There’s More to Romance and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

There’s More to Romance …

The last couple of weeks we’ve been discussing the elements that “break” our romance books. The things that stop the reading cold or leave us with a DNF. Cheating is up there on the list. And at the end of today’s blog hand out a few gift certs and post the last of the comments on the subject.

But what about the opposite?

What in our romance stories gladdens our hearts? Makes a story jump out of the ordinary? Widens our outlook? Let’s us perceive something special about a piece of the world or aspect of falling in love that we hadn’t seen or thought of in the same way before? That in some way the author dug a little deeper into your heart with their tale, that some element that connected you so completely to the characters and their relationship hooked you, that even now, you can’t forget their love story.

Something that made that story magic beyond your expectations.

I was thinking Shelter the Sea (The Roosevelt series) by Heidi Cullinan , Clear Water by Amy Lane, and RJ Scott’s the Texas series (and attached Legacy group), Watermelon Kisses by Freddy MacKay,Antisocial by Heidi Cullinan,Tales From Verania series by T.J. Klune just for starters. Those are a few that leapt to mind in seconds. Can you guess what elements in each might have made them memorable? Have you read the stories?

Of course my list stretches for far longer. That’s merely a tease.

But each of those grabbed at my heart while stretching my mind and horizons in some way. They made me cry and laugh and fall in love. Over and over.

Quickly now…which books popped into your head? Let me know…let all of us know and why. And then I’ll fill you in next week on more of my choices and why they made my list as well.

Now let’s put a close to our Romance No’s:

From P.R.:

I’ll chime in here – so busy couldn’t comment last week but agree with most everything. My perspective is that I understand why folks can not like cheating – ONE reason folks can like rom is for escapism, and they don’t like RL intruding b/c they already have too much of that. In that way, I think rom is a type of fantasy, and I can relate. Been there. But I usually appreciate more where MCs have RL flaws, and that’s reality, which includes in a majority of straight & gay relationships, “cheating,” (I love the Boystown series). And my being a cis gay male amongst other gay guys, let me tell you – I know there is much more diversity there than depicted in m/m rom, that it’s part of the culture, and frankly that’s why many guys think gender makes a difference among authors b/c one does not often “get it.” I think personally it has more to do with targeted audience, experiences, preferences, empathy, deep understanding … and it’s all good. You said it best “Life is messy and its always been about how the author has handled the subject.” A WELL-WRITTEN TALE TRUMPS A TROPE EVERY TIME (pun intended).

Ami:

Holy! EXCREMENT!?!? WTH!!! Okay, that will be a HUGE NO for me

Furthering my comment from last week in which I can still tolerate cheating but getting really pissed off when it comes to threesome, or ‘forced’ threesomes brought me to a couple of books. “A Vintage Affair” by Josh Lanyon made me VERY angry because the love-interest suddenly brought a woman to sleep with the MC because he wanted to “challenge” the MC that sex is just sex. Then I also DNF “My Heartache Cowboy” by ZAM who also introduced threesome scene in the middle.

I guess i’m good if the threesome is stated in the beginning, or the book is marketed as threesome. But if it somehow introduced in the middle, without any warning, it’ll be huge NO for me.

And H.B. with a no on poo, “Blood play and humiliation would also bother me.”

Yep, poo is a big no for lots of us.

Very enlightening! And while cheating still remains a big no, it still comes down to the author and great writing.

Winners Announcement!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is handing off $10 gift certs to: Chris Tharrington and ashleyomelia

Please contact Stella at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com and she will get your gift cert to you. Congratulations!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 8:

There’s More to Romance and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Release Blitz – Riza Curtis – The Dragon’s Thief
The Pet Stylist and The Playboy by Rebecca James Release Blitz

Monday, July 9:

DSP Promo Scotty Cade
Release Blitz for Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert
BLITZ – Nectar and Ambrosia by E.M. Hamill
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: WITH A KICK Collection #1 by Clare London
A MelanieM Review: Hard Contact (Guild Enforcer, #1) by Ali Atwood
An Ali Audiobook Review: Familiar Angel by Amy Lane and Narrator: Gomez Pugh

Tuesday, July10:

Leaning Into Forever by Lane Hayes Blog Tour
DSP Dreamspun Promo j. leigh bailey
BLOG TOUR The Wulf Chronicles by Wulf Francu Godgluck
A Caryn Review: Love Me Louder by Christina Lee
An Alisa Review A Desperate Love by J.D. Walker
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Leaning Into Forever by Lane Hayes

Wednesday, July 11:

Review Tour – Garrett Leigh – Believe (Skins #3)
Temple of Time by Geoffrey Knight Blog Tour
RELEASE BLITZ Love it Like You Stole It by Ki Brightly
A Jeri Review : Believe (Skins #3) by Garrett Leigh
A MelanieM Review: Bloodlines (Boystown #7) by Marshall Thornton
A MelanieM Review: Born of Air (Dragon Soul #4) by Sean Michael

Thursday, July 12:

Harmony Promo Annabelle Jay
Release Blitz – The Omega’s Second Chance by Kenna Grace
DSP Promo Andrew Grey
An Alisa Review: Discovery (Kinky in the City #3) by Quinn Ward
A Stella Release Day Review: Camwolf by JL Merrow
An Ali Audiobook Review: Family Man By Heidi Cullinan and Marie Sexton/Colin Darcy (Narrator)

Friday, July 13:

DSP Promo Z. Allora
BLOG TOUR for Badlands by Morgan Brice
99c Book Blast – Double Dare by Jeanne St. James
A MelanieM Review: Ground of Insurrection by Mell Eight
A MelanieM Recent Release Review: Galaxies and Oceans by N.R. Walker
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin #10) by Jordan L. Hawk

Saturday, July 14:

BLOG TOUR (Exclusive Post) Pursuing Happiness by Jessie Pinkham
Release Blitz – To Love & Protect His Omega by Quinn Michaels
A MelanieM Review: The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara

Hello July. More On Romance Don’ts For You. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Hello July.

