The House Guest: Blog Post + Review

The House Guest

Asta Idonea

28 October 2016

MLR Press

Short Story/MM/PNR

Heat Level: 4

Zach is thrilled with his new flat, until strange noises disturb him. Who wanders his home at night, laughing and singing, and why is the place always spotless when he never cleans? There was no mention of a house guest in the contract, but it seems Zach has a nocturnal visitor.

Bogdan never expected to end up in Zach’s tiny flat, but now that he’s here, he intends to make the best of it. Zach seems preferable to his last master, and he waits for the right moment to announce his presence. He doesn’t count on Zach’s determination to seek out the truth himself in the meantime.

Audio Excerpt: https://soundcloud.com/nickijmarkus/the-house-guest-by-asta-idonea-mm-short-story-excerpt

MLR Press: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=AI_HSGST

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thehouseguest-2159826-340.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MCZ5J4D

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MCZ5J4D

Excerpt

“Ha, ha, ha!”

Zach shot upright and blinked into the darkness. He strained his ears, listening for the smallest of sounds, but the flat was silent, save for the gentle creak of the window when the wind buffeted against it and the refrigerator’s soft hum. For a moment, he could have sworn he heard laughter, but it must have been his imagination, or else the remnants of a dream he had not realized had begun. Chastising himself for his jumpiness, he settled back down.

“Ha, ha, ha!”

This time he was certain it was no dream. There was laughter coming from within the flat. Someone was in the next room. For all he’d joked earlier in the day about how ridiculous the idea was, it turned out there was an intruder in his home.

Zach gripped the covers and wondered what to do. He’d left his mobile in the lounge when he went to bed, so he couldn’t call for help without going out there. What was the best way to deal with an intruder? Should he stay still and quiet and hope the man—the voice had sounded male—left without attacking him, or should he get up and attempt to scare him away by catching him in the act? Either seemed risky, but he needed to decide one way or the other. For a moment, he wished his older brother were there. Steven was a black belt in karate and a weightlifter. His strong build was better suited to putting robbers to flight than Zach’s skinny frame. However, Steven wasn’t present. He had no choice but to handle this alone.

Review

This was the perfect semi-creepy story to read for Halloween. Right away I had my suspicions on who/what was in the drawer/freed by Zachery, but I loved that I had to keep on reading to be absolutely sure. That alone kept me engaged and glued to the screen waiting to discover what happened next. I loved the moment of tension caused by the laughter in the night, waiting to see what Zachery would see when he went out there, and learning a bit more about him, in that moment, with his thoughts as he moved to approach the situation.

At the awesome moment of the reveal of the man’s description, I found that I was soo, so wrong and that was awesome, because that had me wanting more again. I loved the pacing, and the point of view, for a short story, there were some great moments touched upon that allowed me to come to know Zachery.

Hearing Bogdan’s story, I couldn’t help but feel bad for him. I loved the way the author was able to elicit sympathy for the character with just a few words. I don’t want to give anything away of the latter half of the story, so I’ll just say this. WOW. This was a positively delightful read, fun, light-hearted, with a smooth, wonderful flow, kind of like dark rum, ‘cause it had a beautiful hint of spice to. Loved this read. 

Author Bio & Links

Asta Idonea (aka Nicki J Markus) was born in England, but now lives in Adelaide, South Australia. She has loved both reading and writing from a young age and is also a keen linguist, having studied several foreign languages.

Asta launched her writing career in 2011 and divides her efforts not only between MM and mainstream works but also between traditional and indie publishing. Her works span the genres, from paranormal to historical and from contemporary to fantasy. It just depends what story and which characters spring into her mind!

As a day job, Asta works as a freelance editor and proofreader, and in her spare time she enjoys music, theatre, cinema, photography, and sketching. She also loves history, folklore and mythology, pen-palling, and travel; all of which have provided plenty of inspiration for her writing.

Blog: http://www.nickijmarkus.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NickiJMarkus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NickiJMarkus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickijmarkus/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+NickiJMarkusAstaIdonea

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4567057.Nicki_J_Markus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamarkus

Amazon Author US: http://www.amazon.com/Asta-Idonea/e/B00RMGGVYO

Amazon Author UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Asta-Idonea/e/B00RMGGVYO

Rainbow Snippet Oct. 15

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

Today's Snippet is from my WIP snakeshifter novel. 

“I’m sorry, but there isn’t a cure for your visions, nor should you wish for the end of something that has the potential to be so beneficial to so many. It is unfortunate and most unfair that your family reacted to them the way they did, but it does not change their importance. I hope that being here will allow you to see just how special you and those visions are.”

“In a way, it already has,” Darian said as he finished his mech and slid the stand it was on away from him so it could dry.

Standing, he moved out of his chair, gesturing for Zaiden to take his place. “It's a lot easier when you can look through the magnifying glass while you paint, that way you can see every ridge and line.”

Zaiden studied him intently before sitting down. “Do you truly mean that?”

The hopefulness in Zaiden’s voice was strange, but it warmed Darian and made him feel like he’d actually be missed if he were to leave. 

Rainbow Snippet Sept. 24

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

This weeks snippet, last last weeks, is from Racing the Sky, currently in formatting (yey, we are finished with edits) and slated to be released through Wayward Ink later this fall. My dirt bike themed story with a bit of May/December romance, I fell in love with Nicky, Vic, River and Gray when they first popped into my head in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I hope in time some of you will come to love them too. This scene is from  after Nicky wrecks his bike.

They began packaging Nicky onto a backboard and gurney for the ride to the hospital. River kept hoping he’d at least give the crowd a thumbs up, but he was so still.

The next thing River knew, Terry was flat on his back in the dirt, with Vic looming over him.

“You son of a bitch!” Vic snarled.

“I didn’t mean for him to get hurt,” Terry pleaded.

“Yeah, ’cause you haven’t been ripping him to pieces for weeks! Well, good job, Terry. Congratulations, you won!”

Sept. 17 Rainbow Snippet

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

This weeks snippet, last last weeks, is from Racing the Sky, currently in formatting (yey, we are finished with edits) and slated to be released through Wayward Ink later this fall. My dirt bike themed story with a bit of May/December romance, I fell in love with Nicky, Vic, River and Gray when they first popped into my head in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I hope in time some of you will come to love them too. This scene is from the Nicky and Gray's first official date, out in the woods having a picnic dinner watching a meteor shower. 

“This is amazing,” Nicky whispered as five streaks raced overhead.

Gray propped himself up on one elbow and stared down at Nicky. “You are amazing. I still want to know more, you know. That little conversation we had last night wasn’t enough.”

“Then come to the races Saturday,” Nicky half asked, half pleaded. It would be amazing to have someone there cheering just for him.

“What time?”

“First heat starts at nine.”

Leaning in, Gray slid his fingers into Nicky’s hair. “I’ll be there,” he said low, before kissing him.

Rainbow Snippet Sept 10.

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

This weeks snippet, last last weeks, is from Racing the Sky, currently in edits it's slated to be released through Wayward Ink later this fall. My dirt bike themed story with a bit of May/December romance, I fell in love with Nicky, Vic, River and Gray when they first popped into my head in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I hope in time some of you will come to love them too. This scene is from the first meeting between Nicky and Gray. 

Looking at the big man, who was watching him from the far end of the counter, Nicky gave a tense smile. “Could I, umm, have another slice of pie? Apple this time, please.”

The man laughed. “How about ice cream with that?”

“Sure. Maybe I’ll die of a sugar overdose.”

They were alone in the diner, save for the guy on the grill in the back.

“You know,” the man began, “there are some fun ways to burn off sugar, if you’re interested. I get off in an hour.”

Nicky shivered, partly in fear and partly in anticipation. He could say yes, easy. Hell, it wasn’t as if Terry had even waited for them to break up before he’d moved on to someone else. Still, Nicky had never been with anyone but Terry, and this was a stranger, even if he was friendly as hell.

“Think about it,” the guy said before he headed to the back.

Mini Blog Tour – Age is Just a Number, a Wayward Ink Publishing Anthology

Mini Blog Tour – Age is Just a Number, a Wayward Ink Publishing Anthology

Title: Age is Just a Number

Authors: Eric Gober, Layla Dorine, Lily Velden, Dale Cameron Lowry, Eddy LeFey, Asta Idonea, Louise Lyons, Kassandra Lea, Carol Pedroso, Aimee Brissay

Genre: Gay, Romance, May/December Romance, LGBT

Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing

Synopsis

There’s something to be said for life experience, a little gray at the temple…

And then there is the appeal of youth.

When it comes to what the heart wants, Age Is Just A Number.

Buy Links

Don’t miss the limited time discounted prices on publishers’ and all major retailer sites!

WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/age-is-just-a-number-a-wayward-ink-publishing-anthology/

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ageisjustanumberawaywardinkpublishinganthology-2090671-166.html

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Age-Just-Number-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KMSZ7X4/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Age-Just-Number-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KMSZ7X4/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Age-Just-Number-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KMSZ7X4/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Age-Just-Number-Publishing-Anthology-ebook/dp/B01KMSZ7X4/

Stories Included

TWENTY LIGHT YEARS BETWEEN US

Eric Gober

An alien encounter...

An unfortunate misstep...

A lightning fast journey through space...

The laws of physics are about to wreak havoc on Walt and Michael’s May-December love.

ALL ROADS LEAD WITHIN

Layla Dorine

When James spotted Rogue, a young man for whom wandering is like breathing, half-dozing on the hood of his car, he never expected that warning him about the dangers of sleeping out in the open would lead to a weekly visitor at his door.

NORTH PASTURE

Lily Velden

Upon the death of his grandfather, up and coming Fantasy author, Thomas, returns home.

A place he left four years earlier to get over his unrequited love for Sam Fletcher, his older, straight, and very much married neighbor.

Thomas soon discovers, however, that things are much changed with Sam…

AMERICAN MASTER BAKER

Dale Cameron Lowry

Baking is a way of life for Joey, a young pastry chef vying for first place in the popular reality show American Master Bakers.

But the judges have been showing favoritism to Terence, an aggravatingly attractive older man with more experience under his belt.

When the competition gets hot, so do the two men. Can a relationship that started in hatred end in love?

ALPHA AND OMEGA: THE CLAIMING

Eddy LeFey

A young Omega shifter meets a much older Alpha.

Will Elliot let Issac help him be who he is too afraid to be?

STAND AND DELIVER

Asta Idonea

Necessity has forced former soldier Captain Keen to assume the occupation of gentleman highwayman. His fortunes take a turn, however, the night he stops the Marquis de Beaumont's coach and gets more than he bargained for when he utters the words "Stand and deliver!"

LOST AND FOUND

Louise Lyons

The loss of his best friend leads Phil to find love.

TRAIL TO LOVE

Kassandra Lea

There's only one thing Kit Conley likes more than horses and that's Roman Meadery.

But will the elite rider ever notice him?

CRUISING WITH LOVE

Carol Pedroso

Gus is under the thumb of a controlling father. Can meeting his mate give him a reason to make a break for freedom?

Nelson is twice Gus’ age, and very protective of what is his.

What will happen when Gus’ father tries to split them up? And what surprises does Nelson have up his sleeve?

NEAR MISS

Aimee Brissay

A few seconds, that's all it takes to make a difference between life and death.

Between killing someone and stopping on time.

But is it enough to turn yourself around when you've hit bottom?

Or to make you recognize something good when you have it?

Book Trailer

Excerpt

AMERICAN MASTER BAKER Dale Cameron Lowry

Joey hated Terence with a passion. He hated his perfect puff pastries, his melt-in-your mouth mille-feuilles, the way he arranged lebkuchen on a platter, and his baritone voice barking “yes, chef” and “no, chef” loud enough to be heard over twelve roaring stand mixers. He hated Terence’s salt-and-pepper hair, prettier than white buttercream dusted with silver sugar, and how Terence saw nothing wrong with strolling naked between bedroom and bathroom at the contestants’ dorm, his nuts hanging low beneath his meaty cock, swinging shling-shlong, shling-shlong with every stride.

Terence had become the bane of Joey’s existence from that first day on the set of American Master Bakers. There’d been fifty contestants then, each presenting their signature bake for a chance at being on the full season. Within the four-hour time limit, Terence had somehow managed to bake and decorate a three-tier wedding cake with a different sponge in each layer, two custard fillings, and three jams from scratch. That alone would have made him a shoo-in, but then he’d decorated its flawless ganache with handcrafted fondant lovebirds that looked like the real thing.

“Well, Terence, we might as well skip the whole season and give you the bakers’ crown now!” had been the judges’ assessment.

Fucking show-off.

Giveaway

Prize:  $10 WIP Gift Card

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3e3d66a94/

Rainbow Snippet Sept 3

Rainbow Snippets is a group for LGBTQ+ authors, readers, and bloggers to gather once a week to share six sentences from a work of fiction–a WIP or a finished work or even a 6-sentence book recommendation (no spoilers please!).

In this group you’ll find anything from romance and historical fiction to mystery and YA. The common thread is that every story’s main character identifies as LGBTQ+. The snippets could range from zero flames to full-on sexytimes, anything goes content-wise. The only rule is snippets will be 6 sentences long–one for each color in the Pride flag.

I would invite everyone to please come check out the Rainbow Snippets group, click on a link, read and comment on the writing available and get involved yourselves in this awesome exercise. The link to the group can be found HERE. 

This weeks snippet is from Racing the Sky, currently in edits it's slated to be released through Wayward Ink later this fall. My dirt bike themed story with a bit of May/December romance, I fell in love with Nicky, Vic, River and Gray when they first popped into my head in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I hope in time some of you will come to love them too. 

The hardest part of it all was Vic was glad Terry was gone. Selfish as it might be, without Terry around he and Nicky could hang out more, maybe climb some boulders and hike the trails outside of town. Vic loved being up in the mountains, but Terry had almost never wanted to go, and when he had he’d complained or derailed the trip somehow. He’d always wanted to be the center of attention, especially back in high school, and Nicky had never seemed to care.

Easy going, wild child Nicky, with his long, blondish-brown hair, piercing green eyes, and infectious enthusiasm, had been the one Vic had been drawn to; though Nicky scared him at times. He took too many chances and tended to jump headlong into things. At times he could be downright reckless, and Terry had always seemed to egg him on. There had been times when Vic had longed to pull Nicky back, hold him tight, and wrestle him to the ground to keep him from harm, but that would have been like cutting off a bird’s wings, and Nicky, damn he loved to fly.