A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: The Keeper by Kiernan Kelly

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

After millennia of hiding in the shadows, the creatures of myth known collectively as the “Others” have stepped forward into the light of day and demanded the right to share the planet humans long ago claimed as their exclusive territory. But the humans have no intention of surrendering without a fight—one that will include genocide. The Others are given no choice but to be ready to defend themselves, and they convene a Council of War to plan their strategy.

But first they must address an ancient and terrifying prophecy: “Heed me well, all of you. Attack the humans without the Keeper and you will fail. Every one of you will become nothing but a memory, a myth, and the humans will truly inherit the earth.”

The Council charges Liam, son of the Sidhe chieftain, with the critical mission to find the elusive Keeper necessary to their survival, but his quest is complicated by the need to find a Keeper determined not to be found.

Marin is an Atlantean who values his privacy, but with the fate of the world at stake, he understands his days of living under the radar are over. Even worse, he must face his past to fight for his future. The last thing he expects is to fall in love along the way.

I loved the idea behind “The Keeper”. There are plenty of books with romances between humans and fantasy creatures, or between two fantasy creatures of the same species. But it’s rare to find books where members of two different fantasy races fall in love. There are a few stories with vampires and shifters falling in love, but I’ve never read a love story with a Sidhe and a Merman.

The romance was a little too insta-love for my tastes. Marin and Liam barely know each other before they fall head over heels in love. Of course Marin shared his deepest memories with Liam and was able to read Liam’s thoughts and memories. Still, the undying love was just a bit too fast for me. I really missed the slow getting-to-know-each-other part and I never quite felt the connection between the two.

I liked that there are so many different fantasy species in this book. I would’ve loved to know even more about them, but the worldbuilding fell a bit flat. We get a decent insight into the lives of the Sidhe and the Atlanteans, but never really find out more about the other species. A real shame.

The beginning was the best part of the book to me. I loved how Marin interacted with the two super cute dolphin girls. It was absolutely adorable and made me like Marin right away.

What really bothered me was the way the characters talked. They switched randomly between old-fashioned and stilted and modern and casual. It was quite jarring.

The whole plot felt a little shallow and rushed. There were so many schemes going on and so many characters were introduced but nothing got any real depth. Maybe there’ll be more explanations in a sequel. The ending certainly left the potential for a follow-up.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was good but not great. A little more depth and a few more pages wouldn’t have hurt, though. The idea behind it was interesting and uncommon. If there ever is a sequel, I am definitely interested in finding out what’s gonna happen next.

The cover by Paul Richmond is really pretty. I like it.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book details:

ebook, 2nd Edition, 200 pages
Published October 2nd 2017 by Dreamspinner Press (first published February 1st 2014)
ISBN139781635335767
Edition LanguageEnglish

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Read My Mind (Under the Empire #1) by Kelly Haworth

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Reading someone’s mind won’t always tell you what they want.

Scott Kensington lives happily without magic; prayer is all he needs to worship the gods. Then he starts his studies at the University of Frannesburg, and not only is he suddenly surrounded by eccentrics—those gifted with magic—but his own latent ability begins to surface, with consequences that could tear his soul and family apart.

Nick Barns is grieving for his lost mother and desperate for distraction—usually in the form of limited-edition action figures. As a telekinetic, he’s no stranger to magic, so he offers to help Scott adjust to his new powers. They quickly learn how their magics interact, their shared passions soon growing beyond superheroes and immortals. But Nick’s not taking his studies seriously, and his father threatens to pull him from the university. Overwhelmed by his own crumbling family, Scott’s convinced he can’t handle a relationship, but he doesn’t want to let Nick go.

With grief, guilt, and magic complicating everything between Nick and Scott, it seems that not even the gods—or a new comic book—can save their relationship now. Sometimes, even reading someone’s mind won’t help you understand what they want.

Kelly Haworth has packed Read My Mind with many interesting elements and laid the foundation for a universe that’s waiting for some major drama to unfold. She has created some great young characters, given them background that I believe people can connect with, along with developing talents that make their lives and story more exciting. Plus a romance and a religion that seems to flow into popular culture via comic books and collectibles which I found intriguing. But somehow with all that it just didn’t take off.

Maybe because I kept expecting some major drama to happen because of all the heavy hints thrown about The Empire and the drafting of certain gifted young people. But that never came to fruition. There was drama going on with Nick and his father but that seemed to settle out as well towards the end as Nick sorted out his grief over his mother’s death. Ditto Scott and the complications with his family issues. We never really know what happens there. Everything sort of settles out and goes away and the boys end up boyfriends and on to their sophomore year in college.

And we end up with tons of exposition concerning the religion (and collectibles via Nick), almost nothing about the Empire and world history (which we could have used more of), too much imo of pulling Nick back into the religious side. Unless this is going to play a huge part of things in the future, which it never really did here, this could have been elevated to be more powerful and cut down. Either way, it’s sort of a left down narrative wise. However, it made his boyfriend happy, so there’s that.

There was your typical teenage first time relationship dynamics, family stress and paranormal talents thrown on top which was handled nicely if with too much verbiage and density. Here less would have been more. I would image that book two picks up during the sophomore year in college and hopefully more drama and information about The Empire is forthcoming. I’m interested enough to check out the second installment.

Cover by: Natasha Snow works for the story and is lovely.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 294 pages
Published October 2nd 2017 by Riptide Publishing
ISBN139781626496255
SeriesUnder the Empire #1

An Ali Release Day Review: Model Exposure (Haven Investigations #4) by Lissa Kasey

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

After being rescued by Ollie, Kade continues to suffer the aftermath of his ordeal, both physically and psychologically. Not knowing how else to clear his head, he pours his energy into Ollie—the love of his life—and Haven Investigations, but neither Ollie nor Kade can continue to ignore what they learned from their last case: Ollie’s brother, Nathan, might have betrayed Kade.

As they dig into Ollie’s past, secrets are revealed. Was Nathan’s death a suicide? Were Ollie’s parents much more than they seemed? Is someone out to kill Ollie, or is it Kade’s past coming back to haunt them again?

Amidst questions and uncertainties, one thing is clear: after everything they have been through together, Kade and Ollie have never been more in love and they want to get married. But first, they’ll have to deal with the continued threat of Kade’s past, the emotional wounds Kade fears are drowning him, and the possibility that everything Ollie believed about his family was a lie. A beautiful happily ever after awaits them—as long as they can survive long enough to make it to the altar.

This is the fourth book in the Haven Investigations series. This is a continuation of the story from the third book and this should not be read as a standalone. This story is told from Kade’s point of view. He’s having a very hard time with his depression and anxiety which are fall outs from the incidents that happened previously.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I really love these two as a couple. One of my favorite things about them is they’re not a traditional couple or traditional type people. I always love when authors branch out and give readers something outside the norm. I also like the fact that they’re pretty co-dependent and make no apologies about it. Now I personally would never want to be as enmeshed as these two are, but again, I like that it’s different. It’s actually something that the characters take note of and discuss. I like when people are bold and unapologetic in their life choices (both is real life and in books).

On the flip side, I’ve not really enjoyed the overall plot in both this book or the last one. They’ve been really over the top in my opinion and I feel like I have to suspend too much reality to follow along. I prefer books that are a little more gritty and realistic.

If you’re a fan of the series you will probably enjoy this installment. A few big relationship things happen between Ollie and Kade and the mystery of Nathan is finally all wrapped up. Despite my average feeling about the book as a whole I have to say there were some really touching scenes between these two men. The date at the beginning was just fantastic.

These covers are done by Garrett Leigh and I just love them. They are some of my favorite covers in this genre. I think they are very attractive and eye catching. I love the artistry of them. All the books in the series are complimentary of each other and they stand out. As soon as you seen one of them you know they are all in the same series.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 256 pages
Expected publication: October 2nd 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635339789
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHaven Investigations #4

Tara Lain on Ten Things About ‘High Balls (Balls To The Wall Series #6 )’ (Excerpt and giveaway)

Ten Things About High Balls

Hi! I’m so happy to be here to tell you about my new book, High Balls. Here are ten things you might or might not know about my new Balls to the Wall romance.

High Balls is the first entirely new book in the Balls to the Wall series since 2013. Volley Balls was largely rewritten before it was rereleased last January, but it was based on the original story I wrote in 2011. High Balls is a whole new story.
I’m a passionate proponent of the significance of romance novels in literary history – and I get to espouse that position in this book.
My hero, Snake, in High Balls is my first totally tattooed hero—who is human. For a non-human hero with some lovely tattoos, check out Brush with Catastrophe. BTW, I do have several heroes with a few tats, but Snake is my first art project.
Like all the books in the Balls to the Wall series, High Balls takes place in Laguna Beach, CA. This was my first Laguna love series.
High Balls is book 6 in Balls to the Wall. That makes this my longest series so far. Love in Laguna series has 5 books so far, making it my second longest series. Readers do love Laguna!
In January 2018, a seventh book in the Balls to the Wall series will release. It’s called Bleu Balls and it’s a full-length novel.
High Balls appears to be an opposites attract story – one of my favorite tropes – but it has some surprises up its sleeve.
My hero, Theodore, in High Balls is in academia. He’s a teaching assistant working on his PhD. College teaching is one of my favorite professions for my heroes. Maybe it’s not an obvious romance hero job, but I love those sexy geeks!
I’m sure you know, Laguna Beach is a real place on the coast of Southern California. It has beautiful, cove-like beaches, horrific traffic, fun art festivals in the summer, and it’s a great place to set a romance series.
A number of my books have included issues of child custody over the last couple years (Cowboys Don’t Come Out, Lord of a Thousand Steps) and so does this one. I’ve spent a lot of time researching the law in different states.

I hope you enjoy High Balls. Like all the Balls to the Wall books, it’s quite standalone. Feel free to start with it and, if inspired, try some of the other books.

Sometimes only the wrong guy can bring the
right happy ever after.

High Balls

(Balls To The Wall Series #6 )

by Tara Lain

Blurb:

Though only twenty-six, single father Theodore Walters lives with his head in the clouds and his feet firmly planted in reality. At the center of his life is Andy, his seven-year-old son, with whom he shares no DNA, though nobody—including his religious-fanatic in-laws—knows that, and Theodore will do anything to keep them from finding out. Theodore works hard to get his PhD and the tenure and salary that might follow to make a better life for Andy—but the head of his department thinks his dissertation on Jane Austen and romance novels is frivolous.

Theodore’s carefully planned life goes off the rails when he walks into a popular Laguna Beach bar and meets the bartender, “Snake” Erasmo, a pierced and tattooed biker who sends Theodore’s imagination—and libido—soaring. Snake has even more secrets than Theodore and couldn’t be a less “appropriate” match, but he might be the only guy with the skills to show Theodore that happily-ever-after is for real.

Available for purchase at

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes | Dreamspinner Press

Buy Links:

Dreamspinner: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/high-balls-by-tara-lain-8904-b

Kindle: http://amzn.to/2fNezpg

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/high-balls/id1275142177?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/high-balls

Nook: http://bit.ly/HighBallsTLBN

Excerpt

He flipped on some Chopin and let it seep into his bloodstream like antistress pills. Such a weird feeling he got each month when Andy visited his grandparents. Kind of lost. Aimless. Sure, he had hella studying to do, but he did that every night, curled in his chair, sometimes with Andy sitting on his lap figuring out his homework. When he sat for his orals, he’d probably start quoting second-grade spelling instead of defending his dissertation on the modern romance novel as the inheritor of the tradition of Jane Austen. But that was how life was supposed to be. His life, anyway—all based on one decision made almost on the spur of the moment when he was eighteen years old. A decision made possible by an asshole named JP Rellico.

He stopped at the light at Pacific Coast Highway. The traffic going north wasn’t too bad yet, but the south lane toward Laguna already backed up to Ruby Ridge. The drivers had that Friday afternoon look of combined relief and weariness.

A rumbling roar sounded and Theodore jumped. Threading through traffic came a shiny Harley, moving with more assurance than such a big machine should muster. But the motorcycle definitely took second place to the rider. The guy stopped and put his foot down just yards from where Theodore waited, the booted foot attached to long, long legs with thigh muscles that challenged the black denim covering them. Unlike a lot of Harley drivers, this man had no fat of any kind; his long-sleeved T-shirt hugged a narrow waist and broad shoulders. Theodore strained to see his face, but a dark-visored helmet hid it, although strands of shaggy dark hair escaped the bottom. Most of all, Theodore noticed the tattoos that crawled in beautiful winding patterns up the guy’s forearms where they showed below his pushed-up sleeves. Whoa. Just the energy of the rider screamed free. One of those tats had to say, I don’t give a shit,

It was like Theodore could feel the vibration of the bike all the way across the street and deep in his balls. What would it be like to live so unrestrained? Go and do what you want and not worry about anyone else? His cock rose like sunrise on a summer day.

A beep behind him woke him up. Shit. Quit dreaming, idiot. He stepped on the accelerator and pulled out into the northbound lane just as the rider turned his head toward Theodore. Theodore’s foot faltered, he craned his neck to see the guy’s face—just a glimpse—and got the squeal of tires and another, more pissed-off beep for his trouble.

Hell! He stepped on it and sprang—to the extent the Toyota had any spring left—toward the college.

The Balls to the Wall Series

Volley Balls

Bk #1

Available to purchase at

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes | Dreamspinner Press

Fire Balls

Bk #2

Available to purchase at

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes | Dreamspinner Press

Beach Balls
Bk #3

Available to purchase at

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes | Dreamspinner Press

FAST Balls

Bk #5

Available to purchase at

Kindle | Nook | Kobo | iTunes | Dreamspinner Press

Prefer paperback?

The first and second book are now available in paperback!

Amazon | B&N

About the Author

Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 32. Her best-selling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Paranormal Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soul-mate husband and her soul-mate dog near the sea in California where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”!

Giveaway

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A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Spending their fortunes and losing their hearts.

Hardworking Australian nurse Ben Adams inherits a substantial sum and decides to tour Europe. In Monaco, the home of glamour and the idle rich, he meets French billionaire playboy Léo Artois. After getting off on the wrong foot—as happens when one accuses a stranger of being part of the Albanian mafia—their attraction blazes. Léo, born to the top tier of society, has never known limits, and Ben, used to budgeting every cent, finds it difficult to adjust to not only Léo’s world, but also the changes wealth brings to his own life.

As they make allowances for each other’s foibles, Ben gradually appreciates the finer things, and Léo widens his perspective. They both know one thing: this is not a typical holiday romance and they’re not ready to say goodbye.

Stories don’t get any more Dreamspun Desiry than The Bunny and The Billionaire by Louisa Masters. Between that title which screams 60’s B or C romance movies (and the Harlequin Romance paperbacks this series pays homage to) right down to the storyline, everything about The Bunny and The Billionaire is one great shoutout to those types of romances we adore.

Here a great guy, a male nurse, who inherits a ton of money from his last client. Ben goes off to visit her favorite places, sees a mysterious handsome guy (part Arab Prince/part Parisian Aristocracy) who sweeps him off his feet, they romance around Monaco, then they live happily richly ever after. That’s sort of it, but in the hands of Masters, it’s totally works, the characters endearing, the dialog witty ,settings are charming and romantic. Believable? Ok, maybe not. But, the point it, that it’s thoroughly enjoyable and the relationship was a steady build right into your heart.

Especially Ben. He really stumbles into your heart, bad clothing and all. My only complaint? I wanted us to have his best friend, Dani, come there too. I adored her and we only got to see/hear her through Ben’s phone. Other than that, I loved Ben and his open heart. How could Léo Artois not fall for him?

Yes, it’s a fairly quick fall, but Masters makes a good case for it. Plus it all calls for a good suspension of belief anyhow so you’re just going with it. Things like this only happen in the movies right?

By the time the book ends, I’m sighing with total happiness over this couple, their friends and of course, hoping that Masters will bring them all back for another magical romance cruise for some love in Monaco! We can always hope.

Looking for a story that’s the very definition of sweet romance? Here it is.

Cover art by Bree Archer. Love the cover. Works great for the book and the character.

Sales Links:

Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read

Book Details:

ebook, 204 pages

Expected publication: October 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN13 9781635338768

Edition Language English

Goodbye September, Hello October! This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Goodbye September, Hello October!

October is here, one of my favorite months! Time for pumpkins, and hauntings, a thinning of veils, and perhaps of things that go bump in the night! It’s a time for owls to be hooting as they sound out territories and mates, leaves to begin their spectacular autumnal show, and the plaintive notes of geese high above calling as they migrate south to warmer climes and more welcoming waters. I’m not alone. There are so many quotes out there from writers sharing their love of fall and this particular month, including L.M. Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables) who wrote:

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”.

I’m totally in agreement.

It’s also a time where authors and publishers start to release books and anthologies with a bent towards the paranormal and horror, noting that Halloween and All Hallow’s Eve occurs this month. So you all know what I’m leading up to….

Yes, several things actually only one of which I’ll bring up this week.

