In the Spotlight: Between The Lines by J. Scott Coatsworth (author interview and excerpt)

Between The Lines by J. Scott Coatsworth
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Kobo | All Romance | Barnes & Noble

Author Interview with J. Scott Coatsworth

You describe your story as a ” present day magical realism M/M romance”, what does that mean exactly?

Magical realism is the infusion of a little magic, or fantasy, in the everyday world, In “Between the Lines”, this comes via the medallion, which allows its holder to “see” the unspoken thoughts behind the words that people say. I love playing with magical realism aspects – they give the story more color, texture and depth.

What is it about the fantasy genre that draws you in?

I love the total escapism that High Fantasy gives you – and the fact that these worlds often run to three or five or ten books, so I can “live” there for extended periods of time.

Favorite fantasy book or movie?

Lord of the Rings. I started reading it when I was in second grade. I cried my eyes out when Boromir died. And I finished the whole thing in less than a year, and it changed me and set me on a new path.

Were you a voracious reader as a child?

Yes. My mom had these two shelves where she kept her sci fi and fantasy books from the Science Fiction Book Club, double-stacked. It was my own personal sci fi library. Oh, the worlds I discovered there – Pern and Middle Earth come immediately to mind – which still have a hold on me today.

If so, what book or childhood author had the greatest impact on you?

Tolkien and McCaffrey. Tolkien for the intricate beauty with which he built his world – down to the history and language that made it such a complete experience. And McCaffrey for the way she effortlessly melded sci fi and fantasy, and how she could write such deep sadness that it touched me in my bones.

What fantasy realm would you choose to live in and why?

I’d like a cottage in Lothlorien, please. Seriously, I was enchanted. I read once that, while Tolkien was writing LOTR, he “paused for ten years” in Lothlorien. I understand. I would too.

Dragons or fairies or both?

Oh, totally faeries. You can’t sleep with dragons. Unless they are dragon shifters, but that’s a whole other thing.

What is your favorite fantasy element to include in a story?

I’m in love with the “powerful magical object” trope – a holdover, I’m sure, from the one ring, which still has me in its thrall. Preciousssssss….

What’s next for you as a author?

I’m writing a series of novellas that serve as a prequel to the first novel I ever wrote (as yet unpublished) – I’m setting the scene for myself to go back and climb that mountain again.

I also have a sci fi trilogy waiting in the wings. Just gotta find the time… 🙂

Brad Weston’s life seems perfect. He’s GQ handsome, the Chief of Staff for a Republican California State Senator, and enjoys the power and the promise of a bright future. And he’s in a comfortable relationship with his boyfriend of six years, Alex.

Sam Fuller is Brad’s young, blond, blue-eyed intern, fresh out of college, running from a bad break-up, and questioning his choices and his new life in politics. To make things worse, Sam also has a thing for the boss, but Brad is already taken.

While looking for a gift for his boyfriend, Brad wanders into a curiosity shop and becomes fascinated by an old wooden medallion. Brad’s not a superstitious man, but when he takes out the medallion in his office, he sees the world in a new light. And nothing will ever be the same.

It began with a medallion.

The piece was a simple wooden disk, hand carved with the shapes of leaves and forest boughs and polished by centuries of use, giving it a patina of great age.

It sat upon a small green velvet pillow—the kind jewelers sometimes use, rather unsuccessfully, to enhance a plain necklace of false pearls. The kind you might expect to find on your grandmother’s settee, in a slightly larger size, embroidered with “Home Sweet Home.”

Yet there was something compulsive about it—something hidden in the dark crevices of the carving, filled with the dust of ages.

At least that’s what Brad would recall years later, when he thought back on the first time he saw it: the moment when the lines of his mundane life suddenly snarled, snapped, and ultimately recombined into something quite different.

Of course, he didn’t know any of this at the time.

Book Details:

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 978-1-63476-235-9
Author: J. Scott Coatsworth
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Length: 15k, Format: eBook
Release Date: 7/15, Price: 3.99

Scott has been writing since elementary school, when he and won a University of Arizona writing contest in 4th grade for his first sci fi story (with illustrations!). He finished his first novel in his mid twenties, but after seeing it rejected by ten publishers, he gave up on writing for a while.

Over the ensuing years, he came back to it periodically, but it never stuck. Then one day, he was complaining to Mark, his husband, early last year about how he had been derailed yet again by the death of a family member, and Mark said to him “the only one stopping you from writing is you.”

Since then, Scott has gone back to writing in a big way, finishing more than a dozen short stories – some new, some that he had started years before – and seeing his first sale. He’s embarking on a new trilogy, and also runs the Queer Sci Fi (http://www.queerscifi.com) site, a support group for writers of gay sci fi, fantasy, and supernatural fiction.

Website: http://www.jscottcoatsworth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworth

Love is in the Air with Redesigning Max  (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw (excerpt and giveaway)

Redesigning Max  (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw
Release Date: July 29, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: AngstyG

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press

Blurb:

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

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

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out, he finds is the most exciting and wonderful time of his life, despite the conservative former friends who want to stop his slide into hell.

Pages or Words: 73 pages

Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, Romance

Excerpt:

That night in bed, thinking of the delicious Max, I understood a little more why he wanted the forest in his house. I could understand how soothing the wide open-spaces could be to someone who spent his formative years as an outcast. Now I felt even more driven to give Max the vision he sought.

Three days later, exhausted from a couple of all-nighters but ready to show Max the portfolio of drawings and plans for his renovated cabin, I put on my other designer jeans, orange sailor shirt, green high tops, and lavender scarf. I was ready to knock Max’s socks off.

Max drove us to the Rock Bottom again for lunch. The grungy foothills cafe was just as tacky as it had been before and smelled just as delicious. The tables of surly-looking he-men in their Levis and wife-beaters or beat-up Western-cut shirts still stared and then whispered to themselves as I slid into a booth, the artist sketchbook tucked safely in my bag.

