In the Spotlight: The Jewel Cave by Elizabeth Noble (author interview and contest)

STRW In The Spotlight Header

 The Jewel Cave by Elizabeth Noble
Release Date: April 1, 2015
Goodreads Link

JCBanner300x250

 

And Now An Interview with Elizabeth Noble…

Q. What was the inspiration behind the Title The Jewel Cave or is that going into spoiler territory?

Jewel Cave National Monument is an actual place. A good portion of the story and back story happen in that area.

Q. It sound as though the story contains a stalking element or a character with an obsession. Do you treat that as a person with an illness or with criminal inclinations or both?

In the story I’ve treated this as someone who develops an obsession due to illness. The stalker doesn’t see life properly because of his illness. This is often the case in real life. I tried very hard not to blame the stalker for his illness, but for his actions. He takes that obsession to the point of criminal activity.

Q. Again what prompted you to include such a topical subject matter into your plot?

It’s a fact of life, people commit crimes and sometimes hurt other people. Mainly I wanted to write a story about two men who are faced with adversity and how they work to survive and overcome those traumatic events. I wanted to tell a story that showed bad events don’t always have to tear people apart, but can sometimes make them stronger and bring them closer together.

Q. As a dog lover myself (3 terriers), I do admit to loving an animal element in the story (pets, what have you) but it can go wrong if not handled in a way that readers will accept. The pet gets hurt, or disappears halfway through the story never to reappear. How do you balance the needs of the reader with the needs of your plot?

First of all I have to say I’m a veterinary nurse and no pet is killed in my books. One or two might die of old age, that’s it. I treat the animals I use in my books the same way I do my human characters as far as continuity and wrapping up their part of the story.

In many of my books a dog or horse becomes a supporting character. This is the case in Jewel Cave. The dogs play important parts in the crime, investigation and aftermath of the events.

Q. Or do you feel that is even something an author should take into consideration?

The animals I write are characters. For me it’s something I have to take into consideration.

Q. I have to ask you,what dogs own you?

Right now I own (more like I am owned by and live to serve) an utterly delightful canine princess named Rosie. I’ve had her since she was three and a half weeks old, she’s 10 now. She’s a rescue and a collie/corgi type mix. She was the inspiration for one of the dogs in the book, Fern.

Q. Do you write what you love to read?

 

Very much so. In genres I mean? Yes. I love mystery/suspense and action as well as scifi. I think it’s great there are so many of these types of books that also feature M/M relationships.
Q. What’s next for Elizabeth Noble?

I’ve just completed the manuscript for book one of an espionage series featuring a few of the guys from The Sleepless City series I wrote with Anne Barwell. The last two books of that series will be out later this year. Anne wrote book #3 and I brought up the caboose with book #4.

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About author Elizabeth Noble

Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for a good mystery complete with murder and twisty plots as well as all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.

Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess named Rosie, and two cats, Murphy and Yeti. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe!). When she’s not writing she’s working as a veterinary nurse, so don’t be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives.

Two of Elizabeth’s books have received Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards.

Author Contact:
Website  http://www.elizabeth-noble.com
Circles website: http://elizabeth-noble-circles.weebly.com/
Dreamspinner Circles Page
Dreamspinner Author Arcade
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.noble.77
Tsu: https://www.tsu.co/ElizabethNoble
Google+ pages:  https://plus.google.com/110207268360224371489/posts
Twitter: @elizabethnoble1

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist:

Sales Links:

STRW Author BookSynopsis

Through ten wonderful years Griff Diamond and Clint Bishop weathered good times and bad together. Lately they haven’t spent as much time together as they’d like, and their physical relationship is suffering. Then Clint loses his job at the steel mill. Instead of worrying, he sees it as an opportunity to lean on his steady partner, start his writing career, and rekindle the passion they’ve lost.

But a friendly relationship with another author turns to obsession, putting Clint’s life in danger. Taken against his will to the Jewel Cave system in South Dakota, Clint must rely on the skills he’s learned from Griff to survive.

Fearing the worst, Griff tracks Clint across the country. As a US Marshall, Griff’s always been the man who keeps everyone safe, but he doesn’t know how he and Clint will survive this.

Categories: Contemporary, Crime Fiction, Gay Fiction, Mystery, Romance

SMJewel Cave Final 12614 copy

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

It was time to back away from Dylan, what had been a friendship had definitely shifted to territory uncomfortable to Clint. He didn’t want to hurt Dylan’s feelings. He’d tried sending a few emails telling Dylan some of his pictures weren’t appreciated, but it did no good. The guy was either dense or stubborn.

Unlike some of his other friends, Clint knew nothing about Dylan’s family or the people who lived near him. As far as Clint could tell, Dylan was alone in the world, and his sudden attachment to Clint was starting to feel creepy. So, lately, Clint had been taking longer and longer to answer emails and tried to keep subjects of conversation as neutral as possible or focused on writing projects.

The pictures Clint deleted. Griff would flip if he ever knew about those photos, not that Clint would blame him in the least. He would have loved to share some of his other concerns about Dylan’s wellbeing with Griff, but Clint knew the man would turn Dylan into one of America’s Most Wanted in under a minute.

Such was the hazard of sharing his life with a US Deputy Marshal.

He’d made a vow to himself long ago he’d never use Griff’s job or badge unless there was a solid, valid reason. Someone he’d known for a few years all of a sudden annoying him online was not solid or valid in Clint’s mind. Clint kept reminding himself Dylan was lonely and had no family. He was probably merely one of those people who didn’t get the concept of boundaries. That didn’t make him a criminal, just socially awkward.

Clint nearly jumped out of his skin when someone’s strong arm snaked around his waist and pulled him back against a firm body. Warm breath blew in his ear along with the words, “You left the door unlocked again. I could be the neighborhood whack job here to bludgeon you to death after defiling you.”

“You scared the crap out of me!” Clint yelped, trying to squirm away, but it was useless. “You’re the guy on this street with all the big guns.” Behind him Griff chuckled and used one finger to move Clint’s hair away from his neck. He pressed a soft kiss to the spot. Clint glared down at the dogs. “And you two! You need watchdog lessons.”

Griff gave a little jerk forward with his hips and snickered. “And those big guns are all yours.” He let go of Clint, turned him, and shook him by the shoulders for a second. “Lock the goddamn doors. Even if someone smashes through the storm door, you’ll at least hear them.” He raised his eyebrows and leaned away from Clint, letting him go. “For me. Please. ’Cause the only defiling that goes on in this house is done by me.”

Clint burst out laughing. Griff’s blue-gray eyes twinkled, and the corners crinkled in a way Clint loved when Griff smiled. “Sorry, I’m late,” Griff said. He used his free hand to pet the dogs.

Pages or Words: 42,000 words

STRW Spotlight Contest Header

 

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-book copy of The Jewel Cave. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

JCRC

Tour Dates/Tour Stops:

25-Mar

Inked Rainbow Reads

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Multitasking Mommas

Hearts on Fire

1-Apr

MM Good Book Reviews

Dawn’s Reading Nook

Smoocher’s Voice

Nephylim

Parker Williams

8-Apr

Romancing The Book

Because Two Men Are Better Than One

Velvet Panic

Love Bytes

Cate Ashwood

15-Apr

Jade Crystal

Molly Lolly

Fallen Angel Reviews

Bayou Book Junkie

22-Apr

Wake Up Your Wild Side

Queer Town Abbey

BFD Book Blog

Christy Loves 2 Read

The Blogger Girls

Foxylutely Book Reviews

Amanda C. Stone

6-May

3 Chicks After Dark

Prism Book Alliance

13-May

Rainbow Gold Reviews

My Fiction Nook

A Mika Review: Carry the Ocean (The Roosevelt #1) by Heidi Cullinan

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Normal is just a setting on the dryer. 



carry the ocean coverHigh school graduate Jeremey Samson is looking forward to burying his head under the covers and sleeping until it’s time to leave for college. Then a tornado named Emmet Washington enters his life. The double major in math and computer science is handsome, forward, wicked smart, interested in dating Jeremey—and he’s autistic.

But Jeremey doesn’t judge him for that. He’s too busy judging himself, as are his parents, who don’t believe in things like clinical depression. When his untreated illness reaches a critical breaking point, Emmet is the white knight who rescues him and brings him along as a roommate to The Roosevelt, a quirky new assisted living facility nearby.

As Jeremey finds his feet at The Roosevelt, Emmet slowly begins to believe he can be loved for the man he is behind the autism. But before he can trust enough to fall head over heels, he must trust his own conviction that friendship is a healing force and love can overcome any obstacle.

Warning: Contains characters obsessed with trains and counting, positive representations of autism and mental illness, a very dark moment, and Elwood Blues.

It has to be something in the air with these MM NA (new adult) books. I’ve read two back to back and fell in love with characters from both books. I would never have picked up this book if it wasn’t for the cover which is beautifully done and a friends review of it. I read this book in one sitting, and I will reread it again. I found myself crying uncontrollably because Emmet was amazing. He did things or said things that just warmed my heart.

Emmet is one of the bravest guys I’ve ever read about. His explanation of things and willingness to do them just kept on exciting me. Every little step he’s taken was with precaution and determination. He didn’t allow his Autism or Brain Octopus dictate his life. I love that when he needed help he reached out to his family. I liked that he took out time for Jeremey and explained certain things to him. From that first moment of him on the page his reasoning was so well thought out. I liked that the writing kind of related to how he would speak. I loved that he knew he was different in a certain aspect but didn’t want that to be his main focus. I love his parents and his aunt. His support system is amazing. I like they he thinks of Jeremey well being constantly.

Here’s the thing, I know a lot of people won’t like Jeremey, but I did. I don’t think it’s fair to be frustrated with him because I don’t live with major depressive disorder or clinical anxiety. I’ve never once felt the way he had. I don’t know what it is like to feel like I’m carrying everyone’s emotions. I don’t know what it feels like to have my brain go against me. I don’t know how those dark times control everything about me. I don’t know what it feel’s like to be scared all of the time. I don’t know what it feel’s like to not have a voice. That is how Jeremey feels, and I’m okay with that. Sure I found it extremely frustrating how hard he was on himself, or him standing up for himself. I get it though and I Hate that he didn’t love himself enough back then to get help.

