COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK
by JOE COSENTINO from NineStar Press
Purchase links: NineStar Press | ARe | Barnes & Noble | My Books
AN INTERVIEW WITH JOE COSENTINO, author of COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK, a novel published by NineStar Press
- Why write about the Jersey shore? What drew you to that particular location?
I spent my summers as a kid on the New Jersey Shore. It was the best time of my life. My aunt and uncle had a bungalow there. My sister and I built sandcastles at the beach, swam in the bay, played miniature golf (I always won!), jumped up and down on trampolines, ate salt water taffy, and dined at our favorite seafood restaurant with a projection of dancing musical instruments. All those places and experiences are in the novel in a fictitious place I call Cozzi Cove, a gay resort of eight bungalows in a private cove on the Jersey Shore. The resort is run by Cal Cozzi. Cal, short for Calvin, is thirty years old, tall, and muscular. His Italian and Scottish heritage left him with striking auburn hair and a strong nose. He dabbled as a professional football player then restaurant owner, but neither was a good fit. After Cal’s parents died in an automobile accident, he found his calling: managing his family’s seven bungalows around the rocky cove in the New Jersey shore town named after his great-grandfather. Sensing Cal’s sexual orientation as a boy, Cal’s father had turned Cozzi Cove into a gay resort. Cal is honored to follow in his father’s footsteps.
- Did you ever spend time during the summer in bungalows like those?
I used my aunt and uncle’s bungalow as the model for the bungalows on Cozzi Cove built by Cal’s great-grandfather. There was a screened-in porch, a living room, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and an outdoor shower. The furnishings and décor were hand-carved expressions of nautical themes.
- Mermen – fact or fiction? lol Ok, what’s the fascination with mermen? So many people can’t get enough of them and tales that evolve around them…
After a vacation on the Jersey Shore last year, I was so enthralled with the white sandy beaches, foamy waves splashing on jagged rocks, crystal-blue sky kissed by fluffy clouds, the gorgeous lighthouse in the distance, and that warm, comforting sun, I decided to write a new series based there. When I asked my friends on Facebook what to include in the first novel, they responded with suggestions like: coconut-scented suntan lotion, hot guys in Speedos, cool shades, fluffy beach towels, entertaining love stories, and my unique sense of humor. One old friend replied, “Don’t forget the merman!” I think the idea of a handsome half-man/half-fish with long seaweed-like hair, sea-blue eyes, muscles like rippling waves, and a salty-tasting kiss appeals to many people. It certainly does to Arthur in COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK.
- Fun, romance and summer always seem to flow together. Magic too. What gave you the idea to combine them?
My favorite movie as a kid was Hayley Mill’s Summer Magic. Hayley and her family moved into a new house in the New England countryside and romance blossomed everywhere. I decided my series wouldn’t include traditional magic, but would have that same sense of wonderment and romance in Summer Magic. The series is about Cal but also includes intercut stories featuring his guests (a la The Love Boat). As I began writing the stories, I realized nothing is what it seems at Cozzi Cove, and everyone, including Cal, has a secret. Very quickly in the writing process, Cozzi Cove became a place of romance, magic, and mystery.
After my two Bittersweet Dreams novellas, An Infatuation (2nd Place Divine Magazine Readers’ Choice Award of 2015 for Best MM Romance) and A Shooting Star (In My Heart Series) published by Dreamspinner Press, were released countless readers begged me for more time with one of the characters from An Infatuation. So that character and his brother are the first guests at Cozzi Cove. Mario and Harold, two brothers/college students look alike, but couldn’t be more different. Mario is searching for love, and Harold is searching for lust. A wealthy older couple, Josh and Greg, play matchmakers for their gorgeous son Christopher. Opposites attract as multifaceted Tim meets shy Mark, and porn star Chuck Caliber connects with Sean, a virgin romance novelist. Finally computer game designer Arthur has a midnight sea rendezvous with a merman. Even married Cal faces an emotional upheaval when a gay bashing turns into something quite unexpected for him.
The other regular characters, besides Cal, include Lance who is twenty-four, short, stocky, African American with dark hair and dark eyes and amazing dimples. He grew up poor, and worked hard getting scholarships and maintaining good grades throughout school. As a second grade teacher, Lance is off during the summers, his favorite time of year. This leaves him more time to do what he loves most: being with Cal. Connor, the college student assisting Cal, is packed with muscles and hormones. He revels in Cozzi Cove, and in checking out each resident for a possible fling on the cove. Tommy, the bald, muscular, tattooed resident of Cozzi Cove who owns the local bar has held a torch for Cal since high school. Carla, who owns the seafood restaurant in town, has a crush on Cal’s sister, Taylor.
- What was your favorite memory of summer growing up?
I remember going for a walk one summer on the Jersey Shore and finding a private cove. A cove is formed when softer rocks are worn away by the sun and salty water faster than the harder rocks surrounding them. This creates a gorgeous bay of turquoise water shielded by large rocks in the distance and smaller rocks near the water’s edge. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Thinking back, it was probably private property and I shouldn’t have wondered there. However, it was an emotional and spiritual experience I will never forget. Cozzi Cove is an extension of that amazing memory.
- Is there a real Cozzi Cove?
Only in my head—and in COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK. Also, in the second book, COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD, which is written and set for release by NineStar Press on April 18. So grab your Speedo, shades, and beach towel and join me at Cozzi Cove. There’s a bungalow waiting for you!
About Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back
On Cozzi Cove at the New Jersey shore, handsome Cal Cozzi’s seven bungalows are open for summer and love. Mario and Harold are brothers and college students who happen to look alike, but couldn’t be more different: Mario is searching for love, and Harold is searching for lust. Josh and Greg, a wealthy older couple, are matchmakers for their son, Christopher. When it comes to Connor, the maid, packed with muscles and a roving sponge, anything can happen. Opposites attract as wild Tim with the secret past meets shy Mark, and porn star Chuck Caliber connects with Sean, a virgin romance novelist. And what will happen when computer-game designer Arthur has a midnight sea rendezvous with a merman? Even married Cal faces an emotional upheaval when a gay bashing turns into something quite unexpected. What secrets and passions lie in magical Cozzi Cove?
Excerpt of COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK by Joe Cosentino
As Lance rested in bed and Cal was putting on jeans, sandals, and a canary polo shirt, they heard Connor enter the living room and call out to Cal. After giving Lance a kiss on the cheek, Cal begrudgingly left his lover, shut the front bedroom door after himself, and then met up with Connor, who was standing next to the living room sofa.
Connor said, “It’s good to be back at work.”
“How were your grades at college this year?”
Connor shrugged his muscular shoulders. “Pretty average.”
Cal thought, If average is getting Cs and Ds. “I’m guessing you were quite involved with extracurricular activities.”
“One or two.” He giggled. “Maybe, three.”
Cal had a soft spot for the kid. “You did a nice job preparing the bungalows yesterday.”
“I aim to please.”
Cal thought the nineteen-year-old looked like an American flag in cutoff blue jeans that matched his eyes, a T-shirt and sneakers that matched his red hair, and pale skin with freckles.
“How can I be of service to you today, boss?”
Cal ignored Connor’s obvious double meaning.
“Just the usual routine.” Cal wasn’t immune to Connor’s charm, but Connor was a kid, and Cal was a one-man man. “Carry their luggage into the bungalows when the guests arrive. Turn down beds at four p.m.” He attempted to look sternly at the boy. “… Without you in them.”
“Me come on to a guest?” Connor feigned surprise.
“Yes, you, Connor. This is a vacation resort, not the baths.” Cal moved behind his desk. “After today, make up the rooms late mornings and early afternoons. Leave the sheets and towels in front of the garage for the laundry pickup. And don’t forget to sweep out the parking area.”
Connor saluted. “Aye, aye, Capitán .”
They heard a knock at the front door. Cal shouted, “It’s open.”
“Is this the office?”
“We’re informal here,” Cal explained. He typed into his computer, and then motioned for the young man to join him.
“I’m Mario Ginnetti.” He placed a piece of luggage at his feet. “Is it okay to park in the lot?”
Connor seemed to nearly salivate at Mario’s arms in his violet short-sleeved shirt. “You can park anywhere you like.”
Ignoring Connor, Cal said, “Yes, that’s the lot for the bungalows.” Cal handed Mario a key. “You’re in Bungalow One. I’ve got your credit card, so you’re all set.” He took a map from the topmost desk drawer. “The ocean beach is open to the public and is only minutes away. You can swim, surf, snorkel, or go on a glass-bottom boat there.” He pointed to various black dots on the map. “You’ll want to get some groceries here. Tommy Malone’s is a good bar, and Carla’s is my favorite seafood restaurant. This place has killer ice cream, which you can work off here at the gym.”
Connor interjected with, “If you need help finding anything, just ask me. I’m a native.”
“Or you can come into the office and ask me.” Cal handed Mario the map and then pointed outside. “The cove is private property. You can sit out there all you like. The bay water is calm and warm. As you can see, the view is amazing.”
Connor added with a grin, “Nude sunbathing is permitted.”
Mario was visibly trying to take it all in.
“Any questions?” asked Cal.
Mario’s dimples appeared. “Will the weather always be this nice?”
“From your lips to the sea gods’ ears.” Cal smiled. “The weather report calls for rain, so that means it’s going to be sunny all week. Connor will take you to your bungalow.”
Connor looked like the wolf meeting Little Red Riding Hood as he took Mario’s luggage. “Follow me, Mario.”
About the Author…
Amazon Bestselling author Joe Cosentino wrote Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back (NineStar Press), Drama Queen and Drama MuscleNicky and Noah mysteries (Lethe Press), An Infatuation, A Shooting Star, A Home for the Holidays, The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press), Paper Doll (Whiskey Creek Press) and Porcelain Doll (Wild Rose Press) Jana Lane mysteries, and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Paulineeducational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (Nine Star Press), Drama Cruise Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press), and Satin Doll and China Doll Jana Lane mysteries (Wild Rose Press). Joe was voted 2nd Place for Best MM Author of the Year in Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2015!
- Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino
- Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino
Giveaway
Post a comment below about why you love beach vacations. The one that floats
our raft the most will win an ebook of Joe Cosentino’s hit novella, AN
INFATUATION (Dreamspinner Press), from the author. myBook.to/AnInfatuation. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
Publisher: Nine Star Press, Release Date: March 21, 2016
Language: English
Cover Design: Arai Tan
ISBN-13: 978-1-911153-35-1
ASIN: B01D7T939E
Length: 60,000 words
- Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back (Cozzi Cove #1) by Joe Cosentino
- Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward (Cozzi Cove #2) by Joe Cosentino
Tag: gay fiction
In the Fantasy Spotlight: Victory Portrait (Pride of Uttor #4) by Tali Spencer (author interview, excerpt and giveaway)
Victory Portrait (Pride of Uttor #4) by Tali Spencer
Release Date: April 6, 2016
Goodreads Link
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Cover Artist: Melody Pond
Today Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is very lucky to be interviewing Tali Spencer, author of Victory Portrait. Hi Tali, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.
- Tell us something no one else knows about your characters.
Darius Arrento has been intimate with his emperor, and friend, Gaspar Leonnte. It happened when Darius was 25 and Gaspar was 19 or 20. Darius was a young officer given his first command and Gaspar was assigned to his unit. The legion’s general knew Gaspar was the Uttoran emperor’s son, except he didn’t pass along that information.
Gaspar was a terrible soldier, horrible. He couldn’t obey orders to save his life. Worse, if he started talking, he didn’t know when to shut up. Darius was ready to strangle him the first night. After a battle in which both men barely escaped with their skins, Darius and Gaspar gave in to a kiss and a night of oral sex. They connected more than once, in no small part due to being young, horny, and having no other outlets.
You heard it here first.
- Have you ever written something that made you cry?
I cried when I wrote a hurt-comfort scene in one of my epic high fantasy novels. A king had just lost his adult son. The young man who seeks to comfort the king has considered him an enemy throughout the entire book to that point, but he can no longer do so, and the scene is very tender.
I was writing that scene on a terrible day when I thought maybe my oldest son had died. (He hadn’t…and called me after several hours. It was 9/11.) That scene still makes me cry when I read it.
- Have you ever co-written with someone before?
Non-fiction, yes. Fiction, no. Some authors are very social and thrive on the energy of writing with other authors. I have the habits of a recluse: silent, secretive, and annoying. It’s a miracle I have a happy marriage. I’d be surprised if another author could put up with me.
- What is the most difficult part of writing for you?
Promotion. But that’s more about being an author than the writing, so…I would say I find it most difficult to end a story on a strong note. Even if I know where a story has to end, I’m never quite satisfied with my closing line. I want something memorable, definite, and profound. Haven’t managed to write one of those yet.
- Name your four most important food groups.
Coffee, coffee, chocolate, coffee, and dairy. Kahlua counts as coffee. Dairy means creamer. I’m pretty sure I don’t like coffee at all. It’s all about the creamer.
Thank you, Tali. Now more about
Victory Portrait (Pride of Uttor #4) by Tali Spencer
Blurb
Imperial captive and former Sebboyan prince Peta Kordeun has one great wish: to meet Darius Arrento, conqueror of his country and a man he has idolized since childhood. That wish comes true the day the Uttoran emperor assigns Peta to assist the artist who will be painting the great general’s official portrait.
General Darius Arrento would rather take a crossbow bolt through his flesh than sit for a portrait, until his friend the emperor forces his hand. The notorious artist, Brazzi, uses semen and other sexual fluids to bind his colors—and Arrento is captivated by the artist’s pretty helper. Before long he is driven to possess the gorgeous young man who draws battle maps and whose naïve charm has won more hearts in Uttor than Arrento has won battles.
When Arrento learns that Peta, the slave he covets and wants for his own, is one of the despised Kordeun princes, he storms from Uttor toward a far corner of the empire—where he quickly finds himself embroiled in a plot to tear Uttor’s empire apart. His emotions and loyalties frayed, the great Arrento is in the battle of his life…and Peta may hold the key to his survival.
Pages or Words: 78,600 words
Categories: Alternate Universe, Fantasy, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt
“You want me to assist the painter. Only that?” Peta asked.
“Yes. I just want you to understand you will be naked and…Brazzi will want you to be sexually aroused.”
“What?”
“It’s what Brazzi does. Not for himself—not unless you’re a woman—but for his method. He was tried three years ago on charges of obscenity because he uses…sexual fluids for mixing his paint. He truly is a genius. His colors are astonishing.”
“And you want Arrento to see me like that? Naked and…being used?”
“No.” Gaspar was being firm. “I want a portrait of my general. And I happen to think that the sight of you will keep his ass firmly planted for whatever sittings the painter requires. You see, Darius has one weakness—only one. He cannot resist a thing of beauty—and you, my pretty slave, are the most breathtaking young man I have ever had the privilege to look upon.”
Peta flushed. Gaspar wasn’t smiling. The man was serious.
Could he do it? Did he want to do it? Peta knew he was pretty. His looks had blessed and cursed him all his life. His beauty had attracted Kesme as a fellow cadet and was what Kesme had praised that last night when they’d made love…and Peta’s face was what Lukacz, his own father, had sought to destroy, thinking that doing so would release him from predation and unnatural desires. And now Gaspar, too, wanted only one thing…
“Just sit there and look pretty,” he said, heart sinking as he grasped what Gaspar was asking him to do.
“Only if you’re willing. I’m not completely oblivious to what this sort of service might entail. It could be rather…awkward. On the other hand, it might not be for long. Darius can be stubborn. It’s possible he won’t show up.”
And just as possible that he would.
Peta wanted to say no but he could not get his mouth to form the word. He might never get another chance to see Arrento, perhaps hear his voice. Be in the same room with him.
He’d be silent…naked…terribly exposed even in his utter worship.
But he would at least be able to say he had seen the great man.
“I’ll do it,” he said.
Buy the book
Resplendence Publishing | Amazon | ARe
Meet the author:
Tali Spencer delights in erotic fantasy and adventure, creating worlds where she can explore the heights and shadows of sexual passion. A hopeful romantic and lover of all things exotic, she also writes high fantasy and science fiction. If you would like to see inspiration pictures for her characters, or glimpse how she envisions her worlds, check out her Pinterest boards.
Thanks to a restless father, she grew up as a bit of a nomad and still loves to travel whenever she can. Her longest stint in one place was Milwaukee where she went to college, enjoyed a series of interesting careers, and raised three surprisingly well-adjusted sons. She later married her true love and put down new roots in Philadelphia, where she lives in an ongoing Italian American family sitcom. At least she’s learned how make good pasta. When not writing, Tali reads everything from sweet goofy romances to medical research, manages her fantasy football team—go Gekkos!—and takes long walks with her loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.
Tali’s other books include the three preceding Uttor books: Captive Heart, Dangerous Beauty, and Adored, all with Resplendence. Her gay male high fantasy stories, Thick as Thieves, Sorcerer’s Knot, and The Prince of Winds, are published by Dreamspinner Press. She often posts free stories and excerpts on her blog.
Where to find the author:
- Facebook: : http://www.facebook.com/tali.spencer
- Twitter: @tali_spencer
- Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/talispencer/
- Blog: http://talismania-brilliantdisguise.blogspot.com
Tour Dates & Stops:
18-Apr: Prism Book Alliance
19-Apr: Decadent Delights
20-Apr: Bonkers About Books, Full Moon Dreaming
21-Apr: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
22-Apr: Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
25-Apr: The Novel Approach, Happily Ever Chapter
26-Apr: BFD Book Blog
27-Apr: My Fiction Nook
28-Apr: Bayou Book Junkie, V’s Reads
29-Apr: Oh My Shelves
2-May: Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Book Lovers 4Ever
3-May: Kirsty Loves Books, Open Skye Book Reviews
4-May: Alpha Book Club
5-May: Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews
6-May: Molly Lolly
9-May: A.M. Leibowitz
10-May: Divine Magazine
11-May: Love Bytes, Man2ManTastic, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat
12-May: Andrew Q. Gordon, Nephy Hart, Rebecca Cohen Writes
13-May: Louise Lyons, MM Good Book Reviews
Giveaway
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A MelanieM Review: Lord of Hearth, Lord of Hollow by Sera Kane
Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5
Culinary school is hard enough for Aimes Cully without mixing in an utterly underwhelming physical appearance—too small, too delicate, too red-haired, too freckled, too human—added with the inability to magically improve the food—still too human—and facing the too beautiful, too fae-looking Aleksi’s teases and taunts. When rumors surface that Aimes’s older brother’s success is a lie, Aimes is determined to prove them wrong and show that pure-blooded humans are the equal of anyone with mixed blood.
But things get worse after Aimes is caught in a faerie ring and transported to the fae hollow of Lord Keanewyeth Ordioral. As the attraction heats up, it becomes obvious that there’s something wrong in the magical home. A cursed creature appears, and everything becomes jumbled as the secrets of their lives collide into a painful concoction of Aimes’s past and Keanewyeth’s present. But if they can meld their talents, they might be able to save each other.
Sera Kane is a new author for me but if Lord of the Hearth, Lord of the Hollow is any indication of her writing, I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us readers. I do love fantasy fiction and its clear from the world building going on here that Sera Kane loves it too. The author has amassed a wealth of details and general information about the fae, magic, spells that her vision of the universe here comes through with sparkling clarity. To this she added the intense atmosphere of a culinary school, a interspecies romance and so much more. And did so with humor.
Even the dialogs here with its mixtures of slang and more formal language of court I felt worked well within the storyline. However the wealth of vision here and wonderful plot was a little too weighty, in my opinion, for the length of pages allotted by the author. Its length could really have been tripled to deal with all that went on and still not have covered it all to the depth indicated by parts of this narrative and universe.
At 52 pages, you will whip through this story in no time. Its fun, sexy and a lovely fantasy romp. Pick it up, if you are a lover of fantasy fiction and chef’s competitions gone fae!
Cover art by Paul Richmond is right in tune with the story and characters, a real plus.
Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press | ARe | Amazon
Book Details:
ebook, 52 pages
Published April 20th 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
T.J. Klune Is Here on Release Day for Withered + Sere (Immemorial Year #1) (guest post and excerpt)
Withered + Sere (Immemorial Year #1) by T.J. Klune
DSP Publications
Cover Art by Paul Richmond
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words is happy to have T.J. Klune here today to share his thoughts on writing, and the release of his latest novel, Withered + Sere. Welcome, T.J.
✍✍✍✍✍
When I started writing Withered + Sere, I knew that what would make or break the book would be the secondary characters. Given that W+S contains the largest cast of characters I’ve ever written, the book would die a quick and violent death if those characters weren’t memorable and unique.
Aside from the two leads, there is one character that is in almost every scene in W+S and it’s sequel, Crisped + Sere, and that’s Cavalo’s mutt, the aptly named Bad Dog. The relationship between Cavalo and Bad Dog is almost as much of the heart of the novel as is the love story between the two main characters. Bad Dog is more than a constant companion to Cavalo. He’s also a sign that Cavalo’s mind might not be as it once was, as you’ll see from the excerpt below. W+S and it’s follow up deal with the ideas of what is real and what isn’t, how far the depths of insanity can go, and the bonds that ties us all together.
This scene takes place at the beginning of the book, and serves as an introduction to the relationship between a man and his dog.
*****
The doe had made it farther than Cavalo would have thought. The blood trail led them to the edge of the woods. Beyond the stunted forest lay the remains of a massive old road, broken into pieces, chunks of black rock upended. Cavalo knew this was called a “freeway” in the Time Before. People used these roads for travel in motor cars. He’d seen the remains, the burnt-out husks of these motor cars, dead as the area around them. No one could remember how they worked, only that they had been. There had been rumors years ago that someone in the east had a working motorized car, but it had never appeared.
Long distances in such short time. It seemed impossible.
Now this freeway meant something different. It was a line. A division. One that was foolish to cross. To cross was to go west. To go west meant to enter the Deadlands.
Cavalo looked at the blood trail on the ground. Fresh drops at his feet. Away from the forest he knew.
Onto the freeway.
Across the freeway. Into the other side of the woods. West.
“Shit,” he whispered.
Shit, Bad Dog agreed, sitting next to the man.
He couldn’t just let the deer go. She was fat, which was surprising. Good, but surprising. Cavalo didn’t think her pregnant, not with the deformities she had, but she had to have come from somewhere herself, so it was possible. But if she wasn’t, it would be enough meat to last weeks. He could avoid the town. He could avoid the people. Hank and Alma would be worried about him, he knew, but he’d been gone for longer. What had it been now? Three months? It couldn’t be that long, could it? They would understand. They always did.
“What do you think?” he asked.
Bad Dog rose from his haunches and sniffed at the blood again. If we do it, we must be quick. Like the wind.
“Yeah,” Cavalo muttered. “Like the wind.” He looked across the freeway again. It looked no different than the forest behind him. But it was different, he knew. Far different.
The first deer in weeks. Probably just over the road. Right into the tree line. “Probably already dead,” the man said aloud. “Just waiting for us.”
Dead, dead, dead, the dog said, rubbing against him.
“We get in and get out.”
Like we were never there.
“They won’t even know.”
No one will. In and out.
“You ready?”
Bad Dog yipped and watered a dusty bush. I pissed, he said proudly. That bush is mine. Now I’m ready.
The man nodded. “Let’s go.” He hesitated only for a second….
… and stepped onto the freeway.
Bad Dog immediately followed, his toenails clicking against the broken road, nose to the ground against the blood trail. Cavalo looked from side to side, scanning the tree line ahead of him. The shadows were beginning to lengthen. Nothing moved among the trees aside from the birds, calling their songs as loudly as they did on the other side of the freeway. It looked the same. It looked exactly the same.
But it felt so very different.
The man felt it even as he put one foot in front of another. There was a chill here that had nothing to do with the mute sky overhead. It was darker, the trees more dense and stark. The air felt thicker, as if pressing into a barrier that shouldn’t be crossed. He looked down and saw the blood trail, still bright and fresh. He looked back up into the woods, searching for movement.
Only the birds.
He stepped off the freeway and slid down the shallow bank. Bad Dog jumped down behind him, bumping into the back of Cavalo’s legs. They almost fell.
Sorry, Bad Dog said, looking embarrassed.
“It’s okay,” he said quietly, adjusting his back. He tried not to think of the last time he’d crossed the freeway. It was almost impossible to do on this side. He could hear their voices, somewhere far off, calling for him, lost in the haze. The man named Cavalo believed his dog could speak to him and didn’t know it was his fortieth birthday, but he most certainly did not believe in ghosts. Even if he could hear them.
Bad Dog went to the tree line, following the blood trail. He reached the trees and looked back at Cavalo, his tail still, ears perked. Coming? he asked, unaware of the other voices.
Which means they aren’t real, the man thought. Sweat dripped down his forehead. He wiped it away. He thought of the bow. It didn’t seem to be enough. Not with what was on this side of the woods. Not with what they could do.
He unclipped the rifle from his pack. It felt heavy in his hands. He checked the chamber. Loaded. Sight was clear. Safety off.
Bad Dog watched him, eyeing the gun warily. He did not like the noise that came from it. Too loud, he said, flattening his ears. Hate the boomstick. Hate it. Hate it.
Cavalo nodded. “Can’t be helped. Not this time.”
Bad Dog sighed but said nothing. He turned and trotted into the trees.
They aren’t real, the man thought, because he didn’t believe in ghosts.
He followed the dog into the woods.
Withered + Sere Blurb
Once upon a time, humanity could no longer contain the rage that swelled within, and the world ended in a wave of fire.
One hundred years later, in the wasteland formerly known as America, a broken man who goes only by the name of Cavalo survives. Purposefully cutting himself off from what remains of civilization, Cavalo resides in the crumbling ruins of the North Idaho Correctional Institution. A mutt called Bad Dog and a robot on the verge of insanity comprise his only companions. Cavalo himself is deteriorating, his memories rising like ghosts and haunting the prison cells.
It’s not until he makes the dangerous choice of crossing into the irradiated Deadlands that Cavalo comes into contact with a mute psychopath, one who belongs to the murderous group of people known as the Dead Rabbits. Taking the man prisoner, Cavalo is forced not only to face the horrors of his past, but the ramifications of the choices made for his stark present. And it is in the prisoner that he will find a possible future where redemption is but a glimmer that darkly shines.
The world has died.
This is the story of its remains.
Sales Links
Dreamspinner Press Publications | Amazon
About the Author
When TJ Klune was eight, he picked up a pen and paper and began to write his first story (which turned out to be his own sweeping epic version of the video game Super Metroid—he didn’t think the game ended very well and wanted to offer his own take on it. He never heard back from the video game company, much to his chagrin). Now, over two decades later, the cast of characters in his head have only gotten louder. But that’s okay, because he’s recently become a full-time writer, and can give them the time they deserve.
Since being published, TJ has won the Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Romance, fought off three lions that threatened to attack him and his village, and was chosen by Amazon as having written one of the best GLBT books of 2011.
And one of those things isn’t true.
(It’s the lion thing. The lion thing isn’t true.)
Facebook: TJ Klune
Blog: tjklunebooks.blogspot.com
E-mail: tjklunebooks@yahoo.com
Withered + Sere Blog Tour:
- April 12 – MM Good Book Reviews
- April 13- My Fiction Nook
- April 18 – Just Love Romance
- April 19 – Divine Magazine
- April 19 – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
- April 19 – The Novel Approach
- April 20 – Kimi-chan Experience
- April 21 – It’s About the Book
- April 21 – Love Bytes
- April 22 – Prism Book Alliance
In the Spotlight: Book, Line, and Sinker by L.J. LaBarthe
Book, Line, and Sinker by L.J. LaBarthe
Dreamspinner Press
Cover Art by Reese Dante
Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook and Paperback
Blurb
After seventeen years serving in the Australian Army, Ash returns to his childhood home in the outback town of Quorn. Filled with the desire to live a happy life in peace and with loved ones, Ash is grimly determined to beat his PTSD and tackle his flashbacks.
What Ash isn’t prepared for is Jaxon, the new librarian in Quorn. Jaxon is calm, gentle, kind, and a rock for Ash’s battered psyche. Ash finds himself falling for the handsome newcomer, even as his mind and memories of the past torment him.
When he has the idea for a mobile library to bring books and entertainment to remote communities in the far north, Ash is delighted that Jaxon is with him every step of the way. But though the library, called Book, Line, and Sinker, takes off, Ash’s past continues to plague him. Can Jaxon’s love be enough to keep them together until Ash is strong enough to stand on his own?
Excerpt
“I’ll have a look.” Ash dropped down into a squat and leaned forward to read the spines of the books on the bottom shelves. There were several rows of children’s books, and he started pulling titles out, making a neat stack beside him. Before long, he had gathered quite a collection, and he stood up, grunting as his knees protested
from being in one position for so long.
