Sunday, July 27, 2014

Sweet Giordan, Please Remember Review

 Sweet Giordan, Please Remember   

Author: Raine O’Tierney
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
American release date: March 28, 2014
Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Contemporary Romance/89 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

Giordan Stone remembers his name and nothing else. His life is a mystery to him. He woke in a hospital after five years in a coma, and then again seven years later, when they found him seriously ill, living under a bridge.

Chloe Devereaux is his caregiver, his Maman. She has taken him into her home and tends to all his needs as she works to rebuild his strength. Giordan wants to remember—he aches to remember. Even though he is afraid, too—afraid of what he might learn about himself and his life.

Somewhere in the confusion that is his mind, Giordan remembers his art. He fills sketchbooks with images, unsure if they are memories, or figments of his imagination. And in his mind, there is a young man... someone Giordan is sure he loves.

Is the man real? And if so, where is he, and why doesn’t he come for Giordan?

This story grabbed me from the beginning. I became caught up in Giordan’s plight, feeling his pain as he strives to remember, to put together the pieces of his shattered life. I fell for his sweetness, for his gentle nature, and I felt his frustration as he kept asking why.

Sweet Giordan is a beautiful love story, one filled with the spirit of love—Giordan’s for Shane, Shane’s for Giordan. Some things transcend mere memory, and love is one of them. The soul remembers, even if the mind does not.

I ached, I cried, I cheered, I hoped... Ms. O’Tierney wrung all of these emotions from me, and then wrung some more. At times, I was fearful, and sometimes I wanted to turn off my Kindle, afraid of what I might find.

If you believe that love conquers all—if you hope even when common sense tells you not to—if you believe that some things are meant to be—than this story is for you. This is one story I will never forget, and will hold in my heart forever.


Saturday, July 26, 2014

My Sexy Saturday #17: When Will I Be Loved

Good morning and Happy Saturday!



This week's challenge said: Share with us this week those characters who aren't afraid to show that they love someone. 


When Will I Be Loved

 I thought of Holt Wynne. He's a vampire in my WIP, When Will I Be Loved, sequel to When Will I See You Again. Vampires have a special love, one that is meant to last forever. Such a love is hard to find, so when you find him or her, you hold on tight. Holt's eternal love is Miller.

In the scene I am sharing today, Miller has gone to a meet and greet for the new owner of the Crescent Bay Chronicle, and he sees Holt, and Holt sees him, and the result is... well, see for yourself.


Standing mere feet away was the blond from the night before. Looking every bit as enticing as he had then. Maybe even more so, since now Miller knew what he looked like beneath those elegant clothes.

He seemed to be... agitated? Was that even the right word? And how could Miller even tell that from where he stood.

And why was this girl leading him right toward him?

“Holt, oh Holt,” she cried out in a lilting voice.

Holt? What?

The blond turned his head and his eyes locked with Miller’s, and something quite electric passed through the air between them. But before Miller had a chance to think, to react, to formulate even the hint of a thought, the blond had crossed the space between them more quickly than Miller would have thought possible, put his arms about Miller, lifting him off his feet and into his arms, until their lips met...


And suddenly Miller wasn’t thinking anything anymore.


Now go visit the other authors in the blog hop!




Friday, July 25, 2014

Virtual Book Tour: Dark Nights

Please welcome author Christopher Grey, who is here to discuss his latest release, Dark Nights. Christopher will be giving away a $50 Amazon/BN GC to one random commenter. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on his tour, go here. Look for the rafflecopter at the end of this post.


Dark Nights
By
Christopher Gray



BLURB:  

The machine believed it knew best how to save humanity... even if doing so meant destroying half the population. 

Astrophysicist Doug Lockwood's unusual discovery during his observation of the sun kicks off a chain of events that nobody could have foreseen. The powerful political and military influences that compete to deal with his discovery set Lockwood on a course which will carry him across worlds, and into the grasp of a formidable new intelligence bent on accomplishing its goal at any cost. With Earth itself at stake and time running out, Lockwood and his team must find a way to counter this unprecedented threat before the powerful new enemy completes its plan. Two civilizations are pitted against each other in a desperate struggle for survival.



EXCERPT:


“Increase buffer bandwidth to maximum,” Nick ordered his assistant, Anders.

“I already tried that, it makes no difference!” Anders replied, a trace of panic in his voice.

Nick turned to the astrophysicist that was monitoring the moon’s position.

“What will the orbit be if no action is taken?”

The astrophysicist looked at him, incredulous.

“I don’t need to tell you what the outcome will be.”

“Is there at least a chance it will settle into a stable orbit? The speed is right.”

“The angle is off by three degrees! If it isn’t corrected the moon will pass within seventy thousand kilometers of the Earth. That’s less than one-fifth of its normal distance!”

Nick stared blankly at his expert, not wishing to believe what he was being told. The astrophysicist shook his head.

“With the increased gravitational and tidal effect, there will be a massive world-wide earthquake, and that’s just the beginning. The orbit will be highly elliptical, and will degrade further. We’ll have bi-weekly earthquakes and tsunamis, much worse than we have ever experienced. There is an 80% chance that within four months the moon will collide with us!”

“We’ll all be dead long before the collision,” said Anders, his voice shaking. “We may not even survive when the moon makes its first pass, six days from now.”

Another assistant looked over at Nick.

“We’re getting the same report from our observatory in Arizona. They’ve noticed the angle and are asking questions. How do you want me to reply?”

Nick broke out into a cold sweat. He didn’t know what to do.






AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Christopher A. Gray is a professional freelance writer living in Toronto. He has been a sales agent, project manager, actor, filmmaker, comedy writer & performer and world traveler.

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Nights-Christopher-Gray-ebook/dp/B00GOH9CSE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403100145&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+nights+christopher+gray

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-nights-christopher-a-gray/1117683808?ean=9780986836497














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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Tease Me Thursday #20: Revelations

Friday's almost here, can't  you just feel that weekend acoming? So let's get in the mood now with some teasing on Thursday! Authors who want to showcase their WIP's or their published works - all are welcome. Enjoy!



Today I bring you a little snippet from Revelations, my m/m alternate history, where there has been a Second Coming - and more - and Judas is in love with Jesus. In this scene, Judas is watching the Apostles play - the band that is fronted by Jesus, and made up of his disciples, when he is unexpectedly accosted. It is told in Judas' POV.  Enjoy!



At this point in the proceedings, I prefer to remain to myself, simply observing, making sure everything runs smoothly. And let’s face it, when Jesus isn’t on the stage, my attention is not going to be held. An honest observation, nothing more.
            Let the music begin.
            For once, surprisingly, they’ve chosen to open with something that doesn’t blast, snatch, induce nausea, or demand attention. In fact, it’s really rather sweet, and compelling, and I notice more than a few people are swaying on their feet, a simple back and forth repetitive motion, in time to the melody. I admit I’m swaying a bit myself, for the moment relaxing my attention from those around me.
            Until I hear a throaty voice whispering directly into my ear, a warm arm wrapping itself securely about my waist.
            “Judas, you pretty thing, when will you allow me to fuck your delectable body and show you what true ecstasy is?”

            Ladies and gentlemen—the devil does not wear Prada. He prefers Armani, if the truth be told. And here he is behind me now, pressed up against me with a raging erection—not that I haven’t felt that before, many times—and he’s whispering sweet nothings in my ear.

            And it’s taking all my self-control not to elbow him in his gut.



available at Amazon, ARe and MuseitUP.




Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Wednesday Briefs: Don't Look Back #6

Happy Hump Day, one and all! The week is half done, the weekend is coming, so it's time to read a little flash fiction by your favorite flashers, the Wednesday Briefers!

Last week, in Don't Look Back, we learned a little bit about the small town in which Marshall and Lee live. Today, we'll see more loving from the guys, so I hope you're ready for that! Then don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what they're up to! Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Don't Look Back #6 by Julie Lynn Hayes


“Feeling restless?”

Marshall never turned as Lee came up behind him. He gazed through the screen door, his focus on nothing in particular. A recent rain had dropped the temperature to more bearable levels, and the cooling breeze that blowing into the house was a welcome visitor. Thirsty birds dipped their beaks in the water-filled bowl of the concrete bird bath; turtles rimmed the edge with stony gaze and dragonflies circled the pedestal. A rabbit shot across the grass, his companion haring after him; both were quickly lost to view.

“Mmm, what makes you think so?”

Marshall felt Lee press against him, his hands flat against Marshall’s hips, his head resting on Marshall’s shoulder familiarly.

“Maybe ‘cause I know you? And maybe ‘cause I been watching you prowl around the house for onto a half hour now. You sit at your desk, then you get up. You go into the kitchen, then you come back. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve got a case of cabin fever going on.”

“Cabin fever?” Marshall turned his head slightly to meet Lee’s deep blue gaze. “Isn’t that what people get when they’re shut up for long periods of time with nothing to do? I’m not exactly a shut-in here, you know.”

“I know that.” Lee’s voice was low and well-modulated, and Marshall loved its every cadence. When Lee pitched it just right, shivers slid through Marshall’s body in rapid succession. Just listening to Lee often turned Marshall on.

Today was no exception.

“And I have plenty to do. We have plenty to do.”

“That we do,” Lee agreed. His palms rubbed lightly over Marshall’s hips. “But sometimes it’s nice to get out and about.”

“We just went to Milly’s for dinner last night,” Marshall pointed out. “Doesn’t that count?”

“There’s getting out and there’s getting out.”

Marshall couldn’t argue with that. And just maybe he had been pacing a bit, whether he meant to or not. Sitting still seemed to be getting on his nerves. But then so was moving sometimes.

“What’d you have in mind?” Marshall knew Lee well enough to know he wasn’t prone to making idle conversation. Not that they didn’t talk, mind you, they did. But Marshall could tell the difference between chitchat and communication, and Lee didn’t do chitchat.

“I dunno, what sounds good to you?” Lee countered, and something in the timber of his voice reached inside of Marshall and arrowed straight to his cock. Decision made.

He pushed back against Lee, grinding his ass against Lee’s crotch, a soft moan welling in his throat. “You do,” he murmured in heartfelt tones. “I’m hungry for you. I want to taste you. I want to lick and suck you until you come. And then I want to swallow every last bit of you.”

“And do you think you’ve earned that?”

“I do,” Marshall maintained. “I finished that program you asked me about, for that company out in California.” Marshall continued to gyrate his backside against Lee like a needy cat. He closed his eyes and inhaled Lee’s scent—masculine and earthy, familiar and sensual. Lee didn’t need cologne to make him smell good. Mother Nature had done that for him all by herself.

“And I’m ahead on everything else,” Marshall finished. Although Lee generally initiated their lovemaking, he didn’t discourage Marshall from making the first move himself when he was inclined to do so. Lee might keep Marshall on a leash, so to speak, but it was definitely a consensual arrangement, with a certain latitude on both their parts.

“Sounds like you’ve done well, boy.”

Marshall could read between the lines. Lee had neither blown him off nor said no. Lee’s next words only confirmed that.

“No time like the present.”

Lee moved his hips against Marshall, their movements meshing in exquisite synchronicity. Marshall could feel Lee’s steely hardness, and he licked his lips in anticipation.

“Right here?” Marshall asked. It didn’t matter to him that they were standing before an open screen door, in full view of any passerby. This was their little kingdom. None of their neighbors would think of trespassing, and they knew it.  The chance of outsiders was slim to none. This wouldn’t be the first time they’d dared to exhibit their voyeuristic side.

“Right here.”

Lee spun Marshall about in one quick movement, his hands cupping Marshall’s ass, kneading it through the stiff denim even as he pulled him closer. His mouth crashed down on Marshall’s, and for a long moment nothing more was said.

Lee pulled away first, his breathing more shallow and rapid than when they’d first begun. “Show me what you can do, boy,” he commanded in a lust-laden voice with all the smokiness of fine Kentucky bourbon.
Marshall tossed his head back as he slid to his knees. His long auburn hair cascaded down his back, away from his face and out of harm’s way. He raised his face to Lee’s once more, memorizing every facet, every plane, every nuance of Lee’s features, before turning his attention to the matters at hand.

He reverently undid Lee’s large silver buckle, bound up with so many memories, from his youth and up. He loosened it enough to access the button beneath, and slipped it through its opening. Then he carefully pulled down the zipper, not rushing, in joyful anticipation of what he was about to receive.

Lee was hard already, and getting harder. Marshall gently eased Lee’s cock into his waiting hands, closing them about it as if in prayer. He placed a reverent kiss on the tip, and then another.

So very good.

“Did you want to sit for this?” He directed the question up at Lee.

“Do you think I’m too old to stand, boy?”

Marshall smothered a smile as he sucked Lee’s dick in his mouth, making a reply impossible. Of course he didn’t think that, he just wanted to get the old man’s blood flowing real good.

 to be continued

Now see what's going on with the other Wednesday Briefers!





Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Rustling Up Love Review

Rustling Up Love    

Author: Lorrie Unites-Struiff
Publisher: Amazon Digital
American release date: July 15, 2014
Format/Genre/Length: EBook/ Western Romance/162 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★


Sheriff Cole Walker’s biggest concern is what to have for lunch, at least until he walks into his office to discover part of that lunch missing, and the culprit hiding under his desk. He would have gladly rid himself of the little monkey except, wouldn’t you know it, his secret crush, aka Miss Mattie, walks in and takes a shine to the varmint. What’s a feller to do but give in and take the critter into his home, along with a whole heap of trouble.


Cole likes Mattie, but he’s never had the nerve to tell her so, ever since she arrived in town. She’s a strong woman, and he admires her greatly, but he has his own issues and isn’t about to inflict them on her. Now he’s got a thieving monkey on his hands, as well as cattle rustlers, which is a far more serious problem. Sides are being formed, and trouble’s surely going to break out. It’s all Cole can do to keep the peace while he and his deputies try to figure out what’s going on and rectify the situation.

To be honest, I’ve never considered westerns a genre I was greatly interested. Since reading this book, I’ve re-evaluated that position. Ms. Struiff has taken the genre and injected it with her own special brand of humor, in the form of a thieving runaway monkey named Beggar, who will steal your heart (along with anything else that isn’t nailed down!)

This book flows from beginning to end, and you’ll be caught up in it like a cow in a stampede, but in a good way. Cole Walker, the sheriff/hero, is a strong character, but he’s also human, and he has his weaknesses, although he isn’t exactly eager to admit to them. Miss Mattie is lovely and smart, but she has her own past to deal with, one she isn’t ready to share. The mystery of who’s stealing the cattle is intriguing, watching them solve it even more so, as Cole and Mattie find themselves thrown together more and more.

The humor is what especially makes this book. I love the realism. People do dumb things, yeah, and not every guy looks like he just stepped off a catwalk. Or every woman, for that matter. Cole and Mattie are both characters I’d love to know. After this, I aim to read more of Ms. Struiff’s writings, and search for that same wicked sense of humor.

This book has something for everyone—humor, mystery, romance, intrigue… it’s good old-fashioned fun. It’s safe for all ages, and I think it’s enjoyable by men and woman both. Pick up Rustling Up Love—you’ll be glad you did!



Monday, July 21, 2014

First Mission (The Enforcer's Series #3) Review

First Mission (The Enforcer’s Series #3)  

Author: Ravon Silvius
Publisher: eXtasy Books
American release date: September 15, 2013
Format/Genre/Length: E-book/M/M Steampunk Romance/112 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kenneth and Thorn have been training to assume their new roles as enforcers. Kenneth’s final spell entails learning how to rob a mage of his magic for a short time. Typically such a spell would benefit the mage’s lifemate. But as Thorn is talentless, apparently this does not hold true in this case.

Now it’s time to put their training into effect as they receive their first assignment. A new alchemy school is opening in the town of Eleborough, which is a talentless town, governed by a mage named Thralten, who is known not to like talentless. Their job is to see if the talentless and the students are getting on well. Their secondary assignment is to make certain the school is effective.

One last hurdle before they leave—a dinner party, thrown by Kenneth’s parents.

Thorn has his doubts about what they’re doing, but he’s determined to do his best, as well as support Kenneth. They arrive at the governor’s home, which seems oddly distant from the town, but he isn’t there to greet them, his assistant Marle standing in his stead. They are shown to their room, where Thorn finishes what they began in the cab.

On the governor’s return, they are dined, where they learn that no talentless are employed there. Everything is done through the use of magic. How odd. Thorn decides they will split up to investigate—he will take the town while Thralten shows Kenneth the college.

Thorn quickly learns what the talentless think of him, and it is disheartening. They consider him a traitor, and he begins to wonder if he is doing the right thing. How can he help them when they don’t even trust him? Meanwhile, Kenneth is being presented with temptations of all sorts. What’s up with that?

The excitement continues in the third book of the Enforcer’s series, as we watch our heroes take what they’ve learned and apply it to the real world. Now all of Thorn’s misgivings come to the fore as he struggles between his love for Kenneth and his desire to help the talentless to lead better lives and achieve greater equality with the mages with the fear that he is indeed the traitor his own people perceive him to be. Where the first book was written from Kenneth’s perspective, and the second from Thorn’s, this is told by both of them. So we get a good mix of mage and talentless.

Kenneth and Thorn’s relationship continues to grow and develop, and there are some interesting developments as they get to know each other better. There is a mystery at the heart of this book, and a lot of suspense and drama, as well as some very hot sex.


I am thoroughly enjoying the series and am moving on to the fourth book—hopefully not the last. Highly recommend this series.