I think Jeremey became complacent in his life, and I would have hated to see how he would have acted if his parents for college on him. I HATED his parents; they were inexcusable by their actions. I kind of felt that way towards his sister as well, and I know I shouldn’t but no one was there for him after his panic attack.

I really enjoyed the pace and flow of the story and really liked the relationship between the two guys. The writing was really good.

Cover Art by Kanaxa. I absolutely loved this cover. It’s what drew me in at the first place. I think it’s a great visual for how these two books carry things around. I love that it’s most likely Jeremey’s reasoning for how he feels about stuff. It is really beautiful.

Sales Links:    Samhain Publishing       All Romance (ARe)       Amazon     Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook
Expected publication: April 7th 2015 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
original titleCarry the Ocean
ISBN139781978161922
edition languageEnglish
url http://www.heidicullinan.com/Carry_the_Ocean
seriesThe Roosevelt #1

In The Spotlight: Driven By Fire by Draven St. James (excerpt and contest)

STRW In The Spotlight Header

Driven by Fire (Firehouse Six #4) by Draven St. James
Cover Artist: Dar Albert

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Goodreads LinkSMDSJ_Driven by Fire

Firefighters are hot!  Draven St. James’ firefighters from Firehouse 6 are back in Drive By Fire.  Check out the blurb and excerpt below and don’t forget to enter the contest at the end of the post!  Happy reading.

STRW Author BookSynopsis

Publisher: Loose ID
Cover Artist: Dar Albert
Sales Link:  Loose id  Amazon  All Romance (ARe)

About Driven By Fire:

Taber Delane is lucky to be alive, but his career as a firefighter ended
the day a beam snapped, resulting in a crushing spinal injury. Most of his
friends are willing to give him space, everyone except paramedic,
Deacon Hall.

Deacon hasn’t met a challenge he couldn’t tackle and he knows Taber
needs someone in his corner who isn’t afraid to stand up to the big bad
fireman. The longer he’s around Taber, the more the sexy vulnerability
of the man comes through. Deacon finds he doesn’t just want to be
Taber’s live-in caregiver, he wants a chance at the passionate man
beneath the stubborn shell.

A shell that is cracking, no matter how Taber tries to hold it together.
Deacon being in his home starts to open him up—and open his eyes to
the man Deacon hides from the rest of the world. Without seeing it
coming, Taber soon craves more. A lot more.

Now if only Deacon can get Taber to see that it isn’t so bad having him
there to assist. Even if and maybe especially when Taber is naked,
dripping wet, and angry as hell.

Pages or Words: 43,556 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance

DSJBannerTemplate

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

from Driven By Fire...

“You’re not giving me a sponge bath,” Taber snapped and glowered at Deacon as he wheeled himself into the locker bay. The sweat ran down his temples, his shirt soaked through with it. He took in his motionless legs and grimaced before shooting Deacon another irritated look.

Deacon sat with his feet on one of the peeling dark blue benches, his back reclined against a bank of gray lockers along the far wall in the physical therapy building. A book was balanced on his knees, and black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. His shaggy auburn hair fell to curl around his ears in disarray.

Deacon peered at him with pale green eyes. “There go my dreams of rubbing you down and tweeting the pics.”

 

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

Draven St. James is a born and raised Oregonian. She has traveled extensively in search of mischief and mayhem to fill her books. Her ventures have been quite successful in inspiring a wealth of stories. Of course at the end of the day, coffee within reach, laptop at the ready is where she finds her peace.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/draven.stjames
Facebook Author Page: https://dravenstjames.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DravenStJames
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dravenstjames/

DSJBanner300x250

Tour Stops and Dates:

Parker Williams, Bayou Book Junkie, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, My Fiction Nook, BFD Book Blog, Amanda C. Stone, Divine Magazine, Molly Lolly, Inked Rainbow Reads, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Kimi-Chan, Carly’s Book Reviews, Kristy’s Brain Food, Decadent Delights, Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Bike Book Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, 3 Chicks After Dark, Rainbow Gold Reviews

STRW Spotlight Contest Header

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: A book from Draven’s backlist. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prize provided by Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spring is Here, Do you hear that, Weather? This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Spring is Officially Here!

So it snowed on the first day of Spring and now its 60 degrees outside.  Yep…its Spring!  My snowdrops are trying valiantly to come up through the remaining snow and the flower and gardening catalogs are starting to pile up in the mailbox and side tables.   I love this time of the year.  Planning, planting…a fertile time for garden and the imagination…..

We are also starting to look ahead to May which is our Authors Across the Pond Showcase month!  Just something you all will want to put on your calendars!  We have a bunch of wonderful books reviewed this month, so be prepared to add to your TBR list.

Now on to our week.

Spring Beauties

-This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words-

Sunday, March 22:

  • Spring is Here and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, March 23:

  • Thianna D’s As Natural As Breathing Tour and Contest
  • The Sum of Everything by April March tour and contest
  • Book Spotlight: Getting Close to the Omega by Lisa Oliver (contest)
  • A Sammy Review: Song of the Lonesome Cowboy (The Society of Masters ) by Lynn Kelling

Tuesday, March 24:

  • Book Spotlight: Draven St. James Driven by Fire Book Tour and Contest
  • Barbara Ellsbourg “Falling” Release Day Guest Post
  • A Mika Review: Carry The Ocean by Heidi Cullinan
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Light From the Dark by Mercy Celeste

Wednesday, March 25:

  • Book Spotlight Tour: The Jewel Cave by Elizabeth Noble (contest)
  • A Stella Review: Jumping In by Cardeno C
  • A Mika Review: Signs by Anna Martin
  • A BJ Review: Wizard’s Moon by Josh Lanyon

Thursday, March 26:

  • Patricia Logan ‘Silver Ties Audiobook’ Guest Post and Contest
  • Book Spotlight: Opposites By T.M. Smith (contest)
  • A Stella Review: The Belgian Chocolate Remedy by Julie Lynn Hayes
  • A Mika Review: Young At Heart by Kay Ellis
  • A MelanieM Review:  Death by Dragon by Madeleine Ribbon

Friday, March 27:

  • Book Spotlight: MA Church To Touch the Sky Tour and contest
  • A Paul B Review:  To Touch The Sky by M. A. Church
  • MelanieM Review: The Devil’s Bedpost by Parker Williams
  • A Stella Review: Two Howls by Sean Michael

Saturday, March 28:

  • RJ Scott’s Book Tour for *Max and the Prince*
  • An Aurora YA Review: Dreams (Dreams of Fire and Gods #1) by James Erich

 

 

 

 

 

Love Gets Complicated with Misfits by Garrett Leigh (contest)

STRW In The Spotlight Header

Misfits by Garrett Leigh
Published by Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: G.D. Leigh

Misfits_400x600

 

Have you discovered Garrett Leigh and Leigh’s ability to tug at your heart with stories of damaged men and love?  Here is another book guaranteed to draw you in all over again….a stand alone story called Misfits!

STRW Author BookSynopsis

About Misfits…

Restaurant owner Tom Fearnes has loved his partner Cass for as long as he can remember, but their work often keeps them apart. When he meets a striking young man named Jake on the vibrant streets of Camden Town, their heady first encounter takes an unexpected turn.

Jake Thompson can hardly believe his luck when he wakes up in Tom’s bed. Tom is gorgeous, kind, and . . . taken. Tom’s explanation of his open relationship leaves Jake cold, but Tom is too tempting, and when hard times force Jake to accept Tom’s helping hand, he finds himself between two men who’ve lost their way.

Cass Pearson is a troubled soul. He loves Tom with all he has, but some days it feels like he hasn’t much to give. Jake seems like the perfect solution. Cass risks everything to push Jake and Tom together, but Jake resists, wary, until the darkness of Cass’s past comes to call. Then Jake finds himself the last man standing, and it’s time to dig deep and shine a light for the men he’s grown to love.

Visit the Misfits Riptide Page to read an except and purchase.

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About the author

Garrett Leigh is a British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Black Jazz Press. Her protagonists will always always be tortured, crippled, broken, and deeply flawed. Throw in a tale of enduring true love, some stubbly facial hair, and a bunch of tattoos, and you’ve got yourself a Garrett special.
When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible. That, and dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. Garrett believes in happy endings; she just likes to make her boys work for it.

Garrett also works as a freelance cover artist for various publishing houses and independent authors under the pseudonym G.D. Leigh. For cover art info, please visit blackjazzpress.com.

Social media:

Website: http://garrettleigh.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighbooks
Cover art enquiries: blackjazzdesign@gmail.com

Misfits_TourBanner

 

STRW Spotlight Contest Header
Giveaway/Contest: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Prizes provided and to be awarded by Riptide Publishing.

Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing for a $15 Riptide store credit. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on March 22. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries.

It’s Here! Shira Anthony’s Sexy Vampires are Back in Blood and Ghosts (Blood #2)! (contest)

BloodandGhostsFS

 Blood and Ghosts (Blood #2) by Shira Anthony
Goodreads Link
Release Date: April 20, 2015

STRW In The Spotlight Header

Shira Anthony’s sexy, star crossed vampires are back in Blood and Ghosts, her sequel to Blood and Rain.  Check out the synopsis and excerpt below and don’t forget to enter the contest as well!

 

SABanner300x250

 

 

About Blood and Ghosts, Sequel to Blood and Rain

:

With vampire Nicolas Lambert’s marriage to a rival clanswoman only weeks away, Adrien Gilbert struggles to come to terms with his defeat at the hands of Verel Pelletier, a vampire hunter and an immortal like himself. Adrien and his former teacher, Roland Günter, begin to explore his newly acquired abilities. But without his soul’s sword, Adrien flounders.

On Nicolas’s wedding day, a two-hundred-year old secret is revealed, sending the wedding party into a blazing battle between hunters and vampires. Once again Adrien finds himself facing Pelletier’s superior strength. Just as Adrien believes all hope of a future with Nicolas is lost, he finally learns his true gift—he can turn back time. But time travel comes with a high cost. To save Nicolas, Adrien must become strong enough to use his power without descending into madness.

