Tag Archives: romance

Soundtrack for “The Geek and His Artist” by Hope Ryan

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Hello folks! First, let me thank Nikki for giving me blog space today! I really appreciate the opportunity to stop by.

Every story I write has a soundtrack. The number of songs on the playlist varies—partly because some stories require more, but sometimes there just aren’t as many that apply. When I sat down to put the list together for The Geek and His Artist, I had to really think about what to put on the list.

I have a rather eclectic taste when it comes to music. But I tend to stick with bands like Godsmack, Nickleback, Linkin Park, and the like. I realized, however, that my teenagers in Geek aren’t necessarily going to listen them. So what, then, did I put on this list?

Well, I went first to my oldest son, who was closest in age to Jimmy and Simon—and who would likely have musical taste closer to them. He asked me what kind of guys Jimmy and Simon and their friends were, what were they like and then gave me an interesting list of possibilities. I whittled them down a bit to come up with the playlist I have here.

A few of the songs have special significance to me. As a bisexual, I sometimes get frustrated when I don’t see them represented in media. In Geek, I have two bisexual characters (side characters who will likely get their own story): Sean and Kip. So, when I came across the Panic! At The Disco song, Girls/Girls/Boys, I was thrilled.

Watch the video here:

Lyrics here.

Another of the songs that really resonated with me because Simon’s theme song. Now, there have been a few versions of this out there, but the rendition of “Mad World” I like the most comes from Gary Jules. The music, the tempo, all of it really makes me think of Simon’s sad, confused, lonely world.

Watch it here:

Lyrics here.

You can listen to/watch the whole playlist on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1GRRRYSRvmOAKm0yidpiiZ8PAKG0TfDx or…

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to follow the rest of the tour for chances to win a paperback copy of Geek and $25 to spend at Harmony Ink! Each comment below also qualifies you for an entry to the giveaway. One reader today will win a Geek character trading card of your choice!

Simon Williams spends his lunch periods drawing his geek and trying not to think about the terrors waiting for him at home. He needs to get away from his abusive father before he suffers the same grisly fate as his mother. Because he’s learned the hard way running away doesn’t work, he’s counting the days until his eighteenth birthday.

Jimmy Bennet should be spending his lunch studying so his senior GPA is good enough to get him into college, but he can’t seem to focus thanks to his distracting artist. When he’s given the opportunity to tutor Simon in Trig and discovers Simon’s home-life nightmare, he wants nothing more than to get Simon out of danger. This need becomes more urgent when Simon comes to school the Monday after their first date with bruises, but it takes a broken leg before Jimmy can convince his boyfriend the Bennets really want him.

But the danger Simon thought was past shows up at the most unexpected time, and he must stand up to the fears he’s held so long to protect not only himself, but the man he wants to spend his life with.

You can get Geek here:

Harmony Ink Press ◊ Dreamspinner Press ◊ Amazon
AllRomanceebooks ◊ Kobo ◊ Barnes & Noble

Tourwide Giveaway (separate from post giveaway):

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About Hope:

Hope Ryan is an out and proud bisexual, wife of a loving guy and mother to three, including an amazingly brave gender fluid son. She loves to write about the tough stuff, but also wants to see her characters happy in the end. She feels strongly about showing there is hope for everyone, no matter where you come from, how you identify your gender or who you love.

Hope likes to play board and card games and can often be found playing God with her Sims or running around, fighting monsters in a virtual version of Middle Earth. Her TV and movie preferences lean towards anime, sci fi and fantasy, though she’ll never turn down a good happily ever after love story, either. As long as there are explosions or action, she’s happy. She loves to read books of all kinds, though prefers stories about love in its many forms.

Find Hope at her website (http://www.hoperyan.com), email her (hoperyanauthor@gmail.com), or on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/hoperyanauthor).

To follow along….

Blood Witch by Naomi Clark

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BloodWitch-evernightpulishing-jayaheer2015-finalimage

I think one of the fun and frustrating parts of being a writer is that the idea you start out with is often not the story you end up with (or is that just me?). BLOOD WITCH is a prime example.

