Virtual Book Tour ~ A Kind of Truth by Lane Hayes ~ (5+ Star Review, Character Interview, Excerpt + Giveaway)
Rand O’Malley dreams of superstardom. He hopes to one day sing the blues like a rock god. Moving to New York City and hiring a new manager are steps to make his dreams a reality. But nothing moves as fast as Rand would like, and everyone has opinions, which include he keep certain pieces of himself quiet if he plans on making it in the Big Apple. Like his bisexuality.
Will Sanders is a gifted musician who dazzles Rand with his ability to coax gorgeous notes from an electric guitar one moment and play the piano like a professional the next. He’s a geek, but Rand isn’t concerned about Will’s pressed exterior clashing with his tattoos. His focus is music. Yet there’s something about Will that makes Rand think there’s much more to the quiet college student than he lets on. As Rand’s dreams begin to materialize, he’s forced to reconsider his priorities and find his own kind of truth. One that might include Will.
Pages or Words: 82,000 words
Categories: Bisexual, Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance
Watching Will’s face turn pink then red was extraordinarily entertaining. I nudged his elbow playfully and tried to gain control of my smile before it threatened to take over my entire face. When I couldn’t take the building pressure of emotion, I winked at the girls then leaned in and kissed his lips, loving that I took him by surprise. The elevator doors slid open a moment later. Will stepped into the empty corridor and gave me a wide-eyed incredulous stare.
“I cannot believe you just did that.”
“What? Kissed you on an elevator? It’s not like farting, ya know.”
Will huffed a sigh that clearly said he thought I was hopeless before turning to walk down the hall. “I was talking about the underwear comment but yeah, the kissing part was awkward too. No one wants to watch two people going at in a confined space. And besides, we’re supposed to be playing this strictly straight while we’re in public.”
He stopped to unlock the door to the classroom then pushed it open, pausing to give me a perturbed look before he moved inside ahead of me. I barked a quick laugh as I set my guitar on the back table and shrugged my jacket off.
“First of all, that was hardly going at it. It was a peck. You were the one advertising I left my clothes at your place in front of a couple cute girls. And who said anything about playing straight?”
“Were we not in the same room two mornings ago talking about this?”
“We were. In fact, we were naked in your bed. Decidedly un-straight. But the way I remember it, I was one who was holding back the gay while you were the one going for it. But let’s go back to the elevator. I think you purposefully blew my cover back there with those girls. Were you jealous?”
He snorted and rolled his eyes. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thanks.”
“It wasn’t a compliment,” he quipped as he made his way to the piano.
“Well, the next time you announce you’re holding my underwear hostage in a crowd, all bets are off, baby.” I gave him a lascivious once-over and waggled my eyebrows before tightening the strap on my guitar.
Will chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind. But I’m pretty sure your tighty-whities never came up. My comment was perfectly innocent. There’s a big difference between hats and underwear.”
“I’m on to you, Will. You wanted those girls to know something’s going on between us. They’re probably talking right now. Bet they’re wondering if we’re in here having sex. Hell, they could be outside that door listening. Maybe we should give ‘em something to talk about.” I made a show of unbuckling my belt and the top button on my 501s. “Is there a camera in this room?”
“Keep your pants on. I’ve got two months left till graduation and I’d prefer not to get kicked out of school, please,” Will said primly, smacking my hand away.
“You won’t get kicked out. I doubt we’d be the first anyway.”
I rezipped my jeans and started to back up, but at the last second, I reached out to cup his chin between my thumb and forefinger. I traced his jaw and let my thumb roam higher to caress his cheekbone just under his glasses. His eyes fluttered shut. I loved the contrast of his fair skin and darker lashes and eyebrows. He was so damn pretty. And those lips. They were sensuous. That was the word. I leaned in and brushed my nose against his. I could feel his breath on my lips. The urge to plunge my tongue inside and take what I was very sure we both wanted was strong, but I waited for his permission.
When he didn’t respond, I let my hand fall to my side and started to pull back. Maybe he really was serious about propriety in the classroom. I wasn’t used to curbing my impulses to suit someone’s else’s sensibilities. I’d spent twenty-five years doing only what I wanted. Screw anyone else. Now here I was, attempting to hide my gay side publicly while trying to follow Will’s lead in private. It felt strange, I thought, just as Will launched himself at me.
I grunted in surprise when he wrapped his arms around my neck and crashed his mouth over mine. He softened the connection and tilted his head as he raked his fingers through my hair. I responded but let him control the tempo. Until he tentatively licked my lips. Fuck, he tasted sweeter than I remembered. Like peppermint candy or hot chocolate. I pulled him flush against my chest and slid my tongue alongside his, twisting and colliding in a passionate fusion. When he gasped for air I pulled back only to have him grind his hips into mine and lick my jaw. He swayed into me with a moan and lost his footing.
“Steady there.”
Will was sexier than he knew, which spelled potential danger for me. It was better to let the music take over for now.
Rand- Yep! Next one is Star Wars!
Rand is an aspiring rockstar. He recently moved to NYC with his two bandmates, Tim and Cory to try to make his dreams come true. Rand is bi, but he made a promise to try to go the straight route to make his career work. He never expected hiding that part of himself would be an issue, but then he also never expected to meet Will, a geeky, shy and sweet music prodigy either.
So, I've read all but one of Lane's books, and I knew from the very beginning this would be my favorite. I fell in love with this couple long before they fell in love with each other. Rand and Will were opposites, but had enough in common to make them a perfect fit. They balanced each other perfectly. The chemistry was electrical and the sex was passionate, loving and hot as hell!!
I adored the storyline and I loved NYC as the backdrop. This was well written and it flowed so well. I couldn't put this down and I ate up the pages. I wanted the HEA, but not the end.
My review will never do justice to how much I loved this book or these characters, so I'm just going to stop now and say, I loved it and I highly recommend it!! Just go one click it!!!
Meet the author:
Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions in the 2014 and 2015 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and the coolest yellow Lab ever in an almost empty nest.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: Lane Hayes https://www.facebook.com/LaneHayes
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LaneHayesaauthor/
Twitter: @LaneHayes3 https://twitter.com/LaneHayes3
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7125719.Lane_Hayes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Tour Dates & Stops:
12-Jan
Prism Book Alliance, KathyMac Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, Hearts on Fire
14-Jan
Happily Ever Chapter, Nic Starr, Joyfully Jay, The Novel Approach
19-Jan
Havan Fellows, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Love Bytes
21-Jan
Unquietly Me, Gay Book Reviews,
26-Jan
Bayou Book Junkie, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Gay Media Reviews, Open Skye Book Reviews
28-Jan
Book Lovers 4Ever, Molly Lolly, Alpha Book Club, Full Moon Dreaming
2-Feb
BFD Book Blog, MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
4-Feb
Divine Magazine, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads
Rafflecopter Prize: $20 gift card from retailer of choice and choice of book from Lane’s backlist
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author Name: Lane Hayes
Book Name: A Kind of Truth
Series: A Kind Of
Book: One
Release Date: January 8, 2016
Blurb:
Rand O’Malley dreams of superstardom. He hopes to one day sing the blues like a rock god. Moving to New York City and hiring a new manager are steps to make his dreams a reality. But nothing moves as fast as Rand would like, and everyone has opinions, which include he keep certain pieces of himself quiet if he plans on making it in the Big Apple. Like his bisexuality.
Will Sanders is a gifted musician who dazzles Rand with his ability to coax gorgeous notes from an electric guitar one moment and play the piano like a professional the next. He’s a geek, but Rand isn’t concerned about Will’s pressed exterior clashing with his tattoos. His focus is music. Yet there’s something about Will that makes Rand think there’s much more to the quiet college student than he lets on. As Rand’s dreams begin to materialize, he’s forced to reconsider his priorities and find his own kind of truth. One that might include Will.
Pages or Words: 82,000 words
Categories: Bisexual, Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, Humor, M/M Romance, Romance
Excerpt:
Watching Will’s face turn pink then red was extraordinarily entertaining. I nudged his elbow playfully and tried to gain control of my smile before it threatened to take over my entire face. When I couldn’t take the building pressure of emotion, I winked at the girls then leaned in and kissed his lips, loving that I took him by surprise. The elevator doors slid open a moment later. Will stepped into the empty corridor and gave me a wide-eyed incredulous stare.
“I cannot believe you just did that.”
“What? Kissed you on an elevator? It’s not like farting, ya know.”
Will huffed a sigh that clearly said he thought I was hopeless before turning to walk down the hall. “I was talking about the underwear comment but yeah, the kissing part was awkward too. No one wants to watch two people going at in a confined space. And besides, we’re supposed to be playing this strictly straight while we’re in public.”
He stopped to unlock the door to the classroom then pushed it open, pausing to give me a perturbed look before he moved inside ahead of me. I barked a quick laugh as I set my guitar on the back table and shrugged my jacket off.
“First of all, that was hardly going at it. It was a peck. You were the one advertising I left my clothes at your place in front of a couple cute girls. And who said anything about playing straight?”
“Were we not in the same room two mornings ago talking about this?”
“We were. In fact, we were naked in your bed. Decidedly un-straight. But the way I remember it, I was one who was holding back the gay while you were the one going for it. But let’s go back to the elevator. I think you purposefully blew my cover back there with those girls. Were you jealous?”
He snorted and rolled his eyes. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thanks.”
“It wasn’t a compliment,” he quipped as he made his way to the piano.
“Well, the next time you announce you’re holding my underwear hostage in a crowd, all bets are off, baby.” I gave him a lascivious once-over and waggled my eyebrows before tightening the strap on my guitar.
Will chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind. But I’m pretty sure your tighty-whities never came up. My comment was perfectly innocent. There’s a big difference between hats and underwear.”
“I’m on to you, Will. You wanted those girls to know something’s going on between us. They’re probably talking right now. Bet they’re wondering if we’re in here having sex. Hell, they could be outside that door listening. Maybe we should give ‘em something to talk about.” I made a show of unbuckling my belt and the top button on my 501s. “Is there a camera in this room?”
“Keep your pants on. I’ve got two months left till graduation and I’d prefer not to get kicked out of school, please,” Will said primly, smacking my hand away.
“You won’t get kicked out. I doubt we’d be the first anyway.”
I rezipped my jeans and started to back up, but at the last second, I reached out to cup his chin between my thumb and forefinger. I traced his jaw and let my thumb roam higher to caress his cheekbone just under his glasses. His eyes fluttered shut. I loved the contrast of his fair skin and darker lashes and eyebrows. He was so damn pretty. And those lips. They were sensuous. That was the word. I leaned in and brushed my nose against his. I could feel his breath on my lips. The urge to plunge my tongue inside and take what I was very sure we both wanted was strong, but I waited for his permission.
When he didn’t respond, I let my hand fall to my side and started to pull back. Maybe he really was serious about propriety in the classroom. I wasn’t used to curbing my impulses to suit someone’s else’s sensibilities. I’d spent twenty-five years doing only what I wanted. Screw anyone else. Now here I was, attempting to hide my gay side publicly while trying to follow Will’s lead in private. It felt strange, I thought, just as Will launched himself at me.
I grunted in surprise when he wrapped his arms around my neck and crashed his mouth over mine. He softened the connection and tilted his head as he raked his fingers through my hair. I responded but let him control the tempo. Until he tentatively licked my lips. Fuck, he tasted sweeter than I remembered. Like peppermint candy or hot chocolate. I pulled him flush against my chest and slid my tongue alongside his, twisting and colliding in a passionate fusion. When he gasped for air I pulled back only to have him grind his hips into mine and lick my jaw. He swayed into me with a moan and lost his footing.
“Steady there.”
Will was sexier than he knew, which spelled potential danger for me. It was better to let the music take over for now.
Buy the book:
Character Interview:
Today I'm happy to welcome Rand and Will from A Kind of truth by Lane Hayes to Bayou Book Junkie!
Gentlemen, thanks so much for agreeing to this interview. It's a pleasure to have y'all here! Tell us a little about yourselves!
Hey, thanks for having us. I’m Rand and this is my boyfriend, Will. We live in New York City and—maybe I should just introduce myself and then you go. What do you think? Will is nodding yes, so here goes… I’m twenty-five and I’m lead singer of a freaking amazing band, Spiral. You may have heard us on the radio. If not, you will. We’re taking over!
Will- And you’re very modest too.
Rand- There’s no point in being humble. If you’re good, you’re good. It doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement, but false modesty is lame.
Will- I’m rolling my eyes. Let’s move on. I’m Will. I’m twenty-two and I’m currently in graduate school at NYU studying musical theater writing. It’s a lofty goal but I’d love to be the next Andrew Lloyd Weber or Stephen Sondheim some day.
Rand- You’ll do it, Will. This guy is easily the most talented musician I’ve ever met.
What has been the greatest challenge in your relationship?
Will- Ha! I can’t wait to hear how he answers this one. For me… it’s all kind of amazing. The most challenging part is balancing school with Spiral’s practices and tour dates.
Rand- Our relationship comes first. We know we can’t avoid being separated because of travel occasionally, but anything over 5 days is a red flag and anything over a week just isn’t happening. How’d I do?
Will (chuckles): Very well.
What are your favorite qualities about your partner?
Rand- Your turn to go first, babe. This oughtta be good.
Will- It is. I love Rand’s huge heart and his silly sense of humor. And I love his unflagging persistence. It drives me crazy too, but it’s what makes him extraordinary.
Rand- Damn. Thanks.
Will- Don’t mention it.
Rand- I love everything about him, but if I had to name a favorite… I love that Will gets me. He’s patient, smart, funny and he calls me on my BS.
What's your partners sexiest feature?
Will- Ha! Everything. Um… your mouth. You have a really sexy mouth.
Rand (chuckles)- I’m gonna say your eyes. And your ass. I also love your di—
Will- Got it! Thank you, honey.
What do you value most in your friends?
Will- Loyalty, honesty, humor
Rand- Good answers. I’d say the same things and I’d add non-judgmental. Our friends are an eclectic group but we all respect that we’re from different places and have had different experiences.
What is your favorite song?
Will & Rand- both laugh
Rand- I can’t answer that question. I can name five, but I’d be leaving out twenty or more that belong in a Top 10. Here goes: Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil”, Muddy Water’s “Baby Please Don’t Go”, Led Zeppelin “A Fool in the Rain”, Van Morrison “Gloria” and Aretha Franklin “Respect”. And yeah, I just thought of five more.
Will- I’m with Rand. There’s no way a musician can name one song. I’ll give you five off the top of my head too. Rolling Stones “Satisfaction”, Elton John “Tiny Dancer”, Cole Porter “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, Gershwin “The Man I Love” and The Beatles “A Day in the Life”.
Rand- Talk about eclectic! Geez.
What movie will you watch over and over again?
Will & Rand (together): Harry Potter.
Will- We love the entire series. As long as we watch them at home so Rand doesn’t have to keep quiet in a theater, we can do a respectable marathon. We’ve done it a couple times already.
Rand- Yep! Next one is Star Wars!
5 ++ Stars!! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!!
**copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for an honest review**
So, I've read all but one of Lane's books, and I knew from the very beginning this would be my favorite. I fell in love with this couple long before they fell in love with each other. Rand and Will were opposites, but had enough in common to make them a perfect fit. They balanced each other perfectly. The chemistry was electrical and the sex was passionate, loving and hot as hell!!
I adored the storyline and I loved NYC as the backdrop. This was well written and it flowed so well. I couldn't put this down and I ate up the pages. I wanted the HEA, but not the end.
My review will never do justice to how much I loved this book or these characters, so I'm just going to stop now and say, I loved it and I highly recommend it!! Just go one click it!!!
Meet the author:
Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions in the 2014 and 2015 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and the coolest yellow Lab ever in an almost empty nest.
Where to find the author:
Facebook: Lane Hayes https://www.facebook.com/LaneHayes
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/LaneHayesaauthor/
Twitter: @LaneHayes3 https://twitter.com/LaneHayes3
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7125719.Lane_Hayes
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Aaron Anderson
Tour Dates & Stops:
12-Jan
Prism Book Alliance, KathyMac Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, Hearts on Fire
14-Jan
Happily Ever Chapter, Nic Starr, Joyfully Jay, The Novel Approach
19-Jan
Havan Fellows, Three Books Over The Rainbow, Love Bytes
21-Jan
Unquietly Me, Gay Book Reviews,
26-Jan
Bayou Book Junkie, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Gay Media Reviews, Open Skye Book Reviews
28-Jan
Book Lovers 4Ever, Molly Lolly, Alpha Book Club, Full Moon Dreaming
2-Feb
BFD Book Blog, MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
4-Feb
Divine Magazine, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads
Rafflecopter Prize: $20 gift card from retailer of choice and choice of book from Lane’s backlist
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Loved this book so much!!! Rand and Will are just perfect for each other! Love the interview with them lol. Congrats on a great book!
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