A Stella Review: Reindeer Games by Kenzie Cade

RATING 4 out of 5 stars

Reindeer GamesDashing von Stride has one thing on his mind: winning the window display contest for the Miracle on Main Christmas Contest. His plans are set and ready—and then he walks into his toy store, Reindeer Games, to find a sleigh that shouldn’t be there. The mystery sleigh sparks a new plan, however, and now all Dash needs is the perfect Santa to model his display after.

This year, the pranks with his reindeer have gotten out of hand. Instead of preparing for the Big Day, Niklaus Kringle is hunting for his missing sleigh. Locating it should have been easy, but games easily won are seldom worth playing…

I discovered Kenzie Cade with the Portland Pack Chronicles series and when I saw this new holiday short, I was soon curious about it, especially cause… have you seen the cover? Impossible to resist.

Reindeer Games is the story of the toymaker and toy store owner Dash, who lives in a fabolous town, Wassail, where Christmas is highly celebrated and the annual competion of the best window display is coming. Dash is tired of his usual second place. This year he gets a surprise, a sleigh materialized out of nowhere in the middle of his store.

Niklaus is the Prince of the Kingdom of North pole, he comes to Wassail looking for his lost sleigh and  finds his mate. But is Dash ready for a future that it’s waiting for him to learn who he really is?

Reindeer Games (perfect title not just cause it’s the toy store name but for the role a naughty reindeer will have) is a great holiday short. It’s well written and engaging from the start. The dialogues are good and even if it is short, the author gave us some important background on the MCs and amazing second characters, like Tinsel and Pumpkin, the guard team, or Wendy, Dash’s best friend.  It is a sweet and cute reading, I’d have loved to have a couple of chapters more of course, but I felt pretty satisfied at the end, because Reindeer Games is traditional and original at the same time. It filled my heart with its good vibes.

If you’re looking for a magical story on your holidays, quick and dreamy, give this one a chance. Highly recommended!

The cover art by London Burden is what caught my attention first, it is super cute and well done.

Sales Links:  Less Than Three Press | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon | Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 81 pages
Published December 9th 2015 by Less Than Three Press
ISBN139781620046845
Edition LanguageEnglish
settingColorado (United States)

A Paul B Advent Story Review: Worth the Wait by Caitlin Ricci and Cari Z

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Sleigh Ride Advent StoryTate Beckinsale is standing in line to get the autograph of his niece’s favorite author. Thinking he was smart leaving work early and arriving at 4:30 for the 5 o’clock event, he is dismayed to find that the line is already 4 blocks long. To make matters worse, a cold drizzle has started to fall. Things begin to look up for Tate when a handsome young man offers to share an umbrella with him. Brandon is also waiting for the author. When the announcement is made that the store is closing, Tate is disappointed that he has failed his niece. However, the young man with the umbrella, Brandon, takes him straight to the signing table and introduces Tate to his mother. After securing the autographs for Tate, Brandon asks Tate out the following day. Will this be a happy holiday season for the two men?

This is a cute story in the Dreamspinner Press Advent Sleigh Ride series. Through the Skype conversations that Tate has with his niece Addie, you can tell that he would do anything for her. I got the same sense that Brandon might become another doting uncle when his visits Tate during one of these conversations. The fact that Brandon did not tell Tate whom his mother is immediately is understandable as he wants to be liked for who Brandon is, not who is mother is. This is a good short story that feels complete yet I want to learn more about these two characters in the future. That too would be worth the wait.

The cover art is the standard cover for the Sleigh Ride event and will not be commented on.

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

Book Details

EBook, 32 pages
Published: November 30, 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 978-1-63476-939-6
Language: English
Series: Sleigh Ride

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Sleeping ’til Sunrise (Mangrove Stories #5) by Mary Calmes

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Sleeping Til SunriseNumber five in the Mangrove series, this story features sexy fire chief, Essien Dodd. Essien moved to Mangrove when he took the chief position so that his precocious daughter, fourteen-year-old Ivy, would have a safe environment in which to grow up. His ex-wife passed away from cancer during the past year, and he stayed with her and Ivy to care for them until the end. Now he has full custody, and he wants to provide the best home life possible for his little girl.

Essien is a caretaker—from his job, to his family responsibilities, to his friends and neighbors— if someone needs to be taken care of, it’s a sure bet Essien will find out and be there to help. He had divorced his wife when he knew he was gay and needed to come out, and he’s enjoyed his freedom as a gay man since then, but now that Ivy lives with him full time, he doesn’t pursue relationships or one-night-stands because he wants to be available for Ivy 24/7. Ivy, on the other hand, seems to want him to find someone, so much so, that she actively seeks gay men her dad might like. After the match with the school counselor fell through because he was much too young for Essien and because he refused to let his daughter set him up, he finally told her that if he ever finds a man it will be a man, not a young boy, and he’ll find him all by himself.

