch this man and his gorgeous, thick cock. Vik lets out a low growl when I fight the fabric binding my hands. His eyes flash, and quick as a whip, he reaches behind me, grabs the remains of my shirt, and twists it around his free hand until my wrists are tightly bound at the base of my spine, trapped by a pair of cuff links.

I want to struggle, to shout and kick until I can get my hands free. To demand my freedom so I can take charge of the encounter. But Vik ignores any effort I make to unbind my hands. He gives me a dark, lust-filled look and waits until I stop fighting and calm down. Once I’m still, Vik keeps his eyes locked on mine and spits obscenely into his palm before lowering it to stroke our cocks in tandem. At that moment, any fight left in me dies, superseded by the unbelievable pleasure of Viktor’s talented hand and the feel of his sculpted body against mine. It’s uncomfortable to give in to someone, to willingly let Vik overpower me, and part of me is still freaking out. My sexual partners are always smaller than me for a reason. I just can’t let go of that damn need to control everything and everyone. It’s my experience that when you have no power, you get hurt.

“Let it go,” Vik whispers as if reading my mind, all the while continuing to stare into my eyes as his hand speeds up between us. The friction of Vik’s slick, rough palm, the sensation of his smooth cock rubbing against mine, is sublime. But with the nagging need to free my hands still plaguing me, I can’t enjoy his talented touch to the fullest.

“I see your brain working to figure out how to take charge,” Vik says. He gives me a dark look, those sensual lips curling into a wicked smirk. “You can’t take control here, Bowen. I won’t let you. You can’t get away either. I have you at my mercy.” He leans in to growl in my ear. “I can do anything I want to you.” Vik’s husky, dominating voice reverberates through my body, making my cock impossibly harder. “Let go and enjoy the ride, Bowen, because I plan on blowing your goddamn mind.”

To find out what happens next, check out Two-Man Advantage

About the Author

Leigh Carman is the pen name for the M/M romances written by bestselling Contemporary romance writer, Heather C. Leigh.

She lived outside Atlanta for 15 years and recently moved to Houston with her husband, 2 kids, and French bulldog.

She is leaving explicit directions in her will for her friends to discreetly scatter her ashes around Fenway Park. Then they are to sit back, watch a game with a beer and a Fenway frank and have a wicked good time.

Twitter- @heatherleighauthor

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/LeighCarmanAuthor/

Website – http://heathercleighauthor.com/leigh-carman-novels/

A MelanieM Release Day Review: M4M by Rick R. Reed

Rating: 4..75 stars out of 5

2nd Edition 

Finding and keeping love can be a challenge in the modern world of blogging, social media, and online dating, as one man will learn in this trilogy.

VGL Male Seeks Same

Poor Ethan Schwartz. At forty-two, he’s alone, his bed is empty, and his HDTV is overworked. He’s tried bars and other places where gay men are supposed to find each other, but it never works out. Maybe he should get a cat?

But his life is about to change…

NEG UB2

Poor Ethan. He’s received the most shocking news a gay man can get—he’s HIV positive. Until today his life was perfect, with a job he loves and Brian, who could be “the one.” The one to complete him and fill his lonely life with laughter, hot sex, and romance.

But Ethan’s in for another shock. Could Brian have infected him?

STATUS UPDATES

Alone again, Ethan wonders if life is worth living, even with a cat. When an old nemesis sends a Facebook friend request, Ethan is suspicious but intrigued. It seems this old acquaintance has turned his life around, and the changes might hold the key to Ethan getting a new lease on life… and love.

I  truly can’t imagine reading M4M by Rick R. Reed as anything except one deeply moving story…to me it doesn’t even register as three separate tales. Rather three stages in one man’s life, two so heartrending that the tissues seemed inadequate at times to stop the amount of tears that flowed.  Even now just thinking about Ethan and his journey, I start to choke up which is funny because I wasn’t sure I was even going to connect with Ethan at the beginning.  Or even like him.

That would be at the start of VGL Male Seeks Same when Ethan wants to date and after a shocking lack of response on a dating website, makes a rash decision.  This section of M4M made it harder for me to connect with Ethan.  Understand him? Yes, but like him?  Not quite.  That came at towards the end of this section of Ethan’s life when everything changed for him and me as a reader.  I started to love Ethan which made the next two section all the more moving and devastating.

