My snippet this week is from Quarry, book 2 of The Vampire Guard. Across the room Forge dropped his chin to his chest and he groaned softly. That was Blair’s clue to make contact, and now his part would begin in earnest. He walked to the display where the vampire stood. Folding his hands in front of him, Blair stood to the side politely, as if waiting his turn. He glanced at the vampire, making sure to appear as though he was obviously checking him out and impressed with what he saw. Blair was very aware the vampire watched him out of the corner of his eye as well, scrutinizing every move Blair made. “Pretty cool stuff, huh?” Blair finally said. The vampire turned far enough to look at him straight on and tilted his head to the side. “I know you.” Blair shrugged. “I was at the opening gala for this exhibit. This whole affair cost a bundle, but after the year I’ve had, I decided what the hell, you know? Can’t take money with you. Buy you a drink?” Blair glanced around, adjusted his glasses and stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Blair.” “I believe we’ve already had a drink a few years ago.” A slow smile spread over the vampire’s face. Blair shrugged again. “Yeah. I recognized you the other night. Been trying to work up the nerve to come over and say hello. You bought the drinks last time, so I owe you one.” Read more exciting and diverse snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. Quarry is available in eBook, paperback and through Kindle Unlimited.
![]() J. Scott Coatsworth has a new queer sci-fantasy book coming out in September, The Tharassas Cycle book four, and we have the cover reveal: The Death Bringer. AIK WILL NEVER BE THE SAME... AND NEITHER WILL HIS WORLD War is coming. Aik has become the Progenitor, and the Seed Mother has released him to transform the world for her alien brood. Silya and Raven, Aik's former friends, are the only ones who can save him and the world. But what if the cure is worse than the invasion? As Silya rushes to prepare Gullton for the battle to come, she's determined to save as many people as she can. But new crises emerge that demand her attention. Raven has his own hands full, keeping the dragon-like verent in line, while helping Silya to save the world. But what if the only way to do so is to sacrifice Aik, the man that he loves? It's the end of the world ... or could it be the start of something new? Note: Advance paperback copies will be available at BayCon in Santa Clara in early July. About the Series: The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world. Preorder NowExcerpt Chapter One Regroup He floated, weightless and naked, surrounded by a reddish light and suspended in fluid. Something connected to his mouth and wrapped around his head, like a lover’s embrace. He used to have a name. He searched his mind for some clue to his identity. I exist, so I must be someone. Or something. That made sense, but got him no closer to an answer. He blinked. Who am I? There was no immediate reply. He lifted his hand. It was encased in metal. The gauntlet. That much he remembered, though it meant nothing to him. Except… it seemed different, somehow. Thinner. He moved his arms in the liquid, and it sparkled around him where his shifting disturbed it. The metal extended down his wrist and along his forearm, like before, but now it went farther, around his elbow and up his bicep. He touched it with his free hand. I can feel it. It was as if the metal had become a part of him, his nerves growing through it. He held out his metallic hand and flexed his fingers. What is it? We call it uurcaa. It’s a sacred metal—it will protect you, and if your host dies, it will collect and save your soul.He could feel the emotions she held back from him. It is the last of its kind from our homeworld. Like us. He blinked. Then what am I? You are my son, Iihil. The progenitor, the one who has come before and the first of many more like you. The voice was deep and comforting. Mother. Warmth infused him at her voice, and an eagerness to please her. Still, something wasn’t right. He was more than that. He searched his mind, running up against that stubborn blankness. Somewhere beyond it were the answers he needed. He’d been someone else. Before. Who was I? Memories of a face—dark hair, intense eyes that nevertheless twinkled at him. Raven. It came flooding back to him. His mother. His life in Gullton. Training to be a guard and meeting Raven for the first time. My name is Aik. He reached for the mask that covered his face. It was suffocating. Something was stuck in his throat, and he coughed hard, trying to force it out, whipping around and causing the liquid around him to flash red in alarm. Calm yourself. The voice was as thick and heavy as an ix hide, and just as soft and warm. Aik pushed back. What are you doing to me? I don’t want this! Let me out! He thrashed about, trying to force his way through the suffocating liquid. The metal crept up his shoulder. If it covered all of him, he would be lost. Calm yourself! It was more insistent this time. Aik stiffened as an enforced lethargy settled over him. He lost control of his limbs, falling still in his floating prison. The voice pressed against his mind. You’re safe. Be calm, my little one. He closed his eyes and thought of Raven, trying to stay fixed on that face. I can’t let myself forget again. Then the world around him dissolved, and he was swept up in a torrent of memories that weren’t his own. Author Bio Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were. He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends. A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, Liminal Fiction, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and was the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) for almost three years. Author Website: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworth/ Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/jscottcoatsworthauthor Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.otherworldsink.com/@jscottcoatsworth Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jscottcoatsworth/ Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8392709.J_Scott_Coatsworth Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/ Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/j-scott-coatsworth/ Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/J.-Scott-Coatsworth/e/B011AFO4OQ ![]() NEW RELEASE ![]() Book Title: Grabbing My Slyce! (Some Like It Haute! Gay Romance Series) Author: Dann Hazel Publisher: The Original Press Cover Artist: Joshua Fippen Release Date: June 24, 2024 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Forced Proximity; Hurt/Comfort; Slow Burn; Age-Stratified or May/December Romance Themes: Family Strife; Loss of a partner/spouse; dealing with internalized homophobia Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 138 829 words/ 360 pages It can be read as a standalone, but is part of a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited ![]() How do you find your true love when the other business of life has always gotten in the way—until now? Blurb As an only child, Frank Slyce is an independent, self-reliant gay man with a huge creative streak. Now, at thirty-two, he feels thrown off-kilter by a proverbial “urge to merge.” But how does a man like Frank find love when he has always related best to people older than he is? Enter David Hawkins, a Unitarian minister who’s similar in age to Frank. At first, they seem to hit it off. But in their steamy pursuit of a relationship, they discover individual differences that feel insurmountable. Then, Frank seeks a business loan to open Slyce! Pies and Pasta. The hot, charming banker who works with him, Nicolas Beaumont, is eleven years older than Frank. Age is not a problem for Frank. But what is it about Nicolas’ history or personality that causes the banker to retreat into silence when Frank, for the first time in his life, feels certainty about love? A slow-burn, age-stratified, HEA gay romance. Excerpt Once they’d returned to the Round House dock, Frank helped Nick secure the boat all over again. There was, after their kiss, a certain timidity between them now. As though they had to process what had just happened at their own pace. As though speaking of it might somehow wipe what happened out of existence. While they worked with the boat, Frank didn’t notice the arrival of a familiar car. David’s car. It was, after all, Nick who filled Frank’s consciousness. He could smell him. He could hear his rhythmic breaths. He could feel Nick’s body against his. It was as though he walked toward the Round House on autopilot. It was as though he had no idea where he was, the magic still had such a blinding hold on him. Then, from the familiar car, Frank heard his name. A voice he recognized, shouting his name. He looked up and saw David, a big smile on his face, a hand waving at him. More eager than ever to spend a day with his chef and their friends. As though those days of silence and isolation had never happened. Frank smiled and waved back. Nick noticed. He noticed and took it all in. He didn’t know exactly what was going on between these two men, but from his forty-two years on this familiar planet, he had an idea. He knew that the best move he could take now was to make himself scarce. He bid farewell to Frank, asking him to convey his regrets to their hosts, before he headed back to his boat. He was no longer feeling well, he said, and needed to return the boat to the marina, then get himself home and into his bed. Frank was speechless, though he managed to ask if Nick needed him to accompany him. To make sure he was okay. “No. That’s not necessary, Frank,” Nick replied. “I’ll be fine. It’s just a—thing—that happens from time to time. It’s not serious. Just my body’s warning that it needs a little rest.” Nick boarded his boat, then sped away with a perfunctory wave. Then, Frank turned back to David. But David, he saw, was already heading into the Round House. David, he knew, was mad as hell. About the Author Dann Hazel has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for more than twenty years. Besides writing romance, he has taught high school English and journalism, college psychology and human sexuality, directed federal grants and worked as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital. His fiction genre interests include thrillers, horror, literary and gay romance. He has published the Some Like It Haute Gay Romance Series, including Room for Dessert, My Own Private Biscuit and Lonely Diner. Nonfiction works include Witness: Gay and Lesbian Clergy Report from the Front and Moving On: The Gay Man’s Guide for Coping When a Relationship Ends. Dann’s personal interests include reading and writing, cinema, jogging, Broadway, keeping abreast of current events and travel. Currently, Dann lives in Central Florida with his husband, Josh, and their American Eskimo canine, Flurry. Social Media Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram ![]() It was late afternoon before Griff could try calling home again. First, he tried using his own phone and got Clint’s voice mail, leaving another message. Griff set the phone on his desk and paced around the office a few times. “Something’s not right,” he grumbled. Griff couldn’t believe Clint was ignoring him; that wasn’t his style. They’d argued plenty of times over the years, and Clint had never acted like this. Griff stopped pacing and reached for his office phone. He hit the button for the line that would show up on caller ID and dialed Clint’s number. Again it went to voice mail. Surely Clint wouldn’t ignore a call from the Marshal’s office that could very well be due to an emergency with Griff. He left another message before slamming the phone down. “Griff.” Candice walked into the office. “I’ve called, texted, and sent private messages to Clint. No response all day. Not only that, there hasn’t been any activity on any of his media sites.” She looked genuinely worried. “He might be pissed enough to ignore me and maybe he realized I checked on his sites, but I doubt he’d ignore a call from here, and he absolutely wouldn’t ignore his readers.” Griff grabbed his carry bag from the desk where Candice had left it earlier, took his keys from the top drawer, and headed to the door. “I’m going home. This isn’t right. It doesn’t feel right.” Candice grabbed his arm and stopped him. “Griff, call me.” He nodded and all but ran to his car. The normal fifteen-minute drive seemed like hours. Finally Griff pulled in his driveway and parked behind Clint’s car. Seeing the car did nothing to unclench the knot his gut was in. Griff sprinted up the walkway and took the front steps of his house in two bounds. The key stuck in the lock, and he pounded on the front door, shouting, “Clint!” Furiously, he yanked on the key until the door opened, and he stumbled into the house. It was dark and silent. Griff froze for a few seconds, taking in every detail. No dogs charged to meet him; there was no sound from anywhere in the house. He strode through to the kitchen, flipped on the light, and drew his gun. Nothing seemed amiss, so he went to the basement steps. It was dark downstairs, and Griff heard no movement. “Clint. Phoenix. Fern.” He ventured into the backyard. It, too, was empty, and there was no sign Clint had been out there recently. Griff went back inside and checked every inch of the house. No Clint. No dogs. Another visual sweep of the landing and Griff realized the dogs’ harnesses and leashes were gone from their customary hooks. “They’re just out for a walk. Clint went for a walk.” Griff went to Clint’s office and sat down in the armchair against the far wall. He ran shaking hands over his hair and took a few deep breaths. He sat and waited, but the quivering of his stomach wouldn’t stop. The desktop computer Clint worked on was turned off, but it wasn’t unusual for Clint to power it down a few times a week, especially if he planned on being out of the house for a few hours. Next he went to the living room and opened the cabinet where Clint kept the laptop he sometimes used. It still sat in the carry bag Clint kept it in, along with Clint’s tablet. Griff hadn’t seen Clint’s phone or wallet earlier, but he took another walk through the house just to be sure, confirming they were gone. RELEASE BLITZ ![]() Book Title: Glow (Pleasure Seekers, Book 3) Author and Publisher: Kristian Parker Cover Artist: Kelly Martin Release Date: June 19, 2024 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Workplace romance, opposites attract, love awakening Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 50 040 words/214 pages It is book 3 in the Pleasure Seekers series and does not end on a cliffhanger. The books are best read in order. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited ![]() Searching can uncover unexpected truths Blurb Scott Fitzgerald is looking for love. Both his flatmates have met their forever someones—when will his turn come? Then things at work get hectic after a consignment of Pleasure Seekers’ finest toys goes missing. There’s a thief in their midst and Scott has to find out who it is. Enter Prin Lau, the handsome IT technician who’s escaped Scott’s notice until now. When they’re thrown together, it’s not just the hunt for the villain that makes Scott’s heartrate rocket. But Prin has fled to Brighton to escape family problems. When he decides it’s time to face them head-on once and for all, where will that leave a barely begun relationship? With so much distraction, Scott must keep his eye on the prize—and come to understand what he’s really willing to fight for… Excerpt Prin had taken the table at the rear of the coffee shop. As it was early for a Friday, there weren’t many other customers other than a group of schoolkids and a couple of people on their own. The kids were more interested in being the loudest in the group than anything Prin was up to. As for the others, they were focused solely on their laptops. Nervously, Prin sipped his hot chocolate. The door opened and Scott walked in. Butterflies swarmed inside Prin. The whole thing had him on edge. Scott’s model looks didn’t help either. Scott noticed him and came over. “Prin?” “That’s right.” Scott dropped his bag and sat down. Prin barely met his gaze. Maybe this was a bad idea. It’s too bloody late now. He shifted in his seat. “Can I get you anything?” “No thanks,” Scott replied. “I’ve got to go home and log on after this. How did you get out early without raising suspicion?” “I often work from home so it wasn’t a big deal,” Prin replied. Scott looked at him expectantly. For some reason, Prin had no idea how to begin. “It’s probably nothing—” “I hope not,” Scott interjected. “I’ve had a shit day. I’m banking on you making it a better one.” Prin had been right. Scott was a self-absorbed queen. He should never have listened to bloody Colin. “I…” Scott held up his hands. “I’m sorry,” he said. “My stupid mouth. I didn’t mean to sound like an arsehole. The truth is, I have a humdinger of a hangover. But I have no right to take it out on you. Can we start over?” Prin’s nanny always used to say to him that he shouldn’t judge other people’s actions until he had an idea of what they were going through. Perhaps Prin had Scott wrong after all. “I’d like that. Are you sure I can’t order you a drink?” “Go on then,” Scott said. “I’ll have a flat white. It’ll give me the final hit of caffeine to get me home.” Prin caught the eye of the barista. “Flat white, please.” “Sure thing.” Prin turned to Scott. Fuck he’s too handsome to concentrate. “Okay,” Scott said. “Let’s have it straight. I promise you it won’t go any further unless you want it to. I think I signed something when I joined that says you can sue me if I tell a soul other than a priest or a dog.” Scott giggled to himself. Prin took a deep breath. This time he properly regarded the man across from him. His eyes were the most vivid blue Prin had ever experienced. Something radiated from him that gave Prin the trust he’d needed to attack this head on. “My boss is Richard Brammin.” “You have my sympathy.” Prin smiled. “His son, Elliott, works in my team. You probably already know that.” “Yeah. I’ve had the pleasure of dealing with him. Thick and arrogant. The worst combination going.” “Agreed,” Prin said, relaxing a little. “Well yesterday he was booking a holiday. I know there’s nothing wrong in that. I guess his manner caught my attention. I overheard his conversation. I wasn’t eavesdropping or anything.” The barista placed a cup down in front of Scott and left them to it. Prin waited until he was out of earshot. “He asked his friend to pay and he would give them the cash. He told them they had to do it now. I don’t know. Saying it out loud it sounds ridiculous, but he was definitely on edge. Oh yes and he did say that there’s plenty more where that came from.” Scott sipped his drink and frowned. “Go on.” “I happened to mention it to Richard and he got really stressed. He stormed off to speak to Elliott about this holiday.” Prin worried Scott would lay into him for wasting his time. “It’s not just that,” Prin continued. “Even before that, I mentioned to Richard about the theft and he told me, in no uncertain terms, that it hadn’t happened in IT. I wasn’t to bring trouble to his door.” Scott frowned. “Richard Brammin is on more money than you and I combined. Why would he want to rob a load of dildos? It doesn’t make sense.” Prin stared down at his cup. “I shouldn’t have bothered you. I’m sorry.” “No,” Scott said. “That’s not what I’m saying. This is suspicious as fuck. Problem is, we need a damned sight more before I can take on Richard Brammin.” “You believe me then?” “Of course I do.” Prin beamed. He had been so sure he was sticking his neck out only to get it chopped off. Now he’d unburdened himself, he felt so much lighter. “What’s next?” “Let me sleep on it,” Scott replied. “Don’t mention it to anyone. Have no fear, Prin. I will come up with a plan. I always do.” Scott followed this up with a wink that went straight to Prin’s groin. Being thrown together with this gorgeous man could be very interesting indeed. Pleasure Seekers is the online store for the nation’s naughty needs. It caters to all tastes from edible underwear to lube to things that are a little more niche. Based in Brighton on the South Coast, Pleasure Seekers’ mission is to revolutionise Britain’s sex life. But what kind of person works in a company like this? Meet Tyler, Eddie and Scott. Three men who are about to have the summer of their lives. Who says taking your work home with you is a bad thing? ![]() About the Author I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters. I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into. Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it. Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | TikTok ![]() RECENT RELEASE BOOK BLAST ![]() Book Title: In the Dragon’s Lair (Wings Over Albion #2) Author and Publisher: Joy Lynn Fielding Cover Artist: Miblart. Release Date: June 10, 2024 Genre: Paranormal M/M Romance Tropes: Shifters; enemy of my enemy; mutual pining; class gap. Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 75 000 words It is a standalone book, though it’s part of a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Amazon US | Universal Amazon link ![]() Blurb Nate Mortimer is hot, funny, and kissing him is like falling into the sun. He’s also the last man I should ever be with. He’s smooth, wealthy, and practically dragon royalty. But me? I’m just a dragon from the Cornish countryside. Or so I like people to think. I’m investigating the Fortescues, one of the richest, most powerful dragon families in Britain. Problem is, I’m not the only one who’s undercover. Every time I turn around, Nate’s in my way. Can I trust him? He has his own issues with the Fortescues. Those dragons are dangerous, and his plotting could draw me into a lethal power struggle. His emotional baggage and troublesome ex? Also problematic. And none of that helps me keep my mind—or hands—off him. If I’m not careful, falling for the wrong dragon-shifter could cost me so much more than just my heart… Excerpt “Is there a reason you’re interested in an empty old theatre?” I asked Nate while Ella was busy taking off her coat. “I’m researching for a book I intend to write.” “One about making millions off the backs of others in a banking empire, I’m guessing,” I said, promptly wanting to kick myself as his eyebrows raised. I was supposed to be getting close to him, not letting him know what I thought about his lifestyle. “I mean, what’s it about?” “Nate’s going to write a best-seller about Jane Austen’s torrid love affair with the actor Robert Elliston,” Ella said, sliding her arm through Nate’s to press her cheek against his shoulder. “I didn’t know Jane Austen had an affair,” I said. “She didn’t,” Nate said, then paused. “Well, she probably didn’t. Though I suppose it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility if she was extraordinarily discreet about it. For my purposes, all that matters is that she’s known to have relished Elliston’s performances. She was so impressed by him that she worried he might leave Bath when he inherited some money. Anyway, Ella—you know this place. Lead on.” We spent the next hour or so wandering around, exploring thoroughly. “Do you think Jane Austen was a theatre groupie?” I asked as we walked into one of the dressing rooms. Nate’s face lit with humour. Ella’s, however, was full of scorn. “Don’t you know anything about her?” I didn’t care what she thought of me. Nate was still grinning, and it was a good look on him. “I’m going to have to put that in the book,” he said. “I should call it Greasepaint and Blowjobs: The Secret Life of Jane Austen.” “Honestly.” Ella rolled her eyes and stomped off. That gave me a chance to finally talk to Nate. “Sorry about last night,” I lied through my teeth. “It seemed the best thing to do in the heat of the moment.” He smiled at me, a different sort of smile from his amused grin, and it sent all kinds of messages to my cock. “Are you really sorry?” he asked, and for the first time, I understood what people meant when they said someone purred when speaking. “I’m not.” “Maybe we should try out something for your book,” I suggested. “Get some of the groupie logistics nailed down.” “I hope it’s more than logistics that are going to be nailed,” he murmured, moving forward, an almost hypnotic sway to his stride. “Nate!” Ella’s shout echoed down the corridor outside. “You need to look at this.” The moment was well and truly broken, though my cock still hadn’t got the memo. “Coming,” he yelled back, and then winced. “Or not,” he added, with a rueful sideways glance at me before heading out of the room. I followed, enjoying the sight of his arse once again. I didn’t know what to make of Nate Mortimer. My dick knew what it wanted to make of him, and that was a sweating, panting, ruined mess. But I hadn’t spent enough time with him yet to work out who he was. When Charlie had cornered him at the bar, he’d been…vulnerable? Something other than a smooth entitled banker, anyway. I’d warmed to him when we’d joked about Jane Austen giving blowjobs. He would be easy to like. And just now, he’d definitely been open to getting laid. But he was a banker, so I had no interest in puzzling him out. I simply needed to get him talking so I could find out why one of the Mortimer family had been poking about in James Fortescue’s study. 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). She tends to talk a lot 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. Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Newsletter Sign-up Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. ![]() AUDIOBOOK TOUR ![]() Book Title: Studious (IOU #2) Author and Publisher: Leslie McAdam Narrator: Declan Winters Release Date: May 31, 2024 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Love tutor, virgin MC, reformed rake, nerd-popular, online bet Themes: Self-acceptance, triumphing over past hurts, sweet and steamy, heart-warming Heat Rating: 5 flames Length: 7 hours and 10 minutes A standalone story within a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links ![]() Blurb After a disastrous high school game of spin the bottle, I gave up trying to get a boyfriend and spent my time studying instead. Now I’m twenty-four, and I’m not only a virgin, I haven’t even been kissed. When I meet Danny, a handsome legal hotshot, he catches my eye. Right before I trip on flat ground. Ugh. He’s got a massive … reputation. He’s the most popular guy in the club, a total playboy with a new conquest every night. There’s no way he’d be interested in me. But one night after I imbibe too much, he winds up taking care of me. And when I ask for his help with my travesty of a social life, he agrees to teach me how to be less awkward with men … if I let him document my progress so he can win a bet with his best friend. Even though he’s just my love tutor and I’m just his apprentice, this starts to feel like more. Too bad it can’t be anything but a high-level seminar in how to seduce someone else. Studious is a sweet and sexy contemporary opposites-attract m/m romance about a suave attorney who’s scared to love and the shy, nerdy bookkeeper he’s teaching how to be a player. Cue makeover montage and a smoldering first kiss. These heroes most definitely are not falling in love. (Okay, heartwarming HEA guaranteed.) About the Author ![]() Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two children. Leslie's first published book, The Sun and the Moon, won a 2015 Watty, which is the world's largest online writing competition. She's gone on to receive additional literary awards and has been featured in multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan.com. Her books have been Top 100 Bestsellers on both Amazon and Apple Books. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men of your fantasies. Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | TikTok | Pinterest Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter ![]() ![]() He glanced sideways at the kid next to him as he guided his Jeep through the mostly empty streets. It would be pitch dark soon, he didn’t want to be out in it if he didn’t need to be. “What do you do? Your job?” “Physicist.” The kid paused, bit his lower lip, and ducked his head, turning it enough Daniel got a look at large, dark eyes and a hint of those dimples he’d seen earlier. Not that Daniel had paid attention to the dimples or to the fact Kyle’s smile was what he could only describe as sweet. “Student actually, physics student.” Kyle spent most of the ride telling him how he’d been arrested, the van had crashed, and he’d escaped. Daniel decided he was one lucky kid. Kyle had lived because of sheer dumb luck, nothing else. He’d worked in one of the larger research facilities, probably the one closer to Saint Louis judging by the time he’d spent being transported between arrest and arriving along the southern shore of Lake Erie. When they pulled to the main gate of the barracks, Daniel heard a soft gasp from the seat beside him. “This where you’re taking me? Don’t they kill people?” Not looking at Kyle, Daniel chuckled and swung around to the back seat, pulling his pack from where he’d dumped it earlier. “Only the people who call me Danny.” He turned and sat straight again, looking at Kyle. The kid was white, a thin sheen of sweat covered his upper lip, and he was trembling. Daniel sighed. Apparently this poor guy believed all the hype about the Militia their government spread so liberally. Then, again, if he never had anyone to tell him otherwise, why wouldn’t he? Daniel realized if he didn’t say something, he’d be chasing this kid down again. He was tired, it was getting late, and running down lost kids once a day was plenty. “Have people died on missions? I won’t lie to you, yes they have. Are we a feral pack of assassins? No. What we do do is try to prevent more damage than has already been done and get supplies to people who can work on a cure without interference from the government.” Daniel gave Kyle a smirk. “Sometimes we steal those things, and occasionally someone gets beat up.” He was glad some of the color returned to Kyle’s face. Reaching out, he put his hand on the side of the kid’s neck. “No one here is going to hurt you. You have my word on that.” Strays is available in eBook and through Kobo Plus
NEW RELEASE - NEW SERIES ![]() Book Title: Killian (Twisted Tales of D’Vaire, Book 1) Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations Release Date: June 6, 2024 Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance Trope: Fated mates Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 96 000 words It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited ![]() For two soulmates, a single twist of fate can change everything. Blurb In 1369, Killian the Dwyer is a young druid still learning to rule his people. His journey is aided by his peers. Two years ago, Killian accepted an opportunity to join a council of respected leaders. Which is why, on one fateful day, Killian and his fellow leaders venture to a castle of dragons. Their intent is to build an alliance—what they find is death. But that is not all Killian discovers. Standing alone in a garden is a shy dragon with scales of a deep dark green—Killian’s favored hue. The shifter’s name is Duke Dravyn D’Vairedraconis, and he is Killian’s mate. Dravyn knows little about the world. At four, he lost his parents and his uncle made him into a servant. Now, Dravyn is standing across from a sorcerer, and Killian’s magic scares him and his beast. Although he cannot deny that Killian is beautiful, Dravyn has no words to convey the mixture of emotions brewing in him. Hours after Killian leaves the castle, a twist changes everything. Soon, more than fear separates Killian and Dravyn. Obstacles stand between them, but Fate has already paired their souls. What are they willing to sacrifice to honor the goddess and the tug of their hearts? Excerpt Killian smiled at the dragon conquering his heart as they arrived on D’Vaire land, following a quick teleportation spell. They’d spent an unforgettable night in Killian’s bed, and he couldn’t wait for a repeat experience. Never in Killian’s life had he known such passion. It was not desire alone either. With no experience as someone’s devoted partner, Killian had not known how tender he could feel for another person. But he wondered why he was surprised. Dravyn was a complex mixture of shy gardener and dragon Duke. In the dark green eyes gazing into his own was Dravyn’s every emotion. Killian was both humbled and encouraged by the caring he found there, and he appreciated the wonder too. After so many years apart and their personal struggles, it was shockingly easy to find accord between them. It made Killian realize that, while he did not approve of every twist Fate had put in his life, he was devoted to the goddess because she’d gifted him Dravyn. Killian slid an arm around Dravyn’s waist and tugged him close for a kiss. “I fear I no longer have the ability to control myself around you now that I know how delicious you taste,” Killian said against Dravyn’s lips. “We have kissed for weeks now.” “I was speaking of the other parts of your body I sampled last night and again this morning.” Dravyn’s cheeks filled with color. “Killer, dragons have exceptional hearing, and what happens between us is private. The house is not so far from us.” “I will behave if you promise to be in my bed again soon.” “That is not an invitation I would refuse.” Cupping the back of Dravyn’s neck to tug the tall Duke toward him, Killian reunited their mouths and allowed his tongue to explore unhindered. In the bright morning sun, Killian’s prick grew hard and Dravyn’s delightfully large cock poked Killian’s belly. Seconds away from casting another teleportation circle and pushing the dragon down to the mattress in his tree, Killian gasped as Dravyn shoved him away. Dravyn’s eyes darted from side to side, and his entire face was bright red. Grabbing the edges of his cloak, Dravyn burrowed into his clothing. “We are here to grow a tree,” Dravyn protested. “I should allow you to hear the music of your garden. It has switched from its usual soft melody to a deep thunderous beat. They approve of our union and expressing what Fate has given us as mates.” Reaching out, Dravyn patted a nearby cluster of leaves. “Thank you,” Dravyn whispered to the garden, and in that moment, Killian fell in love. He’d known he was headed there, but it was the glowing affection and kindness Dravyn showed his plants that tipped Killian over the edge. Dravyn was truest to himself in his garden. Like Killian, he understood these weren’t just vines and flowers. They were living things with emotions. Startled by the intensity of losing his heart to someone, Killian stumbled back a step and hoped Fate had a future for them filled with promise. Obstacles stood before them, and their lives were still separated in many important ways. Could love conquer all? Killian certainly hoped it would. He wanted it to. So easily he could imagine an eternity with Dravyn. But did the dragon want the same? About the Author Jessamyn Kingley has published over thirty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, she enthusiastically adds tales to her D’Vaire series and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. After decades living in the Washington, DC area, she now resides in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends. Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's Facebook Profile | Twitter | Pinterest ![]() ![]() |
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