Category: M/M Contemporary Fiction

In the Book Spotlight: Andrew’s Prayer by Ashavan Doyon (excerpt and giveaway)

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Book Name: Andrew’s Prayer by Ashavan Doyon
Release Date: July 8, 2015

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Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: Brandon Clay

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Sales Links:   Torquere Books

STRW Author BookSynopsis

For Andrew Tuttleman, sex is a means to an end. With a mother too sick to pay the bills on her own and college bills to pay, Drew has spent years resorting to sex with strangers to keep a roof over his mother’s head and keep himself at school, far away from the hell where he grew up. This summer, his usual tricks are still paying the bills. But there’s a new one, Grant, who never got the memo that a trick is a no-strings deal. Convinced that Drew is the answer to a hopeless prayer, Grant seems ready to pursue Drew to the ends of the earth.

Drew, on the other hand, isn’t so convinced. Grant comes with trouble in the form of a wife and three kids, not to mention a single and unwavering requirement: that Drew give up his livelihood. Grant’s kiss makes Drew ache for more, a romance that he never dreamed possible. He finds himself unexpectedly willing to try. Can Drew weather Grant’s angry father, wife, and a daughter determined to kick him in the shins so hard that he’ll leave Grant’s life forever? It all relies on Grant’s faith in an impossible prayer.

Pages or Words: 76,300 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, New Adult

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

Andrew Richard Tuttleman approached the ramshackle cinderblock house cautiously. There was another car parked in front, off the side of the road, and his mom didn’t drive. The voices inside were loud, and not in any sort of good way. Drew’s car was parked in the driveway, filled with suitcases and a few boxes that he’d left there. He’d stored more back at the University, but he wasn’t certain just what sort of reception he’d get. Not now that his mom knew.

Coming home hadn’t been a difficult choice. Sure, it was over a thousand miles. Sure, it was going to be hot, sticky, and miserable. It was still home. His mom was the only person in his life who’d said “I love you” that he had believed. She’d even said it after she found out. She’d been in tears, she’d screamed. But she’d still said “I love you,” and Drew never doubted for a moment that she’d meant it.

The screaming in the house got worse. It took only moments for Drew to reach the house and fling open the door. Any other time it would be kept locked in a self-delusional attempt to pretend safety, but the three chains that helped secure the door hung limply from the wall. A towering white man with a bushy black beard and a shaved head stood threateningly over Drew’s mom. He was in jeans and leather vest — no shirt.

“I done gave you your extra week. Now where’s my fucking money, b–“

“Don’t you dare finish that,” Drew said. He felt his leg for the comforting distension the knife he always carried made in his pants.

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

Ashavan Doyon spends his days working with students as part of the student affairs staff at a liberal arts college. During lunch, evenings, and when he can escape the grasp of his husband on weekends, he writes, pounding out words day after day in hopes that his ancient typewriter-trained fingers won’t break the glass on his tablet computer. Ashavan is an avid science fiction and fantasy fan and prefers to write while listening to music that fits the mood of his current story. He has no children, having opted instead for the companionship of two beautiful and thoroughly spoiled pugs. A Texan by birth, he currently lives in New England, and frequently complains of the weather.

Ashavan went to school at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, getting his degree in Russian and East European Studies, with a focus in language and literature. He has two incomplete manuscripts from college that he goes back compulsively to fiddle with every so often, but is still not happy with either of them.

He still loves fantasy and science fiction and reads constantly in the moments between writing stories. 

Ashavan loves to hear from readers and can be reached at ashavandoyon@gmail.com

Where to find the author:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ashavandoyon.writer
Twitter: @ashavandoyon
Website: http://www.ashavandoyon.com

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Tour Dates & Stops: July 3, 2015

Parker Williams, Molly Lolly, Full Moon Dreaming, My Fiction Nook, Andrew Q. Gordon, Happily Ever Chapter, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Love Bytes, BFD Book Blog, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Inked Rainbow Reads, Jessie G. Books, It’s Raining Men, Michael Mandrake, Velvet Panic

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Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Andrew’s Prayer’.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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A Sammy Review: Out in the Open (Browerton University #1) by A.J. Truman

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

When Ethan thought about it, though, when was the last time he had had real fun? College was supposed to be a party. For him, it’d been more of a dinner party.