What he didn’t tell her is that he has his eye on the gorgeous Dr. Roark Hammond. And Roark seems attracted to him as well, but Roark has a secret, and it’s one that Roark feels will put any hope of a long-term relationship into the impossible-to-have category. Will Essien settle for being put off? Will Roark be able to allow Essien to be his caretaker? Will they sleep together ’til sunrise and wake to greet each new day with hope?

I really enjoy this series, and this one has one of the author’s trademark heroes in Essien—the nice guy who doesn’t realize how much others admire and like him and care about his happiness. Essien deserves to find his man, and the man in this story equally deserves a guy like Essien. There’s nothing about this story to dislike. It’s fairly short, a very light read, and a very sweet romance. Another great bedtime story for the holidays.

~~~
Cover Art by Reese Dante depicts a gorgeous black man, sans shirt, standing against a picturesque sunrise coming up over the Atlantic. It’s perfect for this story.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 90 pages
Published December 16th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1627984712 (ISBN13: 9781627984713)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Series Mangrove Stories with links to Barb the Zany Old Lady’s reviews:

A BJ Review: A Policy of Lies by Astrid Amara

Rating:  4.5 stars out of 5

A Policy of LIes coverTwenty years ago, Levi Kaszeri survived a brutal rebellion on the mining colony of Tarus 9. Now as an aspiring reporter, Levi has a mission: to expose the massacre to the public, and bring the men responsible to justice. But after a violent attack, he is rescued—then seduced—by Tiergan Seoras, a young doctor with a dangerous past and a slave tattoo. Soon Levi finds all of his investigations leading him back to Tiergan. And he begins to fear that the best lover he’s ever had may also be his worst enemy.

Let me start by saying the title is VERY apt. This author came on my radar when I read and adored Song of the Navigator earlier in the year. That book impressed me so much that I nominated it for several categories in the M/M Romance’s member awards. Then I read an anthology, Charmed and Dangerous, and wouldn’t you know my favorite story of the group among a stunning cast of authors was Astrid Amara. Of course, I had to read more.

Nice world-building (some of the details were great, like the domed biospheres), sucked me in pretty quickly and kept me hooked with its fast pace, enjoyable female character, seriously sick-ass bad guy(s), and some serious twists. Plenty of action.

The POV character, Levi, is nuanced and well-drawn. We see the whole story through his eyes, and it was amazing to watch all the details coming together for him. Levi seemed stupidly trusting and a mite unobservant in some cases given his status as a investigative reporter and all he’d survived in his past. His single-minded quest for revenge perhaps put blinders on him at times.

Despite (or maybe because of) his mystery, Tiergan fascinated me from the start and that just kept growing as I learned more about him, his strength and sensitivity, his need to help others, his delighted love of birds, and all that we learn about him in the end just about broke my heart.

The characters had chemistry and heat, and would have enjoyed more interaction between them outside of the sex. What was there, I liked a lot, but more would have built up the emotional connection a bit more for me. And the way they jumped right into sex the same night together after Levi had been mugged and beaten pretty badly enough that Tiergan had to do some surgery on him seemed a bit rushed. Despite that, I couldn’t put this down. Highly recommended.

The cover is sexy but it doesn’t do anything to tell me that the genre is sci-fi or much else about the story.

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


Book Details:  

ebook, 181 pages
Published September 9th 2008 by Loose Id (first published September 2008)
Original TitleA Policy of Lies
ISBN139781596327689
Edition LanguageEnglish
URL http://www.astridamara.com/pl.html

In Our Contemporary Romance Spotlight: When It’s Right (Mile High Romance #1) by Aria Grace (excerpt and contest)

Title: When It’s Right (Mile High Romance #1)
Author: Aria Grace

Genre: M/M Romance

Published: December 23, 2013

When Shane Greenly left his home in Casper Mountain, Wy, he was leaving more than just the closet. He needed a fresh start to pursue his dream of running a dog training ranch without having to deny who he really is. 
Meeting Alex was one of the best things that could have happened to Shane. They were at the beginning of a wonderful relationship when the unthinkable happened and Shane had to leave. The consequences of his past mistakes could not be hidden any longer.

“once again Aria has blown me away with another great book! “ ~5 Star Review (by Amy Hertzog on Amazon)

“If you love a good M/M book that is well-written, precise, and adventurous – this book is for you. Two thumbs up and 5 stars!” ~5 Star Review (by Ricky M. Hansen Jr. on Amazon)

“It is a heartwarming story that leaves the reader knowing that things really can work out for the best, and love truly does prevail.” ~5 Star Review (by wtcdean on Amazon)

Finally looking at the texts that came in throughout the day, I see one from Steph from early this morning.
Looks like you’ve been replaced

There is a photo attached of Shane on the lawn with Stormy. She is trying to grab something from behind his back and he’s laughing. He has a perfect smile. Seeing him so happy warms my heart. His dark eyes are so sexy and he looks damn good on my lawn, with my dog and… in my shirt. That is my shirt, right? I can feel little Alex starting to twitch just thinking about how that happened. He fills it out better than I do.
I wore that on Thursday. Why would he put on my dirty shirt? I know why I would put on a guy’s dirty shirt but that couldn’t be his reason… Well, maybe I was wrong about that country boy.
Pulling a couple bottles from the mini bar, I lie back on the bed debating whether to call him or not. I empty the small whisky bottle into a can of Coke that was only half full and grab my phone. He’s wearing my shirt for god’s sake. A straight guy wouldn’t do that.

Before I lose my nerve, I thumb out a quick text to Shane.
I see you met Stephanie.
Not two minutes later, I get a response.
Yeah. She seems nice.
Nice, hunh? That doesn’t give me much. I’ll have to go the more direct route.

She is nice. And single. She’d come over if you called her. She probably even has a hot girlfriend 4 a one nighter if you’re looking 4 something casual.
No way for him to be vague about that. If he responds, I should have my answer.
Thanks but not really my style. LOL

Damn, he’s good.
Which part? The hot girlfriend or the one nighter.
