Book Promo

Character Interview with Dal & Alex from Temptations of Desire by Tempeste O’Riley + Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on September 27, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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Good morning and a wonderful Saturday to you! I’d like to first thank the lovely Blogger Girls for hosting me today. ☺ Today I’m letting you get a crack at the MC’s of Temptations of Desire. I’ll ask them five (5) questions and we all get to see what their answers are. Sound funs, right?

So, let’s fist introduce our lovelies! Today we have Dal Sayer and Alex Noble with us.

TO: Hey. Thanks so much for coming with me to The Blogger Girls site.

Dal: Not a problem. Lexie and I talked and we’ll answer most any question you have. Well, as long as it’s not too personal *wink*

*Alex blushes but nods*

TO: Great! So, Let me make sure everyone knows who’s who. Lexie is Alex, right?

Dal: Yeah, I call Alex Lexie most of the time.

TO: Cool. Now, on to the questions…

TO: What got you in the crosshairs for me, your author?

Dal: Well, for me, I think it was being in Desires’ Guardian more than anything. Appearing in my brother Rhys’s story was fine, but in one of the scenes, you just had to show me with Lexie and in another one you showed me telling Chase, Rhys’s partner, that I’d met a guy I really liked but was nervous over. Seems you just had to share our journey like you did James and Seth’s, and Rhys and Chase’s.

Alex: For me, I’m not sure other that when I was at the hospital in Desires’ Guardian with Dal. *shrug* I guess you must have liked us enough to want to share our story. I’m kinda glad you did, and I hope my past and now finding love helps encourage others.

TO: Thanks and that was sweet Alex. I hope others are encouraged as well. Now, what’s the most important thing in your life? What do you value most?

Alex: My friends and lover. Things aren’t what I value in life so a “what” doesn’t work for me. *smirk* Though if you want a non people answer… probably my career as a chef. I’ve wanted to be one since I was little, and even losing my family and home didn’t change that. But still, I value Dal more than my cooking *wink*

Dal: Aw, Lexie, I love you too.

TO: Dal and Alex, at the beginning of the story (Temptations of Desire) what was your greatest fear?

Dal: Hmm… Probably never finding someone to love that could love me back. All my life I’ve wanted that, but none of my relationships ever seemed to work. I stayed friends with most of my exes, but that’s just it. We all made better friends than lovers, or they weren’t truly interested in a relationship, just sex. Thankfully, I met my Lexie!

Alex: Mine was similar to Dal’s though I had two main fears. Never finding love and being hurt. My life turned upside down when I was a teen and it wasn’t until I met and fell for Dal here that things finally leveled out, really. It’s hard to feel safe when just being yourself can get you beat or worse.

TO: That’s a great lead to my next question: What gender and orientation are each of you? I know the answer, but it’s important for the story and you as characters so I want to share with the readers ☺

Dal: I’m male and bi. For me, being bi has caused many, many issues in dating. You’d think it meant I had more choices, but so many either believe, wrongly, that bi means gay but not wanting to admit it or that you’re a slut and incapable of commitment. It makes finding a lover hard when the person you want shuns you.

TO: Yes, and that’s a common misconception, sadly. I’m so glad you found someone that loves you as you are.

Alex: I’m genderfluid and am only drawn to males. I word it that way because saying gay implies I’m male, and while physically true, being genderfluid means my gender isn’t always one way. Some days I’m fem, some butch, and some a blending or a bit androgynous.

TO: And lastly, what was one of the most embarrassing things I did to you in Temptations of Desire?

Dal: How you had me meet Lexie’s sister! That was just plain cruel.

Alex: *giggles* But it was so fun.

Dal: No, it was not.

Alex: Agree to disagree, baby. As for me? Um, even though I liked the outcome, I’d have to go with how Dal found out I’m genderfluid. I didn’t tell him, hadn’t honestly figured out how to—afraid he’d leave like others have. That event was mortifying, but I won’t spoil it for the readers by telling them what happened 😉 They’ll just have to grab our book and find out *laughs*

TO: Thanks so much for coming along. I hope you’ve enjoyed your time with Dal and Alex!

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About Temptations of Desire

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Alexander James Noble is a gender fluid gay man who gave up on finding Mister Right a long time ago. He’s not asking for much, though. He just wants a guy who loves all of him and appreciates his feminine form too.

At the local LGBTQ center where Alex regularly volunteers, he meets Dal Sayer, an officer of the Milwaukee PD. Because he’s been rejected one too many times, Alex doesn’t trust the huge cop and the interest he shows in him, but once Dal sets his mind on something, he goes all out. Pushing aside his preconceived notions, Alex opens up just a little and soon caves.

From their first date—while dealing with his father’s failing health and his parents’ demands for him to settle down and have children—Dal never takes his eyes off his goal of making Alex his. But proving to Alex he isn’t like all the men who couldn’t see him for who he truly was and only wanted to hide him away is harder than he thought.

Available at: Dreamspinner Press and Amazon

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An Excerpt from Temptations of Desire

“DAMMIT, DAL, what’s up with you today?” Rhys snapped at him. “You’ve lost count. Again.”

They were at the gym, and he knew he was supposed to be counting his reps while his big brother spotted him, but the most beautiful amber—flecked with small chips of gold and green— eyes he’d ever seen kept floating in front of him. Dal had always liked guys that were shorter, though he didn’t usually go for the more waif-like twinks like his brother. But then, he liked the delicate curves of a woman too—something his brother had never been interested in. Still, he needed to concentrate!

“Sorry. Maybe we should move on. I’m just not feeling it today.”

Rhys stared at him for a long moment. Dal knew he was being examined, but there was no way, he hoped, Rhys could know who had his mind and libido so distracted.

“How ’bout we call it a day and go grab a couple a beers?”

“Sure.” He flashed a grin as he sat up, grabbed his towel, and began wiping down the bench before standing and heading to clean up and change.

“Then you can tell me who’s got you all in a twist,” Rhys added once they were in the shower area, smirking as he dodged the towel Dal snapped at him.

“You know, you’re worse than mom with the gossip and busybody routine.” Dal grabbed his shower kit and walked off before Rhys could retaliate, as he was apt to do.

Once both men were clean and dressed, they headed to where their bikes were parked.

Rhys’s black and chrome Harley Softail and his red Ducati Diavel stood out in a sea of generic cars and trucks in the parking lot.

“Meet me at Flanagan’s?”

Dal knew this was going to be unpleasant, but nodded and dutifully straddled his bike before heading out to their favorite pub on this side of town—probably in the entire metro area if he were honest.

By the time he arrived and got up the courage to go inside, Rhys had already grabbed two mugs of beer—Guinness for himself and a Murphy’s Stout for Dal—and snagged a corner booth.

The grin he flashed told Dal just how serious his brother was about him spilling what was on his mind. He rolled his eyes, making sure Rhys saw him, and huffed as he flopped down on the other side of the booth.

“So dignified, Dal,” Rhys grumbled but smiled. “Now, take a couple a good pulls on your beer and tell me what’s got you so out of sorts. I haven’t seen you like this since….” Rhys bit the cuticle of his right thumb, seemingly lost in thought.

Taking a hearty gulp of his stout, Dal tried to think of a way to distract Rhys. “Ha, you just want to play yenta since your love life is so wonky right now. How is Chase, anyhow?”

Rhys’s green slit-eyed stare landed on him with a near-physical push. “I have no idea how Chase is. He works for me. Period.” Flexing his left hand repeatedly, Rhys stared down at his drink with what Dal knew was confusion and hurt.

He shouldn’t have asked that. He knew better. “Sorry, Rhys. That was low, even for me.”

Rhys looked up. His eyes seemed to clear as a small smile tugged at his lips. “It’s okay. But seriously. What’s really going on with you? Who is she? Or is it a he?” The last question came out so softly Dal barely heard it over the noise of the other patrons.

Dal looked his brother over a moment but decided that fighting with him over it wasn’t worth the headache, and well, he could use some advice. Maybe.

Dal lowered his gaze to the tabletop and breathed a deep sigh before he met Rhys’s eyes again. “His name is Alex. We’ve had roughly five minutes worth of conversation, most of which was about the upcoming dance you and I offered to bounce for. He’s, well, I don’t know what he is to the center. He was cooking when I was there, so I guess a cook or chef of some kind.”

“And by the soft tone of your voice and the glassy eyes, I’d say you’re smitten with him.”

Rhys waited until Dal gave one tight nod to continue. “So, do you know anything about him? What’s he like? Do you want me to check him out?”

Dal’s head snapped up, glowering, or he hoped it was a death glare anyway. “You have enough man trouble, don’t you dare go hitting on Alex.” Dal could hear the growl in his voice but couldn’t care less. “He’s sweet and shy and has the most captivating amber eyes I’ve ever seen. His skin is so smooth it begs to be touched and is the most beautiful creamy cappuccino-like color.”

One side of Rhys’s lips turned up into a smirk. “So, he’s a pretty boy?”

“Yes. No. Ugh! Yes, he’s pretty, almost feminine in a way, yet all man at the same time.

He’s the kind of person who would be beautiful and sexy either way, but he’s not like the kind of guys you usually go for and, just, you leave him alone.”

At that, Rhys let out a belly laugh the likes of which Dal hadn’t heard from his brother in a while. Not in a year or more, probably. “Don’t worry, I would never try to poach. You know better than that, little brother. But, what are you going to do about this Alex of yours?”

Dal couldn’t tell whether Rhys’s tone or the Cheshire cat grin plastered across his face annoyed him more, but he had no freakin’ clue what to do, so he settled for scowling at his brother. Not that it seemed to have any effect. Criminals, troubled teens, guys sitting in interrogation…. Sure, his “look” worked fine on them, but his brother? Nope! Besides, he hated the self-righteous look he was getting right then.

Finally, Rhys stopped grinning at him. “Fine, Dal, but I haven’t seen you interested in much of anyone in a long time. Not girl or guy, so yeah, if this guy is able to bring out your protective side like this after only five minutes, I’m going to say ‘hell yeah,’ go for it!”

“Rhys, I know nothing about him. I don’t think he likes cops much, considering he was initially hostile. I think that was more fear than anything, though, really, but no—” he grabbed Rhys’s free hand “—I do notwant you to investigate him. Promise me, Rhys.”

Rhys waited a moment before grumbling but nodded his agreement.

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Other Books in the Desires Entwined Series:

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About Tempeste O’Riley

TO-logo-250-white_zpsfd9ed5d1Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, Rainbow Romance Writers, and WisRWA. You can find Tempe at these sites:

Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog

Blog_Tour_Giveaway

As part of Tempe’s blog tour for Temptations of Desire, she’s doing a tour-wide giveaway with three prizes! Two of which are winner’s choice from her backlist and the third is a $10 gift certificate to Dreamspinner Press! To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above.  Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway but will be welcome anyway.

Don’t forget to check out Nikyta’s review of Temptations of Desire to see what she thought of it!

Good luck!

 

Categories: Book Promo, Character Interviews, Excerpts, Giveaways, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , | 9 Comments

Honorary Blogger Susan Mac Nicol: 5 Things You Never Knew About Susan Mac Nicol – Excerpt + Giveaway!

Posted on September 25, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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5 Things You Never Knew About Susan Mac Nicol

by Susan Mac Nicol

Now you’re asking me to tell you my deep, dark secrets….let me have a think about this one…. *gazes into space and grins*

Rightio then. Some of you who follow my blog may know this already, but if not, it’s quite a cute little story.

I was once picked up for being a prostitute. By a punter, thank God, not the police.  There I was minding my own business and this happened…. http://www.susanmacnicol.com/the-time-i-was-mistaken-for-a-prostitute-honestly/

I once dated a man, a red head with lovely green eyes and freckles. I definitely have a thing for red heads –gingers, auburn, carrot tops-I love them all. That’s why I created the character of Eddie in my new series, so I could showcase the much forgotten attributes of a red headed man. Said red headed boyfriend ended up in a psychiatric facility (not because of me though) but that’s a story for another day…

I have a murderer in my family tree. Now you might think this statement is a little blasé but I can assure you, it’s an attention getter. My mum’s cousin killed his wife (she was involved with some sort of cult) and then killed himself. It was an absolute tragedy and the story was well covered in the Yorkshire news but still, very tragic indeed. We still don’t know exactly what happened and probably never will.

My aunt Delia was once engaged to Cliff Richard. Yep, it’s completely true. She was a dancer in an old UK variety show called the Black and White Minstrels and she met Cliff when she was in the show. They were together quite a while and then he dumped her. Apparently his mother told him he had to concentrate on his career. She was devastated. I have a lovely picture of the together in a garden, looking really happy. And no, I’ve never met Sir Cliff … I wouldn’t mind though.

I have a bit of a phobia about what we in South Africa call ‘goggas’. (Pronounced with a real guttural feel and sounding like you’ve just hawked up a pile of spit.) These are what are commonly known as insects. I’m not fond of flying insects, like beetles and the like, as when I was younger, they used to get stuck in my really curly hair. (I was a Shirley temple lookalike when I was a kid). They would fidget about in my hair with their little scrawny legs and give me the shivers. Very icky.

Well, I hope that’s entertained you all a little and that you have a little bit more insight into the ‘me that is me’. Be warned though -I’ve kept all the really juicy bits for my memoirs….

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About Love & Punishment

Love and Punishment2SMOn the search for a serial killer, Detective Anthony Parglietto and Flynn Parker learn that every man must make a choice: to kill, to live, to love.

FROM DARKNESS AND LIGHT

Someone is leaving a trail of bodies throughout London, and Detective Anthony Parglietto is determined to end the violence. Then he’ll return to the man he loves.

Tough, street-savvy, and used to dealing with lowlifes, Flynn Parker is the last person Anthony thinks he has to protect. Then the Bow-Tie Killer strikes close to home and the world turns upside down. Right is wrong, black is white, and a policeman might become a monster. But in the name of love, justice must be served. In the name of love, pain can be endured. In the name of love, a man can taste the very essence that defines him.

Available at: Boroughs Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble

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An Excerpt from Love & Punishment

Anthony walked down the hall. He reached the bedroom and gently pushed the door open. He saw Flynn framed in the light of the lamp shining from the lounge. He lay, apparently asleep, on the leather and wood divan Anthony had brought over from Italy. Its dark burgundy colour contrasted with what Flynn wore, which was nothing but a black thong lying stark against his pale skin. The divan was under the window. The bed covers were rumpled, as if Flynn had been sleeping. His robe was draped across the foot of the bed. Anthony moved towards the gleaming body of his supine lover.

Flynn’s face was turned away towards the back of the sofa. His dark hair was tousled and his arms stretched above his head to the right. He wore a blindfold. Anthony felt a stir in his groin seeing those lean, hairy legs stretched out wantonly, inviting him to run his hands up and over his groin. Even appearing asleep, Flynn had the power to excite him, to make Anthony hard and ready. He stepped towards him, watching the rise and fall of Flynn’s chest with their already hardened nubs. Anthony wanted to run his tongue over that chest, with its smattering of fine hair, to take Flynn’s nipples in his mouth and suck them until Flynn groaned in pleasure. As he got closer in the dim light he saw the hands with their bonds of silk. Green bonds lay dark against Flynn’s wrists, fastened to the wooden struts of the upright chair arm. His hands were tight fists. Anthony chuckled softly, a noise that sounded loud in the stillness of the room.

“Been waiting long?’ he whispered as he took off his jacket. ‘I tried to get home as soon as I could.”

Anthony knew the bonds would be loose so Flynn could break free if needed but he also knew he wouldn’t. It was the way the game was played.

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About Susan Mac Nicol

Susan Mac Nicol was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom. At the age of eight, her family moved to Johannesburg, South Africa where she stayed for nearly thirty years before arriving back in the UK in December 2000. Currently, She lives in the rural village of Bocking, in Essex, with her family.

Sue is a PAN (Published Author’s Network) member of Romance Writers of America and a member of the Romantic Novelists Association in the UK. Also, she is a member of a rather unique writing group, called the Talliston Writer’s Circle, which in itself has a story all of its own to tell. She has written nine novels, two novellas and a screenplay since February 2012 and clearly believes in keeping herself busy. She has found herself wanting to stay in the sub-genre that is M/M Romance so more can definitely be expected.

Her plan is to keep writing as long as her muse sits upon her shoulder. Her dream is to make enough money to give up the day job and get that big old house in the English countryside overlooking a river, where she can write all day and continue to indulge her passion for telling stories.

You can find out more about Susan on her Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn or Tumblr.

Blog_Tour_Giveaway

As part of this blog tour, Susan is giving away one copy of each of Double Alchemy and Double Alchemy: Climax! To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway unless otherwise stated but are still welcome anyway.

Don’t forget to check out JustJen’s review of Love & Punishment to see what she thought of it!

Good luck!

Categories: Book Promo, Excerpts, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

Cover Reveal: Blue Moon II: This Is Reality by A.E. Via

Posted on September 25, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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Blue Moon II: This Is Reality

by A.E. Via

Blurb: The Story of: HAWK, PIERCE, SHOT & FOX WITH THE BEASTMASTERS

Pierce aka Strategic Intelligence Specialist, Backhander is back to flush out some of the DEA’s most notorious criminals, and he has one helluva’ team backing him up. The country’s most decorated Navy Seals…the Beastmasters.

Pierce is more than capable of doing his job, but he has one insanely hot distraction that continuously causes him to second guess his hidden orientation–Dane Aramis, call-sign, Hawk. Hawk can see what most people can’t, and whether his sexy Pierce wants to admit it or not, he can see the brilliant man’s desire runs deep for him. Hawk is not the type of Seal to lose his man. Pierce will be his.

However, when Pierce and the Beastmasters are on their final assignment, the last person they expect to encounter with the
opposition is rogue assassin… Omega. The man is unstoppable, and when he comes too close to what Hawk holds dear, the Beastmasters call on the only man that can control the lethal assassin. Omega’s faster more skilled brother, Alpha.

Bringing Alpha – the deadliest man in the world that has no allegiances and no alliances back into society may be disastrous for everyone involved. But, Hawk is willing to take that risk to keep Pierce safe.

Blue Moon II: This Is Reality releases on September 26, 2014!

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And the moment you’ve been waiting for! Blue Moon II: This Is Reality cover reveal… Continue reading →

Categories: Book Promo, Cover Reveals, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

Cover Reveal: From Chicago, With Love (GRL Anthology) by Various Authors + Giveaway!

Posted on September 24, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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From Chicago, With Love (GRL Anthology)

By more than 80 of the Featured and Supporting Authors of GRL

Put together by Cate Ashwood

Blurb: Writing is a solitary activity, and yet authors would be useless without readers to devour the words they create. GayRomLit brings the two together; a community made up of people with different tastes and styles, from all over the world, all with one thing in common: a passion for romance.

From science fiction to urban fantasy, from historical to paranormal to contemporary, enjoy an eclectic collection of stories and excerpts from the authors attending GayRomLit 2014 in Chicago.

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And the moment you’ve been waiting for!  From Chicago, With Love cover reveal…

Continue reading →

Categories: Book Promo, Cover Reveals, Giveaways | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

GRL Blog Tour: Deanna Wadsworth – Can’t Wait to Meet Everyone at GRL + Giveaway!

Posted on September 23, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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Can’t Wait to Meet Everyone at GRL!

by Deanna Wadsworth

Thank you so much, Blogger Girls for hosting me today!

My name is Deanna Wadsworth and I have been writing gay romance for six years. I have over a dozen titles to choose from, which range from erotic fairy tales to gritty historicals. If you would like to check out my books, some of them are on sale for only .99 cents on Amazon, like my three book fairy tale bundle which includes a gay erotic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Book Three of my sexy Christmas books A Gift for Santa which is also less than a buck.

I am so excited about GRL this year! This is my third time attending, and I am looking forward to catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.

Many writers are introverts, but if you are attending GRL, it will take you about three point two seconds to know that I am not one of them! LOL

I love to meet fans, talk books, and just have fun. You will find me laughing loudly somewhere, having a drink at the bar or bustin’ a move and raisin’ a ruckus on the dance floor—at both the main events and the After Hours parties. I hope all of you feel free to come up to me and say hi! I promise not to bite…..though I have spanked a few folks before. I swear they asked for it! LOL You know who you crazy cats are!

Any whooo…. Please feel comfortable to come up to me and say hello. I am bringing prizes and goodies that I can’t wait to share. I didn’t bother with the pre-order book sale nonsense, because frankly, I’m attending GRL to meet fans and make lifelong friendships with people like me and I didn’t want to make any extra work for fans. If you wanna buy my print book Easy Rider, there will be copies available at the main books signing on Saturday.

To celebrate GRL and my visit to the Blogger Girls, I am offering a FREE copy of my 1Night Stand book, Accidentally Beautiful, to one lucky commenter!

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About Accidentally Beautiful

Accidentally BeautifulMartin Baird is perfectly content in his safe, predictable job as head concierge for Castillo Resorts, but when a handsome stranger whisks him away for a night of tropical escapades—first visiting an isolated gay bar then to a secluded beach where erotic delights await—Martin’s world is thrown upside down. He’s never met a man like Garret Fisher, but it seems he has been waiting for a night like this all his life.

Could something truly beautiful come out of this accidental meeting? Or was it really not an accident at all?

Available at: Amazon

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If you would like to meet me, here are my scheduled appearances at GRL:

The Fantasy of Romantic Fiction
Session Room: Cyprus I & II
Time Slot: Thursday October 16th; 3:50-4:45 PM

Readers like to be swept away into far away lands—but what does it take to build a fantasy world—even a romantic fantasy world—brick by brick?  Join Jet Mykles, Amy Lane, and Deanna Wadsworth as they take you through a mad-libbed world and talk about how they recreated their worlds from the ground up using words, imagination, and just a touch of insanity. There are new gods under different moons,  men too gorgeous to be rock stars, and Santa’s elves with candy flavored cum! In a fast paced game of mad-libs, this spotlight is sure to be filled with laughter and prizes. Lots of prizes!

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Author Lounge Event
Session Room:  Trillium III
Time Slot:  Friday October 17th;  12:30-1:10 PM

During the lunch break hours on Thursday & Friday attendees can come by the Trillium Ballroom for one on one chats with 30 of your favorite authors in a relaxed, informal setting. Each hour a different assortment of our Featured and Supporting authors will be on hand to answer all those burning questions about their books. Chat with all your favorites and perhaps discover one or two new ones!

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Scrapbooking With The Rainbow Romance Writers
Session Room:  Sorrell I
Time Slot: Friday October 17th; 2:30-4:20 PM

The Romance Writers of America’s only chapter for LGBT romance invites you to build a gay romance scrapbook with a pack of your favorite authors. We’ll have the customizable covers, pages, and bling to make them sing, so all you have to bring is your love of homo romance to build a GRL 2014 memory book of your very own. The RRW members will have custom pages, but we’ll also have blanks for any nonmember authors who want to get scrappy with us.

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The GRL Featured Author Booksigning
Session Room:  Trillium II, III, IV
Time Slot:  Saturday October 18th; 2-5 PM

Saturday afternoon, find your favorite authors for photos-ops, autographs, and swag in the Trillium Ballrooms. Many books will also be for sale at this event.

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About Deanna Wadsworth

Deanna Wadsworth might be a bestselling erotica author, but she leads a pretty vanilla life in Ohio with her wonderful husband and a couple adorable cocker spaniels. She has been spinning tales and penning stories since childhood, and her first erotic novella was published in 2010. When she isn’t writing books or brainstorming with friends, you can find her making people gorgeous in a beauty salon. She loves music and dancing, and can often be seen hanging out on the sandbar in the muddy Maumee River or chilling with her hubby and a cocktail in their basement bar. In between all that fun, Deanna cherishes the quiet times when she can let her wildly active imagination have the full run of her mind. Her fascination with people and the interworkings of their relationships have always inspired her to write romance with spice and love without boundaries.

Facebook │ Twitter │Blog │Goodreads

Buy Deanna’s books at Dreamspinner Press, Decadent Publishing or at any reputable eBook seller.

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As part of her GRL stop, Deanna is offering up a chance to win an eBook copy of Accidentally Beautiful to one lucky winner! The giveaway starts now and ends September 29, 2014 at 11:59 pm. To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway unless otherwise stated but are still welcome anyway.

Good luck!

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Check out TBG’s GRL Blog Tour Schedule

Categories: Book Promo, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT | Tags: , , | 14 Comments

Honorary Blogger Taylor V. Donovan: Teaser Tuesday – Heavy Hitters + Debut Excerpt & Giveaway!

Posted on September 23, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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Teaser Tuesday: Heavy Hitters

by Taylor V. Donovan

Hey, guys! As you all know, a while back Tuesday was designated as the official “Teaser” day in Romancelandia. Every week authors post excerpts from their works in progress or upcoming releases, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do today. Thanks to The Blogger Girls for having me over and giving me a platform to talk a bit about my newest book.

I am a fierce supporter of civil rights. I’m an even fiercer supporter of LGBTQ rights. I was born and raised in a beautiful island were people are friendly, family oriented, extremely lovable, and, yes, mostly Catholic. Our culture is rich. The folklore, the food, the music… all of it is spicy, tasty, and ingrained.  Sadly, we also have our negative side.

You know what else is ingrained in Puerto Rico? Machismo. Chauvinism too, but not to the same level, thank God. The majority of our men are hard workers and fiercely protective of their families. They are raised to get married and be the breadwinners in their homes, and they take that responsibility seriously. They become “men” at an early age, and husbands and fathers in their teens and early twenties. That’s the norm. It’s our way.

Another thing that’s ingrained in Puerto Rico is religion. Now, I don’t have to tell you religious people aren’t exactly jumping on the equality bandwagon, do I? Down there men act like men. Anything different and there could be hell to pay. So, what’s a Catholic boy to do when he realizes he likes other boys and his church tells him acting on his attraction is a mortal sin? And what about a boy who’s a nurturer, likes pretty things, and wants nothing more than to take care of the boy he likes? How do they go through life repressing their true selves for fear of losing everything they hold dear if someone found out they’re gay?

Growing up in Puerto Rico in the 80s with a gay best friend allowed me to gain almost firsthand experience in discrimination, mockery, bullying, and downright abuse. I saw my friend go through things other people can’t even fathom, and I haven’t been able to forget.

Caribbean Tales, my new(est) series, aims to explore the life journey of my Puerto Rican characters in a country closed-off to their orientation. All the stories are on the island, but they’re standalones. Heavy Hitters is the first title in the series, and it spans a lifetime. You’ll meet Santi and Luca when they are kids, and follow them through the years until they reach their thirties and find their happily ever after.

Once again, thanks to The Blogger Girls for having me. The book doesn’t come out until October, but I’d like to do a giveaway anyway. Share your experiences and observations about acceptance (or lack thereof) toward the LGBTQ community in your neck of the wood for a chance to win a copy of Heavy Hitters. I’m looking forward to hearing from all of you.

And now I leave you with an excerpt from Heavy Hitters 🙂

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About Heavy Hitters

Heavy Hitters (Caribbean Tales, #1)His toughest opponent is himself.

World Boxing Champion Santino Malavé has been fighting since he was a kid. Poverty, domestic violence, and emotional abuse were early contenders. Guilt and self-loathing were beaten into him by his homophobic dad at an impressionable age and now machismo, an integral part of the Latino culture, rules his life. In the ring he’s undefeated. Outside the ropes life constantly hits him below the belt. It takes a sucker punch from his best friend to finally knock the denial out of him and force him to face his true nature like a real man.

A natural born entertainer, Luca Betancur has grown up laughing, performing, and celebrating life among his tight-knit family under the scorching Puerto Rican sun. He has also dedicated years to deny his sexuality, study what the Bible really says, and pursue fame. Singing the wrong note on stage is not a mistake the multi-platinum award-winning singer would ever allow. Falling in love with a man is not a transgression his devout family would ever accept. The ties that bind him are strong, but the pull toward his childhood best friend may just be enough to tear it all to shreds.

Anger, mistakes, bigotry, and the need to conform put up a good fight. Can they break down the walls erected by Catholic teachings and a chauvinistic society, or will their relationship lose by technical knockout?

Heavy Hitters is coming soon in mid-October!

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An Excerpt from Heavy Hitters

The soft light of Luca’s bedside lamp illuminated the room. The mattress shifted when Santi plonked down next to him. They weren’t touching, but Luca held his breath. Santi’s scent always went to his head.

He buried his face in the pillow, then slipped his hand between his body and the mattress and wrapped his fingers around his cock, praying Santi wouldn’t notice he was hard.

Being the same age, they both had to deal with untimely erections neither of them ever mentioned, but this wasn’t just a case of morning wood. He wasn’t awake enough to pretend that it was as simple as that. He was afraid Santi would put two and two together if he saw the guilt and shame Luca felt reflected in his face.

Get it together… Get it together…

“I know the submission deadline is approaching, but the song isn’t ready yet. Hundreds— maybe thousands of experienced lyricists will enter their songs into this contest, and I’m just a sixteen-year-old music student. I’ve got to make sure my song is great.” He traced the blue stripes of his bed sheet with his fingertip, swallowed his self-consciousness, and looked into black, soulful eyes. “I think I captured the true spirit of Puerto Rican culture and folklore. I like the lyrics a lot, and Mateo helped me with the beat, so I know it’s sick. Plus you’ve told me it’s a great song, and you’d never blow smoke up my ass.”

Santi licked his lips and gave him a once over. “So what’s holding you back?” He blinked quickly, folding his arms over his chest.

Jesus, what was that about?

Taking a shuddering breath, Luca lowered his gaze and willed himself to calm down.

Looking Santi in the eye in a room full of people never failed to send his heart into a tailspin. Looking Santi in the eye when they were alone in his darkened bedroom had an even bigger effect on him.

It made him forget his religious faith. It made him painfully aware of the desires he worked so hard to ignore. That was something he couldn’t allow. He couldn’t go against God and lose his soul.

He wasn’t checking you out. He didn’t look at you like he wanted to kiss you. It was your imagination. You know he’d never want something like that and you must remember the heart is more deceitful than all else. Jeremiah 17:9 says so, and the Bible is always right.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said out loud, blocking completely impure—not to mention impossible—images of Santi climbing on top of him. “I mean, Desiree Coll will include the winning song in her next album, and everything she sings climbs to the top of the charts. The contest is getting media attention. The music industry will notice the song. It could even win a Grammy or something like that. Do you know how amazing that’d be for my future singing career?” Continue reading →

Categories: Book Promo, Excerpts, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT, Published in 2014 | Tags: , , , | 20 Comments

Honorary Blogger H.J. Brues: How to Get a Yakuza Tattoo – Excerpt + Giveaway!

Posted on September 22, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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How to Get a Yakuza Tattoo

by H.J. Brues

  1. Call it by its name. You may know them as “yakuza tattoos,” or “these-cool-tattoos-with-dragons” but they are neither an exclusive yakuza thing nor are dragons always depicted in them—sorry to burst your bubble, but one of the most common creatures inked in traditional Japanese tattoos is the mighty… carp. So, the proper name of this style of tattoo is irezumi, which means “ink insertion,” duh. If you are feeling highfalutin, though, you can always call it horimono,“carved or engraved stuff.”
  2. Choose your motif well. And I don’t mean because tattoos are for life. If you tell an irezumi master that you want something to reflect, say, your outstanding stealth in combat, you may end up with the gorgeous design of a… rat. For life.
  3. Give the artist free reign.  Don’t insult Sensei by showing him the exact design you’ve envisioned drawn in stickman style on a paper napkin. Let the master be masterful, and you’ll end up with a work of art on your body. The only drawback is that you can’t pass this collector’s piece on to your heirs, or sell it in a pinch, or donate it to a museum—unless you’re okay with flaying, that is.
  4. Be explicit about your no-no’s. Let the artist be creative, but don’t forget to politely mention you’d rather not have whole Buddhist prayers running the length of your arms, entire schools of fish  swimming across your chest, peonies blossoming from your nipples, or chubby kids riding your back–I mention this last one because you may be familiar with Kintarō as a cool character from Mortal Kombat, but as the Japanese folk hero that he is, a tattoo master is more likely to depict him as a big red roly-poly toddler hugging a giant carp. You get the picture—literally too.
  5. Learn to meditate. That’s the traditional Japanese way of dealing with pain. Because, yeah, there will pain. Lots of pain. Japanese tattoo artists are very fond of tebori, which means, um, “hand carving.” If you’ve ever started sweating after taking one look at that awkward contraption called a tattoo machine or have ran for your life when someone called it a tattoo gun, you might faint at the sight of the irezumi master’s tools of the trade. They will look rather minimalist, but I doubt you’ll appreciate the aesthetic value of a row of steel needles attached to pretty bamboo or bone handles. So, ifs you’re not feeling your usual samurai-stoic self, don’t hesitate to get a prescription for Tylenol—or anything stronger short of cocaine. Sensei will politely ignore your weakness while he carves away with his pretty needles.

I hope this advice will help you if you ever decide to get an irezumi tattoo—even if it helps you decide not to get it.

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About Yakuza Courage

7Ex-Navy SEAL Brendan O’Farrihy enrolls in kendo classes to investigate a Honolulu dojo acting as a front for a yakuza syndicate. Or at least that’s what Brendan’s client, Senator Harris, believes. Through his kendo instructor, the cocky, short-fused, gorgeous Kinosuke Yonekawa, Brendan learns the criminals who are supposedly using the senator’s son, Kenneth, to expand their activities into the US, seem to have severed any yakuza connections. The jaded, soul-scarred former soldier is captivated by the loyalty these gangsters show each other and the way they protect Ken like a tight military unit. Brendan wonders why the senator lied to him, and what the yakuza are shielding Ken from.

When Ken disappears, Brendan suspects foul play and decides to help the man he is falling for, Kinosuke, and his friends, find Ken. But when Kinosuke discovers Brendan has been on the senator’s payroll, all bets are off.

Available at: Dreamspinner Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and All Romance eBooks

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An Excerpt from Yakuza Courage

Brendan would have groaned when he saw that Kinosuke’s jacket effectively covered him to midthigh, but he was too busy keeping his mouth from hanging open at the sight of the intricate swirls of ink reaching down to the slender knees.

Why hadn’t he expected it? He knew yakuza usually had tattoos—he’d seen Matsunaga’s and even Harrris’s through Big B’s camera—but somehow, he hadn’t imagined Kinosuke with one of those full-body frescoes. Maybe it was because the kid Kotarō had mentioned Kinosuke sported a tattoo under his hair, and it had sounded so extreme at the time that Brendan hadn’t thought there’d be more ink in any other parts of this gorgeous body.

But there it was, ink in extraordinary hues fanning out to Kinosuke’s inner thighs where it ended abruptly in thick, round-tipped bands of dark blue that made a stunning background for the storm that raged over the rest of Kinosuke’s skin.

There were clouds of white and blue, strokes of intense red lightning, and the masterful shading that almost allowed Brendan to feel the strength of the winds blowing everywhere in that vibrant scenery.

Kinosuke groaned and tore at the strings of his jacket, Brendan’s hands helping to pull the white garment open right until the moment when he got the first glimpse of what lay underneath.

“Fuck me raw,” he cursed, his eyes roaming about in an effort to capture all there was to see—the long, flushed cock that stood out proudly from a nest of black curls, the blue dragon that sprung from behind turbulent clouds, one claw hovering over Kinosuke’s pubes while the other stretched upward as if to thwart the advance of a mighty red dragon descending on him from across Kinosuke’s chest, a ball of red fire preceding his advance, the movement of the magnificent beasts creating the storm that raged all over Kinosuke’s body.

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About H. J. Brues

H.J. Brues lives in Spain, enjoying the hot weather, the brisk language, the warm-hearted people, and the thousands of books of the library she works in. She has a degree in medieval history and loves castles, knights in shining armor, and barbarian warriors with no armor at all. She practiced fencing until her knees started complaining, took archery until her elbow almost fell off, and then, wisely, switched to the less martial of the martial arts, tai chi.

You can contact H.J. Brues at hjbrues@nym.hush.com.

Blogger_Giveaway

H.J. has graciously offered up an eBook copy of Yakuza Courage to one lucky winner!! The giveaway starts now and ends September 28, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway, except to verify your Rafflecopter entry.

Don’t forget to check out Nikyta’s review of Yakuza Courage to see what she thought of it!

Good luck!

Categories: Book Promo, Excerpts, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT | Tags: , , , | 20 Comments

Honorary Blogger JL Merrow: The Damaged Hero + Giveaway!

Posted on September 21, 2014 by thebloggergirls

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The Damaged Hero

by JL Merrow

Hi, I’m JL Merrow, and I’m delighted to be here with the Blogger Girls today, where I’ll be taking a tongue-in-cheek look at that much-loved character in romance: the damaged hero.

Who can resist a Man With a Tragic Past™? Battered and bruised by the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, he’s just hurt_comfortv2gagging to have his boo-boos kissed better. And we all know where that leads! 😉

Of course, there are many different types of damaged hero. Here are a few I’ve written about, and I’m sure you can think of plenty more:

1. The Wounded Soldier

Ah, here’s a bullet-proof trope if ever there was one. (Sorry. I have poor impulse control!) He’s a soldier, so he’s a strong, manly man who’s been injured in the course of protecting the weak. He may be stoic, or he may be bitter—at the start of the book—but we all know that by the end, love will have helped him come to terms with his altered life. And there can be something very seductive about a guy who refuses to let physical damage affect his spirit.

In Permanently Legless, I had poor Chris lose both legs in Afghanistan—but he didn’t lose his strength of character—or his sense of humour. Chris’s character was inspired by real-life British soldiers I read about who’d lost limbs while serving yet still displayed incredible courage and humour.

2. The Betrayed Lover

Poor love. Up to his armpits in trust issues, and who can blame him? He laid his heart at some undeserving cad’s feet some time before the book started, only to have the rotter stomp all over it. No wonder he’s dragging his feet over getting together with Hero #2, even though, as the reader knows, this guy is a thoroughly nice chap who’ll never let him down.

tragic pastv2Robert in Caught! starts the book by swearing off men for the next thirty years, although *spoilers!* once he meets Sean, it doesn’t take long for his resolve to waver! 😉

3. The Widower

He doesn’t have to have actually been married to the guy, of course. Particularly in historical fiction, where it would be more than a little tricky. And illegal. But a man in mourning—especially if it’s long after most people would think it’s time to start moving on—has certain attractions, and it’s not just all the soulful looks. First, he’s shown himself capable of deep love and commitment—and second, who wouldn’t like the challenge of getting the guy out of his widower’s weeds? 😉

Philip in Poacher’s Fall has been a virtual recluse since the death of the man he loved in the Great War, but Danny soon coaxes him out of his shell. And Ted in Trick of Time is not only in mourning for his lover, he also has elements of #1, as he’s yet to make a full recovery from his injuries in the car crash that bereaved him. (I feel like I should apologise to him…)

4. Down and Out 

Not so much damaged as disadvantaged—although the two often go hand in hand—he may not actually be homeless, but he still hasn’t got two brass farthings to rub together, poor lamb. He’s been down on his uppers so long, his feet would make a podiatrist weep. In extreme cases, he’s been forced to survive by trading the only commodity left to him: his body.

This, of course, is the basis of the classic Cinderella story—although our updated version is likely to come with a healthy dose of cynicism, so prepare for Prince Charming to be put through the wringer in proving his devotion. We find Jem in Trick of Time in such a  situation—although curiously, this impoverished Victorian rent boy still isn’t as damaged as his lover, Ted (I’m so sorry, Ted!)

5. The Amnesiac

What on earth happened to this guy? Nobody knows, least of all the man himself. In extreme cases, the poor love hasn’t even got a name to call his own. Maybe it was a bump on the head. Maybe something so traumatic he’s blocked out all memories to protect himself. Maybe something even more sinister, if this is sci-fi and there happens to be a mind-wipe machine handy.

Everyone loves a romantic hero with a touch of mystery about him, and mystery is something this guy’s got in spades. Feel his pain as he struggles to find out what happened to him—and whether he’s one of the good guys or not. I have to confess, this is a personal favourite, although I didn’t get around to writing it until Paul in Fall Hard took a tumble down a rather scenic waterfall in Iceland.

Of course, there are many more types of damaged hero, for example the abuse survivor, or the man forced by circumstances to deny his sexuality. Serious issues, but stories about them can be intensely moving and uplifting—and isn’t that what we read romance for?

Question: Do you have a favourite trauma (if you’ll forgive the phrase!) you like to see your hero overcoming? I’d love to hear from you!

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About Caught!

11You can run from the past…but the past runs faster

Shamwell Tales, Book 1

Behind Robert’s cheerfully eccentric exterior lies a young heart battered and bruised by his past. He’s taken a job teaching in a village primary school to make a fresh start, and love isn’t part of his plans. But he’s knocked for six—literally—by a chance encounter with the uncle of two of his pupils.

Sean works in pest control, rides a motorbike, and lives on a council estate. On the face of it, he shouldn’t have anything in common with Robert’s bow-tie, classic-car style and posh family background. Yet Robert is helpless to resist Sean’s roguish grin, and a rocky, excruciatingly embarrassing start doesn’t keep the sparks between them from flaring.

Despite Robert’s increasingly ludicrous attempts to keep his past where it belongs, his past hasn’t read the memo. And soon his secrets could be the very things that drive Sean away for good…

Warning: contains the alarming misadventures of a pest control technician, a stepsister with a truly unfortunate name, and a young man who may have more bow ties than sense.

Available at: Samhain & Amazon

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About JL Merrow

Waterhouse_a_mermaid hiresJL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea.  She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy.

She is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.

Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow.

Blogger_Giveaway

JL has kindly offered up a chance for THREE WINNERS to pick an eBook of their choice from her backlist!! The giveaway starts now and ends September 27, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway, except to verify your Rafflecopter entry.

Good luck!

Categories: Book Promo, Giveaways, Honorary Blogger Post, LGBT | Tags: , , , , , , | 46 Comments