Out in the Open coverEthan Follett is a good student. He’s passionate about law and has big dreams, and most of the time you can find him studying or hanging out with his small group of friends – never at a party. He spent his time in high school invisible, and that’s mostly how he’s spending it in college, too.

Greg Sanderson throws a wrench into that plan. Greg is disarmingly witty, always trying to sink further under Ethan’s skin, and it’s working. But when he pushes too far, they both get the shock of their life… something that leads to much more.

Things are changing for Ethan. Between public (sex)capades, new friends, and falling hard, he’s not sure how long he can be someone’s dirty little secret.

“Since when did you become so invincible?”

“Since I met you.”

I so enjoyed this. I literally destroyed it, in the sense that once I started to read I could not stop. Come hell or high water (or a 6AM wake up, whatever) I was going to consume this all tonight, and boy did I.

I so fell in love with the characters. I was worried at first that we wouldn’t get to see more of who Greg truly is, but then the author really delivered, especially when they included Sahil in everything. I would’ve liked to get to see even more of Greg’s world, especially with Ethan in it.

ANYWHO. I was surprised at how much fun I had with this. I was wary initially with the stereotypes that Ethan and his friends had towards fraternities/sororities (being a member myself), but with characters like Lorna, I was pleasantly surprised. She summed it up well in saying that some people suck, but not all. Well, her words were much more eloquent, but you get the point.

The cover art by James at GoOnWrite.com is nice and simple. It’s a good-looking guy, so I certainly appreciate that, but it doesn’t say anything special about that story, I’m afraid. Still nice to look at though.

So now that I’ve read this I can go to bed happy and hope for more of Ethan and Greg? Please? I’m quite looking forward to Behind Closed Doors.

Sales Links:  All Romance eBook  |  Amazon  |  Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook
Published September 25th 2014 by Smashwords Edition
original titleOut in the Open
ISBN139781310110993
seriesBrowerton University #1

Southern College Boys in Love: University of Southern Georgia: Davy & Tony by Heath Greenfield (excerpt and contest)

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University of Southern Georgia: Davy & Tony by Heath Greenfield
Series: University of Southern Georgia
Release Date: July 1, 2015

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Goodreads Link:
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BS Clay

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Sales Links:   Torquere Books

STRW Author BookSynopsis

Love is a funny thing…it happens when and where you least expect it.

Tony has been having a rough couple of days. His dad caught him with a dirty magazine, which would have been embarrassing enough. But when his dad realized it was a gay magazine, he chased Tony down the street. Luckily, Uncle Alfonso and Aunt Luciana have taken him in. Now, he’s out to the world, going to school during the day, and working in the family restaurant at night.

Davy has become what he always dreamed of being: an Army Ranger. He loves everything about it. He’s assigned to Fort Benning and works as an analyst. He also happens to be gay, but even with the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, he’s careful not to let his personal life get in the way of his professional goals. His friends know, but he’s never introduced them to anyone he has dated…until he meets Tony, who changes everything.

Between their sexual chemistry and their deepening friendship, their love seems fated, but when Davy is about to be deployed, he finds out something that rocks him to his core and makes him doubt both Tony and himself. He’s left wondering if he’s strong enough to win this battle.

Pages or Words: 31,200

Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

Monday morning dawned with red in the sky.
Rolling himself out of bed, Davy dressed in shorts and a T-shirt and went for a run. The park, woken by the sun, stretched out in early morning beauty. The birds called revelry, and the squirrels their chattering. The park was large enough to encompass several trails, and it was made up of gentle, rolling hills. The trails were smooth and kept mulched to encourage walkers and joggers to use them. The trails intertwined liberally with the sidewalks and, with them, little stands where food carts met the needs of the morning rush. He thought it was an odd but comfortable intersection of those enjoying time away and those rushing to get somewhere.
Davy’s muscles uncoiled as he ran. His strides lengthened, and joy filled him as endorphins rushed throughout his body. He was master of his fate.
He passed a few early morning joggers, then saw a runner whose path was merging with his just ahead. Not jogging, but flat out running as though hellhounds were loosed upon him.
As their paths met, Davy realized that it was Tony…the elusive librarian/waiter. His face was plagued with sorrow, and his pace ate away at the ground. Tony pistoned around each curve chopping away at the distance. It looked like his body was an automaton separate from his mind.
“Hey,” Davy called out. “Tony, wait.”
At first, nothing happened, but then, as though the words had needed time to sink in, Tony turned his head toward him. Davy was shocked to see a black eye and jagged scrapes across Tony’s cheek.
Tony slowed and stopped. He looked so lost.
Davy’s heart ached at the pain in Tony’s face but he stayed quiet for the moment and nodded toward a coffee stand off to the side of the path where it joined up with the sidewalk. Tony hadn’t said a word…he just sort of floated to the sidewalk beside him.
He ordered two coffees and when Tony indicated, doctored up one with milk and sugar. Walking over to a grassy rise off to the side of the walkway, he waited for Tony to sit. Tony stretched out his long legs.
“Here.” He handed him the coffee, then sat down next to him.
“Thanks.”
They sat there silently for about ten minutes before he had the ability to speak.
“What happened?”
Tony laughed, a slightly high pitched noise that held no humor.
“My dad…he doesn’t approve of my…life choices.”
“Mm.” Davy grunted, but he kept still.
“He doesn’t want a faggot for a son.” Tony slid his gaze sideways as if to assess Davy’s reaction.
“That’s rough,” Davy said, but he bit back more.
“Sorry if I shocked you,” Tony said.
“Of all the things I am, I’m not shocked.”
“No? Then what are you?”
Davy gave him his own assessing glace. He smiled a little. “Glad.”

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

Sharing adventures, love, passion, and even sadness informs us as humans. That’s what motivates Heath Greenfield’s writing. Heath sits at the computer in Daytona Beach and wishes thoughts could just flow straight onto paper. Assisted by two cats, a schnauzer, a boxer, and the best mutt ever, the author gets to write novels…and considers it the best job ever!

Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008744179016
Twitter: https://twitter.com/heathgreenfield
Blog: http://heathgreenfield.blogspot.com/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/117892188593521718157/posts

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Tour Dates & Stops:
Parker Williams, Full Moon Dreaming, Andrew Q. Gordon, Happily Ever Chapter, Michael Mandrake, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BFD Book Blog, Bike Book Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Mikky’s World of Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Boys on the Brink Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Jessie G. Books, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic

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Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘University of Southern Georgia: Davy & Tony’.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the author and   Pride Promotions.

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A MelanieM Review: Velocity (Flight HA1710 #2) by Sara York

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Velocity coverThe crash of Flight HA1710 brings life into focus for Phil Stewart. Before meeting Davin Tierney, love seemed only a myth to Phil, but one night in New York City changed everything, giving him something he didn’t even know existed. But Phil wasn’t comfortable saying I love you. During the crash, Davin suffers a brain injury, leaving him in a coma. Phil wonders how love can be so cruel to give him Davin and then take him away so suddenly.

Davin never intended to give Phil a second look, but Phil broke through barriers and made amazing overtures before stalling on the word love. The crash changes everything, and he’s no longer willing to play it safe, but can Phil actually change from the playboy Davin first met?

Velocity by Sara York is the second in the airline disaster series HA1710 from a group of writers.  Six authors are telling the stories of six couples deeply impacted by this tragedy because they were on the plane when it went down or because they were closely connected to it.  The idea behind this series is a moving and emotional one.  Book one, Retrograde by RJ Scott, kicked off the series with a terrific installment from the surviving pilot’s POV.  Now comes Sara York’s Velocity and we’re caught up in the aftermath from the perspective of a couple that were passengers on the flight who survived the crash…just.

