My snippet this week is from Whiskey and Moonshine! Mal leaned against the wall while Colt slipped through the door. He was back out a minute later with a backpack slung over his shoulder. “Thank you,” Colt said softly. “You were going to go through with that even though you didn’t want to be photographed naked?” Colt nodded, and Mal sputtered, “Colt, why?” Colt shrugged. “It’s my job.” “No. Doing something you’re obviously very uncomfortable with is not your job.” Colt reached out and took Mal’s hand for a minute. “Really, thank you. I’ve been sick over doing that part.” He rolled his eyes and looked down at himself. “I’m too skinny, anyway.” “No, you’re not. But I’ll admit I want to be the only one who gets to see you naked. You’ll have dinner with me? We can talk about that document? No contract I can’t break; remember that.” There are so many more snippets in the Rainbow Snippet Facebook group! Whiskey and Moonshine is available in eBook, paperback,
audio and through Kindle Unlimited.
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BLOG TOUR Book Title: Last Resort (Treasure Trail Book 3) Author: Morgan Brice Publisher: Darkwind Press Cover Artist: Lou Harper Release Date: March 6, 2024 Genres: MM paranormal romance & supernatural suspense Tropes: moving in together, second chance at love, healing from the past, dealing with past issues, hurt/comfort Themes: evolving relationship, learning to trust, forgiving yourself, letting go of the past Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 216 pages It’s the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone It does not end on a cliffhanger Buy Links Can Ben and Erik put the pieces together to solve the case, or when the cards are dealt, will they be left holding the dead man's hand Blurb Weird things are happening again in Cape May and the ghosts of old mobsters never rest easy.
The ghostly energy of the old Commodore Wilson hotel juices up all the town's spirits, and a stranger shows up with an unhealthy interest in both cases. Ben and Erik have just moved in together, and they're still navigating the next step as partners and blending their lives. Murder, missing persons, hidden treasure, and haunted poker chips. Can Ben and Erik put the pieces together to solve the case, or when the cards are dealt, will they be left holding the dead man's hand? Last Resort is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure filled with second chance love, hurt/comfort, true soulmates, old curses, hidden treasure, dangerous secrets, restless ghosts, psychic visions, powerful witches, angry mobsters, and a very haunted hotel. Excerpt “This brings back memories.” Ben Nolan and his partner carried the last boxes up the stairs. “I spent too many Saturdays in my twenties helping my friends move in and out of apartments for free pizza and beer.” “Look at it as a built-in fitness workout,” Erik Mitchell, his boyfriend, replied. “The good thing is that most days, you don’t need to go up and down more than once.” “I’m sure I can come up with reasons to stay in.” Ben dripped his voice to a sexy growl and gave Erik a knowing look. Erik shook his head fondly. “Sounds good—but we still need to go to work sometime.” Erik owned Trinkets, the antique shop in the first floor of the old Victorian house where their apartment took up the second level. “Can’t beat the commute,” he added.” “True—and mine’s still totally walkable unless the weather is foul.” Ben managed Nolan Resort Real Estate, owned by his aunt and uncle. Until recently, he had stayed in one of the company’s rentals. Ben had moved in with Erik a few months ago, but forgotten about a stack of boxes that were still stored in Trinkets’ back room. The important stuff had already found a place in the apartment. Now Ben needed to figure out what in these last boxes to keep or toss. He’d packed long enough ago that he had forgotten what remained. “Actually, I was surprised how fast I got used to the stairs,” Erik told him. “My place in Atlanta had an elevator, but nowhere near the charm.” Both Ben and Erik had recently moved to Cape May, New Jersey to make a fresh start after their old lives went off the rails. Ben stepped away from being a Newark cop after a betrayal and a near-fatal shooting, and becoming a private investigator had left him burned out and bitter. Erik left his high-profile work stopping art fraud and antiquities smugglers when a bust gone wrong nearly got him killed—and his boyfriend cheated. Differing circumstances led them to Cape May and chance brought them together, but Ben thanked his lucky stars every day for how things had turned out. “Now we just have to figure out what’s worth keeping.” Ben surveyed the stacks of boxes in the living room. “We already have an interesting decorating style.” They had found a quirky way to blend his statues of Spider-Man and Optimus Prime and wall art of some of his favorite comics and sci-fi movies with Erik’s more traditional taste, honed by his work for art museums. “Bring it on,” Erik said with a laugh. “It’s good to shake things up.” Ben reeled him in for a kiss. “I can think of ways to get a whole lotta shakin’ going on,” he growled. Erik kissed him and stepped away. “Hold that thought. We need to be able to navigate through the living room, so the boxes can’t stay—which means unpacking.” “Spoil sport,” Ben grumbled good-naturedly. About the Author Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa. On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs. Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon! Author Links Website | Audible Profile | Amazon profile Facebook Group | Facebook Page Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) | Twitter Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a new release Read a copy of my Badlands short story Restless Nights here for free Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card TQ Sims has a new queer sci-fantasy book out (strong romantic subplot): Godspeed, Lovers. Lovable loner Casey Isaac thinks love isn’t for him. Not since extraordinary events left him with supernormal powers and a great deal of trauma. But when Oscar Kenzari looks at him, he can’t help but change his mind. As Divinators, Casey and Oscar have used their psychic powers to defend humanity from sentient, extradimensional storms for one hundred years. But a storm more powerful than any before is brewing. MaalenKun, prince of the maelstrom, conqueror of countless realities, plans to turn the tables by infecting Casey’s mind. MaalenKun is not the only threat. Casey and Oscar must determine who they can trust: the eccentric trillionaire keeping them in the dark, the independent contractors with secrets of their own, or a seemingly helpful extradimensional being shrouded in mystery. As Casey works to defeat threats around and within himself, he must open to love for his chosen family, for Oscar, and for himself to unlock a transformative power capable of banishing MaalenKun. And Oscar must make a difficult choice that could cost him the future he dreams of. Can Casey and Oscar’s love break the storm? "It's fantastic to have such an emotional, thoughtful, and at times really sexy story to enjoy and identify with. I love books that take characters who are usually shoved to the margins and make their stories, their struggles, fears, hopes, tragedies, and triumphs the focus--which is exactly what this book does." –Doug Spearman, Actor/Activist/Writer/Producer/Director, From Zero to I Love You “From the title page onwards, I was unable to put this book down. With excellent worldbuilding and rich, dimensional characters, T.Q. Sims' Godspeed, Lovers skillfully weaves a world that is equal parts fantastical sci-fi, spirituality, and queer joy. I can't wait to see where Casey and Oscar go next.” –Colette Bennett, Author, Enter the Meta Universal Buy Link | Amazon | GoodreadsExcerpt I realize that without assistance nearby from Casey, I would not be able to maintain the psybridge alone. I send him waves of gratitude and he nods at me. No one has to do this all on their own. It occurs to me, then to both of us. His special divination, his unique attainment, is empathic. He gleans from other divs that he syncs and replicates their capabilities. This is a new skill he is tapping into. He smiles with a hint of surprise and amazement before a hint of fear shows in his eyes. We both know the ability he is beginning to unlock through Four is incredibly rare and powerful. I nod at him, signaling my confidence in his abilities. “Ready, Div Kenzari, Div Isaac,” Murtagh speaks and transfers her message to ensure we are tuned into each other in body and mind. “Prepare for mass heartstar turning.” Murtagh stands in the pontiff suite at the metaglass bow of the yacht. She lifts her hands to the heartstar shining brightly in her chest. Casey does the same. Through the psybridge Murtagh’s voice is mighty as she addresses hundreds of divs ready to level up. Everyone, steady. Murtagh and Casey turn hundreds of heartstars, locating within each the light-thread connecting each Div to MaalenKun’s energy. The sound of a bass drum echoes throughout our connections, and a low steady AUM builds as glowing mandalas expand and turn around Casey’s mudras. Hundreds of light-threads pour through the psybridge, glistening through space, and funnel through the mandalas. The array reaches into the crystal chamber and pins MaalenKun down just as Vasif breaks through, tearing away an entire end of the crystal before flowing inside and descending onto the immobilized Haddyc. Now! I shout through the psybridge. All the divs, all the Sages create space with and through their light-threads. Casey channels it into the trapped storm being enveloped by Vasif’s radiance. Vasif expands like rolling fog descending onto the darkened storm cloud. The force pushes against the Haddyc’s body within Vasif. As planned, the force steers the crystal closer to the rift. Vasif roars like breaking timber as MaalenKun screams the sounds of bending metal. With fast moving vines, Vasif pulls MaalenKun into its body. A flash of purple-black lightning is quickly disarmed within Vasif’s expanding luminous body. The dingy cloud that is MaalenKun explodes into sprays of grey light and ash which slam against the interior of the crystal chamber and knock us onto our knees. The violent bursts of grey give way to explosions of white light before the explosions become invisible light, seen only psychically. As Vasif’s luminous body rips apart the Haddyc’s storm, sounds of metal bending and breaking reverberate through the crystal’s cracked surface. The cracks grow and spread as the crystal chamber moves toward the rift. Yahima looks back toward Mira and Liam. “Signal Vasif!” “Hurry!” Mira urges. “Vasif is struggling!” Yahima slides the ornate cover away from the coffer and hands it back to me. The misty leaves which merged with the golden festoon within the ring shine brightly as they peel away. The leaves stretch long and thin. They become a film of glowing colors which psychically reaches towards Vasif. The EDB has shifted its shape as well. It has become a luminous whirling pale mist stretching toward the rift. A flash emerges from within the ring and a high-pitched peal pours from it. The rift crackles before a low hum reverberates from it. It is unlocked. The Helixx Corp drones zoom forward into the rift. Their flashing lights drift into the half-lit interior and disappear. Hundreds of divs work to immobilize and dull MaalenKun, and Vasif consumes the Haddyc. Vasif stretches itself into the dull half-light of the rift and expels the shredded body of MaalenKun and all of the Haddyc energy it had consumed and contained back Through the psybridge, the sounds of hundreds of divs reaching new Levels builds. An ebullient music of their emotion swells and cascades around us. Joy bubbles forth from within and rolls like a wave through us, uplifting us all. The unstable crystal shatters! Vasif begins to drift. Luminous thin mists stretch from its body, and it clings to the open space around it. From within the rift, a bolt of purple-black lightning rushes out, sizzling the space around it. As it moves past us, several of our gear functions are affected. I try to call Ops through the comm but hear only my voice reverberating in the helmet. My HUD flickers and faintly indicates that all of our thrusters are offline, but I swear I hear their quiet whistle through a looped sensation. Casey drifts into the rift first. Yahima slings the coffer containing the ring back, away from the rift, as they sail into the half-light. Through our psybridge, I hear Liam and Mira and Carmel screaming as the two prescient divinators who could not see this coming disappear into the rift. Mira and Liam drop away from my psybridge. Carmel panics. The music of the levels becomes discordant. Joy is torn away. The nimbuses grind against each other as they fall out of sync. There are so many. Even the Sages cannot hold them in place. Vasif catches the coffer and begins to shapeshift into its more human-like body. I drop the ornate coffer cover, and it floats away. Misty vines wrap around the cover and the clear box containing the ring. Behind me, a bright, fiery light grows as the purple-black lightning breaks the shields and pierces the wings. The psybridge is filled with wailing moments before the low boom of exploding deep space V’s reaches me. It all fades into muffled distortions as I drift helplessly amidst broken crystal and empty space. My thrusters come back online, and I right myself. Realizing my intentions, Thiia cries out. Without pause, I fly into the rift. Author Bio TQ Sims writes stories that center Queer characters in supernormal situations. In their first novel Godspeed, Lovers, two men fall in love while using their psychic powers to battle sentient storms and an evil corporation that wishes to control them. Godspeed, Lovers is a story about mental health, post-traumatic growth, and found family. TQ’s story "The Ritual" was a finalist in competition at the Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival in 2022. Their work has appeared in Louisiana Words, Beyond Queer Words, and The Queer and Trans Guide to Storms. They live in New Orleans with their partner and a growing number of cats. Author Website: https://linktr.ee/t.q.sims Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/thomas.quentin.sims/ Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t.q.sims Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47031065.T_Q_Sims SERIES TOUR for the Jagged Shores Series by Thom Collins Book 1: North Point Book 2: Safe Harbour Book 3: Deep Waters Book 4: Cold Day Dawning Book 5: Jagged Ends releases on April 30. Amazon US Series Link | Amazon UK Series Link Genres: Contemporary M/M Romance Themes: Murder, Thriller, and Suspense, set in the UK Heat Rating: 4 flames Each book can be read as a standalone story. *SPECIAL OFFER* For the length of this tour the books will be priced as follows: Deep Waters - 99c/99p North Point, Safe Harbour, Cold Day Dawning - $2.99 THE JAGGED SHORES SERIES Book 1: North Point Will an idyllic summer holiday lead Arnie to the love of his life, or the end of it? Blurb It should be the start of a perfect vacation. After a period of stress, Arnie Walker takes his nine-year-old son AJ home for the holidays. Arnie grew up in Nyemouth, a picturesque fishing town on the North-East coast of England, and he wants AJ to experience the kind of carefree, endless summer he enjoyed as a boy. It’s a short-lived dream. While taking an evening walk along the North Point cliff, Arnie and AJ witness a murder attempt. For the volunteer crew of Nyemouth Lifeboat Station, it’s a rescue mission like none before, Helmsman Dominic Melton is part of the team who rescue the victim from the deadly North Sea. When Arnie and Dominic come together in the aftermath of the attack, the attraction is instant. Arnie isn’t looking for a relationship. He’s committed to his son’s well-being and has no time for a distraction like Dominic, even though the handsome ex-naval officer is hard to dismiss. Is it possible for Arnie to fulfill his promises to AJ while falling for Dominic? Despite the distraction, a fledgling killer remains at large. As feelings between Arnie and Dominic develop, so does the danger they are in. North Point may be a beautiful place to fall in love, but it could also be the most dangerous. Book 2: Safe Harbour https://books2read.com/u/mvoLJ2 Two lovers seek shelter in a storm of jealousy and passion Blurb Matt arrives in the seaside town of Nyemouth for a much-needed vacation. As a successful lawyer, Matt has a hectic career, and with an ex-husband still pestering him for money, he is long overdue a break. A holiday home perched above the town and its breath-taking harbour seems like the perfect place to unwind. Matt can’t wait to explore the beautiful, jagged shorelines and lose himself for a couple of weeks. Jake has made a home in Nyemouth. After growing up in the city, living on the coast is everything to him. Running a business with his sister and volunteering on the crew of the local lifeboat, he is exactly where he wants to be. But Jake’s life is far from peaceful. Though he left his domineering husband Vince a year ago, Vince refuses to consent to a divorce or loosen his controlling hold on Jake. On Matt’s first night in town, he encounters the couple having a blazing row. When Vince turns violent, Matt intervenes and takes Jake inside to escape his angry ex. Despite what happened, Matt feels a powerful attraction to the younger man. Jake is bright, endearing and unbelievably attractive, but the young man’s life is complicated. Matt already has enough problems of his own. He came away looking for an escape, not a starry-eyed distraction. As Matt and Jake get to know each other better, the gamble on a holiday romance becomes hard for either of them to resist. They have both been unlucky in love before. Maybe this time will be different. Vince will not be shaken off so easily. He has no intention of letting Jake go…ever. As Matt’s and Jake’s emotions deepen, they do not understand how far Vince will take things to keep his husband. As far as Vince is concerned, they made a vow to each other… “till death do us part.” Book 3: Deep Waters https://books2read.com/u/38PP5d In search of a story, he found murder and romance. Blurb Author Christian Costner is researching material for one of his dark thrillers and Nyemouth seems like the perfect setting for his next book. The small seaside town has witnessed plenty of trouble over the years, and Christian thinks it will provide him with the inspiration he needs. He hires local tour guide and fisherman Harry Renner to help him explore the coastline for a couple of days. Harry is knowledgeable and mature beyond his twenty-eight years. Handsome too, though Christian thinks Harry is far too young for him.. As the weather worsens, Harry cuts short their first sight-seeing trip. Heading back to shore they spot a figure in distress in the water. A difficult rescue is made far worse when they discover the casualty has a knife wound to his abdomen and dies before they reach the safety of the harbour. United by the trauma, Christian and Harry find comfort in each other, but when another murder comes to light, they find themselves at the heart of a dangerous mystery and the target of a killer more ruthless than they could ever imagine. Book 4: Cold Day Dawning https://books2read.com/u/bWpoYq Danger comes in the cold of morning Blurb It should be the perfect weekend away. Dalton Caine makes the long journey to Nyemouth to attend a party hosted by his sister. Catherine is estranged from most of the family, but Dalton feels the time has come to build bridges between them. Things don’t turn out how he wants, however, when Catherine gives him a cold reception at the party. But the evening is not a complete waste of time when he meets local photographer Antoni. Following a near-fatal attack six months earlier, Antoni has struggled with his physical and mental recovery. Catherine’s party is the first time he has been out at night since then, and he’s ready for an early exit when he meets Dalton. The stranger is warm, friendly and incredibly handsome. When Antoni overcomes his reservations and accepts a drink at Dalton’s hotel, it could be the start of something new for them both. Despite the joy of fresh romance, things soon take a darker turn. The morning after the party, Catherine’s boyfriend reports her missing. Dalton isn’t initially concerned. Catherine has disappeared of her own will before, and he’s more interested in getting to know Antoni, but the men soon find themselves at the centre of a twisted mystery, one that puts both of their lives at risk. Reader advisory: This book contains violence, murder, PTSD, memories of a child in danger and mental illness. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, this book is best read as part of a series. Book 5: Jagged Ends releases on April 30. Available for Pre-Order Amazon US Series Link | Amazon UK Series Link About the Author Thom Collins is the author of Closer by Morning, North Point and the Anthem Trilogy. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels. Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world. Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook, The Night. Other links At the end of an interminable day and largely sleepless night, Mal got up at the crack of dawn and set off for Gatlinburg in his pickup. He had some trouble finding the studio, and by the time he arrived, the photo shoot had begun. Building security let him in, and he stood against the wall, watching. He caught Colt’s eye a few times but got no soft smile or knowing glance in return. On the plus side, Mal didn’t get any vibes of hostility either. Finally the photographer called a break, and everyone wandered off for bathroom and beverage breaks. Mal pulled in a deep breath, stuck his shaking hands in his pockets, and approached Colt, playing over a million things in his head to say. “I’m sorry,” Mal blurted out. Colt looked away for a second, then focused on Mal. “I know. I didn’t mean to leave in the middle of the night, but I needed to be somewhere else for a few days.” He chuckled. “I think Phillipe is getting tired of me.” “Come home, please,” Mal pleaded. “We’ll work this out, and I am more than capable of fighting the board on this.” “I don’t know, maybe—” “Have dinner with me, and we’ll talk about it.” Colt nodded and even smiled a bit. “That’s fair. I’d like that—a lot, actually.” They were interrupted by a woman approaching with a robe. She handed it to Colt. Mal immediately picked up on the fact her actions made Colt uncomfortable. “I’m not sure about this,” Colt mumbled to the woman. He was staring at the floor. “Not sure about what?” Mal asked. The woman gave him an irritated look but explained, “The magazine is doing a spread with athletes, execs, and models posing nude.” Mal studied Colt, whose feelings were obvious. “You don’t have to do that. It’s not part of the deal. I don’t know who requested this, but it wasn’t me, and I never approved it.” “I’m sorry, sir, who are you?” The woman tried to step between Colt and Mal, but Mal wasn’t having it. He squared his shoulders, straightened his spine, and moved so he was beside Colt. “I’m the guy who owns the distillery that is paying for these photographs.” He turned to Colt and asked, “Do you want to do this?” Colt shook his head. Mal leveled a glare at the woman. “We’re done here.” “But the magazine…. There’s a contract and—” Mal snorted. “Trust me, there isn’t a contract I can’t break, nor do I believe my business manager would have signed a contract if that term had been explicit.” He fished his wallet out and handed the woman one of his business cards. “Call that number. It’s my private office line. Give me the dollar amount that’s owed, and you’ll have a check within the week. He doesn’t want to be photographed nude, and he won’t be. Is there anything else he needs to be here for?” The woman shook her head. “We completed all the other photographs needed.” Mal turned to Colt. “Where’s your stuff?” Colt motioned to the hallway. “The dressing rooms are down there.” He led the way out of the studio and to a door on the opposite side of the hall. “I’ll just be a minute.” Mal leaned against the wall while Colt slipped through the door. He was back out a minute later with a backpack slung over his shoulder. “Thank you,” Colt said softly. “You were going to go through with that even though you didn’t want to be photographed naked?” Colt nodded, and Mal sputtered, “Colt, why?” Colt shrugged. “It’s my job.” “No. Doing something you’re obviously very uncomfortable with is not your job.” Colt reached out and took Mal’s hand for a minute. “Really, thank you. I’ve been sick over doing that part.” He rolled his eyes and looked down at himself. “I’m too skinny, anyway.” “No, you’re not. But I’ll admit I want to be the only one who gets to see you naked. You’ll have dinner with me? We can talk about that document? No contract I can’t break; remember that.” Whiskey and Moonshine is available in eBook, audio, paperback and through Kindle Unlimited. 🥃🥃🥃🥃eBook Sale! 2.99 or read in KU!🥃🥃🥃🥃 Drunk on love. French edition: https://books2read.com/u/mqeWrO Spanish edition: https://books2read.com/u/bPLWJd https://www.elizabeth-noble.com/ Sale price good on English edition only. Now in Audio! Like a well-aged whiskey, master distiller and old-money entrepreneur Malone Kensington is elegant and refined. Unfortunately he’s also a perfectionist who is more dedicated to the success of his generations-old company than his own love life. That company needs a public spokesman. What Colton Hale lacks in sophistication, he more than makes up for with the charisma that’s allowed him to survive on the street from a young age and charm his way into the lucrative—if overwhelming—public position at the Kensington Distillery. When Mal takes Colt under his wing, hoping to polish off his rough edges, opposites attract and a passionate romance blossoms despite the differences in age and background. But can it survive a Kensington Board of Directors who believe Colt is nothing but a gold digger and a kidnapper determined to profit from the love of Mal’s life—dead or alive? Riece walked beside Mason and glanced sideways at him. “You’re not just blowing off steam, are you?” “Oh hell no.” “You’re supposed to enforce the law,” Riece said softly. “Yeah. Which is why I want to avoid killing anyone. I’m afraid they don’t have the same concerns. They’re going to try to kill us, Riece, and if it comes down to them or us—” Mason stopped and drew a deep breath. “—then I vote us.” “You have a plan,” Riece said. When Mason glanced at him and arched an eyebrow, Riece continued. “I know you. That expression you’re wearing—it’s the same determined one you’d have right before an exam.” Mason let go of Riece’s hand and put his arm around his shoulders, chuckling. “We get to safety, and then I return with backup and these assholes are caught.” “Won’t they get farther away?” “You took pictures; we can both give descriptions. I’ve got a plate number from at least one vehicle, and we know a name. They’ll be caught,” Mason said. “Most importantly they’ll think we won’t be able to catch them.” “How does that help?” Mason shrugged. “They won’t hide well. I think they’ve been getting away with this for a while. We’re not their first hunt. They’ll think we won’t be able to track them down.” “Do you think they’re the reason people disappear around here?” Riece asked. “They are very confident they’ll kill us.” He glanced behind them again. “Yeah.” Mason stopped and turned to face Riece. “I do. It hit me when they were talking. I was thinking the pit we fell into was for animals, but it was in such an odd spot. More of a place people would go for the scenery. Not where a bear or buck would go for food or shelter or water. I’m sort of hoping they’re overconfident. That’s when they’ll slip up, make a mistake. We have to make sure we don’t make a mistake.” “They talked about coming here for a hunt,” Riece added. Gone Away is available in eBook, paperback and through Kobo Plus. SERIES TOUR THE CHRISTOPHER BOOKS by Stephen G Hardy Follow Christopher as he explores various types of relationships and the impact he has on the lives of others. The books need to be read in order. Overall Heat Rating for the series: 1 flame BOOK DETAILS BOOK 1 Book Title: Search for Complete Cover Artist: Ryan Mulford Length: 80 127 words /335 pages Release Date: June 4, 2023 Genres: Contemporary LGBTQ+ Fiction with speculative elements. Tropes: Friends to Platonic lovers Themes: Interpersonal relationships, Conversations as Catalyst for Change It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Blurb “Why do I get the feeling that Christopher is the type of man that would make the perfect husband for any woman and, at the same time, the perfect wife for any man?” Laura says shortly after Christopher begins his new job at the TV station. Laura’s statement would turn out to hold more truth than she could imagine. No one who meets Christopher, especially not Laura, as well as David, a gay man he meets at a party, understands what it is about him that draws them to him. They also don’t realize that Christopher is searching for something, a search complicated by their desires for him. BOOK 2 Book Title: The Price of Happiness Length: 84 447words/330 pages Release Date: November 24, 2023 Genres: LGBTQ+ Contemporary Literary Fiction Tropes: Love and loss Themes: Parenthood, interpersonal relationships, finding oneself. It is not a standalone story and end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Blurb As Search for Complete left off, the birth of his twins had just completed Christopher. However, though he has what he had searched so long for, he now must deal with the associated costs, namely the unraveling of his relationship with Laura, the mother of his twins. The birth of the twins should have brought Laura joy, yet, instead, she finds herself on an intense emotional rollercoaster. Laura resents Christopher's happiness—resents that he is a better mother than she is. But most of all, Laura resents that the twins are Christopher's spitting image—nowhere does she see herself in them. Christopher fears his happiness in becoming a father has become Laura’s undoing. As he tries to help her adjust to the reality of their situation, Laura struggles to find herself in the tangled mess of their relationship. In The Price of Happiness, Stephen Hardy has created a profound and moving novel on the themes of parenthood, identity, love and loss—and the cost of getting what we want. BOOK 3 Book Title: When the Sun and Moon Touch Length: 87 639 words/353 Pages Release Date: March 29, 2024 Genres: LGBTQ+ Contemporary Literary Fiction Tropes: M2M relationships Themes: Finding oneself, forgiveness, love The stories need to be read in order. This book does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Blurb Christopher has settled into life as a single father to his twins, Loren and Christine. Content with his life, he is contemplating the imminent return of their mother Laura, who has been traveling through Europe for nearly a year, when he meets Benjamin, a direct descendant of the sun. Suddenly, his contentment is upended as he tries to understand the reason for their meeting. Despite what Benjamin says, that they are meant to be together, Christopher initially tries to hold Benjamin at arm's length, believing that he is only to be for Benjamin what Joseph was to him—a friend and mentor. Excerpt from Book 1 I began to question accepting Laura’s invitation when I heard the noise coming from the backyard as we approached the house. I disliked crowds, and it sounded like an immense crowd was on the other side of the gate. People were everywhere—seated on lounge chairs scattered around the patio or at the rectangular dining table or milling about in various groups—talking loudly over the blaring music. Laura’s voice broke through the noise. “I don’t see Peter anywhere. He might be inside. Shall we find him?” “By all means. I would feel uncomfortable attending his party without meeting him.” I followed Laura into the house. As we passed through the living room, my eyes fell on a few framed photos of a handsome couple on the wall. In the kitchen, a solitary male figure was removing a tray of croissants from the oven. “Hello, Peter.” As he turned around, I recognized Peter as one of the men in the photos. Tall and slender, with dark hair and a mustache waxed into handlebars, there was a dapperness to him that I found pleasing. “Hey, Laura. Lovely to see you!” After setting the hot tray down, Peter hugged her. “Peter, I want you to meet Christopher. He just moved here from Seattle and works with me at the station.” “How do you do, Peter?“ Having grown used to the reaction my presence caused, I smiled patiently as Peter, unable to speak right away, shook my offered hand. “I hope you do not mind my crashing your party. Laura assured me that you would not object to her bringing me.” “No, of course, I don’t mind.” The words tumbled out one on top of the other. “Is there anything we can do to assist you?” “No, I have it all under control, thanks. Please help yourself to the food and drinks out on the patio.” “We will. Thanks,” Laura said, taking my arm and steering me back through the living room. “Peter is very nice,” I commented as we stepped through the doors and headed towards the drinks table. “Can I make you something?” “A mimosa, thanks. Yes, Peter’s a sweetie.” We stood sipping our drinks as I scanned the crowd of mostly men, a mix of young and old, before Laura took me around, introducing me to the people she knew. I instinctively searched their eyes for the essence of another while ignoring Laura’s scrutinizing gaze. Laura needed to use the bathroom, so she left me standing under the large Ficus tree where we had sought shade from the sun. Within minutes of her departure, I was surrounded by a large group of people vying for my attention. Carrying on multiple conversations was challenging, but I did my best to make each person feel they had my full attention. He caught my attention on the periphery of my vision: tall and well-built, resembling the small statue of the god Mars that sat on the table in Joseph’s shop. Our eyes met, and I felt my heart skip a beat, seeing something flash in his eyes. Smiling hopefully, I extended my hand to him. “Hello, my name is Christopher Dunn.” As he shook my hand, I took the opportunity to search his golden-brown eyes. My initial hope turned to disappointment, for while something was there, it was not another’s essence. Though disappointed, I was intrigued. “Davidmartelli.” He slurred the two names into one in his haste to get the words out. As I gazed into his eyes, the feeling of a purpose to our meeting appeared—first Laura and now David. “It is a pleasure to meet you, David Martelli,” I said, saying his name distinctly. David blushed attractively, causing a twinge in my heart. “Can I get you a drink?” He looked so crestfallen when I held up my cup that I was tempted to down my drink and ask him for another. “Oh, you have one.” “I do, but I appreciate you asking.” I gave him a smile to back up my words. It was apparent that David was struggling to find something to say, the frustration evident in his handsome features. I wanted to get him away from the people surrounding us and talk to him alone, but I did not see how I could do so without offending everyone else. Conscious of the eyes watching us, David blushed again and backed away. For some reason, I knew that this behavior was out of character for him. Watching him walk away, I hoped we would meet again as I wanted to discover what I saw in his eyes. About the Author Stephen Hardy was born in the San Francisco Bay Area but grew up in the Pacific Northwest. His career as a fashion designer took him back to San Francisco before he headed to New York City, where he met his husband of twenty years. Tiring of the hectic pace of the fashion industry, Stephen gave up his career to become a stay-at-home dad for his and his husband’s two adopted sons and a quiet life in Connecticut. Now residing in Phoenix, Arizona, and with the kids grown, Stephen returned to university, where he rediscovered his love for writing. His focus is on contemporary fiction, examining social issues regarding gender, sexuality, and relationships. Search for Complete is his first novel. Author Links “Gentlemen, I’ll dive right in,” Porter began. He was usually succinct, but he’d normally at least say hello. “We have a situation that has the potential for global impact and could become an E.L.E.” “E.L.E.?” Declan asked. He glanced to the others. Jonas was frowning and it was difficult to tell if he’d recognized the acronym. Lucas’s sentiments came through loud and clear even without the bond they shared that allowed Declan to experience his emotions to some degree. Color dropped from Lucas’s face, and he sucked in a breath, backing up and sitting abruptly in a chair. Declan asked, “I’ve heard the term but I’m not—” “Extinction Level Event,” Lucas cut in. Find more snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group! Endosymbiont is available in eBook and through Kindle Unlimited.
RECENT RELEASE Book Title: An Odyssey of Shadows Author, Cover Artist, and Publisher: Dion Marc Release Date: April 1, 2024 Genre: 1940’s Period drama and Ancient Greek fantasy Tropes/themes: Family Drama, Courage, Dealing with Loss, Hero’s Journey. Length: 298 pages Heat Rating: 0.5 out of 5 It is the first book in a new series. It ends on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited A Hero's Journey is a Tale of Tragedy Blurb A Hero's Journey Is a Tale of Tragedy. In the wake of his brother's death, Theodore's world is irrevocably shattered. Now he stands alone against the shadows that dance at the whims of Gods. Clad in armour touched by magic and driven by a sharp mind, he faces a world of chaos and trials of unimaginable darkness all to save his brothers life. Each heartbeat of fear, each spark of hope, fuels his fight through a world where his bookish smarts may be his key to survival. Yet, Gods have never been known to play fair - especially the war god - Arēs ‘An Odyssey of Shadows' is the first instalment of a new fantasy series set in the year 1945, penned by Amazon bestselling author and artist Dion Marc. This saga weaves queer protagonists and intricate plot lines into an unputdownable read. Excerpt The air was dense, choking me with its acrid stench. I found myself in an unending void, where even my own body seemed to disappear into the oppressive blackness. But the silence was the worst of all—a soundless void that made my eardrums ache with its sheer weight. Then, a light—faint at first—began to pulse in the distance. A scarlet bloom beckoning me closer. As I drew near, the light revealed itself to be a door, slightly ajar, emanating an even deeper blackness than the void around it. From within, whispers floated out, layered over each other until they became a cacophony of desperate cries and muffled screams. "Join us. Save us. Take us." Unable to resist its pull, I pushed the door wider. Inside was an endless expanse of contorted, writhing figures, locked in a dance of agony. Their skin seared, peeling away to reveal muscle and bone, yet they moved as if in rhythm to some ghastly melody. And there, in the midst of the tormented crowd, was Thomas. His once bright brown eyes were now hollow, devoid of hope or recognition. Chains wrapped around his body, pulling him deeper into the throng. I tried to scream, to shout his name, to reach out, but my voice was stolen by the void, and my limbs were weighed down by invisible forces. My own cries seemed to echo back to me from the abyss until a blinding surge of scarlet light consumed everything About the Author Bestselling Scottish Australian author Dion Marc lives and breathes queer art. Whether he is painting, writing, sewing or dancing naked in the moonlight he does it with pride. He is a practising Hellenistic polytheist who believes in healing the world one hug at a time and that drinking tea without a biscuit is a horrendous crime. Dion has worked on Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge, Hamilton and so many more creative and flamboyant shows. Social Media Links |
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