Blair made an entrance from the adjoining room. He held two ties up and asked Declan, “Which one?” “The dark green,” Declan said. “Why are you asking him?” Forge tried to sound offended, but apparently no one bought it. Declan rolled his eyes and Lucas snorted a laugh. Blair put the tie around his neck and folded his shirt collar over it. He asked Forge, “How many tuxes do you own?” “Uh. I…um. That’s what I have a dress uniform for,” Forge grumbled. Blair turned back to Declan and lifted his eyebrows. Declan smirked and said, “Three. All custom made.” He sighed and motioned Lucas closer. “Let me do that.” There are so many more snippets to be read in the Rainbow Snippet group on Facebook! Code Name Jack Rabbit is available in eBook, paperback
and through Kindle Unlimited. This month the eBook is only $2.99 (50% off) BOOK BLAST Book Title: Reflections on the Boulevard (Reflections of Michael Trilogy, Book 2) Author: LJ Ambrosio Publisher: Film Valor Cover Artist: hammxd Release Date: June 7, 2023 Genre: Fictional Buddy Adventure Tropes: Buddy Adventure Themes: Coming-of-age, growth Heat Rating: 0 flames Length: 51 000 words/ 200 pages It’s the middle-book in the trilogy with some parts of life ending and others beginning for the third part. Buy Links Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK The continuation of A Reservoir Man Blurb Michael's story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery. Excerpt They begin to move closer to Ron, a street light illuminating one of them for a moment; everything else was in darkness. He realized these were some of the kids from the shelter he used to be in. They had a fire in them, maybe it was jealousy that he got out and got on his feet. How did they know that much about Michael? He knew that they could hurt Michael, at his age that could kill him. They could hurt Carol, badly. They might have a knife. He knew how much danger they were in now. Ron made a move towards the one he recognized, when suddenly all five pounced on Ron, beating on him, taking no break in their punches. One of them picked up Rhonda and threw her against a brick wall. Ron spit blood and, in between blows, tried to move to protect Rhonda. Carol ran to grab Rhonda. She tried to pick her up and saw she was hurt. Ron looked at the young men, spit blood at the closest of them, and screamed, “Fuck you! I hope you all die for what you did to her! Fuck you!” The noise of this was so loud, a group of people leaving a bar saw the commotion. One of them yelled “Hey! What’s going on there? Hey!” Another woman was dialing for help on her phone. The young men ran away as quickly as possible, disappearing down a dark side street and into the blackness of the night. They were nearing the back door of the house, Carol carrying Rhonda, with Ron limping on his own. As they approached the door, two of the young men were behind them again, taunting them. He asked Ron if he could meet his boyfriend. Ron lunged at one of them and fell to the ground. They began to kick him. Carol screamed for help. About the Author Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. He taught at over 7 universities in America. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career. Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card RELEASE BLITZ Book Title: Lone Wolf (Strength of the Pack 6) Author: Joy Lynn Fielding Publisher: Siren BookStrand Cover Artist: Harris Channing Release Date: May 5, 2023 Genre: Paranormal/Shifter M/M romance Tropes: Enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, fated mates Themes: Learning tolerance, found family Heat Rating: 5 flames (although the sex isn’t particularly plentiful) Length: 48 000 words/154 pages The story is standalone, though the book is part of a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger. It’s HEA. Buy Links Bookstrand | Amazon US | Amazon UK What happens in the wilderness stays in the wilderness. Until it doesn’t... Blurb When his alpha invites a bunch of cougar-shifters to visit, wolf-shifter Karl Griffin is not happy. All he wants is a quiet life protecting his pack and forgetting his past. Instead, the big cats arrive and disrupt everything. Leon Fitzroy has never found anywhere he can belong. The only panther in a cougar pride, he’s fought to be accepted, but he doesn’t really fit in. And now he’s expected to spend time with a wolf pack. Wolf-shifters are infuriating. Even worse, the most annoying wolf is also ridiculously hot. When Leon ambushes a member of Karl’s pack to prove a point, tensions between them threaten to boil over. Sparks continue to fly as they’re forced to work together. But out in the wilderness, they find there are worse dangers than bossy wolves and smug cats. Survival depends on learning to trust one another—if they can. Excerpt As they ate up the miles, Leon realized that wolves might be slow but they were damned efficient in their gait. Karl looked as fresh as when they’d set off and was maintaining the same speed. It wasn’t