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Blog Tour – A Character Interview, James of Heat Wave Astoria by Liam Livings.

Posted in Guests, New Release on August 12, 2015| 1 Comment »

Since it’s my turn to host Liam today, we thought we’d try something a little different. So here is an interview with James, one of the people from Liam Livings’ latest release, Heat Wave Astoria. James, are you comfortable here? Would you like anything to drink? Tea, coffee, gin?

James: tea would be lovely. Do you know how to make it properly?

Elin: I do, thank you very much -shakes head slowly, hands over perfectly brewed cup of tea- I must say, that’s a lovely jacket you’re wearing, where did you get it from?

James: I made it myself.

Elin: you quilted your own jacket?

James: -blushing- I did. -takes sip of tea, looks away-

Elin: -looks at notes- Can you tell me what took you to America in the first place?

James: I was on this project called Snowflake. It’s an operating system for computers. It’s all to do with the internet of things, and mobile technology and ensuring usability for devices is transferrable across a number of platforms.

Elin: -blinks, peers over glasses, checks questions- Right. To what extent is that linked to your interest in quilting? It’s not every day you meet a man who can carry off such a dashing jacket, who’s also made it himself.

James: -adjusts jacket, picks bit of fluff off shoulder, takes sip of tea- it’s my thing I suppose.

Elin: could you tell us a bit more about how it’s your thing please?

James: I spend all day up to my neck in computer code, in user testability studies, in working out how to de-bug programmes and when I get home in the evening I wanted something completely different to do.

Elin: yes, and how did you come across quilting?

James: one weekend when I realised I’d not left my place for almost 24hours I went to a nearby village, where they had a craft fair. Normally I hate that sort of thing. -shakes head-

Elin: -peers over glasses- and why is that?

James: people. People everywhere. Talking. Asking questions, wanting to talk. -shudders-

Elin: – joins in the shudder – but this time, it was different, right? This time you knew you’d found your people and your calling and you struck up a conversation with someone about quilting? Am I right?

James: not really, I’m afraid. I’d plotted the best route to take to cover all the stands at the craft fair, while interacting with as few people as possible. I’ve got an app on my phone that calculates the best route. And as I was just about to walk back to my car, pleased with myself for not talking to a single person the whole time I was at the fair, I bumped into someone. Not sure why I bumped into someone actually. I’d worked out the optimum route to get back to the car avoiding people. And even so, there was someone in my way.

Elin: were you staring at your phone by any chance?

James: yes I was! How did you know?

Elin: -shuffles papers- women’s intuition.

James: yes, someone once tried to persuade me that really existed. I said there was no research that pointed to that conclusion, but she wasn’t too happy to hear that. When I told my brother, he said I shouldn’t have told her that. But I don’t know why.

Elin: -leaning forward, motioning for him to continue- you bumped into someone, and what happened, who was this person?

James: a woman, probably same age as you, maybe younger, carrying a wicker basket of materials and cottons and needles. She was taking some of the quilting materials back to her house. Of course I apologised for bumping into her. Although technically it was her fault, I am a gentleman.

Elin: -smiling-

James: she wanted to talk to me. I don’t know why, she didn’t know me, and I tried to walk away, but she continued talking to me and telling me all about the quilting, the boxes, the materials. Somehow, I don’t know how, I was returning to her stall where she showed me more about how it all worked. The patterns, they were what really got me interested. It shows you exactly where to sew, which bits, and how it’ll look when it’s finished. It’s very systematic. -snaps fingers- women’s intuition, I’m sure that’s what she’d say persuaded me to follow her back to her stand.

Elin: or something similar. And then what happened?

James: this woman, I forget her name. I don’t need to remember it because I have her number in my phone and I know her number, so that reminds me to check my phone for her name before I meet her. People like it if you remember their name don’t they?

Elin: yes, they do.

James: -showing his mobile phone- her number is zero seven, nine…

Elin: -putting hand on his arm- thanks, but no need, James dear.

James: before I knew it, I was going to her monthly meetings in a primary school on Saturdays. We sit there in the classroom, there are no children, because it’s the weekend, and we sew, knit and quilt and talk. I don’t talk too much. They tend to talk around me and I concentrate on my pattern, and asking any questions I have about the quilting. Once I finished the first quilt I tried another one, and another one, and before long I was asking her, this woman. Now, what is her name…Anyway, asking her if I could make a jacket out of quilting, would that, technically, be possible.

Elin: and you’re wearing it now.

James: I love it. Turns out not everyone felt the same, but I’d better not say more because, spoilers…I’ve been warned about those by Liam Livings. He was very clear on that point.

Elin: what have you learned since living in America?

James: most Americans do not know how to make a decent cup of tea. Not one clue. There was a whole incident with luke warm water and creamer in a hotel in Astoria, but I’d better not go into that or spoilers…

Elin: I’m sure you can tell us about that without spoiling the whole story about you and Brad. -smiling-

James: I asked the hotel for something to boil water. A tea kettle they call it apparently. And once I had that I asked for some milk to put in my tea. The hotel receptionist told me to use creamer. Creamer in tea. I almost walked out. I didn’t know what to say to her. She repeated down the phone there was creamer and told me to have a nice day. Have a nice day? With creamer in my tea? How on earth did she expect me to do that?

Elin: impossible! what else have you learned since living in America?

James: so much about people. About the kindness of people. About how sometimes when you have a list of things you must do, sometimes they end up not being important. And how sometimes what you thought was important can turn out not to be important at all. That things are less important than people. That complicated and messy isn’t always a bad thing. And to be grateful when you find the right sort of person. I mean people. You know what I mean. I hope I’ve not…spoilers.

Elin: I don’t think you have, James. It’s been lovely to meet you, James. Do you think you’d make me a jacket like yours if I paid you for time and materials? I used to quilt, but don’t seem to have the time now.

James: no. I don’t take commissions.

Elin: and on that note, I think we’ll close the interview.

If anyone would like a chance of winning an ebook copy of one of Liam Livings’ books, please respond in the comments to this question: What things have you learned from travelling?

Heat Wave Astoria by Liam Livings

Brad’s shop is known as the most popular tourist attraction for certain men in his home town, Astoria. Brad doesn’t do relationships – why would he? Brad is an unashamed slut, and he loves it.

British IT programmer, James is much happier working with software and computers than people. He finds escape in his encyclopaedic knowledge of childhood films like The Goonies & Short Circuit.

When James walks into a quilting shop in Astoria, he decides he’ll take his brother’s advice and talk to the stranger. That stranger is Brad, melting slowly behind the counter during the longest heat wave America’s had in years.

Can a man who thinks in binary code and always plans things to the finest degree, cope with the twists and turns of emotions? Can someone who never thinks before he leaps allow himself to leap into the biggest unknown, a relationship? And how will they cope with James’ impending return to England?

Can two men who never to meet learn to embrace the whole messy relationship that love brings into their lives?

Buy links: JMS Books Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk

About Liam Livings

Liam Livings lives where east London ends and becomes Essex. He shares his house with his boyfriend and cat. He enjoys baking, cooking, classic cars and socialising with friends. He escapes from real life with a guilty pleasure book, cries at a sad, funny and camp film – and he’s been known to watch an awful lot of Gilmore Girls in the name of writing ‘research’.

He has written since he was a teenager, started writing with the hope of publication in 2011. His writing focuses on friendships, British humour, romance with plenty of sparkle.

You can connect with Liam

Twitter @LiamLivings

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/liam.livings

Blog http://www.liamlivings.com/blog

Website www.liamlivings.com

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Un-Deniable by Lisa Worrall

Posted in contest, Excerpt, Guests on July 14, 2015| 1 Comment »

BT Banner

AboutTheBook

Title: Un-Deniable

Series: Left At The Crossroads #3

Author: Lisa Worrall

Cover Artist: Meredith Russell

Length: 45,000 words

Release Date: June 29, 2015

Blurb: Little Mowbury is a sleepy English village deep in the Cotswolds. The kind of village where you’re only a local if your lineage can be traced back to the dinosaurs. Where you can find everything in the single village shop from morning newspapers to dry-cleaning, and getting your shoes mended. And, of course, where everybody knows everybody else’s business. It’s easy to find… you can’t miss it… just ask anyone and they’ll tell you… “It’s left at the crossroads.”

Oliver Bradford has had enough of the hustle and bustle of the A&E department in a big city hospital. Not to mention the tension caused by the break-up of his three year relationship with one of the hospital’s top surgeons. When his sister urges him to apply for the position of GP in the quiet village of Little Mowbury, he wonders if this might be just the fresh start he needs. Unfortunately, hitting the post-mistresses’ dog with his car isn’t the best introduction to his patients.

A solitary soul, Deano Wells grew up in Little Mowbury and has been having lunch at the Thatcher’s Arms on a Thursday for the last thirty-five years. First with his father, who brought him to the pub at the tender age of ten after a hard morning in the fields, and then by himself after his father passed on. He runs the farm with a practised hand and minds his business mostly, but that doesn’t stop Oliver from being drawn to the big, quiet man and he knows the feeling is mutual, so why does Deano keep pushing him away?

CommonExcerpt

Oliver put his hand on Hugo’s soft head and leaned in closer. “How’re you doing,

mate?” He kept his voice low in the hope of distracting him while Big and Tall tried to

discern whether anything was broken. When he was rewarded with a wet lick to his nose, he

smiled gratefully. “I know it hurts, but we’re gonna fix you right up. Before you know it

you’ll be chasing sheep and frightening the crap out of drivers everywhere.” Hugo

whimpered and Oliver pressed his lips to Hugo’s fur. “It’s okay, mate, ssh, it’s okay.”

“Nothing’s broke as far as I can tell.”

Oliver looked up at Big and Tall, keeping his cheek on Hugo’s head. “Is he going to

be alright?”

“He needs some stitching and an x-ray or two, I dare say,” Big and Tall replied as he

wandered over the sink to wash his now bloody hands. “I’ll have to take him into Wimborne

for the vet to check him over.”

“I’ll come with—”

“Where’s my boy?” The shrill cry and the slamming open of the kitchen door

coincided, and Oliver wasn’t sure which one was the loudest. A woman, who had to be in her

mid-sixties, practically sprinted towards them. She shoved Oliver out of the way and took

Hugo’s head in her hands. His tail thumped weakly as she rained kisses on his face. “Deano?”

She looked at Big and Tall for information.

“He’s got some cuts and bruises, Doris,” Big and Tall replied. “I don’t think

anything’s broke. But we’ll take him into Wimborne to Maguire to make sure.” He patted

Doris on the shoulder.

Oliver couldn’t help but notice the size of the man’s hand on the older woman’s

smaller frame, and for the first time he took a good look at his knight in… well… mud

splattered jeans. Big and Tall, or rather, Deano, had to be at least six-five in his stocking feet.

He was broad shouldered, muscular and Oliver had trouble dragging his gaze away from

Deano’s big forearms, which were covered in dark hair. His hair was light brown, flecked

with golden highlights and a sprinkling of grey, cut short at the back and sides, left slightly

longer on the top so it swept across his forehead. His cheeks and chin were covered with light

stubble and his brown eyes were surrounded by thick, dark lashes. Oliver’s gaze dropped to

his mouth which was—

“You!” Oliver blinked as Doris turned her wrath on him. “Was it you? In your big

city car? Were you even looking where you were going? Or were you too busy doing your

hair in the rear view mirror? What kind of monster are you?” Her voice rose on each sentence

and by the time she’d finished Oliver could have sworn the glassware in the kitchen had

begun to vibrate.

“I’m-I’m—”

“A fuckin’ twat?” Doris interjected. “I couldn’t agree more!”

“Now, now Doris,” Maggie stepped between them, which Oliver found unnerving.

Was she saving him from being beaten to death by someone only a few years younger than

his Gran? By the look on Doris’ face, he was rather glad of Maggie’s presence. “It was an

accident, that’s all.” She looked at Deano over the top of Doris’ head. “I think you should get

Hugo to Maguire’s and get the poor lamb sorted out, don’t you?” Deano took the hint.

“Yep, I reckon that’s best.” He picked Hugo up as gently as he could. “Come on,

Doris, you can ride in the back with him.”

Maggie patted Deano’s arm as he passed, Doris hot on his heels. “Let us know what

Maguire says,” she said and urged him towards the door.

Doris paused at the door and turned to glare at Oliver. She raised her hand and

pointed at him, jabbing the air for emphasis. “This isn’t over, city boy. I’ll be seeing you

again.”

Buy Links

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS

AboutTheAuthor

I live in Southend-on-Sea, a small seaside town just outside London on the South East coast of Essex, England that boasts the longest pier in the world; where I am ordered around by two precocious children and a dog who thinks she’s the boss of me. I’ve been writing seriously for three years now and love giving voice to the characters warring to be heard in my head, and am currently petitioning for more hours in the day, because I never seem to have enough of them.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.worrallauthor

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/295176367326040/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lisa_Worrall

Google+: https://plus.google.com/101894831911797620850

Blog: http://lworrall.blogspot.in/

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TourSchedule

June 29:

Elisa – My reviews and Ramblings

June 30:

July 1:

July 2:

July 3:

July 6:

July 7:

A Celebration of Books

Love.Imperfect.Real.

July 8:

Gay Media Reviews

Loving Without Limits

July 9:

July 10:

July 13:

Molly Lolly: Reader, Reviewer, Lover of Words

July 14:

Elin Gregory

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Today in the Comfy Chair – Violet Joicey-Owen

Posted in Guests on July 6, 2015| Leave a Comment »

My guest today is Violet Joicey Owen, who has a new book out in her paranormal series and a blog tour with a great giveaway.

Welcome, Violet.

Hi, everyone.
Thank you, Elin, for having me as a guest here today to celebrate the release of my book, Captive Mates. It is the fifth book in my Whithowe Forest Pack series and it comes out today (times may vary as my publisher is based in America, but it is already on pre-order over at Bookstrand).

To enter the giveaway, find the word of the day in this post, then head over to my blog (links below). At the bottom of the Captive Mates Blog Tour post there is a Rafflecopter link in blue, click on that and it will tell you all the ways to enter (some of which can be done daily).

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Can you tell me a little about yourself? For instance, do you have to have a day job as well as being a writer?
– I am lucky enough to be able to write full time. Apart from that, I am a single parent to a thirteen year old son and a menagerie of animals, two dogs, two cats, one guinea pig, one hamster, one fish, and numerous stick insects. There have been a lot of times I have to go write in a coffee shop or bar to get away from all the distractions at home, lol.

What are you reading? Can you recommend something that you wished you’d written yourself?
– I am rereading Elantris, by Brian Sanderson. I adore it and have read it a lot of times. I think it would make the most fantastic film if they could do it justice.

In that crucial inspiration stage of a new story which comes first? Plot, situation or character?
– Character, I guess, mostly anyway. I get a lot of initial ideas from dreams, but then once I have one story floating around (written or unwritten), other characters in that world pop up and demand their stories be told. Most often, they are side characters in previous stories first so I already have some idea of who they are.

Do your characters arrive fully fledged and ready to fly or do they develop as you work with them? Do you have a crisp mental picture of them or are they more a thought and a feeling than an image?
– A bit of both. One character in my first book, for instance, popped up out of nowhere as I was writing a particular scene. I had no idea who he was, but (some people were being rescued from a nasty situation) he just clung to one of the other characters until they got out of there and were safe. After that I got to know him a little more, though I have yet to get to his book and really delve into his character properly. For me I suppose it’s like meeting a new person in real life. When you first meet someone, you get a general impression of them, but the details come the more time you spend with them. Also, with events that happen, their characters evolve.

Is there any genre you would love to write, ditto one you would avoid like a rattlesnake? What inspired you to write about shifters?
– I would love to be able to write a comedy. While I can write the odd comic moment, or line, I don’t think I have it in me to write a truly funny book. Right now, I can’t think of any genre I would avoid like the plague. As for shifters, I have no clue, lol. I just woke up with the first line of a story in my head one day, which wouldn’t go away until I wrote it down. It turned out to be about a shifter currently in wolf form who had just escaped from something and was running home to his pack when he got caught in a bear trap. I just write what comes and don’t spend too long wondering where it came from.

Do you find there to be a lot of structural differences between a relationship driven story and one where the romance is a sub plot?
– Ask me again in a couple of years, lol. I have a barely started story which will not be a romance. There may be romance for him down the line, but he is only fifteen when the book starts and has other things to worry about. I am only just beginning with it and I am sure I will learn a lot as I go.

Put together your ideal team of men/women – drawing from all and any walks of life, fictional or non-fictional – who you would want to come to your rescue if menaced by muggers/alligators/fundamentalists?
– I already have. In my shifter books there is a team of guys who run a private security firm called AlphaSec. They are mostly shifters and were all in the military for several years. The one human in the group is a technical genius. Between them, they can pretty much rescue anyone from anything.

What are you working on at the moment? Can you discuss it or do you prefer to keep it a secret until it’s finished.
– My WIP was going to be the 6th book in my Whithowe Forest Pack series, but has morphed into the first in a sister series, tentatively titled Vampires of Whithowe. The book is called Solomon’s Regret.

What is the word of the day?
– Modify.

Could we please have an excerpt of something?

Ari was woken by the sounds of a fight in the corridor. He recognised by now the sounds of fists hitting flesh with too much ease. Whoever was under attack sounded like he was giving back as good as he was getting. Ari turned a little and leaned up on his right elbow. He could hear more than a couple of people were involved in the scuffle, and grunts from several as they fought. Scents began to filter through the cracks around the door to him.
Mate! No, that’s not possible. Keiron is my mate and that isn’t him. The scent of whoever was out in the corridor was making his cat growling and lashing its tail inside him, urging him to go to them, to bite, to claim, and to defend. Someone was thrown against the door of his room and Ari jerked upright, ignoring the pains in his shoulder and the rest of his body. Then the fight stopped. Or at least whoever it was stopped fighting back, suddenly passive. A few more dull thuds and grunts sounded, and then a key slid into the door lock and turned. The three bolts were shot back and the door flung open. A man stumbled through, helped on his way by a hefty shove from one of the men now crowding into the doorway.
“Hey look, Ari, you have company!” They all laughed uproariously.
What’s funny about that? Ari thought, staring at the blond man who had fallen in a heap on the floor, trying not to look too interested in case they decided to put them in separate rooms. He couldn’t hold back a growl when Aaron swung his foot back and booted the man in the ribs. He silenced himself quickly and kept his gaze away from Aaron so the beta would not see the rage simmering there.
The blond on the floor stiffened and his head snapped up toward Ari, eyes wide and nostrils dilated. Ari felt a moment of panic that the guy would give something away to Aaron or one of the others. He realised this must have been the way Keiron felt all those months ago when he had laid eyes on Ari from his vantage point atop the building, a burning desire to go to him, but fear and worry about the consequences. The man lowered his head again and Ari breathed out slowly.
Aaron and his cronies left, closing the door and locking it behind them. The blond opened his mouth to speak, but Ari quickly held up a hand to keep him quiet for a few more moments. As soon as he could no longer hear footsteps moving away, he relaxed.
“Are you hurt badly?” he asked.
“Only my pride,” the man replied, with a rather pained grin. He winced, holding an arm to his ribs as he clambered to his feet. “I’m Isaac. You’re Ari?” At Ari’s nod, Isaac gave a dark laugh. “Of course you are. Well, I was supposed to be here to rescue you.” Isaac had an accent.
“Huh? How did you even know I was here? Are you English?”
“Yes, I am. It was Keiron. He got a message out to a member of my pack.” Ari had no idea how Keiron had managed that, but he hoped his mate was safe and hadn’t gotten caught doing something stupid. Isaac was sniffing the air with a frown.
“Um, don’t take this the wrong way, but…are you my mate? Keiron said you were his mate in his message, but the way you smell… God, my lion is going nuts.”
“My panther, too. Keiron is my mate. I… He must be our mate. I can’t see fate making him and I mates, and you and I mates, without all three of us being mated to each other.” Ari felt weird discussing it like this. It all felt so clinical and rational.
“No wonder my lion has been so restless. He must have been picking up something from you both since I got here. I caught your scent properly when they had me outside in the corridor, stopped fighting back because I wanted in here where they were trying to put me.”
“And now we’re both screwed.” Ari gave him a wry grin. “You might as well come sit down.” He sat up properly and moved over making it obvious he wanted Isaac on the bed with him, not on the one across the room.
“Oh, don’t worry. As long as they don’t do us in in the next few days, my pack’ll come looking. Rescuing people is kind of what they do. I was an idiot to come on my own.” Isaac limped over and lowered himself gingerly to the bed. He sat close, and Ari could feel the warmth his body gave off. He could feel his blood heading toward his groin. Hmmm… maybe getting him to sit next to me was a bad idea. I mean, God knows he smells amazing, but we can’t do anything. Not without Keiron knowing. That would feel like betraying him. But, hell! I don’t know if I can stop myself from touching this guy.
“So why did you?” Focus. Must focus on the conversation.
Isaac shifted, next to him, then again. Ari looked down at where their arms were barely touching, his own brown skin against the pale, creaminess of Isaac’s. Looks good. Smells good. I’m so fucked. Then Isaac rose to his feet again and moved away from the bed. He hobbled over to the other cot and sat back down, looking at Ari dryly. “Sorry, no way I can concentrate if I sit next to you. All I want to do is push you back, rip your clothes off, and lick you from one end to the other.”

###

Captive Mates

Blurb:
When lion-shifter Isaac Anderson goes to help panther-shifters Ari Jones and Keiron Haller, not only does he get captured and imprisoned alongside them, but he also finds out something he never expected—he’s their third mate.

Keiron’s under pressure to mate elsewhere, Ari’s being beaten to force Keiron’s hand, and Isaac feels like he is floundering. The three unclaimed mates need to hold on long enough for rescue, in the form of Isaac’s pack, to arrive.

Even after they escape, danger follows and they have to fight to hold onto each other through that, memories of past trauma, and the effects of Keiron’s mysterious origins.

The three long to be free so they can settle down and live their lives together but will they get the chance, or will they always be captives? Will there always be something around the corner for them to fear?

Buy link: http://www.bookstrand.com/captive-mates

If you would like to follow Violet and her work, please click on the following social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violet.joiceycowen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VioletJCBooks
Blog/website: https://violetjoiceycowen.wordpress.com/
url for book cover: http://www.bookstrand.com/files/books/images/vjc-wfp-captivemates.jpg

And here’s the ink to Violet’s Blog Tour.

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Book blast – Helping Hand by Jay Northcote

Posted in contest, Excerpt, Guests, New Release on June 26, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Author Name: Jay Northcote

Book Name: Helping Hand

Release Date: June 26, 2015

Publisher: Jaybird Press

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

Pages or Words: Approximately 33,000 words

Categories: Contemporary, Romance

Blurb:

Wanking with a mate isn’t gay—as long as you keep your hands to yourself.

Jez Fielding and James MacKenzie—Big Mac to his mates—are in their second year at uni. After partying too hard last year, they make a pact to rein themselves in. While their housemates are out drinking every weekend, Jez and Mac stay in to save cash and focus on their studies.

When Jez suggests watching some porn together, he isn’t expecting Mac to agree to it. One thing leads to another, and soon their arrangement becomes hands-on rather than hands-off. But falling for your straight friend can only end badly, unless there’s a chance he might feel the same.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon Germany
All Romance Ebooks | Smashwords

Excerpt:

Afterwards, Jez blamed the alcohol for loosening his tongue, because he didn’t think about it before he spoke. The words tumbled out before he could stop them.

“Man, I’m seriously horny now. Have you got any decent porn on that laptop?”

“Huh?” Mac snapped his head around to meet Jez’s gaze. Jez’s heart pounded erratically, but his dick was still standing to attention. “What… you mean, you want to wank in here? Now? Wouldn’t that be weird?” Mac sounded seriously freaked out.

Jez backtracked quickly, cheeks hot. “It doesn’t have to be weird. I’ve done it before with guys at school, and it’s never been a big deal. But don’t worry about it. I’ll go and watch my own stash instead. But I need something soon, ’cause I’m gonna explode after watching that sex scene.”

Jez was expecting an instant no from Mac. He wouldn’t have blamed him. A lot of guys wouldn’t be into what Jez was suggesting. Jez’s heart still thumped hard, but his arousal didn’t abate despite his anxiety. He was shocked by how much he wanted this.

Mac bit his lip and frowned. “Seriously. You’ve done that?”

Jez shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. “Yeah. Like I said, it was no big deal. Just guys messing around.”

Mac stared a moment longer, then he stood, and Jez’s heart sank as he walked away. But Mac only went to fetch his laptop from the dining table. He sat back down and then opened it and tapped in his password.

“What sort of stuff do you wanna watch?” Mac’s voice was gruff and he focused on the screen rather than Jez.

Fuck. They were really going to do this, then.

Sales Links: not yet available but watch the author’s website.

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.

Where to find the author:

www.jaynorthcote.com | Twitter | Facebook profile | Facebook Author Page | Jay’s books

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7302303.Jay_Northcote

Tour Dates & Stops: June 26, 2015

Parker Williams, BFD Book Blog, Bayou Book Junkie, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, My Fiction Nook, Prism Book Alliance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Inked Rainbow Reads, Havan Fellows, Cate Ashwood, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Charley Descoteaux, Chris McHart, Happily Ever Chapter, Boys on the Brink Reviews, Molly Lolly, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Nic Starr, Elin Gregory, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, MM Good Book Reviews, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Hearts on Fire, 3 Chicks After Dark, Carly’s Book Reviews, Wicked Faerie’s Tales and Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Divine Magazine, Mikky’s World of Books, Foxylutely Book Reviews, Velvet Panic, The Hat Party, Andrew Q. Gordon

Don’t forget to enter the contest for a chance to win a prize: $10 Amazon card + backlist book of choice. CLICK HERE TO ENTER the Rafflecopter giveaway or click on the graphic below.

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Today in the Comfy Chair – Rodd Clark

Posted in Excerpt, Guests on June 15, 2015| 3 Comments »

My guest today is new-to-me author Rodd Clark whose latest novel Rubble and the Wreckage has one of the most startling covers I’ve ever seen. A huge fan of the edgier type of crime fiction, Rodd has given the genre his own particular twist.

Welcome, Rodd and thank you for answering my questions.

What are you reading? Can you recommend something that you wished you’d written yourself?

I have less time to read now than I’d prefer but there are great stories out there I wished I could have penned myself, such as the wonderfully written “The Gaslight Mysteries” by Erin O’Quinn. She seems to revel in the bawdy adventure I’d love to call my own. And I enjoy coming across great writers like Allen Renfro and Lee Thomas. But the genres I relish are simply exploding with great talent these days. And it is because of those guys that I feel myself bolster with pride whenever I call myself a writer.

In that crucial inspiration stage of a new story which comes first? Plot, situation or character?

Plot is imperative with every novel, but without the proper character build-up, nothing else really matters. You have to have heroes which readers want to root for and villains that make you cringe in terror. But it is nice to know that every single one of us could find ourselves inside situations that we never thought possible. And that is what makes the story interesting for me.

Do your characters arrive fully fledged and ready to fly or do they develop as you work with them? Do you have a crisp mental picture of them or are they more a thought and a feeling than an image?

Excellent question, in my first mystery series I birthed a main character who I thought I’d enjoy exploring to the limit and his name was Brantley Colton. I enjoyed him enough to carry his story throughout three books. And at the time I suspected he was the epitome of that perfectly flawed, anti-hero type I wanted to delve into. But that was before the creation of Gabriel Church, and the books which will expose his life and trials. Now I fully understand what a twisted, anti-hero is, from meeting him face to face in my writings. And though I suppose my attraction to the morally ambiguous, and bent and corrupted characters may be obvious to some, I have to confess the seed always existed somewhere. It just required a good watering.

Is there any genre you would love to write, ditto one you would avoid like a rattlesnake? What inspired you to write about serial killers?