The couple, Phil Stewart and Davin Tierney, are flying to Chicago from their home in Ireland in order for Davin to meet Phil’s mother, who’s health has left her unable to travel.  Phil is taking their 6-month  relationship to the next level and this indicates just how serious he is about David and their future together.  Then the plane crashes shortly after takeoff.

The story opens a day after the crash.  Phil is hospitalized with his injuries and desperate to find out what happened to Davin.  Its one frantic, pain filled scene after another and its Phil’s  anguish and uncertainty that pulls us into their story.  We understand his panic and frustration with the hospital personnel, and the lack of information available since the crash is still so fresh.  I thought this was actually the best section of the story.  Its impact is immediate and  deeply felt.

Interspersed with scenes from the present day activities and Phil’s attempts to find Davin, we get flashbacks to the night when player Phil first encounters Davin leaving a club in Chicago.  Their first connection is electric and it changes their lives in an instant.  That is especially true for Phil, who is a “love them and leave them” sort of individual.  These scenes worked too.  I believed in Phil and Davin’s bond and Phil’s surprise at the strength of his own feelings.

For the majority of Velocity, I found the story and the couple realistic and believable.  Their  plight was moving,  and the situation around them had the authentic feel of the aftermath of a catastrophe.  But then something almost indefinable  occurs and the story and their relationship (or perhaps more realistically my interest in their relationship) started to wain.  The narrative becomes a bit jumbled as the men try to pick up their lives again.

York only partially addresses the mental and emotional state of those who have just survived a tragedy of  such enormous measure, the impact upon them felt fleeting and unbelievable.   There is one scene that appears with an emotional explosion that lifts the ennui that has settled over the plot, which would be fine (and authentic) except the author has laid no foundation for it previously in her story.  It comes out of nowhere and disappears just as quickly.  And the fact that this element was a fascinating turn of events (one of the better ones), left this reader feeling frustrated at its promise and loss.

Velocity is a sweet story that had the potential of a terrific one, the promise of which dribbles away as the story moves to its conclusion.  Still, I’m happy  to  have made Phil and Davin’s acquaintance and look forward to the next story in the series, Flashbulb by Clare London.  We meet up with Rory Kendrick from RJ Scott’s story, Retrograde, in a moving scene at the hospital and I hope that’s an element we will have in each story as the investigation of the crash and the impact on peoples lives moves forward.   I really like this series and can’t wait to see where the stories and characters go next.

If you love reading  sweet M/M romance with a hint of angst, this story is for you.

Cover art by Meredith Russell is amazing.  I love the way the artist has branded the series and yet still keep each cover individual in design.  Great job.

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

Book Details:

ebook
Published June 19th 2015 by Smashwords Edition
ISBN139781310523052
seriesFlight HA1710 #2

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Flight HA1710 series

6 authors, 6 primary works

When Flight HA1710 crashes killing seven people the after effects are too many to think on. But how does the crash change people’s lives? From the pilot to the guy who missed the plane we chart the stories of those whose lives were impacted by the crash.

  • Retrograde (Flight HA1710 #1) by R.J. Scott
  • Velocity (Flight HA1710 #2) by Sara York
  • Flashbulb (Flight HA1710 #3) by Clare London
  • Fallout (Flight HA1710 #4) by Meredith Russell
  • Aviophobia (Flight HA1710, #5) by Serena Yates
  • Fracture (Flight HA1710 #6) by Amber Kell

Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Helping Hand by Jay Northcote

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Wanking with a mate isn’t gay—as long as you keep your hands to yourself.

Helping Hand_FINALJez Fielding and James MacKenzie—Big Mac to his mates—are in their second year at uni. After partying too hard last year, they make a pact to rein themselves in. While their housemates are out drinking every weekend, Jez and Mac stay in to save cash and focus on their studies.

When Jez suggests watching some porn together, he isn’t expecting Mac to agree to it. One thing leads to another, and soon their arrangement becomes hands-on rather than hands-off. But falling for your straight friend can only end badly, unless there’s a chance he might feel the same.

A double whammy GFY story, this is the story of Jez and Mac, two flatmates struggling through their second year of uni together and giving each other a helping hand in more than just homework.

Jez Fielding overextended himself monetarily in his first year of school and not only found himself flat broke, but also with a huge mountain of debt. His wealthy parents refuse to bail him out; instead, helping him set up a budget so that he can get his schoolwork done, work part time, and start to climb out of debt. He’s very serious about proving himself to them so he makes a commitment to stay home unless there’s a special occasion like a birthday to celebrate.

Joining him in staying home is his buddy, and fellow flatmate, James MacKenzie, aka Mac. Mac nearly failed out of school his first year, and since his father hadn’t wanted him to go college but wanted him to work in his business, Mac has to pull his grades up this year or he won’t have the financial assistance to continue. Mac is only too happy to stay home with Jez while their friends party, and the bonus is that Jez shows him some helpful shortcuts for preparing his essays and helps him study for tests and exams.

The guys always get their work done, but one weekend, they decide to watch porn together then one thing leads to another, and they find themselves jerking off in front of each other. Neither will admit it, but their eyes stray to the other’s groin frequently and both seem to like what they see.

When the opportunity comes up (no pun intended) for Jez to give Mac a blowjob, Mac doesn’t resist, and the guys move to a new stage. Further stages occur as they discover mutual hand jobs, kissing, frottage, and finally full penetration. But the thing is that it’s not casual for Jez anymore. He’s in way over his head because his feelings are involved, and he’s unsure of Mac. And that’s exactly when they are discovered, and everything begins to fall apart.

Will they get back together? Can they ever be a forever couple or will Mac want Jez to be his “dirty little secret” for life? It’s well worth reading this wonderful GFY to find out.

I really enjoyed this story. It had just the right amount of sweetness and angst, stirred together with some great, hot, sexy times. I recommend it to those who enjoy GFY and double GFY.

Cover art by Garrett Leigh is a black-and-white photo showing the bare upper torso of a reclining, dark-haired man with the right amount of five o’clock shadow and looking ready for anything or anyone who comes along.

Sales Links:  Amazon UK | Amazon US | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook
Published June 26th 2015 by Jaybird Press (first published June 24th 2015)
original titleHelping Hand
edition languageEnglish

A Mika Review: Toy with Me (BFP: The Secrets Collection) by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Toy With Me coverAaron is hiding something in his drawers—but that’s not his only secret.

When he moves in with his new housemates, Aaron intends to tell them about his sexuality from the outset. But a large pink item of a personal nature, given as a joke, scuppers his plans and he misses his chance.

Fellow housemate Rob is out and proud. He guesses Aaron is gay, and when he finds Aaron’s other secret concealed in his sock drawer, he takes it upon himself to help Aaron out with a little sexual experimentation.

I really enjoyed this novella. This was the perfect combination of roommates coming together. The writing was great, and the cast of characters were enjoyable as well. It was funny, charming, and a very sweet read. I really enjoyed Rob & Aaron. I would love for a continuation of their story. 

I liked Aaron’s vulnerability, and Rob had this protective streak a mile when it came to Aaron. The TENSION between the two was palpable. You can feel the angst on the page. It was so worth it. When they finally got together it was so HOT. I really liked this. It was a good introduction for me to this author’s style. I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.

Cover Art by ? I rather liked the cover. I thought it was very much Rob with his good looks, and kind heart. It was cute, and I thought it kept up with the series as the other covers.

Sales Links:  |  Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details: 

Published June 19th 2015 by Blanket Fort Press (first published June 17th 2015)
original titleToy With Me
edition languageEnglish
seriesBFP: The Secrets Collection

The Secrets Collection: