ARC Review: Fight the Tide by Keira Andrews

From The Blurb:

Adrift in a post-apocalyptic world, they only have each other. Is it enough? 

A virus that turns the infected into zombie-like killers spreads through a burning world thrown into lawless chaos. Lovers Parker and Adam have escaped to the open sea when they hear a message over the airwaves from a place called Salvation Island—a supposed safe haven. 

Orphaned as a child, werewolf Adam has always longed for a pack. He’s eager to investigate the island, but Parker doesn’t think for a nanosecond that the voice on the radio can be believed. He doesn’t trust anyone but Adam and is determined to keep it that way. They don’t need anyone else complicating their struggle to survive. Or do they? 

Danger on the high seas can surface in a heartbeat, and if Parker and Adam aren’t careful, the current will drag them under. 

This gay romance is a dystopian adventure featuring a werewolf, his boyfriend, and their struggle to find a place to call home.

Karen's Rating:

As much as I wanted to read this book. I have to admit I was also a little apprehensive. Did I really want to read another book about Zombies? Creepers, honestly they are so not my thing, but I loved that first book. It was awesome...so yes, I did want to read this, thankfully because as it turned out it to was awesome and yet, quite different from the first book.

In 'Kick at the Darkness' we were introduced to Parker and Adam just as the virus that would potentially turn everyone into Creepers was unleashed on the world forcing them to work together to stay alive and for Parker uninfected. We left them as they were about to seek safety on the ocean in a sailboat. 

Life on the high seas may keep them safe from the Creepers but it's with brutal force that Parker gets reminded, while waiting for Adam to return from a supply run, that Creepers are not the only threat to be guarded against.

While Parker and Adam are definitely a couple I have very much enjoyed that they've each retained their individuality as well. Often times expressing opposing viewpoints...Parker wanting to shut them off from the world, Adam wanting to find a place that they could begin again and be a part of a community, Adam wanting to go to the voice on the radio that promised them safety and shelter a sanctuary, Parker wanting to run from it, Parker wanting to ignore the plea for help during a storm, Adam wanting to give that help. It is was when they responded to that mayday call that things ultimately become both better and more complicated. Arriving just in time to rescue what looks to be a family of 4. Parker and Adam soon realize that these people need their help if they are going to survive so unable to simply leave them to their own devices Parker and Adam find themselves part of a group that slowly morphs into a family.

ARC Review: The Night Screams by Devon McCormack

Blurb:

Running naked through the woods, Cal flees the sadistic man who abducted and tortured him. When he stumbles upon a convenience store, he breaks in to steal food. A young store clerk, Jake, confronts him, and they get into a fight that ends with Cal being knocked unconscious. He wakes in the home of Jake’s Uncle Gary, the owner of the convenience store. Realizing Cal needs help, Gary tries to communicate with him, but despite Cal’s efforts, he can’t bring himself to speak. Instead, he writes down his experiences. Horrified by the perverse cruelty Cal endured, Gary takes him to the police, who track down his tormentor.

Abandoned by his parents before his abduction, Cal doesn’t have anywhere to go, so Gary and his wife eagerly welcome him into their home. He feels fortunate to be with such caring people—something he’s never had before. Despite their help, he still can’t find his voice, and he wonders if he ever will. And Jake certainly isn’t making things any easier. It’s clear he doesn’t want Cal to be part of their family. But the more Cal gets to know him, the more he realizes Jake might be the very person who can heal the deep wounds left by his horrifying past.

My rating:





This book starts off with 17 year-old Cal, whose name we haven't been told at this point, running naked through the woods after having escaped from his kidnapper. The writing brilliantly describes his terror and determination and struggle to get away. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, fearing for this young man.

Upon breaking out of the woods at the edge of a small town, Cal manages to steal some clothes from a thrift store, but is then caught stealing a bit of food from the convenience store next-door by 18 year-old Jake, the store's clerk. In the ensuing pursuit and fight, Cal is knocked unconscious.

When he comes to, he's in the home of Gary and Luce, Jake's aunt and uncle, who offer him a place to stay and food.

Jake is understandably upset and distrustful of Cal.

Cal is mute because of the terrors of his experience, of which we know a little by that point.

By this point, the author had me fully vested in the story. When Cal relays his story, of how he came to be homeless and how he was kidnapped and tortured, I cried hot tears.

By this point, I expected this book to relay Cal's struggles to come to terms with being kicked out by his parents, and being kidnapped and abused by a psychopath, but that's not actually what I got.

It seemed that the author dropped that particular subject down to Cal going to a few appointments with a counselor, and spun the story into an entirely different direction - that of the romance between Jake and Cal. I thought that considering the trauma Cal went through at the hands of his kidnapper, not enough time was spent on successfully working through that issue - it became almost a forgotten topic. I also didn't buy that someone who had experienced such horrible torture, as is described early on, would then be able to so quickly embark on a physical relationship without at least experiencing some major flashbacks. This kind of stuff isn't going to simply fall by the wayside, and I don't think the author did Cal any favors by portraying him this way. There was a bit too much telling here for my taste, when I wanted to be shown Cal's struggles. A few sentences do not healing make.

