Tag: first in a series

Russell Soots Talks Loss in Writing & in his Brass & Keys (guest post, excerpt and giveaway)

 

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We are happy to welcome Russell Soots here today to talk about his latest release, Brass & Keys (Freshman Beginning) and some of the elements in the book and series.

Russell Soots on Loss as A Core Element in Writing

In much the same way that loss is a part of real life, loss is also one of the core elements of any story; whether it’s the actual occurrence and/or threat of loss.  This is ​ certainly the case for the “Brass & Keys” series including “Freshman Beginning”.  Whether it occurred in the past, present or in the near future, loss drastically affects more than one character in this first book.  In many ways, the manner in which each character faces loss reveals a great deal about them in the story.  For example, do they face it head on? Do they run from it?  Does a specific instance of loss perhaps become an integral, lifelong part of them?  How each character reacts accordingly can give the reader tremendous insight into their mindset, emotions and perhaps even their future actions.

The various types of loss themselves certainly play a key role as well.  Death, the end of friendships and relationships, job loss, financial crises and others can all have profound effects on not just the characters but also the plots, twists and turns of the story as well.   

Loss will always be a part of our lives and the stories we read.  I must confess that every single time I initially write, reread and edit chapters that have to do with loss, I always cry.  I suppose my doing so is based on how such chapters hit close to home with regards to my own loss of family members and friends over the years.  I think it also has to do with imagining that same pain being experienced by characters whom in many ways feel very much like family members and friends to me.   

AboutTheBook

Brass_Keys_FS_600x900Title: Brass & Keys (Freshman Beginning ) by Russell Soots

Cover Artist:  Sid Love

Length:  266 pages

Release Date: October 15, 2015

Blurb

Having recently broken up with his sleazeball of an ex, recent high school grad Keldon Stonebridge is a handsome guy who’s optimistic about the possibilities of the summer ahead in his beautiful hometown of Asheville, NC. He intends to fill his days working, playing his saxophone whom he calls his baby, sipping green iced tea and hanging out with friends. He’s far less optimistic about a summer romance.

But then he meets the very handsome Tyler Lawrence. A fellow musician and recent high school grad himself, Tyler also enjoys losing himself in his music and conspicuously avoids speaking about his own ex at all costs. The two quickly fall in love and achieve a bond that truly transcends love and music. It’s a bond that will be greatly tested by loyalty, tragedy and more.

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Desperately trying not to panic, Tyler looked into his eyes.  “Keldon, what is it?”, he urgently insisted.

Keldon swallowed hard as he gazed into Tyler’s dark eyes.  A single tear slowly moved down his cheek.  His mouth twitched slightly before finally opening to speak.  “I’m in love with you.”,  he breathed.

Tyler’s eyes flew open so wide he momentarily thought they might pop out of his head. He struggled for a moment to breathe as a grin spread across his entire face and his eyes watered.  He opened his mouth but nothing came out.  Now it was his turn to have difficulty speaking.  Finally, he managed to get the words out.  “I love you too.”, he gushed in a whisper.  For the briefest of moments, they simply gazed into each other’s eyes before their lips collided and tongues intertwined almost violently.  Beyond passionate, their kiss sealed their bodies, hearts and soul together.  It lasted for several blissful moments before they finally parted.  With beaming smiles, they looked back toward the patio where everyone was smiling before looking into each other’s eyes again.

Keldon grinned and threw his head back.  “I’m in love with Tyler Lawrence!”, he enthusiastically exclaimed at nearly the top of his lungs.

As soon as he finished, Tyler threw his own head back.  “And I’m in love with Keldon Stonebridge!”, he excitedly drawled.  They grinned ridiculously at each other for several moments before wrapping their arms around each other in a warm and unbreakable hug.

Buy Links

AMAZON US

AboutTheAuthor

Living in central North Carolina, Russell thoroughly enjoys all of the great amenities of the state he’s called home his entire life.  He can typically be found assisting a friend with their small business, writing in coffeehouses, enjoying meals, movies, museums and more with friends as well as fully enjoying the great wonder of life itself.   Twitter   Google +

 

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Enter to win the following RAfflecopter prize of Winner’s Prize: E-copy of the book. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Creative Minds Promotions.

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TourSchedule

October 15:

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

October 16:

Drops of Ink

October 19:

Divine Magazine

October 20:

Nephy’s World

Gay.Guy.Reading And Friends

October 21:

Wicked Faeries Tales And Reviews

October 22:

Diverse Reader

Hearts on Fire

October 23:

MM Good Book Reviews

The Purple Rose Tea House

October 24:

Bayou Book Junkie

October 26:

BFD Book Blog

October 27:

Prism Book Alliance

Up All Night, Read All Day

Eyes on Books

October 28:

Elisa – My reviews and Ramblings

 

Love Wolf Shifters ISO Love? Check Out Ask Again (Odd Wolf Out #1) by B.A. Tortuga (excerpt and giveaway)

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Ask Again (Odd Wolf Out #1) by B.A. Tortuga
Release Date: October 14, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: Kris Norris

Buy the book:  Torquere Books ~ Google Play ~ Amazon ~ Kobo ~ ARe

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Blurb

Hearing that his ex-best friend is getting married might be the only thing that can lead Andy back to his wolf pack deep in the Colorado mountains. He’s a city wolf now, leaving behind the awkward, skinny teenage geek he was once upon a time. All he wants to do is see Levi one last time, and maybe lament what might have been between them if Levi had been brave enough to leave the pack with Andy all those years ago.