More On Romance Don’ts For Readers

Welcome to July! The month that means the halfway point of summer, the week of the beginnings of many celebrations for Americans in the States and abroad as we celebrate our Independence Day on the 4th with fireworks and parades. and just a flood of people heading out for summer vacations (beach, mountains, tourist destinations) or good old staycations.

It’s also a time for tons of summer reading which is why I’m still talking about those Romance Don’ts or at least one of the reasons. I don’t know if you all caught Kate Sherwood’s blog last week here but she was talking about an early story of her’s where she had her mc’s cheat and the readers wrote in disgusted with her. And she felt she had broken an unwritten bond with them. The title of her guest blog? The Romance Taboo by Kate Sherwood. You can find it here. I was totally intrigued although not surprised. Its something I’ve heard over and over myself.

Another reason I’m still inquiring? That would be the Boystown series written by Marshall Thornton. Several novels in this series have either won the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Mystery or been a finalist. And deservedly so. But I wonder how many have started these stories and ended up with a DNF. And the reason being that the main character, PI Nick Nowak, rarely turns away from a hookup (underage the only exception), despite being in a relationship. Yes, its the 80’s and gay sex/monogamy was admittedly looked at differently then. But, and let me know if I’m wrong here, I get the feeling that context doesn’t come much into play when the element is cheating with regards to the main character or couple. it’s simply “no, not in my story”.

Which is a damn shame because these books and this series is simply brilliant. I’ll be reviewing more of them this week. And I’d like to know what I can possibly say to change readers minds. For me this subject hasn’t been an issue. Life is messy and its always been about how the author has handled the subject (as with any other element in their story). But this is an emotional issue in RL and it carries over into our reading. Can it ever be separated? Not sure. I hope you all will continue to chime in here. I will be handing out gift certificates next week.

And yes, I’ve been reading and loving everyone’s comments. Here is what some of you have had to say on the subject:

On Readers Romance Don’ts:

I think it depends on how the characters are portrayed. I can sometimes stand cheating characters but it has to be under certain circumstances (abuse, loveless marriage where spouse is cheating already, open relationship where both characters know and is okay with it). I really don’t like politically or religiously driven stories. Regarding sex scenes I like them enough just to spice up the read but not overtake the entire book. One every chapter is too excessive in my opinion I think maybe for a full length story I would like just maybe 2 to 4 sex scenes. Of course no sex scenes and more intimacy scenes are okay too. I think the one thing a book can’t come back from is if it kills off an important character (I’m going to exclude Andrea Speed’s Infected series from this even tho I didn’t complete the series I have plans to go back and read it after I heal from the lost of Paris). I once read a book where a main character in the earlier series was killed off in the sequel that featured new main characters. Luckily the series only had two books and there were no plans for more because I was completely turned off from it and resented that I had wasted time reading it.

I can tolerate cheating if it advances the storyline while leading to the MCs having an HEA. Regarding sex scenes, I don’t need one every chapter. The first sex scene is the most important, because that sets the foundation for future exploration, especially if one character is primarily a top or bottom. The only things that turn me off in a book are domestic abuse, child abuse, rape, and mpreg storylines.

I agree. I hate it when they kill off the pets! [my pet peeve] I just finished reading a short story this morning where a cat got thrown of a building. I was so mad!
As for romance, I’m not sure. I do a lot of ghostwriting, and my clients are often very specific that they don’t want the main characters to have sexual involvement with anyone else. Must be a big rule!

In terms of cheating. it depends on my mood — I mean, I’ve read when cheating happened, and I was okay with it as long as there’s SIGNIFICANT GROVELING happened in the book.

My romance No No are mostly about tropes… I don’t read Mpreg, I don’t read M/F/M or F/F/M. for example, rather than something in the plot.

✒

I will have to tell you all I didn’t even mention last week one of my biggest bugaboos. A romance book where one of the MC was intensely involved with his own excrement. I believe that was my very first DNF story and it was years ago. And yes, I found my limit on kink in that novel as well. Another romance don’t for me. So let’s hear from you all. More on this cheating element and any other Romance Don’ts!

Lucky readers will be chosen next week to receive gift cards. Now on this our week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 1:

RELEASE BLITZ – Leaning into Forever by Lane Hayes
Hello July. More On Romance Don’ts For You.
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, July 2:

Release Blitz for Nobody Else’s by Nell Iris
Release Blitz Badlands by Morgan Brice
Release Day Blitz Magic or Die (Inner Demons #1) by JP Jackson
A Lucy Review: Nobody Else’s by Nell Iris
An Alisa Review: Challenge (Kinky in the City #2) by Quinn Ward
A Jeri Review: Wash Out (Anchor Point #7) by LA Witt
A MelanieM Review: A Time For Secrets (Boystown #4) by Marshall Thornton

Tuesday. July 3:

BLOG TOUR TIGHT QUARTERS by Annabeth Albert
DSP Promo Rhett Heath
Release Blitz Play it by Ear by KM Neuhold
A VVivacious Release Day Review: Stranger in a Foreign Land by Michael Murphy
A MelanieM Review: Tight Quarters (Out of Uniform #6) by Annabeth Albert
A MelanieM Release Day Review: From a Jack to a King by Scotty Cade
A Caryn Review: Finn (Endangered Fae #1) by Angel Martinez

