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Ties That Bind by Alex Whitehall: Exclusive Guest Post and Giveaway

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Thank you to Alex Whitehall for joining TCO to talk about his latest story, Ties That Bind. This looks really good, and at a short story length, a quick read to get drawn into. 🙂 Make sure you enter the giveaway at the end.

Thank you for joining me on my blog tour for Ties That Bind, the story of three men searching for a way to keep one of them alive. Now out at all major retailers!

Originally Ties That Bind was written for a submission call looking for poly relationships, but it wasn’t the first story I dreamed up. Today I’m going to talk about a few of the other ideas I brewed and what it might mean for future books I’ll write.

My main goal while brainstorming was to not have the relationship be the driving conflict. It’s too easy for me to want to fall into the insecurities of one character and have that become a central issue, so I immediately took that off the table. From there, I spent a lot of time telling my ideas to the dogs I was pet-sitting and trying to figure out what might work.

The first idea involved two men going on vacation to a house in the middle of nowhere and the “ghost” that they find there. I actually wrote several openings for this concept, but the more I brainstormed the story and how it would unfold, the more I realized that there was no way it was going to fit within the original word count limit! So it was shuffled to the side to languish until I have the time and focus to give it the attention it needs.

The next idea stemmed from one similar to Ties That Bind, drawing on threes as a source of power in magic. However, in Ties That Bind, one of the characters isn’t actively involved in the day-to-day magic, while in the potential story, it was going to be a plot point, specifically centered around the solstice and conveniently (or inconveniently) falling in love with someone you remember from high school. Again, the more I pondered, the bigger the story became and it went on the shelf. For another day.

Thinking my problem was involving magic, I wrote several openings in a contemporary setting, but after the first few pages, the characters fell flat. So I wandered back to magic, and not magic, and how a world with both would exist together, and how a mixed triad of magic and non-magic users would work, and I definitely needed to have a familiar in there…

And that’s how I got Ties That Bind. But don’t be surprised if you see something of those other ideas show up in future books!

For Chel, Tomlin, and Mathias, life is simple but good. They share a home and a love, and despite a few conflicts of personality, are happy. Mathias runs a magic shop, where he makes magic items and potions for his customers, and Tom is his familiar, helping supply his magic. Chel, who’s not magical, works at a bookshop and makes sure dinner is on the table for his lovers.

When Mathias suddenly comes down with a mysterious illness, Chel and Tomlin seek out answers. As Mathias’s familiar, Tomlin can sense that nothing is wrong with the magical parts of him, but when a trip to the doctor’s indicates nothing is wrong with him physically either, they start to worry.

Then Mathias collapses, and the search to find the truth becomes urgent.

Word Count: 17,000

Price: $1.99

For Chel, Tomlin, and Mathias, life is simple but good. They share a home and a love, and despite a few conflicts of personality, are happy. Mathias runs a magic shop, where he makes magic items and potions for his customers, and Tom is his familiar, helping supply his magic. Chel, who’s not magical, works at a bookshop and makes sure dinner is on the table for his lovers.

When Mathias suddenly comes down with a mysterious illness, Chel and Tomlin seek out answers. As Mathias’s familiar, Tomlin can sense that nothing is wrong with the magical parts of him, but when a trip to the doctor’s indicates nothing is wrong with him physically either, they start to worry.

Then Mathias collapses, and the search to find the truth becomes urgent.

Less Than Three Press

Amazon

B&N

Kobo

If there are two types of people in the world, Alex Whitehall probably isn’t one of them, despite being a person. Their favorite pastimes include reading, horseback riding, sleeping, watching geek-tastic television, knitting, eating, and running. And wasting time on the internet. And spending glorious evenings laughing with friends.

While Alex prefers sleeping over doing anything else (except maybe eating), sometimes they emerge from the cave to be social and to hunt for food at the local market. They can be found blogging, reading, and tending after their aloe plants.

Connect with Alex:

Comment with your email address below to be entered in the giveaway! The winner will be able to choose between an ebook copy of Hard Truths or an Audible download of Magic Runs Deep! Selection will be made Sunday, April 28 at 7pm. The winner will be contacted by Alex.

Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more chances to win:

Boy Meets Boy Reviews – April 24

MM Good Book Reviews – April 24

Love Bytes Reviews – April 25

That’s What I’m Talking About – April 25

Book Reviews and More by Kathy – April 26

Bayou Book Junkie – April 27

 

The Doctor’s Secret by Heidi Cullinan: Release Day Review

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The brilliant but brooding new doctor encounters Copper Point’s sunny nurse-next-door… and nothing can stand in the way of this romance.

Dr. Hong-Wei Wu has come to Copper Point, Wisconsin, after the pressures of a high-powered residency burned him out of his career before he started. Ashamed of letting his family down after all they’ve done for him, he plans to live a quiet life as a simple surgeon in this tiny northern town. His plans, however, don’t include his outgoing, kind, and attractive surgical nurse, Simon Lane.

Simon wasn’t ready for the new surgeon to be a handsome charmer who keeps asking him for help getting settled and who woos him with amazing Taiwanese dishes. There’s no question—Dr. Wu is flirting with him, and Simon is flirting back. The problem is, St. Ann’s has a strict no-dating policy between staff, which means their romance is off the table… unless they bend the rules.

But a romance that keeps them—literally—in the closet can’t lead to happy ever after. Simon doesn’t want to stay a secret, and Hong-Wei doesn’t want to keep himself removed from life, not anymore. To secure their happiness, they’ll have to change the administration’s mind. But what other secrets will they uncover along the way, about Copper Point… and about each other?

Title: The Doctor’s Secret
Series: Copper Point Medical: Book 1
Author: Heidi Cullinan
Release Date: April 23, 2019
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 250

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

There were just so many things to like about this book. Doctor and nurse. Secret relationship. Great friendships. Small town. K-Pop and Asian dramas. There was so much and all of it was fun, sexy, hot, interesting and just a really good read that kept me engaged throughout.

Dr Hong-Wei (Jack) Wu is starting his career over, almost as soon as it began, in tiny Copper Point, WI. Quite a change from the urban Texas town he mostly grew up in. After moving there from Taiwan at 10 years old. He is a blend of Americanized and traditional Asian. He feels guilty for not living up to his potential at a highly rated hospital, but the pressure was too much.

Simon is a surgical nurse tasked with picking up the new permanent surgeon from the airport. He had no idea that the doctor would basically be his fantasy man come to life. But the hospital has a fairly new and very strict no fraternization policy. Of which he is reminded constantly.

But Jack is determined and methodical. He wants to slowly court, flirt with and win Jack over. It is so sweet. He takes his time. Really getting to know not only Jack, but his best friends and roommates (who are also doctors at the hospital).

There was so much to this story that kept it moving along. Jack befriending the old Chinese couple who own the one Chinese restaurant in town (and so sweet when he calls then auntie and uncle!), fill in doctors with attitudes, church meetings, fund raisers, a sting quartet waiting to happen. And yet none of it seemed like filler. Just a full life for those living in the story.

Even with the clandestine meetings, subtle touches when there were people around, it never got super angsty at all. The biggest angst is with the Human Resources manager. There is a story there I am dying to hear.

I stayed up past my bed time to finish this book and it was totally worth it. I feel like I am not giving a great story the justice it deserves.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Under His Protection by LaQuette: Exclusive Guest Post & Excerpt and Release Day Review

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TCO is very excited to have LaQuette here today, talking about her new Dreamspinner Press release, Under His Protection. In her guest post, she talks about that one moment…where you fall in love in that instant. Check it out!

They can escape their enemies, but not the desire between them.

Prosecutor Camden Warren is on the fast track to professional nirvana. With his charm, his sharp legal mind, and his father as chief judge in the highest court in NY, he can’t fail. Nothing can derail his rise to the top… until an attempt on his life forces him to accept the help of a man he walked out on five years ago.

Wounded in the line of duty, Lieutenant Elijah Stephenson wants to ride his new desk job until retirement—not take a glorified babysitting gig with more risk than it’s worth… especially not protecting the entitled lawyer who disappeared after the best sex of their lives.

The threat against Camden’s life is real, but their passion for each other might prove the greatest danger they’ve yet to face.

Title: Under His Protection
Author: LaQuette
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 250

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

 

Hello, I’m LaQuette, and I’m so happy to be here at Two Chicks Obsessed.  Sending a huge shout-out to Denise for inviting me to chat for a bit.

As both a romance author and reader, I’m always looking at life events through a romance lens.  It’s a quirky habit of mine, but it also makes it so much fun to live in my head.

When writing my latest release, Under His Protection, I was thinking of how sometimes a single experience with a certain person can have an enormous impact on our future lives.  Hence, when crafting Elijah and Camden’s story, I wondered if one night with the right person could lead to forever.

Love at first sight is something we all laugh at.  It’s improbable if not impossible, and no one can build a future on today’s whim.

Although I don’t know how wise it is to jump in with both feet so to speak, I do believe that all it takes is an instant for hearts to connect.  Camden and Elijah are the perfect example of that.  They met once, had an amazing encounter, and five years later when their paths crossed again, they still couldn’t forget that one night.

Perhaps the idea of wagering your future on a whim seems ridiculous.  But, if there is magic in the world, I believe it’s love. How great would the world be if we all stopped for a second to embrace the magic of love the way romance novel characters do?  It might not be realistic, but it sure is an amazing thought to have.

Check out the excerpt below to see how the sparks still fly between Camden and Elijah when they meet for the first time five years after their initial encounter.

Camden turned around at the call of his name. His gaze followed the familiar sound until he was staring into eyes he hadn’t seen for five years.

Still tall, with long locs still hanging just below his shoulders, and a trimmed goatee. Skin still the same color as smooth, tanned oak. Camden’s eyes continued to travel down a broad chest and shoulders that made his fingers itch to caress them. Arms still wide with carved muscle, and a lean waist that tapered down into a thin vee made Camden swallow to push the dry knot blocking his airway free.

He forced his eyes closed as his gaze fell on the metal belt buckle sitting at the bottom of this walking memory’s waist. If he continued his perusal, if he kept remembering the fire that burned through him with every touch and taste of his tormentor’s body parts, this encounter was liable to turn into something very different from a police matter.

“Elijah?”

Camden shook his head, uncertain why he’d said the man’s name as if it were a question. This was Elijah Stephenson. Hard, beautiful, and so sexy he made Camden’s mouth water.

“You remember my name? I’m impressed,” Elijah added.

Remember? Camden laughed at that. Who in the hell could forget a real-life walking sex dream? If big, muscular men with an imposing presence were your cup of tea, Elijah Stephenson was a person you wouldn’t soon forget.

Camden was no slouch. His bulk remained tight with a personalized fitness plan that kept his muscle shirts filled and his jeans fitted. But Elijah didn’t need a gym plan or a personal trainer. His physique and power came from things like running down criminals on the street and lifting cinder blocks or some such real-world thing Camden would never engage in. He didn’t care to get his own hands soiled, but a man who liked to play in the grit of life was always Camden’s weakness.

Camden blinked his eyes again, flipped the switch in his head that turned on his prosecutor’s facade. Hands on his waist, shoulders pushed back, and eyes narrowed at his target. Camden stepped toward Elijah, refusing to let his memories or the delicious sight Elijah made shake his fortitude.

“Why are you here, Elijah? How are you involved with my case?”

“I’m your assigned babysitter, Counselor.”

Camden caught the faint hint of amusement in Elijah’s voice, and his mood soured. To keep his calm, he dismissed Elijah with a cold glare and turned to the captain at his side. “Not a possibility. Get someone else,” he demanded.

“Mr. Warren,” Captain Searlington began. If the deep breath she’d taken just before she said his name was any sign, she wasn’t all that thrilled with Camden now.

Camden sighed and pressed his fingers firmly against his temple. If he were the man his father raised him to be, he’d be throwing his weight around right now, making demands of everyone in the room. But after how poorly Camden behaved five years ago, treating Elijah like a discarded one-off, he found it difficult to muster up his practiced asshole tendencies.

“Mr. Warren, Lieutenant Stephenson has an impressive career record. He is the best at what he does.”

Camden ran a frantic hand through his raven locks. “And what does Lieutenant Stephenson do?”

“He has a nose for sniffing out the bad guys. He’s the best tactical mind I’ve seen in our house in a long time. He also has a protective streak for simpletons who find themselves in situations they can’t get out of. And when he’s called on to protect someone who can’t defend themselves, he locks like a Pit and doesn’t let go until either he or the threat is destroyed.”

Camden’s shoulders rose with every breath he drew in through his flared nostrils. Did she call him a simpleton? Did she reprimand him without so much as raising her voice?

“So,” Captain Searlington continued, “are there other officers I can assign this case? Yes. But if you want to live through this experience, I’d suggest Lieutenant Stephenson is the man for the job.”

Not gonna lie. It was the cover that sucked me in. I mean. Did you see it? Because damn.

Camden and Elijah are a second chance love story. I guess my biggest issue was that really they had one date, one night before Camden ghosted. So ya, there was chemistry and attraction and everything. But I wish there was more than a one time thing between them to spark back up five years later.

Still, I really enjoyed this story.

Camden is prosecuting the leaders of a cult who want him dead. Because they think that will stop the trial I guess? So Elijah, a lieutenant in the police force coming back from medical leave after almost dying in a bust gone wrong is tasked with keeping him safe for a week. Elijah was hoping to sit at a desk and work cyber crimes but he can’t say no to this job and the one that got away.

The hide out in Elijah’s house outside the city thinking they will have peace and quiet. Except Elijah forgot he invited his family for a long weekend. What could have been awkward was really just kind of fun. Mom wasn’t too over bearing, Dad wasn’t too scary, brother wasn’t too annoying. It was just a family enjoying themselves and hanging out. And Camden and Elijah rediscovering each other.

There was a few things that were just far too convenient- a house Elijah bought with a shell company (plus what cop can afford a house in Westchester AND an apartment in Brooklyn?), a garage apartment at his house that is unoccupied, etc.

The chemistry between the men was undeniable. And she can write a sex scene like no one’s business. They flowed though, the scenes weren’t forced at all.

The entire book only took place over the course of a week but it wasn’t rushed at all. Elijah’s family added to the story instead of getting in the way and the ending wrap up was well done without being contrived.

Won’t be my last story by this author, that’s for sure.

3.75 pieces of eye candy

LaQuette is the 2016 Golden Apple Award Author of the year winner. She writes bold & sexy tales for diverse characters who are confident in their right to appear on the page. Represented by Latoya C. Smith of LCS Literary Agency.  Visit her at LaQuette.com and LaQuette@LaQuette.com

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Badlands by Morgan Brice: Audiobook Review Tour

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Medium and clairvoyant Simon Kincaide owns a Myrtle Beach boardwalk shop where he runs ghost tours, holds séances, and offers private psychic readings, making a fresh start after his abilities cost him his lover and his job as a folklore professor. Jaded cop Vic D’Amato saw something supernatural he couldn’t explain during a shootout several years ago in Pittsburgh and relocated to Myrtle Beach to leave the past behind, still skeptical about the paranormal.  But when the search for a serial killer hits a dead end, Vic battles his skepticism to ask Simon for help. As the body count rises, Simon’s involvement makes him a target, and a suspect. But Simon can’t say no, even if it costs him his life and heart.

A psychic medium and a skeptical cop solve supernatural murders in Myrtle Beach

Book Title: Badlands

Author: Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: March 12, 2019

Genre/s: Urban Fantasy, MM paranormal romance

Trope/s: Second chance, wary acquaintances to lovers, detective/mystery, supernatural creatures

Themes: Learning to trust, regaining faith in your own abilities

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length:  8 hours 20 minutes

Add on Goodreads

Audible US

Audible UK

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 

I do like paranormal stories that involve psychics/mediums, etc. And this one really was a good story. The story didn’t overwhelm with the psychic abilities of the MC, or his “skeleton crew”. It was just a part of who they were, even if most of the crew tried to avoid it.

Vic having had a bad paranormal experience previously was tough to turn around, and I did have a hard time with Simon still falling in love with Vic, even as he showed absolutely no belief in Simon’s abilities. It led me to feeling that if you can’t trust all of the person, then you should trust none of the person.

Simon’s independence was admirable, despite all the times he was threatened. However, I did find the reasoning for the killings somewhat unbelievable, like something out of a horror movie. It seemed difficult to believe that it could or would happen, or that someone would believe such a thing.

The storyline, the characters–both MC’s and the side characters–really drew me in, though, and I look forward to seeing where these men take their relationship, and Simon’s new working relationship.

The narration wasn’t quite my cup of tea. It didn’t draw me in as much as other narrators, simply because I didn’t find a lot of voice variation. I’d have liked a bit more emotion told through the voice, not just the words. However, I did appreciate the narrator’s enunciation, as well as word pronounciation.

Story: 4 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 3 pieces of eye candy

 

Amazon

 

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Other books include Witchbane, Burn, Dark Rivers, and Badlands. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

 

Author Links

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Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter: @MorganBriceBook

Pinterest (shared with my alter ego)

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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW TOUR SCHEDULE

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Impacted! by Mickie B. Ashling: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

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Once again, Mickie B. Ashling is stopping by to bring us some fun from her latest release (re-release) Impacted! There is a great little excerpt, along with a giveaway of a DSP gift card, so make sure you enter! Can’t wait to read this book!

On his way home from vacation, Scott Gregory, a closeted sub, hooks up with the gorgeous Red, a flamboyant Dom, for a thrilling one-off at a BDSM bar. They part ways after a satisfying scene… but meet again when Robin Kennedy—Red—arrives at his new job as a dental hygienist and discovers one of his two bosses is Scott.

Robin and Scott embark on a journey of exploration into their kinkier sides and discover they’re more than compatible—they’re a perfect match. But keeping employer/employee and Dom/sub separate at the office presents difficulties, and to make matters even more complicated, the owner of the dental practice is an acknowledged homophobe.

They fall in love, but Robin chafes at all the secrecy, refusing to live in the shadows. Scott isn’t as brave; he’s desperate to protect his job and his future. Will they be able to find some middle ground… or will their entire relationship fall apart because of fear?

First Edition published by Dreamspinner Press, August 2009.

Title: Impacted!
Series: Bay Area Professionals
Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Release Date: April 12, 2019
Category: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 191

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

I’d like to thank Two Chicks Obsessed for giving me the opportunity to share an exclusive excerpt of Impacted! This novel was originally published in 2009 when I was a newly minted author. It was my first foray into BDSM and I’ll admit I didn’t know much about the men and women who participate in the lifestyle. The second edition offers a gorgeous new cover designed by Kanaka along with extensive edits for a more enjoyable reading experience. This book is the first in a five-book series involving dental and medical professionals living in San Francisco. People rarely associate sexy with dentistry but I can promise you my characters are nothing like the ghoulish men who come to mind when you think of dentists. I hope you’ll give them a try.

They met downstairs at the entrance of the building, rather than leaving the office together. Something unspoken, a shared paranoia due to the nature of their workplace, acknowledged this would be for the best. They walked several blocks until they got to Grant Street and then turned left to enter the portals of Chinatown. After maneuvering several streets, Scott led Robin into a six-table hole-in-the-wall, assuring him the restaurant had some of the best Szechwan food around.

“You like spicy?” Scott asked as they sat across from each other. Space was limited, and their knees were touching under the round table.

“I like hot sauce,” Robin replied. “Does that answer your question?”

“Yes.” Scott nodded. “The Yu Shan shrimp will make your toes curl.”

Robin chuckled. “My toes usually curl when a sub starts to beg.”

Scott felt the blood rush to his cheeks. “Are you always this direct?”

“Would you prefer a lying sack of shit?”

“No,” Scott replied uneasily, “but most men would ease into this conversation.”

“Why be ambivalent when I know exactly what I want?”

Scott picked up the bottle of beer the waiter set on the table and took several gulps. He could feel Robin’s eyes on him the entire time. He wanted to iron out the pros and cons of starting anything, given their special circumstances, but his cock had a mind of its own, and his control was unraveling.

“How do you know I’m interested?”

Robin reached under the table and licked his lips when his fingers grazed the growing bulge between Scott’s legs. “I can smell your need, Dr. Gregory.”

Scott inhaled sharply.

Robin continued to stroke, and Scott found it difficult to think of anything other than his aching groin. It was embarrassing to lose control this quickly, but he couldn’t pretend he was unaffected, not when he was so obvious.

Robin leaned forward until their mouths were inches apart. “Tell me what you want, my gorgeous pain slut.”

Scott looked down and let out a shaky groan. “I want….”

“What, baby?” Robin asked gently. “How can I make it better?”

“Hurt me,” Scott whispered, almost afraid to say the words. “Dominate me.”

“I would love to,” Robin said. He shifted in his seat, and Scott almost cried out when Robin stopped stroking. With both hands back on the table, Robin pinned him with a determined look. “We need to talk first. Tell me what your limits are.”

Scott nervously ran a hand through his hair, taking deep breaths as he fought to recover. He couldn’t believe he’d caved this easily. “I don’t like to be bound.”

“You didn’t seem to have a problem with the cuffs.”

“No, it’s the heavy stuff I can’t handle. The idea of cages, straitjackets, and ball gags make me claustrophobic.”

“So you don’t like it or haven’t tried it? There’s a difference.”

“I guess I’ve never been with anyone who made me feel safe enough.”

Robin nodded. “We’ll work on it. What about pain? Do you have limits there?”

“Not really, except you can’t mark my arms. I wear short sleeves at work.”

Scott nervously fidgeted with the utensils, and Robin reached out and laid a firm hand on his. “Don’t be embarrassed.”

Scott laughed a little too quickly. “I’m really nervous, for some reason.”

“There’s no need,” Robin said, radiating confidence. “We’ve already lived through the awkward first date—which exceeded my expectations—and I can’t wait to be alone with you again, but getting these pesky questions out of the way will guarantee future success. Do you have a favorite tool?”

“I like most of them, but I prefer the cane.”

Robin whistled. “You are a little pain slut, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Shall we pick a safeword?”

“Already?” Scott asked, surprised.

“I want you something fierce,” Robin stated matter-of-factly. “I’ve had a raging hard-on since I walked into the office and saw your beautiful face.”

“God….”

“Don’t you want me?”

“More than anything.”

“Good,” Robin replied in a low voice. “I want to be sure we’re on the same page.”

“Oh yeah, same page, same book,” Scott acknowledged.

Robin squeezed Scott’s hand and turned it over. He rubbed his thumb in gentle circles on Scott’s wrist, moving gradually up his arm. Goose bumps erupted, and Scott forgot how to breathe. The gentle strokes turned rougher, and Robin snuck under the short sleeves and dug his nails into the tender skin near Scott’s armpits. Scott’s whimper wasn’t planned, but the satisfaction on Robin’s face made Scott wish they were in a private room so he could lunge at the man and kiss away the smirk.

“You’re so fucking responsive,” Robin husked.

“Robin?”

“What, baby?”

“Can we go to my place after we’re done eating?”

“Hell yeah, but you need to pick a safeword before we leave.”

“It used to be red, but obviously I’m changing it. How about blue?”

“Whatever works for you, baby.”

“Please don’t call me baby.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t like it.”

“I do, and unless this is a hard limit, I’ll call you whatever I want,”

 

Mickie B. Ashling is the pseudonym of a multifaceted woman who is a product of her upbringing in multiple cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West. A little bit of this and a lot of that have brought a unique touch to her literary voice she could never learn from textbooks.

By the time Mickie discovered her talent for writing, real life got in the way, and the business of raising four sons took priority. With the advent of e-publishing–and the inevitable emptying nest–dreams of becoming a published writer were resurrected and she’s never looked back.

She stumbled into the world of men who love men in 2002 and continues to draw inspiration from their ongoing struggle to find equality and happiness in this oftentimes skewed and intolerant world. She admits to being an angst queen and making her men work damn hard for their happy endings.

Mickie currently resides in a suburb outside Chicago.

Contact Info

E-MAIL: http://mickie.ashling@gmail.com

BLOG: http://mickiebashling.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MickieAshling

INSTAGRAM: @mickieashling

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004QSCN3E

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2904716.Mickie_B_Ashling


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Trusting Him (The Retreat #2) by L.M. Somerton: Blog Tour, Excerpt and Review

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Luke Redding’s military background is an asset when it comes to managing The Retreat, but it hasn’t helped him find the submissive he longs for. A secluded life in the New Forest, witnessing a stream of happy couples playing out their fantasies, doesn’t provide much opportunity to develop a relationship either. When a friend’s manipulations lead to him taking on silver-haired Skye as a trainee sub, Luke finds it hard to trust in his own ability to provide the guidance Skye needs.

Skye Ingham wants to explore his submissive nature but the noise and crowds at The Underground are overwhelming. He can’t believe his luck to be taken under Luke’s wing and offered a job at The Retreat. As Luke tests his boundaries, Skye trusts him implicitly, but how can he convince his new Dominant to have faith in himself?

Amid the bustle and excitement of a big house party at The Retreat, Luke and Skye edge their way towards a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and desires. But it will take a final leap of faith to secure their future and open a path to love.

Trusting Him (The Retreat #2) by L M Somerton from April 9 – 13.

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Trusting Him (The Retreat #2)

Author: L M Somerton

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Release Date: April 9, 2019

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M BDSM

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 59 495 words

It is a standalone story within The Retreat series.

Add on Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Pride Publishing

It wasn’t dignified, but Luke twisted around in his seat to take a look at his potential employee as he wound his way between the tables. He hadn’t formed an impression of what Skye might look like, but the reality was better than anything Luke’s imagination could have conjured. Skye was slight, delicate, maybe five feet six or seven, no more. His skin was lightly tan, a coloring that Luke guessed came from his heritage rather than the sun. He had no tattoos that Luke could see and considering that all he wore was a short leather kilt, that didn’t leave much room to hide any. The wavy hair Luke had assumed was pale blond was in fact silver-gray, though the boy’s eyelashes and brows were a much darker shade, which made Luke wonder if the silver was natural.

Skye stopped in front of the table facing Luke and Carey. He clasped his hands behind his back and ducked his head. “Gordy said you wanted to see me, Mr. Hoffman.” Skye’s voice was so soft Luke had to concentrate to catch his words.

“I did, Skye. You remember I spoke to you about a job at The Retreat in Hampshire?”

Nodding, Skye darted a quick look at Luke. Luke caught a glimpse of violet-blue eyes before Skye focused his gaze on the carpet once more.

“Well, this is Mr. Redding. He’s in charge of The Retreat. I want you to wait on us over lunchtime and show him what you can do.”

“Hello, Skye,” Luke said, keeping his voice low and trying to project reassurance. “I hear you’ve had excellent training. We have a mixture of guests staying at The Retreat, but they all have something in common. They love their food. We have a dedicated chef and customers can pick their own menus and eat as much as they want. That means a lot of serving both at table and in the guests’ rooms. Do you think you can handle that?”

Skye scuffed his bare toes into the carpet. “Yes, Sir.”

“And you understand that The Retreat caters for men who are in the BDSM lifestyle, just like here at the club?” Skye nodded and a light pink flush bloomed on his cheekbones. “Sometimes, you might be required to wear very little or nothing at all. Does that worry you?”

“No, Sir.” Skye’s response was barely audible.

Luke wanted to make eye contact with the shy young man but Skye kept his gaze lowered.

“Remove your kilt, Skye,” Carey ordered.

Luke tightened his grip on his drink. He expected Skye to bolt but instead he undid the buckle at his hip, let the leather garment drop to the floor then stepped out of it.

“Hands behind your back,” Carey instructed.

Luke glanced around the restaurant. Almost every man in the place had turned to watch. Skye stood absolutely still, clad only in the mesh thong that was issued to all the serving staff at The Underground to wear under their kilts.

“Fetch two menus, please.”

Luke watched, entranced, as Skye walked away, hips swaying. He might as well have been naked for all the coverage his underwear gave him. He had natural grace and if it weren’t for the slight tension in his shoulders, Luke might have believed he was entirely comfortable following Carey’s orders.

“You’re testing him. Why?” Luke didn’t take his eyes away from Skye as he collected two menus and returned to the table.

“Because you need to be confident that he will do as you ask, when he’d prefer to run and hide.”

“He’s attracting a lot of attention.”

“Are you surprised?”

“Not at all. He’s stunning.”

Carey’s smile turned into a smirk. “Then you can handle him from now on.”

I really do enjoy this author’s writing, and this book was no exception. One thing that the author always shows within her books is character growth and change.

Skye, at the beginning of the book, was very shy and seemed to stay away from most people, and throughout the book, although his shyness seemed to dissipate some, he became a friend to everyone at The Retreat. He was able to find himself as the sub he wanted to be, even discovering kinks that worked for him that he had no idea would be a kink for him.

Luke, who seemed to not want any sort of relationship, until his eyes landed on Skye, immediately found the man he wanted. Becoming the Dom for Skye seemed to come naturally to him.

One thing I liked is that the age difference between the two men was never a factor. Sometimes, age differences become a large part of the issues in a book like this. It was not. It was mentioned, with a couple of nods to the refractory period of youth 🙂 and then they moved on.

I’ve been enjoying this series, and am hoping to see more of the characters on my kindle very soon.

4 pieces of eye candy

 

 

LM lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.

She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She’s fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.

LM is winner of the National Leather Association’s Pauline Reage Award for best novel and the 2016 and 2018 Golden Flogger Awards for best BDSM novel in the LGBT category. She has received multiple Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards and won the Action and Adventure category of Divine Magazine’s Book Awards.

You can track her down online here:

Pride Publishing

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