gay

Irrefutable by Jennifer Rose: Blog Tour, Excerpt and Teaser

March 27, 2016 by Denise

Irrefutable

The Eternity Series

Book 2

Jennifer Rose

M/M Romance

Cover Design: Karrie Jax

Cover Photo: StockPhoto

Release Date: 03.15.16

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1RlV582

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/25af9jR

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1SZJtsw

Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1R5WvSX

Fresh start, new beginning, a clean slate…

Brice Taggerty, better known simply as Tag, wasn’t worried about coming out after all these years. Actually, he delighted in the idea of feeling free enough to face who he always knew he was. He didn’t need acceptance, nor was he around to be admired or win any popularity contests. In fact, all he wanted was an average humdrum, mundane life. After making a successful career out of flying around the world photographing the world’s most beautiful models in exotic locations, he was excited to throw away his passport and plant his feet firmly on solid ground…and find that someone special.

Fletcher Davis, a former search and rescue helicopter pilot, was ready to start his life again. After fifteen years of dealing with danger on a daily basis and his past at long last behind him, he secured a new job flying for a commercial airline and just may have found the perfect place to call home. What he didn’t count on was a hot enticing neighbor or his past to catch up with him. All Fletcher wanted was a sense of normalcy, routine…and someone special to share it with.

When finally they meet, will sparks fly, fireworks go off, will it be love at first sight, or will their histories keep them apart?

Fletcher’s got his sights set on a certain blond haired neighbor…and Tag You’re It!

This is book 2 in The Eternity Series and can be read as a standalone.

Irrefutable TEas 2

Standing in the middle of the hallway, an awkwardness that hadn’t been there before came over me. There wasn’t normally a timid bone in my body, yet here I stood feeling every bit the epitome of uncertainty. Fletcher shamelessly closed the distance between us, placing his hands on either side of my neck, his thumbs stroking the rough line of my jaw, while his eyes mapping out my face. My heart was beating so hard, I could feel the blood rushing through my veins.

“I want to kiss you,” he whispered against my lips, his hot breath on my face.

“Kiss me,” I whispered back, as his eyes shut and his lips fused to mine.

My hands immediately went in search of a hold, slipping into Fletcher’s back pockets and pulling him closer, as the kiss intensified. Fletcher pressed his chest to mine, stepping me back, hugging me tight as he forced me against the door. We were so close to the same height that every intimate part of our bodies converged, the heat bleeding through the layers of clothing.

Fletcher reached back, pulling my hands free from his pockets, laying my palms against his chest and breaking the kiss. My chest lifted with each irregular breath, as did his. Fletcher slowly shook his head smiling, biting into his bottom lip as he took a step back.

“Let’s take a minute and think about this,” he licked across his lips and smiled again. “I like you, I do.”

“But?” I asked, waiting for a smooth brush off.

“I don’t think we should rush into anything,” he scrunched his nose.

I grudgingly nodded, because I knew he was right, but it didn’t mean that it didn’t sting a bit. Rejection was rejection no matter how you put it.

“Got ya.”

“I mean,” Fletcher said, slipping out of my jacket. “I’ve made so many mistakes in the past, not that this is a mistake…I mean…it’s just…I refuse to make mistakes.”

“Relax, Fletcher, before you have a kitten,” I told him, as he handed me the jacket. “I wasn’t expecting jack-shit from you. You want to just be friends, I’m okay with that.”

“I’m just saying that jumping into the sack isn’t my thing,”

“Someone thinks highly of himself,” I chuckled, searching my pockets for my keys and unlocking the door. “Just so you know, you didn’t have a chance of getting into my pants tonight, flyboy.”

The was a good book. I haven’t read anything by this author before but I really enjoyed this story. The characters were very well developed and the story was interesting. Tag and Fletcher were entertaining and fun. The author did a good job building the story. I did think parts of the story were a little rushed. I also thought that there were too many drama’s going on in the story. By the end of it I admit I did feel a little worn out. Overall, though it was very well done and I enjoyed it.

4 pieces of eye candy.