“So we’re ready to make some changes.” Max eyed the sketchbook as I took it out and laid it on the table.
“Whoa, not so fast.” I put my hand over the top of the book to keep it closed. “We’re a few steps away from starting. Let’s just take a look at the sketches and then talk money, and then if you’re still happy in a day or two, we can sign a contract. Remodeling isn’t anything to jump right into.”

The excitement brimming from Max’s face said Yeah, yeah. Blah, blah, blah. Open the damned notebook.
I sighed. I always hated this part of the job. Clients either loved the sketches and wanted the work done yesterday or they wanted to haggle every nut and bolt to the ground, changing the floor plan, the color palette, or complete idea on an almost minute-to-minute basis. It was exhausting either way.

“Okay, first, what you need to do is look at these drawings and imagine yourself living in these rooms, not just looking at pretty pictures. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable here. At this point, everything is changeable, but it won’t be the case when we start tearing down and making the plan concrete. So take your time. Be sure you’ve fallen in love before you begin.”

I waited until Max lifted his eyes from the sketchbook, looked at me, and nodded before I opened the book.
I went through the pages one by one quickly, not asking Max for a response and not watching him. This was the private, internal part, and I let him have his space. Max wasn’t my first client who kind of knew what he wanted but couldn’t articulate it.

The first glimpse tainted the vision the client originally had going into the project. I could steamroll clients into taking what I’d given them, but in the long run, they had to live with the new reality and I wanted them to be happy. I really wanted Max to be happy.

“It’s perfect,” Max whispered just as the waitress brought our food. “Let’s do it.”

“Let’s eat first, before we break ground.”

I didn’t talk during lunch even though Max wanted to get me to sign him up and start moving.

After we finished the cherry-apple pie, I said, “Now I’m going to go through and point out some pricey details. Think about if you really want them because they add time and money to the design. We can easily discard them.”

“No, I want it just like you’ve got it in here.” Max tapped the sketchbook with his elegant fingers. “Just exactly what you’ve got here.”

I sighed. “Let’s try it my way, okay? Will you just listen?” I was holding an edge of the sketchbook closed and looking into Max’s eyes. I didn’t want Max to be an ultimately unhappy impulse buyer.

Max tentatively touched my hand. “I trust you.” He rubbed his fingers over mine.

I was surprised by the touch of his fingers, which had immediately made my body tingle. I’d read about people being attracted and feeling a zap of electricity, but I’d never experienced it before. As far as my past liaisons with men went, we’d both showed up, which was enough for gratifying sex.

“Just a few minutes of listening.” I could hear a shaky quality in my voice.

“Okay,” Max agreed, sitting back and putting his hands together on the table.

I took a deep breath to steady myself. I looked around the cafe, hypersensitive to the quiet scrutiny of the other diners. Were they leaning out of their chairs to listen to our conversation? Why did they make me feel uncomfortable?

I looked back at Max, who seemed oblivious to their attention. His eyes went from the sketchbook to me. He seemed to lean toward me, and his eager look seemed to be trying to hurry me along. His impatience made me smile.

I took a deep breath and started my spiel. “There are some carvings in the pictures you should think about. Atop and along the sides of the windows in the living room, master bedroom, and the kitchen, and on the headboard and bedposts in the master bedroom. You said you wanted to bring the outdoors in, so I thought these carvings would be perfect.”

I turned to the pictures. I’d drawn animals like squirrels, foxes, and badgers carved into the wood.

In the master bedroom, the four bedposts looked like geese landing at the head of the bed and taking off toward the windows from the foot of it. Across the headboard and footboard, I’d drawn pussy willows swaying with frogs, butterflies, and small birds among the reeds, all carved from one piece of hardwood.

Having worked with a wonderful carver so many times in the past, I knew he would take my ideas and flesh them out, probably change them as he saw fit, and leave Max with stunning pieces of art—if Max could afford them and, more importantly, if Max liked this idea as much as I did.

“Beautiful.” Max traced the birds taking off in flight.

“Yes, it is. You’ll notice the wood on the floor, around the windows, and making up the furniture is the only brown. The rest of the room is blue.” Actually the blues ran the scale of hues from Alice blue to ultramarine, but I made it a policy to use only the most basic names for colors since many of my less artistic clients got lost in the fancy color names.

“I like other colors, not just brown,” Max protested.

I nodded, not about to remind him that he’d only wanted brown and green. Except for the touch of Max’s fingers on my hand, my spiel had been pretty standard. As far as I was concerned, no surprises were good surprises.

“In the living room and kitchen”—I found those pages—“you’ll notice that the predominant colors are yellow.”

Well, from canary yellow to goldenrod, but who was counting? “Also, I added more rustic carvings to the decks. Animals between the posts of the back deck and birds on the bedroom deck,” I said, flipping to the relevant sketches and pointing them out.

On each page, Max ran his finger over the details I mentioned. It was distracting, so much so I had trouble keeping to the script. Max might not be an artist, but he definitely had an artist’s soul. His fingers were gently stroking my soul as well as the pages.

The diners at the other tables seemed to be trying to see what had Max so enthralled. I wanted to stand up and announce, “This is a private showing. Go back to your meals.” I didn’t, but still, sweat had started to drip from my pits.

Finally I closed the book and passed it to Max. It was hard to stay on task with Max so focused on the drawings and the diners seemingly intent on us.

“I want you to take this book and really study the pages. Take notes in the margins. Circle things you don’t like or have questions about. Go to the cabin with the book and try to imagine every room looking like the sketch. What would you change to make the sketch more you?”

When I peered up at Max, I was surprised to see glistening eyes looking back at me. Was Max crying? Oh hell no. God, I hoped not. I don’t do crying people. Ever.

Author Bio and Contacts

Pat Henshaw, author of the Foothills Pride series, was born in Nebraska but promptly left the cold and snow after college, living at various times in Texas, Colorado, Northern Virginia, and Northern California. Pat has visited Mexico, Canada, Europe, Nicaragua, Thailand, and Egypt, and regularly travels to Rome, Italy, and Eugene, Oregon, to see family.

Now retired, Pat has taught English composition at the junior college level; written book reviews for newspapers, magazines, and websites; helped students find information as a librarian; and promoted PBS television programs.

Pat has raised two incredible daughters who daily amaze everyone with their power and compassion. Pat’s supported by a husband who keeps her grounded in reality when she threatens to drift away writing fiction.

Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.henshaw.10
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6998437.Patois
Book website: http://whatsinanamenovella.blogspot.com
Website: http://patbooked.blogspot.com
E-mail: whatsinanamenovella@comcast.net
Tumblr: http://phenshaw.tumblr.com/
Twitter: @phenshaw

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: One of three $10 Starbucks Gift Cards. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
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 Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Havan Fellows, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Tara Lain, My Fiction Nook, Prism Book Alliance, 3 Chicks After Dark, Amanda C. Stone, MM Good Book Reviews, Bike Book Reviews, Happily Ever Chapter, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Charley Descoteaux, Inked Rainbow Reads, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Velvet Panic, Michael Mandrake, It’s Raining Men

A Early Bird Look at a New Release: Sue Brown’s The Layered Mask (a Masquerade Regency Romance)

The Layered Mask (Masquerade) by Sue Brown
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd edition)
Sales Link: Dreamspinner Press

Love Author Sue Brown? Sue Brown has a new release out from Dreamspinner Press. Have a few sips of coffee or tea and check out the cover and blurb below:

About The Layered Mask, a Regency novel...

Threatened by his father with disinheritance, Lord Edwin Nash arrives in London with a sole purpose: to find a wife. A more than eligible bachelor and titled to boot, the society matrons are determined to shackle him to one of the girls by the end of the season.

During a masquerade ball, Nash hides from the ladies vying for his attention. He is discovered by Lord Thomas Downe, the Duke of Lynwood. Nash is horrified when Downe calmly tells him that he knows the secret Nash has hidden for years and sees through the mask Edwin presents to the rest of the world.

And then he offers him an alternative.

Book Details:

ebook, 2nd edition

Expected publication: July 22nd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press (first published February 3rd 2012)

ISBN139781634764933

edition languageEnglish

urlhttp://www..com/store/product_info.php?products_id=6670

series Masquerade

About Sue Brown:

Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot and has got expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

Contact her at: Goodreads Author Page | Website

A MelanieM Review: Must Love Dogs by K. Lynn

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Since a mugging a year ago, Ben’s lived with blindness. Despite an art career on hold and a deadbeat boyfriend who left him because of his disability, he’s finally getting his life back on track. Ben is gaining a new sense of independence thanks to his guide dog, Colt.

But Ben’s carefully balanced life is thrown into chaos when veterinarian Dr. Jay Connor hits Colt with his car. While Colt is on the mend and recovering nicely, Ben finds that Jay is not only fond of Colt, but also quite interested in Ben.

However, one overheard conversation might put a stop to their romance before it can grow into something more. Maybe Ben’s destined to go it alone in the dark. Or can Jay help him see there’s still a chance for happily ever after?

Must Love Dogs by K. Lynn had several things going for it that pushed my buttons and made me want to read the story, that Paul Richmond cover for one. Two cute guys holding hands in a park, one with a guide dog. Adorable men and puppies! Love it! Check! The blurb also hinted at something more than just a sweet love story,, a little bit of angst and depth thrown in as well. Another draw for me. Check and double check! So what did I find? A nice story with a few issues, so one that didn’t live up to my expectations.

Several issues came up immediately that irritated me enough to pull me out of the story. One, a very small thing but it annoys the heck out of me, is that one character has a last name, and the other doesn’t. Perhaps its the sense of imbalance or the implied (in my head) inequality of stature, but do one or the other, two last names or none, but don’t do both. Argh as they say.

The second? A little more serious and it appears multiple times in the story. That would be the author’s use of the word “paranoid” when I would use the word common sense. Ben and his guide dog, Colt, went walking at night and Ben got spooked. Who wouldn’t? Ben proceeded to override his dog’s training in trying to get home, walked ahead, misjudged his footing and fell into the road. Colt was hit by a car trying to protect him. All reasonable as well as believable. Then the story starts to get a little shaky for me.

A guy stops the car, tells Ben he’s a vet, puts them both into the car (no calling the police) and later Ben berates himself for the stupidity of his actions. Lynn calls it his paranoia, I call it common sense. You can’t see, that guy who almost ran you over and hit the expensive guide dog is hauling you both away in his car and you take his word for it and then tell yourself you are nuts for doing so? No, that’s a reasonable response and one based on common sense. Lynn had Ben’s frantic actions based on a believable human response to a terrifying situation but then negated that by implying his thoughts were due to a sense of “paranoia”? I just didn’t think that worked on any level.

And then there’s Dr. Jay’s actions at his veterinary clinic/office where he takes Colt and Ben after the accident. I talked to my vet yesterday (happy coincidence for me, not Winston who was getting his shots) about Jay’s actions. Guide dogs have a huge responsibility to their owners/charges. Plus they are incredibly expensive to train and obtain. So I asked her, “would you have sent him home without x-rays or further tests? Just a little leg manipulation and you’re good to go? Especially considering the fact that you were the person who injured him?” I’m betting you know the answer to that one. So one more less than realistic element that disconnected me from the story and the characters.

Jay and Ben’s story does have some lovely, sweet moments where they are getting to know one another. Plus the author has a strong female best friend in Darcy, who’s a major supporter of Ben and his adjusting to his new situation. The author also has done research into how a person and their guide dogs behave when they’re “off the clock” and how others can act towards them. That worked within framework of the story and the relationships portrayed here.

But then that darn “paranoia” thing cropped up again right at the end,so that the story sort of fizzled out on a odd, discordant note that lost that sense of sweetness that ending was going for.

I came very close to giving this 2 stars but then reconsidered. Those small things that bother me might not bother another reader. It was a sweet story, with some nice character interactions and relationships. So 3 stars it is.

This is the first K. Lynn story I’ve read and it has enough good elements to make me look forward to the next story this author has to offer. One last thing, this is just another prime example of the power of book covers. A terrific book cover will pull you in and that’s exactly what this cover did to me.

Cover art by Paul Richmond. See the remarks above. Really loved it.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 54 pages

Expected publication: July 22nd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

original title Must Love Dogs

ISBN13 9781634763127

edition language English

In the Book Spotlight: Resurrecting Elliot (Newport Boys #2) by Cate Ashwood

Resurrecting Elliot (Newport Boys #2) by Cate Ashwood
Release Date: July 20, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Sales Links: Dreamspinner eBook | Dreamspinner Paperback | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon

Nightmares and panic attacks following a horrific tragedy leave Professor Elliot Lawrence a prisoner in his own home. After months of relying on his sister as his only connection to the outside world, Elliot is desperate for a sliver of independence. But leaving the safety of his home isn’t an option, not yet, and he reaches out in the most innocuous way he can think of: grocery delivery.

Colton Kelly, retired porn star and recent college grad, is struggling at two minimum wage jobs to make ends meet. During one of his grocery deliveries, he meets Elliot. Although the attraction between them is instant, they must first traverse the long road of putting Elliot back together. When disaster strikes yet again, this time in Colt’s life, Elliot’s not sure he’s strong enough to be the man Colt needs him to be.

Pages or Words: 200 pages

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

TEN MINUTES. He was going to be here in ten minutes. Maybe. The website had given Elliot a window of an hour, but with ten minutes to, he was beginning to feel anxious. His heart was racing. His palms were already sweating. No one other than his sister and Dr. Mazur had crossed the threshold of his front door since it happened.
Nothing like throwing himself into the fire.

Elliot paced around the house, tidying what had already been tidied. He didn’t want this guy thinking he was a hoarder on top of being a shut-in. He double-checked that there was no clutter on his coffee table, that the newspapers his sister brought were neatly stacked and ready for the fireplace. The side tables had been dusted—twice—and the blanket on the back of the couch straightened. Pulling down the blinds on his front windows, he peered out, looking for a strange vehicle, but the street was deserted.

He walked back into the kitchen. Spotless. He wasn’t really sure how the whole delivery thing worked, if the guy just left his things at the door or if he brought them all the way into the house. Glancing at the clock again, he saw he had just enough time to fix—

There was a loud knock at the door. This was it. He hoped he wouldn’t puke on this guy’s shoes as soon as the door opened. He felt like he might. As calmly as he could, he walked to the front door and unlocked it.

Deep breaths, just keep breathing, he reminded himself before he clutched at the doorknob, turned it, and pulled his front door open.

He almost forgot to keep breathing.

The man that stood on the other side of his door, backlit by the sun, looked up and gave a crooked smile that made Elliot’s already rapidly beating heart hustle.

“Hi, are you Elliot Lawrence?” the man asked, his southern drawl warm and comforting somehow.

“Yes,” Elliot said unintelligently… and then forgot how to speak.

“I’m Colt.”

Cate Ashwood wrote her very first story in a hot-pink binder when she was in the second grade and found her passion for writing. Her first successful foray into romance writing came five years later when she wrote her best friend, who was experiencing a case of unrequited love, her own happily ever after.

Cate’s life has taken a number of different and adventurous roads. She now lives a stone’s throw from the ocean, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband, her little boy, and their two cats. Her life is filled with family and friends, travel, and, of course, books.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cate.ashwood
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: @cateashwood
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cateashwood/

 Tour Dates & Stops: July 21, 2015
Parker Williams, BFD Book Blog, Havan Fellows, Bayou Book Junkie, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Molly Lolly, My Fiction Nook, Bike Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Kimi-Chan, Happily Ever Chapter, Christy Loves 2 Read, Inked Rainbow Reads, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Reviews by Jessewave, MM Good Book Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Mikky’s World of Books, Love Bytes, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, The Hat Party, Andrew Q. Gordon, Divine Magazine

Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Resurrecting Elliot’ by Cate Ashwood
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A MelanieM Review: The Baker (Workplace Encounters #6) by Serena Yates

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Ian Wallace works as a baker for his tyrannical father in the family-owned Scottish Bakehouse in Casper, Wyoming. He wants to represent the bakery in the upcoming Tartan Day competition, but his father refuses to reveal the secret ingredients that make them so successful—unless Ian gets married and has a son, proving he is fit to continue the family line.

Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own. Though he he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.

The Baker by Serena Yates is the first I’ve read in her Workplace Encounters series but I enjoyed it so much that I’m going to search out the rest. The Baker charts the romance of Scottish family baker Ian Wallace and Det. Cameron Lewis of the Casper, Wyoming police department. This story manages to bring in Scottish baking and recipes, a Tartan Day and Hogmanay celebrations and rituals, and the pain and anguish of growing up under un-demonstrative and autocratic father and makes it all gel together.

At first I had a difficult time getting a handle on Ian’s character. At times he comes across as naive and younger emotionally than his age of late 20’s. Then during other scenes, he acts accordingly to his age level. I had to decide if his actions were reasonable and did they fit into his history as we knew it? I came to the conclusion that someone who had grown up under in such a restrictive family, with such rigid expectations impressed upon them and with little love shown during their formative years, that his actions, however, odd at times, felt about right.

That one issue dealt with, I could concentrate on the romance and altogether charming interactions between Ian and Cam. Their steps towards happiness and love were as touching as they were hesitant. I appreciated the give and take between them and the fact that the men actually discussed important issues such as how open they were going to be about their relationship and the steps they were willing to take in getting to know each other better before making any important decisions. It felt believable and realistic, given the place and backgrounds.

One more element I enjoyed, the fact that Cameron’s police department was not a hotbed of homophobia. I don’t think any of us can separate the words Wyoming and Matthew Shepard in our hearts and minds but I hope that plays like the Laramie Project and other actions can make such an open-minded squad as much a reality as it is here in this story. So yes, I adored his partner and fellow officers and the part they played in Cam and Ian’s romance. Just lovely.

Finally, I enjoyed the Scottish baking recipes and traditions that the author folded into her story. It added depth and interest to an already engaging romance. Plus it gave me things to research…something I always get a kick out of.

Not familiar with Serena Yates or her Workplace Encounters series? Start with The Baker! Its charming, its characters loving and believable, and their romance and climb towards a relationship is heartwarming. I recommend it and look forward to reading more stories in this series.

Cover art by L. C. Chase is lovely. I think that design is fun and captures the essence of the character and his passion, even if I doubt his father ever let him look like that inside his shop.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 1st Edition, 133 pages
Published July 15th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press (first published July 1st 2015)
ISBN139781634762113
edition languageEnglish
seriesWorkplace Encounters #6
charactersCameron Lewis, Ian Wallace

Workplace Encounters Series with Goodreads links:

The Elevator Mechanic (Workplace Encounters, #1)
The Chauffeur (Workplace Encounters, #2)
The Bricklayer (Workplace Encounters, #3)
The Ship Engineer (Workplace Encounters, #4)
The Carpenter (Workplace Encounters, #5)
The Baker (Workplace Encounters, #6)
The Truck Driver (Workplace Encounters, #7) to be released Aug. 26, 2015
The Model (Workplace Encounters, #8) #8 to #11 coming from Dreamspinner
The Plumber (Workplace Encounters, #9)
The Cellar Hand (Workplace Encounters, #10)
The Florist (Workplace Encounters, #11)

Guest Blog by Serena Yates. Tartan Day and “The Baker”, her latest release (excerpt and giveaway)

Title: The Baker
Series: Workplace Encounters
Author: Serena Yates

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Length: 40000 words
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Tartan Day by Serena Yates

Following my previous guest posts about “How The Baker was Born” and “Scottish Baking”, I thought it might be fun to talk about Tartan Day. It’s not a widely known event as far as I am aware, but I came across it as I was doing research into Scottish baking and holidays.

Tartan Day plays a central role in Ian and Cameron’s story. In the book, Ian’s friend Matthew, son of Casper’s mayor, is the one to first explain what it is and how it might be significant.

“I think you may need help with that.” A man with unkempt dark hair and sparkling green eyes pops into my virtual chair this time. He might be anywhere between twenty and thirty, and his comfortable jeans and slightly wrinkled shirt confirm that he doesn’t pay a lot of attention to appearances.

“And you are?” I lean forward, curious to find out more about him.

“I’m Matthew Tadman. Ian and I have been friends since high school.” He grins and settles in.

“Ah, got it.” A secondary character for the book, then. “I can’t say I expected you to drop by.”

“Oh well, you know how it is.” Matthew rakes his hair. “My restaurant keeps me busy, but there is the occasional break. I thought I’d come see you to make sure you get the story right. And also, nobody is going to find me here.”

“I guess not.” I pull out my pen and notepad, ready to get going. “So, what would you like to talk about?”

“Tartan Day.” Matthew looks at me as if I’m supposed to know what he’s talking about.

I raise an eyebrow. “I think you’ll need to be a little more explicit.”

* Tartan Day parade in New York City

“Tartan day is a celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the day of the declaration of Scottish independence made in a letter to the pope in 1320. Some people say it’s because the American version was modeled on it, and almost half of the signers of our Declaration of Independence were of Scottish descent. But that may just be a theory.” Matthew drew himself up to sit straighter.

“It’s a nice theory.” I am wondering where Matthew will be going with this. “But I’ve never heard of it, is it just me?”

“Probably not. It’s mostly celebrated in big cities that have large groups of people with Scottish ancestry. Some event in New York in the early eighties started it all. The celebration first spread to Canada, but didn’t really become official in the US until the Senate okayed it in 1998, followed by Congress declaring April 6 ‘National Tartan Day’ in 2005. Then there was a presidential declaration in 2008.” Matthew wave his hand dismissively, as if details don’t matter. “It’s celebrated with parades, pipes, drums, dancing, food, and whatever else people come up with.”

“So what does that have to do with Casper, Wyoming, and Ian’s story?” I am slightly puzzled but at the same time am beginning to think this could provide an excellent backdrop to Ian’s struggle against his dictatorial father with his antiquated ideas.

“My father thinks it’s time to bring it to Wyoming, since we have a fairly high percentage of Scottish Americans here. He has been working on the official Casper activities and events calendar for next year and has decided, in his infinite wisdom, that we need some more ‘diverse’ holidays so we can attract more tourists outside the current February sled dog races and all the summertime festivals and rodeos.” Matthew shrugs. “I’m not sure it will work, but with the competition he is panning, it might be interesting.”

“Competition?” Now we’re talking!

“Yeah.” Matthew nodded. “He wants to make it a competition, similar to an agricultural or country fair, and he said it will be limited to members of the younger generation. To show we all have a future, or something.”

“Hmmm, that could work.” Ideas begin summersaulting through my brain. ‘It’ll be great advertising for the Scottish Bakehouse and enable Ian to confront his father on a professional level.”

“I can see I got you going.” Matthew grins and begins to fade. “I’ll leave you to it.”

“Yes, yes.” But my mind is already working on the details of what I can do with this information. I can see a few plot twists coming…

You can find out more about the book’s development in my upcoming final guest post during this tour, as well as read six totally exclusive short excerpts.
Serena Yates
http://www.serenayates.com

Blurb:

Ian Wallace works as a baker for his tyrannical father in their family owned Scottish Bakehouse in Casper, Wyoming. He wants to represent the bakery in the upcoming Tartan Day competition, but his father refuses to reveal the secret ingredients that make them so successful—unless Ian gets married and has a son, proving he is fit to continue the family line.

Just before New Year’s Eve, Cameron Lewis, a former Marine turned police detective, comes into the bakery for donuts for his department and some black buns for himself. Cameron is hooked, and as his visits become more frequent, they stir Ian’s father’s suspicions. But threats can’t stop Ian from donning his kilt and entering the competition anyway—to show his father what he can do on his own. Though he might not have the secret ingredients, Ian and Cameron might still discover a recipe for happiness.

Just before nine things had slowed down to a manageable level, and Ian was about to take a short restroom break, leaving the store to Senga. But then the doorbell tinkled yet again, and the most gorgeous man Ian had ever laid eyes on walked into the store. He was tall, probably over six feet, had blond hair in a ruthless buzz cut, and his warm brown eyes invited Ian to trust him. The man was well built, muscular like a Marine, and wore a smart dark green suit, covered by an open black winter topcoat. His facial expression seemed guarded but curious as he looked around the store. Ian had the strangest feeling he was cataloging exits and potential sources of danger.

Thank God Senga was busy with a group of women unable to decide what they wanted so Ian had an excuse to talk to the guy.

“What can I do for you, sir?” Ian’s voice sounded suspiciously hoarse, and for the briefest moment, a spark of heat appeared in Mr. Good-looking’s eyes.

“I’ve never been to this bakery before….” The stranger trailed off as he examined Ian with the same curiosity and concentration he had used to assess the shop.

I know you haven’t. I’d definitely remember you!

“A colleague at the station recommended your stuff, so I came to have a look.” The stranger tilted his head. “You’ll probably laugh, since this is such a cliché, but I’m looking for donuts.”

“Station? Donuts?” Ian’s brain refused to function for a moment.

“Yeah, I’m a cop. Well, a detective actually, but it doesn’t seem to matter. I love donuts, and so do my colleagues.” The stranger laughed, and the deep, resonant sound thrilled Ian to his core.

“Ah. Right, well, we do sell donuts.” Ian pointed to the display. “It’s not a great selection, since most customers seem to come here for the more Scottish specialties, but I hope you can find some you like.”

“I’ll take two dozen, please.” Mr. Detective smiled. “And what else do you think I should get so my colleagues can find out about your wonderful work? It does smell amazing in here.”

“Thank you.” Ian started to put the donuts into a box and, without thinking, blurted out the first thing he could think of. “Would you like to try my buns?”

“Your… buns?” Mr. Detective’s eyebrows rose, a twinkle appeared in his eyes, and an amused smile curved his dark red lips.

“Yes. The black ones.” Ian pointed at the cakes, only to realize what the stranger must have meant when the man couldn’t stop grinning. Heaven above, was the gorgeous specimen of male beauty gay? But who else would have gotten the joke? Not that Ian had meant it as a joke. He was deep enough in the closet he didn’t know how to begin looking for the door, never mind find it. He definitely wouldn’t mind trying if this guy were on the other side, waiting for him. But Mr. Detective probably wasn’t out either, even if he were gay. A gay cop, or detective, wouldn’t make it out here in the wilds of Wyoming. Ian could feel himself blush even as he realized he was now babbling in his own head.

“Oh, I see.” Mr. Detective bent toward the black buns and grinned. “They look kinda cute. Are they as Scottish as they look with that flag painted on them?”

“Yes, they’re a traditional cake eaten during the traditional Scottish Hogmanay celebration on New Year’s Day.” Ian finished packing up the donuts, closed the box, and placed it on the counter. “Would you like to try one?”

“Yes, please. I have no idea what’s inside, but I like surprises. I’ll try to figure out what the ingredients are.” Mr. Detective looked back up. “Gives me a fun mystery to ponder.”

“Okay, I’ll get you one in a small box.” Ian wasn’t going to ask about the other mysteries, the not-so-fun ones, in the man’s life. He might be a homicide detective, and eww, Ian wasn’t going there. “Anything else I can get you?”

“Nah, I’m okay for now.” Mr. Detective grinned again. “But if your stuff tastes as good as it looks and smells, I’ll definitely be back. Can’t believe I’ve worked here for five years and have never noticed this place. Don’t tell anyone, or they’ll take my badge.”

Ian laughed as he rang up the purchase and took the guy’s money. As far as I’m concerned, you can come back anytime, Mr. Detective!

DREAMSPINNER PRESS (eBook)

AMAZON US

ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS

I’m a night owl and start writing when everyone else in my time zone is asleep. I’ve loved reading all my life and spent most of my childhood with my nose buried in a book. Although I always wanted to be a writer, financial independence came first. Twenty-some years and a successful business career later I took some online writing classes and never looked back.

Living and working in seven countries has taught me that there’s more than one way to get things done. It has instilled tremendous respect for the many different cultures, beliefs, attitudes and preferences that exist on our planet.

I like exploring those differences in my stories, most of which happen to be romances. My characters have a tendency to want to do their own thing, so I often have to rein them back in. The one thing we all agree on is the desire for a happy ending.

I currently live in the United Kingdom, sharing my house with a vast collection of books. I like reading, traveling, spending time with my nieces and listening to classical music. I have a passion for science and learning new languages.

|| Website || Facebook || Twitter || Goodreads ||

THREE Winners win: $10 Amazon/ARe Gift Card.

THREE Runners-up win: E-copy from Serena Yates’ backlist!

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Cover Reveal Time for Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux (excerpt and giveaway)

Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux
Release Date: August 19, 2015

Goodreads Link:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: LC Chase

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press |

Eric Allen, thirty-three-year-old line cook, moved in with his grandmother, Jewell, after a disastrous coming-out when he was in middle school. She raised him, and he cared for her when she fell ill. When Jewell died she left everything to Eric—angering his parents and older brother. The inheritance isn’t much, but Eric and his bestie Nathan pool their money and buy an abandoned hotel on an isolated stretch of the Central Oregon Coast. The hotel isn’t far from Lincoln City—a town with its own Pride Festival and named for a president—so they christen it Buchanan House after James Buchanan, the “confirmed bachelor” president with the close male friend.

Eric and Nathan need a handyman to help them turn Buchanan House into the gay resort of their dreams. Eric finds Tim Tate in the local listings and over the months leading to opening weekend Tim reveals himself as a skilled carpenter with many hidden talents. Eric falls hard for Tim, but before he can see a future with the gorgeous handyman he has to get over twenty years of being bullied and shamed by his birth family. It would be much easier if Eric’s brother Zach weren’t trying to grab part of the inheritance or ruin opening weekend.

Pages or Words: 45,000 words

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

Timothy Tate knocked on the front doors at eight o’clock sharp. Eric had barely been up long enough to start coffee, and Nathan had yet to emerge. They’d slept in one of the rooms on the first floor. The official reason was to avoid having to clean two rooms, but the unofficial reason was to talk into the night like they had back in middle school. Slumber parties for thirtysomethings. Somehow that didn’t make Eric feel any better about meeting this Tim person.
But opening the door sure did.
Tim Tate was as tall as Nathan, so six one, and he had curly black hair and eyes so dark you could get lost in them.
“Morning.” He wasn’t much for smiling, though.
“Good morning. Please come in. I’m Eric.”
Tim nodded and seemed to be looking at something behind Eric’s right shoulder. As soon as Eric remembered to step aside, Tim came in. “You bought this place?”
“Yes. Isn’t it lovely? The inspector said the bones are solid, and someone did amazing work on the rooms. Right now, we need help with the kitchen and some reno on the public areas.”
“Should tear it down and start fresh.”
“I beg your pardon. That’s a horrible thing to say. You don’t discard something just because it’s not perfect. With a little love—maybe this isn’t going to work out.”
Tim shrugged and looked around the room. His face seemed to soften into… nostalgia? It held a wistful quality, of that much Eric was certain.
“Have you been in this room before?”
Tim had turned away a little, so the left side of his face pointed toward Eric.
Is that his best side?
He didn’t answer, so Eric repeated the question, a little louder.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. When I was a kid. Sometimes the local clubs would use it for summer camps. It’s been empty for over ten years.”
“Why? I mean, did something happen here?”
“No. The owners died, and their kids didn’t want to live out here. Can’t blame ’em. Entertainment isn’t easy to come by.”
Nathan chose that moment to enter, in his pink robe with the ostrich-feather trim. He spoke quickly, almost dancing through the room and toward the aroma of coffee. “Good morning. You don’t mind I borrowed your robe? And this must be Tim. Lovely to meet you, sweetheart. Coffee, then business.” He flounced into the kitchen.
Eric and Tim watched him go. The silence in his wake stretched out a little too long for Eric, mortified by the thought Tim might believe the robe belonged to him.

Charley Descoteaux has always heard voices. She was relieved to learn they were fictional characters, and started writing when they insisted daydreaming just wasn’t good enough. In exchange, they’ve agreed to let her sleep once in a while. Charley grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area during a drought, and found her true home in the soggy Pacific Northwest. She has survived earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, but couldn’t make it through one day without stories.

Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charley.descoteaux.3
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/CharleyDescoteauxAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharleyDescote
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charleydescote/
Blog: http://cdescoteauxwrites.com/blog/

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Backlist book of choice from Charley. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

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Tour Dates & Stops: July 17, 2015
Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, Havan Fellows, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Molly Lolly, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Tara Lain, The Hat Party, Divine Magazine, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, MM Good Book Reviews, Bike Book Reviews, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Decadent Delights, The Blogger Girls, Velvet Panic, Ogitchida Book Blog, Reviews by Jessewave

A MelanieM Review: Tigers on the Run (Tigers and Devils #3) by Sean Kennedy

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★

Young Australian Micah Johnson is the first AFL player to be out at the beginning of his career. Retired professional football player Declan Tyler mentors Micah, but he finds it difficult, as Micah is prone to making poor life choices that land him in trouble. Nothing Dec can’t handle. He’s been there, done that, more times than he’d like to admit. Being Simon Murray’s partner all these years has Dec quite experienced in long-suffering and mishaps.

As usual, Simon thinks everything is going along just fine until his assistant, Coby, tells him a secret involving an old nemesis. Simon and Dec’s problems mash together, and to solve them, they must undertake a thousand-kilometer round trip in which issues will have to be sorted out, apologies are finally given, and a runaway kid is retrieved and returned to his worried parents.

Tigers on the Run by Sean Kennedy is the book I have been waiting for since I first read Tigers and Devils back in 2012. Ever have a book just suck you in? One that kept you superglued to the story and the characters? That was Tigers and Devils. There I fell passionately, madly in love with Simon, and Dec, plus their close friends Fran and Roger, Nyssa, even, dare I say it Jasper Brunswick (ok, more like a case of disgust with Jasper). Sean Kennedy created a cast of funny, fallible, and plain out irresistible characters who moved through a story that was full of angst, humor, and the pain and rewards that come with taking risks to become the person you want to be and to be with the person who is your HEA.

Sean Kennedy followed that up with Tigerland (Tigers and Devils #2), a book I really liked (4 stars) but that was missing some indefinable spark, an element found in the original story. Yes, the characters resolved some issues between them, Fran and Roger’s personal quest to have children was gripping and real, and all showed growth as people and/or as a couple. It’s a wonderful book but still…..

Now comes Tigers on the Run (Tigers and Devils #3) , a book I’ve already read twice! And I can happily say, the magic is back! I laughed, and cried, and laughed some more. I marveled over the crispness and intelligence of the dialog, nodded in recognition at certain events and the emotional fallout that enveloped everyone, and in general, had the time of my life. I intend to read it again…soon.

Kennedy has used the structure of an Australian football game as the format for his narrative. We open on Coin Toss, which takes us back years BD, or Before Declan as Simon calls it. It functions as a small sketch of Simon’s start towards a larger family of friends and his relationship with Dec. First chapter? That’s First Quarter and it finds our snarky, irresistible narrator, Simon, now in his “gay golden years” as he calls it, also known as his thirties! Simon and Dec are babysitting Roger and Fran’s twins and its prompting a ton of introspection in both, but mainly in Simon. Dec wants kids. Simon? He’s just not sure. That’s just one of the issues that plays out here in layers, parent/child relationships at all levels, including if one of those children is a teenager and not the most lovable one at that.

This is also a story of letting go, of putting old issues to rest and finding a way to move forward, even if part of you stubbornly wants to resist the change that’s coming. How human is that? Needing to hold onto old grudges, finding a way to forgive? Kennedy acknowledges these truths, makes it a vital, believable element of this story as well. So many layers and all so beautifully woven into Tigers on the Run. I love Sean Kennedy’s writing. It’s fluid, it feels so natural and easy, two things hard to accomplish, and it pulls your heart and mind into the story from the beginning.

That’s important too. The reader’s heart and mind. I found myself appreciating how gorgeous some of the sentences and structure of Kennedy’s writing even as I was laughing until I was bent over as Simon, or Roger or even Fran was embarked on some shenanigans. I could actually have just quoted sentence after sentence but as good as those lines are separated from the narrative, they get stronger and smarter in context. What a joy lies in discovering them as you go.

Old standing betrayals are reexamined, surprising new relationships are formed, and their “family” circle enlarges once more. And while that’s happening all the characters are growing emotionally, and intellectually. Kennedy understands people and relationship dynamics, whether its between lovers or friends or even colleagues. Most importantly, Kennedy knows how to write those relationships and changing dynamics in a way that brings these people to life. We believe in them, we feel for them. My connection to Simon, Dec, Colby, Roger and Fran (I adore these two), even Jasper is both deep and solid. By the end of the story (yes, a terrific ending too), I never wanted to let go. I’m hoping that the last paragraph is indicative of the fact that more is to come. Fingers crossed, bribes being prepared.

I just went back to look for a quote to end this one and now I’m laughing again, caught up once more in the story. Got to go, I have a story to reread. Need a new book or three to love? Pick up Tigers and Devils series from Sean Kennedy. Start at the beginning of Simon and Dec’s relationship and then work your way through their lives, mishaps and love until you reach Tigers on the Run. Its one of my Best of 2015. After you have read it, you will understand why.

Cover art by Catt Ford. It’s a cute cover but only partially reflective of the outstanding story within.

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

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 256 pages
Published July 13th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ASINB011061AKG
edition languageEnglish
seriesTigers and Devils #3
characters: Simon Murray, Declan Tyler

Tigers and Devils Series stories in the order they were written and should be read:

Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1) 5 stars
The First Supper (Tigers and Devils #1.1) – 14 pages click on link to read.
Tigerland (Tigers and Devils, #2)
Tigers on the Run (Tigers and Devils #3) – Goodreads Link

Winter In July? Check Out Snowman by Isabelle Rowan (tour and giveaway)

Snowman by Isabelle Rowan
Published by Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

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

We 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 Australiaʼs 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 heʼll be back after turning his life around… but only when all the roads are clear.

A slinky cat for a witch may be a cliché, but add a whole bunch of tribal tattoos and an intolerance to garlic (seriously) and you have Isabelle Rowan.

Having moved to Australia from England (Gateshead) as a small child Isabelle now lives in a seaside suburb of Melbourne where she teaches film making and English. She is a movie addict who spends far too much money on traveling… but then again, life is to be lived.

Amazon Author page (http://www.amazon.com/Isabelle-Rowan/e/B002NA9G9Q/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0)

That sums things up!

If you want more information please check out my:

Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/aussie_izzy @aussie_Izzy),
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/isabelle.rowan),
Blog (http://www.isabellerowan.com/blog)
Website (http://www.isabellerowan.com/)

Or drop me an email! (isabelle.rowan@gmail.com)

Enter to win a signed paperback copy of Snowman, an electronic copy Snowman, and Snowman plus your choice of a back title. Must be 18 years of age or older. Link and prizes provided by the author.

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Praise for ISABELLE ROWAN

“Through Rowan’s vivid descriptions you can feel the pull of the rocks, the vibrations that flutter through the soul that forever changes [the main characters].” —Scattered Hearts and Rogue Words

on “The Red Heart” Left absolutely breathless!! …This book was written with such an incredible depth of understanding, empathy and feeling from the author that is just draws the reader right in. If you haven’t read this book yet then you have definitely missed a true literary gem.” .

“I have always loved Isabelle Rowan’s writing since I read A Note in the Margin that was so original and deeply impactful I couldn’t believe she was a first-time published author.” —Jessewave ,

“The Red Heart is truly one of the best stories I have read in a long time.” Other titles by this author: —Sinfully…, on “A Note in the Margin” —Top 2 Bottom Reviews, on “The Red Heart”

Between The Lines by J. Scott Coatsworth Release Date: July 15, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Author Interview with J. Scott Coatsworth

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Redesigning Max (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw Release Date: July 29, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: AngstyG

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press

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Excerpt:

Author Bio and Contacts

Giveaway

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The Layered Mask (Masquerade) by Sue Brown Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd edition) Sales Link: Dreamspinner Press

About The Layered Mask, a Regency novel...

About Sue Brown:

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Resurrecting Elliot (Newport Boys #2) by Cate Ashwood Release Date: July 20, 2015

Goodreads Link Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Sales Links: Dreamspinner eBook | Dreamspinner Paperback | All Romance (ARe) | Amazon

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

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Tartan Day by Serena Yates

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Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux Release Date: August 19, 2015

Goodreads Link: Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: LC Chase

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press |

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Snowman by Isabelle Rowan Published by Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

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

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Between The Lines by J. Scott Coatsworth
Release Date: July 15, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Redesigning Max  (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw
Release Date: July 29, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: AngstyG

The Layered Mask (Masquerade) by Sue Brown
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (2nd edition)
Sales Link: Dreamspinner Press

Resurrecting Elliot (Newport Boys #2) by Cate Ashwood
Release Date: July 20, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Buchanan House by Charley Descoteaux
Release Date: August 19, 2015

Goodreads Link:
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: LC Chase

Snowman by Isabelle Rowan
Published by Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh