In the Spotlight: Working It (Ringside Romance #1) by Christine d’Abo ( guest post and giveaway)

Working It (Ringside Romance #1) by Christine d’Abo
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase

Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Christine d’Abo here today to talk about her latest story, Working It. Welcome, Christine!

📚

Thank you for having me here today. I’m so happy to be able to talk to you about my new book, WORKING IT, which is book one in my new Ringside Romance series. Don’t let the series title fool you, this is low on the boxing and high on sexual tension.

As an avid reader of all things romance, I personally love it when authors take chances and play around with what we consider typical romance tropes. Those situations that for whatever reason, really work for us as lovers of romance. One of my personal favorite tropes is the whole boss-assistant dynamic. There’s something wonderful about the tension that can be created when two people are working together, under pressure and in close quarters, that appeals to me.

I wanted to take this trope and do something a little fun with it. What would happen if both the characters were gay? What if they were so vastly different that under any other circumstance they probably never meet, let alone fall in love? What if they worked day in and day out in an office together?

In WORKING IT, Nolan Carmichael is working through the trauma of a serious car accident. He gets a job as Zack Anderson’s executive assistant, a position that no one at the company wants. Somehow the two of them work through their differences and fall in love.

I hope you’ll come along for the ride.

You can visit Christine at her website www.christinedabo.com, and chat with her on Facebook and Twitter. Want to keep up with Christine’s new releases? Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free book!

About Working It

Nolan Carmichael is getting a fresh start—new career, new company, new life. The only problem is, he liked his old life just fine . . . until an accident robbed him of his health, his job, his self-confidence, and his ability to go out in public without having anxiety attacks.

Zack Anderson has scared away his last four executive assistants. So when he hires Nolan on a whim, he’s not too worried, since Nolan will be gone within the week anyway. Two weeks later, Nolan has made himself indispensable, completely reforming Zack’s schedule, life . . . and libido.

But in a company already torn by internal politics, one wrong step could ruin both their careers. And not only are they working to reopen Ringside Gym, Zack’s retreat when he was a troubled teen, but they also can’t help themselves falling for each other. If only the rest of their lives could go as smoothly as things do when they’re alone together.

Now available from Riptide Publishing.

This title is part of the Ringside Romance universe.

About Christine d’Abo

A romance novelist and short story writer, Christine has over thirty publications to her name. She loves to exercise and stops writing just long enough to keep her body in motion too. When she’s not pretending to be a ninja in her basement, she’s most likely spending time with her family and two dogs.

Connect with Christine:

Website: christinedabo.com
Blog: christinedabo.blogspot.ca
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorChristinedAbo
Twitter: @Christine_dAbo
Tumblr: christinedabo.tumblr.com
Pintrest: pintrest.com/christinedabo
Goodreads: goodreads.com/christine_d_abo

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of Working It, one lucky winner will receive a $25 Riptide Publishing credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on February 11, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

A Free Dreamer Review: Wasted Youth (The Secret Art of Mercy #1) by H.B. Kurtzwilde

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Apprentice Sebastian has long cherished his love for his master. For years, Master D’arcy Qyn has respected Sebastian’s right to choose whom he embraces in the sexual arts known to the Fellowship of Servitors. But when the fashions and opinions of other Servitors are no longer enough to keep them apart, they rely wholeheartedly on the vows that have made them student and teacher.

Abiding dutifully by the formal roles prescribed for so taboo a relationship, each must find his way with desires and pleasures they would not otherwise enjoy. Together they must prove their love in all its expressions without shame and eternally beyond reproach.

Publisher’s Note: Although this book is set in the same universe as The Secret Art of Failure, it is the beginning of a new standalone series.

First off: I don’t think the publisher’s note is right about this being the beginning of a standalone series. I haven’t read “The Secret Art of Failure” and I felt very lost at times.

SciFi is one of my favourite genres and “Wasted Youth” sounded really promising. I took the publisher’s note to heart and was really looking forward to reading this book.

Sebastian has had a thing for his master for a while now. Or rather, for the idea of having an affair with his master and the thrill of doing something not quite socially acceptable. When D’arcy Qyn finally makes his fantasies come true, the affair turns out to be quite different from what he’d imagined.

I liked both D’arcy and Sebastian, even though I sometimes had a hard time understanding D’arcy. He’s always so mysterious.

