“What did you two do before there was the Internet to go to and snoop into people?” Lucas asked. “Town gossips,” Forge said. “Ready? We can go pick up Blair. Our flight leaves from Detroit, and we should get going.” He reached over and slapped Declan’s shoulder. “Come on, take a break. You can finish up when we get to Thunder Bay.” He stood up, switched off the television, and gave Moose a few hearty pats. “Simon and Ben will take care of you. I’ll be back in a few days. Maybe I’ll bring you some treats from Canada.” When they boarded the airplane, Lucas was ridiculously relieved to find out he and Declan were sitting together. It had hit him during the few hour’s drive to the airport in Detroit he and Declan would likely be staying in different parts of the ship. At first he’d been more concerned for Blair, who was so nervous about being on a ship in the open waters of Lake Superior. As the time neared for them to take their respective positions, his worry turned to Declan. Lucas tried reminding himself Declan and Forge had done this before. The two of them appeared scarily cool and nonchalant about the whole thing. Lucas wondered if that was their way of preparing for the parts they’d play. They settled into their seats, and Declan leaned back, yawning. He took Lucas’s hand and squeezed, whispering, “Get some rest. Stop your fretting.” “We’re going to stop that ship from sinking, right?” Lucas said in a low voice. He shifted so his shoulder pressed solidly against Declan’s. “And make sure the Sloanes are safe?” “It’s my goal, Lucas.” Declan’s voice was soft and steady. “Make sure you keep your eyes open and have your earbud in. If there is even a hint of trouble, don’t be afraid to say so. There’s no such thing as a false alarm in this sort of business.” Lucas studied Declan for a few seconds before relaxing more. “You’re worried about me?” Declan looked at him, surprise all over his face. “Of course I am. It’s not as if you have a lot of experience in covert work. It’s easy to get flustered or think you’re overreacting to something.” “Personal experience talking?” “Oh, yes. The first few ‘jobs’ Jonas and I pulled, I think we screwed up more than we got right,” Declan said. “It’s something of a miracle we survived. There was no one to coach us, we just fumbled right on through. Well, in Jonas’s case it was more like he bulldozed through.” Lucas laughed softly. “And yet, you both survived,” he pointed out. Declan chuckled. “You are very right. Fortunately, later on we were able to infiltrate organizations that offered formal training.” He squeezed Lucas’s hand again. “We’ll be fine.” Lucas leaned over and gave Declan a quick kiss on the cheek. “Yes, we will be.” When the plane landed, they split up. Lucas and Blair had to pretend they didn’t know Declan and Forge and vice versa. There were no hugs, no good-bye kisses, not even a few soft, kind words of farewell between them. They had to play the part of total strangers. Lucas and Blair traveled separately to the cruise-line offices. At least once on the ship, they’d be “co-workers” and free to interact. As part of the crew, they’d also be expected to attend to the passengers and that would afford them more freedom to contact Forge or Declan. While Lucas and Blair settled into their roles, Declan and Forge split up and spent two days combing the city. Each time they reported in, they had nothing new to share. Blair wandered into the clinic where Lucas was working. “Okay, I have to admit, even if this”—he waved one hand up and down his torso—“outfit is asinine, the ship is pretty cool. I’d like it better if it stayed tied up to the dock, though.” Lucas looked Blair up and down and bit his lip to keep from laughing. Blair’s eyes flashed to a solid hazel and his fangs descended for a few seconds. “Shut up. Your getup looks just as bad.” Blair was dressed to look like a swashbuckler. Lucas’s outfit mimicked an eighteenth-century Spanish naval officer, complete with gold braid and tights. “At least I can wear the white doctor coat over mine.” Lucas drew himself up and chanted in a very accurate French accent, holding one finger in the air. “Pirates were dirty, mean, scurvy men. Not the romantics we portray them as today!” Blair laughed. “You do that way too well.” “I should. I’ve heard it enough times. Why do you think I howl? It’s to drown that out,” Lucas said and smirked. All the book bundles listed below are for LGBTQ+ books!
