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Sharing our love of M/M Romance

SJD Peterson

Calculated Magic by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Guest Post and New Release Review

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Never too late for love.

Three-hundred-and-fifty-year-old warlock Tikron must find his true love or forfeit his immortality. But if he hasn’t found his ideal mate in all these centuries, the prospects don’t look too bright.

That is, until he sees mathematician Richard Beaumont. It’s love at first sight and Tikron’s future just got a whole lot brighter.

Except Richard doesn’t believe in love at first sight. He doesn’t believe in love at all. He certainly doesn’t believe in magic. His life is ruled by statistics and logic, and they tell him a relationship with Tikron has only a 10 percent chance of success. That’s unacceptable—even if the attraction between them is off the charts.

With his powers waning and the clock ticking down, Tikron’s last hope is showing Richard the true meaning of magic.

Title: Calculated Magic
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: October 16, 2018
Category: Paranormal, Dreamspun Beyond
Pages: 225

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The Magic of Autumn

The brightly painted trees, cool crisp mornings, big bulky sweaters, and mugs of streaming hot coco makes fall one of my favourite seasons here in Michigan. The family of my daughter’s good friend owns a pumpkin farm and I absolutely love going there, picking out the perfect pumpkins and using them to decorate my home. It’s also a great time of year to visit the apple orchard and indulge in apple cider and fresh cinnamon doughnuts.

Autumn is also when many of my favourite shows start the new season. I love summer and never want to rush it; still, I can’t wait for the premier of the Walking Dead and Halloween Wars. Friday night lights and the first puck dropped at the Joe Louis Arena (yes I know it’s now Little Caesars but refuse to call it that.) Haunted Houses, hay rides and back to school. Air conditioners going silent, window open to let in the fresh air and thick comforters donning the bed.

There is little I don’t love about fall, well except the fact that as we dip into fall, the closer winter creeps up. (Ugh how I hate winter) If I could choose one season, it would be autumn all year round. Wave my wand and *poof* no more winter hehehe. How about you? What is your favourite time of year?

~Be good to each other~

Jo

 

Although paranormal stories aren’t normally my cup of tea, something about this one intrigued me as soon as I saw the blurb. And I was sucked into the story right away, but not because of the relationship with the two MC’s! (Although that happened later).

Tikron, a 350 year old warlock, and his best friend, Ry, less than 300 years old, started this book off with a bang. Their relationship and deep friendship was so fantastic, that the book didn’t need angst in order to carry the book. Tikron and Ry were sometimes lovers, but primarily seemed to have a brotherly relationship. They teased each other mercilessly, yet could count on each other without question. Even Tikron’s mother clearly loved Ry almost as much as her own son. Above all, though, these two men supported each other, and went out of their way to do whatever they could to make sure the other was happy, even if they harassed the other along the way.

Richard, Tikron’s love interest, was set in his ways, with each day scheduled out precisely. Then along comes this man who bursts into his life bringing magic (which Richard didn’t believe in), fun and laughter (which Richard had to learn that he wanted), and love (which Richard didn’t know if he believed in, or even knew what it was). **Side note…the moment that causes Richard to “believe” in magic was slightly devastating, and I recommend not reading this on a city bus, in the event you end up crying. Not that I know what that would be like at all…**

The relationship between Tikron and Richard progressed quickly, and with little angst. The one piece of angst I was somewhat expecting never materialized other than a “we will talk about this”, but that really didn’t matter. This book was about relationships, plain and simple. The relationship between Tikron and Richard which moved from “no I don’t want to date you” to “I still don’t want to date you” to “I trust you and believe in you”. The relationship between Tikron and Ry, which made me laugh more times than I could count. And even the relationship between Tikron and his mother, who clearly adored her son, and was willing to do what she could to make sure he lived.

There were some incomplete pieces that I would have liked wrapped up, but I have a feeling that a second book will be coming (PLEASE!!!!!) about Ry, and we will definitely get some of those things answered.

All in all, a fun read. Recommend.

4 pieces of eye candy

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

Visit Jo on

Twitter: @SJDPeterson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJD.Peterson

Blog: www.sjdpeterson.com

Email: sjdpeterson@gmail.com

 

Remember When by SJD Peterson: Release Day Review with Giveaway

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Life is simple and hopeful in youth. Luke and Nelson are best friends exploring their budding sexuality. They have big plans for the future, and nothing can stand in their way or tear them apart—except a family move that puts a continent between them.

Ten years later Luke and Nelson meet again, but nothing is simple anymore. As strong as the attraction remains, obligations and expectations come between them as Luke is forced to honor family responsibilities over the desires of his heart.

Impossibly fate sees fit to offer them a last opportunity to see what might have been. Will the third time be the charm, or is trust so badly broken it is impossible to repair? Can they recapture the innocent love they once knew and make up for all the wasted years? In a love story that spans half a lifetime, two friends destined for each other will have to fight hard for their happily ever after.

Title: Remember When
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: August 28, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 210

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An epic love story that had potential, but in the end was just ok for me.

The story is told in three parts. As children/teens, early twenties and then close to forty.

I really enjoyed the first part, but I think that was because of nostalgia on my part. Graduating in 1989, I have a fondness for the 80’s. I liked seeing Luke and Nelson as best friends slowly discovering their feelings for each other. Until a quick an unexpected move tears them apart. And as kids are wont to do, they have grand plans of keeping in touch. But alas, the distance is too great. What threw me a bit about this part of the book is that I expected the parents- the mothers especially- to strive to keep in touch as the mothers themselves grew up as best friends. But that didn’t seem to happen.

Part 2 does a fast forward ten years. The inexplicable meeting at the airport that neither was expecting. It was great to see them together again, but it lacked chemistry and heat for me. Add to that a long distance relationship AND parental expectations, it was a recipe for disaster. Then they are torn apart again.

Time jump of 17 years and they somehow bump into each other again. This was a bit eye rolling for me because come on. But ok, it is fiction, let’s roll with it. Again, I just didn’t feel the chemistry and heat. It was sweet, but left me wanting. I also feel that this part of the book wrapped up too quickly and neatly.

So I really did like the way the book was set up in three parts. They were very distinct to each time period and age. And as I said previously, it was a sweet story, but I wanted a bit more.

3 pieces of eye candy


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Remember When by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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Life is simple and hopeful in youth. Luke and Nelson are best friends exploring their budding sexuality. They have big plans for the future, and nothing can stand in their way or tear them apart—except a family move that puts a continent between them.

Ten years later Luke and Nelson meet again, but nothing is simple anymore. As strong as the attraction remains, obligations and expectations come between them as Luke is forced to honor family responsibilities over the desires of his heart.

Impossibly fate sees fit to offer them a last opportunity to see what might have been. Will the third time be the charm, or is trust so badly broken it is impossible to repair? Can they recapture the innocent love they once knew and make up for all the wasted years? In a love story that spans half a lifetime, two friends destined for each other will have to fight hard for their happily ever after.

Title: Remember When
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: August 28, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 210

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Had he lost his goddamn mind? Luke was a friend he hadn’t seen in ten years, not a potential date. He shook his head at his stupidity. Just two old friends having dinner to catch up on old times. It didn’t matter that Luke was still the hottest guy Nelson had ever laid eyes on. Maybe Luke had become a jerk. Perhaps they no longer had anything in common. Hell, just because they rubbed off on each other a couple times, shared a few blowjobs, it didn’t make Luke gay. A lot of adolescents experimented. It didn’t mean anything. Besides, Luke talked about a steady girlfriend. “So put your dick and your hope away,” Nelson warned himself.

The jeans weren’t the easiest to get into with wet skin, but he managed. Somehow he was able to dress, fix his brown mousy curls—sort of—spray on a little cologne, and was downstairs in the allotted time. He was presentable, but sure, he looked frazzled. Of course, when he spotted Luke leaning against a pillar, Luke appeared calm and relaxed and, man, oh man, did he look presentable. He was wearing tight jeans and a baby-blue dress shirt the same color as his eyes that accentuated his deep tan. He wore his hair styled back, the longish strands tucked behind his ears, and from this distance, it looked dry, unlike Nelson’s wet mop.

“Just dinner with an old friend,” he mumbled. He ran his fingers through his hair one more time and took a deep breath.

His hands were shaking so badly he shoved them into the pockets of his jeans to hide his nervousness. With as much confidence as he could muster, he strolled over to Luke.

Luke smiled when he spotted Nelson. “Hey.”

“Hey.” Oh, that was original.

“The receptionist said they have excellent food in the Torch Light, but if you’d rather get bar food, we can hang out in the lounge.”

“Might be hard to talk in the bar,” Nelson pointed out.

“True. Torch Light it is. We can always head to the bar later.”

Nelson walked along with Luke, doing a little mental math. He had to meet his client at seven in the morning and still had to go over the notes his boss had sent him. He was young. As long as he got back to his room by, say… two… three at the latest, he’d be good.

The restaurant was high-end. White linen tablecloths, fine china, cut-crystal wineglasses. The whole nine yards of way too fancy for me to be here. The other patrons wore slacks, dinner coats, and dresses. Nelson was way underdressed, as was apparent from the disapproving looks he was getting. However, since Luke was dressed casually as well, it did make Nelson feel marginally better. He pointed out the dress code as soon as they were sitting and the host had walked away.

Luke waved a dismissive hand. “Like I care. My money spends just as easily as theirs.”

Nelson shook out his napkin and laid it in his lap. “I’d have thought, you being from Malibu and all, you’d adhere to etiquette. You know, wear nothing but the finest everywhere you went.”

“This is my finest. Best pair of blue jeans, that is,” he chuckled. Luke then tilted his head. “Does it really bother you? We can go somewhere else if you prefer.”

“Nah, I’m good. Hell, I don’t even own the finest pair of anything.”

“My kind of guy,” Luke said. He flashed that stunning dimpled smile before hiding it behind his menu.

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

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Something’s Brewing at Joe’s by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Guest Post, Review and Giveaway

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The promise of a dream job lures Murphy to Tampa, but he arrives to the rude awakening that the offer is on hold. Now he’s got two choices: slink back to Michigan with his tail between his legs or stay and look for work. Things perk up when he goes into a coffee shop and learns the owner is looking for someone to renovate the apartment above it. He happily takes the job, only later realizing he’s met Joe Sterling, Kaffeinate’s proprietor, before… when they hooked up at a club Murphy’s first night in Tampa.

Murphy and Joe are both proud, passionate, and outspoken. Neither is looking for a relationship, though they can’t deny they go together as well as coffee and doughnuts, in spite of their tempers. But that’s before Joe learns Murphy will be working for the corporation he believes is harming local businesses and the environment—and if Murphy will be supporting it, Joe will want nothing to do with him, dooming any possibility of an unexpected happy ending.

Title: Something’s Brewing at Joe’s
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: June 30, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 200

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Undeniable and Uncontrollable

I’m often asked how I can have so many books in just six years. The answer, lots and lots of hours at the computer and a magnitude of voices in my head. The Second question I’m asked a lot is what do I think makes a good romance. That’s difficult to answer , because I truly believe it depends on the story and the audience. Everyone has their own definition of romantic. However, if I have to narrow it down to one thing, I’d have to say, the chemistry between the characters must be undeniable and uncontrollable. For this to happen, the attraction must be both physical and emotional. So how is realistic attraction between love interests created?

Each person has to lack a quality that the other can fulfill. It’s important to have two people (or more) who have characteristics which balance the other. Notice I said balance not fit together like two connecting puzzle pieces. Personally, when I read a story where the couple is annoyingly perfect, I get irritated and more importantly, bored. Great Chemistry is created by having a character with an emotional hole and another character to fill that hole. (Get your mind out of the gutter)

That being said, good character interaction, in general, depends not only on what a character lacks and makes up for in the other but also their differences, strengths, and how they come together to resolve the conflict.

In Something’s Brewing at Joe’s, there is an instant physical attraction between Murphy and Joe. However, their emotional connection makes their love undeniable and uncontrollable.

Okay, first thing…I have to giggle that Joe owns a coffee shop, and Murphy is almost dead without his coffee, because if you follow SJD Peterson on twitter like we do, you would know how much Jo LOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEEESSSSSS her coffee. Recent tweets included the hashtag #coffeeaddict and that she was making a fresh pot at 9pm to get writing. So, of course, it makes complete sense that she would write a story centered around the local coffee house, where the owner is beloved by most everyone in Tampa. 🙂

Anyway, onto the book. Poor Murphy. He just couldn’t catch a break when he first got to Florida. He thought he had a great job ahead of him having just finished school, and ready to begin his career in heating (well likely not a lot of that in Florida) and air conditioning (TONS of that in Florida), and getting himself on his feet after his ex left him with next to nothing. He finds a friend in one of the employees at Joe’s, and finds a job, as well.

Meanwhile, he meets up with Joe again, only realizing later that he would be working for him. And to say these men were passionate is putting it mildly. They are passionate about their beliefs, and they tear up the sheets! (Jo can write some great sex scenes, and this book is no different).

What I enjoyed about these two was that despite some of their huge differences in beliefs, they stuck to their guns, and did not back down from the other merely because they didn’t agree. They could compromise, or they could just not talk about it…which these two men did very, very well…not talking. But in the end, they were strong in their beliefs, yet were willing to work with each other to find common ground.

The biggest conflict for them was the fact that would not talk, which in reality is how many men can be. These two jumped into bed together, or in the office, or on a mattress on the floor for that matter, before they would talk to each other about how they felt, despite all the times they said they were going to talk. If sex was on the table (not literally…) then they would do that long before they focused on building a relationship that each of them believed they didn’t want when they started.

I loved how they worked together at the end to get the bad guy, although it did seem a bit unrealistic initially. However, the way they got around the legalities of it was creative, as well as very relative to current events.

Another book of Jo’s that will go on my “to read again” list. Oh…and did I say there were hot sex scenes? Cause, there are…of course! Whew!

4 pieces of eye candy

 

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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Jo is giving away an ebook of any of her backlist items. Let her know what you think about her upcoming release!

 

Limitless by SJD Peterson: Exclusive Excerpt (NSFW), Release Day Review and Giveaway

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limitlessfssynopsisEven within the context of the Underground BDSM Club, Joshua’s desires are dark and extreme. Hopelessly addicted to pain and the high it gives him, he has no limits. Joshua would quite literally rather die than use a safeword, and he accepts that might be his fate. As much as he depends on others, he has yet to find a man who can gain his trust, and he has little hope that he ever will.

For Nash, acquiring Joshua from another Dom at the club is only the first step in what will be a long and arduous road to lure the young man back from the brink of self-destruction. He must do the impossible and win Joshua’s trust, and he must be the one to set limits in their exploration—something he’s unaccustomed to as a Dom. But Nash knows dominance doesn’t always mean pushing a submissive’s boundaries. It’s about establishing a bond and fulfilling another man’s needs. In Joshua’s case, he’ll have to strike a balance between meeting the young man’s expectations and drawing firm lines that will save Joshua from himself.

Title: Limitless
Series: An Underground Club Tale: Book Two
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: December 2, 2016
Category: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 200

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Excerpt from Limitless (NSFW)

“Good evening, Kirk.” Nash took the seat next to him.

“Hey, Nash. How are you doing tonight? Finding any action that suits you?”

“Not looking for action, only answers.”

Kirk eyed Nash’s drink and then met his gaze. “I never trust the answers I find in booze.”

“Nor do I. Rumor has it you’ve played with Joshua before?”

“Troy’s new boy?” Kirk asked.

Nash nodded and sipped his drink.

“Yeah, I played with him once and that was enough for me.” Kirk looked unnerved as he ran his fingers through his long grayish beard, suddenly looking every bit of his forty-five years. “Trust me, that’s a hornet’s nest you do not want to get tangled up in. That boy is a complete and utter fucking mess.”

Damn, Nash hadn’t expected that type of reaction to the mention of Joshua’s name. Still, he wasn’t deterred, his interest in the submissive all the more piqued. “What do you mean by mess?”

“He has no limits. Like zero fucking limits.”

“That’s impossible. Everyone has their limits.”

“Not Joshua. He’s as bad as a heroin junkie, only his drug of choice is pain. He’s constantly looking for the bigger and better high. He’ll let you kill him before he’ll safeword.”

Nash propped his elbow on the bar and ran his goatee through his thumb and index finger as he considered Kirk’s words. If Joshua were a pain junkie, it could be a whole lot worse than a nest of swarming bugs. A submissive who required that much work wasn’t what Nash was looking to get into. He hadn’t had a full-time sub for many years and wasn’t sure he wanted one. To push a submissive to his limits was one thing, but to try and teach them limits when they had none was a whole other kind of hardship. Did he want to take on such a responsibility? He cut a glance toward Joshua, who was still kneeling at Troy’s feet and still being ignored. Fuck! The way his chest tightened when he looked at the man, Nash already knew the answer. He would do everything in his power to see that Joshua wasn’t abused and that he didn’t suffer one more mark of a Dom gone too far.

Nash picked up his glass and raised it as he stood. “Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. Seriously, Nash, think about what I said long and hard before you consider playing with that boy. He may not have limits, but I assure you, he will push you to yours.”

paula review

This was a heartwrenching story for me. I felt so much for Joshua. He was so messed up due to his past and didn’t really realize that things could be different. I was rooting for him through the entire story. He tried so hard to feel better but was pretty clueless on how to do that. I fell in love with Nash and his determination to get Joshua to a healthy place in his life. Nash warmed my heart because he cared so much. He was so genuine and caring. This was a great pair. This story drew me in and got me emotionally invested. SJD Peterson did a great job creating characters who showed uncertainty and felt real. The entire store flowed well and kept me interested from start to finish. Nash and Josh were a great pair. Their interactions with each other and their own individual personality was great.

4 pieces of eye candy

4-pieces-of-eye-candy1

meet the author

jSJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

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Leave a comment congratulating Jo on her new release, and you can receive an ebook copy from her backlist.

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Override by SJD Peterson: Author Guest Post

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OverrideFSsynopsis

Don’t judge a book by its cover….

At over six feet, with a body honed in the gym, auto worker Donavan Gregory is used to people assuming he’s a dominant top. Unfortunately, they’re wrong, and Donavan’s desire to explore his submissive side goes unfulfilled.

Smaller and older than Donavan, Dr. Seth Manning might not look like a typical Dominant, but when the two men meet at Pride, Donavan realizes Seth might be his perfect counterpart. The trouble is, Donavan doesn’t have as much experience with the BDSM world as he’d like. What could an educated, handsome, and confident man like Seth possibly see in someone like him? Seth must convince him that despite the differences on the surface, when it comes to kinky fun and discovery, they’ll fit together just fine.

Title: Override
Series: The Underground Club
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: August 31, 2016
Cateogory: Contemporary, BDSM
Pages: 200

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Guest Post

Another BDSM story?

My upcoming release, Override, is my…..Oh hell, I’ve lost count of how many stories I’ve told with BDSM elements. Each one is as unique as the characters. The one thing they have in common is they tend to be mild. I’m not a huge fan of hardcore BDSM and as such, I don’t write it. What really fascinates me about the Dom/sub relationship is the power exchange and the physiological aspects of it.

I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share of bad reviews. Hell, I hesitate to call them bad since I’ve learned a lot from the ones I’ve read. A chance to learn is never a bad thing. One thing stands out for me when reading bad reviews is that I never take them personally as I know I can’t please everyone all the time. I write from the heart, for myself and have been fortunate that so many have enjoyed them.

I don’t claim to be an expert on the BDSM lifestyle, but I do have friends who are members and to whom I look to when writing.  Those within the lifestyle face the same struggles in life as everyone else, jobs, finances, and family and health issues. I, nor anyone I know would ever think the BDSM lifestyle is a cure-all for any hardship including mental and physical health crisis. However, sometimes, with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, shyness, depression, a sub can learn coping mechanism from his Dom. I mean think about it, a Dom, a GOOD Dom, is usually acutely aware of physical and mental changes in his sub.

Okay, so off my soapbox. I really did get off topic considering Donavan has no issues other than he feels somewhat inferior to Seth. In fact, I think this is one of the “fluffiest” BDSM stories I’ve written. 🙂

meet the author

 

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can’t cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS

AUTHORS AMAZON PAGE