Please say girls, please say girls, please say girls.
Both.
Thank you, sweet baby Jesus!
I guess we have more in common than a love of dogs.
Okay. That was lame. I need another drink. Opening up a bottle of vodka, I drink the shot straight. Just enough to warm me up. It’s been several minutes so I might have spooked him. I try him again.
Is this a bad time?
No. Just took Stormy out one more time and now we’re in bed.

Oops. Forgot to ask about my dog. The whole reason he’s at my house. What a bad daddy I am! Ah well, all the more reason to find her a new daddy. Whoa, I think I feel those shots already.

So are you seeing anyone right now?

No. Very single.

Maybe we can get a drink sometime next week?

Sounds good.

So you’re in bed now? In my bed?

LOL. Yes.

Me too.
Is trying to sext too trashy for our first flirt session? I’m gonna have to assume yes so I’ll let the poor boy go. As hard as it is to do it. And as hard as I am for him.
I’ll let you get comfortable and go to sleep.

OK. Good night Alex.

Good night Shane. BTW, you look fucking hot in my shirt.

Okay, I couldn’t resist that last part.

Born and raised in beautiful California, Aria enjoys the year round sunshine and laid back environment of the west coast. Her career started out in tech writing and web development and has evolved into all things marketing with fingers in everything related to book publishing. 
She lives with her husband and two children and more pets than she can keep track of. Despite her crazy schedule, she loves the time she carves out to read and write. Whether it’s on the beach or on the couch at 2am, she is a woman obsessed!
She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to drop her a note or visit her at www.ariagracebooks.com.
If you’d like to know when Aria’s next book is coming out or where she’ll be signing, join her mailing list at: http://bit.ly/AriaGraceFanList

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Title: When I’m Weak
Series: Mile High Romance #2
Author: Aria Grace
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2015 
Jamie presents a flamboyant and slutty attitude to the world because he’s been hurt before. Even though it’s mostly an act, he hides behind his persona to keep people at arm’s length. With only a small group of trusted friends, he’s vowed to never allow a man to have power over him again. Power to hurt him. Power to take away his freedom. Power to label him as a predator for the rest of his life.
Reed and his sister run a home preschool for toddlers. His focus is on getting credentialed so he can take some of the burden from Abby. He doesn’t have time for friends, much less a lover, but when he meets Jamie, he recognizes something in the man that makes him want to get closer. 
Unfortunately, Jamie’s past prevents him from truly integrating into Reed’s future. It’s not just a matter of the heart. It’s a matter of the law.

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Want Kink and Romance? Get it with Morticia Knight’s ‘Safe Limits’ (excerpt and giveaway)

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Safe Limits ( Kiss of Leather #2) by Morticia Knight
Release Date: December 22, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh

Blurb

The men from Kiss of Leather gather together to rescue a terrified young sub. But it’s Master Derek who wants to keep him for good.

Master Gavin and his boy, Kyle are celebrating their newly established bond when Master Josh calls requesting their help. Josh’s sub, David, needs the men to help his best friend from childhood while they’re away at a BDSM convention in San Francisco.

Corey ran away from his Master after a horrible scene, but he blames himself for everything that happened. No Master would ever want him if they were to find out what he did. Corey’s not sure if he’ll ever feel safe enough to give himself to a Master again anyway, even if all he’s ever wanted was to belong to somebody.

Master Derek agrees to watch over Corey until Josh and David return from the convention. All he needs is another pretty twink messing with his head and his heart, so the older, growly bear of a man determines to keep his distance. But when Corey wakes up screaming after a devastating nightmare, Derek is more drawn than ever to the young sub – the need to keep Corey safe from whatever or whoever has hurt him becoming his main priority.

Kyle and Corey develop a friendship when Corey assists Kyle in the dungeon furniture workshop. Kyle has his own fears – the ones that make him feel he’s broken because of the things he desires to do with Gavin. Through helping Kyle, and receiving his own help through Derek, Corey decides he’s ready to let go of the demons from his past and move forward into a new life.

Now if Corey can only get Derek to believe that he’s ready – and to finally do something about it.

 

 

Pages or Words: 51,265 words, 164 pages
Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Not a standalone, Series should be read in order

Excerpt

Derek was not one to live with mystery – especially with someone under his roof. He respected Corey’s boundaries and his need to keep certain things to himself, but he didn’t think it was completely unreasonable to at least attempt to be friendly with each other. Corey finally answered him.

“I’m usually up pretty early. I can’t sleep much past seven, even when I was going to school and it was the weekend.” Corey’s eyes tracked everything in the kitchen that wasn’t anywhere near Derek. “Plus, I get really tired at night. I used to be the one who fell asleep on New Year’s Eve.”

“Used to be?”

Corey finally looked in his direction. “Tony was more of a night owl. He insisted I stay awake the last few New Year’s.”

“Tony your Dom?”

Corey actually appeared to shrink into himself even more. “Ex-Dom.”

“Hmm.” Derek shut off the burners then pressed the lever down on the toaster. “Hungry?”

“Yeah.” Corey nodded with an enthusiasm that made Derek wonder about the kid’s recent circumstances and whether he’d had enough to eat. He finally lifted his gaze to Derek. “Can I set the table for you? Or…something?”

“I’m not that formal here. You can grab the orange juice and butter from the fridge though. I already have plates and glasses.” Derek wondered if he could draw Corey out of himself a bit more. Mundane topics seemed to be relatively safe. The mention of the Dom had caused him to shut down instantly. “Hope you like chorizo and eggs.”

Corey brought over the items Derek had requested. He set them down then moved quickly away.

“Anything you have is great. I meant…” Corey swallowed, his expression pained. “I meant to say thank you to you last night. I should’ve said it to Gavin…” Corey’s eyes flashed up at him with panic. “Um, Master Gavin and Kyle, but they left before I could tell them. This is really cool of you to do. So, thank you.”