The sex that happens between the two of them is damn hot. There’s quite a bit of humiliation and other BDSM elements. There’s even some consent play, so if you’re triggered by that, stay away from this book. Personally, I just found it hot.

There was quite a bit of action thrown into the lot as well. I didn’t understand the reasons behind a lot of things, though. It certainly never got boring, though.

Now, as I mentioned above, I really feel like this isn’t a standalone series. There seems to have been quite a bit of world building going on, but there are virtually no explanations in “Wasted Youth”. I just didn’t understand a lot of the traditions and the characters often remained mysteries to me. It really felt like I was missing some serious background info. I’m assuming this was all provided in the author’s previous series “The Secret of Failure”, which I haven’t read.

I think “Wasted Youth” had serious potential, but it left me feeling kind of “meh” in the end, simply because there was so much I just did not understand. I am curious about “The Secret of Failure” and have added the first book to my ever-growing list of books I’d like to read one day. I won’t continue with “The Secret Art of Mercy” for now, however.

The cover by April Martinez shows a beautiful landscape, overlaid with a picture of Sebastian. The landscape is gorgeous but I think the cover could’ve done without the young man at the top.

Sales Links

Loose Id

Book details:

Kindle Edition, 292 pages
Published September 5th 2016 by Loose Id LLC
ASINB01LOSQIHU
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesThe Secret Art of Mercy #1

What Are Your Comfort Reads and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

What Are Your Comfort Reads?

I know, I know. Its February and I could have so much more to talk about. Its Black History Month, Valentine’s Day and Love Stories and so much more. And I may get to those next week. But the truth of the matter is that I’m heart sore these days. With all the news and politics and a President determined to see us and our rights thrown back to the fifties and nations at war, my heart and head feels like its being plundered, torn into pieces daily.

You do what you can, you speak up, sign petitions, march. But at night or whenever you need it, I know that I need to escape into my books and my comfort reads.

I’ve been falling back into some of my early stories from many authors, ones that have remained my “go to books” when I need that instant book blankey. Don’t tell me you don’t have those. A story that means an instant smuggle for you. So you tell me yours, I’ll tell you mine. Let’s see how they mesh if at all. Some of mine include an entire series:

MelanieM’s Comfort Read’s (partial and constantly growing)

Amy Lane’s Keeping Promise Rock
Red Dirt Heart Series by N.R. Walker
Faith, Love & Devotion Series by Tere Michaels
Change of Heart series by Mary Calmes
Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell
The Shearing Gun by Renae Kaye
Frog by Mary Calmes
No Going Home (Home #1) by T.A. Chase
Home Series by T.A. Chase

I think B.A. Tortuga’s new series, The Release, may find its way onto this list. Too soon yet. But I wouldn’t be surprised.

That’s for starters, ones that just popped up without giving it any thought. I know there’s more to come. So pull up yours. I want to know the stories you reach for when you want to feel good, happy. We certainly can do with so much more of that these days.

📚Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Giveaway!📚

Send us your List of Comfort Reads! Your Snuggle Up To, Comfort Blankey Books! One random reader with a List will be chosen to receive a $10 gift certificate from Dreamspinner Press. Contest ends February 17 at midnight. Please leave your name and email address where you can be reached if chosen.

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, February 5:

A Free Dreamer Review: Wasted Youth by H.B. Kurtzwilde
A MelanieM Review: Calling His Bluff (Club Raven #3) by B.A. Tortuga
What Are Your Comfort Reads?
This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, February 6:

INTERLUDE PRESS TOUR Storm Season by Pene Henson
Cover Reveal for No Regrets by Nicky James (excerpt and giveaway)
RIPTIDE TOUR Working It by Christine d’Abo (giveaway)
A Paul B Release Day Review: Wolfmanny by Julia Talbot
An Ali Audiobook Review: What Remains by Garrett Leigh and Craig Beck (Narrator)
An Ali Review: Working It (Ringside Romance #1) by Christine d’Abo
An Alisa Review: They Walk Among Us by T.A. Chase

Tuesday, February 7:

