Virtual Book Blast: Dinner For Two

Please welcome author Drea Stein, here to talk about her newest release, Dinner For Two. Drea will award a $25 Starbucks GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment, the greater your chances of winning. To find the rest of the stops on the tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the rafflecopter at the end of this post.

Dinner for Two

by Drea Stein

NOTE: THIS BOOK BLAST IS TO PROMOTE THE BOOK'S FREE KDP DAYS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Sean and Darby love food - but is their relationship a recipe for disaster - Or a chance to make kitchen magic?

Find out in Dinner for Two, Book 1 in The Queensbay contemporary romance series

Sean Callahan was a hot shot big city chef whose high handed ways got him into trouble one too many times. Now he's in a small town hoping for another shot at the big leagues.

Darby Reese is a big city lawyer who can bake like an angel. Unfortunately, a life lived according to the law has left her burned out. So when the chance comes to run her family's deli in the small town of Queensbay, Darby's happy to take it.

But when Sean, the former chef du jour walks into her kitchen, she's definitely not prepared for sparks to fly. Will the two of them be able to find the recipe for happily ever after?

Book one in the Queensbay Series, a contemporary romance series.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

“Fancy meeting you here.” Sean Callahan’s voice floated up and she jumped, hitting her head on the inside of the counter.

“It is my deli,” she said when she finally came up, resisting the urge to rub the back of her head where she had hit it. The look of amusement in Sean’s eye was enough to have her folding her hands across her chest and do her best to stare him down. Two days, she reminded herself. It had been two days since he had kissed her and nearly lifted her straight out of her socks.

“I have the afternoon off tomorrow,” he said, grinning at her. “I was thinking, since you’re a hometown girl, that perhaps we could go on a drive, that maybe you could show me around a bit.”

“Haven’t you already been here a couple of months?” she said. “Because this sounds like another one of your pick-up lines. Are you planning on running out of gas on Lover’s Lane?”

“Never heard of it,” he said quickly and in a deadpan voice. It earned him a smile. “But I’ve been living in the hotel since I got here and I realized that I haven’t really left it, since I was so busy getting everything up and running with the restaurant. But finally, things are where I want them and I feel like I can, actually should, step back a little, see what the team at the restaurant can do without me. So I thought an afternoon off, with you, might be a nice way to test the theory out.”

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

He shook his head. “If that’s what you want. Or,” he amended, before she could answer, “how about we call it me-asking-a-local-to-show-me-around outing. We can sit next to each other, in the car, and talk to each other, get to know one another.”

“I already know you,” she pointed out, moving down the counter to straighten her jar of homemade granola.

He followed. “True, but I was hoping we could start over. Pretend that all the stuff in the past didn’t happen.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Drea Stein is the author of the Queensbay contemporary romance series. She lives in rural New Jersey – yup, there really is such a thing – with her family and writes in an old barn. Visit her at www.dreastein.com or https://www.facebook.com/DreaSteinAuthor

http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Two-Queensbay-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00HGWY6LO/

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Virtual Book Tour: Molly Harper/Duets

Emelle will award a signed paperback of MOLLY HARPER with bonus novella DUETS included (US ONLY) to THREE randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Please click the tour banner at the top to see other stops on this tour.

Movie star Molly Harper has it all, beauty, success in her field, and a loving family and marriage to actor Ben Delmonico. Norma Wintz, Molly’s mother, has it all, a lovely life style and two children who adore her, and a respite from the battle against cancer she’s been fighting. Anne Sullivan, at age fifty, is optimistic that her move to sunny Santa Barbara, California, will allow her to be closer to her youngest son and his family, and help her start her life anew after the death of her beloved husband.

But all three of these women, despite their considerable blessings, are plunged into turmoil when the most intimate of secrets that ties their lives together is revealed. At this same time, Molly Harper is confronted with the news that her marriage to actor Ben Delmonico is over. As she navigates this heartbreak and tries to keep the personal details of the drama off the front pages of the newspapers, Molly must also find a way to once and forever negotiate a way forward with her ex- lover and best friend, the volatile and compelling Cruz Morales.

How each of these characters handles the resulting upheaval in their own life, and in their relationships with one another, forms the compelling story of family, secrets and trust in the romantic women’s fiction novel, Molly Harper.



DUETS offers alternating looks into the lives of two women who would seem to have little or nothing in common.

Screen star Molly Harper has it all…beauty, success in her profession, a loving family and an upcoming marriage to actor Ben Delmonico. But as Molly is on the verge of marrying the man who has swept her off her feet, she still wonders if he hasn’t swept all her feelings for her first love away, Cruz Morales.

A handsome and cerebral college professor, Molly and Cruz have an on-again, off-again history stretching back to Molly’s early teen years. He’s not a man who a girl can ever forget about, and his feelings for Molly are equally conflicted.

Anne Sullivan, happily married for twenty-five years, is fighting to hold onto the man she loves, and hold off a confrontation that could shatter her family’s image of what they are. It involves the beautiful screen star and her mother, upper crust matron Norma Wintz, who Anne has traveled to California to meet under the most dramatic of circumstances.

Duets confronts the most intimate type of family secret that ties these two women’s lives together, just as chance events turn Molly and Anne’s worlds upside down.

Enjoy an excerpt from DUETS:

“He’s not what you think.”

Molly Harper turned away at these words, knowing they more than likely preceded an indictment of her fiancé. Keep from showing you’re hurt, she told herself. But she knew disappointment had flashed in her eyes, and that her mother had seen it.

“Ben’s not what I think?” Molly stared outside as the limousine she and Norma rode in glided down Wilshire Boulevard, five miles from the brick-paved road leading to her mother’s neighborhood. “Why don’t you tell me what you think I think he is?”

“You think he’s a man like your father, a man inclined to put his wife’s well-being and his children’s needs before his own. Ben Delmonico is not that kind of man,” Norma said.

She turned and faced her mother. “I don’t think you know Ben well enough to say that. And honestly, I wish you had a little more faith in me. I gave this a lot of thought before I decided to marry him.”

“A lot of thought? You told me five minutes ago you said ‘yes’ the same night Ben proposed. I think you’ve agreed to marry him because you’re panicking.”

Molly sighed. She’d hoped Norma would be delighted by the news she was marrying a successful man, the gorgeous, Academy-Award-nominated actor, Ben Delmonico. A man known the world over for his sophisticated action movies and box office charisma. But it was clear Norma was not delighted.

Typical. Mother loves being contrary. And in control. “What am I panicking about?”

“About being thirty-two. About not having children. But mostly because Cruz Morales is seriously involved with another woman. And, as usual, when you panic you make impulsive decisions. I’ve seen you live to regret that several times.”

“That’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said.” Molly’s took a breath. “When you told me a few weeks ago Cruz was involved with Shar, how did I act? I was happy. I told you to give him my congratulations! Cruz and Shar hooking-up has nothing to do with me deciding to marry Ben.”

“Really?”

“You know as well as anyone that Cruz and I have been over forever. He’s moved on, and I’ve moved on. We’re friends, but only that.” Heat bloomed on her cheeks and spilled down her neck.

“I don’t remember you being all that crazy about Ben before you heard the news about Cruz.” Norma tilted her chin up.

“Just because I don’t announce something to you, doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

Norma snorted.

“Ben and I have been dating for months. He’s a charming and generous man who convinced the studio to consider me for Traitor, risking his own chances for the lead. All my friends like him, Mom, both for himself and because he’s a wonderful actor.”

“Well, that is one thing we can agree on,” Norma said. “He is a good actor. So why not just make movies with him instead of marrying the man?”

“Those are not mutually exclusive. I’m marrying him and making a movie with him. Or have you forgotten I’ll be on set in Paris at Christmas?”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten that. It’s the first Christmas you won’t be home; thank you, Ben Delmonico.” Norma leaned closer. “I just can’t help but wonder if that movie isn’t what’s behind him proposing so suddenly. The wedding publicity is sure to make it a blockbuster.”

“For god’s sake, that’s just plain insulting. He didn’t ask me to marry him to get publicity.” Molly reddened again, remembering how Ben had said, two minutes after she’d accepted his proposal, “Our box office will be huge.”

“Let’s just drop this, Mom. We’re almost home and I’ve got a million things to do.”

The Lincoln slowed and turned onto North Highland, the main thoroughfare into Hancock Park. “Every time we come this way, I remember the day Charles and I brought you home, all those years ago. It was the biggest triumph of our lives,” Norma said softly.

“That’s a nice memory.” It was, but Molly knew better than to let down her guard.

“It is.” Norma turned to Molly. “Now look, obviously I can’t tell you what to do any more. But until you found out Cruz was moving in with Shar, every time you called home, you asked about Cruz first. Every time you came home, he was the first one you called. I think you’re still in love with him. And, despite his behavior, which might fool someone who hasn’t known him since he was a little boy, it’s clear to me that he loves you too. I think this relationship with Shar is a ruse to provoke you into finding a way to work things out.”

The limo rocked gently and the women’s shoulders brushed against one another. Molly ran her fingers through the wild blonde hair she was famous for. “You’ve just outlined a plot so pathetic it wouldn’t get made by the Hallmark Channel.”

“I like the Hallmark Channel. They make lovely movies, without all the naked fannies.”

“I like the Hallmark Channel too, but that’s not my point. Cruz wouldn’t be with Shar for any reason other than he finds her a good match. He doesn’t do ‘ruses’.”

“What’s he got in common with her?”

“They both work at the college and they’re both into books and the local arts scene. I bet she’ll finally get him to turn one of his ideas into a novel. I never could.” Molly’s voice wavered.

“See, that’s pain in your voice, not happiness. You shouldn’t be afraid of the truth about your feelings, whatever the cost.”

“Like you? Are you always completely honest, Mother? No matter the cost?”

Norma blinked. “What are we talking about now? What haven’t I been honest about with you?”

Molly looked down. Her question had surprised both of them and she wished she could un-ask it. Now isn’t the time to open that particular can of worms.

Emelle Gamble was a writer at an early age, bursting with the requisite childhood stories of introspection. These evolved into bad teen poetry and worse short stories. She took her first stab at full length fiction in an adult education writing class when her kids were in bed. As M.L. Gamble, she published several romantic suspense novels with Harlequin. She contracted with Soul Mate Publishing for Secret Sister, published in the summer of 2013, and Dating Cary Grant, an April 2014 release.

Once and Forever, an anthology which includes the novella Duets, came out on November 1st. Molly Harper, a full length novel starring the characters from Duets 3 years later was released by Posh Publishing in January, 2014. Duets is now available as a standalone novella. Emelle lives in suburban Washington D.C. with her husband, ‘Phil-the-fist’, her hero of thirty years, and two orange cats, Lucy and Bella. These girls, like all good villains, have their reasons for misbehaving.

Her daughter, Olivia, and son, Allen, are happily launched on their own and contributing great things to society, their mother’s fondest wish.

Review Quotes:

Praise for SECRET SISTER…

“Along with being a very unique and captivating plot, SECRET SISTER offers a shocking turn of the paranormal kind… This is a story of friendship, family, and most of all, true love and what those things can mean. I cannot recommend SECRET SISTER strongly enough… “ Fresh Fiction, Fresh Reviews

DUETS…

"I'll admit I grabbed this book for review more because Emelle Gamble had a story in there - I've loved her significant touch brought to family relationships in a previous book of hers that I've read, and I wanted to confirm if this sort of embroiled-relationships type of tale is really her niche or not. Turns out, it is!" Zee Monodee's Author's Corner reviews MOLLY HARPER…

"MOLLY HARPER ...is the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be my last! Ms. Gamble does a wonderful job of drawing these characters and making them just leap off the page." Long and Short Reviews

DATING CARY GRANT…

"Fantasy and reality blend together in this mesmerizing tale from Emelle Gamble…It's not your typical romance, making it a breath of fresh air in a market currently inundated with new adult contemporary romances (which I do love, but need a break once in a while!). I continue to be a fan of this author..." Andi's Book Reviews

Links:

Email: emellegamble@aol.com

Website: www.EmelleGamble.com

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Emelle.Gamble

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmelleGamble

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7123746.Emelle_Gamble

Emelle Gamble BOOKS:

DATING CARY GRANT book of the month at Long & Short Reviews. eBook exclusively at Amazon.com http://amzn.to/1iiE8Y0

SECRET SISTER… RONE Award Honorable Mention for BEST CONTEMPORARY NOVEL of 2013 available in audio, paperback and eBook at Amazon http://amzn.to/17J2Bn6

DUETS, a prequel novella to MOLLY HARPER, now available at Amazon http://amzn.to/1cagyNa

MOLLY HARPER, available in paperback and eBook at Amazon http://amzn.to/MOJUXa

MOLLY HARPER and DUETS now available in one Paperback volume! http://amzn.to/1hW6YSj

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Guest Blogger: Avery Dawes

Please welcome fellow author Avery Dawes, here to discuss his new release, Fall Break Fright! And to answer my infamous Rick Reed questions! Take it away, Avery!

The Questions

1)      You’re marooned on a small island with one person and one item of your choice—who is that

person and what item do you have?

Is there WiFi on the island?? Just asking . . . Julie, this is a tough question! Let me put my thinking cap on . . . Okay, I’ve got it. My item would be sunscreen so I don’t fry in the first couple of minutes. Then, I would need either Stephen Amell (as the Arrow) or MacGyver so I could survive.

   2)    Which musical would you say best exemplifies your life – and which character in that musical

are you?

Another tough one. I’m a Rodgers and Hammerstein fan so it would have to be one of theirs.  I’m leaning toward The Sound of Music over Oklahoma and South Pacific. That being the case, I would be Brigitta Von Trapp – I would be late because of reading a book! 

3)      You’ve just been let loose in the world of fiction, with permission to do anyone you want. Who do you fuck first and why?

Do I have to pick just one?? Really?? Let the narrowing process begin . . . It would be a toss-up Chicagoland Vampires series or Adam Hauptman from the Mercy Thompson series or Julian Darcangelo from the I-Team series.

between Ethan Sullivan of the

4)      What is your idea of how to spend romantic time with your significant other?

There is no significant other right now, but I do love to travel and explore new places. I’m sure I could come up with something romantic, involving a candlelight dinner on a terrace with the stars and the moon shining down. Should I continue setting the scene??

5)      When you start a new story, do you begin with a character, or a plot?

I usually start with the plot, not that I think everything through. I usually write 100-250 words no problem. Then, I start imagining characters that would fit. I try to fine tune them and their traits. The toughest part for me is deciding on a character name. It has to be just right or the story won’t work.

6)      If they were to make the story of your life into a movie, who should play you?

Help me out here – who played Fiona in Burn Notice? Thank you for those who sent me Gabrielle Anwar. She would be my choice.

   7)    Who’s your favorite horror villain and why?

I don’t do horror – I would have nightmares for ages! While I don’t necessary believe they exist, I’m fascinated by mythical creatures – the Mothman, the chupacabra, Sasquatch, etc.

8)      Do you have an historical crush and if so, who is it?

Yes to that one (finally, an easy question)! Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. He is totally

swoon-worthy even though he fought for the South! I can’t believe one of his own men shot him, which ended up killing him way too early.

Title:  Fall Break Fright

Author:  Avery Dawes         

Release Date:  September 30, 2014

Genre:  M-M Romance/ Horror/ Zombie

Story Length:  Short Story, approx. 12K words

Blurb:

After a painful conversation with his last remaining relative, college student Carson Davis realizes he's in for a lonely fall break. Carson, however, can't believe his fortune when his new roommate, Tyler Owen, invites Carson to visit his family in Kansas, and seems to return Carson's feelings.

Their happy bliss suddenly takes a turn for the terrifying and bizarre when they reach Kansas and find themselves running for their lives from the walking dead. Will the two survive their encounter, and if so, will Carson be able to heal the damage left in his heart by his callous aunt and find a new family?

Excerpt:

Crouching, Tyler peeked around the corner of the building. His movements were slow and smooth as not to attract attention. Carson also knelt and brought the shovel up in front of him in a defensive position. He tried to take shallow breaths, not wanting the least little sound to draw attention to their hiding place.

Tyler’s hand reached back and gave Carson’s knee a reassuring squeeze. They froze as two bloodied and battered zombies lumbered down the street, passing them by. The groans and foul odor that emanated from the pair caused Carson to tremble. He swallowed down the bile rising in his throat, noting that their stench would remain with him for way too long. Tyler gave Carson’s knee another, longer squeeze.

After what was probably a couple of minutes, they were once again on the move. At another rundown building, Tyler paused and grabbed Carson’s hand. He brought it to his lips where he pressed a kiss to Carson’s bloodied knuckles. “The old feed mill is the last substantial building before we hit flat, open farmland. The first farm is the Haynes’s; my family’s is the second. The house is your typical white two story farmhouse and sits about a half-mile off the road. The barn is a massive, modern structure that is slightly behind and to the right of the house.”

Carson nodded, taking in Tyler’s description. He grew up in a cabin in the Green Mountains. The fields that seemed to go on and on were foreign to him; he missed the scent of pine and the sounds of cascading streams. As a kid, Carson spent as much time as possible exploring the woods around his house. Being outside meant avoiding his aunt, which was his main goal when he wasn’t in school. But now he needed to get his mind back to the present. “So what’s our plan if there’s nothing to hide behind?”

About the Author:

The secret is out: Avery Dawes is Denise Wyant’s naughty alter-ego. Avery enjoys writing about the passion that exists between two hunky and sometimes geeky men while Denise favors the alpha male who sweeps an intelligent and sassy woman off her feet. Both believe in their characters finding love and happiness, no matter the trials they have to endure to achieve it.

When Denise & Avery aren’t relaxing just south of the Mason-Dixon Line, with a cup of coffee, or staying fit—running, lifting, or cycling—they make time to write and blog. You can find them at http://denisewyant.wordpress.com.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cwrg65

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseLWyant?ref=hl

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6704485.Denise_L_Wyant

Virtual Book Tour: Galactic Treasure

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a grand prize of a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour and five $5 Amazon GCs as runner-up prizes. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Connor Masterson has finally managed to take some time off and go to Earth Con. For three days and nights, he’s going to get his geek on without worrying about work or the latest edition of his science fiction manga novel. He never expected to find two men who embody all his dreams and fantasies there and certainly not right after signing in.

Neither Valvik nor Zaraheed are looking forward to their current assignment: go to the Earth Con located in Austin, Texas and track down any and all rumors on the Ark scrolls, an ancient collection needed for the betterment of their dying people. Neither warrior expects to be drawn to a human, especially the same one.

The two men are determined to stay as low key as possible while searching for the scrolls, but that might be hard to do with an intergalactic killer wants the scrolls for himself.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Personally, Valvik didn’t think there was a chance in all the known solar systems of the Ark scrolls being at the convention, but he went where his commanding officer sent him. Even if it was the stupidest mission ever. “If it is… I’m not entirely sure what I will do, but I know it will include lots and lots of blood,” he muttered. And intoxicants. He would need barrels and barrels of wine to drink away the insult.

Zaraheed stilled. Valvik turned to look at his compatriot in question. The brunet officer shook his head as though confused, then, eyes bright, Zaraheed laughed. The booming sound caught the attention of the people waiting around them and they watched the brunet mesmerized.

Valvik knew how they felt.

“Looking to break in your new blades?” Zaraheed asked, amusement lightening his words.

Valvik arched one eyebrow. “Of course. A day without bloodshed is a wasted opportunity.”

“Bloodthirsty bastard.” Zaraheed shook his head and chuckled. “We are coming up soon.” He jerked his head toward the check-in desk.

Valvik glanced forward and then swept his gaze back. One of the convention goers was bent over at the waist signing into the event. He couldn’t tell the sex or species of the individual from where he was standing but he had a clear picture of his or her backside.

And what a lovely bottom it was. It was high, round, and muscled. He wondered briefly what it would feel like to slide inside. He groaned. He already knew it would fit him like the tightest sheath.

The mission was certainly looking up.

“What are you…” Zaraheed trailed off and Valvik’s gaze landed on his face briefly. Golden eyes were wide with surprise. Zaraheed followed his eye line and smiled. Seemed Valvik wasn’t the only one who appreciated a beautiful ass. “Lovely isn’t it?”

Zaraheed’s gaze snapped to his. “We need to focus on the task at hand.”

Valvik smiled. “Does that mean we should have no fun? Are you clearing out of my path? Because I fully intend to meet both of my goals.”

“Both?” Zaraheed questioned with a frown.

“Yes, of course. I will do all that is possible to find our target.”

“And ?”

“And discover if that ass…” He jerked his chin toward the being -- male, human, his mind supplied as the young man straightened and accepted the packet the check-in team handed him, before returning his attention to his commander. “Is as tight as it appears,” he finished.

About the Author:Theodora is an avid traveler who discovered Japanese manga and anime in her youth, closely followed by yaoi. She’s been in love with pretty boys who love equally attractive men since then. Theodora can usually find her in a local coffee shop drinking black tea and typing furiously.

TheodoraMarieAdams.com
Goodreads

Buy the book at the publisher.

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Tease Me Thursday #29: Don't Look Back

The weekend is almost here, so close I can taste it! So let's have a little bit of a tease, shall we? It's Tease Me Thursday, time for authors to show me 7 - 7 words, 7 sentences, 7 paragraphs. It can be a WIP, or a published story. Are you ready to be teased?

This week's excerpt comes from my ongoing flash fiction, Don't Look Back. Warning: This excerpt is explicit, plus this story has mature themes, not for everyone. In this scene, Marshall and Lee are intimate. Nuff said?

His cock ached from inattention, but he didn’t dare reach for it. That was so against the rules. Although he might, if he got horny enough, just to see what Lee would do about it. Might be fun.

Lee’s tongue was doing the most amazing things to Marshall’s hole, dipping and sucking, but there was more to come. Marshall knew it, and he needed it. Needed Lee inside of him. Soon.

He tried to curb his impatience, but the moan he inadvertently released was heartfelt.

Lee ceased his ministrations, leaning along Marshall’s back until his breath was warm in Marshall’s ear, his cock nestled securely between Marshall’s cheeks.

“Tell me what you want, baby,” Lee whispered seductively, his voice sending delicious shivers ranging through Marshall from his fingers to his toes.

It didn’t matter where they fucked, or how often they fucked, Lee continued to take Marshall’s breath away on a constant basis.

“Want you, Lee,” Marshall moaned. “Need you inside of me.”

Driving Into the Sun Review

Driving Into the Sun    

Author: Dev Bentham

Publisher: Loose ID

American release date: September 22, 2014

Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Contemporary/175 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

When you hit bottom, you’ve no way to go but up…

Dusty Walker is about to hit bottom. Bad enough he was duped by his boss/lover, along with a lot of other trusting souls who blindly placed their money in Charles’ hands. Now Charles is in prison, Dusty’s license has been revoked, and a spiral begun which can only end one way—with him crawling back to his homophobic family in Idaho. To the father and brother who despise him, and the mother he still loves, even after twelve years of never going home. But Dusty has no choice. He sells most of his belongings at a flea market and finds a ride on a ride board, heading west from Chicago.

The guy’s voice on the phone is so sexy, it gives Dusty pause. But he isn’t prepared to meet an actual Indian named Joe Black. In person, Joe seems rather stiff, and Dusty’s fantasies dissipate in the face of reality. The third member of the group arrives, a very sexy cowboy. Luckily, he’s straight, so Dusty won’t have to worry about that. Dusty isn’t interested in hooking up, just getting to Idaho in time for his parents’ 35^th anniversary party—and to tell them the truth he’s evaded for the past year, about himself and his living situation.

Dusty’s journey home has just begun, one he hopes will never end. But nothing is as it seems. Why can’t he seem to quit making stupid life choices?

At first, I thought this would be a typical strangers-meet-and-fall-in-love romance during a road trip, but I discovered there was more to it than that as I grew addicted to the characters. Dusty is endearingly flawed and insecure, the kind of guy you just want to hug. Going home is a last resort for him. He’s lost his faith in himself and his ability to control his life, thanks to his relationship with Charles. Even when he finds himself attracted to Joe, he’s afraid it’s his dick doing the thinking, with its propensity for falling in love at first fuck.

This journey is not without peril, but what journey isn’t? I found myself thinking about Dusty and Joe, even when I wasn’t reading, and I would turn on the Kindle during commercial breaks just to keep reading about them.

The characters are well-written, and the story has a great deal of emotional impact. It’s easy to connect with Dusty and Joe, and to care about what happens to them. This was a journey I’m glad I took, a real feel-good read I heartily recommend.

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #15 (3.5)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! The days are just flying by, hard to believe October is almost here. Which  means Christmas is just around the corner!

But first, it's time for some flash fiction courtesy of the Wednesday Briefers. Every week we give you our best stories, between 500 and 1000 words, inspired by one of the prompts we get.

This week, in Don't Look Back, Marshall and Lee are having a little private time in the back of Partners. Come on in and see what they're up to, then visit the rest of the Briefers for more flash fiction fun. Enjoy!

Don't Look Back #15 (3.5)

Lee rolled Marshall so they were face to face. Marshall’s breath quickened at the sight of Lee’s hard body poised above him. Although Lee presented a tough façade to the world, Marshall could read him like a book. His own personal, private edition.

He could read the emotions that flashed through Lee’s eyes, mirrors to his soul, and he loved them all. But most of all, he loved how Lee loved him.

A slow, lazy smile spread across Lee’s face. Marshall’s heart lurched at the sight. Lee reached between them, his fingers circling Marshall’s length, pressing his palm against Marshall’s flesh. 

“Don’t come until I tell you,” he warned.

“Understood.” Marshall shivered at Lee’s touch. He’d promise anything if it meant he got to have Lee inside him, reconnecting at their most basic level. There was a fire inside of him that perpetually burned for Lee, a flame that could never be quenched.

“Think maybe we should go up to San Antone soon. There’s a few things I’d like to get.”

Marshall knew Lee had more than computer parts on his mind. They’d been looking at various toys online. Lee wanted to try the wireless remote butt plug on Marshall. According to the website they read, it vibrated.

 “Sounds like a good idea,” Marshall agreed. He tried not to let his excitement show, but he knew Lee felt it anyway.

“I can plug you while you work, keep your hot ass on simmer all day, and watch you squirm until you beg me to take you.” His hand pumped Marshall’s cock. Marshall thrust into his tight grip eagerly.

Just thinking about that plug threatened to send Marshall over. He had to get a grip on himself or he’d come.   “I like that idea,” he moaned.

Lee reached behind Marshall. “Raise up,” he directed. Marshall lifted his hips, and Lee slid a pillow beneath them. The pillow wasn’t the softest, but it wasn’t exactly hard either, and the added elevation allowed Lee better access to Marshall’s hole. It also meant he could bury himself deeper inside of Marshall.

Marshall was certainly all for that.

“Then you better work extra hard, next couple of weeks. And watch that smart mouth.”

Marshall knew better. He knew Lee encouraged his sass. He also knew Lee was proud of him, and the work he did for their company. He just liked to give Marshall a hard time. And Marshall loved that he did.

“Maybe I should use that smart mouth on you,” Marshall retorted.

Lee grinned. “Not tonight you won’t.” He leaned down, slanting his mouth over Marshall’s, effectively ending that particular discussion. For now.

Their tongues tangled in silent communion, in a mutual give and take, exploration of familiar territory. Marshall’s need for Lee was only growing greater and hotter. He had to focus hard to keep from exploding into Lee’s hand.

Lee drew back and slid two fingers inside Marshall’s mouth. He sucked at them eagerly. At last, things were moving forward, and he was closer to getting what he wanted.

When Lee felt the digits were wet enough, he removed them, releasing his hold on Marshall’s weeping cock to grab his legs, raising them to his shoulders. A familiar giddiness coiled inside Marshall’s stomach, the kind you get when you’re sitting on a roller coaster, about to take the big plunge.

Lee eased his wet fingers inside of Marshall, stretching his tight muscles. He would never enter Marshall without prepping him first, and he’d never do it dry, either. He reached inside of Marshall and pressed on his prostate. Marshall released an involuntary yip, arching his back.

“Like that, boy?”

“Sir, yes, Sir,” Marshall moaned. He started to reach for his cock, without thinking, but his hand was swatted away.

“Did I say you could?”

“No, Sir, you did not.”

“Then remember that.” Lee pulled his fingers out of Marshall’s ass with a wet pop. Marshall knew his actions wouldn’t cost him what he wanted most—Lee wanted it as badly as he did.

He felt the head of Lee’s cock nudge his opening, and he resisted the urge to reach for it and guide it inside of him. Then Lee plunged into him in one strong move, filling Marshall completely. He gasped at the feeling of fullness that suffused him, the completeness of their union.

Neither moved, simply enjoying the moment. Then Lee lowered Marshall’s legs to the level of his waist, and Marshall locked his ankles behind Lee’s back, pressing against the dip just above Lee’s ass. He leaned up a little and Lee leaned down, and their mouths met in the middle in a passionate kiss.

Lips joined, Lee began to move, quickly establishing a steady rhythm. The bedsprings creaked beneath them, in sync with Lee’s movements, echoed by similar creaks from nearby rooms—the symphony of Partners, the music from the bar an audible backdrop to the private activities.

Marshall moved his hips to meet Lee’s thrusts, urging Lee to fuck him harder, his moans becoming lost inside Lee’s mouth. Just when he thought he’d have to risk taking himself in hand, Lee took hold of Marshall’s cock and pumped.  Lee released Marshall’s lips long enough to whisper hoarsely, “Come now, boy.”  And Marshall did, his orgasm the crescendo to their love song.

Lee continued to thrust as Marshall’s cock released in hard spurts between them, covering Lee’s hand, and spattering both their chests. Marshall squeezed his muscles harder, and felt Lee’s response. A few more pushes and Lee released, filling Marshall with wet warmth.

They lay together afterward, after wiping off as best they could. Just for a moment before heading back to their friends.

Marshall stared up into Lee’s gorgeous eyes, unable to speak, filled with love for this beautiful man he could not live without.

As if sensing his mood, Lee murmured softly, “No matter where you are, I’ll be there. I love you, Marshall.”

“Love you too, Lee.”

Life was perfect.

to be continued

Don't forget to visit the rest of the Briefers and see what they're up to!

Jim Dunaway

M.A. Church

Chris T. Kat

Jon Keys

Carol Pedroso

Taylin Clavelli

Nephylim

Victoria Adams

Johayan

Tali Spencer

Elyzabeth VaLey

Rob Colton

Cia Nordwell

Avery Dawes

JC Wallace

Shelly Schulz

Ravon Silvius

Virtual Blurb Blitz Tour: Love Undercover

Please welcome author Nana Prah, who is here to tell us about her new release, Love Undercover. Nana will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment, the greater your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the rafflecopter at the end of this post.

Love Undercover

by Nana Prah

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The last thing she expects is to fall in love with a prison guard…

Hotshot Secret Service Agent, Sarita Cerez is thrown into a medium security prison—for work. Her job is to protect the daughter of the president of South Korea. She never envisioned making friends with illegal immigrants or falling head over heels for one of the guards. Now the clandestine activity, which is integral to protecting her charge, may destroy her only chance at love.

He's never fraternized with the inmates—until he met her…

Matthew Carter always plays by the rules, which includes maintaining a strictly professional relationship with the inmates in his charge. But when Sarita saunters onto the unit, all bets are off. Her status as a deportee with a permanent ticket to Columbia means they can never be together, but try as he might, this doesn’t stop him from risking his career for her.

He's a man who values honesty above all else, and she lies for a living. Can two people from such different worlds find any common ground?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

As inappropriate as the situation had turned out to be, Sarita was his. At least until she returned to Columbia in what? A few days? A week? No matter when, she would go. “No wife or girlfriend to hang out with.”

Her chest deflated with her released breath. He wished he could have taken her air into himself. I’m screwed. “What about you? Are you married or have a boyfriend waiting to break you out of here at the first opportunity?”

Her eyes blazed into his. “Single as single can be.”

The admission sparked something deep within him. He had to touch her. Nothing else mattered except having his fingers glide over her flawless mocha skin. The all-encompassing urge pushed him to stand.

With a controlled effort he strode to the area across from the television and leaned against the wall.

On every unit, one spot existed where neither the cameras nor inmates could see. Management knew about it, but the cost of adding a third camera would be too expensive for the facility to contemplate so they left it. At least that’s the story Matt had been told.

He’d never used the spot, but as he waited for her to join him, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

He motioned her to him with a crook of his index finger. “Come here.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nana Prah is a multi-published author of contemporary, multicultural romance. Her books are sweet with a touch of spice. When she’s not writing she’s reading, indulging in chocolate, and enjoying life with friends and family.

Contact her

Blog : www.nanaprah.blogspot.com

Twitter: @NanaPrah

Facebook: Nana Prah, Author    http://www.facebook.com/NanaPrah.Author

Goodreads: Nana Prah    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7202262.Nana_Prah

Google + :  Nana Prah   https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NanaPrah/posts

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Virtual Book Tour: Driving Into the Sun

Book Name: Driving into the Sun

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23123831-driving-into-the-sun

Author Name: Dev Bentham

Author Bio: Dev Bentham writes soulful m/m romance. Her characters are flawed and damaged adult men who may not even know what they are missing, but whose lives are transformed by true love.

Author Contact: email: devbentham@yahoo.com, website: www.devbentham.com

Publisher: Loose Id

Cover Artist: Fiona Jayde

Categories: Contemporary, Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Blurb(s):

Bad choices. We all make them, some more than others. Dusty’s choices have left him unemployed, broke and practically homeless. Despite the major issues he has with his family, his only rational choice is to sell everything and move into his parents’ basement. At thirty. Looking for a ride west, he answers a phone ad. The voice at the other end of the line flows like dark, rich honey. Finally something to look forward to—listening to Joe’s voice all the way from Illinois to Idaho.

Rather than the hip crooner of Dusty’s fantasies, Joe turns out to look more like a panhandler. Is that because Joe dresses down, or are Dusty’s preconceptions about Native Americans clouding his vision? Joe is silent more often than not. He has a complicated past and still has amends to make. But he is ready to move on. Dusty feels trapped. Two damaged men, one small car driving two thousand miles into the sun—sometimes things need to break down before they can get fixed.

Excerpt:

When Joe finished with the hand, he put his fingers under Dusty’s chin and tipped his face toward the light. His touch was gentle, like a lover right before a first kiss. Dusty’s lips opened as he stared up into Joe’s dark brown eyes. Joe’s gaze flicked to Dusty’s mouth, then away. He wet some gauze and began dabbing at Dusty’s cheek. Dusty had forgotten about scrape on his face. Now it stung. So much for the moment before a kiss. He bit the inside of his lip to keep from pulling away.

“Don’t worry.” Joe’s voice was soft, amused. “This won’t scar your handsome face.”

Dusty rolled his eyes. Handsome was about the last thing he’d call himself tonight. Still, he found himself smiling at the thought.



Tour Dates: 9/23/14

Tour Stops: Carly’s Book Reviews, Parker Williams, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, My Fiction Nook, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, MM Good Book Reviews, Full Moon Dreaming, Love Bytes, Amanda C. Stone, Andrew Q. Gordon, Iyana Jenna, Smoocher’s Voice, Fallen Angel Reviews, Multitasking Mommas, Prism Book Alliance, Michael Mandrake, It’s Raining Men, Queer Town Abbey, Dawn’s Reading Nook, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Cathy Brockman Romances, Cate Ashwood

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Prize: E-book copy of ‘Driving Into the Sun’

Sales Links: http://www.loose-id.com/driving-into-the-sun.html