A Sammy Review: Thomas Elkin Series by N. R. Walker (all books)

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 for the entire Thomas Elkin series –

Elements of Retrofit (Thomas Elkin, #1)

Ahhh. Oh my goodness. I loved it.

Tom Elkin in a successful and sought after architect who has drowned himself in his work since leaving his wife and coming out as a gay man. For over forty years he lived a lie, and he has a new sense of freedom but is still missing something. Enter Cooper Jones, a young twenty-two-year-old who happens to be friends with Tom’s son, Ryan. As it just so happens, Cooper ends up being one of the lucky candidates to intern at Brackett & Golding. Though neither of them intends for it to happen, sparks fly, and the connection is undeniable.

This story is low angst, while still acknowledging the road bumps that come up in a situation such as this one. It doesn’t stick too much on a particular issue, and certainly doesn’t bog down the story. At the same time, it manages to not be overly fairy-talesque, and maintain an essential aspect of reality.

I’m really not usually someone who enjoys age-gap. It’s just not my thing. But, God, did I thoroughly enjoy this. No complaints at all, except that it’s too late for me to be able to start reading the next in the series.

Sales Links: Totally Bound All Romance (ARe) amazon buy it here

Book Details:

ebook, 89 pages
Published October 4th 2013 by Total-E-Bound Publishing (first published October 3rd 2013)
ISBN 1781844712 (ISBN13: 9781781844717)
edition languageEnglish
seriesThomas Elkin #1

Clarity of Lines (Thomas Elkin #2)
by N.R. Walker

So here’s the thing, I’m a pretty picky person. I can find faults in things easily, and it takes quite a bit to impress me.

But this – this series, well it does that.

Clarity of Lines continues with Tom and Cooper, as their relationship grows and flourishes. They hit some bumps along the way, with issues and themes from the first in the series resonating in this. Of course, age will always be an issue for some, and I love the fact that the author doesn’t simply brush this off in the continuation. There’s a consistent theme, a very clear line (pun intended) that brings these books together.

My favorite scene was probably the one in which Cooper came to comfort Tom. This is also ironically the scene where Sophia finally just gets it/them. I am so invested in these characters that I really felt it, and the importance of that moment.

My only complaint is that it was just too darn short, and I wish we could see more of how Tom’s mom deals with things, as well as a bit more of the grieving process being played out, as it is more complex of a process and the book ends before the enormity of it is really captured.

All in all, a great second book that will leave me desperately craving the third.

Sales Links: Totally Bound All Romance (ARe) amazon buy it here

Book Details:

ebook, 103 pages
Published December 13th 2013 by Totally Bound
ISBN 1781848963 (ISBN13: 9781781848968)
edition languageEnglish
seriesThomas Elkin #2

Sense of Place (Thomas Elkin, #3)

Et cor domum

So this is usually where I give a little bit of info about the story (in my own words, of course). But that won’t be here. Why? Because if you’ve read any other book in the series, you’ll know just what you’re getting here. The same, completely wonderful, breath of fresh air.

Thomas and Cooper are positively one of my favorite couples, and this series just has a feel-good spot for me. I can honestly say that if there’s every a crappy day for me, where I’m a bit down, I will probably go and read this series, because the number of times I smiled throughout it… just magic.

There’s such a sense of place (hah, but really) in these stories, and this is no different. The way they understand each other and their work, how they see one another through architecture. I said it with the first book, but it rings even more true here – I’m not a fan of age gap, but this, this does something for me.

Really really wonderful. I’m sad to see it come to an end, but so happy that I experienced it.

Sales Links: Totally Bound All Romance (ARe) amazon buy it here

Book Details:

ebook, 110 pages
Published February 14th 2014 by Totally Bound
ISBN 1781849544 (ISBN13: 9781781849545)
edition languageEnglish
seriesThomas Elkin #3

For each book, the cover art by Posh Gosh always does a great job of capturing the book. It has not only the characters but architecture and lines, which is what really makes the relationship between Tom and Cooper so special for me. They just share their own art in love and life, and it’s oh so wonderful. The cohesion of the covers is another great element. They all fit together and you can tell they’re a series at first glance.

Down Under Author: N. R. Walker

Meet N. R. Walker!

N. R. Walker is the author of the Thomas Elkin series, the Red Dirt Heart series (both Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Must Have, Must Reads) and other books listed below.

To get to know N. R. Walker a little better, the author agreed to an interview. Look for the interview below and the Down Under Scavenger Hunt word found somewhere within.

✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍

Who am I?

Good question…

I am many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer.

I have pretty, pretty boys who live in my head, who don’t let me sleep at night unless I give them life with words.

I like it when they do dirty, dirty things…but I like it even more when they fall in love.

I used to think having people in my head talking to me was weird, until one day I happened across other writers who told me it was normal.

