Love Gets a Sporting Chance with ‘Save of the Game’ by Avon Gale (guest interview, excerpt and giveaway)

SaveoftheGameFS

Save of the Game by Avon Gale
Release Date: January 29, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Today Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Avon Gale with us. Avon Gale is the author of Save of the Game, a story in her Scoring Chances series. Avon, would you share 10 things 10 things we didn’t know about you with our readers.

  • I have a master’s degree in ancient history, and studied Spartan military history.
  • I spent ten years after grad school working in fundraising for non-profits, including women’s liberal arts education and public radio.
  • I have a black belt in Taekwondo.
  • I have 11 tattoos.
  • I’m an only child.
  • I always seem to hate movies that everyone loves, like “A Christmas Story”, “Pretty Woman,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
  • 90% of the movies I watch are horror films (which might explain #6!)
  • My favorite TV show of all times is Mystery Science Theatre 3000
  • I was in a sorority in college.
  • I am physically incapable of snapping my fingers.

Thanks, Avon.  MST3K just happens to be one of my all time favorites as well.  Now more about Save of the Game.

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Blurb

After last season’s heartbreaking loss to his hockey team’s archrival, Jacksonville Sea Storm goalie Riley Hunter is ready to let go of the past and focus on a winning season. His new roommate, Ethan Kennedy, is a loud New Yorker with a passion for social justice that matches his role as the team’s enforcer. The quieter Riley is attracted to Ethan and has no idea what to do about it.

Ethan has no hesitations. As fearless as his position demands, he rushes into things without much thought for the consequences. Though they eventually warm to their passionate new bond, it doesn’t come without complications. While trying to financially help Ethan, Riley must hide his family’s wealth so as not to hurt Ethan’s immense pride. For their relationship to work, Ethan will need to learn when to keep the gloves on and let someone help him—and Riley will have to learn it’s okay to let someone past his defenses.

 

Pages or Words: 200 pages
Categories: Bisexual, Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Sports, Hockey

Series: Scoring Chances
This book is a ‘Scoring Chances’ novel. It can be read as a standalone.

 

Excerpt

His phone beeped, alerting him that he had a new text message. It was from Ethan Kennedy, the defenseman the Storm had acquired before the trade deadline last spring. The rowdy Kennedy, who had a heavy New York accent and was a huge fan of the New York Rangers—a team Riley hated, by virtue of being a New Jersey Devils fan—had bunked with him for a few weeks during the finals. He’d gone back to New York after the Storm lost in the playoffs. Riley hadn’t been sure if he was coming back or not, but the text message indicated he’d just gotten back to town, and would Riley mind picking him up from the airport?

And oh, he got a cheaper rate by flying into Tampa, which was three hours away. Was that a problem? And one last thing. Riley didn’t need a roommate by any chance. Did he?

Riley looked around his apartment, which was nice and clean and quiet. Just like it always was, except for those few weeks last spring when Ethan was there. He was loud and messy and always in Riley’s space, left half-full cans of Pepsi everywhere, drank whiskeys with dubious-sounding names, and smoked like a chimney.

be there in 3 hrs, Riley texted and grabbed a few boxes of coconut water out of his fridge. The idea of coming home alone after games reminded him of those car rides in Wyoming, and he was getting tired of the silence.

Buy the book

Dreamspinner eBook | Amazon | ARe | Kobo

 

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Meet the Author

Avon Gale was once the mayor on Foursquare of Jazzercise and Lollicup, which should tell you all you need to know about her as a person. She likes road trips, rock concerts, drinking Kentucky bourbon and yelling at hockey. She’s a displaced southerner living in a liberal midwestern college town, and when she’s not writing you can find her at the salon, making her clients look and feel fabulous. She never gets tired of people and their stories — either real or the ones she makes up in her head.

 

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

29-Jan

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Posy Roberts, Book Lovers 4Ever, Mikky’s World of Books, Jessie G. Books, Gay Book Reviews

1-Feb

Boy Meets Boy Reviews, Kirsty Loves Books, Love Bytes, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Divine Magazine, Hearts on Fire, Open Skye Book Reviews

2-Feb

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, V’s Reads, Nautical Star Books, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog

3-Feb

Bayou Book Junkie, Alpha Book Club, Molly Lolly, Happily Ever Chapter, Unquietly Me, MM Good Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark

4-Feb

The Novel Approach, Boys on the Brink Reviews, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Carly’s Book Reviews, The Hat Party

 Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 2 copies of ‘Save of the Game’ by Avon Gale.  Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

 

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WillPride

Its Back to the Past with Victoria Sue’s The Innocent Auction (excerpt and giveaway)

The Innocent Auction. Cover.

Author Name: Victoria Sue

Book Name: The Innocent Auction

Release Date: December 28, 2015

Blurb:

London 1810.

Their love was a death sentence.

Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, was aware of the slums and gin-lanes of London. Just as he was aware of the underground traffic that furnished the brothels and bath houses with human innocents. He was also aware that the so-called justice system would hang the accused without much of an attempt at a defense, unless the unfortunate had deep pockets to pay for it.

He just hadn’t expected to be directly involved in any of it.
It started with a plea for help and ended with forbidden love, the love between a Viscount and a stable-boy. An impossible love and a guarantee of the hangman’s noose.

Will Deacon fight for Tom? Will he risk the death sentence and take that fight from the stately halls of his English mansion to the horrors of Newgate Prison and the slums of London?

Or will he realize that if he doesn’t, death will be a welcome end to the loneliness of the sentence he is already living?

 

Pages or Words: 61,000 words

Categories: Historical, M/M Romance

Excerpt:

Tom was stunning in the candlelight. The servant’s clothes he wore were a hundred times softer than the rough shirt he had taken off him in the stables. Tom’s skin was just as soft, though, the muscles just as firm, and the reaction to Deacon’s touch just as thrilling.

He heard the small moan from Tom’s lips as he pulled the shirt from his trousers, his fingers touching the skin on his abdomen. Tom lifted his arms above his head in silent invitation, and Deacon’s cock swelled in eagerness. Tom let his arms fall as the shirt was thrown aside, and Deacon hurriedly unbuttoned his trousers, as Tom’s fingers went to work on Deacon’s.

Neither of them said a word. It wasn’t just fear that they would be heard, but more an affirmation that while ever they didn’t speak, they were equals, lovers. The sensation of Tom’s teeth as he grazed his collarbone was perfect. Something to be celebrated, not reviled. Surely something that made him feel so complete could never be a sin? For in that one moment, Deacon didn’t have to pretend anymore and he was content.

In moments, Tom had him undressed. “Stay still.”

Deacon groaned as the order went straight to his cock.

Tom’s calloused fingers swept over his shoulders and down his chest. Tom’s nails dug in around his nipples, and Deacon swayed towards him with every pull as if there were invisible strings attached. Tom bent his head, his warm lips drugging Deacon’s movements till they stilled. How could his skin vibrate as if alive, yet his body remain immovable as if cast in stone?

When Tom knelt in front of him, Deacon gasped. “You—” can’t? That was ridiculous, and Deacon bit the words off before they were uttered. His breaths came out in hurried gasps when Tom looked up, blue eyes on fire almost as they smoldered with heat.

Deacon almost couldn’t breathe as Tom wrapped his lips around his cock. His knees wobbled, inspiring Tom to bring two strong hands around to clasp his buttocks, pulling him nearer and making Tom almost seem to swallow him.

Almost immediately, Deacon felt the tingles in his spine. He had to hang on, and he threaded his fingers through Tom’s hair, desperate for some anchor before he exploded. Thrice. He’d had this done three times by whores, but never had he wished to think of something else while it was being done. Tom had his full attention.

“Oh.” Deacon pressed his lips together hard as Tom’s teeth scraped back and his tongue followed the fold on his foreskin, pushing it back slowly. He could nearly feel the come rush from his balls at the same speed as the blood pounding through his veins. Tom must have sensed this, because when Deacon’s back arched, he intensified the suction nearly to the point of pain, his fingers digging in Deacon’s buttocks to keep him close. That sinful tongue and commanding mouth wringing Deacon’s orgasm from him.

Deacon gasped. Eyes blinded by momentous pressure that rose in him and threatened to take over his body. He heard a small satisfied sound from the man on his knees and that was it, the catalyst that sent him over the edge. Deacon shot his pleasure into the warm mouth compelling it thus, and flung his head back, mouth open in a silent cry, his legs supported only by Tom’s hands.

Deacon’s cock jerked a final time just as Tom swallowed around it and let it drop from his lips. His eyes still closed, he felt the pressure from Tom’s hand pushing him backwards towards the bed. One more step, and Deacon hit the bed with the back of his knees, which folded, ably helped by the push of Tom’s hand. Deacon felt the bed dip and a cautious tongue lick at the side of his throat until he moved his head to the side to give the man better access. He vaguely heard a chuckle, and answered it with a tilt of his lips. He had neither the command of his body nor the presence of mind to do any other.

He just needed a minute. Then he would explore the gorgeous body laid beside him and return the favor. Just one minute.

Buy the book:

http://www.amazon.com/Innocent-Auction-Victoria-Sue-ebook/dp/B019WV8IOW/ref=sr_1_1

Meet the author:

Has loved books for as long as she can remember. Books were always what pocket money went on and what usually Father Christmas brought. When she ran out of her kids’ adventure stories, she would go raid her mom’s. By the age of eight she was devouring classics like Little Women, and fell in love with love stories.

She especially loves writing gay romance because as far as she’s concerned the only thing better than one hot guy, is two of them.

Where to find the author:

www.victoriasue.com

@vickysuewrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.kellett

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28236823-the-innocent-auction

Publisher: Victoria Sue

Cover Artist: Drawn2Designs


Tour Dates & Stops:

25-Jan

Jessie G. Books, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, MM Good Book Reviews, Parker Williams Louise Lyons

26-Jan

Boy Meets Boy Reviews, Elaine White, Kirsty Loves Books, Caraway Carter, BFD Book Blog

27-Jan

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Happily Ever Chapter, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Book Lovers 4Ever

28-Jan

Inked Rainbow Reads, Alpha Book Club, Love Bytes

29-Jan

Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Molly Lolly, Bayou Book Junkie, Velvet Panic, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews

 

 

Giveaway

Enter to win the following giveaway.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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WillPride

A BJ Audio Review: Not Fade Away (Hell and High Water #3.5) by S.E. Jakes and Adam North (Narrator)

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

Not Fade Away audiobookTruth or dare.

