I have been quiet; I’ve been mentally low and needing motivation. I got a boost when I learned that JT’s Mission achieved Honorable Mention in the Paranormal Romance category at the Rainbow Awards! I mean WOW! There is a total score of 40 points and to get Honorable Mention a book must score at least 36 points!
“Wouldn’t you like to be the filling of a biker sandwich?” Closeted country singer Kit Billups says, “Yes, please!” John “JT” Myers hasn’t been on Earth since he ascended to Valhalla during World War II. Things have changed in his absence, now there are cell phones and things called tablets. But JT has changed too, he now understands he’s attracted to men. When Kit Billups needs a bodyguard, he’s more than willing to protect the gorgeous singer and put his life, and heart in danger. Art “Growler” Breckenridge serves Odin in the Valhalla Warriors and isn’t a stranger to Earth’s carnal delights. He’s Pan, proud, and likes to take care of his lover. Daddy isn’t a title, it’s a way of life. When Kit needs protection from an unknown stalker, he’s blindsided by his growing feelings for the singer and his fellow biker, JT. He may be immortal but the evil stalking his boy just may kill him after all. Kit Billups is a fallen country music star who shot to stardom overnight but fell just as quickly. Gossip, bad decisions, and rumors hit the press, tanking his career. He’s working hard to win back his fans when bizarre emails and accidents put his life in jeopardy. Seeking help, his manager hires the Valhalla Warriors as bodyguards but his attraction to them could destroy his hard work rebuilding his brand. The threat to Kit reveals an evil that may tear him apart and take the life of the men he loves. JT’s Mission is a 51+K, MMM, motorcycle club romance with an age gap, size difference, Caregiver/Daddy/boy, and hurt/comfort. The Valhalla Universe is full of Amazonian Warriors, Valkyrie, gods, goddesses, war heroes who ride motorcycles, and the humans who love them. The Valhalla Warriors is an LGBTQ Series that is insta-love, low angst, light kink romp of fun and steam.
I’m going to be honest, I’ve worked with Nic Starr on her Facebook page. She let me post there when I had releases. Sea of Love is the first book I’ve read of hers.
I found Nic to be a kind and helpful friend to a new author. I was thrilled when I found her book on Indigo. I’m happy I got involved in her release blitz! As with all reviews, I’ll be honest but I will never give spoilers. Nic Starr’s biography and links are below!
First, this book is perfect for those of us who like low angst. Evan and Harry are just adorable. Evan is doing his best friend a favor, Harry is going along with his ex, and together they are stuck on a cruise ship together.
Both men are taking part in a new reality television show based on couples. Evan is with his friend Amber. He’s the solid best fried who is helping her get revenge for her ex who cheated on her. They are and never will be more than friends, but they know each other well. Both characters are likable and I found myself wishing both men would be bi and bring her in, but alas, it was mere fantasy on my part.
Harry and his ex John have the typical animosity-filled relationship. Harry is the long-suffering good guy and John is the manipulative, narcissistic jerk. You really pull for Harry to get away from such a horrible person, and in fact, I found myself wondering how they stayed together for a year. John is the epitome of an ex we all had at one point, so we hate him.
Both men worked at the same place so their sexual attraction to one another isn’t really new to either of them, so technically this isn’t a shallow connection. The story’s pacing is pretty good although I was confused by the timeline. The were several groups of couple competing on the show, but it didn’t seem to follow the time line the book set up. Perhaps it was just my inability to retain what I’d read, either way it didn’t change the story.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend this book to readers who love sweet men, supportive friends, low angst, and some steam. Read the book blurb below.
The cruise of a lifetime. A reality TV show about romance. Falling in love is inevitable.
Evan Williams is the type of guy to stick by his friends, especially when they’ve been hurt and need a favour. And if that favour involves the cruise of a lifetime, then how can he say no? Even when it means pretending to be a devoted boyfriend to Amber and having their fake relationship play out on a reality TV show for all the world to see.
Realising his boyfriend is a conceited jerk and dumping him doesn’t stop Harry Bishop from winding up as one half of a supposedly loved-up couple on the Sea of Love TV show. And if that’s not bad enough, he’s faced with temptation in the form of Evan, the perfect blend of boy-next-door-meets-sexy-stud he once crushed on. It’s going to be a long two weeks.
Two weeks of competitions, challenges, and confrontations. They’re here to take out the Sea of Love title—just not with each other—and there can only be one winner. But it turns out that true love isn’t about winning a contest; the real prize comes when you follow your heart.
Sea of Love is a feel-good romance featuring hidden attraction, fake relationships, and friends-to-lovers.
Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world.
Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told!
When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country.
It has been a while since I sent out any news. I must apologize for taking so long to even tell you about my latest release! Sly’s Mission, Valhalla Warriors Three is now out and waiting to be put on your Kindle. I also want to tell you about a free Valhalla Warriors short story. Read on!
𝓡𝓮𝓲𝓵𝓵𝔂 I learnt the hard and painful way that men don’t stay, ever. Even the ones you trust the most can be taken away in the blink of an eye. It’s easier to keep them at a distance. I have my fun with men and then part ways. I’ve spent the last five years of my life avoiding any and all emotional connections with men. I’ve been successful at it too. I’ve built up walls with so much mortar and rendered them around my heart. That is until Bray freaking Williamson came barging into my life with his perfectly sculpted tattooed body and entrancing green eyes. He was like being tempted by the most delicious chocolate brownie, the perfect mixture of rough on the outside and soft gooey on the inside. He came at me with his damn bulldozer, effectively destroying my carefully constructed walls, brick by brick, leaving a pile of rubble behind Do I follow what my fragile heart wants and give into temptation? Give him the key to my heart knowing how easily he could crush it? Or should I follow my brain and run far, far away from this god of a man?
𝓑𝓻𝓪𝔂 I’m a fighter not a lover. I’m ruthless in the cage, an undefeated champion. I always fight for what I want, and I always win no matter the odds. What I want comes in the form of a beautiful feisty, independent redhead. She won’t agree to be mine, yet, but I’m happy to agree to disagree with her on that, because she is mine. She wants to run, that’s fine I’ll run faster. She wants to hide, I’ll hunt her and I won’t stop until I find her. Everyone in Sydney is about to learn that the fusion of Bray and Reilly is happening. Run, hide and deny all you like, I’m a fighter and this is one fight I won’t give up on. Brielly is here to stay.
I got the great pleasure of reading this book as an ARC. I loved the fantasy aspect of this book and the storytelling is amazing. Shannon has a way of pulling you in and keeping you hooked.
The beginning of the story was almost confusing since I knew nothing of this world or the inhabitants, but the more I read the easier it was to assimilate. I could picture Moranthus and his “shameful” hairstyle telling others of his partial banishment. I understood the conflict that brought him to this lifestyle.
It took me a hot mintue to like Gerrick, but I did see things from his perspective. I never give away the story and I don’t belive a review must have spoilers…I want the readers to find out by doing what they do best – read!
I will say, the story is well thought out and the relationship between the MCs makes sense. It’s not a rushed story between the men, which I like. It takes time for them to trust, much less like each other. It progresses at a pace that I’d expect for real life.
I’m glad this is the first book in a series. I look forward to reading more of this world!
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Royalty, first time, sexual discovery, elves, goblins, duplicity, mercenaries, kidnapping, revenge, action/adventure, coming out, enemies to lovers, in the closet, slow burn, road trip
Here’s the book description.
Moranthus is an elf who has lost everything. With his lover dead and his career stagnating, he jumps at a chance to redeem himself by rescuing a human prince from the goblins hunting him—even if failure means death or eternal exile from his homeland.
Gerrick, a human soldier who bears an uncanny resemblance to his prince, has always chosen duty over desire. As the sole parent of his young daughter, he needs the extra coin that working as the prince’s body double provides—even if it may one day cost him his life.
When a case of mistaken identity puts the prince in the hands of a goblin raiding party, Moranthus’s and Gerrick’s paths collide. With winter closing in and miles of hostile goblin lands ahead, they must set aside their differences and work together to bring the prince home safely.
Their deepening connection comes with a growing certainty that rescuing the prince may be fatal. Moranthus and Gerrick must each find a way to reconcile his heart’s desires with his homeland’s needs—or die trying.
Shannon Blair is a fantasy author with a fondness for elves, goblins, and general otherworldly goodness. Their love of fiction and storytelling drove them to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing from Regis University, where a short writing exercise spiraled out of control and eventually became their first novel. When they aren’t on a quest to make the fantasy genre a more LGBTQA-friendly place, Shannon can be found inventing whimsical backstories for the colorful crafts and vendors at the craft market where they work. They live on the outskirts of the Denver metroplex with their partner and two spoiled rotten cats.
Satin Sheets, Kink Awakenings: Book Two available on Amazon
New Release!! Satin Sheets, Kink Awakenings: Book Two The Kink
Awakenings series follows men who didn’t know they were kinky through a sexy discovery and to their HEAs!
How do you know if you’re kinky? Wes Roberts always thought his need for adventure was only a desire to see the world. After starting a job at a private kink club it becomes obvious he’s not as vanilla as he thought. Less surprising is his attraction to the tall flirty redhead he meets his first night.
Eoin McBride, former Army brat and self-described drifter, relies on his kink and the club that has become his home. Eoin is stunned when the lovely younger man returns his interest. But that’s nothing compared to how he feels when Wes approaches him for guidance in the exploration of his new-found interest in bondage. If Eoin can stick around he just might be the perfect man to help Wes discover his kink, and maybe even find the love they both crave.
Warnings: This book contains on-page depictions of PTSD, descriptions of injuries sustained while in the military, legal drug use, off-page death of a minor character, and the scattering of ashes without a permit.
Cutter’s Mission by Rosie Jarvis (Valhalla Warriors, #1) Publication date: February 9th 2021 Genres: LGBTQ, Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
An Immortal Biker Daddy walks into a bar…
Abbott McClain is on the run.
An infamous human trafficker and murderer is hot on his heels, and he has nowhere to go. When his car breaks down in a small Texas town, he has no choice but to seek help from a biker bar in the middle of nowhere. After a lifetime of rejection, he doesn’t want to trust anyone ever again. But when he meets a blue-eyed bear at the bar who promises him kindness and protection, he desperately wants to believe that this time things will be different.
James Alan Cutter is on a mission.
As a member of an immortal motorcycle club entrusted with protecting humanity, he shouldn’t be taking time off for romance. But something about Abbott stirs his Daddy nature.
When evil stalks the boy Cutter has fallen for, his brothers in arms come together to protect their love.
Cutter’s Mission is a 48K motorcycle club romance with an age gap, size difference, and hurt/comfort.
AUTHOR BIO:
As an author, I’m looking to bring my readers joy. The Valhalla Universe is full of Amazonian Warriors, Valkyrie, gods, goddesses, war heroes who ride motorcycles, and the humans who love them. The Valhalla Warriors is an LGBTQ Series that is insta-love, low angst, light kink romp of fun and steam.
First of all, I think we can all agree that Michael Dean is one of the best voices in the business!
Title: Out in Winter
Series: Out in College, Book 8
Author: Lane Hayes
Narrated by: Michael Dean
Publisher: Lane Hayes
Book Release Date: January 11, 2021
Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Book Length Audio: 3 hours 24 minutes
Genre: Romance, Bisexual, Friends to Lovers, College romance, Humor, Jock, Age Gap
The grad student, the jock, and some winter fun…
Drew
My new job at the bistro is fun. The owners are good guys, and the staff is made up primarily of boisterous water polo players. I know nothing about the sport except there’s a Speedo involved, and Liam likes to wear his everywhere. Yes…Liam—the chatty, handsome, utterly charming waiter I can’t seem to stop thinking about. Ugh. Note to self—do not fall for another younger man.
Liam
Getting Drew to notice me hasn’t been easy. He’s a little intense, and he knows how to keep his distance. Something tells me he’s not immune—he’s just stubborn. Maybe a weekend of bonding on the ski slopes will win him over. And if I can get him to come out in winter, I might be able to convince him that we have a chance at something special.
Out in Winter is a low-angst MM, bisexual romance starring an oh so serious grad student, a goofball water polo player, and a little winter magic. This story is part of the Out in College series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone.
Excerpt
The stunning winter wonderland panorama was dotted with impossibly tall evergreens flocked with snow and the pristine hills glistening in the morning sun. It was so quiet, I could almost imagine we were alone in the world. That was precisely the kind of thought that freaked me out sometimes. But not today. Today the idea seemed…promising. Maybe even cleansing, like a new start.
“It’s beautiful,” I said reverently.
“This is one of the reasons I like coming out here early. The light is so brilliant. It looks like a postcard or the photo in the dictionary next to the word ‘hope.’ ”
“That’s a nice thought.”
We shared a smile; then he adjusted his goggles and inclined his head meaningfully. “Ready?”
“Yeah, but…you go first.”
“C’mere.” Liam crooked his finger.
I shuffled forward until I stood beside him with our skis pointing in the opposite direction, expecting him to impart some advice about the terrain or maybe remind me how to stop. Both might have been helpful, actually.
“What is it?”
“Hold on to my sleeve. Stay still. That’s perfect.” He stroked my chin before leaning in to press his lips to mine. “You taste like cherry ChapStick. I like.”
I grinned. “Thanks. So do you.”
He kissed me again, twisting his tongue with mine and leaving me breathless. “Mmm. I’m making it my personal quest to make sure you get down this mountain safely and that you have fun doing it.”
“Good luck with that,” I sighed, aware that my voice had taken on a dreamy quality.
“I don’t need luck. I’m an expert,” he bragged playfully. “I’m going to give you a couple of tips. Listen up.”
“I’m listening.”
“Bend your knees and stay loose.”
“Like this?” I bent my knees and wiggled my arms like a rubber band.
Liam chuckled. “Something like that. We’re gonna take it slow, moving from side to side, making wide turns. I’ll go first. Follow me and remember to keep your gaze forward.”
“As opposed to?”
“Looking at your skis. You don’t look at your feet when you’re walking, so don’t look at your skis when you’re skiing. It’ll fuck with your balance. Ready?”
“Yeah.” I licked my lips and nodded.
Liam glided smoothly down the incline, veering sharply to the right. He stopped with a flourish, sending a plume of powdery snow skyward before raising his poles triumphantly. I snickered at the silly display. He made it seem fun and relatively easy. All right, then. I could do this.
I grasped my poles in a vise grip and dug into the snow, propelling myself forward. I aimed my skis in Liam’s general direction and honestly, it felt pretty damn good. I was in control, a cool breeze on my face, and a light wind at my back. Best of all, I appeared to be closing in on my correct destination. A hot guy was waiting for me in front of a huge pine tree with—
Oh, fuck.
I couldn’t stop. I picked up speed and barreled forward, trying to remember his advice. Knees bent. Check. Don’t look at your skis. Check. Stay loose…
Nope. Not possible.
I was wound so tight my head felt like it might pop off. Every muscle in my body was rigid as I zoomed closer to Liam…and the tree. It occurred to me as my life began to flash in front of my eyes that if I turned downhill, I could avoid the tree and move in the right direction. I might not have control of my skis, but Liam seemed to know what he was doing. No doubt he’d catch up easily and offer tips on how not to kill myself along the way. A comical vision of him doing circles around me while I tumbled into a giant snowball flashed in my head.
And that might have been when things went sideways.
Meet the Author
Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not quite empty nest.
Satin Shets by Charley Descouteaux preorder on Amazon
How do you know if you’re kinky?
Wes Roberts always thought his need for adventure was only a desire to see the world. After starting a job at a private kink club it becomes obvious he’s not as vanilla as he thought. Less surprising is his attraction to the tall flirty redhead he meets his first night.
Eoin McBride, former Army brat and self-described drifter, relies on his kink and the club that has become his home. Eoin is stunned when the lovely younger man returns his interest. But that’s nothing compared to how he feels when Wes approaches him for guidance in the exploration of his new-found interest in bondage.
If Eoin can stick around he just might be the perfect man to help Wes discover his kink, and maybe even find the love they both crave.
Warnings: this book contains sexually explicit scenes, depictions of the effects of PTSD, descriptions of injuries sustained while in the military, legal drug use, off-page death of a minor character, and the scattering of ashes without a permit.
Charley Descoteaux is the author of the Buchanan House Love Stories. Book One was a USA Today Must-Read Romance.
Charley misspent a large chunk of their youth on the back of a Harley, meeting people and having adventures that sometimes pop up in their fiction. Mx Descoteaux writes everything from contemporary to paranormal, always with a happy ending. Charley has survived earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, but couldn’t make it through one day without stories.
Capturing Fate by Abbie Roads (Fatal Truth #2) Publication date: January 28th 2021 Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
Can love untangle a web of lies and expose the truth?
A loner with a mysterious childhood…
FBI agent Dolan Watts is no stranger to pain. From his childhood spent in foster care to his daily grind of hunting down hardened criminals, it’s been the one constant through the years. Pain carved out gut feelings he can trust and instincts able to solve cases in record time. Until now. Confronted by a malicious new enemy who revels in mind games, Dolan begins to doubt his own perceptions. Fearing he’s spiraling into insanity, he seeks help from the one woman who can shine light into the darkness consuming him.
A woman haunted by a secret…
Psychologist Daughter Dawson sabotaged her own safety the moment she accepted Dolan as a client. Still, she felt compelled to help him. Dolan’s past mirrored many of the questions about her own, making his torment achingly familiar. Despite their growing attraction, her career demands she keep an ethical distance. Yet when she makes the mistake of confiding in him, both their lives are thrust into unimaginable danger.
Nightmares come to life…
When gruesome tragedy uncovers a serial killer’s twisted agenda, Daughter and Dolan must cling to each other if they hope to survive. Can they stop the body count from rising? Or will they find their only purpose from the start was to be pawns in a reign of evil?
Seven Things about Abbie Roads: 1. She loves Snicker Parfaits. Gotta start with what’s most important, right? 2. She writes dark emotional books featuring damaged characters, but always gives her hero and heroine a happy ending… after torturing them for three hundred pages. 3. By day she’s a mental health counselor known for her blunt, honest style of therapy. At night she burns up the keyboard. Well… Burn might be too strong a word. She at least sits with her hands poised over the keyboard, waiting for inspiration to strike. And when it does–the keyboard might get a little warm. 4. She can’t stand it when people drive slowly in the passing lane. Just saying. That’s major annoying. Right? 5. She loves taking pictures of things she thinks are pretty. 6. She lives in Marion, Ohio with her favorite fellow and two fur babies. 7. Being a published author is a dream come true for her.
Lyssa — I should have known I’d end up with a biker. Most of my friends sighed over men in suits. Not me. I always liked a bad boy in grease-stained jeans. Probably comes with being raised by a club President. My daddy didn’t raise a fool, but my mother raised a dreamer. And if there’s one thing I’ve dreamt about the last few years, it’s Beast. He’s big. All alpha. But more importantly, the first time I see him in person, the moment our lips touch, I know he’s going to be mine. I might have been the princess of the Dixie Reapers, but I was meant to be his queen.
Beast — A goddess walked into my clubhouse and turned my life upside down… in the best of ways. Just one problem. Well, two. The first is that my little pixie-sized honey isn’t just any woman. Her daddy is the President of another club, and her grandfather is a world-renowned assassin. And secondly, trouble is on her heels. The punk who thinks he can take what’s mine is easily dealt with, but going toe to toe with Torch and Casper VanHorne is enough to leave any man shaking in his boots.
Good thing I’m not just any man. I’m Beast. President of the Reckless Kings MC. And I’m the man who’s going to claim Lyssa, even if I have to knock her up to do it.
WARNING: Beast contains graphic language and adult content, bondage and spanking, some violence, and touches on human trafficking. But if you want an alpha male who earned his name in the bedroom, a guaranteed happily-ever-after, and no cliffhanger, then you’ve come to the right place.
The clubhouse doors swung open and light spilled through the doorway, silhouetting a petite woman with curves in all the right fucking places. Hair black as pitch and skin white as snow. Fuck. I sat up a little straighter. Hadn’t seen the likes of her around here before. Maybe today wasn’t such a shit day after all.
She slowly turned her head, taking in the room. When she spotted Brick and me, she sauntered forward, the doors shutting behind her. My eyes adjusted to the dim interior again and I sucked in a breath. A tight black sweater clung to her like a second skin. Ripped denim molded to her shapely legs. The black boots on her feet were tiny but badass. She looked like a biker’s wet dream.
Since her divorce, Mara has been moldering. Or at least that’s what her best friend tells her when she drags Mara to Cancun for a pick-me-up.
Mara finds more than a pick-me-up. On the beach, she meets two beautiful men who, though they’re obviously into each other, are very much into Mara, too. And when they invite her into their unique world, it’s an experience unlike anything she could ever imagine.
“Do you know what your problem is? You don’t know how to have fun. Plain and simple. You are funless.”
Mara gaped at her friend Cor, offended. “I am not funless. I’m… funful. I have lots of fun.”
“No, you don’t.” With a slight flip of her shoulder length chestnut hair, Cor looked pointedly at Mara’s Diet Coke. Cor herself was drinking a margarita. “Seriously, when was the last time you had fun?”
“I went to the movies last weekend,” Mara shot back, defensive.
“Wow.” Cor’s voice was deadpan. “Really daring.”
Mara sank back in the booth, annoyed and chagrined at the same time. “Well, what would you suggest, Miss Ultimate Fun?”
Cor looked smug. “That actually is my name, you know.” She drew something out of her purse, holding it hidden under the edge of the table. “So of course I have ideas.”
“Of course you do.” Mara stared at the edge of the table as if she might suddenly develop X-ray vision and be able to see what her friend was hiding. “So what are these ideas? Should I be scared?”
“Of course you should be scared. I’m going to push you right out of your comfort zone.”
“I like my comfort zone. It’s comfortable. That’s why it’s called a comfort zone.”
Third on the list is Perfect Rhythm by Megan Slayer
The moment the king passed down the curse, Minos knew he wasn’t getting his voice back. He’s caused enough heartache for two lifetimes, but when he sees a handsome man struggling in the lake, his innate desire to protect comes to the surface.
John Leed just wants to be loved. When he comes out to his friends, instead of embracing him, they throw him overboard — into the arms of a merman. Once together, he realizes he’s found the partner he’s always wanted.
Minos is determined to protect this human. Can they forge a relationship or will the secrets in Minos’s past disrupt their perfect rhythm?
I’ll never get my voice back. Minos swam through the lake with nowhere to go. He wished he had somewhere to be, but being banned, all he could do was linger.
He’d lost his purpose — working for the king — and his voice. Why? Because he’d trusted the wrong mer. Sure, he’d been partially to blame. He’d pursued Rian, the prince of the mers, a bit too heavily. In his defense, he’d thought Rian loved him.
He’d been so wrong.
He continued to swim and cursed the king’s decision to punish him. He didn’t deserve to be without a voice. No one could understand him, and he’d failed at expressing himself. His magic remained, but faded the longer he was punished. Where was this perfect being to complete him and fix the problem?
That being probably didn’t exist.
He couldn’t shake his anger. All he’d wanted was to be loved. He’d truly thought he had a connection with Rian, and that they could’ve even been partners.
Except he knew the truth. He and Rian would never be together. They weren’t couple material.
Fuck. He wished he had his voice back. His anger wasn’t going anywhere, but time made him realize he needed to apologize and be honest with not only Rian, but himself. He’d been terrible to Rian, and the guilt ate at him.
Minos surfaced. One thing he loved was the way the moon shimmered on the waves on the lake at night. The water was never calm, but the ripples reminded him of magic. Like the magic surrounded him. The glittery effect never lasted long, but was still dazzling.
He shook his hair out and surveyed the landscape. At night, the water and sky seemed to blend into endlessness.
The moonlight sparkled on the waves. He trailed his fingers through the dark water. The ripples mesmerized him. A sound filtered to him, and he tipped his head. The sound reminded him of a whistle or horn. A boat?
He glanced over his shoulder and spotted a vessel. He’d seen plenty of boats, and this one didn’t seem overly exciting. It was a bigger watercraft and had people lounging in the moonlight on the deck. They were partying and singing or playing music. One man appeared to have a drink in his hand.
Minos stayed out of sight from the boat and watched the humans. Two men stood at the railing. A woman reclined in a chair, and another one stepped out onto the deck. A third man held a big glass.
Minos hated playing the voyeur, but he couldn’t look away. He wanted a group of friends and a place to belong. Those people seemed carefree and happy.
Maybe he could approach them. One of these people could be his destiny. Was he supposed to talk to the humans? He wasn’t sure how without his voice, but he’d been wrong about the magic before.
He listened closer, but didn’t hear the music. His destiny would come with the specific song of his mate. If anyone in the boat could belong to him, then he would hear the unique tune.
Nothing.
And lastly is the Valentine holiday story, Happy Effin Valentine by Stephanie Burke
Masataka is a shape-shifting neko who makes the unfortunate mistake of picking up a stunning kitsune at a bar and taking her home for the night. How was he to know it was her wedding day? Or that her chosen mate was a nine-tailed kitsune of great distinction and power? Masa’s punishment is to be banished to Earth, stuck in his cat form until someone wishes for him to stay.
If it weren’t for bad luck, Effin wouldn’t have any luck at all. It’s Valentine’s Day, a day supposed to symbolize love and romance. Instead, it’s the worst day of Effin’s life. Whatever could go wrong, does. Abandoned in the middle of nowhere, Effin finds a homeless kitty. Charmed, she takes the cute, furry creature home.
It just so happens that the pretty kitty is actually Masataka, that lucky, lusty, shape-shifting neko. Suddenly, bad dates, worse clothes, and the sister from hell are a thing of the past.
Effin is the woman of Masataka’s dreams. Effin’s not so sure. It’s up to Masataka to convince Effin to believe in the staying power of love… and in her sexy lucky charm.
In fact, not since Vesuvius had erupted and tons of hot volcanic ash had descended upon the denizens of Pompeii had anyone had a bad day like this. Come to think of it, bad was too minor a word. Her day had been vile, loathsome, horrid, terrifying, disgusting, and monstrously illogical.
And it all started on February thirteenth — Friday, February 13th, when Effin Damnwell Hurtzs opened her mouth.
Her mother had always warned her to think before she spoke, a trait she lacked, and a tendency she shared with her mother. “That little pink thing in your mouth is going to get you into a world of trouble, Effin.” Her mother sighed, shaking her head as if she knew that trouble for her eldest daughter was inevitable.
Hell, she was born during a leap year! Double hell, if Effin’d had any luck at all, Trouble would have been her middle name.
She came upon her unusual moniker by accident. When her mother, doped up with painkillers and sedatives, was asked two different questions at the same time after a forty-three hour labor, this was the result:
Her father: “How does it feel?”
The medical receptionist: “What shall we name this beauty?”
Her mother’s response: “It effin damn-well hurts, you bastard!”
Her father had finally learned to keep the pink thing in his mouth still, especially after his loving wife ripped out a handful of chest hair.
The medical receptionist had sniffed: “You don’t have to be so mean about it! I heard you just fine!”
Her mother: “What?”
The result: A tiny, beautiful little chocolate baby girl stuck with a name that would ensure future school fights and taunting for a lifetime.
As you can see, there’s something for everybody! From a MF motorcycle club romance, a MMF urban fantasy, a MM merman love story, to a MF romcom shifter story! It’s all here!
I don’t know if you’re familiar with Changeling Press, but if not you MUST check them out. They are dedicated to giving readers all the romance: shifters, ghosts, demons, angels, dragons, aliens, space travel, other worlds…and that’s just off the top of my head. The also have motorcycle club romances (the great Harley Wylde writes for them, so come on!) They have straight and gay stories as well! And so much more it’s hard for me to put it all down here.
I thought I’d share three up coming releases with you. You can go to their website and search by author, genre, trope, whatever your heart desires! In fact in their “About” section, they describe themselves as – “Changeling Press publishes Contemporary, Sci-Fi Futuristic, and Paranormal Romance in digital format. All of our e-books are available for instant download from your account page when you complete your online purchase.”
Each section below has the graphic about each book along with the buy link and a little about each one. Seriously, if you’re interested in all sorts of tropes, they have you covered!
Things get hot when heroes take off their masks — among other things!
Hero Sandwich: When Meg Jennings finds herself at the mercy of a pair of kinky heroes, she discovers keeping a wicked secret can be good, dirty fun.
Voodoo: Voodoo is tired of waiting for Lynx. Time to show him everything she can do with her psychic superpowers.
Taming Jack: Lark Anderson is determined to save Deputy Jack Ramsey — even if it means accepting an inhuman invader.
Natasha and the Android: When Natasha is kidnapped by an android supervillain who wants to find out why humans are so obsessed with sex, she realizes the dark side has a lot more going for it than she thought.
Masks & Mistletoe: From rescuing a ten-year-old from an evil Santa to celebrating a BDSM Christmas, superheroes Lock and Ultra explore discipline, dominance and the kinky way…
Warning: Includes forced seduction and adult kink themes that some readers may find objectionable.
Publisher’s Note: Unmasked (Box Set) contains the previously published novellas Hero Sandwich, Voodoo, Taming Jack, Natasha and the Android, and Masks & Mistletoe.
All Jasmine wanted was a quiet vacation. What she got turned into so much more than she could have ever imagined — her own fairy tale. Micha Hook saves her from death by pushing her into the pages of his magic book. Jasmine finds herself in a land she never thought existed — the Land of Oz. However, in this magical kingdom, the Wicked Witch has been replaced. Books write themselves, and the magic is disappearing. While reuniting the old crew, Jasmine has to find out what’s happening in Oz before the magic is gone. All the while, she finds a handsome prince or two.
This last one is by Harley Wylde, who’s famous for her motorcycle romances!
I’ll do anything to protect my new family, even if I have to march into hell to keep them safe.
Dagger (Devil’s Fury MC 4): Zoe — There’s only one way I know to save my son Luis — marry Dagger. He’s an outlaw biker, and I know I’m not his first choice. Accepting his lover is even harder. I only hope they’ll have enough love for both of us.
Dagger — The only way I could ever have an acceptable relationship with another man is if there’s a woman between us. I didn’t count on that woman being a sexy señorita with a little boy. I can tell Jared is falling for them too. I have the family I’ve always wanted, and I’ll do anything to keep them safe — even wage war with the Mexican cartel.
Jared — When Dagger marries Zoe, the pain nearly consumes me. It never occurred to me he’d want to share Zoe. But first we have to get her son back and end the threat that could take our family from us.
Steel (Devil’s Fury MC 5): Rachel — Getting pregnant in high school hasn’t exactly made my life easy. Starting over isn’t so simple. I never counted on my knight in shining armor riding a Harley. Steel may be some big tough biker, but anyone who rescues a pug can’t be all bad, right? I only hope I’m not falling for the wrong guy again.
Steel — I’ve seen a lot in my time, and done things that would give most people nightmares, but I’m admittedly a softie when it comes to kids and animals. I pity anyone who stands in my way or dares to harm my girls — I won’t hesitate to put the bastards six feet under.
Warning: This duet contains scenes with MMF, MM, and MF pairing and age-gap romance, as well as animal abuse and graphic violence. Guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhangers.
Safe by Jessica Frances (In Midsummer #5) Publication date: January 8th 2021 Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Romance
Synopsis:
One big day. One missing groom. One answer. One life-changing event. One life-threatening disaster. Multiple targets.
Conner:
I never pictured myself getting married, but then I met Rocky and knew I found my perfect match. So, why are so many people determined to ruin our happiness? Why can’t we just have some peace and quiet? And why has Rocky disappeared on our wedding day?
Rocky:
I never thought I would get married again, but that was because I never knew what true love really was until Conner. I never had a true partner who was always there for me. And now I can’t wait to be married to him. I can’t wait to start the rest of our lives together. But, just like our entire relationship has had hurdles, why should this event run smoothly for us?
Between sabotage, grabby fans, exes, and an unwanted wedding planner, our wedding is looking more impossible by the minute. However, we’re both determined enough to get down that aisle and say I do. We will be married, and not even a crazed killer will stop us.
I hope. Hell, are we going to survive this wedding?
AUTHOR BIO: Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.
For a chance to win the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card, click here. Give away ends on January 21, 2021.
by Kaylene Winter (Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance Novella) Publication date: January 15th 2021 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
My mistakes nearly cost me everything, including my life.
Carter Pope is a rock superstar on the rise. His band Limelight catapulted him into a world of fame and excess. Meeting his soulmate was not in his plan. Neither was having a son at age 19. When he succumbs to a crippling addiction? It’s all gone in an instant. Now he’ll do anything to redeem himself and reclaim his family.
I got off the merry-go-round to protect my son.
Stunning prima ballerina Lianne Rocks is taking the ballet world by storm. Coveted, worshipped, she has her pick of suitors. But she only has eyes for one man. Guitar superhero, Carter Pope. Caught up in a merry-go-round of addiction and fame. She leaves to create a stable life for herself and Zane. Her son, the musical prodigy who really needs his dad.
When Carter gets clean, Lianne reluctantly lets him back into their lives. Only so he can reconnect with his son. Little did she know. A restless soul can always be tamed by true love.
To score this book on Amazon, click here. To find it on Goodreads, click here.
As promised, here his the link for SIGNED copies of all paperback by Kaylene! This giveaway ends January 21, 2021!
Here’s a little more about Kaylene
When she was only 15, Kaylene Winter wrote her first rocker romance novel starring a fictionalized version of herself, her friends and their gorgeous rocker boyfriends. After living her own rockstar life as a band manager, music promoter and mover and shaker in Seattle during the early 1990’s, Kaylene became a digital media legal strategist helping bring movies, television and music online. Throughout her busy career, Kaylene lost herself in romance novels across all genres inspiring her to realize her life-long dream to be a published author. She lives in Seattle with her amazing husband and dog. She loves to travel, throw lavish dinner parties and support charitable causes supporting arts and animals.
Find her on social media at any of the following links!
My debut LGBTQ motorcycle romance will be released on February 9th, and I’m so excited about the things people are saying! The beta readers (which I always need them so if you’re interested find me on Facebook) loved the story as well as some reviewers!
Here’s a short blurb:
An immortal Biker Daddy walks into a bar… and finds a boy who needs him.
Abbott is a boy on the run.
Cutter is a member of the motorcycle club who longs for a boy of his own.
When Abbott needs help, the last place he expects to find it is in a small-town biker bar.
When Cutter takes one look at the scared but gorgeous redhead, he wants to do more than help. He wants Abbott for his own. But can he protect Abbott from the evil that’s chasing him?
Themes
✨Sexy Bikers ✨Military Brotherhood ✨Light Daddy Kink (No age play or ABDL) ✨Hurt/Comfort ✨Low-Angst ✨Instalove ✨Steamy Love
I’ve gotten more preorders than I expected and I’m THRILLED. Cutter became my favorite book boyfriend and his boy Abbot is adorable! They make a cute but unexpected couple.
Here’s a short excerpt:
After Cutter turned the lights down low in his room and finally settled in, his body was pulled into a deep, dreamless sleep. Sometime later, Cutter heard a slight click. Old soldier instincts kicked in and his body stiffened, preparing to fight. His senses reached out and quickly, he remembered he was in his own bed. The noise that had awakened him was the door handle turning. Light peeked in through the opening, and the silhouette of a trembling boy stood in his doorway.
“Abbott? What is it, boy?” He kept his voice quiet and nonthreatening.
“I – I had a nightmare. I’ll, I’m sorry, I…”
His quivering voice alerted Cutter to Abbott’s emotional state. “Abbott, come here.” He lifted his covers in invitation. Within seconds, his arms were full of his shaking redheaded temptation. He turned on his side, pulling Abbott close to him, keeping his arms wrapped tight. Abbott’s face burrowed closer to his chest, and Cutter could feel the wetness of his cheeks.
“I promise you, Abbott, I’ll never let anything bad happen to you.” He was rubbing soothing circles on his boy’s back and placed little kisses on his forehead. “You are safe in this town. The Valhalla Warriors watch out for their own, and I guarantee no one could come to St. Germain and hurt you.”
Abbott sniffed. “But I’m not a member of your club. Why would they protect me?” His voice was muffled against Cutter’s chest.
“Because you need help, and I can help. I want to. That’s all they need to know. And I—” he paused. What was the best way to tell this precious boy that Cutter wanted to protect him, be a Daddy to him? They weren’t friends, much less in a relationship so it was too early. Wasn’t it?
The story is so sweet and Cutter shows his nurturing tendencies from the very beginning. When he was drafted for the Vietnam war, he wanted to be a medic in the Marines to save lives. When he dies in battle, a Valkyrie shows up and makes him an offer; give up his eternal reward or join Odin’s Army.
Abbott grew up an only child in a strict, religious family. In fact his father started his own church, in a small (fictional) town on the Louisiana side of the Texas boarder. When he’s kicked out for being gay, he meets a man who takes him in. This man has many teenagers who he’s brought in, but Abbott finds out Lyle isn’t everything he portrays.
When Abbott and Cutter meet, it’s instant attraction for both men. Evil follows Abbott and Cutter must turn to his motorcycle club of Valhalla Warriors to help save his boy.
If you’d like to preorder Cutter’s Mission so it shows up in your device on February 9th, click here.
Here are my social media links, if you’d like to check them out:
I know many people love different social media platforms. I’m on a few and I want people to communicate with me! In this age of quarantines and face masks, we can always use more friends in our lives.
As an author, I want to meet those who read my books. Well, book lol. I crave that contact because as someone who stays at home and works, I don’t get to see many people face-to-face. So, here are some ways to find me.
Instagram: I love going on Insta and meeting/seeing local friends and international superstars! If you want to find me there, click here: https://www.instagram.com/authorrosiejarvis
Twitter: I post here several times a week. I should post more but I’m kind of lazy lol. So, if you want to follow me there, I’d love to “see” you there. Click here: https://twitter.com/author_rosie
The third in the Lost in Time series. Queer British, Lovecraftian romantic suspense set in the 1920s.
Genre: MM, gay, non-binary, romance, historical, paranormal, suspense
Length: 40,400 words
Publisher: JMS Books
Release Date: 30 Dec 2020
Inadvertently tumbling through the border after Fenn, Sergeant Will Grant of the Metropolitan Police has spent three months in prison. When Fenn frees him, they step through the border to the Egyptian desert. It’s a two week trip back to England, with the possibility of pursuit. Will the journey give Fenn and Will time to resolve the feelings they have been dancing around since the day they met?
“Can I ride the one over there, please, Will Grant?” Keren called across the yard, pointing at creature with a white stripe down it’s face that they’d become enamored of earlier. Will Grant nodded and came across the courtyard toward them. “You may. That was my intention, anyway.” They looked at Fenn. “Do you have animals you ride in the Outlands?” they asked.
Fenn stroked Olive’s nose. “Not like these,” they said. “These are beautiful creatures. We sometimes ride the antacas we use for pack animals. Some people breed them for meat, too. They have horns and a very sharp spine. And are extremely bad tempered. They’re smaller than these, though. Bumpy.”
Will Grant leaned against the stable door next to Fenn, as Keren took themselves across the yard to quiz the horse-keeper. He rubbed at Olive’s ears absently. “You’re not bumpy, are you girl? No-one would dream of accusing you of such a dreadful thing!”
The horse shook its head and buffeted Will Grant’s stomach. He staggered a little against Fenn’s side and blew out a laugh. It was very strange to see them like this, out of their city clothes, in what Fenn assumed were special clothes for riding. The humans seemed to have a variety of different clothes for each task, rather than sensible clothing that would serve for most things. Here in private, both Fenn and Keren had donned the extra clothes made for them in Port Said, patterned more or less on their usual loose trousers and robes.
It was even stranger to see Will laugh like this. After the conversation with their parent this morning, Will had seemed to let go of a little of the tension that had gathered round them since this trip had been mooted. It was a nice look on them, Fenn decided. Underneath it all was the tension and sadness that was Will’s permanent signature. But a little of that had eased. Fenn wondered what it would take to ease the rest of it.
“Come on, then,” Will Grant said, straightening. “Let’s get Keren up and we can go out for a wander through the woods and down to the lake. And once we’re there we can try our kias out near the water. We’re lucky Mama has kept the stable going, with no-one but her here to ride.” He glanced around. “The men coming home needed the work.” Fenn nodded. “Your parent is a good person,” they said, cautiously. “They reminded me of Ana. Very…,” they searched for an accurate, polite word.
Will Grant laughed. “Very, yes,” they said. Their eyes had softened. “I haven’t done right by her,” they said. “I’ve been too wrapped up in my own head. I should have come home before.”
“It doesn’t sound like you were ready,” Fenn replied. “Home is a difficult place to be, sometimes.”
Will Grant shook their head. “But still. She’s my mother and she lost all of us. Father died a few years before the war and she missed him dreadfully. It was a love match, I think. They spent a lot of time together, anyway.”
Both of them were leaning against the stable door now, talking quietly whilst they watched the bustle as the horse-keepers got animals out for them all to ride.
“Is that not always the case, here?” Fenn asked, curiously.
Will looked at them over Olive’s nose. “For Mama’s generation, not always. Sometimes, marrying well is more important than whether you have strong feelings for your potential partner. Making the marriage and producing children is the thing, you see.”
Fenn looked at him.
“Not for me,” they hastened to add. “Mama has given up trying to marry me off. She made it clear this morning that she has no expectations in that direction at all.” They hesitated. “She said, you are welcome to visit here, too. She knows that I…have feelings…for you.” Fenn was silent for a moment. “I would be honored to visit them,” they said. “Whether or not you have feelings for me, Will Grant.” They felt the shiver of embarrassment in Will’s kias. Humans did not talk about this sort of thing, apparently. Probably because most of them didn’t have kias and had to articulate everything verbally. It was very graceless and left a lot of room for misunderstanding. How did people without any kias at all between them manage?
They gently opened the edges of their kias to Will Grant and allowed their own feelings to be felt. Admiration, friendship, desire, love. All of it. Will glanced over and smiled, clearly picking some of it up without even trying to reach back.
The two of them stood against the door in amicable silence until the chief horse-keeper called across the yard, “Ready, Mr William? I’ve got Peter tacked up for you, here!”
A plea for bloggers to help spread the word about my new LGBTQ book!
I’ve started working with Xpresso Book Tours to help get the word out about my first book! Cutter’s Mission is a gay motorcycle romance about a Daddy and his boy! There is no age play, but there is size difference, hurt/comfort, and an age gap. If you think you’d like to help spread the word, read on!
The first will be a cover reveal blog tour on January 7th! If you’d like to help me get the word out, I’d return the favor if you contact me on my email with all the details! Click here to sign up for the book reveal tour!
I’m also doing a book blitz tour the week of February 9th – 13th! You can sign up for any day during that time. I’ll have giveaways and ARCs too! I really want to get this book out there because I loved my boys, Cutter and Abbott. We all need a low-angst story with a happy ending! Again, if you want to participate with a promise for me to help you in the future, please click here to become a part of the blitz!
In the meantime, here’s a graphic to hopefully entice you to join in the blogging fun!
Glory – Who up and moves to another state where they don’t know anyone and don’t have a job or a place to live? Me, that’s who. When I heard Devil’s Fury was running an underground clinic for women like me — victims of boys pretending to men — I knew I had to be a part of it. What I didn’t count on was falling for an alpha biker with a heart of gold, or turning to mush every time he holds my daughter. There’s more to Wolf than most people realize, and now that he’s decided I’m his and he’s mine, I’m holding on and never letting go. I won’t even let a killer stand in the way of my happily-ever-after.
Wolf – When my ex left for greener pastures I should have been broken-hearted. So why wasn’t I? One look at the angel who walks into Church and I know… Glory’s meant to be mine, and so is her adorable little girl. Just one problem. Well, two. She’s skittish — she’s been badly hurt by men before, and I’m not exactly a prize. I came back from the war broken physically and mentally. I know Glory can do better. But I always get what I want, and I want Glory. When someone tries to destroy my new family, I know I’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe… even if it means letting Glory see the darkness inside me.
WARNING: Wolf’s story is part of the Devil’s Fury MC series and contains some violence, bad language, sensitive issues, and adult situations. Guaranteed happily-ever-after, a baby who will steal your heart, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
Werewolf Orrin and vampire Gordon want to enjoy their love, but a serial killer threatens the peace.
Orrin and Gordon come from different worlds: Orrin is a werewolf with New Amsterdam Police, and Gordon is a vampire who likes the quiet of his morgue. Yet, they decided to be with one another even though Orrin’s vampire was at first afraid to commit.
Now, new complications come barreling at the two when Orrin realizes he will have to step up to become a parent to an orphan shifter while New Amsterdam has become the haunt of a serial killer who targets mixed supernatural and human couples.
Gordon was slow to realize he loves his werewolf mate, but it takes him even longer to figure out that he still has his own demons to deal with, a past hurt that left a scar on his soul. Gordon’s werewolf detective might just be what Gordon needs to heal the scars from his past. The only question is whether geeky Gordon is enough for serious and seriously handsome Orrin.Together with New Amsterdam’s bardic vampire hunter, Orrin and Gordon are on the case to the city from sinking into fear and panic as more murders challenge the peace. Through turmoil and death, Orrin and Gordon must find a way forward.
New Amsterdam Police Station was a nice neoclassical building, and all things considered, it wasn’t a bad place to work. Most of the time, the coffee was even decent.
Orrin had not usually been one to leave the station early, but Bachman, his protégée, was more than capable and didn’t need him holding her hand while she finished her paperwork. Also, Orrin had a hot date at the morgue. He checked the time on his computer, finished one more email, then logged out. Bachman briefly looked up from what she was doing.
“You always look cheery when you are going to see the boyfriend,” she commented, then did a double take and looked straight at him. “Or should I be saying mate?”
Orrin grabbed his bag and stuffed his work tablet into it. “Boyfriend is fine,” Orrin said, because it was, and it also was easier around the station, since most of Orrin’s colleagues weren’t werewolves but were human like Bachman herself. “Also, are you saying I’m usually grumpy-looking, Bachman?”
“Just very, very serious, sir.” She went back to typing. “I think cheery suits you. And I think the mate-slash-boyfriend does as well.”
Orrin couldn’t do anything about the wide grin that threatened to make his cheeks ache. “Well, thanks. I’ll tell Gordon you said hi.”
“Hmm-mmh.” Bachman winked at him as Orrin walked toward the elevators, and even he noticed the spring in his step.
* * *
The worst thing about any morgue was the smell of lingering death. Orrin sniffed the air when he got to the basement hallway in the Forum that housed the forensic labs, though he was hoping to pick up a whiff of Gordon’s dusty rose scent rather than eau de corpse. Yet all he got was vinegar and bleach cleaning solution. Gordon had probably received a fresh batch of New Amsterdam University interns and had set them to cleaning every nook and cranny so they could familiarize themselves with the place.
On the bland-looking wall on the left, a framed, vintage Dracula movie poster added a dose of vampiric cheer in bold print and even bolder colors to the basement labs, and opposite it, Gordon’s office door stood ajar. Orrin peeked around the doorframe to see if Gordon was in there.
What a nice view, Orrin though, watching Gordon hanging a framed piece of artwork, his nimble surgeon’s fingers adjusting the frame this way and that. The view was much helped by the skinny jeans Gordon was wearing. The jeans were a silvery gray, clashing with the raspberry surgical top, but nicely bringing out Gordon’s latest hair color, electric blue that shifted to icy white at the ends. I am very fortunate to have found a mate who looks great in skinny jeans and likes wearing them.
Orrin indulged in a quick fantasy centered on removing said pair of skinny jeans, and in the fantasy, that task was easy, and Orrin’s mate had decided to go commando. Orrin imagined Gordon hard and ready, imagined touching, tasting…
He smothered that fantasy quickly when he felt his own aching physical reaction. Instead, he refocused back on the present: Gordon, tinkering with the frame.
“Hey,” Orrin said.
Gordon jumped, dropped the frame, and cursed as he turned around. “Fucking hell,” he said, his stance relaxing as he saw Orrin. “Make some noise every now and then, will you?”
Orrin chuckled. “Thought I was a living corpse, Doctor?”
“Never,” Gordon said, picking up the frame once more and putting it on its hook with much less fumbling than before. “Those shamble, noisily.” He turned to Orrin again. “And you are sneaky, like a true predator, Detective.”
Orrin walked into Gordon’s office, which smelled of roses, Gordon’s scent. It still had an undertone of morgue, of course. The Lord Helmet cookie jar added the herby flavor of good weed cookies, and all the mint-in-box collectibles came with their own aroma of high-end plastic, but Orrin focused on Gordon. Two more steps, and he was pulling the vampire into his arms and pressing his lips to Gordon’s.
Gordon yielded to being held after a moment, turning fully to Orrin and allowing the werewolf to fuse their mouths and run hands over Gordon’s body, all the way down to his ass.
“Hi,” Orrin said when they broke their kiss.
“Hello, handsome,” Gordon said, and while the vampire wasn’t one to give pet names, Orrin still enjoyed being called handsome, not least because it came out of his mate’s mouth. “Are you here to cuff me and take me away?”
About Alexa Piper:
Alexa Piper writes steamy romance that ranges from light to dark, from straight to queer. She’s also a coffee addict. She loves writing series, and her Fairview Chronicles follow a ragtag gang of supernaturals who try to make their city safer. Mostly. Her second series, Dusk & Dawn, explores banter and the trappings of a world in which Vampires, Werewolves, and the Fae live alongside humans. Elvenswood Tales is a new series that expands the Fairview universe.
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense, murder mystery, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, shapeshifters, werewolves, vampires, dark fantasy
Orrin and Gordon come from different worlds: Orrin is a werewolf with the New Amsterdam Police, and Gordon is a vampire who likes the quiet of his morgue. Yet, they decided to be with one another even though Orrin’s vampire was at first afraid to commit.
Now, new complications come barreling at the two when Orrin realizes he will have to step up to become a parent to an orphan shifter, while New Amsterdam has become the haunt of a serial killer who targets mixed supernatural and human couples.
Gordon was slow to realize he loves his werewolf mate, but it takes him even longer to figure out he still has his own demons to deal with. A past hurt has left a scar on his soul. Gordon’s werewolf detective might just be what Gordon needs to heal the scars from his past. The only question is whether geeky Gordon is enough for serious and seriously handsome Orrin.
Together with Maxim, New Amsterdam’s bardic vampire hunter, Orrin and Gordon are on the case to save the city from sinking into fear and panic as more murders challenge the peace. Through turmoil and death, Orrin and Gordon must find a way forward.
NOTE: This book contains scenes of assault and kidnapping that may be triggers for some readers.
New Amsterdam Police Station was a nice neoclassical building, and all things considered, it wasn’t a bad place to work. Most of the time, the coffee was even decent.
Orrin had not usually been one to leave the station early, but Bachman, his protégée, was more than capable and didn’t need him holding her hand while she finished her paperwork. Also, Orrin had a hot date at the morgue. He checked the time on his computer, finished one more email, then logged out. Bachman briefly looked up from what she was doing.
“You always look cheery when you are going to see the boyfriend,” she commented, then did a double take and looked straight at him. “Or should I be saying mate?”
Orrin grabbed his bag and stuffed his work tablet into it. “Boyfriend is fine,” Orrin said, because it was, and it also was easier around the station, since most of Orrin’s colleagues weren’t werewolves but were human like Bachman herself. “Also, are you saying I’m usually grumpy-looking, Bachman?”
“Just very, very serious, sir.” She went back to typing. “I think cheery suits you. And I think the mate-slash-boyfriend does as well.”
Orrin couldn’t do anything about the wide grin that threatened to make his cheeks ache. “Well, thanks. I’ll tell Gordon you said hi.”
“Hmm-mmh.” Bachman winked at him as Orrin walked toward the elevators, and even he noticed the spring in his step.
* * *
The worst thing about any morgue was the smell of lingering death. Orrin sniffed the air when he got to the basement hallway in the Forum that housed the forensic labs, though he was hoping to pick up a whiff of Gordon’s dusty rose scent rather than eau de corpse. Yet all he got was vinegar and bleach cleaning solution. Gordon had probably received a fresh batch of New Amsterdam University interns and had set them to cleaning every nook and cranny so they could familiarize themselves with the place.
On the bland-looking wall on the left, a framed, vintage <em>Dracula</em> movie poster added a dose of vampiric cheer in bold print and even bolder colors to the basement labs, and opposite it, Gordon’s office door stood ajar. Orrin peeked around the doorframe to see if Gordon was in there.
<em>What a nice view,</em> Orrin though, watching Gordon hanging a framed piece of artwork, his nimble surgeon’s fingers adjusting the frame this way and that. The view was much helped by the skinny jeans Gordon was wearing. The jeans were a silvery gray, clashing with the raspberry surgical top, but nicely bringing out Gordon’s latest hair color, electric blue that shifted to icy white at the ends. <em>I am very fortunate to have found a mate who looks great in skinny jeans and likes wearing them</em>.
Orrin indulged in a quick fantasy centered on removing said pair of skinny jeans, and in the fantasy, that task was easy, and Orrin’s mate had decided to go commando. Orrin imagined Gordon hard and ready, imagined touching, tasting…
He smothered that fantasy quickly when he felt his own aching physical reaction. Instead, he refocused back on the present: Gordon, tinkering with the frame.
“Hey,” Orrin said.
Gordon jumped, dropped the frame, and cursed as he turned around. “Fucking hell,” he said, his stance relaxing as he saw Orrin. “Make some noise every now and then, will you?”
Orrin chuckled. “Thought I was a living corpse, Doctor?”
“Never,” Gordon said, picking up the frame once more and putting it on its hook with much less fumbling than before. “Those shamble, noisily.” He turned to Orrin again. “And you are sneaky, like a true predator, Detective.”
Orrin walked into Gordon’s office, which smelled of roses, Gordon’s scent. It still had an undertone of morgue, of course. The Lord Helmet cookie jar added the herby flavor of good weed cookies, and all the mint-in-box collectibles came with their own aroma of high-end plastic, but Orrin focused on Gordon. Two more steps, and he was pulling the vampire into his arms and pressing his lips to Gordon’s.
Gordon yielded to being held after a moment, turning fully to Orrin and allowing the werewolf to fuse their mouths and run hands over Gordon’s body, all the way down to his ass.
“Hi,” Orrin said when they broke their kiss.
“Hello, handsome,” Gordon said, and while the vampire wasn’t one to give pet names, Orrin still enjoyed being called handsome, not least because it came out of his mate’s mouth. “Are you here to cuff me and take me away?”
Alexa Piper writes steamy romance that ranges from light to dark, from straight to queer. She’s also a coffee addict. Alexa loves writing stories that make her readers laugh and fall in love with the characters in them. Connect with Alexa on Facebook or Instagram, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter!
What is it they say? No good deed goes unpunished?
Ren is on the run. His people have aligned themselves with every known mage cabal in the country to rise up and overrun the world above. As the head of House Daturi, he’d been expected to follow the other Houses and lead his own into war. Except he has no desire to fight — with anyone. Now he has two choices: fall in line or die as a traitor. Neither seems promising.
Arulas is a wolf shapeshifter who prefers to avoid contact with others, no matter the species. He has a cabin deep in the woods, nestled near the border of the Light Fae realm. He doesn’t bother them, and they don’t bother him. Until now, things were quite perfect. Then he finds a half-dead Dark Fae in the middle of nowhere. Not one to leave a man down, Arulas nurses the Dark Fae back to health, only to find himself square in the middle of a damn war.
Ren smiled against the sweat-slick skin beneath his lips. The young man bent over the workbench moaned with every stroke of Ren’s fingers. Doing this in the back of the blacksmith’s shop was probably not one of Ren’s smartest ideas, but, here lately, he found himself caring less about who saw him.
“Please,” the blacksmith’s apprentice murmured, backing up onto Ren’s fingers even more.
Unable to wait any longer, Ren withdrew them and thrust into the deliciously tight heat of the man’s body. The young man grunted and reached down to jerk himself off. Ren gripped the lean hips tight and rode the sweet ass for all he was worth.
The man beneath him gasped, and then Ren’s cock plowed back in for a final time, filling the man’s ass. Ren moaned and bent to kiss the smooth, muscled back.
“We really should do this more often.”
Ren chuckled. “Agreed. Though, perhaps not here. I’m surprised your master hasn’t returned yet.”
The young man snorted. “He’s probably drunk.” He stood slowly, easing his pants back up. Then he turned and met Ren in a lazy but drugging kiss. “Tomorrow?”
“Mmm…” Ren ran a fingertip down the bare chest in front of him. “I’ll let you know. It depends on how quickly I can get away.”
“You really don’t like her, do you?”
Ren finished dressing and chuckled. “Believe me, the dislike is mutual.”
“Why marry her?”
“It was arranged, I’m afraid.”
The young man shivered. “I’m so glad I’m just a blacksmith’s apprentice and not a noble.”
Ren stole another kiss. “It’s quite overrated.”
“Must you go?”
He smiled. If he had his way, he’d happily drag the man off for a night full of sex and debauchery. He sighed. “I’m expected in the Council chambers soon. But I will let you know when it’s safe to resume this.”
After a final slow kiss, Ren waved and left the blacksmith’s shop and his young, occasional lover behind.
* * *
Two hours later, Ren wished, not for the first time, that he’d been born a peasant. He watched the Council proceedings warily, dreading the outcome. Every House, including his own, waited for the word from their leader, Zerin, and the Council. Every day, more mages filtered into the Council chambers situated in the House Vakeor keep. Ren lost count at over three hundred mages, but he figured there had to be more. The damn sorcerers seemed to be everywhere. Not that Ren cared about magick either way, but it made him uneasy to see any here, especially in such numbers.
Rumors swirled among the peasantry that Zerin was under mage influence, but the pompous ass had been itching to get the Houses unified to take over the world above. Ren didn’t agree with such ambitions, and a part of him feared the consequences should Zerin’s war come to fruition.
“Lord Ren, what of House Daturi? Are you prepared?” one of the Council members asked.
Ren had been dreading the question. “I… yes. House Daturi is ready to march with the others,” he lied.
In truth, he didn’t care if House Daturi did or not. He had no intention of sticking around to watch. He’d packed his things a few days ago, what little he could carry, and only waited for the right time to leave. If he was careful, he could get above ground by morning. Of course, the second he was missed, there would be a price on his head the likes of which no Dark Fae had ever seen. They’d lost a few guards, but never anyone of Ren’s status. He had to do it quickly and quietly. He hated leaving his few lovers, but he couldn’t stay here any longer. Not with his sanity intact.
“Very good,” Zerin said from his dais at the front of the Council chamber. “This meeting is adjourned. We will reconvene in the morning to set our plans in motion.”
Dismissed, Ren and the other lords filed out of the chamber. Ren headed back toward the tunnel leading to his own keep, a good distance from House Vakeor. Each House’s territory branched off from House Vakeor’s, some several days’ journey away. Thankfully, House Daturi was only a few hours’ walk. He’d left his guards at his keep, more out of caution than anything else. He’d long since lost any trust in his own people, even those in his House. If Zerin wanted a war, so be it, but the man would have it without Ren’s aid. House Daturi’s followers could do as they pleased.
Meet the Author
Myc has been writing professionally since 2005, solo and with Shayne Carmichael. Genres include pretty much anything (no steampunk yet), though Myc is well known for paranormal stories. When not writing, Myc is usually playing PC games, reading, watching Netflix, and spending way too much time on Facebook. Since the question has come up in the past, pronouns are not an issue. Myc is bio-female, mentally male, and 100% genderfluid, so any pronoun works!
“Wouldn’t you like to be the filling of a biker sandwich?”
Closeted country singer Kit Billups says, “Yes, please!”
John “JT” Myers hasn’t been on Earth since he ascended to Valhalla during World War II. Things have changed in his absence, now there are cell phones and things called tablets. But JT has changed too, now he understands he’s attracted to men. When Kit Billups needs a bodyguard, he’s more than willing to protect the gorgeous singer and put his life, and heart in danger.
Art “Growler” Breckenridge serves Odin in the Valhalla Warriors isn’t a stranger to Earth’s carnal delights. He’s Pan, proud, and likes to take care of his lover. Daddy isn’t a title, it’s a way of life. When Kit needs protection from an unknown stalker, he’s blindsided by his growing feelings for the singer and his fellow biker, JT. He may be immortal but the evil stalking his boy just may kill him after all.
Kit Billups is a fallen country music star who shot to stardom overnight but fell just as quickly. Gossip, bad decisions, and rumors hit the press, tanking his career. He’s working hard win back his fans when bizarre emails and accidents put his life in jeopardy. Seeking help, his manager hires the Valhalla Warriors as bodyguards but his attraction to them could destroy his hard work rebuilding his brand.
The threat to Kit reveals an evil that may tear him apart and take the life of the men he loves.
JT’s Mission is a 51+K, MMM, motorcycle club romance with age gap, size difference, Caregiver/Daddy/boy, and hurt/comfort.
Themes: Military/MC brotherhood, age gap, size difference, MMM, Daddy/boy, Caregiver/boy, hurt/comfort, Low angst, insta/fated mates, high heat
Come join the party with me, Rosie on Nic Starr’s All-Stars, April 1st! I’ll have an exclusive excerpt and a fabulous giveaway (hint it’s a signed paperback of Cutter’s Mission). Note: you must joing Nic Star’s All-Stars to participate.
I’ll also be in Nora’s Nook on April 21st at 1:30 EST with more games and giveaways! Another signed copy of Cutter’s Mission and an eBook of JT’s Mission! Note: you must join Nora’s Nook in order to participate.
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🆆 🅻🅸🆅🅴 Fused With Him – NOW LIVE!!! 
#mmromance #gayromance #agegap #angst #hurtcomfort #HEA #lightkink #kinkawakenings 
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Rosie Jarvis, Author 