Levi has been a good soldier in his Alpha’s army, the second-in-command for several years. Seeing Andy again reminds Levi how he’s toed the line, and how all he’s gotten for it is a lonely life. He’s not sure why Andy came back, and at first he’s not even happy about it. Their need for each other runs deep and strong, though, and Levi has to wonder what he would do for Andy if the man would just ask him one more time.

 

Pages or Words: 15,000 words
 Categories: M/M Romance, Paranormal, Romance

Excerpt

Dad winked as Mom cackled from the kitchen. “So, really, why are you here?”

“Gran called and suddenly, I needed to come.”

Levi’s getting married, Andy. You should be here, stand up for him. His Levi. His mate. Getting married and settling down to start producing more wee pack members. The Alpha’s head enforcer, which Andy thought was odd, since enforcers usually didn’t allow distractions. He just wanted…

Shit, he wanted to prove that the runt of the litter had grown up, was as big of a stud as his brothers. Well, okay, no one was as ripped as Adam, but he was a throwback. Andy was totally hotter than Ashton.

“Here, let me get the trash can.” His dad gave him no satisfaction on the gossip.

“I’m going to make brisket for supper and an apple pie.” Mom stopped, pierced him with a look. “You are staying for supper, aren’t you?”

“I was thinking of staying for a few days, if that was okay.”

“Adam’s room is a nice guest place now,” Dad told him. “Knock yourself out.”

“Thanks.” Suddenly he felt freaked the fuck out. What was he doing here? Proving that he was a giant dipshit to the man he’d lusted after since he was fourteen?

Trying to prove that geek chic was in?

Christ.

Okay, first off, asshole, he told himself. No longer a geek. A hipster, sure, but a sexy one. Second, he was going to get his mom’s brisket. He’d have to Skype Ashton and gloat.

“You do have wireless, right, Dad?”

“Ashton had it and satellite installed. Said we had to move the pack out of the nineteenth century.” Dad rolled his eyes. “Me and Mom. Trendsetters.”

“Good deal.” Andy would bet the Alpha had the same or a better set up now, too. Did he even know the Alpha?

Huh.

He spent his full moons in his basement, not running with the pack. The pack had never fucking wanted his sorry ass, and he wanted nothing to do with them, but he was sure glad to see his folks.

“Come on out to the garage, son. I’ll show you the Mustang I’m working on. She was in terrible shape when I found her. It was enough to break your heart.”

“Yeah?” Andy kissed his mom’s cheek before heading outside. Dad did love his classic cars. That was one thing they had in common, so he might as well look.

His burning questions about Levi could wait until after supper, he supposed.

Hell, maybe he wouldn’t even ask them.

 

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Meet the Author

Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy’s Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she’s not doing that, she’s writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing porn sites in the name of research. BA’s personal saviors include her wife (still amazing to say that), Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has gone to the high desert mountains and fallen in love. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery ménages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

 

Where to find the author:

 

 


Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Inked Rainbow Reads, Bike Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, My Fiction Nook, Bayou Book Junkie, Happily Ever Chapter, Mikky’s World of Books, V’s Reads, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance, SA McAuley, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Jena Wade, BFD Book Blog, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, MM Good Book Reviews, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Up All Night, Read All Day, Reviews by Jessewave, Molly Lolly, Open Skye Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Divine Magazine, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Jessie G. Books, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Velvet Panic, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Andrew Q. Gordon

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Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Ask Again’ by B.A. Tortuga.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.

 

 

 

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A Paul B Review: Shades of Power (Arcane Magic #1) by Beany Sparks

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Shades of PowerEthan White is a rarity.  He’s a male witch.  He hides his abilities from the world by working in the apothecary that he owns.  When his sister shows up asking for a love potion, Ethan puts his guards up.  Even his familiar, a black cat named Beema, does not trust Destiny.  Two weeks later, both get a premonition that something terrible is going to happen and escape through a magic tunnel underneath Ethan’s shop just before it blows up.  Knowing his sister has something to do with the attack, he makes his way to the land of faeries to take shelter.

Grayson is the alpha of a three-man wolf shifter pack.  He brings his pack to the land of faeries because of a prophecy stating that they are the key to bringing down those that are using black magic.  When he consults with the queen as to what she might know about the prophecy, a guard comes in carrying a young man who has passed out.  Grayson goes to the young man and proclaims that he is his mate.  The Queen proclaims that the fae are now involved, as the young man Ethan, is her nephew.

As Ethan and Grayson along with Grayson’s betas Adam and Russell try to figure out the mystery of the prophecy, members of the Dark Coven are mounting an attack on the fae palace in hopes of fulfilling the prophecy themselves.  Several spies are sent by Raven Darkh to kill Ethan, as she believes he is most likely the other person capable to complete the task of creating the Shades of Power.  The five members of Grayson’s pack (as Ethan and Beema are now part of it) must defend the fae palace against the forces of dark magic threatening to take it over.

This is an excellent start to a new series by Beany Sparks.  She has combined shifters and magic and added a touch of palace intrigue to spice things up.  I felt for Ethan.  First his sister seems intent on doing him harm.  Then as he begins to unravel the mystery of prophecy, he learns all is not as it seems in the fae palace.  The only thing holding him together is his familiar Beema, his mate Grayson and the two betas of Grayson’s pack.   One does have to watch out for Beema.  The cat is not all what he seems.  Ms. Sparks perfectly sets up the next book in the series with the ending of this one.  It seems that the problems with Ethan’s sister was just the opening salvo against him.

The cover art by the author is simply stunning.  It shows our blond hair, blue-eyed Ethan staring out with Grayson’s wolf watching out behind him.  In the background a winter castle that I am sure will be featured in future books in the series.

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

Book Details:

ebook, 117 pages
Published September 21st 2015 by Rainbow Ninja Press
edition languageEnglish
seriesArcane Magic #1

In the Book Spotlight: Steps to You (Fear #1) by Toni Griffin (author interview, excerpt and giveaway)

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Steps to You (Fear #1) by Toni Griffin
Release Date: September 26, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Mischief Corner Books
Cover Artist: Freddy MacKay

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Sales Links: Mischief Corner Books | Amazon | ARe | Kobo | iTunes | Bookstrand | Smashwords

Our Toni Griffin Interview!

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

• What genre is your book and what drew you to this genre?

Steps to You is a M/M Contemporary story. Ever since I started I’ve been writing in the M/M genre. I love it. the authors and readers are amazing and I can’t think of another I would rather be a part of. I was initially drawn to the MM Genre after reading Bite by Sean Michael way back in 2008, I haven’t turned back since.

• How many days a week do you write?

It all depends. I try to find at least a little time to either write, edit, or work on something related to my writing every day. Some days I’m successful. Others, not so much. When I have a deadline looming I tend to be a little more strict.

• On average, how long does it take to write a book?

When working out averages I don’t think I’ll be including Steps to You in the formula. LOL. This book took me just shy of two years from the first words that I wrote to publication.A Very Holland Valentine was written in a week, when I went to visit my brother in Perth. My latest book, A Bear’s Bear took me between three and four weeks and that ended up at 42k. Depending on the length, it’s usually between one to two months as I can usually only write once my daughter is in bed.

• Do you have a trailer for your book?

If yes, give us the link. If not, do you think you’d like to have one done at some point? I don’t. You know, I’ve never actually had a trailer created for one of my books. I’d love to have one made.

• If I could be a character in a book, I would be _______?

Emma Donahoe. From the Dark Heavens series by Kyle Chan. I think it would be awesome to learn from and fall in love with the ancient Chinese God of War. Magic, martial arts and danger, what more could you want?

RC

Blurb

Is there something in life that you’re afraid of, like heart pounding, shortness of breath, Jesus Christ I’m going to pass out, scared? For Leo Harris that something is heights.

Why his nosy sister would gift him with a pass for the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb is anybody’s guess, let alone expect Leo to make it through in one piece. If it wasn’t for the kindness of a sexy stranger he meets at orientation, Leo doubts he would have been able to step one foot onto the mammoth structure.

Ryan Anderson’s known as a workaholic, as he has no reason not to be, that all changes in one day when he meets Leo. Ryan quickly falls head over heels as he sets out to make Leo his.

Pages or Words: 55,000 words
Categories: Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance

Excerpt

Leo leaned against the brick wall, desperately trying to gather his courage. All he needed to do was cross the street and enter the building opposite. Leo had never considered doing something like this in his life. Hell, he wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the gift voucher his nosy sister and her equally pain-in-the-ass husband had given him.

“You need to get out of the house more, live a little,” his sister had berated him as he’d stared down at the piece of paper in his hands, unsure exactly what he was feeling.
“I get out plenty,” Leo tried defending himself.
“No you don’t, and you know it. You may physically leave the premises to go to work and do your grocery shopping, but you never go out and have any fun.” Teresa sighed, and Leo really felt the urge to clip her across the back of the head. “You don’t go out clubbing, very rarely go to restaurants, and you refuse point-blank to start a profile on a dating website.”
There was no way Leo was putting himself out there at the mercy of all those desperate men who were just looking for a quick hook-up. He was sure that scattered in amongst all those horny fellas, he might find one or two that seriously wanted a relationship, but he wasn’t willing to wade through all the toads in order to get to his prince charming. If the man existed—and that was a big if as far as Leo was concerned—he doubted they were fated to meet through an online dating service.
“Teresa, I like my life. I’m happy.” Once again he tried to placate his sister, to no avail. Just because she was happily married with two-point-three children didn’t mean everyone else had to be.
“No, Leo, you’re not.” Teresa waved her hand in his face when Leo started to object again. “I know you and I love you. Please just do this for me.” She fluttered her lashes at Leo.
He heaved a sigh, knowing he would give in to her, just like he always did. As annoying and meddling as his sister could be, he did love her dearly and couldn’t imagine a world without her in it. The snickering from across the room was not lost on Leo, but he decided to ignore Blake. After all, the man was just as bad as Leo when it came to giving into to Teresa’s demands.
Leo looked down once again at the piece of paper. “Seriously?”
Teresa laughed at him. “You’re going to love it.”
Somehow he doubted that.

Even now two weeks later, Leo still didn’t like this idea any more than he had when Teresa had given him the voucher for his birthday.
Leo checked his watch and sighed as he realised that if he didn’t get a move on, he would be late. He heaved himself off the brick wall and crossed the road. Leo’s stomach roiled and he hoped to Christ he wasn’t going to be sick.
The large glass doors whooshed open and Leo stepped inside, heading in the direction of the register. As he waited in the line, Leo looked all around him. Men and women perused the shelves filled with jumpers, magnets, trinkets, and stuffed bears all containing the Sydney BridgeClimb logo. His eyes settled on a square column with signed photographs of famous people who had completed the climb.
Before Leo knew it, he was being called to the desk. “Morning,” the cheerful girl behind the counter said.
“Morning,” Leo replied, more than a little subdued. He handed over the voucher and waited. He was asked to confirm he didn’t have any medical problems that would prevent him from completing the climb today, and Leo thought seriously about lying, then reluctantly shook his head.
“Brilliant, you’ll love it up there.”
Leo smiled but was’ sure it ‘came out more like a grimace.
“Here’s your ticket.” She handed Leo a thin rectangle. “And this is your voucher for your photos.”
“Photos?” Leo asked in confusion.
“Yes, when the ticket was booked, three photos were also purchased. You will be able to choose upon your return from a selection the guide will take of you while you’re up on the bridge.”
Crap, Teresa probably wants proof that I actually followed through. “Thank you,” Leo said as he took hold of the photo voucher.
“You’re most welcome.” She pointed to her left. “If you would go up those stairs, your climb should be starting in roughly five minutes.”
Leo nodded and stepped to the side, allowing the next person in line to move forward. He followed the instructions and walked up the large staircase, bypassing all the shelves of tourist memorabilia. If he really wanted something else to commemorate this foolhardy trip, he could always pick it up on the way out.
Upstairs was just a small balcony. Roughly three metres in front of him was a wall with three doors, two on the left side and one nearly in front of him. To his right, there was another square pillar with signed photos along with three touchscreen computer monitors.
Leo headed to the left where there was a large round seating area currently occupied by several people. They were all watching a television screen hung up by the farthest door, which showed people getting ready for the climb through the various stages and gave them an idea of what to expect.
He sat on a small piece of available sofa and watched the screen with rapt attention. Leo was so engrossed in what was going on he nearly missed it when some of the people around him stood. Leo looked around, startled, and noticed one of the doors open with a young man standing in it collecting tickets from those going inside.
Leo checked the clock on the wall and noticed it read the start time of his climb. He quickly stood and made his way over.
“Morning,” Leo greeted as he handed over his ticket.
“Good morning.”
The man gave Leo back the ticket, less the stub, and motioned him inside. The room wasn’t overly large and wasn’t well lit either. A large horseshoe-shaped seating area ran down the sides and back of the room. People sat with clipboards on their laps busily filling out paperwork.
Leo made his way to a vacant space, picked up the board, and unclipped the pen. Just as he was about to start writing, he was distracted as he noticed another person walk through the door. Leo nearly caught his breath at just how gorgeous the guy was. Broad shoulders, a trim waist, and enough height that Leo wanted to climb the man like a squirrel climbs a tree. Short dark brown hair, trimmed on the sides with just a little length on top, his expression was one part kind, three parts sexy, and had Leo wanting to swallow his damn tongue.
The man wore a tank top and a pair of footy shorts, but Leo could see the bike shorts clearly underneath. They hugged his thighs like no one’s business, and Leo wished he was that article of clothing more than anything. His gaze travelled all the way down. The man’s dark curly leg hair covered well-defined thighs and calves, and had Leo wanting to groan. Socks and sneakers completed the outfit.
Leo knew his perusal of the man had only taken seconds, but it felt like he had been staring at the guy for an entire lifetime. When the man headed in Leo’s direction, he found himself hard pressed to pull his gaze away and concentrate on what he was supposed to be doing. Leo wanted to curse his luck when the man took the empty seat on Leo’s left.

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About The Author

Meet & Follow the author:

Toni Griffin lives in Darwin, the smallest of Australia’s capital cities. Born and raised in the state she’s a Territorian through and through. Growing up Toni hated English with a passion (as her editors can probably attest to) and found her strength lies with numbers.

Now, though, she loves escaping to the worlds she creates and hopes to continue to do so for many years to come. She’s a single mother of one and works full time. When she’s not writing you can just about guarantee that she will be reading one of the many MM authors she loves.

Feel free to drop her a line at info@tonigriffin.net anytime.

