Book Spotlight~Michael Mandrake’s I Like Em’ Pretty

I Like Em’ Pretty (N’awlins Exotica #1) by Michael Mandrake

Erotic M/M Contemporary Romantic Suspense

Categories: Interracial/Multicultural

Publisher: Triad Literary

Heat Level: Steamy

Word Count: 70,000

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Like-Pretty-Nawlins-Exotica-ebook/dp/B00C8T4JQM/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ilike039emprettyn039awlinsexoticabookone-1152601-145.html

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/303665

Description

The city of New Orleans is rich in tradition, diverse, and known for the inspiration it provides. In the “Big Easy” there lies the hunger for the erotic as well as the unknown. The residents here feel that sexual energy and it reveals itself through their various creative activities. 

Join the characters as they take a wild ride on the edge, enjoying their town for all it has to offer. There’s a certain magic in the air, an erotic magic that cannot be ignored.

New Orleans is supposed to be the big easy. One night changes everything for Frankie Choteau.

New Orleans. A city rich in tradition, diversity, and on the comeback trail from hurricane Katrina. Francois “Frankie” Choteau, a resident of this town, a cop with a hot temper and low tolerance for bs. Kajika Fortier, a transplant from Oklahoma came here looking for a dream and unfortunately it’s turned into a nightmare. On a hot summer night, they meet and cross paths during a very difficult situation. Despite this, the attraction between them is evident and loneliness for both men is a fate worse than death. They’d both like a chance at happiness but will the circumstances and Frankie’s uneasiness prevent their happy ever after? 

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

 Teaser Excerpt:

“Damn!” Francois Choteau yelled at the top of his lungs. His favorite coffee cup—the one that read ‘My job is to find the killer’—slipped from his tight grip. It was his mother’s last gift to him before her passing. She always knew exactly what to get him for Christmas.

“Ah, Frankie, can’t you do anything without dropping stuff? Ya klutz!” Kenina Porter rushed to his side. She bumped him with her large frame as she attempted to assist him in the cleanup.

“Damn, woman, you’re dressing kind of sexy these days. Who you going after?” Frankie noticed the low-cut black blouse underneath the same color blazer showed ample pale cleavage. 

“Someone who works here with me and claims to play for the other team.” Kenina wrinkled her lips. Her nasally New York accent came out whenever something angered her. “You’re lucky this didn’t break into a million pieces, Frankie. Your mama might’ve came out of the grave haunting your ass!”

Frankie grinned and tilted his head to the side. “You’re right about that, Kenie. My mama always gave me grief about having butta fingers. Wasn’t really my fault, though. It’s hot as hell in this mother! My hands feel like they been drenched in water!” Frankie wiped his brow and sighed. The air conditioner was running full blast, but it didn’t seem to do a thing about the summer heat in New Orleans. Temps in the low hundreds and high humidity made living in the Big Easy practically unbearable.

“Yeah, it is, but you still drinking hot coffee.” She grimaced and shook her head. “Not even iced, Frankie!” She dropped paper towels on the floor and smeared them over the spilled beverage. While toeing the rags with her heel, she handed Frankie his most prized possession.

Frankie set it inside his desk, out of harm’s way. “I got to, baby. It’s the only thing keeping me awake. We been working on this fucking Metairie murder case nonstop for over a month with no damn leads. Nobody’s talking so we can bring these fuckers to justice.”

“Nope.” Kenina nodded and knelt to pick up the trash from the floor. “Be more careful with your drink next time, man. Leslie just scrubbed these floors, and you know she’ll curse you out in her native tongue if she finds out you spilled something.”

“Yeah, I know.” Frankie rubbed the nape of his neck, attempting to get out the kinks. Homicide cases were piling up quicker than detectives could keep count, especially since the precinct was located in the middle of a crime hotbed. Due to the amount of work and the low pay, most detectives moved on to another line of investigation or left altogether, but not Frankie and his partner Kenina, who’d started at the police academy together. They’d been through thick and thin for the past ten years. Frankie considered the redheaded vixen to be his best friend, his girlfriend, and at times the momma he didn’t have. Kenina Porter showed more loyalty than any man he’d ever had and he’d always stick by her side.

“Well, yeah, you know, but…” She stood with her hands on her hips. “You still aren’t being all that careful.”

“I was, woman!” Frankie frowned in her direction and propped his feet up on the corner of his desk. “You right, you right, I’m a klutz but I’ll have you know, I’m tired as hell, ain’t fucked anyone in over three months and, on top of that, I’m not getting a lot of sleep!”

“Shhh!” Kenina glanced from left to right and scolded him for being so loud. “What the fuck’s wrong with you, Frankie! You wanna get found out? You can’t say shit without people calling you on it in this department.”

Frankie waved his hand. “I know, Kenie, I’m just…” Frankie leaned back and blew raspberries. His head slipped down from the top of the chair and tears welled up in his eyes. “I’m so tired of hiding, babe. It’s hard being…” Frankie mouthed gay. “And not able to tell the people you work with.”

“Well, you could, but it might be more trouble than it’s worth. I don’t mind keeping up the charade for you, love. You know you my boy and I’d do anything for you!” Kenina sat on the edge of the desk and stroked his shoulder.

“I appreciate that, Kenie, I really do. Too bad you ain’t got the right equipment, woman, because I’d date you for real!”

 About the Author:

Michael Mandrake pens complex characters who are already comfortable in their sexuality. Thorough these characters, he builds worlds not centered on erotica but rather the mainstream plots we might encounter in everyday life through personal experiences or the media. To find out more please visit http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com.

Connect with Michael Mandrake

Email: michaelmandrake71@gmail.com

Website: http://thelitriad.com

Michael’s Blog: http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com

N’awlins Exotica/Paranormal on FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nawlins-Exotica-Series/126864880830524

The Literary Triad on FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheLiteraryTriad?fref=ts

Giveaway Info:
Prize is $15 Starbucks GC, a copy of Magic Mike, a mug and other New Orleans themed items. Contest is tour-wide and ends May 14. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Follow the book barrage schedule at http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/05/blogbarrage-i-like-em-pretty-nawlins.html

To enter the contest, fill out the raffelcopter below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Joyee Flynn today

Hi and welcome to my blog, Joyee Flynn. Please make yourself at home and grab a drink from my hunky cabana boys, Zeke and Jake. 

If we asked your muse to describe you using five words, what do you think they would say?

I don’t have a muse… I know that’s odd for an author to say but again, I’m very literal and the idea of a muse creeps me out. Like an imaginary friend adults didn’t grow out of that should maybe see someone about that.
Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

I’m pretty blunt and open so I’m not sure there’s much I haven’t shared. Okay, I’m not very a very girly-girl, but I do collect music boxes. I like very pretty, elegant music boxes of all types that family and friends have given me.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?

I wake up! Seriously for me, it’s more how do I turn this noise in my head off!?!
If someone hasn’t read any of your work, what book would you recommend that they start with and why?

That’s like picking my favorite child or family member. If I have to pick, I’d say Trunk and a Skunk, which is the beginning of a four set of books that all the friends are in. It’s gotten a good response, some great twists and turns, and lots of fun, plus its newer so it’s not starting way at the beginning of my writing career.

Is there something special you do to celebrate when one of your books is released? 

Write another one… Yeah, I’m lame. I used to get Starbucks and splurge on breakfast but then my doctor took away all my sugar. I hate that bastard.

Could you tell us a couple of favorite books that inspired you to write?

I’m very eclectic so that’s a long, long list. I will say it ranges from the Sookie Stackhouse series to Inferno. I like anything that’s not every day or normal.

Is music a factor for you while you are writing? Do certain songs put you in the right frame of mind to write certain stories?

YES! I’m a total music whore. Most times I like complete quiet or light music when I’m writing but yeah, it’s rare I’m doing anything else and music isn’t on. I have dozens of books that have musical references or something in the background that is crucial to the setting/mood/tone.

Please check out Joyee’s newest book, Virgil, out NOW at Siren Publishing

 

The Marius Brothers: Virgil

Book Eight in series

Erotic Alternative Paranormal Ménage a Trois Romance, M/M/M, vampires, fae, HEA

Buy at Publisher

Virgil has been hiding something… But then again that isn’t anything new to him. He doesn’t fit in with the family that doesn’t even know who he really is. Learning long ago that he wasn’t normal, he strives to just fit in. Fate just doesn’t seem to have it in the cards for him.

Moreo and Foma have been searching for their other mate for centuries. Now that they think they’ve found him, Virgil’s running from them. Panicked that he’s only staying in Greece a few days and confused by his reaction, they decide to take desperate measures. After their plan backfires instead of opening up Virgil to being their mate, can they convince him they were only trying to help? Or will it be the last straw to push Virgil over the edge and leave everything behind to start over somewhere else, saying goodbye to the Mariuses forever?

Teaser Excerpt:

“Virgil, are you going to come meet Caleb’s people or stand there?” Stefan asked jokingly but I could hear the slight concern in his tone. “Dude, you okay?”

“Yeah,” I answered, clearing my throat. “Just weird seeing Caleb like this with all the grandeur.” I gestured around, lying through my teeth. “That and the flight.” I shrugged. “Sorry. Just kind of spaced out.”

“Then we should show you to your rooms for some rest,” Mareo said as he moved closer to me. “I didn’t catch your name.”

I swallowed loudly as I stared up at the massive man. Yes, I had to stare up at him. He was maybe an inch shorter than Foma but at least seven and a half feet tall. “Virgil Marius.”

“Nice to meet you, Virgil,” he said in a slightly husky voice. We shook hands and I noticed that Stefan and Patrick were talking to Liam and Lorcan again, everyone else distracted. They wanted to see their new baby before we settled in.

“Same,” I mumbled, trying to get back my hand and not breathe at the same time. If I took in his scent with how attracted I was to him, my fangs would come right back out and I’d be busted.

“Virgil did you say?” Foma asked, suddenly right next to his mate, both of them practically surrounding me but keeping a polite distance… Technically. To everyone else it might have looked as if we were just in a private conversation. “Lovely fangs you have.”

“Thanks, I’m, um, th–thirsty,” I lied. “Tired and thirsty.”

“Hmm.” Foma glanced at his mate and I had a feeling they didn’t believe me. “Then we should check on you during your nap.”

“Maybe keep an extra close eye on you,” Mareo agreed as he let go of my hand only for Foma to take it in his massive one. I stared into his light brown eyes and found myself twenty seconds from swooning. I swear he had gold flecks swirling around in them or something. It was hypnotic and alluring all at once. “Like as you’re lying naked and sated in our arms.”

I felt a thrill of desire go through me and my fangs, the fucking things, popped back out.  I shook my head and pulled my hand back as I got them to retract. “I’m sorry, no thank you. I appreciate the offer but I’m straight.”

Mareo leaned in until his shoulder- length black hair brushed against my ear. “The erection you’re sporting would suggest otherwise. Why do I get the feeling most everything you’ve said is bullshit, Virgil?”

Because you’re smart. But I couldn’t say that. “If you’ll excuse me, I want to meet my nephew.” I cleared my throat and went to step around them.

“Running won’t stop us from pursuing,” Foma warned.

 

 

Author links:

joyee_inter@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/joyeeflynnauthor

https://twitter.com/joyeeflynn

http://joyeeflynn.blogspot.com

 

 

Book Barrage Day with Revved

Revved (Drag and Drift #1) by Chacelyn Pierce
Gay (M/M) Erotic Romance
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Heat Level: Sizzling
Word Count: 9,800

Buy Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Revved-Drag-and-Drift-ebook/dp/B00AZR6H7S/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-revved-1041393-145.html

Evernight Publishing: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/revved-by-chacelyn-pierce/

Creed has been beating himself up for the hateful way he reacted to Bronx after an intoxicated kiss. However, it stirred something in him that should be brought to light. Creed must visit the raceway and stake his claim on not only the winnings but on the man he’s come to desire.

Bronx has been keeping his love a secret for three long years. The slip up kiss bears the same resemblance to the incident that caused him to lose his old best friend in New York. Will facing each other be a simple delivery of apologies or will they finally admit and succumb to their desires?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Teaser Excerpt:

The slamming of the house’s front door brought Creed’s head out from under his Camaro’s hood. Since he’d moved into the guest house over the garage, he was used to his aunt finding him to fix a leak or burn some trash. However, determined steps crunched the pebbles outside and he knew instantly it wasn’t his aunt. Nope, his bitchy sixteen-year-old cousin looked as if she was about to make her weekly round. Here we go again. He was already shaking his head before she even walked inside the garage. Judging by the color of the sky, it must’ve been close to seven pm. She had been on the same routine for the past four Saturdays. Cassie was going to ream him for not going to the dragway. Since Sparco’s Raceway sat clear on the other side of town, his aunt didn’t trust Cassie to go alone. Since he was an adult, albeit a semi-responsible one, Aunt Georgia said Cassie could go so long as he did.

Well, he wasn’t going.

Creed hadn’t been to the dragway in a month and Cassie was fit to be tied. He heard the clap-slap of flip-flops against her feet and when they stopped suddenly, he knew she was right behind him. He could feel her lurking like some insane, hormonal teen.

“This is bullshit, Creed.” He cringed when he heard her gum pop. “Becky says Gunther is starting to eye Jessica in my absence. Can we please go tonight, please?” God, the begging had been the worst of it all.

Wiping the smut off his hands he turned and noted she’d gotten dressed in hopes he’d go race. He was ten years her senior, so she was more like a younger sister since he’d been raised by her mother over half his life. He’d really stepped up to take on the man role when Uncle Herman died six years ago. He’d even kept the auto parts shop operational but didn’t know he’d have to play the father/brother role and teach Cassie how to grow up. He knew exactly what this boy Gunther had on his mind when he looked at her. However, telling her any different would only cause more rebellious tendencies.

Cassie came only to his chest and her blonde hair was twisted up in some clippie thing. She gave him the sad puppy-dog eyes and even quivered her bottom lip in effect to win him over.

“No. I need a break from racing. It’s becoming too much.”

“Yeah, uh-huh, and that’s why every Saturday night you tinker around in here as if preparing to go, yet you don’t.” She looked at the empty carport beside his Camaro: it had once been occupied on Saturdays as well. His best friend would prep his vehicle for the races right beside him. Now, the vacant space stayed empty and cold, just as he felt. “God, what happened between you and Bronx?”

Creed crinkled his nose. “Nothing.” Which was untrue, he’d fucked up royally and he didn’t know how to set things right or even if they could be set right. A mere apology didn’t compare to the words he’d screamed at Bronx as he watched him leave a month ago.

Cassie rolled her eyes. “Right and when I saw him at Jimmy’s Corner Store the other day he avoided me like the plague.” She chewed her bottom lip, her look pensive. “He looked really upset.”

Creed tossed the dirty rag on the ground and slammed the car hood down. Cassie flinched and backed up when he took a menacing step closer to her. “He fucking should be. Three years… you think you know someone and they pull some shit that changes things.”

“What do you mean? What happened?”

“Forget it.” Creed moved to the worktable and tossed his tools back in the box, clanging them loud enough in hopes the noise would drown out anymore of Cassie’s probing questions. He didn’t fucking want to answer anything having to do with Bronx or why they were fighting. He didn’t want to explain his disappearance to their friends and feel like even more of a douche. Most of all, he didn’t what to face the aftermath with Bronx. How could he apologize for how he acted and what he said? Bronx had rattled their friendship with an unexpected kiss. However, that wasn’t what freaked him out. He’d snapped because he enjoyed it and wanted Bronx in a way he’d never before.

Contest Information:

Please leave a comment along with your email to be in the drawing for one of two e-copies of Revved by Chacelyn Pierce

About the Author:

A rocker by heart, Chacelyn Pierce is constantly ear plugged with heavy tunes blaring to stir up the phantom personalities that swarm her mind. It’s no surprise that she enjoys writing and reading to satiate her appetite for the male antagonist in a story. Married to a blatant redhead and mothering a diva, there is never a dull moment in the house. As a native Texan, she doesn’t personally own a horse but follows the unwritten southern rule of knowing how to ride one. When she’s not testing the emotional capacity of her characters, she works part time as a dog groomer.

For more information about Chacelyn and her books, visit her website at http://www.chacelynpierce.com.

Book Spotlight~Mickie B. Ashling’s Fire Horse

Fire Horse by Mickie B. Ashling

Dreamspinner Press

Contemporary M/M Erotic Romance

Buy at Publisher

Preston Fawkes is ten the first time he meets fifteen-year-old Konrad Schnell at the San Antonio Polo Club.  Captivated by the mystique surrounding the sport of kings, Pres vows to learn the game at the hands of his newly acquired friend and mentor.  The hero worship soon grows into something deeper, but the friends are separated when Preston goes off to boarding school in England.

The relationship that follows is riddled with challenges―their age gap, physical distance, and parental pressure taking precedence over feelings yet to be explored.  Although their bond goes deep, they deal with the reality of their situation differently: Preston is open and fearless while Konrad is reticent and all too aware of the social implications of making a public stand.

Their paths intersect and twine, binding them as tightly as a cowboy’s lasso, but fate may alter their plans.  How will love overcome the divots in the turf as they gallop toward the future—one where obstacles no longer stand in their way?

Teaser Excerpt:

Seville, Spain 1983

The next morning, we took a bus to a stud farm in Jerez de la Frontera. We passed the two-hour drive by feasting on the bocadillos we’d purchased at the bar near the hostel. The “sandwiches” were stuffed with salty Iberian ham and goat cheese, and we shared a wedge of cold potato omelet spiked with chorizo. Two liters of mineral water helped to wash down the hefty breakfast, and then we napped the rest of the way. By the time we arrived at Finca Mejia, where the horses were bred and controlled, we were eager to begin our tour.

I’d never seen an Andalusian, although I’d heard about this special breed. Anyone who loved horses knew they existed, but few had the money to own one. Highly prized as a warhorse, due to their speed and agility, their numbers had dwindled throughout the centuries. After reaching dangerously low levels, exportation of mares had been strictly forbidden to give Spanish and Portuguese breeders the opportunity to develop and expand their stock. The majority of them were bred here in the Andalusia province of Spain, thus the name. In Portugal they were called Lusitanos. Universally, they were known as the pure Spanish or Iberian horse.

Kon and I sat side by side with other prospective buyers and horse aficionados, hardly able to contain our excitement. The owner of this particular stud farm was quite aware of the impact his animals made as they entered the arena. There was a collective murmur from the crowd when the string of horses stopped within ten feet of the wooden fence separating them from the audience. They were magnificent! Most of them were gray and averaged fifteen and a half hands. Abundantly thick manes and long flowing tails set low and tight against their bodies, were distinctive features.

Before the animals were allowed to circle the ring so we could admire them from different angles, the owner gave a brief lecture on the origin of this ancient breed. In heavily accented English, he explained that these horses had lived on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years. Known for their strong but elegant build, they were prized as a war or cavalry horse until mounted knights began using heavier and heavier armor. They were soon replaced with larger but slower moving draft horses. The trend was later reversed with the development of firearms and the need for a more rapid and agile animal.

“Why were they in such demand?” a visitor asked. “They’re good looking but so is the Arabian.”

The owner of the farm was a white-haired gentleman who sat on a horse like a warrior. The pride in his voice was clearly evident as he extolled the virtues of this particular breed. “These horses evolved in hilly and rugged terrains, señor. Fighting for survival and grazing amidst the rocky landscape led to the development of a strong arched neck, hind legs positioned well underneath the body, with strong hock action, and small rounded hoofs. These attributes make the horse much more agile than the standard Arabian or other breeds, and they are, without a doubt, quite beautiful.”

“I see,” the man nodded.

“But your prices are outrageous,” another person commented. “I can buy two thoroughbreds for the price of one Andalusian.”

“You can also drive a Fiat rather than a Mercedes,” the Spaniard acknowledged haughtily. “Furthermore, your attitude has already cost you one of my animals. I suggest you visit another stud farm if you intend to buy.”

“My money is as good as anyone else’s,” the guy volleyed.

“It’s not always about money,” the Spaniard replied. “I’m very selective about my buyers. I would never sell one of my horses to anyone who couldn’t fully appreciate its value.”

“Bah!” the prospective buyer spat out before standing and blundering out of the arena.

“Shall we proceed?” the Spaniard asked coldly, scanning the rest of us to see if there were other visitors who wanted to join the deserter.

“Yes,” the group begged collectively.

What followed was an educational afternoon, learning about his magnificent animals, their care, their bloodlines, and their availability. We drifted off into small groups, each with a guide, so we could ask questions and take our time without worrying about someone else’s agenda. Our companion was Miguel, a young Gaucho about Kon’s age. He walked and talked with the swagger of ownership, which prompted me to ask, “Are you a family member?”

“Don Alvaro is my grandfather.”

“The old dude?”

“Si.” Yes, he said, nodding.

“Is he as tough as he sounds?”

Miguel laughed. “Tougher.”

“I know all about those kind of men,” I admitted. “My Dad is demanding as hell.”

“Abuelo loves his animals more than anything else.”

Konrad whistled suddenly and we stopped. “Now, that is a beauty,” he said, walking toward a frisky young mare that pranced as he approached. She was dark gray with a snowy white mane and tail. Her oval eyes sparkled with intelligence, and she bobbed her head as Kon got closer, acknowledging his presence with a flick of her tail and a flutter of long lashes.

“She’s flirting with him,” I said, astounded.

“Es una coqueta, a teaser,” Miguel said.

“She’s a sweetheart,” Kon said, stroking her gently. “What’s her name?”

“Dulce,” Miguel said. “It means ‘sweet’.”

“What a perfect name,” Kon said admiringly. “May I ride her?”

“What is your profession if you don’t mind my asking?” Miguel stated, trained to cross-examine potential riders.

“I’m a professional polo player.”

Miguel looked Konrad up and down appreciatively. His eyes lingered a little too long, in my opinion, making my hackles rise. The young Spaniard was just as hot as Kon in a swarthier, dark-haired kind of way. If I hadn’t been so madly in love, I would have paid a lot more attention to the slim-hipped brunet who was staring at Konrad with blatant interest.

About the Author

Mickie B. Ashling is the alter-ego of a multifaceted woman raised by a single mother who preferred reading over other forms of entertainment. She found a kindred spirit in her oldest child and encouraged her with a steady supply of dog-eared paperbacks. Romance was the preferred genre, and historical romances topped her favorites list.

By the time Mickie discovered her own talent for writing, real life had intruded, and the business of earning a living and raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing and the inevitable emptying nest, dreams were resurrected, and the storyteller was reborn.

She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world. Her award-winning novels have been called “gut wrenching, daring, and thought provoking.” She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.

Mickie loves to travel and has lived in the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East but currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.

You can contact her at mickie.ashling@gmail.com or leave a comment on her blog at  http://mickiebashling.blogspot.com.

New Cover Reveal~A Summer Night Fling

*bounces*

I got my new cover today for my short paranormal m/m story that was in the Hot Summer Fun anthology. I am loading it up as a free read at Amazon, All Romance and other places over the weekend.

I absolutely love this cover and think Sable Grey is an artist. What do you think?

A Summer Night Fling
A Paranormal m/m short story

Can a broken-hearted man let love back into this life when a sexy werecat shifter falls for him?

Links coming soon.

Swept Away Blog Hop/Contest Day 3

 

It is the third day of the Swept Away Valentine’s Blog Hop and I hope you are enjoying my posts for it.

First things first: My prize is a $10 Siren-Bookstrand gift card and all you need to do is comment on one or all three of my posts for the Swept Away blog hop to be entered. Make sure to leave your email address as well in the comment so in case you win I have a way to contact you.

To find out all the rest of the participants, please drop by http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/

Now for my final post for the hop, I am showcasing my story in the On Valentine’s Day Anthology called Moonlight Masquerade. It is my second contemporary M/M story and one I am very proud of. The anthology is available in e-book & print. It has ten wonderful m/m stories by eleven authors and one you don’t want to miss.

Moonlight Masquerade by Raine Delight

Contemporary M/M Short Story

Publisher: Sara Y ork and in conjunction with It’s Raining Men

Found in the On Valentine’s Day Anthology

Mysterious roses keep popping up on Skylar Everclear’s doorstep. No idea what is going, a little disturbed by this secret admirer, he tries to forget it all since he just got rid of the latest line of loser boyfriends and just wants to do his job at the local bakery. But when he meets his new neighbor, Marc Douglas, he finds himself drawn to the quiet young man even as he tries to not let his libido take over. But on Valentine’s Day, a mysterious rose again pops up with a note to meet his admirer that night. Will Skylar take a chance that this time, love is right there waiting for him?

Excerpt:

Pulling into his parking spot, he wearily dragged his aching body out of the car then stopped suddenly. There was a guy walking out of the apartment building Skylar lived in, whistling some nameless tune. His jeans hugged his legs and the t-shirt made his hands itch to see what was under it. Swallowing hard, Skylar pasted a sickly smile on his face and started walking again. Even up close, he looked amazing and his eyes were gorgeous…a deep emerald green with flecks of gold. They captured Skylar’s attention and he must have looked like a moron staring at the guy but he couldn’t look away. The stranger cleared his throat and had him gasping like a fish out of water, heat washed over his face.

“Sorry,” he mumbled as he tried not to stare anymore but man, this guy was hot.

“It’s…okay. Um, hi”

That little hesitance had Skylar really feeling bad for scaring the guy. He didn’t mean to alarm him but there was something about this guy that had Skylar’s body humming and his cock was already half hard from the lust filled visions filling his head.

With a shake of his head, Skylar focused on what the guy was asking. “Yes I do. Apartment B3. Are you new to the building? I don’t think I have seen you here before?”

“Yes…I …um just moved in today.” The poor guy looked like he wanted to bolt.

Skylar didn’t have a clue why he looked so fearful. He put out his hand, “Welcome to the complex. I hope you get settled in and if you need any help, please just knock on my door. If I am not at work, I am home so it isn’t a bother. My name is Skylar…Skylar Everclear. I am in apartment B3.”

He felt like such an idiot with his hand out. After figuring he made the worst first impression, the mysterious guy shook his hand and smiled, tremulous but still a smile that made his heart catch. He had these deep dimples and he made Skylar think very naughty thoughts.

”I’m Marc Douglas, and I’ll keep that in mind if I need help, Skylar. Thank you for your generous offer. I need to get to work, but I hope we see each other around.”

Skylar dropped his hand and watched as Marc walk to his motorcycle and climbed on. With a roar the guy waved and zoomed out of the parking lot. Heaving a sigh as he watched the taillights disappear, Skylar shook his head and walked to his apartment. Then stopped and stared…feeling as if the ocean was going to swallow him whole.

Another. Damn. Rose.

He proceeded onward to his door and picked up the rose and then spied a note on the ground. He quickly opened his door and walked in, dropping his back pack on the floor as he dropped the keys in the bowl by the door. Fishing his cell phone out, he placed it on the counter as he walked into the little living area and plopped down. He stared at the note in his hand like it was a bomb about to go off. He had this nervous feeling in his stomach and he hoped it wasn’t a ‘Ha! Ha! Gotcha!’ joke or anything.

With trembling hands, he opened the note and just stared at it as he read the words.

If you want to know who your secret admirer is, meet me on the rooftop garden at ten p.m. on Valentine’s Day. All your questions will be answered then.

Just sitting there, shaking as he processed it, he folded the note and tossed it onto the coffee table. Slumped forward, he held his head in his hands as he tried to still his rolling emotions. After almost six weeks of roses, why does the person want to meet on Valentine’s Day of all days? Skylar didn’t know what to think. Is this a serial killer that was going to murder him? A crazed stalker? Though he had to snicker at that one. He never had a stalker, real, crazed or even one online in the gaming sites he used to play in before life got in the way.

He took a breath and sat back against the couch and tried to think the situation out rationally. Maybe his mystery stalker-slash-admirer figured enough was enough and wanted to see if he showed up. Skylar was unsure how he felt. On one hand he enjoyed the attention and was flattered someone liked him like that, but on the other hand, it was a tad stalker-ish and borderline on creepy sometimes. He never knew when a rose was going to pop up on his doormat and he wished he could just look in a magic mirror and ask to see who his admirer was.

Also in the anthology:

Louis Hates Valentine’s Day by Sue Brown

Impromptu Valentine’s by Remmy Duchene

Be My Valentine, Bobby Bryson by Geoffrey Knight

Love Letters by Patricia Logan

Champagne Kisses by J.R. Loveless

Captain of his Heart by Michael Mandrake

The Hearts Have Wounds by Kharisma Rayne

Cat vs. Dog 2 by AJ Llewellyn & Serena Yates

Sweet Happenings by Sara York

Buy links:

Amazon (Print and E-book) link: http://www.amazon.com/Valentines-Day-Sara-York/dp/1482020041/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360768335&sr=1-6&keywords=raine+delight

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-onvalentine039sday-1044936-145.html

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/276033

Swept Away Blog Hop-Day 2/Contest

Welcome to Day 2 of the Swept Away blog hop. Today I am giving you a glimpse into my new series I am working on that I currently call Destined Mates. What happens when the mating mark comes to find you and your destined mate isn’t the one person you expected. This is a little teaser in my first book in the series called Betrayed by Destiny. It is a bit rough and is unedited so it may change once I submit it and it goes to edits.

First, my giveaway this hop is a $10 Siren-Bookstrand gift card to one lucky reader. All you need to do is leave a comment along with your email address so I can contact you in case you win on the three posts for the hop here on my blog. The more you comment on my posts, the better chance of winning.

To find out the rest of the participants in the hop, go to http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/

Now onto Betrayed by Destiny (Book 1 in the Destined Mates series)

Paranormal M/M romance

Work in progress

Tagline: Can a broken man find the love destined to be his?

Maxwell Evermore thought his life was perfect. He had a wonderful mate in Jaden Creed, great friends and a good if boring job as a salesperson at an advertising firm. When he is sidelined by the leaving of his lover, his life over, Max finds that sometimes when one door closes, another opens & in this case with a lion shifter named Leo who will heal his shattered heart if Max will let him.

Teaser snippit:

He was gone…away from me and the life we built together. He was never coming back and though I wanted to rail against the injustice of it all, I knew I would forgive and possibly live again. But right now all I wanted to do was cry a river of tears as the pain of the loss of my lover finally had me to my knees.

Whimpering, I tried to stand but my legs wouldn’t keep me up. The pain was too intense as I felt the connection with the man I loved with all my heart, Jaden, die a little more as each minute passed. The connection that brought me such comfort was completely gone within a matter of minutes as Jaden walked away from me and the love I had for him. I never felt this pain before in all my life. I thought I could withstand anything life through at me but this anguish was almost too much to bear. Feeling as though my heart would give up at any minute, I crawled over to the couch and hugged the pillow as the tears streamed from my eyes, wetting the fabric as I wailed against all the pain that welled inside me.

“Why, Jaden?” whispering as I rocked back and forth. “What was so bad about our life that you had to walk away from me? Our three years together?”

Jaden’s last words replayed in my head…I don’t love you anymore, Maxwell. I found someone else…my destined mate, a woman who will carry my young and I am determined to be with her. It was fun but we were never meant to be together in a forever kind of life, Max. Be well and eventually you will find the one meant to be yours. I am sorry, Max, for everything. I hope you can forgive me…eventually. A keening wail rose in my throat as those last words of Jaden’s played again, striking my heart with a piercing arrow, causing more tears to leak from my eyes. Never expecting the one man that professed to love you and want to be with you to break your heart…heck he shattered it in a million pieces.

Sniffling, Max wiped his face with his hands and lay against the couch, “So we were not destined mates but that doesn’t mean we didn’t love one another, damn it.” Throwing the couch pillow across the room in a fit of anger he saw it strike the vase Jaden picked up on one of their excursions at the antique shows. He watched it wobble back and forth, like it was on slow motion then fall off the stand and shatter into pieces. That crash had him screaming out loud as the pain of Jaden’s exit finally became real. The pain was all consuming and he didn’t know how long he stayed curled up on the couch alternating between whimpers, crying and fits of anger. He ignored the phone ringing, the pounding on his front door…everything and everyone. He wanted to be alone and wallow in the misery that his life had become.

A Sneak Peek into Moonlight Masquerade-Coming in January 2013

Moonlight Masquerade by Raine Delight

On Valentine’s Day Anthology

a GBLT Anthology

Stories by Sue Brown, Remmy Duechene, AJ Llewellyn, Kharisma Rayne, Sara York, Geoffrey Knight, Patricia Logan, Michael Mandrake and Serena Yates.

Mysterious roses keep popping up on Skylar Everclear’s doorstep. No idea what is going, a little disturbed by this secret admirer, he tries to forget it all since he just got rid of the latest line of loser boyfriends and just wants to do his job at the local bakery. But when he meets his new neighbor, Marc Douglas, he finds himself drawn to the quiet young man even as he tries to not let his libido take over. But on Valentine’s Day, a mysterious rose again pops up with a note to meet his admirer that night. Will Skylar take a chance that this time, love is right there waiting for him?

Sneak Peek PG Excerpt:

Please note that this is unedited and may change after editing.

Two Days before Valentine’s Day….

Skylar opened his door and groaned. Another damn rose was lying on his doormat. It was enough to know he had no idea who was doing this but every freaking night this week he either came home to a rose on his porch or opened the door to it. It was enough to feel creeped out now. He looked around, seeing no one, shut the door with a soft click and leaned against the door in despair. It has been two months since he threw out his lover, Aiden after catching him fucking some other guy and frankly he didn’t know what to do anymore. All he did was work, sleep and work some more. He always seemed to pick those guys who are bound to break his heart.

“I must have ‘Loser’ tattooed on my forehead the last few years.” Skylar muttered to himself.  “Why can’t I find a nice guy for once? One who won’t lie, cheat or steal and break my heart by telling me I wasn’t good enough for them.” Sighing, Skylar grabbed his backpack, keys and cell phone as he hurried to get ready for work. As a baker in the local bakery, his day starts earlier than many others. His mind on what items he needed to get done for the next few days, he opened then shut his door, locked it and made sure to pick up the rose before he stepped all over it, crushing the fragile blooms. As he turned and walked to his car he wondered who his mysterious admirer was.

Skylar’s day got off to a good start at work as he hummed a long with a local radio station playing 80’s rock bands while he rolled out dough for cookies, breads and made delicate fruit pastries. He was finally able to take a quick break around noon when the front sales person, Marlene, poked her head in the doorway saying they needed more pastry hearts. Seemed everyone was buying those desserts for their significant other, or ordered the smaller ones for class or office parties. He sighed as the fleeting dream of getting off his feet for ten minutes went on by and he got to work making more. By the time five o’clock hit, Skylar was exhausted but pleased. They sold out of many of the Valentine themed items and the specialty breads were also almost gone. He made a note on the wipe-erase board what needed to be replaced tomorrow and clocked out, waving to the front sales people as he went through the door to the parking lot.

Shivering as he hurried to his car, Skylar fumbled with his keys before unlocking the car and sliding into the seat. Turning the heat up on high, he waited a bit before putting his car in drive to go home. All he wanted to do was grab a shower, order a pizza and veg in front of the television. He was so exhausted it wasn’t funny. Watching couples come into the bakery or men buying items for their partners/girlfriends was a downer to be sure. He never liked Valentine’s Day to begin with. He felt it was a holiday that Hallmark cards liked so they can guilt people into buying cheesy cards and raise the prices of roses so high it was mind boggling. He never had a nice Valentine’s Day where a lover surprised him with dinner or gave him something romantic or funny or sweet. He was always alone on this day and he tried to make sure he didn’t have to deal with people who were so sugary sweet they made his teeth ache. Finally feeling the car heat up, he drove off determined to not think of hearts, flowers and all the things associated to Valentine’s Day. It was for couples, people in love and not for him.

Welcome Belinda McBride Today

Hi and welcome to my blog, Belinda. Please make yourself at home and grab a drink from my hunky cabana boys, Zeke and Jake. 

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?  

My current release is Silver/Steel, which is part of the Arcada series at Loose Id. It’s the follow-up to Blacque/Bleu. I’m currently working on an update of the Truckee Wolves book Toxic, which was originally released at Changeling Press. I’m expanding that book quite a lot. We’ll see more of the pack as well as Briony’s family.

 

How would you describe yourself using only five words?  

Procrastinate, obsessive, imaginative, opinionated, curious

 

If you could write a warning label for yourself as a person or an author, what would it say?  

In case of excessive sleeping, release Siberians in the bedroom.

 

Do you have any guilty pleasures?  

I love M&Ms. Sometimes I think they are the most divine food in the world, other times they’re just evil. I’m addicted to The Body Shop’s body butters. Have been since they first introduced their first two formulations: Mango and Avocado. I nearly cried when they discontinued the Avocado and changed the Mango.

 

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you.

My IQ is in the 150s. Most people who know are surprised because I’m not always the sharpest tack. Last to get jokes and all that. I still haven’t figured out why it’s that high, since I can only do basic math.

 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?  

My two favorite places (to date) have been the Hebrides Islands in Scotland and the US Virgin Islands. I’d alternate between the two.

 

How do you get yourself in the mood to write?  

I sit down and pick up the computer. It’s a job and a discipline and if I’m not in the mood, I switch to another project or task. Inspiration is random, if we rely on it to write not much would get done. Sometimes I write a very wooden, dull first draft. Its later that I can layer in the depth and make it flow.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing? 

I need a degree of peace and quiet. I generally get up around dawn with the dogs, get them fed and situated, then check my email. Then I write for a couple hours, till my niece wakes up. From there, my day pretty much revolves around watching her, so I do things that don’t require too much focus: marketing, answering email, etc. In the evening after everyone is in bed, I start writing again. All this is subject to change.

 

Who are some of your favorite authors?  

I’m generally happy with anything written by Patricia Briggs, Charlaine Harris, Neil Gaiman and Nalini Singh. There are so many indie authors I love (and that I’m friends with) I can’t really dive into that list!

 

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?  

I’m eagerly waiting for the newest JR Ward (Qhinn and Blay!) and haven’t yet read the latest from Harris and Briggs. I’m trying to do better about reading a little every day. Unfortunately, when I start I can’t stop!

 

Is there something special you do to celebrate when one of your books is released?  

For whatever reason, my appointments to donate blood always came on release day, so I try to do that. Generally I try to relax, go to lunch with someone, or maybe catch a movie. Just a little indulgence to keep me away from the internet for awhile!

 

Do you have a favorite TV show you can’t miss?  

Nah, I’m not really hooked into TV. In the spring I sign up for HBO so my sister can follow Game of Thrones and then my mother watches True Blood. I’m hit or miss on both.

 

If you could date any character from any book, who would it be and why-no it doesn’t have to be from your books? 

Hmm…probably Shadow from Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. There’s a quiet strength to the character that always grabs me.

 

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had? 

I was donating blood once and near my chair was a big picture of a family whose daughter had been saved by blood transfusions. I started thinking about a futuristic society where a blood disease runs rampant and how a strange species of vampire rises emerges because of that disease. That became the book Dragon’s Blood, which is part of the Black Planet anthology at Changeling Press.

 

If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell? 

“Do you know she lets the dogs sleep on her bed? How tacky! And…she sleeps with her laptop. I can bother her any time I feel like it!”

 

Thanks for coming. Is there anything else you want to add? 

Just my URLs:

My website: http://www.belindamcbride.com

My blog: http://www.belindam.blogspot.com

The Arcada Series:

Blacque/Bleu

Book 1

Loose Id

Paranormal, M/M, BDSM, Werewolves/Vampires

Buy at http://www.loose-id.com/genres/vampires-shapeshifters/blacque-bleu.html 

Lukas Blacque is a deeply closeted werewolf, and almost more than anything in life, he desires his neighbor, Oliver Bleu. Oliver is a vampire who is slowly dying from insomnia. More than anything, he needs Lukas Blacque and the rich blood that flows through his veins.

On the day that Blacque makes an important commitment to his family and pack, he also succumbs to temptation and agrees to a passionate weekend with the alluring vampire. At sunset on Friday, it’s all about urgent lust and the drive to lose his virginity. When the sun rises on Monday, lust has shifted to love and devotion. He’s not sure he can walk away, even for the commitment he’s made. He’s even less sure Bleu will let him go.

In Blacque’s world, vampires and werewolves make uneasy bedfellows, and a gay werewolf is an impossibility. In Bleu’s world, all living creatures are little more than vessels for food and sex. But in the mysterious and magical town of Arcada, the unexpected is always waiting right around the corner. Now Blacque and Bleu just need to survive long enough for Arcada’s magic to work for them. 

Note:Blacque/Bleu is related to Chrysalis and Mad at the Moon, which are available at Changeling Press. This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Bondage, domination, male/male sexual practices, violence.

Silver/Steel

Book 2

Paranormal, M/M, Vampires/Werewolves

Loose Id

Buy at http://www.loose-id.com

When dream hunter Dylan Ryve spots a beautiful shapeshifter raising hell in a bar, he knows he wants the wild young man. But Travis Feris is more to Dylan than a few hot minutes outside in the snow; he’s the assassin’s ticket into the magical town of Arcada. He didn’t plan to rescue the kid, but when he found the shifter being attacked, the opportunity to play hero was too good to pass up.

Through the solitude of a long winter night, Dylan walks in Travis’s fevered dreams, learning about Arcada and the pack, and showing the shifter the man he’d been so very long ago. When morning comes, both men know their lives will be forever entwined.

From Dylan, Travis learns that he is a strong, valued member of the pack. The dreamwalker sees his own worth reflected back at him in the dark blue eyes of the wolf. Yet when Dylan has the chance to free himself from centuries of enslavement, can he betray the man he has come to love?

Welcome Amber Skyze today

Hi and welcome to my blog, Amber Skyze.  Please make yourself at home and grab a drink from my hunky cabana boys, Zeke and Jake.  Thanks so much for having me here today, Raine.

So tell us a little about yourself. First of all I’m a mother, wife and writer. I’m forced to work a dreaded day job.

To get us started can you tell us a little about what you are working on or have coming out?  My newest release is a M/M. Grant the main hero is a detective and he’s on the hunt for a serial killer. He’s also battling the repercussions of coming out at work.

If you could write a warning label for yourself as a person or an author, what would it say? Warning – will love you endlessly unless you cross me and then you better sleep with one eye open.

Do you have any guilty pleasures? Yes, Butterfingers and licorice

Name one thing readers would be surprised to know about you. I’m a survivor of domestic abuse.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? California.

How do you get yourself in the mood to write? If I waited for the mood to strike me I’d never write. LOL

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing? I get up before the family and I try to get an hour of writing in. I try again when the baby goes down her for first nap.

Who are some of your favorite authors? I’m a huge Maya Banks fan, I enjoy all of Jayne Rylon’s books and my new writing partner Katalina Leon. I feel blessed to be writing with such an extraordinary writer.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for? Oh man, my Kindle is full of books.

Is there something special you do to celebrate when one of your books is released? I used to buy myself a new CD or the hubby would take me out to dinner. Now I’m just boring and don’t really do anything.

Do you have a favorite TV show you can’t miss? I’m currently addicted to Chicago Fire.

If you could date any character from any book, who would it be and why-no it doesn’t have to be from your books? I’d date Nathan Donovan from Splashing Good Time my first EC book. I wrote the book about a guy I once knew.

What is the strangest source of writing inspiration you’ve ever had? Hmmm, nothing yet.

If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell? She’s a procrastinator!!!!

Thanks for coming. Is there anything else you want to add? 

Thanks so much for allowing me to be here today!

**********

 

Out to Protect by Amber Skyze

Loose Id

Suspense M/M

http://www.loose-id.com/out-to-protect.html

Blurb:

Someone is killing prostitutes and Grant Wesson has been assigned to find out who the killer is. Problem is he just came out to his best friend and partner. Ralph didn’t take it so well, so Grant’s been reassigned to the new kid on the block, Parker Townsend.

Parker is young, sexy and very much in the closet. Grant fights the growing attraction he’s feeling for his new partner, until Parker changes things up. He wants to break the rules and have sex with his new partner.

Against his better judgment, Grant agrees. It’s the hottest sex either of them has ever had, but it’s a distraction. The killer has Grant in his sights. Parker promises to protect him, but it’s his heart that needs protecting.

Excerpt:

“I’ve got to be a fucking fool.” He dragged his fingers through his hair, knowing the gelled look was ruined.

“Fool for what?”

Grant spun around, surprised to see Ralph behind him. He hadn’t heard him enter the room. How long had he been standing there? Had he said anything that would reveal what he was about to confess? The air grew heavy; the walls seemed to draw closer. Grant felt a panic attack coming on.

He walked over to the table and took a seat.

“You don’t look so good, partner. Are you sick?”

Was he sick? Possibly.

“Is it hot in here?”

Ralph shrugged. “The air seems to be working.”

Grant struggled to breathe. He slowly took a deep breath.

“Do you need me to call medical? You don’t look so hot. You’re white as a ghost.”

Somehow Grant felt that was an understatement. He felt physically ill. Nausea rolled in his stomach, threatening to charge up and out his mouth.

“I’ll be okay in a minute.” He needed water. “Just give me a sec.”

“Sure.” Ralph took a seat and tapped his hands on the table.

Grant shook his head. Ralph was always a restless person. He tapped his hands on his legs or on the dashboard if he wasn’t driving. It surprised Grant that Ralph wasn’t a beat officer. Walking the streets would give him the opportunity to get the excess energy out.

After a few deep breaths, his nerves started to subside. He had to get this off his chest and tell Ralph the truth. In the end he prayed it would be all right. They were not only partners; they were friends.

Grant slapped the table louder than he expected.

Ralph jumped.

“Shit, if you wanted my attention, you could’ve cleared your throat or something,” Ralph said.

“Sorry.”

“Now you have my full attention. What’s this meeting all about?”

The time had arrived. Grant had dreaded this moment for the last ten years but knew he couldn’t keep the information from his partner another day.

Here goes nothing.

“I’m gay,” Grant said.

“Ha-ha. What, am I being punked or something?” Ralph looked around the room as if he expected a camera crew to pop out of the corners.

He looked at Ralph, the guy who had protected him many times over the last ten years. The image of Ralph standing over him while he bled from a gunshot wound came to the forefront. Ralph had given him words of encouragement while holding the bleeding wound on Grant’s leg. Ralph had kept Grant calm through the pain, and damn it had been painful. That was the first time he’d been shot. Grant had had a few superficial wounds over the years. Par for the course when one was a police officer. Ralph, on the other hand, had always been the lucky one. He’d never experienced what it felt like to be shot.

Ralph stared at Grant. “What the fuck? Where are the cameras?”

“You’re not being punked. I’m being serious, Ralph.”

“What are you fucking talking about? Are you saying you’ve just discovered you’re gay? ’Cause if that’s what you’re trying to tell me, you’re fucking wrong. I’ve known you all these years, and you ain’t queer.”