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The Other Book by Roe Horvat: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

February 4, 2019 by Denise

It was supposed to be just sex… Famous last words.

Tyler doesn’t overthink pleasure and avoids complications. He knows it might be stupid to get involved with his closeted boss, but the temptation is too great. At first, the cold and beautiful Joel Sandstrom seems to loathe Tyler’s guts.

Except one late night at the office, his reasons become clear…and his control breaks.

Every time they touch, Joel’s stony face comes alive, harsh lines smooth out, and for a minute, he looks serene. Happy, even. Just sex – dirty, intense, spectacular sex.

During their covert encounters, Tyler discovers the power he has over the lonesome man, and it’s a heady feeling. What if he could set Joel free and give him peace of mind? When Tyler realizes how much Joel needs him, he doesn’t regret breaking his own rules.

Length: 42,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Roe Horvat

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

(warning: adult language, explicit scenes)

He kissed me. I loved the sensation of his tongue dancing with mine—the constant hunger and desire. Joel inched closer, letting me feel his hardness. Within seconds, we were moaning and clawing at each other, both of us rock hard, dry-humping in my friends’ kitchen. It was the wine, I bet.

I slid down on the floor, and before Joel could protest, I opened his chinos. I took him down my throat. He groaned and leaned back against the counter.

“So…ah! I can’t do…the dishes in their… Oh fuck! Their kitchen,” Joel hissed, and his fingers tugged at my hair. “But. A blow job is…okay?”

“Mm-hmm,” I hummed and licked his slit.

“Damn. Yeah.”

Joel gripped my head and started fucking my face, but his movements stuttered after the first few thrusts.

“Shit,” he blurted, agitated. He inched back, but with the counter behind him he had nowhere to go.

Worried about what had made Joel start, I turned my head and noticed Adam standing in the doorway.

I stood and covered Joel’s body with mine, hiding his partial nakedness from Adam’s amused, hungry eyes. I felt Joel tense in my arms when our chests touched.

“Sorry,” I said to Adam over my shoulder. “Got carried away.”

“I’m glad. You should continue,” Adam responded with a kind smile and came closer, putting an empty tray on the counter next to us—much closer than was necessary.

“Adam,” I said with a warning.

He chuckled. “I know! Sorry. I’m going. Don’t stop on my account.”

I turned to Joel, afraid of how he’d react, but upon meeting his gaze I paused.

Joel’s wild eyes were full of lust. Fear was there too, but the lust eclipsed it. His chest was heaving, and his hard, spit-slick cock was pressed against my abdomen. I felt the wetness seep through my thin T-shirt as he clung to me.

He parted his lips, but no sound came out. His blown pupils flicked between Adam’s retreating back and my face.

The situation clicked into place. Suddenly, I understood Joel’s earlier questions in a different way. Joel wanted me for himself. He also wanted to live—to explore, to let himself feel without the constant pressure and expectations. It didn’t get any safer than this. Here, with my friends, he could do anything, be anyone. I wanted to give him that. I wanted to let him experience what I used to feel, and it could only be more amazing because now there wasn’t only trust, friendship, and desire. There was love, too.

“Adam, wait,” I called.

“Yeah?” Adam asked from the doorway.

“Come back.”

I never looked away from Joel’s eyes. He understood the question in mine and nodded. I kissed him.

I gripped the back of his head and forced my tongue inside his mouth, not letting him breathe. I sensed Adam next to us, watching. I sucked on Joel’s lips and tore my mouth off. Joel chased it. I spoke before he could kiss me again.

“It’s your call. Everything. Whatever you say is the rule, understand?”

“Yeah,” Joel breathed.

I licked at his lips and dropped down to my knees again, Joel’s exposed cock in front of my face. Adam sucked in a breath next to us. I lifted my gaze to check Joel’s expression. He watched me as if Adam weren’t there. At the same time, there was a new energy to him—a new level of excitement.

I took his erection by the root and licked the head slowly.

“Damn,” Adam breathed.

I licked again. Joel moaned, his eyes pinned on my face.

I suckled on the head.

“C, baby, come here!” Adam called.

I half expected Joel to back off after that. But he just tangled his fingers in my hair and moaned again when I sucked harder, taking him in deeper.

I heard Christoffer’s steps in the hall, in the kitchen, and then came his voice from behind me. “Oh.”

“He’s exquisite,” Adam whispered.

“Fuck, yeah,” Christoffer confirmed.

Indeed, Joel was a sight to capture and keep safe for future generations. He bowed his spine, supporting himself on the edge of the counter, his hips pushed forward, rocking slowly into my face. I stroked his ass, tugged his chinos down and kneaded the bare muscle. Joel threw his head back and moaned loudly. He looked like he didn’t care about the audience, yet I could tell, he was trembling with the joy of being watched. And, holy shit, I hadn’t thought I could love him more.

Often with books that are erotica, there are lots of sex scenes, and little in the way of storyline. I’m glad to say The Other Book exceeded those expectations by a mile.

I really enjoyed this book, when I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I haven’t read this author before, so I came into this completely absence of knowledge or expectations.

This book had sex scenes, loads of them…and super sexy ones at that. Whew! HOT! HOT!! HOT!!! Joel learns quickly what he really likes with Tyler, and they spend lots of time exploring.

However, there was plenty of backstory with these two men that assisted in helping Tyler and Joel connect with each other, and grow and learn as individuals. They even connected (in many, many ways!!!) with Tyler’s friends Adam and Christoffer.

Definitely recommend, especially if you want lots of sexy times in your reading tonight. 😉

4 pieces of eye candy

Jan 30 – The Way She Reads, Boulevard des Passions, Diverse Reader, Gay Book Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed, Feb 1 – Sanaa’s Book Blog, Cupcakes And Bookshelves, Amy’s MM Romance Reviews, What’s Amy Reading?, Kimmers Erotic Book Banter, Mikku-chan, Xtreme Delusions, Feb 4 – Book Corner Reviews, My Fiction Nook, Mainely Stories, Love Unchained Book Reviews, Feb 6 – Making It Happen, Feb 8 – Mirrigold, Valerie Ullmer, Lillian Francis, Bayou Book Junkie, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wicked Reads

Queer fiction author Roe Horvat was born in the post-communist wasteland of former Czechoslovakia. Equipped with a dark sense of sarcasm, Roe traveled Europe and finally settled in Sweden. He came out as transgender in 2017 and has been fabulous since. He loves Jane Austen, Douglas Adams, bad action movies, stand-up comedy, pale ale, and daiquiri, with equal passion. When not hiding in the studio doing graphics, he can be found trolling cafés in Gothenburg, writing, and people-watching.

More about the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roe.horvat.98
Twitter: @roehorvat
Website: roehorvat.com
Publisher: http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/?n1=authors&id=107

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His Kindred Spirit by Sloan Johnson: Exclusive Cover Reveal, Excerpt ad Giveaway

February 4, 2019 by Denise

TCO is excited to once again have Sloan Johnson stopping by today. She has brought her brand new cover from her upcoming Dreamspinner Press States of Love book, His Kindred Spirit, along with a great new excerpt. Make sure you check it out, and leave a comment for the giveaway. Thanks Sloan! Congrats!

Dane has built his life around not relying on anyone but himself. When he travels from New York City to North Carolina at the request of his estranged, incarcerated father, he learns truths he’d rather not know… along with inheriting a share in his grandfather’s inn. But the place comes with complications, including a man he will have to walk away from—but can’t help falling for.

Brook has only known romance through notes left in a mailbox at the end of the beach. When he’s tasked with showing his boss’s gorgeous nephew what makes Sunset Beach and Bird Island special, he’s compelled to take Dane to his favorite place.

Dane never wanted the inn, but when it’s threatened, he steps up to defend it… and keep the man he’s coming to love by his side and in his life. But first they’ll have to clean up Dane’s uncle’s mess.

States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.

Title: His Kindred Spirit

Author: Sloan Johnson

Release Date: March 29, 2019

Category: Contemporary, States of Love

Pages: 131

Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht http://brookealbrechtstudio.com

Dreamspinner Press eBook

Our conversation faded, and we sat watching the tide creep up the beach with every set of waves. The sound of a girl shrieking in the distance followed by rich laughter made me smile. I tipped my head back and closed my eyes, wishing I felt up to a walk across the island tonight because the weather was perfect for it.

When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t believe what sat on the table. A green notebook with the edges curled up from use. “Where’d you get this?”

Dane’s cheeks turned pink, the corner of his mouth lifting upward in a shy smile. “I figured you hadn’t been out to the mailbox since the night we were there. Thought you might miss your reading time.”

“So you made a four-mile round-trip for me?” Maybe I shouldn’t have been shocked, because that was the type of guy Dane was, but no one had ever gone out of their way like this for me. I didn’t have a lot of dating experience, but I’d never even been able to get any of my boyfriends to walk out there with me. They all thought it was a redneck tourist trap, not worth wasting hours of their time. But Dane, who I’d treated like crap last Saturday morning, had walked out there and brought back a book for me to read without me even asking.

“Go on, pick a page and read it to me.” Dane slid lower in his chair and closed his eyes.

I flipped the notebook open to a random page.

“What’s it say?”

“This one’s cheesy,” I warned him.

“Don’t care. Whatever page you open it to is the one you have to read.” He sat up and smiled. “That’s a new rule I made up. The people who write those notes want to be heard, so let’s hear them.”

Heart. Melting. “Okay, just remember you asked for it. Based on the handwriting and what it says, I’m pretty sure this was a teenage girl, probably out there with her parents, but maybe not.”

“You’re stalling,” he pointed out, smirking again. If I was bolder, I’d have lunged over this table and kissed that cocky grin off his face.

“I met the most amazing guy yesterday, but I probably won’t get to see him again. He was funny and really cute. And he said I had a nice smile. No one’s said that to me before, probably because I had those stupid braces for so long. But he liked my smile…”

I kept reading until the end of the letter, signed with a heart with two sets of initials.

“That wasn’t so bad,” he said when I finished. “I wonder if she did get to see him again before they left. Or if they at least kept talking. I hope so.”

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a closet romantic, Dane Montgomery,” I teased.

Sloan Johnson is a big-city girl trapped in a country girl’s body. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields, while surrounded by concrete and glass.

When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool, and started plotting her first story soon after.

Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book?

Leave a comment for Sloan about her upcoming book, and you could win an ebook from her backlist.

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Gage (Trenton Security Book 3) by J.M. Dabney: Release Day Review

January 30, 2019 by Denise

The forbidden is the sweetest lure.

Trenton Security’s Public Relations go-to was Hayden Gage. He loved his job, and it kept him distracted from the demons haunting his nightmares. His past wasn’t up for discussion, and Hayden wouldn’t allow it to intrude on his future. Yet, that was easier said than done when his best friend came to him desperate for help, and it put him right on the path to his one weakness.

Young didn’t equal lost.

Derrick Thorpe lived in the shadow of his father’s mistakes. Although he was adopted by Linus Trenton, he wanted to prove that he wasn’t like his biological father. When he was asked to go undercover to help at Trenton Security, it put him in close quarters with Gage. Being Gage’s was only an act, but when lines blur, what happens when the operation ends?

Amazon

Another hit with the crazies of Trenton Securities team.

In this one, we have Gage, who you should remember from previous books, and Derrick, who was the former sheriff’s son, adopted by Linus and his brood. Remember him? Well, he’s a man now, and he’s got his sights set on Hayden Gage.

Gage however, like all the other guys that have been brought into the fold, has a troubled past. Much like Derricks, and I was surprised that that wasn’t touched on a little bit more. They’re backgrounds and “daddy issues” as Gage called them once, were very similar. Both of them equally as heartbreaking, living with abusive and sadistic father’s… .Gage tries to keep his distance from Derrick because his rage and anger from a life he left long ago was still at the forefront just begging to be unleashed.

While there is a trigger warning, there is also somewhat graphic details of self-harm. Normally, I’d cringe at this, but it was explained in the most perfectly accurate way, it made it relatable, if that makes sense? Like, instead of judging a person on why they do it…. Listen to actually WHY, someone might do it. If you didn’t understand before, Gage should give you a better understanding. I appreciated that.

So, Gage is set on keeping his distance, and Derrick is mourning the death of a dream that he’s had for far too long about belonging to Gage, but when Gage’s best friend and teammate calls because his daughter’s gone missing… they’re thrust together to try and find her.

Going undercover wasn’t ideal for Derrick, but he knows that if they have any chance of finding the missing girl, he has to do it….and any chance to spend with
Gage, he’s taking that too. However, during the mission, lines get blurred and it’s harder for Gage to deny what he feels for Derrick, and the things he might want from him. It also gives Derrick the option to show Gage that he’s not scared of him, or what he wants… and in fact, it might just be what Derrick wants to.

And fear not, we do get justice for the abused…. I kind of adored Kray and I feel like down the road, he’d have an amazing story to tell… I especially hope to get him a happily ever after. If anyone deserves one, it’s him. I’m also super excited for more of Raul and Pure… I have a feeling they’re just waiting on their third… because if they haven’t figured it out between the two of them yet, something has to be missing. I’m hoping not, because minages aren’t my favorite… but this author makes it work… so I’ll deal if it is…. But I sincerely hope he’s next!

Overall, as always, it’s another sweet and hopeful addition to an awesome, daddy-loving series. I’ll just be over here, impatiently waiting for more!

5 pieces of eye candy from me

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See the Light by Kate McMurray: Release Day Review

January 29, 2019 by Denise

Kate McMurray brings friends-to-lovers to the Great White Way

Up-and-coming Broadway actor Jeremy was given two days to get up and get out. Dumped by his long-term boyfriend and suddenly homeless, he needs a sofa and a sympathetic ear, stat.

Enter Max, aspiring makeup artist and Jeremy’s BFF and former roommate.

Max has been in love with his best friend forever. Now that Jeremy is back in his home, his old feelings are back, too. He’s happy to help his friend, but this time…it’s complicated.

When Jeremy gets his big break in a new show, the message of the play hits home. “Live life to the fullest” means recognizing how he really feels about Max, and that’s not complicated at all. Jeremy’s in love, and wants to move full steam ahead.

But Max has waited too long for Jeremy to look at him this way, and he doesn’t want to risk his heart. If this is just a rebound fling, or if Jeremy is only interested in Max because he’s convenient, it will not only shatter him—it will ruin the best friendship he’s ever known.

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I love Broadway. Especially Broadway musicals. I am a certified theater geek and drama nerd. No shame. And I absolutely loved that musical theater, Broadway and all of the behind the scenes was so prominent in this love story.

This is a friends to lovers-my favorite. Max and Jeremy grew up together as best friends. Roomed together in college and shared an apartment after college. Until Max and his unrequited love could take it no longer. But they remained best friends because Max didn’t really tell Jeremy how he felt. And being that they remained best friends, Max offers his couch when Jeremy and his live in boyfriend break up.

The first kiss scene was a bit contrived and cheesy, but it was still swoony and sweet. Seeing Jeremy realize what was right in front of him was awesome. And Max got everything he was wanting- and sabotaged it!

There was mention of Max not knowing how to be truly happy because he had battled depression in the past. And he does look into seeing a therapist again. But that was about it. I would have liked to see that go further. It’s an aspect of depression that I think doesn’t get explored enough.

So it is Jeremy that fights for the happily ever after. And I loved it.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

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Living on the Inside by Londra Laine: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

January 29, 2019 by Denise

Micah Grayson lives in his baby mama’s guesthouse. It’s unconventional and awkward, but he’s happy for a chance to reconnect with his teenage son. He doesn’t have time for other distractions—no matter how sexy, independent, and compassionate that distraction might be. Besides, he’s not good enough for more than a fling—no one would ever take him home to meet their parents.

Adrien Darling has book smarts, but no street savvy—at least that’s what his family says. And after a heart-breaking betrayal by the man meant to love and protect him, Adrien believes them. But then a gorgeous guy with a defeated look in his eyes walks into Adrien’s coffee shop and makes him want to take a chance.

After years of living on the outside as two misfits looking in, both men are afraid to reach for more. But in each other’s arms, Micah and Adrien find out what it’s like to live on the inside. As their tender bond grows and blossoms, old insecurities bubble to the surface. Will their commitment crumble under the pressure? Or will the two find the strength to fight for each other.

***Please be aware that this book contains a flashback of and several references to domestic abuse that may be triggering to some readers.***

Title: Living on the Inside

Author: Londra Laine

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: About 55,000 words

Genre: Romance, Single dad, gay romance, interracial, ex-con, domestic abuse, work romance

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Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“Is that what we are?” Micah asked quietly. “Friends?”

“Yeah,” Adrien answered. “I hope so.”

Then he was surrounded by Micah’s body. Adrien hesitated for a moment before returning the other man’s embrace, locking his arms around Micah’s torso. A few seconds into the hug all the reasons why he needed to pull away from Micah—now—raced through his mind. But he couldn’t make himself do it.

Adrien had been fighting his attraction, but the man had slipped past Adrien’s defenses. Micah’s earnest joy at making progress with his son. His trust in Adrien as he shared his insecurities. His nonjudgmental attitude. Their growing friendship. All those things made him feel strong and needed. Adrien wanted more of that feeling. He leaned into Micah.

Micah sighed as he squeezed Adrien tighter, and Adrien’s body sagged against him, the fight against his attraction to Micah leaving his body. He tucked his head into the crook of Micah’s shoulder, and gave in to defeat, breathing in the salty sweet scent of Micah’s skin, running his palms up the man’s back.

The scent and feel of Micah was heady, and Adrien’s head swam as he let his eyelids flutter shut, let his lips graze the exposed skin between Micah’s neck and shoulder. Micah tensed against him and his breath hitched, making Adrien wonder if he’d gone too far. But then Micah’s palm slid up Adrien’s neck, cupping his nape, grazing a thumb along his hairline.

Micah moved his other hand lower, resting it right above Adrien’s ass, his fingers lightly grazing the swell below Adrien’s hips.

“Adrien,” Micah grated out. Adrien pulled back, slowly opening his eyes. Micah licked his lips, his eyes skimming Adrien’s mouth, and then he leaned forward.

Adrien met him halfway, their lips connecting in a kiss. The light brush became a firm press then flared, hot and wet, as Adrien ran the tip of his tongue against the seam of Micah’s lips. Micah submitted to Adrien’s silent request, parting his lips to give Adrien access to his tongue and mouth.

Then a loud honk made them jerk apart as a car sped past them, headlights bright and blinding. Their chests heaved, and Adrien took in Micah’s disheveled hair and damp lips and wondered if he looked nearly as enticing to Micah.

Adrien’s gaze skittered away, and he grimaced, embarrassment replacing the intense need he’d felt moments ago. What was he doing? He knew better than this. He’d been down this road before. He couldn’t get involved with an employee again.

Then a terrible thought occurred to him. What if Micah felt like he had to hook up with Adrien? Had Adrien pressured him in some way? Shit. Negative thoughts tumbled through his mind, making him dizzy. He had to nip this in the bud.

“Micah, about what just happened—”

“Our kiss?” Micah moved closer to him.

Adrien’s eyes wandered, unable to meet Micah’s. “Yeah, the kiss. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to—I’m sorry.” He shook his head and Micah stopped the motion by gripping Adrien’s chin between his forefinger and thumb. He lifted Adrien’s face to his.

“I’m not sorry.” Micah’s voice was quiet in the night.

Second chances all around!

When we first meet Micah, he’s out on a scorching hot day, trying to find a job. Any job will do, he just needs something to help his best-friend and child’s mother raise his son. He hasn’t been an active parent in the kids’ life, because a part from being in prison for several years, he just thought the little family was better off without him. When his “baby mama” as she’s referred to several times in the story, talks him into moving in with her to save on money and be there for their son, he’s down to get any legal job that will hire him.

And before I go on, because he does find a job in a little café, owned by Adrien… we’ll get there in a sec. I absolutely adored the relationship between Micah and his best-friend/kid’s mom, Rhina (I think that’s how you spell her name)…. I love that as a single mother, who knows that Micah made a mistake that sent him to prison… she puts the needs of her son before anything and so selflessly tries as best as she can to help Micah have a relationship with his son. She pushes for them to. I loved that the ex wasn’t petty, and when she finds out that he’s interested in men, she isn’t jealous or upset. She’s so accepting and really a champion for Micah, the literal only champion for Micah because his family is awful and his son is understandable distant, if not a little bratty (again understandably) …. Until he meets Adrien of course.

So, as I said, Adrien owns the coffee shop that Micah applies to and hires him on the spot. He reads the application so he knows about his conviction. Fortunately, he’s got a little experience with a family member who had once broken the law and found a hard time finding work. Just because you make a mistake, doesn’t make you a bad person. Micah was honest about it and didn’t make excuses, so, he hired him. Cute, eh?

So is the attraction that these two feel for each other. It’s slow-going, they’re friendly and then co-workers, and then friends before anything else. With Adrien training Micah and showing him the ropes, they spend a lot of time together, getting to know one another and in turn, trying to deny their feelings for each other. It’s not easy. Adrien seems to have a thing for the broken and misguided types of men, who often times cause him trouble. Like his ex-fiance he lost a year prior. Reggie, you will not like, he isn’t a guy you like. I don’t want to give him away, but I wasn’t upset about his fate in the story.

While Adrien is smitten with the guy with such sad eyes, Micah is taken with the gorgeous business owner who treats him like a person instead of a problem. I hated the way both of their families treated them, though I could understand why Adrien’s just wanted to make sure he was happy. Micah’s are just terrible and I’m glad they don’t get any page time.

It’s a rocky road though, when it seems like all the problems are stacked against them. There’s little angst, and what little there is, is short lived. I’m not sure I all the way forgive Adriens’ brother Gabe, but I could see where he was coming from too, even if his execution was ridiculously out of line and I’d have been hard pressed to forgive him!

All’s well that ends well though, and I wouldn’t mind reading more about these two! They were super cute together.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Londra has loved reading since she figured out how to do it. She writes to give her guys the happy ending she wishes everyone––no matter their race, religion, gender, or orientation––could experience in real life.

Londra makes money as a communications manager. She is a former journalist, a runner and a mezzo soprano.

In 2010, she moved from her native California to New York City where she lived in Harlem for nearly eight years. In early 2018 she relocated to Seattle with her spouse.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | eMail | Queer Romance Ink

https://www.facebook.com/londra.laine

https://twitter.com/londralaine

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17281418.Londra_Laine

Londra.laine@gmail.com

https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/10439/

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The Case of the Voracious Vintner by Tara Lain: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

January 29, 2019 by Denise

Where Bo Marchand comes from, gay men are just confirmed bachelors who never found the right girl. But now Bo’s a successful winemaker on the central coast of California, supporting his whole damned Georgia family, and all he really wants is the beautiful, slightly mysterious Jeremy Aames.

Jeremy’s vineyard is under threat from Ernest Ottersen, the voracious winemaker who seems to know all Jeremy’s blending secrets and manages to grab all his customers. Bo tries to help Jeremy and even provides a phony alibi for Jeremy when Ottersen turns up dead in Jeremy’s tasting room. But it’s clear Jeremy isn’t who he claims, and Bo must decide if it’s worth tossing over his established life for a man who doesn’t seem to trust anyone. When Jeremy gets kidnapped, some of the conservative winemakers turn out to be kinky sex fiends, and the list of murderers keeps dwindling down to Jeremy. Bo has to choose between hopping on his white horse or climbing back in his peach-pie-lined closet.

Title: The Case of the Voracious Vintner
Series: Middlemark Mysteries: Book 2
Author: Tara Lain
Release Date: January 29, 2019
Category: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 279

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10 Wine Facts from Tara Lain’s The Case of the Voracious Vintner

Hi. I’m Tara Lain and I’m so happy to be celebrating the release of my new mystery novel The Case of the Voracious Vintner. As its name implies, the book’s heroes are wine makers and I thought it could be fun to share some inside wine growing facts that I include in this new romantic suspense.

The book is set on the central coast of California in the lesser known California wine country in and around Paso Robles. This is a favorite area of mine and if you’re visiting California, I highly recommend this area as a stop. Like it’s more famous cousin Napa Valley, the central coast wineries are dotted along one winding road, so touring and tasting are easy.
The central coast makes all kinds of wines, but is most famous for red zinfandel. If you’ve never tried it, I suggest giving it a taste. Not as heavy as a cabernet, zinfandel is a smooth, robust wine with great flavor that could turn you into a lover of reds.
Many wineries, like those of my heroes, make most of their money not from finished wines, but from selling grapes and bulk wine to larger wine makers.
I also love the more famous wine country in Napa Valley, so I set a few scenes on a trip there. This is a fantastic area for a visit, packed with great food, beautiful scenery and, above all, amazing wine.
The winery, Hilltop, owned by my hero Jeremy Aames in the book is based on an actual winery on the central coast where they not only have delicious wines, but also the best sandwiches ever.
If you’ve read any of my books, it’s not hard to guess that my favorite alcoholic beverage is champagne, so I had to include a trip to a champagne maker in Napa.
America’s premier maker of sparkling wine (aka champagne) is Schramsberg, located in Napa Valley. They actually have miles of caves where they keep wine as I describe in the book and they riddle (turn) their bottles by hand.
Dry farming as is done by my hero Bo Marchand is an actual way of making wine, which uses almost entirely natural rainfall for irrigation and when you’re talking California, that’s not much rain. There are special techniques that encourage the growth of the vines and it also influences the taste of the wine.
The handsome waiter, RJ, who I describe in the book is also based on an actual person – a movie star gorgeous wine tasting waiter who I encountered at a winery on the central coast.
The references to the Dionysian mysteries in the book are based on Greek and Roman mystery groups that used wine and other intoxicants in their worship. Of course, poor Dionysus gets blamed for a lot, as is true in this story. LOL.

I hope you enjoy The Case of the Voracious Vintner!

Heart beating hard, Bo climbed out of the little silver-blue car and walked into the cottage-style building he knew to be a far more upscale establishment than its hippy-dippy furnishings made it appear. Jeremy was sitting on an old church pew against the entry wall when Bo walked in. Other would-be diners cast subtle glances at him—he was just that handsome—but his mane was pulled back into a strict tail at his neck, or they would have been staring openly. The smile he flashed as he stood went straight to Bo’s balls—and his cheeks with a flush of heat. Bo managed to get a word past his frozen lips. “Hello.”

“Hi.”

Their eyes met and couldn’t seem to let go. Fine with him, but they weren’t even close to alone. Bo swallowed hard and glanced around at the other customers, then back at Jeremy. “So, are they ready for us?”

“Probably. They said they were getting the table ready when I came in.”

Bo walked over to the hostess and used the dimples. “Hello, ma’am. I’m Bo Marchand. You’re preparing a table for me and my, uh, associate, Mr. Aames. Would y’all happen to be ready for us?” Flashing all the expensive dental work seemed to do the trick.

“Oh yes, sir, Mr. Marchand. We have a lovely table for you, private as you requested.” She fluttered her lashes.

He leaned in. “A very important business meeting. You understand.”

“Oh yes, sir.” She looked behind her. “Violet, please take Mr. Marchand to his table.” She grinned and said softly, “Or anywhere else he wants to go.”

Bo chuckled and waved a hand to Jeremy to follow as Violet led them to a booth toward the back of the restaurant. They slid in on either side of the table.

Violet smiled. “Do you know what you’d like to drink?”

Jeremy asked, “May we see the wine list, please?”

“Of course.” She stepped to a nearby serving table and grabbed a menu. “Here you go.” She glanced down. “Can I ask how tall you are?”

Bo grinned. “Just a tiny tad over six feet four, ma’am.”

She giggled. “I’ll be back in just a moment.”

Jeremy chuckled. “You do package the charm there, darlin’.”

Bo’s cheeks heated.

Jeremy leaned across the table and angled the wine list so Bo could see. He said, “They have a few of my blends and most of your vintages.”

Violet reappeared.

Bo said, “I’ll have a glass of the Marchand zin.”

“Excellent choice, sir.” A grin tugged at her lips. She probably remembered his name. She glanced at Jeremy. “You, sir?”

“I’ll have the same.”

“No Hill Top?” Bo asked.

“Nah, I like the good stuff.”

Violet walked away as Bo laughed. But then they were alone. Choose something to talk about. “Uh, so have you thought any more about how we can work together?”

A waiter walked up with two balloon glasses of red and placed them on the table. “Enjoy.”

Jeremy nodded. “Oh, we will.” As the waiter returned to the kitchen, Jeremy held up his glass. “To us.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Uh, to our partnership.” His nostrils flared. “I mean, to defeating Ottersen.”

Bo’s pulse fluttered in his throat. “To all of those.”

They drank and Jeremy closed his eyes, revealing long, thick lashes several tones darker than his dirty-blond hair. “Oh man, you do give good zin, my friend.”

“I’m so glad you like it.”

“I do. So much.”

The words were simple, but they made Bo shiver, and he sloshed a mouthful of wine between his lips, spattering some on the white tablecloth.

Tara Lain believes in happy ever afters – and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn’t believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her best-selling stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes — the beautiful boys of romance — and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara’s characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara’s creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers. She also loves to hear from you.

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