Let’s start with a Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Horror Rec List. This might be a short one because, tbh, I don’t read a lot of horror books myself. Do any of you? I read one this week and I’m reviewing it. It’s by one of the few author’s whose stories continually have a horror/paranormal bent to them. That would be Xavier Axelson. See what I found on Monday. So go through your book lists, your Kindles and shelves. See what horror stories you can recommend. I can’t wait to read what you all come up with!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Horror Story Recs Giveaway

We will run this all month long in order to take advantage of all the new scary books coming out this month as well. So leave a comment/rec, along with your email address where you can be reached if chosen. We will have more than one winner for our gift certificates. Must be 18 years of age or older. Also acceptable are spooky paranormal stories! Ghostly hauntings! Witchy doings! You get the idea! Even throw in a zombie or two! Contest ends October 28 at midnight.

✒︎Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is looking for reviewers. If you would like to review for us, please contact us at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com. Let’s talk!

✒︎And finally, in case you didn’t see our post. Author B.A. Tortuga needs our help. She’s very ill and needs our assistance. There’s a Go Fund Me page started to help with her mounting medical costs. For the full details, visit the link here.

Now for our first week in October, this is what we have for you. Happy Reading!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, October 1 🎃 🌰

Goodbye September, Hello October!
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Release Blitz for Elle Keaton’s As Sure As The Sun (Accidental Roots #4)
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church
A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters

Monday, October 2:

Dreamspinner Promo Tara Lain
Harmony Ink Promo Julie Aitcheson
BLITZ Tender with a Twist by Annabeth Albert
A Free Dreamer Release Day Review: The Keeper by Kiernan Kelly
A MelanieM Review: Earthly Concerns by Xavier Axelson
An Alisa Review: Soul Bonds (Common Powers 1) by Lynn Lorenz
An Ali Release Day Review: Model Exposure (Haven Investigations #4) by Lissa Kasey

Tuesday, October 3:

BOOK BLAST Sweet Thing by Isobel Starling
Review Tour for Tour: PROPHESY by A.E. Via
A Lila Review: Prophecy: The King and Alpha Series #1 by AE Via
A MelanieM Review: Read My Mind (Under the Empire #1) by Kelly Haworth
An Alisa Review: Finding Home by Garrett Leigh

Wednesday, October 4:

Dreamspinner Promo : Living in Fast Forward (Radio and the Road) by B.A. Tortuga
Tour for Archer Kay Leah’s Blood Borne (The Republic #3)
Cover Reveal for Lawless Anthology
A MelanieM Review: Deceived by Megan Derr
A Jeri Release Day Review: Gummy Bears & Grenades (THIRDS #10) by Charlie Cochet
A Jeri Release Day Review: High Calls by Tara Lain

Thursday, October 5:

Blog Tour – Patrick’s Savior by Nic Starr
BLITZ Leaning into Touch by Lane Hayes
Cover Reveal: Anna Butler’s The Jackal’s House
RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: Read My Mind (Under the Empire #1) by Kelly Haworth
A Jeri Review: Rank and File by LA Witt
A MelanieM Review: Crave (Brawlers, #1) by J.M. Dabney
An Alisa Review: Rush in the Dark (Common Powers 2) by Lynn Lorenz

Friday, October 6:

Release Blitz – Amy Aislin’s Picture Winter
Release Blitz – Changing On The Fly Anthology- Various Authors
RIPTIDE Tour and Giveaway: Five Dares by Eli Easton
A MelanieM Release Day Review:Living in Fast Forward (Radio and the Road) by B.A. Tortuga
A Stella Recent Review: Five Dares by Eli Easton
An Alisa Review: Edward Unconditionally (Common Powers 3) by Lynn Lorenz

Saturday, October 7:

A MelanieM Review: Calloway by Thad J.

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

To be loved by a dragon is to be treasured.

A hundred years ago, werewolf Alpha Montgomery took a risk driven by desperation—he borrowed money from the ancient dragon Warwick Ehecatl, putting up the pack lands as collateral. Now the debt is due, and dragons don’t forget—or forgive. Warwick demands Montgomery’s son, Avery, and three businesses as compensation. As an Omega, Avery knows he is basically useless to his pack, so he might as well agree. He soon has second thoughts, though. Warwick is fearsome, and he’s free to do as he likes with Avery.

Warwick knows his race’s reputation, and he even admits some of it is deserved. But he’d rather cut off his tail than let his innocent mate’s light go out. It won’t be easy, but buried deep, there’s something between them worth safeguarding.

