Category: Self Published

Will & Patrick Are Back In Will & Patrick Meet the Mob (Wake Up Married #5) by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths (excerpt and giveaway)

Will & Patrick Meet the Mob

Will & Patrick Meet the Mob (Wake Up Married #5)

by Leta Blake and Alice Griffiths

 Publisher: Leta Blake Books
Release Date: 2/29/16

Book/Buy Links:  Goodreads | Amazon

Find the entire series on Amazon

Synopsis

Follow Will & Patrick in this fifth installment of the romantic-comedy serial, Wake Up Married, by best-selling author Leta Blake and newcomer Alice Griffiths!

Patrick has finally accepted that he’s in love with Will, but his newfound determination to do something about that runs up against his father-in-law’s mobster plans. Though just what those plans are have as yet to be determined. As far as Will and Patrick can tell, they consist of blowing through town, wreaking small havoc, and turning the Patterson family’s lives on end. 

Will must face the truth about his family before he can fully come to terms with his feelings for Patrick. And Patrick has to decide if this whackadoodle world is something he truly wants to be part of forever.

Episode 5 of 6 in the Wake Up Married serial.
Genre: Romantic Comedy M/M Romance
Tags: gay, woke up married, tropes, rom-com, mafia, forced marriage, disabled heroes
Heat Level: 5
Pairing: M/M
Length: 42,000 words

Excerpt

The next morning, Will’s romantic musings feel like the product of overwrought exhaustion when Patrick wakes up cranky as a cat dunked in water.
“Turn off the alarm,” he snarls. “Make it stop.” Then, sitting up and glaring at Will like he’s going to kill him with the power of his mind, he demands, “Did you test yet? Did you eat? What’s your BG number?”
Will’s not even out of bed. Only fifteen seconds ago he’d had one hundred and seventy pounds of Patrick spread out on top of him. Of course he hasn’t tested yet. “I just woke up.”
“Don’t make me test you myself.” Patrick flings back the covers and stalks to the bathroom in his underwear. Will rolls his eyes but grabs his kit and quickly tests. Over the sound of piss hitting water, Patrick calls out, “Well? What’s the number?”
“Ninety-eight. Calm your tits.”
Patrick comes out, arms crossed over his chest and his hair sticking up everywhere. “Calm my tits? Calm your tits.”
Will indicates his nipples. “What? Check ’em out. Not even a little bit pointy.”
Patrick narrows his gaze but a reluctant smirk tweaks up the corner of his mouth.
“Let me guess.” Will laughs. “You know how to change that.” The knot of worry loosens in his chest. “Maybe later. I have to eat first.”
While they wait for room service, they shower and shave, and Will endures Patrick making a solid pitch for him to consider a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.
“I’ll ask Dr. Anastasia about it,” Will compromises.
“And a pump.”
“Don’t push your luck.”
They throw on robes to greet Perry and his cart of warm, delicious-smelling goodies. Conversation is cut dead at that point as Patrick devours his bacon, muffins, doughnuts, and strawberries with fresh cream. Will’s healthier breakfast of cottage cheese, whole-wheat toast, and a small slice of quiche Lorraine isn’t nearly as exciting, but he doesn’t know how Patrick stays so slim eating like he does. If he tried it, he’d be the size of a house.
Once they finish breakfast, Will broaches the topic. “We’re going to need to talk about my dad eventually.”
“What happened to pretending he’s dead?”
“Unfortunately, he’s not.”
“Point.”
“And he’s staying in this building, so we’re bound to run into him sooner rather than later.”
“Better point.”
Will lets a wry grin spread on his lips. “But I’m not going to just sit back and let him run the show this time. I need find out why he’s in town and then get him to leave again. As soon as possible.” He stands up and brings the chess set over to the table, clearing away their plates. “If we can play ahead of his game, we can at least capture his queen. And then maybe even his king. Especially since he won’t be expecting us to be playing at all.”
“If by queen you’re referring to Kimberly, I don’t know about that. She’s a slippery one.”
“You think Tony’s back because of my mother?”
“Historically, her milkshake has brought him to the yard.”
Will sighs as he sets up the board. “She’s only been dating Jason a few weeks. Tony usually waits for her to get serious before he drops in to ruin her chance at happiness.”
“Maybe Jason proposed.”
“That’d be on The Hurting Times forums ten minutes after it happened. Have you seen it there?”
“Nope.”
“And Caitlin would have called threatening to jump off a bridge or shave her head or something drastic in protest.”
“So he hasn’t put a ring on it yet.”
Will moves his pawn forward. “It’s still a starting place.”
Patrick shoves one of his pawns out to an empty square. “Before surgery, I have to know what I’m dealing with. I can’t just cut into someone’s noggin without knowing if I’m going in to repair damage or to cut out a tumor. Same here. We need more information. What’s your dad’s sign?”
Will’s lips flatten. “Seriously?”
Patrick lifts his brows.
“Sagittarius.”
“I knew it!” Patrick shakes his head. “Never trust a Sagittarius.”
Will sighs and ignores this. “Even though the award ceremony isn’t until March, word is getting around now that I won the Healing Hero Award. I hope to God he’s not planning to stick around for that.”
“A congratulatory phone call from Mobster Daddy would have sufficed.”
Will moves a pawn in front of the right bishop. “You’ve been slapped with that stupid malpractice suit. That might have raised his hackles too, if he’s not sure of your intentions toward me.”
“I have zero honorable intentions toward you. So, he’d be onto something there.”
Will snorts. “You made an honest man of me.”
“For now.”
“Yeah.” Will smiles softly as gentle warmth blooms in his chest. “For now.” He bites his lip. “Do you think sex will be even dirtier once we’re divorced?”
Patrick looks up from contemplating the chessboard. “Are you planning on sleeping with me after we’re divorced?”
Will’s ears burn. “Would we have to stop?”
Patrick swallows, his blue eyes shading darker. “Not unless we want to stop.”
Heat zings in the air between them. Will clears his throat. “That’s a long time from now. Who knows when we’ll even have to think about it? You’ll probably be tired of sleeping with me by the time a loophole opens up for us.”
“I’ll never get tired of fucking you.”
Patrick sounds so certain that Will’s dick stirs and he has to look away, focusing his attention back on the chessboard. He’s not sure whose move it is now. “Anyway, there are plenty of reasons for Tony to make the trip from Minneapolis. I’m surprised I didn’t see it coming.”

