Sean Michael on Take Out and his new release ‘The Eager Boy (Iron Eagle Gym, #6) by Sean Michael (author guest blog)

The Eager Boy (Iron Eagle Gym, #6) by Sean Michael
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Art: LC Chase

Buy links:

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Sean Michael on tour for his new release The Eager Boy. Welcome, Sean.

♦︎

Thank you to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for hosting me today!

So the guys in The Eager Boy bring in a lot of take-out, or go out for dinner. They’re both busy and that’s what’s convenient for them. They have a favorite place for breakfast and when they gt on the bike and go, there’s the odd neat little restaurant they wind up patronizing.

I have places where I like certain foods – chicken fingers and fries from the local Milano Pizzeria are the best. Wings on the other hand, I like from Gabriel’s. And House of Pizza makes the best slice in the neighborhood. My very favorite meal to get delivered (or take-out) though is from St-Hubert. They are a bbq quicken place and I love their chicken. It’s moist and flavorful and the skin is crispy and absolutely yummy. They’re coleslaw is good, too – just needs a little bit of salt. And they have millefueille for dessert which is this yummy layered flaky pastry with custard and whipped cream in layers. So good.

Of course, I don’t have the gym that Robin and Stack have. They certainly make indulging in fried foods and other take-out look easy to counter. The benefits of being a fictional character!

Do you have a favorite spot to get take out from, or to get delivered?

Hopefully men of The Eager Boy will deliver the read you’re looking for!

Sean

Smut fixes everything

Blurb:

Eight months ago Robin Secoya left his lover and master, Stack Lobond, because he didn’t believe Stack really cared about him. He was sure that for Stack, any warm body would do, and Robin wasn’t willing to be just a warm body anymore.

A chance meeting at the Iron Eagle Gym brings them back together, and old feelings aren’t far from the surface. They decide they can’t pass up a second chance at romance. But this time, it isn’t just Stack’s demanding career as a big-cat vet putting strain on their relationship. Robin also has a new job that takes up a lot of his time.

Will their kinky love affair crash and burn a second time, or can they find the balance that will allow the passion between them to flourish?

About the Author

Best-selling author Sean Michael is a maple leaf–loving Canadian who spends hours hiding out in used book stores. With far more ideas than time, Sean keeps several documents open at all times. From romance to fantasy, paranormal and sci-fi, Sean is limited only by the need for sleep—and the periodic Beaver Tail.

Sean fantasizes about one day retiring on a secluded island populated entirely by horseshoe crabs after inventing a brain-to-computer dictation system. Until then, Sean will continue to write the old-fashioned way.

Sean Michael on the web:

WEBSITE: http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com

BLOG: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/

TWITTER: seanmichael09

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/seanmichaelpics/

Elliot Joyce on Growing Up, Coming Out ‘In The Desert’ (author guest blog and new book release)

In the Desert (States of Love) by Elliot Joyce
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Elliot Joyce here today talking about his latest novel In the Desert, a States of Love novel from Dreamspinner Press. Welcome, Elliot.

♦︎

Hello, I’m Elliot Joyce, the proud author of the upcoming novella In The Desert. The book is about two queer young men who live in Arizona and how they face down their personal fears, whether it be about identity or societal expectations, in order to pursue something — or rather someone — that makes them happy.

Without giving too much away, Wren and Felipe come from opposite situations. While Wren is the oldest of his siblings and has a certain level of pressure to “perform” as the responsible one, Felipe is the darling of the family — and the youngest. Wren also has a very healthy and traditional family, while Felipe was raised by his grandmother ever since his parents lost custody.

That isn’t to say that his family life isn’t healthy. The amount of support Felipe has as he pursues his studies, hoping to go to college unlike his parents, is shown throughout the story. He is loved by his family and loves them back — which is why he’s so concerned as he starts to realize his romantic feelings for Wren.

Wren also comes from a much more liberal, secular family while Felipe is rather Catholic — seriously enough to cross himself when he passes under the cross hanging above his grandmother’s kitchen doorway for example. Religion doesn’t play a huge part directly in the book, but it provides a backdrop and more information as to who these people are.