I can’t resist a dragon’s tale and this new installment in Dreamspinner Press’ Dreamspun Beyond series is another knockout! Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church combines several typical story elements such as a dragon and his hoard, a wolf shifter and mate bonding, a pack omega typical characteristics and serves up a finished romance that sees a wonderful new love story emerge from those familiar beginnings.

Our introduction is to a desperate bargain made by Avery’s father and pack Alpha with Warwick, an ancient Dragon and well-known money lender. Only he’s someone you go to only as the last resort. Think Dragon shark! And Avery’s father has been very irresponsible with the pack holdings and finances. A deal is done and he has 100 years to pay off his debt. Yeah, like that’s going to happen.

But the wonderful thing about Church’s characters is that it’s not all black and white. These beings have dimension, what they may be lacking in personality in one area of their character, Church makes it up in another, so you can maybe not identity with them but emphasize a little with their situation. It’s also our first introduction to Warwick, a formidable personage, every ounce a scary, powerful dragon.

Skip forward to Avery, someone who develops in character and depth by the paragraph. Avery is living the life of a sheltered Omega, considered to weak, submissive, and a bit of a rare hothouse flower. He doesn’t really think of himself that way but it’s the way all Omegas are regarded. It’s tradition. Until one special night…his birthday and the coming of age of himself and the 100 year loan his father made.

How Church builds that suspense and drama is terrific! And the quick meeting of glances! Powerful.

Warwick’s thousands of years of existence has prepared him for everything except for the possibility of meeting his mate. Church gives us two main characters thrown into total confusion, hopefulness, desire, and more. The author delivers a wonderful twist on the mate bonding here that I loved, and many secondary characters that I loved spending time with.

I loved how this story ended but absolutely wouldn’t mind it if M.A. Church found a way back into this universe to check up on this couple to see how they are doing. Who knew you could be so happy for a dragon and a wolf?

I absolutely recommend Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church.

Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson. I like the cover, it has some really nice elements to it, including that model who works for Warwick.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 234 pages
Expected publication: October 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781635338805
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Ali Release Day Review: Rim Shot by Skylar M Cates

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Can college roommates go from friends to lovers?

Kyle: I’m confident that with hard work, my position as point guard can carry me from rural Indiana to the NBA. I also know I’m attracted to guys, but admitting it might disappoint my father, who is all I have in this world. I have big dreams, so I’ll stay in the closet. As long as my life remains scandal-free, I have a shot.

Micah: My large family can’t spare the money to help with my education, but that won’t stop me from studying medicine. I needed to get out of the house I was sharing with my ex before I went insane. Luckily, I heard about a guy looking for a roommate. Living with a straight jock won’t be easy, but it’s a chance I’m willing to take.

This was a sweet story about two college students who become roommates and then lovers. Kyle is a basketball player who is in the closet. He’s afraid that his sports career will suffer if he comes out. Micah is a pre-med student works two jobs to put himself through school. As the two young men begin to fall for each other they have to make some serious life decisions.

I liked both of the MC’s and I thought the author did a good job of developing them. I also enjoyed the fact that they fell for each other slowly and the romance unfolded in a manner that felt believable. The ending was a strong HFN and I felt like that was a good ending for two young men in college with some many ways life could possibly go in the future.

My only complaint was that the overall pacing of the story felt a bit slow to me. Not a lot really happens until close to the end of the book.

Overall I found this to be an enjoyable book and it is one that I would recommend.

This cover was done by Kanaxa. I think it is an average cover. There is nothing that really makes it stand out to me and it is one I will probably forget as new books come across my ereader.

Sales Links:

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 210 pages
Expected publication: September 29th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
Original TitleRim Shot
ISBN139781635338881
Edition LanguageEnglish

MA Church on Research, Characters and her latest story ‘Dragon’s Hoard’ (Dreamspinner Dreamspun Beyond Tour)

Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church
Dreamspinner Press
Dreamspun Beyond

Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Expected publication: October 1st 2017
Available for Purchase at Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

✒︎

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have M.A. Church here today on her Dragon’s Hoard tour. Welcome, M.A., please tell us a little something about your latest release.

✒︎

Hey everyone! I’m M. A. Church, and I’m here to talk about my latest release, Dragon’s Hoard from the Dreamspun Beyond line at Dreamspinner Press. When I first heard Dreamspinner was opening a new house line featuring paranormal themes, I was beyond excited, lol. I’ve wanted to write a dragon story for a long time, and this seemed like a sign!

How much of yourself goes into a character?

Every character has some personality trait of mine. It may be the one-liners, or the snarky attitude, but there’s always some part of me there.

Does research play a role into choosing which genre you write? Do you enjoy research or prefer making up your worlds and cultures?

I always research my books, but I end up doing more for certain ones. Most of my stories tend to take place in present-day, so there’s that contemporary edge to the stories that needs to make sense to the reader. When I’m doing paranormal, I research folklore/myths, plus how an animal responds in its natural setting. Even if I’m writing sci-fi, I’m researching things. But I do also love making up worlds and cultures.

Do you have a favorite among your own stories? And why?

That would be The Harvest series. It was started right after my mom died, and I credit it with helping me get through one of the hardest times in my life.

Blurb

To be loved by a dragon is to be treasured.

House Line Dreamspun Beyond | #5

Genres: Urban Fantasy / Werewolves/Shapeshifters

Excerpt

Warwick grabbed the reins on the runaway dragon inside of him, desperately trying to control the thrashing creature. Ye gods! His dragon wanted the Omega, badly, which was shocking. His kind usually paired up long enough to procreate, and if the female became pregnant, she went off on her own to have the egg. She raised the offspring, and once the fledgling reached adolescence, they were on their own.

Sometimes dragons had sex with each other for fun, but relationships never lasted long. Their kind tended to get on one another’s nerves, which led to fights. It was why they didn’t often mate with dragons or other paranormals, but there were a few who managed to make it work.

Warwick preferred short-term connections where it was understood there were no commitments. He’d never been interested in mating. But now suddenly his dragon was interested in that Omega… and wanted to claim him as his own.

Warwick was stunned. But the hazel-eyed Omega standing outside almost accomplished what rarely happened with dragons. The wolf hadn’t even been trying—and that was the frightening thing.

He jerked his gaze away from the young wolf. The last thing he needed was to betray his sudden interest. Never would he give an opponent that kind of knowledge, even if his dragon was all but wagging its tail in excitement. With a mental thrust, he tried to settle the vexing creature. He certainly didn’t need this right now, and especially not here.

About the Author

M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full-time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!

When not writing, she’s exploring the latest M/M novel to hit the market, watching her beloved Steelers, or watching HGTV. That’s if she’s not on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two children.

She is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Contact M.A.:

Blog: http://machurch00.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nomoretears00
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nomoretears00
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/MA-Church The Harvest
FB fan page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/theharvest00
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/MAChurch
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.A.-Church/e/B007A8JA4C
Email: nomoretears00@hotmail.com

Louisa Masters on Writing Romances, Characters and her latest story ‘The Bunny and the Billionaire’ (author guest interview and giveaway)

The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters
Dreamspinner Press
A Dreamspun Desires Title

Expected publication: October 1st 2017
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Available for PreOrder at Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Louisa Masters here today in our interview chair. Welcome, Louisa!

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~ Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Louisa Masters ~

♦︎How much of yourself goes into a character?

I like to think it’s just the right amount! There’s definitely a little bit of me and my perspective in all my characters, but they absolutely aren’t all me. They do and say things I would never dare to, or refuse to do and say things I would (and do) quite happily. For example, Ben, from my upcoming release The Bunny and The Billionaire, wears his clothes until they’re threadbare. The book opens with him wandering around Monaco in shoes so worn his big toe has popped out. I’m no clotheshorse, but I would never do that—mostly for fear of what my grandmother would say! He’s also a nurse, which is a profession I admire greatly but freely admit I couldn’t handle.

♦︎Has your choice of childhood or teenage reading genres carried into your own choices for writing?

Definitely! Even as a little girl, I liked stories with happy endings best, and looking back, I can see that my favorites always had a romantic thread through them. As a teenager I mostly read romance behind closed doors, and epic fantasy and sci-fi out in public (where my parents could see). As an author, I never even considered anything other than romance—those are the stories I want to write. Maybe one day I’ll give fantasy a proper shot, too—romantic fantasy, of course! Or a space opera. I love space opera, and it’s not easy to come by, especially m/m. If anybody has suggestions for great ones, I’d love to hear about them.

♦︎Have you ever had to put an ‘in progress’ story aside because of the emotional ties with it? You were hurting with the characters or didn’t know how to proceed?

I have several part-done stories that I really hope to get back to one day. Some I stopped working on because they weren’t flowing at the time, and some I was just too inexperienced to develop properly. I don’t write “angst” very well, although I do like to read it, so I’ve never hurt a character so much I couldn’t pull us both through it.

