When it comes to
transformation, magic only fixes what’s skin deep…
Blurb
In a world where an artist’s magic brings tattoos to life, ink
gone wrong can spell lasting heartache for those unlucky enough to experience it. Jaded and
cynical on both life and love, tattoo artist Ashton is about to find out that even the most
deeply-etched scars can be transformed into something beautiful when the right person is
holding the pen.
“Enchanted Ink” is a ground-breaking romance that
showcases how, with a bit of ink, some love, and a whole lot of trust, even the ugliest scars
can be transformed into something impossibly beautiful.
Using the art of tattooing as a metaphor for life,
“Enchanted Ink” makes it a mission to show even the most cynical and scarred of us that it’s
possible to heal, to find love, and that it’s never too late to start all over again.
Excerpt The twelfth annual “Enchanted Ink” Tattoo Convention has been in full swing for hours,
but Ashton has yet to venture inside. It’s not as if he doesn’t know what he’ll find there: a
fairly standard convention space, divided using equally standard black curtains hanging from
predictable portable frames creating both booths and stations offering displays that are
anything but ordinary. Various tattoo artists and their work, in the flesh—the best of the
best, by both fact and opinion.
In addition to the booths, there are always several centralized
showcase stands, right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Elevated platforms where
human works of art strip down to their underwear and pose, proudly displaying full-body
and wildly colorful tattoos boasting some of the most intricate and beautiful imagery that
probably exists in the entire inked world.
This particular convention admits artists by invitation only, and
while Ashton isn’t technically here to work this year, it’s an event he’s enjoyed immensely in
the past. It’s bittersweet—perhaps a touch heavy on the bitter—hovering on the
outskirts, wondering whether he’ll ever find himself behind a booth and promoting his work
again. While that remains to be seen, there’s plenty here to worry about in the
meantime.
The thought of Whitaker working somewhere inside the
building behind him crosses Ashton’s mind and makes him grimace. He can practically feel
the tentative nerve he’s so painstakingly gathered, the courage to finally wander
through the front door, trickling away like water through a sieve.
Again.
Good thing it’s a nice day out, today. Sixty-eight degrees and
sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and Ashton brought a book. He can wait. The courage to go
inside will come.
Probably.
Sighing, Ashton rubs the sleeve of his too-dressy collared shirt
across the backs of his eyelids. The button on the cuff pokes his eye, and it feels like a call-
out. He’s too dressed up, he looks out of place. Too covered, if nothing else. Which isn’t to
say that tattooed folks can’t be modest—naturally, that’s false and would be a terribly
judgemental view to hold. Either way, the whole point of a tattoo convention is to show off
one’s body and as much art decorating skin as possible. It’s supposed to be a positive,
empowering experience.
That’s definitely the point, and his body is aesthetically
pleasant to look at, both sculpted and toned—yet here Ashton is, buttoned up solidly from
head to toe. Acting like he cares more about looking the part of a corporate stooge rather
than flaunting the walking canvas he is. Lame. So lame.
Lame, but necessary, he reminds himself.
About the Author
Robin Lynn is a 36-year-old
queer, autistic mother of two, an unabashed fangirl sometimes known as “Wings,” and a
disabled former firefighter, paramedic, and registered nurse. She writes for queer audiences
with the goal of reflecting and centering the lgbtqia2s+ community in more media, because
everyone deserves to see relatable, imperfect main characters who mirror themselves
simply existing and getting their happy endings. Find out more and follow Robin for additional content and future
projects
Giveaway
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win
one of 5 ebook copies of Fire
& Ice or one of 2 signed Enchanted Ink
paperbacks with related swag: temporary tattoos and stickers.
Talented Serafino is apprenticed to Mastro Filargiro, one of the city’s leading artists.
Serafino finds love, but his mastery takes him on a perilous journey across Italy’s feuding city-states, unaware that his virtuosity is a threat to the pre-eminence of the hitherto unchallenged masters of the Renaissance.
His life must take a dramatic new turn in the hope of escaping their enmity.
Washington DC, 2008.
Parker’s first year at Georgetown High is coming to an end.
His father is appointed Consul General in Florence. Parker enthusiastically embraces his new life and befriends handsome Beppe.
But almost everyone around him has been keeping secrets. And the fifteenth-century palazzo where his family now lives unexpectedly reveals its long-buried mysteries.
Separated by five hundred years, yet united by their talent, Serafino and Parker embark on similar journeys of discovery while fellow artists, assassins, princes and envious classmates rage and scheme around them.
Excerpt
He hears the final bell. The school erupts, classroom doors slam open barely holding on to their hinges, the metallic noise of lockers being opened and shut again is deafening.
Summer break is here. A torrent of students regurgitates into the street causing an almighty traffic jam. SUVs with mothers or nannies at the wheel vie for space, right of way, and ultimately a not-too-subtle parade of the best four wheels in Georgetown.
This is no cheap suburbia, most of their husbands or employers are toiling at some desk or chairing important meetings at Foggy Bottom, on Capitol Hill or the White House. Most often all three.
Parker walks out of the front door with his hands in the tight pockets of his slacks and his rucksack on his shoulders. A few hugs with the girls and some high-fives with fellow boys ensue. His older brother is already waiting at the bike stand. When he gets there the high-five is followed by a manly hug.
‘Dude, summer break and birthday tomorrow. Lucky little bro.’
‘Bet you know what the old folks have got me.’
‘Sure I do.’