Felipe also gets along better with his siblings — at least he does now — than Wren, who argues and fights with his two younger sisters and his younger brother. Wren is bitter that his siblings don’t understand him and doesn’t feel like they support him while Felipe relies on his older siblings to have his back. The two have different family lives and different pasts, which makes them meeting even more of an unusual event.

However, both Wren and Felipe are loved and supported in many ways, not only by their family but by their friends, and that’s really the crux of the story. In The Desert takes place in Arizona and it would have been easy to talk about homophobia or transphobia, both of which are unfortunately rampant in the state. But even though Arizona does have its faults — I lived there for over a decade so I feel pretty confident in my ability to assess its qualities — there are good people there.

I wanted In The Desert to look at those people but I also knew I wanted to look at what it is like to not know how you feel. Felipe’s never had romantic feelings towards another young man and his only interaction with queer people is with another Boy Scout, a transgender guy who barely talks to Felipe outside of meetings.

Realizing that you’re gay or bi or trans or whatever can be terrifying, especially when you aren’t sure how your family will react, and I wanted Felipe to capture that. Hopefully audiences can empathize with him regardless of their own personal experiences.

On the flip side — and continuing the contrasts between Felipe and Wren — there’s Wren who has already come out to pretty horrible consequences. We see the aftermath of him coming out as transgender, with him switching schools and practically friendless. He struggles, at points, with mental health which is unfortunately a very realistic and very normal thing for transgender folks.

He also feels like his parents — and by extension his younger siblings — are not as supportive as they could be. Wren in many ways captures that feeling of loss and lack of support, but the reality is that he does have support from his family even if it’s at their own pace. Coming to terms with that is important to Wren’s development outside his relationship with Felipe, where Wren fears that Felipe sees him as a girl.

Like I said above, I won’t spoil anything and there’s plenty in the story itself to be dissected and enjoyed. Thanks for reading this post and check out In The Desert, coming to an e-book shelf near you.

About In The Desert

Can a Navajo trans teen and a nerdy Catholic find the place they belong… and maybe themselves? In the desert, anything is possible….

When Wren came out as transgender before his senior year, it cost him most of his friends. His father hopes joining a Boy Scout troop might help Wren meet other young men his age and be accepted for who he is.

Felipe Nieves wants the new guy in the troop to feel comfortable, and he reaches out to Wren. They become fast friends… with something more beneath the surface. Those feelings confuse Felipe, since his religion considers this a sin—and he’s always assumed he was straight—but he can’t help pining for Wren. Asking him out will take courage, and getting together won’t be easy… but through their friendship, both young men might find their identities… and learn to embrace them in a unique coming-of-age story set against the beauty of the American Southwest.

Buy: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/in-the-desert-by-elliot-joyce-9571-b

About the Author

Elliot Joyce is a social-media obsessed, selfie-taking millennial and he’s proud of it. He can usually be found in his room playing D&D or in a theater lurking on the catwalks. Sometimes he even writes.

Other notable facts include the fact that he’s bisexual, he cannot juggle, and he regularly trips over thin air. Catch him on tumblr or really any social media, he spends enough time on it.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/eleldelmots

Tumblr: http://theonewiththewords.tumblr.com/

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Stand By Your Manny (The Mannies #3) by Amy Lane

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Learning to trust and falling in love.

Sammy Lowell has his hands full juggling his music, college, some pesky health problems, and making the uncles who raised him proud. He needs help fulfilling his after-school duties with his siblings. Nobody can be in two places at once—not even Sammy!

An injury puts Cooper Hoskins in a tough spot—if he can’t work, the foster sister he’s raising can’t eat. But years in the foster system have left Cooper short on trust, and opening up to accept help isn’t easy.

Luckily, family intervenes—Cooper needs a job so he can care for Felicity, and Sammy needs someone who can see past his illness to the wonderful things he has planned for his life. Each heals the damaged places in the other’s heart. But falling in love is a big responsibility for young men deep in family already. Can the two of them get past their fear of the immediate future to see forever with each other?

I just love Amy Lane’s The Mannies series. An ever enlarging, extended family of people and kids that started with The Virgin Manny, each story brings in new “strays” via love and a relationship to connect with and adore. Sammy was seven years old when his mother died and left his uncle Channing as his guardian. Now Sammy is grown, thinking college, life apart from his “dads” and family, while trying to manage a serious illness, his anemia. He’s not doing a very good job of the latter as he has a tendency to get lost in his true love…music~composing and playing. That can mean not eating or taking his meds which has landed him into the hospital.

We get Sammy’s passion for his music along with his youth which unfortunately leads to the neglect of his health, a dangerous situation. Which frustrates his family and friends to no end.

The outside stray? Or strays gathered up this time? That would be Cooper Hoskins who we briefly met in the other story and a young girl, Felicity, who has been living with him. Cooper has been working for Brandon’s (see Manny Get Your Guy (The Mannies #2)) construction company when a construction accident places him in the hospital and all his carefully hid secrets about himself and Felicity pour out. Of course, both of them are pulled immediately into the extended Robbins-Lowell family.

Oh the immediate attraction between Sammy and Cooper. It’s so lovely and innocent. Did I mention they are both virgins? And so young? It telegraphs here with Lane’s writing, their dialog, and their scenes together. It shines with youthful first love… that glow of innocence that can’t be captured again. Somehow, Lane gets it all down and that chemistry sparks between them.

Plus it brings out certain laughs,groans, and wild reactions from two older “dads” caught unawares as well. That had me snickering too.

It’s amazing to see the span of time between this story and the first. In a way it made my heart hurt a little because I remember the innocence of Tino the virgin manny and now we have Tino the father (always along with Channing) with his children and grown Sammy. Plus all the others circling around them, adding support, humor, drama, and love. Ah the passage of time even in stories.

It’s hard to believe this is only book three. It feels like a whole universe of romance and love. Of course, I’m used to that with Amy Lane who peoples her stories with characters that breath, bleed, laugh, cry, and love their way through life. The Mannies series is no different, except maybe a little lighter. I can’t wait for A Fool and His Manny to appear. Until then enjoy this series, including Stand By Your Manny (The Mannies #3). I recommend that you start with the first story and work your way here. Become familiar with everyone that you meet, however fleetingly. You will love their stories too. I promise.

Cover artist: Bree Archer. I like that cover. Its a perfect rendition of Sammy. Sweet, youthful and with his piano behind him.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 182 pages
Expected publication: May 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
Original Title Stand by Your Manny
ASINB07CLJKL66
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series The Mannies

Release Blitz and Giveaway for Forged in Fire (Asheville Arcana #2) by Ari McKay

Universal Buy Link

Cover Design: Aaron Anderson

Length: 59,473 words

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Ashville Arcana Series

Out Of The Ashes (Book #1)

Blurb

The magic touch.

Ever since Harlan Edgewood was bitten by a possessed werewolf, his monthly shifts have been agonizing. When he meets Whimsy Hickes—a mage who specializes in transformation—the attraction is mutual. But Harlan believes his curse is too great a burden to inflict on any romantic partner.

Fortunately, Whimsy thinks he can help.

When Harlan is provoked into an unexpected change, Whimsy uses his magic to help ease Harlan’s pain, but with an unexpected consequence. While he’s shifted, Harlan’s wolf claims Whimsy as his mate.

As they draw closer, suspicious events in the Asheville magical community escalate. Shifters are disappearing, others are murdered, and Harlan’s curse makes him an obvious target. It will take all of Whimsy’s magic to force back the rising evil—and if he fails, Harlan will lose not only his life, but his very soul.

Ari McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who have been writing together for over a decade. Their collaborations encompass a wide variety of romance genres, including contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, gothic, and action/adventure. Their work includes the Blood Bathory series of paranormal novels, the Herc’s Mercs series, as well as two historical Westerns: Heart of Stone and Finding Forgiveness. When not writing, they can often be found scheming over costume designs or binge watching TV shows together.

Arionrhod is a systems engineer by day who is eagerly looking forward to (hopefully) becoming a full time writer in the not-too-distant future. Now that she is an empty-nester, she has turned her attentions to finding the perfect piece of land to build a fortress in preparation for the zombie apocalypse, and baking (and eating) far too many cakes.

McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.

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A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: The Wanderer (Chronicles of the Riftlands #1) by Rowan McAllister

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

After centuries of traveling the continent of Kita and fighting the extradimensional monsters known as Riftspawn, mage Lyuc is tired and ready to back away from the concerns of humanity.

But the world isn’t done with him yet.

While traveling with a merchant caravan, Lyuc encounters Yan, an Unnamed, the lowest caste in society. Though Yan has nothing but his determination and spirit, he reminds Lyuc what passion and desire feel like. While wild magic, a snarky, shapeshifting, genderfluid companion, and the plots of men and monsters seem determined to keep Lyuc from laying down his burden, only Yan’s inimitable spirit tempts him to hang on for another lifetime or so.

All Yan wants is to earn the sponsorship of a guild so he can rise above his station, claim a place in society, and build the family he never had.

After hundreds of years of self-imposed penance, all Lyuc wants is Yan.

If they can survive prejudice, bandits, mercenaries, monsters, and nature itself, they might both get their wish… and maybe even their happily ever after.

I really enjoyed The Wanderer. It ticked a lot of boxes for me and I just couldn’t put it down.

I liked both Yan and Lyuc immediately. They’re very different but make a wonderful couple. I really enjoyed their relationship dynamic and it was pretty obvious that they cared for each other. I really enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and especially Yan changing and growing in character.

But my favourite character by far was Lyuc’s traveling companion and friend. He’s so cool and he really added to the story.

The fantasy part has all the potential to become truly epic. It’s not exactly a brand new idea, but the author definitely made it work. The world building was well done and I immediately fell into the universe. It had me intrigued and I definitely want to find out more. This is just the beginning, after all.

There weren’t all that many sex scenes. While I don’t always need tons of sex to enjoy a book, I think this could have used a bit more. It’s implied that Yan has had some not so great experiences in the past and that he’s used sex as a favour to get out of trouble. It felt like he immediately went from “sex as a favour” to “sex out of love”. There was no slow change over time and that’s a bit of a shame. But that’s all I have to complain about.

Long story short, I absolutely loved “The Wanderer” and I can’t wait for part two. This really has the potential to become a really epic fantasy story with a wonderful relationship. I just hope the author will keep the current couple and won’t introduce a new one. I really liked our trio.

I really like the cover by Stef Masciandaro. It makes me smile and fits the story perfectly.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book details:

ebook, 200 pages
Published May 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640802360
Series Chronicles of the Riftlands #1

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Forged in Fire (Asheville Arcana #2) by Ari McKay

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

The magic touch.

Fortunately, Whimsy thinks he can help.

Whimsy Hickes! Of all of the character names that have leapt across the pages I have read all these years, this is one of the ones I wish I could grab for myself. Just the sheer charm of this name speaks to me. As does the character himself. I have adored Whimsy since I met him in Out of the Ashes (Asheville Arcana #1). Then he was dealing with the loss of his triad relationship when his friend and lover, half-elf Arden Gilmarin, finds true love with his mate werewolf Eli Hammond. When their other third, the Vampire disappears in his research, it leaves Whimsy lonely and searching for something for himself in Forged in Fire (Asheville Arcana #2) by Ari McKay.

The Asheville Arcana series or maybe trilogy is so wonderful. Layered over with multiple storylines that keep your attention glued to every sentence less you loose a clue or important element that will frame out the next action, McKay never forgets that its the people (or beings) that are the foundation here. And I mean every character, not just the main ones. Just terrific characterizations all around.

Both Whimsy and Harlan are looking for something….and find each other unexpectedly. It’s the mate bond that shows them the way. Each character is lovingly built up so that they feel alive, each detail, right down to the handmade candles that one makes and the other joyfully receives, gives us insight into them as people and as a couple. I loved that and them. And could see them so clearly in my mind that I felt I was nearby, listening in as a friend and happy for them.

Of course, there is an ongoing series storyline arc here with a great evil and that is carried through here with suspense and wonderful action. I was holding my breath at parts to see how it would all shake out and how if any resolution would happen knowing the series was only as book two. I wasn’t disappointed. The authors can write action as well as romance. And of course, we still have a lonely vampire at large. Can’t have that, can we?

So what have we got? A terrific magical series with supernatural and fantasy characters that feel alive and so vivid that you will connect with them easily. An evil so pervasive that it sends chills down your spine and make you fear for all involved. And plenty of love and romance for all lovers of, well, love and romance. Plus the name Whimsy Hickes. You know how I feel about that.

I can’t wait for the next story in this series. Until then, if you are new to the Asheville Arcana series, pick up book one and find out what’s in store for you. None of them are standalones. Then read this one. I highly recommend them both.

Cover art: Aaron Anderson. Love this cover. That’s my idea of Whimsy Hickes now absolutely.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 220 pages
Expected publication: May 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781640806979
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series Asheville Arcana

Out of the Ashes (Asheville Arcana #1)

Forged in Fire (Asheville Arcana, #2)

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Stand By Your Manny (The Mannies #3) by Amy Lane

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

I loved this story! Amy Lane always brings family drama to life with a touch of angst balanced with a touch of humor, and both are in evidence here in this third installment of the Mannies series.

Little Sammy Lowell is all grown up, and though his uncles Channing and Tino (The Virgin Manny) still dote on him, he now has a little sister and brother in the household so he’s not the center of attention he once was. Sammy is finishing his bachelor’s degree and will be heading into a master’s program next term. His major is music and his first love is piano; so much so, that he’s supplementing his coursework by volunteering to teach in an enrichment program for disadvantaged middle school students in a low income neighborhood. Plus, he’s planning to do a weekly gig at a pub that will let him play to a live audience and he’s psyched about it, even though it’s in a tough part of town and his uncles might object. The biggest glitch in all his plans, however, is his medical condition. He has a form of anemia that leaves him weak and exhausted if he neglects his diet and he’s the king of forgetting to eat when he’s composing or playing so he’s always suffering from the effects of low iron.

Cooper Hoskins is raising his “sister” and working to keep food on their table and clothes on her back by doing construction for the company where Brandon (Manny Get Your Man) is supervisor. Unfortunately, he loses the battle to shore up an air conditioning unit on a rooftop and when it comes tumbling down, Cooper, and all his secrets, come tumbling down with it. When he awakes in the hospital, he panics and reveals Felicity’s existence to Brandon. Unfortunately, Felicity was one of the foster kids from his last foster home and when he finally aged out of the system and left, she found out where he lived and showed up to live with him. After returning her to a foster mother who didn’t even know she’d left, Felicity showed up again and Cooper let her stay. Now, the gigs up, but after a phone call from Brandon, Channing and Tino step in, and with Channing’s wealth and connections, the two men become her official guardians. They also offer Cooper a job as their manny, to begin once his wounds heal.

It’s almost too good to be true and it takes Cooper a while to build trust in this shiny, happy family, but with Sammy’s help, Cooper begins to see his own worth and the two young men start to find their own form of happiness when they act on their attraction.

One more key piece the author has used in all the stories—both men are virgins. Slowly, a few stolen kisses lead to more and Sammy and Cooper realize they never settled for someone else because they were meant to be. Now they have to hope Sammy’s health cooperates, and that his uncles approve. And Cooper has to protect his naïve boyfriend from some of the tough guys both inside and outside the bar where’s he doing his music gig.

Some things just don’t come easy to either young man, and it’s a pleasure to watch their growth and to revisit the large extended family of Amy Lane’s Mannies books. There’s a foundation of family strength throughout the story, as well as an underlying sense of humor, and of course, the usual heartbreaking moments mixed with heartwarming romance. Amy Lane does it so well.

I very highly recommend this book. It can stand alone, but it’s really going to be so much better if readers start with The Virgin Manny and work their way through the series. For those who’ve already read the first two, you can look forward to a few enjoyable visits with all of the past characters, including Tino’s sister, who is now on baby number six. All in all, it’s a very satisfying conclusion to a terrific series.

~~~

Cover art by Bree Archer features a handsome young blond man with a baby grand piano in the background. It’s the perfect depiction of the bright and outgoing Sammy, whose love for piano stands out in this story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 182 pages
Expected publication: May 1st 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
Original Title Stand by Your Manny
ASINB07CLJKL66
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series The Mannies

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Smoldering Flame (Rekindled Flame #3) by Andrew Grey and Michael Pauley (Narrator)

Rating: 4.25 out of 5

This is a sweet story about a firefighter and his young son who has childhood cancer and the photographer who came into their lives just when both needed him most.

When Dean brings his son Sammy to Marco’s photography studio without an appointment one evening, it’s evident that Sammy is quite ill, but all Sammy wants is to meet the stuffed Dalmatian he’s seen in photos. Feeling sorry for the young man and his son, Marco snaps several shots and refuses payment. Then when the three meet again months later, and it’s evident Sammy is much better, they hang out for a while and get to know each other while enjoying Sammy’s favorite foods.

Typical Andrew Grey in that the characters, including the child, are sweet, kind, generous, and loving, I can always count on this author to uplift my mood. Michael Pauley brought their voices to life and I especially loved the voice he gave little Sammy, whose childish squeals of delight over the simplest things served to remind me of how it’s often the little things in life that bring the most pleasure.

As the story moves on, there’s danger from fires for Dean, self-discovery for Marco, and a second hospitalization for Sammy. There’s just the right mix of angst and happiness, and it’s definitely a family drama as Sammy is a major part of Dean’s life and would be for any future romantic partner. I also like the way the author brought past characters into the story—from several different series—and I enjoyed the way the romance finally played out.

This is definitely a book I recommend, especially to those who enjoy a story of men with children or one with gorgeous, sexy firefighters. And the audiobook edition is terrific due to Michael Pauley’s narration.

~~~

Cover art by L.C. Chase depicts a shirtless firefighter, set against a background of flames, his hand on his helmet as he places it on his head. Very attention-getting and appropriate to the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio,Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Published March 28th 2018 by Dreamspinner Press LLC (first published February 13th 2018)
ASINB07BR64TPW
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series Rekindled Flame #3

Tis the Merry Month of May. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Tis the Merry Month of May

Yes, May is upon us and I couldn’t be happier! That means our official last day of frost has passed and its safe to plant our annuals. For us nerds, we can look forward to May 4th….Star Wars Day. Yes, May the Fourth be with you! And Cinco de Mayo will follow on its heels.

Bluebirds have been back, nest building in earnest. The pollen count is rising…sorry but the trees are going mad in the spring. Nature is bursting forth again with growth. And the days are getting longer, something that always lifts my spirits.

So too the fact that I can take my Kindle outside to read while the dogs investigate the yard to see what’s new and exciting or old and inviting. You never know with them.

Odd little interesting items you might be interested in, especially if you like comic books like me. The first saturday in May? Its Free Comic Book Day. Here’s the history and info. Call your local store to see if its participating.

Calling all nerds, geeks, and comic book aficionados. Today is Free Comic Book Day.

Who says you can’t get something for nothing? On this very special day, comic book stores all over the country hand our specially printed copies of free comic books. Some comic book stores take it a step further, setting up shelves of free comic books, with no strings attached. Take one or take several, and you don’t owe the store anything. Of course, the comic book stores are trying to hook you into the fun world of comic books, so you come back and buy new editions over and over again. Occasionally, stores will also hand out other freebies, memorabilia, posters, etc.

Free Comic Book Day, taking place on the first Saturday of May, is an annual promotional effort by the North American Comic Book industry to help bring new readers into independent comic book stores. At last count, over 2,000 retailers in 30 countries participate in this fun filled day.

Head on out to your local comic book store, and get hooked on the world of comics.

Friday, May 5th is a very busy day. It’s also Oyster Day (great since I’m so close to the Chesapeake Bay). I’ll take advantage of this! Maybe have half a dozen raw oysters and read a free comic. Sounds like a plan to me. Did you know that there are LGBT comics out there? Remember that post?

Anyhow it’s looking to be a busy week! Let the May celebrations begin!

From our readers who left comments for our What’s Old is New Again Giveaway, I’d like to post them here.

♦︎From Ami:

Thank you for the generous giveaway … I think in regards to issues coming left and right from Romancelandia these days, I would love to read more about INTERRACIAL COUPLE trope. I don’t feel like I read it a lot. Other than that, I still see the same old tropes playing around, enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers …

[ I agree, Ami. Your comment is timely, One of the books I read last week Why I Trust You by Colette Davison featured an interracial couple as does one by Alex Beecroft in one of my favorite series Contraband Hearts (Porthkennack #10) by Alex Beecroft. I’m reviewing that on Saturday. What is fascinating about that one is that it is an M/M historical romance that absolutely feels authentic. Authors! More please!]

♦︎From H.B.:

I read pretty much the same tropes I’ve always have keeping to shifter stories, mpreg and friends to lovers. Mpreg and shifter stories kind of go hand in hand but I notice in the past year there have been more and more stories that focus on mpreg stories that involve alpha /omega couples that don’t having shifting abilities. I see resurfacing of marriage of convenience/relationship of convenience stories too.

[True, H.B., I see more and more of those as well. One of the things I see popping up on cable/tv…everywhere are the prince stories and the commoner stories. Gosh. Wonder where that idea came from. And how long before it makes its way into the M/M stories. shall we take a poll?]

♦︎From Purple Reader:

Thanks for the generous gift. And thanks so much for taking time to highlight the issues brought up in “What’s New In LGBT Romance Fiction”. As you can tell, they mean a lot to me, and I think it’s good to visit these issues so that we keep in mind how our community is impacted by such RW issues, but also how we can create positive change. And that’s something SPRING does for me, too – bringing warmth and hope as well as renewal.

[You’re welcome, P.R. and yes, those issues mean a lot to us here too. The LGBTQIA Book World is a small universe of authors, publishers, editors, covers artists, and promotional groups and more. All of those have a larger impact that extends outward to current readers and, I feel, future readers that will find their books and, perhaps, recognize themselves within and see a larger universe that awaits them. I hope so. Thanks for all your wonderful comments!]

🎼Music of the Moment: Appalachian spring by Aaron Copland

Because I can hear the bubbling spring all along its journey and yes, everything about this piece makes me think of Spring and possibilities!

My thanks to everyone who left such wonderful comments. The winner of What’s Old is New Again Giveaway is H.B.!. H.B., please contact Stella at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com and she will hook you up with your gift certificate! Congratulations.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sumday. April 29:

Release Blitz – Corked by Brigham Vaughn
Tank by Nora Phoenix & K.M. Neuhold Release Blitz
Tis the Merry Month of May. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, April 30:

BLOG TOUR And The Beagle Makes Three by Geoffrey Knight
Exclusive Excerpt Tour MEDLEY (Changing Lanes #2) by Layla Reyne
Release Blitz – Sharon Maria Bidwell – Flowers For The Gardener
Release Blitz – A Love To Remember by Sarah Hadley Brook
A Lucy Review: And The Beagle Makes Three by Geoffrey Knight
A MelanieM Review: Masc (Femme #2) by Marshall Thornton
An Alisa Review: Corked by Brigham Vaughn
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Smoldering Flame (Rekindled Flame #3) by Andrew Grey and Michael Pauley (Narrator)

Tuesday, May 1:

The California Dashwoods by Lisa Henry – Release Day Blitz
Release Blitz – Diego’s Secret by Bryan T Clark
Book Blitz for Astray by Elvira Bell
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: The Wanderer (Chronicles of the Riftlands #1) by Rowan McAllister
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Stand By Your Manny (The Mannies #3) by Amy Lane
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Forged in Fire (Asheville Arcana #2) by Ari McKay

Wednesday, May 2:

BLOG TOUR Hard To Get by Jaclyn Quinn
DSP Promo Sean Michael
Series Blitz – – Strain Series by Amelia Gormley
Release Blitz for Forged in Fire (Asheville Arcana #2) by Ari McKay
A Caryn Review: Orderly Affair (Hearts & Health #6) by DJ Jamison
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Stand By Your Manny (The Mannies #3) by Amy Lane
An Alisa Review: Rended Hearts by Riza Curtis
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Tied up by the Boss (Office Kink #2 ) by Hunter Frost

Thursday, May 3:

DSP Promo Elliot Joyce on In The Desert
Book Release Tour for Contraband Hearts by Alex Beecroft
Release Blitz for Machine Metal Magic by Hanna Dare
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Creature (Bureau #3) by Kim Fielding
A Lila Review: Fighting for You (Lifesworn #2) by Megan Derr
A MelanieM Review: Hard To Get by Jaclyn Quinn
A VVivacious Review: The Captain and the Cavalry Trooper (The Captivating Captains #1) by Eleanor Harkstead & Catherine Curzon

Friday, May 4:

Erin McLellan on Life of Bliss
TOUR Creature by Kim Fielding
Release Blitz – – Whisper by Garrett Leigh
Review Tour – The Perfect Whore by Josephine Myles
An Ali Review: The Perfect Whore – Josephine Myles
An Alisa Release Day Review: In the Desert (States of Love) by Elliot Joyce
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Life of Bliss (Love Life #2) by Erin McLellan
A MelanieM Audiobook Review: The Hockey Player’s Heart (Hockey Hearts) by Jeff Adams and Will Knauss with Finn Sterling (Narrator)

Saturday, May 5:

Release Blitz Tour – Hawk In The Rowan by Sam Burns
A MelanieM Recent Release Review: Contraband Hearts (Porthkennack #10) by Alex Beecroft

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: High Test by Elizabeth Noble and Colin Darcy (Narrator)

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

At times elementary, this story is loaded with trope—though in a way that’s to be expected with these Dreamspun Desires stories. Some of the writing was too unpolished and not what I expected. It’s possible though, that some of my impression of the simplistic prose is from the narrator, who told the story in a somewhat singsong voice, although thankfully, he used a different voice for each MC. The non-dialogue portions of the book sounded as if a high school kid were standing in front of the class trying to read in a way sure to please the teacher.

I liked the overall plot concept and I especially love May-December romances, though this one was a bit much—one MC was twice as old as the other. Neal Kirchner, wealthy and well-known architect meets Hayden Owens at the Owens Coffee Company shop one morning when he stops by to try a cup of their brew. He strikes up a conversation with the cute barista and from then on, coffee becomes a part of his morning, and sometimes evening, routine—especially when Hayden is working the closing shift.

He and Hayden go out together, though Hayden never lets him see his apartment and soon becomes convinced that Neal thinks his family owns the Owens coffee shops. Hayden is finishing graduate school, majoring in auto design and engineering, and he and Neal find they have a lot in common due to their technical interests. Though he tries several times to tell Neal that he’s not wealthy and is in fact a poor, struggling student, something, or someone, always interferes just when he’s ready to spill the beans.

Naturally, this causes an issue when the truth comes out, but it’s not what Hayden thinks it’s going to be and it was entertaining and interesting, even though it was a tried-and-true romance trope. I did want to smack Hayden upside the head a few times and I wanted to fast forward my audiobook each time he fell into his self-inflicted angst, but on the whole, I liked the story and the characters, and I think much of my negatives simply came from the narrator’s performance.

If you are interested in May-December romance and like the old romance tropes many of us grew up with, this one should fill the slot.

Cover art by Bree Archer depicts an older dark-skinned man in a business suit against the backdrop of a coffee shop—the perfect depiction of Neal Kirchner, the older architect who falls for the young barista.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audible Audio. Length 5:12
Published March 22nd 2018 by Dreamspinner Press
ASINB07BFHXHHQ
Edition Language English

The Eager Boy (Iron Eagle Gym, #6) by Sean Michael Dreamspinner Press Cover Art: LC Chase

Buy links:

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Blurb:

About the Author

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In the Desert (States of Love) by Elliot Joyce Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

About In The Desert

About the Author

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Tis the Merry Month of May

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sumday. April 29:

Monday, April 30:

Tuesday, May 1:

Wednesday, May 2:

Thursday, May 3:

Friday, May 4:

Saturday, May 5:

Share this:

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The Eager Boy (Iron Eagle Gym, #6) by Sean Michael
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Art: LC Chase

In the Desert (States of Love) by Elliot Joyce
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht