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Murders Afoot with the Return of the Lindenshaw Mysteries in ‘Jury of One’ by Charlie Cochrane

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Jury of One (Lindenshaw Mysteries) by Charlie Cochrane
Riptide Publishing
Cover art by L.C. Chase

Read an Excerpt/Purchase it Here

Jury of One is the second in the Lindenshaw Mysteries series. It features a gay Detective Inspector, Robin, whose investigations never seem to run in a straightforward fashion, and his teacher partner Adam who finds Robin’s cases appear determined to involve him. And there’s Adam’s dog, Campbell, who’s desperate to stick his big, black wet nose into everybody’s business.

About  Jury of One

Inspector Robin Bright is enjoying a quiet Saturday with his lover, Adam Matthews, when murder strikes in nearby Abbotston, 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?magnifiying glass with fingerprint

About Charlie Cochrane

As Charlie Cochrane couldn’t be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes, with titles published by Carina, Samhain, Bold Strokes, MLR and Cheyenne.

Charlie’s Cambridge Fellows Series of Edwardian romantic mysteries was instrumental in her being named Author of the Year 2009 by the review site Speak Its Name. She’s a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Mystery People, International Thriller Writers Inc and is on the organising team for UK Meet for readers/writers of GLBT fiction. She regularly appears with The Deadly Dames.

Connect with Charlie:

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Giveaway

Leave a comment for a chance to win a download of  Lessons in Love (Cambridge Fellows Mysteries #1) in audio! 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.

Lindenshaw Mysteries

Adam Matthews’s life changed when Inspector Robin Bright walked into his classroom to investigate a murder.

Now it seems like all the television series are right: the leafy villages of England do indeed conceal a hotbed of crime, murder, and intrigue. Lindenshaw is proving the point.

Detective work might be Robin’s job, but Adam somehow keeps getting involved—even though being a teacher is hardly the best training for solving crimes. Then again, Campbell, Adam’s irrepressible Newfoundland dog, seems to have a nose for figuring things out, so how hard can it be?

The Best Corpse for the Job (Lindenshaw Mysteries, #1) Charlie Cochrane*

Jury of One (Lindenshaw Mysteries, #2)Charlie Cochrane*

*A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Recommended Story.

Katey Hawthorne On Clockwork Magic on the Blood and Clockwork Tour (Guest Post, excerpt and Giveaway)

Blood and Clockwork

Blood and Clockwork by Katey Hawthorne
Less Than Three Press
Published March 16th 2016

Art Work  by Natasha Snow

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have Katey Hawthorne, author of Blood and Clockwork, here to talk about the novel and the inspiration behind it.  Welcome, Katey!

Clockwork Magic

Hi, and thanks for letting me drop by at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue words. You know I love you all! Today I’m going to talk about my newest release, Blood and Clockwork, which is part of Less Than Three Press’s Solitary Travelers collection—all containing asexual protagonists! They cover the ace spectrum pretty well, from what I understand, and the hero of my book, Alistair Click, is asexual panromantic. He’s also a huge nerd and itinerant horologist.

I’ve had a huge thing for clockwork my whole life. I’m not sure what it is about the cogs and wheels clicking away, but they’re mesmerizing. I think back to a time when clockwork was far more pervasive than it is now and how wonders like the Silver Swan used to draw huge crowds—and wonder if it does even now. I don’t think it’d seem any less magical to people today… well, depending on their level of cynicism.

Anyhow, this is just a long way of saying that this is why I love to write about clockwork, and even clockwork as or intertwined with magic. There’s a small problem with that in Alistair Click’s world, sadly…

A faint glimmering came from a round object within, like a glass ball, but with some sort of gas or liquid trapped inside, roiling. It tied my stomach in knots. “It may be magic,” I said gravely.

“Magic, of course there’s magic.” [Marco’s] deadpan was impressive. “Okay, so. Clockwork-activated magic?”

“No wonder the Prince went mad.” I handed off the lantern and jumped down from the stool. “This makes it even riskier to meddle with. Magic is outlawed for a reason. That reason is madness. It follows inevitably.”

So there’s that to deal with, on top of a tower full of clockwork puzzles. Fun times, amiright?

BLURB:

Blood and Clockwork: Alistair Click set out to lay to rest the superstitious fears about the Mad Prince’s clockwork tower. If thatBlood and Clockwork meant he might bring the ghost city of Avalonia back to economic life, connecting the western kingdoms once again, so much the better. So what if no adventurer who’d entered the tower in the last century of desolation had ever re-emerged? They didn’t have his skill and wit. He could do better.

The tower turns out to be far more than Alistair expected, however. Not only are there clockwork puzzles to open every door, but one of them drops a boy from a strange world into his lap—figuratively speaking, if only just. Marco Murphy was just gaming in his New Jersey apartment, and now he’s stuck in what feels like a never ending LARP nightmare.

The deeper they delve into the Mad Prince’s tower, the darker the secrets they uncover. They’re not entirely sure they’ll ever be able to get out again, either. It’ll take all Marco’s charm and Alistair’s cleverness, plus the strange bond growing between them, to get them out together… and alive.

LINKS:Author’s site: http://www.kateyhawthorne.com/p/one-shots.html

Sales Links

Less Than Three Press  |  Amazon   |   All Romance eBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katey Hawthorne is an avid reader and writer of superpowered romance, even though the only degree she holds is in the history of art. (Or, possibly, because the only degree she holds is in the history of art.) Originally from the Appalachian foothills of West Virginia, she currently lives in Ohio. In her spare time she enjoys comic books, B-movies, loud music, Epiphones, and Bushmills. Find her at http://www.kateyhawthorne.com/

GIVEAWAY:

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A Free Dreamer Review: Lima Oscar Victor Echo and The Truth About Everything by Suki Fleet

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

Lima Oscar Victor EchoGrowing up in a small village in Wales with a domineering homophobic father, Oscar has always believed he has to hide his real feelings.


He’s hidden his heart from everyone, but most of all from his best friend, Jamie–who also happens to be the boy he’s in love with. 
But when a film Oscar makes about love and acceptance is chosen to be in the finals of a national competition, everything he’s hidden about himself threatens to be revealed.


Now Oscar thinks he must make the choice between the life he knows and the people he loves, and the life he wishes he had. 
But life holds far more secrets and promises than Oscar expects.

I probably shouldn’t have loved this story as much as I did. There’s the gay guy falling for the straight guy trope, which I usually hate, it’s rather fluffy, when I’m a fluff-hater, and it’s a short story, when I prefer novels with 250+ pages. But this is Suki Fleet, and it’s free, so I figured I’d give it a shot. And it was so worth it.

Now, this isn’t your typical Suki Fleet story. It’s a lot less bitter and a lot sweeter than the usual things she writes and yet I still found myself in tears by the end.

This wasn’t the typical GFY trope, where the straight guy remains straight, even once he’s in a relationship with another guy. Jamie has doubted his sexuality for a while now, but with everything that’s happened over the last year or so, he just hasn’t had the emotional capacity to really worry about that. And Oscar isn’t out to the world at all and very much convinced that the love of his love will never return his feelings.

Both MCs were absolutely lovable. They were so different and yet they worked so well with each other. It was beautiful to watch them slowly become more than friends. The romance was breathtakingly beautiful and felt so incredibly real to me.

The little bit of angst that was there, was wonderfully done. Not too much to drag the whole story down, but just enough to counterbalance the otherwise very sweet tone of the rest. There was some homophobia and Oscar’s worries about coming out and I found myself just as worried as Oscar. I just couldn’t really see a satisfying solution for all the problems presented, and yet the ending was simply perfect. It was so incredibly romantic I suddenly found myself tearing up over it.

I loved how both MCs’ passions got so many on-page scenes and how they played an essential role in the whole plot. That was wonderfully done and I could easily relate to the joy they both felt when playing music and creating animations.

Overall, a beautiful little YA adult story about coming out and falling in love. It’s a lot lighter than Suki Fleet’s other works and it’s free, so this is the perfect chance to give her a try.

Cover: The wonderful cover was done by the author herself. It’s unique and works really well with the story.

Sales Links:  Free at Goodreads M/M Romance Group

Book details:

ebook, 83 pages
Published June 7th 2015 by M/M Romance Group @ Goodreads
Edition LanguageEnglish
CharactersOscar Moore, Jamie (Lima Oscar Victor Echo…)
setting Llanitheth, Wales (United Kingdom)
Newport, Wales (United Kingdom)
Llanhilleth, Wales (United Kingdom

In the Spotlight: Dianne Hartsock’s ‘Stuck on Rewind’ (Character interview, sexy excerpt and giveaway)

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Stuck on Rewind by Dianne Hartsock
 Release Date: March 15, 2016

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Pride Publishing
Cover Artist: Emmy Ellis

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Lance from Dianne Hartsock’s book STUCK ON REWIND. Hi Lance, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself.

  • What are you most proud of about your life?

You’ll probably think I’m vain, but I believe I’m one of the best dancers in this city. But isn’t it okay for an artist to be proud of their work? And I do work hard at this, practicing every spare chance I get. Oh, you meant on a personal level? I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to keep Ashton as my best friend. He’s amazing. So much smarter than I am. It makes me proud that he still wants to be with me.

  • What are you most ashamed of in your life?

Not a very nice question to ask someone. But if you want a confession out of me, I guess I’m most ashamed of the men I’ve used in my life. I mean, mostly the guys I’m with are just out to have a good time, like I am. But sometimes I’ll be with someone simply because I’m lonely, or because they’re hot. Shallow of me, I know. And now I see the hurt in Ashton’s eyes and wish I hadn’t dated any of them.

  • What are you most afraid of?

I’ve tried to show Ashton that I’ve changed. That I don’t want to date anyone but him. But with my history… I’m afraid I can’t convince him and that I’ll lose him, even though I love him more than anything.

  • Tell me about your best friend. What do you like about this person? What do they like about you?

Ashton is the best friend anyone can hope for. He stood by me all through high school when I was just finding myself. Even when my parents were confused and ashamed of me, Ashton picked me up and kept me going with his support and kindness to a messed up kid. What does Ashton like about me? He says it’s my kind heart, but I’ve seen his face when he watches me dance. I think it’s more than that.

  • What’s your idea of a good marriage? Do you think that’ll happen in your life?

*A pretty blush colors Lance’s face* Marriage? I’ve never really thought about it. I guess it’s a good idea to be friends, and to trust each other. Have fun and great sex together. But do I think I’ll ever marry? *His blush deepens* Maybe. If Ashton ever asks me. I could be his husband. Definitely.

Thanks, Lance, for stopping by.  Want to know more about Lance and Ashton?  Keep reading…

Blurb

Ashton has been in love with his best friend for years, watching him grow from a pretty high school boy to the gorgeous erotic dancer at the club where they both work. The problem is that Lance enjoys the attention of a variety of men while Ashton wants him for his very own.

After a day spent denying his attraction for Lance, standing by while their friend Trey openly flirts with him, Ashton decides it’s time to make his move or risk losing his man forever. Once Lance knows how he feels, he’ll realize they should be together. Or is it already too late?

 

Pages or Words: 10,308 words
 Categories: Contemporary, Erotic, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

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Excerpt

“Fuck!” Ashton shouted in a mixture of anger and ecstasy as Lance swallowed again, then let Ashton’s softening cock slip from between his perfect lips. Ashton leaned on his elbows, his chest heaving while he caught his breath. With a last kiss on his thigh, Lance climbed off the bed, sleek-limbed and graceful, and walked to the dresser with a sassy sway of his hips.

Ashton stared after him and groaned, not sure if he wanted to pull his friend’s ass back into his arms or punch him in the face. It would be incredible to wake up with Lance every morning and make love to him. But he sternly reminded himself that they were only friends and Lance needed to stop climbing into his bed at night uninvited.

“You do remember you have a bed of your own?” he asked, more sharply than he’d intended.

Lance gave him a smirk over his shoulder, making a show of licking the last of Ashton’s spunk off his swollen lips. “You told me to wake you at seven.”

“I didn’t mean… Oh hell.” Ashton fell back on the pillows and threw an arm over his eyes. He swore in exasperation when the mattress dipped and Lance’s familiar scent surrounded him. “Damn it—”

Soft fingers touched his mouth. “Don’t be mad, baby. I didn’t mean anything.”

Ashton peered at him through the dark curls that had flopped into his eyes. The guy looked positively forlorn, and Ashton sat up, giving him a one-armed hug. “I’m not mad. But you don’t need to keep doing that, either. You’re my friend!” He kissed Lance’s cheek, the velvet skin warm with a blush. “You make a terrific roommate, and I like the company.”

“And I like you.” Lance walked his fingers up Ashton’s leg.

Ashton laughed and shooed the hand away, but couldn’t help staring at the enticing evidence of his friend’s arousal between his legs.

“Can I take care of that for you?”

“Not at all.” Lance stood up, waving off Ashton’s offer. “I’ll deal with it in the shower. You have to save your attentions for Mister Man.”

“Who are you talking about…? Wait!” Ashton rolled off the bed and trotted after Lance as he crossed the apartment.

Lance giggled, slipping behind the bathroom door but holding it cracked open an inch. He smiled at Ashton with his pouty, kissable lips. “You know, the boss. Mister Kent.”

“I’m not saving myself for—”

Ashton blinked at the closed door. Why in the world would Lance think he was interested in his boss? Sure, the man was handsome as sin, but he was also an egomaniac and tyrant. Why only yesterday, he’d…

Hot blood scorched Ashton’s neck and face, his arm tingling where Morgan Kent had gripped it, towering over him. The man had bent to his ear, swamping Ashton’s senses with subtle cologne and a hint of sweat as he’d whispered, “If you can’t type a simple letter without mistakes, I’ll find a secretary who can.” He’d tightened his hand almost painfully on Ashton’s arm. “Or maybe I should just bend you over this desk and smack your ass for each mistake?”

Ashton’s dick jumped at the memory. He told it sternly to behave. “We’re not falling for that bastard. We’ll stick with the sweet boys at the club and call it good.”

Buy the book

Pride Publishing | Amazon | AmazonUK | Barnes & Noble

Meet the Author

Dianne grew up in one of the older homes in the middle of Los Angeles, a place of hardwood floors and secret closets and back staircases. A house where ghosts lurk in the basement and the faces in the paintings watch you walk up the front stairs. Rooms where you keep the closet doors closed tight at night. It’s where her love of the mysterious and wonderful came from.

Dianne now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house with a fire crackling on the hearth and a cup of hot coffee warming her hands, which kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Where to find the author:

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

15-Mar: BFD Book Blog, Man2ManTastic, 3 Chicks After Dark, Full Moon Dreaming

16-Mar:A.M. Leibowitz, Velvet Panic, Louise Lyons, Mikky’s World of Books, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

17-Mar: Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Nephy Hart,

Oh My Shelves

18-Mar: Alpha Book Club, Havan Fellows, The Dark Arts, Making It Happen, Bayou Book Junkie

19-Mar: Outrageous Heroes, Inked Rainbow Reads, Love Bytes

21-Mar: Elin Gregory, MM Good Book Reviews, Happily Ever Chapter, MM Book Escape

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $10 ARe gift card.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prize provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

 

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