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BOOK BLAST: “The Man in Black” by L. R. Liverpool

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: The Man in Black

Author: L.R. Liverpool

Publisher: Black Cab Productions / Texas Poetrope

Cover Artist: Gabriel Sanche

Release Date: November 22, 2022

Tense/POV: First person, past tense, single POV

Genres: MM Historical Romance/Thriller

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forbidden love, dangerous environment, solving mysteries

Themes: Old West, outlaws, mysterious pursuer, hurt/comfort, murders, emotional traumas, scary dreams

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length:  897 pages in Kindle format

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

Smashwords  |  Google  |  Apple  |  Kobo

Indigo  |   Angus& Robertson

Who will be safe when a dream figure becomes real?

Blurb

Naive dreamer Fenimore James goes west to become a famous outlaw, but his fantasies of glamorous robberies quickly evaporate when he joins the Red Evans gang, finding himself caught in a strange and bloody game, where gang members are suddenly being murdered one-by-one at the hand of a mysterious pursuer, who leaves cryptic signs scarifying their bodies. As his nights become plagued by a bizarre dream figure––the Man In Black, he also begins to question his sexuality, falling for a fellow male gang member, whom he feared just recently. 

Excerpt 

Sometime later I had a strange dream, which I still remember in great detail, as if I only saw it yesterday: I’m sitting in a hut by a frost-covered window and watching a stagecoach arrive in the yard. It seems to me that my new friends are also somewhere in the house, but this is more of a feeling, because I don’t really see them anywhere. I get up and walk outside. The door does not open into the house, but outward––so I force it hard with all my weight, because there is one hell of a snowdrift on the porch. After a couple of violent shoves, it finally swings open. Everything is white all around––continuous snowy expanses and a snow-covered forest are in front, blackened with tree trunks. And some sort of mountains. I look at the stagecoach and notice that it is also all black, and the horses are black too. Even before I have time to call out to the intruders, the coachman climbs down off the beam and walks in my direction. A tall––very tall––man in a tattered black coat with fluttering hemlines and a worn black hat. He stops a yard away from me and says he’s looking for Red Evans. I answer that Red is in the house and inquire who’s asking for him. “He knows,” the man replies in a low, hollow voice, as if speaking from underwater. I keep trying to see his face, but I can’t. The twilight is still light, and the whiteness of the snow illuminates everything all around. But the man’s face is still not visible in the shadow of his wide-brimmed hat and high collar. I feel goosebumps rise, and I want to run for the hills––from this figure in black––without stopping. But I nod, go into the house to search for Red and find him sitting with Monty and Doug in front of a bright fireplace. The color scheme of the entire dream is black, white, and blue; and only the fire is blood red. I tell the boss that so-and-so, some guy arrived and announced that he was an acquaintance. Then Red reluctantly gets up from his place, and we all go outside. We go out of the house, but there is no stagecoach anymore. No stagecoach, no mysterious guest. Here, of course, they ridicule me, and I scream, convincing them that I saw everything with my own eyes, heard the creak of wheels, the clatter of hooves.

“Maybe,” I suggest, “the guest has already left?”

To which they ask me, “Where are the tracks then?”

And indeed there are no tracks either. Only an endless cover of pristine snow and the prints of our own boots from the doorstep. I remain alone in the yard and continue to stand in the deepening twilight and stupidly stare at the sparkling snowdrifts, trying to understand what happened. And, it seems, there was nothing special in this dream. However, it left an unpleasant feeling in my soul for a very long time.

About the Author 

Lily has been writing short stories to entertain her friends since her teen years, and before coming to pen her own novel, she helped her writer friends with research for their fiction and non-fiction. She is a collector of all things dogs, and Balto & Togo, an animal shelters volunteer, a history buff, a vintage trinkets and toys enthusiast.

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Continue ReadingBOOK BLAST: “The Man in Black” by L. R. Liverpool

NEW RELEASE: The Way Alex Sees Me. By Dann Hazel

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: The Way Alex Sees Me:

Book Two in the Aphrodite in Disguise Gay Romance Series

Author: Dann Hazel

Publisher: The Original Press

Cover Artist: Josh Fippen 

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Tense/POV: Past tense (except for Chapter One), first person POV

Genres: Dark MM Romance, Historical, Paranormal

Tropes: Love and loss, coming out, like father like son, young gay love, identity and self-discovery, second chance

Themes: Coming out, forgiveness, gay empowerment

Heat Rating: 3 flames  

Length:  94 600 words/332  pages

It is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Running away from those we love is seldom a good idea. Still, it’s what we often do.

Blurb

High school senior Rusty Finch is in a pickle.

His grades are plummeting even though everyone says he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He and his mother Gloria are not getting along. Neither of them knows why.

He’s convinced that his mom lied to him when she said his father died when he was two. But if her story is true, why can’t she show him his father’s grave?

And now, to top it all off, he’s pretty sure he’s gay. But Bill, campus jerk and all-around bully, is absolutely certain on that point. He takes perverse pleasure in tormenting Rusty on a daily basis.

What’s a confused and impetuous boy to do?

Destroy the enemy, of course!

But for Rusty, an unintentional detour from a lonely road and into a ditch thwarts that ill-fated plan. Rusty finds himself in the hospital.

A stranger appears at his bedside. “Rusty? I’m your father.”

With those four words, his life begins to come into focus…

…only to get really blurry again when Frank comes along and sparks feelings that Rusty’s not equipped to handle.

If you like your gay romance spiced with a touch of suspense and plenty of youthful angst, you’ll love The Way Alex Sees Me.

This novel, the second book in the Aphrodite in Disguise series, is a Dark Gay Romance with elements of recent history, the supernatural, young love, family strife, and dark hidden secrets. Though embedded in the not-so-distant past, this novel speaks to timeless experience.

Excerpt 

I nodded, but kept silent. How could I tell Frank anything? The more of my father’s story I discovered, the more complicated it became. Even Frank might balk at the complex nuances. Or, worse, he might milk the story for everything it was worth, just for its theatrical qualities, demeaning their importance to me.

“Well, my little stud muffins, here are your drinks—one with fortification and one—ahem—virgin.” He stood tall above us after placing our drinks on the table. “What else can I get for you?”

“I think we’re good for right now.” I glanced at him and smiled. “Thanks.”

He leaned toward us confidentially. “Look, boys. Since you’re new in town, I want to give you a heads-up about some trouble we’ve been having. Lately, a few dickheads have been getting their jollies by harassing our customers. We keep reporting them to the cops, but these boys are smart and quick. Besides, I’m not sure we’re high on the police force’s list of priorities. I’m telling you this because you need to watch your cute little asses when you leave. Couples really set their panties on fire. Just last month, they beat two of our customers with a chain. Then, while the lankier one was getting his ass beat, his partner pulled a gun on the assailants, and off they ran, like the pussies they are. Still, boys, they’ll hurt you bad, if you’re not prepared.”

“Thanks for the warning,” Frank said. “We’ll be careful.”

Then, our waiter whirled away to retrieve a round of drinks for another table.

Frank grabbed my arm. “Okay, buddy. Tell me. What the hell is going on?”

I bristled. “What are you talking about?”

“You think I’m blind? Fuck that. I can see just how preoccupied you are. What’s the deal with that table over there?” Frank glanced toward the restroom. “Besides, I saw the guy who was with your father at the fair. It’s Ben, right?”

I jerked my arm from Frank’s grasp, not fully understanding why he upset me so. “Just drop it, Frank. It doesn’t matter.”

Frank rested his arms on the table. “Like hell it doesn’t. I’ve been watching you, Rusty. You’re as preoccupied as a horny bitch in a dog show. What really happened between you and your father tonight?”

I scowled. “Jesus, Frank. Everything that happens in the world is not high drama.”

“Are you sure about that?” I could tell from his voice how determined he was to get me to talk. “Something’s going on with you, and I want to know about it.” Frank took a sip from his cocktail. Now, I’d begun to wish I’d ordered one. “You might as well tell me, Rusty. You know damn well I’m not giving up until you do. We can’t be real friends if we don’t help each other out.”

I turned my head toward the dance floor, where two middle-aged men, their arms wrapped tightly around one another, swayed gently to a slow tune. One whispered something in the other’s ear. Both men laughed softly. Theirs was a romance I envied.

“Does it have anything to do with the fight with your father?”

Pressure mounted inside my heart and head, even as my stomach churned. Frank was not going to give up. Not tonight. Not with the vodka on board.

“Tell me, damn it! Don’t keep secrets from your best friend.”

“Okay!” I shouted. Several startled men looked our way. Embarrassed, I lowered my voice. “The man you mentioned. Ben. Remember? He and those other guys were talking about Dad. Apparently, Ben wants more from my father than he seems willing to give.”

Confused, Frank stared at me, obviously confused. “What do you mean? More from your father. Why the fuck would Ben be interested in a straight man?”

I looked steadily into Frank’s face. “Who said he was straight?”

For an unusual moment, Frank was both stunned—and speechless. “No way! Really? Your old man is gay? I mean, Rusty, really. That is so fucking awesome.”

About the Author 

As a Florida-based author of both fiction and nonfiction, Dann worked as an educator on both the secondary and post-secondary levels. But since high school, when he served as a reporter for the school newspaper, he’s always had a passion for both reading and writing. Dann lives in Lake Wales, FL, with his husband, Josh (also a writer) and their adorable Eskie (American Eskimo), Flurry. She’s definitely part of the family, with boundless energy and appetite! Dann is passionate about scenic walks and jogs around a local lake, enjoying Walt Disney World, staying healthy, reading, streaming movies and provocative TV series (especially those based on novels!) and current events. His pronouns are he/him/his.

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Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win 

one of five e-book copies of the first novel in the Aphrodite in Disguise Dark Gay Romance Series, Armed and Ready for Love.

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Continue ReadingNEW RELEASE: The Way Alex Sees Me. By Dann Hazel

NEW RELEASE: “The 39 Steps: A Contemporary Reimagining” by L M Somerton

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: The 39 Steps: A Contemporary Reimagining

Author: L M Somerton

Publisher: Totally Entwined

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Cover Artist: Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Tense/POV: third person, present tense

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Tropes: Peril, self-sacrifice, accidental hero 

Themes: Saving the world

Heat Rating:  4 flames     

Length: 50 955 words

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

First for Romance   |  Pride Publishing

Uncover the conspiracy, outrun the enemy, and trust no one—survival is the ultimate test.

Blurb

Oberon Wycherley never thought his dull London life could take a deadly turn—until a frantic neighbour, American journalist Art Carew, claims to have uncovered an international conspiracy. A Greek industrialist is marked for assassination by a shadowy cabal called the Black Stone and that’s only the beginning.

When Carew is found dead in his flat, Oberon finds himself the prime suspect—and the only one who can stop the plot. Fleeing to the rugged Scottish Highlands, Oberon must decipher Carew’s cryptic notebook while dodging assassins and evading the police. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with the enigmatic Syd Whatten, a man whose charm is matched only by his secrets.

As the Black Stone’s sinister plan accelerates, Oberon and Syd race against time to unmask the conspirators. From explosive escapes to a high-stakes standoff on a storm-battered coastline, every step brings them closer to the truth—and deeper into danger.

Will they foil the plot in time? Or will Oberon become another casualty of a deadly game?

A gripping blend of espionage, danger, and unexpected alliances, The 39 Steps will leave you breathless to the last page.

Excerpt 

“I’m gonna go sit in the corner and browse my phone like a normal human.” Oberon paid for his drinks and the wine he’d be taking home with him then took his glass and snagged a table in the corner next to the window. His job meant keeping an eye on the news so he could justify a bit of doom-scrolling as work. The media sites were full of the usual rubbish about the royals, D-list celebrities and the cost of living. Oberon browsed anything he could find that was remotely related to mining and mining companies. There was a particularly interesting piece about deep seabed mining for polymetallic nodules. Potato-sized lumps containing copper, cobalt, nickel and manganese…hmm, all crucial to battery manufacture. The mention of potato was enough to make his stomach rumble. He took his glass back to the bar, said goodbye to Marley, who handed him a bag containing his bottles of wine, then headed for home.

The rain had stopped, leaving a fine, clear evening. Everything smelled freshly washed. As Oberon walked back to his flat near Portland Place, the crowds surged around him, busy and chattering, snapping pictures of anything and everything. He envied their easy-going camaraderie and excitement even if he didn’t understand the attraction of countless selfies. The shop assistants, office workers in sharp suits, street cleaners and buskers all had things to do and places to be. He gave a few pound coins to a homeless guy hunched in a tatty sleeping bag in a closed-down shop doorway because he saw him yawn; he was a fellow-sufferer. At Oxford Circus, Oberon looked up at the sky and made a vow. I’ll give this place another week and if nothing exciting happens, I’ll stick a pin in a map and buy a one-way flight.

His short-term home was on the first floor of a newish block behind Langham Place. He was flat-sitting for a friend who’d taken a six-month engineering contract in Brazil and the rent he was charging Oberon was peanuts compared to the going rate in the area. The building was upmarket enough to merit a security desk in the entrance hall, along with mailboxes and a well-maintained noticeboard. The lobby smelled of lemons.

His friend had a cleaner who came in three times a week and though Oberon didn’t make enough mess to justify it, he didn’t want to take the woman’s income. Magdalena traded light duties for baking, leaving him Polish sweets and pastries that did nothing for his waistline. There was a lift, which Oberon rejected in favour of the stairs, thinking of those pastries.

He was fitting his key into the lock when another man made his way up the stairs. He moved quietly and his sudden appearance made Oberon start. He was slim, with a short reddish-brown beard, orange-streaked hair and washed-out grey eyes. He was half a head shorter than Oberon’s six feet one.

“You’re my upstairs neighbour, aren’t you?” Oberon recognised him as the occupant of a flat on the next floor. They’d exchanged hellos once or twice in passing but nothing more.

“I am, Mr. Wycherley. I’ve been hanging around waiting for you,” the man said. “Can I come in for a minute?” He seemed to be making an effort to steady his voice, and he reached for Oberon’s arm but didn’t touch him. “My name is Art Carew. I won’t take up much of your time.”

Oberon didn’t feel he could refuse. He got his door open and motioned Art in. No sooner was Art over the threshold than he made a dash for the kitchen, where he peered out of the window before coming back.

“Is the door locked?” he asked, not waiting for a response before fastening the security chain in place himself. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m taking advantage, but you look like the kind of man who might understand. I’m in trouble and I need a favour. It won’t cost you anything.”

Oberon debated throwing him out there and then but he was bored and the man was intriguing, if a bit odd. “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll listen. Can I get you a drink?” He looks like he needs one.

“That would be kind and very welcome.”

There was a tray of decanters and glasses on a table next to the couch. Oberon poured his visitor a generous neat whisky. Art downed it in one. “Another?”

“Thank you but no. I should keep a clear head, but that one helped steady the nerves.”

“My landlord appreciates a single malt. Take a seat. I’ll just be a minute.” Oberon carried his wine through to the kitchen then took off his jacket before returning to the living room. “So, tell me what’s going on.”

“Yeah, I should, shouldn’t I?” Art said. “I’m a bit shaken up and not thinking straight. You see, I’m dead.”

About the Author 

Lucinda lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.

She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She’s fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.

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Continue ReadingNEW RELEASE: “The 39 Steps: A Contemporary Reimagining” by L M Somerton

NEW RELEASE: “Charmed by Destiny” by Jessamyn Kingley.

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Charmed by Destiny (Arcane Havoc, Book 2)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length:  87 435 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads 

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Neither Richard nor Lucas want a relationship despite their attraction, 

but destiny already has them in her sights.

Blurb

Richard Marwood has no interest in relationships. After a few awful brushes with intimacy, he refuses to try again. Sex is required for a necromancer to find their soulmate, but Richard doesn’t care. He won’t be disappointed by one more handsome creep. 

In the ten years since Lucas Wynnter was summoned from the dead as an inspirit, he has aided his necromancer. Together, they have traveled across the country and stayed in countless rundown motels. But they are out of money. Lucas’s summoner learns that the Marwoods assist abandoned inspirits, and he convinces Lucas to apply for a job.

Although Lucas doesn’t want to be discarded, he does want to help. He shows up at a Marwood casino and, on his first day, meets Richard. Lucas is attracted to Richard, but he works for him. Plus, Lucas won’t be staying. He is building his savings and plans to reunite with his necromancer.

Richard shouldn’t be fascinated by Lucas, but he can’t stop thinking about him. For months they ignore the electricity arcing between them—until Richard’s cousin dares him to take another chance. Should Richard risk humiliation and ask Lucas to spend the night with him? 

Lucas is charmed by the awkward invitation, but neither man is prepared for destiny to intervene. Once their souls touch, nothing in their lives will ever be the same.

Excerpt 

Richard straightened, and with his pulse pounding in his ears, he headed for Lucas. 

Am I really doing this?

Richard swallowed thickly as Lucas turned and smiled at him. How embarrassing would it be if Lucas told him no?

“Hey,” Richard said in an attempt at casualness when he was a few feet from Lucas.

“Hey, are you okay?” Lucas asked, his eyebrows furrowing with concern.

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t know, your eyes look a little wild and your face is flushed.”

“Oh, how weird,” Richard managed and tried not to wince at how his voice cracked on the words. “So, I…um, well, I had a question.”

Richard had never propositioned anyone, and he was apparently abysmal at it. Lucas’s expression was a mixture of concern and bemusement. The stupid card was still in Richard’s hand, and he wasn’t sure if he should give it to Lucas or run for his life.

“What do you need help with?”

“I don’t need help. Okay, maybe that’s not correct. It’s sort of helping, but more like a team thing. I don’t know how to explain it without making it creepy, really. At least not without everyone around us figuring it out, and I’d like to keep things private.”

“Okay,” Lucas replied slowly.

Richard’s face was on fire, but he’d made it this far. He wasn’t being smooth, and it was definitely awkward. Score two points for my lack of game, he mused distractedly. 

“I have a card. Um. It’s to my room. Here at the hotel. I was thinking maybe you could use it. I can’t leave yet, but I could meet you up there later.”

“Meet you later? I don’t understand.”

Humiliation filled Richard, and he shook his head. “Sorry, I should go.”

He turned on his heel, and his jaw flexed. But before he could take a step, Lucas said his name.

“Richard, please don’t leave.”

Forcing himself to face Lucas, Richard looked up at the inspirit. “It’s okay, I was asking you to do something highly inappropriate for two coworkers anyway.”

Lucas’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes widened painfully. To Richard’s shock, he tugged the key from the necromancer’s fingers and quickly pocketed it. “No, I’m a fucking idiot. How the hell didn’t I figure out what you were…anyway, yeah. I’d love to meet you later.”

Richard grinned like a fool, and Lucas returned his smile. His dimple deepened, and Richard nearly swooned. It was either because of Lucas’s attractiveness—which was growing with every second—or the adrenalize zipping through Richard at lightning speed.

“Okay. I guess I’ll see you then.”

“Yeah, I can leave like whenever, right?”

“Sure. I have to do some family stuff or whatever, but um, yeah, whatever. It shouldn’t be too messy. You could watch TV. Maybe play on your phone. There’s a bathroom. Well, of course there’s a fucking bathroom. I’m babbling, so I’m gonna go.”

Lucas winked. “Okay.”

“Okay,” Richard replied. He raced away from the inspirit as if his ass were on fire. Now he had to figure out how to calm down enough to have a normal conversation so no one was clued in to the fact that he’d invited a sexy inspirit to his hotel room. And survive whatever awaited him with Lucas upstairs later. Richard didn’t know if he’d made a smart decision, but it was far from his normal controlled evenings at home.

Would he survive his recklessness with his heart and dignity intact?

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn’s Ruffian’s

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Continue ReadingNEW RELEASE: “Charmed by Destiny” by Jessamyn Kingley.

COMING SOON-PRE ORDER NOW: “The Party Plot” by Emily Spady.

COMING SOON – PRE-ORDER NOW!

Book Title: The Party Plot

Author and Publisher: Emily Spady

Cover Artist: Morganically_Sourced

Release Date: May 7, 2025

Tense/POV: third person past tense, alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance

Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, small town romance, forced proximity, second chance, no third-act breakup

Themes: Self-acceptance, friendship, party planning

Heat Rating: 3-4 flames

Length: 75 569 words/323 pages

It is a standalone story, but takes place in the same universe as my other books. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links – Available for Pre-Order

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

A chaotic good boy and a sexy con man clash in this m/m romantic comedy about small-town drama, Southern manners, and being true to oneself. 

Blurb

When Laurel Van Marcke comes home for the summer, he’s immediately thrown back into all the scandals, grudges, and petty gossip he wanted to avoid. But he was expecting that. What he wasn’t expecting was Casey Bright, his mom’s new party planner, who also happens to be the mystery man he spent an unforgettable night with three months ago. But something about Casey, and the whole situation, seems off, and Laurel needs this party to go off without a hitch.

Casey has his own agenda for the upcoming Halloween ball, one that doesn’t include Laurel.  He wants nothing to do with the spoiled little rich boy, and definitely doesn’t want to get entangled with him again. But Laurel is persistent, and soon, he’s involved himself not only in the party planning, but in all the most intimate aspects of Casey’s life. And Casey absolutely despises him for it… right?

One thing is for sure, the first annual Halloween Ball will be the event of the year—one way or another. 

The Party Plot is an m/m enemies-to-lovers romance featuring elaborate schemes, a few raccoons, several cheesy Halloween props, and a HEA.

Excerpt 

They were passing the Belmont Hotel now, and Mr. Petrowski was telling them about its resident ghost, a phantom dog that would press up against the legs of people it liked. Pretty adorable as far as hauntings went. Laurel tried again to get Casey’s attention.

“Do you like dogs, Casey?”

  Casey shrugged, an irritated frown on his face. “They’re fine, I guess.”

“Wow, what an enthusiastic endorsement. Not exactly what a dog lover would say.”

“My grandmother had birds when I was a kid.”

“Birds?” Laurel hadn’t been expecting that. He sat up, curious about what else Casey might reveal.

“Parakeets. And love birds. They were—” Laurel might have been mistaken, but his face seemed to soften for a moment. Then the frown was back. “Loud. They were really loud.”

“God. I don’t know how I feel about you being a bird person.”

“Says the guy who gives off big Horse Girl Energy.” Casey crossed his arms. “And it was my grandma, not me. I just had to put up with them. Like I’m having to put up with you. Why are you so obsessed with me, anyway?”

Because it was hard not to be. Because Casey had been starring in his dreams for the last three months, had been a constant in the back of his mind. Every shock of bleach-blond hair he’d seen across the room, in clubs, in airport lounges, had made his stomach drop and his skin feel hot all over. Every time he put on a tie, he could feel it wrapped around his wrists, could close his eyes and inhale Casey’s scent, the salty, intimate scent of his skin beneath the cologne.

Laurel swallowed, feeling desperate and pathetic, feeling like a dog ghost plastering itself to Casey’s leg. “I just want to get to know you.”

“Well, I don’t.” Casey looked at him for a long moment. Outside were the footsteps of the horse, slow and deliberate. The sounds of the city waking up. Mr. Petrowski was telling another story, but all Laurel could hear was static, his heart pounding, his tongue heavy in his mouth. Casey held his gaze as he slid across the seat toward him, and then his hand was on Laurel’s thigh, his breath against Laurel’s ear, and Laurel barely kept himself from gasping. His skin was on fire, his scalp tingling and his dick stirring to life as Casey whispered, “I already know everything I want to know about you, Laurel Van Marcke. I know that you’re spoiled, and useless, and not as smart as you think you are. I know that you’re used to getting what you want. But this time, you’re not going to, because it’s run its course. I’m not interested. And when this party is over, I’m looking forward to never having to think of you again.”

“Ouch,” Laurel said, not sure why excitement was bubbling in his chest, not sure why—God—he was still hard. Somehow his hand had found its way onto Casey’s collar, and he could smell the coffee on him, feel the quickness of his breath.

“Are we clear?” Casey asked.

“Sure.” Laurel struggled out. “So clear. Crystal.” Casey’s lips were so close, and he knew how he would taste. Bitter, then sweet and familiar. 

“Good,” said Casey, and moved away, going back to looking out the window.

Laurel’s ears were ringing, moths fluttering in his stomach, his thigh throbbing where Casey’s hand had been. So this was it, then. Casey wasn’t interested in playing nice; he’d said it himself. If there was no hope of being friends (or more, so much more), then there was no reason not to go scorched earth. Figure out what he was hiding once and for all. Laurel cleared his throat. He could still feel the roughness of Casey’s collar between his fingers. “I actually am very smart, you know. Despite evidence to the contrary.”

“Could you stop talking?” Casey pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Ooh, I’m not good at that. Not good at stopping in general.” He felt a smile sliding across his face.

“You’re going to have to be.”

“We’ll see,” Laurel said, tapping his fingers on the seat. “We’ll see.”

About the Author 

When she is not writing, Emily Spady likes to paint, hike, and, of course, read books. This is her third full-length novel. She lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States with her husband and cat.

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BLOG TOUR: “Late Bloomer Baby Boomer” by Steve Milliken

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Late Bloomer Baby Boomer: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way

Author and Publisher: Steve Milliken

Release Date: December 2022

Genres: Memoir/Biography

Tropes: Self-discovery through humor, finding identity, acceptance, and resilience by laughing through life’s absurdities.

Themes: Finding humor as a gay Baby Boomer – Because the coming-out process never really ends, and it’s best to laugh along the way.

Heat Rating: 2 flames

Length: 66 000 words/228 pages

It is a standalone non-fiction book.

Goodreads

 

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

Laugh-out-loud stories about coming out, coming of age, and coming to terms with myself—finally!

 

Blurb

What happens when the class clown embraces his truth, becomes a teacher, and takes on the absurdities of life? Hilarity ensues.

In LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way, Steve Milliken delivers a laugh-out-loud memoir packed with sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and occasional bursts of wisdom. With the observational humor of David Sedaris and the candid charm of Augusten Burroughs, these essays explore self-discovery, urban teaching misadventures, and the hilarity of navigating adulthood as a gay baby boomer.

Spoiler: It’s a parade of pitfalls, pratfalls, and punchlines.

Review Quote:
“Delivers great sendups of the gay dating scene… impressive comedic timing. Each essay is short and snappy… A wide-ranging collection driven by humor and insight.” — Kirkus Reviews

 

Excerpt 1: From “Introduction”

“Some people ask me, ‘Steve, who’s the target audience for your book?’

And I tell them:

‘My book is for anyone who is gay, knows someone who’s gay, or someone who is NOT gay but would like to be! Or… a straight guy who’s had a gay experience—like wearing a belt that matches his shoes.’”

“Back in my distant youth, I pursued a career as an actor, but the problem with acting for me was that I was a comic character actor trapped in a leading man’s body. If Rodney Dangerfield and Grace Kelly had a baby, that would have been me.

But to be honest, I never wanted to be rich and famous… and so far, that’s working out great! Not really…”

 

Excerpt 2: From “Epistolary Possibilities for a New Year”

“After not working out for a month, I arrived at the gym only to realize my gym bag had turned into a mildew science project thanks to a rogue water bottle. Unfortunately, I discovered this catastrophe only after I’d stripped down in the locker room. I panicked, naturally, but I was too far gone to turn back. I had no choice but to wear my stinky clothes.”

“Now, I’m not religious, but in moments like these, I consider a higher power. I clutched my hands together and said a novena to the patron saint of putrid smells: ‘Our Lady of Sacred Stench, please help me now.’”

“Once on the gym floor, I tried to keep a safe distance from everyone. But when someone got too close, I’d suddenly dash to another part of the gym for no apparent reason. I’d seen my cat do this, so it seemed worth a try…”

 

Excerpt 3: From “Bitch Ass Snitch”

“One day, I ‘snitched’ to the Dean about a student of mine who had tagged his desk with a box cutter blade. The next day, when he came back, in front of the whole class, he called me a ‘bitch ass snitch’ and ran out of the classroom.

Later that day, in the staff parking lot, I discovered someone had vandalized my car.”

‘Gee, I wonder who that could have been?’

Of course, I came to one conclusion… ‘Karma’s a bitch… for a bitch ass snitch!’”

 

Excerpt 4: From “Changing Closets”

“Originally, I was in the closet for being gay… but now I’m in the closet about my age.

To counter the effects of aging, I’ve reluctantly adhered to diet and exercise mandates. I even tried becoming a vegetarian… although not a strict one.

Occasionally, I’d eat chicken, fish, and ass. I’m kidding, I kid. I didn’t eat chicken…”

 

About the Author

Steve Milliken, a native Californian who never left—thanks to a rent-controlled Santa Monica apartment—is a writer, humorist, and recovering class clown who has spent a lifetime finding the comedy in life’s quirks and curveballs. A gay baby boomer with a knack for self-deprecating wit, he’s been an inner-city teacher, a reluctant adult, and an expert in the fine art of laughing at himself.

In LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way, Steve shares sharp, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud stories about coming out, inner-city teaching, and navigating life one misadventure at a time. His writing has been compared to the observational humor of David Sedaris and the candid storytelling of Augusten Burroughs.

When he’s not finding the humor in everyday life, Steve creates and shares short comedy videos online based on excerpts from his book, proving that some stories are best told with a punchline… and good lighting.

 

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

 

 

 

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Continue ReadingBLOG TOUR: “Late Bloomer Baby Boomer” by Steve Milliken

COVER REVEAL: “Charmed by Destiny” by Jessamyn Kingsley.

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Charmed by Destiny (Arcane Havoc, Book 2)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length:  87 435 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Page

Book One available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  | Amazon UK

Neither Richard nor Lucas want a relationship despite their attraction, 

but destiny already has them in her sights.

Blurb

Richard Marwood has no interest in relationships. After a few awful brushes with intimacy, he refuses to try again. Sex is required for a necromancer to find their soulmate, but Richard doesn’t care. He won’t be disappointed by one more handsome creep. 

In the ten years since Lucas Wynnter was summoned from the dead as an inspirit, he has aided his necromancer. Together, they have traveled across the country and stayed in countless rundown motels. But they are out of money. Lucas’s summoner learns that the Marwoods assist abandoned inspirits, and he convinces Lucas to apply for a job.

Although Lucas doesn’t want to be discarded, he does want to help. He shows up at a Marwood casino and, on his first day, meets Richard. Lucas is attracted to Richard, but he works for him. Plus, Lucas won’t be staying. He is building his savings and plans to reunite with his necromancer.

Richard shouldn’t be fascinated by Lucas, but he can’t stop thinking about him. For months they ignore the electricity arcing between them—until Richard’s cousin dares him to take another chance. Should Richard risk humiliation and ask Lucas to spend the night with him? 

Lucas is charmed by the awkward invitation, but neither man is prepared for destiny to intervene. Once their souls touch, nothing in their lives will ever be the same.

Excerpt

“Huh?”

Richard lifted one perfectly arched brow, and the corner of his mouth quirked. “Did you forget that we’re getting coffee?”

“I guess I did for a second.”

“More like an hour. I didn’t intend to stay that long. Hopefully you aren’t having caffeine withdrawal?”

With a quick glance, Luke ensured no humans were close. “Can inspirits get that?”

“I doubt it, but I don’t know you that well. Maybe you’re a drama queen who’ll pretend to have a raging migraine so you can leave work early.”

“No, I fear stuff like that.”

“Drama queens?”

“No, I can appreciate someone who is good at their chosen craft, even those with a penchant for drama. I’m scared of pretending to have something. What if I accidentally manifest it into existence? I’ve never had a migraine, but they sound horrific. I don’t want one.”

“Me either,” Richard replied. “Best thing about what I am is the lack of pain and suffering. Sorry, that was insensitive. No one ever explained to me whether it’s the same for an inspirit, and by the time the issue presents itself, I’ve been too embarrassed to ask an inspirit directly.”

It took Luke a moment to figure out what Richard was talking about, but when it registered, he sobered swiftly. Unlike necromancers, inspirits died. The real shit part was that no one had any clue how long their lifespan was until they had the first hint that the end was nearing. An inspirit slowly turned to a skeleton before their life ended. One day, Luke would wake with bony toes, and he’d have to figure out how to hide himself until his existence was over.

“Yeah, I don’t know if it hurts. I guess I’d rather be surprised than know beforehand. I’m not usually into mysteries, but I make an exception for that.”

Richard nodded. “Shit, I shouldn’t have brought it up. Please forgive me, that was unprofessional and none of my business. If it was up to me, no inspirit would face death.”

“It’s okay. It’s a part of life. I’d rather have lived than the alternative, you know?”

“Since I’ve already crossed the line, can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure,” Luke replied. He’d answer whatever Richard asked. 

“Have you heard from your friend? Are they okay?”

Luke smiled. “Yes. Thanks to my first paycheck, I was able to send him some money. I need to check in with him again tonight, but hopefully, he’s saving it like me.”

“You splurged a little. Those are new shoes.”

“You really notice everything, don’t you?”

“It’s a gift. What’s your friend’s name?”

“Foxe.”

“I hope Foxe is doing well.”

“Thanks,” Luke said. “Now, should we decide what we’re going to drink to give us a sugar rush this morning?”

“I’m adding a cookie. I deserve it.”

“No doubt,” Luke replied with a chuckle. “If you’re still paying, I may get a cookie too.”

“What do you mean, if I’m still paying? What about me screams, not a man of his word?”

“I don’t know you like that,” Luke countered, his grin growing wider. “Maybe you’ll dart off and pretend like we’ve never met.”

“It’s ten in the morning. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the casino is pretty empty. People are going to notice if I’m sprinting through the resort.”

“A gazelle cloaked in black. Yeah, that won’t go unnoticed.”

Richard snorted. “A gazelle? Not with these short legs.”

Luke plucked his cellphone out of his pocket and did a quick internet search. “Gazelles reach a height of forty-three inches. So, my statement stands. A tall gazelle dressed in black, bounding through the casino floor.”

The way Richard’s gaze lit up made Luke’s dick twitch. So did his throaty laugh. “Okay, well, this little gazelle promised to pay, and she will.”

“Good, I’ll get two cookies.”

That statement only made Richard chuckle harder. “Don’t ruin your lunch.”

“Thanks for the advice, Dad. But I can pretty much eat constantly.”

“I’m the same. Just ate a bowl of chips? That’s okay, I’ll plow through an entire pizza. My brother is the same way. Once, he went on a date and ate two entire sharing-size servings of mashed potatoes. Plus his steak.”

“I guess Gabe wasn’t any less attracted to him after their date.”

The way Richard’s lips curved would forever be etched in Luke’s memory. It was pure malice and sexy as hell. “Oh, the date wasn’t with Gabriel. But he was there. I made Eric go out on a bunch of dates with random beautiful men to make Gabriel jealous since he was tasked with guarding my pretty brother.”

“That’s diabolical.”

“Worked, didn’t it?”

“But aren’t you the one who warned me it was your mother who’d be matchmaking?”

“Oh, Eric was my one exception,” Richard said. “He’s been in love with Gabriel since he was twelve. I was counting on them being soulmates. Thankfully, we were right. My brother deserves the world.”

Luke didn’t doubt it, but he had to pretend like he didn’t know Eric was destiny-touched. The last thing he wanted to explain was the gift Foxe had given him or how he should’ve run from the Marwoods as soon as he’d sensed Eric’s uniqueness. Leaving was out of the question, and Luke wasn’t foolish enough to pretend that had nothing to do with the growing fascination he had for the man at his side.

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn’s Ruffian’s

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SERIES TOUR: “Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans” by R. Roderick Rowe. Rafflecopter Giveaway Included!

SERIES TOUR

Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans series by R. Roderick Rowe

“In Jamari’s time, the Knight Shamans were the glue that held the Elk Creek Tribe together.

In the beginning, the Knight Shaman was mystic, prophet, and wise man. Someone who could heal with a touch.

Before the beginning, there was a boy working to become a man and becoming legend in the process.”

The stories can stand alone, but will be better followed if read in order.

Overall Heat Rating for the series: 2 flames

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 1

Book Title: The First Knight Shaman

 Part One of the Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans Series

Publisher: RWCollins Publishing

Length: 103 pages 

Release Date: November 2024

Tense/POV: third person, present tense /alternating POV

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Post-apocalyptic

Tropes: Found Family, Post-Apocalypse survival

Themes: Coming out, forgiveness, fate, coming of age angst

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links  – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

When his people are attacked by other villages, Rodney Knight uses his ability to interact with dead people’s spirits to help his community survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Blurb 

Rodney suffers through his earliest years in angst and rebellion when his father constantly rejects him. He enters young adulthood still bitter over how his father has treated him. Even so, his tribe needs the intervention of their only shaman in the Other Worlds for their very survival. As he acts out his anger, he accepts his duties and learns how to master them from a trusted mentor. Then he discovers that family isn’t limited to the blood ties, but can be so much more.

The San Francisco Book Review gave a nice summary:

“After the Great Quake of 2040, the forested lands and the lives of those in the Pacific Northwest are shaken. With both civil and social unrest still prevailing from the ideas of the 47th president, much of southwestern Oregon has been divided into tribal communities. Rodney Knight, the son of the founder of the Elk Creek Tribe, comes to age and into his own powers during this tumultuous time. At seven, he recognized his first spirits. First, a childhood friend was slain in an attack, and next, a beloved mentor lost during a battle. At seventeen, while on patrol with his unit, Rodney once again encounters a spirit that warns him of an ambush. Knowing that war is inevitable, the Elk Creek Tribe recognizes Rodney as their first Shaman. With advice from his Spirit Guide, Rodney helps lead his community through troubled times and towards the ideals that the founder had envisioned.”

BOOK 2

Book Title: The Second Book of the Knight Shamans

Part Two of the Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans Series

Publisher: RWCollins Publishing

Length: 118 pages

Release Date: March 2025

Genres:  Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Post-apocalyptic

Tropes: Coming of Age, First Love

It is not a standalone story, but can still be read on its own.

Goodreads

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Peter Williams faces a deadly world where the Trumpian government has abandoned the west after a series of massive earthquakes has devastated the land.

Blurb

The great quakes of 2040 led to the downfall of civilization in the Pacific Northwest. Here is a tale of the days of destruction and the survival of one small family that then shaped the future for a thousand years after.

Peter is just one year old when his family is stranded in the wilderness after the quakes destroyed roads, bridges, buildings, and civility. His father and mother struggle to bring him home to their city of Sutherlin through a nine-year odyssey.

Then, at the very gates of their home, they find themselves under attack by the townsmen they counted on for refuge.

Follow Peter, and Wayne and Carrie Williams as they struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, meeting friends and foes all of whom set the path ahead for young Peter to either survive or perish.

The Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans is an entire series devoted to explore methods to break people out of the deep programming that civilization and culture impose on them. In short, when nearly half the people in the United States have been convinced that “Woke” is evil and anyone who is “Woke” should be severely dealt with, this series will not only show how to escape the mind-prison of our culture, but will also offer some ideas of what the human spirit gains in being truly “Woke” as opposed to what the ignorant masses have been indoctrinated to believe.

The works of Don Miguel Ruiz, Elaine Pagels, and references to the Gnostic Gospels are intertwined in this work of fiction to create a new culture, with new values, and new paradigms, thus leaving the old views of the far right behind them and becoming Paradigm Lost.

To be even more clear: MAGA’s this stuff ain’t for you!

Do you dare to look at the alternatives a new paradigm can bring into existence?

Excerpt

The Second Knight Shaman

“The President of the United States,” the announcer read in a somber tone, “has said that the West is on their own. Here’s a recording of his statement.”

“We don’t have any resources to bail out the blue states over there,” the Trump Heir said. “If they had any sense and were willing to support my rule, I’m sure we could come up with some support, but knowing how opposed they are to my rule, there’s just no point. God speed and thoughts and prayers to those godless heathens.”

“And that’s the position of the United States government on the western states,” the announcer said. “We’ll pause now for station identification.”

“Be sure to stop by your local Toyota dealer for the extended and extended again Toyotathon event!” an enthusiastic spokesman said as Wayne shut down the auxiliary power.

“What are we going to do?” his wife Carrie asked him while rocking their one-year-old son Peter.

“I don’t know, honey,” Wayne said. “We’ll have to figure out what’s next when we get more information. For now, I think we should get clear of the Jeep in case another round of quakes hits. We don’t want to be in here if it sinks any further.

About the Author 

Roderick Rowe studied writing in college for several years, working as assistant editor and then editor for his school’s literary magazine. He also spent a term as copy editor for the campus newspaper. He is a gay man and uses this “affliction” to build characters and situations in his fictional work. Rowe has published several short stories and an occasional poem. After ending a twenty-year career unexpectedly in 2015, Rowe decided to write his first novel. “Jamari and the Manhood Rites, Part I” was completed in two months, then he settled in to conduct editing – complete new landscape design with a new Koi pond, a new library built into the spare room in his home, the cleanest his house had ever been – but the editing eventually got completed.

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