Derek offered him a smile. It wasn’t an expression he employed often, but he sensed that Corey needed some reassuring. “Sure. You’re welcome.” He finished pouring the juice then handed the tumblers back to Corey. “Here you go. Have a seat and I’ll get the rest.”

Corey nodded and did what he was told. Derek found himself intrigued by the young man. It was the absolute last damn thing he needed at the moment, but he couldn’t help it. Corey was too young, too pretty – but he didn’t seem to be too spoiled. Derek ached to know more. All he had to do was figure out how to approach Corey without scaring the shit out of him.

Buy the book:

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

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About the Author:

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

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, The Novel Approach, Divine Magazine, The Hat Party, Happily Ever Chapter, Bayou Book Junkie, BFD Book Blog, V’s Reads, TTC Books and More, 3 Chicks After Dark, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Lovers 4Ever, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, MM Good Book Reviews, Nephy Hart, Bonkers About Books, Jessie G. Books, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Alpha Book Club, Velvet Panic, Gay Book Reviews

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of book one: ‘Building Bonds’.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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An Ali Advent Story Review: Loving and Loathing Vegas (Sleigh Ride – 2015 Advent Calendar) by Lex Chase

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
 
Loving and Loathing VegasJackson has loved Vegas since God created Man—literally. As a demonic incubi hailing from the Seventh Circle of Hell, Jackson and Vegas have never been anything more than roommates. Now living among humans, they run Eaven, a TripAdvisor-recommended detour-worthy diner famous for its devilishly decadent pies. Business is dead on the holidays, and Jackson will gleefully stab himself with a spatula if he has to clean spotless pots and pans one more time.

For fun—or torture—Vegas makes him a bet that should Jackson win, they take a much-needed vacation. Should he lose, he’s doomed to clean out grease traps for all eternity. When the challenge is to fall in love with other people by Christmas, it proves Vegas isn’t the least bit interested. But when they find an abandoned baby in the trash, she could be the Christmas miracle to warm Jackson’s cynical heart.
 
I thought this was a really enjoyable holiday story.  It was creative and outside of the box.  Jackson loves Vegas but has never had the courage to tell him.  The two men make a bet on Thanksgiving as to who can fall in love by Christmas.  Jackson’s heart’s not really in to it but he decides to play along hoping maybe he can finally get over his feelings for the other man. Things get even more complicated when they find a baby girl in the trash outside their restaurant.  There were a few little things that didn’t make sense to me (ie a side story about another couple) but they were not big enough to effect my overall enjoyment of the story.  If you like stories with a paranormal twist you should definitely give this story a try.
 
Cover art by L.C. Chase. I thought this cover was really well done.  It perfectly captures both the holiday and the paranormal aspect of the story.
Sales Links:  Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon | Buy It Here
Book Details:
ebook, 62 pages
Published December 1st 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781634769440
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesSleigh Ride – 2015 Advent Calendar

A Barb, A Zany Old Lady Review: Dom of Ages (Collars and Cuffs #7) by K.C. Wells and Parker Williams

Rating: 5 stars out of 5                 ★★★★★

DomofAgesFSJarod has been a submissive for nearly thirty years. He spent twenty-four years with his last Dom, Master Phillip, who perished in a plane crash four years ago. He’s trying to get back in the scene because he needs someone to serve, but he’s constantly belittled by other subs and Doms, all of whom think a man who is nearly fifty is way out-of-place in the world of BDSM clubs. Just as he’s ready to give up and never return, he’s approached by a young Dom who seems genuinely interested in him.

Eli is only thirty, but he knows what he wants, and he wants a sub who will serve his needs. When he spots Jarod, he recognizes the genuine article—a submissive who is thoroughly a submissive and who shows that in every line of his body, and he knows he won’t be happy unless he can take Jarod home.

Eli does indeed take Jarod home, and Jarod begins his service to Eli that very night. He’s so good at it, in fact, that Eli screws up and puts his own needs ahead of those of his sub, and he fails to comprehend the depth of both Jarod’s loss and his desire to be of service.

When the two eventually do communicate, they find that they work well together, and when Eli finally moves on to scenes and then to sex with Jarod, it’s more than either man could have hoped for. But a harsh reaction from some other submissives at Eli’s club leads them to a new location, Collars and Cuffs, and there their relationship takes a turn for the better. In fact, Jarod’s whole life takes a turn for the better as he makes friends with the other subs in the club—subs we’ve met in past books in this series—Peter, Alex, Scott, Damian, Garrett, Pietro—all are strong secondary characters in this book, and it was an enormous pleasure to have time to “visit” with them and their Doms in this book. In fact, it was one of the highlights of the story for me.

Eli and Jarod explore new scenes; Eli is taught by Thomas how to use sounds on Jarod; and Eli, in turn, offers demos on sounds to other Doms. Jarod and the other subs become close friends, and all work to help Peter prepare a very special surprise for Thomas’s fifty-ninth birthday gift. I have to take a moment here to mention that this was my happy-tears-in-eyes moment in this story. When Thomas pulled Peter into his arms, <spoiler>click here</spoiler> I was sobbing happy, sappy tears!

Of course, there’s going to be a dramatic potential break-up scene as there generally is in all books, but the one in this story was really heartbreaking, and to watch the turmoil both MCs went through was very painful. These authors grabbed my heartstrings with this story and proceeded to dance around me like a maypole, tangling up my emotions and creating a very memorable experience. I loved this story! I think it’s moved up to #two on my list of favorites in this series. (#one is Trusting Thomas—I can’t help myself. I love Thomas and Peter!)

I very highly recommend this book to all lovers of MM romance, BDSM, age gap romance, MCs over forty, and I could go on and on. It’s wonderful. Don’t miss out!

