 This week my snippet is from Electric Candle, book 2 of The Sleepless City (series co-written with Anne Barwell)  Blair watched as Forge patted himself down, eventually pulled out his wallet, and handed over a credit card. He realized Ben was watching him watch Forge. Twisting in the booth, he quickly looked down at the table. Ben reached across the table and slapped Blair’s forearm. “Told you. Forge might be big and can seem sort of scary, but he’s really nothing but a teddy bear.” “Yeah, one with huge, sharp fangs,” Blair grumbled. There are lots more snippets to read in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. Electric Candle is available in eBook, paperback
and through Kindle Unlimited.
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SERIES TOUR 
THE CHRISTOPHER BOOKS by Stephen G Hardy LGBTQ+ Contemporary/Literary fiction with a speculative element Christopher Dunn is a young man who possesses unique qualities that draw people to him. In return, everyone who meets him is changed for the better. Everyone could use a Christopher in their lives. The three books in the series need to be read in order. Overall Heat Rating for the series: 2 flames Follow Christopher as he explores various types of relationships and the impact he has on the lives of others. BOOK DETAILS BOOK 1 
Book Title: Search for Complete Cover Artist: Ryan Mulford Length: 83 00 words /380 pages Release Date: June 4, 2023 Pairing: MMF Tense/POV: 2 POV’s in the first person Genres: LGBTQ+ Contemporary/Literary fiction with a speculative element Tropes: Unrequited love Themes: Interpersonal relationships, asexuality It can be read as a standalone story, but it is part of a series. It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Blurb “Why do I get the feeling that Christopher is the type of man that would make the perfect husband for any woman and, at the same time, the perfect wife for any man?” Laura says shortly after Christopher begins his new job at the TV station. Laura’s statement would turn out to hold more truth than she could imagine. No one who meets Christopher, especially not Laura, as well as David, a gay man he meets at a party, understands what it is about him that draws them to him. They also don’t realize that Christopher is searching for something, a search complicated by their desires for him. Awards: 2024 International Impact Book Award winner for LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction; The BookFest Awards, Fall 2023- Honorable mention LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction BOOK 2 
Book Title: The Price of Happiness Length: 83 000 words/372 pages Release Date: November 24, 2023 Tropes: Unrequited love Themes: Interpersonal relationships, trans Tense/POV: 2 POV’s in the first person This is the second book in the series and the first has to have been read. It ends on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Blurb As Search for Complete left off, the birth of his twins had just completed Christopher. However, though he has what he had searched so long for, he now must deal with the associated costs, namely the unraveling of his relationship with Laura, the mother of his twins. The birth of the twins should have brought Laura joy, yet, instead, she finds herself on an intense emotional rollercoaster. Laura resents Christopher's happiness—resents that he is a better mother than she is. But most of all, Laura resents that the twins are Christopher's spitting image—nowhere does she see herself in them. Christopher fears his happiness in becoming a father has become Laura’s undoing. As he tries to help her adjust to the reality of their situation, Laura struggles to find herself in the tangled mess of their relationship. In The Price of Happiness, Stephen Hardy has created a profound and moving novel on the themes of parenthood, identity, love and loss—and the cost of getting what we want. BOOK 3 
Book Title: When the Sun and Moon Touch Length: 85,000 words/397 pages Release Date: March 29, 2024 Genres: LGBTQ+ Contemporary Fiction, M/M Romance Tropes: MM relationships/romance Themes: Gender identity, asexuality, interpersonal relationships Tense/POV: 2 POV’s in the first person The stories need to be read in order. This book picks up where book two left off. This book does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited Blurb Christopher has settled into life as a single father to his twins, Loren and Christine. Content with his life, he is contemplating the imminent return of their mother Laura, who has been traveling through Europe for nearly a year, when he meets Benjamin, a direct descendant of the sun. Suddenly, his contentment is upended as he tries to understand the reason for their meeting. Despite what Benjamin says, that they are meant to be together, Christopher initially tries to hold Benjamin at arm's length, believing that he is only to be for Benjamin what Joseph was to him—a friend and mentor. Excerpt Opening scene from book 3: When the Sun and Moon Touch Their laughter brought me great joy as I watched Loren and Christine mount the short flight of steps and slide down the slide on their behinds. They were quite independent, except for each other, even at the age of two, and had refused my assistance. While they romped, I sat on the bench to watch and enjoy what had turned out to be a lovely day for the end of March. In this moment I felt as though I had not a care in the world. The sound of an email arriving on my phone startled me. Pulling it from my jacket pocket, I was surprised to see it was from Laura, as it was rare to get one from her. Christopher I am planning on returning at the beginning of May. Please let the rental company know they need to have the tenants vacate by the end of April. Thanks. Laura That was it. There was nothing about how she was doing or what she planned to do upon her return. She did not even ask after the twins. But then she never asked about them. I tried not to read anything into this, but it was not easy. It had been nearly a year since Laura had left our children in my sole custody while she backpacked her way around Europe in order to find herself, something I had supported both emotionally and financially. She never let on how she was doing in any of her very short emails. And now, she was coming back. I put my phone away and looked at the twins, thinking about what Laura’s return could mean for us. Would Laura still feel the same way about things as she had when she left: that the twins belonged to me and not to her? “Excuse me?” Blinking at the sound of someone's voice, I looked up to see a handsome man looking down at me with grey-green eyes that were all the more striking given his dark coloring. Suddenly, something flitted within his eyes, and I caught my breath. Could it be? Composing myself, I said, “Hello, may I help you?” “Hi. No. I,” The stranger paused, suddenly flustered, “Sorry to disturb you, but are those children playing on the slide yours?” he blurted out. “Yes, they are.” “I thought so. They look just like you.” He held out his hand. “My name’s Benjamin Johnson.” “I am Christopher Dunn,” I replied, taking his hand and then indicating the place beside me on the bench, “You may join me if you wish.” I had to find out if what I had seen was indeed there. Benjamin sat beside me, looking down at his hands while I looked at him. Looking up, he seemed about to say something and then stopped. “Yes?” I prompted. “Yes, what?” He stammered. “Sorry, I thought you were going to ask me something.” “Um, I was, but never mind.” “No, please. Tell me what you were going to say,” I said, giving him a small smile of encouragement. “Well, and I know this will sound ridiculous, but I had this weird feeling that something led me to you. God, I’m sorry. That sounds like some bad pickup line,” Benjamin said, laughing to cover up his embarrassment. Even with his dark skin, I could tell he was blushing. “I do not think it sounds crazy at all.” I turned to face Benjamin, giving him my full attention. “Tell me more about this feeling.” “I don’t know that there’s anything more to tell.” “I think there is and would like to hear it,” I said, staring intently into his eyes, still amazed by what I saw there. What were the chances that I would meet someone like Joseph here in Balboa Park, seemingly by chance? But no, Benjamin had been guided to me if his statement was true. “Um, okay, well, I was walking through the park and felt this pushing sensation against my back whenever I stopped to look at anything. It continued until I saw you.” “Has there ever been another time you felt this?” I asked, not moving my eyes from his face. “No, I don’t think so.” “I see.” For some reason, I did not believe him. “I take it you just moved to San Diego.” “How did you know?” “Your accent, for starters.” “Oh, yeah. I guess that is a giveaway. I keep forgetting that here, I have an accent. I moved here in mid-January from Atlanta.” “Was there a special reason for the move?” “A job.” His words surprised me. “Oh. Had you been looking for a new job?” I said, recalling that I had moved to San Diego for a similar reason. “Actually, no, I hadn’t been looking. I got a call from a recruiter and . . .” Benjamin paused. “And?” “Sorry. I just remembered that when I got the call about the job, I felt something was compelling me to take it. Kind of like what I described to you just now about being guided to you. But that must have been my imagination as well.” “I see. You felt yourself being pushed to move here, and you felt the same sensation leading you to me,” I said, more to myself than to him. “Crazy, isn’t it?” “On the contrary, Benjamin, I find it very plausible.” “Are you saying that I felt that desire to take the job here in order to meet you?” “It is entirely possible,” I replied, still marveling at the coincidences of our experiences. “But what possible reason could there be?” “That remains to be determined.” About the Author Stephen Hardy was born in the San Francisco Bay Area but grew up in the Pacific Northwest. His career as a fashion designer took him back to San Francisco before he headed to New York City, where he met his husband of twenty years. Tiring of the hectic pace of the fashion industry, Stephen gave up his career to become a stay-at-home dad for his and his husband’s two adopted sons and a quiet life in Connecticut. Now residing in Phoenix, Arizona, and with the kids grown, Stephen returned to university, where he rediscovered his love for writing. His focus is on contemporary fiction, examining social issues regarding gender, sexuality, and relationships. Search for Complete is his first novel. Author Links Blog/Website | Facebook | Instagram 
 Lucas closed his hand around the earbud, crushing it. He morphed partially to his wolf and snarled. Declan and Blair each grabbed one of Forge’s arms, the earbuds they’d been handed dropping to the floor. “Shit,” Richter spat and flipped another switch on the board in front of him. A familiar, low-resonance sound blared out of speakers. Lucas staggered sideways, vision blurring while waves of dizziness forced him to crumple toward the floor. Samuels stepped over him to the other men. Lucas tried to focus. He realized Declan and his friends were also sprawled on the floor. Samuels was snapping something that looked like cuffs covered in material onto their wrists. Lucas reached out and took Declan’s arm, careful not to shred flesh from bone with his claws. The inside of the van spun, and he was aware of the noise pulsing through him. He tried to right himself, but pain blossomed at the back of his skull, and he dropped into darkness. Find many more snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group.  Code Name Jack Rabbit is available in eBook, paperback and
through Kindle Unlimited.  Ian pulled the e-stim kit from one of the drawers and tossed it on the bed. Next, he grabbed a hood and harness from their resting place on the wall and set those on the bed beside the e-stim. He scooped up the crumpled notecard and wandered to the kitchen, spreading it out on the kitchen table. He smoothed it with both hands until it lay flat again and stood staring down at it. Barely aware of Taren coming into the house, Ian started when one of Taren’s big, warm hands came to rest on his shoulders. “Sorry, I thought you heard me,” Taren said softly. He leaned over Ian’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. Reaching around Ian, Taren flicked at the notecard. “Is this what has you so worked up? I got one, too. I didn’t think you’d be upset.” “It was delivered at work,” Ian mumbled. He felt Taren shrug. “It’s addressed to both of us and is only an invitation to dinner. That’s not really what’s bothering you, is it?” “I…” Ian blew out a frustrated breath. “He knows our address. He could’ve just sent one here or emailed,” Ian spat. Taren pulled a picture postcard from his back pocket and tossed it on the table beside Ian’s notecard. “True. For a guy that works in online gaming tech he sure likes pen and paper.” He paused and pulled out a chair, sitting at the table. “He probably thinks this is more personal, or alluring and mysterious, or just plain fun.” Ian met Taren’s gaze for a few seconds before focusing on the tabletop. It’d been almost a decade since Ian lost control of the car he was driving during a blizzard and ended up in a ditch. He worried his parents would be angry with him for totaling their car, even though he was the only person who’d driven it for years. Maybe it was he who was more upset because he’d taken the old Buick to college. The thing was built like a tank, and it saved Ian’s life. In reality, Ian’s parents had been grateful. The worst thing he suffered was a few scrapes and a bruised knee. They’d been equally grateful to the county sheriff who’d pulled Ian from the car, got him food and water, and taken him to the hospital. Taren Murdoch was kind, soft-spoken, and incredibly capable, with broad shoulders and a quick smile. He’d stayed with Ian until his parents arrived, despite Ian’s protests that it wasn’t necessary. Not wanting to let on how frightened he’d been waiting in the cold and dark for help to arrive, Ian tried to brush off the experience. Taren would have none of it and stayed with Ian for the hours it took his parents to make their way to the hospital. Taren made Ian feel safe. He was darn nice on the eyes, too. They’d started dating not long after and had been married for nearly eight years. Ian loved Taren, heart and soul. Never once did Ian doubt Taren felt the same way. “You know it’s your choice. You’re in control of this situation. I’m happy either way. Kevin is…a nice distraction from reality. But I love you. I married you. No one, and I mean no one, comes before that.” Taren swept up both cards and tore them up. “It’s great to help you experience something I was able to, but Christ, Ian, if this is going to cause you so much anxiety, I’ll tell him never to contact us again.” “It’s not making me anxious,” Ian retorted. Taren laughed and cocked his head to one side. “Boy, please!” As when he was on the phone, Taren uttering the word, boy, immediately sent Ian into sub role. Ian’s gaze dropped to the floor, and he studied his toes. “I’ve laid out some choices for you, Sir.” “Do you want dinner first?” Ian shook his head. “No, Sir.” If Taren wanted to eat first, Ian was obligated by their Dom/sub agreement to accommodate his wishes. For Taren, Ian’s needs always came first. Ian had such admiration and respect for Taren in part because he was an amazing protector. Taren always seemed to know exactly what to do for Ian in any circumstance. “Did you prep, or should I do that?”  Release Date: March 18, 2025      Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a good life. Their marriage is solid, and their Dom/sub lifestyle makes for an amazing and extra spicy sex life. Meeting with another man, Kevin, on occasion adds another level of excitement to their marriage. For Ian, the only thing better than one Dom is two! Taren loves watching Ian being dominated by Kevin. Ian craves complete submission to Taren when they’re alone again. Problems arise when Kevin decides he doesn’t want to remain the casual third man. He puts in motion a plan to drive a wedge through Taren and Ian’s relationship, forcing them to fight for each other and their marriage. Can they put their life back together and regain what could be lost? Force Majeure is a Pain and Pleasure story and continues the story of Ian and Taren. Release date March 18, 2025. Pre-Order Now!
 Once the sun set, the air turned from pleasantly crisp verging on warm to decidedly chilly. Riece flipped the collar of his shirt up and stuffed his hands into his pockets as they walked to the main lodge. “The temperature drops fast at night, even in the warmer months. This close to winter it gets colder faster,” Mason said. He wore jeans, a Henley, and a dark leather jacket that matched his hair and set off his blue eyes. Riece thought about stepping closer to Mason, which would encourage him to put an arm around Riece and share some extra body heat. Mason had always been willing and happy for any such opportunity, but Riece held back, not sure if it would give Mason the wrong idea. Then again, they’d just had very memorable sex, which probably gave Mason all sorts of ideas, and Riece wasn’t certain any of them would be wrong. The truth was Riece wasn’t sure what he wanted Mason to think. He could barely sort out what his own thoughts were. As they walked Mason nudged his arm and pointed up. “Check it out.” Riece stopped and gazed up. “That’s…. I wish I’d come to this part of the country sooner. I completely understand why you love it here so much.” The sky had darkened to a deep purple-blue. With no city lights, Riece saw the Milky Way, a vibrant speckling of glitter arched across the sky. Brighter points of light dotted the whole area from horizon to zenith. “Did you ever think of trying astrophotography?” Mason asked. “Yes.” Riece sighed. “That takes special equipment, but I think I’m going to get serious about looking into it more.” Mason laughed and pulled the door to the lodge open, standing to the side while Riece went inside. In the bar and grill, they were seated near the far end, close to the window wall and next to the fireplace. Riece was happy to see a cheery fire burning. Riece looked over the menu, taking in his choices between beef, chicken, venison, and bison. Mason sat quietly while Riece scrutinized the choices. It was a gift Mason had and one Riece didn’t possess, the ability to make a choice off a menu with little information. Riece remembered Mason’s mention of a friend employed here and came to the conclusion he’d tried some of the offered dishes and already had a favorite. Riece made a few mental notes of which details of the various dishes to ask about before he decided on an order. A man arrived at their table, and Riece assumed he was about to inquire who would get the check. “I should buy our dinner since I initiated sex.” Riece’s words rushed out a little louder than he’d intended. Mason bit back a smile and folded his hands on the table in front of him. The man standing next to their table rocked on his heels and looked around the room. Taking a deep breath, Mason said, “Riece, this is my friend, Tyler McCall. Tyler, Riece Burrell.” Tyler grinned and held out his hand. “Pleased to meet you, man.” The slight difference in accent alerted Riece to the fact Tyler wasn’t a Wyoming native. With long, messy blond hair that fell over his eyes, bushy moustache, and tanned, toned body, Tyler looked more like he should be surfing off the Baja Peninsula, not driving a beer truck around the Black Hills. Clear eyes, one blue and one green, twinkled and sparkled as he extended one hand. He was obviously one of those outgoing, cheerful men. “Hello,” Riece said quietly. Pulling a chair up and turning it so he straddled it, arms crossed over the back, Tyler looked from Mason to Riece and back again. “It’s great to finally meet you. The only thing Mason’s talked about for weeks is you. I feel like I’ve known you for years.” His smile widened. He took a breath, glanced between Riece and Mason again, and added, “So how do you like Wyoming so far? Is your room okay?” Riece focused on Mason for a few seconds, genuinely surprised by the remark that Mason had talked about him to his friend. The next thing he realized was that Tyler had said “room” not “rooms.”    BOOK BLAST 
Book Title: AND HUBBY MAKES THREE: A TRAGICALLY FABULOUS LOVE STORY Author: Michael McHale Publisher: Hennessey House Publications Cover Artist: MSM Graphics Release Date: December 4, 2024 Pairing: MM Tense/POV: Third person/past tense Genres: LGBTQIA+ Romantic Comedy Tropes: Gay best friend, family Themes: Best friend saves friend’s wedding and makes her dreams come true Length: 21 739 words/164 pages It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger. Heat Rating: 1 - 2 flames Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited 
Best gay friend saves his girlfriend’s wedding from becoming a disaster while adding a lot of his own fabulous flare Blurb When Wendy is horribly abandoned by her fiancé Bruce just days before her dream wedding, her fabulous gay best friend Mitch steps in to help save the day! What happens next is a plethora of comical miscommunications that lead to one of the most colorful weddings of our time that would make even Martha Stewart proud as Mitch, along with his life partner Kevin and bigger than life friend Bob, rush to make Wendy’s dreams come true. And maybe even some of Mitch’s dreams? Excerpt Chapter Twenty-Three: Divine Intervention The elderly priest had been looking forward to his mid-morning snack with the kind of anticipation usually reserved for Christmas morning. He'd assembled the perfect array of treats on his tray, humming contentedly as he made his way down the cathedral aisle. That's when Wendy burst in, tears streaming down her face, and dove into the confessional. The priest looked longingly at his snacks, then skyward with a resigned sigh. The Lord worked in mysterious ways, particularly when it came to interrupting a much needed snack time. "Father, forgive me, for I have sinned." "You don't mind if I eat, do you?" "Excuse me?" "I haven't eaten all morning. I'm starving. Please, I promise it won't interfere." "Uh, okay… I mean, it is your house and all, so…" "Thank you," he managed around a mouthful of sandwich. "So, tell me my child, what is troubling you?" "Well, I believe I may have caused my fiancé to stumble." "Hmmmm… How so?" "By marrying my husband!" The priest nearly choked on his snack. "By marrying your…? Wait! Didn't you marry your fiancé?" "No. I married my best friend." "Oh, that's lovely. One should always marry their best friend." "But I was supposed to marry my fiancé." "What's wrong with marrying your best friend?" "Well, aside from the fact that he's gay, and already has a life partner, nothing I guess." "Ah, so your fiancé is gay?" "No, no. My husband is gay. My fiancé is straight." "I see." (he didn’t) The priest set down his sandwich, sensing this might require his full attention. "So, did you marry him to ummm… change him?" "No, I married him because my fiancé told me to." "Does your fiancé know that he's gay?" "My fiancé isn't gay! My husband is gay!" "Okay, okay. So… what was the question again?" "I believe that my marrying Mitch…" "The gay best friend…" "Right." The Priest was so proud of himself, "See, I'm catching on." "Good. Now, I'm afraid that my marrying Mitch may have caused my fiancé, Bruce, to stumble. It was a joke, you know? I just wanted to go through with the wedding, and when Bruce wouldn't, Mitch said he would, so…" "The stumbling part… let's get to the stumbling part.” He picked up his sandwich with empty high hopes. "Right. Well, I found him with another woman!" "I thought you said he was gay?" "No. My husband's gay! Not my fiancé. Ya know, I thought you were catching on? Maybe you shouldn't be eating while we do this…" The priest set down his food with a heavy sigh that suggested he was reconsidering his vocation. "So, what should I do?" He took a fortifying gulp of milk before delivering his verdict. "Go to him." "Who? Which one?" "Your gay husband. Your straight fiancé. Your second cousin’s lover! I don't care! Just go! Go to one of them. Go to both of them! Go to none of them, but please, I beg you -- just go! Oh, and you are forgiven! Say ten Hail Mary’s and five Our Fathers. Now Go! Go! Run like the wind!” As Wendy left the confessional in a daze, the priest returned to his interrupted snack, making a mental note to suggest that the seminary add a course in modern relationship dynamics. Clearly, the traditional marriage counseling training wasn't covering all the bases anymore. At least the sandwich was good. Though he had a feeling he'd need something stronger than milk to process this particular confession. About the Author 
A storyteller across multiple mediums, Michael McHale has entertained and educated audiences for over three decades. From writing for the iconic TV series Power Rangers to his LGBTQ+ web series The Queerburgs (on YouTube), to bringing his real-life story to life to the big screen with the short film Lena's Dance to creating more than 100,000 riddles and clues for over 20,000 mysteries through his educational company Mysteries By Mike, his creative footprint spans television, film, education, and literature. Known in Hollywood as the go-to party planner for celebrity children's events, he's authored multiple books including two children's titles that includes an insider guide to Hollywood entertaining. His latest novel, adapted from a screenplay he wrote in 1997, was born from a conversation about marriage equality long before it became reality - a reality he now shares with his husband Bob, celebrating 21 years of marriage in Los Angeles. With the upcoming YA series MURDER HIGH SCHOOL: DETENTION CAN BE MURDER! in development, McHale continues to expand his literary universe while infusing his work with the authenticity that comes from being a 35-year AIDS survivor (Victor) and dedicated LGBTQ+ activist. His storytelling celebrates life, love, and chosen family with equal measures of humor and heart. When not writing or planning spectacular events, he can be found at home with Bob, their mischievous pug Gabby Rose, and their trio of cats - Princess Charlotte, Rascal, and Marley - plotting his next story or party, whichever comes first. Early readers are already calling his latest novel 'an instant gay classic' with strong potential for adaptation as a Netflix limited series. Author Links Website | Facebook | BlueSky | Twitter Instagram | Pinterest | Newsletter Sign-up Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of Michael's ebooks 
 “They have all those gun lockers in the back,” Riece said. “And that guy was obnoxious. Even I could tell he was nervous about something.” Mason nodded. “Hunters have guns, and the permit for his sidearm was legit. They haven’t done anything illegal.” He snorted and opened the back of his Jeep. “Hell, if being obnoxious and abrasive was against the law, I’d have been locked up for good years ago.” Riece shrugged and made a face. “True.” Mason pulled Riece’s pack out and twirled one finger in front of him. When Riece turned around, Mason helped him get the thing adjusted on his back. Riece took a step forward and stumbled sideways. Laughing, Mason steadied him, then shrugged on a vest-like go pack before he hoisted his own hiking pack onto his shoulders. “It wasn’t his personality that set you off, was it?” Riece got his camera bag situated and took another few steps before he looked back at Mason and gave him two thumbs up. “I got this.” Waving at a trail, Mason closed and locked his Jeep. “Let’s get going. We’ll talk on the way.” Riece grinned and walked beside Mason into the rugged country of the Black Hills. There are many good, diverse snippets in the Rainbow Snippets Facebook group. Gone Away is available in eBook, paperback and
through Kindle Unlimited. 
M.D. Grimm has a new MMF fantasy romance out: Lady Grace and Her Knights. And there's a giveaway. Two knights are better than one... Lady Grace never expected to be kidnapped. Why would she? She’s a duke’s daughter and about to marry her beloved white knight, Prince Isaac. Although Grace manages to escape the bandits... she doesn’t do it alone. A masked man sweeps her off her feet, and from their first encounter, she knows he’s something special. Thankfully, her betrothed is of a similar mind to her own. Prince Isaac is equal parts delighted to be reunited with his bride and intrigued by her rescuer, a courteous, quiet man named Samuel. He and Grace always wanted a special third on their wedding night—and in their marriage bed—and Samuel might be the one they’ve been looking for. They simply need to seduce him into believing it as well. Samuel can’t help but be enraptured by Grace’s beauty and spirit and Isaac’s strength and charm. Hiding behind a mask, he knows they will reject him if they see his devastating scars, but their playful coaxing and suggestive smiles force him to wonder if they are as sincere as they seem. Convincing Samuel to join them might prove to be their greatest challenge yet. Good thing Grace is a woman who gets what she wants, and Isaac has a royal’s stubbornness. Samuel doesn’t stand a chance. Universal Buy LinkLiminal Fiction: https://www.limfic.com/book/lady-grace-and-her-knights/ QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/book/lady-grace-and-her-knights/ Giveaway M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour: Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47312/ Excerpt
She ran. Her torn skirt allowed her legs full movement, and she ran despite the lack of light and her questionable balance. She dodged around trees and leapt over roots, praying she wouldn’t trip again. But she didn’t get far before she heard the thunder of hooves behind her, and her balance failed her completely. She collapsed onto the moss and gasped for air, shivering and sick. Palm sweaty, she gripped the dagger tighter and rolled over, scooting backward to press against a tree. She held the blade in a trembling hand and faced her pursuer. She could handle one easier than a dozen. A gorgeous black stallion stood a few feet from her. He stamped his hoof and tossed his head, gnawing at the bit. His rider was like a shadow in the dark. Dressed all in black, the hooded, lean figure dismounted, revealing his height and rangy limbs. He wore a mask. It was also black and though tailored to the shape of his face, it didn’t have features, giving him an eerie, otherworldly visage. It was more like a solid shield of onyx. Dark eyes with an inner brightness stared at her, and as he came closer, she realized the mask also had a cutout for his mouth. She gritted her teeth and raised her dagger. “One step closer, and I will cut you from navel to nose. I swear to The Three.” He froze. As her vision adjusted to the dimness, she peered at his eyes. Though she searched for the same cruelty as was in the bandit’s leader’s gaze, she didn’t find it. He slowly raised his hands palm out before dropping to one knee in front of her. He bowed his head after pushing back his hood, revealing straight black hair that brushed his shoulders. She blinked. She’d grown up around knights and realized he moved as one. Who was he? “I am at your service, my lady,” he said, his deep voice low and calm. “I swear to The Three, I mean you no harm. One of my friends spotted you with the bandits, and I knew we needed to rescue you. We have been after the bandits since they started terrorizing this forest months ago. We cannot stay here long. I need to get back to my friends, and we need to retreat. Unfortunately, we don’t have the means to take them on and win.” Grace swallowed, wanting to believe him with everything inside her. But her life depended on trusting the right person. “Take off your mask and let me see your face.” He flinched. She frowned. “Forgive me, my lady. I… cannot. My face is damaged you see, and it wouldn’t be proper for a lady of your standing to see it.” His words thickened as if emotion was clogging his throat. Sir Alexander—may he rest safely in the bosoms of The Three—had sounded like that when he’d spoken about his two sons. Barely more than lads, they’d died in a war years ago. He’d also take on a solemn, choking tone when he’d mention his own time fighting enemies as a younger man. Grief and bad memories. His sorrow touched her, and she let her hand drop. Movement and hurried footsteps had her squinting over his shoulder. She gasped when three bandits rushed them, startling the stallion into a whinny. “Watch—” The man in black rose to his feet, and in one fluid motion, spun and unsheathed his sword. Without hesitation, he engaged the bandits, acting as a shield. Her shield. His skill with a sword was enviable, as was his fearlessness as axes sliced down at him. He was quick on his feet and bold in his moves. Entranced by his prowess, Grace momentarily forgot her predicament and remembered the times she’d watched Isaac on the training fields with his knights. “You bloody devil!” One bandit yelled before taking a slice to the chest. “Masked coward!” The masked man said nothing as he fought with the fury of ten men. As one bandit went down with a grunt, bleeding out, another slipped past Samuel and leapt toward her. “Noble bitch. Better you die now. You’re not worth the trouble.” He raised his axe. She screamed and raised her knife. Gleaming steel erupted from the bandit’s chest, blood spraying, a few drops landing on her face. Then the masked man yanked out his sword and tossed the bandit away like refuse. Shocked, Grace stared past him and noticed the third bandit was already twitching on the ground, groaning as he died. The skirmish hadn’t lasted very long, the brutes not standing a chance against someone with training. Panting, the masked man wiped his sword on his cloak before sheathing it. He glanced at their surroundings before kneeling once more at her feet. She dropped her hand again and swallowed hard, shaken by what she’d witnessed. The man’s eyes had changed during the battle, a raw battle fury she’d seen in many a knight. But now they returned to their compassionate, concerned gleam. She cleared her throat. “What is your name?” “Samuel,” he said, still panting. 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://mdgrimmwrites.com/ Author Facebook (Personal): http://www.facebook.com/mdgrimmwrites Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/mdgrimmbooks Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdgrimmwrites Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mdgrimm 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/ 
NEW RELEASE 
Book Title: Now Comes the Dark Author: Thom Collins Publisher: Pride Publishing / Entwined Publishing Cover Artist: Claire Siemaszkiewicz Release Date: February 11, 2025 Pairing: Contemporary Dark MM Romance Tense/POV: Third person Genres: Thriller/Mystery/Suspense Tropes: Instant lust, serial killer, community Themes: Erotic thriller Heat Rating: 4 flames Length: 63 000 words It is the first book in a new series, but works as a complete standalone It does not end on a cliffhanger. Buy Links Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK 
Two strangers fuelled by desire, and a killer consumed with lust.
Roman Ballentyne is forced to make some changes. The city he loves is no longer safe. Tensions are high as a psychotic killer preys upon the LGBTQ community. Five men have been murdered in the last year. Every encounter is a risk. Anyone could be next. The Viaduct was once the shame of Blyham, an illicit club filled with private booths and dark rooms, sleazy in the extreme. Now it offers a secure space to hook up when it’s too dangerous to take a stranger home. Mallon Garnier catches Roman’s eye. He’s moody and mature and the hottest man in the club, but as Mallon pairs up with someone else, Roman thinks he’s missed his chance. When Roman is the victim of a hate crime at the end of the night, Mallon is his saviour, taking on his attackers with savage efficiency. Their attraction is immediate and intense. Roman knows it’s wrong to go home with a stranger, but what harm can there be from the man who saved him? The encounter is the start of an intense and passionate affair. But as the murders continue, Roman learns Mallon is keeping a deep secret, and the killer is closer than he thinks. 
Excerpt Roman stared at the man who had saved him as they drove away. He tried to speak, but there were no words. His throat was paralysed. “Come on,” the stranger said. “Before their egos get the better of them and they circle around for another shot.” “The police,” Roman gasped at last. “You called the police.” “No. I didn’t have time. And it turns out, I didn’t need them.” He took a gentle grip of Roman’s arm and led him back down the road. “Come on. The New Inn will still be open. We need to get off the streets for now.” The man walked fast. Roman had trouble keeping up with him and couldn’t stop from looking over his shoulder to see if his attackers were following. The road was clear. “Thank you,” he said at last. Now that the shock of the ordeal was sinking in, he felt a growing weakness all through his body. I could have died there. At best he’d have faced a trip to the hospital to fix several broken bones. Those men had been serious, and though he hadn’t paid attention to all the hate crimes that had occurred in Blyham, he knew how badly beaten the survivors had been. And five men hadn’t been lucky at all. “Mallon,” the man said. “My name is Mallon. I couldn’t stand by and watch them get away with that.” “Thank you,” he repeated. “I’m Roman. How…how did you do that? There were three of them. That could easily have ended differently.” “Boxing. Boot camps. I’ve been a fighter since I was a boy.” The New Inn was fifty yards ahead. Roman saw a group of customers outside, and relief rushed through him. People. His kind of people. They were safe—for now, at least. He glanced at Mallon as they walked. His gaze was fixed in front. A man with purpose and determination. His expression was deadly serious, his jaw taut. The New Inn was the most traditional of the bars in the village, with old wooden floors and dark wood panelling. The long, original bar led through to a more recent extension and conservatory with a beer garden. The DJ played a selection of songs from the 1970s and ’80s, while the clientele of older gays stood around chatting. The bar area was packed. Mallon guided Roman through the crowd to the near-empty beer garden. Efficient heaters kept the night chill at bay. “Stay here,” Mallon said, releasing his arm once Roman was seated. “What do you want to drink?” “Vodka. Diet Coke.” Mallon nodded and left him. Roman wrapped his arms around himself and shivered, despite the warmth. Fuck. He’d never experienced anything as frightening in his entire life. Like any gay man, he was used to homophobia, but the abuse he’d experienced in the past had always been verbal—name calling and hateful comments. This was the first time he’d been threatened with physical danger. And if Mallon hadn’t turned up when he did? Roman shuddered and his heart raced again. About the Author Thom Collins is the author of the Jagged Shores series and the Anthem Trilogy as well as numerous standalone novels and novellas. His new series Basic Instincts launches in spring 2025 with the novel Now Comes the Dark. Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but in 2013 he realized cruising is the best way to see the world. Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night Social Media Links Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter Sign-up 
Giveaway Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of 5 ebook copies of Now Comes the Dark and Night Crimes (a standalone short story) 
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