Thank you so much to Bayou Book Junkie for hosting me here, today! I wanted to take a few moments to discuss a specific aspect of an important side character in my latest release, Alpha Heat.
While the romance in Alpha Heat centers around two alphas, Urho and Xan, there is a side character, Caleb, who plays an important role in the book. He’s an asexual/aromantic omega and I wanted to take a moment to discuss some of the steps I took to try to ensure that he came across in a way that would not offend or upset those on the ace/aro spectrum.
The main thing I did was try to write him with as much insight into how he would feel about himself/his sexuality in the context of the universe the Heat of Love series is set in—a universe where reproduction is prized and the special, spiritual, mating bond known as Erosgape is treasured above all else. I figured that he would have some realistically negative feelings associated with his predicament, but I also wanted him to be strong and certain in himself and his boundaries.
The most important thing I wanted to get across about Caleb was the depth of his love. While Caleb doesn’t feel romantic love or sexual attraction, he is, without a doubt, one of the most loving characters I’ve ever written. He is giving, accepting, warm, and protective. He loves deeply. I wanted to make sure he used the word ‘love’ often because I didn’t want to feed into any stereotype or misconception that aromantic/asexual people aren’t capable of deep and abiding love—just of a different sort.
Lastly, I was lucky enough to have an ace/aro beta reader offer to look over the manuscript for me. She was able to tip me off to a few places that needed to be re-evaluated, but otherwise she reported being happy to see an asexual/aromantic character be granted a happy ending (along with the mains, of course) without having to change.
Frankly, Caleb was easy to write in almost every way. He was honest, loving, open, and willing to share. He wanted the best for the main characters and worked hard to ensure it. He made my job easy! I’d love to write more of him and plan to do some shorts featuring him for my Patreon subscribers this summer. (As soon as I finish editing a couple of books and get a few other things marked off my to-do list!)
One of the main themes in the Heat of Love universe is the exploration of different kinds of love: soul mate love, friendship love, love that grows slowly over time. And I have enjoyed exploring those kinds of love, and the inevitability of them, within a universe that has strict rules about the acceptable kinds of love. It allows for a tension that exposes the truth about love.
Thank you for reading about the side character of Caleb in my latest release, Alpha Heat. Book one in the series, Slow Heat, is also now available in audiobook, narrated by the amazing Michael Ferraiuolo. Be sure to check that out if you enjoy listening to books! Thank you for your readership!
Length: 130,000 words approx.
Cover Design: Dar Albert @ Wicked Strange Designs
Heat of Love Series
Blurb
Young Xan Heelies knows he can never have what he truly wants: a passionate romance and happy-ever-after with another alpha. It’s not only forbidden by the prevailing faith of the land, but such acts are illegal.
Urho Chase is a middle-aged alpha with a heartbreaking past. Careful, controlled, and steadfast, his friends dub him old-fashioned and staid. When Urho discovers a dangerous side to Xan’s life that he never imagined, his world is rocked and he’s consumed by desire. The carefully sewn seams that held him together after the loss of his omega and son come apart—and so does he.
But to love each other and make a life together, Xan and Urho risk utter ruin. With the acceptance and support of Caleb, Xan’s asexual and aromantic omega and dear friend, they must find the strength to embrace danger and build the family they deserve.
This gay romance novel by Leta Blake is the second in the Slow Heat universe. It’s 130,000 words, with a strong happy ending and a well-crafted, non-shifter Omegaverse. It features alphas, betas, omegas, male pregnancy, heat, and knotting. No cheating. Content warning for brief sexual violence.
May 15 - The Novel Approach, OMG Reads
May 19 - Love Bytes, My Fiction Nook, Cupcakes & Bookshelves, Mainely Stories
May 20 - MM Good Book Reviews
May 21 - Making It Happen, Dog-Eared Daydreams
May 22 - Bayou Book Junkie
May 23 - Mirrigold, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Diverse Reader, Wicked Faerie's Tales & Reviews, V's Reads, Oh My Shelves, Lillian Francis, Sexy Erotic Xciting, Kimmer's Erotic Book Banter, Gay Media Reviews
May 24 - Joyfully Jay
Author Bio
Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letablake
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LetaBlake
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letablake
Website: https://letablake.wordpress.com
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