For more information about Toni’s work, please visit:

Website: http://tonigriffin.net/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/toni.griffin.author

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: 2 e-book copies of ‘Steps to You’ and 2 $5 Amazon Gift Cards.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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Tour Dates & Stops:
28-Sep:Parker Williams: http://parkerwilliamsauthor.com/wordpress/toni-griffins-fear-series-steps-to-you/

29-Sep:Divine Magazine: http://divinemagazine.net/book-stuff/steps-to-you-by-toni-griffin-blog-tour

30-Sep:Three Books Over The Rainbow: https://threebooksovertherainbow.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/blog-tour-steps-to-you-by-toni-griffin/

1-Oct:Inked Rainbow Reads: http://wp.me/p5PC5u-1×5

Unquietly Me: https://unquietlyme.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/new-release-steps-to-you-by-toni-griffin-interview-giveaway/

 2-Oct:   Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Jessie G. Books, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

5-Oct: Just Love Romance, Happily Ever Chapter, Havan Fellows

6-Oct: Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Bike Book Reviews

7-Oct: Bayou Book Junkie, Love Bytes

 8-Oct: Molly Lolly, BFD Book Blog

9-Oct: MM Good Book Reviews, The Jena Wade

WillPride

 

A.F. Henley’s Taking Us Into the Wild & Supernatural with Wolf, WY (guest post, excerpt, and giveaway)

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Wolf, WY (Wolf #1)
by A.F. Henley

Publisher:  Less Than Three Press
Sales Link:  Less Than Three Press

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We are happy to have author A. F. Henley here today to talk about her latest novel, Wolf, WY, the first in a new series.  Welcome, A. F.!  Tell us a little about Wolf, WY or anything you want to tell us. 

 

 

The hardest thing (for me) about writing blog tour posts is the first few paragraphs of interaction. Should one be endearing? Excited? Analytical? I’ve tried a lot of different things along the way, but I’ve found that my favourite way of managing blog posts is to sit back in my chair and imagine the reader doing the same beside me. What would they ask me about the novel? What would I tell them back? I’ve often found the best thing I can do when discussing my novels is to turn the question back on the asker… What did you think?

Not really a fair question to spring on you guys, though is it? Considering the book doesn’t release for a couple of weeks, you would hardly be in a position to ask clear questions about the novel. So what I’ve decided to do with these posts is give you a sneak peek into the world and the characters that live between Wolf, WY’s beautiful cover. In exchange for your time, I’d like to offer you a chance to win a bunch of great prizes: a signed copy of Wolf, WY, a $20 LT3 gift certificate, and a cool Wind & Fire paw print bangle that will show the world just what you think of our furry four-legged friends. Be sure to read through to the end to find out how to participate.

But enough of me, let’s get to the point. In my last post I introduced you to Wolf, Wyoming as seen through the main character’s eyes using a “tiny teaser” directly from the book. Wolf isn’t the only community in the novel, however. Sheridan is a larger town approximately eighteen miles east of Wolf. For any of you that might have lived in a teeny-tiny community, think of it as the place where you’d head out to do your major grocery run or pick up gifts. Or, as Randy would think of it, the place you’ll head to when the folks are coming for a visit and cream of mushroom soup for dinner just won’t cut it…

So here’s a little sample of Sheridan, WY. Hope you enjoy your visit:

Tiny Teaser: Introducing – Sheridan, WY

There was a box of wine from the liquor store in his trunk, a bag of DVDs from the adjoining video/audio store (purchased, not rented, because not even God could guarantee when he’d make in back to the city), and sixty bucks’ worth of groceries from the Safeway. If nothing else he could eat, drink, and get lost in movies if—when—the weather flared back up.

The city was a mess of slush and snow piles. Elevated trucks with treads as deep as canyons grumbled by, their drivers staring down at Randy like he was driving something as foolish as a Corvette and not a bona fide 4×4 pickup. Brightly bundled kids made all manners of snow critters in postage-stamp-sized front yards while their parents shoveled their driveways clear. Snowmobiles tore up and down the side streets, whipping across the larger streets with a hope and a prayer when the way seemed clear of traffic and law enforcement. The entire city seemed to have become a land of winter worship. It was oddly uplifting, like stumbling across Santa’s workshop, except that it was well after Christmas and all the little elves had been allowed out to play. When Randy pulled into the parking lot of a diner, looked across the street, and saw two people vigorously scrubbing and hosing their snowmobiles at the Sudsy Bath Auto Wash, all he could do was shake his head over the coolness of it.

Wolf, WY Excerpt
© AF Henley, 2015

Blurb

Wolf, WY

There’s nothing like a fresh start, and for Randy, still nursing wounds left by a cheating ex and harboring a deep mistrust for all things corporate, Wolf, Wyoming seems like the perfect place to start over. Secluded, quiet, and self-sufficient, Wolf is bound to not only inspire, but to bring Randy the peace he needs. The view’s not bad, either.

Vaughn O’Connell and his family are Randy’s only neighbors for miles, and while Randy knows it’s somewhat unlikely that a man with three kids is gay, it doesn’t hurt to look. When a misunderstanding brings Randy face to face with both Vaughn and his eighteen year old son, Lyle, Randy’s not sure what to feel about either of them.

But things are not what they appear in Wolf, and the closer Randy gets, the stranger the O’Connell family seems…

Word Count: 70,000
Genre: Gay, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Notes: Wolf, WY contains some explicit content
Book 1 in the Wolf series

Wolf, WY BT Giveaway

The Giveaway

On behalf of the tour, please join the giveaway by taking part in the Rafflecopter below. The prize consists of a ‘Wind & Fire’ paw print charm bangle (a portion of the sales from this “Charms For Charity Bangle” goes directly to Guiding Eyes For The Blind), a $20 Gift Certificate to the Less Than Three Press book market (free books!), and a signed, print copy of Wolf, WY. For all the tiny-whiny terms and conditions, please check out the t’s and c’s posted on the Rafflecopter.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the author and Less Than Three Press.

** Please note that this giveaway is being offered tour-wide and there will be one winner awarded for the entire event.

ENTER RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY HERE:

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A great big thanks to Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words for having me today… without sites like this these giveaways and promo opps would not be possible. I can never express my gratitude enough. And a huge thanks to you as well, my friends, for reading and joining me. Best of luck with the giveaway and I hope you enjoyed the post!

Until next time,

AF Henley ❤

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About the Author

Henley was born with a full-blown passion for run-on sentences, a zealous indulgence in all words descriptive, and the endearing tendency to overuse punctuation. Since the early years Henley has been an enthusiastic writer, from the first few I-love-my-dog stories to the current leap into erotica. A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, tend to flourish.

Henley has been proudly publishing with Less Than Three Press since 2012, and has been writing like mad ever since—an indentured servant to the belief that romance and true love can mend the most broken soul. Even when presented in prose.

For more information please stop by for a visit at http://www.afhenley.com.

Its Menage in Memphis with It Takes Two (Memphis S.W.A.T.#1) by Theresa Hissong (excerpt and contest)

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It Takes Two (Memphis S.W.A.T.#1) by Theresa Hissong
Release Date: September 23, 2015

 

 

Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w61d8ZzMtAw

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: Kris Norris

Buy the book:   Torquere Books | Amazon | All Romance (ARe) | iTunes

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Blurb

Twelve years of friendship turns into something more when Eva Porter’s two best friends confess their love for her after a heated night between the sheets. Her only dream over the years had been to be the woman for Max and Sam. Living a ménage lifestyle was new to her, but she knew, deep down, that this was what she needed. Eva soon realizes it will take two men to love her completely.

When a threat to Eva’s life presents itself, Max and Sam step up security around their home to keep Eva from being harmed, but the man who wants her dead will stop at nothing to take her out. The suspect will risk everything, even death, to take Eva away from the two men sworn to protect her.

Pages or Words: 37,900 words
Categories: Bisexual, Contemporary, Erotica, Ménage/Poly (MMF), Romance

Excerpt

Max left the station with the two files in hand. It was close to mid-morning and the evidence from the storms the night before dotted yards and roadsides on his way back to his property just outside the city limits. Small trees were down and although there was no tornado, there was some wind damage to homes close to his.
Thankfully, it looked like they only lost a few limbs on the large oak trees in the sprawling five acres of his front yard of the property. So, it was no surprise to see Eva and Sam spending their Sunday morning cutting and hauling away limbs to a pile to be burned later.
Max stopped on the long gravel driveway up to the house. Eva was tossing limbs into a small trailer that was being pulled behind one of the four-wheelers they owned. Sam approached Max’s SUV, swiping away dirt from his cheek.
“Hey,” Max said when Sam was close enough to hear him. “Eva doesn’t need to be using that shoulder.”
“Tell her that,” Sam laughed and hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Stubborn, remember?”
Max noticed how Eva was lifting and huffing with a heavy limb. Her long brown hair was pulled up into a tight ponytail and she was bundled up in jeans, boots and one of the hoodies that Sam had bought for her the day before. After the storm had rolled through, the temperatures dropped quickly and they’d be expecting snow in the next few days.
“I’ll go in and build a fire,” Max said, keeping his eyes on Eva’s small body as she worked. She really was beautiful.
“Okay, we’ll finish up and meet you at the house,” Sam winked.
“Hey,” Max said suddenly, stopping Sam from turning away.
“Yeah,” Sam replied.
“How is she this morning?” Max asked, worried. Would she panic and run?
“Perfect,” Sam looked back at Eva. “She’s absolutely perfect.”

About The Author

Meet the author:
Theresa is a mother of two and the wife of a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. After seventeen years traveling the country, moving from base to base, the family has settled their roots back in Theresa’s home town of Olive Branch, MS, where she enjoys her time with family and old friends.
After almost three years of managing a retail bookstore, Theresa has gone behind the scenes to write romantic stories with flare. She enjoys spending her afternoons daydreaming of the perfect love affair and takes those ideas to paper.

Where to find the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thissong
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authortheresahissong
Twitter: @AuthorTHissong
Website: http://authortheresahissong.com

RC

Tour Dates & Stops:
3 Chicks After Dark, Bayou Book Junkie, BFD Book Blog, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Divine Magazine, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Happily Ever Chapter, Hearts on Fire, Inked Rainbow Reads, Molly Lolly, Parker Williams, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, The Hat Party, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

 

 

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘It Takes Two’ by Theresa Hissong.  Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.  Link and prizes provided by the author and Pride Promotions.
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A BJ Review: The Complications of T (The Actor’s Circle #1) by Bey Deckard

Rating:  4 stars out of 5

The Complications of T coverStuart Leandro is a movie actor who has been taking roles for money rather than art and has recently faced that his marriage is breaking up. One night on the road in a foreign country, he winds up drunk in the gutter. Lucky for him, there’s someone’s there to rescue him before his face ends up plastered all over the tabloids. But is his rescuer male or female? His drunken senses aren’t at all sure, especially after a semi-coherent kiss enters the mix.

When he wakes in a strange apartment the next day, his rescuers gender still isn’t clear. Wary of the motives of the reclusive stranger, Stuart nonetheless can’t deny his curiosity or his attraction. He’s surprised when beneath the mystery, he discovers someone whose life has actually been intertwined with his own for years. But Tim White is unlike anyone Stuart has met before.

Tim’s simple act of kindness soon leads the two men into one of the most intense encounters of both of their lives—but are these two very public individuals willing to weather the media storm their extraordinary relationship will cause?

This story is a bit different than what I’ve come to expect from this author; less dark, lighter and most definitely sweeter. But I enjoyed it immensely.

Stuart and Tim’s romance moved from a strong attraction to sex that sent sparks flying and quickly coalescing into insta-love. It was Stuart’s first gay experience, yet he took it very much in stride. I admired his acceptance and open-mindedness, and the hesitant but determined way he dealt with discovering Tim right alongside experiencing emotions and attractions that were new to him. The sex was light rather than detailed, which actually disappointed me since unlike other trans books I’ve read, it was clear that Tim didn’t eschew taking pleasure by using his remaining female parts.   

After its breakneck start, the relationship slowed down (actually came to a rather screeching halt) at Tim’s request. And I actually liked that. I was enthralled with the hopeful direction it was heading, and then it ended.

Yep, it ended way too abruptly for my liking. I wanted to experience those absence-made-the-heart-grow-fonder moments, wanted their physical reunion right there on the page, wanted to know if the reactions of others that they’d both worried over and dreaded turned out as expected, and if so, how they handled it together. Wanted more.

Sometimes life is all about being in the right place at the right time. Tim White was there just when and where Stuart needed him to be. How he came to be there wasn’t quite clear to me. Coincidence? Or was Tim stalking his favorite actor?

Despite all those nit picks, I couldn’t rate this less than four stars, because I enjoyed Tim’s character so much. His wit, intelligence, self-assurance and strength and low angst level were perfect. And his reclusive lifestyle rang very true to me. And then there’s this:

“You want to know if I have a penis?”

“Yeah,” I confessed, a little embarrassed.

“I do!,” said Tim, but when he saw the look on my face, he just tugged my hair again with a playful smirk. “I was, however, unfortunately born without it, and seeing as what science can offer really, and I mean really, doesn’t appeal to me, I’m forced to keep it in the top drawer of the bedside table. Why? Do you want to see it?”

So yeah, I love Tim, and really, really hope there will be a second book that’s from Tim’s point of view… just as in the F.I.S.T.S. series we got the second from Murphy’s. Please, with puppy dog eyes, can you give me that dear author?

The lovely and sensual cover does this story justice. Love it.

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


Book Details:

ebook, 53 pages
Published August 20th 2015 by Bey Deckard (first published August 18th 2015)
ISBN13 9780994790026
series The Actor’s Circle #1

In Our Supernatural Spotlight: Uncaged (Shifter Uprising #1) by Lisa Oliver and T.J. Oliver (author interview, excerpt & giveaway)

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Uncaged (Shifter Uprising #1) by Lisa Oliver and T.J. Oliver
Release Date: July, 2015

Goodreads Link
Publisher: Oliver Group Publications
Cover Artist: Lisa Oliver

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Buy the book: Amazon |AllRomance (ARe) | Smashwords

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Thomas Oliver, co-author of Uncaged, Shifter’s Uprising series book one.  (Written with Lisa Oliver, author of the Cloverleah Pack and Bound and Bonded series).

Hi Thomas, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.

Hi there, thank you for having me here today.  This book, Uncaged, is my first book, although I think it’s my Mom’s seventeenth or something.  I had the idea for the Shifter’s Uprising series for a while, but I wasn’t sure how to go about writing it, and that is where Lisa Oliver came in.  In Uncaged you have Carlin and Lucas, both fighters, both having committed crimes against shifter law and both living at the Souterrain which is run by a force called the Elite. Carlin and Lucas are mates and want to be together, but Lucas wants his freedom too.  When Carlin tries to fight for that freedom, Martin, the ruler of the Elite, decides Carlin’s death would be a better idea instead. Both Carlin and Lucas have to fight for their right to be together and to be free.

  • Was there a basis for you story? A previous experience or something else?

I don’t think there was any defining moment for me, but it is like you see the little things that happen every day, on the news and on social media, and you think WTF?  But these things happen and yet people don’t seem to do anything about corruption, politicians taking away rights or discrimination and that is where the ideas for this series came from – that realization.

  • What skills do you think a writer needs?

An open mind, some serious typing skills, a vision to work with and an awful lot of patience.

  • What for you is the perfect book hero?

This might sound strange, but someone like Harry Potter appeals to me.  He’s humble, modest, has overcome a lot of crap in his life, and its like him against the world – yet he still keeps fighting and he still comes out on top. I like that.

  • Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I have trouble getting my words onto paper, and this is where Mom (Lisa Oliver) was a huge help.  I have the ideas, and I know how I want scenes to go, but getting those thoughts onto paper was a new thing for me, and the book wouldn’t have been finished if I had tried to do this on my own.

  • Tell us about your favorite childhood book.

Hairy Maclary – actually that is one of the few books from my childhood I can remember – he didn’t do a lot, but the stories always flowed really well.

RC

Blurb

Carlin is an Alpha Wolf Fighter, one of only three in the top spots at the Souterrain – an underground fighting club, run by the Elite to punish shifters who have gone outside of the laws. He’s happy enough, only has to fight exhibition matches, has his own apartment space, food and sex on tap – yep, life it good. So when Martin offers him the chance to fight for his freedom, Carlin turns it down. It’s no fun being a lone wolf and Carlin is quite happy where he is.

Then Lucas catches his eye. A handsome man, a stunning fighter, moving up through the ranks fast. Lucas might not have the killer attitude that most men at the Souterrain have, but he’s got the moves. Carlin has no problems insisting the man is bought to his apartment – sex is never a bad idea. But when he catches Lucas’s scent and realizes the man is his fated mate, suddenly getting him to bed is the least of his problems. Lucas wants to be free, and for the first time in a long time, so does Carlin.

Unfortunately there is more to Lucas than meets the eye. Martin certainly has no intention of letting them go, and if he has to have Carlin killed to keep Lucas at the Souterrain, then the man has no problems with that either. Suddenly the deal Carlin makes with Martin goes horribly wrong, and Carlin and Lucas realize that the price for freedom might be Carlin’s life, and even then Lucas will not be free.

Warnings: M/M sex, HEA, some violence (they are in a fight club after all). A growly Alpha who lets his emotions get the best of him, and a hybrid shifter with a wicked imagination.

Pages or Words: 44,000
Categories: Erotica, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Paranormal

Excerpt

Carlin knew he was behaving like an idiot pacing up and down the floor of his small apartment, but he couldn’t stop. How long did it take for one man to have a shower for fucks sake? He’d ordered food for the both of them. Having been a fighter for more than five years, Carlin knew that Lucas would be hungry – hopefully for food and sex. But if the bloody man didn’t get his skates on then Carlin would eat alone and get straight to dessert when Lucas arrived.

About to call Brian and find out where his errant fuck had gone, Carlin caught the sound of people outside of his door. He threw himself on the couch and picked up a book. He didn’t want Lucas thinking he was waiting for him or anything.

Brian came in, Lucas a few steps behind him.

“Alpha Fighter Carlin. This is Lucas, ranked fifth after today.”

Carlin was surprised. He’d heard the man had moved swiftly up the ranks, but he didn’t realize that Lucas was so close to a shot for an Alpha ranking. In theory, one more fight and he might have to fight Lucas in the ring. For a moment Carlin was tempted to send the man away. He did have some conscience, even after so many years of being a fighting machine. He didn’t want to have to kill someone who had been in his bed.

But then Lucas stepped past Brian, and Carlin was caught in angry eyes. Silver eyes. Something tugged at Carlin’s brain – the eye color had some significance, didn’t it? But then Lucas’s scent hit Carlin’s nose and any rational thought fell straight out of his brain.

“Leave, Brian,” Carlin said, standing up and not breaking his stare with Lucas. He knew his body radiated the power he was famous for, and guessed he might look intimidating, as he heard Brian whisper to Lucas as he scurried out of the door, “I told you not to stare at an Alpha. You’re dead meat pup.”

“Better dead than a fuck toy,” Lucas snarled – his comment for Brian, but those silver eyes stayed fixed on Carlin.

“I agree,” Carlin said, his voice dropping as he got closer. Before Lucas could react, he reached his hand around, grabbing Lucas by the nape and pushing the man’s face into his throat. Whatever Lucas was going to say was muffled by Carlin’s skin, although the man was kicking, punching and doing everything he could to get free.

“Sniff, damn you,” Carlin said urgently. “Fucking sniff, and then I’ll let you go.”

Carlin felt Lucas quieten, although his body still stayed rigid in Carlin’s grasp. Lucas’s deep inhale was the only sound in the room. Carlin knew the moment Lucas had worked out what Carlin was trying to say.

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Meet the Authors

Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.
When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.
Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook here, or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com.

Thomas Oliver doesn’t have a lot of time for writing itself although he can talk about his ideas for hours. A construction worker by day, he has a wicked imagination and it was from sharing some of his ideas with Lisa, that the idea for this series was born.
When not working, Thomas is like any other young man. He loves to spend time with friends, his girlfriend and working on his car. His dream is to do up a project car – something mean, with attitude and plenty of power under the hood.
Anyone wanting to contact Thomas can do so through Facebook.

Where to find the author:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor
Facebook Author Page:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wisecrone333
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lisaoliver79/
My Blog: http://www.supernaturalsmut.com

Final

Giveaway

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: three ebook copies of the book to giveaway (pdf, mobi or epub). Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Link and prizes provided by the authors and Pride Promotions.

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Tour Dates & Stops:
21-Sep – BFD Book Blog, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Amanda C. Stone
22-Sep – Just Love Romance, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, MM Good Book Reviews
23-Sep – Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Happily Ever Chapter
24-Sep – Divine Magazine, Molly Lolly
25-Sep – Open Skye Book Reviews, Jessie G. Books
28-Sep – Mikky’s World of Books, It’s Raining Men, Bayou Book Junkie
29-Sep – Michael Mandrake, The Blogger Girls
30-Sep – Inked Rainbow Reads
1-Oct – Love Bytes, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Bike Book Reviews
2-Oct – Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews