Friday, December 31, 2010

Love for The Angel of Thirteenth Street, The Match Before Christmas, The Wish, and The Telling

The new year is ringing in on a happy note for me. Two book review sites have listed reviewer's top picks of the year, and  The Angel of Thirteenth Street, The Match Before Christmas, The Wish, and The Telling all found ways into their hearts.

Here's the link at Michele 'N Jeff Reviews:


Here's the link for Reviews by Jessewave:

The Match Before Christmas received awesome reviews from Cryselle's Craziness, ReviewsbyJessewave, Michele 'N Jeff Reviews, Stumbling Over Chaos, and Brief Encounters, and The Angel of Thirteenth Street got some love from Elisa Rolle today. What a way to end the year!


I'm thrilled, especially to have my stories keeping such great company, but also scared that my next book won't measure up. Here's hoping for a great literary 2011.

Happy New Year, ya'll!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an awesome New Year. May your fondest dreams come true...



Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Free, Totally Fabulous Read

I just read a freaking amazing story so good that I can't believe it's free! I laughed at every single reference to "much." What a delightful Christmas short story that I simply cannot recommend highly enough. Here's the link to Secret Santa Surprise by Tam.

If you love it as much as I did, and want to let the author know, here's the link to the story on Goodreads, where you can rate and/or leave comments.

Several prompts were involved, and Tam tackled them all beautifully.

Enjoy!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

The Twelve Gays of Christmas

I loved this and snagged it off Devon Rhodes site. She knows one of the dancers. Enjoy! I know I sure did.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Promo Op for M/M Authors and an Opportunity for Readers

Authors, wanna play Santa for some lucky reader? Reviews by Jessewave is looking for authors to donate a book (or two or more) to their Christmas Eve giveaway.

Just post the name of the book(s) you're willing to donate in the comments along with your email address. Prospective winners will be watching this post, making their lists and checking them twice. So far that post has had nearly 500 views, so it's a chance for a little recognition while making some reader's dreams come true.

Follow this link to Reviews by Jessewave:

Readers, swing by, read the rules and be ready to cash in on the generosity of the Santa Authors. So many great books have already been offered, and the list keeps on growing.

The Match Before Christmas is out!!!

My Christmas shot, at 14,000 words was released today from Torquere Press, and is already getting some great reviews at Goodreads from Chris of Stumbling Over Chaos and Lisa from Michele N Jeff Reviews. Read here:

Tam at Brief Encounters gave it an A+. Read review here:

Here's the blurb:
Candlelight, mistletoe, gaily wrapped packages beneath a trimmed tree, and someone to share it with. That’s all Barry Richards wants for Christmas. Desperate for a traditional holiday, he takes drastic measures. Creating a profile on “GetaDate.com,” he hopes to find the perfect man in a matter of weeks. One date after another goes sour, while all around him friends are falling in love, and Barry starts to lose faith.

The first snow falls and the world is filled with seasonal cheer, all except for Barry, for whom time is running out. Facing the prospect of a lonely holiday, he tries just once more to make The Match Before Christmas.

Here's an excerpt:
It took a full week and lots of careful screening before he was ready to try someone suggested by the dating service again. Bobby was a bit younger than Barry really wanted, twenty-two, but they shared a lot of the same interests. They met at a coffee shop downtown, followed by a movie, an action-adventure thriller. This date was quiet, saying more with expressions than with words, and very touchy-feely, which didn't bother Barry at all, being a cuddler at heart.

When the lights went down in the theater, Bobby laced his fingers with Barry's, holding on throughout the film. Barry found it sweet. Afterward, Bobby suggested a favorite Chinese restaurant. Things were going fine until, "Jeff used to bring me here."

"Jeff?"

"My ex-boyfriend."

"Oh." While Barry would never dream of mentioning an ex on a first date, Bobby was young and probably didn't know better.

Barry ordered sweet and sour chicken. Bobby sniffled. "That was Jeff's favorite, too." Unshed tears filled his eyes. If he'd left it at that, they still might have had a chance. However, Jeff's name came up when Barry ordered green tea, requested extra sweet and sour sauce, and even when Barry said Bobby's name.

"Jeff used to say my name like you do."

Huh? How many ways could one say, "Bobby"?

The coup de grĂ¢ce of the budding acquaintance occurred when, after four hours together, Bobby asked, "What was your name again?" Barry started to say "Jeff" for spite. At least that the guy could probably remember.

At the end of the meal, Barry's curiosity finally got the better of him. "What happened to Jeff, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Oh, he was found beaten to death in his apartment a month ago. But don't worry; I've been cleared as a suspect."

Barry raised his hand, frantically gesturing for the server. "Check, please!"
Find story here:

Happy Holidays, ya'll!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Meet Kevin

Over the past few months Torquere has posted some prompt challenges; fun little contests where they give  words and entrants have to come up with a story of 200 words or less. That's how Kevin the satyr was born. He's been with me for three challenges now (two of which won), and today I found a picture that is just so him. Enjoy!



Challenge 1 words: urn, guitar, model:

Kevin leaned into the giant urn, seeking whatever shelter he could find. It earned him an irritated huff from the photographer.

“How many times do I have to tell you: don’t hide the goods!”

“But…but…I’m naked!” Kevin whined.

The photographer rolled his eyes heavenward. “You’re just now figuring this
out? It’s in the contract.” Under his breath he muttered, “Dumb model.”

“I thought I’d pose with my guitar, not bare-assed for the world to see. I’m a musician, not a stripper.”

“I’m afraid that’s been over-done, the peeky-boo, I-nearly-see-you, theme. Our calendar will be different. Artful nudes are sure to gather attention. Besides, it’s for charity.”

Kevin adjusted his crown of grape leaves, shuffling from hoof to hoof. “While I’m all for finding loving homes for stray puppies and kitties, are you sure that Satyrs Gone Wild is a proper theme to raise money for homeless pets?”


Challenge 2 words: octave, stethoscope, camera: 

Niles groaned. Since meeting Kevin his life had become an adventure. Why he'd fallen for a satyr was beyond him, but ever since Kev had shown up at his studio to participate in Satyr's Gone Wild, a nude calendar project to raise money for homeless pets, Niles had been hooked. Once the teeth grinding had stopped, that is.

Teaching the country bumpkin about city life was a bit nerve wracking. So far, Niles had explained that you didn't "turn on" a TV by stroking it and whispering sweet nothings, and you didn't "turn it off" by showing it pictures of Great Aunt Maude in a two-piece. Those incidents looked to pale in comparison with this one. "Exactly what are you doing with those?" Niles inquired, voice rising a full octave. What had been misunderstood this time?

Kevin held out a mask, surgical gloves, and stethoscope. "Well, I heard today that playing doctor was fun." Kevin's eyes were downcast, and he shuffled from hoof to hoof, a typical nervous gesture.

Picturing his lover lying on an examination table, spread out, inspired ideas. Niles grinned, reminded of why he loved Kevin's naivete. "Stay right here," he said. "I'll go get my camera."

Challenge 3 words: violet, trampoline, lead:

"Kevin? Kevin!" Niles searched frantically for his lover. Lately the satyr spent more and more time staring at the distant hills, now covered in spring violets. Was Kevin homesick?

Niles once thought his life perfect. One afternoon with the country-come-to-town satyr showed him what was missing. Though it would break his heart, he loved Kevin, and valued the man's happiness above his own. Should Kev want to go, Niles couldn't hold him back.

A lump in his throat and an ache in his heart, he finally spotted a familiar head of curly hair in the back yard. Whooshing out a sigh of relief, he rushed to Kevin's side.

"What 'cha doing?" He attempted nonchalance.

"Watching."

Following Kevin's line of sight, Niles spotted two kids next door, bouncing on a trampoline.

"They remind me of young satyrs frolicking in the meadow," Kevin murmured, head falling to Niles' shoulder. "I miss my brothers, my mother, my father."

The pain returned to Niles' heart. "You want to go back, don't you?"

He barely heard the whispered, "Yes."

This was it. The moment he'd dreaded. Niles steeled himself to do the right thing, then Kevin asked, "Come with me?"

Without hesitation, Niles replied, "Lead on."

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Another Giveaway for The Match Before Christmas

That wonderful new short story review site, Brief Encounters (starring those awesome reviewers, Tam and Jenre), is hosting a giveaway for a copy of my upcoming short story (14,000 words), The Match Before Christmas. Just comment, telling them your favorite Christmas song, to be in the running. The story comes out December 15th, and if you're the winner, you'll receive your prize then. Tam and Jenre will also post a video of the winner's favorite song.

Good luck!

Here's the link:

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Love Shown to The Wish, The Angel of 13th Street, and Duet




Thanks to Elisa Rolle at My Reviews and Ramblings for hosting the 2010 Rainbow Awards. Thanks also the judges; I'm sure their jobs weren't easy.

A big congratulations to all the winners, too numerous to mention here. Here's the link to Elisa's site:

I'm thrilled (and a bit in shock) that my own book, The Wish ranked third for Best Gay Contemporary Romance, with The Angel of 13th Street gaining an Honorable Mention in the same category. Angel tied for sixth place.

In the Best Gay Paranormal/Horror category, Duet received an Honorable Mention, placing sixth.

And for the Cover Contest, the cover for The Angel of 13th Street, created by the talented Alessia Brio, received sixth place Honorable Mention. Congratulations, Alessia.

I've added many new books to my ever growing TBR pile during this competition, and am pleased to have had work included in it. Many thanks again to Elisa Rolle and all the folks that worked so hard to make the Rainbow Awards possible.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Upcoming Release and Giveaways

On December fifteenth, Torquere Press will release my Christmas Single Shot, The Match Before Christmas. I normally like to kick off a new publication by offering chances to win a copy.

Chris at Stumbling Over Chaos is hosting the first contest. Beginning December seventh, and continuing until December fourteenth at 7:00 pm CST, all you have to do is leave a comment on the The Match Before Christmas posting to be in the running for a free copy, deliverable upon release by Torquere.

Stumbling Over Chaos is a great place to visit, lots of good info, great reviews, cute kitties, and giveaways. 
Here is the link to the post on her site

Next Saturday, December eleventh, I'll be hosting the Torquere Press LiveJournal. We'll chitchat, have a few discussions, I'll post blurbs and excerpts from the new story, and one lucky commenter will win a copy.

Here's the link, but remember, I won't be there until the eleventh, and you'll get your prize after release on the fifteenth. It's another great place to check out and chat with your favorite Torquere authors, many who, like myself, post contests for free stories. Check it out!

These contests are open only to those over the legal age to possess such materials, and story is m/m. If that's not your thing, you may wanna pass on this.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Rainbow Awards Cover Contest - Round 15 - Final Round

The Rainbow Awards Cover Contest has entered it's final round, with fifteen covers left. This week, voting will be handled differently. All voters must vote on three covers, no more, no less, and they'll vote by leaving a comment, stating their three selections.

This will be so hard, because there's so many covers in this round that I love. There's also many books represented that I do intend to read in the future. Thanks to the contest, I now know the artist behind the gorgeous images that caught my eye.

Many thanks to Elisa Rolle for hosting this competition. Be sure to show your support for your favorite covers, and the artist who created them, but voting on her site.

Click here to vote.

Thanks again, Elisa, the celebrity judge panel (squueeeee!), and all the wonderfully talented artists who are due for some recognition.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Coming Soon: Settling the Score

Whew! I finally submitted my revised manuscript to the good folks at Torquere Press and Settling the Score is on track for a March release. This book is a bit of a departure for me - nobody dies. Not even once. No one even gets sick. Well, that's not entirely true, but I don't want to spoil anything.

I'm still working on the blurb, and will post it soon. You'd think it a relief to finally get the story in the hands of my editor, but now I'm thinking, "Should I have said...", "did I make that point clear enough..." etc. Writer's nerves. Sigh.

With Settling safely in the pipeline, time to move on to my next project: a shifter novella. And the sequel to The Telling is screaming at me to get to work. So many words, so little time.