Elin Gregory

Author Name: Laura Stone

Book Name: Bitter Springs

Release Date: December 3, 2015

Pages or Words: 302 pages

Categories: Fiction, Gay Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance, Romance, Western/Cowboy

Publisher: Interlude Press

Cover Artist: Collen M. Good

Blurb:

In 1870s Texas, Renaldo Valle Santos, the youngest son of a large and traditional family, has been sent to train with Henry “Hank” Burnett, a freed slave and talented mesteñero—or horse- catcher—so he may continue the family horse trade. Bitter Springs is a sweeping epic that takes themes from traditional Mexican literature and Old Westerns to tell the story of a man coming into his own and realizing his destiny lies in the wild open spaces with the man who loves him, far from expectations of society.

Excerpt:

The day before the wedding, a visitor arrived at Vista Verde an entire week early. Renaldo, ready to wash up and eat dinner after a long, hard day—his side ached from roping cattle as a part of Paloma’s training, his hands were full of bits of raw hemp from the stock lassos, and one of the calves had kicked him high on the thigh—walked back from the barn using his hat to slap at the dust on his chest and thighs. He noticed a tall, striking young black man standing at the door to their home speaking with their father. They didn’t see many black men this far from civilization—with the Civil War ending so recently, many were staying close to where they’d been forced to live, were heading far out west where there were more opportunities to make a new life or were going north seeking less hostile society. Who he could be?

He was about as tall as Renaldo, maybe an inch or two more, broad-shouldered and whip-thin, dressed in well-worn, simple clothes. He had a close-cropped beard, but instead of hiding the shape of his jaw, it accented its sharpness. His light eyes, almost luminescent even at this distance and glowing like amber, were ringed with thick lashes, nearly to the point of being girlish, but there was nothing feminine about the man. With his lean but strong-looking chest, muscular arms and curved backside, he managed to carry himself with a confident air while standing idly; his body was still, but in a way that made Renaldo think of a raptor sitting on an abutment, watching and waiting.

“Oh, here he is,” Estebán said, motioning for Renaldo to join them, saying, “Señor Burnett, allow me to introduce to you my son, Renaldo.”

This? This was the legendary mesteñero, Henry Burnett? He couldn’t be much older than Renaldo, who realized his jaw had dropped. He closed his mouth quickly and moved toward them as if drawn like metal shavings to a magnet.

Burnett, however, looked amused, as the edge of his mouth quirked up. “Pleased to meet you,” he said, his voice deep and husky.

Renaldo couldn’t look away, shocked that his expectations couldn’t have been more wrong. This was a vibrant young man. But… this was the man he would be alone with on the prairie for months? His stomach twisted at that thought, and at how unexpected it all was, causing his heart to race and face flush. Yes, it was unexpected. That Burnett had come so much sooner than they’d expected had to be why Renaldo couldn’t find his voice and felt so upended.

“Mijo,” his father said sharply.

Renaldo shook himself slightly, and then nodded, saying, “Señor Burnett, it’s very good to meet you, finally. Please forgive my shock, as I don’t believe we expected you so soon.”

Burnett laughed, a rolling, melodious sound, and replied, “Well, then just imagine my shock when I come here all the way from Nacogdoches expecting one Valle man, only to find him gone and you in his place.” He smiled. “Your padre seems to think you’re a better match, so that works for me.”

That smile, bright teeth framed by full lips, eyes crinkled at the corners, helped lessen some of Renaldo’s shock and, if he was being honest, some of the worry that he carried about spending a lot of time with a hard, taciturn man Renaldo knew he would be unable to please. At the realization that this was who he would be with on the plains, just the two of them with no one else for weeks on end, Renaldo became excited, finally looking forward to this task. A young man with an infectious grin wouldn’t be such a chore to be stuck with after all.

Buy the book:

Interlude Press Web Store: store.interludepress.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Ybi7Ab

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bitter-springs-laura-stone/1122753096?ean=2940152391107

Apple iBooks Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bitter-springs/id1046777460?mt=11

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/582322

Meet the author:

Laura Stone is a born and bred Texan, but don’t hold that against her. She’s a former comedian, actress and Master Gardener, and currently keeps busy as a media blogger, ghostwriter and novelist when not busy raising her three children. They’re not fully raised, but then, neither is she.

She lives in Texas as proof that it’s not completely populated by hard-line right-wingers. And because that’s where the good tamales are. Her first novel, The Bones of You, was published by Interlude Press in 2014 and was named a finalist for two Foreword Reviews IndieFab Book of the Year Award. Laura Stone at Laura-Stone.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/9LauraStone

Where to find the author:

Facebook: facebook.com/9LauraStone

Twitter: @stoneyboboney

Tour Dates & Stops:

Rafflecopter Prize: Grand Prize: $25 Interlude Press Gift Card, First Prize: One of five e-copies of ‘Bitter Springs’ – either click the copter to enter or visit one of the following links for more opportunities.

3-Dec: MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Velvet Panic, It’s Raining Men, Hearts on Fire

4-Dec: Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Gay Book Reviews, Divine Magazine

7-Dec: Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Unquietly Me, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Bayou Book Junkie

8-Dec: Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, My Fiction Nook

9-Dec: Elin Gregory, TTC Books and More

10-Dec: Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Michael Mandrake, Love Bytes

11-Dec: Inked Rainbow Reads, Jessie G. Books

14-Dec: Dawn’s Reading Nook, QUEERcentric Books, Happily Ever Chapter

15-Dec: Cheekypee Reads and Reviews, Emotion in Motion

16-Dec: BFD Book Blog, Prism Book Alliance

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Phetra H Novak’s newest book titled HAVEN’S REVENGE is OUT today.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Series: A Caddo Norse Novel #1

Cover Artist: Shayla Mist

Length: 305 Pages

Blurb: Haven Naranjo is a proud Caddo Indian, with a frightening past. He was a mere fifteen year old boy when he found his parents, part of his tribe, and his high school sweetheart slaughtered by a wereman gone mad. Falling victim to a system that is not always prepared to deal with a shattered young mind, Haven finally gives up on himself. He grows up to be bitter and hateful toward the creatures he hate. Werewolves.

Alexander Prescott is the younger of the two Prescott boys and comes from a large werewolf clan. But things are bigger than that. Alexander, is the true vessel of the Fenrir Ulv and is to become the leader of all supernatural beings, the King of Wolves. On top of that, he’s in love with Haven. He’s known since he hit puberty that Haven is his true mate. But there’s one problem, Haven hates what he can become. However, Alexander has a plan on how he is to charm his, and his wolf’s way into the grumpy Caddo Indian man’s heart.

But fate has other plans for them. The Asa Guard enters their calm country living, determined to use their own kind against them and kill the true vessel—Alexander Prescott.

When war between the Asa Gods and the Fenrir Ulv starts knocking on their door, what side will the damaged Haven choose? Will he find a way of trusting those, especially Alexander, who he feels has betrayed him and let his animal, the eagle, lead him straight to his fate by his mate’s side? Or will he trust the words of strangers, who come to make his quest of seeing all shifters dead a reality?

Haven’s Revenge is a story of an emotional journey for a whole community. It’s about finding acceptance not just from others but in yourself.

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EXCERPT

Haven leaned back on his heels, quickly wiping his cum covered hand off on the grass before getting up, mumbling under his breath as he gave Alexander a quick glance. “What the fuck was I thinking?”

He stumbled toward camp, braiding his hair back with determination.

At first Alexander was taken aback, almost shocked by his abrupt, cold dismissal but it only lasted for a few short seconds before he got his bearings again. His new found confidence and possessive streak took over. Like the swift “animal” he actually was, he stood, crossing Haven’s path in no time. When their eyes met, sparks flew. There was nothing submissive at all with the look that sparked in Alexander’s eyes.

“No. You’re mine, Haven. Mine. I’ve waited for you for years and I’m done. Get used to it because you belong to me now.” His voice was calm but there was no misunderstanding the words that were spoken. He gripped Haven’s jaw in one firm grip. With a great force, that shouldn’t have been possible, he claimed Haven’s lips with his own, forcing his tongue into his mouth as he gasped at the heated intrusion. Dominating Haven and the kiss completely Haven couldn’t help but to give himself permission to melt into the hungry kiss. Just for a few seconds. When Alexander finally broke off the kiss, they were both breathing hard lips still only inches apart as they tried to stare each other out. Haven was the one who looked away first.

Alexander gave him a calm, almost arrogant smirk before turning his attention to getting himself dressed, rather than standing around with his jeans halfway down his thighs.

“In your dreams,” Haven muttered, shaking his head. He was pissed at himself for letting his emotions get the better of him. See what losing control did? It fucked everything up, and what the hell was wrong with Alexander? That kid needed a new hobby, one that didn’t involve him. But Haven feared that Alexander had made up his mind and wasn’t letting go.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

He was so screwed.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phetra often refers to herself as the odd man out, the dorky book nerd who rather spend her time with a good book or making up fantastic stories with even more fantastic characters, than live in the real world dealing with real people.

The real world is strange in a very non humorous way and people in it complicate it to the point of wearing you out. In the world of the written word no matter if it is in someone else’s words or that of her own things might get busy, complicated, and sometime even plain painful but somewhere along the line there is always a hero on the horizon. He might not be prime or proper, a church going pretty boy since the author prefer rebellious men and women who don’t follow the protocols of society.

One of her favorite saying are that only dead fish follow the stream and well she ain’t no dead fish.

Phetra live together with her family, two children, a domestic partner and their two cats in Gothenburg, Sweden and when reading her books you will notice that she always finds a way of bringing her own culture into her books.

The joy of writing and reading comes from her childhood and is something she has always loved, something she is passionate to share with others. Phetra loves hearing from her readers even with ideas of what they want to come next.

If you are looking for her the best place to start looking for her is at home in the quietest corner of the house where you’ll find her either curled up with her Kindle or her laptop typing away.

Facebook Page  ||  Twitter  ||  Google+  ||  Goodreads

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BUY LINKS

Amazon US
Amazon UK

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GIVEAWAY

Winner’s Prize: E-copy of HAVEN’S REVENGE

What to do to win?

Simply leave a comment telling us why would you like to read this book!

Contest Ends: 25^th October, 2015

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Title: Purpose
Author: Andrew Q Gordon
Publisher: DSP Publications
Release Date: 6 October
Edition: Second (Re-written, re-edited, new cover)
Genre: Paranormal, Gay Fiction

Blurb:

2nd Edition

Forty years ago the Spirit of Vengeance—a Purpose—took William Morgan as its host, demanding he avenge the innocent by killing the guilty. Since then Will has retreated behind Gar, a façade he uses to avoid dealing with what he’s become. Cold, impassive, and devoid of emotion, Gar goes about his life alone—until his tidy, orderly world is upended when he meets Ryan, a broken young man cast out by his family. Spurred to action for reasons he can’t understand, Gar saves Ryan from death and finds himself confronted by his humanity.

Spending time with Ryan helps Will claw out from under Gar’s shadow. He recognizes Ryan is the key to his reclaiming his humanity and facing his past. As Will struggles to control the Purpose, Ryan challenges him to rethink everything he knew about himself and the spirit that possesses him. In the process, he pushes Will to do something he hasn’t done in decades: care.
1st Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, June 2013.

Buy Links:

DSP Publications ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK
Omnilit ~ Barnes & Noble

Video Trailer:

Excerpt:

As they walked up the stairs, Gar’s mind demanded to know why he’d talked to this total stranger. Long ago he’d given up on trying to meet people. Love was hollow, meaningless. He couldn’t share who he was or what he did, so why get involved, only to see them leave?

More inexplicable, the kid was smiling as if he enjoyed Gar’s company. But Gar knew there was nothing likable about him anymore. Dour, quiet, brusque, and blank were words that described him. He purposely kept his demeanor guarded and gruff to keep people away. Yet he was walking with “him” to the upper platform. Not “him,” Gar kept reminding himself. The kid is not David.

David had been tall and Mediterranean, an Italian boy from South Philly. Back when Gar still felt passion, that was his type. An athlete, David was, in a word, amazing. He turned heads when he walked into a room, but it was his eyes, those beautiful brown eyes, that held Gar’s soul.

The kid was average, unremarkable, though not unattractive. But he had David’s eyes. More than once, Gar looked at them and swore they were the same, as if someone had preserved David’s and given them to him. Him? Gar didn’t even know his name.

His step faltered for a moment as he realized he was thinking about the life he’d abandoned all those years ago. How long had it been since he’d thought of David, remembered how it felt to be with him?

Quietly, they waited on the semicrowded platform. A couple of hours before midnight, and the crowds were starting to head north to the city’s nightlife. Mostly young professionals, but Gar noted the thugs mixed in. They were not going for the music and booze but to prey on those who indulged too much in both.

The Red Line arrived. Almost full, now that the small crowd got on with them. Fortune smiled on them as they found an empty pair of seats.

“At the risk of being rude…,” the kid started, but his confidence faded. When Gar nodded, he continued. “What’s your name?”

“Gar.” It wasn’t his real name. Who named their kid Gar?

“Gar?” His confused look quickly switched to embarrassment.

“Family name,” Gar said. His predecessors were his only family, in a twisted way. The last dozen or so “hosts” had used it, so when he abandoned his old life, he started to use it too. “Yours?”

“Ryan.”

Gar detected a note of hesitancy. His words weren’t a lie, but something more was there. When Ryan’s hand crept closer to Gar’s leg, he understood.

Rather than let things go where it seemed they might, Gar changed topics. “Are you hungry?” He knew Ryan was, but would he admit it? “I need to get something to eat. I could use the company. My treat for keeping someone as scary-looking as me company.”

This time, Ryan laughed a real laugh. It made him less broken. “Um… well….”

Ryan was hungry and scared. No doubt, if Gar read his mind, he would find he had almost no money. He was desperate enough that he was going to that part of town to find “work.” A flash of anger filled him. Anger? When he bit down on it, he realized it felt like David was sitting there talking about it.

“Seriously, no strings. Order what you want. I’ll pay.” Checking to see if anyone could see, Gar pulled out a thick wad of bills he had taken from the guilty. “I just got paid.”

At the sight of the money, Ryan’s eyes got slightly wider. Whether he knew it or not, Ryan licked his lips. The small reaction made Gar laugh, enough for Ryan to realize what he’d done.

“I’m sorry,” he stammered, refusing to look over. “Thanks, I’m fine.”

Cursing his lack of social skills, Gar grabbed the first bundle of bills he found in his coat pocket. “Here.” He took Ryan’s hand and shoved the money into his palm. “Don’t sell yourself tonight.”

Giveaway:

Click on the graphic to the right for a chance to win one of the following:

First Prize: $25 Giftcard to Dreamspinner Press
Second Prize: Autographed Paperback copy of Purpose

The tour organizer will select a winner from entries received as of close of business 21 October. Be sure to leave a thoughtful comment on each stop on the tour for additional chances to win.

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bab986586/

Tour Schedule

6 Oct – Elin Gregory and Jessie G Books
7 Oct – Divine Magazine
8 Oct – Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
9 Oct – Hearts on Fire Reviews and MM Good Book Reviews
10 Oct – Author Susan Mac Nicol and Wake Up Your Wild Side
11 Oct – The Purple Rose Tea House
12 Oct – Love Bytes Reviews and Queer Sci Fi
13 Oct – World of Diversity Fiction
14 Oct – Prism Book Alliance
15 Oct – Diverse Reader
16 Oct – Loving Without Limits
17 Oct – Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
18 Oct – BFD Book Blog
18 Oct – Wicked Faeries Tales and Reviews
19 Oct – Molly Lolly
20 Oct – Drops of Ink

Author Bio

Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads and ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting to the times, he now writes with a shiny new MacBook that he sets on the same desk as his manual typewriter and vintage adding machine.
Long a fan of super heroes, wizards and sports, Andrew’s works include high fantasy, paranormal spirits, magic as well as contemporary fiction. He is still trying to find the perfect story that will include all his favorites under one cover.
He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his husband, their young daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and occasionally sleeping.

THE LAND OF MAKE BELIEVE: http://andrewqgordon.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/dominic.andrews.7568

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