They start cycling. When Parker reached the age of fourteen, their parents went out and bought a cheap bike for his growing frame. The Hendersons’ pristine drive sports the standard two SUVs parked neatly by each other, yet their mother wasn’t fond of school runs. In their opinion he was still a bit too young to cycle all the way to school by himself but the city had finally built some decent bike lanes and Tommy was now seventeen so they made them promise to stick together on the journey.
Tommy, who finds cycling by himself rather dull – he’s not much of a loner, any activity has to involve other people – had gone out of his way to promise to look out for his little brother at traffic junctions.
They had also promised never to set off without their helmets, though Tommy had swiftly pointed out to Parker that “setting off” with them was not the same as “wearing them”. Parker, the more academic of the pair, had found the distinction clever though he had laughed while retorting that it was still cheating.
So when they are a couple of blocks away from home they stop, unlock their helmets from their rucksacks’ straps and don them before reaching the driveway. A few times Parker had remarked that one day they might get caught by their mother driving by.
He walks to the garage door to open it but he’s shouted down by Tommy who parades himself in front of it.
‘Off-limits until tomorrow, bro.’
A smiling Parker leaves his bike with his brother and heads for the kitchen door. Tommy has just narrowed down his guesses for his present. One doesn’t need a garage to hide a watch or a pair of trainers.
To his surprise he finds them both at home, sat at the kitchen table with two mugs of coffee in their hands. After kissing his mother on the cheek (Tommy is starting to cringe at that, but Parker still likes it. Tomorrow’s birthday might change that), he meets his father’s closed fist with his; they have gradually stopped hugging.
‘Why are you home?’ Parker’s face frowns in suspicion. ‘You’ve got the day off tomorrow, haven’t you, Dad?’
‘‘No worries. All free tomorrow. Left office early, not much to do at the moment. There might be a few changes in my career; new President, new direction.’
About the Author
Paolo G. Grossi was born and raised in Milan. Thirty years ago he spent a weekend in London and decided to stay. Like most Italians, opera and the visual arts are his main passions. When not writing, you will surely find him attending a performance, visiting a museum and, of course, spending some time cycling in Berlin or around the Wannsee. He lives in London with his partner David.
When the only course of action is revenge, only the most damaged man is capable of maximum destruction.
Blurb
Hired by a Chicago billionaire to pluck his runaway son from the Palm Springs compound of a wealthy pedophile, former military extraction and information specialist, Cordon Finn, believes it will be a simple snatch and go job with a big payday. But after grabbing the kid at a Pride Week party, Cordon discovers that nothing is as it seems. His quarry isn’t underage, and isn’t the billionaire’s son, but rather his trans-daughter who goes by the name of Lucious. And her father wants Lucious dead, putting Cordon, who is dealing with his own sexual identity, in the crosshairs as well. After fighting off a cadre of assassins, Cordon vows to keep Lucious alive. But when the billionaire kidnaps Cordon’s girlfriend and comes after his family and friends, Cordon takes the fight back to the billionaire’s door. With the surprising help of Lucious, as well as his sister, Annie, Cordon battles the billionaire’s small army, until he’s face-to-face with the billionaire. And in this battle, there will be only one man left standing, the one who is capable of maximum destruction.
Excerpt
Arriving at his car, Cordon puts down the top and tosses his bag in before opening the door to climb in, when he hears, “We’re even,” from behind him.
Turning, he finds the young guy, smiling cheekily, standing behind him.
“Even?” Cordon asks, unsure.
“You enjoyed the show I put on for you inside, I enjoyed the show you put on for me as you sashayed across the parking lot,” the kid says.
“I don’t sashay. And I didn’t take off my shirt for you.”
The kid giggles, rolling his eyes dramatically as he says, “Liar. That’s the only reason you took off your shirt. Hoping I’d notice and come running up to you.”
“And here you are.”
The kid’s face squishes up like he’s eaten rotten lemons.
“I’m a sucker for a muscle daddy. And you certainly got size. Hopefully, in the places I can’t see.”
“How old are you?” Cordon asks, ignoring the kid’s comment.
“Twenty-two.”
“Now who’s the liar?”
The kid smirks mischievously, hand on hip. “Nineteen. Five-ten. Twenty-eight-inch waist. My name is Gio. Want to know my cock size?”
Cordon doesn’t answer, which causes Gio to grin mischievously.
“Come on, I saw you looking at it. Though I imagine being a giant, yours is bigger. But for my frame, mine is super-sized,” he laughs.
“This bullshit work?”
“Work how?”
“On other guys. Talking about your dick like it’s a 78-inch flat screen.”
“Just the ones who I think are interested,” Gio laughs, then suddenly gets more direct as he adds, “or have the money to pay.”
Cordon nods, understanding more clearly Gio’s game. “Which one do you think I am?” Cordon asks.
“You’re driving a really nice car, so you got the money. But I don’t think you have to pay men to have sex with you, unless you do it for the control, or you’re married, which I wouldn’t doubt, and you hope money will keep your trick’s mouth shut. Either way, I know you’re interested. I always know.”
“You party up at Lansing’s?” Cordon asks, tiring of the conversation.
Again, Gio’s smile fades, his head turning slightly as if looking at the Cordon from a different angle might jog his memory. “Did we meet up there?” Gio asks more of himself than Cordon. “No. I’d remember. Lansing would never invite a guy like you. All his little boys would flit around you like butterflies to bougainvillea, and he doesn’t allow anyone to steal his thunder. You a cop?”
“No.”
“You know if I ask, you have to tell me,” Gio inserts.
