TWO 4.5 Star Reviews for Sight and Sinners by Susan Mac Nicol (Author Interview) – #MM #Romance @SusanMacNicol7

Title: Sight and Sinners (Men of London Book 2)
Author Name: Susan Mac Nicol
Publication Date & Length: February 23, 2015 – 200 pgs

THE MEN OF LONDON
From Charing Cross to Waterloo, there’s no escaping love.
SEEING THROUGH…
28-year-old Draven Samuels has a tragic past, but as an investigator with a high-profile London company he now gets what he wants. Tough, sarcastic, and sceptical, he has no patience for lies and even less for people who waste his time. Even if they’re as beautiful as the wild and dark-haired Taylor Abelard. Especially when they’re talking over the body of a murder victim.

THE DARKNESS
Psychic Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel the ghostly vibrations of people close to him who’ve passed on. It’s why he doesn’t get too close to the living. But this time, against his better judgment, despite Draven’s mocking rejoinders, Taylor will get closer than ever before. The mystery surrounding a dead friend will lead the two men down a dark and seedy trail of blackmail and lies. Add in the heartbreak of a family tragedy, and events lead them straight into each other’s arms. By the end of this night, all their demons will have risen—and been banished with the dawn.

The Hero’s.
Draven Samuels has a tragic past, He is an investigator with a high-profile London company, He is tough, sarcastic and a skeptic when it comes to anything out of the ordinary.

Taylor Abelard is used to people calling him a freak. He can see past events and feel ghostly vibrations. He is pyschic and he doesn’t get close to the living. Can Draven help banish Taylor’s demons? Can Taylor help Draven believe that demons can be banished?

The story starts out hot and from from page 1 you are pulled in.  The author does a great job of making this a realistic relationship. There are some laugh out loud moments at their antics. And then your heart is breaking while one of them is dealing with a serious issue, and the pain is felt through the pages. It is a very well written journey with Draven and Taylor and will leave you smiling through tears!

Reviewer: Kimberley

This book deals with death and suicide. If these subjects bother you, do not read.

I really enjoyed the other book in this series that I have read. This one was also very enjoyable.

Taylor and Draven have such a hateful beginning. I have to admit that I really disliked Draven for most of the story. I had already grown to love Taylor, so I was always on his side throughout this story.

The author did a great job expressing the emotions behind Taylor’s visions. I found myself laughing and crying with Taylor. I freely admit that I was a fan of Taylor in the previous story, so it took absolutely nothing to convince me of his character’s charms.

Draven, too, I was familiar with, but with the opposite emotion. I disliked him in the last story and continued that dislike in this story. I truly wanted to hurt Draven in parts of this book.

Also, for the most part, I liked the mystery of Drew. Tragic and so sad, I really liked how this part of the story helped to pull Draven and Taylor from their polar opposite sides to come together to figure out what had happened to their friend.

I wanted to throttle Drew’s wife and her father. The shame in this story – I felt each horrible emotion. Susan did an amazing job again with these characters and this story.

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The man Taylor was blowing definitely didn’t know how the hell to keep quiet. Taylor’s lips were wrapped around his dick, while above him a man stood, panting and moaning, turning the air blue with his curses. Taylor stopped what he was doing, causing the blowjob recipient to groan in dismay, and glared at the sweaty face above him.

“For Christ’s sake, Georgie, can you stop it with the fucking porn noises?” He glanced around him nervously. “This is where I work, damn it, and if anyone hears you they’ll come outside to see what all the fuss is about.”

Georgie’s wide eyes cast a quick glance around the deserted alleyway behind ‘Music Mayhem’ where Taylor was employed, then looked down at Taylor kneeling between his legs.

“Sorry, mate, it’s just that you’re so damn good at this and it’s been a while.”

1. Are you an independent author or published author? What made you chose to go that route?

I’m traditionally published, simply because that was how the cards fell. I sent my first story out to publishers (well two of them) and managed to get accepted straight away by Boroughs Publishing Group. They are fantastic to me, supportive and collaborative and I adore them all. They have nurtured me and made me into the writer I am today. Having a publisher has its pros and cons. They pay for everything and I simply write and get my cheque every three months. Sure, the royalties are less than if you self publish.  I also I can’t control my sales or see how they are doing day to day like you can with self publishing. I am looking into the self publishing game but it’s a way away from that at the moment. I have a series to finish J

 

2. How would you describe your writing style? (Sweet, Light, Dark, Erotic)

I’ve written dark, light and sweet and I’m told my reliable sources that my stories are erotic *grins* I never set out to write such steamy sex scenes but apparently I do. I like the challenge of trying different things. Stripped Bare was sexy and fun with an element of angst. Saving Alexander and Worth Keeping were dark and very emotive books. Waiting For Rain was lighter and funny and Out For The Holidays was a short, sweet ride. Love and Punishment was gritty, erotic and quite gruesome. Double Alchemy was a journey into the paranormal with some dark scenes but also a lot of sensuality. I honestly don’t think I’ve got it in me to have simply one style or genre of writing. It depends how I feel.

 

3. Have you considered using a pen name? Why or why not?

I am fortunate enough to live in a country that is very progressive in the LGBTQ arena. I’m not religious so I have nothing to hide for fear I might be victimised or ostracised. I have a family that is very open minded, tolerant and accepting. It’s the way I’ve bought my kids up to be and that’s the best way forward in my mind. I have occult interests and make them well known to the extent that one of my more radically religious best friends and I ended up parting ways when he didn’t agree with what I did. So I am fortunate enough to be able to use my real name on the books I write because you know why? I DON’T CARE what anyone else other than those close to me think. I really don’t. I wear my gay romance writer badge with Pride because I can. I understand others don’t have the same privileges and my heart goes out to them.

Oh and also I use my real name so all those people who once knew me can see I achieved my dream of becoming a published author. *winks* There were a few who didn’t believe in me. Maybe now they will.

 

4. What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in your writing life?

I guess getting that first M/M book published, which was ‘Stripped Bare’ and making PAN status on it within a couple of days from release. The Published Authors Network is a status (based on sales and royalties) within the Romance Writers of America organisation and I am proud to be a member. My publisher actually Skyped me to tell me I was now eligible and they were so proud of me.

 

5. What part of a book is your favorite?

I haven’t got any one part I love, I love the whole creation. However, I will say that I really enjoy the angst bits, the parts where the characters are in tears, having an emotional break-down. It makes me choke up and I really feel their pain and revel in it.

6. If you could co write with any author, who would you pick and why?

Ooh this is a tricky one. Kindle Alexander and I have talked co-writing on a very basic level, but we haven’t got any plans at the moment. I was co-writing a book with Sue Brown, a semi-autobiographical novel, but unfortunately that didn’t work out as the main character in real life canned the project.  I’d have to say if I got the chance I’d want to write with Josh Lanyon. He’s my favourite all time author and I love his work and his characters. PS I know that will never happen but you did ask J

7. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I tend to write a lot of my own views and opinions into my books and I suppose those are the messages I subliminally want to get across. Delivering from my soap box using the written word…

8. What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading Charlie Cochet’s ‘Rise and Fall’. I love the THIRDS series of books and this one is turning out to be a real page turner…

 

9. Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely. It used to be a hobby, now I see it as my first beloved job, with my day job as a second *sniggers* I doubt my boss will feel the same… Honestly, I want nothing more than to be able to give up the day job and write full time but at the moment that just isn’t possible, with bills to pay.

 

10. What is next for you as an author?

Well *leans forward and whispers* I’m going into the porn industry with a male pole dancer friend of mine..and that’s all I’m saying. You’ll get the scoop once we’re done. I have to say it is all based on a fan site development for a future work. I’m continuing to write the third book in the Men Of London series, trying to finish the last book in my Starlight series, and beginning my new story, ‘Living On Air’, which is an epic tale of tragedy and absolute angst, so be warned,  which involves me going behind the scenes at a circus…

 

Quickies:

Favorite Genre to Read? M/M of course

Favorite Day of the Week? Friday

Favorite Gadget? My Smart Phone

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Fritos or Cheetos? Fritos

Coke or Pepsi? Coke

Pancakes or Waffles? Waffles

Susan Mac Nicol is a self confessed bookaholic, an avid watcher of videos of sexy pole dancing men, self confessed geek and nerd and in love with her Smartphone. This little treasure is called ‘the boyfriend’ by her long suffering husband, who says if it vibrated, there’d be no need for him. Susan hasn’t had the heart to tell him there’s an app for that…

She is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason. She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.

Lover of walks in the forest, theatre productions, dabbling her toes in the cold North Sea and the vibrant city of London where you can experience all four seasons in a day , she is a hater of pantomime (so please don’t tar and feather her), duplicitous people, bigotry and self righteous idiots.

In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a little while, good things happen to good people.

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Author Interview with Here Without You (One Voice Book Two) Author – Mia Kerick – #MM #Menage #NewAdult #Romance @MiaKerick

Title: Here Without You (One Voice #2 – Standalone)
Author Name: Mia Kerick
Publication Date: February 2015 – 216 pgs

With all of his scratched and dented heart, Nate DeMarco wants to be two places at once, but he’s been forced to make an unbearable choice. Having barely survived high school, Nate and his boyfriends, Casey Minton and Zander Zane, are ready to move forward in life. Casey and Zander have left home to attend Boston City College. Nate remains in New Hampshire to protect his volatile younger sister from their increasingly violent, alcoholic uncle. Nate suffers with anger, resentment, and loneliness as he battles what he wants against what he feels he must do.

Now separated, the young men fight to stay in contact. However, they’re each faced with their own separate issues. Casey must cope with residual fear from having been bullied in high school. Zander obsesses over the establishment of One Voice, the new gay-straight alliance at Boston City College. Nate fights for his sister’s very survival. Meanwhile, the intensity of the boys’ relationship increases, both sexually and emotionally, as happens in long distance relationships.

Nate’s futile effort to live two lives leads to tragedy, which blasts Nate, Casey, and Zander apart. Can the three young men find their way back to a united path before it’s too late?

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2 NATE’S DIARY

August 23 (they only been gone about half a week now)

SO MAYBE this is a bit fucked up, but I’m gonna put it down on paper in black and white, and maybe when I read it back to myself, it’ll seem more normal.

Here’s the thing. Like Casey says, us three is a throuple. Three dudes in love. Whatever. Cuz I sure as shit love them guys, and nothin’s gonna change that. So, yeah. There’s two dudes in place A and one dude, alone, in place B. I just figured them two would be gettin’ busy in bed in their fancy dorm room whenever they had a chance—cuz that’s what guys do, right?

Well, apparently not so much. Last night they Skyped me. There them two were, sittin’ all cozy on Casey’s rainbow-colored bedspread. The floppy stuffed unicorn that me and Zander gave him for Christmas junior year was propped up behind ’em, starin’ at the computer, like it was lookin’ right at yours truly. I felt real alone and a little like a loser (fucked-up fact is they only been gone a couple days), but I leaned back on my bed and acted like I didn’t give a shit.

Casey said, in this adorable proper voice, “Nate, there’s a topic Zander and I feel it’s imperative we discuss. It’s a matter of great importance.” He already sounds like a doctor, and he’s only a freshman in college.

Zander was just starin’ into the computer at me, sorta studyin’ my I-don’t-give-a-shit-about-nothin’ expression.

“What’s such a big friggin’ deal, babe? Lay it on me.” That was pretty cool soundin’, I thought.

“Well, Zander and I want to have a discussion about…. Nate, we want to discuss physical intimacy. In that….”

Even on Skype I could see that two spots on Casey’s cheeks had turned bright pink. Looked like he was having trouble spittin’ this out. And he was the talker in our throuple.

“Zander and I are here together, without you, and we’ve talked about this—”

“I expect you two’ve been goin’ to town on each other every night since you got to college and are prob’ly itchin’ to strip each other down right now.” Both of my guys’ eyes popped open wide when I said that.

“Actually, Nate.” Zander spoke up cuz it seemed that Casey was suddenly at a loss for words. “We haven’t, and we’re not gonna.”

“Huh?” That just kinda flew outta my mouth. “Come again, guy?”

Casey found his voice. “We aren’t going to sleep together unless you’re with us. We discussed it, and neither of us think it would feel right.” He glanced at Zander, and them two nodded at each other. “We aren’t going to do anything in bed together until you’re here for a visit.”

• Can you describe in detail what your writing environment is like? 

It is strange, but although I have an office, I do not use it for writing my books. I feel too distant from the rest of the family when I’m in there. But I have two places I do most of my writing. I find myself shifting back and forth from place to place.

The first place is the island/bar in my kitchen. It is made of old barn board, so it is not really level. It’s bumpy everywhere. I will admit I am not a fan of glossy finish, but before we got it we couldn’t keep the island clean. And we got a lot of splinters. So, as I write, my computer teeters on a slippery and bumpy surface. I’m used to it. My kitchen is a very busy place, as I have a husband, four kids, and five cats, and someone always wants something from Mom. But here, I feel like I am part of the action in my family life as well as in my characters’ lives.

I also do a lot of my writing in the Red Sox room. Yes, this is a family room totally dedicated to The Boston Red Sox. We have signed shirts and baseballs, Fenway Park banners, and even a leather Red Sox chair signed by Jim Rice. There is a full wall mural of Fenway Park and historical photographs of many of the old time teams and players. When I write in there, I put music on the TV (a pop music TV station) sit on my severely saggy couch, which is to be replaced any day now and hope for a few minutes of alone time. But cats, kids, and hubby can easily find me here, as well.

• Is there one of your characters that you relate to (from any of your works)? Why?

I relate to several of my characters, Cory from Beggars and Choosers, Tristan from A Package Deal, and Timmy from Not Broken, Just Bent, among them. But probably the one who is closest to me is Philippe from Out of Hiding. He is a damaged soul who lost his mom when he was too young, and it affected him deeply. He is sensitive and a bit insecure and sometimes afraid to trust, as he has been hurt before and doesn’t want to go there again. He is a good person, kind and loving and sweet, but doesn’t recognize himself as such, as he is busy hiding the truth of who he is.

I may not seem to be these things when you first meet me, but the inside of me is a lot like the inside of him.

• If you couldn’t be an author, what would you do instead?

Interesting question, and I’d have to say that I already did the other things I might now want to do, as far as careers go. I was a middle school teacher for ten years and I loved it. The kids were great, and writing lesson plans—incredibly creative Geography lesson plans—was my passion. After I taught for ten years, I became a mom, and I was fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my four children for the next eighteen years. I put the same creative energy into their birthday parties and play dates as I put into my lesson plans. When the youngest of the four was in middle school, I picked up writing, which allows me to be creative, while being flexible with my time so I can spend as much time as I want to with my family. SO I have had a chance to live out my various career dreams, and right now I am happy being an author.

• Is there anything that you learned during the writing process that you wish you had known before hand? 

I have learned a few hard lessons since I started writing as a career, but probably being WAY TOO TRUSTING is one of the hardest lessons I learned. But that isn’t the writing process, is it?

Hmmm…. About writing. I’m not sure if this is in regard to the writing process, but, yeah, I’ve learned a few things about writing since my Beggars and Choosers days.

*the more often you rewrite the story, the tighter and better it becomes

*reading aloud is a good way to check if dialogue sounds realistic

*always ask yourself- “Do I really want to use this dialect?” (Dialects can be distracting to y’all so it is best to consider if it is vital.)

*very often less is more- less commas, less ellipses, less exclamation points, less words, etc. Okay…. Okay? Hey…I’m talking to you!!!!!!

*do not constantly talk to the reader—it is distracting (don’t ya think?)

*do not over explain things because when you over explain it can drag the….here I go, doing it again!

*do not use song lyrics in your text or they will be removed by the editor and you will be left feeling like you have been robbed

There are more lessons about writing, but as I said above, less is more. So I’ll stop here.

 

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five nonpedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty-two years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young people and their relationships, and she believes that physical intimacy has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink Press, and CreateSpace for providing her with alternate places to stash her stories.

Mia is a social liberal and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights, especially marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

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TWO 5 Star Reviews for A Restored Man (The Men of Halfway House #3) by Jaime Reese (Author Interview) #MM #Romance @Jaime_Reese

Title: A Restored Man (The Men of Halfway House #3)
Author Name: Jaime Reese
Publication Date: February 17, 2015

Cole Renzo thinks his greatest challenge is to behave for the remainder of his term at Halfway House. Until he meets his new boss, Ty Calloway, a man who ticks off every box on Cole’s list of interests.

A sought-after restorer and customizer of exotic and collectible cars, Ty had enough confidence to command what he wanted in life, until one fateful night changed everything. Almost two years later, he’s slowly rebuilding his life with great control. He’s defied the odds and works tirelessly to be the man he once was—but he still feels broken.

Cole’s candor and unfiltered personality awaken Ty’s barely-remembered desire to greet each new day with a smile, while Ty’s unwavering acceptance of Cole’s quirks and brash humor makes Cole feel as if he fits in for the first time in far too long. When a nemesis threatens Ty’s personal restoration and the things he holds dear, Cole is determined to protect their relationship, even if that means sacrificing everything he’s worked so hard to achieve.

But Ty will have to let his guard down, surrender control, and admit he needs Cole first, even if that puts himself at risk of breaking beyond repair.

Each book in this series keeps getting better. I love that these books have such a good story that draws you into the book.  I get so hooked into the characters in this series and can’t wait to find out what they will get involved in.

The main characters in this book were Ty and Cole.  I loved Cole with his unfiltered mouth and his just letting it all out without thinking.  He was a very strong character that worked so hard at getting Ty out of his shell.  I thought Ty was very quiet and kept to himself, until he met Cole.

This book had laughter, action and very romantic love story.  A perfect book that kept me totally hooked until the end. I can’t wait until the next one comes out.

Sherry

Rating: 5 Intense Stars!!

I was very excited when I found out Cole’s story was coming!! I have read the two previous stories in this series, and I highly recommend reading them first. (A Better Man, A Haunted Man)

Stories like the one’s Jaime Reese writes are the reason why M/M genre is my favourite to read. I love when you get Hero’s that are intense, passionate, vulnerable, and sexyyyy! This author pulls you in, without you even realising it, and you are laughing, crying and falling in love right along with them.

Cole…oh boy, has he got a mouth on him and I loved every wise-crack, heart-felt, dirty word that came out of him. Cole is the newest member of the Halfway House run by Julian and Matt, and they are still as much fun!

Ty, sigh “MyTy”, was my favourite out of all the crazy nic names Cole came up with. Ty is traumatized and scarred by a horrific accident in his very recent past, and Cole is not what he expected but did he ever shake up Ty’s world and it was perfect!!! They are incredible, amazing and so good together.

And if you are a fan of Jaime Reese then you know there is a villain, and the delivery, execution, take down of said villain is truly brilliant. Every scene actually in this story feels very realistic.

Jaime Reese is an incredible author and the journey’s she takes you on are very heart-felt and sexy and definitely worth your time.

Reviewer: Kimberley

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1. Do you name your books before or after you write them? How about the synopsis?

It varies. For A Restored Man, the title came to me when I neared the end. I toyed with a few options as I wrote, but the final title became clear before I finish the book. The synopsis usually comes when I’m about three-quarters into the story.

Ironically, the next book in the series is throwing me off – but that doesn’t entirely surprise me. It’s Aidan and he’ll do whatever he wants. I already have a blurb roughed out and a few options for titles and I’m only a few chapters into the story.  So I’ve noted them and set them aside. I want to see how the story develops on its own rather than worry if the story can match the blurb.

2. Do you read books? What genre is your favorite?

When I have time, yes. I usually look for a book in the M/M genre. I have a handful of M/F authors I go to as well.

3. What is one tip that you wish someone had told you?

Releasing a book is incredibly stressful. 🙂

4. What is one thing not included in your bio? Something random that most people don’t know about you?

I’m also a cover artist with a strong focus in M/M. It’s hinted at in my bio, but not outright stated. I design cover art under the name, Reese Dante.

5. If you couldn’t write in the genre you normally write in, what genre would you chose?

At this time, I don’t see myself writing anything other than M/M.  My current release, A Restored Man, is a character-driven contemporary romance. A Hunted Man (the second book in the series) is a romantic suspense. So both are rather different but still share my overall style of writing. I like the idea of exploring different themes within M/M and I’m not afraid to take a chance, but my stories will always include a romance element and a happily ever after.

6. Do you have any special rituals/habits that you do when you write?

I must be able to ‘see’ my characters first. I define them (or they define themselves) before I can write any part of the story. Once they’re defined, the story starts coming together. In the early stages of a story, I need to write in complete silence. 🙂 I will listen to music, sit outside and get some fresh air for a while before I start. But once I start writing, I prefer to focus on setting the stage without interruptions until the story gets going. Once I get far enough along into the story, I tend to find it easier to write, regardless of interruptions.

7. If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest book?

At this time, no. Maybe if you ask me the same question in a year or two the answer might be different since some experiences may influence a different direction in the story. But for now, I wouldn’t change anything.

I will read and re-read the story to death before it releases and endlessly tweak details to the point I’m certain I drive my editor insane, but I need to make sure it’s the best it can be for the story I had in mind at that time. That way, when I release it, I don’t beat myself up with the ‘what ifs’.

I know I can’t please everyone and I’m sure some readers would offer a different alternative for sections of the story, but in my mind, that’s how the characters and scenes played out for me as I wrote the story.

 

8. Do you have anything specific to say to your readers?

THANK YOU. I appreciate you more than you will ever know.

9. Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you break it?

 

It’s happened but I don’t dwell on it. I either skip whatever part is stopping me and jump to another scene, or just work on my cover art projects. If I worry too much about the writer’s block, I find it gets worse. I’m lucky to have both writing and cover art to focus on so I can juggle both depending upon what inspires me at the time.

 

10. What’s next for you as a writer?

I’m currently working on the next book in the series (it will be Aidan’s story). It’s darker than my norm (for me at least) so I’m writing it a little at a time so it doesn’t weigh on me as much.

I’m also toying with another story I’ve had circling in my mind for some time. I have no idea if I’m going to finish it, but it’s been pushing me quite a bit lately. I probably won’t make any announcements until it’s completely written and well into edits. It’s something I want to do, but if I can’t do it justice, I probably won’t release it.

Both are still in the early stages but at least I have a tentative plan in mind.

 

 

Quickies…

Dog or Cat? Dog.

Favorite Color? Depends.

Favorite curse word? F*ck.

Short or tall? Depends.

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

Morning or Night? Night.

Ninjas or Pirates? Ninjas.

I get this huge dorky grin on my face when I receive a message from someone who has taken the time to read my book. I know readers have a choice in a sea of many options. I’m humbled when someone chooses one of mine. Thank you. ~JR

About me…
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

…and yes, it was totally weird reading something about myself in 3rd person 🙂

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New Release: A Restored Man (The Men of Halfway House #3) by Jaime Reese #MM #Romance @Jaime_Reese

Title: A Restored Man (The Men of Halfway House #3)
Author Name: Jaime Reese
Publication Date: February 17, 2015

Cole Renzo thinks his greatest challenge is to behave for the remainder of his term at Halfway House. Until he meets his new boss, Ty Calloway, a man who ticks off every box on Cole’s list of interests.

A sought-after restorer and customizer of exotic and collectible cars, Ty had enough confidence to command what he wanted in life, until one fateful night changed everything. Almost two years later, he’s slowly rebuilding his life with great control. He’s defied the odds and works tirelessly to be the man he once was—but he still feels broken.

Cole’s candor and unfiltered personality awaken Ty’s barely-remembered desire to greet each new day with a smile, while Ty’s unwavering acceptance of Cole’s quirks and brash humor makes Cole feel as if he fits in for the first time in far too long. When a nemesis threatens Ty’s personal restoration and the things he holds dear, Cole is determined to protect their relationship, even if that means sacrificing everything he’s worked so hard to achieve.

But Ty will have to let his guard down, surrender control, and admit he needs Cole first, even if that puts himself at risk of breaking beyond repair.

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I get this huge dorky grin on my face when I receive a message from someone who has taken the time to read my book. I know readers have a choice in a sea of many options. I’m humbled when someone chooses one of mine. Thank you. ~JR

About me…
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

…and yes, it was totally weird reading something about myself in 3rd person 🙂

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4 Stars for The Next Call by Sue Brown (Author Interview) – #Sports #MM #Romance @suebrownstories

Title: The Next Call
Author Name: Sue Brown
Publication Date & Length: February 4, 2015 – 169 pgs

Mark Grayson volunteers for an LGBT helpline, the same one that helped him through his teenage years. One day he takes a call from “Ricky,” a suicidal man being forced into a marriage he doesn’t want. For weeks Mark talks to Ricky and provides support, but he’s frustrated by the lack of information Ricky provides and the decisions he’s making. In the meantime, Mark starts a relationship with another volunteer. Then tragedy strikes and Mark takes time away from the helpline, but when he comes back, Ricky is waiting. Mark realizes Ricky is stronger than before and their relationship changes, but Mark isn’t sure what their future holds if their relationship is destined to be at the end of the phone.

This was an engaging novel that held my interest throughout. For the most part, I liked the main characters and it was easy to root for them.

The one very, very big thing that I disliked was the “bi until gay” trope. Ricky makes it clear in the prologue that he still likes girls, even though he also likes boys. I was excited to see the potential for a bisexual character. But Mark constantly pressures him, refers to him as gay, and refuses to accept any alternative. This is horrible, especially when he does it in the context of the lgbt helpline. I was very frustrated when Ricky finally gave in and said he was gay. This plays into some really awful stereotypes about bisexual people: That it’s a waystation to gay, that they don’t exist, and that bisexual men would not face the issues “real” gay men do. The novel could have been told without any of that (Ricky could still have been closeted and gotten married) or it could have been told as a bisexual story (he could simply not have been in love with the woman picked for him). I wish all of that had been left out.

On the positive side, the story was very well-written, and the pressures of being famous and closeted were handled well. I also liked the sensitivity of the part dealing with Mark’s grief and loss. It was done with nuance and compassion. Readers should be aware that this takes up a large part of the middle of the book, and the thread continues to a small degree for the rest of the story.

There was plenty of humor and lots of nicely steamy moments all through. Despite my frustration over the poor treatment of bisexuality, I otherwise really enjoyed this.

4 stars

Amy

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• Can you describe in detail what your writing environment is like? The messy house, I am too embarrassed to describe that. I’m sitting on the sofa with my two dogs snoring next to me. Also Starbucks, the library, the member’s bar of the Royal Festival Hall, Clare London’s back garden, and anywhere that serves coffee really.

• Is there one of your characters that you relate to (from any of your works)? Why? Nathan from Nothing Ever Happens. At the time I wrote the story my life was in chaos. I guess the book reflected the emotional turmoil I was feeling. He’s probably one of the least likeable of my characters, but he’s got a lot to deal with.

• If you couldn’t be an author, what would you do instead? Hmmm, I’d like to get more involved in the publishing side of things. I love the process of bring a book together.

• Is there anything that you learned during the writing process that you wish you had known before hand? Promote, promote, promote. I screwed up my first year as an author by not realizing that. I think now, four years on, there are more blogs open to new authors than before. It’s not easy to take that first step to put yourself out there but taking the plunge is amazing. Writing the book is the easy part.

• Is there anything that you wish you could change about your book now that it is out? No point wishing that. It’s a recipe for feeling bad about it. The Next Call is an unconventional book and I love it all the more for that.

• How do you come up with new ideas for your story? People always ask me that and the answer is a combination of life and my crazy brain.

• What’s next for you as a writer? I want to get a Regency series, a cowboy series and a crime series written, as well as complete my shifter series.

• Where do you live? Do you think this influences how or what you write? I live on the outskirts of Greater London. I’ve taken to setting more books in the UK, and recently around where I live. It’s very sedate and quiet here, which I guess does influence me. I don’t tend to write with a city buzz.

• What is your favorite genre outside of the one you write in? Why? I haven’t read outside the genre for years because there are so many sub-genres to choose from. Romance is a bit of misnomer really. Currently I’m on an MM crime/thriller/murder-mystery fest, which is really what I read before MM. That and fantasy.

• Do you have any vices? Shoes, coffee, shopping…etc? Chocolate, coffee and books. Keep me well supplied with those three things and I’m a very happy Sue. Not shopping could be considered a vice of mine. Amazon is my friend.

Sue Brown is owned by her dog and two children. When she isn’t following their orders, she can be found plotting at her laptop. In fact she hides so she can plot and has gotten expert at ignoring the orders.

Sue discovered M/M erotica at the time she woke up to find two men kissing on her favorite television series. The series was boring; the kissing was not. She may be late to the party, but she’s made up for it since, writing fan fiction until she was brave enough to venture out into the world of original fiction.

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3.5 Stars for Bare Threads (Saving Liam #4) by DP Denman (Author Interview!) – #MM #Romance #AuthorInterview @dpdenman

Title: Bare Threads (Saving Liam #4)
Author Name: DP Denman
Publication Date & Length: February 2, 2015 – 221 pgs

Liam is not a family man. He’s learned to avoid the entanglement and its mire of expectations; expectations he’s destined to crush. Unfortunately, his usually placid boyfriend is pushing him into the arms of his new family and he’s fighting every step. When a person he never expected to see again reappears, Liam finds a reason to make a few concessions for the sake of real love and the only man he is willing to call family.

This was the first of the four books in this series, but I do feel like it did fall into the category of a standalone. However, some of what made the book lacking to me could be because I didn’t have all of the back story to go with it. I can’t really say for sure.

Liam is a go-go boy (whatever that is) and even after reading the book I’m still not entirely sure… he does pretty much what I know a stripper to do except go full nude. He does private dances, floor time and even walks the runway. Besides that part of it confusing me, I actually liked Liam. He had a hard life. He was kicked out by his parents and was used and abused in various ways during his youth. At some point he met Justin, who saved him.

Justin feels that after two years he is ready to marry Liam. However, Liam is against it as is Justin’s family.

As much as the synopsis made it seem like this was the main basis of the story, there is much more that goes on. Like finding out that the people who own the company’s business aren’t who Liam thought they were, which drags up part of his past. Along with a spattering of stories about side characters and their achievements and relationships. And what Liam is going to do when Justin is unexpected moved at his job.

While I actually enjoyed the style of writing, I felt like the story itself left much to be desired. It just didn’t captivate me. I didn’t find anything particularly exciting about the story line as I saw most of the curves coming before they happened. Well, except the unexpected visitor, but although I’m sure the people who’ve read along since book one found it interesting, I found not to be as impactful as it was to Liam. I knew from the start he would do what he ended up doing at the end.

However, I would read this author again since I did find her style clean and well thoughtout. Again, it could’ve been because I jumped in book 4 in the series and lacked the connection that was already established in the previous books, but it was tagged as a standalone so I thought it would be okay.

Renee

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1)      Can you describe in detail what your writing environment is like?

My writing space is a spare bedroom with a corner desk constantly inching toward pigsty status. Half the room is my office. Half belongs to my furbabies and their warm, fuzzy beds. The theory is if I provide enough comfortable places for them to sleep, the cats won’t feel it necessary to nap on top of my hands while I’m trying to write. The one currently stretching out across the keyboard makes it obvious the theory has flaws.

2)      Is there one of your characters that you relate to (from any of your works)? Why?

I can relate to all my characters on some level, but there isn’t one that really tells my story. I know what it is to be an outcast. I know that moment of clarity when you realize love is conditional on your behavior, attitude, level of conformity. Several of my characters come from that same situation so in that respect we understand each other quite well.

3)      If you couldn’t be an author, what would you do instead?

If I could pick any career I would be an explosives expert and blow things up for Hollywood! I’d be the person with their finger on the button, turning a set that took weeks to build into a flaming pile of splinters.

4)      Is there anything that you learned during the writing process that you wish you had known before hand?

I take craft courses on a regular basis so I’m always learning how to do things better. I would love to have done a few things differently on that first book because it would have made the story a better experience for the readers. I think that’s the nature of writing, though. Even NYT best sellers need to improve as authors and make each book a little better than the last. There’s no such thing as tenure in this business. You either continue to put in the effort you did in the beginning or you lose readers to someone who does.

Rumor has it, Dean Koontz reads each page of his manuscript 40 times before it goes to print, looking for ways to improve it. That’s why he is where he is. He earned that spot and continues to earn it with every story. I’m learning to adopt the same attitude. A good story can always be better and when people are dipping into their limited budgets to buy the book they deserve a better story.

5)      Is there anything that you wish you could change about your book now that it is out?

I don’t think so…but then it’s early yet. Some of the reviews might change my mind. LOL. I like the way Liam and Justin’s story closed. I suppose I could have dragged it out for a few more books but I make it a point to write until I can clearly see the Happily Ever After and then leave it. It’s too easy for the series to get stale if you stick with the story too long. If all that’s left to write are minor spats about who hung the toilet paper the wrong way and someone forgetting an anniversary, it’s time to shift focus to something new.

Award winning author DP Denman writes character-driven contemporary romance about gay men. Her stories are real and intense, but resolve in endings that make people want to read the book all over again. She is from the Pacific Northwest and bases all of her stories in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In her spare time, she is a dedicated LGBTQIA rights activist, fighting for those who have been marginalized and abused. To that end, 25% of the royalties from every book go to support LGBT charities.

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5 Stars for Unexpected Moments by Bailey Bradford – #MM #Menage #AuthorPost @BaileyBFun4Me @Totally_Bound

Title: Unexpected Moments (Unexpected #2)
Author Name: Bailey Bradford
Publication Date & Length: December 12, 2014 – 189pgs

Love begins at the most unexpected moment.

Carter Hausemann and Eddie Canales are embarking on a new romance. They know they’re compatible sexually. Now it’s time to find out if they’re meant for each other—and a third man, because Carter has always known what he needed, he’d just been afraid to reach for it.

Eddie will do whatever it takes to make Carter happy, and since he’s not the jealous type as long as he’s included, he’s more than willing to see if a relationship can work between three men. But first he and Carter need to concentrate on them.

Dare Habrock has the microbrew everyone’s talking about. He also has a secret that has kept him from having a lover in far too long.

When these three meet, they begin to understand that love flourishes in the most unexpected moments.

But someone is determined to destroy every bit of joy they have.

Reader Advisory: This books contains scenes of multiple male ménage.

This book had a little of everything, tense situations, romance, and problems with family accepting their relationship.

This story had three very strong characters. Eddie, Carter and Dare. It was perfect the way Eddie and Carter worked at their relationship first, then looked for another to join.  They took the time to see what they each brought to the relationship, and waited to find the right guy to join them.  I thought that Dare complimented the two of them and they all fit together well.  The author had the mother’s, of two of them, having trouble excepting all three of them in love. But the dialogue regarding that was done quite well, I liked that the guys wouldn’t let the mom’s take away their love from each other.

I really enjoyed the tense plot that revolved around the three and it seemed to bring them closer through all the horrible things that happened. The whole plot was written so riveting that I was actually on edge for them to prove who was doing it and capturing him.  Although I was not excepting how they found him.

I loved that the book wasn’t just about sex it had an actual story.  It was written well and kept you interested throughout. Definitely a good read.

Sherry

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Hi, I’m Bailey and I’ve got a new book out, Unexpected Moments. It’s a follow-up to the short story, Unexpected Places, that debuted in Totally Bound’s new What’s His Passion? imprint. It continues the story of Eddie and Carter, along with new developments in their relationship. I don’t want to give too much away 😀 There’s action, adventure, and yes, sex. 😀

If you purchase the book at Totallybound.com , there’s extra content in the way of a Bonus Scene, author interview, and a little note and autograph. I really need to work on my handwriting.

Today I’m blogging about people who inspire me, and that’s a Top-5 list! I do like lists, although not if they’re chores or bills. Those aren’t fun at all.

Anyway. Here we go!

1. Oh man, y’all seriously make so many days better. The support and laughter from y’all is amazing. I’ll say it again: I’ve met some of the best people online. There are days where y’all restore my faith in humanity.
2. My family. Sometimes they inspire me by being annoying, not just by being great. I don’t mean the entire family is annoying at once, but you know, there are days when a kid just snaps and snarls and it’s not a good time. Even so, those days serve to remind me that everyone has it rough at times, and you just love them through it, and love is inspiring.
3. Other authors. Not just ones I interact with, either. I read a lot online, and am a lurker. There, I admitted it. I read about their lives and am inspired, just as the incredibly talented authors I do talk to inspire me. They blow me away with their kindness and their talent.
4. My closest friends. One asked me to write about snow leopard shifters after she watched a special on them. Another made me an organizational chart I am going to use when I can sit down to work on it. A third helps keep me sane when I’m angry and ranty-ranty. Still another one has been there for me for a quarter of a century. I love them all, very much.
5. People I don’t know. Have you ever looked at someone, say out at the mall or in court when you’re trying to get out of a ticket? Okay, other places, too. But on with the point! Someone catches your eye. Maybe they’re attractive, maybe they aren’t. That’s not always the point. Sometimes a person just has this presence and you can’t help but notice them. And you start making up stories about them—who they are, what they do for a living, how they came to be where they are. That kind of imagination helps a lot. Although it does make me seem kind of creepy. Are you thinking I’m creepy? You are, aren’t you? Good. I’ll keep at it then. 😉 But seriously, anything about someone you encounter, even at a distance, can inspire. The sight, scent, sound of them can do it. Just let your imagination go.

Inspiration really is everywhere!

Blurb for Unexpected Moments:

Love begins at the most unexpected moment…

Carter Hausemann and Eddie Canales are embarking on a new romance. They know they’re compatible sexually. Now it’s time to find out if they’re meant for each other—and a third man, because Carter has always known what he’s needed. He’d just been afraid to reach for it.

Eddie will do whatever it takes to make Carter happy, and since he’s not the jealous type as long as he’s included, he’s more than willing to see if a relationship can work between three men. But first he and Carter need to concentrate on them.

Dare Habrock has the microbrew everyone’s talking about. He also has a secret that has kept him from having a lover in far too long.

When these three meet, they begin to understand that love flourishes in the most unexpected moments.

But someone is determined to destroy every bit of joy they have.

Reader Advisory: This books contains scenes of multiple male ménage, light BDSM and references to fisting.

Like the sound of Unexpected Moments? Buy it here.

About Bailey Bradford:

A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn’t happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey’s brain demanding to be let out.

Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey’s office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey’s presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.

Enter our competition for the chance to win a copy of Unexpected Moments and three more eBooks from Bailey Bradford’s backlist:
http://www.totallybound.com/index.php?route=information/competition&competition_id=53&embed=1

I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.

And it’s really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I’ll just let y’all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there’s something specific you’d like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D

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4.5 Stars Humingbird House by Kenzie Cade – #MM #Romance #Holiday #Giveaway #AuthorInterview

Title: Hummingbird House
Author Name: Kenzie Cade
Publication Date & Length: December 1, 2014 – 51 pgs

To honor his grandmother’s final request, Trenton Appleton drops everything to visit the family’s ancestral home: Hummingbird House, where he experienced his first kiss and first heartbreak with Callum Eason.

Eight years ago, confused by his attraction to Trent, Callum reacted badly. But with help he never expected, Callum found himself and learned to accept who he was.

Now Trent is back at Hummingbird House, and Callum has his opportunity to salvage their friendship, at least. But Trent is less receptive than he was all those years ago. Still, Callum is determined to show Trent he has changed and keep his promise to Trent’s grandmother. When past mistakes repeat themselves, Callum must break the cycle before his last chance with Trent passes him by.

This short work was a lovely, sweet read, and I was able to finish it in an afternoon. I really enjoyed it.

I like reading stories about realistic, relatable experiences–in this case, loss and grief. I think this is great because it shows that regardless of who the people in the story are, we can all connect with losing a loved one or making poor choices in our youth. Ms. Cade reflected the core humanity of the characters very well.

I also liked that this wasn’t a “magically rescue you from your grief” kind of story. Trent goes into his trip believing he’s alone, but he’s reminded that other people share his loss and care about him. That he also finds romantic love is just a bonus, and I felt this was drawn very well.

The one thing I wasn’t fond of was the way the point of view switched from first to third person, depending on whose perspective we were seeing. I think this is personal preference, though, and not a flaw with the writing. It’s the sort of thing that would probably not bother other readers, and some will even like it better.

Other than that, this was a good read and I definitely want to read more from Ms. Cade.

4.5 stars

Amy

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1. What interested you about writing a holiday story?

I am addicted to holiday tales–short, lengthy, and all those in between. There’s something about the cold weather and holiday time in general that brings people closer. I like the thought of curling up by the fire with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate, which I do regularly in the winter. We look for warmth in the most common and sometimes uncommon of places. The first place I turn to is a book. Holiday stories especially romances are full of love and warmth that leave me with with a happy smile when I’m finished reading. That was my hope in writing a holiday focused story.

2. What inspired you to write this story?

Hummingbird House is a bit personal to me. There are pieces of me and my life all throughout the story. To date it was one of the most difficult for me to write. When the call came out for Celebrate! I thought long and hard about where I wanted to go with my holiday story because I had no doubt I wanted to write one. I first started off with Trent on his way to Greece after a break up but the joining of he and his counterpart was all wrong, and then I went to visit my grandmother. She is my Astrid. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007 and we’ve walked a difficult road with her for a long, long time. The less she remembers, the more I find myself wanting to write something down to cement the beautiful, strong, perfect woman she once was. Then there’s Trent. Luckily, I’m not alone in taking care of my grandmother, but a lot of who Trent is and his experiences with Astrid and her memories come from actual conversations with my grandmother. Like I said it was a difficult story to come by, but in the end it is the most rewarding I’ve written so far.

3. What interested you in writing gay fiction?

Oh gosh. I’ve been reading m/m for four years, almost five, now and playing at writing for about two and a half. I’ve been writing on and off for a lot longer, but nothing worth mentioning. I’ve had several ideas for a long time and haven’t had the knowledge as to how to organize them, but I was gifted with a great friend who mentored me and has pretty much encouraged and guided me through everything I’ve done so far. I’m pretty lucky. When it comes to m/m… well, I love the genre. In all things, love is love and it’s my goal, not matter how small or large, to make that message known through my writing, through word of mouth, and by my actions.

4. Is there a special significance to the house? someplace in your own life that it represents or is similar to?

Hummingbird House is significant to Trent in that it’s the one place that feels most like home to him. Astrid was his grandmother, the only mother figure in his life, and his best friend for as long as he could remember. Hummingbird House was the home of her heart and whether Trent wanted to accept it or not, the house was the home of his heart as well. It was also the place where he met Callum for the first time, the place where he shared that first fateful kiss with Callum. There is a lot of significance to Hummingbird House. I think most of all, though, it’s where Trent finds who he is and what he wants.

As for having a place similar in my own life. There is one. I haven’t been in a while and now that I think about it, maybe I’ll write a story set there one day. I have a couple friends who have a family home in Bear Lake, Idaho and while I lived in Utah we spent a few weeks out of the summer and winter at the cabin. It was an amazing place. The history in the walls was apparent. There was such a quiet reverence about it. So yes, I guess, there is a place in my life sort of similar, albeit not exact. Mind you, this is every much after the fact and Hummingbird House is in no way based off of my friends’ family’s cabin.

Kenzie Cade was born and raised in the South where she spends her days in the sometimes stressful field of private medicine observing interesting people and committing them to memory for later use. When she isn’t reading, experimenting with recipes, or being distracted by social media, Kenzie spends time with her family, friends, and the Pomeranian/long-haired Chihuahua mix who likes to keep her company while she writes. As a young girl, Kenzie dreamed of princesses and their white knights. As an adult (or sort of adult), she dreams of princes and their proverbial white knights, which she attributes to fellow Arkansan S.E. Hinton and her novel The Outsiders. Writing to keep the fictional voices at bay, Kenzie enjoys the journeys her characters travel to find their happy endings, and she loves the challenge of writing a great love story.

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5 Stars for Turquoise by Rain Carrington – @RainCarrington #MM #Romance #AuthorInterview

Title: Turquoise (Enchantment Book 2)
Author Name: Rain Carrington
Publication Date & Length: December 7, 2014 – 350 pgs

In the mountains of New Mexico lives a group of boys who are inseparable. That is until they grow up and one of them leaves the rez to fulfill his dream.
One of the boys misses him more than the others. A love that started as children grew with him and when Angel Quintana left New Mexico, Garcia Blacksnake had to occupy his time until the love of his life returned. Angel came back when tragedy struck, with secrets he does not want this old friends to know. Secrets about the life he lived as his dreams came true, turning to nightmares he could not run away from.
Can childhood friends help save him from a sadistic man who holds Angel’s dream in his hand? Can Garcia’s love help him to trust himself and others again?
Warning this has light BDSM and descriptions of noncon.

This book contains some violent abuse, rape and eludes to underage, forced sex. If these are going to bother you, don’t read.

This was a wonderful story. The characters were all so very real. Carrington did an amazing job writing the relationships amongst the entire group of boys. As a reader, I was able to glean all of their different personalities, their quirks amongst each other and the love that they had for each other.

The two main characters, Angel and Garcia had an epic love for each other. While I was slightly skeptical at the beginning of this book, it turned out to be an incredibly fast, easy read, with a lot of heartfelt moments, moments where I wanted to do real harm to some characters and a story that I loved watching unfold.

Angel and Garcia… two men, one soul. That’s pretty much all I can say about them. They are perfect for each other. The other boys/men in this story were just as vital; they helped create the family support network, despite both main characters having amazing families, sometimes the family you choose is even more powerful.

I would definitely recommend this story.

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What is your all-time favorite book?

The Stand by Stephen King. There was not one thing not covered in the book, the aftermath of the virus killing off 98% of the population, the people left, the things left for the people to keep using! Then add in some supernatural stuff, and bam, you have a winner!
What is the last thing you want to hear before falling asleep at night?

I love you!
What talent do you wish you had but don’t?

Singing! I always wanted to be a singer, but I’m so tone deaf my dogs howl when I sing. Roseanne Barr is Pavarotti compared to me!

Rain Carrington started writing when she was just a teenager in Trinidad, Colorado but didn’t start writing M/M romance until much later. Through the years many of her gay male friends told stories of heartache and the struggle to find “the one” so she told them stories, fantasies all about them and their future cowboy, fireman, biker or policeman. When she found a writing site that encouraged her to write them down she started what was an adventure like she never had before.

Her first story, Cabin fever, about a young man searching for love and finding it wrapped in a member of a mafia family gained her readers who cheered for more. She knew then that she had found her place in the world. To make stories of love and kink that not only her readers but she could get lost in as well.

Rain now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado but has traveled most of the US. Her last road trip to San Francisco gave her characters still coming out…no pun intended…in her newer stories. Rain has severe scoliosis which makes it hard for her to do all the things she used to love but it did give her the time to write that she never had before. She fights for lgbt rights from her home as best she can now and keeps in close contact with her friends that fight on two good legs to point them where they should go. She is a fervent believer that one door never closes without another opening so there are no limits she can’t get past.

Of all the people in the world no one has encouraged and supported her like her friends, many of them writers themselves, and her family. There is never a dull moment in her home where laughter is in the air 24/7 and everyone knows to avoid the computer screen when she sits in front of it. They never know what kind of beautiful man love they may see. Rain calls it research, they call it, “there she goes again!”

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The Alpha King by Vicktor Alexander Spotlight – #MM Romance #Paranormal #BDSM #AuthorInterview @VVeeB

Title: The Alpha King (Passion Hero #1)
Author Name: Vicktor Alexander
Publication Date & Length: November 30, 2014 – 285 pgs

Centuries after the destruction of Earth, destiny is being fulfilled and plans are in motion to restore not only the Earth, but mankind, to its former glory. One family is fated to bring about this amazing destiny. One man puts it all in motion, the day he crashes onto the wolf-planet of Tumaro and meets his mate.

Talon Versuthion always knew that some kind of way, life was going to screw him over. His parents died when he was just a boy and he can’t remember a thing about them. He was adopted by a great family only to have them tell him that he is a Vermithian, one of the most despised humanoid species. Even worse than that? He has no idea that a prophecy was made about his family, one that mentions that someone from the Versuthion family will bring back a pure human race. And there are people out there who will stop at nothing to make sure that never happens. No matter what.

While on a delivery for the GPA with his adopted sister Josie, however, Tal’s space shuttle crashes onto Tumaro, the notorious wolf-shifter planet. Tal is lucky to be alive, though Josie can’t be found. He is desperate to find her, but destiny steps in and history is changed forever. Because the Alpha King of the planet, Blazell Roughshire, is Talon’s mate. And before the two men can even settle into their new relationship they must deal with conspiracy, murder, kidnapping and a centuries old plot to completely eradicate the human race.

Will Blaze be able to keep his mate safe from those who would see him dead? Is Tal truly the only one left from his family who can fulfill this centuries old prophecy? And can Tal, who has made it a point to never fall in love with anyone, open his heart and let Blaze be Passion’s hero?

Warning: This book contains references to abuse, rape, torture, and violence. It also contains hot sex between a young man with an affinity for celebrities that may sound familiar to you and his hot possessive Alpha mate. This is a R&P Whips & Chains novel which means the story contains BDSM elements. BDSM is a Lifestyle and while certain elements of it are not dangerous, please do not engage in any part of the BDSM Lifestyle without a trained professional on-hand.(This is a re-edited, re-published novel. The publisher has been changed. Over 22,500 words have been added to the original)

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Do you name your books before or after you write them? How about the synopsis?

Some of my books I know the name for as soon as I start. Some of them I don’t have the name for until after I get the first 5k words written. Some of them aren’t named until I save them the first time, but that’s only happened once (The Beginning-Sons of Adam, 1). With the synopsis, I usually get an idea for a book, or a scene will play out in my head and I’ll sit down and start writing. Sometimes I’ll write 1500 words, sometimes it’s more (Daddy’s Boy I wrote 3,000 words the first time, I sat down to write it) and when I finish I’ll know in what direction the book is headed and then I’ll write the synopsis for the book (or even the series) and save it in my WIP folder.

Do you read books? What genre is your favorite?

Of course! I don’t think you could be a good author without being able to read and hone your craft better. Someone who is a doctor doesn’t just always practice medicine without attending lectures, reading up on new procedures, attending new classes, and practicing.

I don’t know that I have a favorite genre. Just like with my writing I love them all. I do grow annoyed with some of them at some points and I’ll have to stop reading them and move on to another genre for a bit (there was one point where I was like “If I read about ONE MORE G-DDAMN MISUNDERSTANDING IN A CONTEMPORARY I’M GOING TO PULL MY HAIR OUT!” Then I realized it wasn’t the authors fault, it was just that my reading palette had grown stale and I needed to refresh it. So, just as if I were at a wine tasting, I rinsed my mouth, and moved on to paranormal for a time. When I came back to contemporary later my brain was ready for it again.)

What is one tip that you wish someone had told you?

The words “that” and “be” are evil. According to my editors I use them a lot. They’ll all probably jump on here and say “yes.” I’m waiting for them to shout out a chorus of “YOU REALLY DO, VICKTOR!” Other than that? Keep writing outside of the lines and out of the box. It’s going to make people uncomfortable and annoy people, but pushing people to their limits is what I do best. LOL.

What is one thing not included in your bio? Something random that most people don’t know about you?

Every year, starting December 1st until 11:59pm on December 31st I watch Christmas movies… religiously. Every day. Without fail. I may be a Messianic Jew, but I love myself some Christmas movies.

If you couldn’t write in the genre you normally write in, what genre would you chose?

I actually have a number of different pennames that I am going to be writing under for different genres (I already have it planned out. LOL), so if I weren’t writing M/M romance and fiction, I think I’d probably be writing Horror/Thriller, Sci-fi, or Historical Fiction. So probably General Fiction just to encompass them all.

Do you have any special rituals/habits that you do when you write?

I always have music playing in the background when I write. It’s soft because of my screenreader, but it plays in my headset. I also have my cigarettes sitting next to me on the table, a cup of coffee, my medication. And before I start writing I have to put on my rainbow rings. And I have just acknowledged that I don’t have OCS (Obsessive Compulsive Situation) it’s a full-on disorder (thanks Taylor Law) and the rings have to be put on in a certain order, the left on first and then the right one, and they have to be on before I even set foot out the door to set up my laptop. I usually check my email, Facebook, Twitter, etc. and I put up my #VicsMorningSong video (that’s whatever song is playing in my head when I wake up) and once I do that, then I can start writing.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest book?

Well, the first time I wrote The Alpha King I sent it to my friend, Angel, who told me to get rid of a lot of it. What he told me to get rid of ended up being over 20k words. I don’t know how that would have changed the book from what it is now. But other than that, no. I love how it is. I love what I’ve made it into. With the re-release of the book, I added 22,500 words and added the scenes I wanted to add the first time around, and I think it really gives readers that insight into the characters, and the relationships that they were looking for the first time.

Do you have anything specific to say to your readers?

THANK YOU! My readers know that I don’t call them fans, because for me, personally, that puts me and them on a level that I’m uncomfortable with, so, calling them readers, is perfect. Thank you all, so much for your constant support of my work. From the rough work of Unthinkable (and yes, I’m re-writing the first 4 books of the Tate Pack series, don’t worry, that’s happening soon) all the way to alternative historical world of Groom Of Convenience, and now to the re-release of The Alpha King, you all have been there with me through it all, offering support, encouragement. You have asked me when books were coming out, teased me about books turning into series, telling me when books made you cry, when they made you think, and when they made you change (those were always my favorite). I love hearing when I’ve pushed you to your limits, and I love it even more when I hear that your limits have been changed because of one of my books. You all rock my face off. I know that I have the greatest readers ever. Thank you so much. And you all know I don’t cry unless my emotional tank overflows, so just know that I feel the feelings on the inside.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you break it?

Sometimes. It depends on why I’m experiencing it. If it’s because I didn’t listen to the characters and wrote what I thought the story needed instead of what they said was going to happen, then I’ll go back and fix the story (It’s You, Then Breathing was one such story. The MCs told me they were into fisting and exhibitionism. I balked and yelled NO! They stopped talking to me for a while. When I went back and fixed it, they went back to talking to me.) If it’s not because of that then I’ll take a break, do some reading, maybe watch television. I’ve actually found that one of the greatest um… laxatives… for my writer’s block is “Torchwood.” If I put on that show, usually within a few episodes I can start writing again. If even that isn’t helping, it can be that other characters are trying to talk. So I’ll open up a blank document and see if someone else is talking. And if that doesn’t work either, I’ll take a nap. One of those things will work.

What’s next for you as a writer?

I’m finishing up The Servant Duchess Of Whitcomb which is the sequel to Groom Of Convenience which released from Dreamspinner Press on October 17th. After that I have a short from MLR Press that I need to write, then Daddy’s Boy for Rooster & Pig Publishing, Inc. needs to be written. But my next release is Delicious Mistake from Totally Bound which is book 3 in the Mistakes series. It’s got some BDSM in it, so it’s definitely something to look forward to.

Quickies…

Dog or Cat? Dog

Favorite Color? Red

Favorite curse word? Fuck (Tastes delicious doesn’t it?)

Short or tall? Tall

Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving (even though I love watching Christmas movies)

Morning or Night? Night

Ninjas or Pirates? Ninjas (Invisible Gaylord Ninja Dom here!)

“Where the hell are my clothes? More than that. Where the hell is my sister?” Talon yelled, pulling the bedcovers up to his chin.

Blazell laughed heartily, not at all deterred by his mate’s little freak-out. “Your clothes were destroyed in your accident, my love. I took the liberty of removing the hospital gown you wore when I brought you here to our bedroom,” he stated with amusement.

“Our bedroom?” Talon questioned in a small, hesitant voice, quivering with fear and shock. “Yes, love, our bedroom. Where we will sleep and make love, more so the latter than the former.” He didn’t know how to respond about the man’s sister. He hadn’t heard anything about there being anyone else found at the crash. He would fully admit he was being rather selfish at the moment and only wanted to focus on his mate’s well-being and Talon’s sudden appearance in his life. Once they were fully bonded, Blazell would look into Talon’s missing sister. Blazell knew that made him an asshole, but, at the moment, he couldn’t bring himself and his wolf to feel ashamed.

Talon shook his head in bewilderment. “But you don’t even know me, and I certainly don’t know you!”

“My soul knows yours, my heart embraces yours, and my life and I were made for you as yours was made for me. I know you in the deepest parts of me, even though my mind may not,” Blazell declared. “You were made for me,” he said as he placed his hands on either side of his mate’s face, his thumbs delicately caressing Talon’s cheeks. “As I was made for you.”

Vicktor “Vic” Alexander wrote his first story at the age of ten and hasn’t stopped writing since. He loves reading about anything and everything and is a proud member of the little known U.N. group (Undercover Nerds) because while he lives, eats, breathes, and sleeps sports, he also breathes history and science fiction and grew up a Trekkie. But don’t ask him about Dungeons & Dragons, because he has no idea how to play that game. When it comes to writing he loves everything from paranormal to contemporary to fantasy to historical and is known not only for being the Epilogue King but also for writing stories that cross lines and boundaries that he doesn’t know are there. Vic is a proud father of two daughters one of whom watches over him from Heaven with his deceased partner Christopher. Vic is a proud trans* and gay man, and when he is not writing, he is hanging out with his friends, or being distracted by videos of John Barrowman, Scott Hoying, and Shemar Moore. Vicktor has published numerous bestselling novels and has a WIP list that makes him exhausted just thinking about. He knows that he will be still be writing about hot men falling in love with each other, long after he is living in an assisted living facility, flirting with the hot, male nurses.

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