New Release

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At Dusty’s Snack Shack, desserts range from gooey to chewy.

But Ken finds the treats at Dusty’s shop aren’t necessarily as sweet as one tantalizing owner!

Blurb

Sand, sun, and a steamy summer fling.

That’s all Dusty and Ken expected from their chance encounter at Myrtle Beach, when Ken purchases ice cream from Dusty’s Snack Shack.

But as their bodies entwine, so do their hearts, leading them on a journey of unexpected emotions.

With the bustling beach as their backdrop, and a sweet Saint Bernard that adores both men, they explore the depths of their passion and the pitfalls of falling in love.

Then, as the summer winds down, their romance takes a precarious turn, threatening to tear them apart.

Will their love withstand the crashing waves, or will it be washed away by the tide?

If you enjoyed the passionate romance and twists and turns of Nicholas Sparks’ “The Notebook,” you’ll love this beachside love story with a gay twist.

Why wait? Grab your copy now before the tide changes!

Excerpt

“I won’t get to see you again before you leave?” The disappointment in Dusty’s voice was palpable.

“Here’s the deal with me, Dusty. I’m not up to driving. Not tonight. I’m far too tired to start the long trek home, only to stop at some fleabag hotel along the way when I get sleepy. Which will happen sooner rather than later. I already feel exhausted.”

“Then stay.” Dusty uttered the words before Ken finished his sentence. “Please. There’s no need for you to transfer to another hotel. I’d love for you to be my guest for as long as you wish.”

“You have a life to live, Dusty, and a business to run—” Ken began.

“That business will be closed for at least another day,” Dusty interrupted. “Probably longer. They’ve closed the entire block near my shop. Several other blocks have also been closed. Customers wouldn’t be allowed access to the Snack Shack even if I were allowed to open it. But I have to wait until city officials give the all-clear.”

For a moment, Ken didn’t speak. Then, Dusty heard a heavy, resigned sigh. “Your offer is tempting, Dusty. Really, it is. But let me ask you. Are you fucking positive?”

Dusty laughed gently. “I’ve never been surer of anything else. Get your ass over here as quickly as you can.”

Ken began a hearty chuckle. His chuckle grew into a laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

“As you know, I wasn’t crazy about a Myrtle Beach vacation from the beginning. Now, I am adamant not to cut the damn thing short. I have four more days, for Christ’s sake! And I’m gonna take them.”

Dusty turned into his driveway, which he’d almost overshot. “The beach can have a seductive effect on people, that’s for sure.”

Dusty transferred the sound from the car’s audio system to his phone. He got out of his car, then headed to his front door. Benji, his tail wagging furiously, was waiting for him,.

“But Dusty? I don’t want you to think the ocean is the only temptation.” Ken’s voice sounded plaintive and sincere, hinting of a vulnerability that Dusty hadn’t noticed before. “It’s you, too. You’re a great guy, even if we did get off on the wrong foot. Those four additional days I have left? I would rather spend them with you.”

Dusty was rendered speechless by Ken’s confession, delivered with great sincerity.

Maybe, Dusty thought, the man’s much more sensitive than he often comes across.

“Then it’s settled,” Dusty said. “I’m sitting on my sofa right now, caressing a big furry monster who would love to see you almost as much as I do. So get your ass over here as quickly as you can.”

Ken laughed. “I’m approaching the Bayview parking garage now. I have to get clearance to retrieve my car, then I’m on my way.” He cleared his throat. “I will have to make a quick stop at a convenience store to pick up a few toiletries. That shouldn’t take more than five or ten minutes.”

“Good idea. I don’t share my toothbrush with anyone.”

Suddenly, Dusty felt overcome with gratitude—gratitude that Ken was alive. “Hey, Ken?”

“Yes?”

Dusty inhaled deeply, as though to sequester some immense feeling. “Be safe. Please. I know you’re upset. That doesn’t always make for safe driving. But remember I’m here, waiting for you. Call me if you need anything.”

Ken swallowed the lump forming in his throat. “Thanks, Dusty. You’re the best.”

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.

Social Media Links

Website/Newsletter Sign-up | Facebook | Bluesky

Instagram | Threads

RECENT RELEASE: “Specimen” by C. Quince.

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:March 24, 2025
Post category:Gay Book Promotions New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

RECENT RELEASE

Book Title: Specimen

Author: C. Quince

Publisher: Ninestar Press

Cover Artist: HolBat

Release Date: March 11, 2024

Tense/POV: third person/past tense/alternating POV

Genre: MM paranormal/alien/sci-fi romance

Themes: Enemies to lovers, mystery, thriller, action adventure, spies, frenemies, forced proximity, colleagues

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 105 000 words/ 300 pages

It is the first book of a series.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger as the mysteries are ongoing,

but the couple are solidly together.

NineStar Press | Universal Link

Buy Links

A former US Marine and a British M16 Intelligence agent find more in common than attraction.

Blurb

David Cortez, a decorated US Marine, is now on the run from his own government after escaping a top-secret CIA lab when an experimental medical procedure turned sour.

While lying low in Mexico, an assassin sent from British Intelligence tracks him down. However, Sonny from MI6, a British-Iranian with a cockney accent, offers David a choice: join his team, or be killed.

David chooses to work with Sonny, not only because he wants his life back, but because he feels a kinship with the man.

They’re also both in the unique position of being the only living test subjects with alien DNA in their blood. Could that explain the strong attraction between them?

Excerpt

Sonny opened the brief. Inside, the first page was stamped TOP SECRET in big letters, which always made him want to laugh, along with the usual disclaimers typed out manually from a typewriter. Sonny breezed past all that and looked at the mission itself. What he saw was a collected file on one man: former US Marine, last known employment in private security. The collected photos were from past ID’s like Marine Corps and the DMV, and included some candids and hospital patient logs.

Handsome guy, Sonny thought idly. Tan skin, short brown hair, a strong jawline. Sonny was unsure of the guy’s ethnicity until he clocked the name.

“The file is Sergeant David Luis Cortez,” Shepherd said. “US Marines scout sniper.” She sat down at the opposite end of the table to Guv. “Peak physical health while on duty,” she went on. “Loyal. Follows orders. Impressive stats. Fifty-two confirmed kills, one of which being a one-and-a-half-mile sniper shot from a thirty-storey window.”

Sonny felt equally annoyed and impressed to hear that. He was the trick shot in this division, and he didn’t need another hotshot coming for his wig.

“Served in Afghanistan, Sudan, and South America, as well as several black ops missions. Honourable discharge, moved onto private security and diplomatic detail,” Shepherd went on. “Assigned to US diplomat Philip Sherman, thwarted an assassination attempt, but fell victim to poisoning from thallium sulphate.”

Sonny leafed through the hospital files. These medical records were official, along with a copy of the death certificate.

Sonny guessed what had happened before Shepherd confirmed it: they had another resurrected government experiment on their hands. Sonny should know; he was one himself.

“His condition in civilian hospital deteriorated,” Shepherd explained. “Through an Army connection, Cortez was recommended for special medical trials, codenamed Trial X. His first round of tests proved successful, when not many subjects pass that stage…” She glanced up pointedly. “As we well know.”

Sonny kept quiet and lifted his cup to take a sip. The slurp was noisy in the quiet room.

Guv gave Sonny a warning look. Sonny stopped slurping and smirked. He’d made his point. He was a special case who’d survived testing and was worth his weight in gold. He got away with murder on a daily basis.

“So,” Shepherd continued, “the CIA faked Cortez’s death, and moved him to one of their black sites for further testing. Cortez was renamed Specimen X.”

Sonny turned the page and saw copies of top secret CIA medical files, including a colour photo of the poor bastard inside a tank filled with bubbly blue liquid. He was naked except for an oxygen mask over his face and various cables attached to his limbs. The photo cut off below the waist. Sonny, being a thirsty bitch, immediately zeroed in on the man’s toned abs and pecs, and biceps to die for.

Was it uncouth to lust over him in that condition? Probably. Did Sonny care? Not really.

In the photo the man’s eyes were closed. His hair had grown longer than the short army cut, and he also had a beard now. He’d be hot shit, if not for the fact he was stuck inside a human-sized test tube.

“Was it Wallace’s team?” Guv asked Shepherd, referencing a top CIA operative.

“We don’t know for sure,” Shepherd replied. “My mole was tight lipped about the department. But we do know they were working with their own version of Sample A-X, which is why I’ve brought this to the front of our queue. It’s amazing we got as much intel as is, considering their operation was all shut down and relocated after his escape.”

Escape? Sonny perked up at that. Excellent! He loved drama.

He flicked through more of the file, speed-reading reports detailing the subject’s general disorientation after the procedure, then his violent outbursts toward medical staff… But Sonny never trusted a doctor’s word on patients. Who wouldn’t get pissed off after being poked and prodded then shoved in a tank? Sonny could sympathise.

There were some printouts of shots taken from a black-and-white security feed showing the naked (and ripped) subject overpowering several doctors and guards in the lab in order to break down the door and escape.

Sonny felt vicariously proud of the guy.

He probably shouldn’t have smirked over it, because Guv and Shepherd noticed. “I’m glad you think this is amusing, Sonny,” Shepherd said haughtily, “because you’re the one who’s going to track him down.”

About the Author

Quince is a MENA-British author who lives in England, enjoys sci-fi and fantasy, history, and Halloween.

Social Media Links

Website | Facebook | BlueSky | Instagram

NEW RELEASE: “Demon’s Past” by Shari Sakurai. Rafflecopter Giveaway Included!

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:March 9, 2025
Post category:Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Demon’s Past

Author and Cover Artist: Shari Sakurai

Publisher: Farnhurst Publishing

Release Date: March 7, 2025

Tense/POV: third person, alternating POV

Genres: MM Paranormal/vampires

Tropes: Friends to lovers

Themes: Coming out

Heat Rating: 1 flame

Length: 77 000 words

It is not a standalone story, but you do not need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy it.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Immortality has its price

Blurb

April 1889, Nagasaki, JAPAN

When apprentice merchant Thane Bremen travels with his family to Nagasaki, he is more excited about the exotic destination than studying his trade. A chance encounter with a local man gives Thane the opportunity to learn more about the culture of Japan.

Kokawa Taku is unlike anyone Thane has ever met before. He is outgoing, charming, spontaneous and Thane finds himself instantly drawn to him. Taku opens Thane’s eyes to new experiences, and perhaps a different future to the one that is mapped out for him. When their friendship turns into romance, Thane struggles with his father’s expectations for him and how the society he is from would view his relationship with Taku.

As they become closer, Thane learns that Taku is a vampire. With this, he begins to understand just what it means for them both. Taku will live forever, and Thane’s life will be over in a comparative blink of an eye. While Thane contemplates what it is to love the immortal, a disaster strikes that threatens to part them sooner than either of them thought was possible.

Excerpt

“Those who come to worship at the shrine must first use the water basin to purify themselves,” Taku explained as he knelt in front of the structure. Thane watched as he used one of the wooden ladles available to wash his hands, left first and then right. He cupped some of the water to rinse out his mouth. He did not swallow the water and spat it out next to the fountain. Finally, he dipped the handle of the ladle into the basin to clean it. Thane did not hesitate in following his companion’s example. Taku smiled in appreciation of his actions. He then led the way up the path towards the main shrine.

Taku slipped his shoes off before climbing the steps. Thane followed him and unlaced his boots. This part of the shrine was called the Haiden – hall of worship – Taku explained. Thane looked around, amazement at the intricate detail of the hall filling him. There were beautifully crafted paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, incredibly detailed religious carvings and inscriptions either on wooden blocks or paper.

“This is beautiful,” Thane stated softly.

“The haiden is open to the public for worship,” Taku explained. “The heiden – hall of offerings – is behind it and then the honden where the God is enshrined. The God enshrined here is Ebisu, the God of luck and fishermen, which is quite appropriate for Nagasaki.”

“Can we visit the honden?”

“It is most usually closed to the general public, but I do not see the harm in showing you.”

Taku was about to lead the way further into the shrine when he suddenly stopped.

“What is it?” Thane asked.

“There is someone outside.”

Thane had not heard anyone, however, he quietly followed Taku as he crept towards the edge of the veranda to retrieve their shoes.

“Who is it?” Thane whispered anxiously.

“The police,” Taku’s tone was casual, and he did not appear unduly concerned.

“The police!” Thane did not share his calm. “Why?”

“There have been instances where items have been stolen from the shrines. Someone must have noticed us going in and reported it as it is rather late for worship.”

“We are just looking around. Can you explain that to them?”

“They believe the thief to be a foreigner and considering opinion on the western influences it would not be good to be found here,” Taku slipped his shoes on and kept watch whilst Thane did likewise.

“What shall we do?” Thane could now clearly see a light from a candle. They were still closer to the torii gates but gradually the light was moving in their direction.

“Follow me,” Taku quietly stepped off the veranda. He led Thane around the back of the shrine and towards the perimeter fence surrounding it. Thane glanced doubtfully up at the wooden barrier. With the lights from the shrine behind them he did not know if he could see well enough to climb over.

Taku did not share his hesitation. He had to jump to catch hold of the top of the fence but did so with surprising ease. With a grace that Thane had feeling he would envy, Taku pulled himself up and over.

“Thane, come on!” he called. The voices were drawing closer now and it was only a matter of time before they were seen.

Thane was tall enough to be able to grip the fence without the need for the small jump. He scrambled up the side of it, but with a lot less grace than his companion. The shout that went up as Thane reached the top startled him. He heard a ripping of fabric as he lost his balance and landed in a painful heap on the safe side of the fence.

“Are you alright?” Taku enquired as he helped Thane up.

“Yes, thank you,” he carefully stood, feeling some discomfort from the landing but no serious injuries.

“Good because I believe that we may have to run,” Taku commented in amusement.

As Taku spoke, Thane heard the two policemen shouting again. He glanced down the street in the direction of the noise and saw that they had exited the shrine and were hurrying towards them.

“This way,” Taku took a hold of Thane’s hand and started pulling him away from the shrine.

Thane once more questioned the wisdom in fleeing, but he did not wish to get into any bother. His father might well put him on the first ship home if he did.

“Where are we going?” he asked. Even though Thane was following him, Taku did not let go of his hand. Thane did not consider himself an unfit man, but the pace that Taku set was faster than he was used to running. In fact, Thane was surprised that his feet did not leave the ground all together at the speed in which they were going. Thane almost tripped as Taku suddenly changed direction and pulled him in between two buildings. Thane felt his back hit the side of the first wooden structure. Taku was beside him, their shoulders touching as he gestured for Thane to remain pressed against the wall. Thane heard the two men running past their location. After a few minutes more he felt he could breathe a sigh of relief.

Thane cast his gaze downwards to Taku’s hand that still gripped his own. A spark of what he could only describe as adrenaline went through him as he stared at their entwined fingers. Thane felt the warmth of a blush on his cheeks at the sensation and he gently pulled away.

About the Author

Shari Sakurai is a British author of paranormal, horror, science fiction and fantasy novels that almost always feature a LGBTQ protagonist and/or antagonist. She has always loved to write and it is her escape from the sometimes stressful modern life!

Aside from writing, Shari enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to (loud!) music, going to rock concerts and learning more about other societies and cultures. Japanese culture is of particular interest to her and she often incorporates Japanese themes and influences into her work.

Shari loves a challenge and has taken part and won the National Novel Writing Month challenge thirteen times!

Social Media Links

Blog/Website | Facebook

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway

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one of three ebook copies of Demon’s Past

NEW RELEASE: “Blade Broken” by Niranjan. Rafflecopter Giveaway Included!

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:March 7, 2025
Post category:Gay Book Promotions New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Blade Broken (The Echelon Book 1)

Author and Publisher: Niranjan

Cover Artist: Artscandre

Release Date: March 4, 2025

Pairing: MM (MF minor)

Tense/POV: Third person/past tense/alternating PoV

Genres: Sword and Sorcery, Political Fantasy

Tropes: Assassins, spies, political intrigue. Not a romance. Has secret siblings, former friends turned enemies becoming lovers again, but it’s just a part of the story.

Themes: Political fantasy with morally grey and complex characters, themes of forgiveness, redemption, found family are present

Length: 75 504 words/335 pages

Heat Rating: No sexual content. Not a romance. Some kissing and fade to black

It is the first book in the series and is not a standalone book.

Buy Links

Universal Link

A spy lurking in the shadows, a nation on the verge of an invasion, a man desperate to protect his home.

Blurb

Lucian is the Blade of Castrial–the kingdom’s spymaster and first line of defence, lauded for his success in repelling an invasion from Garaner. But the war has left Castrial’s economy in shambles, and when the neighbouring kingdom of Sarian musters their armies and sends spies into Castrial, Lucian realises two things: they have a spy in their midst, and they can’t afford the cost of fighting off another invasion.

And if that wasn’t trouble enough, there is Alaric, the Shield of Castrial and the only man in the Echelon whose power is equal to Lucian’s. Returned from banishment like the vengeful spirit of their long-lost relationship, Alaric carries a deep-set grudge against Lucian, a grudge that may well be justified.

Lucian’s desire to protect his nation is nearly equal to his wish to reconcile with Alaric, but if he cannot get his act together and convince the Shield to work with him, Castrial will fall.

Blade Broken is a queer, sword-and-sorcery fantasy and the first book in The Echelon Series. If you love flawed characters, betrayals and redemption, and gritty worldbuilding with lots of political machinations, you will love this book.

Video Trailer on Youtube

Excerpt

“You’re here,” the King said, waving Lucian and Alaric to their seats while Astra took her position behind him. “I was about to pronounce the sentence.”

Alaric was alarmed at the King’s tone. His Majesty looked angry, lips pressed together and face red. His form was stiff.

“Your Majesty,” he said.

“I’ve never seen a prisoner behave as that man did today. Not only did he admit to committing the crime, but he also didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with it!” The King’s hand gripped the sceptre set on to the side of his throne tightly. His voice was hard and cold. “He had no remorse for what he did. A human life was cut short, and he seems to think of it as no matter. Because the man was a commoner. As if that’s what matters!”

Alaric bit his tongue, stopped himself from speaking. Anything he might say now would cause more harm than good. Lord Giles was not the kind of man who deserved anyone’s sympathy. All the same, Alaric was worried about his family. The King had promised leniency, but with how Lord Giles behaved during the trial, how much could he depend on it?

Lucian seemed to be under some internal struggle himself. Alaric had to remember that Lord Giles’ family was as good as Lucian’s own now. If the King sentenced him to death or exile, he would have to arrange for Lucian to smuggle them out of Castrial. But with Sylvester compromised and not able to live in Garaner anymore, where could they go? There was always Ihweith, or another nation across the ocean which were on friendly terms with Castrial and where an immigrant Castrilian noble and his family would be safe.

Why didn’t Lucian or Sylvester do it? Was it because they feared Alaric wouldn’t let go? That they thought his hatred of Lord Giles was so intense that he would pursue them no matter where they went? No other explanation presented itself and he couldn’t help how his lips twisted at the thought.

He wished that Lucian had trusted him enough to know that he wouldn’t have pursued them if they had escaped. Not even Lord Giles. Did he really believe Alaric had become so vindictive?

The King made a gesture that opened the curtains that hid them all. He stood up and walked to the edge of the stage.

“My dear subjects,” he said quietly, his voice amplified by a spell. “We have tried Lord Giles and have found him guilty of the crime he is charged with. He deserves the worst punishment for his crime, but his son, Sylvester has been selflessly serving Castrial for farials and deserves consideration. I exempt Sylvester Giles from the punishment meted out to his family. Lord Giles and his family are hereby sentenced to slavery for life, to be sold in public auction to the highest bidder within two days.”

He stepped back, the curtains slid back, and the spell dissipated.

Alaric couldn’t speak or move. Slavery. Public auction. He wasn’t sure if the King was being merciful or vindictive. It was better than death, better even than exile, but that didn’t make it all right. It would depend on the master, after all.

And Keylin and Benjamin… Both of them were young, beautiful, and Alaric couldn’t be certain that they would be safe in any noble’s household.

“Alaric,” the King said. “Stay. All the rest of you, leave.”

Lucian, Astra, and Jeron bowed to the King before leaving through the door at the back. The stage was set with so many wards that no one outside would be able to hear anything they speak in here, not even if they were listening at the door or used magical means to eavesdrop.

“I want you to buy them.” The King’s gaze was hard. “Bid first. No one will bid against you.”

“Your Majesty!”

Not that he hadn’t thought of it, but he would not have expected the king to take a hand in an auction.

“I know it revolts you, that there are no slaves in your household, but you have to do this.” The King paused. “I know I promised to be lenient, but this is the extent of my leniency. If he had shown any remorse…” The King shook his head, pressing his lips together. “All the same, the family is innocent and must be protected. There is no one else I can trust.”

About the Author

An author and editor, Niranjan’s biggest ambition is to have a character named Garth in every book they write. Niranjan writes books rooted in mythical worlds, and their stories are often a combination of magic and futuristic technology.

When they are not writing or editing, Niranjan can be found cooking or just lying on their couch watching or rewatching C Dramas and writing fan-fiction.

Author Links

Blog/Website | BlueSky | Newsletter Sign-up

Ko0fi Character art and Map available for free)

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win

one of five ebook copies of choice from the author’s backlist

NEW RELEASE: “Now Comes the Dark” by Thom Collins

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:February 19, 2025
Post category:Gay Book Promotions New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Now Comes the Dark

Author: Thom Collins

Publisher: Pride Publishing / Entwined Publishing

Cover Artist: Claire Siemaszkiewicz

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Pairing: Contemporary Dark MM Romance

Tense/POV: Third person

Genres: Thriller/Mystery/Suspense

Tropes: Instant lust, serial killer, community

Themes: Erotic thriller

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 63 000 words

It is the first book in a new series, but works as a complete standalone

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Buy Links

Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Two strangers fuelled by desire, and a killer consumed with lust.

Blurb

Roman Ballentyne is forced to make some changes. The city he loves is no longer safe. Tensions are high as a psychotic killer preys upon the LGBTQ community. Five men have been murdered in the last year. Every encounter is a risk. Anyone could be next. The Viaduct was once the shame of Blyham, an illicit club filled with private booths and dark rooms, sleazy in the extreme. Now it offers a secure space to hook up when it’s too dangerous to take a stranger home.

Mallon Garnier catches Roman’s eye. He’s moody and mature and the hottest man in the club, but as Mallon pairs up with someone else, Roman thinks he’s missed his chance. When Roman is the victim of a hate crime at the end of the night, Mallon is his saviour, taking on his attackers with savage efficiency. Their attraction is immediate and intense. Roman knows it’s wrong to go home with a stranger, but what harm can there be from the man who saved him?

The encounter is the start of an intense and passionate affair. But as the murders continue, Roman learns Mallon is keeping a deep secret, and the killer is closer than he thinks.

Excerpt

Roman stared at the man who had saved him as they drove away. He tried to speak, but there were no words. His throat was paralysed.

“Come on,” the stranger said. “Before their egos get the better of them and they circle around for another shot.”

“The police,” Roman gasped at last. “You called the police.”

“No. I didn’t have time. And it turns out, I didn’t need them.” He took a gentle grip of Roman’s arm and led him back down the road. “Come on. The New Inn will still be open. We need to get off the streets for now.”

The man walked fast. Roman had trouble keeping up with him and couldn’t stop from looking over his shoulder to see if his attackers were following. The road was clear.

“Thank you,” he said at last. Now that the shock of the ordeal was sinking in, he felt a growing weakness all through his body. I could have died there. At best he’d have faced a trip to the hospital to fix several broken bones. Those men had been serious, and though he hadn’t paid attention to all the hate crimes that had occurred in Blyham, he knew how badly beaten the survivors had been. And five men hadn’t been lucky at all.

“Mallon,” the man said. “My name is Mallon. I couldn’t stand by and watch them get away with that.”

“Thank you,” he repeated. “I’m Roman. How…how did you do that? There were three of them. That could easily have ended differently.”

“Boxing. Boot camps. I’ve been a fighter since I was a boy.”

The New Inn was fifty yards ahead. Roman saw a group of customers outside, and relief rushed through him. People. His kind of people. They were safe—for now, at least.

He glanced at Mallon as they walked. His gaze was fixed in front. A man with purpose and determination. His expression was deadly serious, his jaw taut.

The New Inn was the most traditional of the bars in the village, with old wooden floors and dark wood panelling. The long, original bar led through to a more recent extension and conservatory with a beer garden. The DJ played a selection of songs from the 1970s and ’80s, while the clientele of older gays stood around chatting. The bar area was packed. Mallon guided Roman through the crowd to the near-empty beer garden. Efficient heaters kept the night chill at bay.

“Stay here,” Mallon said, releasing his arm once Roman was seated. “What do you want to drink?”

“Vodka. Diet Coke.”

Mallon nodded and left him.

Roman wrapped his arms around himself and shivered, despite the warmth. Fuck. He’d never experienced anything as frightening in his entire life. Like any gay man, he was used to homophobia, but the abuse he’d experienced in the past had always been verbal—name calling and hateful comments. This was the first time he’d been threatened with physical danger. And if Mallon hadn’t turned up when he did? Roman shuddered and his heart raced again.

About the Author

Thom Collins is the author of the Jagged Shores series and the Anthem Trilogy as well as numerous standalone novels and novellas.

His new series Basic Instincts launches in spring 2025 with the novel Now Comes the Dark.

Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world.

Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night

Social Media Links

Website | BlueSky

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up

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one of 5 ebook copies of Now Comes the Dark and Night Crimes (a standalone short story)

NEW RELEASE: “Distinctly Daray” by Jessamyn Kingley

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:February 8, 2025
Post category:Gay Book Promotions New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Distinctly Daray (D’Vaire, Book 43)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: February 6, 2025

Genre: MMM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Themes: Love, overcoming obstacles

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 90 460 words

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

Goodreads Series Link

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

The odds are against them, but they refuse to allow anything to get in their way.

Blurb

Victor Antonov-Daray is a lucky man. Thanks to his impetuous decision to apply for a job he didn’t qualify for, his life changed forever. In the decades since, Victor has gained experience, poise, and a found family. The Darays anchor his world.

Every twelve months, new fallen knights are resurrected. Keegan Hayes considers himself fortunate to be among them. As a recruit, he is eager to train and study. Shortly after classes begin, Keegan discovers there is a shifter sentinel struggling to adjust to his resurrection. Keegan insists on meeting him.

No sentinel likes to stick out, but Phillip Osdraconis has no choice. His dragon will not allow him to rest. It takes sorcery to force the beast into submission. His precarious start means he is not ready for the courses necessary to prepare him for his future duties.

Phillip refuses to accept his fate idly. He is determined to forge a bond with his dragon, read his textbooks, and spar with his brethren. To his surprise, visitors arrive at his dorm door to greet him. One of them is his mate, Keegan.

Although they are pleased to be paired, their relationship is awkward. That is, until Phillip and Keegan are invited to dine with the Darays and they meet the missing part of their soul, Victor.

Now the three men must navigate the perilous road of a triple matebond. They do it willingly and with complete determination. Victor, Keegan, and Phillip soon learn everything is easier with love.

Excerpt

“Kisses?” Keegan asked.

“Phillip, come and sit between Keegan and me,” Victor ordered. “You’ll kiss him first.”

“Somebody better kiss me soon,” Keegan muttered as he rubbed his hands on his uniform pants.

“Tell Spicy to get a move on,” Victor said. “You guys met first. It makes sense you’d be the ones to kiss first. And we already know I’m more stubborn than an entire household of sentinels, so there’s no use arguing with me.”

“May I kiss you after Keegan?” Phillip asked.

Victor smiled, and there was no hesitation in his eyes. “I’d like that.”

Although Phillip was nervous, his dragon didn’t suffer from any anxiety. He wanted their mates, and nothing was going to stop him. Thankfully, the sentinel side of him was also eager to experiment. Doing what he’d wanted since he’d first met Keegan, Phillip stood and stepped closer to the sofa. Instead of sitting, Phillip carefully reached out and cupped Keegan’s handsome face in his palms.

Keegan’s expression was solemn, but Phillip detected no hesitation in the fallen knight. Slow enough to allow Keegan to pull away if he suddenly changed his mind, Phillip leaned toward him and settled his mouth atop Keegan’s. His mate’s lips trembled apart, and Phillip’s dragon roared loudly. A surge of desire and protectiveness swept through Phillip as he dipped his tongue in to taste Keegan.

Phillip had taken a great deal of time to think about what it would be like to kiss either of the men Fate had granted him, but his imagination was sadly lacking. Although he’d known Keegan was his and Victor’s sunshine, kissing him was as if the heat of the sun burned through him, setting him ablaze.

His cock grew hard, but Phillip ignored it. Someday, he’d have the opportunity to make love to both Keegan and Victor, but it wouldn’t be tonight. Thankfully, it was impossible to feel any disappointment thanks to the lovely mixture of desire, comfort, and affection growing inside him and his dragon for their mates.

Keegan squeezed Phillip’s forearms, and it was a testament to how rattled the fallen knight had made him that he couldn’t recall the moment his other half had touched him. It was tempting to haul Keegan upward and pull their bodies flush together. His dragon growled with approval at the thought. Which was why Phillip pulled away and ended the delightful caress.

“Thank you,” Keegan whispered, his brown eyes full of wonder and yearning. “Go kiss Victor like that and change his life the way you just rocked mine.”

Phillip gave in to the temptation to ruffle his fingers through Keegan’s thick red waves as he enjoyed the scent of sunflowers flooding his system. “Is it I who should thank you. Would you prefer to kiss Victor first?”

“No, I want to watch,” Keegan insisted.

Phillip straightened and glanced at Victor. The cat shifter was watching them with fervent interest written all over his stunning face. To his shock, Keegan slapped Phillip’s ass as he took a step closer to where Victor was perched on the couch.

“Sorry, I’ve wanted to do that forever,” Keegan said.

“Good, me too,” Victor replied. “But don’t apologize for it.”

“He has a habit of apologizing too often,” Phillip remarked.

“We’ll work on it with him,” Victor promised, then he surged upward and grabbed Phillip’s jaw in his hands. He sealed their mouths together, and his tongue met Phillip’s. Unlike Keegan’s sweet sunshine, Victor was like the sparkles he loved—bright and glimmering. But he smoldered too. Their kiss was deep and rich, like the heady smell of a perfectly roasted cup of coffee. Phillip’s dragon adored the aggressive way Victor took charge, but the sentinel side of him was far too competitive to give in easily.

It was a battle. A delicious one Phillip knew he’d crave for eternity.

His erection throbbed, and Phillip nearly touched himself when finally Victor released him.

“Are you guys sure I can’t strip?” Keegan asked.

He whimpered a second later as Victor fused their lips. Phillip watched with slack-jawed interest as his mates kissed. Once again, a roar resonated through the recesses of his mind and soul. This one was the loudest of the night. Astonishingly, Phillip didn’t need to be touching his mates to grow more aroused.

Keegan slumped against the sofa as Victor pulled away.

“I can’t wait to dream about that later,” Keegan murmured.

“Phillip, take your daggers off and sit between Keegan and I so we can cuddle for a bit,” Victor requested.

Happy to oblige, Phillip tore his daggers from his sides and slapped them onto the coffee table. His ass barely hit the cushions, and two men snuggled close. Phillip smiled as his dragon’s sounds of contentment rumbled through him. He wrapped an arm around Keegan and his other around Victor as he drank in the lovely feeling of being near them.

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, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn’s Ruffian’s

Facebook Profile | Twitter | Pinterest

NEW RELEASE: “Bridging Lives” by Greyson McCoy

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:October 9, 2024
Post category:Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Bridging
Lives

Author: Greyson
McCoy

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Rhys
Ford

Release Date: October 8,
2024

Pairing: MM

Tense/POV: First person,
alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Literary Romance

Tropes: Small Town Romance, Hurt/Comfort

Heat Rating: 3
flames

Length: 266
pages

Bridging Lives can
be read as a standalone. It does not end on a
cliffhanger.

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon
US | Amazon UK

Blurb

Cliff Anderson hopes to build on the legacy of his late
parents, but that dream seems lost when his California homestead is lost to a wildfire.
Devastated, he travels to Oregon to stay with his aunt and uncle on their dairy operation

while he makes plans for his future.

College professor Brandon Forest has always
yearned for a family and a home of his own. Maybe that’s why, despite being busy with his
job and his side gig as a fantasy author, he’s stayed on as a seasonal worker at the dairy
farm. The farm feels so welcoming, and working on their dairy farm might be the next step
in building the life he’s dreamed of.

Then he meets Cliff.

As Cliff and Brandon confront their own broken
pasts, they build a connection that runs deep. Laughter and shared experiences prove to be
strong medicine for the wounds life has inflicted on them.

Cliff hasn’t let go of his past or the hopes he had for
the farm in California. Will his future burn down as he holds on to lost hopes, or can he blaze
a new path with Brandon?

Excerpt

I took a seat in the dining room as Sue yelled up the stairs,
“Cliff, we’re sitting down to supper. Come on down.”

I looked at Levi with my eyebrow raised in question. “My
cousin,” he said quietly. “His farm was swept up in the California wildfires. Only just arrived
in the wee hours.”

I cringed. I’d been watching the news about the horrendous
wildfire currently scorching through California. It seemed fires were eating up the forested
parts of California and Oregon more and more every year. “That’s awful,” I whispered. “He
must be devastated.”

Levi nodded, and a somber mood fell over the table. As talk
shifted to fences that still needed repair, I popped into the kitchen to help Sue. I was
bringing out a bowl of mashed potatoes when I came around the corner and looked right
into the eyes of one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen.

When his eyes locked on mine, I stumbled. In one swift move,
he caught me, put me right, and then took the bowl from my hands and placed it on the
table.

I was still feeling flustered when he shook my hand and
introduced himself as Cliff Anderson—chiseled jawline, lean build, and kind-but-sad
eyes.

“I’m Brandon Forest, a friend of Levi’s. Nice to meet you.”

Despite his weary expression, his genuine smile caused my
heart to flutter.

Sue brushed past us carrying a platter of pork chops and took
her customary seat opposite Chris at the end of the table. Only then did I notice Levi had
switched seats. Instead of sitting across from Keya, like usual, he was seated next to her. That
left two empty chairs side by side, which meant I’d be sitting beside the handsome stranger
all through supper.

A whiff of smoke wafted off him, which must’ve permeated his
clothes, and it reminded me of all he’d just gone through. My heart went out to the poor
guy. I couldn’t imagine what he was feeling.

About the Author

Greyson McCoy loves to travel. After years of being tied down
to a life of kids, work, running a small farm, and all things domestic, he and his husband have
taken full advantage of their empty nest to travel the world.

The joy of writing came to Greyson late in life. While
completing his master’s degree, he found himself fighting between desperately wanting to
write fiction and finishing the homework and papers he’d been assigned.

After his master’s was finished, Greyson decided to shirk his
life of responsibility and pursue his dream of writing full time. His stories reflect many of the
locations he and his husband have visited over the years.

Author Links

Blog/Website |
Facebook

NEW RELEASE: “A Taste of Danger: Subparheroes” by Morgan Price

Post author:Eric Huffbind
Post published:September 5, 2024
Post category:Gay Book Promotions Kindle Unlimited New Release
Post comments:0 Comments

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: A Taste of Danger: A Subparheroes book

Author: Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Cover Artist: Dianne Thies

Release Date: September 5, 2024

Pairing: MM

Tense/POV: third person, past tense, alternating POV.

Genres: Romance, Mystery/suspense, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Tropes: Superhero with minor psychic abilities, odd superhero employment agency, craft brewer, secret agent, shifters, supernatural mobsters, fish out of water, small town

Themes: Learning to trust, balancing love and career

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 65 000 words

It is a standalone book and does end on a cliffhanger.

It’s part of a multi-author, shared world series Subparheroes, and it also connects to my Fox Hollow series.

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Facebook Group | Facebook Page

An unlikely rookie superhero and a dog shifter beer enthusiast team up to stop a nefarious supernatural plot.

Blurb Food reviewer Scott Dixon didn’t just lose his job—he started getting premonitions linked to random tastes, a new ability he’s not sure how to manage. When an interview lands him a position using his visions to help people and stop criminals, Scott finds himself chasing bootleggers who create beverages specially formulated to control people with psychic abilities. The trail leads to upstate New York, where he meets a sexy craft brewer who takes his breath away, but might be more than he appears, testing Scott’s trust. Craft brewer and Belgian Malinois shifter Gage Merrick never fit in with his law enforcement family. He loves beer and spent years developing brews designed to taste good to different types of shifters. When he meets Scott, sparks fly. But Gage’s passion for paranormally optimized beverages raises Scott’s suspicions, threatening their chance at happiness. Will Gage be the love of Scott’s life, or will their affair leave a bitter aftertaste? A Taste for Danger is a feel-good paranormal super- powered hero MM romance romp filled with secret agents, found family, good beer, quirky humor, sexy shifters, soulful psychics, and supernatural skullduggery! This book is part of the multi-author MM Romance SubParHeroes series and is also linked to the Fox Hollow series. Excerpt “Ninety-nine, one hundred,” Scott Dixon counted out loud as he checked two more failed job applications off his spreadsheet. He sighed and took a drink of his now cold coffee. “Maybe one hundred and one is the charm.” Getting laid off from his job as a food reviewer for Taste of the Rainbow magazine, which specialized in reviewing LGBTQ-owned and friendly restaurants, was bad enough. Receiving the notice via text two weeks ago was doubly awful. Dear Scott— We regret to inform you that due to declining advertising revenue, your position as a full-time food reviewer has been cut. You are free to re-apply to submit work-for-hire articles on an ad hoc basis at our freelance rate. Your keycard and network access have been deactivated. The contents of your desk and cubicle will be boxed and mailed to you. If you had personal items elsewhere, please let us know, and we will include them in the box. Please do not return to the office as you will not be permitted to enter. We wish you well in your new endeavors. Since Scott had been in charge of hiring freelancers, he knew how their rate compared to his salary. Even if I freelanced the whole damn magazine issue, it wouldn’t pay what I’ve been making. He muttered several extremely impolite descriptions of his former boss as he got up to refill his cup. “Text messaging toadie. ’Fraidy cat fucker. Anti- social asshole.” To add insult to injury, his car needed repairs, putting a dent in his emergency stash. The unexpected expense of buying a new shirt and jacket for in-person interviews drained his funds further, even though he had found them at a consignment store. Scott cut every subscription except his e-book and inventoried his cupboards and freezer for cheap meals so he could skip grocery shopping. Despite that, and even if he picked up some other freelance gigs to tide himself over, he couldn’t go more than a couple more weeks without a real job. Scott didn’t want to sleep in his car or beg friends to let him couch surf, but that possibility loomed large unless something showed up real soon. He had less than thirty dollars in his wallet, and there wasn’t enough left on his credit card to pay rent. A fast-food gig wouldn’t pay the rent, and it would eat up time I could use to job hunt. He hated the idea of pawning any of his gaming equipment—that was a last resort. His phone rang, and he didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?” “Scott Dixon? This is April from SPAM. We received your resume and are very impressed. I’m calling to offer you a full-time, salaried position with very generous health benefits and paid vacation. We’d like you to start immediately, and there’s a signing bonus to ease your relocation to Albany.” She named the salary and bonus. Scott nearly swooned at the amount, a hefty upgrade from his most recent salary. “SPAM?” Scott’s mind whirled, trying to remember if he had sent a resume to Hormel. Even if he hadn’t, he had heard good things, and the offer had everything he needed. “Albany? I mean, yes, thank you. Sure. I just need to pack. Thank you.” “How quickly can you come for orientation? We have a project we’d like you to head, and it needs someone to take over in a few weeks.” “I can be in Albany in two days, just need to wrap up some things here in Rochester.” Scott was still reeling from the sudden reversal of fortune. “Can you please send me something in writing?” he remembered to ask, wary because he had heard about hiring scams. “Of course,” April said. “I’ll have a confirmation letter out to you this afternoon. Congratulations, and welcome to SPAM.” Scott stared at his phone for a few minutes after April hung up. I have a job—and a raise. I’m moving to Albany. Holy shit—I’ve got a job!

About the Author

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic and urban fantasy, with less romance, more explosions.

All of the modern-day Morgan Brice and Gail Z. Martin series crossover, so characters from one series appear in cameos and on page in important secondary roles in books from other series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the more you read the more the expanded universe of friendships and connections becomes clear.

Morgan and Gail believe that paranormal elements make any story even better, and her worlds are full of ghosts, psychics, shifters, creatures, vampires, monster hunters, and magic.

She’s also a huge fan of the TV show Supernatural. (Chibi art by Kamidiox)

Author Links

Website | Audible Profile | Amazon profile

Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) | Twitter

BookBub | Instagram

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