Book Review: Curve Ball by Sloan Johnson

Title: Curve Ball
Series: Homeruns #2
Author: Sloan Johnson
Genre: MM Sports Romance
Published: July 29, 2015

Jason Klein’s living with the fallout from a decision he knew was the right one at the time. He never told anyone about the love of his life, which left him to mourn alone when he found out the man he gave his heart to had been killed in combat. Now, his heart has had time to heal, but he’s not sure he’s ready to let himself move on. Until he meets Cam Morgan… Without a job lined up following graduation, Cam Morgan took his best friend up on his offer to move to Milwaukee and stay with him until he could get on his feet. The last thing he wanted to do the day after getting to town was go to a party filled with a bunch of jocks. Sure, they were “professional athletes” but Cam was convinced that bigger bank accounts didn’t make them any more accepting of people like him. He certainly didn’t expect to meet Jason, the Mavericks’ catcher who broke every stereotype he’d had. What started out as one hot, sweaty night together quickly grows into something deeper. Jason welcomes Cam into his home and his life, but now he has to teach the younger man that it’s not a sign of weakness to let people help you. REVIEW I am a sucker for sports themed stories, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read Cam and Jason’s story, doubly thrilled, actually, ‘cause I am a huge foodie, so Cam was a character I really envied for all of his knowledge in the kitchen. I want his recipes, he was making me hungry while I read. Seeing the two come together, with their differing issues and personalities alongside all the outside help and interference they received along the way, read very naturally. I could sympathize with Cam’s nervousness, as well as his desire to be his own person and not allow others to take care of him. His self-confidence, really shone through in the moments when he needed to assert himself, so he was a wonderful balance of put together and insecure. It made him more endearing to me, as did watching his friendships with Mason and Lauren grow. I felt bad for Drew, though, it was clear even from the beginning, how much he cared about Cam and the fact that Cam just didn’t see it. At least they were able to keep their friendship intact despite how much time Cam devoted to Jason and how little he spent with the friend who’d invited him out there to live. I was a little annoyed with Cam about that, just because it seemed very rude. I loved Jason, but I think what made him loveable to me was his back story, the fact that he’d lost the love of his life while being too scared to ever let anyone know there was someone he loved in the first place. It was clear, from Mark’s actions late in the book, that there were still a lot of issues for players to deal with regarding their sexuality in pro sports, so it was easy to understand how difficult Jason’s choice to come out was, as well as why he waited so long to do it. This was a wonderful story that grew from attraction, to hook-up, to both guys realizing that they no longer viewed the other as something casual. I like the way that they just sort of moved into each other’s lives, providing something each needed, but hadn’t seemed to realize how much they’d missed not having. It was sweet and touching at times, hot and steamy at others. I loved Cam’s smartass comments and his persistence, the way he took command of Eric’s kitchen and Cam’s as well. Even the side characters had their own stories and unique personalities and I found myself curious to read the next book and see what’s in store for Drew. I do hope that there is something in store for Eric in the future as well, as he seemed like a genuinely great guy who’d had his heart broken too. All in all, this one gets five dancing hamsters and me anxiously awaiting more.

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Curve Ball Excerpt © Sloan Johnson 2015
“If you have something to say to me, just say it.” I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel to keep from shaking Drew. He was one of the youngest guys on the team, and right now, his immaturity showed through brightly. It was about time someone knocked some sense into him, before he wound up earning a bad reputation, both on the field and off. “I won’t apologize, because I haven’t done a damn thing to offend you.”
“Really? I shouldn’t be pissed off that I had no clue you were gay?” Drew seethed, his brown eyes narrow slits as he glared at me. “And I should be totally cool with you loading up my friend in the middle of the night to take him back to your place, right?”
“Yeah, actually you should,” I quipped, twisting the wheel tighter. “Cam is a grown man, and if you truly care about him, you should be fucking ecstatic that he’s getting out there to meet people.”
Drew muttered something to himself as he went back to staring out the window. His shoulders slumped forward and he seemed to shrink in his seat. I knew that look. It wasn’t one worn by a concerned or pissed off friend, it was the look of a man who felt the love of his life slipping away from him.
“How long have you felt this way about him?” I asked. My chest tightened, knowing that I wouldn’t stand between them. Drew and I might not be close, but I liked to think of him as a friend, a brother on the team.
“Doesn’t matter.” The response was so quiet I could barely hear the words. As I pulled up to the stoplight, I placed my hand on Drew’s shoulder, unsurprised when he jerked away.
“It does,” I assured him. “And you have to know I wouldn’t have done anything with him if I’d known.”
“Don’t say that. I’ve known for a long time that he’d never feel for me what I do for him.” I suddenly missed the anger Drew showed earlier. “If the way he looked this morning is any indication, you’re exactly what he needs in his life. And if I put my own feelings aside, you’re more than that. You’re what he’s always wanted.”
That was not how I expected this conversation to go. It started exactly as I’d seen it in my mind, but I hadn’t expected Drew to step aside. Maybe I was wrong in thinking that he was immature and selfish.
“Drew, if you say the word, I’ll back off. I’m not willing to destroy two friendships just for a few nights of fun.”
“The only way I’d ask you to do that is if that’s all this is for you.” I pulled up in front of the grocery store, but neither of us moved to open our doors. “Cam is one of the best guys I know. He’s got a big heart, but sometimes, he’s a little too open with it. If you’re only in this for a couple of hot nights, then yeah you should walk away from him.”
I felt backed into a corner. Sure, I’d thought about what it’d be like to explore something more with Cam, but I wasn’t in a place to do that. It had nothing to do with being on the road most of the year and everything to do with my own inability to be open with those around me. I’d grown accustomed to never letting anyone get too close, and Cam had already seen more than people I’d known for years. There was no way I’d be able to hold back if last night and tonight turned into something more.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” It was the most I could promise him. 

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Sloan Johnson is a big city girl trapped in a country girl’s life. While she longs for the hustle and bustle of New York City or Las Vegas, she hasn’t yet figured out how to sit on the deck with her morning coffee, watching the deer and wild turkeys in the fields while surrounded by concrete and glass. When she was three, her parents received their first call from the principal asking them to pick her up from school. Apparently, if you aren’t enrolled, you can’t attend classes, even in Kindergarten. The next week, she was in preschool and started plotting her first story soon after. Later in life, her parents needed to do something to help their socially awkward, uncoordinated child come out of her shell and figured there was no better place than a bar on Wednesday nights. It’s a good thing they did because this is where she found her love of reading and writing. Who needs socialization when you can sit alone in your bedroom with a good book? Now, Sloan is a tattooed mom with a mohawk and two kids. She’s been kicked out of the PTA in two school districts and is no longer asked to help with fundraisers because she’s been known to lose herself with a good book and forget she has somewhere to be.

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Beyond the Scars Blog Tour, Excerpt, Giveaway

After years of physical and mental abuse, Tommy Chadwick finally finds the strength to leave Colin, his tormentor. But Tommy soon finds that escaping his violent boyfriend was only the first step on his path to recovery.

Now he must overcome feelings of worthlessness in order to rebuild his battered self-esteem.

Tommy’s lack of self-confidence prevents him from going out... at first, but then has him ricocheting from one man to another, desperately trying to please them in his search for love and acceptance.

After being rejected on New Year’s Eve, and then beaten after leaving the gay bar, he agrees to accompany his best friend, Sarah, to a martial arts club. There Tommy meets Marcus, a strong older man, who at first becomes his friend, introducing Tommy to new interests, and later, tentatively asks him on a date.

Will Marcus be the man to help Tommy put his past behind him and fall in love for real?

Excerpt: 

Shane rang me the next day after work, and my heart leapt when his name came up on my phone. I was in the lounge talking to Sarah, and I jogged upstairs to my room as I answered the call. I told myself he couldn’t wait until Saturday and wanted to speak to me in the meantime.

“Hi, Shane,” I said brightly.

“Hi.” He cleared his throat. “About Saturday....”

“Yes?” I wondered if the arrangement for the weekend was to change.

“It’s not gonna happen. I’m sorry.”

“Oh!” I felt the smile slip from my face, and I waited for him to elaborate.

“I’ve got a girlfriend. She’s been working in Spain for a few weeks, and I didn’t think she was coming back until next month, but she turned up this morning. Sorry.”

“Girlfriend?” I echoed, stunned.

“Yeah, I’m bi.”

“I thought you said you broke up with someone recently.”

“Well, she’s been away a long time, and we’d had a row when I said that.” I could picture him shrugging as he spoke.

“Oh. Okay. No problem.” I did my best to sound as if I didn’t care, while my heart plummeted into my shoes and tears prickled at the back of my eyes. When I ended the call, I reminded myself about everything that had been wrong in the very brief relationship. He didn’t talk, we had nothing in common, and he was inconsiderate in bed. But I’d liked him, far too much, and it fucking hurt that he had a girlfriend I didn’t know about. It hurt that he’d probably only been using me to fill in the time until she came back.

I curled up on my bed and wrapped my arms around myself. I wouldn’t let myself cry—I’d done far too much of that over Colin—but my throat hurt with the effort of not giving in to it, and my jaw ached from grinding my teeth. I lost track of time as I lay there feeling sorry for myself and wondering if I should have stayed with Gary after all.

“Tommy?” Sarah called softly from the doorway and waited.

“Yeah.” I rolled onto my back and forced a smile onto my face.

“What’s wrong, hun?” She closed the door and came to sit on the edge of my bed. My smile apparently hadn’t been very convincing, and I let it slip away.

“Nothing, I’m okay.”

“You were all excited when your phone rang, and now you look like a puppy that’s been kicked.”

“Thanks.” I grimaced and tried to laugh it off.

“Is it that bloke you’ve been seeing?”

“Shane. I’m not seeing him anymore. He’s got a girlfriend,” I blurted out. My eyes smarted again, and I blinked.

“I’m sorry.” Sarah rested her hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “But you’d only seen him a couple of times, hadn’t you?”

“Yeah, well, I’m a prick. We didn’t even have much in common. Less than me and Gary. But somehow I suppose I....” I sniffed miserably and sat up. “I really liked him.”

“Oh, Tommy.” Sarah slid her arms around me to give me a cuddle, and I sagged against her. I felt pathetic. I couldn’t say I was heartbroken over someone I’d had sex with twice, but I felt the sharp pain of rejection all over again, and the fragile confidence I’d built up since I left Colin began to crumble. Shane slipped from my mind, and I thought of a situation I’d been in with Colin more times than I could count.

“Get your shit packed and get out of here, Tommy.” Colin sneered at me from the couch. “You’re a pathetic waste of space and I’m sick of the sight of you.”

“You seriously want me to leave? Who’s going to pay the bills, then?” I asked.

“I’ll have no trouble getting a new flat mate. I don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner. There are plenty of cute boys out there. I don’t know why I stuck with the ugly little slut you are for so long.”

“Fine. I’ll go.” I turned away from him as hot tears spilled down my cheeks. He didn’t want me, didn’t care about me. I felt lost and crushed and relieved all at the same time. Maybe this time he’d really let me go.

I went into the bedroom and found my rucksack. I began packing my clothes first, while I sobbed and snuffled, and repeatedly wiped my eyes and nose on my sleeves. It was just after our first anniversary. He’d given me the ring and told me how much he loved me, how special I was to him, and how things would be perfect between us from now on. I’d almost forgotten all the times he’d hurt me, and even though I didn’t like the ring, I’d been delighted to receive it. It made me believe he really did love me. The next couple of days had been perfect—until now. I could barely remember what had started it—something to do with him not liking my suggestion we go out somewhere. We spent our whole lives cooped up in the flat except for me going to work and him going fishing with Gary. I’d thought we could do something nice together, but he could only see that I wanted to get out so I could look at other men or get attention from them.

I crammed the last few items into my rucksack and set it aside. I looked up to find Colin standing in the doorway, watching me.

“I’m sorry, babe,” he said. “I didn’t mean any of it. You know how jealous I get. I love you so much, and I want to keep you all to myself.”

“So why did you tell me to leave?” I said in a small voice.

“I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t want you to leave. I never want you to leave.” He came to me and took my hands. He stroked his thumb over the ring I wore. “This means we’re together forever. I’m never gonna let you go, Tommy. I promise.” He began kissing my face all over, tasting my tears. “Forgive me. Come on. You know I love you.”

The day had ended with him fucking me on the floor from behind, so hard he’d almost smashed my head into the wall. I’d been so sore afterward, I could barely sit down without yelping.

“Tommy, are you sure this is just about Shane?” Sarah was stroking my hair, and I realized I’d wept all over her blouse and left a wet patch on her shoulder. I pulled away and rubbed my hands over my face.

“Sorry. Uh... yeah, I’m just being stupid. I thought things were going well. Clearly I was wrong.”

“Are you sure that’s all? You seem so upset.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You know, I don’t get why you broke up with Gary. He seemed really nice.” Sarah frowned in puzzlement. “He treated you well, didn’t he?”

“Yes, but we had nothing in common. We never did anything except... never mind.” I laughed and felt my face heat up. “I’m fine, really.”

I was fine. I moped for two days and then went out to La Rues again. I met Paul, whom I dated for two weeks. He was ginger and freckled, and I wasn’t really attracted to him, but he was keen on me and he made me feel better. My confidence rose again, and I forgot about Shane. I felt good and I began to feel I could get anyone I wanted.

Buy Links: 

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Scars-Louise-Lyons-ebook/dp/B011H33IOS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1437021591&sr=8-9&keywords=louise+lyons

Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Scars-Louise-Lyons-ebook/dp/B011H33IOS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1437021674&sr=8-6&keywords=louise+lyons

ARe - https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-beyondthescars-1850034-149.html

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beyond-the-scars-louise-lyons/1122293429?ean=9781925222609

Wayward Ink Publishing - http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/beyond-the-scars-by-louise-lyons-copy/

Author Bio

Louise Lyons comes from a family of writers. Her mother has a number of poems published in poetry anthologies, her aunt wrote poems for the church, and her grandmother sparked her inspiration with tales of fantasy. Louise first ventured into writing short stories at the grand old age of 8, mostly about little girls and ponies. She branched into romance in her teens, and MM romance a few years later, but none of her work saw the light of day until she discovered FanFiction in her late 20s.

Posting stories based on some of her favorite movies, provoked a surprisingly positive response from readers. This gave Louise the confidence to submit some of her work to publishers, and made her take her writing “hobby” more seriously.

Louise lives in the UK, about an hour north of London, with a mad Dobermann, and a collection of tropical fish and tarantulas. She works in the insurance industry by day, and spends every spare minute writing. She is a keen horse-rider, and loves to run long-distance. Some of her best writing inspiration comes to her, when her feet are pounding the open road. She often races into the house afterward, and grabs pen and paper to make notes.

Louise has always been a bit of a tomboy, and one of her other great loves is cars and motorcycles. Her car and bike are her pride and joy, and she loves to exhibit the car at shows, and take off for long days out on the bike, with no one for company but herself.

Social Media

Blog: www.louiselyonsauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/louiselyonsauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/louiselyons013

Email: louiselyons013@gmail.com

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Strength to Let Go Blog Tour, Interview and Book Review

Title: Strength to Let Go
Series: Tales of the Werewolf Tribes, Book One
Author: Alina Popescu
Genre: gay romance, paranormal, werewolves, paranormal romance, supernatural
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

After being abandoned by his mates, Shiki Kirishima, beta of the Dragons of the Fang werewolf tribe, returns to his home in Tokyo.

Crippled by grief, Shiki decides to end it all by going into the territory of the Siberian Killers tribe and challenging them to a battle to the death.

His death.


Ganzorig, beta of the Siberian Killers, however, sees the potentially disastrous consequences of having Shiki die in battle.

Instead, he saves him.

Having suffered loss himself, Ganz takes it upon himself to help Shiki deal with his pain.

Blake, Shiki’s best friend since childhood, is as determined to show him there is life after a wolf’s ultimate loss.

Could there also be something ‘more’ for them after friendship?

Interview with Alina

Hello Alina, thank you for stopping by today.

Hi Layla, thank you so much for having me over! It’s a pleasure to be here and chat with you.

I've been dying to ask when you’re attraction to shapeshifters begin and what drew you to them?

I can’t say, really. I remember a lot of books with shapeshifters, but I guess that a human sharing his self with another beast has always been fascinating to me. It’s quite interesting to watch us become more of who we are. It’s not like we’re not all animals in the end. But being so purely savage has its attraction when I think about it. Instinct ruling decisions while the human mind is still at play is an interesting proposition, one that has you exploring cultural consequences, moral questions, philosophical rants, the works.

Have you ever written any shapeshifter characters who were not wolves?

Not yet, no. I’ve always loved wolves, and that explains why I chose werewolves to start with. I do have familiars in my fantasy free read on my blog, but that’s a different proposition and it has more to do with magic and the idea of wizards and their familiars than actual shifting. Turning into one’s animal form is about boosting magical energy, not actually turning into said beast. There might be other kinds of shifters in my future though, I don’t think I’ll be done with it after this werewolf series!

Of all of your characters who is your favorite?

Oh, that’s a tough question! I love all of them, but I could say I am very close to Shiki. I’ve role played him for a while now, so I know every facet of his personality. That isn’t to say he now lacks the ability of surprising and enraging me, but I know him quite well. So well, in fact, that some of his habits are rubbing off on me: I use more kohl in my makeup and I roll my eyes a lot more!

Who is your least favorite of all of your characters?

Hmm, tough one! There is one baddie in the Bad Blood vampire trilogy (that one’s MF) that I want to beat to a pulp, but I can’t reveal much. They’ll only make a big mess in book three and I have to keep it on the down low for now.

Do you have any particular writing rituals? Things that you absolutely have to have before you can sit down and write?

Not really, no. I prefer to have coffee and music around when I write, but that’s about it. Where I am doesn’t really matter, but I have to say typing is my favorite way of writing. I started out with pen and paper and a lot of my earlier works were drafted like that, but I haven’t done that in over seven years and I am much faster on a keyboard these days.

Did you find yourself having to do any sort of research in order to create the world your characters exist in?

Yes, quite often. I did research wolf myths in several cultures for this series, along with other facts (like wolves being wiped out in certain areas – UK and Japan for example). I’ve also had to do a bit of research on names, customs, how long some flights can be, etc. I like this part of the writing process though. I think it gives a story more depth, it makes it richer somehow. Plus it usually leads to interesting plot bunnies.

If your main character (s) had any message for the reader, what would it be?

I think the way both my characters see everything has changed a lot during their journey. I guess they’d both agree at this point that never saying never is a smart choice. In the end, they’d talk of hope, opening yourself up to the possibilities life lays before you, and always keeping your wits about you. Shiki might also add something about mochi being the secret to a better life, but that’s not the healthiest message he could put out there!

If your readers come away with one thing (thought, feeling, message) after reading your novel, what do you hope it is?

I think I’ve tried to show them there’s always hope with all my stories so far. Accepting who you are, keeping your mind and heart open, and not being afraid of trying again are all ideas I have focused on. I’d also say they should know everyone deserves their happiness and failing once does not define your entire future.

What comes first, the character (s) or the idea for the story?

It depends on the story, really. Sometimes it’s a character that’s larger than life and wouldn’t shut up. Otherwise there are scenes that come to mind, falling into place like pieces in a puzzle and revealing the characters. Whatever comes first, I think most of my stories are character driven first. I like to see the world through their eyes and join them on their journey.

Have there ever been moments when your characters ran away with the story, and if so, would you mind sharing one or two of them?

Well, there have been a few moments when we disagreed. I am not a fan of Shiki’s choice when he lost his mates. I knew what he was up to and that is why writing down his story took longer than I’d originally planned. I had to trust everything would be alright in the end, but I honestly cried my eyes out while writing that first part of the book.

The other time that happened to me was in what will now become book two of the series. That was supposed to be a first book, standalone, and male-female. Three of my characters, however, decided that was not right. One of them is Shiki’s twin, by the way! So I was stuck in the middle of the story, not knowing what to do, and that is when I started playing around with Shiki. As I was trying to discover his story, the other three showed me the way and my initial story turned into a series of which I have at least three more books planned.

Wow, thank you so much Alina, It's been wonderful talking to you and I hope everyone will check out the awesome trailer for Strength to Let Go. 

Book Trailer

Book Review

First I just want to say, I love shapeshifter books. Love love love, love love love. There is something about being of two minds, human and beast, that has always appealed to me. I love when the natures are at odds with one another, and when one side can cancel out the other just as much as I love when they are in harmony.  In Strength to Let Go, Shiki is broken. Not just his wolf side, or his human side, but both sides have been damaged by the loss of his mates.

For Shiki, the loss is compounded by the fact that his mates are alive, they have simply chosen to leave him without any explanation as to why. It leaves him confused, devastated, shattered, questioning his worth, what he did wrong, and why he wasn’t good enough for them. It also leaves him wanting to end his suffering, though fortunately that is not allowed to happen.

It is impossible not to feel Shiki’s heartbreak and sympathize with his loss and feelings of inadequacy. He’s left with nothing but questions, to ponder the worst and carry all the blame. This carries over even as he begins to heal. He doesn’t feel he has anything left to offer anyone, even those who are closest to him and love him regardless.

It’s easy to see why he loves to lose himself in clubs, fighting and sake, they are easy escapes from the emotions that have consumed him. Its wonderful to see the changes in him after Blake enters the scene. Their friendship shines through clearly the in the way they speak to one another, their expressions when they lock eyes, and Shiki’s thoughts when he thinks about his oldest and dearest friend.

Seeing the way they reconnect with one another gives the reader hope that things will be okay with Shiki. It takes baby steps, I love that there are moments when he regresses back into self-doubt and wallowing in his pain, it just serves as a reminder of how deeply he felt for his mates. A touchingly beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of love and loss, Strength to Let Go was a remarkably powerful read that is certain to enchant readers time and time again. This is a five dancing hamster read and I am already looking forward to reading more of Alina's work. 

Buy Links

Don’t miss the Tickle Me Pink sale on the Wayward Ink Publishing site – 25% off all list prices till July 21st.
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/strength-to-let-go-by-alina-popescu/
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B010ITT1VG/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010ITT1VG/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B010ITT1VG/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B010ITT1VG/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-strengthtoletgo-1840807-145.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/strength-to-let-go-alina-popescu/1122233801?ean=9781925222555

Giveaway

Prizes: $10 WIP Gift Card, 3 signed Bookmarks, and 1 ecopy of Strength to Let Go
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About the author

Writer, traveler, and coffee addict, Alina Popescu has been in love with books all her life. She started writing when she was ten and she has always been drawn to sci-fi, fantasy, and the supernatural realm. Born and raised in Romania, she finds her inspiration in books of all genres, in movies, and the occasional manga comic book. She is a proud geek who needs her fast Internet and gadgets more than she needs air.

Social Links
Site & Blog: http://alina-popescu.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authoralinapopescu
Twitter: http://twitter.com/alina_popescu
Instagram: http://instagram.com/alinapopescuwriter
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/alina-popescu
Google+:  https://www.google.com/+AlinaPopescu
Amazon:  http://amazon.com/author/alinapopescu

Book Review of Skye Jones' Claimed by Desire

Oh boy do I love a good shapeshifter story, but that is an understatement, in regards to Claimed by Desire, because this was an amazingly fantastic read.  Dylan’s sorrow over the loss of his mate practically jumped off the page and more than once I wanted to reach through the pages and hug him. Of course, the way he held Aeron at arms length and tried to pretend he didn’t care about him also made me smack him at times, but since he came to his senses, I guess I can let him slide.

I really enjoyed the slow build to the story, how natural Aeron and Dylan began interacting with one another around the farm. Seeing Dylan’s plans for the farm was interesting as was all the hard work he, Rhys and Aeron put into it. I found myself really liking both Luke and Sean though their conversations with Dylan, it was easy to see the bond that had formed between them and how much they wanted him to move on with his life following the death of his mate.

I also loved the idea of an Alpha being able to have more than one life mate, and that the loss of their mate didn’t ruin their wolf. It’s a great way of allowing them to move forward and giving them hope for the future. Dylan inviting Kate to come out to the farm and ride and just how kind he was to her made him very endearing to me.

The relationship growing as the danger grew closer was a great way of balancing tender moments with tension. Kate made a wonderful secondary character and Aeron’s love and care for her told more about his character than any other means of describing him could have done. His reaction to seeing Dylan’s wolf for the first time came across as honest and very natural, despite the fact that it might have hurt Dylan’s feelings at first. The level of realism there was a welcome breath of fresh air.

Dylan and Aeron have to work hard for their relationship. It isn’t just fear and doubts getting in the way but a destructive evil in the form of a bloodthirsty vampire. This book had some amazing twists and turns, including the connection between families that is revealed in the latter half of the book. Aeron’s love for Dylan shines through in the way he fights for the relationship, while Dylan’s love comes pouring out when he is forced to act quick in order to protect Aeron.

I hope there is more to come, it sure seems set up to be, these alpha led packs are pretty awesome and I’d love to see them interact more.

This one is easily four dancing hamsters in my book.

A Special Thank You Note

The blog tour for Guitars and Cages has ended and I just want to take a moment to thank everyone involved with making it such a fun and exciting event. It was amazing to get to talk about the book itself, the characters and my writing process, something I am still a bit shy about doing face to face. Seeing how many people liked, favorited, and retweeted tour stops was just humbling and a huge bright spot in each day and every day.

You see, Guitars and Cages was a book that almost wasn’t written. There was a part of me that was terrified to put Asher’s story out there for the world to see. The urge was always there to hold back, tone it down, mold the characters to fit a happily ever after, heck, when I first sat down to write it, it was with completing a romance in mind.

Each step was a challenge, not to get the words flowing, they were flowing just fine, but to be true to the characters and tell the story that they wanted to be have told. I found myself wondering ‘what were people going to think when they read this chapter? How were they going to judge me?’ It was an odd feeling, the rebel girl who always bucked convention being worried about what others might think of her. With as many times as I’ve gone out of my way to shock others with my comments or appearance, one would think I’d be used to the odd stares or evil glares.

I guess things are different when it’s something you’ve worked hard to create that is being put out there, not just yourself. Guitars was a piece I came to love the more I set the characters free to be as flawed and as real as they needed to be in order to change and grow. Somewhere in all of that, I realized that they weren’t the only ones changing and evolving.

I stopped hiding what I truly enjoyed reading and writing. I told my family about my books, the biggest shock coming when I told my step-father about Guitars and Cages and he still wanted to buy a copy, saying he was proud of me for doing what I loved. I never realized how happy I was, talking about my writing, until he told me how much I’d brightened his day, just hearing how much I was enjoying myself.

Seeing so many talk about the tour and the reviews that have come through so far for Guitars and Cages makes me want to kick myself for how worried I was to have Asher’s story published. He’s looking kinda smug right now, the little shit, since he’s the one who kept on encouraging me to stop being a coward and keep forging ahead on the journey with him.

For those who have been curious, the journey doesn’t end at the last page of Guitars and Cages, book two is in the works and close to ninety percent done. This second book will be more focused on all of them moving forward with their lives, heavy on some tough love and hard times for Cole. I do have plans to write a third book, focused mostly on Alexia, with many happy feels and a love interest too. As for Conner’s story, so many have suggested it that now I’ve got some ideas floating around in my head. So there just might be a forth part to Guitars in the future.

Thank you, everyone, who had a hand in the tour and making it a success. Thank you to the followers, readers, reviewers, tweeters and those who left words of encouragement. I’m finally able to live my dream and I owe it all to you and the wonderful staff at Wayward Ink who made this novel a reality.

Happy hamster hugs to all!

Tyler Knoll's Just For Fun, Blog Tour, Giveaway, Author Interview, Book review and Excerpt

Title: Tyler Knoll’s Just For Fun Series (Books 1-4)
Author: A.B. Gayle
Genre: Satire, humor, gay, gay romance, LGBT
Length: Novella
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

Tyler Knoll was born one wild, stormy night in April 2013.
Of course, Tyler might tell you he was born twenty years earlier, but should we believe anything he says? That’s for you to decide.
In Tyler’s first adventure—like many a gay man before him—he was SNARED by gay porn, wallowing in tales of bigger, stronger, harder….

Then his fickle mind was seduced and SHREDDED by the prospect of BDSM and slavery.

When a Big Misunderstanding SLASHED at Tyler’s sanity, almost costing him his life, he turned to another genre for his salvation. But even this encounter proved potentially hazardous—not from freezing temperatures, but at the hands of irate fans.

Finally, tired and SCREWED by his all his trials and tribulations, he discovers—like many storybook heroes before him—that sometimes Mr. Right is closer than we think.

INTERVIEW

What a wonderful way to start a new week here at Rainbow Lyrics and Mellow Mushrooms. AB Gayle stopped by this morning and check out the wonderful conversation that took place:

Hello A B, welcome to Rainbow Lyrics and Mellow Mushrooms. It’s great to have the chance to talk to you today and find out more about Tyler Knoll’s Just For Fun. Thank you so much for being here.

Thanks, Layla, great to be here.

First I have to ask what your inspiration for the story was and how you went about getting started.

It all started when a group on Goodreads was discussing what they liked and didn't like about the genre. Some felt stories were getting too wishy washy, following the Harlequin model in m/f romance, while others hated the raw grittiness that was more often found in gay porn. Challenges were thrown around to write something that showed the worst of these excesses.

This was just before "Leather+Lace" was released, so I'd also been up to my ears in the editing and publication process. Everything mashed together in my head like a bad dream and Tyler Knoll (a pun on the brand Tylenol) and his writing tribulations was conceived.

Are you an outliner, or a seat of your pants writer?

Normally, I'm very much an outliner. This book was the opposite. It grew (and was amended) in response to various comments by reviewers and beta readers. For example when one reviewer of "Snared" the first book commented: I laughed outloud several times and probably would have given it a four if it weren't for the end. I didn't like Gareth and the way the story ended left me feeling a little disappointed.

So in the second book, "Shredded", I immediately addressed her dislike, or should I say the character Dilbert does, by ensuring he keeps Tyler and Gareth apart.

And when one reviewer gave it a one star with the comment "Tiresome and annoying." I gleefully incorporated her remark and built it into a tirade against the "editor" for changing the writer's voice.

Ditto the third book, "Slashed," after another reviewer commented on "Shredded": "Aargh.. Even more frustrating than #1... Such a tease Tyler... Make IT happen, please..." Hence #3 has a very graphic sex scene but where and with whom is not what you would have expected in a hundred million years.

Do you have any particular rituals when you write? Music you have to have? A particular food, or drink, or location you always write in?

Normally I do. "Leather+Lace" was written to the accompaniment of Fleetwood Mac and "Red+Blue" to Ry Cooder. When I wrote "Mardi Gras" Lou Reed played in the background. Tyler Knoll prefers rap, but I don't, so we had a bit of an argument there.

What is your favorite part of the story?

The afore-mentioned sex scene. Oh wait! Maybe the bit where he first meets the Virtual Representative of The Universal Reading Department (aka the VR from TURD ) for the first time! Talk about meta personified.

Did you find yourself with material left over after the story had been told and if so, do you intend to write another installment?

Ideas more than material. Although just about all the cliches got used ,since then, I've thought of a few other things: mermen, cockblocking, knotting, mpreg. Maybe I should have written one where a merman and a werewolf get together but the werewolf hates water unless he is human form and then all four could have been used! Mind you I still have to get my brain around mpreg. I mean WHY?!?!

Comedy isn't easy to write. A book on the same level of humor all the way through can be wearing. The funnier it is, the smaller doses at a time that you need. The nature of the humor definitely changed throughout. This was deliberate as I felt if Tyler didn't change from these experiences then it wasn't a "real" story. But even that change was brought in as a plot point.

Was there a particular part of the book that was difficult to write, and if so, why?

Weirdly, I found "Screwed" was the most difficult even though that was almost traditional romance. It was tricky getting the balance right. Tyler had to be to be funny, but the MM tropes had to be brought in as well. The misunderstanding, the lack of communication (and how it gets solved eventually), and the big break up. I mean the situation, when you analyse it, is all so ridiculous, but it's meant to be. Here, he is the unreliable narrator who doesn't get what Dilbert is up to. Or even who Dilbert is.

If you could have dinner with one character in your story, who would it be and where would you go to eat?  Might I ask as well, what each of you would order?

I would love to go out with the VR from TURD. Preferably to experience Heston Blumenthal's Sound of the Sea at "The Fat Duck" I could just imagine the sarcastic asides that would eventuate. Seeing it's an "aural" dish (well it must be if it's just the sound of something), he could whisk me there in the dimension he inhabits.

What inspired you to become a writer? Was it something that you always dreamed of doing?

I've only been writing for a few years. It was never something I envisaged myself doing, and I'm not sure I consider myself a "writer" per se. It doesn't come easy for me, and I am very envious of those for whom words just flow. They've been doing it for a lot longer than I have, so it's not just a question of talent. Although there is no denying some writers have "It." Reading books by those that possess this rare quality makes me wonder why I bother sometimes. I feel a hack by comparison.

Thank you for joining me here today. It’s been a pleasure having you. 

Thank you for having me!

And now for an excerpt from Tyler Knoll's Just For Fun:  

Excerpt

"I don’t mind a bit of domestic discipline from a stern Daddy, and I absolutely adore being tied up and fucked! This room would be perfect because the exposed plumbing snakes over the ceiling, providing lots of anchoring points for chains and ropes. Not that there are any here at the moment, but there could be. And to add to the already creepy atmosphere, the bare concrete walls are covered in graffiti, but I’m too chicken to take a closer look, in case they’re cries for help, scrawled in human blood.”

Hang on. Blood? Whose blood would it be?

“My predecessors. Mrs. Stringer warned me when I first started in the job. Just give Eric the bag of documents to shred then leave. Don’t hang around like the idiots who didn’t return for hours and others who never came back at all. She’d been dead serious too, I could tell.”

Didn’t come back at all? How come?

“I don’t know, that’s the trouble. Every time I probe for details, people just shake their heads and eye me strangely. I eventually asked Mrs. Stringer, fearing I’d strayed into a non-con, dub-con or even slave recruitment agency, but she just peered at me over the top of her glasses and shook her head, saying, They never tell me but, on average, they quit after a couple of weeks. And they’re the ones who come back to collect their belongings. Most simply tender their resignation over the phone and are never seen again.”

Sounds fishy.

“That’s what I thought! But then I figured all those slave-fic stories doing the rounds must have come from somewhere. They can’t all be based on the writers’ imaginations, can they? So I took Mrs. Stringer’s advice and, so far, I’ve managed to resist capture by dropping the bag and running. But today, as soon as I arrived, because he wasn’t around, I tried to open the lockers, thinking he might have hidden the bodies inside or left collars or other incriminating evidence, but none of my keys worked.”

If the man is that dangerous, why are you lingering? Don’t tell me you’re TSTL!

“TSTL? The Sky is the Limit? Or do you mean Thus Spake the Lord! I told you I’m not religious! And if you’re not careful, I’ll use up my quota of exclamation marks before I get to the end of the second chapter.”

Too Stupid to Live!

Oh. “No. At least I don’t think so.” My mother maintains that I am, but we won’t go there."

I give Tyler Knoll's Just for Fun, a Four Dancing Hamster Award. 

I found this to be a rather intriguing read. A quirky author’s journey from penning his first book to finding his legs in the publishing world. The fact that each book, in structure and style changed and progressed, showed the way an author progresses from their first dabbles into storytelling to the point where they really find their flow and voice.

Tyler Knoll was snarky, awkward, sarcastic and that was all without the inner monologue and addressing the readers and editors. There were moments when he was endearing and there were other moments when you had to wonder if all he was motivated by was getting laid or if he was always looking for the one thing that he was constantly denying he wanted.

There were moments when I truly felt bad for him, that he found himself in positions of being unable to speak up for himself , or had expectations that were far higher than what the end result turned out to be. He grew through his disappointments though, and I think he came to realize that one day he was going to find himself in a situation that he couldn’t write his way out of.

The truly interesting part, for me, is that humor doesn’t usually speak to me, and I can’t recall a time when I’ve read a romance book that was as filled with humor as this one, but the funny bits here actually didn’t bother me. The inner monologue reminded me of the things many of us think throughout the day but would never dare to share out loud.

It was the final book that brought the whole story together for me. It’s really what made it a romance story in the end. Up until that point, Tyler’s life seemed to be all about the hookup, which was fitting for his age. This is one of those books that you have to enter into with an open mind and be ready for anything and everything to happen. It’s just what it says, Just for Fun, so be prepared to laugh right alongside Tyler and his misadventures. 

Buy links

Everyone who bought  SNARED gets a 20% discount at buying the Just for Fun composite from the WIP website! Check the website for details.
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/?p=1278
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Knolls-Just-Fun-Books-ebook/dp/B00ZW6552U/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tyler-Knolls-Just-Fun-Books-ebook/dp/B00ZW6552U/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/Tyler-Knolls-Just-Fun-Books-ebook/dp/B00ZW6552U/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/Tyler-Knolls-Just-Fun-Books-ebook/dp/B00ZW6552U/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-tylerknoll039sjustforfuncompositebooks14-1839904-149.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tyler-knolls-just-for-fun-ab-gayle/1122175760?ean=9781925222548

Book trailer

Giveaway

Prize: $20 WIP Gift Card and 1 ebook copy of Tyler Knoll’s Just for Fun
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

Unlike many authors, A.B. Gayle hasn’t been writing stories all her life. Instead she’s been living life.
Her travels have taken her from the fjords of Norway to the southern tip of New Zealand. In between, she’s worked in so many different towns she’s lost count. A.B. has shoveled shit in cow yards, mustered sheep, been polite to customers, traded insults with politicians. Sometimes she needs to be forgiven as she get confused as to who needs what where. 

Now living in Sydney, Australia, A.B. finally has time to allow her real life experiences to morph with her fertile imagination in order to create fiction that she hopes her readers will enjoy. 
A.B. values feedback on her writing, both negative and positive.

A.B. Gayle can be found at:
Website: https://abgayle.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abgayle.writer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abgaylewriter
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/abgaylewriter/