I’ve been writing ever since…

*********************

Contacts/Follow at :

Twitter: NR_Walker
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/NRWalkerBooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5819370.N_R_Walker
Website: http://nrwalker.wordpress.com/
Tumblr: http://nrwalkerbooks.tumblr.com/ (note: not safe for work or anyone under 18)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003907957620

Please note – NOT safe for work or kids

********************

Books:

Taxes and TARDIS
Ten in the Bin

Blind Faith (Blind Faith Series #1)
Through These Eyes (Blind Faith Series #2)
Blindside (Blind Faith Series #3)
Twelfth of Never (Blind Faith Series #3.5)

Point of No Return (Turning Point #1)
Breaking Point (Turning Point #2)
Starting Point (Turning Point #3)

Elements of Retrofit (Thomas Elkin Series #1)
Clarity of Lines (Thomas Elkin Series #2)
Sense of Place (Thomas Elkin Series #3)
Red Dirt Heart 1 (Red Dirt Series #1)
Red Dirt Heart 2 (Red Dirt Series #2)
Red Dirt Heart 2 (Red Dirt Series #3)
Red Dirt Heart 4 (Red Dirt Series #4) just being released!

And my free reads:
Sixty Five Hours
Learning to Feel
His Grandfather’s Watch

********************************************

Contests and Giveaways:

1. Today’s Giveaway (thank you,N. R. Walker) is an eBook copy of Red Dirt Heart 4. Enter using this Rafflecopter link here. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

2. Down Under Scavenger Hunt – find the Hunt “word or phrase” in bold green . Collect all the words from each author and submit the list in writing no later than midnight on February 1st. Make sure you include an email address where you can be reached. Prizes will be given to 5 people selected, from 1st place to 5th! Happy Hunting.

**********************

Q: When did you start writing?

A: I started writing fiction about 4 years ago, after reading fan fiction online. I wrote fan fiction first, but then original characters started telling me stories. 😉

Q. Were you a reader as a child?

Yes. Loved reading. I loved adventure books mostly.

Q: Title or characters or plot? Which comes first?

A: Usually the characters, though sometimes the title is crystal clear from the very beginning. I normally have the characters talking to me for a little while before they tell me the plot.

Q: Do you have a favorite character that you have written?

A: I do love Charlie Sutton from my Red Dirt Heart Series. He’s a true Aussie farmer; hardworking, loves his family and friends and puts himself last, every time. He’s flawed, he’s frustrating, and he’s wonderful.

Q: Favorite book/story you have read as an adult?

A: Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. Just wow.

Q: Do you have a certain regimen that you follow as a writer?

A: I know it’s cliché, but write every day. Set hours if you can, or the same time slot every day, if real life allows it.

Q: Do you have a specific writing style?

A: My writing style consists of listening to what the characters tell me, and hoping for the best. LOL

Q: How do you think books written from authors in Australia or New Zealand differ in style, language, and culture?

A: There’s an Australian/Kiwi-ness in our everyday dialect that we can recognise straight away in a book, which I just love. Our genre is so Americanised, so to read Aussie books with Aussie characters (by Aussie authors) is like putting on a favourite pair of jeans. I have written books set in both America and Australia, using American and Australian characters respectively, and for me the language/setting/culture to do Australian is SO much easier. I think (some) authors – I know this is true for myself – become Americanised in their writing. I know even now when I write in real life (not for books) I find myself using American spelling. I think this is why I have LOVED writing my Red Dirt Heart Series so much. Having Aussie farmers in the Australian outback… doesn’t much more Aussie than that.

Q: If you were a tour guide, what would you like a visitor to see and what impression would you want them to take away with them when they leave?

A: The people! Aussies are so laid back and welcoming and the saying “no worries, mate” is a fabulous mantra.

Q: What are your current projects?

A: I’m working on my first paranormal romance. It’s a modern day vampire story that delves into Ancient Egypt (sort of). It’s very different from what I usually do, and it’s been a lot of fun to write so far.

Q: What’s next up for you?

A: Red Dirt Heart 4 was released January 9th, so my next release will be my paranormal romance, hopefully early March.

Thanks so much for having me!

On Tour with L.M. Somerton’s Investigating Love Series (book tour and contest)

Book Name: Investigating Love (series)
Individual titles are: Rasputin’s Kiss, Evil’s Embrace, Tarot’s Touch
Author Name: L M Somerton

Author Bio:

L M lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.

She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She’s fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.

Where to find the author:
https://www.facebook.com/lmsomerton
https://www.facebook.com/lmsomertonwrites
http://www.twitter.com@lmsomerton
http://pinterest.com/lmsomerton

Publisher: Totally Bound
Cover Artist: Emmy Ellis

Sales Links: Totally Bound Amazon

Individual Book Blurbs:

SERIES:

Being thrown together in extreme circumstances is not the best foundation for a relationship. Alex and Conor must juggle the demands of their jobs as police detectives with their personal lives. With Alex as demanding in the bedroom as he is at work, will Conor be able to accept that submission is not weakness. Finding out will be the most important investigation of their lives.

Rasputin’s Kiss:

What if the last thing you felt was the kiss of a knife?

Rasputin’s kiss is lethal. He’s a ghost—killing and disappearing into the night. With few leads and four bodies on his conscience, Detective Inspector Alex Courtney and his team are running on empty and it’s only a matter of time before Rasputin strikes again.

When Alex recruits a young detective to play the part of his boyfriend and provide a tempting target for a killer, he knows he is taking a huge risk. He doesn’t expect Conor Trethuan to be a perfect potential submissive. When their mutual attraction becomes more, Alex has to face the conflict between his possessive instincts and the need to push his young lover into danger.

Investigating their feelings has to come second to investigating the case. There’s no time to decide if what they feel for each other is real. With Rasputin closing in, they may not live to find out.

Evil’s Embrace:

Never underestimate the power of obsession.

After the trauma of the Rasputin case, Detective Inspector Alex Courtney and his boyfriend, Detective Constable Conor Trethuan, are in desperate need of a holiday.

The peace and tranquillity of Cornwall can’t eradicate Conor’s nightmares, though, and the unbearable prospect of losing Alex drives him to confess feelings that he isn’t sure are reciprocated. Alex responds in the best way he knows how—by issuing orders and claiming Conor’s body as well as his heart.

Prematurely recalled to work, they are thrown into a dangerous trafficking case focused on a leather bar with a hardcore reputation, Spikes. Conor is sent in undercover, not knowing that he is only a decoy. When Alex learns that the motivation behind his team’s involvement in the case might not be as straightforward as it seems, he realises that his actions might jeopardise not just their relationship, but Conor’s life, too. A shadowy figure from Conor’s past is about to step into the light.

Tarot’s Touch:

Can truth be found in the cards?

DI Alex Courtney and his lover, DC Conor Trethuan are under enormous pressure as their team investigates an arson case and a murder.

It soon becomes apparent that the two cases are linked and the race is on to find a vicious killer. A tarot card is left with the first victim and the detectives are left to interpret the clues it provides. When Conor receives a note from the killer making reference to another card, the whole team is shaken. Their worst fears are realized when a second body is discovered, along with another tarot card.

Conor suspects he has been followed, then a hit and run leaves him injured. Alex wants nothing more than to wrap his lover up in cotton wool and protect him from the world. But is Conor the killer’s target or just a pawn in a much more sinister game? As the clues come together it seems that the motive for murder might be revenge.

Exclusive Excerpt:

They walked in companionable silence to a small Italian restaurant just around the corner from the station and sat at a table next to the window. The whole place was a cliché, with red and white checked tablecloths, candles in old Chianti bottles coated with solidified drips of wax and laminated menus that had seen better days. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, though, and the whole place smelt of herbs and spices.

A short, rotund man bustled over and greeted Alex like a long-lost member of his family. After effusive introductions that seemed to include most of the staff and half the customers in the restaurant, fresh bread with aromatic olive oil was left to tide them over while their food was prepared. Alex ordered for both of them, watching Conor as he did. The overt act of dominance made Conor smile wryly. He wondered if Alex had expected him to be annoyed. A brief look of satisfaction crossed Alex’s face and that gave Conor his answer. Conor dipped a piece of warm bread in oil and held it to his mouth, allowing the slick liquid to spread across his lips. He took a bite then slowly ran his tongue over his lower lip, chasing a stray drop of oil. Alex’s eyes widened and a hint of colour bloomed on his cheeks. Conor smiled innocently.

I think I have a wolf in sheep’s clothing here, Alex thought to himself. Well, an enthusiastic pup anyway. He could imagine smearing that oil in all kinds of interesting places. It was a delight to watch Conor eat. He twirled his linguine expertly, complimented the chef politely and smiled shyly at the waitress who couldn’t take her eyes off him. He didn’t encourage her any more, though, and Alex was secretly pleased about that. He bristled at the sight of other people casting flirtatious looks at Conor. Unfortunately that seemed to happen when anyone noticed him. Conor drew admiring glances from every woman in the place, and jealous ones from the men they were with. Alex wanted to growl at them, make it clear that Conor was not available, and maybe put a paper bag over Conor’s head so that everyone would stop lusting after him.
Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance, BDSM, Mystery, Crime Drama

Excerpt:   Tour Dates/Stops:

Tour Dates/Stops:
January 2
The Hat Party
BFD Book Blog

January 5
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Carly’s Book Reviews

January 6
Cathy Brockman Romances
Full Moon Dreaming

January 7
MM Good Book Reviews
Fallen Angel Reviews

January 8
Three Chicks After Dark
Molly Lolly

January 9
Cate Ashwood
Love Bytes

January 12
Parker Williams
Prism Book Alliance

January 13
Velvet Panic
Rebecca Cohen Writes

January 14
Amanda C. Stone
Queer Town Abbey

January 15
Crystal’s Many Reviewers

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: Full set of ‘Investigating Love’ e-books
Use the link below to enter the contest, Must be 18 years of age or older to enter and win.

Rafflecopter Code:
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A Mika Review: Him for The Holidays by Jaxx Steele

Rating: 2 stars out of 5

Don meets Trevor when he goes home for the holidays. Could a long distance romance be his holiday wish come true?  Donald Bradley is home for the holidays. While running an errand for his mother, he meets Trevor Oxford, who is everything Don could ask for in a man. However, Don does not intend to have any type of relationship with him. Trevor lives and works in the small town and Don lives two hundred miles away in the city. Trevor is confident and aggressive in his pursuit of Don, who is confused by Trevor’s attentiveness. Don wants to run away from Trevor and run to him at the same time. Could a long distance romance be just what Don needs to start the New Year? Will Don accept what Trevor has to offer, giving him what he really wants this holiday season?

This was a first for me by the author. It was cute while not all the way smart. By smart I mean taking unnecessary precautions during sexual intercourse. I’m a big safe sex person during my reads unless they’re discussed between the two characters. Obviously here wasn’t. I don’t know if I liked Donald or not, I feel like I didn’t get enough of back history for him to make any kind of judgment about his personality. I knew next to nothing of Trevor as well. Apart of me feels like I started reading this in the middle, there wasn’t a beginning for any buildup to happen between the two guys. It went from one meeting, to instant gratification. Some people might appreciate that, but I just wasn’t feeling it.