I have to wonder about anyone who writes about serial killers, but I have to admit to having an interest in the subject from an earlier project and became fascinated with how it speaks to the dark, untapped recesses in those readers I wish to call my fans. In my latest book, “Rubble and the Wreckage”, there was no shortage of morality questions to address and I liked when it left some questioning their own belief-system by the simple examination of it. On the other hand, there are genres I steer clear of, such as hardcore erotica. I profess to only knowing a few ways of describing the male genitalia and the word “Turgid” is heavily over-rated and borders on comical inaccuracy. It is a phrase which sends shivers racing down my spine, and not in a good way.

I can’t say it does much for me either

Do you find there to be a lot of structural differences between a relationship driven story and one where the romance is a sub plot?

I can only speak to the character driven stories I write myself, but I’m always searching for that glittery vein I can mine with hopes I am guaranteed even the smallest modicum of a return. One I can then share with my readers during our journey together. But honestly I feel that romance should be propelled forward because of the relationship, and not just the heat of the moment. Anything less for me and it displays like some sad sexual tryst, void of any substance or love and where the only gifts remaining are the discarded twenties lying in wait on the nightstand.

Put together your ideal team of men/women drawing from all and any walks of life, fictional or non-fictional who you would want to come to your rescue if menaced by muggers/alligators/fundamentalists?

Now this is a truly entertaining question, and I’d have to say that I would call upon one of the characters from one of my books. Reason being; they wouldn’t be afraid to make the hard choices and wouldn’t consider the legal or moral ramifications to pushing back against my aggressors, or tangling toe-to-toe with them if the situation required it. We all know that you don’t call a boy scout when facing down a tough opponent. You call someone like Gabriel Church or Brantley Colton, and then hope they’re willing and able to skirmish on your behalf.

Villains are incredibly important in fiction since they challenge the main protagonists and give them something to contend with beyond the tension of a developing relationship. The cruel sea. The serial killer. The society itself. Your hero’s inner demons. What sort of villains do you prize?

There is very little black and white in my world of fiction and I rarely see anyone truly villainous. But with that being said, some of my characters admittedly have dark hearts. Few are shown as anything close to being pristine or possessing that angelic quality. Sadly all of them are mere branches originating from my own crooked tree, and for me that’s because anyone worth spending the time necessary to write about, is almost always going to be a tad complex or mentally and morally strained…possibly even being pockmarked from some hideously tragic birth. Because the fun for me is delving deep enough to fully see the scars.

What are you working on at the moment? Can you discuss it or do you prefer to keep it a secret until it’s finished.

Currently I am in the middle of editing the sequel to “Rubble and the Wreckage”, which is titled “Behold a Pale Rider”. I hope to see its release later in the year and it should uncover more of the complex relationships between my anti-hero protagonist Gabriel Church, and the intriguing yet oddly relatable, Christian Maxwell. I am also hard at work on the third, and dare I say it, the final chapter in the twisted tale of death and affection which has become the stories occupying my brain of late. Sorry to say though readers will have to wait to see how that tale finally unfolds.

Could we please have an excerpt of something?

Rubble and the Wreckage

“Tell me your story.” Christian Maxwell began, wetting his lips and leaning in. He stared at the killer across the table and rested his forearms on the notepad before him. His look was imploring, he was begging for good and gory details.

Gabe stared at him glassy eyed and with anticipation. He was all but squinting with excitement, of all that was to follow. He had a somewhat wanting expression on his face. Gabe had seen that look many times before. “Better the devil you barely know.” Gabe thought. “If someone else’s gonna be making money off my story it might as well be this guy.” He remembered the first time the thought of telling his story had first sprung to mind. The memories of it much like this, detached, more after-thought than close consideration.

“Ever been out to the Florida Keys?” Gabe asked. When he only received a nod from Maxwell to his question he continued absently, “For me it was like driving to the keys, a few miles over the speed limit on that old Highway One…you know, the one they called Highway out to Sea…under fleecy clouds with that fresh coastal winds slapping you in your face, under a vast, unending blue on blue…it is rather freeing.” His hands wrapped around the old dusty cover of the book he was holding, more as an effect than something to read.

Christian listened to him speaking with that far-away gaze in his eyes, knowing he was already back there in his mind. He pretended to jot notes down but concentrated more on that distant expression on Church’s face. Sitting so close to him, he could almost feel the wind slapping his hair, the sun beating down as he rode in the passenger seat of Church’s mental trip along Highway 1. He knew it was going to be a good book when he finished it.

He didn’t want to interrupt the narrator but he couldn’t resist,

“But it didn’t begin in Florida did it? I just presumed it happened elsewhere.”

The killer’s posture changed as he replied. He sat up straight in the chair, his eyes narrowed, “If you think you know where it started then why are we sitting around hashing old news?” The killer’s voice was cold. Dampness built under Christian’s armpits.

“Because no one has ever asked you for your side of it, usually a serial murderer doesn’t get a chance to explain why he kills. But I…” pointing to his own chest, “…I want to give you that opportunity.”

“Well that’s mighty big of you.” Gabe leaned back in his chair and smiled a grin that could cut through glass, his mocking words and expressive eyes said it all: this might just prove to be an interesting way to spend his free time. He rubbed his rough forefinger across the lip of the wine glass as a carnal abstraction as he watched Maxwell jot his notes, even though they hadn’t even begun his tale.

“Shouldn’t you wait till I start to speak before you scribble down all those pretty words?”

Christian looked up and smiled sheepishly, “…just mood stuff. You’ll have to get used to that…meaning my process, early on.” He put his pen down and folded his hands neatly to hide his notes. “I’m a little fastidious or obsessive at times.”

“No worries”, he said nodding, “The same has been said of me.”

That bent smile of a killer reappeared and twisted Church’s face into a mocking evil caricature, sending a shiver down Christian’s spine. He smiled back and returned a look that seemed to place them on equal understanding. ‘This was going to be tough’, he thought, ‘but worth it.’ Christian picked up his pen and sent an imploring gaze at his subject of study.

Gabe recognized the untidy anticipation, and reluctantly continued. “Actually it began in Texas…but we need to go back to where the…umm, desires, I guess is the word…first came into clear focus don’t we? I mean you want the full picture don’t you?”

When the man didn’t offer a conciliatory gesture, Gabe continued.

“Before Florida, before Seattle I had been somewhere else… it was a better place for me, because it still held some type of promise, nothing had been carved into stone…if you’ll pardon the pun.” Church’s head lolled back as if he was about to break into a hearty laugh.

He was a dangerous sick man Christian could see that. His reference to the markers of his varied victims, as his nonchalant manner in describing his affinity to murder was unsettling, even for someone as akin to pathology as Christian Maxwell.

In college, his dark sense of humor and an uncomfortably quiet nature was off-putting to most. His so-called friends would jokingly offer that it was going to be Christian who would be famous, but more for the salvo of bullets which hit other students from his safe vantage in some random clock tower or rooftop. The look on Maxwell’s face as he sat across from Gabe was pensive as if he was about to interrupt again but questioned the insolence. The killer had nothing but time, but he didn’t like breaking his train of thought so early.

Rubble and the Wreckage

by Rodd Clark

Blurb:

Gabriel Church knows you can’t take a life without first understanding just how feeble life is, how tentative and weak it stands alone. If you desire murder, you hold a life in your hand. Whether you release it to grant life or grip tighter to end it, it is at your command and discretion.

Gabriel is a serial killer with a story he wants told.

Christian Maxwell studied abnormal psychology in college but chose instead to focus on a career in writing. His background comes in handy when he thinks of writing about a serial killer. He can’t think of anyone more qualified to write the story of Gabriel Lee Church, and do so in the murderer’s own words. It’s been done before, but never with a killer who has yet to be captured or convicted.

There was never anything more than a gentleman’s understanding between the two men that Christian would record Gabriel’s life story. The killer did not ask for his complicity in any crimes, nor did he ever ask for his silence. Christian’s interest in the man, though, is fast becoming something more than academic. When the writer and his subject become unexpected friends and then lovers, the question remains: What is Gabriel’s endgame . . . and why does he want his story told?

Buy Links

Driven Press ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK
B&N ~ Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords

You can follow Rodd at these sites:

Website:http://www.roddclark.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RODDCLARK

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rodd.clark.96

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7741007.Rodd_Clark
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Rodd-
clark/e/B00KGDSYSQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

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Blog Tour – Letters from a Cowboy by Sue Brown

Posted in contest, Excerpt, Guests, Uncategorized on June 12, 2015| 1 Comment »

About the Book

Title: Letters From A Cowboy

Series: Morning Report

Author: Sue Brown

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh

Length: 154 Pages

Release Date: 10 June, 2015

Blurb: A Morning Report Story

Simon Wood arrives at Tamar Ranch looking for a job after being fired from his last position for seducing the boss’s son. It doesn’t take much for him to prove his skills with horses, so he’s taken on, but soon he clashes hard with Chip Henson.

The animosity between them hides something very different, but not for long. No matter how hard they try to resist their attraction, eventually they give in to their need. They start leaving notes for each other, and others notice and warn them to be more careful.

Fearful of discovery, Simon leaves Tamar Ranch to save Chip’s job. When he learns that his departure sent Chip off the rails, he knows he needs to risk everything and go back for him.

HE WAITED an hour by the mill before Chip showed. The cowboy slid off his horse and into Simon’s waiting arms, his hat tumbling off his head as Simon held on to him tightly. Simon pulled him into the shadow of the mill, pleased that he could finally bury his chilly face in Chip’s neck, his nostrils full of the strong, rich scent of his man.

LettersfromaCowboyLG “I thought you weren’t coming,” he managed eventually. “Didn’t know if you’d get my note.”

“I nearly didn’t,” Chip said. “Lorne and Brad were waiting for me with rifles before I left.”

“How did you get away?”

“Lofty and I jumped them and knocked ’em both out before they could shoot me.”

Chip shuddered with the emotion, and Simon hung on even tighter, aware of just how close he’d come to losing him.

“I love you, Henson,” Simon said gruffly, feeling Chip dig his fingers almost painfully into Simon’s back. Simon relished the pain. It reminded him they were both still alive.

“Love you too, Woody.”

Simon huffed into Chip’s neck at the nickname. “Next time we go together.”

Chip pulled back to look at him. “Don’t be stupid. We can’t take that risk.”

“I’m not leaving you again,” Simon insisted stubbornly.

Chip stepped back and slid his hands down Simon’s shoulders to grasp him around the upper arms. “Don’t, Simon. You know we can’t risk anyone finding out about us. I only just escaped this time. Next time it could be you, and I can’t have that.”

Simon stared at Chip, seeing the lines around his brown eyes, carved deeper into Chip’s face in the year he’d known him. “And I’m not gonna to spend my life wondering if you’re goin’ to turn up. We can’t be together as lovers, but we can be together as friends.”

“What are you saying?”

“If keeping us safe means we stop fucking, then….”

Chip pressed his lips together, then gave a short nod. “Friends.”

Simon went to step away, but somehow he ended up with his mouth mashed against Chip’s, his hands tangled in Chip’s hair, and Chip’s erection a rigid line pressing into his hip.

The throaty noises Chip made as they kissed just ramped up his excitement.

Simon growled deep in his throat and pushed Chip against the mill wall. “Fuck, I’ve missed you so much.”

“Missed you too.” Chip hauled Simon down to kiss him again.

“No lube,” Simon groaned.

“Ya got spit.” Chip’s hands were busy at Simon’s flies.

“It’s gonna hurt.” Simon was just as busy, dragging Chip’s jeans down his legs.

“Don’t care, not now. Just want you.” Chip turned in Simon’s arms and placed his hands against the rough wall.

Simon pulled Chip’s ass toward him, bare and beautiful, and all his. He ran his work-roughened hand over the tight asscheek. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

Chip laughed roughly. “You need to see the doc, Woody. I ain’t beautiful.”

“You are to me. You’ll always be more beautiful than any of them painted whores in the Drink.”

“Thanks, I think.” Chip gasped as Simon spat on his fingers. “Hurry.”

Simon held Chip’s shoulder and slowly worked his fingers into Chip’s ass. “Just you wait. I’m not gonna hurt you.” He withdrew his fingers and spat on them again. He worked Chip until he was as prepared as he could get him.

Chip smacked the wall as Simon pushed in.

God, he was so tight. Simon wanted to ram in until he couldn’t go any farther, but he wouldn’t hurt Chip. “Too much?”

“Faster,” Chip gritted out. “I’m not gonna break.”

Chip might not, but Simon felt he was about to fly apart at the seams. He sank into Chip’s heat until he could rest against Chip’s back. He breathed across Chip’s ear, feeling the man shiver.

“Don’t let me go,” Chip whispered.

Simon held him tighter. “I’m never gonna let you go.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.”

Simon needed to move, but for a moment he just wanted to stay exactly where he was, Chip’s body tight around him and Simon’s senses full of his man.

Buy Links

DREAMSPINNER PRESS

AMAZON

ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS

Author pic Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot and has gotten expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suebrownstories

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SueBrownsStories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/suebrownstories

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+SueBrownstories/

Blog: http://suebrownsstories.blogspot.co.uk/

Website: http://www.suebrownstories.com/

Email ID: suebrown.stories@gmail.com

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Q&A

Why are Brits so obsessed about American cowboys?

We don’t have proper cowboys in the UK. We have men in white vans who offer to repair roofs and lay driveways. Then they charge five times the price for shoddy work. These are our cowboys. Not the same at all. I like yours better.

Why did Simon’s eye colour change several times in Morning Report?

Um, he’s interesting? He’s a robot in disguise? He’s got disco eyes?

Which newspaper do you prefer to read?

The Times if its in print. Online I pretty much read every newspaper I can find. I love news from local media. If I’m following a news story I’ll go back to the local source because you get a whole different perspective.

When writing, what – other than your laptop – does your muse demand to have around you?

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Coffee.

Narrate the weirdest plot that came to your mind.

Um, I wrote it. The Sky is Dead. That’s all I say.

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Tour Schedule

June 10: Love Bytes Reviews || Up All Night, Read All Day

June 11: Molly Lolly: Reader, Reviewer, Lover of Words || Divine Magazine

June 12: Elin Gregory

June 15: Elisa – My reviews and Ramblings

June 16: Multitasking Mommas Book Reviews || Drops of Ink

June 17: Rainbow Gold Reviews || Man2ManTastic

June 18: Gay.Guy.Reading And Friends || Evelyn Shepherd

June 19: MM Good Book Reviews || Wicked Faeries Tales And Reviews

June 22: Foxylutely Books || BFD Book Blog

June 23: Nessa’s Book Reviews || Diverse Reader

June 24: RJ Scott || Nautical Star Books

June 25: Bayou Book Junkie || Prism Book Alliance

June 26: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

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Re-release – A Place to Call Their Own by L Dean Pace-Frech

Posted in contest, Excerpt, Guests on June 6, 2015| Leave a Comment »

A Place to Call Their Own Spotlight Post

I am happy to announce that the Second Edition of A Place to Call Their Own is available from JMS Books, LLC and other online retailers.

Blurb

Frank Greerson and Gregory Young have been discharged from the Army and are headed to their childhood homes. They both defied their parents in 1861 when they joined the Army. After battling southern rebels and preserving the Union of the United States of America, the two men set out to battle the Kansas Prairie and build a life together. Once they find their claim, they encounter common obstacles to life on the Kansas Prairie in 1866: Native Americans, tornadoes, wild animals, and weather.

When a prairie fire destroys their crops and takes their neighbor’s lives, Frank and Gregory are instructed to find their young son’s aunt. Faced with leaving a destroyed claim, the railroad coming through their land, and dwindling funds, Frank and Gregory must decide whether to leave the place they have worked hard to make their own or fulfill their friends’ dying wishes.

Sales Links:

JMS Books Amazon US Amazon UK

Excerpt:

“You two together, or…” Mr. McAvoy asked with a puzzled look on his face.

Mrs. McAvoy raised an eyebrow, also curious about the situation.

Gregory gave Frank a nervous and mischievous look and answered, “Ah, yes, sir. We planned to each get a claim and build one house for now, help each other out.”

The answer seemed to satisfy both Mr. and Mrs. McAvoy. “That sounds like a good idea. It’d be nice to have a few neighbors around to help with things once in a while. And what I wouldn’t give to have had just one other man to help me with some of the house building and stable. You stay around here, and you’ll need a stable. Wolves and coyotes will get your livestock if you don’t.”

“How did you protect yourself before? This stuff doesn’t get built in a day.” Gregory asked.

“It takes ’em a while to figure out you’re here. And of course, it’s worse in the winter than this time of year. They haven’t been quite so bad the last few weeks, have they?” he directed to his wife.

“No, they calmed down. Hopefully they’ve been preying on the deer that are eating my potato plants.” answered Mrs. McAvoy. “You two want to stay for supper? I’ve got a big pot of rabbit stew on the stove.”

“It’ll be good, I promise. She’s done great cooking whatever I can find for us,” Mr. McAvoy added.

Gregory ignored the invitation. “How’s the hunting around here? You do good during the winter months?”

“Yeah, in the fall it’s the best—the animals are all fat and sassy from the summer. You can tell the bucks from the does, and you don’t have to worry about orphaning a young deer like you do now. There are plenty of rabbits and prairie chickens right now. You can find squirrels…”

“And the meadowlarks do fine, too, in a pinch,” piped in Mrs. McAvoy. “Now, what about supper?”

“We appreciate the offer, ma’am,” Frank spoke up. “But we’re just trying to find us our claims and be done with traveling. We’ve been traveling nearly six weeks now. It has been that long since we had a decent home-cooked meal, but we need to keep moving on today.”

They both remembered the last time they joined anyone for dinner. The McAvoys seemed harmless, but Frank and Gregory were both a bit shy about joining anyone else at this point.

“Yeah, we’re getting close to where we want to settle,” Gregory added. “We appreciate the offer and all, but we just want to keep moving.”

Mrs. McAvoy smiled, turned, and ran into the house with her load of laundry. Neither Frank nor Gregory knew if she was hurt because they declined the supper invitation or just needed to get back to her household chores.

“We understand that. Took us nearly six months to get here from New York, where we come from. We stayed with some relatives along the way, but the missus did appreciate it when we finally stopped here.”

“Well, we appreciate your hospitality and all your help. We should probably get going,” Frank said, glancing at Gregory.

“If you happen to end up around here, don’t be strangers. Just let us know where you’re at,” Mr. McAvoy replied.

“It’s a deal, sir,” Frank said and extended his hand.

Mr. McAvoy walked over and took it. After they were done, McAvoy stepped away from the wagon.

Gregory slapped the reins and yelled “giddyap,” and the horses sprang forward.

A frantic Mrs. McAvoy yelled from inside the house, “Wait!”

Frank grabbed Gregory’s arm to stop him. Gregory pulled back on the reins.

Mrs. McAvoy came out of the cabin with a small basket covered with flour sack cloth.

“This here isn’t much, but maybe it will allow you to rest once you stop for the night. I put two crocks of my stew in there and part of the bread I baked for our supper tonight. I don’t know why I did it, but something told me to make extra bread today.”

“We’re mighty obliged, ma’am. This will help. Now we don’t have to worry about hunting anything for our dinner. We’ll just warm this by the fire and be ready to go,” Gregory spoke up.

“Yes, ma’am. We are getting a bit worn out by this trip,” Frank said. He grinned at Gregory and said, “Hopefully, we’ll be finding our home soon.”

Both men tipped their hats once more, and Gregory got the horses going again.

Dove and Daisy lumbered along for the rest of the afternoon and into the early evening. Before they realized it, the wagon climbed a gentle, gradual grade. The early evening sun blinded them as they reached the crest of the ridge. At the top, Frank looked over his shoulder where the wagon had just been. There he saw the trail left by the wagon and horses in the prairie grass. To the west, a line of trees indicated a creek, river, or some sort of waterway. The sun drenched the entire landscape in its golden hue. He looked at Gregory, and they both knew this was their new home. They had arrived on the homestead.

“Welcome home, Frankie!” Gregory yelled at the top of his lungs.

Giveaway:

In celebration of the release of A Place to Call Their Own, I am giving away a copy of my novel, Disappear With Me.

Enter the competition by clicking HERE

About Dean Pace-Frech

With inspiration from historical tourism sites, the love of reading, and a desire to write a novel, Dean started crafting his debut novel, A Place to Call Their Own, in 2008. After four years of writing and polishing the manuscript, it was accepted and originally published 2013. His second novel, Disappear With Me, set in Edwardian England was published later that same year. Both novels were re-released in May 2015.

Dean lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his husband, Thomas (legally as of February 14, 2015), and their two cats. They are involved in their church and enjoy watching movies, outdoor activities in the warmer weather and spending time together with friends and family. In addition to writing, Dean’s hobbies include reading and patio gardening.

Dean is currently working a standalone title, Need Your Love, set in 1966, and The Higher Law, a continuation of the story of Frank and Gregory’s family set in the 1930s.

Connect with Dean Pace-Frech

Email deanfrech@aol.com

Blog: Dean’s Web Site

Facebook: Dean Pace-Frech, Author page or send a friend request Dean Pace-Frech.

Twitter: @deanpacefrech

Google+: +deanpacefrech

Goodreads: Dean Pace-Frech

Pinterest: Dean Pace-Frech

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Blog Tour – Willem of the Tafel by Hans M Hirschi

Posted in contest, Guests on June 4, 2015| 4 Comments »

Willem of the Tafel by Hans M. Hirschi

Willem of the Tafel by

Hans M. Hirschi

Published by

Beaten Track Publishing

Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, LGBT, Post-Dystopian, Young Adult

194 pages

Release Date: May 28, 2015

The world we know is gone, destroyed by greed and ignorance. On a post-apocalyptic Earth, centuries into the future, few have survived the Great War. Some have taken refuge deep inside a mountain. One of them, Willem, is exiled to the surface… Alone and struggling to survive, Willem embarks on an epic journey, making a discovery that could once again alter the future of humanity. Willem of the Tafel is an epic tale of survival, second chances, hope and undying love.

Check out the trailer for Willem of the Tafel

Excerpt

“Good morning, Willem. Will you take us to your people today?”
With that question, all activity around the fire ceased, and everyone stared at Willem, standing in front of them. After the events of the night before they were all very eager to learn more about Willem and his kind, as unlikely as they seemed to be.
“I can take you to the gate, but I seriously doubt that we’ll be able to make any kind of contact,” Willem stated factually. “When they cast me out, and I discovered that the world above was healed, I tried to go back, but the gate was locked and no one answered my calls. I have no idea what I could do to get their attention. They live so far underground, unless someone is in the tunnel behind the gate, they’ll never hear what’s going on outside. And besides, I’m not allowed to return in the next ten years which, in Tafel society, is the equivalent of the death penalty. No one has ever returned from visits to the surface, and I doubt the council expected me to last this long. I’m fairly sure they thought I’d be dead within hours.”

AUTHOR SHOP/BEATEN TRACK SHOP/AMAZON
B&N/KOBO/INDIGO/ALIBRIS/iBOOKS/GOODREADS

**Follow the Willem of the Tafel Virtual book tour here**

Hans M Hirschi (b. 1967) has been writing stories ever since he was a child. Adulthood and the demands of corporate life efficiently put an end to his fictional writing for over twenty years.
A global executive in training and channel development, Hans has traveled the world and had previously published non-fictional titles.

The birth of his son and the subsequent parental leave provided him with the opportunity to unleash his creative writing once again. With little influence over his brain’s creative workings, he indulges it, going with the flow.

A deeply rooted passion for, faith in a better world, in love, tolerance and diversity are a red thread throughout both his creative and non-fictional work. His novels might best be described as “literary romance, engaging characters and relevant stories that won’t leave you untouched, but hopeful.”

Hans is a proud member of the Swedish Writers’ Union and the Writers’ Center in Sweden.

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The giveaway for Willem of the Tafel has 11 randomly chosen winners; 10 will receive $15 Gift codes to the author’s shop, but the grand prize winner will receive a free ticket to GayRomLit retreat 2015, in San Diego, CA, happening October 15-18th, 2015. Ticket value is $175, but if you win the grand prize, you’re responsible for travel and accommodations. Please notify the author in advance should you win and be unable to attend, so we can choose another recipient to enjoy the prize!

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Good luck and happy reading and winning!

Willem of the Tafel Tour brought to you by…

Happy Geek Media

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Cover Reveal – Vampire Rising by Larry Benjamin

Posted in contest, Excerpt, Guests, New Release on June 3, 2015| Leave a Comment »

Author Name: Larry Benjamin

Book Name: Vampire Rising

Release Date: Summer, 2015

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Pages or Words: 67 pages

Categories: Fantasy, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Urban Fantasy

Blurb:

It’s the mid twenty-first century. Anti-Semitism, racism, sexism and homophobia have been consigned to the dustbin of history. The world is run by “the state,” and Christian zealots, whose chief governing tools are fear and oppression. It’s a wonderful time to be alive—unless you’re a Vampire. Vampires are despised, and feared, and subjected to discrimination and unspeakable violence.

Considered undead, unholy, without basic human rights, Gatsby Calloway lives on the fringes of society, avoiding humanity. Until he meets Barnabas, a young encaustic painter.

When Barnabas is mortally wounded during an anti-Vampire attack, Gatsby must forget everything he has known, and learn to trust.

Excerpt:

“This here coming up is the stop for Chicksand Street,” the bus driver called out.

Barnabas stood and walked to the front of the bus. He peered out the windshield into the dark, then looked at the driver. “The schedule said you stopped at Chicksand Street,” Barnabas said.

“Not after dark I don’t,” the driver shot back. “This here is as far as I’m going tonight!”

Barnabas shrugged and moved to the door. The Mexican woman he’d noticed earlier touched his arm. As he turned to her, she drew a silver crucifix attached to rosary beads from around her neck and, muttering a prayer in Spanish, pressed it into his hands. He closed his hand around the offering still warm from her bosom and said, “Thank you.”

The bus slowed and the driver said, “This here road, about a mile on, becomes Chicksand Street.” He opened the door, barely stopping long enough for Barnabas to disembark. As soon as his feet touched the curb, the driver closed the door and sped away as fast as the bus’ ancient diesel engine would allow. As the bus passed him he saw the passengers with their foreheads and palms pressed against the windows, their eyes wide, and their mouths forming tiny “O”s of fright.

Sales Links:

The Vampire Rising Website ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK

Beaten Track ebook ~ Beaten Track Publishing paperback

(more…)

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Blog Tour – The Hidden Wolf by Sue Brown

Posted in contest, Excerpt, Guests on May 28, 2015| 1 Comment »

Title: The Hidden Wolf

Series: Sapphire Ranch Wolves – Book Two

Author: Sue Brown

Publisher: Love Lane Books

Cover Artist: Meredith Russell

Length: 32,700 words

Release Date: 22^nd May, 2015

Blurb: Sheriff Milo Clarke has met his mate, Eli Watkins, and now they’re conducting a long distance relationship while Eli runs Cavalry, the security firm protecting Joe and Cal at the Sapphire Ranch from the hunters.

The long distance loving is hard on all three of them, Eli, Clarke and Clarke’s wolf, who is becoming more restless as Clarke refuses to shift. When Clarke going to give into the other side of him and how will Clarke and Eli resolve the distance between their lives?

Milo and Eli traded kisses as they sat on the stoop at Sapphire Ranch, soft sloppy kisses without heat, just content to be together. They had little to do for an hour before supper except relax and enjoy each other’s company.

“We spend more time here than at my place,” Milo said. He traced Eli’s lips with his thumb.

Eli kissed the pad of Milo’s thumb. “This is the pack house.”

“We’re a pack now?” Milo was surprised Eli had made that connection. Pack was everything to werewolves but the humans that he knew didn’t have the same sense of extended family.

“Aren’t we? Joe and Cal, you and me? A small pack and with humans, but we are a pack.”

Buy Links

Love Lane Books – https://www.lovelanebooks.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=83&zenid=ae17b9c4db224b1081ceedcd2dbffcb7

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y0NKLAC/

All Romance eBooks – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thehiddenwolf-1813555-153.html

AUTHOR LINKS

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suebrownstories

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SueBrownsStories

Twitter: https://twitter.com/suebrownstories

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+SueBrownstories/

Blog: http://suebrownsstories.blogspot.co.uk/

Website: http://www.suebrownstories.com/