a problem for Leon—no wolf could beat him at anything—but he didn’t usually run like this in cat form. He was more used to stalking before exploding into a burst of speed that no wolf could ever match, not this relentless running his prey to ground over many miles. The difference came from hunting solo rather than in a pack, he supposed. Karl led them up a steep hillside and finally drew to a halt. Leon looked around and cursed when he saw the view. The ranch house looked tiny, but there was a clear line of sight to it. Give someone a magnified scope and-- Actually, no, he didn’t know of any rifle that could shoot that far accurately, so that wasn’t very likely. But give them high-power binoculars and they could have been observing all sorts of things, like when Luna came and went each day and when wolves left the house for their regular patrols. Shit. He turned his attention to the area of flattened grass and put his nose to it, trying to identify the mixture of scents he found, only for a dark shape to loom in front of him. Karl blocked him, using the bulk of his body to push him away. What the actual fuck? He had the opportunity to ask precisely that because Karl shifted, meaning Leon followed suit. “What the fuck? You think I’m going to trample over clues? I’m not a damn wolf, nosing into everything before they so much as think.” For a second, he thought Karl was going to punch him. Instead, with a suggestion of grinding teeth, Karl turned back to the camp they’d found. “You forget I don’t know you,” he said as he crouched down and observed the litter that had been left and the cigarette butts that were scattered on one side of the small depression. “You could be Jessica Fletcher and Sherlock Holmes rolled into one, but until I see proof of that, I’m not risking it.” The worst thing was that, through his fury, Leon could see his point. If positions were reversed, if they were on Leon’s turf and examining somewhere for clues, no way would he let some stupid clumsy wolf go poking about wherever he wanted. It stung, though, that Karl didn’t respect him. No one got to be responsible for the queen’s safety lightly. It had taken him years of work and training to get to the point where he was recognized by everyone as having that responsibility. Karl probably thought his position was due to him and Luna being related, because wolves were that dim. Karl looked back over his shoulder at Leon. “There were two of them,” he said. “Both non-shifters. Spent some time lying here, and there’s indents left by something. Could have been a tripod. My guess is binoculars being held steady, but it’s a guess.” Surmising that he was finally permitted to approach, Leon crouched and inspected the small depressions in the dirt that Karl was looking at. “Could be,” he said. He then looked over toward the ranch house. “I don’t know of any rifle that could shoot that far, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.” “There isn’t,” Karl said. And goddamnit, Leon was going to smack him in the mouth if he kept being such a know-it-all. It was as if Karl realized that, for he offered an explanation, giving a slight one-shouldered shrug as he did so. “I served. Did some sniping in my time. We’re nearly three miles away in a straight line. Short of a missile, which would defeat the point by destroying everything it landed on, there isn’t anything that can reach that far. Yet.” For the briefest instant as their gazes met, Leon felt they agreed, even if it was only on how fucked up the world was. It didn’t last, of course. “You good for a long hunt?” Karl asked, standing up. “No, I thought I’d come out for a stroll then go back home. What the hell do you think?” Karl shrugged again. “I know jack shit about cats,” he said. “Wolves keep going, mile after mile. That’s all I meant.” Leon shifted and with a bound was following the scent trail the two non-shifters had left, almost before Karl had finished speaking. He’d show that damned uppity wolf.About the Author Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding and gardening (though not all at the same time). Joy tends to wax lyrical about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive. Social Media Links Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a $15 Amazon gift card.
NEW RELEASE and SERIES TOUR NEW RELEASE Book Title: Love on Page Six (Entertaining Love, book 2) Author: Claerie Kavanaugh Cover Artist: Cath Grace Designs Release Date: June 26, 2023 Genres: Sapphic Contemporary Romance Tropes: actor /performer, Celebrity/Socialite/Model, Hollywood, movie set, Friends to Lovers Themes: Against All Odds, Character w/ Disability, Coming Out, Femme / Femme Interracial / Multicultural Relationship, Slow Burn Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 60 000 words/ 240 pages It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links An actress with a secret, a journalist with a dream, and forbidden love that could change everything. Blurb Bridget Blake has only ever wanted one thing in her life: to be herself. But her overbearing momanger insists showing the world who she really is would mean the death of her blossoming career. So when the new makeup artist fights her way under Bridget’s perfectly moisturized, paparazzi-proof skin, it’s everything she can do to keep the façade in place. Until one spontaneous kiss turns her world upside down. With Daphne, Bridget is the brave, fun-loving, take-no-prisoners girl she’s always wanted to be. But embracing her new self may mean leaving behind everything she’s ever worked for. Is love really worth it? Book two in the standalone sapphic celebrity romance series Entertaining Love. Excerpt A movement catches my attention as I hesitantly reach for a shimmering eyeshadow palette young woman with black curly hair and gold-rimmed glasses browses the store with ease. Her hands expertly select items from the shelves as she navigates the space in her manual wheelchair. She looks up a second later, and her brown eyes meet mine with a flicker of recognition. She freezes, pursing her lips before finally rolling towards me with a warm smile. “Hi there.” Her voice is soft and melodic with a hint of a Hispanic accent.. “Welcome to the Mystic Beauty. I couldn’t help but notice you look a bit lost. Can I help you find something?” I adopt an affected Southern drawl. The last thing I need is for my stupidity about something as simple as make-up to be splattered all over the tabloids. “I, um, I’m just looking for some makeup…” Well, duh. I mentally facepalm myself. Why else would I be here? I pluck one from a nearby display and hold it up with an exaggerated flourish. “Clearly, I’m a bit lost.” “Of course!” she replies, wheeling next to me and holding out her free hand. “I’m Daphne.” “Nice to meet you, Daphne,” I say. “I’m… Sarah.” “Sarah” is the first name that comes to mind, and I hope it’s generic enough not to invite suspicion. Daphne’s hand is warm and steady as she shakes mine, and I can’t help but be grateful for her genuine kindness. “Alright, Sarah,” she says, releasing my hand and gesturing toward a display of eyeshadow palettes. “Let’s find you something that suits your style.” As we navigate the aisles, Daphne explains different products and techniques easily. After a few minutes, I no longer feel like an idiot for asking one too many questions I should definitely already know the answer to after so many years in the film industry. But rather someone just trying to take the time to learn a new trade. The longer we wander through the aisles, the more. I find myself becoming intrigued by this mysterious woman who clearly has a passion for her craft. “Can I ask about your makeup?” I ask, admiring the delicate lines of gold and silver that frame her brown eyes. “It’s stunning.” “Thank you,” A blush colors her cheeks and I bite back a smile of my own. She’s cute when she’s flustered. “I’m an aspiring special effects makeup artist. I love playing with different styles and trying new things.” “Wow,” I exhale softly. “That’s really amazing.” It’s not just her skill that impresses me, but the genuine joy in her expression. Just saying the word seems to light up the room, and I can’t help craving more of it from her. As we continue our conversation, I slowly lower my sunglasses, allowing Daphne to see my green eyes. “By the way, if you ever need any help or advice in the future, feel free to reach out to me,” She hands me a small business card with her contact information. “You seem like someone who could use a friend.” I take the card with a grateful smile. “I may just have to take you up on that.” I wink, and we share a laugh. My heart skips a bit, and my chest as a blush pinkens her cheeks. “Great!” Daphne smiles warmly as she expertly navigates her wheelchair down the aisles, pointing out more products and explaining their uses. I listen intently, absorbing every word like a sponge. “Primer is important for long-lasting makeup,” she explains, handing me a small tube to examine. “And don’t forget about setting powder!” “Good to know,” I muse, turning the tub between my fingers. “You know my makeup artist was recently fired,” I confess quietly, glancing around and relieved to find out the store is mostly empty. “It’s been really frustrating trying to find someone new who understands my style.” Daphne’s features soften with sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that. What kind of look were you going for?” I hesitate, dipping my head down and running my hands along my arms. “I’m… honestly not sure. I don’t know as much about makeup as I probably should.” Her eyes light up, and she squeezes my hand. That’s OK. We can figure it out together. I actually have some ideas if you’re interested.” “Really?” My heart flutters with anticipation. “I would love that.” As we continue to explore the store, Daphne’s passion and creativity spark my own. I can’t help but feel drawn to her, her talent and kindness shining through with every word. The longer we talk, the more amazed I am that this woman barely knows me has already offered me more understanding and support than most people in my life. “Thank you, Daphne,” I murmur, briefly taking her hand in mine. “You have no idea how much this means to me.” “Of course.” As we stand between shelves of sparkling eyeshadows and vibrant lipsticks, I watch Daphne’s deft fingers pluck an iridescent shade from its perch. The glittering powder dusts her fingertips as she swipes it gently across my hand, creating a shimmering arc of color. “This would look amazing on you,” she says, grinning. “It’ll bring out the green in your eyes.” “Wow, that’s beautiful,” I breathe, captivated by the way the light dances across the tiny flecks of pigment. “Do you really think I could pull it off?” Daphne smiles bashfully and flicks her hand through the air. I’m sure you could pull anything off.” She laughs, and I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. The way her eyes crinkle at the corners and her lips curve into a smile… it’s all so enticing. For the rest of the afternoon, Daphne guides me through the store, picking out different shades and colors for me to try on. Daphne’s face lights up as we pause by a display of elaborate prosthetics. “I love special effects makeup,” she confesses as she gently fingers one of the masks. “It’s such a powerful way to transform someone and tell a story.” “Really? Did you study it?” Daphne nods, but her smile dims. “I did, but finding work has been difficult, especially because of my disability. Some people just can’t see past the wheelchair.” A pulse of anger flares through me, but I stamp it down. This woman is a stranger. I remind myself. Still, I hate how judgmental people can be. “I’m sorry, Daphne. That’s so unfair.” “Thank you.” Her brown eyes meet mine and my throat dries up. “But I won’t let it stop me. I know what I’m capable of, and someday, the right opportunity will come along.” Her determination and resilience never cease to amaze me. Nodding I plant my hands on my hips. “I know it will.” Suddenly, an idea takes root in my mind. A bold, daring idea that could change both our lives. “Daphne,” I begin, my voice wavering with nerves. “I have a proposition for you.” She tips her head to the side and I grin. “Would you consider being my personal makeup artist?” The words tumble out before I can second-guess myself. “I know it’s not special effects, but I think together, we could create something amazing.” The faint scent of lavender fills my nostrils as I watch Daphne’s eyes dart back and forth. Her fingers tap the armrest of her wheelchair, betraying her uncertainty. “I… I don’t know, Bridget,” she hedges, looking down at her lap. “I’m so honored, but… I can’t I just started down at the warehouse and I can’t just abandon my crew.” Oh. My heart sinks. “Of course. But if you change your mind…” “Gracias.” Daphne smiles weakly, the gold rims of her glasses catching the store’s fluorescent lights. “De nada,” I murmur softly, warmth blossoming in my chest. “Now, let’s get back to finding the perfect makeup for you, shall we?” The corners of her mouth lift into a genuine smile, and I watch as her hands deftly select products, her fingers moving with practiced ease despite the tremors that sometimes betray her. Her passion for her craft is evident in every gesture, and it only strengthens my belief that she’s the perfect person for the job. “Thank you, Daphne, “I say as she bags up all my purchases a few minutes later. She smiles, and my pulse speeds up again. “You’re welcome, Sarah. I’m just glad I could help.” She folds the last of my purchases into the bag and hands it over to me with a nod. Daphne’s cheeks flame scarlet as I scrawl my number on her hand. “Here,” I say, trying not to let my embarrassment show. “If you ever change your mind, feel free to call or text any time.” Her gaze flits between the numbers and me. Finally, she gives a small nod and murmurs her thanks. As I back away, feeling oddly proud of myself for taking such a risk, Daphne watches me go with an intensity that leaves me slightly breathless. CHECK OUT THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES Book Title: Love Among the Stars (Entertaining Love, Book 1) Author: Claerie Kavanaugh Publisher: Half Caff Press Cover Artist: Cath Grace Designs Release Date: March 19, 2023 Genre: Contemporary F/F Romance Tropes: Matchmaker, Celebrity Themes: Coming out Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 40 000 words/ 250 pages It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Hollywood's best matchmaker may have finally met her match. Blurb Genevieve “Eve” Davis is Hollywood’s best, most sought-after matchmaker. Just about everyone in the City of Angels owes her for their happily ever afters. She’s been in the business for ten years and has never made a false move. The only person she hasn’t been able to hit with Cupid’s arrow? Herself. Then Jemma, Hollywood’s most recent “it” girl, appears on her doorstep. But rather than having an extra bounce in her step, she looks like a dog just crapped all over her brand-new designer boots. The date Eve set up for her was anything but a fairy tale beginning. In fact, it was a downright disaster. The first bad review Eve has ever had. If she can’t fix this, her perfect reputation will be torn to shreds. Even worse, the deeper she digs for that secret ingredient that will help her find Jemma’s perfect match, the harder she falls. Love Beneath the StarsA Matchmaker Wedding NovellaBook Title: Love Beneath the Stars: A Matchmaker Wedding Novella Author: Claerie Kavanaugh Publisher: Half Caff Press Cover Artist: Lauren Dombrowski Release Date: April 26, 2023 Genres: Contemporary F/F Romance Tropes: Age gap, celebrity, matchmaker, wedding Themes: Coming out, forgiveness Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 30 000 words It is a standalone story in the Entertaining Love series. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited They say love conquers all, but what if getting it means losing your family? Blurb After years of searching, a job gone wrong finally led Hollywood's most famous matchmaker Eve to her soulmate in up-and-coming starlet Jemma Mason. For a year, they had pictured their perfect destination Valentine's Day wedding. But when Jemma's family arrives from Montana, they quickly learn perfection is hard to come by. Jemma's conservative brother has always been distant, but when he meets his sister's fiancée, who is seven years her senior, he worries she’s moving way too fast and refuses to come to the wedding, let alone keep his promise to walk her down the aisle. Can love really conquer all, or are there some wounds that simply run too deep to be buried? Eve and Jemma's Wedding Novella. Sequel to LOVE AMONG THE STARS in the standalone sapphic celebrity romance series ENTERTAINING LOVE. About the Author Claerie Kavanaugh has spent most of her life telling stories, but she never imagined herself writing romance. In fact, she used to think it should only be reserved for Hallmark movies. It wasn't until college, when she discovered fanfiction, that she learned what romance was truly about: not just fluffy relationships and happily-ever-afters, but human connection, the desire to push one another to be better, and create hope that somewhere, somehow, everyone has someone. When she's not writing, she loves to travel and explore new cultures, helping other authors polish their works as a freelance editor, and singing while doing so. Broadway musicals are her soul-food, something her mother and sister know well. She constantly blasts the newest soundtrack through the halls of their Missouri home, much to the chagrin of her very sassy and spoiled cat. Social Media Links My teaser this Tuesday is from Electric Candle, book 2 of The Sleepless City (series written with Anne Barwell). More than likely he’d have to get wet to justify the expense of divers. Forge was still contemplating getting a dive team when he heard shouting. “Stop. Wait!” The voice sounded familiar, but Forge couldn’t place it. That always annoyed him. Turning, he looked up at the top of the stairs. Then he squinted and shook his head. The voice’s owner made Forge stare in a type of horrified wonder, like one looked at a train wreck. The fact his cock picked then to persistently remind him of its presence with a few twitches and throbs didn’t help. It was a man, though the dread Forge was feeling might have been less if it’d been a woman. The guy wore what appeared to be homemade steampunk goggles with dark lenses, a long-sleeved black shirt, and black jeans. “Sweet mother of God, is that a cape?” Forge muttered and took a few steps forward. “No, stop, don’t—” His warning was too late. The oddly dressed man began to run down the steps—the slippery, wet steps, waving his arms. He’d gone about three steps when his feet slid out from under him and his rear hit the stone stairs. The man yelped, and Forge’s cock gave another twitch. He had the fleeting thought of how disturbing on several levels that was. “What the hell?” Forge ran to the bottom of the stairs. Bouncing head over heels down the steps, the guy finally flopped to one side and rolled the remainder of the way down, finishing his descent with a hearty splash in the chilly lake water. Floundering and shouting, the man slapped the lake’s surface, went under, bobbed up, and spit water out of his mouth, and garbled, “Can’t… swim.” Throwing his arms wide, Forge grumbled, “It’s not as if vampires drown.” The guy went under, the water churned, but he didn’t come to the surface. Jerking his jacket off and dropping it to the ground, Forge made sure his phone was with the garment. “This has got to be a joke. A really bad joke.” Forge ran to the edge and dove in. The only thing that prevented him from ejaculating the second his fingers touched the man was the cold water. He shuddered when he pulled the guy against his chest and wrapped one arm around him, using the other to help propel them to the surface. When he got to the concrete edge, he hefted the guy over and onto the ground. Forge hoisted himself out of the water and hit the guy, who looked to be in his twenties, between the shoulder blades to expel lake water. A shiver and spark of electricity ran from Forge’s palm and coursed down his spine to settle in his groin. This couldn’t be his soulmate. Yet even as he finished that thought, he knew, and there was no denying what his body was telling him. The fool dressed as some superhero wannabe in a really bad outfit was Jonas Forge’s mate for eternity. Forge wondered if other vampires would penalize him for killing his soulmate. Electric Candle is available in eBook, paperback and
through Kindle Unlimited. Steven D. Brewer has a new queer steampunk book out (trans, gay): Rewriting the Rules. And there's a giveaway. When peace is no longer possible, one must either go to war or run away. Abandoned by the nobility, everything goes wrong for Revin and he makes a run for it, ready to give up all hope. But when confronted with the choice he must make, will his heart lead him true? Warnings: violence. About the Series Revin, a young man from a poor mining town, has pulled himself up by his bootstraps to become the student apprentice of a law professor. But then, everything goes wrong: their airship is captured by pirates and Revin loses his mentor. Born female, Revin must make his way in a world oriented toward men while he struggles with his own identity. Set against the backdrop of a war between island nations, Revin must navigate a world divided between the aristocracy and the common people. And, as a promising young man, he must choose whom to align himself with — and to serve. But what does Revin’s Heart say? Universal Buy LinkGiveaway Steven is giving away a $10 Water Dragon Publishing gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47287/? Excerpt The Queen of Belleriand approached the coast of Havelock in the pre-dawn hours at a high altitude and then turned to skirt the coast. Grip cranked down the ramp while Will helped Revin strap himself into the glider. "Unassisted, you should have no problem reaching the coast," Will said. "But even a small towline will probably be enough to keep you aloft until the city." "And you'll be ready?" Revin asked. "As soon as the Baron launches the assault, we will watch for your signal." With this assurance, Will gave Revin a pat on the shoulder and helped him out onto the ramp. Revin had worn two extra shirts for some extra insulation, but was still shivering, though not entirely from the cold. He was familiar with heights having been on airships many times. But jumping off of them was something else altogether. He pulled out the monocle he had gotten from Will and fixed it over his eye. Then, taking a deep breath, he took a running start and leapt off the ramp into open air. At first, he panicked when it felt like he was going straight down. He struggled to get his feet up into the supports, heart racing. But once he'd picked up a little speed, he felt the glider start to gain lift and the dive flattened out into a long glide. With the monocle, he studied the etheric flows and made an attachment to a strong flow going the right direction. He felt the glider pick up speed and it actually started to climb! He grew increasingly confident as he overflew the coast. He had chosen to approach the city from the East, to stay well clear of the aerodrome, but it meant approaching the city from an unfamiliar direction. He strained his eyes trying to look for familiar landmarks and trying to spot Lidja's apartment building. He was practically straight above it when he finally recognized it. He panicked for a moment feeling like he'd missed his chance. But then he just cut the towline and began turning lazy circles, dumping altitude, until he was just above the rooftops. The building with Lidja's apartment had a mansard roof and looked forbidding to land on. But the adjacent building had a large, long flat roof. Revin lined himself up, then realized, with the wind behind him, he was going too fast and would overshoot the building. In a panic, with the roof of Lidja's apartment rushing at him, he found another etheric stream, and made the biggest towline he could. He squeezed his eyes shut as he started to climb and just barely cleared the roof. He climbed for a few minutes, then cut the line and looped back for another try. Heading into the wind this time, he lined up well in advance of the roof and judged the height better. As he cleared Lydia's roof, he dropped his feet out of the supports and touched down at a run. He almost lost his balance and nearly tumbled, but just managed to stay on his feet and bring the glider to a stop. He had never wanted to kiss the ground more. After he unstrapped himself, he ran to the edge of the building and, looking down a few feet, identified the window of Lidja's bedroom. He pulled a few copper bits out of his pocket and threw one against her window. And then another and another, until he saw she was opening the window to look out and see what was going on. She looked up and caught sight of Revin and her face broke into a huge smile. "Revin!" she squealed. "What are you doing here?" "May I come in?" "Yes, of course!" Revin sprang across the narrow gap between the buildings and scrambled over to the window and climbed inside. Lidja seized him in a hug and pulled him down onto the bed. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" she said, kissing his face over and over. "I've missed you so much! But, look at you! What happened to you?" She put hands on both sides of his face and looked at his black eye and bruises that were finally starting to fade. She kissed his eyes very gently. "I'm here," Revin said. "And that's all that matters. What's been happening here?" "Oh, it's really bad, Revin," Lidja said. "There are soldiers everywhere now. They're stopping everyone and searching everything." "Are you still driving the coach for the Seneschal?" Revin asked. "No," Lidja said sadly. "They said that until the crisis is over I should stay home." "It just means I'll have you all to myself," Revin said. Lidja hugged him even tighter and then kissed him on his mouth when he tried to say something else. "But there is something I want to do," he said, when Lidja finally came up for air. "Mmmmm," Lidja said, giving him little kisses on his neck and throat and working her way lower. "And it's dangerous," he continued as she began to unbutton his shirts. "Mm-hmm," she said, reaching around to unhook his chest binding. "And I'll need your help," he said. "Mm-hmm," she agreed as she kissed him on his chest and belly. "I'm not sure you're taking this seriously," Revin said. "Hmm," she said, loosening his trousers and working her way even lower. Revin closed his eyes, leaned back, and gave himself over to her completely. Author Bio Steven D. Brewer has been a fan of science fiction and fantasy stories for as long as he can remember. He still remembers getting scolded for not reading chapter books in fourth grade because he was avidly consuming the Hobbit, late at night, by flashlight under his covers. And he probably got his copy from his older brother and most important mentor. As an author, Brewer identifies diverse obsessions that underlie his writing. His early interest in natural history, life science, and environmentalism he learned from his father, an ecologist and ornithologist. He attributes seeing his mother study German for his abiding passion for languages that led him to major in Spanish (as well as Biology) and subsequently learn Esperanto and use it for international correspondence and travel. His fascination with Japanese culture grew from writing haiku and haibun in Esperanto. And his mania for information technology and the Internet led him back to graduate school where he earned a Masters in Earth Science and a PhD in Science Education. His scattered interests led to an eclectic employment history. He did farm work and food service growing up in southwest Michigan. He has worked as a large-animal caretaker, an archeological faunal analyst, a hunter of the fastest lizards in the world, a gas-station attendant, a bilingual teacher's aide for a migrant-worker education program, and an edutainer with live animals and a portable planetarium. For the past quarter century he has served as a non-tenure-system faculty member in higher education. Brewer currently teaches scientific writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with his extended family. Author Website: https://stevendbrewer.com/ Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/limako Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/author.sdbrewer Author Mastodon: https://wandering.shop/@stevendbrewer Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7883389.Steven_D_Brewer Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/steven-d-brewer/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Steven-D.-Brewer/author/B00EEIA8MO COVER REVEAL Book Title: Inhale Author: D.P. Denman Cover Artist: AJ Corza Release Date: July 20, 2023 Genre: Contemporary Gay Romance Tropes: damaged lead finds love, professional model, learning to love again, blackmail, voyeur, private investigator stories Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 75 000 words/ 300 pages It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger Pre-Order Links Temporary pre-release sale price of $3.99 USD until July 16 What can you do when love takes you by surprise? Just breathe. Blurb Cole Rinne is a model with an impossible problem. An invasion of his privacy ends up in the hands of a blackmailer and the details could go public any day. His only hope is to ditch the spotlight and hide in the shadows. Then he meets someone with a solution. Gage Marx is a PI who specializes in impossible problems. He's used to solving the unsolvable. The only thing he's ever declared a lost cause is himself. From the start, Cole's case holds more surprises than Gage expects. The most shocking is that for the first time in over a year, Gage’s broken heart is showing signs of life. Their plan to wade slowly into love comes apart when an unexpected opportunity threatens to turn it all into a long-distance relationship. Will occasional reunions be enough to keep them together or will their separate careers tear them apart? Excerpt Gage woke to the jostling of his mattress. The shadowed figure at the end of the bed had him up from his pillow in an instant. He fumbled for the light on the nightstand, his heart hammering. One hundred watts burst into the room and Gage dropped his head back, breathing to the ceiling. Cole sat at the end of the bed, still in his rumpled clothes. "You scared the shit out of me," Gage told him. "Sorry." Cole slumped. The misery on his face silenced the rest of Gage's lecture. "It's okay." "I couldn't sleep. I keep thinking about everything. I feel so…." Cole's face twisted into a smudge of anger and sadness. "Violated?" Gage supplied when it was apparent Cole couldn't come up with the words. "That." Cole nodded. "Betrayed? Pissed?" Cole kept nodding until the last word. "Oh, I passed pissed an hour ago. I'm whatever you are when you reach the molten lava stage. If I thought it would make me feel any better, I'd ask for a meeting so I could spit in his face." "I don't blame you." Gage leaned against the headboard. "I also don't want to be alone." Cole looked at him, sad green eyes and crooked eyebrows asking permission. Gage stared back, searching Cole's face for a lust-inspired ploy to get into his bed. He didn't find one. "Why don't you sleep in here?" Gage offered. It was a mistake, and he knew it. There would be no way to maintain any kind of boundary after a night together, even if all they did was sleep. The alternative was to send Cole back to the couch alone, where he would sit in the dark, ruminating over the betrayal. Gage would stare at the ceiling over his bed, imagining him doing it. He'd end up back on the couch, holding Cole and watching infomercials until one of them fell asleep again. "Thank you." Cole climbed under the covers and nestled into the empty pillow. Gage turned off the light and settled back where he'd been, pretending he could see Cole on the other half of the bed until his eyes adjusted and Cole returned to a shadowed form beside him. They stared at each other for a moment. "I know you have your rules," Cole said quietly, "and I still want you working my case. I also think I want you as something more than that." "Are you sure it's not because you're feeling vulnerable? I don't want to take advantage of you not having anyone else to talk to." Cole reached out and rested a hand on his arm. "I'm not sure of anything, but I know what I'm starting to feel, and I'm pretty sure I know why. It's more than the case." Gage covered Cole's hand, caressing his knuckles, using touch to mask the silence. It was more than the goal of maintaining a professional distance. He didn't think he was ready for a physical relationship. Not yet. Not in that house with a room full of similar memories right across the hall. "Is there a way to make that happen?" Cole asked. "Assuming you want to." The question wasn't new. Gage had already wasted hours thinking about what he would do if Cole kissed him again, digging for loopholes he could bend his ethics around. His only solution was to hand the investigation off to someone who would let him stick his nose back in it at will. No one could fault him for keeping an eye on a situation that affected a man he was dating. "I could let the law firm take over. They'll be doing most of the work on it from now on, anyway." "I don't want to take money away from you just so I can date you." "I have other clients." "People put lawyers on retainer, right? What if I do that with you?" "I would hope you don't have things like this happening often enough to be worth that." "This would be so much easier if you were a bodyguard or something." "They aren't supposed to get involved with clients either." "FBI agent?" "Nope." "Federal Marshall?" "Sorry." "Bounty hunter?" "Sure, if you didn't mind me hauling you in for skipping bail anyway. Otherwise, I'd be aiding a fugitive." "This is much sexier in the movies." Gage smiled. "That's why they call it fiction." About the Author Award-winning author DP Denman wrote her first short story when she was eight and has been crafting fictional adventures ever since! You can usually find her with a cup of coffee in hand, contemplating her next story. A covert romantic, she writes addictive, character-driven gay romance about damaged people who find the strength to put their lives back together. Her stories are gripping and dramatic -- guaranteed to hold you hostage to the last word! Social Media Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Newsletter Sign-Up | Instagram | BookBub | Lemon8 | Amazon Page |
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