novella

One Pulse Charity Anthology: Guest Post and Excerpt by Bree Cariad

September 27, 2016 by Denise

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Guest Post

Hi, Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy *waves*

You probably haven’t heard the name Bree Cariad before. I’m the inspirational side of A Thia Thing.

As Bree, I’ve been focused on writing m/f as that is where most inspirational books reside, but when I saw the open submission from Dreamspinner Press about this wonderful anthology where the proceeds go to help those in the LGBT community in Florida who were affected by the Orlando shooting, the need to help struck and the hugest plot bunny attacked my brain and I saw a way to bring out an m/m inspirational series.

The first draft of Everyday Miracles, the story featured in the One Pulse Anthology, poured out of me in about two hours. As if the story had to be told and I couldn’t move until it was out of my head.

Certain characters are overwhelming to an author, and Reverend Jonathon Neiland is one. He has so many levels to him and has this incredibly strong need to help and this belief that right will always overcome prejudice as long as he leans on the Lord. Unfortunately, that belief sometimes overshadows the darker side of the world and how to make his way through it. Thus enters the other hero in Everyday Miracles – Court Brecker.

Brecker lives in the world, knows how to make things work, though he is admittedly woefully unaware of the issues in LGBT community. However, when he sees something that needs to be done, he ignores what others say, goes with his gut, and makes things happen. And it takes only a couple hours for him to know that their community needs what Reverend Neiland is asking for: a shelter for homeless LGBT youth.

Unlike my books as a whole, this short story is not a romance. It is, however, a case of Love Conquers All, which incidentally is the name of my new series. Everyday Miracles is a prequel to the first novel in the series, of which the 1^st draft is complete and just under 80,000 words. Light in the Dark Night is a romance and I plan to release it next year.

I hope to find more inspirational m/m romances. While I have a wide classification of genres I read *and write*, I love M/M Romance and would love to see more inspirational stories out there.

Now you’re probably wondering about that A Thia Thing reference from above, aren’t you? *grins* I’m an author who writes in many genres. And some of them are different enough that I published them under different pseudonyms. But a year ago I started outing that I was all those names and a few weeks ago I launched a main website ~A Thia Thing~ which aggregates info from all my sites.

I’m me – You remember that old song “I’m a little bit country. I’m a little bit rock and roll”? Well, that basically covers me. I’m not a one concept person.

Under the name Bree Cariad, I write inspirational, sweet, and clean romance.

Under the name Thianna Durston, I write M/M Romance with a hint of spice. (Some call it erotic romance but I don’t because my stories are based on the characters and the romance. The sensual stuff is just added spice.)

Under the name Thianna D., I write m/f romance with a hint of spice.

And under the name Cynthia Kimball, I write a wide range of subjects: non-fiction, poetry, young adult, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy. If you look deep, you’ll notice there is one thing that ties them all together: Metaphysics.

While I’m most prolific under the names Thianna Durston and Thianna D. – thus A Thia Thing – sometimes the need to write inspirational romance or metaphysics-based fiction/poetry overtakes me and I love it when that happens. I’m a very eclectic non-normative individual and love differences and the full spectrum that is life.

I thought I’d leave you with a snippet from Everyday Miracles—Reverend Jonathon Neiland has been working for four years to open an LGBT youth shelter, but the city council has shut him down every time. That the new leader of the council, Court Brecker, is on his side seems nothing short of a miracle.

onepulse_cover_dsp Jonathon Neiland paced slowly back and forth in front of the city council doors. His hands shook slightly, a folder gripped firmly between them. They weren’t shaking from fear.

“Please, Lord,” he murmured under his breath. “Please fill me with your grace. I’m fighting the anger I feel toward the men inside that room. For years, they have blocked each move I’ve made to finish this center. You helped me find a way around each one. But we’re at the finish line. I need their okay to finish the home and make it an official part of the trust. All I need is a three-to-two vote in our favor.”

For four years, the council had pushed back his request. They needed more information or they required proof of something or…. But they couldn’t push back any more. He did everything they asked—even when it was redundant and nothing more than busy work—and the place was ready. Once he had their approval, they could open the doors officially as a youth shelter which would allow him to widen his reach for more money and more options for his kids.

“And my anger isn’t helping,” he admitted in a rush, feeling tears prick his eyes. “This isn’t for me. Please, Lord. Please. This is for your sons and daughters who have been kicked out of their homes just because of who they are. Please help this go through.”

The fact was, Jonathon had put all his money and that of his friends into the venture. The sheer number of homeless LGBT teens in the county was staggering, and every month it went up. Each month he saw that the house he’d renovated and made ready would not be big enough if they were lucky enough to round them all up. But he couldn’t afford any more. If the five men beyond that door would give their official stamp on it being a youth shelter, they could go forward.

The house was signed off on as far as the inspectors were concerned. All they needed were beds and food. Thirty-four youth were living in tents he had erected on the property. It wasn’t much, and they were tightly smooshed with six of them in each four-man tent, but he saw their gratitude daily for not having to live on the streets. For not having to beg or steal to survive. For not having to prostitute themselves to stay alive.

“And now all I need is their okay,” he murmured frantically, his fingers tightening on the folder. So close. So close to giving those kids a home, a home they would never be kicked out of because of who they were.

I hope you’ll enjoy this amazing anthology.

One Pulse

Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.

To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.

Jon Keys—A Single Night, Alicia Nordwell—About Best Friends & Boyfriends, Mickie B. Ashling—Adíos, M.T. Aspen —Asking for Trouble, M.A. Church—Chasing Tyme, Caitlin Ricci—Coming Out, George Seaton—Cucurrucucú, Jayce Ellis—Dance, Bree Cariad—Everyday Miracles, Chrissy Munder—Everything I Need, Ellis Carrington—For the First Time, Felicitas Ivey—Get Me to the Church Town Hall on Time, John Amory—Happy Pride, Grace R. Duncan—Hope, John Goode—Let Them Eat Cake, J. C. Long—Magical Boys Just Wanna Have Fun, Elizabeth Noble—Magicicada, Renee Stevens—More Than a Pact, Troy Storm—One Big Happy… Bunch, Connie Bailey—One Heart at a Time, Dev Bentham—Perfection, Andrea Speed—Pride, Laura Lascarso—Pull, Lila Leigh Hunter—Raffled Kiss, Emery C. Walters—Ranch Dressing, C.C. Dado—Read My Lips, Sera Kane—The Stag’s Bane, KC Burn—The Tithe, Vicktor Alexander—The Wooing of the Marqués de Sierra de Outes, Edmond Manning—They Danced

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meet the author

twitter_avatar_bree Bree is a best-selling inspirational romance author who is proud to have a story in Dreamspinner Press’s One Pulse anthology. Xe identifies as non-normative, multi-gender, and believes in love in all forms and that happily ever afters come in many ways. Whether in a romance or a non-romance, in xys stories, love conquers all. Bree is completely not sussed about pronouns. Call xem she, xe, or they. A pronoun is just a label after all. And labels only have the importance a person puts on them.

Find Bree online:

Website – http://www.breecariad.com/

A Thia Thing – http://www.athiathing.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BreeCariad

Twitter – https://twitter.com/BreeCariad

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/thiannad/

Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+BreeCariad

On the Streets of New Orleans by Lynn Lorenz: Cover Reveal, Excerpt and Giveaway

September 12, 2016 by Denise

Hello to Two Chicks!! I’m thrilled to be here doing a cover reveal for my new Dreamspinner duo anthology On the Streets of New Orleans.
As a native New Orleanian and a transplanted Texan, I’ve written quite a few books set in both Texas and Louisiana. Both places hold pieces of my heart, but New Orleans definitely edges Texas out (sorry my Texas peeps!). It’s where I’m from and my true home.
With a little over 40 books/novellas under my belt, these books are some of my dearest.
I’m so honored to have my cover reveal here and so proud of the beautiful covers the amazing artist AngstyG produced for me. It was so easy working with AngstyG and as you can see, the results just sing!
This is one of my re-released stories and I’m so proud to say it’s coming out with DSP. They are a company I’ve admired and wanted to join for a few years, but never had the opportunity. I’m so glad they enjoyed my stories enough to give me this chance. I hope there will be many more stories to come!

For my reveal, I’m offering a ebook copy, in choice of format, for a lucky commenter to the blog. I’ll let Two Chicks do the selecting, but I’ll ask when you comment, let me know if you’ve ever been to New Orleans or wanted to go there. It’s one of the places I never get tired of visiting, and those who know me, know I plan all my trips there around the food. If you’ve been, tell me about your favorite meal!
Thanks again to Two Chicks for letting me crash and show off my cover!

TCO: Thank you to Lynn for stopping by with this amazing cover and excerpt! Great job by AngstyG.

Anthology Novella

Breakfast at Tiffany’s Waffles and Wings
A year after Hurricane Katrina, Scott is back in the city he loves, the city that offered him sanctuary from rural Louisiana and its prejudices, but living in a homeless shelter can be almost as dangerous as the streets.
The storm cost Tony his family, his home, and his direction in life. Now he’s squatting and stealing to make ends meet, and he’s lost all hope of things getting better.
When Scott and Tony meet, they realize it’s time to stop merely surviving. It’s time to start living again. Together.

Charlie’s Mission
Charlie is an ex-addict plagued by memories of the past. He’s doing penance working at a homeless shelter, staying away from men, drugs, and anything resembling happiness. He’s convinced he doesn’t deserve more.
Devon is determined to keep the dealers out of his neighborhood. No one operates there without his permission. When he brings a sick young man, who was selling drugs, to the mission he meets Charlie and can’t stop thinking of the man with the haunted eyes. He’s determined to give Charlie a taste of pleasure, despite Charlie’s claims that he’s not worthy of it.

The kid had stopped running, and now he quick-footed it. Tony managed to get within a block of him. They were coming up on the Café du Monde, and when the smell of the frying beignets hit his nostrils, his tummy growled. Yeah, they sure would taste some good right about now.
And he had the money to buy them. And a cup of good café au lait too.
He licked his lips as he paused on the sidewalk across from the place. All he had to do was cross the street, sit in a chair, and order up some.
Tony glanced back at the kid. He’d crossed to the next block, and soon he’d be out of sight.
With a deep inhale, Tony sucked in the aroma of the beignets, then took off down the block to catch up with the white guy. He’d get the food on the way back, for sure.
He closed the gap between them. Where the hell was this guy heading? Esplanade Avenue was just ahead, and once he crossed that, he’d be in the Fouberg Marigny.
The kid stopped for a lone car, then crossed Esplanade, the shadows of the huge oaks plunging him into darkness. For a moment Tony thought he’d lost the guy, but he stepped up on the far sidewalk and back into the light.
Tony smiled and hurried on.
Two blocks in, his target turned into an alley and disappeared.
Halting, Tony stared at the sign over the two-story building, his mouth hanging open, watering at the sight and the smells.
Tiffany’s Waffles and Wings
Breakfast served all day
What the hell? That was a damned long way to walk for some breakfast. What was the kid up to?
Tony moved forward, scanning both sides of the street. Light poured out from the two large windows that fronted the sidewalk, the door to the place between them. Parked cars lined both sides of the street, belonging to either residents or customers; he didn’t know which. Didn’t care.
He crept to the window and peeked in.
The place was crowded, not full, but at four in the morning, not bad at all. He glanced at the table nearest the window and moaned.
The biggest, most bodacious waffle he’d ever seen sat on a huge platter, three pats of butter melting on it, surrounded by three of the most golden, succulent-looking, mouth-watering, crispy fried chicken wings.
Sweet Jesus. He’d died and gone to heaven.

Scott pulled his apron over his head and tied it around his waist.
“Where y’at, sugar?” Miss Tiffany greeted him as she looked up from the counter where she tended a row of six waffle makers. “You late.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Scott nodded as he checked out her latest hair-do. This morning, she wore dozens of braids decorated with black and gold beads. They matched the black and gold Saints jersey she wore over black leggings. He’d never seen a woman with so many different ways to wear her hair, and he suspected most of them weren’t really hers.
She frowned at him. A beep sounded, and she rotated a waffle machine to cook the other side of the waffle. Then she brushed off her hands and came over to him, snatching his chin and head in her large red-brown hands as she stared at the marks on his face.
“Who did this, dawlin’?” Storms swirled in her deep amber eyes.
“Someone jumped me and took my money. I’m fine.” He knew better than to try to jerk away from her. She was strong as hell from lifting forty-pound bags of waffle mix and gallon jugs of milk. But the rest of her was round as a peach and soft as a goose down pillow.
“He got yo money?” She tsked, shook her head, and let him go.
“Just five dollars.” He shrugged. He had more in a savings account in the bank, where he kept most of his money. But it was the weekend, and no banks were open. Any cash he’d need would have to come from his tips today.
“You call the po-po?”
“No. No police.” He shook his head, and she nodded in unspoken agreement. What was the point in calling the police? The cops were overworked and stretched thin. Scott and Miss Tiffany both knew nothing would be done, and then he’d just have the cops noticing him.
Not good.
“Damn. Can’t a boy walk down the street without gettin’ mugged?” She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and a slap on his ass as she turned him around. “Go on. Get in there. I got tables need busin’. Then you can wait tables.”

Dreamspinner Press

Lynn Lorenz is an award-winning and best-selling author who grew up in New Orleans but currently lives in Texas, where she’s a fan of all things Texan, like Longhorns, big hair, and cowboys in tight jeans. She’s never met a comma she didn’t like, and enjoys editing and brainstorming with other writers. Lynn spends most of her time writing about hot sex with even hotter heroes, plot twists, werewolves, and medieval swashbucklers. She’s currently at work on her latest book, making herself giggle and blush, and avoiding all the housework.

Normal Enough by Marie Sexton : Release Day Review

August 3, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

What is “normal”?

When Brandon Kenner shows up at Kasey Ralston’s garage with a 1970 Chevelle SS 454, Kasey is smitten by both the man and his car. But Kasey is hiding an embarrassing secret: his love for old muscles goes beyond what most would consider normal. His unusual fetish has kept Kasey isolated—estranged from his family and even distant from his coworkers.

But when Brandon figures out the hot mechanic’s secret, he’s not repulsed. In fact, he finds Kasey intriguing, and he’s determined to have him for himself.

Everything about Brandon revs Kasey’s engine, and he’s more than willing to get down and dirty with the charming man. What worries Kasey is what will happen after. Is there any chance of a future for them? In the past, expecting anything long-term has only led to heartbreak. But Kasey can’t help hoping that, despite Kasey’s fetish, Brandon will be the exception.

Title: Normal Enough
Series: Wrench Wars
Author: Marie Sexton
Release Date: August 3, 2016
Category: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Pages: 82

denise review

Wowza! This was a hot little romance. I read book 1 by L.A. Witt, and thoroughly enjoyed the introduction into the Wrench Wars world, Last Mechanic Standing, (and am looking forward to book 3). And having only read a little bit of Marie Sexton’s work, I wasn’t quite prepared for the hotness that was this novella.

Kasey’s fetish for muscle cars is so believable. Similar to infant imprinting, he was at a vulnerable time in his life when he would go into his father’s junk cars, read porn magazines, and car magazines, and do what teenage boys naturally do. This imprinted on his life, and because his father had little regard for him since he was not biologically his, Kasey found shame in all he did. He reverted into a shy, reserved introvert who was embarrassed by a natural act.

Brandon was fantastic at allowing Kasey to be drawn out. He let him know that he found him attractive, and not strange at all. Yet when Kasey began to feel his self-confidence lagging, Brandon was able to smooth out the wrinkles in Kasey’s concerns. This also helped Kasey to feel better about himself as a person, allowing him to build relationships with his brother, and co-worker.

I’d love to see a little more of these two. Their relationship was just beginning to take shape, and I’d like to see how it continued to grow. Hopefully, there is more ahead for these two.

Oh, and did I mention that the sex was smoking HAWT!!!! DAMN!!!! Marie Sexton lives up to her name. 😉

4 pieces of eye candy

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Taken Back (A Steamy M/M Romance) by Cali MacKay & Jullie Farrell: Release Day Blitz

July 27, 2016 by Denise

Sometimes you need to go back to your past, in order to move on to your future.

Jax Hunter has spent the last ten years trying to forget his first love Nathan Steele—and the brutal betrayal that derailed everything he’d worked so hard for. Jax has finally gotten his life back together, when Nathan returns to deliver another blow – his company is set to bulldoze the bar he’s built from nothing.

Ever since that summer in high school, Nathan has been denying his feelings for Jax—the only person he’s ever loved. Nathan knows Jax might never forgive him, but when Nathan’s uncle is murdered and Nathan might be next on the hit-list, Jax is the only one he can turn to.

Jax still doesn’t trust Nathan—not with his bar, and for damn sure, not with his heart. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to resist the undeniable passion between them. Can they overcome their past hurts and learn to trust each other again? Or will another betrayal tear them apart forever?

A Steamy M/M Romance

Book Name: Taken Back

Author Name: Cali MacKay & Julie Farrell

Series: (Taken Series, #1)

Release Date: July 27, 2016

Publisher: Tipsy Goat Press

Cover Artist: Cali MacKay

Pages or Words: 48000 words

Categories: M/M Romance, Fiction

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giveaway

An E-Copy of Taken Back

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cali and Julie

Cali MacKay and Julie Farrell are romance writers and long-time friends, who have combined their passion for M/M romance to write together, bringing you the steamy stories they’ve dreamed up. they’ve had a blast writing them, and hope their passion for the stories will come through in their writing, and you’ll enjoy the characters they’ve brought to life, just as much as they do.

Where to find the authors:

Website: http://www.caliandjuliebooks.com/

Mailing List: http://www.caliandjuliebooks.com/#!blank/c16fm

Time Out by Sean Michael: Pre-Release Day Review

July 24, 2016 by Denise

synopsis

Val and Chaz broke up after Chaz safeworded unnecessarily during a scene. Can they find a way to come back together?

A few months ago, Chaz safeworded during a scene, just because he was feeling neglected and bitchy. Val was understandably upset that his sub lied, and the two of them split up. Now it’s months later and Val is miserable to be around, so his friend sends him to his private lake house to vacation and get over himself. At least, that’s what Val thinks is happening. In reality, Chaz has also been lured to the lake house and is waiting there so they can hopefully get back together.

Despite his shock at finding Chaz at the lake house, Val decides to do a scene. Will it be the last scene they share or will they find a way to move past what happened?

deanna review

Super hot quick read.

Chaz safe worded in the middle of a scene because he was feeling neglected. Val was pissed that Chaz lied and used his Safeword instead of communicating with him. Not able to trust that Chaz wouldn’t do it again and still being angry Val broke it off.

Months later Val is moping around like a bear with a thorn in his paw. His friend offers him the use of his cabin for the weekend to get away from everything and just be. Val decides to take him up on the offer, because if he’s away by himself he doesn’t have to answer and questions about his dark mood.

Little does Val know, he has been setup. Chaz is wait for him at the cabin, ball gagged and tied to a St Andrew’s cross. Val is going to use the night ahead for one last scene with Chaz and maybe get a little closure or revenge in the process.

This book was great. You can read it in one sitting. Super hot! There is a little angst, but it works in the story and never becomes whiny. The book moves along quickly and the scenes are smoking hot. I needed a cigarette after I read it and I don’t even smoke.

5 pieces of eye candy

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Falling for Santa Claus by C.J. Anthony: Release Day Review DSP

July 24, 2016 by Denise

synopsis When Jack Frost’s aunt dies and leaves him her house in the tiny town of Great Falls, Jack seizes the opportunity to escape the rat race of Chicago for the quaint village he loved as a child. On his first night he’s welcomed by a baseball bat and a trespassing warning from Nick St. James—longtime Great Falls resident and infamous curmudgeon.

Jack wants to give Nick the benefit of the doubt—he can’t deny his attraction to the big man—but after several run-ins with Nick’s grumpiness and closed-off heart, he’s ready to give up. Only after discovering the secret Nick’s been covering up for years does he vow to break through Nick’s walls to find the loving man hiding behind them.

Title: Falling for Santa Claus
Author: C. J. Anthony
Release Date: July 24, 2016
Category: Chritmas in July, Contemporary
Pages: 52

denise review

This short story was adorable, and sweet, and of course had an HEA to bring it all together.

I’m usually not a huge fan of short stories, because I often feel like they are missing so much characterization. This one, I definitely would have liked to get to know Nick a bit better. We did learn a lot about Jack, what brought him to Great Falls, even how the town got its name. However, we are left wanting to know a bit more about Nick, other than he was Santa for the holiday parade and his last lover left him because the town was boring.

The secondary characters were awesome! Mabel and Flo. The Jack Frost costume was hilarious! There were definitely laugh out loud moments which really made the story so much better.

A fun, enjoyable read that I would definitely pick up and read again come December.

3.75 pieces of eye candy.

3.75-pieces of eye candy

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