Review Tour and Giveaway for Deacon’s Law (Heroes #3) by RJ Scott (excerpt)

 
 
Cover Design: Meredith Russell
 
Length: 50,000 words approx.
 
Heroes Series
 
A Reason To Stay (Book #1) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
Last Marine Standing (Book #2) – Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
Blurb
 

How can you trust the man who tried to kill you?


Undercover cop Deacon Shepherd lost everything trying to maintain his cover – the man he loved and the future he craved. He walked away and never looked back because it was the only way to keep Rafael alive.


The last thing he needs is to be dragged back in that world, but an attempt on Rafael’s life is enough to make him risk his heart again.


Rafael ‘Rafe’ Ramirez wakes up in the hospital, the victim of a hit and run. He’s horrified when the first face he sees is that of the man who betrayed him and left him for dead three years before. Witness protection had stripped Rafe of his family and friends, and now it seems his sacrifice to bring his Uncle to justice was for nothing.


Someone wants Rafe dead, and the only way he can stay alive is to go with the murdering drug dealer who broke his heart. But how can he ever trust Deacon, and how can Deacon protect Rafe without falling in love all over again?


 

Excerpt
 

Rafe opened his eyes, attempting to focus on the ceiling above him. He tried to lift his hand, but it felt as if there was lead in his veins, everything heavy and he couldn’t move. They’d told him he was getting better, so what the hell had happened? Had he relapsed? Why was he convinced that they’d taken him somewhere in an ambulance? That he’d leaned against a leather jacket that smelled of sunshine and soap? He blinked until the ceiling finally coalesced into the tiles he was familiar with.


Only there were no tiles.


Instead, the ceiling was a smooth white, and there were no strip lights, just a lampshade in a curious shade of blue. He blinked again. This didn’t make sense. 


But when he opened his eyes, nothing had changed. The ceiling was still white, the lampshade blue, and the drapes at the window matched the shade. The drapes. There were drapes at the window. Confusion morphed into panic and he turned his head to the right to get a better feel for where he was and he saw…him.


Sprawled awkwardly in the chair, his head back, long limbs this way and that, clearly too big for the chair, was a specter from a past that wouldn’t leave him alone.


Deacon.


Intense fear sliced into Rafe.


They’d found him, had him strapped to a bed…was it Deacon who’d tracked him down and driven a car at him? He was paralyzed with a fear that made it hard to breathe, and he yanked at his hand, hoping to escape his restraints, only he wasn’t tied down, there was no rope. Instead his hand came up fast and he rolled sideways. Catching himself and coming off the bed, forgetting the fact that his leg was in a cast and toppling sideways, falling with a crash into a cabinet. He flailed but couldn’t stop himself falling, and he knew this was it – this time he was really going to die.


Deacon was up and at his side in an instant, and Rafe wanted to shut his eyes, wanted to block out seeing Deacon’s face again as he died, but he had to watch. He wanted Deacon to see his fear, and maybe that would stop him; maybe he could make Deacon stop and think.


“Shit, Rafe— Craig,” Deacon said, and reached for him, grasping his arms.


Terror became ice inside him, and Rafe stopped fighting; like a deer caught in headlights, he froze.


“What happened?” A second man stood in the doorway, someone Rafe didn’t know – tall, dark and dangerous-looking. Maybe this new arrival could stop Deacon?


“Help me,” Rafe forced out, looking past Deacon, scrambling to stand as the ice melted and he pushed himself to move.


“He woke up, saw me, and fell out of bed,” Deacon said, and the other man came right in. There were two of them, and there was little Rafe could do to get away. There and then, he screwed his eyes shut; nothing was going to save him now.


But there was no pain, no bullet. Instead, the two men helped him to stand, and then he felt the bed at the back of his thighs and they sat him down.


“Are you okay?” Deacon asked. Even with his eyes shut, Rafe recognized his voice. He would never forget the tone of it, or the coldness of the man who’d tried to kill him. He said nothing.


“Open your eyes,” the other man asked.


No.


“Craig? Rafe? My name is Mac. We’re here to help you.”


But fear was choking him and he couldn’t breathe. “No,” he managed between attempts to inhale enough oxygen not to pass out.


“He’s panicking. What the hell did you do, D?”


“Tried to fucking kill him three years ago, remember?”

Author Bio

RJ Scott is the bestselling romance author of over 100 romance books. She writes emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men and women who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.