Pages or Words: Approximately 70,000 words/250 pages

Categories: Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Gay Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance, Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner eBook and Paperback

 

SmBloodandGhostsFS

Excerpt:

Adrien walked back onto the main street and over to the curb, where someone caught his eye. A man with short black hair walked toward him. Dressed in dark jeans, with a white shirt and dark wool jacket, he wore a single diamond stud in his left ear. A woman hurrying down the sidewalk dodged Adrien as he stopped, but the man behind him knocked him to his knees.

“Are you all right?” someone said with a hint of a French accent.

Adrien looked up into familiar brown eyes. Adrien inhaled slowly, hoping to head off the bloodlust that buzzed at the back of his brain. Heat tingled at the back of his neck, raising the hairs there. His palms felt suddenly sweaty. He felt sick. Not nausea—shock at seeing Nicolas here, realizing it really was Nicolas.

“Yes, I….” Adrien took the hand Nicolas offered and struggled back to his feet. The world spun and he grabbed Nicolas’s arm to steady himself.

“You’re not all right. You look ill. I should call an ambulance—”

“No ambulance.” Adrien righted himself. “I just need to eat something. It’s hotter than I realized.”

Nicolas glanced around, frowned, then said, “There’s a coffee shop at the corner.” He didn’t appear convinced by Adrien’s words. “Why don’t I help you over there?”

As if Adrien would object. “Thank you.”

Five minutes later they sat at a booth by the window, Adrien drinking coffee with a trembling hand. Adrien had watched Nicolas as they’d walked the short distance to the restaurant, his swordsman’s muscles straining against the fabric of his shirt. He looked only slightly older than he’d been when they met. “I’m sorry,” he said, coming back to himself and wondering why Nicolas was sitting with him when he could have left. “I must be keeping you from something.”

“No,” Nicolas answered. “In fact, I just came from a meeting. I’ve got the rest of the afternoon free.”

“I’m Adrien.” He forced a smile and set the empty mug down.

“Nicolas.”

“It’s good to meet you, Nicolas,” Adrien said in French. He drew another long breath and his heart slowed its gallop.

“Please call me Nico,” Nicolas said, also in French.

 

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About Author Shira Anthony

Shira Anthony was a professional opera singer in her last incarnation, performing roles in such operas as Tosca, i Pagliacci, and La Traviata, among others. She’s given up TV for evenings spent with her laptop, and she never goes anywhere without a pile of unread M/M romance on her Kindle. You can hear Shira singing Puccini’s “Tosca” by clicking here:

Where to find the author:

Facebook
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: @WriterShira
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/anthony0564/

SABannerTemplate

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Bayou Book Junkie, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, My Fiction Nook, Andrew Q. Gordon, Emotion in Motion, BFD Book Blog, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Cate Ashwood, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Charley Descoteaux, Love Bytes, Divine Magazine, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, Because Two Men Are Better Than One

 

STRW Spotlight Contest Header

Contest: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions. Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 2 prizes: 1 Wibbly wobbly timey wimey pendant or 1 e-copy of Blood and Ghosts.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Book Spotlight on J.J. Massa and Going to the Chapel: Don’t Ask! (contest)

STRW In The Spotlight Header

Going to the Chapel: Don’t ask by  J.J. Massa
Goodreads Link

Release Date: March 25, 2015

beautiful european night club interior

STRW Author BookSynopsis

Captain Zachary Smith had long suspected he was gay. Still, he could ignore that in the face of his career. He was a military man–a lifer. Everything was fine until a certain inscrutable FBI agent trampled all over Zack’s personal Don’t Ask policy.

Previously published by Torquere as part of the Going to the Chapel anthology.
Pages or Words: 14,900 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance

STRW Spotlight Book Excerpt

Captain Zachary Smith bit back a groan when he saw the man seated in front of his colonel’s desk. It was his nemesis, his secret crush. His face serious and otherwise expressionless, he did his best to pretend that he was alone in the room, listening to a recording.

“Rest, Captain,” barked his commander, Colonel Marshall. Zack dropped his salute to clasp his hands behind his back, eyes fixed on an invisible point above the colonel’s head. “Mr. Thayer has need of your services once again,” the senior officer went on. Zack fought the urge to cringe or to look at the third man.

Federal Agent Falk Thayer lounged easily in his chair, seemingly unaffected by the scene playing out in front of him. He’d come in and announced his needs. The ranking officer had listened and offered him provision. Zack had an emotional price to pay, but Falk was apparently unmoved by it.

“Captain,” growled Colonel Marshall, “Federal Agent Thayer will require your cooperation regarding the Pavarato case.” The older man nodded toward a beige folder resting on the corner of his desk. “I expect you to assist fully with his investigation.”

“Yes, sir. Of course, sir,” Zack rapped back, focused entirely on his superior officer.

“That will be all, Captain.” The colonel nodded sharply. “You are excused. Make yourself available to Agent Thayer,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir,” Zack affirmed, turning sharply. Without even a quick look toward Falk Thayer, he left the room.

