Love Contemporary Romance? Check Out Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey (Guest Post & Exclusive Excerpt)

Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: Nov 17 2017
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Book Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Dreamspinner Press

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Andrew Grey today on his Heart Unheard tour. Welcome, Andrew.

Blurb/Synopsis:

The attraction between Brent Berkheimer and Scott Spearman peels the wallpaper, but Brent is Scott’s boss, and they’re both too professional to go beyond flirting. Their priorities realign after Scott is badly injured in an accident that costs him his hearing, and Brent realizes what is truly important… he wants Scott.

Scott first pushes Brent away, fearing a new romance will just add to his problems, but perhaps he will find unexpected strength and solace in Brent’s support as he struggles to communicate with the world in a new way.

Just as they decide the chance of a happy future together is worth the risk, Scott and Brent discover darker challenges in their way—including evidence that the “accident” Scott suffered may not have been so accidental.

Excerpt

“Is that what you did?” Dean ruffled his hair like Brent was a kid. “Come on. He worked for you, so you wanted to keep things professional.”

“Fuck that. I thought… think about him all the damn time. I was too afraid to say something in case he turned me down. I’m ten years older than him, and I figured, what the hell would he want me for anyway?” Brent set his glass aside. Suddenly getting drunk and trying to forget everything didn’t hold any appeal. “I’m mooning over a guy who was out of my league. We flirted and had fun with each other, but that was all it was. I was… am Scott’s boss, and that’s the end of it.” He huffed. “The rest is me being an idiot.”

Dean downed his whiskey and poured some more. “If you’re so sure about that, you wouldn’t be acting this way.” He could be so observant every now and then. “You like him, and somehow you developed feelings for him.”

Brent jumped to his feet, waving a hand. “Okay, I did. But none of that matters, and I need to get over this… infatuation. He’s in surgery right now, and he isn’t going to want me when… if he gets better.” He began pacing the room. “I’m acting like a teenager. I need to stop.” His head was going in a million directions, and he desperately needed it to settle on something, anything.

Dean set his glass on the coffee table. “Fuck it all. You know I was pissed and a bit depressed because Dumbfuck was getting married and the asshole is happy. But dammit, I’m more depressed now than I was when I walked through your door.” He snatched his glass and drained it. “I hate shit like that.” Dean leaned back on the sofa, cradling his glass.

“Let’s eat until we puke.” Brent opened the bag of Cheetos and passed them to Dean because he knew they were his favorite. Then he opened the chips and went to the refrigerator to grab a couple of beers before flopping on the sofa. He’d had enough whiskey, so he popped a beer open and drank. Brent sighed. “Sometimes I think I’m the stupidest man on earth.”

“Why?” Dean’s speech was a little slurred, or maybe it was the mouth full of Cheetos. It was hard to tell.

“Because I wasn’t gutsy enough just to tell him what I wanted. I know it won’t make a difference, not now.” Brent drank another sip of beer and then picked up the bag of chips. “I suppose we always regret the things we don’t do.”

Dean shook his head. “Yeah, I know that. I should have left Chuck long before I did.”

“You know, maybe it’s time you stop trying to screw every guy in town and find someone special.” Brent set his beer on the coffee table, turning toward Dean. “Every time I go to Trevor’s and see him and James together, I get so fucking jealous that I want to scream. They have what I want, and I can’t ever seem to find it for myself.” He crunched another chip. God, now he was sharing his feelings and shit. It must be the whiskey. “Forget I said anything. Okay? It’s not that important. Let it go.” He turned on the television and found a RuPaul marathon. It gave them something to talk about other than his feelings.

About the Author

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links:

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

The Titles Below Are for the Heart Unseen Novels Only

Links go to Amazon

Heart Unseen Book 1

Heart Unheard Book 2

****Please add to Post if Reviewing****
**** Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from RBTL Book Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. *****

An Alisa Release Day Review: Heart Unheard (Hearts Entwined #2) by Andrew Grey

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Scott pushes Brent away at first, fearing a new romance will just add to his problems, but perhaps he will find unexpected strength and solace in Brent’s support as he struggles to communicate with the world in a new way.

This was another great story and it takes place about two years after Heart Unseen. Brent has tried to keep his distance from Scott to avoid any problems at work or to weigh him down with an older man. Scott has flirted with Brent but since nothing has ever gone further feels that Brent isn’t interested.

Brent has been trying to figure out what to do about his attraction to Scott and the accident quickly puts things in perspective. Scott is overwhelmed with healing from the accident and being treated as breakable that he isn’t sure he has that strength to try a relationship.

This story is told from both characters’ point of view so we are able to see their thoughts and feelings. Brent has kept his personal doubts from everyone, even his best friends and mother, for so long he doesn’t even know how to vocalize them. I loved Brent’s conviction to stand by and support Scott even if Scott doesn’t want more; I think his support was what helped Scott become stronger and more confident. Scott’s strength to help Brent get over his doubts was wonderful. I loved seeing Trevor and James again and hope the next book helps Dean find someone.

Cover art by LC Chase is absolutely wonderful and I love how understated it is.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages

Published: November 17, 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-152-3

Edition Language: English

Series: Hearts Entwined #2

An Ali Audiobook Review: Buried Bones (Bones #2) by Kim Fielding and John Solo (Narrator)

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Werewolves don’t have a how-to manual—nor do men embarking on a new life together.

It’s been a few weeks since Dylan Warner wolfed out and killed Andy, the crazed werewolf who originally turned him and later tried to murder Chris Nock. Architect Dylan and handyman Chris are still refurbishing Dylan’s old house as they work out the structure of their relationship. They come from very different backgrounds, and neither has had a long-term lover before, so negotiating their connections would be challenge enough even if Dylan didn’t turn into a beast once a month.

To make matters worse, Dylan’s house is haunted, and events from both men’s pasts are catching up with them. Dylan has to cope with the aftermath of killing Andy, and Chris continues to suffer the effects of a difficult childhood.

In his quest to get rid of the ghost, Dylan rekindles old friendships and faces new dangers. At the same time, Chris’s father makes a sudden reappearance, stirring up old emotions. If Dylan and Chris want to build a lasting relationship, they’ll have to meet these challenges head-on.

This is the second book in the Bones series and it catches us up with the MC’s from book one. Dylan and Chris are a couple now and they are working on both developing their relationship and fixing up the old house. While overall things are going better there is still a problem. A ghostly one this time. And, in their search to figure out the haunting, they accidentally get themselves involved with a werewolf pack.

Who’s haunting it and why is something they slowly figure out with the help of a psychic grandma who’s not scared of much of anything. We meet her grandson Ery who is Dylan’s friend and who will be the MC of the next book in the series.

Overall I found this to be a sweet and enjoyable story. I don’t quite feel the connection between these two main characters that would take this from a series I liked to a series I love. It’s not a favorite of mine from this author but I still find it enjoyable. I like the low angst level also.

This audiobook was narrated John Solo and I think he did a good job. His voices for both of the MC’s were distinct and I also enjoyed the way he did the side characters. I felt the performance added to the story.

If you enjoyed the first book in this series I think you will enjoy this also. If you have not read book one you should do that first. This book does not work as a standalone.

This cover is done by Christine Griffin. I’m not a big fan of the animated style of covers so this is not a favorite of mine. I do think the artist is talented and it is a great representation of the story.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Audible | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Release Date Sep 25, 2017
Type Novels
Length 8:00

A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed By Felicitas Ivey

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

A billionaire and a Bedouin girl—each with a shocking secret.

Billionaire Fathi al-Murzim is a workaholic businessman, too busy running the family’s companies to even think about marriage. Too bad he never told his grandfather he’s gay, because Grandfather just announced a childhood betrothal—to a Bedouin girl Fathi never heard about before.

Ikraam din Abdel was raised as a woman by his avaricious and abusive older sister, who didn’t want him to be their father’s heir. He’d never thought to be married either, and is surprised when his sister informs him of his betrothal.

When Fathi and Ikraam meet, they are drawn to each other in a manner neither of them expected. As the plans for their wedding progress, they both realize they need to tell the other the truth. But can they, with both cultural taboos and family pressures to deal with?

Well. Normally the Dreamspun Desires line just does it for me. I love their twists on those old familiar storylines we read in our romances or saw in our movies. But The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed By Felicitas Ivey either came out at the wrong time or the author was not truly cognizant of the messages she seems to be sending here with her storyline and threads. I found myself reading, then going back to double check to see if certain passages really portrayed women so badly (yes in my opinion), then braced myself to continue reading all the way to the end where the author finished her story with a lasting moment that left me wishing I had never picked this story up. Honestly, I think I’m kind with a 2 rating.

But onto the particulars.

Why does this story upset me so?

Well barebones, it’s about a traditional bedouin man whose birth upset his sister’s control of the tribe. She forced his mother (a secondary or minor wife) to raise his as a girl in the large harem where his identity as a male remained unknown even to him under his mother’s care. Basically a servant, an agreement will see him married off to a Sheikh’s son, an arrangement the sister will hope to get him killed while getting her money. If that’s not awful enough, there’s an ugly side story about his niece who the sister intends to marry off to a rapist/thug.

Yes, it has a happy ending, the niece gets saved. The tribe goes back to the desert and Fathi and Ikraam are happy. So why am I sort of nauseated?

Neither niece or Ikraam, the man who has been raised as a woman can read or seen any sort of modern existence. He has no idea what it means to be a man actually other than how his tribe defines it. Yet, the author seems to raise them both higher in esteem than any modern Arabian woman mentioned. There are several scenes here with Fathi’s secretary. She is modern, dresses so while keeping to societal standards for the office. She is striving for a career while having a major crush on her boss, who doesn’t set her straight mind you, letting her continue to assume about his feelings.

Much is made of her makeup, hair and clothing as though it’s a bad thing. Really, this poor character exists for only one purpose. She’s that compare and contrast vehicle! And that’s so that at the end when Ikraam, dressed in all his new traditional Bedouin and extremely female marriage finery (each clothing is listed, coins glittering) corrects the poor girl about how to address her/his husband. All the family gather around this wonderful Bedouin married ‘woman’ and help her humiliate the secretary completely in letting her know yes, her boss is now married to a traditional woman, so “quit, your job, honey.” And they all have a good laugh as the girl basically runs out of the office, shamed in front of all her co workers. Never mind that she was a hard worker, did a great job and was well educated. Nope, clearly a makeup wearing, high heeled tramp! Grandfather was quite clear on his feelings about that. What a nasty little scene that was. Ikraam happily continues his existence appearing to be a woman in the traditional Arabian cultural role.

Yes women are the evil ones here. From the sister who beat Ikraam to that poor secretary, all the responsibility falls on the woman’s shoulders. Men? Pretty passive. That thug/rapist? Given a donkey or something and sent off back to the tribe to marry again. The sister? She remains in control because she purposely married a weak man. The totally ‘by the books, loves his old ways’ grandfather does something totally out of character (had to for the novel) and accepts Fathi and Ikraam’s sexuality. Uh no. But in face of everything else, that’s minor.

No, it’s still the treatment of women here. Was it really necessary to bring this element into the story? Ikraam and niece still can’t read. How’s he going to fit into his husband’s new world? Explore that! You didn’t need that secretary at all. Yes, Ikraam is basically a “woman” in a man’s body because that’s how he was raised. That’s a far more interesting idea to investigate that then the paths the author went down. Ikraam even mentions he had no idea he was a boy until he was much older. That must have blown his psyche. But no….let’s go the “new is evil and old/traditional is everything” and do it while throwing women under the bus.

Maybe I shouldn’t take a lighthearted romance this seriously. But in light of the #MeToo campaigns, of women fighting for the right just to drive cars in Saudi Arabia, of all the fights for rights that seem to be heading backwards these days, surely we don’t need to do it in our fiction as well. This is one story that just struck me all wrong. Shrugs.

And now you know why.

Cover art by Bree Archer is nice and has the right backdrop.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 212 pages
Expected publication: November 15th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635339628
Edition LanguageEnglish

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding

Rating 3.5 stars out of 5

In the mid eighteen forties, Ante Novak died on a Croatian battlefield—and rose three days later as a vampire. His maker was good to him but tended to let him run wild, so he killed humans as he drank their blood and one time, as he looked into the eyes of a young man dying from TB, he decided to turn him and create his own vampire. But his vampire, Lee, didn’t turn out to be quite what Ante hoped for, and Ante himself finally realized the error of his destructive ways so he fled to the United States. Now he haunts Las Vegas, stealing a little blood here and there from humans who don’t even realize he’s had them. It helps him live in the Las Vegas area when he also helps himself to some of their money and it helps him stay away from working for the powerful vampire organization known as the Shadows, which now happens to be run by Lee. They don’t have the “ethics” Ante has developed and kill indiscriminately when they take blood. Ante prefers his way and his luck is high when he meets beautiful and charming Peter Gehrardi, who seems to be able to influence others with his thoughts.

Intrigued, Ante eventually finds out that Peter is half-elf—no wonder his blood is so sweet and sparkly! But the Shadows want Peter captured so they can use his mind-influencing powers to their own gain and they try to enlist Ante to help them. Mistake! That’s the signal for Ante and Peter to run and they lead the Shadows on a merry adventure across the dessert and into a non-human sanctuary community in Northern California. Along the way there’s further (mis)adventures and lots of lovin’ as Peter and Ante come to mean much more to each other than a zero-hearted vampire could ever expect. There is, of course, a fight to the finish when Lee and the vampires from the Shadows track them to the sanctuary. Who will come out of the battle intact? And will Ante be able to find a happy ever after with someone who does not have the lifespan of a vampire?

This is an enjoyable story, but though I usually absolutely love Kim Fielding’s stories, this one fell just a little short for me. I couldn’t quite appreciate the characters—neither Peter with his love of sweets and charming personality, nor Ante with his “vampireness” and “cold” personality. I know this is a pun, but he was just too cold for me to warm up to. And Peter was just too over the top in cuteness. I must admit, however, there were a few times when I laughed out loud and there were a few times when teardrops rolled down my cheeks, but overall, I simply enjoyed this tale without finding it outstanding.

Would I recommend it? By all means, especially to those who enjoy these Dreamspun tales and to those who enjoy vampires with a soft side and all manner of other supernatural creatures.

~~~

The cover by Aaron Anderson features a cute guy with the expected vampire fangs—looking quite attractive—against a casino background and done in the purple tones of the branding of other Dreamspun Beyond stories.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 220 pages
Expected publication: November 15th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635339482
Edition LanguageEnglish
Las Vegas, Nevada (United States)
Nevada (United States)

A Stella Release Day Review: Braving the Rapids (Rocky Mountain Boys #2 ) by Brandon Witt

RATING 4,5 out of 5 stars

Estes Park native Todd Fleece works hard to honor his obligations to family and the businesses he inherited, but only his friends and the horses at his ranch brighten Todd’s life. In fighting his attraction to his best friend’s ex-boyfriend, Todd has focused solely on his work, leaving little room in his life for finding love.

Matt Abel’s reckless youth put him on a path to a self-destructive life—his most painful failure was being a horrible father. He excels at extreme sports and living on the edge. Now back in Estes Park and teaching white-water rafting, Matt tries to reconnect with his mother and his grown daughter. When he runs into his ex’s friend Todd, Matt longs for more than a fling.

But achieving happiness isn’t simple, not with Todd’s family conflicts and Matt struggling not to slide back into alcoholism. With hurdles threatening to drive them apart, Todd and Matt try to find the courage to brave the rapids and face a future together….

Well, I really have no clue of how many ways I can use to say Brandon Witt is an amazing writer. I’m in love with his style and each new release is one more proof of his talent. Although some books are more emotional than others, all of them are treasures in how well everything has been depicted and the reader can’t not help but fall in love with them.

In my opinion Braving the Rapids can be considered one of his lighter stories, even if I found myself deeply connected with Todd and Matt lives, especially because I could compare to some of their struggles. And that’s was a bonus. Moreover I am a fan of adult characters and seeing those two men, full of life, full into their lives, full of issues to still solve, but at the same time full of hopes and want for a future together, warmed my heart. The novel is focused on their love story sure but it’s open versus each character single life too, how Todd needs to be strong with his mother’s disease and how Matt is willing to build a relationship with his daughter even if he needs to work on himself first of all.

And then in this second installment in the Rocky Mountain Boys series I found all the people I learned to love in Mapping the Forest, Luis and Gabe and Rob and Paxton. It was great to meet them again and I so hope to have more about all of them.

The cover art by Anne Cain follows the theme of the covers’ series and it’s different from the usual covers I see around and that’s the reason why it’s a winner to me

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 256 pages

Publication Date: November 13th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN13 9781635339987

Edition Language English

Rocky Mountain Boys #2

An Ali Release Day Review: Broken Sun (City to City #2) by B.D. Roca

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

James Morgan: outlaw in a ruthless biker club, the Bastard Legion. Willing to do whatever he must to claw his way to the top of the club’s hierarchy.

Two things stand in the way of his ambitions: his heroin-addicted brother and his bisexuality. In Morgan’s world, his attraction to men is a death sentence, and he has no desire to pursue it… until he tangles with Luc Sinclair.

Luc Sinclair: fellow Bastard Legion biker. Tattoo artist. Rebel who wants out of a club he’s grown to despise.

Luc has a sister he’s protecting from a Legion ex-boyfriend. Saving her makes him a target. Morgan intervenes, and all bets are off. The sex is as fierce and passionate as it is dangerous. But when Morgan’s junkie brother learns of the relationship, he sees a way to advance in the Legion and take out a brother he hates. Their three worlds collide—one is left for dead, another fighting for life, and the bond between them broken.

In a dark and violent world where it’s every man for himself, finding their way back to each other and the only truth they’ve ever found will be a long, hard fight.

The other book in this series was one of my favorite reads last year and I was really excited to get my hands on this one. (You can see my review for book one here on our blog). The first half or so was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. The chemistry between the two guys jumped off the page. The situation they’re in is super tough and you feel like it’s them against the rest of the world. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen and if they were going to make it out alive and together.

The magic started to wane for me though as the story hit it’s peak. The blurb says “the bond between them broken” but I guess I underestimated what that was going to mean to the story. There is a huge gap where they are not together and that’s just not a story twist I like. If an author puts the MC’s through hell I want to see them come through it together. These two did eventually find their way back together and the book ends in a HEA but by that time all the magic was gone for me. I had a hard time buying their reunion and all the events that happened from that point on. It was about 40% of the book so it was a big chunk for me to be disheartened by.

It wasn’t until almost the end of this book that I realized how these characters tied in to the characters from the first book. That being said, this can be read just fine as a standalone. I think this author is very good and I hope that more people will try her/his books. The reason I didn’t rate this higher was due to my dislike of the way the plot went but I don’t think that’s reflective of the author’s talent. A lot of readers may have no problem with it.

Cover: The author is also the cover artist and I think the cover is well done. It’s very attractive and eye catching. I noticed that the cover on the previous book was also redone and they match beautifully.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 286 pages
Expected publication: November 13th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635336436
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesCity to City #2

On Tour with Jacob Z. Flores and Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) (author guest post and giveaway)

Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) by Jacob Z. Flores
Dreamspinner Press
Cover art by Paul Richmond

Release date: November 6, 2017

Buy Link: Dreamspinner Press e-book/Dreamspinner Press Paperback

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Jacob Z. Flores here today on his Blood Drop tour. Welcome, Jacob.

Blurb:

A single drop of blood might hold the key to the fate of the magical world, and Aiden Teine must choose between his bond of love and embracing the power to defeat his enemies.

Aiden’s adjustment to being the first vampyre fae hasn’t been easy, but his ties to warlock Thad Blackmoor prevent him from becoming a monster. With Thad, Aiden has a new family, a new purpose, and a new reason to live—though he’s technically undead. There’s one problem: Aiden’s control over his vampyre is weakening. He must learn what’s triggering his violent reactions before he surrenders to the creature within. To complicate matters, Aiden discovers his transformation might not be complete, and he fears what he will become.

Aiden’s search for answers thrusts him into a frightening world filled with deception, new dangers, and apocalyptic visions. The part destiny intends Aiden to play could alter his relationship with Thad forever. If Aiden, Thad, and the entire magical community are to survive Icarian’s latest scheme, Aiden must interpret the meaning of the prophetic blood drop before it falls and ushers in the destruction of all creation—and the warlock he loves.

Blood Drop

The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge (Book 5)

by Jacob Z. Flores

Magic has enthralled me since I was a child. I can still remember those summer afternoons, running around my grandparents’ yard and pretending that I was levitating my enemies or moving objects with my mind. As I grew into an adult, my fascination with the mystical world only grew. The only thing that changed was my realization that I wasn’t telekinetic and couldn’t cast spells.

But, I was only partially wrong.

While I couldn’t summon arcane energies, as an author I could create a magical world and populate it with magical characters. Thus, I began constructing the world on which the Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge is based.

As hard as it is to believe, the journey began in 2015. Two years and four books later, the fifth (and most likely the last) book of the series is set to release on November 6.

I’ve enjoyed exploring this world with everyone. I’ve also had great fun re-imagining warlocks, witches, and wizards and vampires, shifters, and fae. I’m also extremely proud of my boys—Mason, Thad, and Pierce. They have come a long way since book one, but I’m not done with them—yet.

There’s one story left to tell, and it belongs to Aiden Teine, the fire fairy who captured Thad Blackmoor’s heart. Aiden is the narrator for the fifth book, which will answer all the remaining questions from the series. Readers will finally learn the identities of Icarian and the Warlock Hag as well as the devastating truth about the Prophecy of the Three.

However, all endings have a beginning, and that is what I want to share with readers on this tour. I have written a six-part prologue to Blood Drop that will fill in the gap between books four and five and lead right into chapter one. I’ll be sharing each part at the first six blog stops and an exclusive excerpt at the final one. I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

So kick back, grab your favorite snack, and enjoy. Don’t forget to enter the blog’s giveaway. One person at every stop will win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Blood Drop Prologue: Part 6

For the past week, I’d felt awful. My head pounded as if a pack of gnomes had climbed inside my brain and were hacking away at it with their pickaxes. My gut wrenched and spasmed, and my normally warm flesh had chilled.

I normally avoided wearing clothes at all costs, so when I slid into a pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt, Thad knew something was wrong.

“Alright, that’s it.” Thad crossed his arms over his chest and leveled his gaze. “What’s going on?”

I shrugged, not wanting to make this as big of a deal as Thad was about to. “I’m cold.”

“Y-you’re cold?” I couldn’t have shocked Thad more if I slapped him. “You’re a fire fairy. You’re never cold.”

He was omitting the fact that I was also a vampyre. The living dead didn’t have to worry about the cold either. “Must be the weather,” I said while attempting to head downstairs for Sunday brunch with the rest of the family.

Thad blocked my path. Even though I towered five inches over him, his set jaw and flinty gaze made me feel about two inches tall.

“What?”

“Don’t ‘what?’ me.” He poked his index finger in my chest. No one else but Thad could get away with that. “You’ve been acting strangely ever since your hunt last week. I know you’re keeping something from me, but I’ve been giving you your space, letting you work things out in your own time while I finished up my dissertation. But I can’t leave for Salem in a few days when we both know there’s something wrong.”

I should have realized Thad had picked up on the fact that I was keeping something from him. I’d only done that to spare him the inevitable worrying, but he was right. Things were only getting worse. I felt ill, and fire fairies never got sick.

“Tell me.” His anger vanished like smoke in the wind, and a fog of concern rolled upon the shore of his gaze. I loved him so much, and I couldn’t keep my fears from him anymore.

“Will you two quit fucking around in there?” Pierce’s taunting voice bellowed from the other side of the closed bedroom door. Thad’s older brother seemed to only be happy when he was taunting someone in the family. “Brunch is served, and I’ll zap someone in the balls if my bacon gets cold.”

I snarled at the door while Thad placed his hand upon my chest. It was his cue that I needed to calm down.

“We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

“Better make it faster than that.” That was Mason, Thad’s younger brother and a thorn in just about everyone’s side. “You know how much Pierce hates it when his meat gets cold. That must be why he always has his hand down the front of his pants.”

“You’re about to have my foot up your ass,” Pierce challenged.

“Hey, let go!”

A huge scuffle, which sounded like trolls wrestling, exploded in the hall. Thad flung open the door to referee as he always did. I turned away from the chaos and stared out the window. I focused my attention on the sun creeping away from the horizon. The beauty of nature centered me, and right now, I needed that more than anything else.

The pandemonium Pierce and Mason created typically irritated me. Today, I found it appealing. It pulled at the darkness within, threatening to tear down the barriers I’d erected to keep my vampyre in check.

I couldn’t let it out. The last time I did I hadn’t recognized Thad. If my vampyre focused its attention on Pierce and Mason, they might not survive the encounter.

“Will you stop?” Thad screeched again.

“Tell that to him,” Mason yelled. “He’s the one trying to inflict bodily harm.”

I smiled. I’d enjoy seeing the two of them beating each other bloody. It would be an appetizer for the main course, my talons shredding their skin and gorging on the crimson liquid within.

The door slammed behind me, shutting out the commotion as Pierce and Mason stomped down the stairs. The closed door couldn’t keep out the scent of anger and violence. It swirled around me on sweet, coppery currents.

“A-aiden?”

I turned to face Thad. He seemed shorter as if dealing with his brothers had shaved a few inches from his height. That was bizarre, but not as strange as the look of horror that scrunched up his face.

“What’s wrong?”

He pointed at the mirror to my right. “Look at yourself.”

I gasped when I gazed upon my reflection. I flexed my talons as if I were preparing to strike, and my tongue searched the air for its next meal. I’d unconsciously shifted to my vampyre form.

That had never happened before. I’d always been able to control my transitions. If that was no longer the case—

“We’ll figure this out.” Thad stood behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

I hoped he was right. If not, Thad and his family were in more danger from me at this moment than they were from Icarian.

To read all 6 parts of the prologue, follow the Blood Drop blog tour and enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card at each stop!

About the Author

Jacob Z. Flores lives a double life. During the day, he is a respected college English professor and mid-level administrator. At night and during his summer vacation, he loosens the tie and tosses aside the trendy sports coat to write man on man fiction, where the hard ass assessor of freshmen level composition turns his attention to the firm posteriors and other rigid appendages of the characters in his fictional world.

Summers in Provincetown, Massachusetts, provide Jacob with inspiration for his fiction. The abundance of barely clothed man flesh and daily debauchery stimulates his personal muse.

When he isn’t stroking the keyboard, Jacob spends time with his daughter. They both represent a bright blue blip in an otherwise predominantly red swath in south Texas.

Author Website / The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge Website / Facebook

Giveaway

Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

How?

Leave a comment telling Jacob Z. Flores what you think about the prologue

Jacob will choose a new winner at each stop on the tour, so make sure to visit them all!

The Blood Drop Blog Tour

11/6 My Fiction Nook

11/7 Open Skye Book Reviews

11/8 Love Bytes

11/9 Happily Ever Chapter

11/10 The Novel Approach

11/13 Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

11/15 Divine Magazine

Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month

It’s mid-November, plenty of time for reflection before the year is out. I’ve been thinking about all the books I’ve read, the authors, the narrators and cover artists. There is still weeks ahead for new writers, new stories, and new discoveries to arrive and make their impact on us before 2018 appears! Such a grand time for looking back and to look forward.

I’ve been starting several series at the end and then scrambling to pick up the stories that came before. Turns out that journey is one that agrees with me, something I’m grateful to find out about myself. A sort of literary excavation that I enjoy, tumbling backwards to an origin of characters, couples, and even series arc. It’s fun, informative, and often gives me insight into the author’s evolution as well as a writer.

This has happened with J.M. Dabney, now Dahlia Donovan, and RJ Scott, to name a few. Series are definitely my thing. I love to sink into a group of stories with a single arc or connection between them. This year saw several of my favorite series say goodbye (you never really know) with series finales. I’m grateful for the wonderful way they went out. More on those towards the end of the month. Yes, my own list just keeps getting longer.

So for now, let’s hear from some of you….

♡From Ana:

Too Close by R. Phoenix (about domestic violence, really good one)
The Impossible Boy by Anna Martin
Diary of a Teenage Taxidermist by K.A. Merikan
Femme by Marshall Thornton (the audiobook)
Manic Pixie Dream Boy by K.A. Merikan (lovely characters)
Disease: When Life takes an Unexpected Turn by Hans M. Hirschi (this one made me cry like no book had ever done it)
Kill Game by Cordelia Kingsbridge
Off the Ice by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn
Backdoor Politics by C.L. Mustafic
Greenwode by J. Tullos Hennig

♡From Didi:

This year has been a good one for me book-wise. Many of the titles I read agree with me, such LA Witt’s & Cari Z’s Bad Behavior series, Cordelia Kingsbridge’s Kill Game, Cat Sebastian’s The Ruin of A Rake, Neil S. Plakcy’s Angus Green series, Jordan L. Hawk’s Hexslayer, Avon Gale’s & Piper Vaughn’s Off the Ice and Permanent Ink, KJ Charles’ Spectred Isle, Astrid Amara’s Trustworthy, and those (only) to name a few. Not only that, I find awesome books with new-to-me authors like Tal Bauer, TA Moore, Layla Reyne, SA Stovall, Meghan Maslow, and Santino Hassell (I heard praises of their books before but just wasn’t convinced enough to give it a try. Then obviously smack my own head and muttered: how did I miss these for so long!! 😀). With less than two months left on 2017, I’m optimist there are still wonderful books for me to read. Fingers-crossed my good fortune (on reading) extends to next year! 🙂

♡From Jen:

I am thankful for the broad spectrum of sub-genres and diversity of characters.
that are available to read. I am also thankful for audiobooks. I really started listening to them more this year because my job moved my office and I have a long commute now. Audiobooks make it easier to get through.

What have you discovered or have found this year in books that you are

Thankful for Giveaway

What have you discovered or have found this year in books that you are grateful for? Write in and let us know. Short, long, recommendations, however, you would like to tell us. Let’s hear from all of you. Leave us your comment of what you are grateful for in books (author, series, books, narrator, cover artist, whatever it may be, along with your email address where you can be reached if chosen. Multiple gift certificates will be handed out the last week of November! Must be 18 year of age or older to enter.

We still have plenty of time left in this month. So keep those wonderful comments and lists coming. Now onto this week’s schedule.

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, November 12:

Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, November 13:

Tour: Walking on Water by Matthew J. Metzger
Review Tour – Sue Brown’s Alpha Chef (JT’s Bar #2)
Tour: Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) by Jacob Z. Flores
A Stella Release Day Review: Braving the Rapids (Rocky Mountain Boys #2 ) by Brandon Witt
An Ali Releases Day Review: Broken Sun (City to City #2) by B.D. Roca
A Julia Review: Changing Colors by Elyse Springer
A Caryn Review : Alpha Chef (JT’s Bar #2) by Sue Brown

Tuesday, November 14:

Breaking Free by A.T. Brennan 3 day release Tour Blitz
Wrapped with Love by Beth Bolden Release Day Blitz
In The Spotlight: Citywide by Santino Hassell (tour and giveaway)
A Free Dreamer Review: Echoes of the Gods by Gaia Sol
A MelanieM Review: Wrapped with Love by Beth Bolden
A VVivacious Review: How to Domesticate a Russian Bear: A Russian Bear III (Russian Bear #3) by C.B. Conwy

Wednesday, November 15:

Cover Reveal: Coach’s Challenge (Cayuga Cougars #3) by V.L. Locey
Release Blitz Tour – RJ Scott – TBA
Release Blitz – A.T. Brennan – Breaking Free (All In #3)
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Ante Up by Kim Fielding
A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Secret of the Sheikh’s Betrothed By Felicitas Ivey
A MelanieM Review: Changing Lines (Harrisburg Railers #1) by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey

Thursday, November 16:

DSP Publications Promo Lyn Gala
TOUR Fairies at the Bottom of the Garden by Cheryl Headford
Tour for Reservations by Kindle Alexander
A VVivacious Review: Testing the Limits (Daniel and Ryan #9) by Tamryn Eradani
An Alisa Review: Vampire Claus by Robert Winter
An Ali Audiob00k Review: Buried Bones (Bones #2) by Kim Fielding and John Solo (Narrator)

Friday, November 17:

Embrace the Fire by Felice Stevens Audio Tour
Harmony Ink Promo Tom Early
Leta Blake’s Smoky Mountain Dreams Blog Tour
A MelanieM Review: Rhino Ash (Saturday Barbies #2) by Lindsey Black
An Alisa Release Day Review: Heart Unheard (Hearts Entwined #2) by Andrew Grey
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Wild Wild Hex (Hexworld #3.5) by Jordan L. Hawk

Saturday, November 18:

Tour for Heart Unheard by Andrew Grey

A MelanieM Review: Hell and Back by Dirk Greyson

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Seventeen years ago, Forge Reynolds fell in love… and had his heart broken. When Staff Sergeant Gage Livingston was brought into Forge’s Army field hospital, temporarily paralyzed, Forge sat with him, read his letters, answered his mail, and formed a connection he thought would last. But Gage was sent home, Forge transferred to a new post, and his letters to Gage went unanswered.

Now in the middle of a bitter divorce, Forge is sick and tired of his husband’s manipulation. He’s almost ready to make any sacrifice to get closure—then he finds Granger murdered execution-style in their home. Forge had no idea about Granger’s illicit activities, but the killers don’t believe that. They think Forge has something they want, and they’re coming after him.

When Forge’s lawyer arranges for professional protection, the last face Forge expects to see is Gage’s. Can he even contemplate a second chance for them after almost two decades, or will hope only lead to more heartache? Before they can explore the possibilities, they must figure out what information Granger had—that others are willing to kill for—or that possible heartache could become a certainty.

I have to admit that as much as I thoroughly enjoyed Hell and Back by Dirk Greyson I have been going back and forth over the rating for this review. Sigh. I hate it when that happens. Pure entertainment value over elements that just stopped me in my tracks mid or end story that are jerking me back and forth here. So let’s start off with the wonderful shall we?

The wonderful is the couple at the center of Hell and Back, Forge Reynolds and Gage Livingston, two men who meet under the most stressful conditions when enlisted and then lose track of one another. Two of my favorite tropes is lovers reunited and second chance at love, both of which are beautifully covered here. Greyson delivers a frightening scene, plus all the emotional impact of a reunion we could ask for and more. I just fell in love with both characters and stayed that way.

It also helped that Greyson let Forge work through his emotions over his ex/dead husband with Gage. To totally abandon those feelings and ignore “the body” as it were would have done the men an injustice as well as the romance and relationship that the author is so carefully building up. No the romance and the couple are the glue that holds this story together for me. I adored them and the danger that the author puts them in, especially Forge, creates an anxiety and suspense for the reader that doesn’t let up until the end.

No, for me where the story falls apart is the criminal element, the police work, and shockingly, Forge’s action’s towards a criminal at the end, in the presence of law enforcement agents (of many agencies, mind you) that would never, ever, be allowed to happen. It would compromise their case and I was absolutely floored it was in there. Especially after a scene of beautiful restraint earlier that was so much better. If you are going to have such an elaborate criminal structure, why not make it as great as your love story? And why ruin it with that gesture that would never fly past any agency? Especially those that, in the author’s own words had worked years to put those men away? Made no sense whatsoever. There are other nitpicky things about hard drives that I thought Gage or someone should have picked up on. But the huge thing? The story never recovered after that.

I read the epilogue which was lovely, but I never recovered my connection which was a shame. I did wish I could see that desk and jade puzzle box though.

If you are a fan of Dirk Greyson, then this is a story for you. If you love romance, second chance at love and lovers reunited, then perhaps again this is a story for you. But for those who love police procedurals, crime stories, and law enforcements action adventure? Maybe not. I’ll leave it up to you.

Cover art by L. C. Chase is terrific. Colorful and eye-catching. Love it.

Sales Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Dreamspinner Press

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Published October 27th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635339062
Edition Language English

Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Release Date: Nov 17 2017 Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Blurb/Synopsis:

Excerpt

About the Author

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

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Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) by Jacob Z. Flores Dreamspinner Press Cover art by Paul Richmond

Release date: November 6, 2017

Buy Link: Dreamspinner Press e-book/Dreamspinner Press Paperback

Blurb:

About the Author

Giveaway

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Sharing What We Are Thankful For In Books Month

What have you discovered or have found this year in books that you are

Thankful for Giveaway

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, November 12:

Monday, November 13:

Tuesday, November 14:

Wednesday, November 15:

Thursday, November 16:

Friday, November 17:

Saturday, November 18:

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Heart Unheard (Heart Unseen #2) by Andrew Grey
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: Nov 17 2017
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Blood Drop (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #5) by Jacob Z. Flores
Dreamspinner Press
Cover art by Paul Richmond