“Not a bad haul,” Jaxon said, looking at the stack. “Need some help carrying it over to the register?”
“Yeah, thanks. Did you find anything?”
“A few things. I took my armload over to the counter already.”
“That was quick.” Ash grinned.
“Just call me Book Man, swifter than… something really swift.”
Ash laughed. “Righto, Book Man. Want to give me a hand here?”
Jaxon bent down to grab half the stack and stood, huffing out a breath. “They’re heavier than they look.”
“I know.” Ash grabbed the rest of the pile and stood.
“Where’s Evie?”
“Looking at toys. She thought a toy library would be a good thing to have as well, not just books and games.”
“She’s a bloody genius.” Ash followed Jaxon as he went to the counter, where a large cardboard box sat. An elderly woman was carefully packing it with paperbacks and a few hard covers, and Ash and Jaxon set their armloads of books down beside it.
“That’s a lot of books, boys,” the lady said with a warm smile on her face.
“Reading is awesome,” Jaxon said.
“I found some toys and games as well,” Evie said as she joined them. “No DVDs, though.”
“Sorry, love, a gentleman cleaned out our DVD stock last week,” the lady said.
“Oh well. Can’t win ’em all, right?” Evie grinned up at her brother and Ash grinned back. “Shall I go get the car? This lot’s going to be really heavy.”
“That’s a great idea.” Ash pulled the keys out of the pocket of his jeans and handed them to her. “Here. Go for it.”
“What about…?”
“I’ll pay for it. It’s all good.” Ash made a little shooing motion with his hands. Evie rolled her eyes at him.
“I’m going.”
About the Author
L.J. LaBarthe is a French-Australian woman, who was born during the Witching Hour, just after midnight. From this auspicious beginning, she went on to write a prize-winning short story about Humpty Dumpty wearing an Aussie hat complete with corks dangling from it when she was six years old. From there, she wrote for her high school yearbook, her university newspaper, and, from her early teens to her twenties, produced a fanzine about the local punk rock music scene. She loves music of all kinds and was once a classical pianist; she loves languages and speaks French and English and a teeny-tiny smattering of Mandarin Chinese, which she hopes to relearn properly very soon. She enjoys TV, film, travel, cooking, eating out, abandoned places, urbex, history, and researching.
L.J. loves to read complicated plots and hopes to do complex plot lines justice in her own writing. She writes paranormal, historical, urban fantasy, and contemporary Australian stories, usually m/m romance and featuring m/m erotica. She has won a Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention and another award for Best Historical Gay Novel.
L.J. lives in the city of Adelaide, and is owned by her cat.
You can find her at the following places:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lj.labarthe.9
- Twitter: @brbsiberia
- Web: http://www.ljlabarthe.com/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ljstar239/
Its All About the Heart’s Perspective in The Heart As He Hears It By A.M. Arthur (excerpt and giveaway)
The Heart As He Hears It (Perspectives #3) by A.M. Arthur
Release Date: April 19, 2016
Goodreads Link
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover Artist: Lyn Taylor
Blurb
While most of his friends have moved on to “real” careers, Jon Buchanan is content skating through life as a part-time waiter and gay porn star. Firmly single thanks to a previous relationship disaster, he focuses his spare time on Henry, a dear friend dying of cancer.
And with Henry’s happiness paramount, Jon is on a mission to help Henry meet his recently discovered grandson.
Isaac Gregory hasn’t set foot outside for the past year. He has everything he needs delivered, and his remaining family knows better than to visit. When a complete stranger shows up claiming to be his grandfather—with a distractingly handsome younger man in tow—his carefully structured routines are shaken.
Despite his instant attraction, Jon senses Isaac is too fragile for a relationship. Yet tentative friendship grows into genuine companionship. And when Henry’s health begins to fail, they realize Fate brought them together for a reason.
Pages or Words: 253 pages
Can be read as a standalone
Also available in audiobook format with Guy Locke as the narrator
Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt
Jon studied him, his gaze taking in…something. “May I ask you something?”
“Of course.” His chest flushed with anticipation.
“How do you feel when you’re with me?”
Isaac tried to push aside the anxiety still attempting to blur his thoughts, an old friend that wanted to be part of the conversation. Only anxiety wasn’t allowed in, not this time. He shuffled through different words, emotions and adjectives, searching for the one that best described how he felt about Jon. How Jon made him feel, despite being a near-stranger, bigger, stronger and far more experienced in pretty much everything. Jon still made him feel… “Safe,” Isaac said.
Jon’s eyebrows crept up. The corners of his mouth quirked into something not quite a smile. “Really?”
“Yes. The first time I saw you on my security feed, I noticed how beautiful you were.” His cheeks warmed.
Jon flat out grinned. “Yeah?”
“You’re kind and patient, and I feel safe because you don’t try to fix me, and you don’t act like I’m broken. My family thinks I’m broken, and I don’t want them to fix me. I just…” Something in Isaac shifted, accepting this new truth. “I need to feel safe, Jon. That’s why I hide. But you make me not want to hide.”
Jon’s eyes glittered. His expression melted into something so warm, so sweet, that it burned in Isaac’s blood in a way he didn’t understand at all. The strange sensation urged him to reach out, to initiate contact of some kind. Deep-rooted fear kept Isaac still, unable to make that first move. Unable to do anything except soak in the wonderment on Jon’s face.
“I think that’s the greatest compliment I’ve ever gotten,” Jon said. His voice was hoarse, strange. Almost difficult to hear, so Isaac paid more attention to his lips. “Is it cheesy to say your strength makes me want to be better too?”
Isaac shook his head. “I’m not strong.”
“You’re stronger than you think. You proved that by letting me and Henry in two weeks ago. You proved it again by going out to rescue a kitten. Twice, by the way. You told me you want to get better, get into the world, and that takes a fuck-ton of courage when you’ve lost as much as you have. I know it won’t be easy, but I still want to help you do that.”
“I know you do. I want that too.”
Buy the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Meet the Author
A.M. Arthur was born and raised in the same kind of small town that she likes to write about, a stone’s throw from both beach resorts and generational farmland. She’s been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long, in a losing battle to make the fictional voices stop. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance hadn’t been coined yet back then) with her later discovery of and subsequent love affair with m/m romance stories. A.M. Arthur’s work is available from Samhain Publishing, Carina Press, Dreamspinner Press, and SMP Swerve.
When not exorcising the voices in her head, she toils away in a retail job that tests her patience and gives her lots of story fodder. She can also be found in her kitchen, pretending she’s an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments.
Where to find the author:
- Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/A.M.Arthur.M.A
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/am_arthur
- Website: http://amarthur.blogspot.com/
- Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/am-arthur
Tour Dates & Stops:
Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, Oh My Shelves, Unquietly Me, The Jena Wade, Full Moon Dreaming,
Making It Happen, Book Lovers 4Ever, BFD Book Blog, The Hat Party, Alpha Book Club, V’s Reads,
Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Bayou Book Junkie, My Fiction Nook, Happily Ever Chapter,
Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance, A.M. Leibowitz, Outrageous Heroes,
Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Nephy Hart, Boys on the Brink Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews,
Molly Lolly, Gay Media Reviews, Kirsty Loves Books, Jessie G. Books, Havan Fellows, Anna Butler Fiction,
Dawn’s Reading Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Mikky’s World of Books, Inked Rainbow Reads,
Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
Giveaway
Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: An e-book from A.M. Arthur’s backlist
Rafflecopter Code:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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An Ali Review: Grizzly Discovery(Mountain Spirits Mysteries book 2) by AJ Marcus
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Landon Weir and Brock Summers are happily settling into their life as a couple, easily balancing Landon’s work as an animal rehabber with Brock’s career as a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer. When they find a bear shot and skinned, they set out to discover who’s behind the heinous act.Events force Brock to come out to his boss, causing him and Landon to rethink how public they want to make their relationship. As more bear sightings – and more carcasses – show up in the area, Brock is attacked by a black bear he’s trying to release back into the wild, but his injuries don’t prevent him from helping Landon and their friends with the investigation. Despite leads being thin on the ground, the two men try to uncover the poachers before more bears are killed. But when the evidence points them in an unexpected direction, Teller County’s bear population may not be all the killers have in their sights.
I enjoyed this second installment of this series. This series is more focused on the mystery in each book , with the romance being an addition to the story. I felt the mystery was well done and interesting. Each of the books in this series is very full of information about wildlife laws, animal rehab, etc. If you have no interest in those things you may not like this. Personally I find these books really interesting and informative. I like both of the main characters and there are a host of interesting side characters that add to the plot line. The romance is sweet and there is no angst or unnecessary drama. This is the second in the series and can be read as a stand alone although you’ll enjoy the romance aspect more if you read them in order. If you’re looking for something a little different and like animals and/or mysteries I definitely recommend this series.
Cover art.I liked this cover and I think it is a good representation of this story and the feel of this series overall.
Sales Link: DSP Publications | Amazon
Book Details:
ebook, 200 pages
Published March 24th 2015 by DSP Publications
ISBN 1632160269 (ISBN13: 9781632160263)
Edition LanguageEnglishSeriesMountain Spirit Mysteries
Published March 24th 2015 by DSP Publications
ISBN 1632160269 (ISBN13: 9781632160263)
Edition LanguageEnglishSeriesMountain Spirit Mysteries
Its Release Day for Imperfect Harmony by Jay Northcote!
Imperfect Harmony by Jay Northcote
Publisher: Jaybird Press (self published)
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Release Date: Friday 15th of April 2016
Goodreads link
Blurb
Imperfect harmony can still be beautiful…
John Fletcher, a former musician, is stuck in limbo after losing his long-term partner two years ago. He’s shut himself off from everything that reminds him of what he’s lost. When his neighbour persuades him to join the local community choir, John rediscovers his love of music and finds a reason to start living again.
Rhys Callington, the talented and charismatic choir leader, captures John’s attention from the first moment they meet. He appears to be the polar opposite of John: young, vibrant, and full of life. But Rhys has darkness in his own past that is holding him back from following his dreams.
Despite the nineteen-year age gap, the two men grow close and a fragile relationship blossoms. Ghosts of the past and insecurities about the future threaten their newfound happiness. If they’re going to harmonise in life and love as they do in their music, they’ll need to start following the same score.
Length: 66,000 words
Genre: Contemporary gay romance
Standalone
Excerpt
Luckily there were still some parking spaces outside the church hall where Maggie’s choir met. John made sure they arrived a little early so Maggie wouldn’t have to walk too far. She was managing well on one crutch, but she still tired easily. After he parked, he got out and hurried around to help her out of the passenger door.
“Thanks, love,” she said, patting him on the arm. “I can manage now.”
A vicious gust of wind whipped a strand of hair into her face. It was dark, still sleeting, and probably slippery underfoot. There was no way John was going to leave until she was safely indoors. “I’ll just see you inside. Let me take your bag.”
Maggie let him have it without argument, and he popped it over his arm. He hovered close to Maggie as she made her way slowly to the double doors. He held one open for her and was hit by a blast of warm air. Then he accompanied her inside as she crutched along the corridor towards an open door. Yellow light flooded out, and the sound of a tenor voice singing “I Can See Clearly Now” raised the hairs on the back of John’s neck with its pure, clear beauty.
“I thought you said the emphasis was on fun rather than perfection?” he said quietly. “He’s got quite a voice.”
“That’ll be Rhys, our choir leader,” Maggie said with a smile. “Come and meet him, even if you’re not staying.”
Maggie paused when she reached the doorway and put a finger to her lips. They listened and waited for Rhys to finish singing. John peered over Maggie’s shoulder, hoping for a glimpse of the man the voice belonged to. Rhys, John presumed, was alone in the room. With his back to the door, he stood at a table pushed to the edge of the room, shuffling through some papers as he sang. All John could see of him was that he was small and slight, and quite young, based on the cut of his clothes. A hood covered his hair.
When he finished, Maggie started clapping.
Rhys wheeled around. “Oh my God! You made me jump.” He pushed his hood down and his face lit up as he beamed. “Maggie. How are you?”
John’s eyes widened as he took in Rhys’s front view as he approached Maggie and gave her a careful hug. His hair, which was shaved at the back and sides, was long on top and dyed peacock blue. His eyebrow was pierced, his arms were covered with tattoos, and the front of his T-shirt was emblazoned with a glittery equals sign in rainbow colours. All in all, he was at least twenty years younger than John had expected and completely unlike how John would have imagined a choir leader to look. In this dingy church hall in their small market town, Rhys looked like a bird of paradise that had accidentally ended up in a cage full of sparrows.
Sales Links
The buy links are:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E18FZP6
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01E18FZP6
global Amazon link: http://mybook.to/ImperfectHarmony
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01E18FZP6
global Amazon link: http://mybook.to/ImperfectHarmony
*Imperfect Harmony will be exclusive to Amazon for 90 days. After that it will be available at all retailers.
About the Author
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.
She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content. One day, she decided to try and write a short story–just to see if she could–and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.
In the Contemporary Spotlight: Second Skin by Alex Whitehall (New Adult Release and giveaway)
Second Skin by Alex Whitehall
Riptide Publishing
Cover Art by L.C. Chase
Read an Excerpt/Buy It Here
Hello, everybody! I’m Alex Whitehall, and I’m here today touring for my New Adult story, Second Skin, which is about Jay and Roswell, who are on a journey of love, acceptance, and self-discovery.
About Second Skin
When Jay heads to the university’s learning center for help with his math class, he doesn’t expect his tutor to be tall, dark, and handsome. But Roswell is all that and more, and their instant connection over cult movies, books, and TV shows quickly evolves into dating.
That’s when things get tricky.
Roswell might claim he doesn’t have issues with Jay being trans, but when he’s constantly insisting they “take it slow,” Jay’s not so sure. He’s been hurt before, and he’s not going to let it happen again.
But then Roswell reveals that he, too, has a few secrets under his skin.
About Alex Whitehall
If there are two types of people in the world, Alex Whitehall probably isn’t one of them, despite being a person. Their favorite pastimes include reading, horseback riding, sleeping, watching geek-tastic television, knitting, eating, and running. And wasting time on the internet. And spending glorious evenings laughing with friends.
While Alex prefers sleeping over doing anything else (except maybe eating), sometimes they emerge from the cave to be social and to hunt for food at the local market. They can be found blogging, reading, and tending after their aloe plants.
Connect with Alex:
- Twitter: @AlexWhitehall
- Email: AlexDWhitehall@gmail.com
- Blogging: alexwhitehall.blogspot.com
- Tumblr: alexwhitehall.tumblr.com
Giveaway
To celebrate the release of Second Skin, Alex is giving away $25 in Riptide credit. Leave a comment to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 16, 2016. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!
A Paul B Review: Enemies of the State (The Executive Office #1) by Tal Bauer
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ★★★★★
Ethan Reichenbach is the lead agent in the President-Elect’s Secret Service detail. He expects to spend the next four or eight years being shadowing the man just elected to live in the White House. What he did not expect is to become the new President’s friend. Nor did he expect to develop a crush on the man in the first few months after they move to Washington. Doing so would break so many Secret Service rules and would be grounds for dismissal. Not to mention that the President is straight. This breaks Ethan’s personal rules of never getting involved in a relationship and never falling for a straight man.
Jack Spiers has spent the fifteen years since his wife’s death in combat in public service. Focusing on veterans and their families, he has held several posts in Washington. Having been elected President should be the pinnacle of his career. But having lost his wife a long time ago, Jack finds the office lonely. He turns to his lead Secret Service agent for friendship, which Ethan is hesitant to give at first. However, as their friendship develops, Jack is surprised when one night Ethan kisses him. To say that Jack is surprised would be an understatement. As the two put distance between them, Jack still wants Ethan to be his friend. But Jack begins to realize that he has feelings for Ethan as well. He wants to find a way to make this work.
Against this backdrop, Jack is still President. He must deal with a world that has basically gone to hell in a handbasket the last ten years. With China and Russia both occupying countries and the Islamic Caliphate causing trouble both in the Middle East and around the world through terror attacks, Jack has his hands full. However, the real trouble might be right under Jack’s nose. An American general is working with agents in the Middle East to bring about even more instability to a region already at war. As Jack works toward bringing peace to the world, there are others who are trying to insure that he does not succeed. Ethan must work to protect the man who is not only the President but also his lover.
In order for a political thriller to work, the premise behind the book must work. Set approximately 10-30 years in the future, Enemies of the State describes a world that could possibly exist at that time. The Islamic Caliphate (ISIS/ISIL) has grown bolder with the passage of time, as has Russia with their land grabs. The English, French and Germans are battle weary after numerous terrorist attacks. Into this world, Jack must try to bring all sides together to prevent the start of World War III.
The other part of a good political thriller is the romance. I loved the slow building romance between Ethan and Jack. Ethan, the gay Secret Service agent, knows that a relationship with Jack is wrong on so many levels. But are the signals the President is sending him real? Jack is alone in the White House and needs a friend. What could be wrong with that? They begin to learn about each other as they work through their own problems with this relationship. I look forward to see where the next book goes with both this relationship and the various subplots that are left unresolved.
The cover art by Aria Tan shows Ethan and Jack above the Washington skyline. It is a fitting cover for the book.
Sales Links: NineStar Press | Amazon | ARe
Book Details
ebook, 324 pages
Published February 15th 2016 by NineStar Press
ISBN139781911153337
Edition LanguageEnglish
Series: The Executive
Enemies of the State (The Executive #1)
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 