Friday, September 30, 2011

Halloween Howl from Dreamspinner Press

Reposted by permission:

To celebrate Halloween, Dreamspinner is inviting people to come trick-or-treating at our web site. Thirty-one of our fantastic authors have donated free short stories. Search through the different pages on the web site for Gary the gargoyle. Each time you find him, click on him for a free download by the author whose page he's hiding on! And make sure to check out the end of each story for a discount code good any time in the next year.
Also, Dreamspinner is having a 25% off sale this weekend. Check out some awesome free stories and get yourself a great deal on some hot reads. 

I'm one of the authors who submitted a free story. Look for In Shadow tomorrow, October 1. Just follow this link and click on Gary the gargoyle to access the story. Happy Howl-o-ween, ya'll! 

Monday, September 26, 2011

One more giveaway for Galen and the Forest Lord

The M/M review site, Reviews by Jessewave, us hosting a drawing to win a copy of my latest novella, Galen and the Forest Lord, today. All you have to do is comment to be in the drawing.

Jessewave's is a great place to hang out for reviews, giveaways, attention grabbing posts and spotlights by your favorite authors, and topics relevant to the M/M genre. It's also a great place to get acquinted with new authors, and add to your TBR piles. Oh, and let's not forget the super hot Friday guys!

Love shown to Settling the Score at ARe

It seems Val Kovalin at All Romance Ebooks, enjoyed my novel, Settling the Score, and had this to say about it:
Settling the Score by Eden Winters is a novel at approximately 85,000 words from Torquere Books. An elaborately plotted marvel, it includes several classic themes. You get opposites attract, coming of age, parallel done-him-wrong and revenge themes, and even a modern gay version of the George Bernard Shaw play Pygmalion. The two main characters Troy (a gruff author) and Joey (a sunny-natured mechanic) are a delight together and interacting with a swarm of vivid characters, including a feisty female assistant to Troy, Joey’s colorful Southern family, and the two creepy villains who took advantage of both main characters at different points in time. The author is especially good at piling on the wrongdoings from the villains until the reader almost can’t wait to see justice done – and when the heroes manage to get the upper hand, it is worth the wait. Throughout, the story’s subject matter is lightened with nonstop humor.
She also named it a Recommended Read!
Ready entire review here:
Find Settling the Score here:

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A Sad and a Happy

First the sad news. The Sip I wrote for last year's Torquere Press Charity Sip Blitz has reverted to me, so is no longer available to readers. The happy news is that my good friend, Jared Rackler, of Jared Rackler Designs, and created a new cover for What You Can't Live Without, and it will soon be available again here on my site, and a few other places.

The story was written to raise money for Doctors Without Borders and has done it's part. I thank everyone who bought a copy or otherwise contributed to that worthy effort. Now that the story is mine again I plan to make a gift of it to readers.

Take a look at the purdy new cover!


Now, if only I can remember how to make a PDF...

Lovely Review for Summer Boys

Queer Magazine Online has reviewed Summer Boys, a short story I wrote for Torquere Press' Charity Sips Blitz, benefitting the It Gets Better Project. Reviewer Serena Yates had this to say:
If you like stories about exotic locations, real men and emotions that will make you sigh and smile with the characters, you will like this story. I think it is a lovely ode to the celebration of life and love and can only recommend you read it, especially if you need cheering up.
Read entire review here:

The Fall of DADT

This morning at 12:01, Don't Ask, Don't Tell officially lost it's power. I've read and heard heartbreaking accounts of the effects of that piece of legislation. For someone who writes daily, adequate words to describe what I'm feeling elude me. All I can say is that it's about time, and I live for the day a person is viewed for who they are, free of labels and judgement.  DADT is now eighteen years old, meaning that, for many who currently seek to serve in our armed forces, it's all they've ever known.

I understand that, across this great country of ours, there will be public celebrations today. While my day will be low-key, spent quietly working, I'll be wearing a smile, knowing that a great wrong has been corrected. We still have a long way to go as a country, but we've just taken a step in the right direction.

After writing The Telling, I heard from many veterans and active servicemen. Ya'll are in my heart.


