![]() M.D. Neu has a new MM sci-fantasy mystery out: Mu; Legend of a Lost City. For years, the whispers and legends of a lost city hiding in the Pacific Ocean were just that; legend. On the day Kaimi discovers his parents, the Queen and King of Mu, murdered, Mu’s most powerful weapon fired, sending a pulse rushing towards the North American west coast. After the 2025 Great Pacific Pulse Event, or Pulse, vomited up much of humankind’s trash in the Pacific Ocean along the North American west coast. The mysterious occurrence causing the largest environmental disaster in human history, people are no longer certain there is nothing concealed in the depths of the ocean. Scientist Karen Linn and billionaire investor Michael Donovan want to find out what actually happened that day five years ago. Will Michael’s life in the adult entertainment industry and Karen’s moniker in pseudoscience keep them as social pariahs, or are they on the cusp of finding a civilization that has been kept out of our grasp, deep in the world’s largest ocean? How does the event from five years ago tie into the murder of the Queen and King of Mu? What lies under the sea may be bigger than anyone can imagine, and neither civilization may be ready for the truth. Universal Buy Link | GoodreadsGiveaway Marvin is giving an ebook of Volaria to three different winners: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47302/ Excerpt ![]() The dripping crimson on his hands contrasted the polished blue stone floors in front of him. Iron permeated around him, the scent made him want to vomit. But he couldn’t leave or move, he was frozen by pain and action. Soft warm light from the energy crystals reflected off the walls and floor, filling the space with a bright, cheerful glow, reminding Kaimi of all the wonderful memories this chamber held for him. The birth of each of his younger siblings. The day he introduced Makani to his family, followed by the celebration of their marriage two years later. Watching as Nohealani and Malo were joined in the presence of their gods. Seeing each of their children brought forth and presented to the family and the gods upon their births. So much joy. Now this. A burble of air. A cough. A gasp of pain forced him to see what lay before him. “Help!” His voice yelled out. Everything sparkled in those memories, but now the red slowly muted not only the bright glow of the veins running through the floors but also his pristine white shirt. From this day forward, the crimson liquid and the pungent fragrance of death would taint each of his happy memories. More memories pushed forward, forcing out what stretched before him. Kaimi witnessed the day Kai Malina received the gift of sight from the gods of Mu, and was welcomed by Mana Lani into the arms of the world of Spiritual healers and Māhū. Something Kaimi didn’t fully believe in, well, not as much as he did when he was younger, but everyone had been pleased. Even he found himself excited. Past images of joy played out in his mind. The music, the fire dancing, the tumblers and dancers, the fragrances of meats for the prepared feast. So much elation that day. How had Mana Lani or Kai Malina not seen this coming? They are gifted with foresight. They are the Māhū. Perhaps they only see what suits them. “No.” Kaimi whispered. “Please, someone.” His voice called out again. “Help!” He bellowed. More family memories rushed as his mind continued to process the scene. The recollections of Nohealani, Ulani, Koa, Kai Malnia, and him running around when court wasn’t in session. Were they all there? He was barely more than thirteen, too old to play with the babies, but somehow, they had managed to engage him. How many times did he and Nohealani have to usher their younger siblings off to bed, or back to bed, after sneaking out of their sleeping chambers only to find them playing here? A growing collection of scarlet pooled closer to him. Pouring from her body, the thick fluid marred the sparkle of her dress, crystals handstitched into the gown to reflect not only the light of the kingdom, but the light of her soul. This can’t be happening. How did this happen? Who would do… Troubling recent memories leaked into his mind as more crimson oozed through his fingers, even though his hands remained firmly in place. Rust continued to overpower every other scent around him. The disagreements about how and if to engage the above worlders. The concerns and potential for discovery by those who live in the sun. Koa arguing with both the Queen and King about how encounters with those above would be the end of them and their world here in Mu. The Queen believing now the time had come to reveal themselves, hoping their presence to be a positive influence on the world above. “We can help them. Teach them.” She pointed to the ceiling. “We have so much to offer each other. Our worlds have been separated for too long.” However, when challenged and asked, neither Kai Malina nor Mana Lani were able to interrupt what the Gods had to say on the matter. He wasn’t sure what their gods would say, assuming they commented at all. But if the Queen believed in joining the world above, who was he to argue the point? The rest of his siblings offered what he hoped to be agreement. Well, not all. They didn’t argue in public, but in private we spoke freely with each other, even loudly when the need arose. I need assistants.” Kaimi called out, pleading with each word. In the distance, the splashing of the tide pools outside the windows past the royal gardens filled his ears. Or were the sounds only his recollection bringing the noises to him? So many memories. Now this.--so much pain.—He peered over to the jeweled ornate windows, each crystal pane hand carved to reflect as much light as possible, while bringing the scenes of the world they once occupied to life with movement. Small shells from the creatures who filled the tide pools adding to the created images. A small breeze pushed the smells of water through the slightly opened windows, riding the air as more light shone through. The warmth on his skin and the taste of the salt water from the tide pools on his lips tingled all the way to his soul. He wished to be down there now, walking with Makani hand-in-hand, not here. The blaring of sirens rang out, calling him from his thoughts, the piercing sound canceling out his calls for help. The puddles of red expanded around his knees and feet, beginning to soak his sarong. A gift from Makani now ruined. Kaimi forced himself to focus, his hands covered the wound before him. He glared up. As if seeing Koa for the first time. Koa stood over the body of the King on the floor. Koa stood and glanced down, offering no help. Red droplets on his white shirt and tan sarong created a similar pattern as the light crystals shown down on the kingdom when the light cycle recharged. At night, the crystals patterns were beautiful. Here, on Koa, the image made his stomach turn. Koa stayed quiet as he continued to hold the crystal pike in his hand. Just as I found you. What happened? Why? “Why?” Kaimi adjusted the pressure on the wound, trying to stem the flow of blood. The chest of the Queen raised and lowered slowly, but the inhalations were becoming much more irregular. He forced his stare up at Koa, his eyes moving from the weapon in his hands to the bodies on the palace floor. “I… It…” Koa backed away, dropping the weapon to the ground, the clatter almost as loud as the siren still screeching to every corner of the palace, if not beyond. His head shook as he stared at his hands. The main doors of the chamber burst open. “Koa!” A female voice called. Upon hearing the doors, Koa made for the rear of the chamber. “No!” Kaimi called out, wanting to rush after him, but if he did, there would be no one to care for the Queen or the King. Author Bio
M.D. Neu is an international award-winning inclusive queer Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing. Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world. When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of twenty plus years. Author Website: https://www.mdneu.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/mdneuauthor Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/mdneuauthor Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormdneu/ Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/66488958-md Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-neu/ Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-neu/ Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-D-Neu/e/B076FK1S14 ![]() BOOK BLAST ![]() Book Title: A Soul Unbroken: A Journey Author and Publisher: A.D. Britten Cover Artist: (for printed book) Cover design from Amazon template by author, photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash; (for ebook) Cover design from Amazon template by author, photo by Oliver Sjostrom on Unsplash Release Date: Originally released in 2006; updated and re-released in 2019 Genre. Contemporary M/M Romance Theme: Overcoming the odds Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 85 735 words/414 pages It is a standalone book. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited ![]() Joey Christopher has never had an easy life, but living with Allen made everything better, until it wasn’t. Blurb Joey Christopher has never had an easy life, but living with Allen made everything better. His mere presence made Joey happy and made life seem more manageable despite Allen's serious faults. However, when Allen is arrested during a drug bust Joey must learn to live on his own for the first time. He even spends some time in a homeless shelter, while he does everything possible to get Allen home to return to the life they once lived-only better. Excerpt Joey had been very busy that day; there was a major book sale and a well-known local author had stopped by for a reading and book signing. He was thankful for the distraction, because he was having one of his weak days. Then, toward the end of his shift, Gary showed up suddenly. Joey had not noticed him until he came up to the counter, being the next customer in line, and Joey happened to be the cashier who was free. Even before he could turn in his direction, he heard Gary’s voice and recognized it immediately. “Well, well, well, I’m going to have to come here more often,” Gary said with his characteristic bright and easy smile. “How are you, Joey?” Joey’s heart stopped for moment, after hearing his name from such a familiar voice. He looked up from the cash register and saw Gary smiling brilliantly at him. He was always such an open and friendly person, albeit a little too friendly at times. “Hi, how are you, Gary?” Joey managed to say. He did not want to repeat the mistake he made with his earlier exchange with Brian and Jason. Besides, Gary was probably there for business-related reasons and not just as a customer. “I’m good. I had been trying to call you, but your phone was out of service.” Joey had changed his cell phone number for obvious reasons. “Yeah, my number changed.” “Well, I never thought I’d see you again,” he said sincerely. “Anyway, I was having a get-together Friday night and, well, would you like to come?” “I don’t know,” Joey said honestly. “I remember what happened the last time.” “All that’s over,” Gary reassured. “Folks have moved. No more drama.” “Well…maybe.” That’s all Gary needed to hear. “Here’s my business card. It has my cell number. Call anytime.” Gary carefully placed the card on the counter. To be courteous Joey picked it up and put it in his pocket. Then Gary furtively winked at him and left. The next customer walked up to the register, and Joey started to ring up her purchases. Joey told himself that he wouldn’t go; he couldn’t go. He meant to take the card out and tear it up before leaving work, but forgot. When he got home later that night he meant to take it out and rip it up, but he was so tired that he just got ready for bed and went to sleep. The end of the week came and the card was still there in his jeans pocket. He happened to wear the same pair of jeans that Friday that he had worn on the day of Gary’s visit. Joey took a deep breath as the last customer left and he went through the store rearranging misplaced books on the shelf and tidying up the store. Mr. Griffin came out of his office and told him that Joey could go home early. He would finish up. The next day was going to be busy with another book signing and Joey was going to be the only person that morning. The older woman who had worked there last time, Mr. Griffin’s cousin, would not make it to work until later in the day. So Joey left the store and told himself he was going home. He wanted to go home. But somehow he found himself at 7 pm standing on Gary’s porch, one of the first to arrive at his party. About the Author A.D. Britten is a published author of various short stories, articles, and two novels. Originally from the Midwest, Britten now lives on the East Coast. Author Links ![]() NEW RELEASE ![]() Book Title: Scales & Stone (D’Vaire, Book 40) Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations Release Date: November 9, 2023 Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance Trope: Fated mates Themes: Love, resolving the past Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 89 000 words It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited ![]() Sometimes it takes finding love to appreciate the best parts of yourself. Blurb Decades after leaving behind a king who attempted to sell him for wizard experimentation, Lex D’Vairedraconis lives in a place filled with loved ones. At Court D’Vaire, the dragon shifter has access to everything. He wants for nothing. But his lack of purpose frustrates him. Surrounded by successful people, Lex can’t figure out how to channel his energy. And he dearly wants to know why Fate hasn’t paired him with anyone. Rutledge Blackstone is alone. As a gargoyle, he shouldn’t live among humans, but he fears the many enemies hunting his kind. To survive, gargoyles must separate. His parents, and even his twin brother, have left him in a house slowly crumbling around his ears. To comfort himself, he records every happy moment in a notebook, and waits for the day to add more memories to his treasure trove. But the gargoyles aren’t being tracked by foes alone. The new gargoyle rulers and their allies want to aid people like Rutledge. To his shock, the Council of Sorcery and Shifters wants him to join, and he soon lands an invitation to the renowned sanctuary at Court D’Vaire. Before he can decide whether to accept, he meets Lex. Their attraction is instant, but Rutledge is anything but intrepid. To build a life together, they must learn to love unconditionally and find their true purpose in life. Excerpt In the days that had passed since Rutledge had first invited Lex into his bedroom, they’d learned a little about what each of them liked. Rutledge didn’t want to forget any of the things that drove them both delightfully crazy, so he listened to the steady breathing of the dragon curled around him and slowly, incrementally, moved closer to the nightstand. The last thing Rutledge wanted to do was wake Lex, despite the bright sunshine coming through the glass doors that led to his balcony and the breakfast likely waiting for them downstairs. As carefully as he could, Rutledge pulled open the small drawer and waited a heartbeat to ensure Lex was still snoozing behind him. Once he was sure Lex hadn’t stirred, Rutledge grabbed a pencil and his current notebook. With a happy sigh, Rutledge snuggled back into his pillow and adored the heavy weight of Lex’s arm across his middle. Rutledge decided to make a list of the things about Lex that pleased him and jotted down the dragon’s penchant for keeping himself uncovered at night. His pencil moved swiftly from line to line as Rutledge added Lex’s kisses and the way he clearly stated what he wanted during their encounters. Lex never failed to tug on Rutledge’s errant tresses. Something about that simple gesture drove Rutledge out of his mind with lust. His balls would be near to bursting, and that little yank on his hair would nearly make him blow his load every single damn night. Following their incredible climaxes, Lex would hold him tightly. He’d just pull Rutledge into arms where they lay and hug him close. It added a level of sweetness and caring to sex Rutledge hadn’t experienced prior to meeting Lex. Since they were mates and Rutledge genuinely adored his dragon shifter, it made perfect sense. The feeling and scent of home would overwhelm Rutledge, and if he wept a tear or two of happiness, that was his business. Rutledge had pursed his lips and was wondering how best to describe Lex’s cock when the discordant sound of a cellphone startled him so badly, he nearly dropped his pencil. “Mine or yours?” Lex asked, his voice roughened with sleep as he reached over Rutledge to slap at the nightstand. “Yours,” Rutledge said, trying to shove his notebook under his pillow so Lex wouldn’t figure out he was making a list about their steamy nights and mornings. Lying there stiff as a board, Rutledge wondered how to get the notebook in his hand closed and into the drawer before Lex figured out what he was doing. “Hmm, what is Worth up to now?” Lex muttered. Eager to discuss anything besides his own relentless need to document everything, Rutledge injected levity into his voice. “Why, what did he say?” A hand landed on Rutledge’s hip, and a tender kiss was pressed to his shoulder. “You okay? What’s wrong?” “Why do you think something’s wrong with me?” “Because your voice just reached the highest octave I’ve yet to hear from you, and you squealed pretty loud when I licked your balls last night,” Lex drawled. “And you’re tense. Did something happen? Was it something I did?” “No,” Rutledge replied immediately and flung his pencil onto the floor as he rolled to face a worried Lex. There was an imprint from the pillowcase on his cheek, and for once, Rutledge wasn’t the only one with wild hair, but Lex was still stunningly sexy. “I’m fine, I promise.” “That was your pencil hitting the floor, wasn’t it?” Rutledge couldn’t help the color rising to his cheeks. “I was making a list.” “What I don’t understand is why you keep trying to hide it from me,” Lex said softly as he swept a wayward lock of hair away from Rutledge’s eye. “You can write whatever you want in your notebook.” “I know,” Rutledge murmured, his gaze landing on Lex’s deliciously naked chest. The dark hair there was impossible to resist, so Rutledge rested his palm on that solid muscled wall to enjoy the feel of it against his skin. “So, why are you throwing pencils and trying to shove your notebook under the pillow?” “This was a different kind of list, and I guess I was embarrassed.” “Was this a dirty list, Rutledge?” Hearing the smile in his voice had Rutledge shifting to kiss Lex’s upturned lips. “It was.” “Want to read it to me?” “No.” Lex chuckled. “Fine, be mean about it. Come take a shower with me. Worth wants to talk to us, and if we don’t hurry, we’re going to miss breakfast. You were so absorbed in writing your sexy little list that you let me sleep in too late.” “It’s Saturday, and you were obviously tired,” Rutledge protested as Lex shoved the comforter aside and they peeled themselves out of the tangled sheets to bathe. “Good thing it’s the weekend or you would’ve been late for work.” “Why would I be late?” Lex snagged Rutledge’s hand and led him into the bathroom, where he turned the shower on. Thankfully, the water heated quickly because Lex urged Rutledge in and slid the glass door shut behind them. “Because I can hardly be expected to scrub you clean without playing a little,” Lex said, crowding Rutledge into the wall and pressing his body close. “And I don’t think either of us can resist a few kisses.” 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 ![]() ![]() BOOK BLAST ![]() Book Title: Behind The Headline: A Gay Man’s Story of His Arrest Author and Publisher: Dariusz Alexander Release Date: August 31, 2023 Genres: Contemporary memoir, non-fiction, true life account Tropes: Police procedures, gay entrapment, criminal law Themes: Depression, self-reflection, overcoming hard times, struggling with sexuality, finding peace, maintaining dignity through integrity, equality matters Heat Rating: 3 flames Length: 75 pages It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited ![]() Discover the captivating journey of a gay man unraveling the truth in “Behind The Headline”. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and empowered. Blurb I was a successful gay police detective; good at my job, content with helping others, motivated by a sense of justice and trust I held both with my colleagues and ordinary people. That was until one day in March. Within five seconds, I turned my life upside down. I got arrested and was put through the criminal justice and media machine. This is an authentic story of who I was and how I survived the most difficult period of my life. #TrueStory #EqualityMatters #EmpoweringRead #LGBTQ #InspiringReads Excerpt I remember the coldness and tightness of the handcuffs being strapped on my hands behind my back. “Breathe” the officer said… I could feel my entire body going numb, blood drained from my face and through the dried lips I muttered “You are ruining my life” … I wanted to die there and then. I could hear the beeping of the activated Body Warn Video Cameras of the two police officers. I could feel my heart beating faster and faster and my vision narrowed. Raindrops were falling on my head and as I looked around – the light seemed strangely brighter. I was now removed from what was happening, but also strangely present. My past was flashing in front of my eyes. What looked like millions of neurons were firing inside my brain as I helplessly tried to understand what was happening. Nothing would prepare me for what was about to unfold. That morning I woke up a regular self, I shaved and showered, had my coffee and a toast... In just a matter of seconds my life turned upside down and I felt like I was just struck with a hammer to the back of my head. As I learned later that figurative “hammer” would strike again over and over in the coming weeks and months. I was just arrested at Hampstead Heath Park by a plain clothes police officer. About the Author I was born in a small city in central Poland. In November of 2004 I emigrated to the UK and initially settled in the North of England before moving to London in 2006. After years of struggling with my sexuality, I was able to come out as a gay man - something I would have never been able to do in Poland. For many years, I held a variety of ordinary jobs before a traumatic event in March of 2023 forced me to re-imagine my future and take on the role of a writer. "Behind The Headline" is my debut into the literary world written from the heart and with passion of someone who was in the centre of his life being turned upside down. ![]() Author Links Blog/Website | Amazon Author Page ![]() My snippet this week comes from Strays, a post-apoc scifi romance. When Kyle lost his footing, sliding out over thin air and plummeting into dark, choppy lake water, Daniel’s heart skipped more than a few beats. Every muscle in his chest seized and clamped down tight. His knees felt like rubber and his gut sank. He was going to fish Kyle out of the lake, make sure he was completely unharmed, and then kill him. Find more snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group! Strays is available in eBook and through KoboPlus. Todd, with a second saddle horse in tow, rode up on Nick’s side of the wagon and waggled two fingers at Nick, saving him from further conversation with Trey. Slung across the pommel of his saddle were two small satchels. Nick knew exactly what was in those satchels, their supplies. “Slow them down for a minute,” Todd said to Trey. Nodding, Trey pulled back on the reins and the team dropped to a walk. Nick stood on the bench and used the rail for a brace. He slipped onto the spare horse’s back. After making some adjustments to the stirrups, he took the reins from Todd. When Todd held out a hip holster and sidearm to Nick, Trey sat straighter and glared. Next Todd handed a rifle in a scabbard to Nick. That was fastened to his saddle under his right calf. Once Nick had the weapons secured, Todd handed off one of the satchels to him. That Nick fastened to a loop behind his left thigh. “He’s carrying guns,” Trey grumbled. “Slaves aren’t supposed to carry guns.” Nick grinned and pulled up a shirtsleeve, exposing the knife sheath strapped to his arm. “And knives. Actually I prefer knives.” He narrowed his eyes for effect. “Knives are quiet.” Faye did slightly intimidate Nick; she was a tutor. Though slave tutors didn’t strike the fear in him they once had, he’d probably always be leery of them and feel the need to obey one. Trey, on the other hand, simply irritated Nick, and he wasn’t above a little harmless mocking to put a burr under Trey’s metaphorical saddle. “Adorable as I think my mate is, I highly doubt if we’re under attack his dimples will slow them down much. I suppose he could try harsh language, but honestly, he’s horrible at cussing,” Todd said. “What did you expect? We’re sentries.” Trey opened his mouth, Nick reasoned to argue, but Todd waved him off. “Arguing with me is useless. Where is the entrance to this thing?” “It should be about a mile ahead. According to my map, there is an access road off this one on the west side,” Trey said. Todd nodded. “Pick up the pace. If they’re going to come at us, now is the time, unless they don’t know about the tunnels, but let’s presume they do.” He turned his horse so he could get farther from the wagons. Nick waved at Trey and mimicked Todd’s actions. |
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