Nathaniel O’Donnelly likes his life quiet, his guests happy, and his ghosts well-behaved.
Although a boyfriend wouldn’t go amiss. Someone to share his beautiful B&B with, even if it is in the middle of nowhere and he’s long past the wrong side of thirty. Problem is, Nathaniel’s living with a ghost who thinks he’s cupid, and whose arrows fly a little too straight.
Gabriel Wickfield had the unfortunate luck of dying before his time, and now he’s stuck trying to make romance happen to earn his right to move along. Not that he’s bored in the meantime–Nathaniel is just too easy to tease. And also a little bit scrumptious…
With the curse reaching its expiration date, Gabriel needs to make this final match this Christmas. Without it, nothing but darkness awaits.
Love can conquer all, but can it beat death?
I thought the The Winter Spirit by Indra Vaughn was an okay holiday novella. This author did a pretty good job with the character of Gabriel. I liked him, but I wish we would have had more information on him. I didn’t understand Owen’s involvement in the story at all. I felt like if we were going to focus on Nathaniel and Gabriel’s “relationship”, then the Owen parts could have been cut and we have more viable information on those two. I have so many questions; it’s a couple of holes in the plot. I see where she was trying to go, but I don’t understand how it was executed without any explanations.
Nathaniel’s character is someone who I’m on the fence about. I can’t tell if I like him or dislike him. On one hand he did really good things with his guest, Elisa, as well as Gabriel. On the other hand, how he handled and reacted towards Owen left a lot to be determined for me. They speak of a past knowing each other, but from the little that is given I’m kind of lost on what actually happened. I wish we would have had a few more chapters of this story. I was really getting into it at the end. I really do like the author’s writing style; it’s very easy to read and flows nicely.
Cover Art by: Wicked Smart Designs, This was a nice cover. It fits with the title, and I love the colors that were used in the design.
Sales Links: All Romance (ARe) | Amazon
Book Details:
eBook, 125 pages,
November 18, 2015, 2015 by Indra Ink Publishing
Paul Jansen was the only one of his friends who wanted a relationship. Naturally, he’s the last single man standing. No gay man within a fifty-mile radius wants more than casual sex. No one, that is, except too-young, too-twinky Kyle Parks, who sends him suggestive texts and leaves X-rated snow sculptures on his front porch.
Kyle is tired of being the town’s resident Peter Pan. He’s twenty-five, not ten, and despite his effeminate appearance, he’s nothing but the boss in bed. He’s loved Paul since forever, and this Christmas, since they’re both working on the Winter Wonderland festival, he might finally get his chance for a holiday romance.
But Paul comes with baggage. His ultra-conservative family wants him paired up with a woman, not a man with Logan’s rainbow connection. When their anti-LGBT crusade spills beyond managing Paul’s love life and threatens the holiday festival, Kyle and Paul must fight for everyone’s happily ever after, including their own.
Warning: Contains erotic snow art, toppy twinks, and super-sweet holiday moments. Best savored with a mug of hot chocolate with a dash of spice
Heidi Cullinan has always enjoyed a good love story, provided it has a happy ending. Proud to be from the first Midwestern state with full marriage equality, Heidi is a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. She writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because she believes there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. When Heidi isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, playing with her cats, and watching television with her family. Find out more about Heidi at http://www.heidicullinan.com.
Grand prize giveaway open from November 1-30. Includes paperback copies of Let It Snow, Sleigh Ride, and Winter Wonderland, and a Logan-themed mug. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Prizes and link provided by the author. Good luck and happy reading!
Minnesota Christmas series. What happens when the three bears of a little Minnesota town go looking for love? Find out with the Minnesota Christmas series from Heidi Cullinan.
Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Jessie G author of Safety in Numbers, book five in the Sizzling Miami series. Hi Jessie, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.
Someone asks you for advice about writing. What do you tell them?
I try not to give advice because writing is a very individual and solitary pursuit. That said, there is a few things I’ve learned along the way that I can share. First and foremost, writing classes are good for general purposes but if you try to write to some formula or strict rules, the story won’t flow. What you absolutely need to know is who, where and why—after that, let the first draft write itself. Let it go off on tangents, let it birth new characters you never intended, and stop trying to wrangle it into some stiff, bullet pointed list of events.
Once you have a first draft, read it and then reread it. In your head, aloud, print it out and mark it up, work and tweak it until you’ve refined it. It may be close to the plotted outline you worked up, if you’re that type of writer, but odds are you’ll find surprises—good surprises—that were lurking in that creative brain of yours that you hadn’t planned for. After you have a solid second draft, read it and then reread it. Print it out and mark it up. Rinse and repeat until you fall in love, and only then do you have a piece that’s ready for someone else’s eyes.