♦︎Do you like HFN or HEA? And why?

I’m not actually firmly on one side or the other. I love a good short story or novella, and sometimes a HEA in those can feel rushed. As long as the promise of a HEA is there, I’m completely satisfied.

♦︎Do you read romances, as a teenager and as an adult?

Almost exclusively. I do occasionally slip in something a little different, especially if it’s been highly recommended by someone I trust, or is by an author I’ve loved for a long time, but romance is my mainstay. I read my first “official” adult romance at age eleven, and have never looked back. It’s been astonishing to see how the industry has changed over the past twenty-five years.

♦︎How do you feel about the ebook format and where do you see it going?

Honestly, I adore it. There will always be something special about reading a paper book, but I think most truly voracious readers see the ebook as a wonderful thing. I usually read anywhere between three and seven books a week, depending on length and my schedule, and I frequently reread—I can count on two hands the number of books I’ve sold on or given away in my whole life, and most of those were gifts from people who thought they knew what I’d like. I have over two thousand paper books, and I just don’t have the shelf space for them. Most are boxed up in storage, which means they’re not accessible at three in the morning when I wake up desperate to reread. My nearly two thousand ebooks, on the other hand, are always right by my bed or in my bag.

Ebooks are also wonderful when traveling. When I was nineteen, I studied for two months in Italy. More than half my suitcase was books. I calculated very carefully how many books I thought I’d need, refrained from reading new releases for several months, and then packed up about thirty-five books and lugged them across the world and back. On the other hand, last year I went on a two-month odyssey across Europe, and brought my tablet with me, buying ebooks as the ones I wanted were released.

I can’t see the ebook industry failing, not when it means bookworms can buy books from bed at two in the morning and begin reading them instantly. For that alone, I will always love it.

♦︎What’s next for you as an author?

In a couple of days, The Bunny and The Billionaire will be released by Dreamspinner Press’s Dreamspun Desires line. I’m so excited about this book! Category romance was such a huge part of my early romance reading years, and will always have a place in my heart. Writing one myself was something I thought about, but it didn’t click into place until DSP opened it up for the m/m market.

I have a short holiday story coming out in December, which I think anyone who’s been forced to shop two days before Christmas will appreciate, and I’m currently working on another category-style m/m romance, featuring one of the characters from The Bunny and The Billionaire.

The Bunny and The Billionaire

Released October 1 by Dreamspinner Press

Spending their fortunes and losing their hearts.

Giveaway

Louisa is giving away five swag packs to mark the release of The Bunny and The Billionaire. Enter to win! Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. https://tinyurl.com/yag5gasq

About the Author

Louisa Masters started reading romance much earlier than her mother thought she should. While other teenagers were sneaking out of the house, Louisa was sneaking romance novels in and working out how to read them without being discovered. She’s spent most of her life feeling sorry for people who don’t read, convinced that books are the solution to every problem. As an adult, she feeds her addiction in every spare second, only occasionally tearing herself away to do things like answer the phone and pay bills. She spent years trying to build a “sensible” career, working in bookstores, recruitment, resource management, administration, and as a travel agent, before finally conceding defeat and devoting herself to the world of romance novels.

Louisa has a long list of places first discovered in books that she wants to visit, and every so often she overcomes her loathing of jet lag and takes a trip that charges her imagination. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, where she whines about the weather for most of the year while secretly admitting she’ll probably never move.

Find Louisa on Facebook and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/LouisaMastersAuthor

@authorLouisaM

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Goodbye September, Hello October!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Horror Story Recs Giveaway

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Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

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Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church Dreamspinner Press Dreamspun Beyond

Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson

Expected publication: October 1st 2017 Available for Purchase at Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Blurb

Excerpt

About the Author

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The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters Dreamspinner Press A Dreamspun Desires Title

Expected publication: October 1st 2017 Cover Artist: Bree Archer Available for PreOrder at Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read

~ Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Interview with Louisa Masters ~

The Bunny and The Billionaire

Giveaway

About the Author

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Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church
Dreamspinner Press
Dreamspun Beyond

Expected publication: October 1st 2017
Available for Purchase at Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

The Bunny and the Billionaire by Louisa Masters
Dreamspinner Press
A Dreamspun Desires Title

Expected publication: October 1st 2017
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Available for PreOrder at Dreamspinner Press | Books2Read