Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Layla's Review of Indigo Road by RJ Jones

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R.J. Jones’ early December release of Indigo Road was a very well written road trip story of two friends who find more than just a year without snow on their quest to see the country (and avoid snow for a winter). A part of me did wish that the story had been told from both character’s points of views, if only because I would have loved to know what Alex was thinking and feeling throughout the journey. The journey seemed to be more about deepening the connection between one another, than really seeing the country or learning the history of the places they passed through of the things they saw. There were several good moments of angst throughout the story, and they certainly had a few instances of drama as well, with a good twist near the end, to sort of bring their road trip to an end but launch them forward towards their future.


I loved the idea of their plan to take a year off and drive cross country in their van after graduating college, it was nice to see that they weren’t trying to rush into the job market but instead, were trying to gain a deeper understanding of the direction they wished for their lives to take.  I loved as well that they talked about having a plan for what to do when they started getting on one another’s nerves, showing a maturity and understanding of what proximity could do to a relationship. They had a very solid friendship to build on, and good family support to, for their road trip, which I really felt helped them to feel comfortable about the idea of not seeing home for a year. If I had to ask for anything else I would have wished to see added to the story, it would have been to see more dialogue between them about their plans, thoughts, ideas for the future while they were on the road. Overall though, a really good four star read.  

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Rainbow Snippet (Week 4)

This week, I decided to give a first glance at Serpent's Kiss, my snakeshifter work in progress. :)  I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. 



“Wait…what?” Dare balked, trying to sit up again.

Zaiden pressed him back down with a firm hand.

“Did you never wonder why it was that I could share your visions?”

“I just assumed you…I don’t know, had some power that allowed you to read minds or something.”

“I am not psychic,” Zaiden told him. “I’ve never been able to see another’s thoughts, until you."


“Great, another thing that will make your brother pissed at me.”


Rainbow Snippets can be found here Rainbow Snippets
There are tons of amazing authors sharing pieces of their work. 

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Rainbow Snippet (week 3)

This is one of the best things I have taken part in for a very long time. "Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, bloggers, and readers to gather once a week and share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!)."

I love the challenge of choosing which Snippet to share and this week was really hard. In the end, I decided to go with a newly written section of Guitars and Cages 2 Ranch Days (working title)



“You little shit, you owe me!”

Asher slammed his hands against the glass, glaring right back at his father.

“Do you remember the last thing you said to me?” Asher snarled.

“The fuck that got to do with anything?”

“Everything. It has everything to do with why I hope you die in here, you prick!” Asher snarled, wishing he could reach through the glass. 

Men In Uniform: Excerpt, Review and Giveaway!

MIU_Alt_Banner
Title: Men in Uniform
Authors: Eric Gober, CJ Baty, Alina Popescu, Kassandra Lea, Asta Idonea, Eddy LeFey, Lily Velden, Jim Dunaway, Carol Pedroso, Jo Tannah
Genre:  Gay Romance, Military, Contemporary, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publshing

Synopsis

Like your boys in blue keeping the… peace?
Hot firemen dealing with… heat?
Naval Officers getting in way too… deep?
Perhaps you have a ‘thing’ for marines…
Or do you prefer your Men In Uniform to belong in the future?
Another galaxy?
Another time?
Wherever your love of a uniform leads you, MEN IN UNIFORM has something for you.
Men In Uniform Cover
Excerpt
The Firefighter and the Marine by Jim Dunaway

Before Kenny could start walking toward the ladder truck, he saw an unconscious man leaning out of a second-floor window. Grabbing an ax and a blanket, Kenny ran into the building and up the stairs, searching the smoke-filled hallways to find the right apartment. Breaking down the door, he rushed to the man, and threw the blanket over him as he used a fireman’s carry to get him out of the building. By the time he got the man outside Kenny was coughing hard, soot coming out of his mouth with every cough.

₪₪₪₪₪

“He’s alive. Wait a minute. You only have one in reserve?”

“Yeah; the higher-ups keep cutting them out of our budget. Captain Bartlett has been fighting that battle for a couple of years now.”

“I’ll make sure you get more of them. However, that does not justify the stunt you pulled. You’re one of the most dedicated—and decorated—firefighters in the county, so I know you know better. It was inexcusable. You could have died! You should have called to your team inside or grabbed another firefighter’s air tank. You’ve put me in a difficult position. You were put in temporary command while Captain Bartlett’s wife is having the baby. What in hell am I supposed to do now?”

Book Review

Issue #1 by Eric Gober was absolutely hilarious, I loved the depiction of a street performers life on Hollywood blvd, as well as seeing some of the issues the cops have to deal with. Their story was just the perfect length to show how Officer Buck and Stef meet, while leaving the reader plenty to speculate about for their future. The title alone left me hoping that they would appear again and another anthology or even a larger story down the line.