Extra Scene for Galen and the Forest Lord

I'm a huge fan of Cryselle's Bookshelf and her "Thousand Word Thursday" posts. Last weeks featured two wolves who reminded me of Galen and Erik from Galen and the Forest Lord. With that kind of inspiration, a new scene for the story was born, a bit of a mini sequel.

Find it here:

For those of you intrigued by Jarl and the pregnant women from the story, there's also a bonus scene with them here: 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Torquere Press LiveJournal is the Place to be Sunday, September 18

Torquere Press LiveJournal is the Place to be Sunday, September 18. The authors who contributed to this year's Charity Sip Blitz will be out in force, talking about their stories and holding contests for free reads and gift certificates, among other prizes.

Don't miss out! Join us here:

Sale at Torquere Press



Torquere Press is having a sale, and just in time if you'd planned on purchasing all or part of this year's Charity Sips Blitz. 

Here's their press release:

Happy 8th Anniversary Sale!
Here at Torquere Press we're celebrating our 8th Anniversary! So we're offering 15% off your purchases from now through the end of day Monday so you can celebrate with us! Just put '8thanniv' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books (www.torquerebooks.com) before Monday at midnight to get 15% off your order. Sale good now through Monday September 19 at Midnight (est).
Celebrate our 8th Anniversary with us; buy a book from Torquere Press today!

Happy Shopping! 

Charity Sips Blitz at Torquere Press

The Charity Sips Blitz at Torquere Press has launched. This collection of thirty-three short stories centers on the concept of getting better, and all sales proceeds, plus a matching contribution from the publisher, benefits the It Gets Better Project. Lets spread the message to our young people that we care, while enjoying some quality short stories by some well-know authors and some that may be new to you.

You may buy the Sips invidually or as a package that'll save you more than 15%.

Buy them all and save:

I'm honored to have a story included in this effort, Summer Boys:

Ferris Stuart has two missions to accomplish while on vacation on Oahu: research for a new Hawaiian Islands themed hotel, and have a little fun, something he hasn't had much of since his partner died two years ago. So far he's managed to halfheartedly accomplish the first task; however, he's failing miserably at the second. That is, until a charming islander shows him both the locale and how to start living again. 

Read a sample:

Find Summer Boys here:

Happy reading, and thank you for your support of the It Gets Better Project.




Thursday, September 15, 2011

Excellent Review for Galen and the Forest Lord

I'm thrilled that Jenre at Well Read rated my novella Galen and the Forest Lord an "excellent!"

Here's what she had to say:
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I read it in one sitting because the story grabbed me from the outset and I read on both amused and eager to find out how it would end.  The plot moves swiftly and the characters are sympathetic and engaging.  The fantasy setting has some nice quirky touches but doesn't stray too far from a medieval-type fantasy, making it easy to settle into Galen's situation.  Those reader who are looking for a light-hearted fantasy read to curl up with on a cold autumn evening can't go wrong with this novella and it gets a grade of 'Excellent' from me.
Read entire review here:

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Eden's Review of Fierce Love by Christopher West



Fierce Love is one of the offerings in this year's Torquere Press Charity Sips Blitz, a fundraiser to benefit the It Gets Better Project. In keeping with the theme of "getting better," Christopher West gives us a glimpse into a brief but important period in the lives of warrior Erim, and his lover, Adair, who might possibly be a descendant of fairy kind.

Though Erim's own traditions don't include honoring the dead, he journeys to his lover's village to meet Adair's family and join in their observation of Samhain. I was caught up immediately into both the world building and the easy interaction between these two men. The author gave vivid descriptions of the landscape and surroundings, transporting me to a fantasy world, perhaps much like our own in the past.  

This little jewel of a story is slowly paced, and though just a snippet of this couple's life, it marks a turning point for them. The simple act of lighting a candle for the departed opens Adair's heart enough to let someone out, and Erim's enough to understand how fiercely he loves Adair. He shows that love in tender intimacy.