The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.



mailto:rj@rjscott.co.uk
www.rjscott.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/author.rjscott?ref=ts&fref=ts
www.goodreads.com/author/show/3432558.R_J_Scott
twitter.com/Rjscott_author
www.librarything.com/author/scottrj

Giveaway

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Men of Crooked Bend Series (My Choice, My Chance) by Taylor Rylan Book Blast (excerpt)

My Choice My Change Banner

MY CHOICE, MY CHANCE

MEN OF CROOKED BEND SERIES, BOOK 2

TAYLOR RYLAN

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 08.19.17

My Choice My Chance Cover

COVER DESIGN: Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

BUY LINK: mybook.to/MCMCebook

BLURB

After a disastrous relationship in college, Jasper Welsh swore he’d never let anyone that close to him again. But after watching his twin fall in love with the man of his dreams, Jasper starts to realize that maybe there’s more to life than meaningless hook ups. After all, it’s been almost a decade since he’s taken a chance on someone again.

When a brutal ex almost kills Liam Campbell, he runs away with his best friend to Wyoming for Christmas with Rhett’s family. Little does he know, that even though he’s still broken and bruised, Liam’s life is about to be completely turned upside down when he meets Rhett’s brother, Jasper. But there’s no way Jasper could be interested in someone like him, right?

When Liam’s ex finds him in Wyoming and one of their family members almost pays the ultimate price, will the Welsh family forgive him for bringing danger to their family? Or will they fight for the battered young man and accept him with open arms?

Choices are made, and chances are taken when Jasper and Liam realize that their attraction for one another can’t be denied and must be explored. But with a wedding in the planning stages and an unforgettable bachelor party in Vegas, does the new couple really want to steal the grooms’ thunder?

My Choice, My Chance is the second book in the Men of Crooked Bend series. Each book in the series will focus on a different couple but will be better enjoyed as a series as the couples all make appearances in each book. Each book contains sexually explicit material between two men and is intended for adults over 18.

My Choice My Chance Teaser 1

My Choice My Chance Teaser 2

EXCERPT

I finally made it to our new house with everything. I wanted to cry when I pulled into the driveway and saw Jasper’s truck there. How in the hell was I going to set everything up for my romantic picnic surprise if he was already there?

Admitting defeat and coming to the conclusion that tonight was not going to be the night to tell Jasper that I loved him, I got out of Baloo and walked up to the house to search for Jasper.

I was floored when I walked into the house. Jasper made a trail of lit candles. They started at the front door inviting me to continue inward. I followed the small flames, making my way to the living room. The sight before me made me gasp and start to cry. There, in the middle of the living room, surrounded by candles, and with a blanket and several pillows laid out on the floor was Jasper. It seems my man had the exact same idea as me! He obviously came straight here from the Realtor’s office instead of going to his office in Jackson like he’d told me.

I didn’t move at first. I noticed Jasper started to look uncomfortable so I slowly made my way toward him and the little picnic he had put together for us.

“Jasper, what…”

“Liam, just give me a minute here, alright?”

I had no idea what Jasper planned but I knew that there was absolutely no way I was going to let him go another night without telling him exactly how I felt. With as wonderful and sweet as this all was, this was my plan. Did I talk in my sleep? Nobody ever mentioned me talking in my sleep before so probably not. How was it that Jasper came up with the exact same idea as me? I took a big breath and did my best to calm myself and stepped into the room. I didn’t stop there. Nope! In true Liam fashion I walked right up to Jasper and hauled off and whacked him on the shoulder. Not the most romantic move ever.

“Liam! What the hell?”

“How dare you, Jasper!”

“How dare I what? You’re mad I try to be romantic for you? What? You want me to be an asshole or something?”

“No! I love it when you’re romantic. I love it when you plan trips and dinners and send me flowers and candy and stuff. It’s an amazing feeling knowing that you care enough about me to do all of those things for me.”

“Then why in the hell did you just hit me?”

“Because! You ruined my surprise!”

“How did I ruin your surprise? I haven’t even told you your surprise yet!”

We were both upset and started raising our voices, shouting at each other by that point. Not one of our best moments.

“What do you mean you haven’t given me my surprise yet? I had everything all planned and you beat me to it! I was going to come in and set up a romantic dinner for you, but you beat me to it, Jasper!” I was openly bawling by then. It was not a pretty sight. I know, I’ve seen me when I cried in the past. My face gets red and splotchy when I cry.

“Liam, I haven’t given you your surprise yet because the dinner isn’t your surprise. I wanted to give you a perfect romantic dinner so I could tell you just how much you mean to me.

Taylor Logo

After several years of daydreaming about sexy men in her head, Taylor decided to finally start writing about them! That’s where the Men of Crooked Bend came from, although at the time, she had no idea as to what she would name the town, nor what state it would be even be in. She quickly learned that even though she had ideas in her head, it was her characters that ultimately decided what would happen in each story. She goes into each adventure with a set plan but already knows that in the end, things will change and that her characters are going to get their way.

When she’s not writing about sexy men, she loves to read about them. Even if, her reading time has become less frequent since she started writing, she still tries to find time to read at least once a week.

She is a busy mom of three and one kitten named Lucky. If she’s not writing or reading about sexy men, she’s either running to some band function or another or is busy cheering from the stands at basketball games or marital arts functions.

Her Men of Crooked Bend Series is her first series but she already has two spin-off series planned!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100016810573958

Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/TaylorRylanOfficial/?pnref=lhc

Amazon Page:

https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Rylan/e/B072NG73VR/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TaylorRylan1

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/author_taylor_rylan/

Email:

AuthorTaylorRylan@gmail.com

Newsletter:

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A Followup on LGBT History Month Recommendations and This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

A Follow up on LGBT History Month Recommendations

 

So as a follow up to last week’s post on the fact that October is LGBT History Month, we had a wonderful comment from Purple Reader with some great recommendations that I wanted to share with everyone:

Purple Reader:

I’m so excited about this post. I’m a history buff, and love combining that with my lgbtq interests. So many to rec; so I’ll have to whittle it down. I’ll start with one my gay book group is reading based on my rec in honor of this month:
– “Flagrant Conduct: the Story of Lawrence v. Texas” by Dale Carpenter, about what I think is the more major Supreme Court decision, which invalidated sodomy laws and led 10 years later to the marriage equality decisions. Some great, moving twists of fate in that.
– Speaking of which, this is good too: Love Wins: “The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality” by Debbie Cenziper, Jim Obergefell
– Many good bios, including this multiple award winner: “Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin” by John D’Emilio
– And of course one about authors, another award winner: “Eminent Outlaws: The Gay Writers Who Changed America” by Christopher Bram

Btw, in Chicago’s Boystown there’s a Legacy Walk up & down Halsted with plaques honoring some you mention (as well as writers Baldwin, Wilde, Whitman & Audre Lorde). Check it out if you’re in town.

Purple Reader’s comment on The Legacy Walk intrigued me, so I did a little digging.  Wow.  I’m so sorry I missed this when I was in Chicago for GRL.  Its now on my must visit list when I return.  Check this out!

The Legacy Project

Turns out there are also LGBT walking tours in other cities as well.

LGBT History Walking Tours for Every City | HuffPost

More coming up.  And for Purple Reader a special $10 gift card for history month recognition coming your way!

This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

 

Sunday, October 22:

  • This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, October 23:

  • Hula Dancers and Hauntings, Second Level, The Reunion, Half Breeds Tour and Giveaway
  • Men of Crooked Bend Series (My Choice, My Chance) by Taylor Rylan Book Blast
  • Review Tour and Giveaway for Deacon’s Law (Heroes #3) by RJ Scott
  • A Jeri Review :Love By Number by DJ Jamison
  • A Lila Review: His Convenient Husband (Love and Sports #1) by Robin Covington
  • A MelanieM Review: Deacon’s Law (Heroes #3) by RJ Scott
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review:Hula Dancers and Hauntings by JC Long, Second Level, The Reunion, Half Breeds

Tuesday, October 24:

  • Dreamspinner Promo Ava Hayden on Highballer
  • Dreamspinner Promo Amy Lane on Familiar Angel
  • RIPTIDE TOUR and Giveaway: Changing Colors (Seasons of Love #4) by Elyse Springer
  • A MelanieM Review: Count the Shells (Porthkennack #6) by Charlie Cochrane
  • A Barb the Zany Old Lady Review: Leaning Into Touch (Leaning Into Stories #3) by Lane Hayes
  • An Ali Audiobook Review: The Palisade (Lavender Shores #1) by Rosalind Abel and Kirt Graves (Narrator)

Wednesday, October 25:

  • Dreamspinner Promo Eli Easton on Tender Mercies
  • GUEST POST Myths, Moons & Mayhem (Gay Paranormal Menage and MMM Erotic Romance anthology
  • RIPTIDE TOUR Kill Game by Cordelia Kingsbridge
  • A MelanieM Review: Jackalopes & Woofen-Poofs (Offbeat Crimes #5) by Angel Martinez
  • An Alisa Release Day Review: The Librarian’s Rake by Z Allora
  • A MelanieM Release Day Review: Highballer (World of Love) by Ava Hayden

Thursday, October 26:

  • Dreamspinner Promo Julia Talbot on To Hell You Ride
  • Release Blitz – Shane Morton’s The Year Of The Cock
  • Release Blitz – Anna Martin’s Whiskey Kisses
  • A Stella Review :​ Eggplant Highlights and Mustard Yellow Jeans by  Sarah Hadley Brook
  • A VVivacious Review: Sightlines by Santino Hassell
  • An Alisa Review: Dish of the Day by Clare London

Friday, October 27:

  • BOOK BLAST – Blackbird Fly Home by Kendel Duncan
  • Dreamspinner Promo Z. Allora
  • Review Tour and Giveaway for VL Locey’s Improper Fraction
  • Review for Improper Fraction by V.L. Locey
  • A Julia Review: Ardulum: First Don (Ardulum) by J.S. Fields
  • An Ali Release Day Review: Tender Mercies (Men of Lancaster County #2) by Eli Easton

Saturday, October 28:

  • Release Blitz for Holographic Havoc by L.M. Brown
  • A MelanieM Review: Whiskey Kisses by Anna Martin
  • A MelanieM Review:  Dragon Lesson by Mell Eight

A MelanieM Review: Last Marine Standing (Heroes #2) by R.J. Scott

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Former Marine Recon, Mackenzie ‘Mac’ Jackson has secrets. The things he did for his country, the things he saw, must never be spoken about. Until, that is, his team is targeted.

A shift in political alliances means one particular mission undertaken by Mac and his Fire Team needs to be wiped from the history books. Starting with the team itself.

Forest Ranger Samuel Larson wants to find the Marines who saved his life. He just wants to say thank you. What he can’t know is that he’s walking into a firestorm of betrayal and murder.

When Samuel arrives at Mac’s place he throws Mac’s plans for hiding out of the window. Abruptly Mac has to protect a man who threatens his heart, only this time he can’t be sure he will succeed in keeping Sam alive.

When the people you trusted turn on you, when you are the last one standing, should you take your secrets to the grave? Or make the murderers pay?

Heroes is turning out to be an incredible series.  A spinoff from the amazing Sanctuary stories,A Reason To Stay hooked me in with RJ Scott delivering romance, murder mystery along with  her hardened SEAL on leave and his second chance at love police officer.  Last Maine Standing though kicks it all into high gear.  There’s an absolutely horrific mission in the past that starts the story.    I’ll say no more about that.

But these two men haunt each other and the reader with their combined pasts.

On top of that, RJ Scott has thrown a conspiracy of deceit and murder against our heroes.  It’s heinous, it’s murky, and the suspicions and suspense of everyone drives this story, sometimes pushing the romance aspect to a secondary element.   Still, RJ Scott is so great with it comes to interpersonal dynamics that even when suspense and espionage is driving a certain portion of the story, she gets to work in the magnetic attraction and heat that brings these two men together and makes their relationship work.   You certainly understand by Sam needs to find Mac after all these years and you can see Mac’s need as well.  The balance works.

Really, I thought this story had it all.  Action, drama, hot men, sex and yes, romance.  I loved this story.  Heroes is a wonderful series and Last Marine Standing is the prime example why.  I highly recommend both.

Cover art by Meredith Russell is terrific.

Sales Links:  RJ Scott Books | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 211 pages
Published October 8th 2014 by Love Lane Books (first published October 6th 2014)
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesHeroes #2

 

A MelanieM Review: Bitten by Desire (Regent’s Park Pack #3) by Annabelle Jacobs

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Two lovers from rival packs. Have they come together only to be forced apart? 

Alec Knight, a beta in the Regent’s Park pack, guards his heart carefully. Ghosts from his past keep him alone and angry, any hope of a relationship impossible while guilt from the pack wars still haunts him. With the anniversary drawing near, Alec needs a distraction.

As a lowly member of the Primrose Hill pack, Mark Appleton isn’t used to having his alpha’s attention. Lately he’s had more than his fair share, and not for the right reasons. Despite growing suspicions that all is not well, Mark tries hard to do better, but constant criticism leaves him desperate for a stress outlet.

Sex is a good way for shifters to let off steam, and while their packs attack each other with accusations and lies, Alec and Mark work out their frustrations in bed. Pillow talk and shared secrets lead to a closeness neither was expecting, but when pack relations reach an all-time low, any future for them seems out of the question.

If they want to be together, they’ll have to go against their alphas’ wishes—except Alec won’t and Mark can’t.

Bitten by Desire, the third in the Regent’s Park Pack by Annabelle Jacobs, is my favorite by far.  That’s saying a lot because I’ve loved them all.  But these two shifters, Alec Knight of the R Pack and Mark Appleton of the PR Pack really got to me.

First, there’s the Romeo and Juliet aspect of their situation or in this case Romeo and Jules as their two packs are at war.  Mark has already been a victim of his Alpha’s heinous behavior and need to win at any cost, putting Mark at forefront of a Council investigation into both pack’s recent actions. It also brought him to Alec’s attention as part of the storyline in Bitten By Design (Regent’s Park Pack, #2).  In Bitten by Desire, the pull Mark and Alec feel towards each other intensifies as Alec is unable to stay away from Mark, no matter the consequences.

Jacobs gives us both shifter’s perspectives, letting us feel the danger of the situation and the inevitability that drives them forward…yes, it’s the mate bond already forming.  It’s primal, sexual, and so very hot!  Alec also has an angst filled past that’s haunting him, keeping him in an unsettled state, along with his uncertain feelings for Mark and the stress of the Council’s investigation.  The author’s writing drops us into the hearts and minds of these men, letting us feel the push/pull of the mating bond as it strengthens…and it’s every bit as sexy and wild as it sounds.

Plus yes, there’s the fact that Mark’s Alpha is plotting against the R Pack.  Annabeth Jacobs continually ramps up the suspense and the danger around Mark and those around him the entire story, keeping the readers right on the edge.  This was a successful element here and my only disappointment was the sentences doled out at the end.  For me, I thought the Council was too light handed considering what Howell and his Betas had done.  But perhaps that was just me. Or maybe there’s more to come.  I hope so.  I love this series and for me Bitten By Desire is one of the best.  The writing is excellent, the romance primal, hot and shifter perfect,  and the storyline full of suspense and happy endings!   For the fullest reading pleasure, start with the first story, Bitten By Mistake and work your way to Bitten By Desire!  I highly recommend them all.

Cover Design: Natasha Snow is nice and hot.  But I’d like a little more detail.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:

Kindle Edition
Published October 12th 2017
Edition Language English

Bitten By Mistake (Book #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Bitten By Design (Book #2) Amazon US | Amazon UK

Bitten By Desire (Book #3)

An Ali Review: We Met In Death by KA Merikan

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
 
“This is not the night you die.”

After years of working for a loan shark, Robert is done with blood and violence. All he has to show for it is a bag of money and a lifetime of regrets. There’s no other way out of his line of work than in a body bag.

So Robert decides to die.

But on the night he chooses to seal his own fate, destiny offers him a chance at redemption. When Robert saves a handsome young escort from a terrible death, he has no idea he is setting in motion much more than one last attempt at proving that inside the hardened shell, he is a decent human being. 

Charming, quick-witted, and full of smiles, Nathan is all Robert could dream of. He’s also ready to fall into the arms of his gruff protector. Robert, on the other hand, has never been with a man and will first need to fight his own demons if he is to accept that his whole being wants to make Nathan his.

With his former boss hunting them both, time is ticking, and Robert might just not get the chance to decide before it’s too late. More importantly though, Robert will stop at nothing to protect the man who’s made him feel alive again, the man who is the only thing between him and the abyss.
“I never had to think much about death before, but I did yesterday. I thought I would die. In a hole. Covered with dirt. Suffocate underground. 
But then you saved me.”

This book was a wild ride from the very first page till the end.  I love that I never know what I’m going to get with these authors but I always know that it’s going to be unique and outside the box.  I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint.

Both Robert and Nathan are a bit lax when it comes to morals (especially Robert) but that didn’t effect my enjoyment of the story or them as main characters.  Robert was a bit difficult to like at the beginning and he doesn’t treat Nathan well overall. He was harsh and mean at times.  He has the glimpses of sweetness though that keep both the reader and Nathan interested in more. It was worth the initial struggle because when Robert finally opens up and falls, he falls hard.  I liked Nathan from the start.  He was spunky and funny and he rolled with both the metaphorical and literal punches.  These two had great chemistry and the sex scenes were scorching hot. 
Since the two men are part of the criminal world parts of the story are pretty gritty.  There’s some death and some destruction along the way but I was rooting for them the entire way.  I didn’t think it was very dark but I can’t always be trusted with that because my tolerance is pretty high.  If you are on the more sensitive side you should note the tags for the book. 
I really liked this and thought it was well done.  I enjoyed both the overall plot and the romance.  I thought the entire thing was wildly entertaining and I had a hard time putting it down once I had started it.
Cover Design: Natasha Snow:  I think the cover is perfect for the book.  It has the same dark, gritty vibe the books does.  I like it a lot.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book Details:
Kindle Edition, 274 pages
Published October 10th 2017 by Acerbi & Villani ltd
ASINB0764CK6TZ
Edition LanguageEnglish
CharactersRobert Zidane (We Met In Death), Nathan Edwards (We Met In Death)

A MelanieM Release Day Review: Familiar Angel by Amy Lane

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

One hundred and forty years ago, Harry, Edward, and Francis met an angel, a demon, and a sorceress while escaping imprisonment and worse! They emerged with a new family—and shapeshifting powers beyond their wildest dreams.

Now Harry and his brothers use their sorcery to rescue those enslaved in human trafficking—but Harry’s not doing so well. Pining for Suriel the angel has driven Harry to take more and more risks until his family desperately asks Suriel for an intervention.

In order for Suriel to escape the bindings of heaven, he needs to be sure enough of his love to fight to be with Harry. Back when they first met, Harry was feral and angry, and didn’t know enough about love for Suriel to justify that risk. Can Suriel trust in Harry enough now to break his bonds of service for the boy who has loved his Familiar Angel for nearly a century and a half?

Familiar Angel by Amy Lane might be one of those “its not you, it’s me” things.  I’m in totally unfamiliar territory here (no pun intended) because I’ve never felt less connected to a story than I did here with that of Harry and his angel Suriel.  It’s been bothering me to no end to get to the heart of why because first it’s Amy Lane (insert surprise face emoji).  That’s never happened before. I felt such a detachment towards a story that had so many elements that should have had my had my emotions all caught up,  zip tied and locked in.

There was child trafficking, child prostitution and abuse, magic, demons (yes, I absolutely find them far more interesting than angels) and the potential for love  forever lost.  All great!  I did zero in on the angel aspect as part of my issue with the storyline.  Angels are not high on my list when looking at plotlines, not until they fall, and then they have to do some scrambling to draw my attention. Usually I just avoid the heck out of them.  But Amy Lane?  I don’t avoid her…  ever!  So into Familiar Angel I dove.  I dunno.  I think the angels won here.

I found Suriel whinny and his explanation as to why he couldn’t be with Harry full of holes.  I liked Harry but honestly wished he could have moved past his initial “angel worship” because their interactions and dynamics got old and repetitive. Harry’s two other ‘brothers’ and their chosen mates I found far more fascinating than the main couple here.

I liked the family that the author created to surround Harry, Edward, and Francis.  That goes for the evil that’s chasing the boys and the way in which he gets dealt with.  Francis and Edward especially seem to have so much depth and promise, that I can’t wait to read their stories.  At least I think that’s where Amy Lane is heading here.  Francis deserves to have his HEA so I hope the author gives him one.

Other readers will pick this story up and love the romance between Harry and Suriel.  They might find it sweet and magical and, just what they are looking for.  But for me…I’ll look backwards to those stories I loved and forwards to the new Amy Lane

Cover art by Reese Dante.  Something about that cover is off just like the story.   The cat should be more alleycat, leaner, harder like Harry.  Again, it’s me, not you.  *Shakes head*

Sales Links;  Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Expected publication: October 20th 2017 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN13 9781635339468
Edition Language English

Xenia Melzer on Writing, Inspiration, and her latest release ‘A Dom and His Writer (Club Whisper #1) (guest blog)

A Dom and His Writer (Club Whisper #1) by Xenia Melzer
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Art: Aaron Anderson

Release Date: October 23, 2017

Available to Purchase at

Dreamspinner Press | Amazon

How I got the idea for A Dom and his Writer

by Xenia Melzer

People often want to know how authors get their ideas for stories. For each author, that can be a unique process, but one thing many of us have in common is the so-called “plot bunny disease”. The plot bunny is an evil little thing that hops through your mind, leaving new ideas like Easter eggs when you should be writing something else. Once the plot egg hatches – with me, it usually happens during night, when I’m defenseless – there’s this new story with all those interesting characters and it wants out. It can’t wait. Nope. Not a day, not a minute, and certainly not until you have finished this other project.

For me, this means I sit down with my trusty notebook (analog, not digital, so last century, I know!) to write down the cliff notes, overall plot, and everything else you need to craft a story. I usually don’t know what triggers the plot bunny to drop its eggs, but with “A Dom and his Writer”, I have a pretty good idea. I had read something about so-called helicopter parents, the pro and cons of getting children early/late in your life, and why especially parents with an academic background seem to be prone to helicoptering. Why I read that article? Don’t ask me. It was less complicated than the Lego bus my younger daughter wanted to build with me and slightly more demanding than scrolling through my FB account, so I went with it. Anyway, said article culminated in the idea for “A Dom and his Writer”.

I thought about all the ways my children have changed my life and then I wondered how somebody who had no ties to children or inclination to have them whatsoever, would react to having one dumped in their lap. At least, I wanted to have children…

So I came up with Richard and Dean, a gay BDSM couple, Richard a filthy rich billionaire, Dean a super-successful, not as filthy rich but still loaded author, who live their life with absolutely no care in the world. (I’m not saying BDSM couples don’t want children, it’s just that I wanted the maximum in contrast and black leather against pink onesies was irresistible to me.)