The Pinkerton Man by C.J. Batey was a really interesting story. I don’t read a lot of mysteries, but this one sucked me in and reminded me of the love I’d had for true crime stories back in collage. The fact that it was a period piece just added to my enjoyment of the tale. That it ended the way it did, well, that just left me hooked on the characters, the case, and wondering what in the world was going to happen after that much unexpected development.

Alina Popescu’s Protect the Ex was amazing! Tension right off the bat, some angst, and the threat of danger hanging over everyone’s heads. Coupled with ex’s in a remote cabin and this is a recipe for some steamy fireworks and oh my god did it not disappoint. Loved the curveball thrown into the story and the direction it took things and totally did NOT see it coming, which was great. Loved this story!

A spark in the shadows by Kassandra Lea was a sweet, endearing little fantasy piece with two rather unique characters who most certainly could have been considered an odd couple. This was tantalizing and fluffy in a wonderfully delicious way. Certainly two characters I would love to see appear in a bigger story. I love the world that was portrayed here and would enjoy seeing much more of it as well.

His Heart Held Hostage by Asta Idonea was a wonderfully sweet fantasy piece with just the right bit of steam near the end. Shame on the general for his treatment of the prince, but I’m pretty sure the captain’s friendship more than made up for it. The queen proved to be gracious, kind, and concerned for her country’s captive, and Darius’ biggest ally during his confinement there, while Morton’s concern for the prince opened the door for friendship between them to bloom. It would have been so easy for Darius to become bitter over his situation, I love that he came to embrace what was around him. Loved this story a great deal and would love to see this pairing of characters again.

The Emperor’s Slave by Eddy Lefey ohhh I loved this one. A huge dash of Sci Fi and lots and lots of steamy bits, the whole story was engaging and really original. I found myself drawn in right from the beginning and hoping that Timothy would survive, but even better, he thrived and wow, where he ended up vs where he started, that was a ton of progress from a short story and so thrilling, the drama and action that took place. This one sucked me right in. What an amazing story.

Yes!Yes!Yes! by Lily Velden This made me laugh so hard, the stalking of Finn, and all of the speculation surrounding him, the way he became the narrators obsession, and wow, the noises coming through the walls and the fact that he actually tried to talk to Finn’s conquests. And Lily with the twist at the end. Ya’ll HAVE to read this story, just to get to the twist, it is seriously awesome!

The Firefighter and the Marine by Jim Dunaway was a sweet story with a firey hot beginning. I loved that these took their time getting to know one another, got to know the people important to each other, and spent their time together learning about one another and sharing simple things. I felt like, as a reader, I was being allowed a window into their lives, and it was wonderful, because they reminded me of the importance of the little things. Movies, conversation, culture, food. Very nicely done.

Blue Knight by Carol Pedroso started me off with anger and sadness, hoping something would be done for Jones, and I’m glad I did not have to wait too long for things to get moving. I like a story that inspired emotions and comes with surprises and this one fit the bill.

The Royal Guardian by Jo Tannah yanked me in right from the first page. I found myself wanting to know more about their world, but also just enjoying the character of Lando and his memories for the past. Bobik and his connection to Kallen was really awesome and learning how they came together and grew, as well as Lando’s constant presence and involvement, made it easy to see how Lando’s closeness with Kallen had expanded and grown. I loved this story, I love dragons, and this world seems absolutely amazing!

Buy Links

Don’t miss WIP’s Christmas Sale – 30% off all titles till December 24th!
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/men-in-uniform-a-wayward-ink-publishing-anthology/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-meninuniformawaywardinkpublishinganthology-1939285-166.html
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Men-Uniform-Wayward-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B018VB6HJW/

Book Trailer


Stories Included

IssueNo.1
Issue No. 1
ERIC GOBER
Come to a land…
Where epic battles rage…
Among monsters, superheroes, and a very sexy cop.
Love and war are funny business in Hollywood, U.S.A.
PinkertonManThe Pinkerton Man
CJ BATY
A blackmailer forced Stiles to leave his perfect life behind.
Along the way, he found a new friend, a job as a Pinkerton Agent, and murder.
Can Stiles find the murderer before he kills again?
ProtectTheExMission: Protect the Ex
ALINA POPESCU
Sean never thought his military career would ever have him babysitting his ex who Sean hasn’t seen in six months.
When best friend Tom finds out his younger brother Aiden is targeted, Sean drops everything to protect the man he still loves.
Can two former lovers survive a weekend alone in the woods, or will the threat from within be more devastating than the one from outside?
SparkInTheShadowsA Spark in the Shadows
KASSANDRA LEA
Love beckons Officer Warden Brooks to the shadows of a desolate place.
But his lover Tate Eldridge is so much more than a criminal, he’s a beautiful mystery.

HHHHHis Heart Held Hostage
ASTA IDONEA
When his father loses the battle against Hrafnaheim, Prince Darius finds himself a political prisoner.
Taken in chains to a dark and unfamiliar land, he begins to lose hope.
But then Captain Morten Gunnarsson of the Palace Guards is assigned to watch over him.
Now it is not just Darius’ body being held hostage, but also his heart.
EmperorsSlaveThe Emperor’s Slave
EDDY LEFEY
When the Draaduuri arrived on Earth many humans died.
Captain Timothy Kellerman’s family was among them
Now, a truce has been struck. He is the prize.
Crown Prince Yuuhaan has instantly bonded with his slave.
Can the prince keep his baser instincts in check long enough for Timothy to transform?
To become the next great hope of the Draaduuri and the human race?
YesYesYesYes! Yes! Yes!
LILY VELDEN
Go to Portsmouth, said my friends. It’s quieter. You’ll be able to write without distraction.
They obviously hadn’t met my mysterious and elusive neighbour, Finn.…
After all, what would a Friday night be without hearing Moaner, Gusher, or Squeaker screaming out their joy at being shagged senseless by the obviously talented Finn?
Come to think of it, what would a Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night be without it either?
Thank God for Mondays!
FirefighterMarineThe Firefighter and the Marine
JIM DUNAWAY
Apartment building fires are always tragic, even if everyone makes it out alive. But what happens when a person can’t make it out on their own?
Brave firefighters must risk their lives in order to rescue trapped people.
Lieutenant Kenny Whitfield is one such firefighter. Brave and somewhat reckless. 
Lance Corporal Steve Martinson is one such person in need.
When Kenny and Steve meet face to face in the hospital, well…
BlueKnightBlue Knight
CAROL PEDROSO
Franc has resigned himself to yet another year of pain and humiliation in order to complete his on ship training.
Then along comes Zyph, with his sexy blue skin and probing questions…
Will he be Franc’s Blue Knight?
RoyalGuardianThe Royal Guardian
JO TANNAH
Warrior and Dragon Seek to Destroy Those Who Had Dared Harm Their Prince.

Giveaway

Prize: $10 WIP Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway


















Friday, December 18, 2015

Freebie Friday: ...And All Shall Fade to Black (Part 13)


“Stubborn much?”

“I can finish my shift, sis, don’t worry about it,” Jax grumbled rubbing his temples and groaning when the bell over the shops door jangled.

“Fine but if you’ve still got that headache tomorrow, stay home and rest, okay.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll be fine, quit your worrying.”

“Never, I’m older for a reason,” she laughed as she went to tend to their customer.

A half hour later the young man left with both eyebrows pierced, and Jax had a ten dollar tip in his pocket. From behind him, he heard his sister snickering.

“What?” He asked as he turned around and headed for the coffee pot. He poured a steaming cup and gulped at it, desperate for the caffeine to kill the pain.

“He was eyeing you like you were a t-bone,” she remarked.

“Yeah, no shit,”

“Shocked he didn’t hand you a phone number along with that tip.

Jax reached into his pocket and pulled out the ten, unfolding it to see a slip of white paper fall out and flutter to the floor. He wobbled a little as he bent to pick it up and squinted as he read it.

“Apparently he did,” Jax muttered, tossing the number away and pocketing the ten.

“Wow, not gonna call it? I think I’m really worried now.Aare you sure it’s just a headache?”

Jax sighed and dropped into a chair to finish his coffee. “Yeah, a headache that you’re making worse. I just wasn’t interested, okay.”

“Does it have anything to do with why you weren’t answering your phone all day on Thursday?”

“Was my day off, saw no reason to answer it.”

“Or maybe you were too busy wrapped up in the sheets with a hot girl or an even hotter guy, or both, it was both, wasn’t it?”

Jax groaned and ran his free hand through his hair. “No it wasn’t both, it’s been months since I’ve had both at the same time and what the fuck was I thinking telling you about it?”

“Allowing me to live vicariously through you, that’s what. I’m widowed, not dead, got to have some thrills in my life.”

“How about you get your own, then?”

“I’m not ready for that yet,” she replied and Jax wanted to kick himself, knowing how insensitive he’d sounded.

“Sorry sis,” he muttered.

“Its fine, you don’t want to share, don’t share.”

“I’m just not sure what to make of it yet,” Jax admitted, hoping the caffeine kicked in soon and took some of the pain away.

“So there is something going on?”

Jax chuckled. “You never quit, do you?”

“I guess not, it’s too engrained, I can’t help it, there’s always something going on with you.”

“Well, in this case, nothin’ is goin’ on, but I think I want there to be.”

She clapped her hands and Jax flinched and lay his head on the counter beside him.  “Oh shit, Jax, I’m sorry.”

“I think I’m gonna puke,” Jax groaned, keeping his eyes squeezed tightly shut.

She lay her hand on his back and gently began rubbing circles.

“Breathe slow and relax. You need to go home and at this point, I don’t think you can drive yourself. Let me call Callum and Max and see if one of them can come get you.”

Jax exhaled a ragged breath, hating the throbbing pressure that was making him wish for death.

“Yeah, yeah, okay,” he managed.

“Where’s your phone?”

“Jacket pocket, turned off.”

“Okay. Just stay still and try not to puke,” she said, even as she carefully placed the metal garbage can beside him. “And if you do, please, please, please get it in that.”

Jax didn’t even bother with a response, he just breathed and clung to the counter, his sister’s voice dim as she called his friends.

“Okay, Jax?” she asked. She was closer now, kneeling beside him. “Hey, hun, how are you doing?”

“Workin’ on not pukin’”

“Good, ‘cause I’ve got bad news. Max was at home, but Callum was stuck at work and he has the car.”

Jax moaned pitifully. “Shit.”

“Is there anyone else I can call?”

Jax was silent, at this point he’d have tried crawling the seventeen blocks, but figured he’d end up curled in a doorway after less than two.

“Danny,” he muttered, knowing he sounded pathetic. He really did not want the guy who’d started creeping into his dreams to see him this way, but at the moment, he wasn’t even sure if he could stand.

“Okay, I’m gonna dim the lights back here a little first,” she said and moved away.
The voice in his head that screamed ‘suck it up’ and ‘tell her to forget it’ was drowned out by the pounding of the migraine. The shop bells jingled and when he tried to stand to go help, he ended up just slithering onto the floor and pressing his head against the cool metal of the filing cabinet.

He heard her gasp entirely too loud when she came back in and saw him there. “Shit, Jax, maybe you need to go to the hospital.”

“No,” he groaned.

“Okay, but, I’ve never seen you have one this bad.”

“Please say Danny is coming.”

“He’s on his way. I’ll bring your bike in here when after I close tonight, it’ll be just fine.”

“Thanks, sis.”

“Thank me by getting some rest and feeling better,” she said. “I’ve got to go, guy just walked in looking to get a snake tattoo to cover up his ex-girlfriend’s name.”

“Joy,” Jax groaned, grimacing.

“I’ll send Danny back as soon as he gets here. At least now I finally get to meet him,” she remarked before hurrying out of the room.

Jax just moaned miserably, hoping Danny would hurry the hell up.

Happy Release Day Cheryl Headford! Shade's Champion is here!


Author Name: Cheryl Headford

Book Length 214 Pages

Book Name: Shade’s Champion

Release Date: 18th December 2015


Cover Art by: Kellie Dennis: Book Covers by Design


BLURB




Shade has been kept in the dark for eight long years. Now he’s facing a world that terrifies him. A world that seems to hold no place for him.

When the authorities are unable to find a home for Shade, Penny, reluctantly accepts him into the secure school she manages, despite thinking it’s the wrong place for him. Penny fears for his safety among the other troubled children. In an attempt to forestall the disaster she predicts will happen she appoints one of them as his champion.

Dory, an engaging seventeen year old with mental health issues, is proud to be chosen as Shade’s champion and throws his heart and soul into the job. In doing so he is forced to face the thing he fears most – his own emotions.

An unexpected friendship begins to grow into something more, until a spiteful act tears them apart and leaves them broken.

When Dory falls ill, Shade is forced to face his demons and struggles to find the strength and courage he needs to fight for the right to love, and to be there for his champion when he needs him most.




TRAILER: 

Excerpt: 

Taken aback, Dory considered the question. “Yes, I like him. I like him a lot. I think he’s a really nice person who had a really shitty thing happen to him that wasn’t his fault. None of it was his fault, but he thinks it was. I know he does. I can see it in his eyes, and he’s scared all the time, scared he’s going to do something wrong and be punished for it, even though he can’t help it because he doesn’t know what else to do.” 

Penny frowned. “How do you know that?” 

Dorien bowed his head. “Because I can see it in his eyes. Because it’s how I feel, too.” 

“How you feel?” Penny sounded really shocked.  

Dorien nodded. “I can’t help being the way I am. I’m trying all the time not to be, to be someone else who doesn’t hurt people, who isn’t... dangerous. I’m trying to be normal, but I don’t know how, not really. I don’t know what’s okay to think or feel or do, so I’m always scared I’m doing it wrong.” 

“Oh God, Dory. Have you spoken to Dr. Blake about this?” 

Dorien shook his head. 

“Because you’re afraid she’ll think you’re doing it wrong and will admit you to hospital again?” 

Dorien nodded. 

“That’s why you were so afraid of having an appointment with her?” 

He nodded again. 

“Dory, the last thing we want is for you to be too frightened to be yourself. You’ll never get better if you’re always trying to be someone else, someone you think is more acceptable.” 
“But I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Dorien burst out. “I’m really scared of hurting someone.”  

ORDER LINKS

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/shades-champion-by-cheryl-headford/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shade039schampion-1940720-145.ht

Meet the Author:


Cheryl was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.

Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.

Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.

It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.

In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and menagerie of three cats, a dog and a dragon. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close.

Immersed, as always, in the world of fantasy, she maintains a burning desire to share the stories and these days it’s in the form of books which all contain her spark and unique view on life, the universe and everything.

Where to Find the Author

Twitter: @SevenPointStar

Giveaway

I have two copies of the ebook to give away to randomly selected commenters on the Shade’s Champion cover reveal or blog post on my website http://cherylheadford.com/



Blog Tour: Indigo Road by R.J. Jones (Blurb, Excerpt, Giveaway)

Indigo Road Tour Banner

Title: Indigo Road
Author: R.J. Jones
Genre: New Adult, Gay Romance, Contemporary
Length: Novel
Cover artist: Meredith Russell

Synopsis

Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.

Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.

Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?

While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.

From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.

Indigo Road Cover

Buy Now

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01867I9M4/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01867I9M4/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01867I9M4/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/594892
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-indigoroad-1926713-149.html

Excerpt

WE STUMBLED up the stairs to our room at the B&B, and no sooner had we closed the door than Alex had me pinned against it, mouth assaulting my throat.

“Tell me this isn’t weird,” Alex said on a breath.

“It’s not weird. It’s right.”

“Tell me… tell me you want this as much as I do.”

Alex’s lips made their way to my ear and the soft spot behind it, making any coherent thought impossible.

“Want… you,” I managed to squeeze out.

In an instant, his body was gone from mine and I was left cold without him. Alex grabbed my hand and led me quickly to the bed, pushing me down and climbing on top.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” he said, resuming the assault on my throat as he pushed my shirt up. He found a nipple and tweaked it hard.

“Ungh, more of that.”

My hips had a mind of their own as they bucked, trying to find some friction. I’d never been so turned on. Alex palmed my cock through my jeans, his movements gentle and hesitant.

“Is this okay?” Alex asked.

“Better if my jeans weren’t in the way.”

“Um, I…”

I stopped his movement, placing my hand over his but not removing it from my groin.

“It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I have no idea what I’m doing either, but I know I want something.” Alex smiled, his eyes shining. “I’m so glad you’re just as clueless.”

Giveaway

Prizes: 1 ecopy of Indigo Road; 1 ecopy of any RJ Jones’ backlist titles, winner’s choice

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

R.J. Jones started as a reader and eventually made the progression to reviewing. It wasn’t until two men popped into her thoughts, insisting on telling her their story that she started to write.

It started with one scene. A hot and dirty one in the shower…

R.J.’s initial thought was if she could write their scene then they’d shut up and allow her to concentrate on other aspects of her day. Not so. That shower scene ended up being 3000 words long and three hours of work.  And still, they didn’t shut up.  They told her their entire story and she didn’t sleep for days. Sometimes she couldn’t keep up with what they were telling her and she had to keep a notebook by her bed.

Whilst she was writing their story a side character decided he needed his story told too. Then other characters followed suit.

You see the problem? If she ever wants to sleep again then she needs to write.

R.J. is a wife and a mother to two boys. She is surrounded by males. Even her dog is a boy.

R.J. Jones can be found at:

Website: http://rjjonesauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robyn.j.jones.1711
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rjjonesauthor
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/rjjones-author
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rjjonesauthor/

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Blog Tour: Snow White & the Seven Angels by Rhys Ethan

Snow White Tour Banner

Title: Snow White & the Seven Angels
Series: Queerky Tales
Author: Rhys Ethan
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale, LGBT, Retelling, Kids’ Books
Length: Novella

The classic tales you know, the characters with secrets you don’t 

Synopsis

White has a secret. One he has shared with his family to no avail. When he meets the Prince of his dreams, he decides he can no longer live a lie, but in order to do so, he will have to face his worst nightmares.

Queerky Tales is a series of classic fairy tales retold with LGBT characters. Snow White & the Seven Angels is about fighting for your happy-ever-after, whatever shape it comes in.

For children and adults alike.

Snow White Cover

Excerpt:

Snow White & the Seven Angels (Queerky Tales #1)

Two gentle taps on the door let Queen Skylar of her son’s arrival.

‘Come inside, son,’ she responded assuming a stern voice. She wanted to get her message across loud and clear. ‘Take a seat.’

White sat down on the other end of the queen’s desk and stared at his mother.

‘I wanted to talk to you, White. I’ve been very concerned about you lately and it’s about time we have a conversation about your responsibilities to our kingdom,’ the queen never sat down. Instead she towered over her son.

‘What about my responsibilities, Mother?’ White enquired with a tender voice.

‘You see, White, a prince has certain duties towards his people. Meeting with them, listening to their problems, attempting to fix those problems, make the lives of everyone under their ruling the best it can be—’ she begun explaining.

‘But I do all of those things, Mother,’ White interrupted her.

‘There are of course other responsibilities a prince has,’ she continued as if he hadn’t spoken at all, ‘like learning sword fighting, archery, strategy, all to enhance the future king’s abilities to protect his people.’

‘I do not think those are necessary skills when I’m planning to rule solely based on love and compassion,’ White reiterated, but the queen laughed.

‘Do you think you can love your kingdom out of enemy battles? That is a very naive way for a prince to think. It’s not how the world works, White, but it’s not just that. A prince is not supposed to be in the company of girls unless he’s planning to marry one of them. Yet, you spend all your time with village girls, and what’s worse, they call you princess and you wear their dresses,’ Queen Skylar finally sat down across her child, pleading for an explanation.

‘I like wearing dresses, Mother. They make me feel…at home,’ White explained.

The queen was startled by his response. ‘What do you mean by that, White?’

White withdrew his eyes from his mother’s and instead focused on the inanimate desk in front of him. An object that wouldn’t pass judgement on him for what he was about to say.

‘I’ve been wanting to talk you, Mother, but I’ve always cowered from doing so. It’s been a while now that I’ve been having those feelings, and at first I thought nothing of them, that they were fleeting. But they weren’t. If anything, they’ve become stronger. Those feelings tell me I am not a prince, nor am I a boy. It feels as if I’m inhabiting the wrong body. As if I was meant to be born…a girl, but something went wrong and instead was born in the body of a boy. When I first played princesses with my friends and I was treated as one, if only for pretend and for a short amount of time, I felt…I felt like it was right. I felt it was,’ White was crying now. He was overcome by emotions and his worry that his mother would reject him.

The queen saw the heartbreak in her son’s eyes and approached him. She gave him a compassionate hug and whispered in his ear. ‘It’s okay, White. Everything is going to be okay now. I will help you.’

White embraced his mother and she soothed him for as long as necessary to calm him down and dry his eyes.

‘Maybe you feel like this because you never had a father to show you the prince ways. Maybe if you train, those feelings will go away,’ Skylar stated.

‘I don’t know if they will,’ White insisted.

‘Well, still, we must try,’ the queen repeated and walked towards the door to shout an order to the guard outside.

‘I don’t know if I want them to.’

Review:

This was such a sweet fairy tale retelling, with a lot of little twists and turns to truly make it unique. Snow White & the Seven Angels is a story about hope, and the desire to be the person that one truly sees themselves to be, despite how hard others might work to prevent it. As with any fairy tale, there is an evil villain, a hero, sometimes more than one, and a person yearning for something that seems just out of reach. This isn’t Disney’s Snow White, and you won’t find any birds here, what you will find is a kind and carrying ghost, seven angels who go all out to make a dream come true, and a prince who understands the true meaning of love. This is a story packed with feel good moments that just begs to read time and time again.

Buy Links

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VO8YBA2
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VO8YBA2
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00VO8YBA2
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00VO8YBA2

Paperback

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/White-Seven-Angels-Queerky-Tales/dp/1511480602/
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/5400782

Giveaway

Prize: $5 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Rhys Christopher Ethan is by no means a scientist, but he is an architect of his own fantasy worlds; an illustrator of emotional and multi-dimensional characters; a doctor of creativity and inspiration and a chemist of genres; mixing two or more, to find the perfect fit for his creations. He lives in a small, dusty lab he calls Home in London and works hard to bring his experiments out into the world. His companions (for now) are his pet-Laptop and his coffee-Booster and a bunch of notes, digitized and paper-wise. He voices his obsessions on his website http://www.rcethan.com, rants on twitter @Rhys_Ethan, shares messages on facebook.com/rcethan1 and pins his muses on pinterest.com/rcethan. You can contact him at rhysethan@hotmail.co.uk, or if you’re telepathic, he will probably meet you in your dreams.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Release Day Blitz Plus Review: It's Not Yule It's Me

Title: It’s Not Yule, It’s Me
Author: Michael P. Thomas
Genre: Gay Romance, Holiday themed, Comedy
Length: 15,700 words
Publisher: JMS Books

Synopsis

Shannon hates Christmas. Mostly because Christmas hates him. It sure seems like it, anyway: every crummy thing that’s happened to him since high school has befallen him at the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Every humiliating break-up, every high-rise hotel fire—heck, a few years back, one guy he had the hots for up and died. Which goes a long way toward explaining why he’s a whimpering mess when he meets Ben the barista one Christmas morning at his neighborhood coffee house. It doesn’t completely excuse his using Ben’s T-shirt as a handkerchief—while Ben’s still in it—but Ben’s nothing if not a good sport. Ben’s such a bright spot that after a while Shannon wonders if maybe his Christmas Curse hasn’t been lifted. And what better place to test this theory than at Ben’s family festivities? It’s not like Christmas is actually cursed.

Is it?

Its_Not_Yule_Its_Me_400x600

Buy Links

JMS Books: http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29_98&products_id=1575
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Yule-Me-Michael-P-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0190NALJM
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Not-Yule-Me-Michael-P-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0190NALJM
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Its-Not-Yule-Me-Michael-P-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0190NALJM
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/597226

Excerpt

“I’m Shannon, by the way,” he eventually says. “Have we done that already?”

“I don’t think so. Not officially, anyhow. I’m Ben.”

“You don’t sound French.”

“You should hear me arguing on the phone with my mom.”

“I mean ‘Ben.’ Doesn’t sound like a very French name.”

“Maybe not, but Benoît is more trouble than it’s worth.”

“Ben-what?”

“Exactly.”

I was born in France, but raised in Colorado; I’ve only been to France a handful of times, none of them recent. My mother was born in this country and raised in Washington, DC, but by French parents. Her mother is ethnically Gujarati, but French by virtue of being from Réunion. We’re still parsing the extent of my French-ness when Seth rolls in, only fifteen minutes late.

“Hiya, Benny-Boy” he warbles, planting a kiss on the top of my head as he swoops by; Seth enjoys flaunting his straight-but-not-narrow status. “What’s goin’ on?”

“What you get is what you see,” I tell him.

“Zis what Santa brought you?” He jerks his chin at Shannon, makes a show of sizing us up as a party of two. “You musta been a pretty good boy this year.”

Shannon groans.

“Ix-nay on the Anta-Say,” I scold Seth, although we’re all three laughing. I get up from the table and bus it clean by way of making preparations to call it a day.

“Rough trip down the chimney, eh?” Seth says, waggling his eyebrows.

“Pretty much the worst euphemism ever,” I assure him as I shrug into my jacket.

He laughs, offers me a fist bump and a “Peace out,” both of which I return.

“So …” I say to Shannon, sidling up to him. “I’m done here. You wanna get a drink or something?”

“It’s like noon.”

“Lunch, then?”

“It’s Christmas Day.”

“Dude, how hard are you gonna make me work for this? What, you never had Chinese food?”

“It’s just, I’m supposed to go to my aunt and uncle’s … it’s not that I don’t want to … maybe another time?”

I shrug. “You know where to find me.”

Review

I love Christmas stories, curling up with a great holiday read and some cocoa under the tree is a favorite pastime of mine, and this book right here, It’s Not Yule It’s Me, by Michael Thomas is absolutely perfect for a quiet afternoon of reading and baking. Shannon is a hot mess, a wonderfully tragic, quirky hot mess with a Christmas Curse that even the Grinch would have trouble being happy about. When you see how many holidays have gone wrong for him in the boyfriend department it’s easy to understand why he’s practically given up on Christmas.

Enter Ben, or more like, enter Shannon into the coffee shop Ben works at, and poor Ben just tries to be a nice guy and comfort him, and whoa, tears everywhere and how could Ben possibly forget that? The relationship that grows between them is sweet, touching, funny, loving, warm and just right for the holidays. There is an amazing twist of a moment that kind of sneaks up on you, and wow, did that throw my emotions into chaos for a moment.

I felt as if I got swept up in the story. I found myself cheering for Shannon and hoping that in Ben he’d found someone who would restore his faith in Christmas. And in Ben, I found a wonderfully loving character, who was charming, amusing, and very in-tune to Shannon’s emotions. Together, they were just the right level of spicy and sweet for an afternoon holiday tail. Four Dancing Gingerbread Men for this story that I plan to read at many more holidays to come.

About the author

Michael P. Thomas is a flight attendant whose writing is continually inspired by his work with the flying public, who flatly refuse to be boring. The author of three novel-length gay romances and a number of romantic and erotic shorts, he writes gay fiction because when he was coming out he sure was glad to have it to read. After misspending his youth in San Francisco, he now lives in his native Colorado with his husband.

Social Links

Website: http://misterstewardess.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoReadMichaelPThomas
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrStewardess

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Rainbow Snippet Dec 12

Hello Folks,

My 6 line snippet this week is taken from Burning Luck, my National Novel Writing Month Novel for last months insanity. I'm hoping to polish and submit it early next year.



“Can’t,” Cain gasped as he broke the kiss, but still kept a firm hold on a fistful of Thorn shirt. “I promised Lucky a massage.”

“Planning on playing a bit dirty with that massage?” Thorn asked, his eyes having darkened with desire.

“Planning on seeing how far he’ll let me take it,” Cain said with a mischievous grin.

Thorn’s eyes darkened a little more and yanked Cain to him in order to deliver a punishingly possessive kiss.

“Don’t fuck him without me.” Thorn ordered after he’d broken the kiss.

“You know I won’t, I just want to see if maybe he’s more open to the idea of joining us in our bed.”

Friday, December 11, 2015

Cover Reveal: Shade's Champion by Cheryl Headford


Author Name: Cheryl Headford

Book Length 214 Pages

Book Name: Shade’s Champion

Release Date: 18th December 2015


Cover Art by: Kellie Dennis: Book Covers by Design


BLURB




Shade has been kept in the dark for eight long years. Now he’s facing a world that terrifies him. A world that seems to hold no place for him.

When the authorities are unable to find a home for Shade, Penny, reluctantly accepts him into the secure school she manages, despite thinking it’s the wrong place for him. Penny fears for his safety among the other troubled children. In an attempt to forestall the disaster she predicts will happen she appoints one of them as his champion.

Dory, an engaging seventeen year old with mental health issues, is proud to be chosen as Shade’s champion and throws his heart and soul into the job. In doing so he is forced to face the thing he fears most – his own emotions.

An unexpected friendship begins to grow into something more, until a spiteful act tears them apart and leaves them broken.

When Dory falls ill, Shade is forced to face his demons and struggles to find the strength and courage he needs to fight for the right to love, and to be there for his champion when he needs him most.




TRAILER: 

Excerpt: 

Taken aback, Dory considered the question. “Yes, I like him. I like him a lot. I think he’s a really nice person who had a really shitty thing happen to him that wasn’t his fault. None of it was his fault, but he thinks it was. I know he does. I can see it in his eyes, and he’s scared all the time, scared he’s going to do something wrong and be punished for it, even though he can’t help it because he doesn’t know what else to do.” 

Penny frowned. “How do you know that?” 

Dorien bowed his head. “Because I can see it in his eyes. Because it’s how I feel, too.” 

“How you feel?” Penny sounded really shocked.  

Dorien nodded. “I can’t help being the way I am. I’m trying all the time not to be, to be someone else who doesn’t hurt people, who isn’t... dangerous. I’m trying to be normal, but I don’t know how, not really. I don’t know what’s okay to think or feel or do, so I’m always scared I’m doing it wrong.” 

“Oh God, Dory. Have you spoken to Dr. Blake about this?” 

Dorien shook his head. 

“Because you’re afraid she’ll think you’re doing it wrong and will admit you to hospital again?” 

Dorien nodded. 

“That’s why you were so afraid of having an appointment with her?” 

He nodded again. 

“Dory, the last thing we want is for you to be too frightened to be yourself. You’ll never get better if you’re always trying to be someone else, someone you think is more acceptable.” 
“But I don’t want to hurt anyone,” Dorien burst out. “I’m really scared of hurting someone.”  

PRE-ORDER LINKS

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/shades-champion-by-cheryl-headford/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-shade039schampion-1940720-145.ht

Meet the Author:




Cheryl was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.

Cheryl has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.

Later in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.

It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.

In present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and menagerie of three cats, a dog and a dragon. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close.

Immersed, as always, in the world of fantasy, she maintains a burning desire to share the stories and these days it’s in the form of books which all contain her spark and unique view on life, the universe and everything.

Where to Find the Author

Twitter: @SevenPointStar

Giveaway

I have two copies of the ebook to give away to randomly selected commenters on the Shade’s Champion cover reveal or blog post on my website http://cherylheadford.com/