Wednesday, July 4 (Happy Independence Day!) 🇺🇸

AUDIOBOOK TOUR – WITH A KICK Collection #1 by CLARE LONDON
Review Tour for Rainbow Place (Rainbow Place #1) by Jay Northcote
REVIEW TOUR for Daniel (The Third Legacy) by RJ Scott
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Daniel (The Third Legacy) by RJ Scott
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Rainbow Place (Rainbow Place #1) by Jay Northcote
An Alisa Audiobook Review: Treasure for Treasure (Being(s) in Love #7) by R. Cooper and Dominic Carlos (Narrator)
A Lucy Review: Play It By Ear by KM Neuhold

Thursday, July 5:

In the Spotlight Tour and Giveaway: Cinderella Boy by Kristina Meister
BLOG TOUR fo My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick
DSP Dreamspun Promo Michael Murphy on Stranger in a Foreign Land
A Free Dreamer Review: Armistice (The Amberlough Dossier #2) by Lara Elena Donnelly
A Lucy Audiobook Review: Bromantically Yours by K.C. Wells and Narrator: Daniel Henning
An Alisa Review: That’s My Ethan by Tarian PS
A MelanieM Review: Murder Book (Boystown 5) by Marshall Thornton

Friday, July 6:

Cover Reveal for Curl Around My Heart by Londra Laine l
Review Tour and Giveaway for Stag and the Ash (The Rowan Harbor Cycle #5) by Sam Burns
Review Tour for Spark (North Star #1) by Posy Roberts
Blog Tour for Magic or Die (Inner Demons, Book One) by JP Jackson
A Free Dreamer Review: Stag and The Ash (Rowan Harbor Cycle #5) by Sam Burns
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay
A Stella Review: Spark (North Star #1) by Posy Roberts

Saturday, July 7:

BLITZ – Leaning Into the Look by Lane Hayes
Release Blitz for Knitting a Broken Heart Back Together by Ari McKay
A MelanieM Review: From the Ashes (Boystown #6) by Marshall Thornton

A MelanieM Review: Learn with Me (With Me #3) by Kris Jacen

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Josiah “Siah” Kent has always loved learning; now he’s living his dream of teaching children to love it too. After getting his degrees in New Orleans, he accepted a teaching position outside of Washington DC. What a better place to be able to teach and continue learning?

Sergeant Carter May joined the Army right out of high school. He’s always struggled to succeed in school but has found a place in the military but has dreamed of getting a college degree–he’d be the first in his family if he did. Being stationed with the Presidential Firing Battery at Arlington National Cemetery will give him the opportunity to take the chance, but will he risk failing?

A chance meeting years ago in New Orleans, had sparks flying between Siah and Carter. Another chance encounter between the ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, blow those sparks into a full flame. Can Siah and Carter find some common ground to learn more about each other and a possible future together?

The With Me series from Kris Jacen has quickly become one of my favorite contemporary reads. It established itself with it’s insider knowledge of military life, what it takes to be a part of the military family (whether as part of the family unit or military one that becomes family), the emotional, physical, and mental upheavals that are to be faced, and the support one receives along the way. Especially if you are lucky enough to be adopted by the Heptad.

Each story has been a favorite. Until the next story arrives. Then that’s my favorite. And its happened again here. One, I wanted Siah and Carter’s story immediately at the end of Explore with Me (With Me #2). I knew Siah had some growing up to do, which happens before the start of this story. So too Carter who had some tough decisions to make and he did.

Secondly? The location. Jacen based her story in and around the DC Metro area. While I’m in Maryland, Virginia is just as familiar for those of us who live here. MD-DC-VA…its all the same really in one respect and the places she mentions are near and dear to my heart. Especially Arlington National Cemetery where quite a few family members are laid to rest and we visit every Memorial Day.

She’s right about the traditions and ceremonies bringing tears to your eyes during the story. You will need several tissues, deservedly so. Her descriptions are deeply moving as well as informative.

But Learn with Me (With Me #3) is special because of the characters and their romance. Between Siah and Carter, each has had a past to rise above in some way and done it. Perhaps they haven’t left it behind completely but they are dealing with it and moving forward. They are different in size, energy, even background and yet in kindness, loyalty, and an ability to see the best in others, they are so alike. Jacen did a remarkable job in creating these people and all the others here, including the Heptad (that group of soldiers whose stories are the series or whose support flows through the series).

These are layered portraits, and the people aren’t isolated but are surrounded by a family of friends, a community that adds support and a believability to their lives. Whether its a school and afternoon classes (and a circle of support) for Siah (who is a black belt as well) or the base and unit for Carter (where both friends and enemies can be found), it all feels so real and authentic.

Kris Jacen uses the framework of a romance to bring modern military life vividly alive, whether its the fears children must face, the struggles of the family, the time away from home both spouses and family feel…its all here and intimate. There’s also the tight knit community, the sense of belonging to something greater, and, yes, the service to country.

I’m already anticipating the next book in the series. It’s going to deal with some serious issues her stories hasn’t addressed yet. I can’t wait.

In the meantime, if you are new to the series, why not go to the beginning and start with Wait for Me (With Me #1) and work your way here. I highly recommend all the stories, including this one Learn with Me by Kris Jacen.

Cover art by Jared Rackler. I’m sort of over the bare torso thing but considering all Siah wanted to do when he first saw Carter was climb him like a tree this is pretty perfect.

Sales Links: MLR Books | Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 145 pages
Published May 22nd 2018 by MLR Press
ASINB07D8J548N
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesWith Me #3

What Are Romance Don’ts For You? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

What Are Romance Don’ts For You…in Stories of course?