For me, that’s my editor. She gets my first final draft and only after we’ve gone through a full round of edits do I give my WIP to my beta readers. Then I walk away from it until I have the second round of edits back along with all the beta feedback. Once I’ve applied what I agree with, I consider the book done. Sure, I could go around and around and around, and if there was something major my editor had issues with, we’d work that out accordingly. But usually by this point, I’ve reworked my story about ten times. Several on my own, two or three with the editor and betas, and it runs the risk of becoming overworked.
In that window that I’ve walked away, I think about the next book on my timeline. It helps me avoid overworking by focusing my creative mind on the next characters.
Still, like I said before, writing is a very individual and solitary pursuit. You have to find your process. The only thing I’m a hundred percent sure of is that trying to stick to everything I learned in all those creative writing classes stunted my creativity. Now I let it flow, I tweak, and I have an editor and betas who keep me from straying too far outside the lines.
Thank you so much for hosting Safety in Numbers today. Good luck to all who enter the rafflecopter and if anyone has any questions, I’ll be stopping by to answer. – Jessie
Blurb
“Bros stick together no matter what.”
When Chris and Liam made that promise, they had no idea how important it would become or how it would be tested in the most brutal way. Nine years later, their bond cemented in blood, that relationship is all they have to hold on to.
“No matter what happens, this friendship will be the one constant we can count on.”
When Billy and Owen made that promise, they knew exactly how dangerous the world could be. They survived prison by protecting each other and they survived freedom by holding that promise sacred. Now they want more than just to survive and they want it from the brothers whose bond is as strong as their own.
“We are stronger together than we’ll ever be apart.”
When Owen reaches his breaking point, Chris jumps at the chance to make things right for all of them. With the future in their grasp, will they realize their strength is in their numbers and finally become the family they crave?
Author’s Note: This is NOT a foursome, but the story of two couples that needed to be told together.
Excerpt
That silence hid a lot from their friends, but Liam knew Chris was plagued with memories far worse than his. That’s why they decided not to celebrate alone this year. Billy and Owen were expected any minute and it was the first time they invited anyone to join them. The anniversary was bittersweet for them and they chose to celebrate it because becoming brothers meant that much to them. “Do you think they’ll find it stupid?”
Chris just shrugged as if it was no skin off his back what they thought and Liam knew that was just bravado. Fact was, they both very much cared what the two men thought. “Liar.”
His brother sighed and dropped his head back. As if shit wasn’t fucked up enough, they fell for two bastards just as fucked up as they were. “I know you’re worried about Owen. The business with Colin is growing out of their control and I’m not sure why he thinks it’s a good thing. Is he trying to prove something? And the middle of the night phone calls from the FTR? He’s looking more and more fragile every day.”
Liam knew he wasn’t stating anything new. What he didn’t know was what Chris intended to do about it. Lately, when it came to Owen, Chris conveyed zero intent and seemed to be waiting for Owen to read him as effortlessly as Liam did. Their brother bond had been forged through blood and he was afraid Chris’s expectations of Owen were unreasonable. “Do you see his face every time he thinks he’s failed to understand you? The weight of it is crushing.”
Instead of regret, all Liam saw was anger in Chris. It wasn’t a common emotion for Chris and Liam could name every time he saw it. The fact that Chris knew what he was capable of if provoked had made him extremely conscious of that emotion and he often went to great lengths to contain it.
Owen was the very definition of insecure. Just the type to inspire Chris’s protective instincts, which Liam knew for a fact Owen did. Hell, he inspired Liam’s protective instincts. Owen was stubborn though and he often distanced himself, keeping things bottled up until they manifested elsewhere. Like in panic attacks that felt like heart attacks, which he also tried to hide. Liam nearly lost it when they found out that Billy was keeping Owen’s secret.
Chris nodded slowly, as if he completely followed Liam’s train of thought and waited for him to connect the dots. And just like that, Liam understood. “You’re pissed because he doesn’t come to you when the panic sets in. That he hides it from you and they hide it from us.”
It made total sense, but he had to wonder if they were expecting too much. After all, they couldn’t call what was going on with either man a relationship. No, they were four fucked up bastards trying to come together in some romanticwhat? Not a foursome, eww…he loved Chris, but yeah, that just wasn’t happening. And Owen wasn’t his type any more than Billy was Chris’s type. But—always with the fucking buts, right?—what was happening was very definitely happening to the four of them, and Liam now had to wonder if that was the problem, because trying to come together was definitely not the same as being together.
Chris shook his head and shifted in his seat. No, he was right. It wasn’t just their brother bond that made it impossible to move forward as two separate couples. Billy and Owen had formed their own unique friendship in prison and were no more likely to move forward without the other one either. “Just once, couldn’t we have done something the easy way?”
