In the Spotlight: Falling (Fall or Break #1) by Barbara Elsborg (author interview and contest)

Falling (Fall or Break #1) by Barbara Elsborg
Samhain Publishing

Author Barbara Elsborg is here today to talk about her book, Falling, and the Fall or Break series. Check out our interview below and the book details that follow.

Contest: Enter to win a eBook from Barbara Elsborg’s library. Leave a comment below, along with an email address where you can be contacted. And also click on the Rafflecopter link below as well. Contest ends midnight, April 21st (2 weeks from today):
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An Interview with Barbara Elsborg on “Falling”….

1. What prompted you to write Falling?

I hate the idea of someone being put in prison for something they didn’t do. I hate the idea of someone being accused of something they didn’t do! It made me think how awful it must be to be in prison and be constantly encouraged to admit your guilt and how hard it must be to stand against that pressure. It used to be the case that if you didn’t admit your guilt you spent more of your sentence behind bars. That’s not really true now BUT since a parole board has to agree to your early release, if you haven’t accepted your guilt it can be a reason to deny you the chance of life outside on license. I had to do a lot of research to check I had my facts right!

2. Where do you draw your inspiration?

Everywhere. Things I’m told, things I read or see. An addiction to Google! Another inspiration for Falling was when a friend told me of a young man she knew who was a teacher in Scotland – accused of abuse by a pupil. He was innocent. The accusation was withdrawn but the damage was done and he left teaching. I think in these days of political correctness, you have to be so careful what you say and do and in a way, it’s a shame. We need a better balance.

3. Falling is the first in the Fall or Break series. Will you continue with the couple in Falling or will each subsequent book feature a different set of MCs?

The next book Breaking – features Conrad – a minor character out of Falling. It’s a stand alone book but it does help to know who Conrad used to be with. Malachi and Harper have a little part in Breaking – out in July. I prefer writing books that tell the story of one couple, and end it rather than let it run to several books.

4. Or will the series chart the progression of the relationship?

So no – LOL – the series will be about different MCs!

5. Were you a prolific reader as a child?

Huge reader. I used to be trouble with the local library because I took books back to change them for new ones before they’d filed the cards for the ones I’d taken out. (that dates me!) I read very fast. 80 pages in 30 minutes of a paperback – often even quicker. I also read up to 3 books at the same time – not actually at the same time but I have 3 by the side of the bed now, all part read, plus the one on my Kindle. I read according to mood! I’m not always in the mood for romance. I like suspense and thrillers.

6. If so, what book or author made a impact on you as a child reader?

That’s really hard. I think I might pick the Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. I loved the idea of another land up a tree!I was scared of heights though so I never climbed trees.

7. And has that impact continued into adulthood, as a reader and writer?

No. Enid Blyton was of her time. Some stories like the Magic Faraway Tree can be read now, but the others are dated. I didn’t have a favourite author. I just read anything. Once I was in my teens I was addicted to James Bond books. Then I branched out to the classics. There aren’t many genres I won’t try. The one I have the most difficulties with is hard core sci fi. It’s too technical for me.

8. Who do you consider your influences as an author today?

Impossible to say. I’ve read so much and loved so much- Adele Parks, Jennifer Crusie, Fiona Walker, Freya North – but I love thriller and suspense writers like Mark Billingham, Tom Wood, Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben, Mo Hayder – so many. I also love regency romances – Eloisa James, Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn… too many to mention. I think any good author that you read has to have some influence if only to encourage you to write better.

9. What drives you to write? And have you always written?

What drives me? The love of telling a story, the need for a happy ending, a belief in love, an interest in what makes people tick. I have always written. I started with fan fiction as a teenager for TV shows and wrote my first novel in my early twenties. I found writing was a way to escape a not very happy time at school. I could dive into my own world, make myself the heroine and give myself a HEA.

10. What’s next for Barbara Elsborg?
I have an MM called The Demon You Know out in April. An MMF called Talking Trouble out in May. Breaking out in July and I’ve just finished writing an MM tentatively called Give Yourself Away. It’s going to be a year of many releases!! But on a personal note, I’m going to be at RT in Dallas if anyone would like to meet me!

About Falling…

Falling is easy. Landing without breaking your heart? Impossible.

Harper is no longer behind bars, but it doesn’t feel like it. Ten years serving time for a crime he didn’t commit have left him shut down, numb, and a frozen wreck over the simplest of choices.

He’s acutely aware of the dark-haired young man checking him out in the supermarket, but he’s too deep in panic mode to even meet the guy’s gaze. Afraid the slightest move will trigger a fall that will never stop.

Fresh off a long-term relationship with a controlling man, Malachi is stuck living with relatives who think he’s a waste of oxygen. The tall guy in the long, gray coat is the first bright spot he’s glimpsed in a long time…though the man’s unblinking stare at a bottle of shower gel is a touch alarming.

Hard experience tells both of them to turn away before lust turns to hopeless attraction, and inevitably to disaster. But once their sparks connect, the arc of electricity is too strong to deny. Even if the cost is too much to bear.

Warning: Contains an ex-con with disaster written all over him, a boy toy who’s trouble with a capital T, a damp old British house, compulsive meddling, and enough hot sex to cure the severe case of nervous babbling. Read an excerpt here at Samhain.

Sales Links: Samhain Publishing Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

Kindle Edition, 282 pages
Published March 24th 2015 by Samhain Publishing
original titleFalling,ASINB00Q33IKYG
edition languageEnglish
url http://www.barbaraelsborg.com/book/falling/
seriesFall or Break #1

About Barbara Elsborg:

Barbara Elsborg lives in West Yorkshire in the north of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.

Contact/follow Barbara at her blog/website: http://www.barbaraelsborg.com/

A BJ Review: Spiretown by Lia Black

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

In this urban fantasy novel, the human population has been split into two factions after the Mage wars, plainbloods born with no magical abilities and mages born ‘tainted’ with magic. Mages are considered dangerous and separated from the rest of humanity into compounds like Spiretown, a ghetto city within a city that serves as a prison. Templar Commander Collin Anderfels has a duty to contain the mages and protect plainbloods. When a group of power-crazy mages target Logan Gray, the powerful self-proclaimed leader of Spiretown, Collin finds himself forced to protect a man that embodies everything Collin loathes.

Spiretown features exceptional world-building, lots of plot twists, and a story that runs the gamut from fun, witty dialogue to delicious angst, from hot and sexy moments to intense action, and from sweet emotion to gory horror.

The characters are well-drawn, complex guys with imperfections and hurtful pasts (oh, how I love the broken boys). Logan and Collin represent the two sides of this separated world. Each have reasons to hate the other, but when fate brings them together, can they come to trust each other in order to survive? Logan, the emotionally damaged, tattooed and pierced mage initially uses his androgyny and flamboyance to taunt and flirt with Collin. Collin is strongly anti-Mage due to both personal events from his past and his sworn duty as a Templar. Both characters must change in order to stay alive. As a side note, I enjoyed how Collin’s repressed dominant tendencies were just waiting to come out when Logan opened that door. Very tasty.

There’s also a strong and relatable female character in Collin’s mother, Penny. I mention this mainly as its not often in M/M that I encounter female characters that aren’t props, stereotypes or bad exs, but rather a real character that participates in moving the story forward in a positive way.

I consider Spiretown a picture perfect M/M urban fantasy of forbidden love between two guys from opposite sides of the track in more ways that one. Put this one on your must read list right now. It’s awesome.

Cover Artist: Author
Love this cover. Eerie city spires darkly silhouetted against the blaze of setting sun. What could be creepier than facing encroaching darkness alone in such a scary, godforsaken place?

Sales Link: Amazon US Amazon UK Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook
Published August 28th 2014 by Lia Black/ VineDark
(first published December 2nd 2012)
ISBN139781310068072
edition languageEnglish

A MelanieM Review: Dance Off by Dance Off by Ariel Tachna and Nessa L. Warin

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

On the reality show Dance Off, pro rugby player Olivier Gautier and Olympic swimmer JC Webster each have one goal in mind: to stay on the show as long as possible to earn his charity of choice maximum exposure and a larger donation. As the competition heats up, their goals expand to catching each other’s interest, but Olivier is firmly in the closet and plans to stay there. JC is willing to be discreet, but not to hide forever.

Starting a romance with another man is challenge enough for any celebrity, but doing it under the microscope of reality TV—and one majorly intolerant costar—is even harder. Add in meddling dance pros, JC’s overbearing family, and the need to play up chemistry with dance partners to win America’s hearts, and JC and Olivier’s time together is looking more and more like a recipe for disaster.

As the pressure to stay in the competition mounts, JC and Olivier must face their inevitable separation at the end of the show as well as decide whether a relationship as complicated as theirs can survive in the real world, outside the bubble of the set and practice studios.

Dance Off by Ariel Tachna and Nessa L. Warin is an absolutely sweet love story that, for me at least, gets bogged down by one of the plots points that probably pulled readers in…a reality show dance competition ala Dancing With The Stars. Ariel Tachna has always had the ability to bring forth believable and mostly lovable characters in her stories. The same can be said for Nessa L. Warin. All of their characters have layers to their personalities, including quirks you either understand and love or frustrate the heck out of you. All of that can be found here.

I thought the tv dance competition plot was a great element to wrap a romance around. But here’s the thing. I only moderately enjoy watching it on tv (mostly for people like Jerry Springer dancing their hearts out and like surprises along the way). So for me, there was too much dance background going on here. A few dance partners ok, here all the of the couples are well represented here. Their characters are well defined and their actions believable but I thought after a while they took up too much of the “stage”, and it took away from the main characters and the evolving romance. I would rather have had more of JC’s Abuela and endearing family, than a host of dancing couples. When JC’s family merrily intruded, to great effect, upon JC and Olivier relationship and the dancing competition, the story leapt back to life after flagging somewhat under the details of the competition. I adored that family and could have happily spent a lot more time with them instead of the dancers.

No, I came for the romance that I knew Ariel Tachna and Nessa L. Warin would create between Olivier and JC. And that didn’t disappoint. I loved these characters and rooted for them the whole way through the story and dance off. The authors made their men real, with their doubts, flaws, and passions. I could see so easily their attraction to each other as well as the obstacles that arose around them.

If you are looking for a sweet romance and love reality shows along the line of Dancing With The Stars, this story is for you. I enjoyed my time with the main characters, even if the dancing competition got a little overwhelming for me. Pick it up and decide for yourself. It’s Spring and love is in the air, even on the dance floor!

Cover art by Bree Archer. The artist did a good job depicting the characters. It’s charming and pulls you right in.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 230 pages
Published March 20th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632168962
edition languageEnglish

A Stella Review: A Beginner’s Guide to Wooing Your Mate (Being(s) in Love #3) by R. Cooper

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Zeki Janowitz has returned to his hometown of Wolf’s Paw to start his wizarding career. Unfortunately, Wolf’s Paw, a werewolf refuge, follows centuries of tradition and shuns human magic and a very human Zeki. He knows he’s in for a struggle, but a part of him has always belonged in the mountain town, or rather belonged to Theo Greenleaf. Years away at school haven’t lessened Zeki’s crush on the quiet werewolf. When town gossip informs him Theo still suffers from his mate’s rejection and does not date, it does little to ease Zeki’s embarrassing feelings. He decides now’s the time to get the man he’s always wanted.

Werewolves usually don’t recover from losing their mates, and Theo barely pulled through by focusing on his love of baking. It’s a daily struggle, and Zeki’s return to Wolf’s Paw shatters his peace. Theo doesn’t know what to think when Zeki attempts to woo him, talking about his wizarding business and settling in town for good. It’s like Zeki doesn’t have a clue how his words years before left Theo a shell of a werewolf.  Beginners in love, Theo and Zeki must seduce each other with a bit of heavenly baking and magic.

A Beginner’s Guide To Wooing Your Mate by R Cooper is almost a second chance at love story, almost cause they weren’t exactly together the first time. After five years apart it’s finally time for our MCs to have their happy ending.

In a world where humans, werewolves and other beings live together, Zeki is a shy, young human wizard. He just got back to Wolf’s Paw after being away to study. He returns to live with his dad while trying to get a job. Theo is a fireman werewolf and Zeki’s high school crush. After having been rejected from his mate, he is surviving as best as he can. Finding out his mate he’s back in town, will shake Theo badly. It seems both Zeki and Theo are determined to have some happiness, but who is going to woo whom?

The book left me thinking a lot. I was afraid to have missed something, at the end I understood it was just disappointment. I read a couple of other books by R. Cooper and really enjoyed them. This one wasn’t a winner to me. It left me confused and hungry for more of Zeki and Theo together.

I don’t know how to explain it well, but I found the author’s writing style different. It was still endearing, but a little harder to read, sometimes with too long sentences. I had a hard time getting used to it. Moreover she chose to focus the writing more on the werewolves world and its rules, than show us Theo and Zeki together. She explained really well the world we were going to read about, I knew every little detail but I missed the chemistry between the MCs, because during the book they met and spoke directly a very few times. In fact if you like a slow burn story this is your book, cause really, nothing happens between them until two-thirds in.

At the same time what I loved in this book is the fact that I was able to feel the characters, feel their emotions. The author made an amazing work at showing to us what they are thinking, what’s bothering them, everything that came from within their minds and hearts.

Also there were some funny scenes, Zeki’s attack of verbal diarrhea were hilarious and I often found myself take a breath for him. While Theo didn’t speak through all the book, only at the end. Perfect for each other.

I loved the title, as soon as I saw it I wanted it. The point is, in my opinion, it’s misleading, it doesn’t fit the story. I was so curious about how to wooing your mate, but they actually courting didn’t happen or better, it happened but it wasn’t showed to us. Even the dates are showed to us as Theo remember them briefly.

So to me A Beginner’s Guide To Wooing Your Mate wasn’t what I was expecting from R. Cooper, nonetheless a good story, I just would have preferred it was delivered in a better way.

Cover art by Paul Richmond. A fabulous cover, like all the other works by Paul!

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

Published March 13th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press LLC
ebook, 200 pages
ISBN13 9781632168207
Edition language English
Being(s) in Love series
Some Kind Of Magic #1
A Boy And His Dragon #2
A Beginner’s Guide To Wooing Your Mate #3

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It’s Cover Reveal Time for K. Vale’s Crossed Hearts (contest)

Cover Reveal for Crossed Hearts (Hearts and Scars #1) by K. Vale
Release Date: April 27, 2015
Goodreads Link

K.Vale is back with her latest story, Crossed Hearts, the first in her Hearts and Scars series. Be sure to check out the blurb and excerpt along with entering the contest at the end of the post.

About Crossed Hearts…

Kory Vansant doesn’t deserve to be alive.

As time sucks him dry of energy, sapping the final ounces of strength from his congenitally enlarged heart, he’s forced to end his career as Kory Kent, porn star. Staring down death, he questions his life choices and prays for a miracle. For another chance at life, he vows to change who he is at his core.

His prayers are answered. A perfect heart now beats in his chest, but it comes at a heavy price. The donor is an innocent young man cut down far too prematurely.

And Kory’s blemished history is nowhere near an ideal match.

As his debts skyrocket, Kory can’t help but think his resolve to walk the high road is being tested. After he meets the adorable Will Squire at the gravesite they both visit, he’s doubly damned because there’s no way he can keep up his end of the bargain. What happens when a man breaks a deal with a higher power?

Will often prefers the company of the dead to that of the living. Following a bad breakup, he pours himself into his two jobs—funeral director at his uncle’s mortuary and part-time paramedic. He’s drawn ever closer to Kory, as if fate sticks her fickle hand in and pushes them together like two unlikely puzzle pieces. But sometimes history can’t be buried, and maybe divine intervention isn’t always right. Will discovers everyone is imperfect, no matter how pretty the outer package, and opening one’s heart is never easy, but can be oh so worth the pain.

Pages or Words: 70,000 words

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

The man scratched the scrub on his chin. “Heart recipient,” he said finally. “I’m Kory—umm…Kory Vansant.” Holding out his hand, he took another step. Will’s fingers were swallowed in warm skin and bone.

“Will Squire.” Again, he couldn’t tear his gaze from the tease of scar tissue jutting from the crotch of Kory’s shirt collar. The urge to reach out and trace a finger over the pink relief of healed tissue was strong. Just like I touched Brandon’s incision. The stark difference between the two—one wound marking the end of a life and the other a salvation—was surreal. Will was nothing but an outsider looking in on a miracle, but somehow he felt he’d come around full circle.

“Want me to get naked so you can see the whole thing?”

Will closed his eyes for a moment and then looked up, his face flaming with a mix of embarrassment and immediate, fierce arousal. “I’m sorry. Totally rude.”

Kory smiled good-naturedly. “No worries. It’s a way to reclaim who I am, or was. Or some crap. I’m not just my medical status, like they keep saying at my support group.”

“No. Of course you’re not.”

He laughed loud and deep, and the warmth in Will’s face drifted down his body. “I’ve adopted it as my little icebreaker whenever people stare,” Kory said
.
“Well, ice broken.” Will gulped. Hell, ice melted into a rolling boil.

Publisher: Kimber Vale
Cover Artist: Dana Priebe

Sales Links:

K. Vale writes erotic romance of all stripes, from hot hetero to mouthwatering manlove. Find her MF work published under Kimber Vale. Come for the sex. Stay for the story. Stalk Kimber on Facebook and Twitter @KimberVale, and check her site for updates, new releases, and freebies at http://www.authorkimbervale.com.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimber.vale
Facebook Author Page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimberVale
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kimbervale/

Contest: Enter to win a copy of Crossed Hearts by adding it to your Goodreads “Want to Read” shelf. Kimber will pick a winner on release day. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

Follow the link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25150920-crossed-hearts?from_search=true

Tour Dates & Stops: April 6, 2015

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An Aurora YA Review: Fire (Dreams of Fire and Gods #2) by James Erich

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

A thousand years ago, two rival factions of gods, the Stronni and Taaweh, nearly destroyed the Kingdom of Dasak in their war for power. Then the Taaweh vanished and the Stronni declared victory.

Now, tensions between the human emperor and his regent are at an all-time high. The regent’s son, apprentice mage Sael dönz Menaük, has fled the capital with his master and united with a vagabond named Koreh, but assassins dog their footsteps. The future is more uncertain than ever.

Since the Taaweh city of Gyishya reappeared, the mages of Harleh have weakened, cut off from the source of their power. Sael and his father struggle to keep their respective cities from crumbling under the strain or being destroyed by the gods. Then Koreh learns of a dangerous Taaweh plan to rescue their queen from the Stronni—a plan only Koreh and Sael can execute.

But they may not get a chance. In Harleh Valley, a young man named Donegh pieces together what happened. Intent, he makes his way through an increasingly alien landscape to carry out his mission: assassinate the Dekan of Harleh, Sael dönz Menaük.

Now that I’ve read this whole series, the only thing I really want to do is read all the books over again! The characterization in these books was just so wonderful and made me really interested not only in the incredibly well thought-out plot, but also in what was happening to the characters and how things were going to go for them. I’ve said this before, but the epic scale in a lot of books similar to this series often ends up taking away from in-depth characterization and that is not a problem that these books have.

On top of that, the writing is just absolutely beautiful and the descriptions of what is happening in the books create a wonderful picture in the reader’s mind. Focusing so much on the characters and the writing isn’t to say that the plot isn’t also incredible. I tend to look more at the characters than the plot when I read simply because I have to care about them to enjoy the plot at all. I do care about the characters in this series, and it lets me see that every single facet of the plot seems very well thought out and carefully considered so that it all comes together in a masterful way.

I absolutely would recommend it, although starting with the first book and working through them is, of course, the best way to read them. In my opinion, these books aren’t really meant to be read out of order or only one of them to be read.

Cover art by Paul Richmond. All of the covers for all of the books in these series have been wonderful, and they are really just incredibly pleasing to the eye. I love the way they represent the different gods and the overall ideas in the book but are still so simplistic and easy to look over.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook & Paperback All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook
Published March 1st 2013 by Harmony Ink Press
Harmony Ink is YA Press(first published February 1st 2013)
ISBN 1623804485 (ISBN13: 9781623804480)
edition languageEnglish
seriesDreams of Fire and Gods #2

Books in the Dreams of Fire and Gods Series:

Dreams (Dreams of Fire and Gods, #1)
Fire (Dreams of Fire and Gods, #2)
Gods (Dreams of Fire and Gods, #3)

A Sammy Review: Taken (Taken #1) by J.C. Owens

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Landon’s past has been a series of shadows and pain. After the loss of his parents at a young age, he’s been tormented by his brothers for years. As a mercenary, he’s been forced to do things he never wanted to, has blood coating his hands. Their latest mission is the result of his brother being captured. It seems simple enough, kidnap a man and bring him back.

But no mission is ever so simple. The men on the island are prepared for them, and Landon soon finds himself held hostage by Kirith, the brother to a well-known mob boss. Their first meetings are that of anger and contempt, but they soon reach an agreement, one that will give Landon his freedom. As they grow to learn each other, bodies and minds, Landon begins to wonder if freedom from this man is what he really wants after all.

“Kirith holds great sadness in his heart, more than any man should have to bear. I have worried over the years as I watched those he brought here, worried that he would never find someone strong enough for him. He isn’t an easy person, but well worth the trials, you will find. You, Landon, are strong enough. You have a fire in you that will match him, keep him from sinking into his depressions. For the first time, I have met someone who could save him from himself and the past.”

I wasn’t necessarily excited to read this book, but I had to for a couple challenges, so I kind of forced myself into starting it. At first, I was very confused. The opening chapter was fairly vague and I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. When I finally understood, I was like “Oh, okay, gotcha.” – but still not gripped.

While I wasn’t the most amazed by this story, I did grow to enjoy it. I love things with a dash of darkness to them, and this certainly had elements of that. My biggest problems were in the quick development of Kirith and Landon’s relationship. One minute he’s threatening Landon, and the next they’re so head-over-heels. I just wanted a smoother transition.

What I liked most about the book were the characters, particularly Enzo and Laura. I was immediately drawn to Enzo for his killer demeanor. I mean, come on, who doesn’t find crazy psychopaths hot, right? But in all seriousness, there was just something to him that I was drawn to. And Laura, she was just such a sweet little character in the midst of such a dark, dangerous world. I also enjoyed Michael, Stephanie, and Trent. Actually, I’d love to get to see Trent have his own story. Why not?

I am looking forward to reading about Enzo and Chase. It’ll be interesting to see how one broken heart can unfreeze another. All in all, a pretty good book. It was just missing a bit of something special for me.

The cover isn’t the best thing in the world, but it works. The island theme is displayed, so that’s a place. Beyond that, it’s fairly generic.

Sales Links: Etopia Press All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 1st Edition, 158 pages
Published January 14th 2011 by Etopia Press
ISBN139781936751105
edition languageEnglish
seriesTaken #1

A MelanieM Review: The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise (Least Likely Partnership, #3) by A.J. Thomas

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

A year has passed since ex San Diego homicide detective Christopher Hayes’s brother committed suicide. Christopher is still recovering from the injuries he sustained when attacked by the main suspect during the investigation. The closing of the case saw more changes in Christopher’s life as he moved in with his lover, Montana police officer Doug Heavy Runner. But instead of the wonderful life Christopher thought he would be living, instead he finds himself deeply depressed by his isolated new location, surrounded by a small town’s blatant racism and homophobia. No one will hire him, he has made the seething racism his lover Doug Heavy Runner faces at work worse by adding homophobia to the mix, and his most recent jog through town ends when two gay-bashing teenagers hit him in the head with a rock.

Deputy Sheriff Doug Heavy Runner has never overcome the abusive relationship that traumatized and shattered him as a young cop. The memories, the lingering shame, and the fear he has never acknowledged have left him resigned to endure the discrimination he faces in Elkin. But he can’t stand it when Christopher becomes a target for that same hatred even as he is blind to the other issues Christopher faces in town.

A vacation in San Diego is cut short when the mutilated body of one of the boys who assaulted Christopher is found in Doug’s garage. Christopher and Doug return to Montana to find they must uncover a tangle of secrets, lies, and tragedy lurking beneath Elkin’s small-town façade. With their relationship at a crossroads, they’ll have to work together to catch the killer and maybe find a paradise of their own.

The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise by A. J. Thomas returns the reader back to the hidebound small town in Montana, and the lingering aftermath of the original case that brought Christopher Hayes, Doug Heavy Runner, Elliot Belkamp and Ray Delgado together in a series of related, horrific cases. The story opens a year later with Christopher and Doug still dealing with the consequences of that case and their decision to move in together. And none of it has turned out as either had hoped it would.

Elkin, Montana is that typical small minded town that exists all over America. Mired in the past and the tight incestuous connections that small town living breeds, Elkin is the last place in the world to welcome a gay couple in their midst, especially one where one partner is a Native American and the other a gay ex SDPD detective. Add to that unpalatable combination (to the townspeople) the fact that Christopher’s pedophile brother committed suicide there, a horrific case whose aftermath is still causing reverberations throughout the community, and you have a recipe not only for rejection but outright shunning and hatred. A. J. Thomas brings this putrid little town alive in all its homophobic, racist, closed down ways. From glares from citizens who cross the street rather than walk near Christopher to the acts of hatred such as thrown rocks when Christopher runs, its feels nauseatingly believable and authentic in every way. Yes, there are a few individuals that are bright spots of acceptance and friendship, but they are few indeed.

Living in this town has not helped either Doug or Christopher come to grips with the horror of the case or their past history that’s getting in the way of their relationship. Doug won’t talk about his trauma from his time in Miami, and Christopher is still using running to race away from his issues with Doug, the town’s treatment of Doug and himself, and the blatant racism and homophobia that no one seems to want to do anything about. He’s deeply depressed, a condition he knows he’s prone to and it’s getting worse because he can’t get a job, no matter his outstanding credentials because of the town’s prejudice against him. This is a complicated, angst driven couple in trouble and each is hiding their fears about their situation and relationship from the other. Is this an explosive situation? Absolutely! And Thomas makes us feel every shiver of dread and stomach turning bit of angst as the characters proceed through the story.

Christopher and Doug have fallen from one emotional precipice only to end up on another. It’s painful, its sometimes hard to read, but the promise and endurance of Doug and Christopher as well as Christopher’s ability to work through to the truth, will keep you glued to this story and the rocky path in front of them both. You want these two to succeed but the chances of that happening is never clearly set. Even when they finally acknowledge some of the issues facing them, its clear that love may not be enough to keep them together unless drastic changes occur. Thomas understands relationship dynamics in the manner in which Doug and Christopher have to work through the past and present problems in order to have a future.

A highlight here is the trip they take to San Diego. I don’t want to spoil it but it brings Ray Delgado and Elliot Belkamp back into the picture (not that they ever left). This section was the icing on a cake, the bubbles in the champagne. And I loved it!

The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise (love that title and the way its explained) also contains another series of horrific murders and suicides. That they come about due to the festering attitudes and influences of small town bigotry will surprise no one. However, the cases are gripping, the action quick and surprising, and the ending explosive. I wouldn’t expect anything less from this amazing series and author.

Thankfully, this is not the last of the series. On the author’s website, Thomas states that an as yet untitled fourth story is in the works. Be still my heart! I can’t wait.

Are you new to this series? Run and pick up the first story, A Casual Weekend Thing, and work your way through books 2 and 3. All are on my Must Have, Must Read list and will end up on my Best of lists this year. Love complicated, angst driven men? Love layers, twists and turns to your romance and stories. Already a fan of this series? Then be prepared to love this story. The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise and the other books in the Least Likely Partnership series (listed below) are written for you. I highly recommend them all!

Cover artist Brook Albrecht. I really like this cover, its my favorite of the three so far.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press All Romance (ARe) Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 204 pages, available also in paperback
Expected publication: March 27th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632169785
edition languageEnglish
url http://ajthomasromance.blogspot.com/p/the-intersection-of-purgatory-and.html
seriesLeast Likely Partnership #3

Books in the Least Likely Partnership Series in the order they were written and should be read to understand the characters, timeline and relationships:

A Casual Weekend Thing (Least Likely Partnership, #1)
Holding Out for a Fairy Tale (Least Likely Partnership, #2)
The Intersection of Purgatory and Paradise (Least Likely Partnership, #3)
Untitled Four Book coming…

Is It The End for Ty and Zane? Find out With Crash & Burn by Abigail Roux (Cut & Run Series Finale Tour and Contest)

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Its Time To Say Goodbye to Ty and Zane! Crash & Burn is the Cut & Run series finale by Abigail Roux. It’s a book we’ve all been equally anticipating and dreading. Abigail Roux and Riptide Publishing is giving us all a chance to wave farewell to this couple we’ve come to love so much. Follow along at each stop of the tour so you don’t miss out on the special farewell goings on!

Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words will say our goodbyes next week with our reviews and thoughts on Ty, Zane and the Cut & Run series. Meanwhile, here’s Abigail Roux on the tour, the series, and the special prizes she has in store:

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Hello and thank you for joining me as I bid a fond farewell to Ty and Zane on the Crash & Burn virtual tour! For the next five days, join me on my virtual stops to help me say goodbye to the Cut & Run series with cut scenes, playlists, behind the scenes looks at the process of writing this last book, and a peek at the original plan for the series and the twists and turns it took on its journey to the end.

Did I mention the prizes? I have incredible prizes for two winners; a go-bag put together by one B. Tyler Grady. Each bag has over $370 worth of goodies in it. For more detail on the contents, you can click the link at the end of this post! Every comment on this blog tour enters you in a drawing to win one of these bags. Entries close at midnight, Eastern Time, on April 4, and winners will be announced on Monday, April 6th. Contest is valid worldwide.

About Crash & Burn (Cut & Run #9):

It’s been five years since Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett first worked together to solve the Tri-State murders, and time has been both harsh and kind. Engaged now, they face the challenge of planning a deeply uncertain future together. Zane is at the pinnacle of his career with one last mystery to solve, while Ty is at sea in a world where he’s no longer the tip of a spear.

There’s just one more hurdle in the way of their happy ever after: a traitor from their inner circle who threatens to burn their world to the ground.

Squeezed between the Vega cartel, an unknown mole, and too many alphabet agencies to count, Ty and Zane must gather all their strength and resources to beat the longest odds they’ve ever faced. To make it out alive, they’ll need help from every friend they’ve got. Even the friends who might betray their trust.

About Abigail Roux

Abigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year.

Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of Call of Duty throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head.

If you care to follow me more closely, you can find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.

Follow this link to find detailed info on the go-bag prizes, but make sure you comment here to enter! You must be 18 years of age to enter. Prizes provided by Abigail Roux and Ty and Zane!

http://abiroux.tumblr.com/post/114770668923/the-book-nein-blog-tour-prizes-tys-go-bag-when

Some of the items in Ty’s Go Bag….

Thanks for stopping by! You can follow the entire tour by going to Riptide Publishing Cut & Run Tour page.

It’s Release Day for The Climb by Kirifox!

Title: The Climb
Author: kirifox
Genre: gay romance, M/M, paranormal/supernatural
Length: short story

Synopsis

A hidden Rocky Mountain alpine meadow and glacial lake are an escape, a small personal paradise for Jessie. Climbing to the overview above camp, however, proves he does not know his sanctuary as well as he thought. How can a strange storm, a fog, and the scent of flowers change his worldview, and ultimately, his life?

theclimb

Buy Links

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Climb-kirifox-ebook/dp/B00UUE5J4S/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Climb-kirifox-ebook/dp/B00UUE5J4S/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Climb-kirifox-ebook/dp/B00UUE5J4S/
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/the-climb-by-kirifox/
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-climb-kirifox/1121479586?ean=9781925222333
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theclimb-1766729-145.html

Excerpt

I pounded on the door with my fist, getting more and more upset, but no one answered. The cabin was solid and definitely there. No way could anyone have constructed this thing in the little time I was gone. I cracked the door open and peered inside; entering when I found it was empty. I discovered a few belongings, a pile of blankets, and tanned skins on the floor, and a handmade table and bench seat, with a couple of tin dishes and a large black pot near the open fireplace. Reaching toward the ashes, I could feel some warmth, so the fire hadn’t been out too long. Someone had to be close by.

The door slammed open. I jumped, ashamed to have been caught where I didn’t belong.

“What ya doin’ in my home? Who are ya?”

As I turned, I was stunned into silence. A well-built man stood silhouetted in the doorway. I couldn’t see his face, but his shoulders were broad, his bare forearms muscled, and he was holding an axe in front of him as if to ward off an enemy. Belatedly, I realized that enemy was me.

“Speak man! Who are ya?”

I shook my head, but couldn’t get my tongue unstuck. Holding my hands in front of me in the universal sign of surrender and peace, I prayed he wouldn’t start swinging until I could get my wits about me.

“Are you mute, boy? Can’t cha talk?”

“I-I can talk.” I stuttered.

“Whatcha doing here? You lost?”

Shaking my brain loose, still unable to see his face in the gloom of the cabin, I started to lower my hands when he motioned with the axe to keep them where they were.

“Listen, I don’t know what’s going on, but I woke up in a cave in the cliff and I was all alone. My friends are supposed to be right here, right now, and this cabin wasn’t here a few hours ago. If this is a prank, can we just get to the funny part and have a good laugh?”

About the author

kirifox-avi kirifox is an accountant by day and a writer by nightóat least, when the muse allows!

She has been an archaeologist, a minister, and a salesperson in her past lives, moving from Ohio to Maine, and then to Colorado where she lives today. Her three kids, of the feline persuasion, love to sit on her keyboard and ëhelpí her write. Angel, Eagle, and Lotus think it is their duty to make sure ìmomî always has a tail in her water glass, a fuzzy mouse near her computer, and a lap full of love.

In her limited spare time she enjoys counted cross stitch, making jewelry from beads and found objects, building 1/12^th scale miniature furniture, gourmet cooking and gardening, not necessarily in that order. Her Lego castle collection fills one wall of her library. She reads voraciously and has at least three books open at all times. She thinks eBooks are awesome, although nothing will ever replace the smell and feel of a print book.

Writing fills a creative need for kirifox. As a child she made up stories to amuse herself and her friends. Then life got in the way and more mundane chores filled her days, until she discovered fanfiction. Writing about her book and movie loves turned into an obsession, fueled by reviews, both good andÖless good. The friends she developed through her fanfiction reading and writing led kirifox to the belief she could write stories other people wanted to read. The only difference between her childhood writing and today is she types her stories into the computer rather than keeping steno pads and sketchbooks filled with messy handwriting and drawings. A small notebook still collects ideas, sentence fragments, and sketches in the middle of the night, or anytime a computer is not accessible.

She has two published short stories, both with Wayward Ink Publishing, and is working on two full length books.

kirifox can be found at:

Website: www.kirifox.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joann.fox.140

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirifox01

Falling (Fall or Break #1) by Barbara Elsborg Samhain Publishing

An Interview with Barbara Elsborg on “Falling”….

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Cover Reveal for Crossed Hearts (Hearts and Scars #1) by K. Vale Release Date: April 27, 2015 Goodreads Link

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About Crash & Burn (Cut & Run #9):

About Abigail Roux

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Synopsis

Buy Links

Excerpt

About the author

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Falling (Fall or Break #1) by Barbara Elsborg
Samhain Publishing

Cover Reveal for Crossed Hearts (Hearts and Scars #1) by K. Vale
Release Date: April 27, 2015
Goodreads Link