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

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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

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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.

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.

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

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

Author Links:

Website:  http://taralain.com/

Blog: http://www.taralain.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/taralain

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/taralain

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-lain

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2Wt40LJ

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4541791.Tara_Lain

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/taralain/

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/255111391312743/

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Inside Out (Road to Blissville #6) by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review * 2 and Giveaway

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Romeo Bradly and Julius Shepherd moved to Blissville for the same reason: a fresh start. Romeo was looking for a school district where he could make a real impact in the lives of students and faculty, and Julius was eager to teach one of his passions to the best and brightest at a school with a nationally ranked science program. But the sleepy little town offered them much more than they’d bargained for—quirky people, unlikely friendships, and an all-consuming attraction that turns them inside out.

When unexpected circumstances threaten to cancel the school play, Romeo’s theater background and Julius’s musical expertise make them the perfect pair to save the day. Working together so closely makes it harder for the men to ignore their growing feelings. After all, the heart knows what it wants and doesn’t care about age gaps, race, or a professional conflict of interest. Romeo and Julius will learn that they have far more in common than they realize, and their differences will make them stronger if they give love a chance.

Their commitment to each other and the play will be tested when outside forces target them as a couple and exert pressure to cancel the production. Romeo and Julius vow to prove their love can thwart any challenge and will burn strong well beyond the curtain call.

Inside Out is a whimsical, May/December romance featuring a man learning to love again and a man falling in love for the first time. It is the sixth book in the Road to Blissville series and can be read as a standalone book or part of the series. This book contains sexually explicit material and is intended for adults 18 and older.

INSIDE OUT

A ROAD TO BLISSVILLE NOVEL

AIMEE NICOLE WALKER

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 01.14.19

COVER ARTIST:  Jay Aheer/Simply Defined Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

It was nearly impossible to keep from checking the clock after receiving the text from Rome that he was on his way back to Blissville. I tried watching the football games on TV, but I couldn’t tell you the score or even who was playing. I also kept my ears tuned for the sound of his car pulling up outside.

The apartment I rented was above a garage and could only be accessed by walking through it, which might make many feel like they were trespassing. Wren did keep a classic car in the garage below and a ton of tools, so I was always cautious to keep the door locked. When I finally heard Rome’s car pull into the driveway and stop beside my car, I jogged down the steps and opened the outside door.

“Hey,” I said when he and Dolly reached me.

“Hey yourself,” he said warmly. I could see how badly he wanted to kiss me, so I stepped closer and met him halfway. I didn’t want there to be any hesitation between us unless we were in a place where PDA wouldn’t be appreciated.

“I wasn’t sure if I should kiss you in open view of Dare and Wren’s house,” he said, staring at my lips. “They might not be watching.” I moved until my lips were just a breath away. If he wanted me, he would need to come and get me. “Then again, they could have the binoculars out.”

So, I’ve read several books in this series, but not in order. Though I do remember a couple of the guys from previous reads, it didn’t take anything away from the story, having not read them all or in order. In saying that… this one was incredibly sweet.

Julius and Romeo got hired on the same day. Romeo as the superintendent at the high school, and Julius, a hot science teacher… Hello, hot guys that are good with kids… hot dads and the like, are kind of my kryptonite. So, while these two try to keep their distance from one another, since Romeo is sort of Julius’ boss, in a way…. Neither of them could deny their attraction.

Romeo was a bit more forward than Julius, having already had a great love in his life and knowing what he wants now that he’d found someone he believes taking a chance on… it’s all just so sweet. Too sweet at times and maybe a bit cheesy, especially in dialogue, but, I think it just goes with the flow of the story. It’s supposed to be romantic and lovely, and it was.

I really enjoyed them together as a couple, and I adored their supportive families. There wasn’t anyone (well, one person for only a second) that nay-sayed their relationship, or was anything other than supportive. They had accepting parents and siblings and extended families and I loved that. I loved that the school board was behind them…

Of course, while working on a play that was written by a few students, there were a few bigoted people who try to cause trouble… but there are always going to be people who try to make everyone as miserable as them, and I’m happy with the way it was handled in such a realistic way. I don’t know why I’m continually surprised by the love overshadowing the hate, but I love it every time. I hope that when my gay teenage son goes into high school next year, in my tiny little homophobic town, that there are educators like Julius and Romeo who fight to teach acceptance and allow kids to be themselves.

