Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Wednesday briefs - Evans Woodworking chapter 24




Chapter 24 of my new Wednesday Brief's story is now on line. You can read it by clicking here.

If you have just come across my blog and would like to read the entire story, you can click here to get to the Wednesday briefs page.

Here is a sneak peek at what you'll find in chapter 24:


“Ethan, you’re not going to lose me. Ever.”

“You can’t say that, Jordan. You really messed Toby up. You’re going to jail for beating the shit out of him, not that he didn’t deserve it. They might kill you. I’ll never see you again.”

“Nah. It’ll be okay. I’ll beat this no problem.” Alicia shook her head at Jordan, whose face fell. He raised an eyebrow at her and she drew her finger across her throat, indicating for him to finish the phone call. “Hey, bud, I gotta go. I’ll see you later, okay?”

“Yeah. See ya.”
 

Sunday, December 20, 2015

When It's Right by Aria Grace Promotional Tour

Title: When It's Right
Series: Mile High Romance #1
Author: Aria Grace
Genre: M/M Romance
Published: December 23, 2013
When Shane Greenly left his home in Casper Mountain, Wy, he was leaving more than just the closet. He needed a fresh start to pursue his dream of running a dog training ranch without having to deny who he really is. 
Meeting Alex was one of the best things that could have happened to Shane. They were at the beginning of a wonderful relationship when the unthinkable happened and Shane had to leave. The consequences of his past mistakes could not be hidden any longer.

“once again Aria has blown me away with another great book! “ ~5 Star Review (by Amy Hertzog on Amazon)
“If you love a good M/M book that is well-written, precise, and adventurous – this book is for you. Two thumbs up and 5 stars!" ~5 Star Review (by Ricky M. Hansen Jr. on Amazon)
“It is a heartwarming story that leaves the reader knowing that things really can work out for the best, and love truly does prevail.” ~5 Star Review (by wtcdean on Amazon)
Finally looking at the texts that came in throughout the day, I see one from Steph from early this morning.
Looks like you’ve been replaced
There is a photo attached of Shane on the lawn with Stormy. She is trying to grab something from behind his back and he’s laughing. He has a perfect smile. Seeing him so happy warms my heart. His dark eyes are so sexy and he looks damn good on my lawn, with my dog and… in my shirt. That is my shirt, right? I can feel little Alex starting to twitch just thinking about how that happened. He fills it out better than I do.
I wore that on Thursday. Why would he put on my dirty shirt? I know why I would put on a guy’s dirty shirt but that couldn’t be his reason… Well, maybe I was wrong about that country boy.
Pulling a couple bottles from the mini bar, I lie back on the bed debating whether to call him or not. I empty the small whisky bottle into a can of Coke that was only half full and grab my phone. He’s wearing my shirt for god’s sake. A straight guy wouldn’t do that.
Before I lose my nerve, I thumb out a quick text to Shane.
I see you met Stephanie.
Not two minutes later, I get a response.
Yeah. She seems nice.
Nice, hunh? That doesn’t give me much. I’ll have to go the more direct route.
She is nice. And single. She’d come over if you called her. She probably even has a hot girlfriend 4 a one nighter if you’re looking 4 something casual.
No way for him to be vague about that. If he responds, I should have my answer.
Thanks but not really my style. LOL
Damn, he’s good.
Which part? The hot girlfriend or the one nighter.
Please say girls, please say girls, please say girls.
Both.
Thank you, sweet baby Jesus!
I guess we have more in common than a love of dogs.
Okay. That was lame. I need another drink. Opening up a bottle of vodka, I drink the shot straight. Just enough to warm me up. It’s been several minutes so I might have spooked him. I try him again.
Is this a bad time?
No. Just took Stormy out one more time and now we’re in bed.
Oops. Forgot to ask about my dog. The whole reason he’s at my house. What a bad daddy I am! Ah well, all the more reason to find her a new daddy. Whoa, I think I feel those shots already.
So are you seeing anyone right now?
No. Very single.
Maybe we can get a drink sometime next week?
Sounds good.
So you’re in bed now? In my bed?
LOL. Yes.
Me too.
Is trying to sext too trashy for our first flirt session? I’m gonna have to assume yes so I’ll let the poor boy go. As hard as it is to do it. And as hard as I am for him.
I’ll let you get comfortable and go to sleep.
OK. Good night Alex.
Good night Shane. BTW, you look fucking hot in my shirt.
Okay, I couldn’t resist that last part.
Born and raised in beautiful California, Aria enjoys the year round sunshine and laid back environment of the west coast. Her career started out in tech writing and web development and has evolved into all things marketing with fingers in everything related to book publishing.  She lives with her husband and two children and more pets than she can keep track of. Despite her crazy schedule, she loves the time she carves out to read and write. Whether it's on the beach or on the couch at 2am, she is a woman obsessed! She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to drop her a note or visit her at www.ariagracebooks.com. If you'd like to know when Aria's next book is coming out or where she'll be signing, join her mailing list at: http://bit.ly/AriaGraceFanList

Title: When I'm Weak
Series: Mile High Romance #2
Author: Aria Grace
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2015 
Jamie presents a flamboyant and slutty attitude to the world because he's been hurt before. Even though it's mostly an act, he hides behind his persona to keep people at arm's length. With only a small group of trusted friends, he's vowed to never allow a man to have power over him again. Power to hurt him. Power to take away his freedom. Power to label him as a predator for the rest of his life.
Reed and his sister run a home preschool for toddlers. His focus is on getting credentialed so he can take some of the burden from Abby. He doesn't have time for friends, much less a lover, but when he meets Jamie, he recognizes something in the man that makes him want to get closer. 
Unfortunately, Jamie's past prevents him from truly integrating into Reed's future. It's not just a matter of the heart. It's a matter of the law.
HOSTED BY:


When it's right, it's right. How many times have we heard or read this statement? I know I have several times.

This is the underlying statement in Ms. Grace's powerfully written novel.

Readers are placed smack dab in the middle of the lives of Alex, a successful businessman and Shane, a vet tech. Well-developed characters.

Things get a little intense when, as the synopsis says, one has to deal with the consequences of a mistake. An interesting, but believable plot twist which leads readers to wonder what the consequences of said mistake will have on the tenuous relationship between Alex and Shane and Stormy (can't forget the dog, who loves them both). You'll just have to read the book and find out.

On a scale of 1 to 5 I give it a 5 and recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.  

New release: Men In Uniform Anthology from Wayward Ink Publishing


Like your boys in blue keeping the… peace?
Hot firemen dealing with… heat?
Naval Officers getting in way too… deep?
Perhaps you have a ‘thing’ for marines…
Or do you prefer your Men In Uniform to belong in the future?
Another galaxy?
Another time?
Wherever your love of a uniform leads you, MEN IN UNIFORM has something for you.
 
Buy Links WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/…/men-in-uniform-a-way…/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-meninuniformawaywa…
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Ant…/…/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-A…/…/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-…/…/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anth…/…/
Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/men-in-uniform-eric-gober/1123108849?ean=9781925222722


STORIES INCLUDED


ERIC GOBER

Come to a land…
Where epic battles rage…
Among monsters, superheroes, and a very sexy cop.
Love and war are funny business in Hollywood, U.S.A.



CJ BATY

A blackmailer forced Stiles to leave his perfect life behind.
Along the way, he found a new friend, a job as a Pinkerton Agent, and murder.
Can Stiles find the murderer before he kills again?


ALINA POPESCU

Sean never thought his military career would ever have him babysitting his ex who Sean hasn’t seen in six months.
When best friend Tom finds out his younger brother Aiden is targeted, Sean drops everything to protect the man he still loves.
Can two former lovers survive a weekend alone in the woods, or will the threat from within be more devastating than the one from outside?


KASSANDRA LEA 

Love beckons Officer Warden Brooks to the shadows of a desolate place.
But his lover Tate Eldridge is so much more than a criminal, he’s a beautiful mystery.



ASTA IDONEA

When his father loses the battle against Hrafnaheim, Prince Darius finds himself a political prisoner.
Taken in chains to a dark and unfamiliar land, he begins to lose hope.
But then Captain Morten Gunnarsson of the Palace Guards is assigned to watch over him.
Now it is not just Darius’ body being held hostage, but also his heart.


EDDY LEFEY

When the Draaduuri arrived on Earth many humans died.
Captain Timothy Kellerman’s family was among them
Now, a truce has been struck. He is the prize.
Crown Prince Yuuhaan has instantly bonded with his slave.
Can the prince keep his baser instincts in check long enough for Timothy to transform?
To become the next great hope of the Draaduuri and the human race?


LILY VELDEN

Go to Portsmouth, said my friends. It’s quieter. You’ll be able to write without distraction.
They obviously hadn’t met my mysterious and elusive neighbour, Finn.…
After all, what would a Friday night be without hearing Moaner, Gusher, or Squeaker screaming out their joy at being shagged senseless by the obviously talented Finn?
Come to think of it, what would a Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night be without it either?
Thank God for Mondays!




JIM DUNAWAY (yours truly)

Apartment building fires are always tragic, even if everyone makes it out alive. But what happens when a person can’t make it out on their own?
Brave firefighters must risk their lives in order to rescue trapped people.
Lieutenant Kenny Whitfield is one such firefighter. Brave and somewhat reckless.
Lance Corporal Steve Martinson is one such person in need.
When Kenny and Steve meet face to face in the hospital, well…




CAROL PEDROSO

Franc has resigned himself to yet another year of pain and humiliation in order to complete his on ship training.
Then along comes Zyph, with his sexy blue skin and probing questions…
Will he be Franc’s Blue Knight?



JO TANNAH

Warrior and Dragon Seek to Destroy Those Who Had Dared Harm Their Prince.

Friday, December 18, 2015

New release from Cheryl Headford: Shade's Champion


Blurb:
Shade has been kept in the dark for eight long years. Now he’s facing a world that terrifies him. A world that seems to hold no place for him.

When the authorities are unable to find a home for Shade, Penny, reluctantly accepts him into the secure school she manages, despite thinking it’s the wrong place for him. Penny fears for his safety among the other troubled children. In an attempt to forestall the disaster she predicts will happen she appoints one of them as his champion.

Dory, an engaging seventeen year old with mental health issues, is proud to be chosen as Shade’s champion and throws his heart and soul into the job. In doing so he is forced to face the thing he fears most – his own emotions.

An unexpected friendship begins to grow into something more, until a spiteful act tears them apart and leaves them broken.

When Dory falls ill, Shade is forced to face his demons and struggles to find the strength and courage he needs to fight for the right to love, and to be there for his champion when he needs him most.


Excerpt:
"Dorien...." Richard was looking at him in such a strange way it made his stomach feel tight. It was never good when they called him by his full name.

"What have I done?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing. Penny trusts you, Dory, and I'm not saying I don't but... Shade's got a lot of problems, serious ones, He's very confused right now and it would be easy for there to be... misunderstandings."

"It's okay, Rich. I know the score. I promise I won't make a move on him. I'm not that bad. I can control myself, you know."

"I know that, Dory but.... Dammit. I'm not supposed to tell you this but I really think you should know. Shade tried to kill himself, and he still wants to."

"Oh." Dorien put a hand over his mouth and suddenly felt breathless. "Do you think he might... might... try?"

"Yes, I do. We're taking every precaution we possible can, but we really do need someone to watch him all the time. There should always be a member of the staff very close by, but no one can watch him every minute."

I can. I will. Penny said there was no responsibility, but I can do it. I can take responsibility. Rich,, I didn't think I could, but I can. I can't go through all my life being taken care of and protected. I have to face reality sometime, and I guess this is it. I'll be Shade's champion, and I'll take care of him. I promise. I won't let him hurt himself, and I won't let anyone else hurt him either."
 
Rich looked stunned, and Dorien didn't blame him. He was quite stunned himself. He hadn't meant to say those things, they'd just come out.

"No one is expecting you to take responsibility, Dory. Just keep an eye on him, okay?"

"Okay."

"Off you go then. Max is waiting for you."

Dorien raced through the house towards the boys' bedrooms, his heart thumping. No matter what Rich said, he knew this was a huge responsibility. He had someone's life in his hands. Jesus. Suddenly he froze and panicked. Backing against the wall, he closed his eyes and gasped for breath. He couldn't do this. There was no way he could do this. He was Dorien, the screw up, the freak, the nutjob. he couldn't be trusted with his own life let alone someone else's.

Waves of panic washed over him, and he desperately worked through the exercises his psychiatrist had given him for controlling his emotions in cases like this when they threatened to get completely out of control.





Author bio:
Cheryl was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.

Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.

Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re enactment group who traveled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.

It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.

In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and menagerie of three cats, a dog and a dragon. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close.

Immersed, as always, in the world of fantasy, she maintains a burning desire to share the stories and these days it’s in the form of books which all contain her spark and unique view on life, the universe and everything.

Blog:  http://nephylim-author.blogspot.com/


Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.headford.1?fref=ts

Book trailer:  https://youtu.be/9RVTtEPOAyk


Buy links:
All Romance eBooks:   
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shade039schampion-1940720-145.html

Amazon US:  http://amazon.com/Shades-Champion-Cheryl-Headford-ebook/dp/B01970FDD2/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450072716&sr=1-3&keywords=cheryl+headford

Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shades-Champion-Cheryl-Headford-ebook/dp/B01970FDD2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1450073827&sr=1-1&keywords=cheryl+headford

Amazon AU:  http://www.amazon.com.au/Shades-Champion-Cheryl-Headford-ebook/dp/B01970FDD2/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1450074308&sr=1-6&keywords=cheryl+headford

Amazon DE:  http://www.amazon.de/Shades-Champion-English-Cheryl-Headford-ebook/dp/B01970FDD2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1450074402&sr=1-1&keywords=cheryl+headford

Wayward Ink Publishing:  http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/shades-champion-by-cheryl-headford/


Review:


I normally place stories into 3 main categories; paranormal, science fiction and the rest go into a general fiction category.


That being said, I have had the honor and privilege of reading an advanced copy of Shade’s Champion and I can honestly say that it is the best piece of fiction I’ve ever read.


The characters and their situations are real enough to have been taken directly from newspaper headlines. What the two main characters have experienced in their pasts are, in the case of Shade, horrifying, and in the case of Dory, not as uncommon as we would wish.


I can definitely identify with Shade as we have both had similar life experiences. I’m sure there are readers out there that can identify with both Shade and Dory. Within Shade and Dory Ms. Headford has created multi-dimensional, complex and courageous characters. I personally question whether I would be able to show the same amount of courage facing my fears that Shade and Dory do. I would like to think so.


Readers will find themselves cheering for the main characters, applauding the strong supporting cast and booing the villains.


If you only read 1 book a year, make sure it’s Shade’s Champion.


Very well done, Ms. Headford. Very well done indeed. I personally hope we see more of Shade and Dory’s story.












Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Wednesday briefs - Evans Woodworking chapter 23




Chapter 23 of my new Wednesday Brief's story is now on line. You can read it by clicking here.

If you have just come across my blog and would like to read the entire story, you can click here to get to the Wednesday briefs page.

Here is a sneak peek at what you'll find in chapter 23:

She placed her hand on his arm, which he jerked away from her touch. “Jordan was going to tell you about it this afternoon when he came by. I don’t know all of what went on, so I thought it was best that he tell you everything. You know me; I’d rather the information came straight from the person involved then give you wrong information.”

Slowly his face returned to its normal color. “I’m sorry. I just can’t picture him doing that. He’s so easy-going. I’ve never seen him get riled over anything.”