Rick R. Reed does a beautiful job of making me love all the people who surround Ethan too.  Ok maybe not Bubbles at the beginning.  But Brian, how I took Brian into my heart.  And Jan?  I’d love to have Jan as my friend.  They also hold the key to making M4M so real, so poignant and moving that I can guarantee it and these characters will stay with you long after the stories are done. The church aspect as a panacea is an element that I didn’t really connect with but that doesn’t matter.  It was the vehicle that delivered Ben and hope to Ethan and that’s what counts.

M4M by Rick R. Reed is a beautifully written, incredibly moving story about love found, profound loss,  grief, recovery and the ability to find hope and perhaps love once more.  That it includes two men who are HIV positive?  Part of the huge picture, not the picture itself….that was part of their individual story and journey too.  The HIV element seemed authentic (as it should…read the author’s note), but M4M is about life.  Ethan’s life.  It’s a story you will want to read about, a man you will want to get to know.  Have your tissues handy!

Cover art by Reese Dante is perfect for the story.

Buy links:

Ebook: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/m4m-by-rick-r-reed-8647-b

Paperback:  https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/m4m-by-rick-r-reed-8648-b

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/M4M-Rick-R-Reed-ebook/dp/B0732LXD95

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd edition, 200 pages
Expected publication: July 10th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635335422
Edition LanguageEnglish
URLhttps://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/m4m-by-rick-r-reed-8647-b

A Lila Audiobook Review: Bonfires by Amy Lane and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Ten years ago Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron—who thought life began and ended with his kids—is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.

Larx has been living for his kids too—and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last.

It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.

Bonfires is a lovely story with mature characters and well-behaved teenagers. The best part is that everyone acted their age and the plot, even when a little fantastic, move forward following an interesting set of developments and real love and family relationships.

This is not only a romance but a bit of a mystery with the added drama of small towns. We have several story lines running parallel and in normal Amy Lane fashion everyone in town, including the animals play an important part in the plot and the MCs’ love story.

Everyday events, like breakfasts & homework, are well-mixed with Larx’s and Aaron’s developing relationship. They not only get to know each other but those around them before and after they met. Their pasts are as important as their present and how they want to shape their future.

I did want to see more alone time between the main characters. They spent a lot of time just solving other people’s problems and dealing with their families. I wanted a bit of downtime for them to really have a chance to discover each other without interruptions or expectations.

Overall, this is another hit by this author. It’s the proverbial big book of everything, but as always, it works.

Nick J. Russo did an excellent job giving all the characters a unique voice. It was easy to get immersed in the story.

The cover by Anne Cain shows one of the story’s main scene to perfection. It’s a bit different than traditional MM romances, but so it’s the book.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner | iTunes | Audible

Audiobook Details:

Narrator: Nick J. Russo
Length: 9 hours 34 minutes
Published: June 9, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B071WQJ72H
Edition Language: English

An Alisa Review: Facing Fears (Kiss of Leather #7) by Morticia Knight

Rating:  4.5 stars out of 5

 

As the men at Kiss of Leather celebrate the resolution of the case of Corey’s kidnappers, Master Hunter worries that he’ll never see Tobey again.

 

Chuck isn’t about to let one of the key figures behind Corey’s kidnapping get away from him again. Everything he and Stone have discovered through their months-long investigation is about to come together. However, when Chuck follows the suspect to a shipyard, it’s not only his own life that’s in danger.

 

Master Hunter is officially part-owner of Kiss of Leather, so he’s thrilled to raise a toast in celebration now that the mystery of Corey’s kidnapping has been solved. However, he can’t help but feel left out. Everyone is paired up except for him. He’s never believed in monogamy before, but after Tobey unexpectedly left Kiss of Leather and no one knows where he’s gone, did Hunter make a horrible mistake by not sharing his true feelings?

 

Tobey has been miserable ever since leaving West Hollywood and going back to Idaho. After breaking his own promise to himself by falling in love with his trainer, Tobey impulsively left Kiss of Leather because of something awful Master Hunter said. But things at home are worse than ever and he’s come to realize that those who are related to him by blood aren’t necessarily his true family. The only place he’s ever felt he truly belonged was at Kiss of Leather.

 

Tobey has to face Hunter if he goes back to Kiss of Leather and Hunter has to figure out what he really wants from life and love. It takes a charity slave auction to show them what they’ve both been too stubborn to see.

 

This was another great story in this series, it starts right off where the Cutting Cord stopped so there is no gap in between.  I loved getting to see more of Liam and Neal’s relationship before we delved into the dynamics of Hunter and Tobey.  I love how we get to continue to see all the other characters from the previous stories and see how they continue to grow and help each other.

 

Hunter had emotionally hurt Tobey sometime during the last book, but it wasn’t something we saw.  When Tobey returns they both need to re-evaluate what happened before and maybe take a closer look at themselves.  I loved how determined Hunter was once he finally admitted his true feelings, he just has to have the courage to really open up to Tobey.

 

Tobey really need someone to love and care for him, seeing him feel rejected by Hunter and then again by his family is heartbreaking; I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be fine.  Hunter tries to plan everything down to a T in order to show Tobey how he feels but when it doesn’t all go to plan he really adapts quickly and they are able to work everything out between them.  I did feel that once they actually talked and got together things resolved quite quickly but it didn’t take away from the story for me.

 

The cover art by Posh Gosh is gives great visuals of the characters and follows the pattern for the series.

 

Sales Links: Pride Publishing | Amazon

 

Book Details:

ebook, 151 pages

Published: July 4, 2017 by Pride Publishing

ISBN: 9781786515957

Edition Language: English

Series: Kiss of Leather #7

STRW Interviews Rick R Reed: Characters, Influences and his romance trilogy ‘M4M’ out now!

M4M by Rick R. Reed
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Release Date July 10, 2017

BUY

Dreamspinner Ebook | Dreamspinner Paperback | Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

✍

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Rick R. Reed here today answering questions and sharing insights into his latest release M4M. Welcome, Rick!

✍🏼

An Interview with Rick R. Reed, author of the trilogy of romance, M4M

How much of yourself goes into a character?

Well, if you’re talking about Ethan Schwartz, my romantic underdog hero who’s central to all three of the stories in M4M, he and I do share certain similarities.

At the start of the book, in VGL Male Seeks Same, he’s looking for love online. I know first-hand how daunting, terrifying, frustrating, and exciting that can be. But I do believe in online romance because I met my husband fifteen years ago on an online dating site. So, I know it can lead to true love!

The middle of the book (NEG UB2) occurs some years later when the love Ethan finds in the first part becomes strained when Ethan is diagnosed HIV-positive. I also am HIV-positive (and have been healthy and undetectable for over seventeen years now—thank God), so I know the terror that comes with that diagnosis. My heart went out to Ethan as he deals with his health status and the fear that the man he loves betrayed him. The story is a true test of love.

The last part of the trilogy that I call M4M is called Status Updates to reflect our current social media centralization into our daily lives, my own included. Social media can be a double-edged sword, bringing people from your past into your life. On the one hand, things like Facebook can be a wonderful way to reconnect—and even find the road back to love, if you’ve been hurt as Ethan was. On the other hand, it can easily bring someone back into your life that you aren’t sure you ever wanted there in the first place. That’s the crux of my story, which, oddly enough, reflects my own spiritual journey.

Do you feel there’s a tight line between Mary Sue or should I say Gary Stu and using your own experiences to create a character?

In everything I write and every character I breathe life into, there has to be a part of me in order for him or her to become real. So yes, I draw from my own life, but the comparisons, even if you know me well, may not be so apparent. That’s because similarities from my own life and that of a character can be metaphorical or symbolic. But I think any writer would be hard-pressed not to draw from his/her frame of reference when creating a character.

Has your choice of childhood or teenage reading genres carried into your own choices for writing?

Well, when it comes to my horror and dark psychological suspense, yes. As a kid, I was obsessed with horror movies, books, and TV shows (I was a huge fan of Dark Shadows). Romance, though, I didn’t really get into until I was much older, and I wanted to bring love stories that would resonate with gay people to life because those stories aren’t told as much in mainstream fiction.

Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?

Yes, because it gives people (myself included) hope. I believe very strongly in intention and how our own thinking shapes the reality we get and, with that in mind, HEA or even HFN is a given.

Who do you think is your major influence as a writer?  Now and growing up?

My main influences are Patricia Highsmith, Flannery O’Connor, Stephen King, and Ruth Rendell, all have a twisted and dark world view, but in the end, I think, they all believe in redemption—and so do I.

How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?

It’s here to stay. Personally, I love it and seldom even read a paper book anymore. In fact, I’ve bought ebooks of paper books I’ve gotten as gifts because I know I won’t read the paper book because I’m so used to the ease and convenience of ebooks.

How do you choose your covers?  (curious on my part)

Most of my work is published by Dreamspinner Press, and I’m blessed to work with Reese Dante, who’s just amazing and wonderful—extremely talented. We usually huddle on what I want to get across, what my characters look like, and tone. Reese takes it from there and usually sends me dozens of stock photos of handsome male models to look at (such hard work!) to help find the best fit for the characters. But she’s truly inspired and I love every cover she’s done for me. The more we work together, the more we think almost as one, so that’s really nice.

What’s next for you as an author?

I have a short coming out in September called I Heart Boston Terriers. It’s about how a rescue dog brings two men together. I just got the cover and it’s amazing. I can’t share it, but can tell you it features my own Boston terrier, Lily, on the cover (by Reese Dante).

BLURB

Finding and keeping love can be a challenge in the modern world of blogging, social media, and online dating, as one man will learn in this trilogy.

VGL Male Seeks Same

Poor Ethan Schwartz. At forty-two, he’s alone, his bed is empty, and his HDTV is overworked. He’s tried bars and other places where gay men are supposed to find each other, but it never works out. Maybe he should get a cat?

But his life is about to change…

NEG UB2

Poor Ethan. He’s received the most shocking news a gay man can get—he’s HIV positive. Until today his life was perfect, with a job he loves and Brian, who could be “the one.” The one to complete him and fill his lonely life with laughter, hot sex, and romance.

But Ethan’s in for another shock. Could Brian have infected him?

STATUS UPDATES

Alone again, Ethan wonders if life is worth living, even with a cat. When an old nemesis sends a Facebook friend request, Ethan is suspicious but intrigued. It seems this old acquaintance has turned his life around, and the changes might hold the key to Ethan getting a new lease on life… and love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Real Men. True Love.

Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint…” You can find him at www.rickrreed.com or www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com. Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband and their Boston terrier.

FIND RICK ONLINE

What’s Your Favorite Story Time Again and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

What’s Your Favorite Story Time Again – Soldiers and Wounded Warriors

With the holidays flashing by…Memorial Day, Independance Day….I thought about all the stories that I love so much that contained soldiers and/or vets returned from tours of duty.  Some of them are series and some are stand alone novels but there’s no denying the impact on your mind and heart they leave behind.

Some stories are contemporary and some reach far into the future or into the past but the soldier’s lot (no matter the gender) remains the same in its basics.  The dealing with the fear of the unknown, the stress, the pain, the loss, and the battles.  And then for some, the re-entry into civilian life.  So let’s hear again from all of you, what are your favorite stories with soldiers and why?  I thought we’d divide them into categories this time.  This week its contemporary fiction.  Next week: Other, from Science Fiction to Historical.  Let me know if you think that’s too broad a category and I’ll adjust it.

So I’ll start off our list of contemporary fiction with a series near to my heart:

♦︎The Release series by B.A. Tortuga (3 books) – all dealing with vets being released back into civilian life.  It’s outstanding.

♦︎Manny Get Your Guy by Amy Lane – wounded vet dealing with rehab and reentry at the same time.

That’s just for starters.  What’s yours?  Of course, there’s a giveaway attached for this List.

Contemporary Soldier/Wounded Warrior Story Recommendation Reader List

Comment with recommendations and your email address and one or two readers will be picked to receive a $10 gift cert from Dreamspinner Press.  Giveaway ends next Saturday, July 15th in time to start our next Soldiers-Others category.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 9:

  • Review Tour THE SHAPE OF YOU by Felice Stevens
  • A Jeri Review: The Shape of You by Felice Stevens
  • What’s Your Favorite Story Time Again
  •  This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, July 10:

  • Blog tour Racing the Sky by Layla Dorine
  • DSP GUEST POST Rick R Reed on M4M
  • A VVivacious Review: Regret by Christina Lee
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: M4M by Rick R. Reed
  • A Lila Audiobook Review: Bonfires by Amy Lane and Nick J. Russo (Narrator)
  • An Alisa Review:  Facing Fears by Morticia Knight

Tuesday, July 11:

  • DSP GUEST POST Leigh Carman on Two-Man Advantage
  • RIPTIDE TOUR All Wheel Drive by ZA Maxfield
  • A Free Dreamer Review: Moro’s Price by M Crane Hana
  • A Jeri Review: Chief’s Mess (Anchor Point #3) by L.A. Witt
  • A Julia Review: Painting Class ( Chiaroscuro, #1) by Suzanne Clay
  • An Alisa Review: Different Dynamics by Tamir Drake

Wednesday, July 12:

  • DSP GUEST POST Andrew Grey on Fire and Fog
  • Review Tour – Meg Harding – Finding Home
  • Tour: Unscripted Love by Aimee Nicole Walker RDB,
  • A Jeri Release Day Review: FAST Balls (Balls to the Wall #5) by Tara Lain
  • A Lila Audiobook Review: Forgotten Paradise by Shira Anthony and Narrator: Andrew McFerrin
  • A MelanieM Review: Broke Deep (Porthkennack #3) by Charlie Cochrane
  • A Stella Release Day Review: Mascara & Bandages (Mary’s Boys#3) by Brandon Witt
  • A Stella Review: Finding Home by Meg Harding

Thursday, July 13:

  • Harmony GUEST POST Gene Gant
  • Review Tour – RJ Scott – The Ranchers Son (Montana #2) narrated by Sean Crisden
  • A Lila Audiobook Review:  The Ranchers Son (Montana #2) by RJ Scott and Sean Crisden (Narrator)
  • A MelanieM Review: Werecat: The Sim Ru Prophecy by Andrew J. Peters
  • An Ali Audiobook Review : The Innocent Auction (Innocent #1) by Victoria Sue and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
  • An Alisa Review: A New Way to Dance by Sean Michael

Friday, July 14:

  • Letting Go by Morningstar Ashley Release Day Blitz
  • RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: The Other Five Percent by Quinn Anderson
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: A Kind of Home by Lane Hayes
  • A Jeri Review: The Other Five Percent by Quinn Anderson
  • A VVivacious Review:  Rent Mate by Ash Penn
  • An Alisa Release Day Review: Who We Truly Are (Enhanced #2) by Victoria Sue

Saturday, July 15:

A MelanieM Release Day Review: All In (Wild Cards #3) by Ava Drake

 

 

 

A Jeri Review: The Shape of You by Felice Stevens

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

What a refreshing surprise! I’ve always enjoyed Felice Steven’s books. Her stories seem very real to me and I always love stories set in NYC. But this book was just different enough for me to make it really enjoyable.

I’d like to say it is an opposites attract story, and in a way it is, but only on the surface. One man needs to gain weight, the other needs to lose weight. But underneath it all they are more similar than they realize.
I think this is the first book I have read with an overweight main character who ISN’T killing himself at the gym. Instead he is going about it through a nutrition class and walking. It is at that nutrition class that he meets Corey, who is underweight. Another thing you don’t hear of often- definitely not in gay romance books.
There is quite a bit about WHY they each have their weight problems, the discrimination they endure- mostly Eric and a lot of encouragement to each other. The story highlights the seemingly acceptable act of weight discrimination. So many people think that they can comment on someone’s weight when it is none of their business and it hurts the person more than they know.
The romance between Eric and Corey is very sweet. The way Eric doubts his desirability is spot on, but on the flip side, Corey also doubts his desirability.
My only critiques are that there was a lot of repetition in the story and I would have liked more story after they were officially together as a couple.
Cover art is beautiful.

Sales Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2s1tFf1

Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/Bav4jo

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Book Details:
Kindle Edition, 192 pages
Published June 27th 2017
ASINB073FKRXH7