HARMONY INK PRESS GUEST POST: Sherrie Henry on Flag on the Play
RIPTIDE TOUR Embers by Kate Sherwood (giveaway)
DSP GUEST POST Ingela Bohm on The Seventh Flower
A Stella Review: Storm Season by Pene Henson
A VVivacious Review: The Puritan Pirate by Jules Radcliffe
An Ali Review:They Walk Among Us by T.A. Chase
A VVivacious Review: THE MUTT: AN ORDER SHORT STORY by Kasia Bacon

Wednesday, February 8:

DSP GUEST POST: Julia Talbot on Wolfmanny
HARMONY INK PRESS GUEST POST: Jo Ramsey on Midnight Chat
A Jeri Release Day Review: Fire Balls by Tara Lain
A Jeri Review: Off Base by Annabeth Albert
A Stella Release Day Review: The Seventh Flower (World of Love) by Ingela Bohm
An Alisa Release Day Review: Buyout by Dev Bentham

Thursday, February 9:

DSP GUEST POST: Jake C. Wallace on Jerricho’s Freedom
DSP GUEST POST: Dirk Greyson on Darkness Rising
A Lila Review: Tempted to Taste by Shawn Lane
A PaulB Review: Descent of Kings: Books BUNDLE by Maria Albert
A Caryn Review: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling by Matthew Robbins
An Alisa Review: Fire Triangle by Iyana Jenna

Friday, February 10:

*FLAUNT by E Davies 2 week blog tour and giveaway
DSP GUEST POST Dev Bentham on Buyout – A Love Story
DSP GUEST POST Mason Thomas on The Shadow Mark
Release Day Blitz: Leaning Into Love by Lane Hayes
A Paul B Review: Sealed With Acceptance (Signed, Sealed, Delivered #5) by Caitlin Ricci and A.J. Marcus
An Ali Release Day Review: Jaeger (Order of the Black Knights #4) by Evelise Archer
An Ali Release Day Review: Shifting Views (The Carlisles #4) by Meg Harding

Saturday, February 11:

A MelanieM Review: At Attention (Out of Uniform, #2) by Annabeth Albert
A MelanieM Review: Necessary Medicine by M.K. York

A VVivacious Release Day Review: The Craving by Z. Allora

Rating: 3.5 Stars out of 5

Phoenix is a chosen, destined to devote his life to the betterment of dimensional art at the monastery and spend his life as a slave to the Principles of Purity. But for Phoenix this is a great honour and from the very day he learns of his status as a chosen, he decides to spend his life abiding by the Principles of Purity. Phoenix is prepared for his future but what he isn’t prepared for is Zadra Solav who steals his breath and pushes him into his first craving years ahead of schedule.

Riva Quinton lives on the radioactive wasteland which comprises his planet of Feri. His aunt sacrifices her life to get Riva on a Star Chaser headed to the monastery, so that at least he may survive his family. On the Star Chaser he meets Eytan Rain Otak Sita a.k.a. Eros from the planet of Song Di-Wang II. Their budding friendship rushes headfirst into an emotional attachment but as initiates of the monastery they are forbidden from love and lust.

Two couples, very much in love, separated by the law… Will they ever find their happy ending?

This story is fascinating and very interesting. There is loads of world-building. This entire story takes place in a different star system and a technologically more advanced one at that. There are a lot of planets harbouring a lot of different species with lots of different customs and outlooks on life. It was amazing to witness so many different outlooks of people on life. These planets are united by their political affiliations wherein they all accept the rule of His Greatness Ruler Xantha Aspara Paramendor, resident of Viking-Haven and ruler of the Xantha Galaxy.

The world-building in this book while fascinating, also has a lot of pitfalls but that is mainly because of the fact that the author has created an entirely new galaxy and even imparting basic knowledge of this galaxy and its various planets and people would have probably not made for a very interesting read. So while I acknowledge that yes some things are a little vague, I accept that it is better that way. But one thing I would have loved more information about and I felt that this information should have necessarily been parted with was how other people viewed dimensional art especially sixth dimension dimensional art, how exactly did that art influence people’s actions and how come no one had used the same art responsible for peace to incite war, rebellion and hatred and what would the outcome of such a thing be. In this book we only ever get to see dimensional art from the perspective of its creators which basically doesn’t give us any information on how dimensional art brought about peace and changed the course of the Galaxy.

This story is also not evenly split between the two couples. I personally feel that we get to see a lot more of Riva and Eros because they are established as a couple earlier on in the story while Phoenix and Zadra are more like the secondary couple especially because they aren’t a couple for more than half of the book.

I liked all the main characters but especially Eros and Riva because we get to know them quite better and also because since Riva has spent his life so far on Feri, he is inquisitive about a lot of things about the Xantha Galaxy that we aren’t privy to and thus his perspective is the most informative.

Yoshio Xirau is a non-chosen female admitted to the monastery and that is a rare thing to say the least because she is the only one. Now Yoshio is shown to be shy and afraid to connect with others. But this description only fits Yoshio in one chapter, because following that you she her back-talking and making her opinions known which begs the question that given her personality in latter chapters, why did she allow herself to be bullied by the chosen females. I found her role to be very intrusive with regards to Phoenix and Zadra’s relationship. My problem with her characterisation was that she seemed to be a whole lot unrealistic especially when she manages to smuggle two people under surveillance on-board the Ruler’s very own Star Chaser.

Personally the plot is interesting because of the fascinating world-building but when it comes down to the essence of the plot, it was supposed to answer the question if these two couples whose existence was contrary to the law would be allowed to be together. But not much of the plot is devoted to this aspect of the story. Also the fact that these couples are breaking the law doesn’t seem to burden their conscience at all, not even Phoenix’s who has lived by the Principles of Purity since the age of 14. There is an easy resolution to the plot. Also it seems like the author may plan a sequel because this book is very open ended as a wave of change is headed towards the Xantha Galaxy but while I would have loved a sequel focusing on dimensional art and its implications, I don’t know if I would like to read a sequel more focused on the political side of things.

There are a few loose ends – one being what was it that Zadra had asked for when His Greatness had asked him to name his price and the second one being Monk Paksus, what was up with that guy? Also I would have liked to know if anyone else shared Phoenix’s views of the empty canvas.

Overall the story is well written, with good characters and amazing world-building but it fails a bit when it comes to the plot but still makes for an enjoyable read.

Cover Art by Paul Richmond. It tries to capture the exotic world of the Xantha Galaxy and features Phoenix and Zadra.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, 280 pages
Expected publication: February 3rd 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634779053 (ISBN13: 9781634779050)
Edition LanguageEnglish

An Alisa Audiobook Review: Redesigning Max (Foothills Pride #2) by Pat Henshaw and David Ross (Narrator)

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

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

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

Max, for his part, is grateful when Fredi takes him in hand, both metaphorically and literally. Coming out is the most exciting and wonderful time in his life, despite the conservative former friends who think they’re saving him from sliding into hell.

This story is a wonderful continuance in this series. Fredi is a little sad when he’s with his friend Jimmy and his boyfriend; he has to learn to jump in if he wants what they have in spite of the consequences. In addition to being known for his interior design, Fredi is also an award winning architect. He is amazed when he gets to visit Max’s home and expects something similar to his cabin, but gets the exact opposite.

This story is told from Fredi’s point of view, which gives us a good view of his thoughts and feelings. We still get to see the other characters pretty clearly, even if Fredi doesn’t see it at the time. I love how Max isn’t willing to let others’ prejudice affect his chance with Fredi and sees the light at the end of the tunnel when things go bad. It was nice to see how each of them admired the other, but didn’t know it until they began talking about their interests.

David Ross did a wonderful job narrating this story. I was able to connect with the characters through hos he showed the characters’ emotions in his reading of the story. We got to see Guy and Jimmy a bit which is always nice.

Cover art by AngstyG is wonderful and gives a great visuals of the characters and follows the pattern for the series.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Audible | Amazon | iTunes

Audiobook Details:

Audiobook, 2hrs 55min
Published December 20, 2016 (ebook first published July 29, 2015)
Edition Language: English

Series: A Foothills Pride Story

Z. Allora on Writing, World Building and her release ‘The Craving’ (guest blog and giveaway)

The Craving by Z. Allora
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Available for Purchase at

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to host Z. Allora here today talking about writing, world building and her latest story. Welcome, Z.

Star System Building Starts With Sex by Z. Allora

I want to thank Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for allowing me to share my new release with you: The Craving. (There’s also a giveaway to thank the readers). If you read my stories or you’re one of my Facebook Pretties, you know I believe that the relationships we have with sex and gender affects the filter we use to view the world. I figured just cause I’m wandering through space doesn’t mean I can’t continue to explore this connection.

Before writing The Craving I had to understand the generalizations each planet had about sex. What would their feelings and expectations toward sex, orientation, and gender. Do they have anything taboo? What are they? Why are they? Then I had to piece together if my character agreed or denied their society’s view on sex and relationships.

K’Dane: (moderately wealthy and technologically advanced)

The K’Danes believe they are sexually progressive. They openly discuss recreating (masturbation) and sex. The K’Danes go through a biological process called the craving, which is an unstoppable urge to soothe the burning need to bond on a physical and spiritual level.

Phoenix Dotir comes from K’Dane and he’s marked as a Chosen. This means he’ll forego a life mate to dedicate himself to his art. He’ll be doing every thing he can to avoid the craving. He adopted the monk’s Principles of Purity earlier than he has to which involves him wearing a protective device. He even exacted a promise from his mother that she would medicate him if he went into the craving.

Zadra Solav is torn between being respectful of Phoenix’s status as a chosen and going after what he wants. He’s open like most K’Dane but won’t try to convince Phoenix to abandon his path.

Ambrosial: (Garden planet half vacation destination half monastery)

There is no sex at the monastery. The Principles of Purity promote chastity. Many of the initiates were unaware of the strict code of conduct or how a protective unit (chastity belt) ensures adherence to the principles. Orgasms are taboo. Even though most don’t like it they live under the strict rules or are careful not to get caught.

Song Di Wangan II: (Uber wealthy and technologically advanced)

Song citizens used to heart link with one partner for life.

The Xi virus ravaged the planet a thousand seasons ago causing many to perish. Those that were heart linked couldn’t survive the loss of their partner and it devastated the population. As a result of this monogamy was all but outlawed.

No sexual act is taboo on Song Di Wangan II. On a person’s coming of age day their parents would gift them with erotic pleasure workers to celebrate in any manner they wished. But desiring a heart linked love is viewed as backwards and dangerous.

Eytan Rain Otak Sita wants to share his life with one love. His family deemed his needs counter culture and disgusting, thus sent him away.

Feri: (radiated rock, life expectancy short & death painful)

The citizens of Feri learned at a young age, if you had privacy, time and energy you sought as much satisfaction as you could. Tomorrow wasn’t promise so enjoy everything you can to the fullest.

Riva Quinton believed in love and marriage. He wasn’t aware going to Ambrosial would mean giving up pleasure.

Viking Haven: (Capital planet and blessed in most ways)

People, who identified as female, threatened the current ruler’s great-great-great-great grandfather legitimacy. So rather then surrender his seat of power or worse share it, he mandated a gender divide. Male lords and males slaves were allowed to stay in Viking Haven’s capital while all others were banished to Valhalla.

The lords were kept to serve and protect His Greatness. Some still maintained relationships with women in Valhalla but until recently there was no easy assessable path. Homosexual power exchanges were the expected norm.

Slaves were born with the honor of serving the lords. Slaves were meant to receive penetration and the lords were meant to give. This stringent framework creates a number of issues for Viking Haven and those in charge need.

I could go into greater detail but you get the idea. Let me share the blurb with you.

The Craving Blurb:

The craving is an undeniable urge that drives K’Dane citizens to find their life mates—if only to sate their uncontrollable physical longings.

Thrilled at being named a Chosen, Phoenix Dotir leaves K’Dane to become an artist-monk who will create dimensional art capable of changing worlds. Living by the monastery’s Principles of Purity will surely help him overcome the craving. But he never accounted for star chaser Zadra Solav.

Zadra doesn’t believe in rules and makes his own future. Fate separates him from the man he loves, but one touch renders him helpless to his own desires. Bonding with a monk is forbidden, and Zadra’s family sends him to deep space to avoid disgrace. Unable to give up, Zadra must find a way reunite with his Chosen.

Tormented by enforced separation, Initiate Riva Quinton struggles with his vow of chastity and risks all to rescue his lover. Together with his Eros, he stows away on board a star craft to follow his heart.

Four men defy destiny and tradition for love… but their love is a crime punishable by death.

Buy Links:

Dreamspinner Press ebooks and Paperback

Giveaway

Leave a comment about your favorite sci-fi series (TV or book). There’s two ways to win: You’ll be entered into win a $20 Dreamspinner gift certificate (which goes across all the blog sites on The Craving tour) and I’ll also pick a winner from each individual site for an e-book from my backlist. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

About the Author

Z. Allora believes in happily ever afters for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her words to open hearts and change minds.

To contact Z. Allora:

E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: Z Allora Allora

Website: www.zallorabooks.com

Twitter: @ZAllora

An Alisa Review: Silent Night by Shawn Bailey

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Sometimes it takes a little divine intervention to make someone see the error of their ways.

Hunter Beams is only eighteen years old but he’s tired of the world. Orphaned since birth, moved from one foster home to another and then gets fired from a minimum wage job just because he wouldn’t sleep with the boss. He is tired of getting bullied because of his sexuality. Nothing about him is normal not his size, his looks or his damn hair. Losing his job is the last straw. He is just going to end it all because he is just too damn tired of trying to survive.

Thirty year old Donte Womac has it all…a comfy townhouse in Chelsea, an active social life, a stable of cars and a cushy job. Then tragedy strikes and a young man lay dying in his arms. Then Donte discovers that all the money in the world can’t help a person who wants to kill himself.

This story was heartwarming and shows that when you meet the right person at the right time then everything will eventually work out. Unfortunately Donte will have to help Hunter heal before they can really see if they are right for each other. Hunter is so adorably sweet and innocent; he just hasn’t had an easy road in life and doesn’t see a reason to continue. Donte will do anything to show Hunter that life is worth living, but doesn’t know what to do when Hunter doesn’t want him to spend his wealth on him and isn’t impressed by it.

This story is told from both characters’ points of view so we get to see them a bit more clearly. They both come from such different backgrounds and Hunter doesn’t want to take from Donte, but really Donte is almost as innocent as Hunter is emotionally. I loved both of these characters and how they interacted with each other and the side characters and in the end this book gave me the warm and fuzzy I was looking for when I went to read it.

Cover art is very nice and give great visuals for both of the characters.

Sales Links: MLR Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 150 pages

Published: December 15, 2016 by MLR Press

Edition Language: English

DSP GUEST POST: Sean Michael on Inheritance

Inheritance by Sean Michael
Dreamspinner Press

Cover art by Bree Archer

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Sean Michael here today talking about his story, Inheritance. Welcome, Sean!

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

Life is Short

Cash and Brad learn very quickly at the beginning of this book that life is short. Their sister and brother have just been killed, leaving them with six kids to look after. I was reminded of this myself only last week, when my high school best friend’s father passed away. He was quite old and it wasn’t a surprise, but it was a reminder. This high school friend and I had more or less lost touch – Christmas cards, the occasional call. We have been reminded that we need to make a bigger effort to keep in touch with the people we want to.

Don’t make your bucket list for later. Make it for now. Sure you probably can’t do them all at once or right this minute, but it certainly doesn’t have to be a list for later.

And that’s one of the reasons why I write romance. Life is short and we all deserve our happy ending. I love giving the characters that live in my head their happy endings. Just like Cash and Brad and their brood.

I hope you enjoy Inheritance.

Sean Michael

smut fixes everything

Inheritance

Cash McCord’s life is pretty much perfect. He owns the family ranch, loves his work, and invites the occasional cowboy into his bed. But everything is turned upside down when his brother Jack and Jack’s wife Val are killed in a car crash, leaving behind six kids.

Cash is made guardian of the children, along with Val’s brother, Brad Rafferty—a man who couldn’t be more different from Cash if he tried. A Yankee, Brad is a video-game developer who works twelve-to-fourteen-hour days at his desk. They lock horns as soon as they set eyes on each other. Neither man is happy to have the other around, but neither is willing to give up custody of his nieces and nephews.

It’s up to these two polar opposites to keep the kids together and give them a family again. But first they’ll have to keep from killing each other.

About the Author

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

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

Sean Michael on the web:

WEBSITE: http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com
BLOG: http://seanmichaelwrites.blogspot.ca
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SeanMichaelWrites/
TWITTER: seanmichael09
INSTAGRAM: seanmichaelpics

A MelanieM Release Day Review: The Worst Best Man by M.J. O’Shea

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

It was her special day… but his worst nightmare.

A rekindled romance wasn’t part of the plan.

Despite his American background, August O’Leary is the most sought-after wedding planner in London. Naturally, Libby and Edward come to him for a wedding the city will never forget. But Edward is an international businessman, so the details are left to Libby and her best friend—who happens to be the love of August’s life and the one who broke his heart eight years ago: Christopher Burke.

How’s August supposed to pull off the event of the year with Christopher distracting him and old feelings crashing the party uninvited?

Christopher has let money and status dictate his life, but no more. His failure to stand up to others’ expectations cost him his future with August—one he hoped would include marriage. Now he has to face August’s hurt and anger and prove he’s still the best man to make August happy.

When you start talking about a lovers reunited or a second chance at love story, you’ve caught my attention. I have to admit I’m a total sucker for those. The Worst Best Man is M.J. O’Shea’s tale of two former lovers reunited over one man’s best friend’s wedding and the clash of hearts that follows. Take the combination of London, wedding planners and old flames reuniting and M.J. O’Shea makes the most of it in this warm hearted and throughly entertaining story.

Really, the author had me at wedding planners.

When you think of all the things that can and do go wrong with weddings, the combustible bouquet of feelings waiting to ignite over the least thing from so many parties involved in wedding (not just the happy couple) and its no wonder people reach for wedding planners in desperation. But what happens when one of the wedding planners can set off a small explosion too? What a delicious idea! That would be American August O’Leary, the must have wedding planner in London and former dumpee of Christopher Burke, best man to his friend Libby who’s about to get married. And wants the best planner in all of London to work for her. Drumroll please!

But what could be high comedy becomes recognizable flawed human relationship choices (fear, pain, youth, its all there) in this sweet romance. Edward is not left off easy for his early cowardice, yes, everyone recognizes it for what it was. But its tempered by his youth and other factors. We also realize that doesn’t lessen August’s pain. O’Shea brings the past forward and makes it relevant as August regards Edward with shock and dismay in his office. The climb to realization that his love had never gone away take a little longer. O’Shea also takes into account here the role that status/strata plays in British society and the effect it had/has on August and Edward. I thought that was very realistic. Nice touches everywhere.

The Worst Best Man is full of great secondary characters, locations as well as a wonderful romance to lose yourself in. I absolutely recommend it. And of course, would love to see a followup.

Cover art by Bree Archer works for both the character, location and storyline. I liked it.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, 208 pages
Expected publication: February 1st 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
Original TitleThe Worst Best Man
ISBN 1635331439 (ISBN13: 9781635331431)
Edition LanguageEnglish
URL

An Alisa Release Day Review: Inheritance by Sean Michael

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

It’s up to these two polar opposites to keep the kids together and give them a family again. But first they’ll have to keep from killing each other.

This was a sweet story of two men, who don’ really know each other, who suddenly become fathers together. Cash and Brad are completely different, but need to work together to make the kids lives better without their parents. They both have some things they continue to dig their heels in on, but when their disagreement becomes physical they finally open their eyes and really get a look at each other.

Cash and Brad both want what is best for the kids and have to learn to work together. We get to connect to the characters through their eyes. I love seeing their love for their nieces and nephews and how much they are willing to give for them. Their relationship is a big part of what helps them make decisions and move their own and the kids’ lives forward. It was just what I expected from a sweet Sean Michael book.

Cover art by Bree Archer is wonderful connecting us with the characters.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | B&N

Book Details:

ebook, 80 pages

Published: 3rd Edition, February 1, 2017 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN-13: 9781634776363

Edition Language: English

Working It (Ringside Romance #1) by Christine d’Abo Riptide Publishing Cover art by L.C. Chase

About Working It

About Christine d’Abo

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What Are Your Comfort Reads?

MelanieM’s Comfort Read’s (partial and constantly growing)

📚Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Giveaway!📚

This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

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The Craving by Z. Allora Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Available for Purchase at

The Craving Blurb:

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About the Author

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Inheritance by Sean Michael Dreamspinner Press

Cover art by Bree Archer

Inheritance

About the Author

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Working It (Ringside Romance #1) by Christine d’Abo
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase

The Craving by Z. Allora
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Paul Richmond

Inheritance by Sean Michael
Dreamspinner Press