I did like the family Cal has the good fortune to meet, and especially Gary seemed to help Cal quite a bit. Luce struggles for a while when Jake and Cal start dating, but comes around when it counts.

ARC Review: A Frost of Cares by Amy Rae Durreson

Blurb:

Military historian Luke Alcott leaps at the chance to live in the seventeenth-century country mansion of Eelmoor Hall, home of the Royal Military School of Medicine, after being offered a job cataloging the school’s archives. Luke believes he chose the perfect place to start a new life and put his broken past behind him. But soon after settling into the old house, he hears strange noises—like footsteps—and he begins to suffer from terrible nightmares.

The only person Luke can turn to for help is the taciturn caretaker, Jay, a veteran of the Afghanistan war who carries an old battle wound. Together they try to understand Eelmoor Hall’s history and decipher what could be causing the haunting. As the weather grows colder and snow dusts the countryside, a child goes missing. Luke needs to deal with his own demons and learn to trust in love again if he hopes to face down the angry spirit and find the missing girl.

Dani's rating:

This story starts later. The end is the beginning, and the beginning is this:

Luke doesn’t believe in ghosts. But when one lonely Christmas he finally accepts that his boyfriend Danny is never coming home, he leaves London for Eelmoor Hall where he meets the Mistletoe Bride, a girl who hid so well, no one ever found her.

But that’s not the most important part. The most important part is Jay.

As Luke tells us, This isn’t a ghost story. This is a love story.

Both men have lost so much: a partner, a limb, their sense of self. Some things we lose forever, and some return to us.

Luke is looking for closure so he can stop waiting for Danny, who was gone long before he left Luke at a hospital ten years prior and never returned.

And Jay, all frowns and hard edges, is looking for someone he can trust, someone who will stay. He doesn't know it, but Jay is looking for Luke.

ARC Review: Quarry Lake by Josephine Myles

Blurb:

Still waters run deep . . .

Tommy’s been away from his home in rural Somerset for three years. Long enough to sort out who he is, and to get over the feelings of confusion and shame that blighted his lifelong friendship with farmer’s boy Rob. He’s out and proud, now—and he’s coming home to claim back what he lost.

Rob’s the one who stayed behind, working on the farm with little time for a social life. With Tommy coming back into his world, he could have a lot to gain—and everything to lose.

He’s going to have to take a leap of faith. Straight into the ice cold waters of Quarry Lake.

Dani's rating:

Tommy comes home determined to win back his best friend Rob, the boy who kissed him but whom he didn't kiss back.

Tommy is now out and proud, but Rob isn't. He's a farmer's son living in a small town. He doesn't think being out is an option, especially when he doesn't even have a boyfriend to hold his hand.

When Rob sees Tommy again, he can't keep his eyes off the man. But he thinks Tommy is straight.

The first (second?) kiss melted my heart. Rob is a virgin (gah, I love this trope!) but so eager and willing to learn.

Three cheers for Rob's dad who doesn't care that Tommy is gay; he just cares that he's not a vegetarian. His son can bring home a boyfriend, just as long as he eats meat.

I wish this story had been longer; it ended before it began. Everything seemed a little too easy and bright. I wanted more conflict between the MCs and a slower burn. I wanted Tommy to grovel.

Blogtour: Dinner At Foxy's by Silvia Violet

DINNER AT FOXY’S

LAW AND SUPERNATURAL ORDER BOOK 3

SILVIA VIOLET

M/M ROMANCE

07.18.16

COVER DESIGN: AJ Corza

COVER PHOTO: Stock Photo

BLURB:

Fox shifter Luke runs Foxy’s Chicken Shack, known for the best and spiciest chicken in town. For months he’s had his eye on Silas, a young cop who patrols the area around his restaurant. When Silas arrives to question Luke about his cousins’ criminal activities, things blow up, literally, and Silas is injured. Luke will do whatever it takes to see his cousins brought to justice. He might not survive his crazy plan, but if he does…

Could there be a chance at love for this fox shifter and his cop?

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EXCERPT:

I’m Luke, and I’m a fox. Okay, I’m a fox shifter, but I’m also hot, a smooth-talker, and I give one wild ride. I run a restaurant in Atlanta. We sell the best damn fried chicken you’ve ever eaten. That’s right. I’m a bona fide fox in the henhouse. Our chicken comes in spicy, spicier, and fuck-me-I’m-on-fire.

The dinner shift is crazy as fuck tonight even though my best people are in the kitchen. I don’t know who decided to send me all the large parties, prize-winners for most finicky order, and downright bitchy-as-fuck complainers, but they are all out in force tonight.

I’m about to take a break. I need a whiskey, but a large sweet tea will have to do since I’m working.

The door chimes as it swings open, and I glance up, expecting another party of nine, half of them gluten-free vegans—at a fucking chicken shack—but, no… Fuck me. It’s that gorgeous blond twink in a cop’s uniform, the one who’s become a regular. His baby face makes him look like he’s playing dress-up. I want to run my hands—and my tongue—over every inch of his smooth, pale skin. He glances my way, and his eyes widen for just a second. Then his tongue slides out to moisten his lips.

Maybe this night is about to improve. Officer Blond and Surely-Not-As-Young-As-He-Looks moves my way. Oh yes. Come to Daddy.

I thought you didn’t do cops.

Sometimes I hate my fucking conscience.

Nothing but trouble there.

I’m not like the rest of my family. I don’t run guns or steal cars. I don’t hurt people or use them. But some of my business interests aren’t exactly what you’d call legal. Hell, the simple fact that I’m a fox shifter makes me suspicious to most people. However, this is one officer of the law I wouldn’t mind having a close acquaintance with.

The hottie in blue reaches the counter. “What can I do for you, Officer?” I ask.

Blogtour: Makepeace (Taking Shield #3) by Anna Butler

Please welcome Anna Butler with 

Makepeace

Taking Shield #3 

Blurb:

Returning to duty following his long recovery from the injuries he sustained during the events recounted in Heart Scarab, Shield Captain Bennet accepts a tour of duty in Fleet as flight captain on a dreadnought. The one saving grace is that it isn’t his father’s ship—bad enough that he can’t yet return to the Shield Regiment, at least he doesn’t have the added stress of commanding former lover Fleet Lieutenant Flynn, knowing the fraternisation regulations will keep them apart.

Working on the material he collected himself on T18 three years before, Bennet decodes enough Maess data to send him behind the lines to Makepeace, once a human colony but under Maess control for more than a century. The mission goes belly up, costing Albion one of her precious, irreplaceable dreadnoughts and bringing political upheaval, acrimony and the threat of public unrest in its wake. But for Bennet, the real nightmare is discovering what the Maess have in store for humanity.

It’s not good. It’s not good at all.

About the Taking Shield series:

Earth’s a dead planet, dark for thousands of years; lost for so long no one even knows where the solar system is. Her last known colony, Albion, has grown to be regional galactic power in its own right. But its drive to expand and found colonies of its own has threatened an alien race, the Maess, against whom Albion is now fighting a last-ditch battle for survival in a war that’s dragged on for generations.

Taking Shield charts the missions and adventures of Shield Captain Bennet, scion of a prominent military family. Against the demands of his family’s ‘triple goddess’ of Duty, Honour and Service, is set Bennet’s relationships with lovers and family. When the series opens, Bennet is at odds with his long term partner, Joss, who wants him out of the military and back in an academic, archaeological career. He’s estranged from his father, Caeden, who is the commander of Fleet’s First Flotilla. Events of the first book, in which he is sent to his father’s ship to carry out an infiltration mission behind Maess lines, improve his relationship with Caeden, but bring with them the catalyst that will destroy the one with Joss: one Fleet Lieutenant Flynn, who, over the course of the series, develops into Bennet’s main love interest.

Over the Taking Shield story arc, Bennet will see the extremes to which humanity’s enemies, and his own people, will go to win the war. Some days he isn’t able to tell friend from foe. Some days he doubts everything, including himself, as he strives to ensure Albion’s victory. And some days he isn’t sure, any longer, what victory looks like.

Taking Shield 01: Gyrfalcon

Taking Shield 02: Heart Scarab

Excerpt:

The noise was always the most difficult thing to assimilate when it came to a fire fight. He was only peripherally aware of it while the fight lasted, registering the shouts and screams and explosions and using the data they brought him as he assessed and reassessed what was going on around him. But he wasn’t able, while he was in the thick of it, to analyse them and put them into their proper place. It was usually the point at which everything grew quiet again that his brain processed and replayed all he’d heard, as if the memories had been parked somewhere safe until he had the time to deal with them.

So it was only now, while he got his breath back and kneaded the kinks out of his knee, his mind added the audio track to the memories stored there: the whooshing whoop of short bursts of intense energy flung from the muzzle of his laser rifle, the flat boom of something exploding, the yells of fright and anger from the troopers. Someone had been screaming.

He looked around for the source, trying to do a quick head count. Thirty yards away someone bent over a huddled mass. The downed man’s legs kicked, heels drumming on the ground. The screaming had died away into a pained gurgling.

Van landed beside him, slumping against the building wall with an audible whoof, sighing out a relieved breath.

Bennet arched an eyebrow at her. “Status?”

“Two down, status unknown. The paramedic’s checking.” She glanced at the downed man and grimaced. “Maess hunting now?”

Get the book:

Pushing the boundaries

There are days when I’m glad that the house of speculative and science fiction has such wide, welcoming doors.

