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Sharing our love of M/M Romance

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Guns n’ Boys Series by K.A. Merikan: Exclusive Guest Post with Giveaway

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Guns n’ Boys Series Blog Tour

Book #1 He Is Poison
Book #2 He Is Mine
Book #3 Homicidal Instinct
Book #4 Swamp Blood
Book #5 Chokehold
Book #6 Bloodbath
Book #7 Gilded Agony

Midway through writing the Guns n’ Boys series, our covers have gone through a radical transformation.

When we first published book 1, we thought we found the perfect photo for it. It needed to be dark, to communicate its serious atmosphere and the violence between the characters.

But we didn’t take into account a very important issue–despite these books having so much action and blood, they are romances at the core, and that was what the cover needed to project. So no matter how much we loved the old covers for their style, by the time we got to book 5, we bit the bullet and approached our designer (Natasha Snow) for a big rework of all the covers.

We wanted them to be hot, dark and gritty. So yes, we went full man-chest 😉 When starting out in M/M romance we had big dreams of artsy covers. Kat even drew the first one herself! But as we learned about the market and gained better understanding of what makes an eye-catching cover and how it needs to communicate genre and content at first glance, we needed to change our approach. This is what we came up for the series with Natasha:

Including the latest one:

It features an attractive man, while still communicating the themes of violence, entrapment, and building intrigue.

When the time came to think about the cover for book 8, we knew we needed to keep the series branding and make it somewhat similar in style, but because “Guns n’ Boys: A Breath of Innocence” has much less violence and a sweeter relationship, this is what Natasha came up with for it:

We were delighted to have all this brightness and light after the darkness that always lurks somewhere in Domenico and Seth’s relationship. The bright background will nicely distinguish the books about Mark and Griffith while staying in the same style as the whole Guns n’ Boys series.


To begin your journey with Seth and Domenico you should start here, with Book One: He Is Poison.

— Love like butterfly knives in the stomach. —

Domenico Acerbi. The Villani Family’s best assassin. Ruthless. Vicious. With no patience for weakness.

Seth Villani. The Don’s son. Clueless. Stubborn. In dire need of someone to keep him in line.

Domenico Acerbi grew up ready to give his life for the Family. Ready to follow orders and exceed expectations. A proud man of honor.

The last thing he wants to deal with is training the Don’s son for his future role within the organization. Lazy, annoying, spoiled, and as hot as a Sicilian summer, Seth Villani is no mafia material. But a man who could never become a threat might just be what Domenico needs.

Seth Villani wants nothing to do with the mafia. Unfortunately, he doesn’t get a say when he’s pulled back into the fold. Thrown into a den of serpents otherwise known as the Villani Family, Seth has to find a way to navigate the maze of lies. But when Domenico Acerbi, the most vicious snake of them all, sinks his fangs into Seth, letting go becomes impossible.

If Seth is doomed to follow in his father’s footsteps, he might as well enjoy himself with the most intoxicating man he’s ever met. Maybe he can even fool himself into believing that Domenico isn’t a handsome sociopath who kills for a living.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:

Themes: Enemies to lovers, mafia, homophobia, assassin, organized crime, forced proximity

Genre: Dark, twisted M/M romance / crime thriller

Length: ~110,000 words

WARNING: Adult content. Sizzling hot scenes. If you are easily offended, this book is not for you.
‘Guns n’ Boys’ is a gritty story of extreme violence, offensive language, abuse, and morally ambiguous protagonists. Behind the morbid facade, there is a splash of inappropriate dark humor, and a love story that will crawl under your skin.

K.A. Merikan are a team of writers who try not to suck at adulting, with some success. Always eager to explore the murky waters of the weird and wonderful, K.A. Merikan don’t follow fixed formulas and want each of their books to be a surprise for those who choose to hop on for the ride.

K.A. Merikan have a few sweeter M/M romances as well, but they specialize in the dark, dirty, and dangerous side of M/M, full of bikers, bad boys, mafiosi, and scorching hot romance.

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M/F ROMANCE BY MISS MERIKAN

Comment on the post to win, one person from each stop in the blog tour will win their choice of a backlist ebook from K.A. Merikan.  Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for your chance to win the Grand Tour Prize. (You can enter this one daily for more chances to win!)

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Out of Focus by L.A. Witt: Retro Review with Excerpt and Giveaway

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For the last twelve years, Ryan “Angel” Morgan and Dante James have been partners in every sense of the word. They’re lovers, they run a successful photography business together, and couldn’t be happier. The only problem? They’re both dominants who crave submission. Solution? Bring in submissives for sizzling hot threeway action.

When Jordan Steele hires the photographers from his sister’s wedding to shoot some promo pictures of his stallions, the sparks fly. There’s something about them, something that’s anything but vanilla, and he wants a taste of it. He’s inexperienced, but curious, and Angel and Dante are more than happy to show him the ropes.

Jordan is exactly what they need and they’re exactly what he needs, but when emotions come into play, he may be more than they bargained for. After all, the one thing Angel and Dante can’t give each other is submission. If one of them can get love and submission from Jordan, will the other be pushed out of the picture?

Length: 100,000 words

Amazon

I slid my hand onto Angel’s knee under the table. As he often did, he’d been tapping his foot against the chair leg, but he stilled beneath my hand.

“You get a look at the brother of the bride?” I asked.

He whistled, sliding his hand over mine. “Oh God, yes. I got several looks at him.”

“You and me both.” I shook my head. “That man is liquid distraction.”

“No shit.” He ran his thumb back and forth along my wrist. “Imagine how I felt, trying to focus on the bride when I had that standing there being all gorgeous and entirely too dressed.”

“Too dressed?” I glanced in Jordan’s direction, then turned back to Angel. “He’s in a tux.”

“I know.” He shrugged. “He should be naked in our bed.”

I chuckled. “Pity he’s already got someone.”

“Seriously?” Angel released a sharp huff of breath. “The good ones always do, don’t they? It’s a crime, I’m telling you.” He clicked his tongue. “And his other half probably doesn’t share, either.”

“I don’t know; I didn’t ask. He was pissed enough that I interrupted their little lover’s quarrel.”

He blinked. “You did?”

“Well, I didn’t have much choice.” I turned my hand over under his. “I needed Jordan’s help with something.”

“Yeah,” he said, lacing our fingers together, “I’ll just bet you did.”

“Okay, so I didn’t.” I shrugged. “But things were getting a little heated between them, so…”

“Eh, I’d have done the same.”

That much was true. We had our subtle ways of separating people when tensions got too close to a breaking point. Situations like that, particularly with the way alcohol and grudges made frequent appearances at weddings, could too easily erupt into a screaming match or a fistfight. So, we’d long ago devised ways to casually intervene. Moderately intrusive? Yeah, probably. But if it kept a wedding from turning into a brawl—and that had been known to happen—then it was worth a little social faux pas.

The bride and groom were making the rounds, saying hello to guests while Troy’s and Phoebe’s cameras flashed. Normally I wouldn’t leave assistants to cover anything without at least one of us shooting as well, but these two kids were damned good. They were going to be some serious competition for us when they were out on their own. Assuming Troy ever got a decent pair of shoes, anyway.

So, we didn’t worry about them while they trailed the newlyweds and we took a break. Ah, it was good to be the boss.

As dinner wound down, the cake cutting and such were coming up. Almost time to get back to work. While I did a quick battery check and changed out my memory card, fabric rustled behind me.

“Enjoying yourselves?” Jennifer asked.

“Absolutely.” I started to turn around. “This food is—” The words stopped in my throat. That wasn’t the groom standing next to her.

She gestured at him, as if I hadn’t noticed his presence. “This is my brother, Jordan.”

I smiled. “Oh yes, we’ve met.”

“We haven’t.” Angel stood and extended his hand. “Ryan Morgan.”

Jordan shook his hand. “I—it’s…” He paused, moistening his lips as a hint of pink appeared on his cheeks. “It’s nice to meet you.”

To her brother, Jennifer said, “I need to go pretend to like my in-laws, so I’ll leave you alone with them.”

He chuckled. “Okay, thanks.” She picked up her skirt and headed back toward some of the other tables. After she’d gone, Jordan said, “I, uh, my sister said you guys do pretty much any kind of photography?”

I’m dreaming. I’m totally dreaming. Oh God, please tell me he wants—

I cleared my throat. “What did you have in mind?”

“I breed and train horses,” he said. “And I’m campaigning a couple of stallions this year. I need a few more up-to-date photos for my website and some ads.” He raised his eyebrows. “Is that something you guys would be interested in doing?”

“Well, we’re always happy to help someone flaunt a stud,” Angel deadpanned.

Jordan blushed even more, dropping his gaze as he muffled a cough of laughter. “Right. Well. I haven’t had great luck with my last couple of photographers, so I’m very much in the market for someone new.” He paused, the color in his cheeks deepening slightly. “A new photographer, I mean.”

“Can you handle two?” Angel asked.

If the poor man’s cheeks got any redder…

“I’m sure we can help.” I shot Angel a glare, and he widened his eyes as if to say “What?” I rolled mine and looked at Jordan again. “We haven’t done any equestrian work in a few years, but show us some examples of what you have in mind and we should be able to give you what you want.”

A shy smile played at his lips. “Good. Then—”

His teeth snapped together as his significant other materialized and put a hand on his shoulder. Jordan’s hackles went up, his eyes narrowed, and judging by the way his cheek rippled, he must have been tightly clenching his jaw. The two men exchanged the coldest glare I’d seen at a wedding since the last time we put divorced parents into one picture, and the hand on his shoulder lifted away.

Then Jordan shook himself back to life and made a sharp gesture his companion. “Sorry, I’m being rude. This is Eli. My—”

“Just Eli is fine.” He didn’t offer a handshake or any other greeting, and neither of us made any attempt to do so either. Awkward silence descended, and I had a feeling Jordan was once again seconds away from lashing out at his…just Eli.

“Anyway, you were saying?” I asked Jordan. “About your photos?”

“Right.” Jordan cleared his throat. “Anyway, I’d like to sit down and discuss what I’m pricing, scheduling, all of that.”

“When would be a good time?” I asked. “If you’d like, you can come by the studio, and we’ll sort out the specifics.”

He nodded. “I can do that. During the week would be best. My weekends are usually shot.”

Angel pointed at his camera. “So are ours.”

Jordan laughed. “Yeah, I guess they would be.”

“Would Monday be good for you?” I turned to Angel. “We’re there all day this Monday, aren’t we?”

He nodded. “All in-studio shoots that day. Last one’s at four thirty, and we’re usually there until six or seven.”

“Why don’t I swing in around five, then?” Jordan asked.

“Five works,” I said.

Angel pulled out his wallet and took out a card. “That’s the address. Just give us a call if anything changes.” Jordan took the card, but jumped like Angel had shocked him. Knowing Angel, he’d made sure their fingers brushed, and Jordan’s blood pressure was probably all over the place now.

Jordan recovered quickly though, sliding the card in his back pocket as he said, “Will do.”

Eli shifted beside him. “Good, now why don’t we go grab a couple of drinks?”

“Okay, okay.” Jordan exhaled and added a muttered, “Like you need another fucking drink.”

“Hmm?” Eli asked.

“Nothing.” Jordan looked at us. “I’ll see you guys on Monday. Thanks.”

“Not a problem,” I said. “See you then.”

We watched the happy couple wander toward the bar with a good arm’s length of frosty distance between them.

“You know,” Angel said, “I take back what I said earlier about it being a crime that a man like that is taken.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” He turned back toward the table and picked up his glass. “It’s a crime a man like that is taken by a douche bag like that.”

Out of Focus is one of my all time favorite menage books.  Menages are one of my favorite tropes but it has to have that special connection between all three MCs.  I, unfortunately, am hard to please when an established couple of years decides to bring in a third.

L.A. Witt is an auto buy for me but I was still nervous about how she would bring all three men together.  Angel and Dante have been best friends, work partners and lovers for years.  They run a photography business.  While shooting a wedding they meet Jordan, the brother of the bride.  Their relationship starts out as business associates but morphs into a sensual relationship.

Without giving spoilers….Angel, Dante and Jordan come together during an erotic photoshoot which leads to wanting more.  Witt does an outstanding job with telling their story of discovery, longing and persuit of happiness. Angel and Dante need Jordan for more than his submission so we get to see their story unfold into a loving, committed menage.  It is so beautifully written you’ll wish for it to continue.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great menage story.  If menages are not your thing I beg you to try it…..You won’t be disappointed.

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…

Website: http://www.gallagherwitt.com

E-mail: gallagherwitt@gmail.com

Twitter: @GallagherWitt

Blog: http://gallagherwitt.blogspot.com

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April 9 – Mirrigold, Mainely Stories, SLLY, Dreams & Screams Bookaholics, The Way She Reads, My Book Filled Life

April 10 – Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, BooksLaidBareBoys

April 11 – Books To Get Lost In, Momma Says: To Read or Not To Read, Two Chicks Obsessed

Apirl 12 – RAM PA Group, Drops Of Ink, Reading In Sarah’s Corner, Queerly Reads, Blazing Zane Book Blog, MM Good Book Reviews

April 13 – Thorns & Ink, Twinsie Talk, Mean Girls Luv Books, MJ’s Book Blog & Reviews, Book Review By Virginia Lee

 

Once Burned L.A. Witt: Spotlight Tour with Giveaway

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​ Captain Mark Thomas’s world has been tossed on its head: A long overdue but still unexpected divorce. A promotion out of left field. Last-second orders to a ship where careers go to die. As the dust settles in his new home, he barely recognizes his life, but he sure recognizes the loneliness creeping in.

Diego Ramírez wants nothing to do with the military or its men. Not after the Navy burned him both literally and figuratively, costing him his career, his health, and ultimately his green card. Now working illegally in an Anchor Point bar, he keeps the military and its personnel at arm’s length.

But after a single moment of eye contact across the bar, Mark and Diego can’t resist each other. As a one-night stand quickly turns into more, Diego knows he’s playing with fire. Now he can stick around and let things with Mark inevitably fall apart, or he can run like hell and wonder what might have been. One way or another, Diego knows he’s about to get burned. Again.

50% of the author’s royalties from this book will be donated to charities supporting US military veterans who have been deported or are at risk of deportation.

Amazon

Welcome to Anchor Point!

Nestled on the northern coast of Oregon, this small town is home to Naval Air Station Adams. On base, you’ll find freshly minted Sailors who’ve just graduated boot camp, salty officers counting down till retirement, grounded pilots who’ve landed behind desks, and everyone in between—and they’re all looking for love. Well, not all of them, but that won’t stop love from finding them.

So pull up a barstool, grab a beer, and get ready for some sea stories as these men in uniform—or not—navigate the waters of love and life in the military.

Anchor Point stories can be enjoyed in any order. Hop in wherever you’d like!

 

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who has finally been released from the purgatorial corn maze of Omaha, Nebraska, and now spends her time on the southwestern coast of Spain. In between wondering how she didn’t lose her mind in Omaha, she explores the country with her husband, several clairvoyant hamsters, and an ever-growing herd of rabid plot bunnies. She also has substantially more time on her hands these days, as she has recruited a small army of mercenaries to search South America for her nemesis, romance author Lauren Gallagher, but don’t tell Lauren. And definitely don’t tell Lori A. Witt or Ann Gallagher. Neither of those twits can keep their mouths shut…

L.A.’s backlist is available on her website, and updates (as well as random thoughts and the odd snarky comment) can be found on her blog or on Twitter (@GallagherWitt).

 

To celebrate the release of Once Burned, L.A. is giving away reader’s choice of two eBooks off of her backlist! (Excludes Once Burned.) Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on April 14, 2018. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following along, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!