Ever since superspy Cillian moved into Prophet’s building, their game of Steal the Couch has been funny to Prophet, but a thorn in Tom’s side. Then Prophet gets bored one night during an ice storm and insists on playing another simple game with Tom: Truth or Dare. In exchange for one of Prophet’s truths, Tom steals the couch one last time. 

But Prophet’s truths are never easy—Tom should know that by now—and this one raises questions neither of them quite know how to answer. In response, Tom finds himself laying claim to Prophet in the most basic way he knows how. And also finds that he doesn’t mind it in the least when Prophet returns the favor.

This one is entirely different than the others… it’s playful, fun and kinky without the usual action and guns. Considering this is largely a grouping of sexy interludes, the narrator did an exceptional job. The one thing that sorta bugged me in the narration was the way the “bebe” endearment was used… each time it sorta pulled me from the story. But totally just me, I think. Because he did an excellent job of making this a one-handed read.

The chemistry between Tom and Prophet was as combustible as even, and there was even a rare super sweet moment between them that was for me totally worth listening to the whole story just for that alone. Plus the secrets that are shared add just a bit of plot interest to the heat. Overall, more than anything, this little taste just left me wanting more. The final installment of Hell & High Water as well as the second installment of Dirty Deeds to learn more about Mal and Cillian.

Overall, this is an excellent audio series well worth listening to. The narrator stayed in character through. I dearly hope that the release of the four audios last month means that the rest of these series will finally be released this year. Crossing my fingers.

The cover by L.C. Chase fits those for the previous, it’s very sexy and it focuses on the leather band and the tattoo beneath. Love it.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Audible | Amazon

Book Details:  

1 hr 5 mins, Audible Audio, 2 pages
Published December 16th 2015 by Audible Studios (first published August 16th 2014)
Original TitleNot Fade Away
ASINB016WPXL8Y
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHell or High Water #3.5, Extreme Escapes, Ltd.
CharactersProphet Drews, Tom BoudreauxDecember 16th 2015 by Audible Studios

A Free Dreamer Review: Kanaan & Tilney: The Case of the Arms Dealers by Katey Hawthorne & J. Rose

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Kanaan & TilneyJohn Tilney–praeternatural pyrokinetic and mystery author–has noticed the bottom dropping out of the market for his usual gothic fare, so he goes to Lowell Kanaan, PI, for a crash course in noir. Lowell, the cranky wolf-shifter detective, isn’t sure why he agrees to let John shadow him–though it might have something to do with John’s weirdly endearing honesty… and pretty lips. John thinks he’s found the perfect detective novel hero in Lowell, but it isn’t long before he realizes he doesn’t want Lowell for his book, but for himself.

As they become entangled in a supernatural whodunnit involving the Zombie Mafia, black market body parts, and shady insurance deals, their partnership grows closer–and hotter. But when it comes down to the wire, Lowell’s wolfy protective side threatens to drive John around the bend, or at least out of the office. Good thing John’s as much sunshine as he is fire; hopefully it’s enough to help them catch a murderer before they end up in literal pieces, too.

 When I read the title, I figured this was going to be about an arms – as in weapons – dealer. Instead, it was about an arms – as in body parts – dealer. Definitely a very unusual idea, especially since the arms dealing business isn’t portrayed as evil here.

The authors created a delightfully insane and intriguing world here, with lots of interesting new paranormal praeternatural races/creatures. They obviously put a lot of thought into their world and that definitely paid off. I loved the variety of all those exciting new creatures and the authors’ new interpretation of commonly known ones such as shifters.

The world building was pretty good, even if one of the basics was missing for me. I never could quite figure out if there were normal humans in this world too and if so, whether knew about the praeternaturals.

At times, this was utterly hilarious. I love a book that can make me laugh without making the whole plot ridiculous. Sometimes the humour was a bit too much for me, but I generally prefer darker reads, so it might just have been me.

The mystery part didn’t play that big of a role in the plot, but since I’m more a fan of fantasy than mystery, that was fine by me. Just don’t expect extensive detective work.

What really bothered me was the relationship. It was so very insta. John confesses his feelings to Lowell, Lowell confesses his feelings for John, they make out, John confesses he’s demisexual, they have sex. A little build-up to the big confession and the following sex would have been greatly appreciated. It all seemed very sudden to me and I couldn’t really relate to their feelings.

I also wasn’t too fond of the categorical condemnation of the BSPD, the praeternatural police force. I missed an explanation as to why they were all so incompetent and unwilling to actually help.

I also wasn’t too fond of John. Sure, his powers were pretty cool, but overall he just seemed really weird to me.

Overall, this book was okay. The world was great, but the romance was kind of disappointing. If you’re okay with insta-love and enjoy unique fantasy worlds, then I’m sure you will like this book.

The cover by Dar Albert shows Lowell and John with the skyline of a big city during the night. It fits the story and the MCs match the descriptions in the book.

Sales Links:  Loose id | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 206 pages
Published October 26th 2015 by Loose Id LLC
ASIN B0178F3JPM
Edition Language English

Its Country Love Time with Posy Robert’s Farm Fresh (character interview,excerpt and giveaway)

FarmFresh-f-1

Farm Fresh by Posy Roberts
Release Date: January 28, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Labyrinth Bound Press
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Posy Roberts  sent Jude Garrity from her novel, Farm Fresh, in her place today to sit down for some questions. Welcome, Jude.  Help us get to know you a little better.