“That’s bullshit. But I’m not.”
Gio takes Cordon in silently for a moment. And even though he knows he shouldn’t say too much to the statuesque man he doesn’t know, Gio is not adept at shutting up, even when it’s in his best interest.
“Sure, I party up at Lansing’s. Never lived there, though. Those guys think Lansing’s the answer to their prayers. Please. He has a revolving bedroom door with guys going in all young, dewy-eyed, and hopeful, and coming out all used up and sad. The man’s an emotional vampire. Sucks the life out of everybody. They all think that he’s going to help make them a star, or they’ll meet some other old queen through Lansing that will. And they all end up going back home, broke, hungry, and completely jaded, or they end up selling it to pay the rent. Hell, even when you’re up there, all that’s there are other fairies just like them or some dried-up, old, coke addict trying to get his Viagra dick up your ass. Don’t know anybody Lansing’s actually helped. Ever.”
“You don’t hold back, do you?”
“Just so I know who just insulted me, what’s your name?”
“Cordon.”
“Cordon from where?”
“Chicago.”
“You’re a long way from home, aren’t you, Dorothy? Are you here for Pride Week? I mean, I don’t get that vibe from you, that you’re down here to party with the boys. But you could be one of those sad, married men who told your wife back in Chicago that you’re going on a golfing trip or a hunting trip or something equally lame. And you’re here because you really like dick but you’re Catholic or worse, Evangelical, like my parents, and your guilt is off the charts because you married some pretty blonde, church-going girl, you have two kids, but all you think about when you’re fucking her is guys like me.”
“If you’re paying and I get to pick the restaurant,” Gio quickly tacks on.
Cordon lets a half-smile slip on his lip at Gio’s young, alpha nonsense.
“Get in,” Cordon says.
About the Author
Mr. Baker has written seven novels, including WHAT REMAINS, THE VIRGIN DAIQUIRI, and THE WEDDING GIFT. The film rights to his beloved novel, HONEYMOON WITH HARRY, were purchased by New Line Cinema. The book also spawned two sequels, A SECOND HONEYMOON WITH HARRY and THE LAST HONEYMOON WITH HARRY. Bart has also written for the theater, having eight plays produced around the world. The film rights to his play, RELAY, were purchased by Warner Bros., which led him into screenwriting. Bart has had 18 produced film and TV credits, including the feature film, LIVE WIRE, starring Pierce Brosnan, the BRIDE trilogy of films for CBS, as well as projects for CBS, ABC, FX, The Family Channel, Lifetime, The USA Network, and Hallmark among others.
Supernatural Secret Service agents Owen Sharps and Calvin
Springfield meet on the train to their new assignment in St. Louis, and sparks fly between
them. But it’s 1897, and they need to be very careful—falling in love can be dangerous for
men like them. It’s their first case together, investigating
mysterious disappearances—including the two agents who preceded them. Grim evidence
leads them to look for a darker purpose. Old ghosts haunt the railroad line, zombie rise,
signs point to ritual sacrifice, and they suspect someone is trying to open the gates of
hell. Can Calvin and Owen stop the mayhem, thwart the
vampires, and find true love, or will everything go up in smoke? Peacemaker is a high-stakes steampunk MM
romance thrill ride filled with found family, paranormal Pinkertons, intrepid reporters,
mysterious disappearances, nefarious land brokers, hellhounds, zombies, vengeful spirits,
dark spells, absinthe magic, a ruthless vampire railroad baron and a love that won’t be
denied. Before Colt and Winchester, there was Sharps
& Springfield!
Excerpt
September 1897
Chapter 1
Owen
Owen Sharps chuckled as he read his book on the train to St. Louis. He had been waiting to
get a copy of Dracula, the sensational new book from England, and had found one in a New
Pittsburgh bookstore before heading to the station.
It’s got flair, and I like how splashy Van Helsing is, but it’s obvious Stoker never fought a real
vampire.
Owen had heard about the book and its growing reputation for being frightening and
violent. So far nothing he’s written compares to being covered in blood in an ice-cold
cemetery at midnight, hammering a stake through a vampire’s heart, and trying not to get
bitten. Then again, maybe I have a skewed perspective.
“Pardon me, is this seat taken?” A drop-dead gorgeous man waited for an answer. He had
raven black hair, bright blue eyes, and plush lips that filled Owen with impure thoughts. The
stranger carried a suitcase and an overcoat, with a newspaper folded under his arm. Owen
took one look and would have booted his granny to the cargo car to free up the seat for the
man.
“It’s all yours.” Owen gave a dismissive wave, tearing his gaze away so he’d quit staring. It
wouldn’t do to drool.
“I think this might be the last open seat on the train.” The man stowed his suitcase and coat,
settling in across from Owen with his newspaper.
Owen couldn’t help giving him the once-over. He figured the man to be slightly shorter than
his own six-foot-two inches, and from the cut of his suit jacket, he had a trim, muscular
build. Owen made a mental note to be sure to get a glimpse of what was likely a prime ass
when they left the train.
“Where are you headed?” Owen thought that a little conversation couldn’t hurt. He wanted
to remember the man’s voice to go with his image on nights when he sought relief alone
with his hand. This fellow would never know he’d been promoted to the lead in Owen’s
secret fantasies. Owen particularly liked the contrast between the man’s dark hair and
athletic body to his own rangy build, blond hair, fair skin, and green eyes.
“St. Louis.” The man returned Owen’s scrutiny with an assessing gaze.
Owen sat up a bit straighter, oddly wanting to make a good impression on this person he was
unlikely to see again. He felt the weight of the man’s inspection, which made him wonder. Is
he a cop? Private investigator? Or maybe…like me?
They were both dressed equally well in suits that were department store quality but not
bespoke. The stranger’s hair was fairly short but more fashionable than military, and he was
clean-shaven. Owen wondered what a hint of dark stubble might do to heighten those high
cheekbones and accentuate the impossibly blue eyes, and he felt himself chub in his pants.
None of that, he admonished silently. It wouldn’t do to raise suspicion. He probably just
wants to make sure I’m not the sort to steal his suitcase when he’s not looking.
“I’m headed there myself,” Owen said. “Business or pleasure?”
The man looked amused at the question but not annoyed, which boded well. “Business.
You?”
Owen nodded, surprised that he wanted to continue the conversa- tion instead of returning
to his book. “The same. I’ve heard the food there is good, but I doubt I’ll have time to do any
exploring.” He found himself at ease with the stranger. “Will you be staying in the city, or
going on from there?”
“I’ll meet with my boss, but I spend most of my time traveling,” the fellow replied. “I don’t
get to stay long in any one place.”
So we have that in common too. Makes it unlikely that we might meet up again the next
time I come back to St. Louis. “Me, too. I’m a bit of a rolling stone.”
About the Author
Morgan Brice is the romance
pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male
paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the
happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author
hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more
explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in
her Morgan books, and vice versa.
On the rare occasions Morgan
isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.
Series include
Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more
in these series, plus new series coming soon!
Learning to accept himself is not the only lesson the universe has planned for him.
Blurb
Eighteen-year-old Tobias Gavin is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. For many years, the what-ifs of coming out have swirled around his head, so he has chosen to live a lie to keep from disrupting the “normal” life he has created with his family and friends.
That is until he meets Gareth David the day he enrolls for his first semester as a college student. He feels an immediate connection with Gareth…a connection that pushes Tobias to question the way he has been living his life. When Gareth coincidentally becomes Tobias’s History professor, Tobias is forced to confront his feelings and confront the universe.
Tobias must come to terms with his depression, anxiety, heartbreak, and his sexuality before he can even begin to heal his wounds. He believes that everything happens for a reason, but he learns that some experiences are meant to teach even if they cause heartbreak. Once he comes to terms with himself, he might find his knight in shining armor.
Tobias must learn to trust himself and those around him if he wants to find happiness.
Excerpt
I’m startled out of my thoughts when I hear doors open, but to avoid any more agonizing contact with Anna, I don’t glance over until I hear the deep voice of a man talking to Anna.
I glimpse Anna out of the corner of my eye and notice her entire personality has changed. She appears more alive and filled with energy. She twirls her hair between her pointer and middle fingers, flirting with the man, which goes unnoticed by him. He is standing there exchanging pleasantries with her. When he turns to look in my direction, my heart literally skips a beat.
He is beautiful.
Wow. Drop-dead gorgeous isn’t even the best phrase to describe the man standing before me. The stylish brown hair rising in waves from the top of his head looks natural and void of any hair products, like he rolls out of bed looking like McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy on a daily basis. His light brown skin and dark brown eyes shimmer, reminding me of silky, smooth milk chocolate. Everything with me always goes back to chocolate, which is why I can’t stop looking at him as he stands next to the receptionist’s desk talking to Anna.
He isn’t ridiculously muscular, but his biceps look statuesque underneath his tight plaid button-down shirt. Dark Levi’s accentuate every muscle and curve his lower body has to offer. My mind immediately drifts to what his legs would look like if he set them free with short shorts or even his underwear. What is wrong with me?
Without even moving, he exudes confidence I only wish I could have. My mediocre body isn’t nearly as memorable as the physique standing before me. Anyone would want to talk to him, to be near his gorgeous face…touch his toned body. This man hit the gene-pool lottery when whatever higher being or the masters of the universe made him.
“Hello… Hey…. Is somebody in there?” he asks, waving his hand near my face.
My eyes adjust to his waving hand, and I realize I have been staring at him with an open mouth, looking like a brainless buffoon.
“Uuhhhh…what?!” I say like a blubbering fool.
“I asked if you are here to meet with me,” he responds with the sweetest expression, ignoring my inability to carry a conversation, which makes my cheeks burn red.
“Hahaha… I wish.” I freeze… What the fuck did I say? Oh my god, I could die. I should run out the door and lay down in the street, praying someone will take pity on me and end my suffering. I’m positive I have turned as red as the couches I’m sitting on.
He chuckles and gives me a bright and warm grin, revealing his perfectly whitened teeth. He towers over me, holding out his hand. “My name is Gareth David. I’m Dr. Richard’s teaching assistant. Who are you?”
Suddenly, an overwhelming urge to jump into his arms and put my hand through his radiantly manicured hair skips jauntily through my mind. That is perfectly acceptable for people to do, right?
I grab his hand, applying enough pressure to give an adequate handshake, so I look less like a dope.
When our hands meet, a rush of warmth spreads throughout my entire body. He glances at our hands and back into my eyes, giving me that perfect grin again. I can’t help but wonder if he observed the same jolt of energy when our hands met. The way he is looking at me makes me feel something I can’t put my finger on, but I don’t want the erotic energy to end.
After gaining my composure, I respond, “My name is Tobias Gavin. I’m here to meet with Dr. Richards about setting up my schedule for the fall semester.”
An Adonis-like smile spreads across his face, and I melt again. “Are you a freshman? I haven’t seen you around or in any of my classes.”
I look at him confused. “Didn’t you say you’re her assistant?”
He chuckles. “Teaching assistant. However, I teach my own classes and cover her classes when she is away. I know it seems weird, but Dr. Richards has taught me well. Besides, I’m almost finished with my graduate degree. I turned in my thesis a few weeks ago.”
His voice exhibits pure kindness that sends warmth through by body, helping me relax.
“May I have my hand back?” He laughs.
Shit.
My body going tense again, I realize I’m still holding his hand. I hesitate for a millisecond—my body wanting our embrace to continue—before letting go of his hand.
“I’m so sorry. I was listening to you talk and forgot to let go.” Kill me. Someone, please hire a ninja assassin to come kill me now.
About the Author
Scott E. Garrison is a debut author, who wants to share new, queer stories with the world. He currently lives in the Oklahoma City, OK area.
Alongside writing, he has a Masters in Library and Information Studies and works as a Librarian for an Oklahoma-based library system. He spends his free time reading, baking, watching movies and TV shows with his husband, and cuddling with his dogs, Jarvis and F.R.I.D.A.Y.
A world-weary Sherlock
Holmes scholar loses his job and his sanity when the great detective materializes in his flat
to help solve a mystery that involves a handsome male stranger. What ensues is a thrilling
adventure in literature, London, and love.
Blurb
Andrew Thomas just got sacked. He’s permanently drunk.
He’s got cancer. Is inescapably gay. Was hit by a bus. And he’s fallen in love with a stranger
whose life he saved.
As a newly-unemployed Sherlock Holmes scholar, Andrew
knows only Holmes can help him untangle the madness his life has become, but Holmes isn’t
real. Except he absolutely appeared in Andrew’s house, told him he’s in love with a man he
just met…and then in a fit of pique Andrew sent him away.
Sure Holmes is probably a hallucination or a specter or a
ghost, but now Andrew desperately needs his help. So to find the answer to his case and the
man of his dreams, Andrew takes to chasing a fictional character through London with his
very own Watson.
Excerpt
While strolling amid the students and scholars rushing into
the University of London, I ignored the urge to check my pocket watch.
If there was ever a day to dawdle, it was today. The first day
of summer that actually felt like the season it claimed to be. And the day of my personal
disaster.
It wasn’t a ‘this train will split at the next station and you
just sat down with your meal deal’ disaster, but it was equally inconvenient. After decades of
laboring in academia, I was about to become involuntarily unemployed. Apart from that –
and this might be even more important – I was also going to die.
To delay the confrontation a bit longer, I looked for a
shaded place to smoke and then took long, luxurious drags on my cigarette. A cough
struggled to tear itself free from my chest, but I suppressed it. Not now. Focus.
Few people knew my name or my publications. But some
such people existed – people who were as fascinated by a very specific man as I was, and
who seemed to value my works more than I did. The man I wrote about lived in Baker Street,
and he was partly to blame for my situation. Though I liked to think of myself as a charmingly
anachronistic gentleman, I increasingly felt I was just a dafter in a fine suit who lurked
around public buildings. Instead of engaging in modern life, I was immersed in the world of
Sherlock Holmes and all things Victorian, with the natural effect of many acquaintances
leaving or going extinct. It wasn’t that I didn’t like the company of others; it was that I
struggled in the company of others. And they struggled in the company of me.
You see, the fact that I knew my dearest detective had
appeared on-screen in over two hundred and twenty adaptations did not give me much
hope I would find out what people did for fun. But what of fun? What about achievement?
Holmes is the most filmed novel character of all time – among humans, at least; Dracula has
been filmed even more often. This connection filled me with joy, and I believed it could be
combined in a curious way. Dracula Holmes: he investigates at night because he’s not just a
detective, no – he’s also a vampire. Greedy for blood and knowledge.
I finished my cigarette and stepped from the shadows only
to immediately collide with a young man in the most colorful trainers I’d ever seen. In a split-
second knockout victory, he fell to the ground covered in the flyers he had been holding in
his hand just seconds before.
I bent down immediately to help him. “I’m so sorry,” I said,
quickly picking up his flyers from the pavement. At least those which hadn’t fallen into the
grey puddle right next to us.
“It’s okay,” he said, and he looked at me. His blue eyes
seemed friendly though his gaze was intense.
I quickly looked down again. To my surprise, the flyers
weren’t gig announcements or takeaway adverts. In fact, they were promoting something
very dear to my heart. “I like theater,” I said, handing him back a few of the flyers. “I thought
theater was dead for young people.”
He smiled. “Most young people get run over by perfect
strangers.
That’s why so few make it to the stage. Anyway…I’m still
alive.”
That he was. Alive, handsome, and holding a slim stack of
remaining flyers. Slightly crumpled.
“I’m far from perfect,” I remarked, thinking of the trouble I
had caused him.
About the Author
Yvonne is a bi and nonbinary
writer who dedicates their free time to extending the secret Gay Agenda – in part through
their debut novel A Case of Madness.
Although born and raised in
the north of Germany, Yvonne’s passion for Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Who, their sassy
humor, and aversion to talking on public transport made them suspiciously British from early
on.
As a natural matter of cause
and effect, Yvonne moved to London in 2014 and started to write (a novel for the drawer).
No word was written until 2017 when the sudden question of ‘What if I could talk to
Sherlock Holmes?’ came up to them.
Conducting PhD research in
the world’s most extensive Sherlock Holmes collection, located in Minneapolis, USA, was a
great help for answering that question. The result was not a PhD, but their debut novel A Case of Madness,
originally written in German and in a bold move translated by the author themselves when
nobody in Germany understood a word they were saying.
Reckoning with the past just might destroy Grady and
Dawson’s plans for the future
Blurb
Three deadly accidents that might have been magical
murder. A dark witch with a grudge against the King family. Federal agents with supernatural
abilities. And, as usual, Dawson and Grady are smack dab in the crosshairs of trouble even
they can’t outrun.
When Grady King’s brother Knox is targeted by shady
characters, old secrets, coverups, and lies come to light. Grady and his boyfriend Dawson
begin to question what really happened when Grady’s grandparents and Dawson’s parents
died. Then agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Supernatural Investigation show up
pursuing a different case, only to discover that the crimes appear to be connected, with a
vengeful dark witch at the center of the plot. And since monsters never sleep, Grady and
Dawson are still carrying out their duty to hunt dangerous paranormal creatures, restless
spirits, nefarious faeries, Civil War ghosts, creepy cryptids, and things that go bump in the
night. It’s all part of the centuries-old King family mandate to protect the people of
Cunanoon Mountain and Transylvania County, a mission Grady and Dawson are sworn to
fulfill.
But when it looks like something is hunting the people
Grady loves, it’s time to dig into the family’s painful past, uncovering dangerous details of
long-ago hunts against immortal creatures who never forget—or forgive.
Can they solve the mystery and figure out who’s behind the
deaths, or will they bear the deadly consequences of their hidden history? Reckoning with
the past just might destroy Grady and Dawson’s plans for the future and set loose a tide of
malicious magic that could sweep them all away.
Sins of the Fathers is a thrill-packed MM romance
adventure full of fast cars, outlaw country boys, snarky werewolves, vengeful ghosts,
menacing monsters, and a love that can’t be denied.
BOOK 2
Book Title: No
Surrender—An MM Psychic Detective Romance Adventure
Release Date: April 20,
2022
Genres: Urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, psychic
detective
Tropes: Hurt/comfort, established relationship, learning to trust, grumpy-
sunshine, cold case, ghosts helping/interfering, lots of magic, wedding planning
Themes: Found family, loyalty, dealing with unresolved issues, putting the
past to rest
Length: 224
pages
It is Book 5 in the Badlands
series but can be read as a standalone.
Cold cases, hot leads, a
psychic psychopath, a copycat killer, cursed objects, the trial of the century–and wedding
plans.
Blurb
Psychic medium Simon Kincaide and sexy homicide
detective Vic D’Amato met hunting a supernatural serial killer. Since then, Simon has
become a police consultant on cases involving the paranormal, and Vic has gotten over his
doubts about Simon’s abilities being real. Along the way, they fell in love and got engaged.
But it seems like the danger never ends.
Now, the first case Simon and Vic worked together comes
back to haunt them as the killer goes to court and all hell breaks loose. The killer has a crazy
fan setting curses on key players in the upcoming trial. Ghosts from an old cold case suggest
that someone got away with murder. And a supernatural creature attracted to fear and
death is using the Grand Strand as its feeding ground. Simon and Vic feel like they’re waging
a war on all fronts, but with the stakes so high, there can be No Surrender!
No Surrender is a fast-paced thrill ride MM
paranormal romance packed with supernatural suspense, haunted tourist attractions,
monsters, visions, hot sex, hurt/comfort, loyal friends, wedding planning, found family,
ghosts galore, dark magic, and an evolving, established romantic relationship with all the
feels.
BOOK 3
Book Title: Again: Fox
Hollow Zodiac Novel 2–MM Shifter Romance Suspense
Release Date: July 5,
2022
Genres: Urban fantasy MM shifter romance suspense
Tropes: Shifters, one true pairing, reincarnation, fated mates, psychics,
magic, curses, hurt/comfort, found family,
Themes: Long-distance relationship, knowing you can depend on each
other, navigating a new relationship
Length: 247
pages
It is book 2 in the Fox Hollow
Zodiac series. It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.
The fast, furry, and furious!
A lynx shifter, pursued by a cryptid trophy hunter. A wolf shifter desperate to rescue a lover
who’s not just his fated mate—but his one true pairing across past lives. And a love that
transcends time.
Blurb
The fast, furry, and furious! A lynx shifter, pursued by a
cryptid trophy hunter. A wolf shifter desperate to rescue a lover who’s not just his fated
mate—but his one true pairing across past lives. And a love that transcends time.
Lynx shifter Noah Wilson narrowly escaped being captured
by the Huntsman. While recuperating in Fox Hollow, he meets his fated mate, wolf shifter
Drew Lowe.
Noah has to return to Canada to finish filming his TV
projects, so he and Drew visit when they can and come up with creative solutions to their
long-distance relationship. Noah and Drew are sure they’re meant for each other and start
making plans.
Drew’s dreams make him wonder if he and Noah are more
than fated mates—could they be a true pairing, destined to find each other lifetime after
lifetime?
Then Noah accidentally records a murder, and the killer is
on his trail. Can he elude a master tracker and reach the safety of Fox Hollow, or will he and
Drew have to wait to find happiness in another life?
Again is a thrill-packed MM shifter romance adventure full
of sexy shifters, hurt/comfort, one true pairing, reincarnation, sincere psychics, hunky
mechanics, first responders, a sexy wildlife photographer, found family, and fated
mates.
BOOK 4
book plus audio release
Book Title: The Devil
You Know: MM Supernatural Romance Adventure
Length: 240
pages
Release Date: February 8,
2022
Genres: MM romance, supernatural romance adventure, urban
fantasy
Tropes: Hurt/comfort, friendship/partnership/lovers, found family,
second chance at love
Themes: Evolving established relationship, healing, learning to trust,
facing old fears
It is a standalone book and
does not end on a cliffhanger.
Seth and Evan met “on the job” when Evan was the
intended sacrifice of a dark coven, and Seth came to the rescue. Now, they’ve teamed up to
stop a century of ritual murders and get justice for Seth’s brother Jesse and the other
victims.
Seth and Evan have a plan to stop the next witch disciple,
plus new allies and magic. But this time, the warlock knows they’re coming, and he has plans
of his own. When Seth disappears and is trapped in a spell that gives him his heart’s desire,
can he free himself in time to help Evan?
And when Evan’s younger brother shows up unexpectedly,
can Evan trust Parker to have his back? It all comes down to trusting the devil you
know!
The Devil You Know is a thrill-packed urban fantasy
MM paranormal romance with plenty of supernatural suspense, hurt/comfort, hot sex,
found family, and dark magic and features an evolving, established romantic relationship
with all the feels.
Book 5 – audio book release
Book Title: Blink: MM
Supernatural Suspense
Narrator: John Solo
Release Date: April 19, 2022
(audio release)
Genres: Paranormal/urban fantasy M/M Romance, action/adventure,
romantic suspense
Tropes: Second chance love,
hurt/comfort, true soulmates, psychic, witches, ghosts, mobsters, resort town
Themes: Learning to trust, hurt/comfort, second chance love, established
relationship
It is part of series but could
stand alone. It does not end on a cliffhanger.
Erik Mitchell helped Interpol bust cartels, oligarchs, and
spoiled billionaires for art fraud. As an undercover cop, Ben Nolan helped bring down a
Newark crime family. Now Erik and Ben have started over in Cape May, leaving their danger-
filled jobs behind them, excited about a fresh start and their new relationship.
Plans to renovate a historic old theater stir up dangerous
ghosts and revive interest in unsolved Mob hits. The curse of a murdered witch strikes a
close friend, old movie props reveal clues to long-ago crimes, and a shakedown scheme
sends Ben’s cousin running for cover.
Time is running out to lift the curse. The Russian Mob wants
revenge on Erik, and the Newark Mob is gunning for Ben. A grieving ghost seeks justice.
Secrets, lies, and deception unravel in the blink of an eye.
Erik and Ben were planning for happily ever after. But
unless they can outwit witches, wraiths, and wise guys, they could go down in a hail of
gunfire and a blast of dark magic—and see their plans go up in smoke.
Blink is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance
mystery-adventure filled with second chance love, hurt/comfort, true soulmates, awesome
food trucks, dangerous secrets, restless ghosts, psychic visions, powerful witches, angry
mobsters, and a very haunted theater.
BOOK 6 – Audio release
Book Title: Huntsman
Narrator: John Solo
Length: 5 hours, 36
minutes
Release Date: August 23,
2022
Genres: Urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, shifter romance, gay
romance
Tropes: Friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, learning to trust, second chance
at love, fated mates, small town romance, found family
Themes: Love conquers all, starting over
It is a standalone book and
does not end on a cliffhanger.
Huntsman is full of sexy
shifters, hurt/comfort, second chance love, sincere psychics, hot first responders, found
family and fated mates.
Blurb
A grieving wolf. A hunted fox. Fated mates, thrown together
by chance, and the looming threat of a fabled Huntsman who might tear them apart
forever.
Fox shifter Liam Reynard is running from a killer. He uproots
his life to find sanctuary in Fox Hollow, deep in the Adirondack Forest in New York.
When his car breaks down, sexy wolf shifter Russ Lowe
comes to the rescue, and one touch makes it clear they’re fated mates. Neither man was
looking for love, and both are still mending from past heartbreak. When mysterious fires and
disappearances threaten Fox Hollow, Liam fears the killer is hot on his trail. Can he protect
the town and his fated mate from the evil hunting him, or will an ex-lover’s betrayal cost
Liam everything he loves?
Huntsman is full of sexy shifters, hurt/comfort, second
chance love, sincere psychics, hot first responders, found family and fated
mates. Book One in the Fox Hollow: Zodiac series
…and these holiday favorites for Xmas and New
Year
BOOK 7
Book Title: Christmas at
Caynham Castle – Crewel Fate ~ Gail Z. Martin
Authors: Gail Z
Martin plus Jeanne Adams, Caren Crane, Seressia Glass, Donna MacMeans, Nancy
Northcott, Anna Sugden
Publisher: Rickety Bookshelf
Press
Length: 521
pages
Release Date: November
2019
Genre:
Romance—note—Gail’s story is MM paranormal romance. The others are
MF romance and MF romantic suspense
Tropes: Friends to lovers,
established relationship, enemies to lovers, second chance at love, paranormal romance,
psychic, spies
Themes: Learning to trust,
found family, hurt/comfort, family secrets
These are seven individual
novellas all set at the same fictional castle/town and Christmas ball
And an ancient castle with adventure, mystery, ghosts and
romance in every corner.
Celebrate the Christmas season with seven authors,
each telling the story of the holiday at Caynham Castle in her own spectacular
style.
Crewel Fate ~ Gail Z. Martin
When Teag Logan and his fiancé Anthony Benton travel to England to celebrate their
engagement, Teag’s magic and supernatural experience hone in on restless spirits, an old
scandal and century-old secrets that could turn deadly. Can Teag and Anthony solve the
mystery and settle the spooks before the Ball, or will more people join the ranks of the castle
ghosts?
BOOK 8
Book Title: Ring in the
New at Caynham Castle
(Memory and Malice: A Badlands MM Psychic Detective
Romance by Morgan Brice )
Publisher: Rickety Bookshelf
Press
Release Date: December 21,
2021
Genre: Romance. Note – the Morgan Brice novella is MM paranormal romance. The rest are
MF romance/romantic suspense
Tropes: Friends to lovers,
established relationship, enemies to lovers, second chance at love, paranormal romance,
psychic, ghosts, historical mystery, gargoyles, witches, magic
Themes: Learning to trust,
found family, hurt/comfort, family secrets,
What better way to celebrate the new year than by
partying in an ancient castle, now a hotel, in a small English town? Join us in lifting a glass to
the holiday with these festive novellas:
Memory and Malice: A Badlands MM Psychic Detective Romance by Morgan Brice
Psychic medium Simon Kincaide and his fiancé, homicide detective Vic D’Amato, planned a
relaxing Christmas and New Year’s at Caynham Castle. But when Simon encounters a man
possessed by a malicious ghost, he fears that a spirit with an ancient grudge intends to
disrupt the holiday festivities. Can Simon and Vic prevent a disaster and protect the Earl, or
will a ghost from the past destroy the chance to ring in a bright new future?
Giveaway
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Alois d’Pierrepont and Marton Prawer have been attending
black market antiquities events trying to recover treasure stolen by Nazis during World War
II. Marton is particularly interested in a certain missing Picasso.
Following the trail to France, the two stumble into far more
than they bargained for when a shady auction they’re attending in Paris’s Latin Quarter is
raided by Interpol. Alois’s uncle Frederick, from Bring Me Edelweiss, is soon hot on the case
along with his lover Joel McIntyre.
After recovering the journal of a Nazi general the four men
race across western Europe, chased by fascists desperate to find the treasure for
themselves. Gunfights and car chases ensue as the group uses a map in the journal to track
down the treasure and its contents, rumored to include the fabled Spear of Destiny.
Excerpt
Alois d’Pierrepont knelt at the door to the study and pulled
a small black pouch from his breast pocket. With a grunt, he undid the button on his Versace
“Black Baroque” evening jacket. It fit a little too snugly for squatting. Opening the bag, he
selected two picks, inserted them in the door lock, and went to work.
“How’s it going?” Marton Prawer asked, appearing beside
him and flashing his winning smile.
Alois looked up at his boyfriend. I’d go a lot quicker if you wouldn’t hang on my
shoulder, he thought. “Just bloody fine, dear,” he grumbled between gritted teeth.
They’d come to the party to find evidence that the host
collected Nazi memorabilia. Marton was obsessed with returning stolen loot to the Jewish
people. A noble pursuit. And being a history buff and amateur archaeologist himself, Alois
found him fascinating and intense.
The owner of this house had a reputation for acquiring
antiques with a sketchy provenance. But reputation was not proof, so the two young men
were looking for something they could leverage for information. Something that might get
them an in to the black market antiquities scene. To be fair, Alois was at a loss as to how to
accomplish that, but Marton was determined. Seems a bit of a stretch.
It was a good thing he was able to use his own contacts to
get an invite to this party, but . . . May wind up
paying for that. That particular person, a
socialite named Denis, was a pill and likely to bring it up to gain his own leverage. He let out
a long, deep breath. So far, it’s worth
it. After all, they’d made it here. But still, the games people
play. It’s all so exhausting.
He wiped beads of perspiration off his forehead and
frowned. Locks never gave him this much trouble. Then again, he wasn’t used to performing
under pressure. Before, it was always a lark, a trick he picked up as a kid running around his
grandfather’s drafty old home, picking the locks on all the doors for fun. Though he’d long
ago gone pro and bought a professional lockpick set, this was different. They were on a
mission.
“Take a breath.” Marton’s voice was easy and
soothing.
Alois shook out his hand and let out a long exhalation, then
went back to it. After a moment, the tumblers clicked easily like they’d been waiting for him.
The lock let out a satisfying chunk.
“Sorry, just a bit nervous.” Alois chuckled as he stood.
“Never done this ‘in the field,’ as they say. Before, it was always a party trick or me larking
about. Never actually tried housebreaking before.”
Marton looked up at Alois and gave him a kiss on the lips.
“You did great.” He ran a hand along the front of Alois’s slacks, teasing him until he
hardened. “I’ll give you something special when we get back to your place.”
A deep moan escaped Alois’s chest. “I’m looking forward to
it already.” Grabbing the door handle, he stepped inside the office and flicked on the
light.
They stepped into a nondescript modern office.
“Oh,” Marton said in surprise.
“What, were you expecting a Nazi flag on the wall?” Alois
asked, nudging the shorter man in the side. “Or an autographed photo of Hitler?”
About the Author
Kyle is an artist, playwright,
and writer. As a playwright, Kyle has had his plays performed in New York at the NY
International Fringe Festival, and the Midtown International Theater Festival. As an artist
and illustrator, he has had his art exhibited in both New Orleans and New York.
Born in Hawaii, Kyle is an
Army brat and grew up in Erlangen, Germany, as well as Augusta, Georgia, and several cities
in Texas. After stints in Louisiana and New York, he resides again in Honolulu with his black
Labrador Retriever Brady.
