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Escapade by Dolce : 5 star Release Day Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

April 11, 2016 by Denise

Twenty-nine-year-old Lucas Thompson is at the top of the corporate ladder. But when his lifelong friend and ex-boyfriend invites him to his last-minute destination wedding in the Bahamas, Lucas realizes his corporate success can’t hide his private loneliness. Nor will he be able to escape seeing his family at the wedding—and having to explain, yet again, why he’s rich, handsome… and still single.

Fate and a taxi ride change everything when Lucas meets the charismatic and clever Jack McQueen, who just so happens to be a male escort. Jack’s presence on Lucas’s arm at the wedding keeps questions at bay, but their pretend relationship turns into something more after ten days of sun, sand, and sex. And before the trip is up, both men will discover that what started as a simple escapade in paradise might just lead to their very own happily ever after.

Title: Escapade
Author: Dolce
Release Date: April 11, 2016
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 380

Amazon eBook

Amazon Paperback

Dreamspinner eBook

Dreamspinner Paperback

Barnes & Noble (eBook and Paperback)

Kobo eBook

All Romance eBook

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The “Pretty Woman” storyline has been retold many times but not like this one.

Lucas, a successful attorney is forced to attend his ex-boyfriend’s destination wedding on short notice. He doesn’t want to be surrounded by his whole family for 10 days forced to answer questions about why he’s still single. Fate steps in when Lucas ends up sharing a cab with Jack McQueen. Jack is a professional escort, who better to accompany Lucas to the wedding?

As the two iron out the details of there agreement and spend time together on the island they start to realize that their “pretend” feeling maybe real. Can 10 days of fun in the sun be enough to show Jack and Lucas what love is?

This was a great slow burn romance, and boy oh boy once it got hot it was scorching! I loved all of snarky comments and witty banter back and forth between Jack and Lucas. All of the wedding activities were hilarious, especially the Zill-lympics.

The character development was great, by the end of the book I was so invested in the characters they felt like my own family. This was my first read by Dolce, definitely won’t be the last.

5 pieces of eye candy

Let’s go on an Escapade!

Hello! My name is Dolce and I’m a fiction writer. My new contemporary romance novel, Escapade, will be released on Monday April 11, 2016 by Dreamspinner Press. I’m very excited to be a guest on Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy!

Your blog name is so fun and definitely relates to the Escapade characters, who are oiled up on a beach and in swimsuits for a good majority of the story. Even when not at the beach, eye candy is especially applicable to Jack McQueen, one of the lead characters in Escapade. Jack is a high-end male escort who is very conscious of his appearance. Never vain, he merely likes to be prepared. He goes to the gym, takes excellent care of his skin with very specific products, is meticulous with grooming, and dresses well.

I wrote Escapade over the course of about five months. It began in a writing challenge where a friend prompted me to write a story about someone needing a date for their ex-boyfriend’s wedding. I tend to write more at night, but due to my work schedule, I often had to find pockets of time during the day to sneak a thirty-minute writing break in a Starbucks. I think my shoulder is permanently sore from carrying my laptop around. Café workers started to notice that I was always typing things, and I finally earned the honor of baristas remembering my exact order! For the record, I love coconut iced coffee and chocolate chip scones.

I am most definitely not up to Jack’s level of self care, though I do love the spa, but I was surprised to find that my own fictional character inspired me to start working out again once Escapade was written. Unfortunately, those chocolate chip scones add up. I felt pretty out of shape after spending so much time sitting and snacking on baked goods. Thank God for Jack McQueen, who helped me lose the scone weight (and then some) and work to better myself. I have no idea where he came from, but I’m thankful for him, and I hope you enjoy him in the story, too.

I have a background in theatre and music, which makes me moving into writing kind of a shock for family members and friends. They had no idea I was even interested in writing. My writing started very script-like, very barebones, but my style has grown a bit warmer through the years. That said, I still tend to prefer simple. I write in a way that mimics, in my mind, the eye of a camera or the view of an audience. We live in a world where most watch television and films regularly, and I definitely try to tell stories in a similar style.