I’m always interested in what turns readers on, makes them keep searching out certain authors, certain types of stories and series. The reverse is also true. I’m curious to know whats the turnoff for readers. What will kill a story faster than a full moon can make a were all fluffy?

I’m not talking about simple bad writing, paroxysms of purple prose (I sorta love those…I giggle away), and cardboard characters and unintelligible plots. No I’m talking about something that while you are reading along, the book is going fine and all of a sudden, there it is. The thing that has you going “nope, not reading further”, and you are done.

I have to admit the one I hear the most is that people don’t want their main characters to cheat. At all. It doesn’t matter whether they haven’t even met the guy they are going to have their HFN or HEA yet. They don’t want to see them with anyone else in the story.

These are readers who place a strict moral behavior line on their mcs and expect it to be adhered to.

Some readers want light, sweet romances (which does not necessarily exclude depth in storyline or characters). Others place a limit on the amount of violence or types of sex or kink they may want in the novels. Do you exclude anything other than a typical M/M coupling from your reading lists? Not judging, just curious.

And how much sex is too much?

I actually went to a couple of How to Write Romance sites to see if they addressed any of this and the answer is not really.One said not to have a sex scene in every chapter. Many recommended no instant love but to build it up gradually. Many said to learn how to write “good” sex scenes. Under one site with 5 Mistakes to Avoid with Romance novels:1

: Avoid immediate, total attraction between your story’s lovers (guess they never met Grindr or instant lust) Really

But specifics like cheating never come up. That they leave up to each individual author and their tastes.

I personally avoid novels that kill off the pets and other animals. That’s one of my things (looking at you and that horse, Amy Lane).

One recent story that I gave low ratings to didn’t even introduce the one main character’s “true love” until the last couple of pages of the story. For most of the book he was involved with a lovely intelligent man who most readers, including myself thought he would end up with, until surprise! He runs off back to Canada leaving the nice guy in Scotland and us with our jaws on the floor. Because there was no set up in the narrative and we had no idea who this person was. Stunningly awful.

So while the mc’s don’t have to be together (letters written, two povs), I must actually know who he is. Smh.

And finally, if you have a narrative bugaboo, is there a author or book that convinced you or was so well written that they made you overlook it?

Write in and let me know….there might be gifts ahead for those that chime in.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, June 24:

Book Blast Witchbane by Morgan Brice
A MelanieM Review: A Time For Secrets (Boystown #4) by Marshall Thornton
What Are Romance Don’ts For You? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, June 25:

RELEASE BLITZ Daniel (The Third Legacy) by RJ Scott
Release Blitz – JM Snyder – Commanding Officer Thomas
Release Blitz – Speed Dating the Boss by Sue Brown
DSP Promo EJ Russell
An Alisa Review: Commanding Officer Thomas by J.M. Snyder
A Jeri Review: Something About You by Riley Hart
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Cash Plays (Seven of Spades #3) by Cordelia Kingsbridge

Tuesday, June 26

Release Blitz – Spark by Posy Roberts
Release Blitz – Nic Starr’s Lies & Deception
My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick Release Blitz
Release Blitz and Exclusive Guest Post forJanice Jarrell’s Love’s Magic
An Ali Release Day Review: Lies & Deception by Nic Starr (
An Alisa Release Day Review: Speed Dating the Boss (Cowboys and Angels #1) by Sue Brown
A MelanieM Releases Day Review: All That Glitters by Kate Sherwood

Wednesday, June 27:

Cover Reveal for Second Chance Ranch (Montana #5) by RJ Scott
Kate Sherwood on All That Glitters (guest post)
Review Tour – Tarian PS – That’s My Ethan
Series Recap Blitz/Tour – RJ Scott – Montana Series
A Caryn Review: Cinderella Boy by Kristina Meister
A Stella Review Home Skillet (Culinary Kings #1) by Cate Ashwood & Sandra Damien
A MelanieM Audiobook Review: Love Me Tomorrow by Ethan Day and Jason Frazier (Narrator)

Thursday, June 28:

Release Blitz – Believe (Skins #3) by Garrett Leigh
Release Blitz – Day Of Wrath (Taking Shield #5) – Anna Butler
Release Blitz for Date Discovery by Quinn Ward
DSP Promo Nic Starr on LIes & Deception
A Free Dreamer Review: Amberlough (The Amberlough Dossier #1) by Lara Elena Donnelly
An Alisa Review: Jordan and the Secret Pack by Sam Magna
A MelanieM Review Learn with Me by Kris Jacen

Friday, June 29:

Review Tour – Love’s Magic by Janice Jarrell
Release Blitz – Sam Burn’s Stag and the Ash
DSP Promo Louise Collins
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Unfit to Print by KJ Charles
A Caryn Review: Fourteen Summers by Quinn Anderson
A MelanieM Review: Love’s Magic by Janice Jarrell
A Lucy Audiobook Review: A Full Plate by Kim Fielding and Narrator: Kenneth Obi

Saturday, June 30:

RELEASE BLITZ Love Me Louder by Christina Lee
Release Blitz + Giveaway – A Dance For Two by Colette Davison
A Lucy Review A Dance For Two by Colette Davison

Real Life and the Blog. This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Real Life and the Blog.

Happy Father’s Day!

It’s short today. As it sometimes happens real life interferes with the blog. Between vet visits and Father’s Day, dog instructions, medications and plans, well, sigh, where did the time go?

I’ve been busy bathing dogs and celebrating with my father. I hope everyone has had a full and happy day. So life is a bit frazzled and scattered today. It will come together tomorrow. In the meantime. Check out all the marvels that await you this week and know we (sigh, I) will be pulling it together.