0 Comments
NEW RELEASE ![]() Book Title: Hex Sells (Babylon Boy, Book 2) Author: TA Moore Publisher: Rogue Firebird Press Cover Artist: Tammy Moore Release Date: July 26, 2024 Genre: Urban Fantasy Tropes: Warlock Bikers, Menage a Trois, Fresh Start, Own Worst Enemy Themes: Sins of the Past Heat Rating: 1 flame Length: 58 000 words Hex Sells is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links ![]() My name is Jonah Carrow, and it’s been 320 days since I cast a hex. Blurb Jonah Carrow just wants a quiet, hex-free life. It’s harder than he’d thought. Despite his best efforts, though, magic trouble just keeps finding him. If it’s not his dead relatives trying to turn breakfast into a ouija board, it’s a crow with bad tidings at his door. Jonah doesn’t know what’s worse, that warlock biker Shiloh has decided to call in his marker…or that he only did it to get him to pass on a message. It turns out that Luke, Jonah’s not-exactly boyfriend, hasn’t been taking the Crossroad Crows calls. … but when things go wrong, despite not being in the first draft, Jonah gets roped in to find answers. Now he’s knee-deep in secrets, curses, and the sort of temptation in lean, blond Shiloh that is definitely not going to help Jonah stay on the straight and mundane. On top of all that? He’s getting sick. Without a hex to help put a thumb on the scales, Jonah really can’t catch a break. Excerpt “ROAD’S CLOSED!” he roared. “Fucking—!” “He’ll turn now,” Ned said, full of confidence. The rider could. There was an alley just before the bridge. If he pulled a hard right, he’d probably lose some paint from the sides, but he’d make it. He could. But he wasn’t going to. Jonah broke into a run. Heavy boots and a night’s work dragged like an anchor as he bolted down the bridge. The lights from the hazards caught on the car’s paintwork and splashed it with red. Grahams dropped the flagger. It clattered on the ground at his feet, but he didn’t move. Jonah tackled him and sent both of them crashing into the side of the trailer. The van smashed through the barriers, broken wood and plastic strewn in its wake, and into the pool of light cast by the floodlights. Jonah got a glimpse of the driver, just for a second, through the windscreen. He was a middle-aged man with a battered face and a bruise that ran from his temple down to his jaw. The man glanced briefly over his shoulder, mouth twisted, and then gunned the engine. The van left greasy streaks of rubber on the asphalt as it roared up the bridge. Caught in its path, the rest of the crew stared, frozen for a moment, and then scattered. Only Ned didn’t. At the last second, the van veered violently. It smashed into the barriers at the side of the bridge and tore through them. The raw metal ripped holes in the side of the van, sparks flying as it pitched over the edge. There was a moment of stark, breathless silence that dragged out longer than seemed possible. Then, the van smashed into the road below with a crunch of broken glass and crumpled metal. Dark, oily fingers of smoke eddied up and over the edge of the bridge. “Fuck,” Ned said, the curse coming out respectfully. Jonah scrambled to his feet and brushed his jeans down. The rest of the crew had run to the edge of the bridge to look over. He looked back the way the van had come. The ribbon of smoke that had trailed behind the van was still there. It lay limp on the asphalt, one end frayed and split where it had snapped off the car. Then, as Jonah watched, it twitched and then slowly retreated down the street. Like something at the far, far end of it was reeling it in. Well. That wasn’t natural. And that meant it wasn’t Jonah’s business. Not these days. Not in Jerusalem. About the Author TA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide. Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided. Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Twitter Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up | TikTok Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of three backlist ebooks or one of two $20 Amazon gift card ![]() RECENT RELEASE ![]() Book Title: An Increasing Entanglement (An Unlikely Alliance, Book 2) Author: Ellie Thomas Publisher: JMS Books Release Date: July 13, 2024 Genre: Historical (Regency) MMM Romance Tropes: Threesome, Regency, Hurt/Comfort, Class Differences, Interracial, Opposites Attract Themes: Kidnapping, Avenging Angel, Orphan, Redemption, Found Family Length: 22 293 words Heat Rating: 4 flames It is book two in a series of three. Book 1 (An Unlikely Alliance) is available for review It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links ![]() Can Clem, Abe and Humphrey sustain their burgeoning romance from outside threats? And might their connection blossom into lasting romance? Blurb In Regency London, during the Season, after a brief and steamy courtship, the relationship between threesome Clem, Abe and Humphrey holds much promise. But their busy routines and different lifestyles, as a professional secretary, society gentleman and an official informant to the military, interfere with their burgeoning romance. Then sinister forces reappear to threaten their connection and even the life of one of the trio. Can these three band together to save the day and keep each other from peril? And given the chance, might they forge lasting happiness together? Excerpt Abe entered the Ye Olde Cheddar Cheese tavern closer to eight o’clock than seven. Clem was sitting at their usual table, alone and forlorn. Abe cursed the informant who had delayed him. Abe approached, attracting Clem’s notice. His aspect didn’t brighten. There was no teasing smile of welcome. Instead, Abe received a chilly glare. “You came then,” Clem said flatly. Abe sat opposite his friend and lover. “Can I get you another drink?” “If you like.” Clem’s glacial indifference continued when their gin was served together with a jug of water. He said casually, “I was at the Old Red Lion yesterday to find you’d vacated your room. I thought you might have run out on us.” He took a swig of barely diluted gin, avoiding Abe’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Clem. I should have let you know.” If they had been in a less public place or one that catered solely for their kind, Abe would have covered Clem’s hand with his own. “Yes, well, it’s not like you owe me an explanation.” Clem’s defensive posture said otherwise. “Of course I do. It was remiss of me. I have been occupied with pressing matters, official-like.” Clem’s body relaxed slightly. Abe hardly made it public that he was working for Horse Guards, but he had shared that confidence with his lovers. He eyed Abe warily under long light brown lashes, a distinct pout to his lush mouth. “You could have sent word to me.” “Yes, I should have. I see that now. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Clem.” “Who said I was hurt?” Clem’s indifferent words were at odds with his wounded expression. “Just because I’ve been busy doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking of you. And Humphrey, too. I’ve missed you both.” “Really?” “I swear it.” “Then it’s fortunate that I left a note for Humphrey to meet us here after he’s dined.” Clem’s narrow jaw clenched combatively. He’s not letting me off lightly. At least he’s still talking to me and hasn’t flounced off in a huff, renouncing me forever. It wasn’t the right moment to argue that either Clem or Humphrey could have taken the initiative earlier. Abe recognised that Humphrey was too self-effacing to make the first move. As for Clem, he’d learned the hard way to be sparing with his trust. “I’m sorry,” Abe said sincerely. “I’ll say it a hundred times over if that will make amends.” Abe was the first to admit that once he got the bit between his teeth, he could be ruthlessly single-minded. Apart from his mother, he’d never had to consider anyone’s feelings. Until now. That must change, he vowed. “I’ll gladly apologise to Humphrey. I’ve neglected you both. You know what I’m like when I’m in full cry.” There was a brief silence as the waiter topped up their glasses. “We all have our burdens,” Abe added. “You’re chained to your desk during the day, I’m no longer my own master and Humphrey has a flock of relatives to shepherd.” Clem smiled grudgingly. “Is that an excuse?” “No, more a recognition of our circumstances. What say you if we make this our regular rendezvous? This is as good a place as any to meet every few days. That should avoid any further misunderstandings.” “I thought you’d left me.” Clem’s voice was so low that Abe’s strained to catch the words against the background noise of the narrow tavern. “I’d never abandon you, Clem. I may have many faults, but I’m no fool. I would never throw away such a treasure unthinkingly.” Clem stared in his glass. “Now I’ve found you and Humphrey,” Abe continued. “I won’t let go easily unless that’s your will.” Clem gazed at Abe, his face unreadable. Then he glanced over Abe’s shoulder. “You have an opportunity to repeat your abject apology. Humphrey’s coming this way.” About the Author Ellie Thomas lives by the sea. She comes from a teaching background and goes for long seaside walks where she daydreams about history. She is a voracious reader, especially about anything historical. She mainly writes historical gay romance.
Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Facebook Group Twitter | Newsletter Sign-up | Bluesky ![]() ![]() “Hmm. After that his name pops up in Chicago in association with Bugs Moran and his gang. According to several articles, Archie is believed to have been killed in a shootout with Cleveland Police in the late 1920s, but there was never confirmation that he was killed; a body was never found. He may have escaped and headed west, and there are a few other speculated scenarios, depending on which article I read. Most of his activities involved bootlegging and murder, and he may have been linked to the killing of a US Marshal during some raid of illegal booze being transported.” “That’s why Griff’s office had Archie’s file, I bet,” Wyatt said. “Uh-huh,” Val mumbled and leaned forward, occasionally hitting a button on his keyboard. Wyatt shook his head and smiled; it felt good to see Val so interested in this part of Wyatt’s work. Read more diverse and interesting snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. A Barlow Lens is available in eBook, paperback and through KoboPlus.
💫💫💫💫eBook sale! Only 2.99 or read in KU!💫💫💫💫 💫💫💫Nominated for LR Cafe's Best of 2021 Awards in the Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/Steampunk Book and 2022 Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers Choice awards💫💫💫💫 Welcome to the Vampire Guard, where legend and myth meet science and technology. Vampires and werewolves live long lives. The Sleepless City saga might have ended but the story continues… Vampires make the best spies. Throw a smart-mouthed werewolf in with three vampires, mix well, and The Vampire Guard's newest team is bound to become one of their greatest assets. Super spies with a full range of skills. Warrior, hacker, thief, and scientist. They get in, do the job, and get out before the bad guys ever know what hit them. Forge, Blair, Declan, and Lucas are thrust into the world of high-tech spies and top-secret espionage conspiracies. Recruited into the world’s most elite and secret organization with one singular mission. Protect those who can’t defend themselves from ruin. Together they must thwart an assassination attempt on the open waters of Lake Superior while tracking a previously unknown biological weapon controlled by the Qiguan—a weapon which may very well mean death for one of them. #KindleUnlimited #elizabethnoble #spyfi #Espionage #thriller #vampires #Werewolves #paranormal #foundfamily #lgbtqsuspense #lgbtqthriller #paranormalthriller #howlingcorgipress #thesleeplesscitysharedworld Lucas was impressed that by midmorning the next day, they had not only formulated a plan, but it was being put into motion. They gathered at Porter’s headquarters to put the finishing touches on their scheme.