Jude Garrity

Q. What is your biggest fear?
I’m afraid of going too far and not knowing I’ve crossed some invisible boundary until it’s too late. See, I grew up in a very strict household where my parents essentially controlled everything about my day. Seriously, everything. They even tried to control how I thought and felt about stuff. It wasn’t until I left home that I realized I had to draw my own lines in the sand and figure out my own morals rather than trying to filter my world through their messed up way of thinking. I’m still working on that.

Q. What is your most prized possession?
I don’t have many possessions. They all fit in my car when I moved to Kaleidoscope Gardens, and I drive a tiny hybrid. Maybe my guitar. But really, the most important thing to me isn’t tangible. It’s my freedom to be who I want to be.


Q. What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
There aren’t many days off now that I live on the commune, and I really like it that way. I’m trying to finish my degree in environmental engineering, so I’m currently swamped. But if I could do anything for an entire day, I’d want to spend my time with Hudson, maybe walking around the commune, working on little projects here and there, and taking some time out to get down and dirty. I just want to spend time with him on the farm, to be honest.


Q. Your best childhood memory?
I grew up on a diary farm, and one year I got to bottle raise and calf, whose mom rejected her. I was homeschooled, so I did as much of my schoolwork outside with Clover as I could. It got me away from my parents, even if it did add a whole lot of chores onto my day for months. It was worth it.


Q Where do you hope to be in five years?
That’s a hard question. I got away from under the thumb of my parents only four years ago, and a lot has happened since. I’m truly just starting my life and figuring out who I am now that the commune has helped me loosen up. I’d like to be on the commune living with Hudson, Charlie, and Leo, but I’m not sure if I’ll feel the pull of graduate school or not. The commune fulfills most of my needs, but who knows about in five years. No matter what, I want to make a difference in the world. If I could keep working on environmental issues from the commune, I don’t see any reason to leave. Especially if Hudson’s still here. If he leaves, I’ll follow him.

Thanks, Jude.  That was terrific.  Now more about Farm Fresh…

Blurb

Jude Garrity visits the farmers market every Saturday. As an environmental engineering student, he’s curious about living off the grid and sustainable agriculture.

And one particular farmer.

Hudson Oliva has worked hard to support his commune, where queer people live without fear of harm or retribution. When Jude asks pointed questions about living there, Hudson realizes he needs to be honest about his home. Few people know what the farm is actually about, but Jude is insistent.

Jude moves to Kaleidoscope Gardens, however, his sexual hang-ups make it hard to adjust. He’s an uptight virgin living among people who have sex freely and with multiple partners. When Jude finally loosens up, Hudson is flooded with emotions. Falling for Jude wasn’t part of Hudson’s life plan. But when vindictive rumors about the commune begin to spread, love might be all he has left.

 

Pages or Words: 202 pages, 63,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Ménage/Poly, Romance

Excerpt

“You wanted to know where I’m from,” Hudson said. Jude nodded but remained tight-lipped. “I grew up north of Miami in a small city. I couldn’t wait to get out, so I tried to hitch a ride to Seattle. Didn’t get that far.”

“How far did you get?” Jude looked surprised as he asked, so Hudson reached out and pressed his palm to the center of Jude’s chest.

“About five miles away. I’ve been here ever since.”

“What made you run? I mean… maybe that’s too personal.”

Hudson coasted his hand over the slight swell of Jude’s pec and thumbed over his nipple, which stood at attention, pert and flushed, like his lips and cheeks. It was a good color on him.

“My parents sent me away to one of those ‘pray away the gay’ places, which obviously didn’t work, but it probably saved my life since my mom had to haul Papi off me when she told him why I needed to go there. He had so much pride, and having a gay son wasn’t something he could live with. It was as if me being gay made him gay. I was accosted by religion and hatred for who I was from that day until I left, so I became an expert at being secretive and learned to lie through my teeth while living with them. My eighteenth birthday Papi and I fought, and I ended up with another black eye. I packed a bag and snuck out of the house while they were sleeping.”

“Did they call the cops or anything?”

Hudson shook his head and knew his smile was pathetic. He still held hope he and his father could reconcile. He knew Papi would be proud of him and what he’d accomplished on the commune. “I left a note and eventually let them know my address, but in all the years, I’ve gotten one letter.”

“I’ve talked to my parents twice since I left, and both times left me feeling shredded inside.”

“I’m sorry.” Hudson scooted closer and pulled Jude into a tight embrace. The feel of Jude’s warm skin against his own had Hudson’s body responding in no time flat. He kissed Jude’s neck and the sharp line of his jaw. He thrust his fingers into Jude’s spun-gold hair and drew their mouths together.

Jude moved his lips, pressing chaste kisses to Hudson’s, and then he snaked his arm between their bodies. Jude splayed his fingers across Hudson’s chest and pushed him away. He hung his head, looking down at the mattress in what appeared to be shame.

Hudson took the sting out of the rejection by thumbing over Jude’s bottom lip, shiny with saliva. “You have a delectable mouth, like it’s made for kissing.”

Jude laughed. “So do you.” Then he bit his lip and made brief eye contact before scooting back a few inches.