Jennifer Rose lives the glamorous life in Canada working as a part-time office clerk/manager. A mother of three grown boys, she decided to give up cleaning, cooking and day to day household chores in favor of sitting with a favorite beverage, be it coffee or wine and her trusty laptop, after a friend and author convinced her that she had what it took to write romance novels, so she took a creative writing course and finally started writing.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Jennifer-Rose/231674010318730

Jennifer Rose Street Team Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1450195771938815/?fref=ts

Website: www.jenniferroseauthor.wix.com/jennifer-rose

Amazon Page: http://amzn.to/1GtEQAp

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8571193.Jennifer_Rose

Tsu: www.tsu.co/JenniferRose62

Naughty Little Bookshelf

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1544596515804351/?fref=ts

Instagram: @jenniferrose62

Twitter: @JenniferRose62

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jroseauthor/

Bankers’ Hours by Wade Kelly: Release Day Review

March 25, 2016 by Denise

Even though bankers’ hours leave long weekends for romance, cosmic intervention is Grant’s only option when money doesn’t buy happiness and he’s got virginity in spades.

Grant Adams is a twenty-six-year-old bank teller who’s unlucky at love, yet hopelessly hopeful. After years of horrific first dates, he’s convinced he’s saving himself for true love. Surely he has bad taste in men because it couldn’t possibly be his persnickety nature that’s sent them packing.

Tristan Carr has been in a holding pattern since his daughter was born fifteen years ago, which suits his workaholic lifestyle just fine. This ex-Navy turned auto mechanic never wanted anyone interfering with being a weekend dad. For Tristan to rearrange his perfectly orchestrated life, a guy will need to be special. Or in the case of the newest employee at his bank, the guy will need to be adorable, shy, and open to the prospect of forever when it shows up at his window.

Title: Bankers’ Hours
Author: Wade Kelly
Release Date: March 25, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 290

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

ARe

This was a crazy book. The characters were quirky and fun. I thought the story was well done. Tristan was such a wonderful character. Grant was nuts. I thought Wade Kelly did a wonderful job creating two characters that fit together. The story was so much fun to read. Fast paced and really funny. I highly enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.

If you are looking for more to read by Wade Kelly, TCO recommends My Roomate’s a Jock? Well, Crap! (the audible version is good as well).

The Rancher’s Son by RJ Scott: Release Day Blitz, Excerpt and Giveaway

March 25, 2016 by Denise

Title: The Rancher’s Son

Series: Montana, #2

Author: R.J. Scott

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: March 25, 2016

A man without memories, and the cop who never gave up hope.

When he wakes up in the hospital, the victim of a brutal beating, John Doe has no memories of who he is or who hurt him. The cops can find nothing to identify him and he can’t remember anything to help… except the name Ethan and one recurring place from his dreams. Two words, and they’re not much, but it’s a start: Crooked Tree.

Detective Ethan Allens has never stopped searching for the two boys who vanished. When a report lands on Ethan’s desk that may give new leads, he jumps at the chance to follow them up. The man he finds isn’t his brother, but it’s someone who could maybe help him discover what happened twelve years ago.

What neither man can know is that facing the very real demons of the past could destroy any kind of future they may have together.

Ethan must have nodded off at some point, waking to another coffee from Clare and a ten-minute warning that breakfast was about to be brought up to the patients. His neck ached, and he was semi curled up in the hard chair.

“Thought you needed this. If you want to go to the cafeteria, I can keep an eye on Adam.”

“No, I’ll stay here. Thank you, though.”

“I’ll see if I can get someone to bring you up something.”

A quick glance at his watch showed Ethan it was a few minutes after six. He checked his email. He’d only sent the information to Navy Liaison at late last night, but there was already a message back saying all efforts would be made to get the information to Cole Strachan. There was a group joke sent by one of the shift officers back at the precinct, and some spam. Other than that, nothing.

Ethan stood and stretched tall, sipped his hot coffee, and watched the April morning unfold before his eyes. Clare managed to scrounge up some pastries, and he ate them at the window, a hundred thoughts racing through his head.

A nurse disappeared into Adam’s room, and Ethan tensed in expectation. He desperately wanted to go in there, but would Adam even be interested in talking to him?

“Are you Ethan?” the nurse asked. The tray in her hand carried untouched food.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You can go in. He’s asking for you.”

As he started to walk past her, she thrust the tray at him. There was a plate of eggs, and a sorry-looking pancake. “Try to get him to eat some of this,” she said.

He took the tray, because he didn’t really have a choice, and went into Adam’s room, kicking the door shut behind him. There was no one in the bed, but the bathroom door was closed, so Ethan assumed that was where the errant Adam was. He placed the tray on the table and waited, looking out of the same window Adam had been standing at last night. From this angle and at this height, Ethan could see the water of Lake Michigan and watch the hospital parking lot grow busier by the minute.

The bathroom door opened. Ethan instinctively turned and wished he hadn’t, because now he was staring. Not so much at the pajama bottoms that rode low on slim hips, or the broad chest that had a smattering of hair, tapering to a happy trail downward, nor to the muscles in Adam’s arms. No, Ethan was staring at the scars—new ones and some way older by the look of them—bruises purple and yellow and green, and the tattoos.

Tribal tattoos circled Adam’s arms, over his right shoulder, and down onto his pec: big swathes of dark ink with finer detail in curls around muscles. Something that looked like old burns marked his neck. A body that had seen a lot, felt a lot.

“I don’t remember them,” Adam said, his voice lost. He ran his fingers over the tattoos as if touching them would bring back memories. “They must have hurt, don’t you think?”

Ethan thought of the small tattoo over his heart and recalled the discomfort of getting it. His hadn’t hurt; the million tiny pricks into his skin were nothing.

“Maybe,” he offered.

Adam turned a little and checked the tattoos in the mirror, peering close. “I wonder what they mean?”

When he turned, he exposed more marks on his back and the fine lines of a horse standing on his hind legs. Ethan inhaled sharply.

“What?” Adam snapped, attempting to see his back even though he couldn’t get the right angle. “What is it?”

“Your horse.”

Adam frowned. “That is my horse? I want to see that again, the detective took a photo but he didn’t have a copy for me.”

Ethan pulled out his cell and snapped a shot of the beautiful tattoo, then passed the phone to Adam, who stared at the picture.

“Why is it—” Any energy seemed to leave him in the exhalation of a sigh, and he slumped to sit on his bed. “—I remember this is a cell phone, but I don’t recall patterns on my own skin?”

From his research Ethan learned terms like brain centers and retrograde amnesia, alongside traumatic stress, he didn’t understand a lot of it. “I have no idea.”

Adam curled into himself, hunching over his knees, looking utterly defeated.

Compassion welled inside Ethan, and he sat next to his old friend, pushing the tray toward him. “Eat your eggs,” he said gruffly.

Adam side-eyed him and huffed before taking the tray and resting it on the small hospital table. He forked some into his mouth, grimacing as he chewed and swallowed, but at least he ate half of what was there, and one cold, dry pancake.

“I need a proper breakfast,” Adam grumped.

“Like what?”

“Hot fresh bacon,” Adam said immediately, paling at what he was saying. “I think that I love bacon. I’d eat plates of the stuff if you gave them to me.”

“And real pancakes,” Ethan added. He reached over and poked at the sorry excuse for one that had been served. “But not like this one. Fluffy, steaming pancakes.”

Adam nodded and darted his tongue out to collect a small piece of egg resting on his lips. “Maple syrup,” he added softly.

“You always liked maple syrup.”

Adam finished the eggs and grimaced again. “When we get out of here, will you find me bacon?”

“Of course.”

“Real bacon, and pancakes with maple syrup. That sounds just like what I want to eat.”

Ethan’s chest tightened as Adam looked up at him under his eyelashes, his dark eyes holding humor. Adam and Justin had spent their childhoods getting Ethan to do what they wanted: the older brother with money from a part-time job, the one with the car. And he’d done everything they asked.

“I wouldn’t take you anywhere bad,” Ethan said

Adam pushed the tray to one side. “I need a shower, and then we go, right?”

“Right.”

“You should take photos of all my tattoos, so you could maybe find out more about me.”

“I know who you are. The rest will follow when your memories return.” He didn’t want to say that he’d already decided to email the tattoo of the horse to Jen, just in case she could track down where it had been done. It was a beautiful piece of work, and likely whoever did it would have it in a portfolio somewhere. Of course, that was a needle in a haystack. Who knew where Adam had been in the last twelve years? Chicago, where he was now? Or had he traveled from Montana to another city?

Adam looked at him, confused. “You said I disappeared. How old was I when that happened? Fifteen, you said?”

“You were nearly sixteen.”

Adam glanced down at himself, “And I’m twenty-eight now, so what happened in between?” He stood up and half turned. “You should get them all.”

Ethan did as Adam wanted, and pulled all the photos into one email, sending the whole lot to Jen with a particular request about tracking down the artist. Meanwhile, Adam went into the bathroom, closed the door, and left Ethan staring at the wood.

“This series is a winner because of it’s cowboy theme – who can resist a gorgeous cowboy!” – Because Two Men Are Better Than One

“I always enjoy cowboy stories and, as you would expect from RJ, this one is smoothly well-written and pulls you forward chapter by chapter.” – Goodreads Reviewer

“This story pushed every button that makes me fall in love with a book.” – Goodreads Reviewer

RJ Scott has been writing since age six when she was made to stay in at lunchtime for an infraction involving cookies and was told to write a story. Two sides of A4 about a trapped princess later, a lover of writing was born. She reads anything from thrillers to sci-fi to horror; however, her first real love will always be the world of romance. From billionaires, bodyguards and cowboys to SEALs, throwaways and veterinarians, she writes passionate stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and more than a hint of happily ever after.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

Double Alchemy by Susan Mac Nicol: Anniversary Blog Tour with Exclusive Guest Post

March 24, 2016 by Denise

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy wanted to congratulate Susan Mac Nicol on the second anniversary of the publishing of this awesome series!!! Sue did an amazing job creating this paranormal world (see Guest Post below) and we are happy to see how well it has done. Congrats Sue! If you would like to read the review of Double Alchemy from two years ago, check it out here.

Powerful yet tormented modern warlock Quinn Fairmont must initiate the silver-eyed Cade Mairston into the world of witchfinders, Withinners, and what can happen when two men fall truly, madly, deeply in love.

THE WORLD IN SHADOW

In modern London there lurks a warlock, Quinn Fairmont. Dangerous, powerful, tortured, sharing his body with the soul of an ancient Welsh sorcerer, Quinn is never alone—and never wholly himself. He fights against all those who would exploit his kind. He takes pleasure where he can find it.

In the forest of Hampstead Heath, Quinn’s hometown, Cade Mairston appears to him like a waking dream. Lithe, lean and silver-eyed, he evokes feelings in Quinn unlike any other: lust with true affection, immediate and shocking. Cade is clearly more than he seems. And yet, if a man of the world, Cade is innocent. He knows nothing of warlocks, witchfinders or Withinners. He knows nothing of what he is, what he might be, or what he might feel. For him, the story is just beginning. Magyck, peril and passion await.

Release Date: March 24^th 2014

Goodreads Link

Amazon

Amazon UK

Boroughs Publishing

ARe

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

Book Trailer

Cade Mairston was no ordinary man. Quinn had known it from the minute he’d touched Cade’s hand, smelt his scent and heard the rushing of his blood through his veins. Cade was Fey.

Not overtly Fey, but something resided there, buried deep down within him. Quinn didn’t think Cade Mairston had any idea who or what he was.

Quinn shivered. The way Cade had crouched in a fighter’s stance, fierce glare and strong body ready to do battle— he’d been inspiring. It was only due to Quinn’s Warlock skills that he’d the ability to anticipate and deflect the other man’s moves and not be grievously injured. Cade Mairston was a strong, agile presence and Quinn wouldn’t have liked his privates to be on the receiving end of the other man’s foot, which was attached to a muscled leg which he wished would wrap itself around his legs as he pounded the man’s arse….

Quinn checked himself mentally.

Christ, Quinn. Get a grip! Hell, my hormones are running riot.

Thank God the man was gay. Quinn’s gaydar worked very well, thank you, despite noticing the evidence of the large erection the man had sported in his trendy cream chinos for him.

What were the odds of meeting another gay Fey? Quinn chuckled softly. If things had turned out the other way, Quinn would have been in danger of deflowering a straight man and that one never worked out for the best.

Cade had looked a little rattled himself. For a moment, from the look in Cade’s smouldering grey eyes, Quinn had thought he might be about to get savagely violated. While Quinn topped most of the time he was definitely not averse to being taken by a man like Cade. There’d been anticipation so strong for Cade to touch him, kiss him right there, that he’d lost his breath for a moment. Quinn had a really tight feeling in his boxers right now as his cock threatened to burst into song and dance a jig out of his pants.

He sighed. Best get home, have a cold shower and do whatever else was necessary to relieve the turmoil snaking through his nether regions. Cade’s sexy stubble on his jawline and light silver eyes were playing havoc with Quinn’s sexual urges. Next time they met— and he was sure there’d be a next time— he’d have to search his apothecary for something that would deaden the sexual attraction. If not he’d never make it through a next meeting without ripping off Cade’s clothes until his need was fully satisfied for the first time. After the first time, it became more controllable. Experience had taught both he and Taliesin that.

A world that doesn’t exist….

In Double Alchemy, I needed to create an imaginary magical world that doesn’t exist- as far we know. Of course, I’d like to believe anything is possible. I’m sure we all do.

So, if this world doesn’t exist, you can’t really do any research. You have to rely on your imagination, forgotten fairy tales, stories of witches and legends, films that invoke mystical and wondrous lands and somehow find something in all of that that allows you to create your own, unique setting.

Quinn and Cade live in the modern world, in the centre of London. They both have normal jobs, live with normal people and have to face the same day to day pressures that any of us would in real life. They also have to face an alternate world where magic and sorcery exists. They face daily struggles in overcoming evil of a monstrous nature, of making life or death decisions, of finding love, acceptance and happiness. Of dealing with the loss of people we love.

Oh hang on. Actually, that truly does mirror the real world. One only has to look at Hitler, at what doctors and nurses do every day, at the love stories unfolding around us and the pressures of tackling being gay, transgender, black, disabled, or of a different faith. And of course we all live with the loss of loved ones.

All I’ve done in creating my world is overlay a sense of magic and mystery over what we all live with each day. Allow the reader to be transported to a time when fingers blazed blue fire, spells abounded and time travel of a sort was a reality. When witches hefting out severed hands from their handbags in board meetings was a surprise, but not particularly frowned upon. When laying the man you love down in a lake to be taken by water sprites to hopefully be healed from his wounds is something that has to be done.

I loved letting my imagination run riot for these two books, to create a magical world I’d personally love to live in. There’s something freeing about being able to write what you want and bring a little magic into the real world which can sometimes be scary and depressing.

I’m pleased other people thought so too. Double Alchemy won a Bronze award in the AUTHORSdb cover contest and also took first place in the Paranormal Romance Guild Awards in 2014.

It’s humbling to have someone recognise the love and passion you spent nurturing into a story.

Thanks so much for popping down to the blog and reading this post.

Powerful modern warlock Quinn Fairmont found ecstasy with the silver-eyed and not-quite-human Cade Mairston, but to know true happiness the pair must best both the shadow of a long-ago lover and an ancient enemy who seeks to destroy love, light and all they hold dear.
A BLINDING LIGHT
It begins with a Book of Shadows discovered by a London coven. The grimoire is as dangerous as it is rare, which is why it evokes modern-day warlock Quinn Fairmont’s desire. He collects objects of great power and beauty—like his lover, Cade Mairston.

Against all odds he and Cade found each other, but their perils have just begun. First is the ex-lover who once held Quinn in thrall. And, someone has been killing warlocks. Could it be one of his own kind? There are those too who would challenge Quinn’s power in their quest to overthrow him as Grand Master. Or is the danger something darker, something invoked inadvertently, rising from the shadows, building from the very inside of a man until it brings an end with a quick flash of light? Of the truth, the surface has only been scratched. Now Quinn and Cade must go deeper and find both answers and an end. They must learn what lurks in the hearts of men…and whether it seeks to love or destroy.

Release Date: May 22^nd 2014

Goodreads Link

Amazon

Amazon UK

Boroughs Publishing

ARe

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

Susan Mac Nicol is a self- confessed bookaholic, an avid watcher of videos of sexy pole dancing men, geek, nerd and in love with her Smartphone. This little treasure is called ‘the boyfriend’ by her long suffering husband, who says if it vibrated, there’d be no need for him. Susan hasn’t had the heart to tell him there’s an app for that…

She is never happier than when sitting in the confines of her living room/study/on a cold station platform scribbling down words and making two men fall in love. She is a romantic at heart and believes that everything happens (for the most part) for a reason. She likes to think of herself as a ‘half full’ kinda gal, although sometimes that philosophy is sorely tested.

Lover of walks in the forest, theatre productions, dabbling her toes in the cold North Sea and the vibrant city of London where you can experience all four seasons in a day , she is a hater of pantomime (so please don’t tar and feather her), duplicitous people, bigotry and self-righteous idiots.

In an ideal world, Susan Mac Nicol would be Queen of England and banish all the bad people to the Never Never Lands of Wherever -Who Cares. As that’s never going to happen, she contents herself with writing her HEA stories and pretending, that just for a little while, good things happen to good people.

Sue is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America and is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association in the UK.

My links

Facebook
Twitter
Google +
Tsu
YouTube
Pinterest
Blog
Boroughs Publishing Group
Amazon
Scoop It
Goodreads
Website

Broken by Nicola Haken: Blog Tour, Giveaway and Teasers

March 22, 2016 by Denise

Title: Broken

Author: Nicola Haken

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 29, 2016

When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan.

Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.

James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him.

Just a little fun – that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding.

Broken.

Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James?

(M/M romance. Not suitable for readers under 18 years of age due to language and sexual content. ***Please note*** This book contains scenes of self harm, mental illness and suicidal ideation which may pose as a trigger, or be uncomfortable for some readers.)

“Broken is truly a remarkable book. I was blown away by it, by the raw and sincere way Ms. Haken took these men through the roller coaster of living with unrelenting demons. And now, as I sit here wondering if I have to courage to post this review, all I can think about is how far into my heart Theo and James have embedded themselves–and how I hope they never leave. I think it might be too hard to say goodbye…although maybe not as hard as it was find the words that I hope compel you to read this breathtaking book.” ~ Beth, Give Me Books

“A stunning but achingly painful read” ~ Author Sloane Kennedy

“This is an amazing book full of so much raw emotion that it gripped me and wouldn’t let up. I felt like I was watching a movie in my head and I wanted to just jump in the book and give James a huge hug. Lots of FEELz in this book.. both good and bad.” ~ Alpha Book Club

Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (six if you include the dog and cat!) She is the author the author of the m/m romance Souls of the Knight series, and is currently working on a standalone with new boys, James and Theo, due for release early 2016. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties. Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

Under a Sky of Ash by Brandon Witt: Release Day Review, Excerpt and Guest Post

March 21, 2016 by Denise

More than an decade after leaving Colorado to attend college and escape his past, Isaiah Greene moves back and builds a life in Denver as a special education teacher. When he meets Ben Woods, the mentor of one of his students, the attraction is immediate. The revelations that they’ve both suffered traumatic childhoods form a bond between them.

Raised by an abusive grandmother, Ben is a recovering addict who has made a family with his construction worker boss, Hershel, and Hershel’s husband, Daniel—drag queen ManDonna. Adding Isaiah to his life gives Ben a glimpse of a future he’d never dreamed possible for himself.

Both Isaiah and Ben are survivors, but when guilt drives a wedge between them, the past threatens to end their relationship.

Ben and Isaiah embark on journeys of self-discovery. Though their path will be difficult at times, humor and love find a way to bring light to the darkness.

Title: Under a Sky of Ash
Author: Brandon Witt
Release Date: March 21, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 270

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

ARe

As a teacher/counselor for sixteen years, I always battled knowing how much was the just the right amount of myself to share with my students. I wanted them to see me as human, know that I wasn’t perfect, and that they could trust me. I also wanted to keep professional boundaries, retain my authority, and maintain a level of anonymity. In Under a Sky of Ash, such concerns are thrown out the window, at least for one kid. Aaron is a sixth grade student whose teacher is Isaiah Greene. Aaron also has a mentor from the Big Brother program, Ben Woods. Isaiah and Ben meet at one of Aaron’s disciplinary meetings, and sparks fly. Months later, after they’re dating, Aaron’s foster mom is deemed to be unfit and Ben provides emergency care for Aaron.

In this scene, Ben is driving Aaron back to his place after picking him up from the social worker, trying to decide the best way to let the kid know that he’s been dating Aaron’s teacher.

Personally, I can’t imagine a much more awkward conversation to have with one of my students. However, since it didn’t actually happen to me, it was a ton of fun to write.

I hope you enjoy!

“That must have been some fight.” Aaron reached across the truck and poked beside my eye.

“Ouch!” I smacked his hand away. “Sheesh, boy. Don’t make me ground you on your first night staying at my place.”

“You wouldn’t ground me.” Aaron was practically bouncing up and down in his seat, he was so happy. “I sure hope Ms. Deaner lets me stay with you. Maybe you can be my new foster parent!”

“Whoa. Slow down.” I pulled the truck onto Spear Boulevard and headed back to my house. “Number one, you bet I’ll ground you. And two, this isn’t to make me a foster parent, but I do think she’ll let you stay with me for a bit. There’s no need to do more transitions than we need to. You’ll stay until we find a foster family that’s good, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you approve of them too.”

What the fuck had I just agreed to?

“So, Aaron buddy, we need to talk about something before we get home.”

He sounded annoyed. “You don’t want to hear about the creepers I killed?”

“What?”
“Creepers! From Minecraft. Weren’t you listening?”
Oh, that damn game. The first day of our camping trip that was the only thing the kid would talk about. Until I threatened to find a bear that needed a soon-to-be sixth-grader-sized snack. “Honestly, kid, I wasn’t listening. But, still, I need to talk to you before we get home.”

He sighed. “Fine.”

Man, this was awkward. “Well, you know I’ve got a boyfriend now and stuff. He’s at the house at the moment.”

“Ugh!” Aaron shook his head, letting out a high-pitched squeal. “I do not want to see you guys kiss. Or other stuff.”

Looking away from the road for a second, I glared at him. “Well, there went all my plans for the day. Can you just listen for a bit?”

Aaron rolled his eyes. “Sure. Whatever.”

How the hell was I supposed to tell him I was dating his teacher without scarring him for life?

“Well?” More irritation.

“My boyfriend is Isaiah. I just wanted you to know before we got home and it shocked you.” I glanced over at him again, trying to see his reaction.

He bugged his eyes at me. “Okay. Great. So your boyfriend’s name is Isaiah. Got it. So anyway, this creeper was about to explode. They do that if you don’t—”

“Oh.” I realized my mistake before I had to learn any more about creepers. “My boyfriend is Mr. Greene. Your teacher.”

Aaron looked at me like I’d just spoken another language.

I took a quick right, pulled over onto the side street, and put the truck in park. I was almost afraid to look back at him.

“You’re dating Mr. Greene?”
I nodded. “Yep.”
His brows furrowed. “Does Ms. Bello know?”
Wasn’t expecting that one. “Yeah. She does.”
“She’s okay with that?” Disgust filled his voice.
I hadn’t expected quite that reaction. Not anger. He’d always been fairly nonconcerned about the gay thing. Then I remembered and couldn’t help but laugh, which hurt the inside of my head like holy fuck. “Aaron, Isaiah and Charity, er, Mr. Greene and Ms. Bello were never dating. They’re just friends.”

He tilted his head as he glared from across the truck, like he didn’t believe me.

“Ask him yourself.”
“Fine. I will.”
I waited for more, but there didn’t seem to be anything else. “Are you okay with your teacher being gay and dating me as long as he’s not cheating on Ms. Bello?”

Another shrug. “Yeah, why should I care?”
I needed him to give my grandmother lessons.
“Can I finish telling you about the creeper now?”

I really enjoyed this story. I am a sucker for abused characters. I like seeing the journey they make to get to a better place. I think Brandon Witt did a really good job creating two heartbreakingly beautiful characters. Isaiah and Ben really got to me and I was rooting for them throughout the entire book. This definitely made my heart hurt and it was wonderful.

4 pieces of eye candy

Brandon Witt’s outlook on life is greatly impacted by his first eighteen years of growing up gay in a small town in the Ozarks, as well as fifteen years as a counselor and special education teacher for students with severe emotional disabilities. Add to that his obsession with corgis and mermaids, then factor in an unhealthy love affair with cheeseburgers, and you realize that with all those issues, he’s got plenty to write about….

Website

Author Facebook Page

Dreamspinner Press Author Page

Amazon

Goodreads Link

YouTube