I wanted to know more of Trevor, he was this guy who came back to town to help run his uncle’s store, and he was also an R.N. Like I said previously I didn’t connect with either character. I wouldn’t recommend this based as it felt incomplete. It ended… that’s it. No grand gestures, no empty promises. I don’t even know if Donald knows Trevor last name.

Cover Art by Posh Gosh. Since we never discussed the guys ages, I’m guessing these two could be seen as Donald & Trevor. They both seem kind of older than the two in the book, though and it really doesn’t invite me in.

Sales Links: Totally Bound Others to come: All Romance (ARe) amazon buy it here

Book Details:

eBook, 42 pages.
December 2014 by Totally Bound
ISBN:
Edition Language: English

Victor Alexander is here with a ” Delicious Mistake” (book tour, recipe, and contest)

Book Name: Delicious Mistake
Author Name: Vicktor Alexander

Here Vicktor Alexander is doling out the goodies on his latest story, Delicious Mistake. While you are checking out the book below, think about this delicious recipe from the author:

“This is the recipe that I shared at the end of Raising Shawna it’s called “Heavenly Delight” and it’s one of my favorite desserts of all time: Heavenly Delight

Ingredients:

Bottom Crust:

2 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/2 Cup melted butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Custard layer:

1/2 cup melted butter
1 egg
1 Cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 Bananas, sliced lengthwise
1-15 oz can crushed pineapple (drained of juice)
1 regular or double size container of Cool Whip
1 15oz can of sliced peaches (drained)
small pkg of slivered Almonds

Directions: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup melted butter/margarine. Press the mixture into an 8×8″ or 9×9″ baking pan.

In a separate bowl, mix together the 1/2 cup melted butter/margarine, 1 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread this mixture over the crust and place in freezer until hardened. Take 3-5 bananas sliced length wise and place side by side with some spacing between slices on top of the hardened butter mixture. Take 1 – 15oz can crushed pineapple (drain juice) sprinkle over the sliced bananas and in between slices. Take a tub of Cool-Whip as much as you desire spread over the top of banana/pineapple layer. Garnish with sliced peaches and some Almond slivers.

———–now add to your recipe box——————-

Author Bio:

Vicktor “Vic” Alexander wrote his first story at the age of ten and hasn’t stopped writing since. He loves reading about anything and everything and is a proud member of the little known U.N. group (Undercover Nerds) because while he lives, eats, breathes, and sleeps sports, he also breathes history and science fiction and grew up a Trekkie. But don’t ask him about Dungeons & Dragons, because he has no idea how to play that game.

When it comes to writing he loves everything from paranormal to contemporary to fantasy to historical and is known not only for being the Epilogue King but also for writing stories that cross lines and boundaries that he doesn’t know are there. Vic is a proud father of two daughters one of whom watches over him from Heaven with his deceased partner Christopher. Vic is a proud trans* and gay man, and when he is not writing, he is hanging out with his friends, or being distracted by videos of John Barrowman, Scott Hoying, and Shemar Moore. Vicktor has published numerous bestselling novels and has a WIP list that makes him exhausted just thinking about. He knows that he will be still be writing about hot men falling in love with each other, long after he is living in an assisted living facility, flirting with the hot, male nurses.

Author Contact:

http://www.facebook.com/VicktorAlexanderB
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorVicktorAlexander
http://www.twitter.com/VVeeB
http://www.vicktoralexander.tumblr.com

Publisher: Totally Bound
Cover Artist: Posh Gosh

Sales Links: Totally Bound

Delicious Mistake Blurb:

Miguel Rodriguez stood by his friend Xavier’s side when evidence of his affair with another man came out. He also stuck by Xavier when he disappeared from Atlanta and moved to the mountains of Wyoming. But he will not stand by Xavier when he decides to marry his young lover and still run for the Senate.

Hopping on a plane to Wyoming, Miguel finds himself meeting Julian Canton, a young man who has no political ambitions and doesn’t even vote, and yet Miguel finds himself fascinated. Miguel makes the mistake of upgrading Julian’s ticket so they can get to know each other better and somehow finds himself in Riverton, WY, holding Julian’s hand as he says goodbye to his brother. Giving in to his attraction to the young man, Miguel struggles not only with his physical attraction but with his emotional one as well. When he compounds his mistake by inviting Julian along with him to talk to Xavier, he soon finds himself feeling something he has never felt before. Will he join his friend Xavier in listening to his heart or will he walk away?
Categories: BDSM, Contemporary, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Delicious Mistake Excerpt:

“How in the world did you make us being friends sound so dirty?” Julian asked.

Miguel chuckled. “Oh that’s easy. I can make anything sound dirty. It’s all about lowering my voice and making everything you say the most seductive thing you’ve ever uttered.”

Julian’s eyebrows rose. “Oh really? Prove it.”

Miguel leaned forward, ignoring the people walking past them, juggling their carry-ons, children, friends and spouses as they exited the plane. He lowered his voice and stared at Julian’s groin, his brain filling with images of Julian’s cock encaged in a cock ring, his body straining against restraints, his skin glistening with sweat as he pleaded with Miguel to let him come.
“Voting for a presidential candidate is one of the best things you can do as an American, because it guarantees that your voice is heard, even when it doesn’t feel like it. It’s a time when you can take control, assert your independence and make sure that you have someone in office who cares about what you care about.” He could hear how seductive his voice sounded and if the darkening of Julian’s eyes was any indication, the man was turned on—though more by the tenor of Miguel’s voice than his actual words. “You should think about voting, Julian,” he said, rolling the younger man’s name around in his mouth like a fine wine. “Enclosing yourself in a booth and either punching a hole or touching a screen and choosing who the head of the country is going to be.”

Julian was panting, his pink lips parted as he stared at Miguel. “Holy fuck,” he croaked out. “That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard about the most boring subject in the world.”

Pages: 55 pages

Tour Dates: December 16, 2014

Tour Stops:

Parker Williams, Foxylutely Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, My Fiction Nook, Molly Lolly,

Queer Town Abbey, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Love Bytes, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Multitasking Mommas, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Charley Descoteaux

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Nic Starr

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Fallen Angel Reviews, MM Good Book Reviews

Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: $10 Amazon Gift Card. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the Rafflecopter link provided for all additional contest details and entry form.

Rafflecopter Code:
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On Tour with S.A. Walsh and Out of CTRL! (book tour and contest)

Book Name: Out of CTRL
Goodreads Link
Author Name: SA Welsh

Author Bio:

I’m SA Welsh and I write because the voices in my head keep making me. I love reading and I love letting the characters and stories in my head come to life in a book. I can’t function in the morning without a cup of tea and when I’m not writing I’m reading. I have enough books to last me through an apocalypse but don’t ask me to share them unless you are a fellow book worm and know how to treat and appreciate a good book. It is thanks to the writers that inspired me to put myself out there that I became an author and the editors that make sense of my chaos that I keep writing.

You can find me on facebook or on my website http://www.sawelsh.com

Author Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/sa.welsh.7?fref=ts

Publisher: Totally Bound
Cover Artist: Emmy Ellis

Sales Links: Totally Bound Books amazon

Blurb:

Andrew had no intention of ever going back home. But circumstances force him to face his painful past and the friend who betrayed him. Andrew Finley has no intention of going back to his hometown—ever. After he’s caught hacking into the CIA, he builds himself a new life as a computer guy for the very government agency he hacked. But over the past few months, something has been bothering him, and his boss is acting more paranoid than usual.

Every time an operation fails, Andrew collects information that could prove someone is selling secrets. Now he’s pretty sure his boss is trying to kill him, so he has no choice but to go back home to buy some time. Home may be more dangerous than facing his boss. Nine years ago, his former best friend and first crush Teddy betrayed him, and let his evil sister and her minions send him running. But he’s back now and not everything is as clear-cut as he thought. Teddy may not be a Judas but can Andrew catch his fireman without getting burned, or is coming home going to kill him?

One corrupt boss, one evil sister, enough family drama to fill a dozen daytime chat shows and an ex-best friend whom he’s been in love with for half his life makes for one hell of an interesting trip home.

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

Excerpt:

Theo staggered back and away from him with a hand to his chest. The man seemed genuinely shocked. “You hate me?”

Suddenly very tired again, Andrew clutched the towel around him and ducked past Theo and into the bedroom in hopes of finding his clothes. “What did you expect after what happened?”

Theo followed him into the bedroom. Andrew sensed the man hovering behind him.

“What happened?” Theo asked.

“Oh, come on. The night I left early for college. Ring any bells?” Andrew knew he was being a bitch, but was Theo really expecting him just to brush it under the carpet? Or chalk it up to boys being boys.

Theo came to stand in front of him and put a hand on each shoulder to stop him from twisting away again. “Drew, I have no idea what you’re talking about. But you’re obviously upset about something.”

Again, the lack of deception in Theo’s face struck Andrew. The man he’d known was an awful liar and he couldn’t believe he’d changed that much in nine years. But Andrew had been wrong before in judging people.

Andrew took a chance and let the towel fall away from him. He grasped Theo’s hand. Very carefully, he brushed the other man’s fingers over the most prominent scar on his chest.

Most of the injuries he’d sustained had healed on their own. And the others his roommate had slathered in antiseptic cream to prevent infection. Almost all of the marks had faded over the years except the one on his chest where Angela’s jocks had held him down.

While Theo gently traced his fingertips over the rough, raised gouges left by fingernails, Andrew watched his face. He saw confusion, sympathy and a little anger but nothing else. There wasn’t even a hint of recognition.

“You really don’t remember, do you? The field, Angela and her jock squad, the football team?” He dropped his hand from Theo’s in disbelief.

“Remember what?” Theo questioned. “Who did this to you? What they hell is going on, Drew?”

Andrew couldn’t explain it but he believed Theo, which was insane when he thought about it. And he wasn’t exactly running ten for ten on good judgment calls.

“I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about,” Theo pleaded, looking desperate. He slid his hands up to cup Andrew’s face.

Andrew’s heart skipped a beat.

Pages: 197

Tour Dates:

24-Nov

Parker Williams

MM Good Book Reviews

25-Nov

LeAnn’s Book Reviews

26-Nov

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

27-Nov

Love Bytes

28-Nov

The Blogger Girls

1-Dec

Fallen Angel Reviews

2-Dec

Molly Lolly

3-Dec

The Hat Party

4-Dec

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

5-Dec

Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews

BFD Book Blog

Contest: Enter to win a Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Out of CTRL’. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Use the link provided to enter and for all additional contest details.

Rafflecopter Code:
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A PaulB Review: Ciro (Shivers ) by Remmy Duchene

Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Cursed by Hera at birth, Ciro Pyktis must try to keep his brothers from wrecking havoc on the world. Things become complicated when he meets his mate, architect Carter Olabasu. Can this son of Zeus stop his hellion brothers while keeping his lover safe?

Ciro Pyktis, son of Zeus and the goddess of the Storm Winds, along with his brothers are cursed by their step mother Hera. As Ciro is the first born, his mother and the Olympians have tasked him to try to keep his brothers in line. When his brother Gala causes a storm and refused to back down, Ciro must take his life. To try to forget the fight with his brother, Ciro decides to head to a bar to unwind.

Carter Olabasu’s relationship with his brother Kofi has been strained since Carter came out to him. Trying to patch things up with his brother, Kofi suggests the two go out to dinner and a party at the Firewall, a popular straight club. There he is approached by Ciro, who offers to buy him a drink. Before things progress much further, Kofi comes looking for Carter. Ciro mistakes him for Carter’s boyfriend and takes off. But the instant attraction between them sets off events that will change everything for them both.

Ciro is the first book of the Shivers series by Remmy Duchene. I enjoyed how Ms. Duchene has actually added to story of the Olympians by including a new branch in the mix. Also terrific? How the author included several lesser known children of the Olympians to the known pantheon of the main twelve gods. It is difficult to add something to two millennia of storytelling but the author should be commended for her accomplishment.

I also liked how the idea of mates was mixed into the mythology. As most know, the gods just went after whomever they wanted. The idea of predestined love is a nice addition to this mythology and I enjoyed the author’s twist to the Greek gods.

This is a great start to a new series and am looking forward to seeing where Ms. Duchene will go in future books. I highly recommend reading this story.

The cover art by Posh Gosh depicts Carter and Ciro looking down on a storm raging over a Grecian arch. It draws you in and is well done.

Sales Links: Totally Bound Books All Romance eBooks(ARe) amazonUS Ciro
Book Details :

Publisher’s Note: This book was previously released by another publisher. It has been revised and re-edited for release with Totally Bound Publishing
Ebook, 151 pages
Published: October 31, 2014 by Totally Bound
ISBN: 978-1-78430-259-7
Edition Language: English

Special Book Treat! Bailey Bradford Interviews Miller and Gideon from Off Course (Coyote’s Call #1) (book tour only)

Today at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words, we have a special treat for our readers. Bailey Bradford is here with a interview between her bear shifter Gideon and her coyote shifter, Miller. Their story, Off Course is the first in Bradord’s new series, Coyote’s Call.

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Hi there, I’m Bailey Bradford and I’ve got a new series starting up. It’s titled Coyote’s Call and the first book is Off Course. To introduce y’all to it, I thought I’d do something I haven’t before, and interview the main characters, Miller Hudson and Gideon Wells. Then a better idea occurred to me—Miller and Gideon should interview each other! So today’s post is Miller interviewing Gideon. When Gid interviewed Miller, they ended up running off to have fun. *shakes head* New love—it’s so sweet to see.

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Miller Hudson: Okay, I’m Miller, and I’ll be interviewing Gideon Wells. Gideon is my partner, my lover, pretty much the center of my world.

Gideon Wells: Talking like that’s going to result in this interview being over so I can kiss you, and kissing leads to naked, and naked is good.

Miller: Ah, yeah, it’s really, really good, but we have to do this first. Now tell everyone about yourself.

Gideon: I’m just a guy. Well okay, I’m a bear shifter. I can shift, and I point that out because Miller and his people are coyote shifters that have lost the ability to shift. Which maybe you’d think would make them just people, but it doesn’t.

Miller: Right, because we all feel that pull of the moon, and the need to shift and run, and we can’t do it. It’s a kind of hell I don’t think I can adequately explain, and besides that, this is about you, Gid. How’d you end up in Texas?

Gideon: Ugh, right for the bad memories, huh? It’s okay. Doesn’t hurt anymore. I got banned from the bear clan I was a part of because while I could shift, my senses weren’t anywhere near as sharp as they should have been. For example, I didn’t have the hearing a bear does, and let me tell you, not being able to smell like a bear can? Means not tracking food so well, and when you’re a big, lumbering predator, that’s a real impediment. There were other things, too, but let’s not go there. So I got banned, and given a car and my bag of belongings. I just drove. My mind was kind of in a bad place. Then there was a fire, and scorpions, and yeah, next question.

Miller: Do you ever feel out of place as a bear shifter surrounded by coyote shifters? Even when they can’t shift?

Gideon: Nah, and that’s odd because I always felt out of place everywhere. It seemed like I just never fitted in with my clan, and living on my own as a bear was dangerous, given my screwed up senses. It was weird. I got here, and after a few days, it just felt like I’d finally found my home. That was scary and amazing at the same time.

Miller: That deserves a special treat—after the interview. One more question. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Gideon: Oh, that’s easy. Under you, or on you, or bent over—

Miller: Gid…

Gideon: Well, you asked. But if you mean in a non-sexual way—and ow, that hurts to even say!—then I see me with you of course, and maybe a cub or pup or two.

Miller: You know we can’t have kids.

Gideon: Duh, but we could adopt, or maybe ask someone to be a surrogate. Don’t you want to have little Miller juniors and Miller-ettes running around? And maybe some little bear cubs, too? Hey, I didn’t know you could go that shade of pale.

Miller: We, uh…that’s all for today, folks. Thanks for stopping in. Gid and I have to go now. It seems there’s future plans to discuss.

Title: Off Course by Bailey Bradford
Pulisher: Totally Bound Books
Cover Artist:
Sales Links: Totally Bound Books

Blurb for Off Course:

This is book one in the Coyote’s Call series, see the full series listing here

Gideon’s worst night ever starts out with a bang that will change his whole life.

Gideon Wells has been cast out of his bear shifter clan for being a curse, and he’s inclined to believe they’re right. After all, everything from fertility rates to shifting abilities has gone down the tube since he was born. Then when his car catches fire and mutant scorpions—he thinks they’re mutants, anyway—almost get him, he’s more certain than ever that he’s bad news.
Not that he’s just going to roll over and die.

Ignoring a prophecy might not be wise, but coyote shifter Miller Hudson has seen and heard too many false prophecies to put any faith in the one proclaiming him to be the alpha and—along with a mystery bear mate—the saviour of the now defunct coyote den he grew up in. Besides, there’s no need for the den to be brought back together. None of them can shift, so what’s the point?

The buzzards circling overhead on the far edge of his property lead him to the very last thing he ever expected to find.

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to and threats of assault and rape, scenes of fisting and mild BDSM.

Like the sound of Off Course? Buy it here!

About Bailey Bradford:

A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn’t happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey’s brain demanding to be let out.

Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey’s office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey’s presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.

A MelanieM Review: Off Course (Coyote’s Call #1) by Bailey Bradford

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Gideon’s worst night ever starts out with a bang that will change his whole life.

Gideon Wells is bad luck. That’s what he’s been told. It’s the reason he was tossed out of his clan, and its the reason he has ended up stranded on this road to nowhere in a Texas desert as the temperatures climb above 100 degrees. From a birth rate that is in a spiral downward for bear shifters, to Gideon’s homosexuality, Gideon has borne the brunt of suspicions and anger from other bear shifters until he was ostracized, thrown out with no where to go. Then his dump of a car catches fire and he finds himself surrounded by scorpions..and Gideon starts to believe what he’s been told. But first he has to find a way to survive.

Coyote shifter Miller Hudson clan has disbanded. Over the years fewer and fewer of them retained the ability to shift until the present when they are shifters in name only. True there is a legend that says an Alpha coyote shifter, along with a bear shifter mate, with be the savior of the now-defunct coyote den and bring them all back to the glory they once were. But who believes in prophesies anymore? Certainly not Miller.

Until he finds Gideon half dead along a deserted road near town. Suddenly everything changes for Miller and for Gideon. But first Miller has to save him.

Off Course is the first in Bailey Bradford’s new series, Coyote’s Call, and it’s a great start to a promising new series. I liked the premise and setting immediately. The idea of a desert works beautifully when a mystical prophesy or folklore element is present. Add to that the use of coyote shifters in a natural setting and the layers forming feel fantastical and real.

Although its Gideon we meet first, I am going to temporarily push him to the back. The coyote clan that Bradford has created for this story is a marvel, complete with Native American overtones. Something is happening to all the shifters world wide, dropping birthrates just the first indication. With the coyote shifters the damage is manifested in the loss of their ability to shift into a coyote form. That hole in who they are has brought about the dissolution of the clan, another key component of the basic coyote nature. From Miller Hudson to his mother and other coyote shifters we see a close-knit group of people trying to hang on. Miller is especially strong. In fact it’s his strength of personality and outlook that takes charge of this story and Gideon in ways you are going to love. I love all the dimension and depth to this group of people. From their artwork to their philosophies, they are a fascinating clan and a perfect one to build a series around.

Then Bailey Bradford brings in Gideon Wells, the opposite of Miller and his people in every way, including pack/clan structure and society. I felt that the rigid bear clan structure was less effective than the one created for the coyotes but we also get a reduced feel for them as not a lot of information about their background is present so perhaps that’s coming. But in Gideon Wells, Bradford has a winning character, one I just adored from the moment we meet him. Gideon is bearlike in every way, big and tall without being imposing, a little soft about the tummy, his is a personality gentle, hurting, and endearing. He lacks self confidence and is clearly in need of love and a home. And of course, his senses are muted so he has no idea who is a shifter and who is human, another fun element to explore. This is a savory romance, hot and sexy, gentle and sweet. I need more of these two shifters.

With a first novel in a series, the author has to lay the ground for the other stories to come and, again, Bradford does that successfully here. There are a number of characters introduced who need their mates and HEA. And the major threads of shifter species decline and the Coyote Clan are fascinating, so I can’t wait to read the next story to see how the author develops her series theme as well as character growth that I see coming.

If you love romance, especially one with a supernatural shifter element, pick up Off Course by Bailey Bradford. I throughly enjoyed it and think you will too.