~~~~~

Cover art by Paul Richmond shows an older sub sitting in a cross-legged position in the foreground with a Dom standing to the rear of the scene. The picture illustrates the loneliness Jarod was feeling when Eli came along.

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner Press eBook & paperback | Amazon | Buy it Here

Book Details:

ebook, 264 pages
Expected publication: December 21st 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

Does Age Make A Difference? Find out with ‘Dom of Ages’ by KC Wells & Parker Williams (excerpt/giveaway)

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Dom of Ages (Collars & Cuffs #7) by K.C. Wells & Parker Williams
Release Date: December 21, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond
Photo Credits: Joey Flyfoto, Model: Dirk Caber

 

Blurb

Eli may only be thirty, but he has had enough of pretend submissives. He wants a sub who truly knows how to submit. So when he spies Jarod in a BDSM club, everything about the man screams submission. It doesn’t matter that Jarod has to be about twenty years older than Eli. What does age matter, anyway? Not one to miss an opportunity, Eli moves fast and takes Jarod home with him, without thinking things through. All he can see is what he’s always wanted – a sub who wants to serve.

Jarod spent twenty-eight years with his Master, until Fate took Phillip from him. Four years on, and Jarod is still lost, so when a young Dom takes charge, Jarod rolls with it and finds himself serving again. But he keeps waiting for the shoe to drop. Because there’s going to come a point when Eli realizes he’s a laughing stock in the club. Who would want to be seen with a fifty-year-old sub? And when the moment of humiliation does arrive, Jarod flees. He’d be better off with Phillip.

Despite several missteps, what happens forces Eli to understand that Jarod needs him as much as he needs Jarod. But he knows in order to find happiness, they need friends who will understand. A friend keeps telling him Collars & Cuffs is what they need. Eli finally goes to visit, refusing to risk Jarod being hurt again, and finds everything he’s heard about the club is true. When he takes Jarod, he watches as his sub is met with open arms. As they settle in to their new life, Eli begins to see things differently. And he dares to think he can have it all. Until the phone call that shows him he didn’t realize what he could lose.

 

Pages or Words: 92,000 words
Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, May-December Romance

Excerpt:

Jarod

I eyed the other subs enviously as they preened for the Doms, each hoping to spend an hour in a private room with one of them. I felt like a kid again, always the last one picked for sports. The looks I got ranged from amused to withering. I couldn’t believe I’d subjected myself to this. What was worse, I’d actually expected a different outcome.

I sighed deeply. Who was I fooling? I wasn’t twenty anymore. Hell, I wasn’t even twice that. The Doms wanted someone younger, someone trainable, or, failing that, someone who could give them a hot fuck. I had talents in that department from the many years I had served Master Phillip, but since he died, I’d been a submissive who had no one to serve.

“And what are you supposed to be?” a voice near my ear snapped.

“My name is Jarod, Sir,” I answered quietly, my heart thumping so loudly I was certain he could hear it.

There was a low growl. “I didn’t ask your name. I asked what you think you’re doing here.”

Heaven help me, I told him the truth. “Searching for someone to serve, Sir.”

His braying laugh mocked me. When he saw I was serious, he sobered. “No one is going to take you. No master is going to have you.” Then in a softer voice he added, “Go home. You don’t belong here.”

He was right, of course. It was time I admitted that to myself. This was a world that wasn’t like the one I’d been part of. When Master Phillip and I went to the clubs, there was an understanding. People were respectful, even if they weren’t interested in whatever was going on. This club was awful. It was full of young men strutting around like peacocks, each trying to show off more plumage than the next.

It was time to stop kidding myself. There was no reason for me to stay any longer. I’d be on my way, and then everyone would probably have a good laugh at my expense. At least in that, I would have made someone happy. I was about to stand when I felt a hand on my shoulder and smelled the leather.

“What is it you want?”

His breath smelled of mint. It wafted over my face and made my stomach clench with nerves. “To serve, Sir.”

Silence. I waited for it, the inevitable comeback, the jeer, the insult….

“That’s a very good answer, boy. Very good indeed. Stand and turn.”

I rose to my feet and faced the man whose voice gave me butterflies. When I saw him, my heart dropped and crushed them all to dust. The man was handsome, I would never say otherwise, but he was a child. I wanted a Master to serve, not to be a toy for a youngster who would grow bored with me the next time a pretty pony boy pranced by.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Jarod, Sir,” I replied, cursing my cracking voice.

He held out his hand and took mine. His grip was firm and warm, and a jolt of electricity ran through me at his touch.

“It’s an honor to meet you. My name is Eli.”

His name was like a caress. There was a gentleness to his voice that had me feeling as though everything might be okay after all. I tried to be surreptitious about it as I looked him over, and he laughed.

“You don’t need to hide anything from me. If you want to look at me, go ahead.”

I raised my head and marveled at how his green eyes shone in the bright lights. His short, spiky hair was dark, but with the colored lights flashing, it was hard to tell what color it was. I had the insane urge to run my fingers through it. He was about my height, and the way those black leather pants clung to his muscular thighs, I really wanted to see his legs. He was slender, but with good definition: it wasn’t a six-pack, but I wouldn’t have minded running my hands over it.

“Aren’t you a bit old for this, Jarod?” His voice was deep, and my skin pebbled at his tone. With a shock I realized he wasn’t mocking me; he was genuinely curious.

Once more I felt compelled to speak the truth. “No, Sir. I-I don’t believe I am.”

His fingers traced along my neck, running gently across my throat. I swallowed hard. It was so different from the treatment I’d received from everyone else here.

“Would you like to play?”

And with those words my heart dropped. “No. I’d rather not.” I was shocked to hear the words come from my mouth. Never before had I told a Sir no, but it seemed to be a night for honesty. Of all the times to be honest, though…. I remained still, awaiting his imminent departure.

“Good. I’m glad. I’m not here to play either.” He was quiet for a moment. “I want you to come home with me. Would that be okay?”

My breath caught. What the hell? He was so different from everyone else in this club. My heartbeat sped up. “Yes, please.” My damn voice squeaked again.