***
“Coffee, Penelope, would you please?” Zack asked as he passed his secretary’s desk.

Though she was an Army sergeant, Penelope Raines preferred not to stand on ceremony. They’d been instant friends since their first meeting, and he didn’t doubt that she knew most of his secrets. He’d told her half of them, and she’d likely guessed the rest. When others were present, they maintained a formal relationship; otherwise, they were relaxed with each other.

“Coming up, Z.” She aimed a commiserating smile his way, turning toward the break room.

He strode into his small office and kicked the door closed behind him. Groaning, he collapsed into his office chair, his face sinking into his crossed arms resting upon his desk.

Moments later, when the door creaked open, he didn’t look up. The scent of strong coffee tickled his nose telling him that Penelope hadn’t let him down.

“Just put it on the desk, Pen,” he said into his forearm. “Hey, d’me a f’vr?” he mumbled, lifting his head a fraction of an inch, “Gimme the Pavarato file ‘n lemme know when Ag’nt Thayer heads this way.” He dropped his head back into the crook of his arm, wondering when his luck would improve.

He heard the sound of the cup landing on his desk, but Penelope didn’t leave. He didn’t stir for a moment until, after several long seconds, still without looking up, he mumbled, “Pen? You need something else?”

“I was coming in anyway, Smith,” Agent Thayer’s smooth tenor answered, amusement thick in his voice.

Zack shot to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair. Automatically, he snapped to attention, groaning inside when he realized he’d done it. He heard the other man’s chuckle and reached for his coffee, nonchalantly taking it from the corner of his desk, hoping to hide his embarrassment.

“Now, what kind of a good soldier gets caught unaware like this?” Falk mused, causing a hot blush to sweep up and burn Zack’s cheeks.

“I, I, um, you…” he stammered, feeling like a fool. Sucking in a deep breath, he stood up straight. He was six feet and two inches tall, muscular and attractive, and he knew how to use it to his best advantage. Why wouldn’t it work on Agent Falk Thayer? “I wasn’t expecting you to just walk in,” he objected, carefully sipped at the strong brew.

“I didn’t ‘just walk in,’” the other man told him calmly. “I stopped at your secretary’s desk. She had your coffee.” He nodded toward the liquid crutch cupped in Zack’s hands.

Zack couldn’t understand it. Falk Thayer had medium brown hair, medium brown eyes, and regular features. The other man was easily four inches shorter than he was. How he could be so unremarkable and so intimidating at the same time, Zack just didn’t know. But he was.

“Um, yeah,” Zack looked away and took another deliberate sip of coffee. “Well, what is it you want me to do?” he asked grudgingly.

Publisher: Torquere Press LLC
Cover Artist: BSClay

JJMRC

Sales Links:   Torquere Books

STRW Author Bio and Contacts

About J. J. Massa…

These things—author biographies—always give me trouble. Should I say I’m a single female over forty? Or would you rather know that I began writing professionally a bit over a decade ago? It’s safe to say I’m a dreamer. I love learning about people and exploring emotions. Every story is a journey, sometimes a wild ride, other times cray trip. Can you tell that I love to travel? I share my home with two cats and two birds. One of the cats is an aggressive young lady who moved in downstairs. My middle-aged guy isn’t sure if he wants to run from her or to her. I’ll let you know if a romance develops there. The birds are taking bets.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jjmassa
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jjmassawriter
Twitter: @JJMassa1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jjmassawriter/

JJMBannerTemplate

Tour Dates & Stops: March 20th, 2015

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, MM Good Book Reviews, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Inked Rainbow Reads, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Molly Lolly, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, The Hat Party, 

Cate Ashwood, Carly’s Book Reviews, Elin Gregory

 

STRW Spotlight Contest Header

 

Contest: Enter to win Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Don’t Ask’ by J.J. Massa. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A MelanieM Review: A Curse on the Mountain by Missouri Dalton

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

A Curse on the Mountain CoverLong ago the god Cai  was torn from the mortal woman he loved by Death and his fellow gods refused to let them reunite.  In a rage born of loss and pain, Cai cursed a city and watched his curse doom generation after generation of humans who live on a mountainside made almost inhabitable by Cai’s curse.

Perched on a mountaintop surrounded by a frigid swamp, the rain never stops in the cursed city of Var Eldore.  Here a former pleasure slave Myr lives in hiding, trying to stay a step ahead of his captor. But Myr is far more than he realizes, and fate has other plans for him. Reunited with his mate Ryall and their daughter Quinn, Myr and  his family gathers together a group of disenchanted soldiers, spies, nobles, and wizards  to oppose the king and all he stands for.  This includes certain nobles and their houses who perpetuate slavery   Myr and his following intend to fight for the freedom of their land. As they uncover secrets and conspiracies, each more tangled than the last, Myr also discovers he has unique abilities to aid their cause—the Redeemers.

As the strength of the Redeemers grows, so does the number of enemies they must face. Each member of their alliance has his or her own demons to battle, and Myr must confront the truth about himself and become the leader they need. Alongside his lover Ryall and the people who have become his family—as well as some unlikely friends—Myr and the Redeemers must prepare for war. If they fall, the city in the rain will follow.

I fell in love with Missouri Dalton when I discovered her Guidebook series (a must read that included Necromancy and You) as well as her Night Wars (The Hanged Man’s Ghost..)series.  Both are exceptional supernatural series which can always be found high on my Recommendations lists.  So I was thrilled to see a new story from Dalton from Dreamspinner Press and gobbled it up with  a certain amount of anticipation and glee.  But what I found didn’t live up to my high expectations for this author and book blurb.

What was amazing about The Curse on the Mountain was Missouri Dalton’s world building.  From the vengeful god Cai to the denizens of Var Eldore, Dalton brings alive a city dark, icy cold and constantly wet from the endless rains and snow.  Life is perilous unless you are weathy and on the right side of the King.  For those who are poor, out of favor and just unfortunate enough to block someone’s ambitions or path to power, well, then death would be favored over the imprisonment, slavery or torture that follows.   The author’s descriptions can give the reader a good case of the shivers based on the people and places that appear in her narrative.

Even Dalton’s characters hold out such promise for a suspenseful and rich story.  Myr, Ryall, and fierce adopted daugher Quinn are terrifically realized people and I would have loved to have seen a story that truly focused in on them, their past history, their love and fight for freedom.  Had that happened this would have been a different review.

But instead, Dalton starts piling on more characters,  more relationships (old and new) as well as couples who meet, come together, mate, part so quickly that they mimic the life of a mayfly.  Here and gone in a blink of a moment.  Or if they reappear, its as sudden and short lived as their first appearance.  Relationships and people age in a flash as time moves swiftly by as the Redeemers rebellion gains in power and strength and then we flash back to the past and prior events.  And along with that ever changing time line the author gives us side stories with Cai, foul supporters of the King, evil creatures, back to Myr and Ryall, past and present, all starts to cram together until it has all the density of a 10 year old fruit cake.  Yo can tell it is comprised of many different elements you would enjoy but it’s become so dense and unwieldy that it has become inedible. For me, that’s The Curse on the Mountain.

Dalton just piled on too many characters, plot threads, and elements that all get lost amidst the jumble of timelines, storylines, and relationships that keep folding back on each other.  Even if you start to get a glimmer of feeling and interest in certain beings and events, the focus moves away to another part of the story and the power of those characters is lost.  It makes it nigh to impossible to feel a connection to any of these people and their situations and the frustrations build as the reader tries to make sense of some of the events and happenings that occur…some threads I never did untangle in my mind. I mean I just take a look at my notes on the story and after a while all I see is a list of names and places and question marks.  It’s never a good sign when you feel you should have to storyboard a novel to make sense of it all.  Sigh.

Still because of the promise of the world building, the terrific mythology Dalton creates and the largess of the scope of her story, The Curse on the Mountain deserves a 3 star rating.  If you are a Missouri Dalton fan, you might want to pick this up and enjoy the elements I have talked about.  But if you are new to this author, I would recommend you start with her other series that I mentioned above.  They are marvelously addicting and will give you a true taste of this author’s many talents  as a storyteller and her wonderful writing skills.  Just thinking about those stories prompts me to pull them up on my Kindle again.

Cover art by Paul Richmond.  Loved this glorious cover, from its design to the colors used, it works on every level.

Sales Links:   Dreamspinner Press        All Romance (ARe)      Amazon     Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 214 pages, also available in paperback
Published December 29th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632162823
edition languageEnglish
urlhttp://www.dreamspinnerpress.com

A BJ Review: Chyna Doll (Horizons #4) by Mickie B. Ashling

Rating:  3 stars out of 5

ChynaDollLGChyna, an intersexed male raised as a girl, is struggling with identity issues as she enters adolescence. She finds herself suddenly attracted to her brother Chip’s friend, Luca. Luca, who has grown up with two gay Dads, struggles with his own sexual identity when he finds himself torn between an attraction to Chip and his twin sister, Chyna. .

While the cover and blurb made me think this book concentrated on the relationship of Luca and Chyna, that’s only partially true. A large section of the book concerns the somewhat troubled relationship of Luca’s two Dads, Grier and Lil. This is definitely not a young adult book, since the sex between the two older characters is quite kinky and includes such tantalizing bits as diamond tipped penal plugs, sounding and men who like wearing lacy women’s undies. So a small warning: don’t go into this thinking it focusing only on young adults and their issues. That is not the case.

Chyna’s sexual identity issues were exacerbated by the deplorable way Chyna’s parents handled her upbringing, lied to her and others, and kept from her so many things that could have made it easier on her. Heartbreaking to read about such betrayal from those entrusted with such responsibility.

This book covers some intense and interesting issues pretty thoroughly and from various angles. The ending wasn’t cut and dried but and all tied up sweet, which felt right. But it left me cheering for Luca and feeling hopeful for a HEA for him and Chyna.

This story had excellent potential, but ultimately fell short for me. The writing style varied from extremely readable to parts an info dump of telling. In addition, I found it jarring when we move totally away from the main characters and focus exclusively on the vacationing gay parents and their issues for the space of quite a few characters in the middle of the book. At that point, I’d invested myself in the story of Chyna and Luca and had to resist the deviation to skim forward. Finally, the large number of POVs characters sometimes felt a bit like head hopping and make it hard for me to anchor to any of them long enough to develop a rapport.

Cover Artist: Anne Cain.A lovely cover that portrays two of the main characters close to the way I’d pictured them. This cover gives the impression that these two are the only focus of this story, when actually there’s almost equal focus on Luca’s gay parent’s relationship. In that respect, the cover misleads.

Sales Links:    Dreamspinner Press      All Romance (ARe)       Amazon     Buy It Here

Book Details:  

ebook, 320 pages
Published February 23rd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
(first published February 23rd 2014)
ISBN139781632167323
edition languageEnglish
seriesHorizons #4

Horizons series includes the following:

  • Horizons (Horizons, #1)
  • Taste (Horizons, #2)
  • Daddio (Horizons, #3)
  • Chyna Doll (Horizons, #4)

A Stella Review: Loving the Astrophysicist (Astrophysicist #1&2) by T.N. Tarrant

Rating 4 stars out of 5

Loving An Absent Minded Astrophysicist coverAt twenty-three, Dr. Liam McGregor is a well-respected astrophysicist, astrobiologist, and geologist. With no family, few friends, and no romantic prospects, he’s used to being alone. Focusing on his various scientific projects and taking care of his decidedly unusual cat help keep the loneliness at bay.

Jareth Manning is starting life over—new town, new job—after the loss of his husband. The last thing he expects is for the most absentminded, and beautiful, man he’s ever seen to take up residence in his heart. Nor did he expect to find himself a willingly humble slave to Her Imperial Highness, Empress the Cat.

But Jareth has learned that love doesn’t come around often and to hold on to it when it does. Jareth is willing to be patient if Liam is willing to take a risk after being burned before. They just have to survive Liam’s past returning.  

Eight years after Liam and Jareth marry, they want a child. Things don’t go well when they try to adopt, with terrible accusations thrown at Jareth. After recovering, they proceed with a private adoption, bringing home a beautiful little girl, Carinae. Then things get ugly, endangering not only Liam’s life, but Carinae’s.

How cute is a cat on a leash! Her Imperial Highness sure is amazing.

This book is a second edition and basically put together the two previous books in the Astrophysicist series by T.N. Tarrant. It’s a really sweet book with great MCs and some valuable second ones. I loved the plot too.

In the first part we meet Dr Liam McGregor, a twenty-three years old astrophysicist, geologist and astrobiologist, simply known as the absentminded astrophysicist. After being attacked by a colleague, he is soon rescued by Jareth, the new head of the security in the institute Liam works at. Where Liam is a chubby geek, Jareth is sexy and handsome. How can someone as the strong guard be attracted to the sweet Liam? But Jareth is determined to court him and show him he can be trusted.

“I think you’re beautiful, Liam.”

“How can you think so? I’m fat, scarred, and almost constantly bruised because I can’t even keep an eye on where I’m going, or I fall all over myself when I try to,” Liam objected. “Nobody has ever really wanted me,” he whispered.

Jareth knew only time would show Liam he was serious about wanting him. “You are perfect as you are, Liam. I thought you were absolutely breathtaking the day I met you, and I still think so. […]I was paying a lot of attention to you.” Liam obviously didn’t believe what he was saying. “But why?”

“I have no idea, Liam.” Jareth tipped Liam’s chin up so he could look into Liam’s eyes. […]“To be honest, I don’t really care why. I just know that I find you beautiful and sexy as hell, and one of these days, I want to strip you down and lick you from head to toe, front and back, and have you do the same to me, tangled up together until we can’t sort out who’s where.”

In the second part we find them after being together for eight years, planning on becoming parents. It will be a really hard journey, full of hurts, crisis, accusations, and fears. At the end it will be so worthwhile to get Carinae in their life.

I liked Liam and Jareth, I especially loved how Jareth is a positive characters. After suffering the loss of his husband, he went through dark times and started drinking. Thanks to his family who saved him, now he’s going on with his life and he’s ready for a new love. He’s protective and sympathetic with Liam and his world.

Son of two genius parents, Liam had an incredible and really bad youth, he was stabbed almost to death by his mother cause she couldn’t stand him for being smarter than her, with his father as witness. Liam lives for and in his work, he’s pretty much lonely, apart from his cat Empress and the sweet Aimee. He’s not used to be loved cause a lot of people took advantage of his great mind, just used him.

I put this book in my comfort list, a beautiful list to me. First of all it means that I’m surely going to reread Loving an Absentminded Astrophysicist.  I really loved it, it was an emotional reading but at the same time all the bad things were faced with lightness and positivity. So this is definitely a book to reread when I need a hope glimmering in a dark moment. So happy to have met Liam and Jareth and really well done, TN!

Cover Art by Bree Archer. What can I say about it? I’m a sucker for children, so I honestly can admit I even have read the blurb before requesting the ARC. I saw the cover and I had to read it. So if the aim of a cover is to catch the reader’s eye before the story, this cover to me is a winner, so sweet cute aww.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press    All Romance (ARe)    Amazon         Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 226 pages
Published February 20th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632164773
edition languageEnglish
Author Website: http://tntarrant.blogspot.com/
seriesAstrophysicist #1-2