The fire door banged open and Liam turned to see Billy and Owen, arms full of brightly wrapped packages, struggling to pull a huge cluster of balloons through the door. It was a shocking contrast to their dark thoughts and so uncharacteristically sweet of both men. Billy caught their surprised stare and yelled, “Is this where the party’s at?”
“It is now.” It might seem silly, but it was exactly what they needed and exactly who they needed it from. Maybe they hadn’t been expecting too much at all. Liam rose to give them a hand and glanced down to see the look of longing in Chris’s eyes and thought maybe it was time they all expected more.
Pages or Words: 76,000 words Categories: Gay fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Like many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I’d begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: to be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it’s a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With six published books to date, three series in the works and a full schedule of releases planned for the next two years, it’s been amazing to have made this dream my reality.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I’m a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you’ll find throughout my books.
Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 2-$25 ebook GC (Amazon, B&N, ARE, or KOBO) winner’s choice, as well as 2 signed paperbacks of Safety in Numbers. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
What Happens At Christmas by Jay Northcote Release Date: November 19, 2015
Goodreads Link Publisher: Jaybird Press Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Blurb
When two friends pose as boyfriends, could what happens at Christmas turn into something more?
Justin is recently and unhappily single. Christmas is coming, and he doesn’t want to face his ex alone at their office party. So Sean—Justin’s best mate and long-time secret crush—volunteers to go with him and pretend to be his new flame.
Sean has always lusted after Justin from afar, but there’s never been a good opportunity to ask him for more than friendship. Posing as Justin’s boyfriend isn’t a chore, and if Justin wants to rebound onto him, Sean’s more than willing. At the party pretence and reality blur, and a kiss on the dance floor leads to a night of passion.
In the aftermath, they both assume it was a one-time thing until fate intervenes. Stuck together in London over the holidays, they give in to temptation again. But what happens at Christmas stays at Christmas… right?
Excerpt
Justin’s phone chimed with a text, interrupting Sean’s train of thought.
Justin picked up his phone to read the message. “Ugh.” He put the phone back down without typing a reply and ran his hands through his hair.
“What’s up?”
Justin sighed. “It’s our work Christmas party next weekend. I’ve already got a ticket, and nearly everyone in the office goes, but it’s for partners as well. One of my co-workers, Jess, is bugging me to come, but I can’t face it. I bet Andy’s going to bring his new boyfriend. I know he’s a shit and I shouldn’t let him get to me, but the thought of him parading around with my replacement, and me being there on my own, isn’t very appealing.”
“Is it too late to find someone to take?”
“No, they don’t need final numbers till Monday.”
“Well, then. Take someone else and flirt like crazy in front of him. Show him you can do better and that you’ve already moved on.”
“But I’m not ready to date. It’s only been two weeks, and I’m still at the feeling-sorry-for-myself stage.”
“I’ll go with you,” Sean offered. “I could be your date. We could pretend we’ve got together and are a couple now.”
“Yeah?” Justin looked thoughtful. “Are you sure?”
Duh. It would hardly be much of a sacrifice to flirt with Justin all night. It would actually be a relief not to have to hide the way he felt for a change.
“Sure,” Sean replied. “I think I can manage to fake that I’m arse-over-tit infatuated with you. As long as it’s only for a few hours.”
“Gee, thanks.” Justin rolled his eyes. “You really know how to make an already-wounded ego feel better. But if you’re up for it, we should totally do it. Andy was always jealous of you before you went away. He saw you as competition because we lived together and were so close. I’d love to see his face when I walk in with you on my arm. I think he’ll hate it even if he’s moved on.”
“Okay.” Sean rubbed his hands together, excited at the prospect of getting to piss off Andy. “Let’s do it! Text your friend Jess back and tell her you’re in—with a hot date.”
Pages or Words: 37,000 words (approximate) Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.
She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content. One day, she decided to try and write a short story–just to see if she could–and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.
Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Backlist e-copy and a $10 gift card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
“I am serious. I know I have your fear—and I thank you for that—but you’re only just tasting the beginning of what fear can do to you. I find that a good, firm grasp on fear and pain helps to create fertile ground for proper rehabilitation and personal growth… But don’t take my word for it. I just work here.”
Byron isn’t like other men. For those who go out on a weekend night to celebrate, he prefers to spend his time indoors with a victim, savagely ripping them to pieces. For him, it’s a source of joy. For him, it’s life.
But his own crimes and murders of over fifty people eventually catch up to him, and when it becomes time for his soul to be reaped, the devil himself comes to collect. Still, Hell’s never seen evil quite like Byron before, and it’ll take more than torture to get to his core.
The fear of death is what drives man to succumb to his pain—fear weakens the resolve. Without the fear of death, what is left?
Weak stomach? Like things light and fluffy? Then heed my warning and keep on going. This story is gore and macabre from beginning to end.
Verging on torture porn, Deckard manages to weave plot into an infinitely dark story. Bits of Byron’s life are given at times, playing the reader like a true fiddle. Out of nowhere comes sparks of an interesting and intriguing plot. There are times when you may wonder what the point of it is, why read something so dark? Maybe you’re sick, maybe not. No matter the answer, this story is a true mind fuck.
Small hints of something that may resemble pieces of romance take parts of the readers heart, drawing you into a connection that is manufactured for a purpose. To find out why, though, you must read to the very end.
Even more surprising than the conclusion (though I figured it out a bit before it was unraveled), is the little bits of humor. In a story so depraved, it seems impossible to smile, but then the author would throw in a little phrase here or some joke there and it’d break the darkness.
Paired with a dash of hotness, the story is a quick read, but not for the faint of heart by any means.
The cover by Bey Deckard fits the story. It’s dark and has a menacing feel.
I Have You by Grein Murray Series: Spinoff from the ‘Joshua’ series Release Date: November 2, 2015
Goodreads Link Publisher: Grein Murray Cover Artist: Kellie Dennis
Blurb
Kyle and Christopher’s world is about to change. The couple have hidden their relationship to keep Kyle safe from his strict parents, but eventually they find out. Both Kyle and Christopher don’t want to give up the other, it’s just not an option. Kyle is ready for a new start when faced with having to break up with Christopher. Christopher comes up with a plan, but the catch is that they have to leave everything behind. The job Christopher has lined up for them may be crossing the line with Kyle. Will they both do whatever it takes to stay together?
Pages or Words: 101 pages Categories: Gay Fiction, M/M Romance
Excerpt
“Do you ever think about leaving everything behind and just starting a new life? I do all the time, but I’d want you with me.” Kyle had a fierce look in his eyes. “I’m just so tired of hiding my feelings for you and who I am. I have this gorgeous boyfriend, but I have to pretend we’re just friends and I hate it.”
“When we go to college it will be different, Kyle.” Christopher rubbed Kyle’s shoulder, but he shrugged it off.
“No, it won’t. Don’t you understand? If someone that knows my family sees us and tells my parents they will make our lives miserable. We have to be careful, Christopher.” Kyle sat back in the seat, tears pooling in the corner of his eyes.
When I’m not writing I like going to concerts. Music is a big part of my life, I’ve played bass guitar since I was a teen. I love nature and enjoy hiking and working with causes that help protect our planet and wild animals.
I have loved books all of my life and have always enjoyed escaping the ordinary world by getting lost in a good book. I read a lot of different genres of books but have fallen in love with MM. I support the gay community and hope one day people will see that love is love and that it is a beautiful thing no matter your gender, race or religion. Joshua and his story have been in my head for years but I never took the time to write it.
With encouragement from some fellow authors and friends I took the leap and now all of you can get to know my characters and I hope you love them as much as I do.
Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $5.00 Amazon Gift Card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words was expecting Havan Fellows and Lee Brazil today but there seems to be a mixup! Look who arrived along with them, its Sprocket and Chaz from Heart on the Run for a very special and delicious post! Good morning you two and welcome to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
Sprocket: Hey there…come on in, don’t be shy, god knows I’m not. *Sprocket smiles and ushers everyone in* For those that might not know me (which is pretty much everyone), my name is Sprocket Moretti. I’m a spunky twenty-three year old that attends college and works at Craft Time—a craft and fabric store in the heart of Parkerburg, right next to the finest dining establishment in the state, Alimentaire. That’s where I met Chaz *Sprocket sighs as he stares at the hot ginger in the corner of the kitchen bent over the counter with a bowl and whisk in his hands* one extremely talented sous chef, with a great ass.
Chaz: *glances over shoulder and blushes* Aw… C’mon Sprocket! How can I cook with you saying things like that?
Sprocket: Like what?
Chaz: Like things that make me want to run over there and jump you to show you how much I appreciate you.
Sprocket: Don’t let me stop you…
Chaz and I are here today because, well Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words rocks—not just because the name is awesome, either. And when we found out that our book tour for Heart on the Run would start off here…well hell, we had to do something special… There is nothing more special than Chaz and his terrific holiday recipes.
Chaz: They can’t have my recipes. Recipes are like gold in the restaurant business, Sprocket.
Sprocket: Oh come on, honey…just something small to nibble on…maybe a holiday themed something that would melt in my mouth?
Chaz: *gulps and blows hair out of his eyes* For real? I have something that would melt in your mouth…but I’m not giving them the recipe.
Sprocket: *wraps his arms around Chaz* That’s a recipe I won’t share with anyone.
Lee: Havan… I think it’s time to pull the curtain before we surpass ST&RW’s rating. Maybe we could give them our favorite Christmas cookie recipes and call it good?
Havan: *tears eyes away from PG-rated petting working it’s way to R rated fondling* oh…um…sure, you can share cookie recipes…can I be on the other side of the curtain, though?
Lee: No! You can’t be behind the curtain. Give the nice people that chocolate and pumpkin recipe thing you have. Here’s one of my holiday favorites from Lick the bowl Good.
Pecan Pie Mini-Muffins
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all ingredients in a medium bow and mix well.
Spray a miniature muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.(The spray with flour in it works best!) Fill each indention 3/4 of the way full.
Bake in preheated oven for approx 18 minutes.
Havan: Fine…I’ll stay here and bake with you…wanna make this a game of strip baking? *waggles*
Lee: *facepalm*
Havan: hehe, only reason you don’t wanna play is because you’ve got more ingredients than me…
Okay, time for my pumpkin muffins. This is a recipe that I’ve been making for many years now, and it’s actually flown all over the internet also–though I started making them before they became so famous, really. It’s true, because I suck at cooking/baking and these are only 2 ingredients—not even I can screw them up…*whispers* even though I have screwed them up…don’t ask.
Pumpkin muffins (Sprocket loves these)
1 box of cake mix (faves are spice cake & devil’s food cake)
1 can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
That’s it…mix those two together, plop it in the muffin tins, bake at um…well…I just keep an eye on them and a box of toothpicks near the oven. Did I mention I’m not a real baker?
Mix-ins: pecans, chocolate chips (especially if you use the spice cake mix), or cinnamon chips, they all are yummy 🙂
Just remember, the most important thing is to not burn down the house while baking…or set off any of the smoke alarms. 🙂
Thank you Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words for having us today.
Blurb
Charles Darwin Millsworth, Chaz to one and all since infancy, has no wish to live up to the grandeur of his name. Fortunately, his Southern belle mama isn’t at all inclined to push her son into a career that won’t make him happy. She thinks he needs to loosen up and enjoy life. After all, that’s the whole point of being independently wealthy, isn’t it?
Chaz can see her point, but his father died in his forties as did his father before him. As far as Chaz is concerned, he has limited time on this earth to make his dreams come true. And he refuses to leave anyone weeping over a wasted life.
Sprocket Moretti is a simple guy. He loves his job, enjoys college, lives in his beloved childhood home—why worry about the little things when the big stuff looks so good. Unfortunately one of the little things he tries not to stress over is a broken friendship with a very hot and bewildering sous chef. They were pals, hung out and had fun. But one night they stepped over that invisible line, and the next morning Chaz kicked Sprocket out of his bed and his life.
Now, no matter how much Sprocket tries to charm Chaz, the guy has no desire to return to their pre-sex playful bantering ways. And if Sprocket stays true to his motto, this little thing—Chaz—should be written off and never worried about again.
If Sprocket had known one night of reality altering orgasms would endanger their easygoing friendship… How do you finish that sentence when all your mind wants is its friend back and all your body wants is another taste?
Pages or Words: 59,000 words
Beacon Hill, Boston in snow.
Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance, Holiday
Excerpt
Sprocket grabbed the grande hot chocolates—with a dash of his favorite flavoring, pecan—and reached the gazebo with five minutes to spare, per the clock tower.
He set the drinks on the bench of the gazebo so he could spread the blanket across the floor.
“Wow, that’s a huge blanket,” Chaz stated as he took the three step up to stand at the edge of it.
“Never took you for a size queen.” Sprocket winked as he handed him a cup of steaming goodness. “So, what’s for lunch?”
“Oh, well…” Chaz held the basket close to his chest as he slipped off his shoes and situated himself in the middle of the blanket. “Not much.” He pulled a thermos from the basket. “I made homemade tomato soup and chicken salad sandwiches.” He set the thermos down and pulled out wrapped sandwiches, a bag of croutons, a plastic bowl with a translucent red lid, and a small stack of china dishes in rapid succession.
“My grandma used to make me tomato soup and grilled cheese all the time. Except she’d actually grill the cheese before putting it on the sourdough toast. I tried to make it once…didn’t end so well.” He laughed as he shook his head, settling down next to Chaz on the blanket.
“But I’ve heard you and Mason talk; you cook most of the time between the two of you.”
Sprocket accepted the sandwich handed to him and nodded. “Yep. Well you know, we both can cook, but neither of us gets much fun out of it.” He unwrapped the sandwich and picked up half, biting into it. He couldn’t suppress his moan. Damn that was good, and Chaz put nuts in it for crunch, walnuts and pecans. How did he know pecans were Sprocket’s favorite? A part of him wanted to believe maybe Chaz had asked around. Anyone in Craft Time would know and Prudence did too.
Not that it mattered either way. Nothing strange about a friend—and only a friend—knowing something as mundane as that. He quickly chewed and swallowed. “And we definitely don’t do fancy. Unless you count roast, but even then I sprinkle the seasoning on it and throw it in the oven. No fuss, no muss.”
With his next bite, something popped in his mouth, making him want to gag. He held it back, and while Chaz gazed out over the park at the kids running in the playground Sprocket lifted the toast to see what he bit into. Grapes. He grimaced as he quickly plucked the halved grapes out of the salad and dropped them on the napkin by his leg.
“You don’t like grapes?”
Sprocket jumped. Fuck…busted. “I like them fine. I like them right off the vine, frozen, even mashed up as wine…don’t like them so much with seeds, though.”
“Or in a sandwich, apparently.” Chaz noted, gesturing to the evidence on the blanket between them.
“Well…” Sprocket jammed the rest of the sandwich in his mouth and chewed slowly, biding himself some time. While he was trying to break down the enormous amount of food in his mouth, he grabbed the other half of the sandwich and proceeded to pick the grapes out of that also.
Chaz raised an eyebrow at him, and he shrugged. He’d already been caught, no use faking it up now.
Reaching over, Chaz snatched Sprocket’s wrist and guided it to his mouth. Sprocket gulped the food in his mouth down, his stomach somersaulting either from the partially chewed lump it just received or because of the man sitting across from him on the blanket.
This wasn’t what friends did. Friends didn’t use their friend’s fingers as utensils. Still, he probably could’ve gotten past this moment if there hadn’t been a smidge of mayonnaise on the tip of his nail. Chaz spotted it, and while staring Sprocket in the eye, he put that spot right in front of his mouth. They sat like that for an eternity. Sprocket could feel his heart pounding fast, wondered if his pulse alerted Chaz to his extreme interest in the man’s next move.
He wanted to shout at Chaz to lick him. Do it now. Put him out of his misery. There was nothing Sprocket wanted more than to experience the wetness of Chaz’s tongue as it cleaned the white stuff from his finger. That was a lie. Sprocket wanted them to make more white stuff that had to be cleaned off, the kind you couldn’t purchase in a store. Well, maybe you could purchase it…but he really didn’t want his brain to go off on that tangent.
Finally—finally!—Chaz licked the condiment off. Before he could move back and call an end to this little episode, Sprocket broke free of his grip and hooked his hand behind the other man’s neck, holding him there, unable to move away.
When their lips met, it wasn’t gentle and coaxing. Sprocket wasn’t in that kind of mood. He wanted bad and he wanted now. Fuck friends. That whole concept was overrated if it kept him up all night in need. Anyway, this wasn’t his fault. Chaz started this shit; Sprocket would finish it.
And this time, he’d be better prepared. When Chaz kicked him the fuck out of his life, it wouldn’t tear him apart. Because no matter what, he’d make sure there wasn’t a spot in his heart for Chaz. Sprocket willingly would give up half his bed for the man, but nothing more.
While diving his tongue in Chaz’s mouth—reaching far enough back he could say with great certainty Chaz no longer had tonsils—Sprocket damn near convinced himself that he could do that, too.
Then Chaz whimpered, his hand pressing against Sprocket’s chest, right over his heart, and Sprocket knew he was a goner.
Somewhere in a small town in up-state New York are a librarian and a second grade teacher to whom I owe my life. That might be a touch dramatic, but it’s nevertheless one hundred percent true.
Because they taught me the joy of reading, of escaping into worlds crafted of words.
Have you ever been nine years old and sure of nothing so much as that you don’t belong? Looked at the world from behind glasses, and wondered why you don’t fit?
Someone hands you a book, and then you turn the page and see… There you are, running from Injun Joe in a dark graveyard; there you are fencing with Athos; there you are…beneath the deep blue sea- marveling at exotic creatures with Captain Nemo.
I found myself between the pages of books, and that is why I write now. It’s why I taught English and literature for so many years, and it’s why my house contains more pounds of books than furniture.
If I’d had my way, I’d have been a fencer…or a starship captain, or a lawyer, or a detective solving crimes. But instead, I am a writer, and I’ve come to realize that’s the best thing in the world to be, because as a writer, I can be all those things and more.
If I hadn’t learned to value the stories between the pages, who knows what would have happened? Certainly not college…teaching…or writing.
Havan Fellows:
I annoy, love, respect, scare, seduce, hurt, anger, infatuate, frustrate, flatter, envy, amuse and tolerate everyone. I just do it better in writing thanks to a little thing called…edits.
Okay no, seriously…I’m a simpleminded person who enjoys the escape from real life through a book. I write with the group Story Orgy and hope to continue doing so for a long time. I also am privileged to be with the Pulp Friction writers, creating intermingling books in a world all our own.
I recently took the drastic step of quitting my EDJ (evil day job) and am now living in the gorgeous desert in Arizona making a go at this writing stuff full time…and I can’t see me regretting this decision ever.
Just like every other red-blooded human—I get a little bouncy when I get mail (any kind too…email, comments, private messages…you wanna do it, do it with me *winks*). So feel free to drop me a line—whether it’s on my blog, twitter, PInterest, or you track me down on FaceBook or Google +…it’s easy to catch someone who wants to be caught.
Enter to win a Rafflecopter prize of Rafflecopter Prize: Kindle Fire with books from Havan Fellows & Lee Brazil. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the authors and Pride Promotions.
Piano classical music musician player. Pianist with musical instrument grand piano
Eighteen-year-old Harrison Haddon has grown up alone. Surrounded by wealth, nannies, and material things, all he craves is the approval of his father. Sent away to the boarding school his father and grandfather attended, it’s assumed he will follow in their footsteps from Sydney’s prestigious Ivy League school straight into medical school.
But Harrison doesn’t want to be a doctor.
He dreams of music and classical piano. His only true happiness, his escape from the world expected of him, is dismissed by his intolerant and emotionally detached parents.
Levi Aston arrives from London for a three-month student exchange program. Free-spirited and confident in who he is and what he wants to do with his life, Levi convinces Harrison not give up on his dreams.
But convincing Harrison not to give up on his family might not be so easy.
This is going down as one of my favorite Y.A/N.A books ever. N.R. Walker has gold on her hand. No angst!!!! I deserve some of that. From beginning to end I was sucked into this story. I really love Levi & Harrison. Goodness, why does she do this to us? Did you really have to make it a novella? I kept looking at the page percentage, like please, don’t reach 100%, pretty please ,with a cherry on top.
Harrison is a brilliant, 18 year-old living in Sydney Australia,. He is picked to room with a student on the study abroad program and in walks the most loving guy ever!! Levi is everything I wish I had at 18. He is definitely up there with Charlie & Travis, and Thomas & Cooper. I didn’t want these two to end at all.
I really love the devotion that these young guys seemed to have towards one another. I like that Harrison stands up for himself, he knows what it’s like to fall in love, and be in love at a young age. Levi’s family is how a family is supposed to be towards their kin.
N.R. Walker has managed to pack some powerful love story in this small amount of pages. I hope that she decides to revisit these two soon, and maybe we can get a full length novel! I want it please.
Cover Art by Sara York, I think Sara did a good job with the cover. It’s not quite how I imagined Harrison in my head, but this model is cute. I love how each guy home is presented on the cover. The piano is a major plus as well.
Dream God (S-Gods #2) by J. Johanis Release Date: November 30, 2015
Goodreads Link Publisher: J. Johanis Cover Artist: Indigo Forest Design
Today I’m happy to be interviewing J. Johanis, author of Dream God (S-Gods #2). Hi J, thank you for stopping by today and chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
At first I wanted to be an Anthropologist. I chose that profession since I was interested in traveling the world and learning other languages. In fact, I had a map of the world on my wall and had all the countries separated by languages so I knew which languages I would have to learn. Though I studied anthropology in college, I ended up taking another career, one which also involved traveling the world and learning foreign languages. In addition wanting to be an anthropologist, I also had dreams of being an actress, fashion designer, or writer. I never pursued a career in acting, but I design and sew clothes for a hobby. Two years ago I decided to revisit my aspirations of being a writer. So I took another stab at writing and published my first novel. Dream God will be my fourth book.
Blurb
For the first time in three years, Aya is finally free, but with his freedom comes the pain of all he’s lost. Seeing Akad and Marduk together makes him realize how badly he has messed up. By betraying Marduk, he ruined his chance with the one god he desires more than anything.
Aya needs time to heal and put his world back together, but the trial against the Order looms over him. As the trial begins, Akad, Marduk, and Aya are ensnared in a web of jealousy, backstabbing, and cut-throat politics. Were
they crazy to think they could stand up to the Order? If the gods of the Order can still rip their lives apart, their chances of receiving justice may be next to impossible. But if they fail to bring the Order down, Aya may never be free from their grasp.
A moment later, the fierce god Anshar appeared from an adjoining room. Feeling small in his presence, Aya lowered his eyes and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. When the black-bearded god stopped before him, color flushed into Aya’s face. Anshar inspected him from head to toe, and Aya became acutely aware of how he was dressed. With his long white skirt, kohl lined eyes, and straight black hair flowing down his back, he probably looked more feminine than most goddesses. He’d never appeared before the gods dressed in this manner, but this was who he was.
Anshar ran a hand over his full beard, his lips curling into a sneer. Aya folded his arms over his bare chest and took a deep breath.He wished he could escape Anshar’s scrutiny.
“You’re going to your hearing dressed like this?” Anshar gestured to Aya’s skirt.
“This is how I dressed before the Order took me. I only wore a tunic because Seth forced me to do so. He forbade me from lining my eyes with kohl and never let me dress how I liked.”
Anshar stared at Aya for a moment longer, his expression skeptical, then shrugged. “Very well. Do as you like, but before we go, I must warn you that the hearing will be held in Siren’s temple. Her powers are intense and can be felt well before you stand before her. For older gods, her powers act like a strong aphrodisiac. We are able to take being in her presence. However, for younger, weaker gods, her powers inflict overwhelming arousal. It will be so severe that you won’t be able to function in her presence. You’ll be paralyzed with desire that will cut into you like a knife until it’s alleviated.”
Aya furrowed his brow. “But… I’ve never desired a goddess. I’ve only been with gods.”
Anshar smirked. “It doesn’t matter whether you desire gods or goddesses. She emanates lust, and it will be too much for you to handle. The only way to counter it is with sex. So, before you are presented to her, I’m going to have to fuck you.”
“What?” The color drained from Aya’s face. The idea of this fierce bearded god driving his cock into him made Aya’s hole contract and his knees go weak. The thought of Anshar coming inside him made him feel like he was going to piss.
“No, I…” Aya couldn’t breathe. He shook his head, taking a step backward. He couldn’t allow Anshar to touch him in that way. Aya’s arousal unsettled him, and he suddenly felt like he was going to be sick. Akad’s father couldn’t fuck him. He couldn’t.
As Anshar watched Aya’s retreat, anger flickered into his dark eyes. “Aya, I have no desire to fuck you, but we have no choice about the matter. If I don’t do it, you won’t be able to stand before Siren, let alone speak to her.”
“But I … My servant can do it.”
“Your servant is a mortal!” Anshar snapped, his jaw tense. “His semen will do nothing for you. You’ll need to be fucked by a god! Furthermore, I wasn’t asking for permission. I’m telling you what’s going to happen. Now, follow me and I don’t want to hear another word of protest.”
Anshar stormed out of the room, but Aya felt too weak to follow. How could he let this god fuck him? Tears came to his eyes. Too many gods had bent him to their will. He wanted it all to be over. He wanted to give his body to whom he chose and no one else. Aya took a deep breath. He was faint. All the blood had drained from his head, and he wavered, grabbing a chair to steady himself.
Aya shook his head, doing his best to gather his courage. He had to be strong to get through this. Once the trial was over, he could start over. His body would be his own once again. Testifying against the Order was the only way he could gain his freedom once and for all. Aya finally made his feet move, and he followed Anshar out.
Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $20 gift card and E-copy of book one in the series. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
Title: Jimmy’s Erotic Adventure In Time And Space Continuum (Episode 1) Author: Perie Wolford
Release date: 11/16/2015
BLURB:
Jimmy the time-traveler, while trying to solve a time-riddle his late father left for him, gets accidentally flung back in time, to the year 1871, the days of the Wild West, landing squarely in the middle of a valley of death. He stumbles into a pack of gun-toting rustlers, who capture him. To Jimmyís luck though, the youngest of the rustlers, Kit Fisher, is not like the rest of his folks.
Book Excerpt:
Another rifle shot resounded and the barking of dogs followed it. It sounded like the pack of Sullivanís dogs was smaller now, probably two or three old raggedy bitches died since the last time the gang was here. Now only about three or four dogs were barking, but they were all Dobermans, vicious as hell. Even the three of them could rip a person to shreds, which was probably even worse than a gun shot.
Josh started moving towards where the guys were hiding, moving fast, but trying to keep as low as possible.
Yet another rifle shot ripped through the silence.
“I’m gonna make you regret you ever came here, freaks! Destroying my crops, do you think this is funny?” Sullivan shouted, raging against the stupid youth. This time he was probably right. Coming here was indeed a stupid idea. Everyone on the team knew it, but they went along with it for the cause and because Rickyís unusual determination made them believe that they could probably make it this time. They sure were wrong.
“Do you think it’s a game?” he shouted again.
Josh made it to where Emily and Ricky were sitting. He joined them, but that was probably pointless; together or apart, they were screwed all the same.
“Shit, guys! Shit!”Josh whispered, distinctly hearing the rustle of dogs running through the wheat somewhere not far away from here really, really not far away.
Ricky commanded in a loud whisper, “Keep quiet!”
Length: 100 pages
Genre: Gay/SciFi
Book Trailers:
I will send that link later this month.
Links:
Perie Wolford is an optioned and produced screenwriter and published author.
His first feature-film movie Dark Harvest The Movie was shot in California by Emerging Artist Productions in 2011 and is now in post-production. Perie became a published author in 2014, with his debut novel PRESENCE. Following Presence was book 1 in SAM DORSEY series, which instantly sold over 5,000 copies. In 2015 Perie returned to science fiction with ENCOUNTER, a tribute to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE 3RD KIND. For more information visit periewolford.com
Nathaniel O’Donnelly likes his life quiet, his guests happy, and his ghosts well-behaved.
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Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 