Blurb:

Lola Guntram is used to being an outcast. She’s the only blood witch in Fort Rosser, mistrusted by other witches and happier working solo. But when her dark practices make her the prime suspect in a brutal murder investigation, she’s forced to turn to others for help. Not that she has many allies – her ex-girlfriend thinks Lola is the killer, and the local coven leader thinks Lola will corrupt them all if she gets too close.

 

Help comes in an expected – and alluring – form. Tristesse is a demon on the run, beautiful, enigmatic, and suspiciously keen to assist Lola while she chases down the real killer. How can Lola refuse? With the police breathing down her neck, accusations flying, and inhuman monsters on the streets, Lola needs all the help she can get. The killer is angry, desperate, and determined. But so is Lola Guntram. And she doesn’t care how dark or bloody the magic has to get – she’s going to stop them.

 

This novella started out as a way to keep myself occupied during my Christmas break last year, and turned into a labor of love. It’s also turned out to be a bit of an exquisite corpse, in the sense that it’s a patchwork of ideas and characters from other projects I started and abandoned in the past. Some facts:

1. The opening scene is an adaptation of something I scribbled in a notepad before work one morning. A witch (then called Lilah) was being interviewed by the police. At that point I had no idea why and I never wrote any more. I did steal that opening and turn Lilah into Lola for BLOOD WITCH.

2. The start of chapter two, where Lola visits her ex-girlfriend, Rowan, started life as an urban fantasy parody I was writing to amuse myself. It was supposed to be part of a really OTT cliched UF story, but I ended up taking it too seriously (as I am prone to do) and decided to make it part of BLOOD WITCH.

3. One of the side characters, Caleb, was originally a secondary character in a paranormal romance I was writing a few years back. I got about 20k in before realizing I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I liked Caleb and decided to work him in somewhere else.

BLOOD WITCH has come a long way from my initial idea of a short story about a witch falsely accused of murder. That core idea is still a big part of the story, but the world has grown beyond my plans and I now see this as the start of a series instead of a stand-alone mini project. I’m so glad my original plan changed so much because now I get to explore and share a whole new bunch of ideas and characters with you!

Excerpt:

Once home, she returned to her books. Now she had a definite symbol to look for, she was able to narrow down the search of her considerable library. In a battered tome called Symbols, Sigils, Signs and Seals, she finally found it. She barely remembered buying the book; most likely she’d picked it up secondhand somewhere, mentally added it to her “to-read” pile and forgotten about it. She’d always bought far more books than she’d ever get round to reading.
Still, there it was in plain black ink on the yellowed page. The same sigil she’d seen on Isako’s floor. It wasn’t alchemical, as she’d first thought, although it shared the typical sparse lines and deceptive simplicity. The language of alchemy was really just a form of shorthand, indicating herbs, liquids, and equipment. This sigil, according to the text, could be broken down into several smaller ones, but combined together like this, it meant just one thing. A word. A name.
Gehenna.
Hell.
Lola rubbed her scars, tracing the lines of countless spells cast, immeasurable energy drained and used. She’d cast spells for self-confidence, spells of attraction. Spells for good luck, spells for decision-making. Once she’d spent almost twenty-four hours casting a spell that wove together blood and fire magic to help a client take revenge on her rapist. That was dark magic, made of dark intent no matter how worthy the cause. That was the only time she’d broken the “harm none” rule, and she didn’t regret it. That was the kind of magic the Choir thought was just the tip of the iceberg with Lola. It was the hardest spell she’d ever worked, the grayest, and absolutely the most satisfying.
It was nothing compared to this sigil and what it meant.
Gehenna. There was only one reason, the book stated, that you would write this symbol as part of a spell, and that was to open a doorway. Write it in freshly-spilled blood and you weren’t just opening it, you were kicking it down. With someone else’s freshly-spilled blood…
Lola set the book down, stomach churning. She had to tell Yvette.
But what could Yvette do? This was way outside the Choir’s comfort zone. Fuck that, it was outside Lola’s comfort zone. This was bigger than elemental magic, bigger than blood magic, and bigger than motive Lola could have guessed at.

This was demonology.
Murder was just the beginning.

Buy Links

Evernight Publishing
All Romance Ebooks
Amazon US
Amazon UK

About the Author
Naomi likes writing, perfume, fancy tea, and unfathomable monsters from the dark spaces between the stars, not necessarily in that order. She has been writing stories ever since she learned how to write, but is still trying to master the art of biography writing. When she’s not dealing with werewolves, demons, or sea monsters, she’s hanging out with her cat and probably watching a documentary about Bigfoot. If the cat isn’t available, she’s with her fiancé watching cookery shows and silently plotting her next book.

 

Find me online:

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Wil and Pleasure by Iyana Jenna

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Will and Pleasure

by Iyana Jenna

  • ISBN: 9781611526172 
  • GENRE: BDSM • Contemporary • Erotic Romance • Fiction • Gay 
  • LENGTH: 15,465 words

 

Book Summary:

After his parents’ nasty divorce, Jake Welther was raised by his mother, so when his father dies, he’s surprised to find his name among his brothers’ in the will. Jake never thought he’d get anything from his old man, but neither the house nor the money is his inheritance. It’s a young sex slave named Luke.

Luke is a product of the streets. One unfortunate night, a bad encounter with a client ended with him curled up in an alley, filthy and hurt. When Craig Welthier Sr. took him in, Luke thought he was finally safe and protected. Little did he know Craig would turn out to be worse than any of his previous clients.

With his father gone, Jake doesn’t know what to do with Luke. His three brothers see no harm in continuing to use their father’s slave for their own twisted purposes. Though he doesn’t think of himself as anyone’s hero, he knows what Luke has endured at the hands of his family is wrong. Can Jake stand up to his brothers to rescue Luke? Will Luke find his happy ending after all? 

 

EXCERPT:

Now Luke regretted not paying more attention to the other words Craig had spoken.

My family. In the darkness, his world was falling apart.

“Running away, are we? Forget it. Your place is here, among those of us who love you.”

His eyes flew open as his head was yanked back by his curls.

“And I see that you’re neatly dressed, eh? Since when have we permitted that?”

A flash of fury flickered in Luke’s mind. You can’t order me around, I don’t belong to you.

Alas, it seemed he could read Luke’s mind. The fingers around his arms tightened, so that he whimpered. His silent fury was replaced by trepidation. He looked up in terror at the man standing before him.

“You don’t think you belong to us now?” Craig Jr. gripped Luke’s jaw tightly. “What? What, you dare to talk back now?” The older man growled as he saw Luke attempt to say something. Craig squeezed his jaw one last time before he released it. Vision blurring with tears, Luke panted for a moment before he whispered his answer.

“I-I owe you nothing. My arrangement was with your father.”

That earned him a brutal backhand across his face. Luke almost forgot to breathe, and the brother clutching him was so surprised he almost let go, which would have sent Luke sprawling to the ground.

“You don’t talk to your owner that way,” said Craig. “Bring him inside!”

As the two at his sides heaved him back into the house and Craig slammed the door behind them, Luke realized that this time, the door was closed to him forever.

* * * *

That was the best dream ever, Jake thought, as he turned over, still half-asleep. His right arm stretched out and smoothed the pillow beside him, reveling in the warmth of it.

It sent Jake’s eyes flying open, a frown creasing his brow. Warmth? What was the meaning of that? Had someone been there?

With a start, Jake turned sharply to his side and lurched into a sitting position. His breath came hard and fast.

That wasn’t a dream at all. He’d experienced the most gratifying pleasure that was brought to him by … by Luke, his late father’s sex slave. Jake almost gagged at the thought.

Jake shot out of his bed, grabbing his jeans and buttoning his shirt as he rushed to the door. He had a hunch that Luke had attempted to flee and two things whirled in his head — one, that his brothers had captured him and were now giving him the most heartless punishment …

… and two, which shocked him, that he was infuriated at Luke’s ploy. Somehow he felt cheated. How dare Luke do something like that to me! Jake felt like thrashing the guy himself instead of letting his brothers do it.

* * * *

Luke stood in the corner of his small room, across from the door, clasping his hands between his legs, his body trembling.

The merciless brothers had forced the jeans down his legs and ripped them away, and then torn the seams of Jake’s T-shirt. Neither Seth nor Craig had bothered to ask him to take it off. They liked to see him writhe in agony as the tattered tee was pulled away from his body, cutting Luke’s skin, leaving it red and abraded. He slowly curled up against the cold floor with his back to them, his eyes squeezed shut, trying to keep in the tears. His lips tightened to suppress sobs.

But Craig wouldn’t let Luke alone. He barked an order to his brothers who jerked Luke back on his feet at once. Seth took Luke’s hands and wrenched them away from his body, while Luke tried very hard to pull them back. Horror filled his mind heard Craig’s heavy strides heading around toward his back.

Luke didn’t dare lift his face, though, and his eyes only caught the oldest Welther’s feet, so he missed Craig releasing his belt until it snaked from his hand, tip grazing the floor on the edge of Luke’s sight. Luke twisted in Seth’s grasp, weeping and pleading. Please, please. Not like this. Craig Sr. had never done this to him. He often threatened it, yes, but could often be dissuaded by a pathetic gaze.

 

BUY FROM:

JMS Books

 

About the Author:

Iyana lives in Jakarta, a city famous for its traffic jams, a lot of cars and motorcycles, and people selling stuff on the roads. You can spend two hours on the road going to a place you can reach in half an hour in a normal situation. Thanks to the traffic jams, though, Iyana can come up with a lot of stories, mostly shorties, as she prefers to spend the time during her trips writing into her cell phone rather than sleeping.

 

Another thing Iyana loves is kitties. Right now she has five of them. Their names are Larva, Nyil, Cil, Betsy, and Horus. When she doesn’t write, she plays with them, or they would play with her when she writes.

 

Author’s Links:

 

Blog | Website | Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

 

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Bound by Desire by Tempeste O’Riley

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Bound by Desire

by Tempeste O’Riley

Desires Entwined series #1.75
M/M Erotic Contemporary BDSM Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: May 30th 2014 (ebook)
Length: Short

Order From:

♥Dreamspinner Press♥ All Romance ♥♥ Amazon ♥ B & N ♥ 

Add to:Goodreads 

Description:

Part of the Desires Entwined series – Ideally read between Designs of Desire and Desires’ Guardian.

Despite his past abuse, James has come to terms with his relationship with his Dom and lover Seth. Seth treats James with all the trust and love his sub desires. There is only one thing left to do to make it all complete: Seth needs to put a collar on James.

About the Author:

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, Rainbow Romance Writers, and WisRWA. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com.

Author Lnks:

Website♥Goodreads ♥Twitter ♥Facebook ♥Google + ♥DSP ♥Blog

 

Rock Star Ex by Jewel Quinlan #Audiobook

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Rock Star Ex is Now Available in Audiobook Version

You can now find it on Audible, Amazon and iTunes

Written by: Jewel Quinlan

Listening Time: 3 hrs and 6mn

Narrated by: Josh Goodman

Blurb:

Social media consultant, Eve Everett, is less than thrilled when her business partner hooks them up with a job covering celebrity rock band Arsenal.  Their new lead singer, Devon Quinn, is the man who broke her heart five years ago.  But there’s no way Eve can turn down the assignment. It’s the big break their fledgling company needs.

To boost Arsenal’s social media presence the band’s manager wants intimate coverage, especially of Devon,  which means traveling with the band  in their tour bus while they promote their new album.  It’s not long before Devon tries to rehash the past but Eve would rather leave it buried where it is.

When Eve is asked to be part of a music video, she decides it’s a great opportunity to reap some revenge by showing Devon what he’s missing. But soon she’s the one losing control. Will Devon once again claim her heart as well as her body?

Excerpt:

“It’s good to see you again, Eve,” he said softly so the others wouldn’t pick up on it.  He knew she wouldn’t want to hear it.  It couldn’t be helped, but it just had to be said.

Her head snapped up, eyes wide.

“That’s what I wanted to say the other night, but you didn’t give me a chance.”

Big mistake.

Her eyes narrowed.  “I didn’t give you a chance?  Then I’d say we’re even.”

“Look, Eve, things didn’t happen the way you’re thinking.  It wasn’t like that.”  He set the bottom of Tommy’s guitar on the floor, his hand on the neck, and leaned closer in to talk to her.

“The way I’m thinking?” she repeated.  Standing up straight, she stuck one foot out to the side and said in a low hiss, “Look, Devon, the facts are the facts.  You left and I never heard from you again.  Not once.  It has nothing to do with the way I’m thinking.”

He tensed.  It was happening again.  She was misunderstanding him.  “No, look, that’s not what I mean, okay?”

“Oh, then what do you mean?”  She cocked her head at him and waited.

“It’s…it was hard on the road, to keep in touch with anyone, for a lot of reasons.  You don’t know what it was like.  I mean we were bouncing around from place to place, driving for long periods of time and then having to work until really late at night.  It was pretty much impossible to communicate.  Besides, you had no answering machine back then, remember?”

She visibly puffed up.  “I see, so it’s my fault you couldn’t communicate with me?”

“I’m not saying it was anyone’s fault, Eve.  Just that there was no way to call.”  He felt relieved.  He had finally been able to tell her, to explain.  Maybe now she would understand.  Well, when she calmed down at least.

“And you couldn’t write a letter?”   She spoke quietly but the words dripped acid.

She had him there.  Even though she was several inches shorter he suddenly felt very small.  He looked down and stuck a hand in his pocket, not knowing what to say.  That was an even more complicated topic.

Her cold eyes were on him.  The silence stretched on for another moment.  Before he could gather any other words to try to explain she turned and headed back up front, her ponytail slapping him in the face as she went.

 

Ebook Version Available At

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Barnes & Noble

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Author Bio

From a young age, Jewel Quinlan had an abundant imagination and strong desire to write novels.  She particularly enjoys writing paranormal and fantasy romance. An avid traveler, she has visited fifteen countries so far (which she enjoys using as settings in her novels) and has plans to see more of the world. She has a particular fondness for Bavaria and studies the German language as one of her hobbies. During the day, she works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and, at night, she writes romance. She currently lives in Orange County, California with her two dogs; Shimmer and Penny.

For more information visit her website and blog or you can follow her on Facebook and Twitter

My Writing Process Blog Tour!

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Welcome to My Writing Process Blog Tour!  I was invited to play along by my wonderful friend Elyzabeth M. VaLey.  She did this very thing last week and you can find her post here: http://www.elyzabethmvaley.com/. At the end you will see the other authors that I invited to participate after me.  I was supposed to pick three…but as always I had to go above a little and I picked four!

 

So follow me into the way my crazy Muse works: I was asked four important questions: 

1)     What am I working on?

 2)     How does my work differ from others of its genre?  

 3)     Why do I write what I do?

  4)     How does your writing process work?

Okay for the first question of what am I working on.  To answer that I’d have to say what am I not working on!  Whew!  I am constantly working on stories.  I love writing and since getting my first contract in March 2012 I have been writing like mad and will continue to do so.  I write contemporary, paranormal right now and have plans to go into other genres. I like to see women that resemble me so I write Interracial romances. Though that doesn’t mean I haven’t done other combinations besides bw/wm.  I have written f/f, m/f, m/m/f etc but no matter the gender combinations or racial combinations it all boils down to love.
Second question is how does my work differ from others in the genre?  Hmm that’s a toughie.  I mean if you really think about it in any genre there is an overflow of talent running around.  For myself personally I like to write the things that I like to see. I try to be different by I try to take a usual plot and make it my own through my characters.
Third question is why do I write what I do?  I love romance, but most importantly I love it when I can create characters and their worlds in which they have problems and that problem is overcome because of their love for one another.
Hmm now the fourth question is a bit of a tough one.  My writing process varies as I have a full time job, two kids who are still little, a eight year old and a ten year old.  I have to write where and when I can. I can multitask with the best of them. Meaning I can write while there is a ton of stuff going on in the background. Kids,music,television…you name it, doesn’t bother me. There are the times though, that I need absolute quiet to write.  This is few and far between for me but it does happen.  I sometimes get images of the characters and name them and build from that. Other times I get the title first or a story idea.  It’s never the same process but it does have the same end result.
Plain and simply put…I LOVE WRITING!
Now for introductions of my fellow authors I’ve chosen to follow in My Writing Process footsteps:
Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life. Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America® and Rainbow Romance Writers. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com.
Seraphina Donavan is a hopeless romantic with a wicked & oh-so-dirty mind! Those things, combined with her love of writing, prompted her to take the leap and transform those fantasies into written words on a page. As a curvy girl herself, Seraphina has made it a point to celebrate those women with delicious curves with her work through writing and the hot men who love them.
She currently has 17 published books & is working on many more..
Living in Central Kentucky, Seraphina spends her time rescuing stray animals, working for a non-profit agency and dreaming of becoming a best-selling author. She lives in a home that has more character than working parts and enjoys spending time with her fur babies. Feel free to contact her with any questions or thoughts on your mind.. She loves connecting with her readers & hearing from anyone! You can find her here: seraphinadonavan.blogspot.com
Brandi has wanted to write since she was a kid. She went from fairytales to romance. When she isn’t writing she is caring for her nephews, gaming or drawing. Brandi has an obsession with music and constantly has some sort playing. If she’s writing she is known to have tea or soda and candy or chips by her and music blasting in the background. 
My blog link:http://bgillilan.blogspot.com/

Jessica Jayne: I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English because I could not imagine doing anything else but reading and writing. It is such a pleasure to be able to share all the stories in my head!

In the journey of life, I got my law degree (and license) and also became a wife and a mother of three children. So, life is always an adventure.

I love to read and write… obviously! I’m a huge sports fan, especially college football and the Ohio State Buckeyes!  Go Steelers!  Go Rays! Go Lightning! I LOVE to travel… LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to travel. And I love sharing my love to travel with my children. Did I say I love to travel? I love to drink coffee in the morning and tea at night! I love a good glass of wine, especially if it comes from a bottle made by the FOOLS wine club… yep, I’m a founding member of that crazy group!  J  I love hanging out with my family and my friends!  Music makes me happy. I’m a mix between country girl and city chic. But I love nothing more than putting on my jean shorts, tank top, cowboy boots and hat and watching Tim McGraw or Eric Church belt it out!  I’m a sucker for a cowboy hat! J

Favorite quote:  “If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.”

www.jessicajayneauthor.com

Take it away my girls!

 

Light of the Moon

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I’m so happy to say that Light of the Moon found a new home with Hot Ink Press.  It’s releasing tomorrow!  Look at my gorgeous cover from Rue Volley.  That girl is seriously talented.

 

 

Light of the Moon

A dance of seduction, a play for love.

A dance of seduction under the light of the moon turns into a night of passion, but will that be enough for Aponi to keep the man of her dreams enchanted? Or will the flame that was ignited die out just as quickly as it sparked?

Buy it here: http://smarturl.it/amazonlightofthemoon

Crutches and Ring Splints? What’s that got to do with romance…

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Morning everyone! I’m thrilled to be here at Nikki Prince’s author blog. Today I’m going to talk a little about the ring splints you see on the books cover an the crutches from the blurb (see below, :c) ). You see, my knowledge of EDS, the genetic disorder James has, is not just from internet research. Nor is my knowledge of forearm crutch. I too have EDS, use crutches to walk, and honestly should have the splints on a couple of fingers—similar to what you see on the cover. Did I mention how much I love the cover Reese Dante created for my guys?

Anyway, the point is that I know what it’s like to be seen for your assistive aids instead of for who you are and that is one of James’s biggest problems. He hates that people see his “sticks” instead of him. He’s given up on finding his prince and on love for himself in general.

Seth Burns however is not a man that cares about such trifles. If he sees something in you he likes, then that’s it. Period. The catch is convincing James that he’s serious and that he’ll not turn into another monster… like his previous partners have.

So what do ring splints and forearm crutches have to do with romance? Everything! We all have hurts and fears, James’s are just a little more noticeable than most. Besides, why can’t the physically challenged but wonderful man get his HEA? In Designs of Desire you get to travel along with James as he learns that his disabilities are not what define him… his heart is.

I hope I’ve interested you in my first story with Dreamspinner Press. James and Seth can’t wait to share their story with you (warning, they love the readers to visit their bedroom too, lol)!

Designs of Desire
by Tempeste O’Riley
M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: July 29th 2013
Length: Novel

Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.

As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.

James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?

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Excerpt:

Once you’ve read over everything and start your designing, I want you to visit the site we chose for the first hotel. It’s here in Milwaukee, so it shouldn’t be too far for you. Would you be ready by Friday?” At James’s accord, Seth opened his briefcase and began pulling out folders and large manila envelopes and setting them in front of James. He paused, peered up at James, and blinked hard. “I should call someone to carry these things for you,” he mumbled, glancing at the items and toward James’s crutches. “You can’t fit all this in your bag.”

James pinched the bridge of his nose while counting to ten in his head. Why do they always see the sticks instead of me? “Mr. Burns.”

“Seth, please,” he interrupted, giving James a soft smile.

“Seth, Chase acts as my assistant when needed. He will tend to anything I can’t transfer up to my office personally. There is no need to be concerned.”

A strange look flashed across Seth’s face, but his expression quickly returned to his previous in-command smile. “Very good then.”

They chatted a bit about ideas and plans before Seth shifted his coat sleeve back to check his watch. With a slight frown, he said, “Well, I need to head back to the office. I will leave this all in your fine hands, James. Please call me here.” He pulled out his business card and wrote something on the back. “I look forward to our next meeting.”

Seth held out his hand. James flexed his fingers and clasped the offering. He knew this was for work, but somehow it felt different this time. Warm and strong, the grip shot tingles up his arm. Seth seemed to hold on a little longer than necessary for business needs. It had been so long since a man touched him, at least without violence or pain. James shook off the thought he might be interested. Beautiful men like Seth didn’t waste their time on guys like him. Besides, he wasn’t certain he wanted to go down such a painful road again.

James stood in the doorway, watching Seth saunter out the main doors, wishing for something, though not really sure what.

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About the Author:

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud member of Romance Writers of America® and Rainbow Romance Writers. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com.

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Vivi Dumas-Interview and giveaway

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Nikki, thank you so much for allowing me to hang out in your spot. I hope your reader find me fun and entertaining. If not, then maybe they’ll just sign up for the giveaway. I’m giving away a Kindle Fire as a part of this blog tour and my release celebration.

Please go to this link to enter the giveaway.

Her Black Knight Giveaway

 

Nikki:  Are you anything like your heroines or heroes?

Vivi:  This is a good question. I think there is a little piece of me in each of my heroines. I think so far my heroine most like me is Bell LaCoste in my Dueling in the Devil series. Bell was kind of the antagonist in the first book, Soul Catcher, giving everyone Hell. I loved Bell so much, I gave her her own book. I just finished book 2, Sweet Revenge, and it should be out soon.

Bell is tough, independent, and think need anyone, especially a man. This was the younger, more naive Vivi. I had a hard time letting go of my independence when I met my hubby. Bell learns as I did that having someone special in your life enhances the person you are and not take away from it. This can be a tough lesson to learn when you’re stubborn, which Bell and I are both gifted at being. lol

Nikki:  Where can readers find you (What websites, emails etc)?

Vivi:  I’m everywhere but the best places to hang with me are…

Website: www.vividumas.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/vividumasfanhub

Twitter: @viv_dumas

Nikki:  What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Vivi:  This may sound corny, but it’s true. Between my day job, writing, the multiple other writing relation projects I have, and the hours my hubby works, every minute I have away from those things, I spend hanging with my husband. When the kids are home, I have with them. I have very limited amounts of downtime, so I try to make it count and spend it with the people who are important to me. Every now and again I try to sneak out and hang with my girlfriends. It seems those opportunities get fewer and further between.

Outside of that. I usually double duty everything. I have my favorite shows on TV. I like to travel, but it’s difficult sometimes. I like interior decorating, crocheting, READING, eating (need to find a way not to like this), and I have a curious mind – I like learning new things.

Yes. I know. I’m a little schizophrenic. I would say I’m working on it, but I kinda of like being this way. Never a dull moment.

Nikki:  Favorite dessert?

Vivi:  Yep. Dessert in general. Anything chocolate is a double yep. Lol.

Nikki:  Favorite way to relax?

Vivi:  My favorite way to relax is a beach, a book and a fruity drink.

Nikki:  What TV shows do you watch?

Vivi:  Oh so many. Where do I start? My very favorite is Big Bang Theory. Sheldon Cooper is my nerd crush. I watch a lot of the investigative/mystery type shows, like NCIS, Bones, CSI, and Criminal Minds. Then on the other side, I love my paranormals, like Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Being Human, Charmed (still watch reruns before work in the morning), and True Blood. Then completely on the flip side I watch a lot of the history channel and the learning channel. I like to find out about other cultures and times. I have an abundance of useless information stored in my brain.

Oh…also an HGTV junkie on Saturdays.

Nikki:  Tell us five things about you, that we wouldn’t know.

Vivi:  Five whole things…let’s see.

I was born in Osan, Korea. Yes. I’m half Korean.

Korean was my first language, but don’t ask me to speak it now. I learned to speak English in school.

I grew up the majority of my youth in Germany. Lived there for seven and a half years.

I used to be in the Army.

I’m allergic to everything or at least it feels like everything. Therefore, I travel with my own linen.

Nikki:  Tell us about your newest release.

Vivi:  Her Black Knight is my newest release from Breathless Press. It’s about a woman name Gwyn, who’s having trouble catching a man due to her interests in all things Medieval. Gwyn’s busy body mother buys here a single’s retreat vacation to England. Gwyn find the man of her dreams, only he isn’t from this time. He’s a 15th century knight from Camelot. But Morien is her perfect match. Sometimes we have to take a leap of faith in order to get watch we’re looking for.

Blurb:

Gwendolyn Braxton was born in the wrong century. She submerges her life into the study of the Renaissance Era. She is the resident expert on all things Arthurian in the DC Metro area, maybe even the U.S. Unfortunately, none of her knowledge helps her to find her own Knight in Shining Armor. Actually, as a Black woman in Washington D.C., it runs men off like the plague. To make things worse, her mother has stepped in to fix her before she plunged into spinsterhood.

Morien Knight is far from home in search of an artifact lost in history, a history he longs to emerge himself back into. His small sabbatical from his mission to participate in the Kentland Castle Resort Renaissance Faire might lead him to exactly where he belongs. Morien learns when dealing with the poetic lessons of his old friend, Merlin, things may not always exist as you expect.

Nikki:  What can the readers expect from you in the near future.

Vivi:  My next release will be Sweet Revenge, which is the second book in my Dueling with the Devil series. I’m also working on book 2 in the Chasing the Grail series. This book is about Macy, a sassy mechanic from Baltimore, who finds herself needing rescuing. Sir Percivale comes to her aid like any good knight would.

Nikki:  Where can we find your book(s)?

Viv:  You can find my books on Amazon, ARE, and most other retail chains, like Barnes and Noble. You can always find the buy links, blurbs and excerpts for my books on my website.

Here are the buy links for Her Black Knight

Amazon | ARE | Breathless Press

Thank you so much for being such a gracious host. I love to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out to me!

Nikki:  Vivi thanks so much for stopping by and telling us a bit about you and your fascinating new release. I can’t wait to read this myself.