Buy the book:

Amazon Universal link: myBook.to/FarmFresh

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Farm-Fresh-Naked-Organics-Book-ebook/dp/B01A2PHDPW/

Book Trailer:

 

Meet the author:

Posy 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 married to a man who makes sure she doesn’t forget to eat or sleep. Her daughter, a budding author and dedicated Whovian, helps her come up with character names. When Posy’s not writing, she enjoys crafting, hiking, and singing spontaneously about the mundane, just to make normal seem more interesting.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

January 28, 2016

Parker Williams, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, KathyMac Reviews, A.M. Leibowitz, BFD Book Blog, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Gay Book Reviews, Jessie G. Books, Kirsty Loves Books, Nautical Star Books, Book Lovers 4Ever, Caraway Carter, Charley Descoteaux, V’s Reads, Mikky’s World of Books, Alpha Book Club

 

January 29, 2016

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook, Just Love Romance, Unquietly Me, Open Skye Book Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews, Bayou Book Junkie, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Kiki’s Kinky Picks, Happily Ever Chapter, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Louise Lyons, Molly Lolly, Divine Magazine, 3 Chicks After Dark, Inked Rainbow Reads

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Silver Scars’ or book of choice from Posy’s backlist.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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Its Release Day for Second to None (The Breakfast Club #3) by Felice Stevens (excerpt and contest

SecondToNoneRDB Banner

Second to None

The Breakfast Club, Book 3

Felice Stevens

M/M Romance

Second to None

Cover Designer: Reese Dante

Cover Photo: Stock Photo

Release Date: January 28, 2016

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1K7uhSq

Buy Links

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Vp6UK4 |Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NyzbI5 | Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1OWTwcf

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1PBF13e | ARe: http://bit.ly/1nPOp6U | KOBO: http://bit.ly/1nNIQGd

BLURB:

Nightclub owner Marcus Feldman never met a man he didn’t love, at least for the night. Although his best friends have all found love, Marcus shuns their advice to commit to one man and settle down. His past has taught him monogamy and marriage is for fools, and Marcus is anything but a fool.

Tyler Reiss’s dream of dancing professionally is unexpectedly cut short and replaced by a different kind of love. He trades in his ballet slippers for go go boots, and spends his nights dancing at the hottest gay club in the city. Flirting with the customers for tips is easy, but resisting the dark and sexy Marcus is becoming harder to do with each passing day.

Unforeseen circumstances bring Marcus and Tyler closer and though they give in to their mutual passion, both still struggle to guard their hearts. When crises threaten, Tyler and Marcus find their strength in each other rather than falling apart. Tyler must choose to either run, or stay and fight for the life he wants, while Marcus realizes that love doesn’t mean losing himself and opens his heart, making him a better man in the end.

 

TEASERS

STNTeasFinal

 

EXCERPT

“Marcus?”

His eyelids fluttered open to the sight of a hospital room instead of his bedroom. His neck hurt and his legs were contorted in a pretzel-like position. He untangled himself from the chair he’d fallen asleep in after they moved Tyler to a room last night around three a.m., and walked over to the hospital bed where Tyler lay wide-awake.

Tyler stared up at him, confusion apparent in his furrowed brow, but Marcus noticed his bright, pain-free eyes.

“Hey, how’re you feeling?”

“Like someone punched my guts in.” He licked his lips. “Is there any water? I’m really thirsty.”

Marcus took the plastic cup from the swing table next to the bed and poured Tyler a small glass. “Let me raise the bed for you so you don’t spill it.” Tyler nodded and Marcus pressed the button and watched the head of the bed raise up a few inches before stopping. “Here. Drink it slow.”

Tyler gave him a searching look but said nothing and drank his water. His head fell back on the pillow, and he closed his eyes.

“What are you doing here?”

“That’s not very nice. How about: ‘Thanks Marcus for staying the night. I appreciate it.’”

He grinned at Tyler who rolled his eyes. “Thanks Marcus for staying the night. I appreciate it.” He sighed. “But why are you here? And what time is it anyway?”

Marcus consulted his watch. “It’s seven a.m. The doctor said last night when they brought you into the room here that if you didn’t show any signs of a concussion, they’d spring you out sometime this morning.”

“Okay. But that doesn’t answer my question about what you’re doing here.”

“I stayed to make sure you were okay, plus I’m taking you home when you’re discharged.”

“I can call a cab.” Tyler winced as he sat up. “I’m fine, and it doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as it did yesterday.” His fingers touched his side. “They have me taped up pretty well.”

“Let me see.” Before Tyler responded, Marcus placed his hand over Tyler’s rib cage and felt the bulky bandage through the thin fabric of the hospital gown. He slid his hand around Tyler’s waist.

“Marcus, stop,” Tyler warned.

“Stop what?” He might be far from innocent, but he could play the part.

“Oh, am I interrupting?” A nurse walked in with a tray and a thermometer. “I’m sorry, but I have to give him his meds and take his BP and temperature.”

“I hope you’re taking it rectally. I was always told it gave the most accurate reading. Is that true?” He stepped away from the bed and winked at the nurse, who broke out in laughter.

“Marcus, shut up,” said Tyler, not even trying to hide the exasperation in his voice.

“Oh Marcus, you’re silly.” She bit her lips to stop her amusement. “Don’t worry, Mr. Reiss. Your boyfriend is right, but we take it by the eardrum method. It’s very accurate as well.” She busied herself, unaware of Tyler’s glare. “Just relax now.”

