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Two conflicted military men. A longing for happiness. One Lonely Diner, where people often search for a recipe for love. (The food is good there, too.)

Blurb

Two conflicted military men. A longing for happiness. One Lonely Diner, where people often search for a recipe for love. (The food is good there, too.)

One man plays it straight. Another grieves over a lost best friend with benefits.

Everyone thought they were meant for each other. Lance, an Air Force computer engineer, and Ryan, a former submariner in the Navy and now a military college professor, are gay men blinded by the painful wounds of their past decisions. Both men are ready for love. But because of their pasts, they’ve slammed the brakes on their desires.

Now thirty years old, a younger Ryan Ball decides he can be happy only by conforming to social expectations. So what does he do? He decides he must have a wife and kids. Though he acknowledges that he can never be straight, he is convinced that with effort, determination, alcohol and erectile dysfunction meds, he can play the necessary roles.

Vikki, Ryan’s girlfriend in high school and now his wife, begs to differ.

At thirty-one, Lance Dingle falls for his best friend and roommate, Randy, a stunt pilot who agrees to a friends-with-benefits arrangement. From Lance’s perspective, there’s a spark in their arrangement that Randy denies. Then, tragedy strikes. Lance finds himself alone and lonely, living with memories of Randy and an ever-expanding list of “what-might-have-beens.” Finally forcing himself into the dating scene, Lance discovers that Mr. Right is more elusive than he ever imagined.

Then, Callie Yenti, transwoman, drag performer extraordinaire and entrepreneur, enters the picture. She owns the popular Lonely Diner and possesses an uncanny insight into the workings of the heart.

Even the complicated hearts of her two hard-headed friends, Lance and Ryan.

An HEA gay romance.

Trigger Warning: This novel includes scenes from a sexual assault and a PTSD episode.

Excerpt

Soon, the table beside Lance became available. A gorgeous, dark-haired man with biceps on the verge of bursting through his shirt sleeves sat down. Lance noticed that he was drinking Liquid Death, often a signal that a bar patron wished to avoid alcoholic beverages. Lance also noticed that his haircut was similar in style to his own. Lance wondered if the body builder might also be a member of a branch of the military.

Lance’s face turned crimson when the man caught Lance cruising him. Rather than heightening Lance’s embarrassment with silence, the man, who also had a well-conditioned chest and stomach, asked Lance to join him.

Lance noticed the tremor in the man’s voice.

Ah, he’s an introvert, like me, Lance thought.

Lance cast him a beaming smile. “Why not? No need for the two of us to monopolize a pair of tables when one will do.”

Lance grabbed his ale—his third for the evening—and carried it with him as he sat in the chair next to the man. “My name is Lance Dingle,” he said. He reached across the table for a handshake.

“My pleasure, Lance.” A very brief pause. “Wait! I think you’re the fellow the infamous Callie Yenti has been devoting so much time finding a way to introduce us.”

“Holy shit! Then you must be Ryan Ball. Finally, we meet!”

Ryan laughed. “I guess she’s included us both in her match-making scheme.”

“It’s a talent she’s very proud of,” Lance said. “You’re an English professor at The Citadel, right? And before that, you served in the Navy?”

“Damn! She’s thorough.” Then, Ryan reciprocated with a fact of his own. “And I think I remember her saying that you’re an Air Force man.”

“Yep. That’s me. A computer geek. Not a pilot.”

The men chatted about their backgrounds, their experiences in the military and navigating the tricky terrain of being gay in the service, despite the revocation of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Naturally, there were parts of their biographies they were unwilling to share—like the sexual assault in DC and Lance’s torch-carrying for Randy. Lance unwittingly—and because of the buzz the drinks precipitated—came very close to telling Ryan how many physical similarities he and Randy shared. Fortunately, he caught himself before he provided Ryan a very good excuse to abort their conversation.

Then, Ryan popped the same question that was also on Lance’s mind. “Would you be interested in hanging out sometimes? I mean, it’s fine with me to call it a date. Y’know, to see if Callie still has her magic touch.”

But Lance had no chance to respond.

Because a nervous James Manigault appeared at their table, without his cute young diversion, and kissed Lance squarely on the mouth. Lance could taste the rum he’d drunk and smell the pot he and the young man shared before heading to the club.

Then, Lance caught a glimpse of Ryan’s face.

But a look long enough to see that sexy face fill with disappointment, vulnerability and perhaps even distress.

Abruptly, Ryan rose from his chair. It almost toppled over, but Ryan grabbed it on its way to the floor. “I don’t want to intrude,” he said. “I’ll leave you to it. And Lance? It was nice to meet you.”

Now, it was Lance’s voice that quivered. “Likewise, Ryan.”

They shook hands like two businessmen closing a deal. Ryan quickly pulled his hand away and headed toward the exit.

Lance looked with a mixture of anger and annoyance at James, who was now sitting in Ryan’s chair.

And then, James had the fucking nerve to ask if they were still on for their date the next night.

About the Author

Dann Hazel has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for more than twenty years.

Besides writing romance, he has taught high school English and journalism, college psychology and human sexuality, directed federal grants and worked as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital. His fiction genre interests include thrillers, horror, literary and gay romance. He has published the Some Like It Haute Gay Romance Series, including Room for Dessert, My Own Private Biscuit and Lonely Diner.

Nonfiction works include Witness: Gay and Lesbian Clergy Report from the Front and Moving On: The Gay Man’s Guide for Coping When a Relationship Ends.

Dann’s personal interests include reading and writing, cinema, jogging, Broadway, keeping abreast of current events and travel.

Currently, Dann lives in Central Florida with his husband, Josh, and their American Eskimo canine, Flurry.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website | Facebook (Some Like It Haute) | Instagram

Saturday 25 November 2023

Get Frosted by Amy Aislin #kindleunlimited

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Get Frosted

Author and Publisher: Amy Aislin

Cover Artist: Morningstar Ashley

Release Date: November 21, 2023

Genre: Contemporary m/m romance

Tropes: brother’s best friend, Christmas, rivals to lovers

Themes: A story about home and finding the place where you belong.

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 58 000 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

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Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

For years, Mik has wanted nothing more than to put coal in Rudy Snow's stocking.

As former pro hockey players, they’ve been rivals for years. It started in Mik’s rookie season, when a reporter pitted him against his older brother's best friend. Rudy pushes Mik’s buttons like no one else, going out of his way to one-up him at every turn.

Now they manage pubs in a small town that takes Christmas to a level best seen in Hallmark movies, but not much else has changed. They’re still rivals, this time pitting gingerbread martinis against pomegranate sangria.

But when they’re forced to work together to plan a special holiday party, sparks ignite. Maybe it's a bad idea to put coal in Rudy's stocking after all. They both might just catch fire.

Then again, what better way is there to stay warm on a cold winter's night?

Christmas Falls is a multi-author M/M romance series set in a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie.

All books in the Christmas Falls series:

Nov 14: Grinch Kisses by DJ Jamison

Nov 17: Snowbody Loves Me by Jacki James

Nov 21: Get Frosted by Amy Aislin

Nov 28: Silent Knight by Beth Bolden

Dec 1: Under the Mistle-Tome by Sammi Cee

Dec 5: Clausing a Scene by Casey Cox

Dec 8: No Elfing Way by Hayden Hall

Dec 12: Ready, Set, Glow! by Rye Cox

Dec 15: Scrooge You! by Brigham Vaughn

Excerpt

“You certainly know how to make a splash,” said a dry voice at his elbow, shaking him out of his irritation.

And setting into motion a new kind of annoyance that fizzled in Mik’s blood. “No one asked you,” he said to his brother’s best friend.

Rudy Snow raised one dark eyebrow, because of course he could do that. When Mik tried, he ended up with both eyebrows at his hairline.

“It’s certainly . . .” Rudy cast his gaze around, taking everything in. “Unique.”

“It’s majestic.”

“It looks like the Island of Misfit Toys. All you’re missing is a Charlie-in-the-Box.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Mik clenched his teeth. “You’re not allowed to judge. You don’t even have a wreath on your front door.”

Rudy made a sound in the back of his throat, a rumbly laugh that made the back of Mik’s neck itch. “Do you often happen to find yourself outside my house, Miki?”

Mik’s stupid feelings went all gooey at the nickname. Or maybe that was just hunger. “It’s on my way to work.”

“Sure. If you take the long way.”

God. Why did he have to be so annoying?

And hot.

And annoyingly hot. All dark-haired and dark-eyed and scruffy-jawed, with a natural tan to his skin that perpetually made him look like he’d just come from the beach. He stood a couple of inches taller than Mik’s five feet eleven. At a year older than Mik’s thirty-one, Rudy was as fit now as he’d been when he’d played in the NHL, even two and a half years post-retirement.

Mik had considered himself lucky to be drafted to his brother’s team’s rival. With Mik playing for Washington and Josh playing for Pittsburgh, it had given Mik the chance to step out of his brother’s shadow and assert himself as his own person. And playing up the rivalry between their teams had been all sorts of fun at family get-togethers.

The problem Mik hadn’t anticipated had been twofold.

First, because Josh’s rookie year had been the gold fucking star of rookie years, Mik had been instantly compared to him when he’d been drafted a year later, forevermore casting him in the role of Josh Gilmore’s little brother.

Second, there was Pittsburgh defenseman Rudy Snow. And Pittsburgh defenseman Rudy Snow wasn’t shy about checking his teammate’s little brother into the boards during Mik’s first Washington versus Pittsburgh game.

“It’s no secret in the league that your brother and his teammate Rudy Snow are good friends,” a reporter had said to Mik during the post-game interview after that game. “What do you have to say to your brother’s best friend after that check in the second period?”

Um, nothing?

He’d barely known Rudy. Plus, checking was what hockey players did.

While both those things were true, that hadn’t been what the reporter wanted to hear. So Mik had smirked and said, “That he better watch out. He won’t get the jump on me again. In fact, next time, I’m going to swipe the puck out from under him and score. Just wait and see.”

Mik had later learned that Rudy had responded to that with a pithy, “He can try.”

And that was it. Instant rivalry.

About the Author

Amy’s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram, or sign up for her infrequent newsletter.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a signed paperback of Get Frosted

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Friday 24 November 2023

The Dream Series Tour by Michael G. Hurston #kindleunlimited

Hachi + Araine: The Dream Series by Michael G. Hurston

After waking up from a thousand-year cryosleep to a world they no longer recognize, Hachi and her golem Araine embark on a perilous journey with human scavenger Sara to find others like themselves, navigating a world of romance, tragedy, and self-discovery along the way.

The stories need to be read in order.

Series Links

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 1

Book Title: Hachi + Araine // Awake: The Dream Series Book 1

Length: 45 000 Words

Release Date: October 20, 2023

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Romance

Tropes: Polyamorous and Pansexual relationships

Themes: Strong Female Protagonist, Self-discovery

Heat Rating: 3.5-4 flames

It is not a standalone story and this book ends on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

Hachi is an unstoppable Tau-born juggernaut on the battlefield with her golem Araine. The two wake up in a cryopod after a thousand-year sleep to find the world she knew is gone, and the others who came with her are nowhere to be found. Determined to find others like themselves, Hachi and Araine embark on their search, encountering a human scavenger named Sara, and a treasure hunt through space ensues.

While Hachi is confident in her abilities as a warrior, she is insecure and unsure of herself in social interactions. She is forced to deal with not only the loss of her own kind, but with people she doesn’t know, and more than she could have expected. Throughout their adventure, Hachi must confront her vulnerabilities, even as she battles against seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

With the help of Araine and Sara, Hachi must not only find others like herself but also discover the truth about the new world she finds herself in, regardless of what tragedies occurred and what may yet still befall them.

BOOK 2

Book Title: Hachi + Araine // Nightmares: The Dream Series Book 2

Length: 45 000 Words

Release Date: October 20, 2023

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Romance

Tropes: Polyamorous and Pansexual relationships

Themes: Strong Female Protagonist, Self-discovery

Heat Rating: 2-3 flames

It is not a standalone story and this book ends on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blurb

Taking place immediately after the events of book 1, Hachi and Araine have now recovered their memories as well as been granted a boon from the Founders. Together the pair are tasked with locating the remaining unopened Tau-born vaults hidden somewhere across the Sol System.

Determined to complete her mission and return to the man she’s known all her life. Araine and Hachi set out on a quest that takes them through the universe and back, but for every action, there is a reaction, and they’ll need to face the consequences of every decision they’ve made.

Meanwhile Lamant and Mira work tirelessly to attempt to restore the woman Hachi loved back to life, though things take a darker turn when an unknown ship appears suddenly on the outskirts of our galaxy.

BOOK 3

Book Title: Hachi + Araine // Falling: The Dream Series Book 3

Length: Approximately 45 000 Words

Release Date: October 20, 2023

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Romance

Tropes: Polyamorous and Pansexual relationships

Themes: Strong Female Protagonist, Self-discovery

Heat Rating: 2-3 flames

It is not a standalone story.

It does not end on a cliffhanger, but leaves some aspects open.

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blog/Website | Amazon Author Page

Blurb

One year after the events of book 2, Hachi is trying her best to help lead the new world she created, even as her relationship with Araine is strained. A new series of challenges, both emotional and physical awaits her.

A celebration gone awry, a mission to the belts to rout out the last remnants of the old regime, and ongoing struggles with relationships are now just par for the course for Hachi and Araine. Along with the help of Gemini, Scarlet, Darius, and KAD their goal is to bring safety and a lasting peace to the people of Sol.

But the clock is ticking as Amrita has warned her. Will any of Hachi’s actions matter once they face off against entities known only as the First Children. Unfamiliar beings from Draco that rival the abilities of the Founders and want nothing more than to consume all life within Sol.

About the Author

I’ve worked in MarTech/WebOps for the last twenty years. Most of my daily writing is spent on Business Requirement Documents, Project Plans, and Engineering Tickets.

I started creative writing in my spare time. I enjoy writing fantasy and science fiction as well as d20 campaigns.

Everything I make from writing goes to helping provide a better life for my cat.

Author Links

Sunday 19 November 2023

Caged Time by Erik S. Meyers #giveaway

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: Caged Time

Author: Erik S. Meyers

Publisher: Mirador Publishing

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Genres: LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction

Tropes: Struggling to be yourself in a place/time that doesn't really want you

Themes: Coming out, being yourself

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 144 pages

It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N

David Tarniss faces his desire and his faith

Short Blurb

In 1930s New York, David Tarniss leads a quiet life as a cab driver-too quiet. In reality he is hiding a dark secret, his homosexuality, something for which he will pay dearly due to the unique circumstances of the time.

A fascinating, if disturbing, story about the challenges that confronted gays (and Jews) in 1930s New York.

Long Blurb

In 1930s New York, Jewish immigrant David Tarniss leads a quiet life as a cab driver—too quiet—In reality he is hiding a dark secret, his homosexuality, something for which he will pay dearly due to the unique circumstances of the time.

Based on the author's fictional interpretation of a family tragedy, "Caged Time" is an attempt to explain how society can mold who you are and significantly impact your life. The novel focuses on a small group of characters that all have key significance in David’s life, the people that most affect what he does, how he thinks, and how he lives. The setting of the novel is even more impactful as it plays out in the context of a pre-World War II society haunted by the looming war. Most of the characters are Jewish, bringing another angle to the events.

Whenever things seem to be moving forward, David faces a setback. Whether being shunned by his brother when he reveals who he is, haunted by a strange encounter with a friend, or being beat up when he least expects it, he's always taking two steps forward and one back. But he always seems determined to go on.

A fascinating, if disturbing, look at the challenges that confronted gays (and Jews) in 1930s New York with a glimmer of hope at the end.

Excerpt

David hurried down Eighth Avenue, his usual brisk New York walk that his relatives often scolded him about, saying he was being antisocial and not walking with them. Well, he just walked fast; it didn’t have anything to do with being social or antisocial. He whizzed past stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, full of people as they chatted with their friends on this cool Saturday morning—summer at its weakest point with fall just around the corner. He was content wearing his checkered coat, although a brisk wind came up countering the sun’s warmth and he thought he maybe should have brought a scarf.

As he approached Union Square, that nervous, giddy feeling hit him, and he began to shake from the thought of what was to come. Though he had tried to compose himself while on the train and walking down the street, as soon as he got nearer to Child’s, his palms started sweating and his pace quickened. Somehow he felt couldn’t help but feel ashamed about being who he was and the thought of meeting with others of his kind, as it were, made him shake. He really wanted to meet someone. His nerves often held him back. But not today!

I don’t have anything to be nervous about, David told himself. I come here every Saturday. Today I just have a different goal in mind.

At that moment he arrived at Child’s, his favorite coffee shop, and peered in the window, half expecting everyone to stop what they were saying or doing and turn their heads at him, as if they were all waiting, watching. Of course, the thought was ridiculous, and no one did anything of the sort. He slowly reached for the handle, staring more at it than the interior, his heart beating rapidly and his fingers twitching in anticipation. Or is it fear? David wondered.

Then, with a rush, he pushed open the door, strode inside, and quickly found a booth near the door, which meant, like many of the other men inside, he was waiting, watching...and hoping. The place wasn’t that big with only a few booths along the walls and several tables in the middle, so David was happy to have the perfect vantage point.

About the Author

Currently in Austria, Erik Meyers is an American abroad for years and years who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, the longest in Germany. I'm an award-winning author and communications professional with 25 years of expertise in a variety of corporate roles. Reading and writing are my passions, when I'm not hiking one of the amazing trails in Austria or elsewhere.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

one of 2 signed copies of the book

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Saturday 11 November 2023

Scales & Stone (D’Vaire, Book 40) by Jessamyn Kingley #kindleunlimited

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Scales & Stone (D’Vaire, Book 40)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: November 9, 2023

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Themes: Love, resolving the past

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 89 000 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Link

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Sometimes it takes finding love to appreciate the best parts of yourself.

Blurb

Decades after leaving behind a king who attempted to sell him for wizard experimentation, Lex D’Vairedraconis lives in a place filled with loved ones. At Court D’Vaire, the dragon shifter has access to everything. He wants for nothing. But his lack of purpose frustrates him. Surrounded by successful people, Lex can’t figure out how to channel his energy. And he dearly wants to know why Fate hasn’t paired him with anyone.

Rutledge Blackstone is alone. As a gargoyle, he shouldn’t live among humans, but he fears the many enemies hunting his kind. To survive, gargoyles must separate. His parents, and even his twin brother, have left him in a house slowly crumbling around his ears. To comfort himself, he records every happy moment in a notebook, and waits for the day to add more memories to his treasure trove.

But the gargoyles aren’t being tracked by foes alone. The new gargoyle rulers and their allies want to aid people like Rutledge. To his shock, the Council of Sorcery and Shifters wants him to join, and he soon lands an invitation to the renowned sanctuary at Court D’Vaire. Before he can decide whether to accept, he meets Lex. Their attraction is instant, but Rutledge is anything but intrepid.

To build a life together, they must learn to love unconditionally and find their true purpose in life.

Excerpt

In the days that had passed since Rutledge had first invited Lex into his bedroom, they’d learned a little about what each of them liked. Rutledge didn’t want to forget any of the things that drove them both delightfully crazy, so he listened to the steady breathing of the dragon curled around him and slowly, incrementally, moved closer to the nightstand. The last thing Rutledge wanted to do was wake Lex, despite the bright sunshine coming through the glass doors that led to his balcony and the breakfast likely waiting for them downstairs.

As carefully as he could, Rutledge pulled open the small drawer and waited a heartbeat to ensure Lex was still snoozing behind him. Once he was sure Lex hadn’t stirred, Rutledge grabbed a pencil and his current notebook. With a happy sigh, Rutledge snuggled back into his pillow and adored the heavy weight of Lex’s arm across his middle.

Rutledge decided to make a list of the things about Lex that pleased him and jotted down the dragon’s penchant for keeping himself uncovered at night. His pencil moved swiftly from line to line as Rutledge added Lex’s kisses and the way he clearly stated what he wanted during their encounters.

Lex never failed to tug on Rutledge’s errant tresses. Something about that simple gesture drove Rutledge out of his mind with lust. His balls would be near to bursting, and that little yank on his hair would nearly make him blow his load every single damn night. Following their incredible climaxes, Lex would hold him tightly. He’d just pull Rutledge into arms where they lay and hug him close.

It added a level of sweetness and caring to sex Rutledge hadn’t experienced prior to meeting Lex. Since they were mates and Rutledge genuinely adored his dragon shifter, it made perfect sense. The feeling and scent of home would overwhelm Rutledge, and if he wept a tear or two of happiness, that was his business.

Rutledge had pursed his lips and was wondering how best to describe Lex’s cock when the discordant sound of a cellphone startled him so badly, he nearly dropped his pencil.

“Mine or yours?” Lex asked, his voice roughened with sleep as he reached over Rutledge to slap at the nightstand.

“Yours,” Rutledge said, trying to shove his notebook under his pillow so Lex wouldn’t figure out he was making a list about their steamy nights and mornings.

Lying there stiff as a board, Rutledge wondered how to get the notebook in his hand closed and into the drawer before Lex figured out what he was doing.

“Hmm, what is Worth up to now?” Lex muttered.

Eager to discuss anything besides his own relentless need to document everything, Rutledge injected levity into his voice. “Why, what did he say?”

A hand landed on Rutledge’s hip, and a tender kiss was pressed to his shoulder. “You okay? What’s wrong?”

“Why do you think something’s wrong with me?”

“Because your voice just reached the highest octave I’ve yet to hear from you, and you squealed pretty loud when I licked your balls last night,” Lex drawled. “And you’re tense. Did something happen? Was it something I did?”

“No,” Rutledge replied immediately and flung his pencil onto the floor as he rolled to face a worried Lex. There was an imprint from the pillowcase on his cheek, and for once, Rutledge wasn’t the only one with wild hair, but Lex was still stunningly sexy. “I’m fine, I promise.”

“That was your pencil hitting the floor, wasn’t it?”

Rutledge couldn’t help the color rising to his cheeks. “I was making a list.”

“What I don’t understand is why you keep trying to hide it from me,” Lex said softly as he swept a wayward lock of hair away from Rutledge’s eye. “You can write whatever you want in your notebook.”

“I know,” Rutledge murmured, his gaze landing on Lex’s deliciously naked chest. The dark hair there was impossible to resist, so Rutledge rested his palm on that solid muscled wall to enjoy the feel of it against his skin.

“So, why are you throwing pencils and trying to shove your notebook under the pillow?”

“This was a different kind of list, and I guess I was embarrassed.”

“Was this a dirty list, Rutledge?”

Hearing the smile in his voice had Rutledge shifting to kiss Lex’s upturned lips. “It was.”

“Want to read it to me?”

“No.”

Lex chuckled. “Fine, be mean about it. Come take a shower with me. Worth wants to talk to us, and if we don’t hurry, we’re going to miss breakfast. You were so absorbed in writing your sexy little list that you let me sleep in too late.”

“It’s Saturday, and you were obviously tired,” Rutledge protested as Lex shoved the comforter aside and they peeled themselves out of the tangled sheets to bathe.

“Good thing it’s the weekend or you would’ve been late for work.”

“Why would I be late?”

Lex snagged Rutledge’s hand and led him into the bathroom, where he turned the shower on. Thankfully, the water heated quickly because Lex urged Rutledge in and slid the glass door shut behind them.

“Because I can hardly be expected to scrub you clean without playing a little,” Lex said, crowding Rutledge into the wall and pressing his body close. “And I don’t think either of us can resist a few kisses.”

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's

Facebook Profile | Twitter | Pinterest

A Soul Unbroken: A Journey by A. D. Britten #kindleunlimited

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: A Soul Unbroken: A Journey

Author and Publisher: A.D. Britten

Cover Artist: (for printed book) Cover design from Amazon template by author, photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash; (for ebook) Cover design from Amazon template by author, photo by Oliver Sjostrom on Unsplash

Release Date: Originally released in 2006; updated and re-released in 2019

Genre. Contemporary M/M Romance

Theme: Overcoming the odds

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 85 735 words/414 pages

It is a standalone book.

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Joey Christopher has never had an easy life, but living with Allen made everything better, until it wasn’t.

Blurb

Joey Christopher has never had an easy life, but living with Allen made everything better. His mere presence made Joey happy and made life seem more manageable despite Allen's serious faults. However, when Allen is arrested during a drug bust Joey must learn to live on his own for the first time. He even spends some time in a homeless shelter, while he does everything possible to get Allen home to return to the life they once lived-only better.

Excerpt

Joey had been very busy that day; there was a major book sale and a well-known local author had stopped by for a reading and book signing. He was thankful for the distraction, because he was having one of his weak days. Then, toward the end of his shift, Gary showed up suddenly. Joey had not noticed him until he came up to the counter, being the next customer in line, and Joey happened to be the cashier who was free.

Even before he could turn in his direction, he heard Gary’s voice and recognized it immediately.

“Well, well, well, I’m going to have to come here more often,” Gary said with his characteristic bright and easy smile. “How are you, Joey?”

Joey’s heart stopped for moment, after hearing his name from such a familiar voice. He looked up from the cash register and saw Gary smiling brilliantly at him. He was always such an open and friendly person, albeit a little too friendly at times.

“Hi, how are you, Gary?” Joey managed to say. He did not want to repeat the mistake he made with his earlier exchange with Brian and Jason. Besides, Gary was probably there for business-related reasons and not just as a customer.

“I’m good. I had been trying to call you, but your phone was out of service.” Joey had changed his cell phone number for obvious reasons.

“Yeah, my number changed.”

“Well, I never thought I’d see you again,” he said sincerely. “Anyway, I was having a get-together Friday night and, well, would you like to come?”

“I don’t know,” Joey said honestly. “I remember what happened the last time.”

“All that’s over,” Gary reassured. “Folks have moved. No more drama.”

“Well…maybe.”

That’s all Gary needed to hear. “Here’s my business card. It has my cell number. Call anytime.” Gary carefully placed the card on the counter. To be courteous Joey picked it up and put it in his pocket. Then Gary furtively winked at him and left. The next customer walked up to the register, and Joey started to ring up her purchases.

Joey told himself that he wouldn’t go; he couldn’t go. He meant to take the card out and tear it up before leaving work, but forgot. When he got home later that night he meant to take it out and rip it up, but he was so tired that he just got ready for bed and went to sleep. The end of the week came and the card was still there in his jeans pocket. He happened to wear the same pair of jeans that Friday that he had worn on the day of Gary’s visit. Joey took a deep breath as the last customer left and he went through the store rearranging misplaced books on the shelf and tidying up the store. Mr. Griffin came out of his office and told him that Joey could go home early. He would finish up.

The next day was going to be busy with another book signing and Joey was going to be the only person that morning. The older woman who had worked there last time, Mr. Griffin’s cousin, would not make it to work until later in the day.

So Joey left the store and told himself he was going home. He wanted to go home. But somehow he found himself at 7 pm standing on Gary’s porch, one of the first to arrive at his party.

About the Author

A.D. Britten is a published author of various short stories, articles, and two novels. Originally from the Midwest, Britten now lives on the East Coast.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Instagram

Friday 10 November 2023

Behind The Headline: A Gay Man’s Story of His Arrest by Dariusz Alexander

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: Behind The Headline: A Gay Man’s Story of His Arrest

Author and Publisher: Dariusz Alexander

Release Date: August 31, 2023

Genres: Contemporary memoir, non-fiction, true life account

Tropes: Police procedures, gay entrapment, criminal law

Themes: Depression, self-reflection, overcoming hard times, struggling with sexuality, finding peace, maintaining dignity through integrity, equality matters

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 75 pages

It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Blog/Website | Amazon Author Page

Discover the captivating journey of a gay man unraveling the truth in “Behind The Headline”.

Get ready to be moved, inspired, and empowered.

Blurb

I was a successful gay police detective; good at my job, content with helping others, motivated by a sense of justice and trust I held both with my colleagues and ordinary people.
I always strived to be compassionate, diligent, and friendly to people around me. My future was seemingly bright.

That was until one day in March. Within five seconds, I turned my life upside down. I got arrested and was put through the criminal justice and media machine.

This is an authentic story of who I was and how I survived the most difficult period of my life.

#TrueStory #EqualityMatters #EmpoweringRead #LGBTQ #InspiringReads

Excerpt

I remember the coldness and tightness of the handcuffs being strapped on my hands behind my back.

“Breathe” the officer said… I could feel my entire body going numb, blood drained from my face and through the dried lips I muttered “You are ruining my life” …

I wanted to die there and then.

I could hear the beeping of the activated Body Warn Video Cameras of the two police officers. I could feel my heart beating faster and faster and my vision narrowed. Raindrops were falling on my head and as I looked around – the light seemed strangely brighter. I was now removed from what was happening, but also strangely present.

My past was flashing in front of my eyes. What looked like millions of neurons were firing inside my brain as I helplessly tried to understand what was happening.

Nothing would prepare me for what was about to unfold. That morning I woke up a regular self, I shaved and showered, had my coffee and a toast...

In just a matter of seconds my life turned upside down and I felt like I was just struck with a hammer to the back of my head. As I learned later that figurative “hammer” would strike again over and over in the coming weeks and months.

I was just arrested at Hampstead Heath Park by a plain clothes police officer.

About the Author

I was born in a small city in central Poland. In November of 2004 I emigrated to the UK and initially settled in the North of England before moving to London in 2006.

After years of struggling with my sexuality, I was able to come out as a gay man - something I would have never been able to do in Poland. For many years, I held a variety of ordinary jobs before a traumatic event in March of 2023 forced me to re-imagine my future and take on the role of a writer. "Behind The Headline" is my debut into the literary world written from the heart and with passion of someone who was in the centre of his life being turned upside down.

Author Links

Thursday 9 November 2023

Touch in the Night by S. J. Coles

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Touch in the Night

Author: S. J. Coles

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Genre: Paranormal M/M Romance

Tropes: Vampire, BDSM, Single Dad, Billionaire

Themes: Self-worth, self-acceptance, overcoming prejudice

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 85 673 words/344 pages

It is Book 1 in the ‘Blood and Bonds’ Series. Books 2 & 3 due for release in 2024

This book does not end on a cliffhanger

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Publisher | Universal Link

Jesse Truelove never felt a part of his own family. But can a vampire really give him a new one?

Blurb

With a criminal record, no steady job and a penchant for kink, Jesse Truelove has spent most of his life feeling like an outsider. He tells himself it doesn’t bother him, that he never needed human connections anyway.

Now the Undying Baron, Emory Von Magnusson, a vampire—or, to use the modern term, ‘haemophile’—has reclaimed his ancestral home north of Jesse’s hometown, and the human population isn’t sure how to react. Jesse knows a thing or two about what it’s like to be misjudged, so he keeps an open mind. But when a bungled break-in at Emory’s home brings them face-to-face, Jesse finds it’s much more than his mind that’s stimulated.

However, building a relationship with an undead blood-drinker was never going to be straightforward, especially when that undead blood-drinker reveals he wants a family.

Excerpt

“This is about last night.”

“Yeah,” Jesse rasped. “It is…” Magnusson didn’t move or speak, but Jesse thought he saw warmth gathering in his eyes. “So we don’t talk about it. Is that it?”

“I’m more than happy to talk about it.”

“It was…something.”

“It was. Something you enjoyed, I think.”

Jesse’s skin rippled. “Where did it come from, huh? You don’t even know me.”

“I know you’re not regretting it, Jesse. Why are you pretending you are?”

Jesse frowned. “You think you know what I’m feeling?”

A small smile turned up the corners of the full lips. “Humans don’t realize how little of what they feel is secret. It broadcasts, like a beacon. It’s one of the things that makes you so fascinating.”

“Whereas you feel nothing?” he said, putting the glass on the table with more force than was necessary.

“That isn’t true.”

Jesse made a noise of frustration. “So, what? What was last night?”

“Has no one ever cared about just what you need before?”

“You jerk off all your employees if they have a bad day?”

“No,” he said, smile warming, “just you.” Jesse went very still. His heart was slugging in his chest. Magnusson bent close and inhaled. The air brushed over Jesse’s temple. He shivered. “I’ve upset you.”

“You haven’t upset me. I’m not a kid.”

Magnusson gazed down at him. “I’m sorry. I thought I knew what you wanted.”

You did. More than any other guy I’ve ever known…but you’re not human. Just my luck.

Jesse kept his mouth firmly closed over the words, not wanting to admit them, even to himself. Instead, he said, “I just don’t get…why?”

“You won’t believe the answer to that question until you’re able to answer it yourself,” he said. “But I can see what I did has made this difficult.”

“You’re my boss…”

He blinked once, slowly.

So he does blink.

“I currently employ you. That is correct. But after last night…and considering the way you looked at me when we first met…” He paused. Jesse held his breath. “Forgive me. You are a fascinating human. And my instincts told me there was more to your interest than professional curiosity.”

Jesse looked away.

“I’m sorry,” Magnusson continued after a moment. “It has been a very long time since I understood the nuances of human emotion. I sometimes forget that.”

“No kidding…Sir,” he added after an awkward moment.

“I think you really had best start calling me Emory.”

Jesse’s skin heated. “Okay…Emory.”

About the Author

S.J. Coles is a Romance writer originally from Shropshire, UK. She has been writing stories for as long as she has been able to read them. Her biggest passion is exploring narratives through character relationships.

She finds writing LGBT/paranormal romance provides many unique and fulfilling opportunities to explore many (often neglected or under-represented) aspects of human experience, expectation, emotion and sexuality.

Among her biggest influences are LGBT Romance authors K J Charles and Josh Lanyon and Vampire Chronicles author Anne Rice.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter

Instagram | Pride Publishing