Enjoy!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, June 17:

Father’s Day! This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, June 18:

DSP Dreamspun Promo Bru Baker on Under a Blue Moon (Camp H.O.W.L. #2
Review Tour – Annabelle Jacobs – Butterfly Assassin
Review Tour – Overtime – V.L. Locey Signal Boost Promotions
An Alisa Review: Stowaway Heart by Suede Delray
A MelanieM Review: Butterfly Assassin by Annabelle Jacobs
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Recruit by Addison Albright
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Damage Control by Kate McMurray

Tuesday, June 19:

DSP Promo Payne/Tortuga
Blog tour the Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey
New Release Tour for Murder, Romance, and Two Shootings by Todd Allen Smith
A Lucy Review: The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey
A VVivacious Review: Just A Week by Jena Wade
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Under a Blue Moon (Camp H.O.W.L. #2) by Bru Baker
A Stella Review: Home Skillet (Culinary Kings #1) by Cate Ashwood & Sandra Damien

Wednesday, June 20:

BLITZ for The Merchant’s Love by Antonia Acquilante
Demon Familiar by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham -Book Blitz and Review
DSP Promo Sandine Tomas
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Denim by KC Wells
A MelanieM Review: Demon Familiar by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham
A VVivacious Review Just A Year by Jena Wade
AN Alisa Review: Expecting (Pine Wood Falls #1) by Sarah Havan

Thursday, June 21:

DSP Promo KA Mitchell
DSP Publications Promo Michael Ruptured
Release Blitz Expecting by Sarah Havan
A Jeri Review Wash Out (Anchor Point #7) by LA Witt
A MelanieM Review: Life Itself by Elizabeth Bones
A Lila Audiobook Review: Once Upon a Wolf (Wayward Wolves #1) by Rhys Ford and Derrick McClain Narrator)
A MelanieM Review: Three More Nick Nowak Mysteries (Boystown #2) by Marshall Thornton

Friday, June 22:

DSP Dreamspun Promo Andrew Grey
Falling Awake 2 by Kage Alllen Indigo Blog Tour
Release Day Blitz Something About You by Riley Hart
A MelanieM Review: Pack Up Your Troubles by Charlie Cochrane
A Stella Review Catch Me by Beth Bolden
An Alisa Release Day Review:Mystic Man by E.J. Russell
A Melanie Audiobook Review Off the Ice (Hat Trick #1) by Avon Gale and Piper Vaughn/Kirt Graves (Narrator

Saturday, June 23:

RELEASE BLITZ – Professor Hot Pants by Ember-Raine Winters\
The Necromancer’s Reckoning by SJ Himes Blog Tour

More June Romance. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

More June Romance

We are still merrily swinging along mid June with our romances and finishing up with our Royals….recommendations of course! Cheeky! More below from our wonderful readers who came up with some simply great books for everyone to read. I put my own recs back in as well and hopefully by the end of the month will merge of all them into one big royal recommendation list for one and all.

I read and reviewed a story this week which fits in perfect with our romance theme, Made in Portugal by Ana Newfolk. Two men, who had their first kiss as teenagers and best friends and then were abruptly separated for years meet once again when one returns to the land of his birth. Its lovely, layered, and romantic. I loved it.

Then oddly enough, a series which is the antithesis of romance. Gritty, noir, the sex impersonal, the mc often unlikable, and yet the writing is so well done (as are the mysteries) you just have to keep reading…yes, that would be Marshall Thornton’s award winning Boystown Series. What was thinking putting them here? I definitely need a Noir Month.

Do we even have enough LGBT Noir Books?

There’s a question for you!

But the sun is shinning on our romance stories, so let’s concentrate there. More stories to come as June contineues. In the meantime.

Here is another winner of our Royal Recommendations Contest: Purple Reader. Please contact Stella for your gift card at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com

Royal Recommendations and Love Stories – Part II

Historical

Crofton Hall series by Rebecca Cohen (with some contemporary stories too)

Contemporary:

Wake Up Married Series by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths
Suddenly Yours by Jacob Z. Flores
Marriage of Inconvenience by M.J. O’Shea
The Greek Tycoon’s Green Card Groom by Kate McMurray
First Comes Marriage by Shira Anthony
Tall, Dark, and Deported by Bru Baker

Science Fiction:

Mate of the Tyger Prince series by Shannon West (shifter aliens, humans, mpreg)

Supernatural/Paranormal:

Mage of Inconvenience by Parker Foye

Fantasy:

The Gryphon King’s Consort by Jenn Burke

Purple Reader:

There’s already some good recs here. Like H.B., I don’t keep track of weddings in books, but I did remember a few that I thought were good … they aren’t all just about the wedding, but it does figure into the story:
– Fantasy:
THE LAST GRAND MASTER by Andrew Q. Gordon
THE LODESTAR OF YS by Amy Rae Durreson
THE ENGINEERED THRONE by Megan Derr
– PNR:
TRIED & TRUE by Charlie Cochet
GUNS N’ BOYS: HE IS MINE by K.A. Merikan
– Sci-Fi/Futuristic:
MY FAIR CAPTAIN by J.L. Langley (the original unless you want yours kink free then go for the 2018 version)
IMPERFECT MATCH by Price, Jordan Castillo
Oh, I thought of a few more, so why not add several to our list 🙂 … (again, good stories where even if it’s not all about the wedding, it plays a part):
– Historical:
INTO DEEP WATERS by Kaje Harper
DAYS WITHOUT END by Sebastian Barry
– Contemporary:
A MORE PERFECT UNION – Anthology by B.G. Thomas, Coatsworth, Fessenden, Michael Murphey
WILL & PATRICK WAKE UP MARRIED by Leta Blake
PIECE OF CAKE by Mary Calmes
THE HEART OF TEXAS, and TEXAS WEDDING by R.J. Scott
THE MARRYING KIND by Jay Northcote
– Mystery/Suspense:
CRASH & BURN by Abigail Roux
HERE COMES THE CORPSE by Mark Richard Zubro
ALOHA CANDY HEARTS by Anthony Bidulka
– Purple Reader, TheWrote [at] aol [dot] com