I also like to take the reader along for the ride with each character. I’d rather not do a quick summary about what has happened over the course of time. I like letting things develop in real time, which can sometimes lead to a longer story, but I’ve found that people who love the story don’t mind an extra few pages.

Escapade was inspired by my own summer reading experiences. When I was younger, I would stock up on romance paperbacks from the library before I went on vacation. I wanted to write a romantic comedy that featured two men falling in love in an exotic, beautiful location with lots of adventure and fun. It might sound silly, but it’s always been a dream of mine to have my book published and available in an airport bookstore. Maybe someone who feels left out by the standard romance novel pairings on the shelf would pick up my book to read on vacation.

Escapade is light and something to read at the beach, but also tackles realistic issues people face. Loneliness, the prick of discomfort you feel when you’re single amongst couples—even if you don’t want a relationship, balancing your personal and professional life, and growing into adulthood with your family.

The main character, Lucas Thompson, deals with all of those things. He is wealthy and successful, but in the eyes of his family, he’s still just Lucas. The secondary main character, the charismatic Jack McQueen, deals with the same issues, though he comes from a completely different place compared to Lucas. My hope is that in reading Escapade, readers see both characters growing together to conquer loneliness with love, laughter, and kindness.

Music plays a huge role in Escapade. I love soundtracks and while I wrote Escapade, I listened almost exclusively to music from the eighties. Something about that era of music fit with Escapade. Fun, sexy, a bit silly—songs that when the DJ throws them on, you know all the words (even if you’re a bit tipsy) and want to dance. Here is a link to a playlist I made while writing, that includes lots of songs from my process:

https://play.spotify.com/user/dolcepiccante/playlist/1Pq1vipoL6ravQ1iCAd7Ne

Strangely enough, when I was editing Escapade, I listened to a mix of pieces from the Star Wars soundtracks, especially “Rey’s Theme” “Cantina Band” and “The Imperial March.” I have no idea where that mix came from, but I listened to “Rey’s Theme” for hours on end while editing in a café. Maybe that’s why one of my next planned projects has to do with a futuristic world!

So! What’s your favorite holiday you’ve ever been on? Where would you want to go? I’m in New York and it’s chilly, so I’m dying for a vacation someplace warm right now. Maybe…Hawaii? That sounds good to me!

Leave a comment about your dream vacation for a chance to win an Escapade eBook! I will randomly select the winner in three days.

Thank you for reading my guest post! I hope you enjoy Escapade.

Love,

Dolce

Dolce is a thirty year old New Yorker who loves to write, cook, sing, and laugh. She got her start writing fan fiction and is excited, and a touch frightened, to make the jump to original fiction. She is a big fan of the band Muse, who inspired her to choose a single word for her pen name: DOLCE. Plus, Cher has the one name thing going for her, too. Everyone loves Cher.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Website: www.dolcewrites.com

Tumblr: http://haydolce.tumblr.com/

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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29457376-escapade

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Between the Lies by Draven St. James: Release Day Blast, Excerpt and Giveaway

April 5, 2016 by Denise

Professor Graham Darrius leads a double life, everyday he enriches the lives of students, but at night he struts the stage as Ebony Powers at Club Syn. The two personas cannot mix, which is an easy rule to follow until a sexy man from Iowa stumbles through the door.

Spencer Neil has never stepped foot into a gay bar and holy shit did he get more than he’s ever imagined. What did he know about drag queens, go-go boys and heated exchanges in dark corners? The world he lives in is academic and predictable. At least until he meets Graham, and sees that sometimes all is not what it seems.

Beneath the shock of discovery, misunderstandings, silk stockings, and wicked instruction Graham finds himself falling for Spencer and Spencer finds he’s getting a whole different kind of education.

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….

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Sloan Johnson: Friday Five-Ish Good Questions and a Big Surprise!

June 12, 2015 by Webby McGee

What was your inspiration to write a baseball themed series?
I was working on another project and looked up just in time to see a really nasty hit on the sports highlights. The story for Wild Pitch started brewing as I wondered how it’d be if the pitcher and the batter were friends. Since I write m/m, it morphed to what would happen if one of the players were gay and had a crush on the other. I wrote one scene and put the story away. Then, someone was talking about how she wished there were more baseball m/m books, and I pulled it out and showed this one scene to her. From there, the book took on a life of its own, including a complete rewrite when I was almost done because my vision of the characters changed.
Friends to lovers is a trope you often see in the m/m romance genre. What makes this story different for these two men?
Sean and Mason have some unique challenges in their relationship. Mason is bisexual and in the midst of a divorce while Sean is gay and in the closet. Not only does baseball keep them from being open about their relationship, it keeps them apart much of the time.

Sex scenes are not easy to write. And if writing is your full time gig, life sometimes gets in the way. What is your “method” to “get in the mood” to write a sex scene? Do you need some Luther Vandross on the radio? Maybe some low candlelight? Or do you just need the kids out at Chuck E. Cheese so you have the house to yourself?
Typically, I hide out from the rest of the family. Kids tend to kill the mood for writing sex just as they do when they come knocking on the bedroom door. Luther Vandross is on one of the playlists I have, specifically for when I’m writing a “love-making” scene as opposed to a good, hard screw. I’m heavily influenced by music, and each type of sex has its own set of songs.

At the end of Wild Pitch you included the first chapter from book 2, which is Jason and Cam’s story. What do you see ahead for the Homeruns series?
Right now, my plans are somewhat fluid. I am already planning Drew’s story as the third book in the series. You meet him briefly at the very end of Wild Pitch and he’s Cam’s best friend in Curve Ball. Then, the fourth book will be Eric’s story. I felt bad for the guy, trading him away at the very beginning of the book, and I want him to have his HEA after everything he’s gone through! Beyond that, I’m not sure where it’ll go. I might do more books directly in the series, or I may spin it off to something different. As much as I love series, I don’t want to tie myself into writing this one line indefinitely.

Gotta get my fun question in! You get one choice of vacations: either a beach resort, sitting sipping mai tais, and getting massages or camping, muddin’ and cooking hot dogs over a fire pit. Which one do you choose and why?
As nice as the beach resort sounds, I’m much more of a muddin’ and fire pit girl! Some of my best memories are times spent around the fire, kicked back with a beer in one hand, listening to everyone tell stories.
One last thing before you go. When is Wild Pitch coming out?
Well, originally it was going to come out on the 18th of this month. Then, I finished the book, got it back from my editor, went through formatting and everything else. That’s when Johnny Kane (the model portraying Mason) started taunting me. He’d stare back at me from the cover and I could hear him whispering, “Do it. You know you want to…” I’ve always said I’m at the mercy of my characters, so Wild Pitch is live RIGHT NOW! Readers can pick it up on Amazon, and it will be on all other outlets as soon as they approve the files.

Thank you so much to Sloan Johnson for stopping by, and bringing us her special surprise! 🙂 Grab the book now! I hope you love Mason and Sean as much as this reviewer does!

**Giveaway: Sloan has offered a signed paperback of Wild Pitch to one commenter on this blog post! So, tell us what you think!

Synopsis:

There’s never been any question in Sean Tucker’s mind that he’d do whatever it took to make it to the major leagues and be one of the best pitchers of his time. The day he acknowledged to himself that he was gay was also the day he vowed to stay in the closet in order to chase his dreams. The problem is, he never counted on Mason Atley.

Sean showed rookie short stop Mason Atley the ropes, both on the field and off. The two forged a friendship which continued as both of them moved through the ranks of the farm system and into the majors. Unfortunately, there’s always been one secret Mason never felt he could share with Sean. Until now.

For seven years, Sean lived with the fact that he loved a man who would never reciprocate. When Mason admits that he’s always known he’s bisexual but has never allowed himself to pursue a relationship with a man, will Sean be able to put aside his reservations about starting a relationship with the friend he’d always assumed was straight? And more importantly, will they be able to find a way to stay together when their careers keep them apart more than they can be together?

Buy Wild Pitch on Amazon