I’ve been trying to analyse why I write the kind of sci-fi I do, you see. That’s the old school type, the stuff of Star Wars/Trek space opera—big spaceships, faster than light travel, alien enemies, cool weaponry and heroes running around shooting their lasers. The only difference in the Taking Shield universe to the space opera norm is that my heroes are two men who love each other.

It is old fashioned. It perhaps does have its roots in the fiction and films of the 60s and 70s, when we were still aglow with all the certainties of right and might in the world, when we thought we (generic Western we) were the bastions of freedom and free-thought. When no one had heard of climate change, or the idea of Islamic jihad, or sub-prime mortgages crashing the world’s economy. Perhaps when the future looked bright and adventurous and we owned it all, and we didn’t know that our enemy wasn’t something out ‘there’ but our own flawed natures.

Dare I say it’s from a time when we weren’t depressed, but energetic and hopeful? Yeah. I dare.

Release Blitz: The Beginning by Victoria Sue

Release Blitz - Victoria Sue - The Beginning - Sirius Wolves #6

Author: Victoria Sue

Release Date: July 28

Length: 173 pages

Buy Links: 

Amazon US

Amazon UK

ARe

Sirius Wolves Series 

Blurb

The Winter Circle is on the rise and the most desperate hour for humankind is at hand. Working from the shadows, the dark god Anubis, jealous enemy of the goddess Sirius, is setting years' long plans in motion, a master scheme that will strike home in the heart of Jefferson Pack.
Nate is a survivor.  He survived rejection by his father and his pack when he was a child. He survived being alone, kidnapped, starved, and tortured. But the more he recovers, the more he realizes he seems to be developing abilities that surpass those of the Supreme Alphas.
More than that, though, he can't move past the scar of knowing he was responsible for killing Darric, even though the Alpha was resurrected by Orion and Nate was forgiven; he can't let go of his fear that there is something terrible hiding in the many holes in the memories of his childhood.
The Winter Circle strikes, and there is a traitor within the pack, one who means to see the end of all hybrids, including Nate and Kellan's pups.
But as all hell breaks loose Nate's greatest fear is not the danger that surrounds him, it's the danger that hides within him. When Nate's finds out his true purpose, and terrible secrets are revealed, will love triumph over evil? Or will the secret that Nate carries just be the death of them all?

Author Bio:

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ARC Review: Bitten by Mistake by Annabelle Jacobs

Blurb:

From animosity to searing passion in a lunar cycle … but can their bond survive?

Wolf shifter Nathan Kohl’s pack is his whole life. Arrogant and handsome, he avoids commitment to anything or anyone outside of his pack. He works hard, plays hard, and pursues humans as lovers because there’s little to no chance of him forming a permanent bond. However, when Jared Taylor comes into Nathan’s life, every rule is broken.

After a bad experience, Jared vowed to never get involved with another shifter, no matter how much they got under his skin. Despite being physically attracted to Nathan, who’s all kinds of hot, Jared only sees an arrogant, domineering bastard.

A disastrous case of mistaken identity throws Nathan and Jared together until the next full moon. Forced to spend the next twenty-eight days in close proximity, they can no longer ignore the powerful attraction between them. Passion ignites, and their relationship takes a turn neither of them wanted.

But when the full moon comes, everything might change again.

Dani's rating:

This book worked for me on so many levels: It's SEXY, passionate, and intense. It contains enough shifter action to satisfy rabid wolf fans, but the focus is most definitely on the relationship between Nathan and Jared.

When Jared first meets Nathan, he gives him the cold shoulder. Jared does not like shifters. He thinks they're arrogant and dangerous. He dated a shifter once and is determined to never make that mistake again.

Nathan is a little cocky, but he's a good guy: loyal to his pack, smart, and brave. Nathan doesn't mean to bite Jared. There's a rogue pack on the loose, and when Nathan goes after one of the rogue wolves, Jared, well ... Jared isn't supposed to be there.

Jared is NOT happy to be stuck with Nathan. He's even less happy to find himself drawn to the dark-haired, hot as sin shifter. The bite may cause Jared to change with the next full moon. But that's not guaranteed. Jared and Nathan have to wait it out. How will they ever pass the time?

The thing is, Nathan could be in big trouble if Jared changes into a shifter. Biting someone without consent is illegal in this alternate world. Neither the humans nor the werewolves take kindly to it.

If that weren't enough, the rogue shifters are still out there, and to defeat them Nathan's pack has to work with a rival pack whose alpha has it out for Nathan.

I loved how the enemies-to-lovers trope played out. Jared goes from hating Nathan to not being able to imagine life without him. The two bond with the bite, but that bond may disappear with the full moon. And that scares Jared more than it should.

ARC Review: Fish Out of Water by Amy Lane

From The Blurb:

PI Jackson Rivers grew up on the mean streets of Del Paso Heights—and he doesn’t trust cops, even though he was one. When the man he thinks of as his brother is accused of killing a police officer in an obviously doctored crime, Jackson will move heaven and earth to keep Kaden and his family safe. 

Defense attorney Ellery Cramer grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but that hasn’t stopped him from crushing on street-smart, swaggering Jackson Rivers for the past six years. But when Jackson asks for his help defending Kaden Cameron, Ellery is out of his depth—and not just with guarded, prickly Jackson. Kaden wasn’t just framed, he was framed by crooked cops, and the conspiracy goes higher than Ellery dares reach—and deep into Jackson’s troubled past. 

Both men are soon enmeshed in the mystery of who killed the cop in the minimart, and engaged in a race against time to clear Kaden’s name. But when the mystery is solved and the bullets stop flying, they’ll have to deal with their personal complications… and an attraction that’s spiraled out of control.

Karen's rating:

Ok for starters, with this one I need you to forget everything you thought you knew about this author...just chuck it out the window. Before reading 'Fish Out of Water' my book count for Amy Lane was 29 stories/novellas/books...whatever. So while I'm by no means an expert my point here is I really, really like this author, I am familiar with her writing. Sadly and happily I still have a few stories/novellas/novels of hers to read 36 according to my list, see not an expert or even close.

Still of the 29 books that I've read none have been even remotely like this one. If you're not a big fan of mysteries, thrillers, whodunnits whatever name you want to apply there's a really strong chance that this one won't be your cuppa'. On the other hand if you are pull up a chair and let's talk.

I loved this book for me it was total comfort food. I cut my adult reading teeth on Mary Higgins Clark, Phillip Margolin, Steven Berry, John Sandford, James Patterson and a few others. Even a lot of the urban fantasy that I've read contains a mystery/thriller tone to them. So when I saw this one honestly I was torn could she do it? Could the author who writes sweet, fluffy, romance laced with oober hot sex and some awesomely over the top characters give me a mystery that kept me as engaged as her other books did? Would I like it? Yep, I was more than a little nervous but even more than that I was curious so of course I made grabby hands at the chance to find out.

Jackson Rivers is a PI working for the same law firm that employs Ellery Cramer and these two have danced around each other for years. Both thinking they're out of the other's league.

They are essentially polar opposites. Jackson basically raised himself having a mother who was too busy with her drugs and men to really care what became of him. While Ellery grew up knowing only privileges and comforts that someone like Jackson would only ever dreamed of. Jackson wears leather jackets and jeans and drives an older model Toyota...think 10 years plus, Ellery wears designer suits and drives a shiny new Lexus. Jackson's bi and does one night stands no commitments made or needed, Ellery's gay and does relationships not one night stands.

Bookblast: Another Secret by Stevie Woods

Title: Another Secret

Author: Stevie Woods

Publisher: Torquere Press

Release Date: 8/3/16

Heat Level: 5

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 14,350 words

Genre:Gay Romance, Erotic Romance, Paranormal Romance

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

After yet another bad dream, Leland accepts he can no longer keep his secret; the time had come to confess all to his best friend, Drew. He sets out early in the morning, determined yet fearful of Drew’s reaction to what he must tell him. Leland has loved Drew ever since they were teenagers and together they experimented with their sexuality, but Drew has only ever been his best friend. 

He dreads maybe even losing that when Drew learns the truth. However, when halfway through the forest to Drew’s home, Leland is forced to take cover when he sees a large grey wolf tailing another man. His concern turns to shock when the man abruptly shifts to become a wolf and attacks the grey wolf. The fight is swift and bloody and ends when the man-wolf runs off. Leland gets his second shock of the morning when the grey wolf abruptly shifts to become human. 

To become Drew. Too surprised to do more than watch as his now very naked best friend rushes off, Leland is in for yet another surprise when he finally confronts Drew later that morning.

Excerpt

Perhaps fate had decided enough was enough and given him that proverbial kick up the backside, letting him know it was time to tell Drew everything. He sighed. It was the last thing he wanted, but the time had come; he could put it off no longer.

He was just about to step out into a small clearing when he saw it—a large grey wolf, so dark as to be almost black. It was a beautiful specimen. Leland kept very still, not wanting to draw the animal’s attention. It looked as if the wolf was already trailing something by the way it was behaving. Even as he watched, the wolf sniffed the air and quickened its pace. Apparently, it had found its prey. As Leland slipped back behind the tree, shock slid through him as he spied the wolf’s target. It was a man.

Leland was of two minds what to do. His immediate reaction was to shout a warning, but that could induce the wolf to attack sooner. Cursing himself for being a fool, Leland ran as quietly and swiftly as he could around the clearing toward the unsuspecting victim. Sliding to a halt behind a large tree, Leland saw the wolf lowering itself, as if getting set to spring. Leland opened his mouth to yell a warning, but the man was not as unaware as Leland assumed. The man spun to face the wolf, snarling and growling as he tore the clothes from his body. Leland, his mouth still hanging open, watched in total shock.

Almost too fast for Leland to follow, the man’s form shifted and changed. From two feet, he dropped to all fours, fingers and toes becoming sharp claws. Pale skin sprouted dark brown fur as his face elongated and his teeth became sharp points frothed with saliva.

The two wolves leapt at each other, meeting mid-flight to clash and fall to the earth, landing on steady feet, teeth bared as they snarled at each other. They circled, gazes locked, until they charged again.

Blogtour: Too Good To Be True by Deanna Wadsworth

Please welcome Deanna Wadsworth and 

Too Good To Be True 

Blurb:

Disgraced former FBI agent Tim Burkhart desperately wants to reclaim his life and find happiness. Relocating his fledgling private security company to Miami—where his ex-wife moved their two daughters—hopefully is a start. When he’s hired to provide protection for an antiques dealer on his way to Scotland to sell a priceless ancient dirk, Tim believes the break he’s been waiting for has finally arrived. Maybe now he can make enough money to hire a lawyer and get shared parenting of his little girls.
Elliot James runs the antique shop he inherited after his grandfather’s death. Lonely and swimming in debt, he longs for a way to turn his life around but keeps making one mistake after another. Then he finds the ancient dirk tucked away among junk as he’s cleaning out his grandfather’s home. Placing it up for sale, he is thrilled when an out of country buyer purchases the priceless antique. The buyer wants the dirk immediately and sends Tim to ensure Elliot safely delivers it on time.

The moment Tim and Elliot meet, however, everything falls apart. Between break-ins, shoot-outs, stalkers, totaled cars, and the cops, it seems Tim and Elliot will never get to Scotland by the deadline. Despite all the obstacles, an unexpected attraction pulls them together, offering each man a glimmer of hope. But if they don’t deliver the dirk on time, they won’t get paid and neither of them will be able to pick up the pieces of their lives. Will they complete this job and find a happily ever after, or is all of this really too good to be true?

Excerpt:

Staring down the sights of his Colt 1911 and into the panicked eyes of the young man, Tim said, “Keep your hands where I can see ’em. I want to know where Mr. James is and why you’re in his store.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Tim saw a flash of metal. Instinctively he dropped to the floor. The sharp crack of a bullet shot through the store, shattering something on his left.

The guy behind the counter made a run for the door.

Tim rolled behind the armoire, gritting his teeth when the door slammed shut and the first guy got away. Careful to stay out of sight, Tim assessed the shooter who’d come from the back room. He looked as young and inexperienced as the one who’d run. Tim recognized the weapon in his hand—a 9mm semi-automatic Beretta. Though Tim’s .45 could out-shoot the little pea-shooter at the range, he had no interest in finding out who was the better shot in real life.

“¿Adónde vas? ¡Esperame!” the shooter yelled to his retreating friend.

Wait for me. Tim knew enough Spanish. The guy planned to make a run for it, too. He clambered to his feet. Before he could tackle and subdue him, the kid aimed his Beretta in the general direction of the armoire and fired off a volley of shots.

“Shit!” Tim dove behind a stack of rugs to dodge the bullets.

The gun went silent.

Tim rolled fast onto his back, his 1911 aimed, only to watch the kid flying out the door behind his friend. The door bounced a few times until it closed, the bells clanging.

“Shit! Shit!”

The scraping sounds in the back room, louder than before, drew his attention once more.

As fast as he could, he crept around the counter, his heart pounding. Both hands on his gun, trigger finger resting on the frame and trigger guard, he took a quick peek into the room, ducking back before a possible third perp could make him.

In less than a heartbeat, his brain registered what he’d seen. He exhaled. Keeping his gun lowered but at-the-ready, he entered.

In the center of what looked like a storage room sat the man Tim had been hired to escort to Scotland. He’d been gagged and duct-taped to a chair.

Elliot James.

“Is anyone else here?” Tim murmured.

Mr. James shook his head wildly.

With a relieved sigh, he rushed over to the man and yanked the gag out. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He gasped for air. “I’m fine.”

“Were there only two?” he clarified, eyes still peeled for danger.

“Yeah,” he managed, his face flushed and startling green eyes wide. Sandy-brown curls fell across the brow of a very frightened but very beautiful man. He took a few slow, ragged breaths, obviously trying to calm himself. “Just the two of them.”

Tim took a steadying breath of his own and slowly released the hammer on his Colt and flipped the safety up, never taking his gaze off Mr. James. “What happened?” He holstered the weapon then tore the duct tape from the man’s wrist.

“Aarrghh!” Mr. James jumped, the chair bouncing.

Tim winced when he noticed the arm hairs stuck to the tape in his hand. “Sorry ’bout that.” He paused over the other strip. “This one’s gonna hurt, too.”

Mr. James pursed his lips and nodded bravely. He let out a tiny hiss when Tim freed his second arm. That one didn’t take as much hair because a silver bracelet had protected most of the skin. Obviously, those punks had been amateurs in restraining.

“Sorry,” Tim said again.

Rubbing his wrists, he let out a breathy laugh. “It’s okay. Thank you for saving my life.”

“I believe that’s what I was paid for. I’m Tim Burkhart, your private security detail.”

Mr. James’s smile made his heart flutter. No, probably just the adrenaline. Tim didn’t get butterflies.

“Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Burkhart.”

“Call me Tim.” He stood and withdrew his phone. He gestured toward his bound legs. “You okay to get those? I gotta call the cops.”

“No!”

Tim almost dropped his phone when Mr. James shouted. He gaped at the man. “What do you mean no?”

Prying tape off of his khaki pants, the man paused. Those big green eyes grew even wider. “You can’t call the cops. My whole life depends on it!”

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Character interview with Mr. Tim Burkhart:

Hi, Tim, thank you for agreeing to this interview.

What’s your job like?

Author Of The Month - K.C. Wells - Grand Finale

Welcome to our Grand Finale celebrations for the outstandingly talented 

In our final post, we'll talk about A Bond Of Three, First, and Debt, three standalone novels, with excerpts. We'll also have a Q&A session with K.C, and at the very bottom there'll be one more chance to win.


First up, A Bond Of Three:

Blurb:

In the kingdom of Teruna, the red-cloaked Seruani teach the Terunans the art of love. Taken from their homes at seventeen to be trained, they are shunned as outcasts by society and considered the lowest of the low. So when Prince Tanish falls in love with the Seruan Feyar, the man who took his virginity and the only one to share his bed, he is not about to declare that love. No one can ever know, because the consequences would be too painful to consider for both of them.

When the king of Vancor visits Teruna, he promises that his son, Prince Sorran, will marry Prince Tanish to solidify the alliance between the two kingdoms, with the proviso that the virginal Sorran is instructed in the art of pleasing his husband-to-be. When Tanish’s father chooses Feyar to be this instructor, the lovers decide Prince Sorran must be taught that this is to be a marriage in name only….

A resentful prince, unwilling to share his lover.

A resentful Seruan, unwilling to share his prince.

And the shy prince whose very nature sparks changes in the lives of all those around them.

Teruna is about to change forever.

Excerpt:

 “Where were you?”

Tanish swung around. Feyar was standing in the open window, his cashor already wrapped around him. Those blue eyes regarded him steadily, no trace of a smile.

Whatever I do, it seems I cannot win. I hurt them both.

“We must talk, my terushan.” He went swiftly to Feyar and held out his hand to lead him to the bed.

Feyar arched his eyebrows. “And this talking shall take place in bed?” He sniffed the air and his eyes grew round. “You were with Sorran. I can smell him on you.” His nostrils flared and his lips pressed together.

There was no mistaking his reaction.

With a groan Tanish tugged him to the bed and pushed him to sit. “This is why we need to talk.” He knelt on the fur rug before Feyar. “The first time you met Sorran, you felt guilty, did you not? As if your being with him was a betrayal?” Feyar stared and then gave a short nod. “And I admit it, I was jealous. The thought of the two of you together tortured me.”

Feyar’s expression eased. “Oh, my corishan.” He moved as if to embrace Tanish.

Tanish held up his hand. “And last night I found Sorran weeping. We did that, you and I. We avoided him and left him alone, a young man far from home and those who love him.” He watched Feyar’s reaction. His face flushed, and Tanish nodded. “Yes, now you feel as guilty as I. He was so lonely, my terushan. It made my heart ache to see him. And when I kissed him….” He closed his eyes, the memory stirring his blood.

Feyar let out a long, drawn-out breath.

Tanish opened his eyes and shook his head slowly. “We cannot continue thus. Both of us jealous when the other spends time with him, both of us gnawed inside by guilt.”

Feyar got to his feet and paced across the room, wringing his hands. “Then what are we to do? For if this continues, we shall all be in torment.” There was pain in his eyes. “Tanish, we torture ourselves in this way. You are to marry him in twenty-six days time. He will be a part of your life, political marriage or not.” He swallowed. “I can no longer hate him, my corishan, not now I have met him. How could anyone hate that sweet youth? But I cannot bear the thought of you sharing a bed with him.”

“And the thought of you touching him, making love to him….” Tanish shuddered. “I fear it will drive me mad.” He stood facing Feyar, a space between them.

It is as if Sorran stands there, invisible to the eye but making his presence felt, the three of us forming a trinity of….

Tanish froze, the image in his head so vivid that it took his breath away. By the Maker, why did I not think of this?

“Tanish?”

He shook himself and met Feyar’s concerned gaze. Tanish smiled. They had been so blind, both of them. The answer had been there all the time.

“There is a solution.”

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Second in today's line-up, First:

Blurb:

It’s taken Tommy Newsome a while to get his head around being gay.

Growing up in a small town in Georgia, hasn’t prepared him for the more liberal life of a student at the university in Athens. Add to that the teachings of his parents and his church, and you have one shy young man who feels out of his depth. Working on his daddy’s farm hasn’t given him any chance of a social life, certainly not one like the clubs of Atlanta have on offer. Not that Tommy feels comfortable when he gets to sample it—Momma’s lectures still ring loudly inside his head.

All that changes when he goes to his first gay bar and sets eyes on Mike Scott.

When Mike’s not behind the bar at Woofs, he’s busy with his life as adult entertainer Scott Masters. Twenty years in the industry and the times, they are a-changing. Mike’s not had much luck in the relationship department, but as his mom is fond of telling him, you keep fishing in the same pond, you’re gonna reel in the same kind of fish. Maybe it’s time for a change.

And then a beautiful young man asks Mike to be his first….

Excerpt:

A lesson in what you get for cheating at Scrabble

“Gonna put you over my knee and paddle your ass for that,” Mike said, rising to his feet and making a show of rolling back his shirtsleeves. That grin of his hadn’t budged an inch.

In spite of his racing heartbeat, Tommy chuckled. “You gotta catch me first.” He stood up slowly, trying to work out what Mike would do next. Tommy edged around the table, his gaze trained on Mike. “An’ who says I’m gonna let you whup my ass, even if you do catch me, papaw?” He grinned. “I’m bigger ’n’ you.” He started to back away carefully from the table, unsure of his footing but not daring to take his eyes off Mike.

Mike laughed. “Yeah, but I’m faster.” Suddenly he lunged toward Tommy, hands ready to grab him. Tommy squealed, turned—and went flying over the arm of the couch, to land on the seat cushions with a whump. Mike yelled out a triumphant, gleeful shout and dived on top of him, those fingers going to work immediately, pulling up Tommy’s sweater and T-shirt and tickling his ribs.

“Arrgh, Mike, no!” Tommy yelled, squirming, but there was no way to escape the torture when Mike’s weight was pinning him to the couch. He tried to heave Mike off, but damn, he was stronger than Tommy had reckoned on.

“Ha! You thought I’d forgotten you were ticklish? Fat chance.” Mike let his fingers dance over Tommy’s abs until Tommy was crying and laughing, all at the same time. Mike’s eyes sparkled. “You had enough yet? Huh?” All the while he kept up the remorseless assault. “Ready to say ‘uncle’?”

Tommy could hardly see for the tears streaming down his face. “Uh-uh!” He didn’t know how much more he could take. Mike paused, and for one blessed moment Tommy thought it was over—until Mike yanked up his T-shirt and started blowing raspberries on his belly. “Aw… shit, Mike… no!” He could barely scream out the words, his voice hoarse, his breathing ragged.

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And lastly, but surely not least, Debt:

Blurb:

Two months after Mitch Jenkins had the rug pulled out from under him when his two-year relationship came to an abrupt end, he is still hurting. A colleague’s attempt to cheer him up brings Mitch to a secret “club.” Mitch isn’t remotely interested in the twinks parading like peacocks, until he spies the young man at the back of the room, nose firmly in a book and oblivious to his surroundings. Now Mitch is interested.

Nikko Kurokawa wants to pay his debt and get the hell out of the Black Lounge—where he is forced to not only have sex, but sometimes suffer abuse to please clients. Earning his freedom isn’t proving easy, especially when he starts attracting interest. Life becomes that little bit easier to bear when he meets Mitch, who is nothing like the other men who frequent the club. And when Mitch crawls under his skin and into his heart, Nikko figures he can put up with anything. Before long he’ll be out of there, and he and Mitch can figure out if they have a future together.

Neither of them counted on those who don’t want Nikko to leave….

Excerpt:

 “Any more slaw, Mom?” Deirdre asked, putting down the bowl of potato chips and glancing toward the table with its piles of neatly sliced burger buns and hot dog rolls, and containers of relish and ketchup.

“In the refrigerator. But you’ll have to go get it.” Mom grinned. “I’m supervising your father.” Deirdre chuckled and set off toward the house.

His dad brandished the tongs. “Heavens, woman, do I look like I need supervising?”

There was a brief moment’s silence before everyone assembled around the gas grill burst out laughing. Monica snorted and spluttered, spraying Coke all over her blouse.

She looked down at her stained clothing in disgust. “Great, now I have to go change into something else.” She scowled at her dad. “Way to go, Dad.” She put down her glass and marched back to the house.

Eric was still laughing. “Oh, come on, Malcolm, you have to admit, you haven’t exactly got a good track record when it comes to barbecues.”

Dad huffed. “I’ll have you know, I always do the grilling in this house.”

“Yeah, and you always burn it,” Deirdre called out, coming along the path with a container of slaw. “I’m with Mom on this one—you need watching.”

“Nonsense. Anyone can grill. Why, I—”