Our Best Book Covers of April 2015

So many wonderful covers to choose from this month. Covers that pulled you into and made you want to read the story inside. Covers that intrigued, drew you in or were just plain adorable. We all have our favorites…what were yours this month? Write and let us know!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Best Covers of April 2015

In no particular order…

To Touch The Sky (Leap of Faith #2) by M.A. Church, cover art by LC Chase
Burn the Sky by Jaye McKenna. cover art by Chinchbug
Fire (Dreams of Fire and Gods #2) by James Erich, cover art by Paul Richmond (in fact all the covers in this series
Spiretown by Lia Black, cover design by the author

Fallout by Lisa Henry and M. Caspian, cover art by Natasha Snow
A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate (Being(s) in Love #3) by R. Cooper, cover art by Paul Richmond
Slasherazzi by Daniel A. Kaine, cover art by Wilde City Press art director
A Way Home by Keira Andrews, cover art?

Thirty Things by Cate Ashwood, Cover art by Alexandria Corza
Food for Thought by Amy Lane (Tales of the Curious Cookbook), cover art by Reese Dante
Hoarfrost by Jordan L. Hawk, cover art by Jordan L. Hawk
Family of Lies: Sebastian by Sam Argent, cover art by Anne Cain

Our Best Books of April 2015

This year has been a little crazy and we got away from our monthly Best of Lists! But they are back starting with April 2015.

Let’s take a closer look at those stories we read and loved so much. One or two are 4.75 stars rounded up to 5, the rest are 5 star rated stories. Are some of yours there t0o? Drop us a line and let us know what books and authors stood out for you this month!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Best Books of April 2015

Fantasy:

Spiretown by Lia Black (5 stars from BJ for this urban fantasy)

YA – Aurora Reviews (Both 5 stars)

In the Spotlight: Andrew Q. Gordon’s The Eye and The Arm (excerpt and giveaway)

The Eye and The Arm (Champion of the Gods #2) by Andrew Q. Gordon

Release Date: April 14, 2015

Are you a lover of fantasy fiction? Then check out Andrew Q. Gordon’s latest fantasy novel, The Eye and The Arm in his Champion of the Gods series. We have the book synopsis and an excerpt for you as well as a contest to enter. Happy Reading.

Special bonus! We also have a trailer for you as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk6OfKOU6nc&feature=youtu.be

After defeating Meglar at Belsport, Farrell returns to Haven to recover from his injuries, but Khron, the god of war, has other ideas. He gives Farrell a new mission: free the survivors of the ancient dwarf realm of Trellham from their three-thousand-year banishment. To fulfill Khron’s near impossible task, Farrell will need the help of his distance ancestor, the legendary wizard Kel. But Kel has been dead for a thousand years.

Farrell finds information hinting that Kel is alive, so he moves his search to Dumbarten, Kel’s birthplace. To reach Dumbarten unannounced, Farrell and Miceral disguise themselves as mercenaries on board a merchant vessel. Their journey is disrupted when pirates attack their ship. While attempting to subdue the attack, Farrell is struck down by one of Meglar’s minions.

Unconscious and trapped in his own mind, Farrell’s only chance for survival rests with Miceral and the peregrine king Rothdin entering his thoughts and helping him sort fact from illusion. To reach Farrell, they will need to rely on an untested spell from one of Kel’s spellbooks. If they succeed, Miceral can guide Farrell home safely. If not, Farrell will destroy not only himself, but Miceral, Rothdin, and everyone around him.

Pages or Words: 296 pages

Categories: Fantasy, Gay Fiction

Miceral grabbed his last javelin and crept toward the starboard rail. The tip of pirate’s prow had just reached their stern. He could see men crouched under the protection of the gunwale. “They’re almost here—be ready.”

Moving faster than the enemy could react, Miceral scaled the short staircase and quickly found a protected spot in the aftcastle. Peering through a narrow opening, he scanned the clusters of men he could see. At the rear of the largest group, Miceral spotted someone who, by clothing at least, appeared to be an officer. With no one else standing out as being the captain, this man became his target.

Springing to his feet, he hurled the spear before anyone could target him. One of the pirates huddled by the rail fired an arrow, which Miceral caught in midflight. Flashing the enemy a wicked grin, he snapped the shaft in half before dropping back behind his cover.