As Lucas had predicted, when he called Curtis Sloane and tried to warn him, the man politely informed Lucas his family had faced a number of assassination attempts. He reminded Lucas the Sloane family was politically connected which made them a target wherever they went. His family wouldn’t hide or live in fear. Curtis Sloane might be progressive, but he was still a typical werewolf. “Like it or not, you’re getting protection,” Lucas grumbled as he hung up the phone. Sophia looked up from what she was reading and smiled. “No go?” Lucas rubbed his forehead. “Just like I said it wouldn’t be. Actually, I think he thought I was nuts and was sorta pissed I was able to get his private number.” “Hopefully, Mr. Sloane will continue to think you’re a crackpot. If we can do our job and stop this thing from happening, he and his family will never know the difference,” Sophia said. She set a bundle of documents on the table and motioned to the chairs. “Gentlemen, if you’d all take a seat, we’ll get started.” She waited until the four of them were sitting. “Porter is on the way to Brazil with Kai and Ori, and I’ll fly out later today. Our plan is to pick up Grier’s accomplices there. We’ll meet up with Martina Rojas and her pack will deal with them. I’ve also circulated the photos we have to Interpol and other agencies with the information on a possible new terrorist organization. They should be on no-fly lists before the day is over. That may not stop them, but it will certainly slow them down.” “What about the Qiguan people here, or somewhere else other than South America?” Declan asked. Sophia shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. We haven’t had to deal with werewolves on this level before. There was the odd one here or there and we’d turn them over to their pack. Humans we remand to the human authorities and vampires we deal with ourselves. It’s not exactly as if there are prisons for werewolves. That’s something we’ll discuss with Martina. If we begin to encounter more of this organization, we’re going to need somewhere to take those apprehended. We can’t turn them over to their own packs when they are likely involved as well.” “South American werewolf prison, now there’s a pleasant thought,” Lucas said. “I think the immediate problem is making sure that ship and everyone on it is safe,” Forge said. Everyone in the room nodded. “I have passports for you and cover stories. Dr. Coate, you’ll be joining the ship’s medical crew. They have two doctors onboard and we’ve arranged for you to temporarily replace one.” Sophia handed him a passport and some paperwork. “Dr. Turner, you’ll be joining the crew as well,” Sophia continued, turning to Blair. “They have several educational programs and with your background in archeology and teaching, it was a good fit. You should have enough time for Bronwen to fill you in on what you’ll need to know about the Great Lakes in general.” She set a small stack of papers in front of him. “Oh, goodie,” Blair mumbled. “If you get shoved overboard by some bratty kid, I’ll jump in and save you,” Lucas said and jostled Blair’s shoulder. He laughed at the vile stare Blair gave him. Sophia smiled and spoke to Declan next. “It seems Curtis and one of his sons-in-law and a niece are amateur art collectors. Henri de Fleur will also be a passenger. I’m sure they’ve heard of him.” Declan laughed and took his passport, eyebrows going up when he opened it. Lucas leaned over and nodded. “Good picture. What if they haven’t heard of…um…Henri?” “It won’t matter. As long as they think I’m some big name in the art world, they’ll act as if they know Henri, at least by name and reputation,” Declan explained. “Don’t tell me, let me guess,” Forge said. “I’m—” Sophia cut him off, “Henri’s bodyguard. Identities and covers I believe you’ve used before.” Forge nodded and sighed. “Story of my life. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” “You’ll be authorized to carry a weapon, if needed, and I’ve secured you clearance with the ship’s security detail.” Sophia held out the last of her documents. “And you won’t need an alias. The information provided to the cruise line stated you are a former member of the Boggslake PD on the off chance you run into someone you know.” “I don’t normally carry a sidearm unless I’m on duty in Boggslake, so that shouldn’t be an issue,” Forge said. ![]() Karenna Colcroft has a new MM paranormal romance out, Real Werewolves Don't Eat Meat book six: Tahe Some Tahini. And there's a giveaway. Tobias Rogan never wanted to be a leader. But here he is, the Anax of the United States, ruler of all werewolves in the country. Only two weeks after winning the rank in a challenge fight against his senile predecessor, Tobias and his mate Kyle are still adjusting to their new reality when a frantic call alerts Tobias to the massacre of nearly half the wolves in a pack in North Dakota–including the pack’s Alpha and Beta. An investigation reveals that the wolves responsible for the attack are from Canada. Tobias reaches out to Silas Creighton, Anax of Canada, and finds someone like-minded in wanting peace between the wolves of the two countries. At Silas’s invitation, Tobias and his mate Kyle, along with their new guard Quinn Boucher, sole survivor of the North Dakota massacre, travel to Nova Scotia to put an end to the conflict between the American and Canadian werewolves. But not all wolves are interested in peace–and not all want Tobias to survive the trip. Warnings: violence, gun violence, discussion of past sexual abuse, homophobia About the Series Kyle Slidell didn't move to Boston expecting to be changed into a werewolf. But that's what happened. He can't control whether he shifts at the full moon, but he can damn sure continue being vegan--even in wolf form. Tobias Rogan, Alpha of Boston North Pack, never expected to fall in love with anyone, let alone a man. A male Alpha is not supposed to have a male partner. But when he meets Kyle, he's immediately attracted. And after Kyle is changed, Tobias realizes the truth: Kyle is not only his partner, but his mate. The werewolf world isn't a simple place, and Kyle and Tobias are thrown into the middle of conflict within and among the packs of the United States--a conflict that extends all the way to the top of the werewolf hierarchy. Can they and their love survive what they face? AmazonGiveaway Karenna is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47313/? Excerpt I debated knocking and decided to just try the doorknob. Kyle had better hearing than the rest of us. He knew I was here. If he didn’t want me to enter the apartment, he would have locked the door. He hadn’t. The knob turned easily, and I pushed the door open and entered the living room that had been mine for decades. The light in the room was off, but the kitchen light was on. I set down my bag and walked slowly into the other room. And there, I found my mate. Seeing Kyle sitting there, at the same table in the same apartment where our relationship had grown, felt like a knife in my heart. I’d found him. But the way he looked at me almost made me wish I hadn’t. I’d never seen such pain and anger in his eyes. His eyes mirrored my own emotions. Pain at how he’d left me, not a word to me, not even speaking to me when I reached out. Rage at being abandoned by the one person who had sworn never to do that. I didn’t know whether to hug him or beat the shit out of him. I did neither, just stood in the doorway, fists clenched, waiting for him to fucking say something so I could. “Hey,” he said. “Hey.” I went toward the other chair but stopped. If I got too close to him, I might lunge across the table and strangle him. I closed my eyes just long enough to let an image of the ocean form. It didn’t calm me as much as usual, but at least it washed away the urge to hurt Kyle for hurting me. Which was good. I would never hurt Kyle. I had before. I hadn’t meant to, but I had. And I’d sworn I never would again. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. “You’re here.” “And the sky is blue, grass is green, and werewolves have fur.” He folded his arms. “You found me. Now what?” His tone was completely flat. No anger, which would have been a good sign if he’d shown any other emotion. But there was nothing. He didn’t want me there. I could feel that through our bond, which was actually a good sign. The bond was still intact. But the way he spoke, the way he looked at me, sent my temper on the upswing again. How fucking dare he be a sarcastic asshole after what he’d done to me? I gritted my teeth and forced another long, slow breath. “We talk. You tell me why you left, and we decide if we can fix it.” “And if we can’t?” “Then at least we talked to each other!” My voice rose, and I didn’t give a shit, even though Kirk could hear and probably everyone in the other two buildings could as well. “You just took off, Kyle. You didn’t say a damn thing, just took off. I was worried.” My eyes watered, and I blinked a few times as my anger ebbed. “I love you.” “You have a weird way of showing it.” He sighed. “Sit down, would you? Unless you’re trying some Anax intimidation tactic on me.” “I’m not.” I sat and leaned my elbows on the table. “How could you do that? How could you just leave without saying a fucking word?” “I didn’t know what to say. You would have told me not to go. And I wouldn’t have gone. And I would have kept dealing with all that shit.” “What shit?” “You know.” He waved. “I’m a weakness for you. I shouldn’t exist or whatever. Those assholes back in California.” “So you fucking walked out on me because of them?” I was so furious I was shaking. “You left as soon as I was gone. You knew you were going. You were gone by the time I called you, and you didn’t say a goddamn word. How could you do that?” “I should have.” This time, emotion filled his tone. “I’m sorry, Tobias. I just…I needed to get the fuck out of there. And I knew you would have told me not to go. I didn’t want to do this.” “Do what?” “This.” He gestured toward me. “Argue. Process our feelings. I just wanted to get away from the homophobes and the memories. Living in that house…I’m guessing you have some decent memories of the place. You went there for years for the national gatherings. A couple weeks ago was my first time being there, and I spent most of the gathering in a goddamn cage, Tobias.” I felt like he had jammed a blade into my heart. Involuntarily, I took a step back. How had I not realized? I knew all too well what trauma could do, but I hadn’t even considered how Kyle must feel waking up every single day in the place where he’d been dragged away from me and locked in a tiny basement cell. Author Bio Karenna Colcroft lives just north of Boston, Massachusetts, and has been in love with the city since childhood, though she has yet to encounter any werewolves, vampires, or other paranormal beings in her travels. At least none that she knows of. Karenna is a polyamorous, nonbinary human who lives in Massachusetts with her husband. She also has two adult children and three “bonus” kids, four grandchildren, and two and a half cats. (Half in terms of time the cat lives with her, not in terms of the cat itself…) Author Website: https://karennacolcroft.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/kimramseywinkler Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/karennacolcroft Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karenna-Colcroft/author/B0031HAOUK ![]() “This is what one calls a lucky break,” Kai said. “All those others chasing this asshole didn’t have a full moon and a werewolf bonded to a vampire capable of a full shift.” He turned and faced Declan. “A vampire with vast experience who knows many techniques for gathering information. A perfect storm.” Declan stilled. His entire body radiated tension. Forge quietly put one hand on Declan’s shoulder and squeezed. “What’s he talking about?” Lucas asked. When Declan turned away, Forge said in a very soft voice, “We’ll get through, like always.” “Let’s get this over with,” Declan grumbled. Forge met Lucas’s gaze and nodded once. There are more great snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. Code Name Jack Rabbit is available in eBook, paperback
and through Kindle Unlimited. ![]() M.D. Grimm has a new FF fantasy romance out, Sisters of Song book 2: Song of Howls. And there's a giveaway! As Alaiya reclaims her life, she never intended to capture the heart of a she-wolf. Alaiya was trained by her parents to be the perfect wife. Due to her beauty, they knew they could entice a wealthy man to wed her and raise their status. She was a trophy, a prize, brought out to entertain like an obedient dog. Their efforts were rewarded when Lord Salazem claimed her to become his next wife, intent on adding her to his harem. But when two mighty dragons and her sister save her, Alaiya is given a new chance at life. Determined to stand on her own and discover who she truly is, Alaiya has little interest in relationships. Even when she meets the silver-haired Talla, Alaiya pushes down her desire, unwilling to be caged again. Talla is the alpha of her large wolf pack in the Firestar Mountains and knows Alaiya is her mate. She is entranced by Alaiya’s strength, courage, and loyalty, and is determined to prove herself as a worthy mate. But first she must overcome Alaiya’s barriers, which might prove to be her greatest challenge. As Alaiya and her sister adjust to their new lives, they must secure their home from those who would take it from them. Including their parents. As Alaiya struggles to stand on her own, she learns that true strength lies in letting others stand beside her. ABOUT THE SERIES Venya and Alaiya are sisters born to greedy and selfish parents. One is neglected and the other exploited. Despite this--or because of it--they cling to each other, best friends as well as family. They find freedom in the mountain range beyond their city of birth... as well as unexpected chances at love with extraordinary beings. Forging a new future is never easy, but with their unbreakable bond, and lovers and allies at their side, the impossible just might be attainable. Universal Buy LinkGiveaway M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47312/? Excerpt For a moment, Alaiya forgot her own troubles and lived in the moment. She’d seen many such beautiful places in the Firestar Mountains but this one beat them all. Wolves watched them descend, and Alaiya tried not to cower under their piercing stares. The valley was filled with adults, adolescents, and pups. No one approached them, and she had a feeling something significant was happening. Though she couldn’t determine what it was. The mask she’d learned to wear as a child, that of societal pleasantries, slipped on as they stepped off the trail. Alaiya slid off Talla’s back and inclined her head to those nearby. “Good evening. I am Alaiya. Thank you for watching over my sister, and for welcoming us into your home. We are in your debt.” A few of the pups ran up as several adults approached. Tails were tucked, heads were down. Talla stayed beside her, watching them but also glancing at her. If Alaiya allowed herself to indulge in fantasy, she would have sworn she saw pride in Talla’s bright gaze. Of course she stroked the puppies and offered the adults her hands to sniff. Feeling welcomed and trying not to be overwhelmed, Alaiya resisted reliving the recent dangers again. This was an extraordinary moment that shouldn’t be tarnished by the past. If spending her entire life under the thumb of her parents had taught her anything, it was to savor the good and beautiful for as long as possible. When Alaiya’s stomach grumbled, Talla nudged the others away and jerked her head, wanting her to follow. Clearly, she was the alpha. Or one of the alphas. Didn’t wolf packs usually have a male and a female leader? Alaiya tried to decipher if any of the others gave off the alpha vibe but she didn’t sense anything. Talla took her to a pile of fruit that appeared to have been recently picked and washed. There were apples, oranges, and grapes. When she hesitated, Talla nudged her forward lightly. She took a grape, and Talla’s mouth dropped open in a lupine grin. Alaiya couldn’t resist smiling a little. “Thank you.” Talla huffed and trotted off. Alaiya sat next to the fruit and munched. She curled into herself, feeling a bit chilled. Her clothes had seen better days, they were dirty and torn. She mourned the state of them. They were ones she’d found in the palace, and she liked the style. She was grateful for the variety of clothing for ladies in the palace, and since she was handy with needle and thread, it was a simple thing to make modifications as needed to fit her, and her sister’s, shapes better. Her parents had insisted she be adept at all manner of womanly tasks and pursuits, including how to sew her own clothing. She’d needed to be a prize catch after all. She scowled at the memories. The adult wolves left her alone, though a few pups crept closer, curious. She coaxed them nearer and ended up with four pups draped over her lap and cuddled at her sides. Their fluffy, warm bodies and playful squeaks calmed her. But despite her best efforts, recent events wouldn’t let her settle. “What disturbs you?” She jerked and looked up. Talla stood there, naked, hair like silver silk draped over her. Alaiya quickly turned away and cleared her throat. She flushed hot when Talla sat beside her. Though she didn’t touch her or draw closer, Alaiya felt her gaze like a touch. It itched. It burned. “I… I’ve been through a lot.” “I gathered that from what Venya said. Do you wish to speak about it?” “No.” Talla nodded and when one of the pups nuzzled her hand, she plucked him up and rubbed her face against his. Alaiya softened at the adoration. “Is he yours?” Talla smiled. “No. All my pups are grown with pups of their own. I have no desire for more.” Alaiya frowned. “How old…? Never mind.” Rude. Very rude question. All those weeks away from society had made her social skills rusty. She used to be far better at small talk and charming all she met. Talla chuckled. The sound danced pleasantly along Alaiya’s skin. Damn. “We age differently than humans. Though I can still have children, I have chosen to stop. Let the younger, stronger of my pack produce the next generations. This way, I get to enjoy the pups with little burden.” So saying, she rubbed the pup’s tummy, and he wiggled with delight. Alaiya grinned. “Make sure to drink the water from the falls. It will cleanse you and heal you of any injuries or discomforts.” “How?” “This place was blessed by the gods long ago. A hint of their divinity remains.” Their gazes met and held. Alaiya was struck with the directness of Talla’s stare. She exuded calm and confidence, a steadfastness that encouraged trust and dependency. And that was a problem. Alaiya needed to stand on her own. She’d obeyed her parents for most of her life. Then she’d depended on Venya to rescue her. But now she had the freedom to be whoever she wanted to be. And she had no clue who that was. So she needed to find out and having a liaison with anyone—even this sexy she-wolf—was not part of the plan. “That’s amazing. I wouldn’t have believed that a month ago. But after meeting the dragons and… This is a good place to live.” “Yes. These mountains are sacred and must be protected.” Alaiya sighed. “And our presence brings danger. If my parents hadn’t sold me to that no good—” “‘Sold’?” Talla’s voice turned low and menacing. Author Bio M.D. Grimm has wanted to write stories since second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things actually, but not that!). Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!). After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English, (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?) she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier. Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain, (or else what’s the point?) finding their soul mate in the process. Author Website: https://www.mdgrimmwrites.com Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/mdgrimmwrites Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdgrimmwrites Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574220.M_D_Grimm Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/ Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/ Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.D.-Grimm/e/B00I0KZMY6/ ![]() NEW RELEASE ![]() Book Title: A Little More Forgiveness (Hot Property, Book 3) Author: Pauley J Ray Publisher: NineStar Press Cover Artist: Jaycee DeLorenzo Release Date: July 2, 2024 Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity Themes: Threesome, Forgiveness and redemption, Overcoming past trauma Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 120 000 words/ 836 pages This is book three of a four-book series. It does not end on a cliffhanger Each book concentrates on a different main character from the four owners of a successful construction company. Successive books will include spoilers from the previous ones if the books are not read in order. Buy Links ![]() Three angry men, two loveable dogs and one isolated cabin. What could possibly go wrong? Blurb Gabriel Sanchez is a man running away from his past, unaware it’s about to catch up to him. Stuck in an isolated cabin with two strangers is the last thing he planned. One guy, a bear of a man shouldering intolerable emotional pain, Gabe instinctively wants to soothe. The other, kinder, gentler, and just wishing to be seen, Gabe desperately wants to show him how visible he is. However, the harder he tries to keep both at bay, the more they fight and the closer they get until his heart begins to desire things he’s promised himself it can never have again. Leo Taylor has yearned for approval his whole life, and as the lawyer negotiating the sale of a run-down cabin and its land, this time he may just earn it. But, trying to keep the peace between a cocky New Yorker and the grumpiest man alive is slowly taking its toll. During their confinement, secrets are uncovered that will force Leo to make a tough choice. Close the sale and gain the approval he craves, or follow his heart and fight for the men for whom he’s falling head over heels. Mitchell Houghton is drowning in grief and guilt following the death of his wife four years ago. Then, along comes a lawyer with an outsider who claims to own 50 percent of his home, his land. After years of self-imposed isolation, Mitch is now trapped with them both in his small cabin. Determined to make their lives a misery, he almost succeeds, until their unwanted interaction and attention makes him remember the man he used to be—the one he thought lost forever—giving him another chance at a happiness he’s not sure he deserves. Excerpt “I’m a determined man, Mr. Houghton.” “Or a foolish one.” I shrugged, not prepared to admit I was beginning to agree with him. “Time after time, you were told no, but unlike any decent man, any honorable man, you didn’t leave me alone and walk away, did you?” He didn’t wait for me to answer. “No, instead, you went behind my back and began pressuring my brother to sell, recognizing he’d be the more gullible of us, the weaker of the two.” I frowned at his answer. Obviously, there was far more bad blood between them than I’d originally suspected. Not my problem. “And you think it’s me who’s foolish.” I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m here today because you requested this meeting. You. You were the one who’d finally decided to sell.” I lifted my shoulders. “Don’t kid yourself into believing I’m the bad guy in this scenario. It’s pretty obvious as soon as you received our offer and caught sight of all those zero’s, you had a very rapid change of heart.” “A momentary lapse in judgment,” he snapped at me. “Whatever.” I balled my hands into fists in my pants trying to remain relaxed, knowing my next admission wasn’t going to be well received. “Oh, and by the way. To be clear, your brother came to us, not the other way around.” “No.” His sharp rebuttal sounded almost painful. I shrugged again. “Believe what you want, but I’m telling the truth. Until Jared Houghton offered up his fifty percent, I’d given up on the purchase, had decided you weren’t worth the time and effort to continue pursuing.” Something flashed in his eyes at my comment but was gone too quick for me to decipher. “There are other cabins, other land”—removing my hands from my pockets, I spread my arms to indicate the shabby interior—“in much better condition.” He moved off the jamb and was in my face before I had chance to blink, his voice low and threatening. “Be very careful what you say in my home, Mr. Sanchez.” He said my name like my presence left a bad taste in his mouth. “You’re a guest here, and you better remember that—and your manners.” I took in a few deep breaths, wanting to calm down and ensure I didn’t say something inappropriate. I hated being threatened. Watching Mason after his attack, how he’d get jumpy and scared at the slightest hint of raised voices or aggression from others, I’d done everything in my power to help him work through his trauma. To the point I automatically placed myself in front of him whenever he got anxious, protecting him from anyone getting too close. So Mitchell trying his intimidation act on with me in the hopes I’d cower meekly? Well, I couldn’t help myself. “Ah, but that’s not quite true anymore, is it?” My blood pumped hard in my veins, rapidly heading south, making me hard. I wouldn’t say I was enjoying our sparring match, but the male aggression filling the air, raising our body temperature, and releasing delicious-smelling pheromones of sweat and musk pushed all my buttons. I glanced around the room with its worn couch, scuffed oak furniture, and thick log walls, thinking if renovated, the place would look amazing. “I’m not really here as a guest, am I? I own fifty percent, remember? So this place is as much mine as yours.” I didn’t see the punch coming until it connected with my gut, winding me as it knocked the air from my lungs in a loud whoosh, doubling me over as pain ripped through my abdomen. The next thing I knew, I was grabbed by the collar of my expensive silk shirt and the back of my leather belt and heaved up as if I weighed nothing. He dragged me around the couch to the front door, which, typically, opened as we got there, to a horrified Leo. Mitchell pushed past him, me firmly in his grip, my struggling useless against his power and strength as he swung me back, and then let gravity pull me speedily forward before releasing me, sending me flying across the porch to land in the snow and frozen dirt at the bottom of the steps in front of the cabin. “My house,” he roared. “My home. Mine.” Then he slammed the door firmly behind him, leaving me there on my ass and out in the cold. About the Author Pauley J Ray writes contemporary MM romantic fiction. His books contain sexy yet complicated and flawed characters searching for their own happily ever after. When not writing, he can’t wait to get outdoors, and with his husband, go hiking, camping, and travel everywhere they can, as often as they can. With his husband’s job taking them all over the world, he now gets to write all day, every day, and he's never happier than when sat at his laptop creating new stories about gorgeous and sexy men. Except when there's coffee...ooh and chocolate...yes, he's way happier when there's coffee and chocolate! Social Media Links Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon eGift Card ![]() My snippet this week is from For the Long Run. Gripping Jay with more force, Eric stepped around him and let a hand slide over Jay’s back. “It’s alright. I don’t see anything.” He eased between Jay and the porch railing. “There’s nothing out there.” Jay leaned down, bracing his hands on his knees, sucking air into his lungs, trembling. “Take it easy.” Eric rubbed Jay’s back lightly. “What did you see?” “I—nothing. Not really.” “Okay.” Eric scanned the area, confused. “What the hell are you running from?” There are more snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. For the Long Run is available in eBook, paperback, audio and through Kindle Unlimited. There is also a Spanish translation.
|
Welcome to My World
|