About the Authors

Leta Blake

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

You can find out more about her by following her online:
On the web: http://letablake.wordpress.com/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letablake
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LetaBlake

Alice Griffiths

A long-time reader of romance novels, Alice Griffiths finally took the plunge into writing, teaming up with best-selling author Leta Blake for the ‘Woke up Married’ serialized comedy. A lover of tropes, Alice enjoys mining old ideas and putting a fresh, funny spin on them. Formerly working in the newspaper industry, Alice is now an art curator. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

You can find out more about her by following her online:
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alice_Author
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.griffiths.7169

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Giveaway

1 eBook copy of any Will & Patrick episode. 2 winners will be selected. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
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In the Spotlight: Amelia Bishop ‘More Than Love’ book blast and giveaway

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More Than Love by Amelia Bishop
 Release Date: March 25, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Amelia Bishop
Cover Artist: Amelia Bishop

Blurb:

Dan watched the people in his life settle down, get married, and have kids, while he cycled through a seemingly endless string of break-ups and disappointing relationship fails. From time to time, he thought about the one that got away: Ian. The college boyfriend he’d never quite forgotten.

So when Ian comes back to town and wants to get together, Dan jumps at the chance to see his first real boyfriend again. And despite his track record, he holds out hope that he and Ian might make it work the second time around.

While Ian is still just as sweet and sexy as he was back in college, he’s also harder, slicker, and more secretive than Dan remembers. As much as Dan wants to fall head first into their new relationship, he fears those secrets, and worries what Ian might be hiding. Left unchecked, Dan’s doubt and mistrust could threaten his second chance at happiness with Ian.

Sometimes, what destroys us are not the things we fear, but our fears themselves.

 

Pages or Words: 54,000 words, 216 pages

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

Excerpt:

“Yep. Unless you want to skip it and go right back to your place. I could definitely be persuaded.” Ian raked his gaze over Dan slowly, then unlocked the car and ducked into the driver’s seat with a sexy grin.

“And how am I supposed to persuade you?” Dan buckled his seat belt as they pulled out of the lot.

“Use your imagination, it’s a half hour ride.” Ian shifted in his seat, pivoting his hips and drawing Dan’s attention to the bulge at his groin.

In the car, free from prying eyes and liberated by the cocktails he’d downed at dinner, Dan let his mouth do what it wanted. He licked Ian’s jaw, dragged his tongue down Ian’s neck, and sucked the hollow at his throat while running a hand over the front of Ian’s khakis.

“Careful, any more persuasive and I’ll run off the road.” Ian chuckled and leaned in to Dan’s mouth, a low rumble of approval vibrating in his throat.

“Mmm. I’m trained for that. We’ll be fine.”

Ian laughed and took one hand off the wheel, wrapping it around Dan’s head, holding him to his neck. “That feels great. God, I’ve missed you.”

Dan sucked up the skin under his mouth, not hard enough to leave a mark, but just until Ian moaned. He’d missed this, too. Somehow, no one had ever made him feel as sexy as Ian did, no one ever had given him the same thrill. For years after college, he’d tried to re-enact the frotting he’d enjoyed with Ian, but it never felt as fulfilling with anyone else. Most other guys expected penetration, which Dan was happy enough to partake in, yet somehow, even burying himself in someone else and pounding away wasn’t as satisfying as simply rubbing against Ian.

He was hard and Ian’s neck was damp when they finally reached his neighborhood. He managed to walk up the drive and into his house with some dignity, and even locked the door behind them. As soon as that was done, though, he went back to kissing Ian. Now he could freely take Ian’s mouth, which he did, and reached down to cup his ass for emphasis. Fuck, he felt good, all muscle and wiry strength.

Ian pulled back and pressed his forehead to Dan’s. “I want to be naked with you.”

Dan laughed at the blunt request, but he couldn’t deny he wanted the same thing. “This way.” He led Ian down the hall to his bedroom and undressed, throwing his clothes on the floor.

Ian did the same, and in moments they were both nude, standing by the bed. Dan was just drunk enough to not care about the slight padding around his middle, and Ian was sober enough to respond to Dan’s attention.

“Damn, you’re sexy.”

Dan burst out laughing. “Man, I’ve put on at least thirty pounds since college.”

“So fucking sexy.” Ian repeated, and punctuated his words with a two-handed caress down Dan’s torso.

A spike of lust shot through Dan at the words and the attention, and he urged Ian onto the mattress.

 

Buy the book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CRASOOO

 

 

Meet the author:

Amelia Bishop lives in New England, just a block from Narragansett Bay, where she walks almost every day of the year collecting shells, sea glass, and random pieces of garbage she considers “treasure.” Amelia believes there is magic to be found in almost anything if you look closely, and delights in revealing the extraordinary hiding within the ordinary. Her stories celebrate the most magical and extraordinary thing of all: love.
When she isn’t writing or walking along the bay, Amelia enjoys camping, hiking, painting, crocheting, cooking, and spending lazy days reading on the beach.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amelia.bishop.507

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ameliabishopauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/anotheramelia

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ameliabishop507/

Website: www.amiebea.com

Newsletter sign up: http://madmimi.com/signups/120373/join

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Decadent Delights, BFD Book Blog, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Bayou Book Junkie, V’s Reads, Full Moon Dreaming, Man2ManTastic, Velvet Panic, Book Lovers 4Ever, My Fiction Nook, A.M. Leibowitz, Unquietly Me, Jessie G. Books, Havan Fellows, Alpha Book Club, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Outrageous Heroes, EE Montgomery, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Kirsty Loves Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Divine Magazine, The Hat Party, Inked Rainbow Reads, Happily Ever Chapter, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

 

Giveaway

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A Stella Review: Fire of the Heart (Hearts of Parkerburg #3) by Havan Fellows and Lee Brazil

Rating:  3 out of 5 stars

Beacon Hill, Boston in snow.
Beacon Hill, Boston in snow.

Craig Gilchrist is the oldest of five siblings, the captain of the Parkerburg Fire Department, and all around buddy his friends run to when they have a problem. Unfortunately, he’s keeping a secret not only from the whole town, but his family as well. Living in the shadows works for him until one fateful night when a hot stranger walks across a smoky barroom, forcing Craig to make a move that could rock the foundation of his existence…and fill the void in his heart he doesn’t realize he has.

Melrose escaped the end of a bad relationship to start over in Parkerburg. With the support of his cousin and a job waiting tables at a great restaurant, he thinks his life is finally going pretty smoothly. That’s when his path crosses that of Craig Gilchrist, local fire captain. The big, beefy firefighter is definitely not his type. So why does he suddenly star in all of Melrose’s fantasies?

With Melrose at his side, Craig finally has the motivation to step out of the shadows and let Parkerburg see the real him…until trouble arises and the truth comes to light that perhaps he doesn’t know the real Melrose.

Lies and fears play havoc with their newly acquired relationship. Luckily, once ignited, the hearts of Parkerburg don’t burn out so easily.

The Hearts of Parkerburg stories can be read as standalones, each with a HEA…but trust me, you’ll want to read about all the sweet happenings in this quaint little town.

I agree with the authors’ note, Fire of the Heart could be easily read as a standalone. Still I don’t feel to freely recommend to start with it, if you can, read the  Hearts of Parkerburg series in order. You won’t wonder (as I did) about the other couples’ stories, IMO you will get a major completeness. And probably this is one of the reasons why I didn’t give it more that 3 stars.

I had some trouble getting into the story at the start because through all of it, there were too many characters to keep track of and I get confused. The relationship between Melrose and Craig was easy to read and light in spite of some important themes (abuses by an ex boyfriend, being in the closet, coming out) that could have been developed more and give the book a depth it missed very much. This authors’ choice made the plot too simplistic to be realistic and deeply appreciated by me.

I said that to explain my rating, but honestly, if you can ignore the criticisms I made, what you will get is an easy and well done reading. I would have preferred some drama, some angst, just a little spice to take the story on another level , a higher one. Nonetheless I quite enjoyed Fire of the Heart, most of all it was sweet and with a well showed feeling of love, in any form you can think of, from friends, family, co workers and nosey acquaintances.

The Cover Art by Author Services works well just because I like the color and with all those hearts is very romantic.

Sales Links: ARe  |  SMASHWORDS   | AMAZON  

BOOK DETAILS

ebook, 175 pages

Published February 2nd 2016 by Appleton Publishing Avenue

ISBN13 9781941841426

Edition Language English

Hearts of Parkerburg series

Christmas in His Heart #1 – Dermot & Xander’s story
Heart on the Run #2 – Chaz & Sprocket’s story
Fire of the Heart #3 – Craig & Melrose’s story

A Lila Review: The Assassin’s Pet by Nana G

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

The Assassin's PetCamille Adnet is a new vampire trying to survive on his own. We first met him, alone and hungry, as he tries to will himself to kill. As a nobleman, he lived a life of comfort and not even when hunting for sport, he was unable to kill his prey. Things had not changed now that he’s a vampire.

As he traveled, he stops by an isolated cabin and gets the opportunity to get a kill. When he’s on the side of a sleeping woman, Damien let his presence be known, stopping Camille. From that moment on, the vampire is drawn to the Sulis assassin.

His luck didn’t get any better, as Camille follows bandits trying to scavenger his meals. He has lost a lot of weight, his eyes turned red, and his skin has a blue hue due to the lack of nourishment. Camille is becoming desperate and contemplating ideas on how to survive. Is then that he recognizes Damien’s scent and decides to offer his services, his loyalty, and his submission in exchange for regular meals and protection.

Becoming Damien’s pet isn’t what they expected. The bond between them cemented into a lovely relationship that brings Damien’s protectiveness and Camille’s loyalty to the forefront. Together, they start a journey that would bring them closer, sealing their faith and future into one.

The Assassin’s Pet is Nana G’s first novel. A delightful mixture of fantasy, paranormal, and erotic elements. The story is very well-written, and the characters will bring a smile to your face, even when they are killing to survive. The author has a way with words, wrapping the reader into the events and the developing relationship.

The beginning and the end felt a little rush, but the central aspects of the tale were interesting and enticing. We get to explore the MCs’ world with them, as we learned more about Damien’s job and way of living. And how Camille’s innocence and life struggles shaped their future. Damien more than an assassin is an angel of death and Camille his reason to live.

Their journey and the fantasy elements are up-to-par. We get to see vampires, mages, assassins, necromancers, priests, and other traditional tropes, but all with a particular twist, unique to the author. I’d love to see more stories set in this world, perhaps more from Camille and Damien, or new couples that existed in the same realm.

The story is label as a gay erotic fantasy with light BDSM, but in reality, these elements are minimal. Yes, the sex is explicit, the MCs are in a Master/Slave relationship, and there’s some spanking involved (not for punishment), but their journey is about so much more. It is a romance story with a philosophical view of life and death. Topped with a strong HFN and the possibility of new adventures to come. Definitely, a fantasy story worth reading.

The cover is very dark, but it shows a good depiction of Camille wearing Damien’s gift. Perhaps, hiding in the shadows.

Sale Links:  Amazon | Smashwords

Book Details:

ebook, 189 pages
Published: January 3, 2016, Self-Published
ISBN: 9781310868450

Edition Language: English

A BJ Review: F.I.S.T.S. Handbook For Individual Survival in Hostile Environments by Bey Deckard

Rating:  5 stars out of 5        ★★★★★

Sarge (F.I.S.T.S #1) – 5 stars

FISTSSergeant Wilkes has had a long and prestigious military career. When he’s injured on the front, Murphy brings him in. Murphy is the opposite of Sarge… big, tattooed, and delightfully submissive. Can a couple space marines stationed on an alien planet where an endless war rages on find something special in each other?

Gritty, violent, somewhat gory short novella. Its kinky, smoking hot and romantic almost in spite of itself. This story made me bawl like a baby, and I loved it!

Sarge is an older, hardened officer Dom; Murphy a younger 6ft 8in quiet, muscular, tattooed, sweet enlisted sub. Murphy also has the ability to see psychic/emotional colors (auras?). The two come together when Sarge is injured   fighting on the front line, and Murphy uses his special talent to help him. Right there on the battlefield, wounded and in pain, Sarge propositions Murphy:

“You’re a good boy, Murph,” he says softly to me. “You get me home, get me patched up, and you’ll see what good boys get.” 

At first it’s just an interesting diversion for Sarge, but that changes as he comes to realize what he’s found in Murphy.

Murphy is intelligent, but he doesn’t talk much. And damn it, he doesn’t need to because the nuance of communication between him and Sarge is exquisite. When it comes to D/s, one thing that fascinates me is when the physically larger guy is the submissive/bottom. And my goodness isn’t Murphy an enticing one.  But it’s more the two together that really gets me about this story. They’re perfect together. Such devotion. I was seriously holding my breath and biting my nails at the end.

Speaking of the ending, it felt a bit abrupt at first. But the more I thought on it, the more I realized that wasn’t the case–the ending is perfect. I would love to explain that specifically, but don’t want to spoil it. Just read this little gem. I highly recommend it and cannot wait for the next in this series to come out.

Murphy (F.I.S.T.S. #2) – 4.75 stars

Sometimes when it seems like it’s too late, the right person comes along and opens your eyes…

Murphy is the continuing story of the D/s relationship between two Space Marines who found each other in the midst of hopelessness and misfortune.

Sarge and his newly minted squad travel across the galaxy on a top-secret mission that could help win the war. However, to Murphy something about the mission stinks, and it’s not just the planet they’ve landed on.

After the events of book one ends with a semi-cliffie where we aren’t sure if one of the MC survives, I was very happy when this book came out! It shows us the guys have both survived and gotten off that godforsaken planet. Yes! Not only that, they’ve been promoted and are heroes of a sort.

I enjoyed getting Sarge’s point of view here–enjoyed watching the veteran soldier trying to keep his growing feelings for Murphy in check (and sometimes failing); enjoyed the chance to view Murphy from someone else’s perspective; and enjoyed that even though it’s Murphy who can see the colors of other people’s emotions, Sarge is so keyed in to Murphy that it’s nearly the same for him even without a special sense. I just love how neither of these guys really have to vocalize much because they are just so perfectly in tune to each other.

Must admit that getting to read from his own POV how the crusty old career solider goes all gooey and vulnerable over his big moose of a soldier boy was a delightful treat. And this about sums it up in Sarge’s own words:

“My career has always come first. Always. What the hell are you supposed to do when something else becomes more important?”

This short story serves up kinky, raunchy sex, hurt/comfort, sweet love, a bigger bottom/sub and a smaller top/Dom, and a dangerous mission gone wrong that offers up a good helping of plot and action.

The Missing Reel

A short scene from Sarge (F.I.S.T.S #1) which the author left out in order to keep the nature of their relationship somewhat ambiguous.

It takes place a week after the explosion that took Sarge’s eye and shows their first encounter after Sarge’s comment about seeing what “good boys get.” Perfect little scene that I’m glad the author decided to give us the opportunity to read the first time these guys interacted in this dynamic and felt it gave an insight that set the tone for the rest of the relationship. Since this is a deleted scene from the first story, I’m not going to rate it separately.

The cover on this anthology is pretty plain, meant to emulate a must used/stained field manual.

Sales Link:  Amazon


Book Details:  

143 pages

Published July 7th, 2015 by Bey Deckard

Kindle Edition
Published June 8th 2015 (first published June 1st 2015)
ASINB00ZA9T6WE
Edition LanguageEnglish

Love a Little Bit of Mystery with Your Shifters? Check out Tawny (Melusine’s Cats #2) by Chris Quinton (excerpt and giveaway)

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Tawny (Melusine’s Cats #2) by Chris Quinton
 Release Date: March 1, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Kouros Books
Cover Artist: Meredith Russell

Blurb

Melusine, a deity of rivers and seas, long ago lost the Battle of the Betrayal and is imprisoned in a nexus centred on the source of the Lynn River. She can only travel in the flowing water of her river, and cannot set foot on her banks. Her cats are not so bound. Neither pets nor familiars, they move freely between the realities, her agents among the humans who live along the Lynn.

When Melusine’s enemies come to the valley in search of revenge, she needs to rebuild the war band she has lost over the centuries. Her cats are the keys to this. Each one is a guardian, and formidable in its greater avatar. A guardian, along with two chosen warriors, form a triad. All three must come into the triad willingly, and as willingly give their oaths of loyalty to her. But Melusine is both prisoner and prison-keeper, and now must gather triads to guard that other dungeon at all costs.

Hal Rayner enjoys his job at Greenlynn’s Black Dog pub. He gets on well with the locals, and has been adopted by the usually standoffish pub cat. Then the dreams start, a red-headed stranger turns up, and before he knows it, Hal is caught up in other-worldly danger and weirdness. The cat, Tawny, is right in the middle of it, and Hal can’t understand how a common or garden mog can become something out of a prehistoric nightmare.

Gryffyth, the son of Nodens Silverhand, has been released from long imprisonment, and despite the unhealed wound given to him by Melusine in that distant battle, the years haven’t blunted his hunger for revenge. He is still loyal to Gronw, and when Morgan sends for him, he willingly gives his aid. Gryff is determined to find and free his imprisoned liege lord. Then he meets Hal and Tawny, and suddenly the rules have changed.

 

Pages or Words: 62,000 words
Can be read as a standalone

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, M/M Romance, Give, Paranormal

 

Excerpt

Four men stood grouped around a fifth, and the contrast between them struck Hal as odd. The quartet looked to be city-types in their mid and late twenties, were well-dressed in Barbour jackets, smart jeans and leather shoes. The fifth man was a fair bit older, in his late forties maybe, dark-haired, and with a rugged, unshaven appearance that matched his serviceable but well-worn clothes and boots. His air of authority was palpable, and made the four seem like posturing schoolboys. A large black and tan dog that might be a cross between a German Shepherd and a shaggy bear lounged at his feet. The scene seemed off to Hal, and tension began to gather in his belly.

“Who is he, Betts?” he asked over his shoulder. “I haven’t seen him around here before.”

She joined him at the window. “No idea, sweetie. He’s a stranger to me. Is he ticking them off?”

“No, I’m pretty sure not.” Hal frowned. “It’s more like he’s telling them something. I’m going to see if I can hear what’s going on.” A few empties on some of the picnic tables gave him a valid reason to be outside, so he picked up a tray and walked casually into the beer garden. He collected the glasses and bottles from one table and edged nearer to the group.

“—and wait behind the hedges,” the dark man was saying. “Go now, they’ll be here soon.”

“Okay, and we can do what we like, right?” one of the four said with an eagerness that set Hal’s hackles up.

“You can,” the man drawled, and two hurried away, laughing and jostling each other.

“You said you’d make sure there won’t be any repercussions,” another said, “no matter what.”

“I did. But only if you are victorious. Fail and I won’t be able to protect you.”

“We won’t—” A rumbling growl from the dog cut over the words and Hal glanced down to see he was the focus of the animal’s gaze.

Hal didn’t hesitate. He approached their table, ostensibly relaxed, his expression easygoing and friendly.

“Sorry to interrupt, folks. Let me clear away your empties.” He reached in front of the dark man and began to gather up the bottles and glasses. “Can I bring you refills?”

“Fuck off, yokel!” a burly blond snarled and shoved him. Hal swayed easily with the push, and the man caught Blondie’s wrist and held him back.

“That’s enough, Harry. Thank you, no,” he continued, his smile for Hal genial and unthreatening. “We’re about to leave.”

“Have a good day,” he responded, stacked the last glasses on the tray and left. Before he reached the door of the inn, the three of them were on their way out onto the footpath, the dog at their heels.

“Thank God for that,” Betty said as he entered. “Did you hear anything?”

“I think they’re planning to ambush someone, and I don’t think it’s supposed to be a joke. If they’re already slagging off Jesse, perhaps—”

“Oh, damn! What do I do?” But she was already reaching for the mobile phone in her pocket. “I’m calling the cops. I’d sooner have Bob Henshaw tear me off a strip for wasting police time than leave our lads to get a beating from those little shites.”

“Good idea. I’m going back out there to see what they’re up to.”

“Take care.”

Hal gave her a swift smile and hurried out to the garden. He didn’t get far. Tawny stood in his path, back arched, fur on end and ears flattened.

No. The word punched into his brain with enough force to rock him back on his heels. Stay here. This is not yet a fight for you.

Not for a second did Hal doubt where that message came from. He gaped at the cat, but before he could rally himself, Betty rushed out of the doorway and grabbed his arm.

“Bob and Ayesha are on their way—he says stay out of it and leave it up to them.”

“As if.” He snorted and started for the door.

No! Another mental blast struck him, and Hal flinched. At the same time, raised voices came from down the path. Jeers and laughter reached him, then shouts of consternation, and Betty gasped in alarm.

“Oh, heck! I heard Will just then.”

Hal swore under his breath. Jesse and Will ran together most days, and showed up at the Black Dog on a regular basis. If the strangers were here to duff Jesse up, he and Will would need all the help they could get. This time, Hal didn’t get that silent rebuke, and when he looked down, Tawny had disappeared.

 
Buy the book: ARe | Amazon | Smashwords

 

Meet the author:

Chris started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was ten, and it was probably the best gift she’d ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.

Chris’s reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, writing mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes the occasional male/female novel in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, or listens to audio books while quilting or knitting. Over the years she has been a stable lad [briefly] in a local racing stable and stud, a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, a civilian clerk at her local police station and a 15th century re-enactor.

She lives in a small and ancient city not far from Stonehenge in the south-west of the United Kingdom, and shares her usually chaotic home with her extended family, three dogs, a Frilled Dragon [lizard], sundry goldfish and tropicals.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, The Hat Party, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words,

BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, The Jena Wade, Kirsty Loves Books, Louise Lyons,

Happily Ever Chapter, A.M. Leibowitz, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Velvet Panic

Charley Descoteaux, MM Good Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Molly Lolly, Nephy Hart,

Outrageous Heroes, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

Giveaway

Enter to Win.  Must be  18 years of age or older to enter.

 

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Love Alternative Romance? Don’t Miss Out On Dusk Peterson’s ‘Rebirth’ (Excerpt and Giveaway)

rebirth6x9

Rebirth (The Eternal Dungeon # 1) by Dusk Peterson
 Release Date: February, 2016

Goodreads Link
 Publisher: Love in Dark Settings Press
Cover Artist: Dusk Peterson

Blurb

“‘This prisoner deserves special treatment.’ The hooded man looked over at the young man again.”

Elsdon Taylor, a prisoner accused of committing a terrible murder. Layle Smith, a torturer with a terrible past. Their meeting in the Eternal Dungeon appears certain to bring out the worst in both men.

Yet neither man is quite what he appears. As the prisoner and his torturer begin to be drawn toward each other, the ripple effects of their meeting will have a powerful impact on other inhabitants of the Eternal Dungeon: Layle’s faithful guard, struggling to contain his doubts. A younger guard determined to take any shortcuts necessary to ensure that his life follows the path he has already chosen. An old love from Layle’s past, still sorrowing. And most of all, a prisoner who has not yet arrived at the Eternal Dungeon, but whose fate will depend on how Layle handles Elsdon Taylor . . . and on how Elsdon handles Layle Smith.

A winner of the 2011 Rainbow Awards (within the “The Eternal Dungeon” omnibus), this tale of love and adventure can be read on its own or as the first volume in The Eternal Dungeon, a speculative fiction series set in a nineteenth-century prison where the psychologists wield whips.

The Eternal Dungeon series is part of Turn-of-the-Century Toughs, a cycle of alternate history series (Waterman, Life Prison, Commando, Michael’s House, The Eternal Dungeon, and Dark Light) about adults and youths on the margins of society, and the people who love them. Set in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the novels and stories take place in an alternative version of America that was settled by inhabitants of the Old World in ancient times. As a result, the New World retains certain classical and medieval customs.

 

Pages or Words: 130,000 words
 Categories: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Historical

Excerpt:

“Do you have any questions?” the Seeker asked. “About the routine of the dungeon? The times you will be fed? The questions you will be asked? The instruments of torture I use?”

The faintness went beyond Elsdon’s voice this time and entered his body. He could feel the sweat upon his skin; he wondered whether he had turned white. He blurted out, “What if I’m innocent?”

The Seeker’s gaze did not waver. “If you are innocent, then I trust that our time together will be short. I would far rather find a prisoner innocent than guilty; too many prisoners are sent to us, and the quicker that we can release them from here, the better. If your release is to the lighted world rather than to the executioner, it is likely to come more quickly. But we are commissioned by the Queen to ascertain the truth of accusations of death-sentence crimes, and we are committed to fulfill that commission. Please don’t waste my time with false pleas of innocence, Mr. Taylor. It will only make our time together more difficult.”

Buy the book:

http://duskpeterson.com/eternaldungeon/#rebirth

 

 

Meet the author:

Honored in the Rainbow Awards, Dusk Peterson writes historical adventure tales that are speculative fiction: alternate history, historical fantasy, and retrofuture science fiction, including lgbtq novels and other types of diverse fiction. Friendship, family affection, faithful service, and romance often occur in the stories. A resident of Maryland, Mx. Peterson lives with an apprentice and several thousand books. Visit duskpeterson.com for e-books and free fiction.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, Jessie G. Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Sassygirl Books, Oh My Shelves,

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Full Moon Dreaming, Bayou Book Junkie, The Hat Party, BFD Book Blog,

Kirsty Loves Books, The Jena Wade, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Lovers 4Ever, Outrageous Heroes,

Wake Up Your Wild Side, Mikky’s World of Books, Nephy Hart, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic

 

Giveaway

Enter to win. Must be 18 years of age or older. Link and prize provided by Pride Promotions.

 

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Nicola Haken “Broken” Author Guest Spot and New Release/Author Introduction

Broken

Broken byNicola Haken

Buy It Here at Amazon

Today Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words welcomes Nicola Haken, author of Broken to sit down and talk a little about herself and her latest release broken.  Hi, Nicola, thanks for answering some questions for our readers today.

Why did you make the jump from M/F romance to M/M romance? (Being Sawyer Knight is your first MM I believe)

 

I’ve always written the kind of stuff I like to read. When I first started writing, MF New Adult stories were my favourite and they remained that way for a long time…until I discovered MM! I genuinely had no idea the MM genre existed and became really curious after reading Freeing by EK Blair – an mm novella spinoff in her MF Fading series. Something about that story resonated with me. In intrigued me so much I read it again almost straight away. I wanted more, but didn’t know I could get it. Then I accidentally stumbled upon Double Full by Kindle Alexander and one-clicked it without knowing what the story was about. That was the day I discovered this whole genre of MM goodness existed and I haven’t looked back since.

 

Deciding to write MM myself was really scary! It’s a much smaller (although growing) genre and the readers in it know exactly what they like to read and I had no idea if I’d be able to give them that. But I took a deep breath and gave it a go, did my thing, and was completely blown away by how well Being Sawyer Knight was received.

 

I feel like I’ve found my home. MM is my favourite thing to read, and to write. I love the chemistry between the leading characters. I love being in the heads of ‘my’ guys. I love seeing struggles they shouldn’t even have to face being resolved, seeing them in love and accepted, all the while hoping this will be real life for all people one day. Most of all I love the community feel of the MM genre. I’ve made some incredible friends here, gained amazing readers and support.

 

I did jump to MM romance, and I’m pretty sure I’m here to stay (if they’ll have me lol).

 

Souls of the Knight was set in the US. Being British, was it difficult to acclimate to US slang, etc?

 

Yes! This is where American beta readers come in handy to put me in my place. Like most people, I knew the basics – trunk/boot, chips/crisps, elevator/lift, etc. – but there are so many phrases and words that I had no idea weren’t used across the pond! As with all aspects of writing, learning the lingo is something I’ve got better at with each book, although I’m sure if you look hard enough there will no doubt be telltale signs that I’m a Brit at heart.

 

Broken is set in London, any reason for the switch back “home”?

 

It’s actually set in Manchester, and my reason for that is simply because I live there. This book focuses on mental health and I know how the services and support offered works in my area. It’s something I have a lot of experience with, and I’m sure things work differently in the US. They also differ in the UK, depending on which area of the country you live in, so that is why I stuck with my hometown, because I know the facts to be true of someone who lives here. It was also really refreshing to not have to worry about language and slang mistakes. I could use words that spill out of my mouth every day, like skint, minging, and tosser, and know that they wouldn’t be out of place!

 

Will Broken lead to a series? (this may get deleted after I finish the book because it might answer the question

 

No. Broken is a standalone. James and Theo’s story is complete, which makes me a little sad because I love those guys.

 

Do you set certain hours or times to write or do you write when you can or when the mood strikes?”

 

With four children it’s very much a case of whenever and wherever I can! There aren’t many times where I can sit down with my laptop so I write everything the old-fashioned way, with a pen and a notepad which I carry around everywhere with me in a carrier bag (not very glamorous, I know!) and then type it up when I get the chance. 

Blurb

When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan.

Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.

James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him.

Just a little fun – that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding.

Broken.

Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James?

Please note:This book contains scenes of self harm, mental illness and suicidal ideation which may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Bio:

Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (seven if you include the dog and cats!) She is the author of Broken, the MM romance Souls of the Knight series, and the New Adult/Contemporary MF romance novels Missing Pieces, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties. Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…

Contact Nicola at

A Stella Review: Spencer Cohen (The Spencer Cohen Series #1) by N.R. Walker

RATING  4,5 out of 5 stars

Spencer Cohen Book 1Spencer Cohen is the guy who gets answers to relationship questions. Playing the role of the new lover, his job is to make his client’s ex realise one of two things: he doesn’t want to break up or he really does. Either way, his client gets answers.

The ex would either apologize and beg, or turn and walk. But in the end, Spencer’s client won. If he wanted his ex back and got him, it was great. If the guy walked away, then as hard it was for the client, he knew it was over. Regardless of the outcome, Spencer’s work was done.

Andrew Landon’s ex left him without so much as an explanation. But his sister can’t stand to see him miserable, so, much to Andrew’s dismay, they hire Spencer to be Andrew’s new boyfriend to get the ex back.

For Spencer, it is never personal. Merely a business transaction. No emotions, no strings, no complications.

Yeah right.

Even a blind man could see how this would end.

Spencer Cohen is the first book in a new series  by N.R. Walker and it was an amazing start. It was quite some time since I’ve read this author and I’ve honestly missed her style. This book gave me a so needed rush of fresh air.

I soon connected with the characters. This is a specific trait of N.R. Walker’s style. She always does this element great. She has a unique style, very recognizable, the words flow so easily it’s a joy to read it. I soon found myself into the story. There wasn’t time (as often happens to me) to adjust to a new book. I was there with Spencer and Andrew from the start.

The characters were all enjoyable. Especially Andrew. His not knowing well himself and his abilities, not understanding the care and kindness Spencer treated him with, was cute to watch but hurtful too. A special guy like him should have been more aware of himself. The attraction between them was clear since the first meeting and it develops exponentially through the story. Plus they are funny together, smart and sweet in their dates.

Two things left me a little dubious during the reading and they are the reason why I didn’t gave Spencer Cohen the full five stars: one is the use of the single point of view (Spencer’s one) and I’m  not sure it was the right choice because I am still curious about what was going on Andrew’s mind. The second was the fact that two days after their first meeting Spencer realized he had feelings for Andrew, maybe it was really too soon but  at the end it worked pretty well.

I  highly recommend this new book by N.R. Walker, it’s easy, beautiful and well written, I want more. Yes, it’s a light book but there is a lot going on in Spencer life that I want to know more in the next book.

The cover art by Sara York is simply fantastic! I love this style and I would love to see more of  covers of this kind.

Sales Link:  Amazon

BOOK DETAILS

Kindle Edition, 137 pages
Published February 18th 2016 by BlueHeart
ASIN B01BOB6L56
Edition Language English

The Spencer Cohen Series #1

Its the End for the Bend Over Series with Brina Brady’s ‘Spanked in the Woodshed’ (excerpt and giveaway)

Spanked in the Woodshed E-Book Cover

  • Spanked in the Woodshed (Bend Over #3) by Brina Brady
     Release Date: March 11, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Brina Brady
Cover Artist: Kellie Dennis – Book Cover by Design

Blurb

Young Shane gets himself in trouble again with his Dom. Afraid of Julien thinking he is insane when he believes someone is following him at the university, he makes matters worse for himself. He wants to please him, make him happy, and be the best sub for Julien.

His Dom gives him everything he needs. He helps him learn to deal with his problems the right way and not with drugs. He pays for his college and lets him work at one of his clubs to be independent and earn some of his own money.

Something or someone always seems to get in the way of their progress. This time besides the lies and rule breaking, it’s a couple of different people trying to ruin their relationship.

Julien tries to be patient with Shane. He loves him and wants to be the safe place Shane can always come home to, but misunderstandings, lies, and shortcomings threaten this couple the one thing they need more than anything else, each other.

This story is steamy hot, but it isn’t just a story of BDSM. It is a story of love with a super HEA to end the series.

 

Pages or Words: 70,000 words
Series should be read in order – this is the final book of the series
 Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance

Excerpt

When Shane O’Rourke’s cell phone buzzed on the end table, he straightened up against the headboard in bed to read the message. There was no question as to who was messaging him at noon. Sure enough, Julien’s leather-clad picture wallpapered his screen. Shane’s stomach constricted and his clammy hands trembled. He inhaled a deep breath to center himself. Fuck no. Julien had told him that they couldn’t meet for lunch because of some business meeting with his partner, Adam. Shane didn’t have a clue what prompted him to check up on him.

Shane hadn’t attended school the entire week. He didn’t mention it to Julien, because he was supposed to attend all of his classes according to their agreement for tuition.

Julien: “Where are you?”

Shane: “UCLA.”

Julien: “Did you take a bus?”

Shane: “My motorcycle.” Why would he ask me if I took a bus? He knows I ride my bike. It doesn’t make any sense.

Three minutes later the bedroom door busted open. Julien stood in the doorway, arms folded and glared at him. Shane knew that particular look, and it never meant anything good on the horizon. He shouldn’t have lied to Julien. He always found out, one way or another. When would he learn from his past mistakes? His father had been right; he was nothing but a liar going straight to hell.

Buy the book:

US Amazon | UK Amazon  | DE Amazon | FR Amazon | CA Amazon | AU Amazon

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Meet the author:

I am from Huntington Beach, Ca. I taught various subjects at a Continuation High School in Los Angeles, California for 27 years. I obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in history, Secondary Social Science Credential and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Reading and Secondary Education from California State University, Long Beach. I also enrolled in some creative writing classes at UCLA.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, The Hat Party, Bayou Book Junkie, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews,

Alpha Book Club, The Dark Arts, Mikky’s World of Books, The Jena Wade, Inked Rainbow Reads, Unquietly Me, Happily Ever Chapter, MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Jessie G. Books,

Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, MM Book Escape, Full Moon Dreaming, V’s Reads, Man2ManTastic,

Up All Night, Read All Day, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Charley Descoteaux, Multitasking Mommas, Caraway Carter, Iyana Jenna, Outrageous Heroes, Bonkers About Books, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat,

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Gay Media Reviews, Kirsty Loves Books

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win.  Must be 18 years of age or older.
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