Richard and Dean have it all: deep love, a stable relationship, both are comfortable with their roles and the kinky side of their love-life, they have good friends and more money than they will ever be able to spend. Then comes Emily, Dean’s niece, a three-month old girl, and everything changes.

I do admit some of the scenes including Emily were written with my own children in mind. Becoming a parent is easy, being one is quite another story and nobody can prepare you for the challenges that come with raising a child. Those who consciously decide to become parents have at least nine months to prepare for it. To read books, watch videos, attend courses. Richard and Dean are thrown into the role with no warning and I have to admit, I just watched them struggle with the changes Emily brought to their life.

Sometimes it was funny, sometimes sad, and sometimes I got angry. Writing this story was a bit like the first year with my first daughter. A roller-coaster ride that I’d never want to miss, even when the ride was a bit bumpy sometimes.

I hope readers see the story like I do – a love story between two men who have to face a major challenge, not knowing how it will end for their relationship.

Oh, and there’s a bit of kink, too. 😊    

 

Blurb

Life is perfect for Richard and Dean. Richard is a wealthy and successful businessman who also owns a BDSM club, and Dean is a bestselling author and sub to Richard. They’re young, happy, and in love. The future is bright….

 

Until tragedy strikes and an accident claims Dean’s beloved sister. Dean also finds himself the guardian of a three-month-old infant, and soon he’s trading in his leather fetish gear for diapers and drool bibs. But little Emily is all that remains of his family, so how can he abandon her?

 

It’s not what Richard signed up for. As much as he tries to be supportive, he never wanted kids and misses having his partner to himself. Suddenly the life he imagined for them is gone, and he’s not sure their relationship can survive the upheaval. But fate isn’t through with Dean, and when misfortune strikes again, will he be able to turn to the man he loves? A final crisis will determine if they can pull together as a family or they must face facts and part ways.

About the Author

Xenia Melzer is a mother of two who enjoys riding and running when she’s not writing stories. She doesn’t like beer but is easily tempted by a Virgin Mojito. Or chocolate. Truffles are especially cherished, even though she doesn’t discriminate. As a true chocoholic, she welcomes any kind of cocoa-based delight.

You can contact her through her website: http//www.xeniamelzer.com

Or befriend and follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xeniamelzer/

Review Tour and Giveaway for We Met In Death by KA Merikan

 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK
 
Length: 90,000 words approx.
 
Cover Design: Natasha Snow
 
Blurb
 

“This is not the night you die.”

After years of working for a loan shark, Robert is done with blood and violence. All he has to show for it is a bag of money and a lifetime of regrets. There’s no other way out of his line of work than in a body bag.

So Robert decides to die.

But on the night he chooses to seal his own fate, destiny offers him a chance at redemption. When Robert saves a handsome young escort from a terrible death, he has no idea he is setting in motion much more than one last attempt at proving that inside the hardened shell, he is a decent human being.

Charming, quick-witted, and full of smiles, Nathan is all Robert could dream of. He’s also ready to fall into the arms of his gruff protector. Robert, on the other hand, has never been with a man and will first need to fight his own demons if he is to accept that his whole being wants to make Nathan his.

With his former boss hunting them both, time is ticking, and Robert might just not get the chance to decide before it’s too late. More importantly though, Robert will stop at nothing to protect the man who’s made him feel alive again, the man who is the only thing between him and the abyss.

“I never had to think much about death before, but I did yesterday. I thought I would die. In a hole. Covered with dirt. Suffocate underground. But then you saved me.”

WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence, torture, mentions of suicide, offensive language, morally ambiguous characters, homophobia and homophobic language

October 10 – BooksLaidBareBoys, Mikku-chan, Mirrigold: Mutterings and Musings
October 12 – Urban Smoothie Read
October 14 – My Fiction Nook, OptimuMM
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October 18 – The Librarian’s Corner
October 20 – Jim’s Reading Room, Bayou Book Junkie, Cheekypee Reads & Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Sanaa’s Book Blog, Love Bites & Silk Ties

K. A. Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are taken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.


They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of – it will be full of surprises.

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Review Tour ~ A Cowboy for Caleb (Great Plains Shifters #1) by L.C. Davis (excerpt and giveaway)

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Book Title: A Cowboy for Caleb (Great Plains Shifters #1)

Author: L.C. Davis

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Wolf Conan

Release Date: October 11

Genre/s: M/M Romance, hurt/comfort MPREG with a HEA

Length: approx. 37k words

It is a standalone story, but is the first in the Great Plains Shifters series (the same universe as The Mountain Shifters).

Blurb

A COWBOY FOR CALEB BLURB

Falling for his deceased twin brother’s mate was never part of Dustin’s plan.

This midwestern Alpha might be a little rough around the edges, but he lives by a few simple principles and honor is chief among them.

Nonetheless, when tragedy strikes the Meadowlands Pack, Dustin feels he has no choice but to bring his twin’s mate home to take care of him. The only problem is, Caleb isn’t anything like Dustin expected of the city omega who stole his brother’s heart and divided their family.

What starts out as trying to do the right thing soon becomes a blurry series of complicated decisions that lead Dustin further away from the path he’s always followed—and further into the arms of the one omega he was never supposed to want.

Caleb has been through the worst a mated omega could fear. He’s lost his mate and their unborn child, and now he finds himself at the mercy of an Alpha who has every reason to hate him.

Despite being twins, Dustin and Caleb’s former mate, Alec, are nothing alike. Caleb wants nothing more than to please his new Alpha and secure his position in the pack, but Dustin seems to take everything he says the wrong way.

As forbidden tensions mount between Alpha and omega, Caleb begins to fear that Dustin will start taking his developing interest the right way.

Buy Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK Author Page

Goodreads Link

Excerpt

Dustin hadn’t been prepared for Caleb to take him up on his offer to stay and help him through his heat, even though he’d made it in all sincerity. He moved a bit closer, and the moment his hands made contact with Caleb’s skin, he knew he’d bitten off more than he could chew. He tried desperately to focus on the nonsensical plot of the movie, but the more he touched Caleb and the more he felt the omega’s tight muscles relax under his attention, the harder it was to think at all.

After all, some things didn’t require a whole lot of brain power. Instinct was more than enough. It was reining in those instincts that posed the real challenge.

The soft moan that passed Caleb’s lips was the thing that caved Dustin in all at once. The omega arched his back and leaned into Dustin’s touch, their pheromones mingling together in perfect harmony, as if their bodies had already decided how the night was going to go.

“That feels so good,” Caleb breathed.

“Good,” Dustin growled. He hoped Caleb would assume he was just hoarse and not angry, but knowing the Alpha’s voice was just rough with desire was probably even worse. “You’re tense.”

Caleb froze and looked over his shoulder. His eyes were dark and heavy with lust, and if there was any doubt in Dustin’s mind that the attraction he felt was a two-way street, it was gone now. Caleb turned slowly, and before Dustin could fully process what he was doing, the omega had slipped his arms around Dustin’s neck. His fingertips grazed Dustin’s skin, raising goosebumps all over his flesh.

“I know this is wrong,” Caleb said, his voice soft and husky but full of guilt. He wouldn’t meet Dustin’s eyes, which was just as well. The Alpha knew once he did, all bets were off. He wouldn’t be able to keep the truth inside any longer. “But I — I’m just so tired of feeling alone,” he whispered, tears slipping down his cheeks.

“You’re not alone,” Dustin assured him, stroking Caleb’s cheek. “I know I haven’t been there for you the way I should have. I’m just so afraid of making a mistake. Of giving in to the way I feel about you, and leading us into something we’ll both regret.”

“How do you feel?” Caleb asked, finally meeting his eyes. His gaze was searching, needful.

Dustin swallowed hard. “I think you know by this point. I’m pretty bad at hiding it, but God knows I’ve tried.”

Caleb gave him a small, rueful smile. “Maybe I’ve just been afraid to see it. Afraid that you’ll realize I feel the same way.”

“You don’t,” Dustin said, coming back to himself for a split second. He hoped it was enough. “You’re in heat.”

Caleb laughed. It was a soft, regretful sound. “I wish I could blame it on that. Maybe then I could sleep at night without feeling like such a horrible person.”

“You’re not a horrible person.” Dustin’s thumb swept across Caleb’s lips. They were so soft. How had he gone this long without kissing them? Without touching him…? “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met.”

The omega’s lips found his. This was it. This was the point of no return. If he crossed that line, if he returned the kiss, it was all over. He could no longer lay even a technical claim to goodness if he tasted the forbidden fruit and took more off the vine, but he had never felt quite as weak—or as strong—as he did with the omega in his arms.

In the end, the satin sin of Caleb’s lips brushing against his own was just too much. Dustin took the omega into his arms and his tongue slipped in past Caleb’s parted lips, taking the reins of control the way he’d always wanted. In all his wildest dreams—and Caleb had been the subject of plenty—he had never imagined giving in to temptation could taste so sweet.

 About the Author

L.C. Davis is an M/M romance author with a passion for representation. Series include The Mountain Shifters, Great Plains Shifters, Kingdom of Night and Queer Magick.

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