After finishing, she pulled away the blood pressure machine and smiled. “Very good. All your vitals are excellent. How’s your head?”

“Hard as a rock,” Marcus spoke before Tyler could answer.

“Oh, you’re a kidder.” She patted him on his arm. “I think it’s sweet the way you stayed here all night to make sure everything was okay. And now you get to take him home and baby him.”

Watching Tyler grow angrier by the minute was a better show than anything he’d ever watched on television. “I’m looking forward to it. I may have to borrow a nurse outfit.”

The nurse’s laughter followed her out the door, but Tyler was having none of it. Seeing the hostility in his blue-gray eyes, Marcus girded himself.

“What the hell are you talking about? I’m not going home with you.”

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter: http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=d43061d90bf2256eb322ed69f&id=586ac8fa57

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An Ali Audiobook Review: Snowman by Isabelle Rowan (audio version)‏ and Narrator Brad Walton

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
SnowmanAUDWe all find ways to run away. Some do it in seclusion, others in the arms of lovers.

Since the death of his long-time partner, Caleb Maguire lives a quiet life in Australia’s Victorian high country with only his dog and horses for company. Each day is the same. There are no surprises—good or bad—until a major snowstorm hits his mountain and Caleb is called out to rescue a stranded tourist. The late night snow brings with it a lost soul who forces Caleb to reassess his solitary life.

Paul Turner is a barista in the trendy Melbourne suburb of Carlton. He lives life totally in the moment, but a life of no commitments is about to change for this city boy. Three days is all it takes for Paul to fall hard for Caleb, and Paul returns to the city with a promise he’ll be back after turning his life around… but only when all the roads are clear.
 
 
This was an interesting story for me.  Parts of it were so beautiful.  Parts of it were slow and boring.  It started off good with Caleb rescuing Paul from an accident and them spending a few days together until Paul can go home.  The majority of the rest of the story is them apart.  I liked both of them but I didn’t feel any chemistry between them and I really had a hard time believing they cared about each other so much after three days and sporadic texts.  There was also a boring side story of Paul’s roommate which took up a lot his story time.  The book is really about the two of them separately dealing with personal issues.  Even at the end we barely see them together.  What was the draw to me was the story of Caleb and his dead partner.  Caleb often thinks back to the moments they had together and the moments leading up to Mike’s death from cancer.  Those were some beautifully touching and heart breaking scenes.  My eyes filled with tears more than once.  Caleb’s grief is so strong you could feel it.  I did this on audio and the narrator was average.  His voice was nice and he did the different characters well but it all seemed slow.  This was one where I truly could not tell if it was the story, the narration or a bit of both that was the problem.
 
Cover art by Garrett Leigh. I love this cover.  I think it’s beautiful and a great representation of this story.  
Book Details:
Brad Walton
Length9 hours and 32 minutes
ebook, 276 pages
Published May 4th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC
ISBN 163476028X (ISBN13: 9781634760287)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Take a Walk on the Sinful Side with Jambrea Jo Jones’ ‘Vegas Sin City’ (character interview, excerpt and giveaway)

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Vegas Sin Blog Tour

Jambrea Jo Jones

Hi everyone, Jambrea Jo Jones here! Today I’ll be introducing you all to another character from my new release, Vegas Sin. This time we’re interviewing Owen.

“Owen, it’s only fair that I interview you as well. I talked to Harrison about a birthday memory. I think, for you, I’d just like your happiest memory.” I put my hands in my lap and waited for him to respond.

Owen fidgeted in his seat, but seemed game for the question.

“I can do that. I mean, I’m generally a happy guy. Or I try to be. It could be said I’m happiest when I’m messing with my partner, but that isn’t the best moment I had.”

“No?”

“It’s fun, but it’s only a brief moment of happy. No. There are other things.”

“Like what?”

“Didn’t you write the story?” Owen gave me one of those ‘duh’ looks.

“Well—I know of a couple, but figured since, you know, this is an interview of sorts I’d let you talk about it.”

“See? Fun times messing with people.” Owen winked.

“Get on with your memory.” I couldn’t hold back a grin.

“Yes, ma’am.”

There was a pause.

“Now, would be nice.”

“Hold on.” Owen held up a hand. “Okay. I think most would expect me to say Harrison is my happiest, but he is in the now and future. For a memory, I’d have to go with the night my niece was born.”

“Were you there?”

“Well, yeah, but not in the room. My sister needed a ride to the hospital. I did the brother thing and made sure she got there. We were lucky she didn’t have it the car!”

“I stayed outside in the waiting room until they called me back. I mean—babies aren’t the best to look at when they’re that fresh, but that little munchkin stole my heart that day. That little life was one I would protect with everything I am. She’s grown into a cute kid. I think she kind of looks like her uncle.” Owen winked. “The thing is, I haven’t been there for her as much as I’ve wanted to. I have work and she’s been off with my sister. That kid has grown up before she needed to, so now I’m trying to make up for that. Show her it’s okay to be a kid and she doesn’t have to protect her mom. I’ll be there for both of them.”

“And Harrison?”

“Oh, she stole his heart from the first meeting. She’ll do that to you. My niece is one special kid.”

“So when it’s time for her to date…”

“You’re kidding, right? Not. Happening.”

“I hate to tell you this, Owen, but it is so going to happen, but I’m sure you’ll be there for any heartbreak. Just remember the ice cream.”

“You just stop. Right now. First you have her dating, now she’s getting a broken heart? Where’s my gun?”

I laughed.

“Keep laughing it up there, Ms. Jones. Come talk to me when your son is dating.”

That stopped me and I glared at Owen.

“I think we’re done here. Harrison, come get your man.”

Now it was Owen laughing as he met Harrison at the door.”

“Got ya!”

I watched them walk away, thinking of what other fun things I could put them through.

About Jambrea Jo Jones:

Jambrea wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but life impeded the dreams. She put her writing aside and went to college briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force. After serving in the military, she returned home to Indiana to start her family. A few years later, she discovered yahoo groups and book reviews. There was no turning back. She was bit by the writing bug.

She enjoys spending time with her son when not writing and loves to receive reader feedback. She’s addicted to the internet so feel free to email her anytime.

Vegas Sin

Vegas Sin (Totally Five Star)
by Jambrea Jo Jones
(Sales link above)

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Vegas Sin blurb

Sex, weddings and gambling hold a back seat to kidnapping and murder in the city of sin…

Owen Carpenter sets aside one night each month to relax at the Totally Five Star, but a case has just landed on his desk that has those nights disappearing for the foreseeable future. Someone is kidnapping women in Las Vegas and Owen needs to stop them before the women end up dead.

Harrison Boone is head of security at the Totally Five Star. He notices a man who comes in once a month and he wants to know more about him. When Owen introduces himself, there’s an instant attraction between Harrison and Owen, but they are interrupted by a kidnapping—at his hotel. After Harrison leaves the military, the hotel becomes his life, so Harrison will do anything to keep the hotel out of the news and protect its reputation.

Can Owen and Harrison find love in Sin City, or will the case of the disappearing women crush what might be the best bet the men have ever placed?

Pairing: MM
Book Length: Novel
Genre: Erotic Romance, Gay, Contemporary, Crime and Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense

Vegas Sin Excerpt

Now he needed coffee—stat. He hated the slop they had in the office, but it was better than nothing. He’d forgotten to set his coffeemaker up to brew last night. Of course, he’d been dealing with a sobbing sister and a too-serious niece. He hoped that nothing big had been tossed on his desk, but he wasn’t sure he’d get that lucky. It had been a busy week—not that he should be surprised—since it was Vegas, after all. The lights and gambling attracted all kinds. It kept him busy most days. Owen had just wrapped up a case late yesterday. A domestic violence situation where the boyfriend had killed the girlfriend. It was pretty open and shut, but he’d still had to cross his T’s and dot his I’s so the guy didn’t get off on a technicality.

At least he wasn’t set to testify anytime soon. He hated going to court. He’d rather be solving cases. Some of the other guys looked at it like a day off, but not him. All those people staring at him while he did his best not to fidget in the seat.

His partner was out on leave so that left him picking up the slack. They had a few cases open that he’d have to take a look at and see what else he could do, as long as something new didn’t take priority.

The coffeepot was almost empty. There probably wasn’t even enough for a cup. It seemed the guys did that shit all the time. Owen poured the little bit into his cup. At least it would give him a jolt while he waited for a fresh batch to brew. He didn’t even think about how long the pot had been setting there. The others would pass it up in a heartbeat and wait until someone else made it, then they would all jump on it like vultures. Shit. He really should have brewed some at home.

Maybe he would swing by a Starbucks later. He hated to spend the extra money, but he couldn’t live without the nectar of the gods. The sludge in his cup wasn’t going to cut it. After one sip, he dumped it out. Nothing was going to save that coffee. Leaving the pot brewing, he made his way to his desk. It was pretty quiet. The shift change meeting wouldn’t happen for about an hour, so he had time to go through the files from yesterday.

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Pride Publishing January Blog Tour Competition:

Enter Pride Publishing’s monthly competition for your chance to win a free eBook of your choice! (Not including boxsets or anthologies.)  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Enter here: http://www.pride-publishing.com/blog-tour-competition-january

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A BJ Audiobook Review: Daylight Again (Hell or High Water #3) by S.E. Jakes and Adam North (Narrator)

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

Daylight Again audiobookBefore Prophet Drews can have a future, he must first put his past to rest.

Prophet Drews is a man on the edge, and he’s pulling Tom Boudreaux, his partner on the job and in real life, right over with him. When his old CO calls in a favor, Prophet asks Tom to join the off-the-grid rescue. But the mission raises all of Prophet’s old ghosts: CIA assassins, the terrorist Sadiq, and most importantly, John—traitor, former teammate, and Prophet’s first love.

To help bury those ghosts for good, Prophet and Tom gather the members of Prophet’s former SEAL team . . . and a spook named Cillian who’s been tailing Prophet for years. In the process, Prophet is forced to face his team’s shifting loyalties, ghosts who refuse to stay dead, and scariest of all, his own limitations.

With everyone’s lives in danger, Prophet and Tom must unravel a tangled knot of secrets, including their own. Prophet must decide how much to reveal to Tom, while Tom must decide how far he’s willing to go to help Prophet lay his ghosts to rest.