From Ami:

TAMING GROOMZILLA by E.N. Holland (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6931204-taming-groomzilla)

and

SIX NECKTIES by Johnny Diaz (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35061750-six-neckties) which revolves around wedding and wedding preparation

Now on to this week at our blog!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, June 10:

A MelanieM Review: Bones and Bourbon by Dorian Graves
More June Romance. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, June 11:

SERIES REVIEW TOUR for Shoes and Ties by JENA WADE
BLOG TOUR George Loveland – Up In The Air #2: West Coast
Review Tour – Ari McKay – Blood Bathory: Absence of the Sun
A MelanieM Review: Ari McKay ‘s Blood Bathory: Absence of the Sun
A Stella Review: My Anti-Valentine (My Anti-Series #1) by DJ Jamison
A VVivacious Review: Flowers for the Gardener by Sharon Maria Bidwell
An Ali Review Behind the Lights (Social Sinners #1) by T.L. Travis

Tuesday, June 12:

Release Blitz Twenty-One Arrow Salute by Kasia Bacon
Release Blitz – George Loveland’s Up In The Air 2: West Coast
Review Tour – Made In Portugal by Ana Newfolk
A Lucy Review: Whatever Comes First by MK Lee
A MelanieM Review: Made in Portugal (Made In #1) by Ana Newfolk
A Stella Review: My Anti-Boyfriend (My Anti-Series #2) by D.J. Jamison
An Alisa Audiobook Review: Staggered Cove Station (Coast Guard Rescue #1) by Elle Brownlee and Colin Darcy (Narrator)

Wednesday, June 13:

BLITZ – To Have and to Hold by Tamryn Eradani
DSP Promo Sean Michael
River City Tour (Other World Tour)
Release Blitz – Overtime by V.L. Locey
An Alisa Review: Wrenching by Deirdre O’Dare
A MelanieM Review: Overtime (Cayuga Cougars #4) by V.L. Locey

Thursday, June 14:

TOUR INSIDE DARKNESS by Hudson Lin
Release Blitz – DJ Jamison’s My Anti-Marriage
A MelanieM Review: Robby Riverton: Mail Order Bride by Eli Easton
A MelanieM Review: Three More Nick Nowak Mysteries (Boystown #2) by Marshall Thornton
A MelanieM Review: Three Nick Nowak Mysteries (Boystown #1) by Marshall

Friday, June 15:

Ardulum Series (Other World Tour)
Release Blitz Catch Me by Beth Bolden
Release Blitz Rainbow Place – Jay Northcote
A MelanieM Review:Two Nick Nowak Novellas (Boystown #3) by Marshall Thornton
A Stella Review My Anti-Marriage by DJ Jamison
A MelanieM Review: Silent Hearts by Cameron D. James.

Saturday, June 16:

Blitz Tour (Lori)The Recruit by Addison Albright
A MelanieM Review: Murder Book (Boystown #5) by Marshall Thornton

June Continues Romance Month and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

June Continues Romance Month

With a break for Memorial Weekend, we are back at the topic of Romance, Royal Weddings, and stories! Yep, we didn’t forget! Often June is the month that kicks of the rush of wedding season and if its LGBT, it makes no difference, because it’s the weather driving the date as well as the timing. So it’s back to romance, weddings, and stories!

So first of all let’s go right to those wonderful recommendations for Royal Wedding Stories. Here they are:

Royal Wedding Story Recommendations:

From ChaosMoon:

Tere Michaels Faith, Love, and Devotion series and Groomzilla
L.B. Gregg’s How I Met Your Father
E.M. Lynley’s Sex, Lies, and Wedding Bells
Legally Wed by Rick R. Reed
The Best Man by LA Witt
Until You by T.J. Klune
First Comes Marriage by Shira Anthony
Wedlocked by Ella Fank
Wedding Favors by Anne Tenino

Megan Derr A Suitable Replacement
Megan Derr The Stable Boy
Megan Derr The High King’s Golden Tongue
Amber Kell Orlin’s Fall

Josh Lanyon Other People’s Weddings

From H.B.:

Hellion Club series by Aiden Bates (Book 2 and 3 come to mind)
Omega Society Auction by Eileen Glass
Dragon’s Hoard by M.A. Church
The Harvest series by M.A. Church
Wed to the Omega by Ashe Moon
The Pretend Husband by Declan Rhodes
Married for a Month by Cate Ashwood
Married for the Millions by Parker Avrile
Marriage of Inconvenience by M.J. O’Shea
A Marriage of Convenience by Devyn Morgan
Red River by Cardeno C.
Signed and Sealed by B.A. Stretke
Groom of Convenience by by Vicktor Alexander
King’s Conquest by by Valentina Heart

From Jeri:

What Binds Us by Larry Benjamin
Kitto (Tyack & Frayne #4) by Harper Fox
Betrothed: A Faery Tale by Therese Woodson
The King’s Courage (North Pole City Tales #6) by Charlie Cochet
Dear Mona Lisa… by Claire Davis & Al Stewart
Wedlocked (Preslocke #3) by Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine

Right now, I’m feeling gobsmacked as the British would say because I have only listed half of the recommendations! These are wonderful. I have so many more to give you, and that will come next week because of the length of the list. And that we will announce 2 winners.

Winner Announcement!

The first winner? That would be ChaosMoon. Congratulations. Please contact Stella at scatteredthoughtsandroguewords@gmail.com to receive your gift card. Another winner will be announced next week along with the remainder of your recommendations!

Now about romance stories. I’ve read several this week that I just adored and they are all over the place genre wise. Several I’m reviewing this week. One, His Leading Man by Ashlyn Kane, is pure romance. No angst, just lovely sweet road to love and HEA. It left a happiness in my heart and a perfect way to fall into June. Another? A scary, rollercoaster A ride action story and total romance that ends Rhys Ford’s Sinners series, Sin and Tonic. Angst galore, murder and suspense! Totally at the other end of the contemporary spectrum.

Coming up I swung from the M/M historical romances straight from the WWI front and pages of Charlie Cochrane’s stories,Pack Up Your Troubles, which broke my heart before putting it back together again to the fantasy of Life Itself by Elizabeth Bones and the magnificent weirdness and horror of Bourbon and Bones by Dorian Graves. All those are to come. Be on the look out for them next week and the week after.

Romance across the ages, romance across the genres…even across the species! Love in every form possible is what we celebrate in our stories we hold close to our hearts. Vampire or were, WWI soldier or that of a warrior on a world far far away, we are captivated by love and relationships, personalities and the path to HFN or HEA.

That’s our theme this month. Chime in, give us more stories, favorite books. LIstopia! Here we come!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, June 3:

Cover Reveal Magic or Die (Inner Demons, Book One) by JP Jackson
June Continues Romance Month
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, June 4:

Ashlyn Kane on His Leading Man (Author Guest Blog)
Release Blitz – Out, Proud, and Prejudiced – Megan Reddaway
In the Spotlight: Cash Plays by Cordelia Kingsbridge
A Lucy Review: Whatever Comes First by MK Lee
An Alisa Review: What It Seems by Sydney Blackburn
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Hush by Tal Bauer and Joel Leslie (Narrator)
An Ali Audiobook Review: All the Way to Shore (Stories from the Shore #1) by CJane Elliott and Tim McKiernan (Narrator)

Tuesday, June 5:

BLOG TOUR Blood Bathory: Absence Of The Sun by Ari McKay – excerpt and giveaway
DSP Promo Charlie David
Release Blitz – Made In Portugal by Ana Newfolk
A MelanieM Release Day Review: BFF by K.C. Wells
A Lucy Review: Detour by Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore
A MelanieM Release Day Review: His Leading Man by Ashlyn Kane
A Stella Review: Out, Proud, and Prejudiced by Megan Reddaway

Wednesday, June 6:

Tour: Jaqui the Cat Mysteries by Alexis Duran
KICKSTARTER BLOG TOUR for Themensha by MxKnowitall
Tour for Mercs by Dorian Dawes
Release Blitz, Tour – Ari McKay – Blood Bathory: Absence of the Sun
A Caryn Review: A Tiny Piece of Something Greater by Jude Sierra
A MelanieM Review: Demon Familiar (Wanted #1) by Bellora Quinn and Sadie Rose Bermingham

Thursday, June 7:

BLOG TOUR – Under Five by Michael War
JL Merrow on Wight Mischief
Series Recap Blitz Marshall Thornton – Boystown Series
A Stella Review: Plummet to Soar by Z.A. Maxfield
A VVivacious Review: Military Emancipation, by David O. Sullivan
An Alisa Audiobook Review: The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2) by Charlie Cochet and Manuel Pombo (Narrator)

Friday, June 8:

DSP Publications Promo Alan Chin
Release Blitz – Annabelle Jacobs – Butterfly Assassin
Spotlight on Pack Up Your Troubles Series by Charlie Cochrane
A Lucy Review: Face the Music (Replay #1) by K.M. Neuhold
A Stella Review: His Wildest Dream (Portville Omegaverse #3) by Xander Collins
An Alisa Review: Under Five by Michael War

Saturday, June 9:

Release Blitz – Behind The Lights by TL Travis
A MelanieM Review: Sin and Tonic (Sinners #6) by Rhys Ford

A MelanieM Review: The Lonely Dragon by Anna Lee

Rating: 2.75 stars out of 5

Banished by his cruel father, Rowan has been trapped on an enchanted mountain for over two hundred years. Unable to leave unless he gives up his magic, Rowan fears he will be alone his entire existence.

Gideon, a pilot, has been on the run after his mother was murdered and her attackers tried to kill him as well. He soon finds out his life is full of secrets and lies.
Fate and prophecy have much in store for them though they don’t know it yet. Can the two of them overcome it all and find love together?

The Lonely Dragon by Anna Lee delivers on plot and a substantial cast of characters. I enjoyed the story of an imprisoned dragon waiting for his mate to arrive. Of course, it also involves evil fathers, a kingdom to win, mates, a rebellion and so much more.

There’s action, betrayal, more action, mating. And while I thought the book was well plotted out, I remained curiously detached from it all.

Characters died, were snatched away and I felt nothing.

And that’s the issue here. While I thought the book and plot had promise, the characterizations showed little spark or depth to them. Didn’t matter whether they were professing their love (so darn quickly) or mourning the deaths of those they loved, I just never felt connected to them because they never came across as believable or more than one-dimensional.

All the flaws in this is story are represented in the scenes with Gideon upon his crashing down on the mountain. Nothing there made sense. Including his amazing recovery. Unfortunately that entire episode leans towards the ludicrous.

Which is too bad because so much of the plot and other elements show such promise. Loved the elder dragon at the end.

Cover art by Winterheart Designs does contain many of the elements one might expect.

Sales Links: MLR Books | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook
Published April 19th 2018 by MLR Press
Original TitleThe Lonely Dragon
ISBN139781370898886
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Review: Veiled Dominance (Club Rebellion #2) by Evelise Archer

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Shane Wise is a Dom and part owner of a popular BDSM club in Rittenhouse Square, Club Rebellion. A tumultuous past has led him to an almost perfect present, except Shane has a secret. A secret that could destroy his reputation in the world in which he loves to live-BDSM.

Deacon Archer is also a Dom and part owner of Club Rebellion and he is in love with Shane Wise. Together Shane and Deacon must decide if the love they feel can withstand the scrutiny they fear if their relationship is revealed.

Can two dominants truly forge a relationship? Will secret desires open up a new world and allow Shane to be the man he was intended to be or will veiled dominance get in the way?

I had read the first book in the series quite a while ago before it was republished but never got around to this one. Shane is always second guessing himself about his and Deacon’s relationship having kept it secret for and unknown amount of time. Deacon is ready to share their relationship with everyone but he is sensitive to Shane’s feelings as well.

Shane hasn’t had a great life before he met his friends in college but has made the best of his situation and has succeeded. I didn’t feel quite the connection to Deacon as I did Shane because there wasn’t anything big to connect with but I loved watching him care and love on Shane when the man needed it and how willing he was to show Shane that he can be whoever he needs to be. They have a wonderful group of friends who seem to fully support each other. I am interested to see if this author continues this series now that they are being republished to maybe include Tony, the bartender and others in the club.

The cover art by Winterheart Design just didn’t work for me, I think if the model had been in a different pose it would have helped a lot.

Sales Links: MLR Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 73 pages

Published: April 13, 2018 by MLR Press

ISBN: 978-1-641-22-1306

Edition Language: English

Series: Club Rebellion #2

Memorial Weekend. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Memorial Weekend.

We Remember.

That’s what this weekend is all about. What it was created for. After the Civil War was over, Decoration Day came about to honor both the dead of the Union and Confederate. Now we know it as Memorial Day, remembering those that have fallen, given service to their country, honoring our dead by keeping them alive in our memories, in our hearts and our thoughts.

Living near Washington, DC, Memorial Day and Weekend’s true meaning is never far away. Rolling Thunder roars past my parents place every year on it’s way to the District. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial remains for me the most haunting and striking memorial in the District. The WWII and Korean War Memorials will be visited heavily. And Arlington Cemetery with its white sea of uniform tombstones stretching for miles and the incredibly moving Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, with its changing of the Guard ceremony, will be overflowing with visitors (families of those buried there and those just paying their respects). I will be there too. It’s a family tradition.

My father recently returned to Arlington to visit family buried there. I forgot it had been a while since his last visit. He stood stunned by the vista before him. Arlington has had to expand it’s boundaries since the last time he was there. The tombstones now spread out before him like a vast ocean where before my father remembered nothing but trees and meadows. It was heartbreaking. What could we say? So many deaths. So many to remember. And honor.

For many, it’s a time to celebrate with family and friends. Picnics and parades, bbq’s and cookouts.

But take time to remember. And perhaps if you see someone in their military uniform, you might want to thank them for their service now. I think they will appreciate it.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Weekend. #WeRemember

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, May 27:

Memorial Weekend. This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
A Lila Review Object of Desire by Dal Maclean

Monday, May 28:

Release Blitz – Murder in New York by C.J. Baty
DSP Promo Julia Talbot
Blog Tour – #IsHeHereYet: Being the person you want to be with by Dr Tony Ortega
A MelanieM Review: The Lonely Dragon by Anna Lee
An Ali Review Returning to the Land of the Morning Calm by Hans M Hirschi
An Alisa Review: Veiled Dominance by Evelise Archer
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: The Consumption of Magic (Tales From Verania #3) by TJ Klune and Michael Lesley (Narrator)

Tuesday, May 29:

DSP Promo JL Langley on My Fair Captain
Cover Reveal, for Ari McKay’s Absence of the Sun (Blood Bathory #2)
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Riven by Roan Parrish
A MelanieM Release Day Review: My Fair Captain (Sci-Regency #1) by J.L. Langley
An Alisa Release Day Review: Love You So Madly (Love You So Stories #2) by Tara Lain
An Ali Audiobook Review: The Quarterback by Mackenzie Blair and Greg Boudreaux (Narrator)

Wednesday, May 30:

Book Blast Just A Year by Jena Wade
A Lucy Pre release Review: My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Stone the Crows (Wolf Winter)by TA Moore
A VVivacious Review: A Love to Remember, by Sarah Hadley Brook
An Alisa Review: Snow Cat by Edward Kendrick

Thursday, May 31:

Harmony Promo Shirley Anne Edwards
A Caryn Review : Mason and the Dog Wrangler” by CL Etta
A Lucy Review: Where Do I Start? (Why You? #1) by Chase Taylor Hackett
An Ali Audiobook Review: Bobby Green (Johnnies # 5) by Amy Lane and Gomez Pugh (Narrator)
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review The Solstice Prince (Realms of Love #1) by S.J. Himes and Joel Leslie (Narrator)

Friday, June 1:

Blog Tour: The Curse by Kethric Wilcox
Cover Reveal- Overtime by V.L. Locey
DSP Promo Julia Talbot
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: The Recruit by Addison Albright
A Lucy Review: And the next Thing You Know . . . (Why You? #2) byChase Taylor Hackett
A Stella Release Day Review: Wight Mischief by JL Merrow

Saturday, June 2:

RELEASE BLITZ for Waiting in the Wings (Upstaged #2) by S. L. Danielson
Release Blitz – Three-Man Advantage by Ariel Bishop