Thursday, April 30, 2015

ARC Review: Rubble and the Wreckage by Rodd Clark


ARC Review: 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?

Tracy' Review:

5 Scary Stars

*Copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Author Christian Maxwell's life will never be the same after his world collides with serial killer, Gabriel "Gabe" Lee Church. 

Writer and Killer meet by chance and strike a deal. An exclusive tell all interview, that Chris will turn into a book. They start off with the interview at a local coffee shop in Downtown Seattle, and though neither man has ever been with a man before they eventually fall into bed. 

This was such an interesting book. For years I have watched documentaries and T.V. Shows about serial killers. I think they are fascinating, but I couldn't imagine coming face to face with one. Chris is either very brave or very stupid, it's honestly a little of both probably. Reading this book was like watching one of those T.V. Programs. 

Rodd is an amazing narrator and manages to weave a thrilling and intriguing tale of sex, lust, love, mystery and danger. Even though this book takes place over a short period of time, it was a long book and by the end I felt I Knew these characters. I rooted for them. I felt the love Chris and Gabe had for one another. I rooted for them to get their HEA. This says its book 1, so I'm really hoping Chris and Gabe's story hasn't ended yet! Can't wait for more! 

I have never read anything like this. If you love serial killers, pick this up and you won't be disappointed. 

*Just a note if you've never read or thought about reading a gay romance, please don't let that turn you off. There are no explicit sex scenes between the MC's*

Buy the book at Amazon

Release Day Blitz: C&A Novella by M. Sembera

C&A Novella Release day

He was all the things she really wanted and never bothered to look for in a man. He was also the most stubborn jackass she had ever met.

She was an infuriating pain in the ass, and he'd be damned straight to hell if he had to spend even one day without her by his side.


Charlotte and Auggie never thought they would fall in love, and certainly not with each other. Looking beyond themselves to see the worth in each other, they found a love that is worth holding onto. But for two stubborn strong willed people like C&A, falling in love is only half the battle. And their road to matrimony is an uphill fight that will test them all the way to the altar.

Amazon


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Excerpt:
Charlotte walked into Auggie's bedroom wearing the Dog House t-shirt he gave her almost a year ago and a pair of his plaid pajama bottoms.
  "Oh, what the hell?" He griped, shaking his head at her.
  "What?"
  Focusing on the drawstring hanging down the front of her legs, like the bow on top of a gift just waiting to be unwrapped, he barked, "Are to trying to give me a damn stroke?"
  "I was trying to make it easier on you." She fussed back, irritated but clearly confused.
  "Wearing somethin' of mine sure as hell isn't the way to do it."
There was no response from her this time as she stood there staring at him.
Whatever painful side effects waiting until their wedding day had caused, almost seemed pleasant at the moment. He was in agony. This wasn't a battle of wills because he had no willpower when it came to her. You can't give a man a taste of heaven and expect him to be satisfied walking the earth.
Lack of willpower aside, he wasn't willing to go one more minute playing along with her ridiculous mandate.
  Pulling her against him so she could feel the proof of his words, Auggie swore, "I need you..."
  He watched her pull her lips into her mouth before insisting, "You want sex."
  "Ya damn right, I do." He exclaimed, without realizing how harsh he sounded, until Charlotte started to pull away.
  "Wait." He pleaded before sharing, "It's more than that."
In her eyes he saw her resistance, although she allowed him to keep his arms wrapped tightly around her.
  Out of desperation, he shared, "Everything is empty without you. My bed, this house, me... I need you."


Author Info:
Bio:
M. Sembera was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now lives in Brazoria, Texas with her husband, three kids, three dogs and two cats. After writing her first short story when she was in high school, M. instantly fell in love with writing. However, life sometimes gets in the way of aspirations and it wasn't until years later, when her life calmed down, M. was able to start writing again.
'For me, each new book I write or character I create feels like the first time and I find myself falling in love with writing all over again'

Links:
fb fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorM.Sembera.
amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=M.%20Sembera&search-alias=digital-text&sort=relevancerank
goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4707427.M_Sembera
twitter: https://twitter.com/M_Sembera
google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107595295959820500628
Instagram: http://instagram.com/m_sembera
Website: www.BrokenBirdMedia.com

Marked Heart Novels
Enduring Everything #1 (Ren & Jacks)
Charlotte #2 (Charlotte & Auggie)
One Penny #3 (Penny & Seth)
Coming this fall
Marked Heart #4 (Braden)



Newsletter:
Receive updates and info on author M. Sembera's New Releases, WIPs, Sales and Giveaways by subscribing to M's monthly newsletter.
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C&A Release Day Event
Hope to see you there!
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Book Blast: How It Was Supposed to Be by Jayson James (Excerpt + Giveaway)

Book Blast: How It Was Supposed to Be by Jayson James (Excerpt + Giveaway)
Book Information:
Author Name: Jayson James
Book Name: How It Was Supposed to Be
Release Date: April 10, 2015
Publisher: Jayson James Books
Cover Artist: Jayson James

Buy The Book:


Blurb:

The Kennicott’s were living the carefree life of an upper middle class family. That was until one day when his father arrives home from work and shares the company he has worked for since he was Reese’s age has gone out of business. Adding to the stress of being out of work for the worst time is the worst economic downturn the United States has ever faced. It does not take long for the Kennicotts to fall behind in their bills and lose everything.

Reese Kennicott had everything he could ever want and life was good. He worked a part time job to have extra money and to socialize. Now he is working all the hours he can get in order to help his family get by, which isn’t much. Reese is now dating the guy of his dreams, he along with his friends seem to be the only stable thing going for him.

Hope finally comes with a new job that will take the family across the country. This means for Reese giving up his lifelong friends, his new boyfriend and life as he’s always known it. The family takes with them what they can and begins on a road trip to their new life. Along the way, they encounter several barriers and hope begins to fade. Each day things look bleaker and the Kennicott’s begin to wonder if they are going to make it to their destination.

Pages or Words: 192 pages

Categories: Gay fiction, M/M Romance, New Adult, Homeless


Excerpt:

A few days later Cruz caught Reese on his way out to the parking lot after school. He appeared so smug and at the same time seemed so debonair as he approached Reese. When he was close enough, he looked around, perhaps to make sure there was no one in ear shot. There was no greeting from Cruz before he asked, “Relationship troubles?”

He responded, “You mean Morgan?” Cruz nodded his head as if telling him duh. “We’re only friends.”

“Oh.” Cruz shrugged, “So he’s not gay then?”

“No he’s not gay.” Reese did not feel it was his place to share Morgan’s bisexuality.

Cruz stared at him, only perpetuating Reese’s discomfort. “You’re gay though?”

“Yes. You’re gay too?” He figured fair was fair.

Nodding in agreement, Cruz asked, “Do you have a boyfriend?”

“No.” Reese was feeling as if he was being sized up added, “I hear you don’t either.” Cruz was silent, glancing away and yawning, appearing disinterested in the conversation. Reese decided that he’d better make his move, “You want to go out sometime?”

Cruz turned toward him and seemed to be thinking over his response. Reese smiled feeling hopeful and then concerned he might be coming off as desperate. Cruz nodded, “That would be fine by me.” Then he turned to walk away without saying another word.

About the author:
Jayson James - The Author

I have a horrible time when it comes to writing about myself. It is not that I have low self-esteem, but the fact that I am not comfortable talking about myself.

For most of my life, I have been writing and sharing it with my friends. They have repeatedly told me I needed to publish my writing and share it with the world. Now that I have, I am amazed at how many people admire it.

My interests beyond writing include reading a variety of books, watching movies and drawing.

I truly appreciate all the support and encouragement from my friends, family, and you. I am so thankful to your support!

Keep on reading! I am always interested in hearing about what people are reading, especially if it is something I have written.

Thank you for reading and letting me know what you think of my writing!

Where to find the author:

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Book Blast: Lock and Key by T. Strange (Excerpt + Giveaway)

Book Blast: Lock and Key by T. Strange (Excerpt + Giveaway)
Book Information:
Author Name: T. Strange
Book Name: Lock and Key
Release Date: April 29, 2015
Publisher: Torquere Press
Cover Artist: B.S. Clay

Buy The Book:



Blurb: 

After meeting Terry at a motorcycle show, Gavin is sure he’s found the man of his dreams. While he’s fantasized about BDSM for years, Gavin has never had a play partner and Terry is happy to teach him. After playing together for a few months, Terry has to leave on a business trip. Terry gives Gavin the key to his apartment so Gavin can sleep in, but Gavin isn’t sure he’s ready for that level of commitment. While he likes and trusts Terry—and loves the kinky sex they have together—Gavin has to decide which he can’t give up: Terry, or his freedom. Part one was originally published as Boots and Leather by Torquere Press.

Pages or Words: 18,000 words
Categories: BDSM, Romance, humor, Contemporary, M/M Romance, Erotica, Fiction, Gay Fiction

Excerpt: 

Weighed down by groceries and a bulging duffle bag, I rang Terry’s doorbell.

“It’s open!” he called.

I left the bag in the entryway so he wouldn’t see it and brought the groceries to the kitchen. He was wearing jeans, an apron and nothing else, and he was sexy as hell. I wanted him to ravish me, right there, right then, but he was busily stirring and chopping and other mysterious kitchen pursuits—I’m not much of a cook.

“Don’t come into the bedroom.” I kissed his shoulder.

“Sure.” He gave my butt a quick pat before turning back to his frying pan.

Making sure he wasn’t watching, I carried the heavy bag down the hall to Terry’s bedroom and started unpacking my goodies.

I’ve known I was interested in BDSM for a long time, though I’d never had a play partner of my very own before Terry. Every now and then I’d see something in an adult store or on a website that I just had to buy, for private use or the hope that I would eventually find a top to play with. “Every now and then” adds up over the years, and soon the bag wouldn’t be big enough to hold everything.

I laid it all out on the bed so I could see everything and try to narrow down exactly what I wanted to do with Terry—or rather, have him do to me. As I pulled out each toy, I remembered the fantasy that had made me buy it.

Terry and I haven’t discussed roleplaying yet, and I was still too shy to mention it, and worried he’d think I was immature for wanting to play “let’s pretend”.

Simple was probably best. A scene that took too long to set up could use up all our energy before we’d actually played. I tossed almost everything back in the bag, except for my matching set of black leather wrist and ankle cuffs, and what had quickly become my favorite toy. It was a jockey bat; similar to a riding crop, but the leather tip was hard instead of flappy. Terry has used it in all sorts of ways—using it the way it was intended, flipping it around to hit me with the handle, striking my thighs or ass with the shaft like a cane, even holding it across the backs of my knees to pin me down.

“I’m ready,” I called.

“Me too. We’d better eat first, or we might not get around to it.”

I was restless. I wanted to play now, but I knew he was right. If we played, we probably wouldn’t leave the bed until morning, and the dinner he’d cooked would go to waste. With a final glance at the toys neatly arranged on the bed, I sauntered out to meet him.

“Are you sure you didn’t own a restaurant in a past life?” I asked, bumping him with my hip while I grabbed a plate. I thought about serving him, but we hadn’t discussed that level of D/s yet, so I only got food for myself.

“I’d go crazy in a restaurant, surrounded by people, everyone in a hurry. I couldn’t even do your job.” He was used to being his own boss; if he felt like working fourteen hours one day, he did. If he wanted to ride to the coast for the weekend, there was no one to stop him but his own deadlines.


About the author:
T. Strange has been interested in BDSM for as long as she can remember. She and her wife were active participants in their local community for a number of years, but lately theyve been focusing more on their own relationship. When not writing or being spanked, T. enjoys gardening, playing with her cats and other animals, and playing video games. She writes vanilla fiction under the same pen name.
Tour Dates & Stops: April 29, 2015

Rafflecopter Prize: E-copy of ‘Lock and Key’ by T. Strange

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Blog Tour: In-Decision by Sue Brown ~ (ARC Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Blog Tour: In-Decision by Sue Brown ~ (ARC Review, Excerpt + Giveaway)
Indecision BT
ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: In-Decision 
Series: Left at the Crossroads #2   
Author: Sue Brown 
  Length: 43,000 words/139 Pages 
  Release Date: April 15, 2015 


In-Decision 400x600
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.” Eighteen months ago Jason Havers lost the love of his life and it's time to move on. Applying for the position of chef in a sleepy country pub, a million miles away from his previous life, may well be the fresh start he needs. His new employers immediately take him under their wing and before long he finds himself with a passel of new friends and a job he loves. What he doesn’t expect is Tom, a gorgeous midwife, who stirs up feelings he’s not ready to deal with. But when someone from his previous life turns up in Little Mowbury, will Jason be able to keep them from revealing the secret he’s been keeping from those he’s come to love?
EXCERPT
Jason Havers drove down the narrow village street looking for the Thatcher’s Arms. The farmer’s directions to Little Mowbury had been clear enough, even if he had mumbled into his beard; turn left at the crossroads and keep driving. “But when the hell am I meant to stop?” Jason muttered.

He’d reached Little Mowbury and he still hadn’t found the bloody pub. He’d left plenty of time to find the place, not wanting to be late for the job interview, but there had been congestion on the motorway. The stupid satnav had given up with a mile and a half to go, leaving him cursing at the useless piece of technology and driving through unmarked country lanes for twenty minutes until he found a human who could give him directions.

Now he had ten minutes to find the pub before he could kiss the interview goodbye. “It’s on the left,” he muttered. “On the left.” Something out of the corner of his right eye caught his attention and he slammed on the brakes, missing the man who’d stepped out in front of him by a hair’s breath. The bloke actually had the gall to glare at him and give him the finger before he disappeared into one of the cottages. His heart pounding, Jason sat back in the driver’s seat and stared after the arsehole. He shook his head in disbelief and said sarcastically, “Welcome to Little Mowbury, Jason.” A loud honk behind him made Jason jump and he cursed as he stalled the engine before he finally managed to get the car started again. Waving his apology to the car behind, he pulled away and there it was, fifty yards down the road opposite the village green. A typical English village pub with a thatched roof, wooden tables outside and large hanging baskets everywhere.

 Jason left the car at the edge of the green and jogged towards the pub. Then he stopped and squinted at the ridge of the roof, grinning as he spied the thatched duck perched on the top. He had three minutes before eleven o’clock. Not good but at least he wasn’t late. He paused in the doorway of the Thatcher’s Arms, his eyes adjusting to the dark interior after the brightness of the late morning sunshine. “Come in, son. You’re making the place look untidy.” Still blind from the sun, Jason moved towards the voice, which he discovered as he drew closer, belonged to an elderly lady who stood behind the bar. “What can I get you?” she asked, looking at him expectantly.

Her huge, dangling earrings rattled as she talked. Jason tried not to focus on them, but better to look at the earrings than her impressive chest which was really distracting, even for him. “Uh… I’m Jason.” She looked at him with a blank expression. “Jason Havers. I’m here to interview for the chef’s position.

We spoke on the phone?” Her expression had moved on from blank to puzzled and Jason’s mind raced as he wondered whether he’d got the wrong day or time, or even the wrong fucking pub. Then she beamed at him as she leaned on the bar. “Sorry, luv, I completely forgot. It’s been manic here this morning. We’ve only just cleared the breakfast crowd and we’ve got to get ready for lunch. Colin, he’s my hubby, isn’t feeling too chipper this morning and Rich, the other chef, has had to go to the dentist. I’m Maggie Mason.”

She shook Jason’s hand. He resisted the desire to wince and flex his fingers as she let it go. For an elderly woman she had a bloody firm grip. Jason looked around him. The bar was half-full but he could see the tables hadn’t been bussed and there were dirty glasses at one end of the bar. “Can I help? I can give you a hand with the lunch. That is, if you want me to, I mean….” Maggie nodded and handed him an apron. “If you want a baptism by fire, you’re on. I’ll interview you as we go. Do you mind clearing the tables?” “No problem.” “Leave the dirty plates at that end of the bar and I’ll take ‘em through to the kitchen.” Although Jason was a chef by trade, he’d done most of the jobs required in restaurants and pubs. He started at one end of the bar and worked down, removing the remains of the breakfasts and cleaning the tables.

As Jason worked he was conscious of the other customers staring and whispering about him. Maggie grinned at him as he delivered the dirty plates. “Are the locals giving you a hard time?” Jason smirked. “They just want to know about the new boy in town.” He tilted his head at the two old gents sat in the snug. “Especially them.” Maggie scowled at them but it was more affectionate than fierce and the old guys raised their pint glasses in response. “They’re the worst of the lot. Never tell them your business. It’ll be all round the village before you’ve had a chance to breathe. “You’re the one who flaps her mouth, Maggie May.”

An elderly man with an amazing amount of snow-white hair wrapped his arms around Maggie and tugged him against her. She huffed but didn’t try to move away from him. “Jason, this is my husband, Colin. Ignore everything he says. I’m the one in charge.” Colin shook Jason’s hand. “Pleased to meet you, Jason. We just let Maggie think she’s in charge—for a quiet life.” “I understand,” Jason assured him then winked at Maggie, who burst out laughing. “I like him. I think we’ll keep him.” “You haven’t tried my cooking yet,” Jason pointed out. Maggie looked at her watch. “You’d better get in the kitchen. Rich did the preparation before he left.” Colin frowned at his wife. “I thought he was here for an interview?” “We decided to make it a practical interview. He offered to help clear up.” “Okay, son. The kitchen is all yours. I’ll show you round.” As Jason followed Colin he noticed the man shuffled one of his feet. Colin saw his gaze and shrugged. “I had a stroke the end of last year. I’m fine now but I still struggle walking any distance.” “Is that why you’re looking for another chef?” “Rich has been great. He’s picked up most of the shifts, but he’s found a girl in Southampton and he wants to spend more time with her. We agreed to split his shifts.”

 Jason frowned. “So the job isn’t full-time?” He couldn’t afford to work part-time. Not now he was on his own. “It is, but split over breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll have more than enough to do.” Colin opened the door to the kitchen. “Wow.” Jason blinked as he looked at the stainless steel kitchen. He was hard put not to drool as he gazed around. “This looks new.” “Almost,” Colin said. “We replaced it just before my stroke.”

 “First orders, boys.” Maggie handed them to Jason, ignoring Colin’s outstretched hand. “Three mixed grills and hold the bacon on one of them.” “Okay then.” Colin limped to the fridge. “I’ll give you a hand if you want.” Jason was about to protest he was fine on his own, but realised this was part of his interview. “Sounds good to me.” They worked efficiently together with Colin holding back as Jason got the hang of the kitchen. Colin nodded in approval as he plated the order then Jason delivered the food to a family sitting in one corner of the bar. He smiled at them all.

“Who wants the no bacon?” A teenage girl with soft curls and large eyes smiled shyly at him. “That’s mine.” The man with her looked at his plate. “This looks amazing.” His stomach rumbled audibly and he blushed as his wife scolded him. Jason grinned at them. “That’s what I like to hear. You’re my very first customers. Enjoy.” As he walked past Maggie she handed him more orders. “It’s Thursday, so it’s liver and bacon day. Don’t forget the extra gravy for Deano Wells.” Jason ruffled through the orders. “How will I know which one is his?” “He’s usually the only one who orders liver and bacon,” Colin said drily. Maggie shrugged. “We look after our customers.”

 “Maggie has her favourites and they get whatever they want,” Colin said as they retreated to the kitchen. “I just shut up and do as I’m told.” “Bollocks,” Maggie yelled behind them. “I’ll make sure to do the same thing.” Jason deliberately raised his voice and smirked at Colin when Maggie responded with a loud snort. “You’ll do just fine here,” Colin said.

 Jason really hoped so because he hadn’t got nearly enough of this kitchen. “Tell me that at the end of the lunch session.”   Jason worked hard for a couple of hours until the rush died off. He was clearing up the last of the dishes when Maggie came in and handed him an envelope. “What’s this?” He opened it to see a few ten pound notes. “Your pay for today.

You came for an interview, not to manage the kitchen. The job is yours if you want it.” He cheered inside, but there were practical details to sort out. “I’ll need to find somewhere to stay. I couldn’t do this journey every day.” Maggie pursed her lips before she said, “There’s a room upstairs if you want it. We used to run a B&B but after Colin’s stroke it became too much. There’s a room and a private bathroom.” Jason hesitated for only a second. Although Maggie didn’t know it, this was the answer to his prayers. He had the chance to get away and make a fresh start. Away from David, and away from all the friends who looked at him as though he was broken. Those that had even bothered to stay. “When do you want me to start?” He beamed at her and she grinned back.

 “You can start Monday, but Saturday is Cricket Day for the village. Why don’t you stay Friday night and meet everyone before you start work?” Jason opened his mouth to say it was too soon then closed it again. “Sure. I’ll drive over tomorrow evening, Mrs. Mason.” Maggie held out her hand. “Welcome to the family, son. Call me Maggie.” He dried his hand and shook it. “Thanks, Maggie. This means a lot to me.” “You’re welcome. Now finish cleaning those dishes.”

Mari's Review:

* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange of a fair and honest review. *

I’m in love with this series! Life in Little Mowbury is definitely not dull at all for it being a small country town and all. The secondary characters are just about as important as the main pairing and I adored their interactions and how, despite the gossiping and meddling, they all close ranks to defend the people they consider their own and that is just awesome to read.

We met Jason and Tom in the first book of the series. Tom is a midwife and Micah’s best friend. He’s reliable, has the patience of a saint, supporting and so understanding without being a wimp. I loved how he dealt with everything life threw his way.

Jason is a chef, he moves to Little Mowbury so he can move forward with his life, eighteen months after losing his husband to an accident. Things aren’t exactly what they seem, though, as we get little clues here and there that there’s more to this than what we’re told at first. (I so guessed right, too! Was so proud of myself once I got confirmation!)

Without exchanging more than kisses and steamy blowjobs at the beginning, this story had more chemistry between the characters than others that are filled with sex. I loved that they learned to be friends first, that even if there was attraction from both parts, Tom never pushed for more than Jason could give him and it never felt as if Jason was being selfish or anything because he didn’t give in.

This story was emotional, loving and it left me with a big smile in my face. It was lovely to see Jason being adopted into Maggie, Colin and Rich’s little family at the pub, and how he was integrated into the Little Mowbury’s big family. Maggie and Colin were a hoot and I hope to read more of them in the next series installment, which sounds pretty good, too, by the way!

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

BUY LINKS

TOUR SCHEDULE
April 15: Diverse Reader || Multitasking Mommas || UK Gay Romance
April 16: Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words || Cia's stories
April 17: Hearts on Fire Reviews || The Purple Rose Tea House
April 20: The Novel Approach
April 21: Prism Book Alliance
April 22: RJ Scott || Because Two Men Are Better Than One
April 23: Divine Magazine
April 24: Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings
April 27: Anne Barwell || Love Bytes Reviews
April 28: MM Good Book Reviews
April 29: Bayou Book Junkie
April 30: BFD Book Blog || Rainbow Gold Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn't following their orders, she be found haunting coffee shops to feed her coffee addiction. She spends hours people-watching instead of typing. She feeds the plot bunnies, not the word count. 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

GIVEAWAY
Win a copy of Lisa Worrall’s ‘Un-expected’ and 3 runners up will get to pick any one of Sue Brown’s books
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Cover Reveal: Simmering by S.E. Rise

Cover Reveal: Simmering by S.E. Rise
simmeringbanner

About the Book

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Title: Simmering
Author: S.E. Rise
Genre: Erotic Romance

Blurb:
Who would you rather find in your bedroom, a steamy hose-wielding fireman or a dangerously obsessed ex-boyfriend? What if you found both? Romance writer Allison Fairchild is growing frustrated with her first attempt at Erotica until she reads a well-timed magazine article. What working man makes the best lover? The article sparks an idea and her eyes are irresistibly drawn to the top-ranked firemen just across the street. It might be coincidence or driven by fate but it is all the motivation she needs.
Ali has herself assigned to a firehouse and is committed to doing her job; getting incredible sex stories from actual firefighters and, in the process, try not to become one. At least that’s her intention until she meets the Captain, a by-the-rules professional with an enticing off-duty wild streak. Ali and the Captain put their wills to the test to resist the chemistry heating up between them. But unbeknownst to Ali, her cheating ex-boyfriend has set his eyes upon her again and if he can’t have her, no one can.

Author Bio

Erotic and Horror author, S.E.Rise attended Austin Peay University on a track scholarship. Later in life, he became a Captain of an ALS Ambulance in 1996. On his off time, he enjoys salmon fishing and strives to do the impossible. He now lives in Alaska with his wife and children but in 2007, he published his first novel and continues to write gripping and enticing stories which leave readers breathless.

Links

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Virtual Tour: Just The Way You Are by E E Montgomery ~ (Author Interview, Excerpt + Giveaway)

Virtual Tour: Just The Way You Are by E E Montgomery ~ (Author Interview, Excerpt + Giveaway)
Book Information:
Author Name: E E Montgomery
Book Name: Just The Way You Are Series: Just Life #4
Can be read as a standalone, but there are elements in the other stories that will add depth to this one
Release Date: April 17, 2015
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Catt Ford

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Blurb: 

After ten years in an abusive relationship and a near-fatal knife wound, Jonathan Watson is finally free. Unused to being able to make even the smallest decision and smothered by family and well-meaning neighbors, he’s floundering in the real world. Jonathan is afraid of falling into another relationship too quickly and realizes he needs time to rediscover who he is before he attaches himself to another man.

He never counted on meeting Ben Urquhart, though. Ben tempts Jonathan to forget everything and take a leap. For Ben, it's love at first sight, and he doesn't want to take it slow. He wants to build a life with Jonathan, free from harm and full of laughter. But before they can take the next step, they must protect Jonathan from his possessive, threatening ex. Jonathan must find the courage to confront him and break the chains of his past before he can be truly free to build a future with Ben.

Pages or Words: 70,000 words

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

Excerpt: 

Chapter ONE

JONATHAN SHIVERED in the early morning air but not from the chill. He wrapped his arms around himself and groaned as his wound tugged against the movement. He relaxed slowly as the pain eased. From where he stood, he could see between the two apartment blocks to where the sun glinted off the Brisbane River. Five years ago he used to watch the ferries puddle their way up and down the river, dropping passengers here at Hamilton and across the way at Bulimba. He’d missed that view for a long time. He wondered if he’d miss the house now that he was leaving it.

The house was gray—morning gray, Anthony had called it, but it had always looked like unwashed, neglected underwear to him. The lines of the house were precise and symmetrical, unlike the yard. The front lawn bore scars, just like his chest. They were from his Cruiser skidding to a stop the night Anthony had sent him to kill Mark. His eyes burned as he thought how close he’d come to doing what his boyfriend told him to.

At the time, he didn’t think he had any other choice. It was kill or be killed. Literally. By the end of that night, Mark had been the only one left uninjured. Liam’s leg had thankfully healed quickly where Anthony had stabbed him. Anthony was still in hospital with a self-inflicted knife wound to the stomach, and Jonathan… Jonathan was done with that life. Anthony’s knife in his chest—so close to his heart it was clearly intended to be fatal—had cured him of whatever delusions he’d held onto that let him believe he was in love with the man. Even Anthony’s assertions that Jonathan was responsible for him being in a wheelchair since the car accident two years before wouldn’t get him to stay.

He was out of it now, or at least he would be as soon as the removalists came and took his stuff away. Then he could begin to heal. The first step had been to learn to breathe again after his lung collapsed when Anthony stabbed him. The next step… he didn’t know what the next step after this was. He wasn’t going to admit it to anyone, but he was just as terrified now, starting a life of his own—on his own—as he was when he thought he was going to die.

The trembling began again. Dizzy. Couldn’t catch his breath. He leaned beside the front door and forced himself to bring his mind back to the here and now and looked around again. There was a new section of fence now, and the Cruiser had been repaired and sat at the curb, waiting for him. His cousin must have had the damage repaired while Jonathan was in the hospital—learning how to make his lung work again after his boyfriend had tried to kill him. He shook the thoughts from his head. He had to stop thinking like this or he’d go mad.

Sleep last night had been impossible. The house had been cleaned, but nothing was going to completely remove the blood splattered on the white carpet. His blood.

A low rumble burbled through the air, and a truck turned onto the street. Jonathan’s heart raced. “You can do this,” he whispered, although he wasn’t quite sure which part of “this” he was talking about. It could be dealing with strangers on his own, or it could be leaving Anthony—finally. He pressed the heel of his hand over the dressing on his chest. Staying with Anthony was no longer an option.

The truck stopped and turned to reverse into the driveway. The high-pitched beeping made Jonathan jump and, to calm himself, he focused on the two men sitting in the cab. The driver looked young and blond, the passenger older and shriveled, his hair sticking out in unkempt tangles.

“Two people. Not Anthony. You’re outside, everything’s marked. You don’t need to go inside with them at all if you don’t want to. You can do this.” He counted his breaths in and out. The beeping stopped, the engine cut out, and the driver’s door opened.


Long, well-formed legs slipped from the cab, by-passing the step completely as a muscled body slid to the ground. Khaki cargo shorts bunched enticingly around a spectacular package before settling loosely around slim hips as the man’s boot-clad feet landed on the ground and he stood away from the truck. Jonathan moved his gaze up the body. The worn T-shirt did nothing to hide the trim stomach and prominent pecs and the sleeves framed the rounded deltoids perfectly. Jonathan sighed as he lifted his focus higher to see the man’s wide smile.


Author Interview:

Why did you choose to write m/m books?
I slipped into this genre for a number of reasons. I’d been reading M/F romances and becoming more and more annoyed at them because the women were always submissive sexually. It didn’t matter how strong the woman was in the rest of her life, once she hit the bed the balance of power shifted away from her. I figured, with two men, they could just be men. There didn’t have to be a dominant or submissive personality. They could be equals. The reason I keep writing in the genre is that there’s an imbalance in available literature. Everyone needs to be able to find and read a book that shows them they’re normal. There was plenty of M/M porn out there but people are about so much more than porn. Just like anyone else, gay men need things to read that validate them.

What inspired you to write this book?
The last book, Just in Time. My plotting is rather sporadic so a lot of what I write is a surprise to me. Jonathan was one of those surprises. My original outline was much simpler than the book ended up, and that was because Jonathan grabbed my attention. I was drawn to him from the beginning and almost immediately began wondering why he was in the relationship with Anthony and why he’d stayed there that long.

In this book for Ben it's love at first sight, do you believe in love at first sight?
Not for me personally. I’m not even the type of person who experiences insta-lust. I’m drawn to people who smell a particular way but that doesn’t always translate in a desire to touch. If the brain doesn’t attract me, the smell doesn’t do it on its own. I know people who say they fell in love at first sight, but most of them have then spent months getting to know the person before deepening the relationship anyway. For me, that’s not love at first sight, that’s attraction and potential, but if other people believe what they felt was love at first sight, I’ll respect their claim. They’re the only ones who know how they feel at any given moment. Just because I don’t understand it or haven’t experienced it for myself, doesn’t invalidate their emotions.

What's your favorite quality about each of these main characters?
I love the way Jonathan is uncertain and frightened but does it anyway. He has strength and bravery that don’t need to be shouted from the rooftops. I like the way he comes to accept his place in the world and the way he fights for his own bright spot in it.

Ben shows a different kind of strength. For the most part, Ben is completely laid back and accepting of anything, but if you know anything about outback Queensland, you know his peace was hard-won. He grew up in a place where there were clearly defined expectations of what made a man. He fits into that world, but it’s not his world. He’s strong enough to recognise that and confident enough to go after the world he wants for himself. It’s that strength and confidence that makes him the perfect partner for Jonathan.

What is your all time favorite book?
That is such a difficult question. I have a new favourite book every week. I have several favourite authors whose work I’ll read without checking the blurb or cover. Among those are Denise Rossetti, Mary Calmes and Suzanne Brockman. As far as a favourite book goes though, I’m going to have to give the same answer I give when someone asks me what my favourite wine is: I’m still looking for it.



About the author:
E E Montgomery wants the world to be a better place, with equality and acceptance for all. Her philosophy is: We can’t change the world but we can change our small part of it and, in that way, influence the whole. Writing stories that show people finding their own ‘better place’ is part of E E Montgomery’s own small contribution.

Thankfully, there’s never a shortage of inspiration for stories that show people growing in their acceptance and love of themselves and others. A dedicated people-watcher, E E finds stories everywhere. In a cafe, a cemetery, a book on space exploration or on the news, there’ll be a story of personal growth, love, and unconditional acceptance there somewhere.

Where to find the author:
You can contact E E Montgomery at eemontgomery11@gmail.comTwitter: @EEMontgomery1

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