Book Spotlight: Bullet by Garrett Leigh

Bullet (Blue Boy Studio #1) - Garrett Leigh

Author: Garrett Leigh

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Levi Ramone entered the gay porn market for one reason, and one reason only: he needed the cash to pay his momma's spiraling gambling debts.

Seven years later, he's a veteran with a reputation as one of Blue Boy Studio's most ruthless tops, and when his boss suggests it's time for a change, he finds himself staring down the barrel of a gun. Figuratively speaking, at least.

Enter Sonny Valentine, a go-go dancer at Blue's sister club, Silver's. Levi has secretly admired Sonny from afar for years, but there's a problem. He can't stand Sonny and the feeling is entirely mutual. When Levi learns Sonny is to play the third part in a scene he already considers his worst nightmare, he figures things can't get any worse.

But when preparations for the scene from hell collide with tragic events in his personal life, he finds his fast-growing, red-hot attraction to Sonny just might be the only thing left between him and a bullet.




Author Bio

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press.

Garrett's debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits is a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com and co-owns the specialist stock photography company M O O N Stock Photography.




Book Spotlight: Unfreezing by Parker Avrile

Unfreezing
Author: Parker Avrile
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella, 100 pages (28,000 words)
Publication Date: Dec. 20, 2016
Heat Level: Three flames (some language and adult situations)
Author Website: http://www.therunawaymodel.com/
Sales links: Amazon | Amazon UK

Createspace Paperback

Can a younger man and his talented dog put a phobic screenwriter on the red arrivals carpet at the Academy Awards ceremony?

Chance looks like success. The white-hot gay screenwriter of the moment simply must attend the Academy Awards. But Chance has a secret-- severe agoraphobia. Sometimes he can't even leave his building. Chance has tried everything. Except Nolan...

His hired genius turns out to be red hot, but Chance needs to play it cool. He can't blow this opportunity. With the help of a quirky Jack Russell Terrier, Nolan can train Chance to operate a telepresence robot from Manhattan to walk the red carpet for him in Hollywood. The stunt will be great publicity for both men. It's about show business, not monkey business.

Training Chance leads to touching, but Nolan tells himself to go slow. The sophisticated older man is way out of his league. So how did they end up together at a rooftop party on New Year's Eve?

Excerpt:

Chance wanted him. The question was, did he want him for a night, or did he want something deeper? If he was just fooling around, it could get messy for the job if they got too deep too fast. Nolan was still debating what he should do when Chance hooked his arm in his to walk him down the street to Chance's building.

"You live in the same building where you work?"

"Yeah, actually..." Chance hesitated as if debating with himself about how much he should say. "Not too many people know this, but I own that building."

Nolan knew Chance had money. Of course he had money, or he couldn't hire Nolan in the first place. But Manhattan real estate money? "Representing hot models must pay a lot better than I thought."

"I do all right."

At this hour, the doorman and the guy at the podium usually signed people in, but they recognized Chance and waved him up.

"Do they know you own the building?"

"Actually, they don't. I have a holding company."

Nolan wondered why Chance had told him. Of course. The obvious reason. He wanted to impress his younger date. Either that, or it wasn't even true-- but Nolan's spidey sense told him Chance wasn't lying. He'd spin a story about a celebrity but not about this.

"I don't want to be bothered by maintenance about every little thing when I'm trying to work or just live my life."

"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone you're the king."

Chance's apartment was surprisingly small-- more a large hotel suite than a home. Floor-to-ceiling windows. A treadmill. A king-sized bed. A desk. A tiny wet bar with a mini-fridge and a coffee maker. Less floor space than you'd think. There was a temporary feel to the place, although apparently he'd lived there for years.

"Coffee? Or... I know." Chance waggled a black and red bottle of Tia Maria. "I make a mean espresso martini."

"I'm fine." Nolan's heart was pounding. He didn't need any stimulants on top of Chance's intoxicating presence.

Chance touched his face, turning his chin toward the floor-to-ceiling glass. Both of them gazed out at an infinity of city lights. "Do you want to do this?"

"I... I don't know if it's a good idea. You're a client."

"I know that all too well. I'm tempted to fire you so we can date. But I can't. I really need you to do this job for me."

"We can take things slow. Get to know each other a little better."

Chance slid around to embrace him from behind so they could both look out at the glittery holiday lights of December in Manhattan. Their bodies fit together well, even through clothes, since they were almost exactly the same height.

"Sure. Nice and slow. Nice and slow and easy..."

***

Release Blitz & Giveaway: A New Life for Christmas by Liam Livings

A New Life For Christmas - Liam Livings

Author: Liam Livings

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Cover Design: Meredith Russell 
Blurb

A house exchange between two single men leads to a romantic new life for both of them.

Oliver and Kyle live thousands of miles apart, but each needs a break from his current life and love. Enter the Cloud B&B website, a wonderful new way to exchange homes for the holiday. They both muster their courage, and decide to visit another continent for Christmas.

In the UK, Oliver has been pining after his neighbour for far too long, living his comfortable but quiet life in a town in the New Forest. When his crush moves on in the worst possible way, Oliver is seduced by the chance to stay in fun-loving, sunny Miami.

In Miami, Kyle is a club owning workaholic, who suddenly discovers the man he lives with has been unfaithful. Yet again. As consolation, Kyle is tempted to see first hand the picture book charm of the New Forest in winter.

Both of them find not just a new setting but a new romance. Oliver makes a big effort to shed his inhibitions and meets a musician, Mark, who plays in the Florida bars, and who may be just as cautious and polite as Oliver in making the first move.

And while Kyle’s trying to come to terms with England’s very different culture—and food!—he’s charmed by Oliver’s best friend Edward, who’s bold and sexy, but secretive.

Will Oliver take the leap of faith and encourage a lover who can and will give the commitment he deserves? And will Kyle find a man who can be loyal and also offer Kyle the family life he needs?

But perhaps more importantly—when Christmas is over, can a new life survive?


Author Bio

Liam Livings lives where east London ends and becomes Essex. He shares his house with his boyfriend and cat. He enjoys baking, cooking, classic cars and socialising with friends. He escapes from real life with a guilty pleasure book, cries at a sad, funny and camp film – and he’s been known to watch an awful lot of Gilmore Girls in the name of writing ‘research’.

One evening, flicking through the channels, he stumbled across the film, Saving Private Ryan, and it took twenty minutes of not seeing Goldie Hawn in an army uniform, before he realised it wasn’t actually the film, Private Benjamin.

He has written since he was a teenager, started writing with the hope of publication in 2011. His writing focuses on friendships, British humour, romance with plenty of sparkle.

When he’s not writing fiction he runs a manuscript appraisal service, provides marketing support to authors & publishers and ghostwrites other people’s books.

You can connect with Liam:

Twitter @LiamLivings
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/liam.livings
Blog http://www.liamlivings.com/blog



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Guest Post: Drama Cruise by Joe Cosentino

A FUNNY COZY GAY MYSTERY SERIES
Book Three of the Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Cruise, published by Lethe Press
by Joe Cosentino

Guest Post & Giveaway: Kiss and Ride by Teodora Kostova

kd-640




Kiss and Ride Blog Tour

Guest Post by Teodora Kostova

It’s no secret for anyone who knows me or follows me on social media that I love to travel. Visiting new places or old favourites recharges me, both physically and creatively. There’s something about experiencing the atmosphere in a place you’ve never been before that’s so magical and consuming that the creative juices start flowing freely. So freely, in fact, that I usually set my next book in that same place that has inspired me.

As a reader I love reading books that are set somewhere I’ve never been. I especially love it when the author manages to capture the essence of that place, the little quirks, the magic that makes it different than any other place in the world.

As an author it’s always my priority to make the setting of the book come alive; present it as a character in the story rather than the background, as beautiful as it may be. To achieve that, I need more than Google maps. I need to feel the chill of the morning air on my skin; get lost in the maze of streets outside the beaten track; try to order food or ask for directions in the native tongue, only to realise everyone’s English is much better than my attempts at a one-week-self-study language course. 

My new book, Kiss and Ride, is a holiday romance set in Rome. My husband and I went to Rome for the very first time last month to celebrate our ten-year wedding anniversary. I absolutely love Italy and I’ve been all over the country, but for some reason never in Rome. 

It’s such an amazing city! I fell in love from the moment I set foot on Roman soil. Luca and Vin’s story flowed so fast I barely managed to keep up. 

In Kiss and Ride, Rome is part of the story. Its presence, its atmosphere, its history and sensuality are what inspired the characters, the story, even the title. I didn’t want it to be just a backdrop for events, and I really hope I managed to achieve that. 





Title: Kiss & Ride
Author: Teodora Kostova
Genre: Gay Romance, Contemporary, Christmas/Holiday Romance



Synopsis

What happens when you meet the right guy at the wrong time?

When Vincent Alesi’s estranged father dies, he gets on the first plane from New York city to Rome to be at the memorial service. Even if he has to max out his credit card. Even if he hates the man for leaving him. Even if it’s a day before Christmas.

Everything that can go wrong does go wrong, and Vin ends up trusting a complete stranger with all his secrets, even the ones he didn’t know he had.

Luca Romano’s job as a flight attendant takes him all over the world. But a jet-setting lifestyle is not what he wants. His dream of opening his own restaurant is being placed on hold over circumstances beyond his control.

Timing is everything…

When Vin bursts into Luca’s life, both men fall fast and hard. But their lives, their dreams, even the cities they live in couldn’t be more different.

Their few days together in Rome are romantic, emotionally intense, and leave them both wanting more.

Can a fleeting love affair change their lives forever?