With books one and two of this audio series, I’d already read prior to listening. This one I had not, and since it’s very complex with a ton of characters, I was worried I’d be a bit lost. I needn’t have worried. The narrator did an excellent job of keeping me in touch with all the characters and his voice was easy to listen to.

This book picks up about four months after the end of the prior book, and it does finally provide a few of the moments I’d been waiting for between Tom and Prophet, and they lived up to my expectations in traditional Tom/Prophet style. Whereas book two explored Tom more, this one we get to see more inside of Prophet. I loved seeing a bit of a softer side to Prophet. Yes, in this book we see Tom and Prophet’s relationship solidified but not with flowers and sweetness. The times when they weren’t having sex showed how the act helped them both to deal with their emotions. Enjoyed BDSM elements that came into play in this one.

Having read the first book of the Dirty Deeds series and waiting impatiently for book  two for a while, I was pleased to see some bits of the relationship between Mal and Cillian come out in this story. It was also enjoyable to see more of Remy from book two and to finally see a few of the baddies get their due. Alas many more wait in the wings, including the ever-mysterious John.

As I’ve come to expect from this series, this book is packed with hot sex, action, ass kicking, fighting, interrogating, and even jumping out of airplanes. And the plot moved along very nicely in this one with quite a few of the questions about Prophet’s past with John being revealed, while still leaving much open and ending on a cliffhanger that will have me loading book 3.5 onto my iPhone tomorrow.

A few things I saw as inconsistencies kept me from giving it a higher star rating, such as in one of the final scene, Prophet’s wrists are tied behind his back and jerked viciously enough that he states he knows he’ll need them in casts again, but in the next chapter a few weeks later, they are not in casts and no mention that they had been. And the twist at the end didn’t sit “right” to me given what we know of all these men’s skills. Perhaps that will change as I read the next book, which I am eager to do, but I know that one is just a short and the knowledge that the final book in this series is unavailable at this time and quite a bit overdue makes me sad.

The cover by L.C. Chase fits those for the previous books in the series but isn’t as sexy as those prior.

Sales Links:  Riptide Publishing | Audible | Amazon


Book Details:  

6 hrs 57 mins

Audible Audio, 7 pages
Published December 16th 2015 by Audible Studios (first published May 2nd 2014)
ASINB016WPY4R6
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHell or High Water #3, Extreme Escapes, Ltd.

Love Fairytales Adultstyle? Check out ‘The Naked Prince and Other Tales From Fairyland’ by Joe Cosentino (guest post and giveaway)

The Naked Prince cover

The Naked Prince and Other Tales From Fairyland by Joe Cosentino

published by Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Sales Link:  Dreamspinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Joe Cosentino back to talk about his latest novel,  THE NAKED PRINCE AND OTHER TALES FROM FAIRYLAND.  Welcome, Joe, would you care to share some of the inspiration behind this collection of stories with our readers?

Thanks, Melanie, I have always been entranced by fairytales, the beautiful stories of peasants becoming princes and princesses and finding true love. I wanted to live in those palaces, meet the charming princes, and bring financial equality to those kingdoms. As I read and reread my favorite fairytales, I was saddened to see no openly gay characters in any of my favorite stories. I asked myself, ‘Why couldn’t a peasant boy fall in love with a prince? Wouldn’t a tired, hungry, homeless blond boy seek refuge in a house with three bears? What was Pinocchio’s growing appendage trying to tell him?  Did Jack enjoy his time with the Giant more than he let on? Could the Snow Queen be a handsome, frigid prince?’ So I wrote the four romantic, humorous, and adventurous stories in my new novella releasing from Dreamspinner Press on January 27. Attached is the ARC and press flyer with all the information. I hope you will twinkle your fairy dust and review them. Big hugs from fairyland!

                                ~Joe Cosentino

The Naked Prince cover

About The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland

Cinder, a poor and beautiful young man who designs clothing, makeup, and hair for his stepmother and stepsisters, offers his clothing and slippers to a naked stranger in the woods who turns out to be none other than Prince Charming. Follow Cinder and Prince Charming in this twist on the classic “Cinderella” tale, as they discover their inner strengths and find their very own happily ever after. Enjoy “The Naked Prince” and three other reimagined Tales from Fairyland, each with a unique spin on stories we all know and love, including “The Golden Rule,” where eighteen-year-old Gideon Golden, after being thrown out of his home in Fairyland by his homophobic parents, breaks into the cottage of three burly men on Bear Mountain, “Whatever Happened To…?,” in which friction ensues between a celebrity with a growing appendage and the reporter who has a thing for giants, and “Ice Cold,” where young Gaelen must save his love Kieran after a handsome but evil prince freezes Kieran’s heart and bewitches him into being the prince’s slave.

About the Author

Amazon Bestselling author Joe Cosentino wrote An Infatuation, A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays, The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press), Drama Queen the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), Drama Muscle the second Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), Paper Doll the first Jana Lane mystery (Whiskey Creek Press), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, Charles Keating, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming releases are Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward(Nine Star Press) and Porcelain Doll the second Jana Lane mystery (Wild Rose Press releasing March 15).

 You can contact/follow Joe Cosentino at:

 

Fantasy Romance, gay fiction,
ASIN: ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-758-3
Pages or WC: 30,000 words

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland, Joe Cosentino is giving away one ebook from his backlist to a Rafflecopter winner, winner’s choice of book excluding The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

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