When Fresh New Beginings Lead to Something ‘Irrefutable’ by Jennifer Rose (excerpt and giveaway)

Irrefutable

The Eternity Series

Book 2

Jennifer Rose

M/M Romance

Irrefutable Cover

Cover Design: Karrie Jax

Cover Photo: StockPhoto

Release Date: 03.15.16

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ptWw9Q

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/25af9jR

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1SZJtsw

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1R5WvSX

Irrefutable Cover Full

BLURB:

Fresh start, new beginning, a clean slate…

Brice Taggerty, better known simply as Tag, wasn’t worried about coming out after all these years. Actually, he delighted in the idea of feeling free enough to face who he always knew he was. He didn’t need acceptance, nor was he around to be admired or win any popularity contests. In fact, all he wanted was an average humdrum, mundane life. After making a successful career out of flying around the world photographing the world’s most beautiful models in exotic locations, he was excited to throw away his passport and plant his feet firmly on solid ground…and find that someone special.

Fletcher Davis, a former search and rescue helicopter pilot, was ready to start his life again. After fifteen years of dealing with danger on a daily basis and his past at long last behind him, he secured a new job flying for a commercial airline and just may have found the perfect place to call home. What he didn’t count on was a hot enticing neighbor or his past to catch up with him. All Fletcher wanted was a sense of normalcy, routine…and someone special to share it with.

When finally they meet, will sparks fly, fireworks go off, will it be love at first sight, or will their histories keep them apart?

Fletcher’s got his sights set on a certain blond haired neighbor…and Tag You’re It!

This is book 2 in The Eternity Series and can be read as a standalone.

Irrefutable TEas 2

EXCERPT

Standing in the middle of the hallway, an awkwardness that hadn’t been there before came over me. There wasn’t normally a timid bone in my body, yet here I stood feeling every bit the epitome of uncertainty. Fletcher shamelessly closed the distance between us, placing his hands on either side of my neck, his thumbs stroking the rough line of my jaw, while his eyes mapping out my face. My heart was beating so hard, I could feel the blood rushing through my veins.

“I want to kiss you,” he whispered against my lips, his hot breath on my face.

“Kiss me,” I whispered back, as his eyes shut and his lips fused to mine.

My hands immediately went in search of a hold, slipping into Fletcher’s back pockets and pulling him closer, as the kiss intensified. Fletcher pressed his chest to mine, stepping me back, hugging me tight as he forced me against the door. We were so close to the same height that every intimate part of our bodies converged, the heat bleeding through the layers of clothing.

Fletcher reached back, pulling my hands free from his pockets, laying my palms against his chest and breaking the kiss. My chest lifted with each irregular breath, as did his. Fletcher slowly shook his head smiling, biting into his bottom lip as he took a step back.

“Let’s take a minute and think about this,” he licked across his lips and smiled again. “I like you, I do.”

“But?” I asked, waiting for a smooth brush off.

“I don’t think we should rush into anything,” he scrunched his nose.

I grudgingly nodded, because I knew he was right, but it didn’t mean that it didn’t sting a bit. Rejection was rejection no matter how you put it.

“Got ya.”

“I mean,” Fletcher said, slipping out of my jacket. “I’ve made so many mistakes in the past, not that this is a mistake…I mean…it’s just…I refuse to make mistakes.”

“Relax, Fletcher, before you have a kitten,” I told him, as he handed me the jacket. “I wasn’t expecting jack-shit from you. You want to just be friends, I’m okay with that.”

“I’m just saying that jumping into the sack isn’t my thing,”

“Someone thinks highly of himself,” I chuckled, searching my pockets for my keys and unlocking the door. “Just so you know, you didn’t have a chance of getting into my pants tonight, flyboy.”

ABOUT THE AUHTOR

Jennifer Rose lives the glamorous life in Canada working as a part-time office clerk/manager. A mother of three grown boys, she decided to give up cleaning, cooking and day to day household chores in favor of sitting with a favorite beverage, be it coffee or wine and her trusty laptop, after a friend and author convinced her that she had what it took to write romance novels, so she took a creative writing course and finally started writing.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Rose/231674010318730

Jennifer Rose Street Team Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1450195771938815/?fref=ts

Website: www.jenniferroseauthor.wix.com/jennifer-rose

Amazon Page: http://amzn.to/1GtEQAp

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8571193.Jennifer_Rose

Tsu: www.tsu.co/JenniferRose62

Naughty Little Bookshelf

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

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:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.quinton.14
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chris_writer
Website: http://chrisquinton.com

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

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A MelanieM Review: The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Iceland, Stonehenge, London, Paris….

To the casual observer, it looks like a dream trip. For Tate O’Reilly, it’s anything but. He’s a man on a mission to rectify a critical mistake, and there’s nothing to hold him back—certainly not friends or family. For Tate, it all comes down to one simple thing—he must fix what he has broken.

What he doesn’t count on is meeting Gabriel Carillo. Gabriel is kind, mysterious, and seems to be on his own mission to ensure their paths keep crossing. But Tate’s hiding an awfully big secret—one he’s certain even Gabriel can’t forgive.

Does a man’s past have to determine his future? In the middle of cities filled with history, Tate is going to find out.

Sometimes life just throws some eerie coincidences at you. Just a week or so before I started reading this story, a chemistry experiment in a high school lab in the DC Metro area when horribly wrong and many will carry the results of that flash fire for the rest of their lives. My first response to the media descriptions, which were vivid and harsh? How could that teacher have been so irresponsible? Not a reaction I’m proud of now but one I think that so many people had without thinking it over.

Thank you, J.E. Birk, for providing that other needed perspective, that of the teacher destroyed the accident that caught his students up in a conflagration of flames and pain. Just as I’m sure the one in the accident above was so forever personally changed, former chemistry teacher Tate O’Reilly has been ruined in almost every way possible. He’s emotionally devastated, physically scarred, the guilt has overwhelmed him and this trip is his way to make amends. This isn’t anything in a way of a spoiler as we are introduced to the reason he’s made the trip pretty much immediately into the story.

Birk does a beautiful job of ushering us into the mind of this broken man on a mission. Equipped with a list, Tate going to places very methodically, checking them off, not for himself but for someone who will never be able to go. Tate becomes very much alive through his tortured thoughts, the flashbacks, and even the things he sees as he visits each location.

Really, here the change in perspective really got to me. As it will you. It was a accident. Bad things happen to good people. But for many, its something they can never let go…on either side. Birk makes that pain fresh, horrendous and deep here. Talk about impact.

But Tate’s not the only walking wounded here. There will be more, including Gabriel Carillo, whose past and current mission will resonate both with Tate and the readers as well. I loved Gabriel, he is a beautiful character and thought that he needed more pages to bring out his character to the fullest.

And that brings me to my only issue here. Birk has so many deep topics in play here, some of which I can’t discuss because they do fall into spoiler territory, that the number of pages, 123, is just not enough to do them all justice. This story could easily have been double in length, if not a third. And yes, that includes the ending, which cries out for an epilogue.

After much speculation and denial, it looks as though the rules and regulations for conducting science and chemical experiments within a classroom or lab will be revised due to the accident above and others like it, apparently far too many. The author herself said the story was prompted by one like it as well. That ruling will protect future students, teachers and yes, the schools themselves. We all are there for the many students hurt or killed in these accidents. Rightfully so. But maybe now, with a powerful story like The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk, we will also remember the human being on the other side, the one hurting deeply as well. Remember that the reverberations and consequences fall both ways. And that redemption can follow the worst that can happen, and perhaps even love.

Thank you, J. E. Birk for the wonderful story and for reminding me. Lesson learned. I highly recommend this story to you all.

Cover artist Catt Ford does a great job with the characters and special location of Stonehenge. Love it.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Book Details:

ebook, 123 pages
Published March 23rd 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634771303 (ISBN13: 9781634771306)
Edition LanguageEnglish

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

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:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/loveindarksettings
Twitter: http://twitter.com/duskpeterson
Blog: http://duskpeterson.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2072858.Dusk_Peterson
Tumblr: http://duskpeterson.tumblr.com

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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What Happens After ‘The Worst Bad Thing’? J.E. Birk Talks Inspiration, Characters and ‘The Worst Bad Thing’ (author guest blog)

The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk
Dreamspinner Press
Cover art by Catt Ford

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have J.E. Birk here today to share some thoughts about writing and her latest release, The Worst Bad Day. Welcome, J.E, we have a few questions for you this morning.

Where do you normally draw your inspiration for a book from? A memory, a myth, a place or journey, or something far more personal?

First of all, thanks so much for having me on your blog! My inspiration comes from everywhere. The Worst Bad Thing, unfortunately, was inspired by a horrible tragedy that happened within my community. Writing this book was my first attempt at working through all the emotions swirling in and around me during that time.

Contemporary, supernatural, fantasy, or science fiction narratives or something else? Does any genre draw you more than another when writing it or reading it and why does it do so?

I’m all about contemporary. I’ll occasionally dabble in some fantasy or sci-fi, but it’s gotta be super-mega-awesome and totally draw me in. I’m not sure why I like reading about the more average and sometimes mundane sides of life—it’s possibly because I like to convince myself I could run into my favorite characters on the street at any moment. That’s infinitely easier to do when you’re not reading a book set on Moon Alpha One.

With all that said, I’d like to try writing a sci-fi novel someday, mostly to see if I could actually accomplish all that world-building. Fantasy and sci-fi authors are my heroes—world building is so difficult.

If you were to be stranded on a small demi-planet, island, or god forbid LaGuardia in a snow storm, what books would you take to read or authors on your comfort list?

Can I please just take my e-reader and/or my entire bookshelf? Pretty please? There are so many! In the romance genre, some of my favorite comfort reads are books by Johanna Lindsey (been reading her since I was, like, eleven) and Kate Sherwood (Kaaate…I need more Dan…). I also strongly heart the Coda series by Marie Sexton after a difficult day.

That doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the comfort reads I’d want with me. Particularly if I was trapped in LaGuardia.

How early in your life did you begin writing?

Probably as soon as someone deemed it safe to hand me a writing utensil and teach me the alphabet. I’ve always loved telling stories. I grew up on a dairy farm, and I used to sit with the cows and make up stories about their lives. I married them off, assigned them children. Given that they were all lady-cows, one could argue this was my first venture into writing LGBTQ romance.

If you were writing your life as a romance novel, what would the title be?

Finally Made it to Almost There, which is also my favorite six-word memoir. I love six-word memoirs.

Blurb for The Worst Bad Thing

By J.E. Birk

Iceland, Stonehenge, London, Paris….

Does a man’s past have to determine his future? In the middle of cities filled with history, Tate is going to find out.

Buy links for The Worst Bad Thing

Dreamspinner | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance Ebooks

About the Author

Biography for J.E. Birk

J.E. Birk has been telling stories since she could talk and writing them since she was introduced to the alphabet. She hails from Colorado, where you can usually find her skiing, training for a 5K she won’t end up running, or watching grown men run into each other on football fields and in hockey rinks. You can follow her ramblings on Twitter by looking for @jebirkwrites. She’s also been known to ramble on Facebook as J Elisabeth Birk.

A MelanieM Review: Jury of One (Lindenshaw Mysteries) by Charlie Cochrane

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Inspector Robin Bright is enjoying a quiet Saturday with his lover, Adam Matthews, when murder strikes in nearby Abbotson, and he’s called in to investigate. He hopes for a quick resolution, but as the case builds, he’s drawn into a tangled web of crimes, new and old, that threatens to ensnare him and destroy his fledgling relationship.

Adam is enjoying his final term teaching at Lindenshaw School, and is also delighted to be settling down with Robin at last. Only Robin doesn’t seem so thrilled. Then an old crush of Adam’s shows up in the murder investigation, and suddenly Adam is yet again fighting to stay out of one of Robin’s cases, to say nothing of trying to keep their relationship from falling apart.

Between murder, stabbings, robberies, and a suspect with a charming smile, the case threatens to ruin everything both Robin and Adam hold dear. What does it take to realise where your heart really lies, and can a big, black dog hold the key?

What marvelous characters! What a hedgerow maze of a plot! With Jury of One Charlie Cochrane moved her cozy mystery series even closer into my heart.

Characters Adam Matthews and Robin Bright melt you with their genuineness. By that I mean, I believed in them utterly. Their kindnesses and their doubts about the relationship in its newness, their intelligence and perceptions about each other and the people around them. I accepted them as real and moved forward into the story from the first page.

The two person pov continues and I love it here. Both Robin and Adam are strong, necessary voices here and the contributions the different perspectives make to the plot and relationship are necessary to the story and series. We see what Robin’s continuing need to hold onto his flat is doing to the relationship on Adam’s side and his. That’s the more intimate element. Then when it comes to the larger scope, that of the murder mystery or mysteries here, we see how segments in both of their lives are starting to add up to a startling…well, that’s best left to the author and this wonderful book.

I think what really engages me here is the details in their lives. Having teachers in my background, I understand when Adam faces a evening of grading papers or other such things that he has brought home to work on. He’s used to it or was until Robin entered his life. Now he loves the companionship but it seems to be missing. And Robin? Coming home so exhausted from his cases and long hours that he can barely keep his eyes open to see his way to their bed, let alone converse, eat, or make love in a new relationship? He’s a inspector on a murder case and that’s his life. Something brand new for Adam and a huge adjustment for them both. Neither backs away from it, the author makes sure of it but I love how its handled.

And then there’s himself, that big black Newfoundland Campbell who lends a ear, a discerning look or much, much, more when needed. Yes, I adore him too. He’s as much of this family as Adam and Robin and the village they live in.

So make room Midsomer Mysteries, I’m adding another English mystery series to love. I can’t wait for the third mystery to arrive. For those of you new to the series, you have several choices. The audiobook is out and my review will be coming shortly. Or you can follow the ebook route. Either way catch up. This is a series to treasure if you love your murder mysteries and a realistic wonderful main couple like Robin and Adam, with a big Newfy thrown in for good measure.

I highly recommend them all.

Cover art by L. C. Chase is well done and works for the mystery inside.

Sales Links: Riptide Publishing | ARe | Amazon

Book Details:

ebook, 298 pages
Published March 21st 2016 by Riptide Publishing
Original TitleJury of One
ISBN 1626493766 (ISBN13: 9781626493766)
Edition LanguageEnglish

Series: Lindenshaw Mysteries

A Jeri Review: It’s a Long Way to the Top (Acts of Insanity Book 1) by Cherry Cox

Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

Everyone has secrets; some even have secrets they keep from themselves.

Los Angeles, 1985. Jackson ‘Jax’ Reed is the lead guitarist of Acts of Insanity, a hard rock band forging its place on the Sunset Strip.

After firing his lead singer, and with a showcase gig for record executives just a few weeks away, Jax is forced to find a new frontman – fast.

When Harley Moore walks in to audition for the gig, the secret that Jax is desperately trying to keep hidden, even from himself, begins to unravel and threaten everything that he and the band have worked for.

Can Jax keep his secret hidden? Can he keep his growing love for Harley a secret? Or will his need for love and acceptance threaten everything he’s worked so hard to create?

It’s a Long Way to the Top is the first book in the Acts of Insanity series.

To call this book an erotic romance it quite a misnomer. What it is is a story of an up and coming rock band in the 80’s and the lead guitarist is a severe drug addict. Perhaps the book is an erotic romance- but the romance is between Jax and heroin.

Being the 80’s, Jax is in the closet. Because being gay was still far from accepted, especially from a hard rock guitarist. But he is falling hard for the new lead singer.

While we watch Jax and the band navigate the rock scene in LA in the mid- 80’s, we also watch not only Jax descend into deep heroin addiction, but he also then drags his lead singer with him.

Jax is a narcissist to the nth degree. You want to believe he cares about his music, about hitting it big, about his band, about Harley, but really he cares only about heroin and when he will get his next fix.

Honestly, if you read this book not as a work of erotic fiction but one of a story of drug addiction in the 80’s rock scene, I would have given it a higher rating. As it was I could barely get through it because it was a melting pot of drugs, booze and co-dependency. What it is not is a gay romance. At all.

The cover art really depicts the characters and the theme of rock in the 80’s. Get me my Aqua Net!

Sales Links: Amazon

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 246 pages
Published October 22nd 2015 by Paperback Pleasures
ASINB016GYA0HG
Edition LanguageEnglish
SeriesActs of Insanity #1

Marie Sexton Talks Images and Inspiration And ‘Trailer Trash’‏ (author guest post and giveaway)

Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton
Riptide Publishing

Cover Art by Jay Aheer

Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here

**********

Hello, everyone! I’m Marie Sexton, and I’m here today to talk about my New Adult novel, Trailer Trash. Trailer Trash is about two high school seniors in small-town Wyoming in the mid-1980s. I thought I’d share a few pictures that helped inspire book, and a few that might help illustrate the setting.

Trailer Trash was born from this image:

I’ve since learned that this picture is of actor Nicholas Hoult, but this picture has always been Cody in my mind.

This is the picture I have for Nate, although it isn’t perfect.

Trailer Trash is set in the fictional town of Warren, Wyoming, along the I-80 corridor. If you look at a map of Southern Wyoming, and find the spot about midway between Rawlins and Rock Springs, then go ten or fifteen miles north into nowhere, you’ll have the approximate location of Warren. This area of Wyoming is so windy that there aren’t many trees, but many of the ones that grow in that area look like this:

(credit: http://www.wildwestcycle.com/f_snowy.html)

Now, I’ve driven I-80 across southern Wyoming many, many times, and it’s hell. It’s windy and barren and goes on forever, mostly flat and straight as a ruler. On a good day, that section of I-80 looks like this:

(credit: http://www.sn-reisewelt.de/cms/tag-14-yellowstone-national-park2.html)

On a bad day, it looks like this:

(credit: https://weather.com/news/news/snow-blinds-drivers-along-i-80-in-wyoming)

The wind along this stretch of interstate is so bad, it’s been known to blow semis over:

https://youtu.be/vA16ivK6iDI

https://youtu.be/HKD-YXMAW4A

I originally started this story back in 2011. I put it on hold for years, but I always knew I’d finish it someday. But this is the collage I used both times around (I’m pretty sure Heidi Cullinan made this for me back in 2011).

The setting for Trailer Trash may look depressing, and to a large extent, it is. But I love Cody and Nate so much, I just had to tell their story, and I promise, these boys do earn their happy ending.

About Trailer Trash

It’s 1986, and what should have been the greatest summer of Nate Bradford’s life goes sour when his parents suddenly divorce. Now, instead of spending his senior year in his hometown of Austin, Texas, he’s living with his father in Warren, Wyoming, population 2,833 (and Nate thinks that might be a generous estimate). There’s no swimming pool, no tennis team, no mall—not even any MTV. The entire school’s smaller than his graduating class back home, and in a town where the top teen pastimes are sex and drugs, Nate just doesn’t fit in.

Then Nate meets Cody Lawrence. Cody’s dirt-poor, from a broken family, and definitely lives on the wrong side of the tracks. Nate’s dad says Cody’s bad news. The other kids say he’s trash. But Nate knows Cody’s a good kid who’s been dealt a lousy hand. In fact, he’s beginning to think his feelings for Cody go beyond friendship.

Admitting he might be gay is hard enough, but between small-town prejudices and the growing AIDS epidemic dominating the headlines, a town like Warren, Wyoming, is no place for two young men to fall in love.

About Marie Sexton

Marie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along.

Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.

Connect with Marie:

Website: MarieSexton.net
Twitter: @MarieSexton
Facebook: facebook.com/MarieSexton.author
Goodreads: goodreads.com/MarieSexton

Giveaway

To celebrate, Marie is giving away a $50 gift card to either Amazon or All Romance Ebooks, winner’s choice. Leave a comment to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on March 26, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. Entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info! Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Love Fantasy Romance? Check out Ceílí by Moriah Gemel (author interview, excerpt and giveaway)

Ceílí by Moriah Gemel
Release Date: March 17, 2016

Goodreads Link: www.goodreads.com/moriahgemel
Publisher: Interlude Press
Cover Artist: Design – CB Messer, Cover art by Ari McFarland

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Moriah Gemel author of Céilí. Hi Moriah, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.

Thank you for having me. I’m an author at night and a stay-at-home mom during the day, and I’ve been writing since the age of seven. My current book is called Céilí and it’s about a man who finds where he belongs after a lifetime of searching, and how he comes to protect that life at all costs.

Do you have pictures that you use for your characters? Can you share them with us?
Sure can! Here we go:

This is the picture I use for Devon, my main character. In reality he’s a model named Nate Gill, but he’s what I have in mind for Devon.

This is the picture I use for Eldan, Devon’s love interest. In reality he’s a model named Tim Borrmann.

What kind of book would you like to write that people would see as a huge departure for you?
It’s funny, I’ve written such a wide variety of stories that I’m not sure anyone would be surprised if I wrote anything. I’ve written everything from high fantasy to horror. I’ve written very dark stories and I’ve written light ones. So I’m not entirely sure, to be honest.

Have you ever killed a character? Was it traumatic for you? If you haven’t killed one, would you ever consider it?
I have killed a character or two in my day. It was not traumatic for me—I’ve done far worse to characters than just killing them. I’m not afraid to go there with my stories.

Favorite location you’ve ever written about?
I’ve loved writing about LA. It’s a shame I live across the country, I’d love to visit and see all the places I’m writing about, but for now my friend Meg, Google, and Google Earth are my best friends when dealing with writing about LA.

What’s your favorite season and favorite activity for that season?
I love fall, and to be honest I just love going for walks in the fall. The crunch of the leaves under my feet is a sensory heaven for me, and the brisk air is my favorite kind of air. I love just taking my son, holding his hand, and taking him on a walk around town or to the playground.

Blurb

The Los Angeles music scene has not been kind to Devon Caelin. He struggles to fit in and has a streak of bad luck the length of the Sunset Strip. One rare rainy night, he drowns his sorrows from bar-to-bar, until he stumbles into an alley club called Céilí. He discovers that it’s home to a small community of mystical people making their way in the human world, and that he found it only because he is Fae himself. With mentoring from the pub’s proprietor, Eldan—a powerful Fae Lord protecting his kind in the city—Devon unearths his past and discovers his magical abilities. His life appears to be back on track—until a member of the Faerie Court is murdered and the secret of their world is threatened to be revealed.

Pages or Words: 200 pages
Categories: Contemporary, Fantasy, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Excerpt

“This is where we’ll do the spell,” Eldan says. “I can open the channel easily enough, but I’d like you to assist in keeping it open. Stand behind me when I tell you to, and put your hands on my shoulders. If we’re compatible, I’ll be able to take some of your energy to bolster mine, just enough to maintain a stronger connection than I would on my own, all right? You might get a little dizzy, but I promise you’ll be okay.”

“I’m not afraid, Eldan.” Devon is excited to see this magic performed, to see the Queens. What will they be like, these women that Eldan is wary to speak of?

“No. You aren’t, are you?” Eldan smiles. “Well. Best get on with it then. Stand nearby, please?”

Devon settles himself just behind Eldan, and Eldan nods. Then, he pulls a little vial from his pocket and shakes it.

“Here we go.”

He uncorks the bottle, and Devon smells something almost metallic. Eldan walks to the first corner of the table, to the right, and pours a drop of whatever’s inside the vial over the little pile of dirt.

“Cré.” His hand hovers over the bowl, and the dirt spreads and forms a flat plane under his palm. Eldan smiles and walks on.

He walks to the back right of the table and pours a drop into the empty bowl. “Aer,” he says and his hand hovers. The bowl trembles, and the dust motes in the air within it coalesce and spin. He walks on.

The third bowl holds sticks, and Eldan pours the liquid on them before hovering his hand, causing them to burst into flames. “Tine.” Devon can’t help but push his breath out and shake his head. This is cool. All this magic, it’s really real. He thought it was a story for children, but magic is real, and he’s a part of it. He never thought much about fairytales but now he wishes he had, because it would make this moment so much better.

Finally, Eldan pours into the fourth bowl, filled with water, and his hand hovering creates little waves that splash on the sides of the bowl gently, as though upset. “Uisce,” he says and then he walks on.

He circles the table counter-clockwise three times and, when he reaches the head of the table once more, he nods to Devon. “Now.”

Devon steps up as Eldan turns away and puts his hands on Eldan’s slim, strong shoulders. Immediately, his palms tingle, as Eldan waves a hand. The mirror in the center of the table stands up, reflecting them. Eldan presses a palm to the center of it.

“Oscailt agus a léiriú,” Eldan says. Devon wishes he knew what the hell he was saying, but it’s pretty, in any case. Celtic? Gaelic? Something. “Na Ríona I Talún Samhraidh.”

The mirror clouds, and Devon licks his lips and stands on his tiptoes to see over Eldan’s shoulder. Nothing happens, though, for long moments, in which Eldan’s breathing comes quick and loud. Devon squeezes his shoulders, and Eldan whimpers faintly. But he slows down, and Devon keeps squeezing, staring at what he can see of Eldan’s face, staring at the delicate line of his jaw, his high cheekbone, the flutter of an eyelash, the jut of his nose, which is freckled and fair.

But then the clouds part, and there they are.

Buy the book

Interlude Press: store.interludepress.com

Meet the Author

Moriah Gemel has developed a dedicated following for her realistic, sexually-charged stories over twelve years in online fan communities. Moriah is passionate about diversity in fiction, as well as realistic depictions of BDSM and sex education. Her first novel, Load the Dice, was published as a serial in ten parts. Céilí is her second novel. She lives with her husband, young son, and two cats.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/moriahgemel

Twitter: @moriahgemel

Tour Dates & Stops:

17-Mar: Book Lovers 4Ever, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, BFD Book Blog

18-Mar: Happily Ever Chapter, Divine Magazine, Unquietly Me, Wake Up Your Wild Side

21-Mar: Outrageous Heroes, Nephy Hart, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic

22-Mar: The Hat Party, Rednecks and Romance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

23-Mar: Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Alpha Book Club

24-Mar: MM Good Book Reviews

25-Mar: Full Moon Dreaming

28-Mar: Kirsty Loves Books, A.M. Leibowitz, My Fiction Nook

29-Mar: Havan Fellows, The Novel Approach

30-Mar: Love Bytes, Bayou Book Junkie, Molly Lolly

Giveaway

Enter to win. Must be 18 years of age or older. Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotion.
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In Our Author Spotlight: Brandon Witt, Author of ‘Under a Sky of Ash’ (author interview)

Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist Anne Cain

Sales Links Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback | Amazon

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Brandon Witt here today to share some insight about his writing, his characters and his latest release, Under a Sky of Ash. Welcome, Brandon. Just a few questions….

Where do you normally draw your inspiration for a book from? A memory, a myth, a place or journey, or something far more personal?

Typically from either my own life or the people in my life. After 16 years of teaching/counseling, the inspirations are limitless. It’s amazing that one moment of my own life or someone else’s can trigger and open up an entire world for a novel. In Under a Sky of Ash, the teaching and my students’ lives were the biggest inspiration.

Are you a planner or a pantzer when writing a story? And why?

I’m a big planner. We’re talking notebooks, outlines, character sheets, pictures, family trees, on and on and on. The reason is twofold, for me. One, it’s just how my brain works. I need to be able to see the entire picture to have an idea where I’m going. I’m very one-track minded, with everything. I’m not a good multi-tasker. So, planning helps. Although, my plans typically change as I write the story, but at least it helps to know where I’m going. Two, I feel like it really helps me know my characters inside and out before I start the story. Granted, they change and grow over the course of the book, but I have no idea how I’d ever start writing a story about characters I didn’t know. I’ve heard other authors talk about how they never plan and how they get to know their characters as they write. I would be completely lost. But I admire them for being able to do so!

Contemporary, supernatural, fantasy, or science fiction narratives or something else? Does any genre draw you more than another when writing it or reading it and why does it do so?

I know this is the wrong answer, but fantasy is my biggest thing (or at least urban paranormal). However, I’ve always tended to write real life, even though I read more fantasy. Maybe it’s just using writing as therapy? Not sure. Though I do have a fantasy series out and a couple shorts coming in the next couple of months. As far as romance? For about six years in Jr. High and high school, I read every Christian Romance novel I could get my hands on. Yes, you read that right! (For any of you who had the same sickness, my favorites were anything by Bodie Thoene and The Winslow Series.)

If you had a character you’ve written you would write differently now at this time in your writing career, who would it be and why?

Oh! That’s a dangerous question. I almost don’t want to answer that one! However, that answer is easy. Brooke Morrison, from The Shattered Door. It was my first novel and over ten years ago now. He really documents where I was in that moment in my journey out of learn-to-be-straight therapy and my Christian beliefs. I read that book now and I’m in such a different place than where he is (where I was), it’s honestly hard for me to get through it. However, that is one of the wonderful things about writing. It captures the author where they are at that moment. I’m sure I’ll feel the same about some of the characters now when I look back in ten more years. Ultimately, I wouldn’t change him. There are many people that LOVE Brooke. I think I see so much of myself in him that it’s hard to show him the same amount of grace as I do my other characters.

Can an author have favorites among their characters and do you have them?

Dear lord yes! And I’m not sure what this says about me, but, for me, it’s almost always my supporting characters and/or my women.

In The Shattered Door, it’s Maudra. I’ve even named my Mini Cooper after her. She’s perfect and I want her in my real life.

In the Men of Myth Series, it’s Sonia. She is so gorgeous and strong and damaged and vicious. I’m totally captivated by her.

In Under a Sky of Ash, it’s ManDonna. The drag queen. Writing her was the most fun I’ve ever had writing a character. I swear she was in the room with me in every scene she was in. I couldn’t believe the things she said as my fingers typed the words.

If you were to be stranded on a small demi-planet, island, or god forbid LaGuardia in a snow storm, what books would you take to read or authors on your comfort list?

Easy. Cliché though it may be. Harry Potter, by JK Rowling. Those books are and always will be my all-time favorite.

Woke Up in a Strange Place, by Eric Arvin

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series, by JR Ward

Beneath the Stain, by Amy Lane

From the Corner of His Eye, by Dean Koontz

Lonely Heart series, by Heidi Cullinan

Dogwood Days, by Poppy Dennison

How early in your life did you begin writing?

Sophomore year in high school. All thanks to Ms. Becca Hungerford. She was the teacher that started it all. School and reading (and even more so, math and science) were never easy for me. I had to work hours and hours each night, often over tears, and then still go in for tutoring. Ms. Hungerford taught us creative writing. It was the first time I didn’t agonize over homework. And she was always so complimentary and kind. She fostered growth through gentleness and encouragement. I owe her everything!

Were you an early reader or were you read to and what childhood books had an impact on you as a child that you remember to this day and why?

As I stated above, reading was hard. I wasn’t able to really read until fifth grade. Before then, I only read Garfield and Archies. Then mom forced, FORCED, me to read Mr. Popper’s Penguins and The Secret Garden the summer between 4^th and 5^th grade. It clicked and I devoured every book I could find. I loved Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew, Secrets of a Unicorn Queen, anything by Gene Stratton-Porter and Laura Ingalls Wilder, on and on and on.

What question would you ask yourself here?

Is living the life of a full-time writer as wonderful as you dreamed?

Yes! A billion times yes! The ONLY draw back is the constant terror of if I will be actually able to support myself with writing and not have it all slip through my fingers. Other than that, it really is better than I dreamed. To write every single day? Unreal. To life a life that I’ve dreamed of for nearly two decades? I’m so very, very blessed and I pray that it will last. To hear from and talk to readers who connect with my books and find out they were touched by them or simply entertained? Absolutely floors me. I am completely filled with gratitude and hope.

If you were writing your life as a romance novel, what would the title be?

Custom-Fit Love

Tag-line: Romance readers beware, this romance has almost everything you hate in your romance novels, however, the two main characters couldn’t be happier.

Thank you, Brandon, this was wonderful. Please come back and visit us again.

Now read on to discover more about…

Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt

More than a decade after leaving Colorado to attend college and escape his past, Isaiah Greene moves back and builds a life in Denver as a special education teacher. When he meets Ben Woods, the mentor of one of his students, the attraction is immediate. The revelations that they’ve both suffered traumatic childhoods form a bond between them.

Raised by an abusive grandmother, Ben is a recovering addict who has made a family with his construction worker boss, Hershel, and Hershel’s husband, Daniel—drag queen ManDonna. Adding Isaiah to his life gives Ben a glimpse of a future he’d never dreamed possible for himself.

Both Isaiah and Ben are survivors, but when guilt drives a wedge between them, the past threatens to end their relationship.

Ben and Isaiah embark on journeys of self-discovery. Though their path will be difficult at times, humor and love find a way to bring light to the darkness.

About the Author

Brandon Witt’s outlook on life is greatly impacted by his first eighteen years of growing up gay in a small town in the Ozarks, as well as fifteen years as a counselor and special education teacher for students with severe emotional disabilities. Add to that his obsession with corgis and mermaids, then factor in an unhealthy love affair with cheeseburgers, and you realize that with all those issues, he’s got plenty to write about….

Website: “http://www.brandonwitt.com“
Author Facebook Page: “https://www.facebook.com/brandon.witt.author/?fref=ts“
Dreamspinner Press: “http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/AuthorArcade/brandon-witt“
Amazon: “http://www.amazon.com/Brandon-Witt/e/B008FV6Y4M/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1454952325&sr=8-1“
Goodreads: “https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4896623.Brandon_Witt“

YouTube: HYPERLINK “https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5cFqYKyNyDCxExAonFPRA” https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5cFqYKyNyDCxExAonFPRA

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

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

Giveaway

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The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk Dreamspinner Press Cover art by Catt Ford

Blurb for The Worst Bad Thing

Buy links for The Worst Bad Thing

Dreamspinner | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | All Romance Ebooks

About the Author

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Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton Riptide Publishing

Cover Art by Jay Aheer

About Trailer Trash

About Marie Sexton

Giveaway

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Ceílí by Moriah Gemel Release Date: March 17, 2016

Goodreads Link: www.goodreads.com/moriahgemel Publisher: Interlude Press Cover Artist: Design – CB Messer, Cover art by Ari McFarland

Interlude Press: store.interludepress.com

Giveaway

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Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist Anne Cain

Sales Links Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback | Amazon

Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt

About the Author

Share this:

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

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

The Worst Bad Thing by J.E. Birk
Dreamspinner Press
Cover art by Catt Ford

Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton
Riptide Publishing

Ceílí by Moriah Gemel
Release Date: March 17, 2016

Goodreads Link: www.goodreads.com/moriahgemel
Publisher: Interlude Press
Cover Artist: Design – CB Messer, Cover art by Ari McFarland

Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist Anne Cain