Miceral closed one eye and stared through the space between crates. He watched the men look toward where their officer had been standing, and from the shouts he knew he’d hit his mark. One pirate tried to pull the spear out but failed. When he turned to ask for help, a stream of blood dribbled out of his mouth and over the feathers of the arrow protruding from his neck. Everyone else ducked immediately and remained out of sight.

Miceral traced the shaft’s path back to where Peter knelt, nocking another arrow. He gave his friend a wink and a nod. Before either could enjoy the small victory, a hail of arrows and spears whistled across the deck. Under the cover of this barrage, dozens of grappling hooks landed on the deck of the Rose. Once the barbs dug into whatever purchase they could find, the two vessels inched closer. Miceral heard the faint thud of the two ships colliding and slipped the mace and axe from his belt.

With the ships tethered together, the pirates flipped long wooden planks from their ship onto the Seafoam Rose. Hooks on the ends secured the slim pathway firmly in place. The first wave of invaders ran across the boards, screaming at the top of their lungs. If they expect to scare the crew into surrender, that hope dissipated when four of their number fell dead from a round of arrows.

Miceral used the distraction to leap from his hiding place. Screaming his own battle cry, he rushed the startled pirates. From his right, Emerson and Nathan led the crew in defense of their ship.

The ferocity of the resistance appeared to catch the invaders by surprise. Miceral killed anything in his reach, stalling the attack momentarily. Peter stood next to Miceral and proved the value of all the long hours of practice he’d been put through.

Unfortunately, Miceral couldn’t defend all points of entry onto the vessel. The pirates quickly learned to avoid the armed warrior who moved with the speed of lightning.

The initial advantage of the Rose’s crew quickly evaporated as the pirates brought superior numbers onto the trading ship. To avoiding being surrounded, the defenders fell back to a predetermined, more defensible position. This allowed the rest of the pirates to cross unimpeded.

“Now would be a good time to arrive, Farrell.” Miceral didn’t know if Farrell could hear him, but if he didn’t arrive soon, there’d be no one left to rescue.

“I’m almost there, Ral.” Farrell’s voice distracted Miceral enough that he cut off an opponent’s arm instead of slicing through the man’s neck. “Hang on!”

Publisher: DSP Publications
Cover Artist: AngstyG
Sales Links: DSP Publications

Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write.

He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of twenty years, their daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.andrews.7568
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon
Twitter: @andrewqgordon
Website: http://www.andrewqgordon.com
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AndrewQGordon/posts
email: andrewqgordon@gmail.com

Tour Dates & Stops: April 15, 2015

Parker Williams, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Bayou Book Junkie, Cate Ashwood, Charley Descoteaux, BFD Book Blog, Full Moon Dreaming, Divine Magazine, Butterfly-O-Meter,

Molly Lolly, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Rainbow Gold Reviews, The Hat Party, Love Bytes, Inked Rainbow Reads, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Novel Approach, My Fiction Nook, Velvet Panic, Prism Book Alliance, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, Amanda C. Stone, Elin Gregory, Nephylim

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 3 e-copies of the Last Grand Master with the new cover art. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and Prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
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In The Spotlight: Under Glass by Rebecca Cohen (interview and giveaway)

Under Glass by Rebecca Cohen

Goodreads Link
Release Date: April 6, 2015

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook and Paperback All Romance (ARe)

Our Q and A with Rebecca Cohen…

• As a reader, Under Glass is a galaxy away from the Crofton Chronicles. What prompted the switch in genres?

This isn’t the first time I’ve switched genres; I go wherever the story takes me. ‘Under Glass’ is my first foray into science fiction, and it’s a genre I love and wanted to write in. The plot simply wouldn’t have worked as a contemporary or an historical, and even fantasy wouldn’t have been the best fit. I needed the freedom to create new worlds and species.

• I loved the premise of Under Glass, lovers reunited or torn apart and reunited is a theme that resonates with me. Why use this as a background or theme to your story? What was the inspiration behind the characters and plot?

I wanted to play with the theme of love at first sight and predetermination. Kai and Ollie are linked by their biology, they were destined to be together, but once I had that idea I started thinking what would happen if two people who were meant to be together were separated. Kai is brought up knowing he has lost something very important and this shapes his character, whereas Ollie is blissfully unaware until he meet a stranger who is so compelling. As Ollie doesn’t know what is happening he tries to fight it. As you can imagine this is a clash they need to work hard to overcome.

• What do you use, if anything, to create “alien” names for characters and objects?

I try to make the first names of characters ease to read, since as a reader I find it quite frustrating if I don’t know how to pronounce a name. For the surname, I allow myself to be freer and make up alien sounding surnames. I still want people to be able to pronounce them and often combine normal names or words to create more alien names.

• Would you like to be an interplanetary traveller and where would you like to go?

Only if I could make I sure I could get home! It would be fascinating to get up close to Saturn’s rings, or witness the scale of the ice giant planets first hand.

• Do you have a favorite science fiction or fantasy author who made an impact on you as a reader and now author?

Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. I love both of these authors, and large part of that is due to the humor in their writing.

• Favorite fictional science fiction and/or fantasy world and who created it?

Has to be the Discworld by Terry Pratchett.

• I can’t tell but is there a chance that this will become a series?

‘Under Glass’ was planned to be a standalone, and Kai and Ollie’s story has been told. However, there is a lot of untapped potential in the worlds of the planetarium and, while I have no plans to return at the moment, I never say never…

• What’s next for Rebecca Cohen?

A contemporary romantic comedy novella series set around an amateur dramatics society in London. After those, I’ll be finishing off the Reagalos series and then I’m heading back to Crofton Hall.

Creating planets and guarding the stars leaves novice planet builder Kai Faewiva lonely. For members of Kai’s species who are born with an organ called a caerellon, their true love, their Sun or Moon, is identified at birth. But the novices are people who have lost their perfect love, and Kai’s Sun is long dead, killed in an accident when he was five years old. Or so everyone thought.

After recovering from another bout of the unidentified illness he has battled for years, Kai returns to work. But his quiet day at the planetarium is thrown into chaos when scans of Goka Prime, one of the planets in the Sol-Alpha2 system, picks up a life-form that shouldn’t be there. Kai’s Sun, Oliver Gyin, is alive and well, but how he got to be on Goka Prime, no one knows. Now he needs to be brought home.

Ollie has lived most of his life in the City of Harrea, never guessing he is from another planet. Surprised to find a stranger means the world to him, Ollie wrestles with his loyalties and the drive to return with Kai. To leave Goka Prime, he must give up everything and everyone he knows. But twenty years apart means Kai and Ollie face a fight to secure their destined future.

Pages or Words: 108,000 words

Categories: M/M Romance, Romance, Science Fiction

The East Terrace had clear views of the city and the hills in the distance, and the setting sun bathed the world in hues of red, purple, and orange. “One of the best views from the palace,” Ollie said. “Guests aren’t usually allowed here.”

Kai glanced back to the door. “Will we get in trouble?”

“No, Menish is a personal friend. He won’t mind.”

“Must be good to have a friend who rules the city.”

Ollie chuckled. “We went to school together. I often have to remind myself that he’s the sultan and not the kid who helped me toilet paper the housemaster’s study windows.”

“Very good friends.”

Ollie didn’t think Kai needed to know just how good a friend Menish had been at one point, although what they had enjoyed was nothing more serious than teenage exploration. “Put it this way: he’d have no problem with me showing you this terrace.”

“The sunset is quite beautiful,” Kai said, turning to face it, and Ollie thought Kai wanted to steer the conversation away from Menish.

“Yes. It changes through the seasons, but I think this is my favorite time of year.”

“Then I am fortunate we chose this time to visit and a place on the mission became available.”

Kai’s choice of word in calling his visit a mission was a little strange, but Ollie thought better of mentioning anything. “Oh, you were. The festival to celebrate the end of harvest starts in a few days, and the city is awash with stalls and street entertainment.”

Kai turned back to him, cocked his head to one side, and smiled. “Perhaps you would agree to be my guide for that as well?”

The hopeful expression and the slight smile made Ollie swallow thickly as he stared into Kai’s dark brown eyes in the failing light. Kai bit his bottom lip and tilted his head back a little to look Ollie in the eye, making Ollie lick his own lips involuntarily. His hand twitched to cup Kai’s cheek and rub his thumb across his cheekbone to prove his hypothesis that Kai’s skin would be soft and warm to the touch.

The little voice in the back of his head returned, and it bluntly reminded Ollie he wasn’t a single man. The pang of guilt made him turn away, and he saw a confused look on Kai’s face. Not only was he in danger of betraying Rica, but he was also leading Kai along on a dance that Kai didn’t know Ollie already had a partner for.

He stepped away, shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Kai. I can’t do this. While I can’t deny you have caught my eye like no one else, I am not the type of man to be unfaithful.” There, he’d said it, made it clear he was attached, and Kai’s expression morphed first to confusion and then into hurt. “I don’t understand.”

“I have a boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend?” asked Kai weakly.

“His name is Rica. He’s away at sea.” The devastation on Kai’s face almost made Ollie step closer and gather him into his arms, but he forced himself to put more distance between them. “I’m sorry, Kai. I was so wrapped up in the connection we seemed to share I lost sight of things. I should never have let it get this far, and I must stop it going further.”

“I see.” Kai turned away. “I wish you a good evening, Mr. Gyin. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to enjoy the view a little longer before I find one of the servants to show me to my room.”

“Of course. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Kai didn’t reply, and Ollie retreated back inside, part of his mind protesting that he was going the wrong way, the other part telling him he was doing the right thing. He turned back to see Kai still standing on the terrace, his head bent. Ollie fled, fearing that if he stayed a moment longer he’d do something he’d really enjoy but regret later.

Rebecca Cohen is a Brit abroad. Having swapped the Thames for the Rhine, she has left London behind and now lives with her husband and young son in Basel, Switzerland. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and a cup of Darjeeling in the other.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rebecca.cohen.710
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/R_Cohen_writes

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $25 DSP gift cert and choice of a book from my backlist (does not include Under Glass). Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Dates & Stops:

6-Apr

Prism Book Alliance

Multitasking Mommas

EE Montgomery

Carly’s Book Reviews

7-Apr

Love Bytes

The Novel Approach

My Fiction Nook

8-Apr

MM Good Book Reviews

Kimi-Chan

Molly Lolly

9-Apr

Because Two Men Are Better Than One

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

10-Apr

The Blogger Girls

Amanda C. Stone

13-Apr

Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Bayou Book Junkie

14-Apr

Cate Ashwood

Nephylim

Parker Williams

15-Apr

Divine Magazine

Velvet Panic

16-Apr

Hearts on Fire

Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves

Inked Rainbow Reads

17-Apr

Tara Lain

BFD Book Blog

Up All Night, Read All Day

In the Spotlight: Annabelle Jacobs “The Altered” (excerpt and contest)

The Altered by Annabelle Jacobs
Goodreads Link

Release Date: April 9, 2015

Twenty years ago the UK’s water supply was contaminated with an experimental pathogen, Lycanaeris, causing widespread panic across the nation. Terrorism was suspected but never proven, and when nothing happened–no epidemic, no unexplained illnesses–the whole episode was written off as an elaborate hoax. But Lycanaeris was selective. Only those of a certain age, and with a specific gene in their DNA were infected. Time would reveal the pathogen’s true nature, when those susceptible grew up Altered.  Daniel is one of thousands forced to hide his altered status by living a quiet life. He’s not like the others, though.

Daniel can’t help looking so distinctive or being able to see every altered for what they really are. To those abducting altereds, that skill makes him valuable.  For Jordan, shifting from human to wolf means living under the radar to avoid unwanted attention. Meeting Daniel complicates matters. Daniel’s existence is a threat to Jordan and his friends, but Jordan can’t seem to shake the strange connection between them. When danger threatens, there’s little time for Daniel and Jordan to work out their feelings before lives are at stake.

Pages or Words: 209 pages, 75,000 words

Categories: M/M Romance, Paranormal

He laughed at the joke Matt was in the middle of telling, chipping in for a bit and teasing him, and then he felt it again, creeping up the back of his spine like icy fingers. Daniel stayed perfectly still, suppressing his body’s natural reaction, and carefully turned to place his empty pint glass on the bar.

He let his gaze wander along to the end of the bar, past the couple he’d spotted earlier, and—

Bloody Hell.

He sucked in a sharp breath before he could stop himself. Usually he got a flash of images, depending on how much they’d been altered—claws, teeth, and fur if they changed fully, but never anything like this. One minute Daniel was looking at a tall dark-haired, really hot man, and in the blink of an eye he’d changed into a huge black wolf, fangs bared in a snarl—clearer than anything he’d seen before.

The image vanished almost as soon as it appeared, and the noise from the bar suddenly jarred Daniel back to his senses.

Fuck.

Publisher: Annabelle Jacobs
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Sales Links: Amazon US – Amazon UK

About Author Annabelle Jacobs:

Annabelle Jacobs lives in the South West of England with her husband, three rowdy children, and two cats.  An avid reader of fantasy herself for many years, Annabelle now spends her days writing her own stories. They’re usually either fantasy or paranormal fiction, because she loves building worlds filled with magical creatures, and creating stories full of action and adventure. Her characters may have a tough time of it—fighting enemies and adversity—but they always find love in the end.

Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ajacobsfiction
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJacobs_fiction
website: http://www.annabellejacobs.com

Tour Dates & Stops: April 9, 2015

Parker Williams, Inked Rainbow Reads, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Cate Ashwood, Amanda C. Stone, Gaylist Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Molly Lolly, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Rainbow Gold Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Chris McHart, MM Good Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, The Hat Party, Lee Brazil, Bayou Book Junkie, Emotion in Motion, Divine Magazine, Carly’s Book Reviews

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Any book from Annabelle’s backlist. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

A BJ Review: Where Willows Won’t Grow by Lia Black

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

After months of investigation aimed at bringing down a powerful cartel ends with undercover agent Alex Kley up on the auction block, he finds himself sold into sexual slavery at Willow House, an elite brothel on Omanai Station catering to humans and aliens alike. It doesn’t take long for Alex to realize that Illythe, the beautiful alien manager of Willow House, is actually little more than a slave himself. As Alex gets closer to Illythe in order to get the information he needs, he’s unable to keep himself from falling for the dark-skinned alien. Soon Alex may have to choose between his mission and his love for a man deeply involved in the hateful organization that Alex has worked so hard to take down.

Where Willows Won’t Grow is a freebie written for the 2014 M/M Romance Group’s DRitC event. Don’t make the mistake of letting this excellent read slip through the cracks because of a misguided thought that freebies are of lesser quality than books we pay for. Because I’m here to tell you, this story is an amazing read from start to finish and far more enjoyable than a large percentage of books I’ve spent good money on.

Set on a sensuously dark space station full of intrigue, sex and aliens, this story hooked me in from page one. The main characters are complex, well-drawn, damaged guys—one a human and one an alien. It’s hard to express how much I adore Illythe. I found him to be a uniquely memorable character that stayed with me long after I finished reading the story. And on the other side of the coin we have the ultra creepy Scion who made my skin crawl. Want a bad guy you love to hate? Yeah, well, I absolutely detested this dude about two minutes after he came on page. Ok, maybe less.

Reading Willows was by turns dark, exhausting, frustrating, horrifying, amazing, fascinating, and touching. It took me through the wringer with these characters, but kept me rapt the whole darn time. I simply couldn’t put it down.
I read it twice, a few months apart, because one reading wasn’t enough–the characters called me back. So if you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for? Didn’t I mention that it’s free?

Cover Artist: Author
There was a cover change from my first reading to now but since both represent the author’s interpretation of Illythe, my favorite character from the book, I enjoy them both. Both covers can be seen here.

Free Book: Find It Here at Goodreads M/M Romance Group

Book Details:

ebook, 132 pages
Published July 9th 2014 by M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads
original titleWhere Willows Won’t Grow
edition languageEnglish
seriesLove’s Landscapes
charactersAlex Key, Illythe settingOmanai Station

In the Book Spotlight: Emerald Keep by A Catherine Noon & Rachel Wilder (contest)

Emerald Keep (The Persis Chronicles #2)
by
Authors A Catherine Noon & Rachel Wilder

Release Date: April 8, 2015

In 2012, I read Emerald Fire by A Catherine Noon & Rachel Wilder and was smitten. I loved the deep world building, the amazing cultures the authors created, and above all the complex characters at the heart of the story. I had given up thinking I would see a return to this universe….until I heard Emerald Keep was scheduled for release on April 8th! Be still my heart! Here’s your first look at the sequel (mine too). And don’t forget to enter the contest to be found at the end of the post.

About Emerald Keep….

When Emerald Keeper Teeka returns to the city of Reghdad and leaves the harsh desert behind, he finds that not all dangers come from the Great Valley. The dangerous Daymonth is nearly upon them and no one can survive on the surface of the planet — but Senior Hunter Quill Mayer is trying to get to Reghdad, and Teeka, before the start of it. Even if he makes it, Emerald Keep denies Teeka’s Contract with Senior Hunter Quill, and Teeka discovers his enemy is more powerful than any of them suspected and he will stop at nothing to separate Teeka and Quill — even by striking in the very heart of the city.

Pages or Words: 81,000 words

Categories: Erotica, Fantasy, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, Science Fiction

Teeka fought not to fidget as Cordell paid the young man and unrolled the message sheet. He didn’t like the way Cordell frowned and curbed the impulse to snatch the moss paper away and read it himself.

Cordell met his gaze. “The Corsair MD Stardawn clipped a runner on rocks on the way to Kotek Stronghold from Cyrus. When she arrived at Kotek Stronghold, she couldn’t leave. Most passengers got to Cyrus on the other corsairs that had room, but with cramped quarters. Passengers that chose to stay at the stronghold received assistance with lodgings and a voucher for travel after Daymonth.”

“Does it say anything about the passengers on the Sandqueen?” Teeka clutched the edge of the table.

“There is no Senior Hunter Quill Mayer listed on the Sandqueen’s manifest.” Cordell glanced again at the paper. “The Dock Assistant says that livestock wouldn’t have been accommodated due to space constraints.”

Teeka took a deep breath and took the paper from Cordell. He pretended to read it, but tears blurred his vision.

“Maybe he hired a corsair from Kotek City to Reghdad like you did,” Cordell pointed out.

The price of a corsair would be out of anyone’s reach unless they were like Teeka’s father, a minister with the wealth to pay for it and the political pull to be able to hire it without any other passengers. Corsairs that made the run from Kotek City would be stuffed full of passengers and luggage for families journeying to caverns along the route; no one would take one all the way to Reghdad. It wouldn’t make sense.

Quill didn’t make it. He couldn’t leave the truffles alone at the stronghold.

Teeka was alone for the Daymonth.

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: BSClay

Sales Links: Torquere Press

About the authors:

For author and textile artist A. Catherine Noon, it’s all about the yarn, both metaphorical and literal – spinning a yarn, knitting with yarn, weaving, sewing, painting, sharing stories and good times over a cup of coffee with dark chocolate.

She teaches creative writing, creative expression, and textile arts.

For author Rachel Wilder, it’s all about the person – from characters to clients. Image Consultant | Dominatrix | Author

Where to find the author:

The Writer Zen Garden: The Writers Retreat Blog | Forum | Facebook | Twitter | Meetup

National Novel Writing Month: NaNoWriMo | ChiWriMo | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Tour Dates & Stops: April 1, 2015

MM Good Book Reviews, Parker Williams, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Inked Rainbow Reads, Love Bytes, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Cate Ashwood, Up All Night, Read All Day, Michael Mandrake, Charley Descoteaux

Contest: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter link and prizes provided by the authors and Pride Promotions. Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize of a knitted scarf by the authors.

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Authors, New Books, Sequels, and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

New Authors, New Books and More For The TBR Pile!

How I love it when the reviewers here bring new authors and books to my attention and yours. Stella brought us the Neon White series by Wulf Francu Godgluck, as well as other authors. Now BJ is reading and loving the stories of Lia Black (several of which will be reviewed this week) as well as James Lear’s The Hardest Thing. PaulB loves the paranormal genre and has a whole slew of new authors he’s reading, including Andrew J. Parker’s Werecat series. Barb loves audio books, contemporary romance, perhaps with a little kink as well as all things foodie while Mika reaches out for new authors with each new book request. Sammy’s books range far and wide as you will have noticed by her book reviews. Did you read Sammy’s review of The Song of the Lonesome Cowboy by Lynn Kelling last week? And Aurora, our YA reviewer? Aurora just finished a YA series by James Erich which will be running every Saturday this month and the next! Do we have the books for you, in every possible genre? Why, yes we do!

Now for Something New: Also you’ll occasionally notice a One Book – 2 Review posting, a sort of Double Dipping on our part. We are a diverse group so it’s not unusual for one reviewer to love something about a story that another reviewer doesn’t see or visa versa. This week, Yes by Brad Boney gets double the attention, double the reviews. The week after next, BA Tortuga’s Ever The Same is in the 2 review spotlight. Will Mika and I agree to disagree? Stay tuned! lol Still trying out names as to what to call this new feature. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

In the Familiar, Wonderful and Excited to See Them Back Category! What else am I excited about? The Pulp Friction gang’s New Orleans series (did you catch my review of The Devil’s Bedpost?) and the fact that Catherine A Noon and Rachel Wilder have finally written a sequel, Emerald Keep, to their story Emerald Fire, which I loved. That’s been 3 years coming.

Old Favorite Series and New Stories! And finally what else has me over the moon? A.J. Thomas’ has 2 stories out in his Least Likely Partnership series, which I adore. That would be Holding Out for a Fairy Tale and The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise. If you are reading, AJ, more I want more!!!! Chris Owen and Tory Temple has a new book out (a combined Bareback and Firefighters), well…now I’m into April and getting ahead of myself. And yes, loads more coming including the last in Abigail Roux’ Cut & Run series…stay with us and chime in with the books you are most looking forward to reading!

Now here is our schedule this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words:

Sunday, March 29:

New Authors, New Books, Sequels, and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, March 30:

A Stella Review: He’s Just Knot That Into You by Nico Jaye
Paul B Review: Werecat: The Rearing by Andrew J. Peters
A MelanieM Review: Stokes & Ford (Storming Love: Blizzard #6) by Jackie Nacht
A BJ Review: Wedding Favors by Josh Lanyon

Tuesday, March 31:

In the Book Spotlight: Whispers of Home by April Kelley (contest)
A Stella Review: The Fifth Son by Blaine D. Arden
A Paul B Review: For a Dragon’s Redemption (Highland Dragons #5) by Charlie Richards
A Melanie M Review: Death by Dragon by Madeleine Ribbon

Wednesday, April 1:

A Catherine Noon and Rachel Wilder ‘Emerald Keep’ book blast and contest
~~A MelanieM Review: Emerald Keep by A Catherine and Rachel Wilder~~ Moved closer to release date
Double Dipping Reviews: Mika and Stella Review: Yes by Brad Boney.
A BJ Review: Perfect Day by Josh Lanyon

Thursday, April 2:

The Island Keepers by Kristopher Quentin tour and contest
A Paul B Review: A Rose for Paul’s Protector by Charlie Richards
A MelanieM Review: Holding Out for a Fairy Tale (Least Likely Partnership #2) by A.J. Thomas
A BJ Review: The Hardest Thing: A Dan Stagg Mystery by James Lear

Friday, April 3:

In the Book Spotlight: Room 1024 by Racheline Maltese and Erin McRae (contest)
Crash & Burn, Cut and Run # 9 by Abigail Roux – Series Finale Book Tour and contest
A Sammy Review: Taken (Taken #1) by J. C. Owens
A MelanieM Review: The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise by AJ Thomas

Saturday, April 4- YA Saturday is Back!:

An Aurora YA Review: Fire (Dreams of Fire and Gods #2) by James Erich

On Tour with T.M Smith and Opposites Series (contest)

Opposites Series by T.M. Smith
(book 1, Opposites – The Library, an Opposites novella – book 2, Appearances – The Cellar, an Opposites novella)
Opposites 1 – 4 (should be read in order)

Release Date: June 1, 2013
Goodreads Link

About Author T.M. Smith

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. She now calls Texas home from her small town on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex. Most days you can find her curled up with her kindle and a good book alongside a glass of something aged and red or a steaming cup of coffee!

At 42 years young, she’s decided to enter the next phase of her life by adding the title of “author” to her list of accomplishments that includes single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Smith is and outspoken advocate for Autism and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

Her Opposites series is based outside the normal parameters of social acceptability, examining a ‘what if’… What If to be gay or lesbian were the norm? What if to be straight labeled you as an Opposite and made YOU the Outkast?

Where to find the author:

Author Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/T.M.-Smith/e/B00D8N818E
Author website: http://www.ttcbooksandmore.com
Author Twitter – https://twitter.com/TTCBooksandmore
GoodReads book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17619257-opposites
GoodReads author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6997897.T_M_Smith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTMSmith
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ttcbooksandmore/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjm1BpCFi7kCt_KK_VyReA

Publisher: TTC Publishing
Cover Artist: T.L. Shreffler of Runaway Book Design

Sales Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D54PF6M
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/13ga7Cb
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/321969
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-opposites-1522690-351.html
Createspace paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4924042
Print copy of Opposites/The Library from Amazon

Blurb:

In the year 2081 our planet survived global warming of an apocalyptic scale. When the dust settled and the water receded Dr. Anthony Smith, one of only a few hundred survivors of GWI, started society anew. Having come to the conclusion that injudicious breeding played a huge role in the destruction of Earth as we knew it in the twenty first century, he worked closely with other survivors to isolate the Dionysus gene. This gene has the ability to manipulate human DNA to ensure that all male children be born gay, and all female children be born lesbians. A new society is born.   In the year 2300 Dr. Smith’s descendants are ushering in the twenty fourth century having maintained control of the government that still rules society. Twins Aiya and Aiyan are preparing to meet their matches and take control of House Gaeland, the current ruling House. But not everything is as it seems.   Love is Love.. it knows no gender and doesn’t conform to restrictions and boundaries. Aiyan has found his soul mate in Kaden, the prince of House Devi that he is matched with and eventually marries. But when the person Aiya falls in love with tests the boundaries put in place after GWI, all hell breaks loose. And in the midst of one secret unraveling, another will emerge. There is a growing anomaly that threatens to destroy over two hundred years of progression. This anomaly is known as Opposites.  *WARNING* Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, lesbian and straight couples.*

Categories: Adult dystopian majorly MM romance. I market as an LGBT romance because I have gay, straight and lesbian couples.

Excerpt:

Standing outside the door to the room Kaden barely occupied, Aiyan placed his hands on either side of him planting him against the wall. He stared at Kaden for several moments before he smiled, and kissed him. Kaden pulled back and shot a warning glare at him.

“You should go.” Kaden whispered breathlessly. “Goodnight Aiyan.”

Aiyan grinned that crooked smile and planted a kiss on his neck and whispered, “Go where, here?” He moved up and nipped Kaden’s ear lobe with his teeth. “Or here?” he asked. Kaden was beginning to slide down the wall as his legs turned to jelly.

Aiyan stood back laughing, his eyes glistened and he smiled. “Goodnight Kaden, I love you.” Placing a quick peck on his lips, he turned to go.

“And I you.” Kaden said and closed the door behind him before sinking to the floor, no longer able to support himself. He ran the tips of his fingers across his still tingling lips, and smiled.
Pages or Words: 199 pages (Opposites)

Contest: Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Three different winners. 1/e-book copy of 1 book in the series (winners choice) 2/$15 Amazon e-gift card 3/ Surprise Swag pack (US only shipping).

Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Tour Dates & Stops:

5-Mar

Velvet Panic

The Hat Party

12-Mar

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

Amanda C. Stone

19-Mar

The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat

Inked Rainbow Reads

26-Mar

MM Good Book Reviews

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Prism Book Alliance

2-Apr

Love Bytes

Parker Williams

9-Apr

Emotion in Motion

Bayou Book Junkie

16-Apr

BFD Book Blog

Charley Descoteaux

23-Apr

Molly Lolly

Cate Ashwood

Dawn’s Reading Nook

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.

-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

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Best Covers of April 2015

In no particular order…

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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Best Books of April 2015

Fantasy:

Contemporary Romance:

Science Fiction:

Supernatural/Paranormal:

YA – Aurora Reviews (Both 5 stars)

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Under Glass by Rebecca Cohen

Goodreads Link Release Date: April 6, 2015

Our Q and A with Rebecca Cohen…

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The Altered by Annabelle Jacobs Goodreads Link

Release Date: April 9, 2015

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Emerald Keep (The Persis Chronicles #2) by Authors A Catherine Noon & Rachel Wilder

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New Authors, New Books and More For The TBR Pile!

Now here is our schedule this week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words:

Sunday, March 29:

Monday, March 30:

Tuesday, March 31:

Wednesday, April 1:

Thursday, April 2:

Friday, April 3:

Saturday, April 4- YA Saturday is Back!:

Share this:

About Author T.M. Smith

Blurb:

Excerpt:

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Spring is Officially Here!

-This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words-

Sunday, March 22:

Monday, March 23:

Tuesday, March 24:

Wednesday, March 25:

Thursday, March 26:

Friday, March 27:

Saturday, March 28:

Share this:

Goodreads Link
Release Date: April 6, 2015

The Altered by Annabelle Jacobs
Goodreads Link

Emerald Keep (The Persis Chronicles #2)
by
Authors A Catherine Noon & Rachel Wilder