Steven Harper has a new MM historical romance out: Resurrection Men. And there's a giveaway. Arthur Tor steals the dead for a living. As a resurrection man, he creeps around graveyards with his shovel, hoping to dig up corpses so he can sell them to the local medical college and pay his tuition there. He also holds a strange position in underground society. If someone is dying a slow, painful death, the family members come to Arthur and beg him to end their loved one's pain. Arthur can never refuse, and he helps the dying cross the threshold without more pain in a process he calls the Black Rounds. Unfortunately, the local judge has gotten wind of Arthur's activities and has sworn to send him to prison—or the hangman's noose. Jesse Fair has fled his corrupt family in Baltimore and landed in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he becomes the town gravedigger and, eventually, the undertaker. He works hard to help grieving families through their pain with warmth and compassion. Some of these families make odd requests for their dearly departed, and Jesse discovers that the undertaker often has to deal with the absurd side of death. But his nefarious family is still searching for him. Relentlessly. And once they find him, Jesse will have to make a terrible choice. When Jesse catches Arthur in the act of robbing a grave, the two of them form a strange friendship and even stranger partnership that digs deep into social taboos—and into their own souls. In his first book since his critically-acclaimed novel The Importance of Being Kevin, Steven Harper spins a heartfelt, uplifting story of suspense, life, and love against the backdrop of a Michigan town at the edge of the frontier. Universal Buy LinkGiveaway Steven is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card: Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47262/? Excerpt CHAPTER ONE A resurrection man watched the funeral, and his expression was hungry. He stood behind the huddle of funeral-goers clustered around the grave and didn't speak with anyone, which was how Jesse spotted him. Dead giveaway, so to say. Jesse stared at him from the corner of one dark eye. The resurrection man wasn't yet twenty. Brown as a dead tree. Straight brown hair under a frayed brown cap, long nose, sharp jaw, long brown coat mended twice, worn brown shoes that were nonetheless carefully polished. Someone who was used to hiding who he was. The resurrection man met Jesse's eye for a flick. He had good eyes, that one—clear and blue and strong—and Jesse touched his cap in salute. Jesse had a gravedigger's build, wiry and a little short, able to throw an eight-pound shovelful of dirt six feet toward heaven, and he could hold his own in a fight against two men half again his height. The resurrection man was taller, whipcord, and Jesse bet he wore gloves to keep his hands clean when he robbed night-time graves. No one who saw him by day would know what he did at night. When their eyes met, blue on brown, it created something interesting and indefinable, like that boundary moment when water touches a burning coal, or warm ocean air brushes chilly shore. The resurrection man looked away. Jesse clicked his tongue in mischief—and the chance to make some money. The coffin rested on a pair of beams set across the grave Jesse had dug only that morning. Jesse always put a scattering of sawdust and few pine branches in the bottom of his graves so the coffin wouldn't rest on dirt. It made no difference to the deceased, mind you, but it made the family feel better. Two solemn boys pulled the beams away, and the pall bearers lowered the coffin with ropes braced around their necks like pulleys while the preacher said his final bit. While all this was going on, the resurrection man slipped away, confirming Jesse's suspicions that the man was a grave robber who knew the best time to leave was when the family was occupied. As the family drifted off, Jesse barely overheard a man and a woman in conversation. The woman murmured, "He won't get up and come after us, do you? He's stubborn enough to try." "Jesus, I hope not," the man muttered back. "That copper-plated sumbitch was bad enough when he was alive. I can't think what he'd be like lurching around dead." Death brought out the truth among the living. Jesse looked in the direction the resurrection man had taken and gave himself a private nod. It was going to be an interesting evening. Jesse finished filling the grave of Mr. Elmer Pitt (b. 1803, d. 1889), then went home to the little shack he occupied at the edge of Highland Cemetery, made himself a pot of strong coffee on his bachelor stove, dropped a slug of Irish in it, and waited until sunset. When the early autumn night slid in cozy among the gravestones, Jesse put his shovel back over his shoulder and strolled toward the grave of Elmer Pitt. There was time to enjoy the walk and think about how to spend the money he would shake out of the resurrection man. It had been a while since he'd passed a good night's drinking and fighting at a pool hall. Or maybe he'd buy a new pair of boots. The trek was easy. Didn't matter that it was dark. Jesse had dug plenty of graves in Highland Cemetery and knew the place like the end of his shovel. He even had a map of the place tacked to the wall of his shack, with every grave picked out in careful precision. People thought that graveyards laid out the dead in neat, cornfield rows, but Highland's graves made a swirling mosaic that twisted around the hills and trees, creating stars and flowers and teardrops that only god and Jesse's map could see. Jesse had taken over as the main gravedigger in Ypsilanti from Mr. Suggs two years ago. Mr. Suggs himself currently rested in a grave well back from the road that Jesse himself had dug with extra care. Jesse didn't run the cemetery—that job belonged to the great and gloomy Frederick Huff, who issued daily orders from the caretaker's house and only emerged to complain at Billy Cake and the other fellows who worked the cemetery. But it was Jesse who dug the graves. Highland Cemetery had opened twenty-some years ago, a little ways before Jesse was born, and it had stolen away all the business from Prospect Cemetery. Didn't seem to matter that Prospect was half a mile closer to downtown Ypsilanti, with its growing Normal School and expanding railroad system. Prospect still failed to prosper. Problem was, Prospect had both proven too small, so the city had bought a big chunk of loamy hillside outside Ypsilanti and named it Highland Cemetery. The local Catholic community had been scandalized at the idea of sharing eternity with Protestants and even Lutherans, so they had bought a bit of land right across the road for their own dead, keeping Mr. Suggs, and now Jesse, busy digging graves for both. Meanwhile, the townsfolk stopped using Prospect Cemetery entire, and no one seemed interested in paying Jesse Fair or Billy Cake to even trim its trees, so these days the verge ran wild. The inhabitants didn't complain. It was a serpent night, with the chill breeze hissing in the leaves. Jesse wound through the stones until he came to the new grave of Elmer Pitt. The thin glow of a little lantern on the ground illuminated the markers from the bottom up, and the familiar quiet sound of a wooden shovel biting earth came to Jesse's ears. Resurrection men always used wooden shovels. They made less noise. Jesse crept closer. The resurrection man had already made good headway and was knee-deep in the ground at the head of the grave. Two canvas drop cloths lay beside him, one to catch the dirt, and the other to receive Elmer Pitt. Jesse noted the well-worn leather gloves covering the resurrection man's hands. The man also had a crowbar and a length of rope. "So you're from the University Medical School," Jesse said in the dark. Author Bio
Steven Harper Piziks was born with a last name no one can reliably spell or pronounce, so he usually writes under the name Steven Harper. He grew up on a farm in Michigan but has also lived in Wisconsin and Germany and spent extensive time in Ukraine. So far, he’s written more than two dozen novels and over fifty short stories and essays. When not writing, he plays the folk harp, lifts weights, and spends more time on-line than is probably good for him. He teaches high school English in southeast Michigan, where he lives with his husband. His students think he’s hysterical, which isn’t the same as thinking he’s funny. Author Website: http://www.stevenpiziks.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/steven.piziks Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/StevenPiziks Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/250784.Steven_Harper 
Spooky Thrills & Sexy Chills—Explore the Worlds of Morgan Brice
Welcome to Morgan's Brice's Halloween Tour. Check out the first books in each of Morgan's different Spooky series. ALSO LOOK OUT FOR SOME FREE TREATS IN THE VARIOUS BLOG POSTS ON THE TOUR - SEE BELOW Genre: Urban fantasy MM paranormal romance Heat Rating: 4 flames Each book is the first in a series. They standalone and do not end on a cliffhanger. CHECK OUT THE FIRST BOOK in EACH of MORGAN'S SPOOKY SERIES! BOOK 1
Book Title: Witchbane Length: 246 pages (Also in audiobook) Release Date: February 19, 2018 Tropes: hurt/comfort, forced proximity, bodyguard, second chance, learning to trust Themes: dealing with grief, letting go of the past, being willing to accept a new perspective, found family, Blurb Seth is used to risking his neck. He never intended to risk his heart. Seth Tanner swore to avenge his brother’s death. But when his quest for vengeance brings him to Richmond to stop a dark coven’s next ritual murder, he’s hell-bent on keeping Jackson Evan Malone from becoming the warlocks’ next victim. He just didn’t expect to fall in love with the man he’s sworn to protect. Evan thinks Seth is crazy. Maybe that’s true—but Seth could still be right about the danger. Evan doesn’t believe in witches, and he’s still healing from past betrayals. He might trust Seth with his life—but what happens when he starts to fall for his handsome, dangerous protector? Witchbane is a supernatural, second chance at love thrill ride packed with hurt/comfort, deadly magic, immortal witches, determined hunters, spells and curses, true love, impressive explosions, spooky chills and sexy thrills!Witchbane Series Blurb Love and vengeance. Seth Tanner swore to destroy the dark coven responsible for his brother's death. Falling in love with Evan Malone, the next intended victim, wasn't part of the plan. Now they hunt the warlocks from city to city, a deadly game of cat and mouse, outwitting supernatural enemies. On the road, in love, and on the run.
BOOK 2
Book Title: Badlands Length: 286 pages Release Date: June 16, 2018 Tropes: hurt/comfort, second chance, enemies to lovers Themes: found family, starting over, learning to trust, letting go of the past Blurb A psychic and a skeptical homicide cop team up to hunt a supernatural killer in Myrtle Beach. Medium and clairvoyant Simon Kincaide owns a Myrtle Beach boardwalk shop where he runs ghost tours, holds séances, and offers private psychic readings, making a fresh start after his abilities cost him his lover and his job. Jaded cop Vic D’Amato saw something supernatural during a shootout and reporting it nearly cost him his badge. He’s still skeptical about the paranormal. But when the search for a serial killer hits a dead end, Vic battles his skepticism to ask Simon for help. As the body count rises, Simon’s involvement makes him a target, and a suspect. But Simon can’t say no, even if it costs him his life and heart. Badlands is a thrill-packed urban fantasy MM paranormal romance with plenty of supernatural suspense, hurt/comfort, found family, ghosts, magic, a second chance at true love, spooky chills and sexy thrills!Badlands Series Blurb A sexy psychic and a skeptical homicide cop team up to solve murders in Myrtle Beach. Simon Kincaide sees visions and talks to ghosts. Detective Vic D'Amato doesn't believe in woo-woo, but he's hit a dead end in the search for a serial killer. Can they work together to solve the case, or become the next victims?
BOOK 3
Book Title: Treasure Trail Length: 250 pages Release Date: June 26, 2019 Tropes: hurt/comfort, second chance, starting over Themes: found family, learning to trust, keeping an open mind, Blurb A web of lies, danger, and deception might make Erik and Ben Cape May’s newest ghosts! Erik Mitchell traveled the world uncovering art fraud, which pitted him against spoiled billionaires, unscrupulous collectors, mobsters, and cartels. When a sting goes wrong, Erik is injured, and his relationship falls apart. He decides to stop globetrotting and buy an antique shop in scenic Cape May, NJ, rebuild his life, and nurse his broken heart. Undercover Newark cop Ben Nolan went down in a hail of bullets when a bust went sideways after a tip-off from a traitor inside the department. When his aunt offers him the chance to take over her rental real estate business in Cape May, it seems too good to be true. Now, if he could just believe he could ever be lucky again in love. Sparks fly when Erik and Ben meet. But a cursed hotel’s long-ago scandals resurface, setting off a dangerous chain of events that will test their bond—and might make them Cape May’s newest ghosts! Treasure Trail is a suspenseful MM paranormal romance mystery-adventure filled with second chance love, hurt/comfort, soulmates, awesome tattoos, dangerous secrets, restless ghosts, psychic visions, helpful witches, angry mobsters, and a haunted hotel.Treasure Trail Series Blurb Erik Mitchell gave up a jet setting career busting art thieves to run an antique shop in Cape May. Ben Nolan's a disillusioned Newark ex-cop running a vacation rental business. When their dangerous pasts and the town's Mob ghosts return to haunt them, can Erik and Ben solve the cold case killings without becoming ghosts themselves?
BOOK 4
Book Title: Kings of the Mountain Length: 212 pages Release Date: May 21, 2020 Trope/s: hurt/comfort, second chance, Themes: family, loyalty, forgiving, starting over, Blurb Fast cars. Outlaw country boys. Snarky werewolves, vengeful ghosts, and menacing monsters. Dawson King’s family has been hunting things that go bump in the night in Transylvania County, North Carolina, since before the Revolutionary War. Dawson was never happier than when he was racing his souped-up Mustang along winding mountain roads and hunting monsters with his best friend, Grady. Then Grady fell in love with him, which should have been perfect since Dawson had already fallen hard for Grady. But Grady was only seventeen, and Dawson feared that sooner or later, Grady would realize his feelings were just a first crush, and then he’d be gone, leaving Dawson devastated. They both needed space to figure things out. So Dawson joined the army, while Grady stayed on the mountain. Four years later, Dawson is coming home. He’s more sure than ever Grady is his forever love, and they’ve both agreed to begin this new aspect of their relationship as soon as Dawson gets back. Then Grady’s father is killed in a werewolf hunt gone wrong. Grady is devastated, and he’s throwing mixed signals about moving forward. Dawson knows he needs to hold off on this new thing between them until Grady has time to grieve. But monsters never sleep, and one hunt after another throws Dawson and Grady into constant danger, while tension and unresolved feelings ripple between them. Making it even harder, Dawson’s got a secret. He’s dreamed of death omens—which point to something stalking Grady. Can Dawson figure out who’s trying to kill Grady, save his life, and win back his heart? Plenty of mutual pining, hurt/comfort, spooky chills, sexy thrills, and a very happy ending. The Kings of the Mountain is the first novel in the series.Kings of the Mountain Series Blurb Fast cars. Outlaw country boys. Snarky werewolves, vengeful ghosts, and menacing monsters. A love that can't be denied. Dawson and Grady grew up together and fell in love, then life pulled them apart. They're trying to start over, but something deadly is stalking Grady. Can Dawson figure out who’s trying to kill Grady, save his life, and win back his heart?
BOOK 5
Book Title: Huntsman: Fox Hollow Zodiac #1 Length: 190 pages Release Date: July 20, 2020 Tropes: fated mates, shifters, hurt/comfort, second chance, starting over, Themes: learning to trust, found family, Note—this series is the only one in KU Blurb A grieving wolf. A hunted fox. Fated mates, thrown together by chance, and the looming threat of a fabled Huntsman who might tear them apart forever. Fox shifter Liam Reynard is running from a killer. He uproots his life to find sanctuary in Fox Hollow, deep in the Adirondack Forest in New York. When his car breaks down, sexy wolf shifter Russ Lowe comes to the rescue, and one touch makes it clear they’re fated mates. Neither man was looking for love, and both are still mending from past heartbreak. When mysterious fires and disappearances threaten Fox Hollow, Liam fears the killer is hot on his trail. Can he protect the town and his fated mate from the evil hunting him, or will an ex-lover’s betrayal cost Liam everything he loves? Huntsman is full of sexy shifters, hurt/comfort, second chance love, sincere psychics, hot first responders, found family and fated mates.Huntsman-Fox Hollow Zodiac Series Blurb The small town of Fox Hollow is a sanctuary for misfit shifters and psychics. A grieving wolf. A hunted fox. Fated mates, thrown together by chance, and the looming threat of a fabled Huntsman who might tear them apart forever.
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 Facebook Group | Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) | Twitter: @MorganBriceBook Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a new release Read a copy of my Badlands short story Restless Nights here for free Follow me on BookBub | Instagram
Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of three ebooks from Morgan's backlist VISIT THESE BLOGS AND CLAIM YOUR FREE HALLOWEEN TREAT FROM MORGAN BRICE
October 24 October 25 October 26 Love is Love Books and Promotion October 27 October 28 October 29 October 30 October 31 November 1 November 2
James Siewert has a new gay sci-fi space adventure out: Sparks in the Dark. And there's a giveaway. Space: Where discovery and danger are two sides of the same coin. Meet Albert 'Buzz' Buchanan, a retired space marine now freelancing as a gun for hire, who finds himself accepting a deal too good to turn down, even if it's too good to be true. Meet Thomas Cutter, a star-ship engineer who's a lot more than what he first seems. He seeks knowledge and adventure, and the offer to team-up with the sexy space marine is just what Cutter's been waiting for. As our two heroes set out, they encounter more than they bargained for: a discovery of a lifetime, but only if they can escape with their lives. Will the galaxy reward them for their bravery, or will they fall victim to the great unknown? Join Buzz and Cutter in their very first episode as they journey across the galaxy, finding high adventure and untold dangers in the darkness of space ... along with discovering a friendship that promises so much more. Warnings: Sexual situations. Get it on AmazonGiveaway James is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47261/? Excerpt
I see him, standing in the line-up to get into one of the numerous Bow Ties clubs--The Bull & Tackle, a low-key, pub-like establishment well known as the hunting grounds for men on the prowl for other men, without all the noise of a dance bar. I myself was headed to QuaTzar—the prime-time, holo-powered disco-nasium that attracts the partygoers of the galaxy, but after catching a glimpse of the hefty hulk of a man waiting in line for the pub, I changed my mind. Broad shoulders that narrow to a solid waist, heavily muscled frame, tall and with a buzzed blond haircut so short he’s nearly bald. He’s not a ripped Adonis—there’s some heft and bulk to him that suggests he’s not afraid of a good meal, sorta like I am. Even though his firm backside is turned to me, I can tell this one’s going to be a looker. He’s dressed in tight tan breeches, tucked into heavy workman’s spacer-boots, and he wears a khaki tank top that shows off his impressively built arm muscles. His dark leather belt has a pistol holder strapped to one side, though it’s currently empty (all weapons are checked at the security airlock to the station). Fair-skinned, but with a rich tan, like he’s been in the sun a lot. He's standing fifth in line from the entrance, which is twenty men deep. I gotta catch his attention somehow, so I walk to the front of the line, making my way to the automaton bouncer guarding the entrance. I ask the machine how long the wait will be, and after I get the answer, I turn, my eyes finding and locking on Mr. Number Five. Ah, he is a looker! Strong, classically masculine features—wide jaw, firm squared chin, proud, straight nose. Wears a short blond beard, kept neatly trimmed, but not stylised. Mouth looks like it was built just for kissing. Incredible eyes too—blue like mine, but more on the green side, like stormy waters. Older than I appear to be, but not by a lot—there’s some wisdom in his handsome face as much as there is quiet strength. I can’t help but give a low smile in appreciation at such a fine example of a man in the prime of his life, and my trick’s done its job—Mr. Five catches me sneaking a look at him, and gives me that deep stare that clearly shows he likes what he sees too. As I walk past him, I give him a quick nod of my head in greeting, and he’s fast to respond. ‘How long did the ‘bot say the wait was?’ he asks, his rumbly voice causing a delightful shiver in me. ‘Thirty minutes or so,’ I reply, sounding blasé. ‘Too much of a wait for me.’ ‘Same,’ Mr. Five says. There’s a short pause as he inspects the line, then looks back at me, the corner of his lips curling. ‘You wanna find another club with me?’ I pretend to ponder the question for a believable amount of time. ‘Sounds good, you got something in mind?’ He steps out of the line, closer to me. Man, he’s tall, a good twenty centimetres on me, but we’ve got the same muscled build, so it’s not a case of David versus Goliath here. As his eyes wander over me, I can tell that he appreciates what he’s seeing, and I find I’m giving him the same grin he’s giving me. ‘Kinda hungry,’ he answers, his tone low and inviting. ‘We could go somewhere quiet, get a little something to eat.’ ‘Got me a suite in the upper-levels,’ I say, casually. ‘Can always order room service.’ A split second is all the time it takes for him to answer. ‘Sounds perfect. Lead the way. Name’s Buzz, what’s yours?’ ‘Cutter,’ I answer. His smile broadens. ‘Good to meetcha, Cutter.’ He extends one of his meaty hands, covered by a fingerless gunman’s glove, and I shake it, firmly. ‘Likewise, Buzz,’ I reply, genuinely, and flash him an appreciative smile. I extend my hand, showing him the way towards the lifts to the upper levels. Ten minutes later, we’re up in my suite, and I’ve already got his shirt Author Bio
James and his husband live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Part-time office drone, part-time storyteller, full-time sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast (and some spooky ghost tales), James couldn't find enough stories involving guys like him and his hubby are: big men with big hearts, full of big ideas! Taking matters into his own hand, James seeks to share high adventure, low-angst stories where the heroes are solid blokes who take centre stage. Come join the adventure and explore bold new worlds full of authentic characters, gripping scenes, lush imagination and a touch of mushy stuff - there's a whole galaxy waiting for you to discover! Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21531168.James_Siewert Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/james-siewert/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/James-Siewert/e/B095T25ZSB/
 My teaser this week comes from Tethered Pair, book 5 of Sentries. Todd had started on the second case when Nick stood and crossed the room, one of the books open and held in one hand. Standing beside Todd he asked again, “Red eyes?”
“I think so.” Todd stopped, closed his eyes, and thought for a minute, trying to dredge the image to the forefront of his mind. “Yes. Red eyes, but only for a split second. It was like…ah…a…glint or almost a reflection of light, but there was nothing red to reflect off his eyes. You were there. Did you see any sort of red light?” “No.” Nick shook his head. He leaned down and held the book out so Todd could see as well. “I think we have a really big problem.” “Yeah?” Todd corked the bottle he held, took a sip from the next one, and began pouring tea into it. “Unlike other times when we only have, what, mediocre problems?” “Well, yeah. Will you stop drinking that! You’ll get us killed,” Nick snapped. It wasn’t Nick’s words so much that made Todd set the bottle he held down, twist on his heels, and look up at Nick. It was his tone. Todd had a beer or two occasionally, a whiskey even less frequently. He wasn’t by any means what anyone would classify as a drinking man. Nick liked beer; he’d never developed a taste for whiskey and preferred brandy. Not once in the years they’d been together had Nick ever complained or even seemed to take notice of the little bit of alcohol Todd might drink. They both preferred coffee. “Nicky, what is it?” “I…uh…I didn’t mean….” Todd waved him off. “Nick, what did you find that’s got you so rattled?” “Demons.” “Huh? What do you mean demons? I’ve never heard of any sentry who dealt with them. I mean, those I really thought were…. Are you sure?” “I brought four reference books, I’ve looked through all of them, and they all describe the same thing. A human taken over, possessed by a demonic force, has one outward sign: a red glint or tint to the eyes. Sometimes….” He stopped and took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and opened them slowly. Todd thought Nick’s hands trembled slightly. “Sometimes, if the demonic entity is seen, it appears as a darkness entering or…or leaving a body. Once the demon enters a person or animal, that creature’s mind ceases to exist, and the physical body dies if the demon leaves. Very few people can visualize a demon. Most only see the telltale change of eye color in a victim’s eyes.” Todd carefully corked the bottle he held and stood, facing Nick. “Is that what you saw in that little girl when you were a young boy? And Benning?” Nick bit his lip and looked down at the book for a few seconds. When he lifted his chin and looked Todd in the eye, his eyes were too wide. “Yes.” Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Todd put a hand on Nick’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “We take this one step at a time, like anything else. Find out what we can and what we need to do to end it.” “That’s the problem, Todd. I read the same thing in all four books. The only way to get rid of one is to use certain exorcism rituals.” Todd shrugged. “Okay.” RELEASE BLITZ 
Book Title: Three of a Kind (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022) Author and Publisher: Nic Starr Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Release Date: October 21, 2022 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Rock star, Menage, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance Themes: Coming out, Insecurity Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 40-45k It’s part of a multi-author series but can be read stand-alone. It features the same band who featured in the first Road to Rocktoberfest series. That book was called Wild Card and maximum enjoyment would be achieved by reading that one first. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon AU Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon FR 
What happens when friendship becomes love, and you’re presented with seemingly impossible choices while the world is watching? Blurb What happens when friendship becomes love, and you’re presented with seemingly impossible choices while the world is watching? Harvey, lead guitarist with Australian rock band, HyperOctane, thought playing at Rocktoberfest would be the highlight of his career. He didn’t expect a performance that would shape the rest of his life. Ravi Admitting his feelings for Harvey was one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Being rejected was crushing. He never thought he’d be living the same heartbreak years later after finally finding love. Bo He broke Ravi’s heart but he couldn’t ignore the feelings he had for Harvey. It wasn’t fair on Rav, and Bo knew it was for the best, but why did doing the right thing have to hurt so much? Harvey He wasn’t sure which was his biggest regret—hurting Ravi all those years ago, or more recently giving in to temptation and having a one-night stand with Bo. He’d always been close to his younger brother’s best friends, and now it seemed he’d messed things up with both of them. Now all three of them must confront their feelings for each other. Why do things have to be so complicated? Three of a Kind is a gay rock star romance featuring second chances, friends to lovers, and menage. Three of a Kind is part of the multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022 series. Excerpt “I think we need to talk.” Oh God. Ravi hated the sound of those words. They took him straight back to that night a year ago when Bo had said the very same thing then proceeded to break his heart. “Okkaay.” He crossed to the dresser and opened the drawer. He fumbled with the contents as he willed his heart to slow down. Had Harvey sensed his feelings for Bo? Or maybe Harvey just wasn’t ready for everything that had happened between them. HyperOctane was knocking it out of the ballpark and there was so much opportunity open to him. I’m probably holding him back. “I can see your thoughts spinning from over here. Turn around, Rav.” He slowly turned and met Harvey’s eyes. Harvey patted the bed beside him. “Come over here so we can talk properly. There’s something I need to tell you.” That little voice whispered in Ravi’s ear. He didn’t want to hear whatever it was Harvey was going to say. Just the idea of it sent a wave of nausea through him. Just when everything was going so well. Fuck, he’d been so happy lately. Still, knowing he couldn’t put it off, he forced himself across the room. The mattress sunk slightly under his weight, echoing his equilibrium—he felt entirely off-balance. “Why do I get a feeling this isn’t good news?” he finally said. Harvey reached for his hand, his touch warm and familiar, but Ravi didn’t take comfort. He couldn’t, not until he knew what this was about. “I’m not really sure how to put this.” Harvey squeezed his fingers, green eyes hooded, voice low. “I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before. It’s about Bo.” And there it was. Just like that Ravi’s heart plummeted. “I think I know what you’re going to say. I’m sorry, Harvey.” Harvey frowned. “I don’t think so. I—” Ravi didn’t let him finish. He wanted to lay his cards on the table—be the first one to air his feelings, not wait for Harvey to confront him with accusations. “He’s such a great guy, and at first I was worried that our past would come between us and I didn’t want the friendship to be destroyed. I mean you and me, and Bo and Parker, we’ve been friends since forever and if Bo and I didn’t get along then it would have tough for you and Parker. I wanted things to go back to how they were before Bo and I hooked up.” Ravi sighed. “But when he moved in while you guys were playing up the coast, it was just so natural to slip back into how things used to be—you know, hanging out after work, doing household stuff.” “It’s okay, Rav,” Harvey said, obviously hearing the panic in his voice. Ravi forced himself to take a deep breath. Harvey didn’t look pissed which had to mean something, right? “But I want you to know, nothing happened between us.” He’d never do the wrong thing by Harvey, and he needed him to know that. “But you wanted it to,” Harvey said softly, not a question. A statement. Ravi felt his face flushing. He wanted to deny it, but he couldn’t live with himself if he lied. He didn’t want to dishonour his true feelings for Bo, and Harvey deserved the truth. “I would never cheat on you.” Harvey lips turned up in a gentle smile. “I know you wouldn’t.” “Are you mad?” Ravi asked, then held his breath, not sure if he really wanted the answer. About the Author Nic Starr lives in Australia where she tries to squeeze as much into her busy life as possible. Balancing the demands of a corporate career with raising a family and writing can be challenging but she wouldn’t give it up for the world. Always a reader, the lure of m/m romance was strong and she devoured hundreds of wonderful m/m romance books before eventually realising she had some stories of her own that needed to be told! When not writing or reading, she loves to spend time with her family–an understanding husband and two beautiful daughters–and is often found indulging in her love of cooking and planning her dream home in the country. You can find Nic on Facebook, Twitter and her blog. She’d love it if you stopped by to say hi. Contact and Social Media Links 
Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of 5 ebook copies of Wild Card (the first book featuring HyperOctane) 
  Riece sank to his knees and Tyler sidestepped toward the front of the truck. “My keys are still inside the cab.” Red Hair jerked his chin at the cab’s driver side door. “Hands where I can see them. You move one muscle I don’t like, and you’ll be dead before you hit the ground.” He paced behind Tyler, looked down at Riece, and shouted, “Where the fuck is he? Don’t play stupid with me.” Riece stared at the ground and shook his head. Mason recognized Riece’s expression immediately. Too much emotion, too quickly, and Riece would shut down. Terror was a strong emotion, and one Riece couldn’t really process or function with. Anger and hate welled up in Mason. Riece had never hurt anyone, he wasn’t frightening, and he didn’t deserve this. “I said, where is your ranger squaw?” Red Hair had the bolt point inches from Riece’s head. Riece said nothing. He continued to stare at the ground. “Answer me!” Red Hair shouted. Read a diverse collection of snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. 
Edale Lane has a new FF alt history mystery romance book out: Sigrid & Elyn. Attracted by passion, repelled by war. Can two shieldmaidens navigate battlegrounds of the sword and the heart? Pre-Viking Scandinavia. Sigrid the Valiant is legendary throughout the kingdoms of Norvegr, along with her twin brother, for their many heroic deeds, but her heart has not found a home. Now, racing on the heels of their father’s murder, a neighboring kingdom’s raids threaten to cause an all-out war. Elyn is a young shieldmaiden with a score to settle, fighting her own insecurities along with enemies who threaten her homeland, but she remains unconvinced all is as it seems. When the two clash on opposite sides of their shield walls, sparks fly from both their swords and passions. But when they talk, the two fierce women discover an antagonist’s plot has pitted their kingdoms against each other. Will Sigrid and Elyn move past their suspicions and differences to forge a relationship and foil the villain’s scheme, or will the enemy’s assassins end their search for the truth? Action, adventure, and intrigue ride together with romance in this enemies-to-lovers saga from the pre-Viking land of Norvegr. Award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane brings history to life in this fast-paced sapphic novel. Grab your ax and rönd and join the quest by clicking to buy now! Warnings: violence, rape (in a memory), slavery as part of society. Get It at AmazonGiveaway Edale is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47260/? Excerpt
Elyn’s heart pounded in her chest as she weighed her options. Right here, right now, she could kill Jarl Sigrid the Valiant and gain great fame and renown. With no witnesses, she could concoct any story she liked about how the epic battle in the cave occurred… except without witnesses, people may say Sigrid died in the fall and all Elyn did was chop at her corpse making it appear she had been victorious. A further problem with that option was that the gods saw everything. To kill an unarmed, unconscious opponent was a dishonorable display of cowardice akin to murder. What would Sigrid do? Elyn lifted her ax but hesitated. One so well respected would not slay an incapacitated foe, would she? But what troubled Elyn the most was the true impetus behind her reluctance—she didn’t want to kill Sigrid. She wanted her to live. Lowering her weapon, she gazed at the fair legendary hero. Though caked in dust sticking to blood and sweat, her legs pinned under heavy jagged rocks, she was the most astounding human being Elyn had ever laid eyes on. Maybe it was not her beautiful face or toned body, but the songs and stories that hailed her victories over man and beast, that saluted her valor and generosity that most fueled Elyn’s imagination. Perhaps it was how Sigrid had saved her from a spear hurled on the battlefield when it had been against her own best interest. But maybe it was the strange energy that pulsed through Elyn’s sensations whenever they were near each other that compelled her to choose mercy. Then again, it could merely be her own sense of unworthiness. I am nobody, she thought. I can’t kill a jarl, a female warrior jarl… a lovely, helpless woman of distinction. She needs my help. Elyn shoved the ax back into her belt and lifted heavy stones off the fallen shieldmaiden, tossing them aside. As she worked, Sigrid awoke. Sky-blue eyes blinked and the trapped woman coughed away dust, soon becoming aware she was not alone. With a startled expression, Sigrid grabbed her sword and swung it at Elyn, who had to jump to avoid its reach. “Do not think of crushing me with a slab of limestone!” she blasted with rage igniting in her glare. Sigrid’s voice was robust enough to overpower the burble of the waterfall. “I could carve you like a roasted pig even without the use of my legs.” An admiring smile tugged at the corner of Elyn’s lips, and something sprang to life deep within her core. “I am certain that you could, Jarl Sigrid, but if you will notice, I am not attacking you, but digging you out of the rubble.” “What happened?” Sigrid raised her left hand to the gash on her forehead. “The ground gave way, and we fell into this pit chased by large rocks. I think a Jotnar is to blame,” Elyn replied in a placid tone that seemed to disarm Sigrid. As her focus cleared, she aimed it on Elyn’s face. “I find myself at a disadvantage,” Sigrid admitted. “You know who I am, but I am not familiar with you. What is your name?” Elyn heaved the last of the big rocks pinning Sigrid’s legs to the side and sat on it. “I am Elyn, a shieldmaiden of Firdafylke. I live in a village called Kaldrlogr. It would appear for the moment we are trapped in this crevice. Thus far, no one has appeared at the fissure above to lend aid, and I suspect the battle continues.” Sigrid nodded. Elyn! So that is your name. Satisfaction nestled within Sigrid until she recalled why they were there. Feelings of languid infatuation evaporated, and vengeful wrath rushed in to seize their place. She pushed up on her sword, gathering her legs under her body, and struggled to her feet. She could tell her injuries were more than superficial, and she could not bear weight on her right leg, but she was determined. Mirroring her movement with caution, Elyn rose from her rock and shifted a hand to the ax on her belt. Pinning the flame-haired shieldmaiden with a frigid glare, Sigrid snarled. “Why did your raiders attack our farms? It is fortunate you were not among their number as we left none alive.” She cocked her sword arm for a swing, and in an instant, Elyn whipped out her ax to block the whirling blade. The motion of the stroke rendered Sigrid off balance, and she could have easily toppled over, but her opponent pushed against her steel with her weapon until she was upright and steady on her one good leg. Elyn’s action surprised Sigrid, though she was glad for it. “We did no such thing!” her foe declared with heated conviction. She hoisted her ax, poised at the ready. Sigrid realized she was in no condition to fight, so she had better rein in her temper. She glanced down at Elyn’s sturdy legs, shapely hips, rounded breasts, up to luscious full lips, and finally into stunning green eyes and held them. “Several of my friends were killed,” Sigrid asserted, and she felt a quiver go through her body. “A dozen men under the banner of Firdafylke carrying shields with your colors,” she testified, motioning to Elyn’s rönd lying a few feet away, “attacked the outlying farms of my village, Gnóttdalr. They burned homes, slew livestock, murdered women and children, then tried to flee like cowardly rodents.” Elyn’s brows knit together in concern. “When was this?” “Less than two weeks ago,” Sigrid confirmed. With her shoulder stiff and in pain, she lowered her sword but kept a firm grip on its hilt. “Maybe a week and a day after the first time we fought.” Sigrid tried to calculate, but her head throbbed. Has it been three weeks I have spent dreaming of you? “That is impossible!” Elyn’s declaration snapped Sigrid’s thoughts back into focus. “It wasn’t us. All of Jarl Njord’s warriors are accounted for at that time and none have gone missing,” the younger woman insisted. Sigrid’s frown deepened. “I know about Jarl Njord and his intentions for the throne of Firdafylke. With King Tortryggr’s mind and strength failing, he supposes to increase his fame by defeating us, but it shan’t work.” “What are you talking about?” Elyn fumed and tossed her empty hand into the air. “There is nothing wrong with King Tortryggr’s health, mental or otherwise. And while it is true Njord has ambitions, he is not a traitor. What about your King Grimolf? Greedy to the core! We know about his plans to take over our kingdom, how he has promised all you jarls will double your holdings.” “Nothing but sheep dung!” Sigrid retorted. “That is the biggest load of shite I’ve ever heard.” Elyn’s brows narrowed, and her scowl deepened. “What about the Svithjod raiders that attacked our farms? We had defenseless people killed by your warriors, too. Did they make sport of it? Was it a game to them?” “We did no such thing!” Sigrid’s voice reverberated about the cavern, which only increased the throbbing in her head. “We supported you several years ago when Raumsdal assaulted your land. I personally led a team of wagons to reinforce your army with supplies, and my brother brought volunteers to join your defenses.” “I know,” Elyn countered, “which is why we feel so betrayed that you have invaded now. Maybe the raiders did not come from your band, but they flew the raven flag and carried the yellow and black shields of Svithjod. Why do you lie?” She raised her ax in a defiant motion and Sigrid reacted instantaneously, slamming her sword to bear against it. “I do not lie!” The two shieldmaidens pressed closely together, hot with anger and confusion. Sigrid was not expecting the arousal she experienced at the proximity to her enemy, but her desire could not be denied. It was baffling and unacceptable. Only a handle of wood and a blade of steel stood between them. Sigrid kept her balance on her one good leg, but if Elyn pulled away, she would surely fall. She felt the heat of her breath, inhaled her intoxicating scent, and her body ached for a woman she should not want. Is this a trick? Have I been bewitched? A part of her wished to examine Elyn’s every feature in intricate detail, while reason ordered her emotions to stand down. Elyn slowly backed away, almost as if she was being careful to not cause Sigrid to fall. “No, you do not lie.” The words rang with sincere belief and Sigrid eased her muscles as she mirrored her foe to relax. They lowered their weapons at the same time. “But neither do I.” Author Bio
Edale Lane is an award-winning author (Rainbow Awards, Imaginarium Awards, Lesfic Bard Awards) who is realizing her dream of being a full-time writer. She is the alter-ego of author Melodie Romeo, (Tribute in Blood, Terror in Time, and others) who founded Past and Prologue Press. Both identities are qualified to write historical fiction by virtue of an MA in History and 24 years spent as a teacher, along with skill and dedication regarding research. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Edale (or Melodie) is also a musician who loves animals, gardening, and nature. After driving an 18-wheeler cross-country for eight years, she now lives with her partner in beautiful Chilliwack, B.C. Canada. Author Website: https://pastandprologuepress.lpages.co/ Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/melodie.romeo/ Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/groups/887028485401701 Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdaleLane Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edale_lane/ Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15264354.Edale_Lane Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/edale-land/ Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/edale-land/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Edale-Lane/e/B07GRFPDRZ/
 My Tuesday Teaser is from Whiskey and Moonshine! The aromas swirling through the air made Colt’s mouth water and his stomach grumble. He detected something sweet and nutty mingled with the scent of seasoned meat and other odors he’d gotten a whiff of in Kensington’s Place. A cheese and potato casserole he loved for one, roasted vegetables for another. Off the kitchen was a small eating area just large enough for a round table with two stools with cushioned seats and iron backs. The tabletop was covered in a mosaic of brightly colored tiles. The floor was a similar tile design. At the end of the room was a sliding glass door. Audrey slid the door open and dipped her head outside. “Mal, it smells wonderful, as always.” They walked onto a huge wooden deck. Mr. Kensington was standing near a brick-and-metal monster of an outdoor grill and oven. Colt watched his movements as he put something in the oven. Everything he did was smooth and graceful. A second later, he turned to them. The somewhat pleasant expression he wore morphed into one of utter surprise. “Colt?” “Catching him off guard is nearly impossible.” Audrey leaned closer to Colt and spoke in a low voice. “You get an extra cookie for letting me see that.” Colt’s cheeks warmed. He glanced down at himself, smoothing his hands over his legs. “Does it look okay?” “Okay? No.” Mr. Kensington took a deep breath. “You look amazing.” Colt couldn’t help the grin that spread over his face. “Th-thank you, Mr. Kensington.” He glanced sideways at Audrey. She seemed very pleased. “Mal,” Mal corrected. “Mal,” Colt repeated softly. He liked how at ease Mal made him feel with almost no effort at all. “I believe my mission has been accomplished. I’ll leave you two to your dinner.” Audrey turned to leave. “Wait.” Mal took a few steps forward. “You’re not staying? I made plenty.” “You always make plenty, and the staff will enjoy the leftovers. I’m going home to have dinner with my husband,” Audrey said. “Call Martin. He can join us. There’s—” Audrey flipped her hair over her shoulder and smirked. “Have a good dinner, gentlemen.” She turned smartly on her heels and slipped back into the house, leaving Colt alone with Mal. For something to do, Colt turned and looked out over the deck railing. “Oh wow, this is…. I don’t even know how describe how beautiful it is. You sure can’t see this from the front of the house.”  Whiskey and Moonshine is available in eBook, paperback
and through Kindle Unlimited. RELEASE BLITZ 
Book Title: Feel The Noise (The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022) Author: Aria Grace Publisher: Surrendered Press Cover Artist: Natasha Snow Release Date: October 14, 2022 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Mistaken Identity Themes: Rescue/Protector Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 25 000 words It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited 
Blurb Larson Monroe is not a rockstar. Not by any stretch of the imagination. He’s a newly promoted middle manager for the marketing department of a sports apparel company…and he’s content. Mostly. But when Pitch, his identical twin brother, calls and begs for help, Lars can’t resist indulging in the childhood game of pretending to be his brother.
Feel The Noise is part of the multi-author The Road to Rocktoberfest 2022 series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but why not read them all and see who hits the stage next? Hot rockstars and the men who love them, what more could you ask for? Kick back, load up your kindle, and enjoy the men of Rocktoberfest! Excerpt After a somewhat inappropriate pat down and near-probing, I’m allowed to grab my carry-on and shoes off the conveyor belt and head toward my gate. For the thousandth time in twenty-four hours, I curse my idiot brother for putting me in this situation. As usual, Pitch is fucking up his life and expects me to bail him out. And as usual, I’m the bigger idiot who is running to his rescue. A part of me knows he’ll never stop relying on me if I always fix shit for him, but a bigger part of me likes being relied on. And this is something only I can help with. Most twins aren’t as identical as Pitch and I are. If we have the same clothes on and our hair looks similar, even our parents have trouble telling us apart. That was fun when we were twelve. But as grown-ass men, I didn’t ever expect to get the call from my brother asking me to pretend to be him. In public. On stage in front of thousands of people. But I guess I was giving him too much credit. When my rockstar brother texted two days ago and asked me to be him at the biggest music festival of his career, I thought he was joking. Like, legit out of his mind on some serious psychedelics. Sadly, he wasn’t. Pitch spent the past week in Vegas, partying like the next few days weren’t the most important of his entire career, and now, as anyone could have predicted, he’s fucked up his voice and has laryngitis. According to his doctor, he won’t be able to speak above a whisper for at least a few weeks, and there’s no way he can perform for at least a month, maybe longer. This means he can’t lead his band during Rocktoberfest, a huge music festival in the middle of the desert. A music festival that officially starts tomorrow. And because his band is already pissed at him for all the other times he’s messed up significant opportunities for them, he can’t tell them the truth. Enter me. The gullible brother who can be talked into anything because my own life is so damn boring that I need to live vicariously through my brother now and then. Usually, that means watching his band play and pretending I have his kind of talent. I never, in my wildest nightmares, imagined I’d end up on stage in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of people…singing. Pitch is the attention whore. I’m the guy in the background, not a frontman. And yet, I’m about to get on a plane and be the lead vocals for one of the hottest up-and-coming rock bands in the country. A sheen of sweat erupts on my brow and temples as the oxygen seems to ease out of the busy airport terminal. Trying to maintain as much composure as possible, I slowly count to ten and suck in a deep breath as I walk toward my gate. I will not have a panic attack in the middle of the airport. Not only will it cause a mortifying amount of embarrassment for me, but it would also ruin this crazy little plan that Pitch and I have cooked up for me to sneak into the festival, pretend to be him, and sneak out without anyone realizing he wasn’t actually there. About the Author Born and raised in beautiful California, Aria enjoys the year-round sunshine and laid back environment of the west coast. Her career started out in tech writing and web development and has evolved into all things marketing with fingers in everything related to book publishing. She lives with her husband and two children and more pets than she can keep track of. Despite her crazy schedule, she loves the time she carves out to read and write. Whether it's on the beach or on the couch at 2am, she is a woman obsessed! She loves to hear from readers so please feel free to drop her a note or visit her. Social Media Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Newsletter Sign-up | BookBub Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of two $10 Amazon gift cards or one of three ebooks from the author's backlist. 
SERIES TOUR for HOCKEY EVER AFTER These hockey players have hard heads, soft hands, and sweet hearts. They’re not looking for love, but it’s a long season…. 
BOOK DETAILS BOOK 1 Book Title: Winging It (Hockey Ever After 1) Author: Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: LC Chase Length: 99 000 words/ 283 pages Release Date: October 18, 2022 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, teammates to lovers, friends to lovers, professional athletes Themes: Coming out, bisexual awakening, self-acceptance, friendship Heat Rating: 5 flames It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links Kobo | Apple | Google Play 
Falling for his teammate wasn’t in the game plan…. Blurb Hockey is Gabe Martin's life. Dante Baltierra just wants to have some fun on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Falling for a teammate isn't in either game plan. But plans change. When Gabe gets outed, it turns his careful life upside-down. The chaos messes with his game and sends his team headlong into a losing streak. The last person he expects to pull him through it is Dante. This season isn’t going the way Dante thought it would. Gabe’s sexuality doesn’t faze him, but his own does. Dante’s always been a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy, and having to hide his attraction to Gabe sucks. But so does losing, and his teammate needs him, so he puts in the effort to snap Gabe out of his funk. He doesn’t mean to fall in love with the guy. Getting involved with a teammate is a bad idea, but Dante is shameless, funny, and brilliant at hockey. Gabe can’t resist. Unfortunately, he struggles to share part of himself that he’s hidden for years, and Dante chafes at hiding their relationship. Can they find their feet before the ice slips out from under them? BOOK 2 Book Title: Scoring Position (Hockey Ever After 2) Author: Ashlyn Kane & Morgan James Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: LC Chase Length: 98 000 words/ 285 pages Release Date: October 18, 2022 Genre: Contemporary M/M romance Tropes: Opposites attract, roommates to lovers, age gap Themes: Mental health, self-improvement, family pressure Heat Rating: 5 flames It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links Kobo | Apple | Google Play | B&N 
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Blurb Ryan Wright’s new hockey team is a dumpster fire. He expects to lose games—not his heart. Ryan’s laid-back attitude should be an advantage in Indianapolis. Even if he doesn’t accomplish much on the ice, he can help his burned-out teammates off it. And no one needs a friend—or a hug—more than Nico Kirschbaum, the team’s struggling would-be superstar. Nico doesn’t appreciate that management traded for another openly gay player and told them to make friends. Maybe he doesn’t know what his problem is, but he’ll solve it with hard work, not by bonding with the class clown. It’s obvious to Ryan that Nico’s lonely, gifted, and cracking under pressure. No amount of physical practice will fix his mental game. But convincing Nico to let Ryan help means getting closer than is wise for Ryan’s heart—especially once he unearths Nico’s sense of humor. Will Nico and Ryan risk making a pass, or will they keep missing 100 percent of the shots they don’t take? Excerpt from WINGING IT Dante waited in the lobby, curled into a chair that wasn’t quite big enough to be comfortable. He kept his back to the flow of people and his nose buried in his phone. Any other night, sure, he would be happy to sign autographs. Tonight… his brain was going to endlessly replay the scene he’d just walked in on. How had he not known Gabe was into men? It seemed obvious now. Of course he never picked women up in bars or brought a girlfriend to a team event. Dante felt stupid for not noticing. Somehow Dante had stumbled onto a huge secret. And now he had to work out what to do about it. First, though, apparently he was going to think about Gabe’s broad palm on his partner’s chest. Gabe was a big guy—two inches taller than Dante, even if Dante was more solidly built. His partner had been clinging to Gabe’s muscular shoulder. He should stop thinking about it, but his brain was trying to fill in details. Where had Gabe’s other hand been? Had it been placed on his partner’s thigh? Had he been putting his weight on it to steady himself? Or maybe he’d used it to tilt the man’s face to the right angle. Dante exhaled sharply. This was really, really not his business. Dwelling on it would not do him any favors. He needed to pretend everything was normal. And obsessing about your teammate feeling up some guy—and kissing, can’t forget the kissing—was not that. So. Normal. He’d been sexiled by a roommate. That was fine! It had happened before. Today, actually. He hoped Yorkie was having a better night than Gabe. Most importantly, sexiling was normal. Was it hot in here? Footsteps jarred him out of his spiral, and he looked up to see Gabe walking toward him, head down, shoulders hunched. He didn’t exactly have the look of the freshly laid about him. Fuck. Or, like, probably not. Gabe dropped into the chair across from him. He was loudly projecting that he would rather stand in front of fifty of Kitty’s slap shots than have this conversation. At least they were on even footing in that respect. Dante put his phone away. “So, uh, sorry for cockblocking you.” Even if it’s kind of your fault. Who doesn’t use the Do Not Disturb sign? Why didn’t you tell me to pound rocks when I asked to share? Considering the circumstances, he kept a lid on these criticisms. He could bring them up later, when Gabe didn’t look like he was about to puke all over the hotel lobby. “I wasn’t expecting it to be a problem,” Gabe said. He slumped farther, but Dante thought his shoulders were relaxing too. “Did you strike out or something?” “Sort of. We passed her ex on the way back to her place and she made it like ten more feet before she burst into tears. So we stopped at Dairy Queen for ice cream, and then she went to the bathroom and fixed her makeup and we took a selfie for her Instagram, and I came back here.” The color returned to Gabe’s face and he met Dante’s gaze for the first time since that hideously awkward moment upstairs. “Guess neither of us is getting laid tonight,” he said, a little tentatively, like he wasn’t sure Dante would laugh. “I won’t tell if you won’t.” “Deal,” Gabe said. The lines of tension in his face disappeared under a relieved half smile. Good. Dante was glad they’d settled that. “Great.” He yawned. “So can we go upstairs now? I’ve had just enough booze and ice cream to make me sleepy.” When they got up to the hotel room, Dante said, “I wish you’d told me you liked guys.” His shoes thunked dully against the wall as he kicked them off. “I wouldn’t have tried so hard to hook you up with chicks last season.” Or last week. Gabe stared at Dante’s shoes. Then he lined his own up neatly under the desk. “It’s not something I advertise.” “No shit.” Dante shimmied out of his jeans. After a beat, Gabe said, “You’re being really cool about this.” Dante sat in the desk chair. He had a habit of saying the first thing that came to mind, and right now that was Actually, I’m kind of freaking out. He needed to take his time. “I mean, obviously I’m not mad or upset or whatever. I’m—accepting? Ugh, that’s a garbage word.” He huffed, frustrated with himself. “Look, you’re… gay?” The muscle at the hinge of Gabe’s jaw bunched. “Yeah.” “Cool.” He drummed the fingers of his left hand on the desktop, realized he was doing it, and forced himself to stop. “And obviously if you haven’t told the team, you’re expecting some of them to be assholes. And that sucks. Because as far as I’m concerned, my reaction? Is, like, a pretty low bar.” Gabe rubbed the back of his neck. “I mean, it’s not like you could come in and introduce yourself.” If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Dante was losing his grip on reality. “Yeah, maybe not. You mind if I shower now? I stink like dance club.” “Sure. I’m just gonna….” Gabe picked up the television remote. The television came on, and a moment later Dante closed the bathroom door behind him and started the water. Mechanically, he removed his clothes and stepped under the spray. The hot water sluiced over him, washing away the sweat and club grime and what had maybe been just a little too much hair gel. But the image of Gabe kissing another man on the bed in their hotel room stuck with him, and now, in relative privacy and naked, alone with his thoughts, Dante was forced to confront the truth of his own semi. “I did not see this coming,” he muttered as he reached for his shampoo. About the Authors Ashlyn Kane likes to think she can do it all, but her follow-through often proves her undoing. Her house is as full of half-finished projects as her writing folder. With the help of her ADHD meds, she gets by. Morgan James is a clueless (older) millennial who’s still trying to figure out what they’ll be when they grow up and enjoying the journey to get there. Now, with a couple of degrees, a few stints in Europe, and more than one false start to a career, they eagerly wait to see what’s next. James started writing fiction before they could spell and wrote their first (unpublished) novel in middle school. They haven’t stopped writing since. Geek, artist, archer, and fanatic, Morgan tends to pass their free hours with in imaginary worlds and people on pages and screens—it’s an addiction. As is their love of coffee and tea. They live in Canada with their massive collection of unread books, where they are the personal servant of too many four-legged creatures. 
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