Overall, it was a very sweet story and I really hope Officer Joey will have a story… he intrigued me!

4 stars from me on this one!

What a fun, sweet, low angst love story.

The Road to Blissville is a continuation of the Curl Up and Dye series and can be read as a complete stand alone. There’s mention of the salon “Curl Up and Dye”, but I don’t think any of the characters make an appearance.

And I know it might be cheesey, but I love the name play of Romeo and Julius. I think it’s cute af.

Anyway. both men are new to Blissville. One taking on the position of school superintendent and the other as a teacher. Because of that work connection, Julius thinks he should stay far away. But Romeo is not to be swayed.

As resistant as Julius was at first, he caved kind of easily. I would have liked to see Romeo romance him more. But ultimately, that was but a blip in this romantic story.

And it was a super fun story to read with way more than just their romance. There is a plot line involving the high school kids, the play they want to stage and a few town bigots. Julius’ family plays a minor role, both his mother (I love the conversations they have!) and his brother. Romeo’s family is also featured- with his hilarious Aunt Astrid. None of those offshoots from the main story seemed forced or like filler. They enhanced the story and gave us more insight into the men that they are.

I really loved Romeo and Julius together. And they were definitely the kind of teacher and school admin I wish I had.

4 pieces of eye candy

I am a wife and mother to three kids, three dogs, and a cat. When I’m not dreaming up stories, I like to lose myself in a good book, cook or bake. I’m a girly tomboy who paints her fingernails while watching sports and yelling at the referees. I will always choose the book over the movie. I believe in happily-ever-after. Love inspires everything that I do. Music keeps me sane.

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In Safe Hands by Victoria Sue: Exclusive Cover Reveal, TWO Exclusive Excerpts and Giveaway

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Victoria Sue is stopping by today to give TCO readers an exclusive peek at the beautiful cover of In Safe Hands, coming March 19th. She’s brought along some fantastic excerpts (one that sucks you in right away!!!!) and a giveaway for commenters. The cover is so gorgeous, so detailed. It is just beautiful, so check everything out, comment for the giveaway, and then look at the cover again and again. 🙂 Thanks Sue for stopping by! 

Former helicopter pilot Maverick Delgardo’s injuries ended his Air Force career, leaving him bitter and one drink away from becoming an alcoholic. When his sister asks for his help on a private protection case to babysit a disgraced pop star, Mav reluctantly agrees.

Deacon Daniels, onetime lead singer and idol to his teenage fans, saw his career and reputation ruined when a reporter’s exposé led to a devastating scandal. Without money or a job, a heartbroken Deacon has lost custody of his baby niece. And just when he thinks his life can’t get any worse, a stalker’s threatening messages escalate to murder.

Mav only agreed to one meeting, but his protective instincts kick in, along with an attraction to Deacon. When the body count increases, however, Mav is unsure he is up to the task of protecting Deacon from a killer. But it is too late for Mav to step away, now that he’s lost his heart, and he must find the strength to reassure Deacon and his niece that they are in safe hands no matter the cost.

 

Dreamspinner Press

Victoria Sue wanted fans to not only see the gorgeous cover by the amazing Jay Aheer, but also brought you TWO Exclusive excerpts. So, take a look at the cover maybe one or two more times 😉 and then check out the excerpts! 🙂

The man looked down and pasted on his best nervous expression just before he got into the stupid bitch’s car. She smiled eagerly, but then she would, because she thought he was doing her a huge fucking favor.

She didn’t know she was going to die.

“You’re sure my name isn’t going to be leaked?” he said, pretending to be worried. “I need a promise of complete confidentiality.”

Sara Jeffries put her hand on his arm in what he was sure she thought was a comforting gesture. “Absolutely. No names. I can promise you complete confidentiality.” She tittered like she’d just said the funniest thing in the history of forever. He wondered if she’d still be giggling like they were sharing some big fucking secret when he was pouring lighter fuel all over her naked body. He licked his lips, and she patted his arm again. The bitch thought it was a nervous gesture, but really he was imagining all the things he could do to have some fun first. This one he was going to take his time with.

“Nice car,” he complimented. He would have preferred to meet in his, but that would have been awkward when they went home together.

She smiled again and opened an iPad.

“No,” he said. “Nothing electronic. You promised you would show me your notes first when we are done.” He couldn’t take the risk of her saving something externally. He was content at the moment to let her think he was paranoid. He brought a pad and pen out of his pocket. “You can use this.”

“Very traditionalist,” she snickered but took them and stowed the iPad away in her purse. “Now,” she said. “You were going to give me some information about Deacon Daniels.”

“Why are you so interested in him?” She’d been like a dog with a bone.

Her eyes gleamed. “Because he’s my ticket out of here. I have an interview next week in New York.”

He leaned forward as if he was sharing a confidence and clasped the syringe in his pocket, sliding the cap off the needle. “Did you know he’s got a new boyfriend?”

She stilled. “My readers won’t care he’s gay. He’s not exactly kept it a secret.” She sighed as if she was disappointed, and he smiled to himself.

“Did you know his old agent is dead?”

Her head whipped up. “Jones? No. Accident? Suspicious?” She started trying to take notes, but the pen wouldn’t work as he knew it wouldn’t. She tutted and bent forward, reaching in her purse for another. It had been exactly the move he had been hoping for, and before she even had a chance to think about screaming, his hand was covering her mouth, and he plunged the needle into her neck. He held her effortlessly while she struggled.

“Quit fighting,” he crooned, even as he felt her struggles getting weaker, “because I’m going to give you an exclusive.” Her eyes widened, not because she wanted the story, but because she knew what was coming.

“There’s going to be another murder,” he whispered in her ear as she gave one last pathetic jerk, and he watched as her eyes closed. He gave her another second to give the ketamine a chance to work properly, and then he let her go. He stuffed everything into her bag, got out of the car, and walked around to the driver’s side. He’d insisted because of his job he couldn’t be seen, and she had understood, so no one was around here to see him lift her out of the seat and stuff her in the trunk. Then he would take her home. He’d already checked she had a garage he could just drive into when they got back to hers.

The man smiled to himself again. That had really been way too easy.

“You think I hurt her?”

Maverick blinked. “What? No.”

“Then what the hell do you mean?” Deacon burst out.

“I screwed up last night,” Maverick admitted. He had. Anyone could have come in, and Deacon would have had no protection whatsoever. “If you’d have had problems last night, I couldn’t have done jack shit.”

He could see Deacon’s face soften, but the last thing he wanted was Deacon feeling sorry for him. Things could have gone badly wrong last night while he was having his own pity party all because he wanted so desperately to follow Deacon upstairs and join him in bed. He’d had the drink to dampen the urge. He’d had the second because he’d had the first. He couldn’t remember how many he drank, but the first one had been one too many.

“And it’s not only that.” He tapped his leg in case Deacon still didn’t get it. “I’ll be completely honest, when Shirley offered Jamie this job, she intimated a couple of days babysitting while you calmed down.” Deacon stiffened, and Maverick held up a conciliatory hand. “She was obviously wrong and misjudged you and the threat itself.” He swallowed. “Deacon, there is the real possibility that there is a killer picking off people you know. What if he or she comes for you?”

“Maverick, I have no money.”

“I’ll pay.”

“You try and I’ll leave here and check into a motel,” Deacon threatened.

“You’ve just said you’ve got no money,” Maverick pointed out dryly.

“The papers would pay for it.”

“What?” Maverick exclaimed.

“I have three that have offered to advance me the cash for my ‘exclusive’ story.” Deacon finger quoted. “I could be out of here in thirty minutes.”

“Absolutely not,” Maverick thundered, wondering how this was going so wrong.

“Says who?” Deacon challenged.

“Me, for starters.” It was ridiculous. “You can’t go wandering about on your own.” It wasn’t safe, and the thought of Deacon getting hurt made him feel distinctly ill.

“If I can’t have you, I don’t want anyone,” Deacon said firmly. “So make up your mind because I will have to go get my things together.”

“I’m no good for you,” Maverick tried again.

“Can you shoot?”

Maverick scowled. Of course he could, but he knew what Deacon was trying to say. “Okay, I’m your protection, but you have to promise me something.” Deacon arched an eyebrow but waited. “You stay here, and I will look after you. If this escalates, I may bring in further help from my contacts who I was going to ask originally when Jamie wanted to start this type of business.”

Mav looked at the stubborn set of Deacon’s jaw, the pale face, and the very light dusting of freckles across his nose that were so like Molly’s. The blue eyes were wide open and flashing fury, and Deacon was standing, hands on his hips, and preparing to do battle.

And how Maverick stayed still and didn’t gather him in his arms and kiss him senseless was completely beyond him.

Victoria Sue fell in love with love stories as a child when she would hide away with her mom’s library books and dream of the dashing hero coming to rescue her from math homework. She never mastered math but never stopped loving her heroes and decided to give them the happy ever afters they fight so hard for.
She loves reading and writing about gorgeous boys loving each other the best—and creating a family for them to adore. Thrilled to hear from her readers, she can be found most days lurking on Facebook where she doesn’t need factor 1000 sun-cream to hide her freckles.

www.victoriasue.com

@vickysuewrites

https://www.facebook.com/victoriasueauthor

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1182647028418709/

Leave a comment with your thoughts for Victoria Sue, and you could win one of her backlist books.

The Spirit Key by Parker Williams: Exclusive Guest Post, Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway

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TCO is super excited to have Parker Williams here talking about his new book The Spirit Key, a book that is outside of his “normal genre”. That being said, I don’t know if I would even agree that Parker has a “normal genre”. He has written all over the map within lgbt books, as well as hitting some of more difficult and challenging points. I’m excited to read this one, even though it might be out of my “normal genre” of reading. It’ll be interesting to see where he takes this one. So, check out his guest post on writing outside that genre, the “grab you and keep you” excerpt, and the great giveaway as well! Thanks for stopping by Parker!

 

When he was eight years old, Scott Fogel died. Paramedics revived him, but he came back changed. Ghosts and spirits tormented Scott for over a decade until, thinking he was going mad, he did the only thing he could.

He ran—leaving behind his best friend, Tim Jennesee.

Scott’s had five normal, ghost-free years in Chicago, when the spirit of Tim’s mother comes to him and begs him to go home because Tim’s in trouble and needs him.

He isn’t prepared for what he finds when he goes home—a taller and sexier Tim, but a Tim who hasn’t forgiven Scott for abandoning him… a Tim whose body is no longer his own. The ghost of a serial murderer has attached itself to Tim, and it’s whispering dark and evil things. It wants Tim to kill, and it’s becoming harder for Tim to resist. To free the man who has always meant so much to him, Scott must unravel the mystery of the destiny he shares with Tim.

Book Length: 74,439 words

Book Categories: Ghosts/spirits/paranormal

Author Name: Parker Williams

Book Name: The Spirit Key

Part of a series? If yes, can this book be read as a standalone? This is book one of Lock and Key.

Release Date: January 15, 2019

Goodreads

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Stepping outside of your usual genre

I know a lot of people hate it when an author does something they haven’t done before. They’ve got expectations of what a book will be when they hear an author is writing something, and then they get nervous that it won’t be as good or might be too different. But the thing is, as authors, we need to step outside the lines once in a while so that we can take our writing in a different direction.

I’ve done paranormal before, but they were books about shifters (my favorite type of stories). Then one night I had a dream about a ghost story. It was pretty vivid, and when I woke in the morning, I remembered most of the details and sat down to write it. That’s where Spirit Key came from.

In my not-overly-long career, I’ve done suspense (Haven’s Creed and Haven’s War), shifters (Protector of the Alpha and Scent of the Heart (and a quick thank you to Mary Phillips Wallace for that title!), BDSM (four of the Collars & Cuffs books, plus the three of Secrets with K.C. Wells). Each time, people wondered if a book would be as good as a romance. I’m not sure if they agree, but I think they turned out pretty well.

No one wants to get in a rut, and sometimes an author will have an idea that rides them hard, and has to be put to paper. The three books of the Links in the Chain series are kind of like that. This is my first solo attempt at doing a romance series. Lincoln was first, and then came Galen (Lincoln’s brother), and finally will be two characters you’ve yet to meet, but are related in a way. (True story: When I decided to write Stained Hearts, one of the character decided he was related to someone in Lincoln’s story, so my two books became three. Silly characters never follow the script.)

Anyway, back to the point of this post. Stepping outside your usual genre helps, I think, keep authors from getting into a rut. That is, if they want to try something different. Some people are perfectly happy—and totally skilled—at doing strictly romance. More power to them. Me? I get a story idea, and I’m going where the wind takes me.

I hope that people who come along for the ride are satisfied with my efforts. The Spirit Key will be, I hope, the first in a series. I’ve started the second book, and already killed a few people. As LM Somerton said, “Evil author.”

Thank you so much for having me and also for hosting my tour! 🙂

Parker Williams

SUMMER, 2002

WHAT MEMORY stands out most in your mind from when you were a kid? For many of my friends, it was getting a good grade on a test they were sure they’d fail, making a catch during a football game, or finding out the person they were crushing on liked them back. For others, it was more physical, like their first kiss or having sex for the first time.

For me, the one that topped that list was in the summer of 2002. The memory? Me dying. Well, almost dying. I mean, technically, I was dead for twenty-seven minutes, at least according to the paramedics and doctors.

See, I had gone down to the quarry with my brother and some of his friends. I was eight at the time, and to be invited to go along with the “big kids” was a heady thing.

Okay, fine. My mom told them they had to take me, but they weren’t supposed to let me know.

That’s not the point of the story, however. Still, between us, when your brother tells you that Mom said he had to take you and that you ruined his day by dying? That kind of sticks with you.

Anyway. The whole week had been hotter than hell—upper nineties, heat index topping a hundred, with no breeze at all. What made it worse was the humidity. Everyone complained their clothes stuck to them, and we all would have given anything for a bit of cool air. Those were the days you wanted to do nothing more than stretch out in front of the air conditioner and fantasize about being in the arctic.

Of course, those are also the times that drive Mom mad, like when we’re there, whining about how hot it is, and my brother announces he’s going swimming with his friends, and she tells him to take me along to the quarry with him.

Fine. I’m a little hostile over that memory, but in my defense, I died, so I think I have a right to be a tad grumpy.

Moving on….

There were a few old trees that stretched out over a pit of water. In the seventies, the place had been used to mine rocks that were crushed to use in gardens and the like. When the company that owned it shut down, it left a huge hole in the ground. Over time, it filled with water, which attracted kids from all over, wanting to swim. That was our destination for the day.

By the time we got there, all of our T-shirts had soaked with sweat. I distinctly remember looking at Cole Turner and seeing wisps of dark hair on his chest and wondering to myself what it would look like once he took his shirt off. I wasn’t sure why that thought flitted through my head, but it was gone just as quickly, because I saw Tim Jennesee sitting on a rock, taking off his shoes.

“Tim!”

He turned and smiled at me, waving like a freak. I took off running. Tim had been my best friend forever—which at the time was probably a few months, but in my eight-year-old mind, that qualified as a really long time—and seeing him there was a surprise. Normally he preferred to stay inside and play on the computer, indulging in game worlds like the Sims. Later he graduated to MMORPGs like EverQuest, with the promise that one day he would be creating them instead of playing someone else’s.

I got to where he sat and took my spot at his side. He nudged me with his shoulder. “I didn’t know you were going to be here!”

“Ryan asked me to come along.” See? I thought my brother was all cool and stuff. Shows how much I knew.

“Really? My mom said I had to get out of the house. I figured I’d come swimming for a while. I tried to call, but—”

“We were already on our way here.”

I hadn’t thought to call him, and I felt bad… for about three seconds. I was with Tim and the day had gotten a thousand times better. His dark hair shone in the sun, and his brown eyes sparkled. Being with him was enough to make me smile, and having him there with me made the day perfect.

Okay, here’s where things go to shit, so you’ll have to indulge me a bit. I don’t often discuss my death with people, because they ask all kinds of inane questions, and I’m so over that shit.

There was a big tree that stretched out over the watery pit. Someone had climbed it, tied off a rope, then knotted it at the other end. See, the idea was to grab hold, push off, and soar out into the nothingness, then arc high in the sky before letting go and plunging into the water, sinking, then rising once again until you broke the surface, then rushed to have another turn.

Doesn’t that sound idyllic? Like a Norman Rockwell painting or something?

Yeah, you’d think that.

It was my turn. I’d hedged about it all day, because I hated the idea of being so high in the air and falling. Ryan openly mocked me, and his friends teased me to no end. When Tim got up and announced he was going to do it, well, that raised the bar right there. How could my best friend do it, while I was too chicken?

Wrapping his hands around the rope, Tim ran and leaped off the edge, soaring into the air with a loud cry. Then, as he reached the apex of the arc, he let go. For a moment everything stopped, as he rose a little higher, then hung in the air before he dropped like a stone, laughing all the way.

When he broke the surface of the water a few seconds later, my heart started beating again.

“So, nerdy Tim can do it, but little Scotty is too much of a baby.”

It’s funny how you don’t remember how much of an ass your brother was when you were a kid, isn’t it?

“I’m not a baby!”

“Then prove it, chicken.”

“Fine!”

I stormed over to the rope and took hold of it. I glanced down into the murky pit, and my heart stuttered once more.

“Come on, Scott. It’s fun!”

Tim came jogging over, water sluicing down his chest, his hair matted to his forehead. Weirdly, that stray thought about Cole? Yeah, so over it. Now it was Tim that I was staring at.

“Okay.”

I was going to make Tim proud of me. I didn’t understand why, but thinking of him running over and hugging me, telling me how great I’d done? It became the only thought in my head at the moment.

I turned back and set myself, ready to do it. One quick glance at Tim, who nodded at me, and I rushed to the edge, jumped, and flew.

It was amazing. One second gravity has been conquered, and you’re flying up, up, up. Then you remember that everyone is gravity’s bitch, and you’re jerked back down. I hit the water, flush with pride over having done it.

When I flapped my arms to go back to the surface, though, that was when shit got real.

I couldn’t move my foot. Something had wrapped around it and held me below the surface. In my mind, a shark had grabbed me and was dragging me down. I struggled, trying to swim up, and my lungs burned.

You have to know, at this time, my mind had refused to believe I was going to die. It kept screaming for me to fight, to do whatever the hell I had to in order to get back to the surface. And I fought as hard as I could. Only….

At one point, I thought I’d gotten free, and my struggles to swim back to the surface intensified. I pushed hard against the water, trying to get up, back into the sun, but then I knew I was still stuck, and I had no more breath in my lungs.

I remember opening my mouth to scream for Tim to help me, but the murky water rushed in, and I choked, which led to more water being drawn into my body. Everything sort of went hazy and then shifted to black.

I’d died.

Parker Williams began to write as a teen, but never showed his work to anyone. As he grew older, he drifted away from writing, but his love of the written word moved him to reading. A chance encounter with an author changed the course of his life as she encouraged him to never give up on a dream. With the help of some amazing friends, he rediscovered the joy of writing, thanks to a community of writers who have become his family.

Parker firmly believes in love, but is also of the opinion that anything worth having requires work and sacrifice (plus a little hurt and angst, too). The course of love is never a smooth one, and happily-ever-after always has a price tag.

Website: www.parkerwilliamsauthor.com

Twitter: @ParkerWAuthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/parker.williams.75641

Email: parker@parkerwilliamsauthor.com

 

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