I felt the smooth leather against my throat. “This doesn’t come off until I say so. Is this agreed?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?”

I cursed myself for forgetting. “Yes, Sir.”

Buy the book:

Dreamspinner Press eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7217

Dreamspinner Press Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=7218

E-BOOKS 1 – 6 are on sale at Dreamspinner for $1.00 each! http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=907

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Meet the authors:

K.C. Wells:

Born and raised in the north-west of England, K.C. Wells always loved writing. Words were important. Full stop. However, when childhood gave way to adulthood, the writing ceased, as life got in the way.

K.C. discovered erotic fiction in 2009, where the purchase of a ménage storyline led to the startling discovery that reading about men in love was damn hot. In 2012, arriving at a really low point in life led to the desperate need to do something creative. An even bigger discovery waited in the wings—writing about men in love was even hotter….

K.C. now writes full time and is loving every minute of her new career.

The laptop still has no idea of what hit it… it only knows that it wants a rest, please. And it now has to get used to the idea that where K.C goes, it goes.

Parker Williams:

Parker Williams began to write as a teen, but never showed his work to anyone. As he grew older, he drifted away from writing, but his love of the written word moved him to reading. A chance encounter with an author changed the course of his life as she encouraged him to never give up on a dream. With the help of some amazing friends, he rediscovered the joy of writing, thanks to a community of writers who have become his family.

Parker firmly believes in love, but is also of the opinion that anything worth having requires work and sacrifice (plus a little hurt and angst, too). The course of love is never a smooth one, and Happily Ever After always has a price tag.

Where to find the authors:

KC:

Parker:


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bayou Book Junkie, Decadent Delights, 3 Chicks After Dark, Gay Book Reviews, Unquietly Me, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Alpha Book Club, The Hat Party, Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, Happily Ever Chapter, Love Bytes, Lee Brazil, Jessie G. Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, TTC Books and More, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Book Lovers 4Ever, My Fiction Nook, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Charley Descoteaux, Carly’s Book Reviews, Molly Lolly, Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance, KathyMac Reviews, Three Books Over the Rainbow, Bonkers About Books, Emotion in Motion, A.M. Leibowitz, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Velvet Panic, Cheekypee Reads and Reviews

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: One of three $10 ARe gift cards, plus K.C. and Will are going to be stopping at each blog and picking a winner from the comments to receive a copy of ‘An Unlocked Heart’ (or one of the other first six books in the series).  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the authors and Pride Promotions.

 

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Love Men In Uniform No Matter the Genre? Check out Men In Uniform Anthology! (excerpts/contest)

MIU_Alt_Banner

Title: Men in Uniform
Authors: Eric Gober, CJ Baty, Alina Popescu, Kassandra Lea,
Asta Idonea, Eddy LeFey, Lily Velden, Jim Dunaway, Carol Pedroso, Jo Tannah
Genre:  Gay Romance, Military, Contemporary, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publshing

Synopsis

Like your boys in blue keeping the… peace?

Hot firemen dealing with… heat?

Naval Officers getting in way too… deep?

Perhaps you have a ‘thing’ for marines…

Or do you prefer your Men In Uniform to belong in the future?

Another galaxy?

Another time?

Wherever your love of a uniform leads you, MEN IN UNIFORM has something for you.

Blue Knight By Carol Pedroso – Excerpt

Franc stood under the hot water of the shower and tried to wash off the touch of the other men. His lips were split, his ass was throbbing, his throat felt like it was lined with sandpaper, and he had various other cuts and bruises.

Five minutes remaining, came the computer’s voice. Franc cursed the fifteen-minute-shower rule; he wanted to stay there all night. Rinsing himself once more, he turned off the water and grabbed his towel.

As he exited the cubicle to head for his locker, he froze. Just entering the shower room and heading for the lockers was the Peta ambassador. How was he supposed to get past him? His instinct told him it wouldn’t be good if the ambassador saw him. But his attention was captured by what the alien wore. He had only ever seen the ambassador in his robes of office—except in the hallway after the water incident. But then he had been too distracted to notice. Now the male wore human workout clothes: shorts, T-shirt, and training shoes. The fit of the clothes showed off a muscular but lean build, and lots of blue skin. His red hair was braided and hung down his back, touching the top of his fine, firm ass.

Franc must have stared too long or made some sort of noise. The ambassador turned and their gazes locked for a few seconds before Franc dropped his to the floor.

His cheeks heated as he realized he was still wrapped in his towel and nothing else. His mind raced as he tried to think of a way to get his clothes and get out with the minimum of conversation.

A Spark in the Shadows by Kassandra Lea

Warden drove the motorcycle up on the sidewalk, parking it close to a brick building that looked indistinguishable from all the others. He killed the engine, letting the silence sweep in. Tonight the streets were truly deserted. Warden placed his helmet on the seat, then passed his hand over a sigil, uttering a single word. The charm was another gift from the necromancer; nobody would even see the bike now, as the charm had masked it. Knowing he hadn’t been followed, Warden glanced back nonetheless. If his fellow boys in blue knew where he was and why, he’d be thrown out on his ass so fast. He had worked too hard to break the cycle….

And yet here he was skulking around in the dark.

“Suppose the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” he grumbled. The pack, his so-called family, were vagabonds, low-rung thieves, and two-bit criminals. Professions he swore to get away from, a way he refused to live his life. The day he graduated the academy, with flying colors of course, he became a disgrace, no longer the esteemed pack leader’s son. A traitor, especially since he wouldn’t play dirty for their sake.

Oh, but if they could only see him now. The unquenchable thirst of love drew Warden to the God-forsaken place.

Rusted hinges protested as he forced an old steel door open. There was no telling the identity of the business that used to call the space home, a mess left behind. Broken bits of furniture; long dead leaves, never mind the absence of a tree outside; and other pieces of trash, some the likes of which Warden tried not to think about, littered the floor. He wasn’t sure if the lowliness people could sink to disgusted him or made him sad. Either way, he loathed the stench and barely cared that all these things served their purpose; to keep the unwanted away.

Men In Uniform Cover

Buy Links

Don’t miss WIP’s Christmas Sale – 30% off all titles till December 24th!

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/men-in-uniform-a-wayward-ink-publishing-anthology/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-meninuniformawaywardinkpublishinganthology-1939285-166.html
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/

Book Trailer

 

Stories Included

IssueNo.1

Issue No. 1

ERIC GOBER

Come to a land…

Where epic battles rage…

Among monsters, superheroes, and a very sexy cop.

Love and war are funny business in Hollywood, U.S.A.

PinkertonManThe Pinkerton Man

CJ BATY

A blackmailer forced Stiles to leave his perfect life behind.

Along the way, he found a new friend, a job as a Pinkerton Agent, and murder.

Can Stiles find the murderer before he kills again?

ProtectTheExMission: Protect the Ex

ALINA POPESCU

Sean never thought his military career would ever have him babysitting his ex who Sean hasn’t seen in six months.

When best friend Tom finds out his younger brother Aiden is targeted, Sean drops everything to protect the man he still loves.

Can two former lovers survive a weekend alone in the woods, or will the threat from within be more devastating than the one from outside?

SparkInTheShadowsA Spark in the Shadows

KASSANDRA LEA

Love beckons Officer Warden Brooks to the shadows of a desolate place.

But his lover Tate Eldridge is so much more than a criminal, he’s a beautiful mystery.

 

HHHHHis Heart Held Hostage

ASTA IDONEA

When his father loses the battle against Hrafnaheim, Prince Darius finds himself a political prisoner.

Taken in chains to a dark and unfamiliar land, he begins to lose hope.

But then Captain Morten Gunnarsson of the Palace Guards is assigned to watch over him.

Now it is not just Darius’ body being held hostage, but also his heart.

EmperorsSlaveThe Emperor’s Slave

EDDY LEFEY

When the Draaduuri arrived on Earth many humans died.

Captain Timothy Kellerman’s family was among them

Now, a truce has been struck. He is the prize.

Crown Prince Yuuhaan has instantly bonded with his slave.

Can the prince keep his baser instincts in check long enough for Timothy to transform?

To become the next great hope of the Draaduuri and the human race?

YesYesYesYes! Yes! Yes!

LILY VELDEN

Go to Portsmouth, said my friends. It’s quieter. You’ll be able to write without distraction.

They obviously hadn’t met my mysterious and elusive neighbour, Finn.…

After all, what would a Friday night be without hearing Moaner, Gusher, or Squeaker screaming out their joy at being shagged senseless by the obviously talented Finn?

Come to think of it, what would a Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night be without it either?

Thank God for Mondays!

FirefighterMarineThe Firefighter and the Marine

JIM DUNAWAY

Apartment building fires are always tragic, even if everyone makes it out alive. But what happens when a person can’t make it out on their own?

Brave firefighters must risk their lives in order to rescue trapped people.

Lieutenant Kenny Whitfield is one such firefighter. Brave and somewhat reckless. 

Lance Corporal Steve Martinson is one such person in need.

When Kenny and Steve meet face to face in the hospital, well…

BlueKnightBlue Knight

CAROL PEDROSO

Franc has resigned himself to yet another year of pain and humiliation in order to complete his on ship training.

Then along comes Zyph, with his sexy blue skin and probing questions…

Will he be Franc’s Blue Knight?

RoyalGuardianThe Royal Guardian

JO TANNAH

Warrior and Dragon Seek to Destroy Those Who Had Dared Harm Their Prince.

 

Giveaway

Prize: $10 WIP Gift Card

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