Giveaways

Intrigue in THE BLACK LOTUS–Review & Giveaway

The black lotus tour bannerHi there! Today I’m sharing a review for an historical paranormal/ magical romance set in 1750s England. THE BLACK LOTUS by Claire Warner is an interesting read, featuring a headstrong debut, an immortal rake and some seriously messed up “familial relations”.

Catch an excerpt and review and be sure to enter the giveaway below.

The Black Lotus ebook coverAbout the book:
….though I would dearly love to play court to you, I would hurt you more than any other.

It is 1752.
The year that will change the life of heiress Melissa De Vire. As she makes her first fumbling steps into society, she meets the handsome young cad Justin Lestrade and his world tears her perceptions apart. For Justin is more than he appears and his secrets and enemies are manifold. Drawn irresistibly to him, she finds herself sinking into a realm of feuds, magic and old curses and her life will never again be the same.

How about a little taste?

“Justin?” He turned as she spoke, “I think you should pursue Melissa De Vire.” He dropped what he had been holding and walked towards her. “What?” Utter shock permeated his tones and he stared down at her as though he could not believe what he had just heard. “You must be mad.”

“No, just practical.” Unconcerned by the anger on his face, Emily reached down and pulled the gold bracelet back onto her wrist. “You like her, that much is obvious and she seems to have some interest in you, despite her transparent denials.”

For a long moment, Justin said nothing, stunned by the words that were coming out of
Emily’s mouth. “Haven’t you just convinced me that this existence is so much hell, that you would lie with someone you don’t care for just to rid yourself of it? Why would you ask me to pursue someone I couldn’t be with? Do you hate me that much?”

Emily turned away and sat down in one of the chairs. “I don’t hate you Justin, but if you don’t take her and make her yours you will regret it.” She picked up her bonnet and began pulling at the flowers set into it. “Alistair already knows about her, give it a little time and she will be linked with us. I’d much rather you drag her along rather than leave her to be fodder for John.”

“So how does my brother know about Melissa?” Justin’s voice was dangerously quiet as
he stood opposite her. “Have you stirred the pot again?” He turned and slammed his fist into the wall. “I thought you were past these petty games. Real people are at stake.”

“Yes.” She stood and faced him. “Real people are at stake and if you do not act this time, John will merely take her from you in the same way he took Anna.” She grabbed his fist and brushed the drops of blood from the knuckles. “Do you not realise yet that there is nothing that you can do to hide her from him.”

“I’ve spoken to her once.” He hoped that she did not see through the lie, “And that has been all. God curse it Emily, she may only be intrigued, do not turn this into a grand love affair on the basis of one conversation.” He pulled his hand free and seized the back of her neck. “If you start this, you’d better be prepared to face the consequences.”

Emily laughed in his face. “Don’t threaten me darling, I won’t take it.” Her hand snaked around his wrist and she pressed hard on the joints, causing him to gasp in pain. “I will not spend the next few decades suffering from your ill temper. Don’t forget love, that I know you almost as well as you know yourself.”

Justin allowed his hand to drop from her skin and whispered. “Then why would push this? I am interested yes, but I know that I can’t have her. John need only know that I flirted with her, as I do with many women.”

“I push because John will know regardless. He has his spies and he will find out.”

My Review:
This is a very very very long historical paranormal romance. I think I may have truly enjoyed the story if it had been 200 pages shorter.

Melissa is debuting in her London season when she meets the enigmatic rake Justin Lestrade, newly returned from the colonies to take up his family estate. He’s a bona fide rake with dubious connections. Melissa, who is very different from “polite society” must be sequestered after her disastrous debut, because the scandal of her yelling and slapping an attacker is too headstrong for the lads of London to accept in a suitable wife.

Going back to the country, Melissa learns that her estate is close to that of the ruined Lestrade homestead. The county is rife with gossip regarding both Melissa and Justin Lestrade for different reasons. They do find cause to meet up, both taken with each other and fearing a future. For different reasons. Headstrong does not begin to describe Melissa. Reckless, feckless and foolish would be better adjectives.

I’m usually a fan of a plucky historical heroine, but Melissa is really a woman out-of-time, here. It’s London 1760s or so, and she seems one step from burning her corset and demanding autonomy. She knowingly associates with persons that will undoubtedly make her unmarriagable, and this is okay because she doesn’t want a strange man/husband lording it over her all the time. Buck up, Mellie, all is completely lost due to your own frippery.

Justin and his family have dark secrets. These dark secrets have to do with Justin’s recognized intelligence well beyond his years, which are (supposedly) numbered at 19. Let’s just say that the curse of Lestrade is unique, but confers unwelcome and gruesome side effects. Is he involved with the mysterious disappearances and deaths of young maidens in the London area?

Well, the mystery of the dead women is pertinent to the story, but not directly Lestrade’s fault. Justin and Melissa sense a developing bond though they have little contact. There are players at work behind the scenes that are hostile in practice and malevolent in intent. It is a race to see if they will uncover the budding affection between these unsuited lovers, and how they will upset this burgeoning apple cart. The magic behind the mystery is complicated and rightfully deemed a curse.

I had wished the work was a bit less verbose and repetitive. It definitely hampered my enjoyment. Also, the book ends, but the story does not. It seems that the end comes at the climax, and there is a whole new adventure to unwind in a new book–with Melissa rising from the ashes of her family’s downfall. Really a depressing end, even if the love story is beginning to get underway.

Interested?You can find THE BLACK LOTUS on Goodreads, Amazon, and Amazon UK.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $10 Amazon GC or a copy of the book.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

claire warnerAbout the Author in Ms. Warner’s words
When I was a child, I made up games and characters when my sister and I played with dolls. As I grew older, I would make up scenarios and scenes, fully intending to write them down but never finding the time. In my late teens, I discovered the world of role playing and settled into an avid ‘geeky’ life of D&D, comics, sci-fi and fantasy fiction. Years passed and I finally gave voice to the stories in my head. I write romance, fantasy, action and adventure. I love tales of steampunk and history, tales of magical powers and dark curses lurking in the shadows. Though The Black Lotus is not my first attempt at a novel, it is the first I have finished.

And some fun facts about me:
I sew.
My favourite Disney film is Atlantis.
I’ve been a film extra and stood 5 feet away from Sam Rockwell.
Babylon 5 is my fave sci-fi show.
I cried at the end of Toy Story 3.

Find Claire online on her website, Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Down The Rabbit Hole: CLOSE TO DESTINY-Review & Giveaway

Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a contemporary romance with paranormal elements from Adria J Cimino. CLOSE TO DESTINY is tumble through the metaphysical for a young woman rebuilding her life after surviving anorexia and multiple suicide attempts.

Catch my review below and enter to win a book from Ms. Cimino.

About the book:
Kat is struggling to get her life back together and put her anorexia and suicide attempts behind her. She must expel the mysterious inner demons that have plagued her for years, and patch up the rocky relationship with her fiancé.

But when she arrives in London for a therapeutic art project, an encounter with an enigmatic woman named Destiny upsets her views of reality and plunges her into a quest for the truth about her past—an astonishing past that reaches back well before her birth.

After midnight, Destiny leads Kat to extravagant parties at an eerie luxury hotel and introduces her to a man who seems to know her better than she knows herself. Kat tries to convince herself this is all part of a strange dream. But as evidence mounts suggesting otherwise, Kat is torn between fascination and fear.

Will Kat run away, or will she seize the fleeting opportunity to change her life and find true love?

Alternating between the reality of day and the mystery of night, Close to Destiny by best-selling author Adria J. Cimino is a magical realism story of déjà vu and righting past wrongs.

My Review:
Katherine is a young woman whose life seems way too difficult. She’s struggled with anorexia, depression and suicidal ideation (and attempts) for the last several years. She’s worked with a therapist for some time, but feels as if she’s getting nowhere close to recovery. Her art therapy, however, seems to hold promise and she’s contacted by another therapist, Gwen, who works out of London and would like to display the charcoal drawings Kat’s made.

It’s as good an excuse as any Kat needs to leave her life behind for a bit. Recharge, restart, she imagines might occur. And time away from her emotionally distant, philandering fiancé is probably not a bad idea either.

From the start of her London adventure, Kat seems pulled into a separate world of the Grand East Hotel. Awakened by a nude woman in the middle of the night is the first of her unsettling experiences. When the same woman, calling herself Destiny, appears a couple nights later and drags pajama-clad Kat to a glamorous soiree, Kat isn’t sure what’s real and what’s in her head. Is this all a dream? A psychotic break? And what of Will, the man Destiny is determined for Kat to meet.

Is Will real? His kisses certainly are, but Kat’s easily overcome and unsure. The deeper Kat falls into the maze of her enchanted hotel, the more she cannot decipher the truth. The stately ballroom where her night time adventures always lead is far from the daylight reality. She meets some of her nighttime companions in the day–outside of the hotel even–but she can’t trust what they tell her. It can’t be real, this past lives intruding upon the present, can it? And then there’s her depression. It’s ebbing, the more time she spends with Destiny and Will.

As Kat struggles to make sense of the happenings around her, she learns that she’s strong enough to return to her former life. Or, is that yet another escape? Will and Destiny are convinced that Kat suffers from a haunting guilt due to poor decisions in another life. Could Will truly be the soulmate she was once denied?

This is an interesting romp through the psyche. Starting with a woman whose worldview is skewed and unreliable, was an excellent choice because it left me constantly guessing, like Kat, what was real. That had the (unintended perhaps) effect of keeping me constantly wary, however, and hampered my bonding with Kat. That said, I was able to get into the haunting aspects–because it seems there are some “ghostly” experiences to be had in this story. Again, it’s not clear if the visions Kat experiences are all in her mind, but the physical manifestations of those encounters has me leaning toward some true interaction with the spirit realm, some of which is clearly brokered by Destiny. It’s a curious book that ends with most of the questions answered and Kat on stable emotional ground for the first time in her adult life. I enjoyed the circuitous path, for all that the language is spare and the chapters short.

Interested? You can find CLOSE TO DESTINY on Goodreads and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a copy of Paris, Rue des Martyrs from Ms. Cimino.
Good luck and keep reading my friends.

About the Author:
Adria J. Cimino is the author of Amazon Best-Selling novel Paris, Rue des Martyrs and Close to Destiny, as well as The Creepshow (out in Spring 2016) and A Perfumer’s Secret (also out in Spring 2016). She also co-founded boutique publishing house Velvet Morning Press. Prior to jumping into the publishing world full time, she spent more than a decade as a journalist at news organizations including The AP and Bloomberg News. Adria is a member of Tall Poppy Writers, which unites bright authors with smart readers.

Adria writes about her real-life adventures on her website, and on Twitter. She lives in Paris with her husband Didier and daughter Phèdre. When she isn’t writing, you can find Adria at her neighborhood café watching the world go by or on Facebook.

Book Blast and Giveaway: DRAGON DREAMS AND FAIRY WINGS!

BannerTemplate(12)Hi there! I’m sharing an excerpt and giveaway for a new M/M erotic fantasy romance from Bailey Bradford.  I heard “dragon shifters” and “fairies” and was totally hooked. DRAGON DREAMS AND FAIRY WINGS is now live in pre-release, and will be available everywhere next week.

Check out the great excerpt and get in on the book giveaway.

DDFW - 400x600About the book:
What happens when a fairy loses his wings–and his memory?
Griff was born a Love fairy, but he never quite fit in. He didn’t want to be part of a harem, at least…he didn’t think he wanted that. What with his wings gone and his memory damaged, he can’t be certain of what he felt in the past. All he does know is, he wants his wings back. Without them, he’s grounded.

Blaze is a dragon shifter who tends to stick his foot in his mouth…and some other parts in other places…when he really shouldn’t. His brother is the king, and his sister-in-law Bonny is scary. Blaze’s last screw-up got him grounded, unable to shift into his dragon form. His punishment seems harsh to him, but there’s no escaping it.

Then the Love fairies come to the castle to work on forming an alliance. Blaze has about had it with guarding the horny beings, and he’s disappointed that they don’t stay small and cute. He almost commits a major faux-pas when he swats at something buzzing him, and it turns out to be a fairy on a dragonfly.

And from that snarky meeting, something wonderful, and dangerous, will come.

How about a little taste?

Blaze was disappointed as all Hades. The fairies weren’t little all the time. They were tiny when they came in, but quickly morphed to regular sized beings, if not taller than most of the dragons when the dragons were in the two-legged form.

And holy dragon balls, Blaze did not know why anyone would want a harem! Okay, well, there was the sex, and lots of it, probably, but so far there’d been more bickering and outright fighting than anything sexy! He’d had to break up six altercations, and the fairies had only been in their accommodations for an hour!

This was going to be a long, suck-ass assignment.

The fairies sure were beautiful, though. Granted, he hadn’t seen each and every one of them. He’d seen the king, and some of the harem members. Every one of them was gorgeous, delicate-featured, lithe, and limber—that last one might not be true, but he was going to go with it, because… hot! Bendy fairies… Blaze adjusted his cock before it could pop up and embarrass him. He wondered if maybe, because they were Love fairies, they had special powers of attraction and such. He’d been fighting down boners ever since he’d been brought out to meet the Love fairy king, Artaxis.

Not that Artaxis even gave him a cursory glimpse. Blaze didn’t blame him. Artaxis was beautiful, like all the fairies Blaze had seen so far, and Blaze was… Well, there was nothing delicate about a dragon’s features, that was for sure. And lithe might apply to some of the other dragons in differing warrens, but not in any Blaze knew of.

With Blaze’s shocking orange hair and bronze skin… and freckles, another thing that was a burden to bear. How many times when he’d been a child had he been teased about having shit splatters on his face? Was it any wonder at all that he hated his human form? At least his scales made the freckles unnoticeable for the most part when he was a dragon. And Blaze was forever scarred from being told his freckles were caused by watching other creatures using the dragon dumping grounds. That was also the cause for styes in the eyes, according to old dragons’ tales.

Blaze had never in his life had a sty, and he’d maybe, sorta accidentally, seen an orc once in the dumping grounds. If anything was going to give someone a sty, that should have done it.

Blaze smacked himself on the forehead. Why did his mind spin around to such stupid thoughts?

Well, it’d curbed his arousal. He hoped the fairies weren’t going to hang around long. He didn’t need the struggle with his dick, and he sure didn’t need the blow to his ego—so far, none of the fairies had acknowledged him or even looked at him unless he was breaking up a fight involving them. Even then, he didn’t think he registered as more than a big, lumbering weirdo.

He watched a dozen fairies walk toward the baths. They were so pale and pretty, and that long hair was amazing. Then he realized something wonderful. They were naked!

It was wonderful because there were so many gorgeous naked fairies. Yet it was horrible, too, because he was never going to have blood anywhere else but in his cock again unless he got some sort of control over his libido. When the fairies’ hair swung just right, he saw glimpses of nicely rounded buttocks.

Blaze groaned and closed his eyes. He couldn’t look. He’d end up taking his shaft out right there and jacking himself to completion, and he didn’t have to think about it to know that wouldn’t go over well with Fyre or Bonny.

He had to leave the hall next to the harem rooms, where he’d been standing, waiting for the next fight to break out. Blaze couldn’t wait for more naked fairies to come out. He’d lose it and yeah, end up being grounded for a century.

It was easy to slip away, outside, into the heat of the sunlight. Blaze bit his lip until it hurt bad enough to kill his arousal. He was really going to have to get it together—if he could just figure out what it was.

A strange sound reached his ears. It was a fluttering, buzzing sound. He turned his head and frowned when he saw a gold-gilded dragonfly buzzing toward the entrance of the secondary palace where the fairies were staying.

Contrary to popular belief, dragons didn’t look at dragonflies as cute little relatives. They looked at them as bugs.

Blaze raised a hand to swat it away when it was within reach.

 This book sounds like an absolute hoot!

Interested? You can find DRAGON DREAMS AND FAIRY WINGS on Goodreads. Pick it up RIGHT NOW on Rainbow Ninja Press or PayHip, or preorder on Amazon Smashwords or AllRomance for release 2/25.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win an e-copy of DRAGON DREAMS AND FAIRY WINGS.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:

These things always give me fits. Basically, I am an author of erotic romance. Besides being an author, I am a mother, a grandmother, a wife, and a combination of many other things that make my life joyous day in and day out. Unless someone swipes my coffee. Then it gets pretty ugly quickly.

Catch up with Bailey online on her blog, Facebook, Goodreads, and twitter.

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Broken Love REFIRED–Review & Giveaway!

refired-BannerTemplateHi there! Today I’m excited to share a realistic M/M reconnection romance from BA Tortuga. REFIRED is the story of two men separated by alcoholism: one who struggles with it, and the other who fears it’s disastrous influence. They are otherwise a great match, if one can forgive and forget…

Check out my review below and be sure to enter to win TWO ebooks from Ms. Tortuga.

RefiredFSAbout the book:

When Kris Cerny walks back into Two Spirits, the art gallery he owns with Josh McPhee, all he wants is a clean break. Austin’s booming real estate market means the building he bought years ago is worth a fortune, and with the sale, he and Josh can finally go their separate ways. They won’t be reconciling, right? Josh may be sober now, but an addict is always going to be an addict, and Kris can’t take that chance again.

Josh isn’t willing to sell. Not yet. He’s discovered a new artist in Santa Fe he knows will put Two Spirits in the black, and if he can just make a success of the gallery, maybe he can earn Kris’s respect, if not recapture his love. He needs Kris to give him time for one more buying trip, one more gallery show. Josh wants nothing more than a final chance to make things right. Kris agrees to let Josh have this last ditch effort on one condition– he wants to go along for the ride. On the way Josh hopes they’ll find the next big thing in the art world as well as peace, forgiveness, and a love he thought was lost forever.

 How about a little taste!

Josh sat there in the office that had been his for seven years, two months, and three days, looking at the cowboy who he’d thought, once upon a time, was going to be his one and only, feeling a little like he was drunk.

He rolled the five-year-sober token between his fingers, letting it settle him. Not drunk. Not even a bit.

“What? What did you say to me?” He left off the you sorry son of a bitch part.

“We got a buyer for the gallery.” Kris stared at him, calm as could be, one hip settled on the edge of his desk.

“The gallery isn’t for sale.” He owned half, dammit. Still.

Kris nodded easily. “Frankly they just want the building. Quite an offer. I don’t see how we can pass it up.”

“The gallery isn’t for sale.” He was fairly sure the words were succinct enough for Mr. Business.

“The neighborhood has changed, Josh. It’s not a boho, arty area anymore. It’s all high-priced condos and tapas bars.” Kris’s expression softened just slightly. “I think it’s time to let it go.”

This wasn’t about the gallery. This was about them. Him and Kris.

“No.”

“Josh, please at least look at the offer.” Kris stood, straightening his fancy cattleman’s. God, he looked like a stuffed suit. Kris looked better in beat-up Wranglers.

“I’m not interested.” Josh felt like sitting down and pounding the floor with his fist. This wasn’t right. None of it. He knew he was a fuckup. Had been a fuckup. But he was working his shit out.

The gallery was back to breaking even, if not making a profit. Josh thought he deserved a chance to get some good new artists in for a show.

“Then are you going to buy me out?” Kris asked.

Fuck. Kris knew he couldn’t do that. The business finances were an open book. Josh wasn’t even taking a salary for another three years to pay back Kris’s initial investment.

“I don’t have to. We’re equal partners. All I have to do is say no.”

Kris frowned, dark brows drawing together over his bright green eyes. “Dammit, Josh, how long are you going to pretend this is going to work?”

He touched the coin again. Five years. Five years sober. Five years proving he could be trusted. Five years and it wasn’t enough.

“This gallery is my life.” Simple as that. He had no friends anymore, no one. He came to work and went to meetings. He hadn’t gone out to dinner with Kris since…. Christ. Christmas? Maybe? Had they even done Christmas?

“Then what do you want me to do? The building is really the only asset.”

“I’m going on a buying trip. Santa Fe area. Why are we even talking about this?” Why are you even here? Go find another project.

Kris was, like, the king of finance now or something. He had investments all over, could probably walk away from the gallery without even taking a money hit.

“Buying? With what? Your good looks?”

 My Review:

Josh and Kris had a strong love back in college. They were in each other’s pockets, deep. But their partying ways caught up to them. Josh gave up art, drinking his days away–whenever they didn’t have a showing at the gallery, Two Spirits, Kris had purchased for Josh to run. Kris has a bad history with alcoholism and it took a nearly tragic incident to realize: 1. that Josh had a serious problem 2. that Josh’s drinking was a serious problem for him.

When Josh couldn’t get clean, Kris cut ties.

Nearly seven years later Kris has come back to Two Spirits, to Josh with an offer. The building Kris owns, the gallery Josh has managed faithfully, soberly–for the past five years–has an offer for purchase. Josh wants to keep the place, Kris does not, but gives Josh 30 days to bring one more art show to the space, one that will raise it’s sagging reputation.

As Josh prepares to set out on the hunt for an artist he’s heard tales about, Kris decides to go along. Their chemistry is off the charts, and Josh’s in a whirlwind. Does Kris want him back? This has been his fervent hope all throughout recovery. All throughout his sobriety. Josh sees Kris’ willingness to sell Two Spirits as the end of their relationship, and Kris does, too. He wants a clean break from the man who had been his heart and world so many years ago. Plus, he knows that if he sells the property he can give Josh enough money to start over again.

While out to meet the artist, Cypress, near Santa Fe, Kris and Josh rekindle their romance. It’s wondrous and heady. Josh struggles, calling his sponsor back in Austin daily to keep himself grounded. He has never told Kris about his years in AA, and Kris is constantly waiting for Josh to screw up, take a drink. When Kris thinks this happens, their idyll is over.

This is  a bittersweet read. Two men who clearly love each other, and yet cannot stay connected. Kris has never confided his deepest secrets regarding his mother’s battle with alcoholism, and how that broke his family both physically and emotionally. He has been trained to keep his family’s secrets, and his twin sister and father maintain a “scorched Earth” policy of forgiveness; burned once = forever lost.

With the fate of Two Spirits determined, Josh has to heal from the loss of his love and his livelihood. He goes back to art, and it’s the best medicine for him. Kris has some soul searching to do, and to clear the morass of his life away until all that remains is the love he might reclaim. I loved the secondary characters in this: Cypress the native artist, Zack, Josh’s AA sponsor, even The Judge and Tyna, Kris’ father and sister fill in so many gaps.

Like all books where addiction is part of the story, forgiveness is the key to redemption. This is a process, much like art. It only grows based on what you commit to it. Kris has withheld his forgiveness so long, feeling powerless to give it, based on his youth. Now, as a man, he sees the choices laid out before him and the ramifications of those decisions. Will he live an empty life? Can he, after that brief respite with Josh, bear to be alone? Or, can he make the changes necessary to be a full partner to a Josh who has remade his life into one of use and purpose, all without any prodding from Kris?

I’ll be truthful, while I found Kris a sympathetic character, I really didn’t like him for much of the book. He felt like a selfish man, using and abusing Josh’s emotions. I may not have liked him, but I did understand him–and I was glad that he was finally truthful with Josh regarding his family’s tragedy. Kris makes a complete 180 as the book winds out, but it took me time to trust him, and that was okay. Not every character needs to be immediately likable. Josh was earnest and compassionate and larger than life. His growth after meeting Cypress and finding his art again was stunning and joyful. I had complete satisfaction with Kris and Josh repairing their relationship, charting a new course. The art references were lovely, and the hints at native mysticism were a fantastic touch. This is truly a love story, but one that takes the hard road to get there. And that made is oh-so-real for me.

I can easily see this book spun into a series featuring the separate love stories of Cypress and Zack. They have men in their lives already with whom they dearly desire to reconnect.

Interested? You can find REFIRED on Goodreads, Dreamspinner Press (ebook and paperback) Amazon (US and UK) Barnes & Noble and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win two ebooks from BA Tortuga (The Terms of Release and Articles of Release)
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:
Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy’s Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she’s not doing that, she’s writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing porn sites in the name of research. BA’s personal saviors include her wife (still amazing to say that), Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has gone to the high desert mountains and fallen in love. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery ménages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

You can find BA online on her blog, Facebook, twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Executing a BONDAGE RESCUE–Review & Giveaway!

BannerTemplate(11)
Hi there! Today I’m sharing a review for a new book in Morticia Knight’s contemporary M/M BDSM romance Kiss of Leather series. I enjoyed both BUILDING BONDS and SAFE LIMITS, so I naturally wanted to read BONDAGE RESCUE. All throughout these books I’ve liked the strong relationships that develop–with the hint of kink that’s ever present.

Check out the excerpt, my review and get in on the book giveaway below.

bondagerescue_800_3About the book:
Kyle’s best friend Marshall resurfaces and he’s in a lot of trouble. Can the men at Kiss of Leather convince a former Dom to take on the mouthy sub?

Master Derek and his new sub Corey have signed a contract and enjoy their first scene together. The love between them is strong and Derek is as protective of his boy as ever. The only thing left that would make their world perfect would be to bring Corey’s ex-Dom and abuser to justice.

The legal firm that represents Kiss of Leather is charged with hiring a private investigator to flush out the man who orchestrated Corey’s gang rape. Stone Manning is hesitant to take the job, though. He was once wrongly accused in the death of a sub and swore never to enter a BDSM club again. But he owes attorney Glen Sharp his life after the lawyer got him acquitted.

Their meeting is disrupted when Kyle’s missing friend Marshall calls for help. Master Josh promises to help the mouthy Marshall get back on his feet under one condition—Marshall must sign a six month D/s contract as a full-time sub and prove he can fully submit to a man as well as learn to respect those around him.

Stone Manning suddenly finds himself charged with taming the brattiest sub ever. In truth, the bigger the brat, the more his heart races with excitement. Marshall promises to be just the type of challenge to inspire Stone to be a Master again. As Stone learns more about him, he sees the pain that Marshall has always tried to numb with drugs and alcohol. Stone also sees a man he could love—if he can ever reach him.

In the meantime, Stone and his investigative partner, Chuck, continue to search for Corey’s attacker. The abusive Dom appears to have gone underground. But what they don’t realize is that the closer they get to their prey, the more dangerous he becomes.

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to drug and alcohol abuse.

How about a little taste?

Stone considered Marshall. He was smart. But he was also in so much emotional pain, viewed his life through a lens of fear, loss and regret. Stone wondered if six months would be long enough to address all of Marshall’s demons. He’d have to do his damnedest to be everything that Marshall needed.

“Sit down, please.” Stone indicated to the chair across from him.

Marshall blinked at him in confusion as if Stone had announced to him that he was an iguana. “Okaaaay…” He lowered himself gingerly on the seat as he continued to stare at Stone as though he were insane.

Obviously not the reaction he’d expected after his little rant. Good.

Marshall made a small strangled sound, dropping his chin to his chest. He lifted it again with a sigh. “Okay, Sir.”

Stone rose then circled around the table until he reached Marshall. “Good boy.” He placed his palm on the top of his head, Marshall jerking away the second they made contact.

“What are you doing?”

Marshall’s tone had held an edge of fear to it that Stone didn’t like. He kept his words soft.

“I was praising you because you did that perfectly. Thank you.”

The expression on Marshall’s face held confusion. His brow furrowed as he averted his gaze. “Oh. Uh, you’re welcome, Sir.”

Marshall fiddled with the towel as if repositioning it. There was a noticeable tremble to his hands. Stone wondered if it was from being upset or more related to Marshall’s blood sugar or a lack of alcohol. There was so much to handle in regards to Marshall and Stone didn’t want to overwhelm him. The desire to understand why Marshall had reacted negatively to a gentle touch nagged at him. But it wasn’t about what he wanted. It was about what Marshall needed. The first priority was his sub’s physical health.

“Would you like some coffee, boy?”

Marshall jerked his head up. “Coffee?”

“Yes, boy. Is that something you like to have in the morning?”

“Yes, Sir. But…I mean, isn’t that a part of my whole submission thingy? Josh used to make me do that every morning for him.” Marshall snickered. “Oh my God. He knew better than to have me cook, though.”

“Hmm. That’s good information to have. We’ll have to get you some simple recipes to begin with, perhaps a basic cooking course.” Stone glanced over his shoulder as he approached the Keurig machine. “Do you take anything in your coffee?”

“Hold up. Cooking course? I don’t think so.” He placed a hand delicately across his chest. “I’m not really into that whole Gordon Ramsey scene.” Marshall favored him with a sly smirk. “Although, I wouldn’t mind doing him.”

“You never answered my question.”

“Huh? What question? You were talking about me cooking.” He grunted, speaking as if to himself. “As if that would ever happen.”

“It’s going to happen and I wanted to know how you take your coffee.”

Marshall narrowed his eyes. “You can’t make me do something I don’t know how to do.”

“Once you finish a cooking course, then yes, I can make you do it.”

Marshall crossed his arms and Stone noted the wince he made that was undoubtedly from pulling on the wound on his elbow. “I’m not cooking and no, you can’t make me.”

Stone leaned with his back against the tiled counter, his stance relaxed, almost as if he was bored. “Are you aware of what they’ll make you do in prison, Marshall? And how do you suppose they might make you do something you don’t want to do? Josh explained to me that the amount of Ecstasy and cocaine they found on the ground near you when you were thrown from the car would be enough to put you away for a very long time. How confident are you that a public defender would be your best bet as opposed to the type of legal counsel Josh can provide? All he wants in return is my assurances that you’re submitting to me completely and showing me, as well as those you interact with, proper respect. I’m to report to him on a weekly basis.”

The distress on Marshall’s face was clear. “But…Josh said I had six months. I can’t be perfect right away! What if I make a mistake, and I didn’t mean to, but you tell Josh I’m a fuck-up? This isn’t fair!” Marshall’s breathing elevated. “This is a fucking nightmare. I’ll never be able to handle this. I can’t cook. I’m not good at anything except shaking my ass and sucking cock.” Marshall buried his face in his hands before tearing them away. “Fuck it. I’m leaving.” Marshall started to rise.

“Sit.”

Marshall jumped, but stayed seated, his eyes widened as he stared at Stone. He made sure to keep his voice calm and soothing as he spoke. “You’re not a fuck-up and once we get to the point of discussing consequences to actions, calling yourself that, or any other derogatory reference, will be cause for punishment.”

“Like telling Josh you’re done with me.”

It hadn’t been a question and had been said with a veneer of sadness. Marshall felt the tug in his chest he’d first experienced when he’d seen Marshall at the club.

My Review:
This is the third book in a series and should probably be read after SAFE LIMITS (book two in the Kiss of Leather series). There is an overarching plot in this series that relates to unsafe Doms who use and abuse their subs. This is primarily to find “Master Tony” who organized the gang rape of Corey from SAFE LIMITS.

The main love story in this book is between Master Stone–a retired Dom and current PI–and Marshall, best friend of another sub. Stone had been accused in the death of a sub years ago, but was later proven to be innocent. He hasn’t been in the lifestyle since, however. And now, as investigator for Corey’s abuser, he’s sure that history is repeating itself. Marshall’s been a bad bad boy, and he’s sure that no one will love/want him. He needs to clean out and learn to love himself, and Master Stone keeps a cool head when Marshall challenges him time and time again.

Their relationship is slow to build, but has good results. I liked how Stone encouraged Marshall to get stronger, and take charge of his life. He encourages Marshall, and gives him latitude to make mistakes–and make good choices, too. Because of their close association, Marshall and Corey become good friends. When the plot turns dark and deadly, it is Marshall who takes a lead and stands up for himself and Corey. Expect a thrilling chase and some touch-and-go moments. Also, expect some deep emotional bonds and thrilling sexytimes.

Again, I really love the considerate BDSM connections made in this series. All the partners feel good about themselves and their lovers. The pairs are all consensual and monogamous, with a bit of exhibitionism/public scening being the largest nod to kink.

Interested? You can find BONDAGE RESCUE on Goodreads, Pride Publishing, Amazon (US and UK) and Barnes & Noble.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $25 Amazon GC and a signed copy of BONDAGE RESCUE.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

Morticia KnightAbout the Author:
Author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men forever after. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little heart’s desire. Even though she’s been crafting her naughty tales for more years than she’d like to share – her adventures as a published author began in 2011.

Once upon a time she was the lead singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She currently resides on the northern Oregon coast and when she’s not fantasizing about hot men she takes walks along the ocean and annoys the local Karaoke bar patrons.

You can find Morticia online on her website, Goodreads, Totally Bound, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook.

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Gotta LOVE ME TENOR–Review & Giveaway!

LMT-BannerTemplateHi there! I’m so excited to share a review for a brand-spanking-new contemporary M/M romance from Annabeth Albert. LOVE ME TENOR is the second book in the Perfect Harmony series, and you know I adored TREBLE MAKER so I jumped at the chance to read this one.

Drop down to check out my review, an extended excerpt and get in on the $20 Amazon GC giveaway!

LovemeTenorAbout the book:
Trevor Daniels is feeling aimless. A recent college grad, he’s not sure what to do with his useless degree, and his family all but abandoned him after he revealed the truth about himself. But a friend’s suggestion that he take his chances on a reality show aimed at finding the next big boy band strikes a chord with him—until the show’s producers convince him to act like he’s in a relationship with a guy who’s not at all his type. It isn’t exactly love at first sight for Jalen Smith either—but lust just might push them in an unexpected direction. If only their secrets weren’t even more twisted than their sheets, threatening to cost them the win—and each other…

How about a taste?

“You brought your luggage?” The receptionist looked at Trevor like he’d brought a snake to the movie studio offices instead of a rolling suitcase and a backpack.

“My flight was late. And then customs—”

“Fine.” She held up a hand, shimmery with the sort of nail art Trevor’s sisters weren’t allowed to wear. “You can have a seat.” She motioned to a seating area with square leather and chrome chairs and a metallic-looking shag rug.

“Wait. Is my group here yet? Stand Out!?”

“Let me check.” She glanced at a pink sheet on a clipboard. “No.” She made a shooing motion back in the direction of the waiting area.

“Thanks.”

The receptionist disappeared back down a hallway, teetering on shoes that put her a good six inches taller than Trevor. The building was kind of a letdown. The whole complex was a series of gigantic gray warehouses, but the inside of this one was like any other office building in America. Or Canada. He’d only been in Vancouver a couple of hours and kept forgetting he wasn’t in the States anymore.

His bag made a loud clickety-clack sound as he dragged it across the tile floor to the seating area, but the only occupant in the chairs didn’t even glance up. The guy was about Trevor’s age, maybe a bit younger. His eyes were half-closed, like waiting for producers to call his name was just so boring. He had that jock sprawl, maximizing every inch of the low chair. Trevor took a seat with a good view of the guy. Indifferent eye candy was his favorite kind.

He had this thing for straight guys, particularly jocks. Jocks were his personal kryptonite; they made his knees turn into magnets, headed straight for the floor. And the guy across from him was the deadly, heart-stopping red kryptonite brand of jock. His build was perfect—not too tall, because Trevor was picky about that—but jacked like a Chevy with a lift kit. Hell, even the dude’s neck was ripped. Jock’s foot moved back and forth in motion with the music pumping in his ears from pricey Beats headphones.

Because dude’s eyes were shut, Trevor felt free to continue his inventory of hotness. Baggy shorts. T-shirt for a wrestling team. Wrestling. Trevor had to shift around on the slick leather couch before continuing his appraisal. Cheap white socks, but black shoes that probably cost more than Trevor’s bike. Rich elitist jock? Yes, please.

The outfit was notable because Trevor would have figured most guys coming to a TV studio would want to dress up a little. He had, but of course now his pressed khakis and dress shirt seemed horribly overdressed compared to jock boy and the receptionist wearing a cutoff denim skirt and a tank top that seemed to be made out of nothing more than knotted rope.

Maybe dude wasn’t there to be on TV. Or if he was, maybe he was there for a different show from the music reality show Trevor was on. He certainly didn’t look like the boy band type. Dude looked ready for an MMA-fighter type show, or maybe working as a stunt double. But if he wasn’t on Trevor’s show, that meant—

“You done checking me out or you need me to turn to the other side?” Jock’s eyes snapped open. They were a startling shade of hazel, almost amber. And at the moment, they were filled with undisguised irritation.

Oh, crap. Trevor gulped hard. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He dug out his phone, giving himself something to look down at. He’d been caught before and it almost never ended well. With any luck, Dawn would show up soon and he would never have to see jock boy again.

“Oh, don’t be shy.” Jock boy had a killer whisper: husky with a hint of command to it. He said it with the air of someone who knew exactly how hot he was. And now he was going to make Trevor pay for noticing.

Trevor didn’t look up from his phone, but inside he was squirming in his chair. In a different situation, he’d be more than happy to let this play out until he was on his knees in the restroom with jock boy berating him, but he’d sworn to turn over a new leaf. Plus there was always the risk that jock wanted all the verbal abuse and none of the fun. No more gambling.

“Yeah. That’s what I figured.” The other guy snorted.

“Trevor! You made it!” Dawn came barreling across the lobby, red hair streaming behind her. She was flanked by two nearly identical blond giants—one wore a blue polo shirt and khaki pants, the other a brown polo and blue pants. Both had the same bored smirk on their faces.

“What are you doing with your luggage?” Dawn’s smile was replaced by a frown, like Trevor was some clueless kid making her day more difficult. “Why didn’t you give it to the receptionist? They’re sending all the contestants’ stuff over to the house while we tape the intro segments.”

“Here. I’ll take it.” Blond giant number one grabbed Trevor’s bags, tossing them like they were a set of hand weights.

“Jalen!” Dawn stepped around Trevor to hug jock boy, who stood up to greet her. “It’s about time. I was starting to freak!”

Just his luck. Dawn hung on Jalen the jock like they were old friends, tugging his headphones down to his neck and rubbing his closely cropped black hair. Oh, geez. Jalen looked a bit young to be Dawn’s boy toy; she had to be in her late twenties. But no matter what Jalen was to Dawn, he was now a giant pain in the neck to Trevor. A sick feeling gathered in his gut and his hands tightened.

“Did you meet Jalen already, Trevor?” she asked.

“No,” Trevor said carefully. The tension in his muscles climbed to trampoline spring tight—any second now Jalen was going to call him out for creeping on him.

“We’re acquainted,” Jalen drawled at the same time.

“Um. Okay.” Dawn frowned but luckily kept talking before Jalen could reveal way more than Trevor wanted. “So this is Carter. And over there is Carson.”

Twins. They had to be twins right? Trevor was already in too much shit for gaping and didn’t want to stare hard enough to figure it out.

“So, are we ready to become the next boy band?” Carter spoke like some dude on an infomercial, each word carefully articulated for maximum impact. “I am so ready to win this thing.”

The riot in Trevor’s stomach grew worse. Win? With Jalen the jock? As in Trevor was now in the same group as jock boy? And the blond giants? For the next six weeks?

“Yeah. Let’s do this.” Carson came back over. Like Carter, he had a macho, commanding voice, probably a baritone when he sang. Heck. Trevor really didn’t want to be the only tenor on a team of One Direction wannabes.

“Okay Stand Out!, let’s go film your intro.” Dawn motioned for them to follow her down the hall.

Oh, hell. He was really going to be on camera, in a boy band, right freaking now.

My Review:
This is the second book in a series, and fully enjoyable on its own.

Trevor hails from a conservative Christian family which has rejected him due to his sexuality. He’s weeks from graduating college and his whole life already seems a bust. He’s cut off from his family and his planned job as music director in his father’s church. He has no prospects, no home and less than $100 in his bank account when he gets a call to take part in a “boy band” reality show. Trevor was part of an acapella group in college, and even participated in a previous reality show with that group the summer before–one of this new show’s producers is the one calling him back, and well, he has the choice between homelessness and six weeks of room and board in the reality show house. Plus, if the group he’s with wins…well!

Okay, it’s not gonna be easy, especially when Trevor learns that he’s part of a “gay” band. And, not just part…he’s the “other half” of a couple, to a guy he has never met.

Jalen is doing this show as a favor to his foster sister, and he doesn’t mind singing so much, but he hasn’t had any formal training, and he’s not sure what to make of Trevor, his “boo.” Jalen’s a beefcake mix of Black-Hispanic-Hawaiian genes, and though he isn’t tall, he dwarfs 5′ 5″ Trevor. They are pressed into sharing a room in the house, and that’s not all they share. Okay, well, that is all they share at first, but the pressure cooker of the competition soon draws them close.

Trevor has such a negative view of himself, it’s upsetting. He’s never been good enough for his family, his music group, his instructors, etc. He’s also so very hard on himself for looking too femme, with a high vocal range that also makes him feel femme. He has NO desire to be femme, but it’s kinda default, on account of his stature, and his self-loathing really affects him, holds him back from being the best he can be. Jalen is such a nurturer. As Jalen gets a glimpse into Trevor’s world, all he wants is to keep Trevor safe. It’s not easy, due to a developing medical problem that worsens as the story winds on. The big crisis comes just when it looks like Jalen and Trevor and their group are poised to win the whole thing.

There are some spectacular feels in this book. Trevor’s capacity for self-loathing seems deep and wide, but Jalen’s steadfast affection, and eventual love, is able to slowly draw Trevor into a positive mindset. There is some rather deep shame kink here–some I hadn’t read before–and I liked the way it was handled. The whole “different strokes” take was interesting and kept me engaged, as I hoped that Trevor would work past it. The playful banter was so spot on, and the insight from both Trevor and Jalen’s POVs were compelling. The competition didn’t play such a role in this book, as very little of the story takes place before an audience and there are no weekly eliminations, so the bulk of the narrative was focused on the characters and their love story, and how it developed.

There are good secondary characters, too. Carter and Carson–the other half of the “band” are not pleasant at first, but we get a good look in on them when the going gets rough. I liked how Trevor and Carter interacted when it looked like the whole plan was going up in smoke. Jalen’s sister is a good gal, despite the prickly situation of being a boss in the show.

I totally loved this one, and am not nearly ready to wait goodness knows how long for the NEXT book in this series now that I broke my rule and read the (included) first chapter of book three… ARRGH!

Interested? You can find LOVE ME TENOR on Goodreads, Amazon, Kensington Books, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Google Play, and Kobo. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the Author:
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children. Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Find Annabeth online on her website, Goodreads, twitter and Facebook.

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Hearts Working OVERTIME–Book Blast & Giveaway!

BannerTemplate(10)
Hi there! Just getting the word out for a contemporary New Adult M/M romance from T.S. McKinney. OVERTIME features a college basketball player reuniting with the wealthy boy who’d turned his life upside-down years before. It sounds like a pretty tense game they’ll be playing…

Check out the excerpt below and be sure to enter the giveaway for one of five $15 Amazon Gift cards.

OvertimeAbout the book:
Jagger Jameson could be the poster child for a nasty childhood campaign but he refused to allow it to dictate his future. At an early stage, he learned to shut down all emotions and focus solely on survival. As it turned out, survival came in the form of a basketball scholarship with the University of Kentucky Wildcats. As the rest of the team around him focuses on having a good time and building friendships, Jagger worries only about using his talent to help him escape the life that was dealt to him. Everything is going smoothly until somebody from his past makes a reappearance and with just the mention of a name, Jagger finds himself struggling to maintain his cool façade.

Colton Montgomery’s wealth allowed him the opportunity to have about anything in the world he could desire…except the only thing he’d ever really wanted – Jagger Jameson. When the opportunity to try and tame his Wildcat comes his way, Colton gladly accepts the challenge.

How about a little taste?

Sure, it had been less than twenty-four hours since he’d come face to face with Colton Montgomery for the first time in four years, but he’d managed to think of nothing but Colton Montgomery every moment he was awake. He thought of the way Colton’s emerald eyes had looked at him so intently that he felt like the man could dig into his soul, see all his secrets, know all the things he didn’t want people to know. Dick had described it as ‘dude, Colton Montgomery just spent the last thirty minutes eye-fucking you’ and then summed it up with ‘and he wants to fuck you’ – typical Dick.

He’d thought he was prepared, thought he’d managed to build up an immunity against the rich prick that had stunned him years ago, but the second he’d walked through the door and saw him, every protective barrier he’d worked so hard to build over the years disintegrated with one lusty smirk from Colton. Fuck, he was in so much trouble. Riley knew….

One look in Riley’s eyes and Jagger didn’t have the first doubt that Riley knew he was attracted to Colton – hungry for Colton. His captain had given him a sympathetic look. It was as if he had somehow figured out that Jagger had always had the hots for a boy way out of his league and now, fucking now, when he didn’t need any distractions, that boy decided it would be fun to tease the poor kid – make him think he was wanted for something other than…hell, what was he good for if it wasn’t going to be sex? He’d never given himself to another man. Actually, Colton was the only man he’d ever looked at with those thoughts dancing around in his head. He’d fucked a handful of women over the years and enjoyed it…just enough to get the job done. There had never been the first doubt in his mind about his sexuality until Colton-fucking-Montgomery’s ten words.   Fuck!

The basketball hit him square in the chest, bouncing away and damn near knocking the breath out of him. “Shit, sorry, Riley. I was going over some plays in my head. I’m good, I swear.” Thank the fuck they were just in warm-ups before the championship game. “We Will Rock You” was blasting over the speakers because that song never got old when it came to championship games, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Championship games were always a bundle of excitement – add a Cinderella story into it, and the people and media ate it up. Shit, even half the state of Kentucky kinda hoped Florida Gulf would win or at least make a good showing.

What the fuck did they know? They didn’t have any idea what was on the line…how their winning might damn well destroy him. Sure, it was all fun and games for Colton Montgomery, but it was his fucking self-esteem, pride, and sanity up on the auction block.

“Get your head out of your ass, Jag. I’m going to need you at one hundred percent tonight if we plan on winning this game.” His hands flung around the arena. “The entire crowd is either openly pulling for Florida Gulf or secretly hoping they win. I feel like we’re up against everybody in this fucking arena and my fucking point guard has his head shoved all the way up his own fucking ass!” Yeah, his tirade ended with a scream. That was Riley for you. He hated to lose. Well…correction; he didn’t like losing but if everybody played their damndest, he could take it. When they lost because one or more of them ‘had their head up their fucking asses’, he completely lost it.

He was already losing it.

“My head isn’t up my ass, Riley. I’m good. When the whistle blows, I’m going to shove this ball all the way up Colton Montgomery’s arrogant fucking ass.” He gave Riley a fist bump, hoping that was a normal action. He’d seen others on the team doing it….

“I hope so, Jag. If not, I’m afraid he’s planning on shoving something else up yours.” Riley crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Jagger, waiting for a reaction…any reaction. He wasn’t disappointed. Well, he was disappointed because he was fucking certain that without their point guard playing top notch, they were damn well going to get beat, but, on the other hand, some life in the kid’s eyes was something to see. Finally….

“There’s no need to be gross, man. I’m ready. Colton Montgomery will not score the first point tonight, mark my words.”

Riley rolled his eyes. “I don’t necessarily think its gross, but I don’t think it’s what you’ve got penciled into that fucking life-plan that you’ve had since day-fucking-one.” He shoved another basketball against Jagger’s chest. “I’ll hold you to that promise of him not scoring any points, Jag…just don’t let him do the same to you.”

The warning buzzer sounded before Jagger could respond (and question the ‘not necessarily gross’ statement) and the crowd went absolutely nuts. This was it. Championship game – it would look awesome on any resume he sent out. If they won…no, when they won, he could probably pick which accounting firm in Kentucky he wanted to work with. It all came down to this night.

Even after he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do it, his eyes drifted to the other end of the court and immediately found his adversary. Colton Montgomery, in all his fucking, glorious, arrogant, rich beauty was staring right back, a confident smile curving his lush lips. He offered a wave and a wink. Jagger flipped him off and headed to his bench.

Interested? You can find OVERTIME on Goodreads, Amazon, and AllRomance.

 ****GIVEAWAY****

Clink on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win one of five $10 Amazon gift cards.

Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:
TS McKinney lives in East Tennessee with her high school sweetheart/husband and all the countless dogs she picks up from deserted country roads. Her professional career has been in business but her heart has always belonged to the fantasy world found in books. Creating wicked worlds where one can meet the perfect hero – and then do anything to him that you want – has been a hobby that has brought her plenty of hours of fun and naughty entertainment.

When not working, reading, or writing, she loves to spend time with her family and forcing them (because they don’t really have another choice) to allow her to redecorate their houses…and listen to her naughty…sometimes sadistic stories.

You can find Ms. McKinney online on twitter and Facebook.

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway! MENDING THE RIFT

BannerTemplate(9)Hi there! I’m eager to share this sexy cover for a dystopian future M/M romance form Chris T. Kat. MENDING THE RIFT is an mpreg (male pregnancy!) tale in a society where alliances are forged by marriage and breeders are a hot commodity.

Without further ado…
MendingTheRift-Preview
About the book:
In a future where man’s ability to reproduce is severely compromised, humanity has adapted to survive. Breeders—male and female—have become precious commodities, and they are strictly guarded and subject to limitations.

Luca Walker is a breeder. Though he knows what’s expected of him as the youngest son of the Northern Confederacy’s Vice President, he’s held out against the pressures of an arranged marriage because he longs to marry for love, not duty. But he’s been promised to Colonel Liam Smith and there’s little he can do about it, no matter that Luca is secretly in love with his bodyguard, Marcus Gray.

When Luca finds himself pregnant with Marcus’s baby, Smith is furious and vows to take what is his—by force, if necessary. Now Luca must fight for his life and the life of his unborn child… as well as the love of Marcus and the happily ever after he’s always dreamed of.

Who about a little taste?

Marcus rappelled off and stepped onto the ground with a crunch of his boots. Pointing at the opening with the askew ladder, he asked, “Don’t tell me you seriously considered climbing down this way.”

Luca shrugged. “I’d have preferred spontaneous levitation, but it didn’t happen.”

He yelped when Marcus put an arm around his torso and lifted him to his feet, as if he weighed nothing. “Hey!”

Marcus silenced him with a glare, and Luca gritted his teeth while Marcus thumped dust off his clothes. “Your father is livid.”

Luca swallowed. He’d expected worried, maybe a bit mad, but livid? His father never got furious at him. Not for long, anyway. Being the baby of the family had its perks. “Why?”

“Why? Seriously, Luca, you have to ask why?” Marcus patted Luca’s behind more firmly than was strictly necessary.

Luca shifted, trying to get away from Marcus’s arm. When that didn’t help, he slapped Marcus’s hands away and stepped aside. He couldn’t think when he was so close to Marcus—when the man touched him, he sent shivers up and down his spine. He ignored the glower Marcus directed at him. “Yes, seriously. He knows I don’t want to marry Smith. I don’t want anything to do with all that shit. I want to decide what I’m going to do with my life.”

Marcus shook his head. “Smith is a good man. My brother Kyle worked for him. He said he always treated his people well. If you want I could try to get Kyle on the phone so you can talk to him. That is, if I can get a hold on him. Trust me, you’ll be in good hands.”

“You don’t get it! I don’t want to be in good hands!”

“No?” Marcus raised an eyebrow.

Luca huffed, a small smile forming on his lips. “Well, yes, of course I want to be in good hands. But I want someone to love me, and not just for my ability to become pregnant. I want… you.”

Luca’s heart thundered in his rib cage. There, he’d said it. The ball was in Marcus’s court. Sure, it had only been one night, and Marcus’s reaction afterward hadn’t been promising, but maybe he’d just been scared? Maybe he feared to lose his job? Nonetheless, there was more going on between them, and they both knew it. That one night had just been the last logical step. Luca regretted nothing.

For a moment Marcus seemed startled, and there was a softness in his eyes that was solely reserved for Luca. The softness vanished too quickly for Luca’s liking.

Instead, Luca was greeted with Marcus’s usual, scrutinizing gaze. “You don’t want me, and you better never mention this again. It was a mistake. Now get it out of your head and be a good boy.”

Ooh! I’m so excited to read this one. Expect my review in the next few weeks!

In the meantime feel free to pre-order the book in advance of it’s release on Dreamspinner (ebook, paperback) or Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a backlist book, or audiobook from Chris T. Kat!
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the author:
Chris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, where she shares a house with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there’s any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks or does cross stitch.

Catch up to Chris online on her blog, Goodreads, Amazon and twitter

Out Today! THE ART OF HERO WORSHIP–Excerpt and Giveaway!

Art of Hero Worship Blitz Banner
Hi there! Today I’m so excited to wish a Happy Book Birthday to a New Adult M/M romance from Mia Kerick. As you know, Ms. Kerick’s work focuses on LGBT teens in trouble, and I’m sure that’s to be the case in THE ART OF HERO WORSHIP, as well. I’m eager to see how the romance develops between Jason and Liam. I’ve got a review copy and will share my thoughts coming up next week.

In the meantime, check out the new excerpt below and be sure to get in on the backlist book and $15 GC giveaway (Amazon or B & N) giveaway. Oh, and buy the book!

TAOHW Front Cover-1About the book:
Trembling on the floor, pressed beneath a row of seats in a dark theater, college freshman Jason Tripp listens to the terrifying sound of gunshots, as an unknown shooter moves methodically through the theater, randomly murdering men, women, and children attending a student performance of Hamlet. Junior Liam Norcross drapes his massive body on top of Jason, sheltering the younger man from the deathly hail of bullets, risking his life willingly, and maybe even eagerly.

As a result of the shared horror, an extraordinary bond forms between the two young men, which causes discomfort for family and friends, as well as for Jason and Liam, themselves. And added to the challenge of two previously “straight” men falling into a same-sex love, are the complications that arise from the abundance of secrets Liam holds with regard to a past family tragedy. The fledgling passion between the men seems bound to fade away into the darkness from which it emerged.

Jason, however, is inexplicably called to rescue his hero in return, by delving into Liam’s shady past and uncovering the mystery that compels the older man to act as the college town’s selfless savior.

The Art of Hero Worship takes the reader on a voyage from the dark and chilling chaos that accompanies a mass shooting to the thrill of an unexpected and sensual romance.

How about a little taste?

I wake up crying.

Okay… if I’m going to be real, I’ll admit that I’m sobbing. In these strong arms—no, sprawled on top of the solid chest of a man I hardly know—I sob in a way that I never have before. And hopefully, I’ll never have occasion to cry this bitterly again.

My emotions are practically indescribable, yet I need to apply words to them, in an effort to make some sense of what I’m feeling. The pain is raw, grating, and unbearable… and unfortunately there’s more. I’m guilt-ridden and mortified.

Devastation crossed with desperation—this is me, at the moment.

And I’m not sure why I’m still here on earth. I want to disappear.

Liam stays silent, but I know he’s awake because his hands have resumed the rhythmic stroking on my back.

“Why’d you have to go and s-save me? Y-you should have let me d-die like I was supposed to!” I’m furious, which is evident in my trembling accusation. The pain would be over if he’d have let me die. I add mad as hell to my list of indescribable emotions. And highly irrational… I tack this one onto the end of the fast growing list.
He inhales deeply. “We’re gonna survive this. Our bodies survived Friday night in the theater. Now we’ve gotta make our minds survive the aftermath.”

“What makes you think I want to survive it? What makes you so sure I didn’t want to go with her?” It’s too hard to say her name.

Wide palms freeze on my shoulder blades and rest there heavily. “Sorry, dude, but it wasn’t your day to die.” He takes another one of those huge swallows of air that causes both of our bodies to rise and fall. Then the mesmerizing movement of his hands resumes.

Interested? You can find THE ART OF HERO WORSHIP on Goodreads, Amazon, Smashwords, Gumroad Books, and AllRomance.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card and one of Mia’s backlist books.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

1newadult-1About the Author:
Mia Kerick is an award-winning author of stories involving the type of life events that are riveting to read about, but you probably wouldn’t want to experience first hand. Into her fictional disasters, she sprinkles a sufficient quantity of touching and spicy adult LGBTQ romance to keep her readers coming back for more.
Having relocated from Boston, Massachusetts to rural New Hampshire, Mia lives with her doting husband, four brilliant and accomplished young adult children who will one day likely contribute to the establishment of world peace (Mia believes in self-fulfilling prophecies), and at least three too many cats. She suffers with a severe case of mall-withdrawal, which leads to frequent online shopping and an overly personal relationship with the UPS driver.

Where to find Mia online: Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Give a Cheer for MIDNIGHT RODEO: BELONGING! Excerpt & Giveaway

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Hi there! Today I’m sharing an excerpt and giveaway for MIDNIGHT RODEO: BELONGING. It’s a paranormal M/M anthology featuring some interesting characters hitting the dark rodeo circuit. All the stories sound intriguing, and there’s a giveaway for a print copy listed below.

About the books:

What happens when rodeos start to get too tough for humans to compete in? Midnight Rodeo, of course, where supernatural creatures like shifters and vampires work for the prize money, and for the awe of their audience.

midnightrodeo21400Light a Rocket by Julia Talbot
Rocket is probably the worst rider in Darque and Knight rodeo troupe. This cheetah shifter is fast as the wind, but he only has so many lives in his cat body, and he spends more time injured than not. Raven Walkingman is the number one cowboy in the Midnight Rodeo, at the top of his game. The two seem an unlikely match, but Raven enjoys doing things no one expects him to, including Rocket.

Raven likes his relationships casual, though, and when Rocket starts talking mates as shifters are wont to do, Raven pulls up the stakes. He has his animal spirit guides, his good friends, and his fancy trailer. He doesn’t need a ragtag cheetah falling in love with him. His spirit guides know better. They adore Rocket and are more than happy to support him, and abandon Raven, until the stubborn fool does the right thing.

Tails and Whiskers by BA Tortuga
Tiger shifter Dmitri loves the rodeo. Darque and Knight has become his home, and he adores all of his new friends. Still, his past as a circus animal causes him to hate injustice, so when he meets a trick rider and fox shifter, Dmitri is appalled to find that the hot little kit isn’t allowed inside the rodeo ground except when he works. In fact, none of the entertainers are allowed in, all being contractors and thus bound to a different boss, who happens to be a greedy goblin.

As Dmitri and Isaac learn to love one another, they find growing dissatisfaction with the status quo, and they go to their friends for support in forcing a policy change. Too bad there’s a certain goblin who doesn’t want to give up control of his workers. Can Dmitri and Isaac find a way to be together, and to make a change for the better of everyone at D&K?

Freaked Out by Kiernan Kelly
Gargoyle-shifter Killian has spent his life living and working with all different sorts of supernatural folk, but because he had three forms instead of two like most other shapeshifters, he’s always felt like a freak. His habit of keeping to himself and minding his own business has been his shield against being hurt, and to aid in that endeavor, he’s adopted a stony personality.

When a troupe of sideshow performers are hired by Darque and Knight to augment the rodeo, he’s forced to redefine his ideas of what constitutes beauty and what defines a freak. Meanwhile, the hard, protective shell he’s erected around his heart threatens to crack wide open under the tender touch of Micah, the sideshow’s hideous Snake Man.

How about a little taste? From Tails and Whiskers!

Someone was singing about having a tiger by the tail. Loudly.

Honestly, Dmitri loved to sing. He loved other people’s enthusiastic music. This morning, though, he was not so pleased. His head felt very large.

He blamed Brax. The head of the kitty cavalcade loved to get everyone full of green smoke.

Dmitri lifted his throbbing head that was, at least, five sizes bigger than it had been, and peered out of the window. Oh. His dear friend Denver was calling for him.

With fried sweet things.

For that he would crawl out of his happy bed, which still smelled like Denver since he’d bought his friend’s old trailer, and put on—shorts? Something.

“Open up, pussycat. I brought doughnuts.” Denver was a good friend, especially for a wolf. Blaine must have thrown him out this morning for being too perky. Denver’s little wolf partner was not a morning person.

Dmitri opened the door to his trailer. “Welcome, friend Denver.”

“Good morning, fuzzy.” Denver walked up and rubbed cheeks with him, sharing scent. The bullfighter knew the rules, knew how to be pride as well as pack. That made him more valuable than gold.

“What did you bring for breakfast?” Dmitri asked.

“Apple fritters. Fresh from the fryer.”

“I love apples!” His head began to clear pretty quickly. “Tell me what is the news.”

“We got a big crowd tonight. Seems tell people are revved. Bulls are spitting fire. That weird little group of trick riders are pulling the first break, to give Kurt a breather. He’s burning up.”

Yes, it was warm in Texas for a panda. Dmitri understood. His inner Siberian tiger longed for Colorado. Maybe Canada.

“There’s a lake close by. We should go, the bunch of us,” Denver suggested.

“Oh.” Swimming. His tiger surged, close the surface, wanting out of his human body. “Yes. Apple things first.”

“You bet. Come sit with me.”

Dmitri followed Denver out into the sun and sat at a picnic table. The heat pressed at him, but he did love the light.

Denver had an entire box of the pastries and they ate eagerly, wolfing the doughnuts at first, then ending with lazy nibbles. Oh. Better. So much better.

Sugar left his tiger cold, but his human side loved it, and the crispy-fried part? Perfect.

He bounced, rocking the table. “Swiim now?”

“Let me grab the others. You’ll invite the pride?”

“I will.” He grabbed a trash can lid and a piece of wood and began banging. “Wake up, kitties! We are going to the lake!”

He got half cheers, half people throwing things at him. Blaine walked over with an apple fritter in hand, the other bullfighters Caul and Carter followed along with Potts. That only left one bullfighter and Terrance was notoriously slow.

Brax appeared, his naked, tanned form lean and pretty. “What are you caterwauling about?”

“Swimming! Friend Denver says there is a lake.”

Brax wrinkled his nose, stretched slowly, all golden skin and muscle. Yum. “I’ll pass.”

“Coward,” Denver teased. “You can come tan. Show off all that pretty skin. Maybe you’ll get laid.”

Dmitri wished he would have that, not Brax. No one wanted to be broken, Brax told him, afraid of Dmitri’s size and… enthusiasm.

“Yeah?” Brax came over, scented Denver and Blaine, then nodded. “Okay, sure. Let me grab some oil.”

“And some shorts,” Potts called. “A shame to damage yer pecker, eh?”

“Mine is so big I can cast my own shade.” Brax winked and headed off.

Potts growled, but the sound was more happy than ugly. Dmitri looked between them, then raised a brow at Denny.

Denver just shrugged, eyes twinkling. “What will be, will be, huh?”
“It will.” He was happy if his friends were happy.
“Lake. Water. Swimming.”
“Dog paddling,” Dmitri teased.
“You know it. Terry is a champion paddler.” Denver clapped Terrance on the back when he went by.
They clomped the half mile to the lake, the water glinting under the sun, the grass on the way green and thick. Dmitri whooped as soon as he saw the water, breaking into a run.

Blaine followed with him, the little wolf losing shirt and flip-flops with a happy howl.

He laughed, splashing in and leaving his clothes on the bank. He popped water at Blaine, roaring with delight.

Blaine tackled him, totally unafraid and eager to play.

Dmitri chortled, and soon he was surrounded, five puppies and kittens flying in all directions when he shrugged hard. Denver was floating on his back, watching with deceptively hooded eyes. Denny saw all.

Oh, Dmitri loved his life.

Interested? You can find MIDNIGHT RODEO: BELONGING on AllRomance and Amazon.

****GIVEAWAY****

Click on this Rafflecopter giveaway link for your chance to win a print copy of MIDNIGHT RODEO: BELONGING.
Good luck and keep reading my friends!

About the authors:
BA Tortuga:
Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy’s Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she’s not doing that, she’s writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing porn sites in the name of research. BA’s personal saviors include her wife (still amazing to say that), Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has gone to the high desert mountains and fallen in love. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

You can find BA online on her website, blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and twitter.

Julia Talbot:
Julia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Torquere Press, Dreamspinner and Changeling Press. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.

Find Julia online on her website, Goodreads, Facebook, or twitter.

Kiernan Kelly:
Kiernan Kelly lives in the wilds of the alligator-infested U.S. Southeast, slathered in SPF 45, drinking colorful tropical, hi-octane concoctions served by thong-clad cabana boys.

All right, the truth is that she spends her time locked in the dark recesses of her office, writing gay erotic romance while chained to a temperamental Macintosh, drinking coffee, and dreaming of thong-clad cabana boys.

Sigh.

To date, Kiernan has seven novels in print, a plethora of short stories in e-format…and still no cabana boy of her own, although her husband may beg to differ.

Catch up with Kiernan online on her website, Facebook, Goodreads and twitter.

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