Cover Artist: Posh Gosh. I liked this cover but didn’t love it. Its dark, instead of the heat and lightness of the desert. Plus where is the coyote or bear elements? So much to work with and yet that seems to be another “wolf shifter” cover. A missed opportunity that the next cover will pick up on.

Sales Links: Totally Bound All Romance eBook (ARe) amazon Off Course

Book Details:

ebook, 164 pages
Expected publication: November 21st 2014 by Totally Bound (first published October 24th 2014)
ISBN139781784302924
edition languageEnglish
url https://www.totallybound.com
seriesCoyote’s Call #1

Step Into The Fire with L.M. Brown’s Between Heaven and Hell (book tour)

L.M. Brown’s stopped by today to share a little insight into the characters of L.M. Brown’s latest release, Between Heaven & Hell. Don’t forget to check out the blurb as well.

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Who’s in charge here?

by L. M. Brown

Does anyone else have a problem with characters who seem to have a mind of their own? I’m not talking about characters who are forthright, opinionated or dominating, though there are plenty of those flying around too.

What I’m talking about today is those characters who have no regard for my carefully outlined plots whatsoever. Characters like my merman, Kyle, who refused to pine away for the lover who betrayed him, and simply took a little time before moving on with his life.

Or, characters like those in my most recent release, who decided that no matter what I had planned for them, they were going to go their own way and I was going to just hang on for the ride.

The Heavenly Sins trilogy, as well as starting out as a short story – which is a whole other issue I have where the words won’t stop coming – was meant to be the story of a mortal man who finds himself torn between an angel and a demon, two powerful supernatural beings who are both determined to make him theirs.

Instead what I ended up with is a three part trilogy and an all male ménage.

So, who do I blame for that?

Well, first of all, let’s take a look at Tristan. The mortal third of the threesome is not someone who generally invites more than one man into his bed at a time. Yet he finds he has a bit of a greedy streak when a certain angel by the name of Mac suggests both he and Alastor, a demon, begin a relationship with him.

But perhaps he Tristan isn’t the one to blame, after all Mac is the one who suggested the idea in the first place. Angels spread love, but Mac takes it to a whole new level.

Then there’s Alastor, a demon with the power to manipulate the mind. If ever a character had power over an author, I think it would be this one. As soon as he stepped onto the page I had a feeling I was going to lose control of the story.

The spark between Mac and Alastor was there right from the start. With so much attraction simmering away for centuries, it was only a matter of time before they stopped fighting over Tristan and instead concentrated their efforts on fighting their growing feelings for each other. You can probably tell from the fact this is a ménage that they didn’t fight too hard.

My control over the story was lost the moment Mac and Alastor met. I just didn’t know it at the time.

Each scene I wrote took me a little farther away from the outline I had carefully crafted. Every glance between Alastor and Mac, every word spoken, and every touch sent them down their new path.

In a remarkably short space of time Mac and Alastor were breaking all the rules as they and Tristan cemented their relationship and became a fully functioning ménage.

No matter how much you try to plan, no matter how many notes you make, or outlines you labour over, as soon as you give a character voice you are in their hands.

I have learnt to give my characters free rein to do what they please. Forcing a character down a path they don’t want is much like herding cats, a rather pointless exercise.

I generally find working this way means I have a better (and in the case of the Heavenly Sins trilogy – a far hotter) story at the end compared to what I envisaged at the beginning of the journey. I hope you will agree.

Blurb for Between Heaven and Hell, book one in the Heavenly Sins trilogy:

When an angel and a demon fall for the same mortal man there is only one solution…share him.

Halloween night at the Inferno club always draws a crowd. When Tristan spots a stunningly gorgeous man dressed as a demon across the dance floor he sets out to draw his attention, little realising he has already gained the notice of another. The demon disappears into the throng of revellers, but with the heavenly handsome Machidiel in his arms, Tristan doesn’t mind.

Even though Mac warns him they can never have more than a one-night stand, Tristan longs to see the man who gave him the best sexual experience of his life again.

One year later, Tristan opens his door to find Alastor, the demon from the Inferno, who claims they have a date tonight.
Alastor may be the one man who can make Tristan forget Mac. Little does he realise Mac isn’t as far from his reach as he believes. When Mac reappears he has a proposition for Tristan and Alastor, one that means breaking rules and potentially getting him stripped of his wings.

A ménage formed between an angel, a demon, and a human means the sex is hotter than hell itself, but only time will tell if the relationship they have forged together is made in Heaven or Hell.

Like the sound of Between Heaven and Hell? Buy it here at Totally Bound!

Categories: m/m/m menage, supernatural, totally hot, totally bound.

About LM Brown:

I live in England, in a quaint little village that time doesn’t seem to have touched. No, wait a minute—that’s the retirement biography. Right now I am in England in a medium sized town that no one has ever heard of, so I won’t bore you with the details.

Keeping me company are numerous sexy men. I just wish that they weren’t all inside my head.

I love hearing from readers so don’t be shy.

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Rating: 4 stars out of 5

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L.M. Brown’s stopped by today to share a little insight into the characters of L.M. Brown’s latest release, Between Heaven & Hell. Don’t forget to check out the blurb as well.

✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍

Who’s in charge here?

by L. M. Brown

Blurb for Between Heaven and Hell, book one in the Heavenly Sins trilogy:

Like the sound of Between Heaven and Hell? Buy it here at Totally Bound!

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