Kiss & Ride Teodora Kostova 3D

Buy Links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N054R33/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N054R33/
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01N054R33/

Book Trailer


Giveaway

Prizes
  • Kindle Fire 7″ WiFi 8GB tablet
  • 2 x 10$ Amazon gift cards
  • 2 x Signed paperbacks of Snowed In
  • 3 x Swag packs, including pens, bookmarks, bracelets, and van Gogh themed items from the National Gallery in London
  • 2 x audio books, winners choice. (requires an account with Audible to claim prize)
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About the author

Hi, my name is Teodora and I live in London with my husband and my son. I’ve been writing ever since I can remember, but it became my full time job a few years ago when I decided that everything else I’ve tried bores me to death and I have to do what I’ve always wanted to do, but never had the guts to fully embrace. I’ve been a journalist, an editor, a personal assistant and an interior designer among other things, but as soon as the novelty of the new, exciting job wears off, I always go back to writing. Being twitchy, impatient, loud and hasty are not qualities that help a writer, because I have to sit alone, preferably still, and write for most of the day, but I absolutely love it. It’s the only time that I’m truly at peace and the only thing I can do for more than ten minutes at a time – my son has a bigger attention span than me.

When I’m procrastinating, I like to go to the gym, cook Italian meals (and eat them), read, listen to rock music, watch indie movies and True Blood re-runs. Or, in the worst case scenario, get beaten at every Nintendo Wii game by a very inventive kid.

Don’t be shy and get in touch – I love connecting with my readers.

Blog: www.teodorakostova.blogspot.com
Twitter: @Teodora_Kostova
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teodorakostovaauthor
E-mail: t.t.kostova@gmail.com
Instagram: teodorika1
Kiss & Ride Teodora Kostova

Book and Series Spotlight: The Copper Horse Box Set by KA Merikan

The Copper Horse: Love & The Copper Horse Box Set - KA Merikan

Author: KA Merikan

Cover Design: Natasha Snow 

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blurb

London

1907, twenty years into the zombie plague

Just as Reuben finally settles into the role of Copper, his master’s proud stallion, his life gets turned upside down by a revolution that has been long brewing in London. But the men who come for Erik at his home bring much more than havoc. They uncover lies that Erik has fed Reuben, and the truth creates a rift between them that might be impossible to cross.

Even if Reuben still wanted to be Erik’s pony, is it possible for them to be together if his master loses all power and property? With no harness to hold him, no bit to stop him from speaking, can Reuben still be what Erik wants? Does he have anything to offer as a man?

The relationship they have established gets shaken to its core, and on the run from Erik’s enemies, they will both have to find out if the bond they share will survive, or if it will break.


The Copper Horse Ponyplay Box Set

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Comprising of The Copper Horse: Fear, The Copper Horse: Pride, The Copper Horse: Love, Jack's Punishment (Side Story) and The Stable Girl (an m/f story set in The Copper Horse world)

Author Bio

K. A. Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are taken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat’s the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitating to kick Agnes’s ass when she’s slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalogue, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing thirty, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.

They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there’s one thing you can be sure of – it will be full of surprises.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAMerikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KA_Merikan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AgnesMerikan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150530.K_A_Merikan
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/KAMerikan/



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Release Spotlight & Giveaway: Not Another One Hit Wonder by J.M. Snyder

Not Another One Hit Wonder - J. M Snyder

Author: J.M Snyder

Publisher: JMS Books

Length: 43,700 words

Release Date: November 19 2016

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | KOBO 

Blurb

When best friends Jamie Eckert and Derek Duran realized they were in love, they took their relationship to the next level. But then Derek's budding music career took off, and so did Derek.

Twenty years later, Jamie still lives in the small town of Ashbury, Virginia, where he grew up. He’s grown up and moved on -- now he owns the family funeral home business and is raising Riley, his precocious six-year-old adopted daughter.

But emotions Jamie thought long buried are stirred up again when he gets an early morning removal call. The deceased is Derek’s mother and Riley’s babysitter, Mrs. Duran. Now Derek’s back in town for the funeral, and he turns to Jamie for support ... in more ways than one.

Angry at Derek for not keeping in touch, and angrier at himself for still loving the man who left him behind, Jamie is torn between his professional duty and his feelings for Derek. Will he be able to put aside his past with Derek to carry out Mrs. Duran's final wishes? Or is Derek interested in rekindling their relationship after all this time?


Excerpt

I pull into the red-striped area next to my usual parking spot and pull up my handbrake hard enough to jerk the car forward a little. The striped spot is double-wide -- during a funeral, the police who will accompany us to the graveside park here -- but I pull in as close to the other car as I can. I don’t care if the other driver is grieving over a long-lost relative; that’s no excuse for driving like an idiot and parking where he doesn’t belong. And I plan to tell him just that, too. Even if he storms into the funeral home and tries to duck me, he has one hell of a surprise coming when he finds out I’m the person he’s here to see.

I glance over but the driver has his head down, digging for something on the seat beside him, and I can’t see his face. Which means he knows he’s done something wrong and is going to wait until I drive off before he gets out of the car. Surprise, I work here. What’s your excuse?

Grabbing my cup of coffee, I get out of the car and slam the door shut, hard. As I turn, the other car’s door opens. I see a shaggy head of dark hair -- still not looking at me, as if ignoring me will make me go away -- followed by a lithe male body. A Rolling Stones concert T-shirt with the sleeves torn off, skinny black jeans so tight they almost creak, a faded pair of black Converse that look as old as I am.

Really? I shake my head. That’s what you wear to a funeral home? Show some respect ...

Wait, I think I recognize those shoes.

My heart skips a beat, and my fingers go numb. I set down my coffee on the hood of my car before I can drop it. “Jesus Christ.” My voice squeaks a little when I ask, “Derek?”

The guy looks up, finally, giving his head a familiar little shake to toss his hair out of gray-green eyes I used to stare into for hours when I was younger. The same eyes that still haunt my dreams from time to time. Derek Duran, in the flesh. He’s no longer eighteen and perfect -- he’s aged like me, and the lines around his eyes and mouth suggest he’s had a rougher time of it than I have.

But when he smiles, one corner of his lips pulls up higher than the other to show off the eyetooth he broke on a seesaw when he was eight. In that instant, the years fall away from him, from us both. My body flushes hot all over and I feel like I did the last time I saw him, the last time I held him close.

“Hey, Jamie. Long time, no see.”

His voice is throatier than I remember, smoked out and husky and, I’ll admit it, more than a little sexy. It suits his grown-up appearance, and helps distance me from the boy I used to date.

I ask, “You know you’re in my spot, right?”

With a guilty start, he looks around, his gaze settling on the sign in front of his car. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry. I can move --”

“Don’t worry about it.” My earlier anger is gone, shocked out of me by his sudden appearance. Sudden? Who am I kidding? I knew he was on his way; I’ve been looking for him ever since we spoke on the phone.

You’ve been looking longer than that, a voice inside me whispers, but I tamp it down quickly before my thoughts can run away with it.

A smile spreads across my face as I look him over again. Damn, he still looks good. Not quite the same as I remember, but better in some ways, and I’ll take what I can get. I find myself falling right back into the way we were, as if no time has passed.

“Come on inside,” I tell him. “We can go over the plans your mother made for her funeral. I’m sure that’s why you’re here.”

“Yeah, sure.”

He shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. It’s a snug fit, and the way the black denim stretches across his crotch draws my gaze down where it doesn’t belong. You know nothing about him now, I remind myself. Where he lives, who he’s dating, if he’s married. He’s here to talk about his mother’s funeral, for Christ’s sake. At least act professional.

As he steps around my car, I reach for my coffee, ready to lead the way. My mind is already several steps ahead -- I see me holding the door open for him, the two of us sharing an awkward grin, then the shocked look on Molly’s face when she realizes who’s followed me in.

But his hand catches mine before I can pick up the Starbucks cup. I raise a questioning eyebrow as he comes closer, right up on me now. When I take a step back, the car’s sideview mirror stops me.

“Jamie,” Derek sighs, his thumb stroking the inside of my wrist. His touch is warm and velvety and strong, and I can imagine his hands on other parts of my body all too easily. He stares at me, his eyes hungry, the same look in them that I remember from when we were together. His voice drops to a sexy rumble. “God, I’ve missed you.”

My knees go weak at the admission. “Me, too,” I breathe. “I mean --”

Before I can explain what I mean, his mouth covers mine with a needy, desperate kiss.


About the Author

I’m a writer whose main interest lies in gay erotic fiction. Why? Why not? I write what’s in my head and I guess that’s just how my mind works. You’ll find that my stories run from contemporary to science fiction, because I like a variety of different genres, but the characters are all gay men. They’re just who I like to write about, and who I’ve found my fans like to read about. And I don’t shy away from the sex, either (though some people say I don’t write enough). Gay erotic romance, you could call it. Works for me.

Currently I live in Richmond, Virginia, and work full-time running JMS Books and Queerteen press. I have two very spoiled cats named Marley and Lew. On those rare occasions when I’m not writing or editing or marketing my books, I like reading (mostly fantasy, sci-fi, and non-fiction), visiting Civil War historical sites, watching cheesy 80’s TV shows, and playing video games (I’m a Legend of Zelda fanatic).

I graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. While there, I was the Fantasy Editor of The Fractal, our campus sci-fi/fantasy journal. After graduation I started my own speculative fiction webzine, Disenchanted, published quarterly for almost two years. Though it was mostly fantasy, I began to explore gay fiction in the last few issues.

At some point I stumbled upon slash fan fiction and thought, “I can do that.” I dabbled in various fandoms (X-Men, Star Wars, an awesome video game called Suikoden), but when I finally got serious about fan fic, it was in “real person slash,” specifically Justin and Lance from the boy band, ‘N Sync.
Other Writings

If you enjoy my writing, you might like to visit some of my other websites:
J.M. Snyder — my blog
Vic and Matt — a site dedicated to my gay superheroes
J. Tomas — gay young adult romance
J.T. Marie — fantasy fiction and lesbian romance
Shawna Jeanne — MMF erotic romance
Written Ink — cover art and book layout services
Contact Me

E-mail: jmsnyder23@yahoo.com. Find me on Facebook or Twitter.


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Spotlight & Giveaway: Mated to Three by Sam Crescent


Mated to Three
Sam Crescent

Release Date: October 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-945193-57-6

Categories: Shifters, Multiple Partners,
Paranormal

Flame: 4

Price: $2.99

Book Description:

Three is always better than one!

Reese, Alpha of the Riser Woods pack, has a crush on Bethany, a human waitress. He can’t have her, but he can’t stop looking at her.

Draco finds Bethany attractive, but he sees that his Alpha wants her and keeps his distance.

Alex, her boss, is a Bear shifter, and also an Alpha.

All three want her, but none can have her. When Bethany is attacked by a mysterious wolf, the changes in her body are instant. All three men feel her, crave her, need her. It goes against all laws, but there’s no stopping it. Bethany is mated to three men, and all of them will do everything in their power to protect her.





Hi everyone,

It’s almost Halloween, and I have to say I love this time of year. Not because of all the scary movies, I can’t handle those. The scariest thing I can watch at this time of year is Monsters House. I’m not ashamed to say that lol. Anyway, I think what I love is I’m able to embrace my inner child with Halloween. Most of the time I always have to be a grown up, whereas for one day, we’re encouraged not to.

In the UK, up until recently we didn’t really celebrate it. Since I’ve grown up, and of course Halloween has become more common, I love it. I buy pumpkins every single year, carve them up, and then I try to also create like a Halloween feast. Last year I actually did a monster meat loaf head.

So, here is my list of must haves at my Halloween.

1. Monsters House, ParaNorman, and Hocus Pocus.

Yeah, yeah, I know kids film, but you have to admit, they’re pretty darn good. Also, I do NOT watch horror films

2. Michael Jackson’s Thriller

It just has to be played.

3. Pumpkins

A must for carving.

4. Costumes

I’ve yet to dress up, but it does look like so much fun. I’d love to dress up like Sarah from Hocus Pocus lol.

5. Creepy inspired food.

I’ve made monster meatloaf, mummy sausage rolls, superhero soup, and other delicious stuff.

6. Decorations

I do not go crazy with the whole house, but the dining room, hell yeah.

7. Candy

It’s the perfect excuse to eat as much as you want.

I’m afraid that is it from me. I can’t think of anything right now, but what I do wish, is you all a scary Halloween.

About the Author:

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011.

She loves creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

For more information on other books by Sam, visit her official website: http://SamCrescent.Wordpress.com





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Book Spotlight: The Runaway Father by Parker Avrile

The Runaway Father (The Runaway Model #3)
Author: Parker Avrile
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Length: Novel, 271 pages (76,000 words)
Publication Date: October 11, 2016
Heat Level: Three flames (some adult situations & language)
Author Website: http://www.therunawaymodel.com/
Sales Links:  Amazon US | UK | Kobo | ARe
Formats: epub, mobi, pdf

A rock star's darkest secret-- his teenage son.

Out of the closet, free to be himself for the first time in his life, rock star Stoney has fallen hard for a younger musician.

Carlin wants no part of the spotlight. He's an artist. Being with a famous man like Stoney is a  challenge, especially for a guy with anxiety. But there's a sweet side to Stoney that not everybody gets to see. Carlin can't stay away.

Together, Carlin and Stoney can overcome any obstacle. The gutter press is a nuisance, but they won't let trashy gossip pull them apart.

And then they face the toughest challenge yet, when Stoney learns he's the father to the son he never knew he had.

The Runaway Father is a full-length 270 page male/male contemporary rock star romance novel complete with no cliffhangers, a ton of angst about missing fathers and how boys sometimes have to become men on their own, absolutely no cheating, and a guaranteed Happy Ever After.

While this novel is designed to be read as a standalone, it does include a subplot spoiler for The Runaway Millions.  There are also a few brief references to events in The Runaway Model and The Runaway Millions from Stoney's point of view, the irony of which will escape you if you haven't read those books. If you plan to read the whole series, we recommend going in this order:

*The Runaway Model -- Kyle and Bryce's story begins (complete with Happy For Now ending)

*The Runaway Millions -- Kyle and Bryce's story reaches its Happy Ever After.

*"Blackmail Boy" (a perma-free short story about how Carlin and Stoney first met)

*The Runaway Father -- Carlin and Stoney find their Happy Ever After.

Read them all, or jump in anywhere. Each book is intended to be self-contained.

***

Excerpt:

The next evening, Carlin worked in Stoney's studio. Carlin's studio really. He was the only one who'd been writing music lately. The only one practicing. He was using an oversized agate pick to pluck tentatively at the strings, a black and white banded agate from India that was supposed to create a unique sound. Carlin was trying to decide if it was noisy enough for him.

Stoney stood in the open door, looking down at where Carlin sat, his blond hair fallen forward to expose the nape of his neck. There was an animal instinct to bite, lick, and kiss any exposed nape. He wondered why more people, not just the French with their scarves, didn't cover their necks in public. Sometimes he'd see a bare neck and feel a hot flame of sexual need.

And yet it was more than lust with Carlin. It was a sense of... tenderness? Sweetness? Vulnerability? Stoney didn't know what this feeling was called or if anyone else had ever felt it. He loved Carlin beyond anything he'd ever thought possible.

Carlin felt his eyes on the back of his neck and looked up, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Feeling better?"

"I wish I did. Love, dollface... you should go." It twisted his heart to say it, but how could he drag this beautiful boy into his personal mess? "There'll be scandal. A tabloid frenzy."

"Don't be ridiculous." Carlin put down the instrument and stood up. "I'm not going anywhere."

"You're a sensitive artist. All that push and scrum, it bothers you."

Carlin took another step, closing the gap between the two of them. "A lot of things bother me, Stoney. If I let it get to me, I'd never leave the house."

Like his mother never left the house. Stoney knew by now that she'd had a medication-resistant agoraphobia. "We should get away. I'm thinking about Los Angeles." He pushed the neck of Carlin's oversized T-shirt down further to expose his collarbone. Another point of vulnerability. Stoney licked the little hollow. They needed a safe place, a hidden place for just the two of them...

***

Book Spotlight: Losing it in Africa by Viv Phoenix

Losing it in Africa
by Viv Phoenix
MMF Bisexual Romance/Suspense/BDSM
Preorder Here

Blurb:

When curvy Ivy interviews for her first job, she takes a huge risk to tempt Weston Drake to take her to Africa. With thousands of lives at risk, Ivy will have to prove her value to West and his bodyguard partner to earn her place on the team. But if she makes a mistake, the smugglers will kill the three of them and delivery deadly counterfeit medicine.

Getting my billionaire boss to take me to Africa seemed like a dream. But I hadn’t counted on sharing West’s secrets and the danger he faced. His closeness to his hunky Black bodyguard intrigued me. How could I deal with wanting them both?

Heat level: High. This novel is rated Mature 18+ for language, strong sexual content including bisexual interracial MMF menage, BDSM, mature themes and brief violence. Contents may be triggering for some readers.

Excerpt:

West thrashed, and I held the ice in place.

“He’s not a good patient.” Kane whispered. Their intimacy stretched around us like a web that extended for miles and years. I imagined them like the soldier lovers of ancient Greece.

What was I doing here? But I was here, so I held the pack steady, sad for his injuries and pain, and determined to help no matter what faces he made at me.

“He’s a terrible patient,” Kane amended as West glared at us.

“You might be angry, but you’re alive,” I whispered and kissed the one unbruised place I could find on his face.

He gave me a crooked smile.

“I’m not going to regret bringing you to Africa, am I?”

I looked right into his eyes. “No, you’re not.”

***

Review & Giveaway: The Viscount and the Artist by Alyson Pearce

The Viscount And The Artist - Alyson Pearce


Length: 299 pages


Blurb

Andrew Cardwell is a man driven by duty to his country and to his family. After the death of his uncle, he's determined to provide security and stability for his family as the new Viscount Cardwell—even if that means marrying and producing an heir. Surprising himself, Andrew decides to sponsor a young artist named Jeremy for the season, to help him find a patron. What he doesn’t anticipate is how well Jeremy fits in his bed…and his life.

Jeremy Leighton knows what it’s like to be a disappointment. The only son of a vicar, he's refused to follow the path his father set for him, choosing his passion for art, instead. He accepts Andrew's proposal, hoping to prove to his father—and himself—that he can succeed as an artist. After spending time with Andrew in and out of bed, Jeremy struggles not to fall for the damaged viscount, knowing the season will likely end in Andrew's engagement. 

Between a meddling cousin, a widow on the hunt for a new husband, and their own doubts about the relationship, how can Andrew and Jeremy shed the expectations of others to find true happiness? 


Review 4 Stars:

Andrew Cardwell is a damaged man, both physically and emotionally. He lost his brother to accident, his lover to war. A war that left him half-dead and deeply scarred in body and soul.

When his uncle dies, Andrew is the new Viscount Cardwell and his cousin Phoebe wastes no time in demanding that he do his duty to marry and beget an heir in sort order, so that she and the rest of the family aren't left at the whims of a distant cousin, the nearest male relative.

If it hadn't been for his uncle's death Andrew would not even have considered marriage at all, for he is a man who desires men, not women.

Jeremy Leighton is the son of the vicar and the family have long been friends of the Cardwells. Jeremy and Andrew had been friends when they were younger, getting into scrapes together. But as they grew older, Jeremey's hero-worship of Adrew grew into something more but he tried to deny his nature.

His father had agreed to let Jeremy study Art at university, but now that Jeremy's education is over, his father wants him to join the clergy too and do something useful, rather than wander about with his head in the clouds, for the vicar can so no career in Jeremy's scribbles.

Meeting again after his uncle's funeral, Andrew senses immediately a kindred spirit in Jeremy. Jeremy is reluctant at first to reveal his desire for other men, his desire for Andrew, but Andrew breaks down his defences and Jeremy admits that he too, like Andrew, prefers men rather than women.

Andrew takes Jeremy under his wing, commissioning him for a portrait and taking him to London for the Season, where he will teach Jeremy all he needs to know about approaching other men who feel as they do. But Jeremy doesn't want to approach anyone else. He loves Andrew, but Andrew seems to see him as nothing more than a project to keep him busy during the Season before he settles down and marries.

Andrew likes Jeremy in his bed, and Jeremy will have to work hard to get into Andrew's heart as well as his bed.

An interesting start to what will be a series, I think. They seemed to fall into bed a bit too fast for me, but I can see how Andrew uses seduction to forget his worries and since Jeremy was already half-way in love with him by then, I could see him unable to resist Andrew's charms.

The pacing is normally quite good, but it sagged a little in the middle, when Andrew and Jeremy confide to their friends about their relationship problems, rather than speaking to each other about it, which would have cleared everything up immediately.

The writing is good and flows well but there were a couple of niggles for me at least, a few times the author uses the word 'reigns', as in rule over a country, when it should have been 'reins', those things you hold horses with. It made me smile anyway and didn't stop me from reading on to see how things with Jeremy and Andrew progress.

It is difficult when writing in this era to get the balance between a happy ending and being true to the history of the time, when being with a man was illegal and could get you hanged for your trouble. I think how the author handled it worked really well here.

I loved both Jeremy and Andrew, both different men with their own quirks and foibles and as the story is told in alternate points of view, we get to see inside both their heads. The supporting cast is well-drawn too and I suspect we might be seeing more of Percy, Oliver and Thaddeus in future books. They too deserve their happy endings.

A great, escapist read.



Excerpt

Sitting in the carriage outside Boodle’s, Jeremy fiddled with his coat buttons. A cold sweat had started along the back of his neck. Talking about finding a patron was one matter. Actively looking for one was completely different. He looked over at Andrew. The man was the embodiment of fashionable: his jet black tailcoat was expertly tailored, the waistcoat beneath adding a touch of colour and pattern. Even his cravat was tied in a perfect Osbaldeston. Next to him, Jeremy looked like a simple country boy, wearing clothing his father had bought him when he entered Oxford. His stomach rolled, and he regretted eating such a large dinner.
“You’re going to be fine,” Andrew said.
Jeremy fastened his buttons for a third time.
“Just relax. Hands at your sides. Deep breaths. Follow my lead and stay by my side.”
Nodding, Jeremy let his hands drop. He waited until Andrew opened the carriage door before climbing out. The sight in front of him was formal and imposing, and Jeremy wanted nothing more than to climb back into the carriage. The ground floor exterior was a white stone, while the upper levels were brick. The showpiece of the building, though, was the large, domed window in the centre, trimmed by white, scalloped stone.
“Come on.”
Andrew clapped Jeremy on the shoulder and steered them toward the door. It felt rather like he was being marched to the gallows. As they passed through the columned entrance, Jeremy balled his fists at his sides.
“You have to relax, Jeremy,” Andrew murmured. “No one is going to come and escort you out. You are here as my guest, and therefore you belong here. Unclench your fists. Drop your shoulders. Remember, every man you meet here is a potential patron. Treat them as such. Be respectful, but be yourself.”
Jeremy nodded, forcing his shoulders down. “All right. Where to first, Cardwell?”
“Let’s start by finding friends.”
After a giving Jeremy a quick tour of the ground floor, Andrew led him up the steps, toward the salon. A number of men had already started to gather at the card tables, and Jeremy stayed as close to Andrew as he possibly could. A large man with a bulbous nose and beady eyes broke away from the rest and started toward the both of them, favouring his left leg.
“Thomas Stanhope,” Andrew whispered. “A member of the Commons and not someone you want to work with.”
“Cardwell!” The man’s voice was thin and raspy, and his gaze darted between Andrew and Jeremy. “Back just in time for the Season, I see. Is your uncle with you?”
Andrew’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Uncle Richard passed a few weeks ago. You sent a letter expressing your condolences.”
Stanhope’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “Did I? I…You must forgive me. My mind is not what it once was.”
“Of course.” The words came out clipped. “Stanhope, allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Jeremy Leighton.”
A flicker of emotion crossed Stanhope’s face, though Jeremy couldn’t place it. Whatever it was made him uncomfortable.
“Leighton…” The man frowned, as though he were trying to piece together a puzzle.
“It’s a pleasure,” Jeremy said, shaking the man’s hand.
“The pleasure is mine.” Stanhope didn’t release his grip. “Tell me, how did you become acquainted with our Cardwell, here?”
The man’s palm was sweaty and Jeremy longed to pull away, but when he tried, Stanhope simply tightened his grip. “My father was friends with Lord Richard Cardwell. I’ve been acquainted with his family since birth.”
The confusion twisted into something like satisfaction, and Stanhope smirked, a gleam in his eye.
“I see. And how—”
“Cardwell!”
Jeremy looked over Stanhope’s shoulder to see a man taller than Andrew walking over. When he looked back at Stanhope, the man’s expression had soured.
“Excuse me. I look forward to seeing you again, Mr. Leighton.”
Stanhope walked away, his expression clouded. Andrew breathed a sigh of relief and the tension visibly eased.
“Perfect timing, Percy,” Andrew said. “I thought I would have to cut Jeremy’s hand off to get him away.”
“You looked like a caged animal.” The man embraced Andrew and then pulled away. “I wondered if you would be here for the Season. We placed bets on whether or not you would turn up. Thaddeus put you down as sitting out.”
Jeremy blinked. How could he be so crass?
“It’s as though he doesn’t know me at all,” Andrew shot back. He turned to Jeremy. “Lord Percival Beaumont, this is Mr. Jeremy Leighton. Percy and I attended Harrow and Oxford together.”
As Beaumont shook his hand, Jeremy could practically feel the man scrutinizing his appearance. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord,” he said, not quite meeting Beaumont’s gaze.
Beaumont gave him the same easy-going smile he gave Andrew. “Pleasure’s all mine. Please, call me Percy. Andrew, Thaddeus and Oliver are at May’s Buildings. I thought you might want to head over.”
Andrew looked to Jeremy. “What do you think? Would you rather visit the Eccentrics than stay here?”
Given the stuffy crowd and their interactions with Stanhope, Jeremy was more than eager to leave. “Yes. Could we go, please?”
“Lead the way, then, Percy.”
The trio headed back down the stairs and out the door. Rather than hailing a carriage, they set off on foot. The sun had almost completely set, and a slight chill had entered the air, but it wasn’t anything Jeremy’s coat couldn’t protect against. As they walked, Jeremy found himself trailing behind Andrew, with Percy at his side.
“So you went to school with Andrew, then?” Jeremy asked. It was easy to relax around Percy, who treated him with the same warmth he treated Andrew. Stanhope, with his odd behaviour, had had the opposite effect on him.
Percy nodded. “Our families run in the same circles, so of course I knew Andrew, but I didn’t become friends with him until university.” He lowered his voice. “We, ah, share similar interests.”
The meaning was clear. Already, Jeremy was starting to pick up on the cues and the codes. “Of course,” he said.
Part of him wanted to ask whether or not they had been together, but a much larger part didn’t care to know.
“I do believe I’ve stunned you. Forgive me, I’ve said too much.”
“Not at all. I simply…”
“I see.” Percy nodded slowly. He glanced ahead at Andrew before turning back to Jeremy. “I wouldn’t worry, if I were you. What happened between us was years ago, and I found we’re much better suited as friends. Relax.”
“I would have a greater chance at relaxing if everyone stopped encouraging me to do so,” Jeremy retorted.
“My apologies. I meant only that I would like to get to know you better, as a friend of Andrew’s.”
“Gossiping about me, are you?” Andrew’s voice came from up ahead.
“You only wish,” Percy replied. He looped his arm through Jeremy’s. “Tell me about your relationship with Andrew.”
“My father was close friends with Andrew’s uncle, Richard.”
Percy flashed him a smile. “That tells me nothing about you and Andrew.”
“There’s not much to say.” Jeremy licked his lips. “I’m an artist looking for a patron. Andrew saw my work and commissioned me to paint his portrait, and in return he offered to let me come with him to London.”
“And does he give you anything else in return?”
Anger flared in Jeremy’s veins and he let out a harsh breath. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
“I mean nothing by it,” Percy said gently. “As I said, I only wish to get to know you better. I know Andrew, and I only want the best for him. For you both. I know how difficult it can be to get close to him.”
“What do you know of his difficulties?”
“As one of his oldest friends, I believe a better question would be what do I not know of his difficulties?” The man regarded him with an air of suspicion before relaxing. “Come to my townhouse tomorrow afternoon. We can discuss the matter further there.”
“And what do I tell Andrew?”
“That he isn’t invited.” Percy laughed, his entire face lighting up. “He’ll hardly like it, but he will recover. Sometimes it is nice to remind him that he cannot control everything and everyone.”




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Author Bio
Alyson Pearce is an American transplant currently living in London, where she works full time in publishing and as an author of M/M romances. She fell in love with romances after discovering her grandmother’s library and hasn’t looked back. As a member of the LGBT community, she believes that everyone deserves their chance at a happily ever after. In her spare time, Alyson enjoys cooking, reading, and shouting at contestants on Chopped. The Viscount and the Artist is her first novel.






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