What particularly tugged at my heart was that while Adair loved Erim unquestionably, he still mourned another. Rather than be jealous or demanding, Erim understood that Adair's heart was large enough for two men. Taking someone to bed to "prove" love is one thing, showing that love out of bed is another, and made Erim a hero in my eyes. He showed his love in every way imaginable.

Though this story is short, it captures, in gorgeous detail, the moment when two souls go from being lovers to being so much more, and I can see forever stretching out before them. Erim and Adair have so much more to tell, and I'd love to see a novel. What a fitting contribution to this worthy cause. Highly recommended.


***

Christopher West lives in central Illinois. His love and his inspiration are the men in his life, especially the ones that have helped him grow as an independent gay man and an author. His blog can be found at http://christopherwesterotica.wordpress.com/

Four Kiss Review for Galen and the Forest Lord

Reviewer Pixie at MM Good Book Reviews had this to say about my latest novella, Galen and the Forest Lord:

Eden Winters has written a charming, engaging, witty, funny and loveable story which is well plotted out, has enjoyable characters and will make you giggle. One of my favorite parts has got to be the inner monologue between Lord Erik and his wolf, they are just so funny.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves romance, wolf shifters, comedy, hot sex and well m/m in general because this is a truly incredible light read.

Read complete review here:

Review for my upcoming Charity Sip - Summer Boys

Elizabeth Coldwell, fellow author and contributor to this year's Torquere Press Charity Sips Blitz, benefitting the It Gets Better Project, had this to say about Summer Boys:
In this neatly crafted little story, Eden Winters takes the reader on a trip to Paradise. The resort at Waikiki is vividly described, and Ferris’ initial loneliness in the heart of so much beauty is all too believable. The erotic interaction between Ferris and Miko, men from two very different worlds who turn out to have a lot in common, is hot and heavy, and the message about overcoming grief and learning to live your life again is entirely in keeping with the theme of things getting better. With an ending that’s guaranteed to bring a lump to your throat, Summer Boys is one for all lovers of feel-good erotic romance.
Read her entire review here:

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Galen and the Forest Lord available now at Torquere Books

My novella, Galen and the Forest Lord, is now available at Torquere Books.

Find it here:

Read a sample:

Friday, September 9, 2011

Announcement for Galen and the Forest Lord

My latest novella, Galen and the Forest Lord, publishes tomorrow, September 10,  at Torquere Books. In honor of its debut, I'll be at the Torquere Press LiveJournal, talking writing, Galen, and whatever topics come up. I'll also host a contest for an ebook copy of the story.



The contest at Stumbling Over Chaos ends today, so if you want to be included, hurry over to Chris' site. Check out the kitty pics and Misadventures in Stock Photography while you're there!

2011 Charity Sips Blitz from Toquere Press


Reposted Torquere Press announcement.



In 2008, Torquere Press' fantastic authors decided to support a charity with an annual short story collection called our Charity Sip blitz. In the past three years, we've donated more than $13,000.00 to charitable organizations that support GLBT causes.
For 2011, Torquere's authors have chosen the theme "Getting Better" in honor of the It Gets Better project, which helps LGBT youth understand that life as an openly queer adult is not only possible, but happening for millions of people, worldwide. More than thirty authors have written short fiction pieces and have agreed to donate all proceeds of the sales of these stories to this year's charitable organization. Torquere Press Inc. will match the authors' donations completely. 
This year, we're also pleased to announce that our distribution partner, Rainbow eBooks, has agreed to be the title sponsor of our Sip collection, and will be our sole distributor outside of the Torquere Books website. Please support our sponsor by visiting them at www.rainbowebooks.com
Torquere Press and our authors truly believe we can make a difference by donating to organizations that promote awareness and equality. If you'd like to help, please support the Charity Sip Blitz and enjoy some great romance today! Available September 17, 2011 at www.torquerebooks.com and www.rainbowebooks.com

***

My own contribution to this worthy cause is Summer Boys. Here's the blurb:

 A part of Torquere Press' Charity Sip Blitz. All proceeds benefit It Gets Better. 

Ferris Stuart has two missions to accomplish while on vacation on Oahu: research for a new Hawaiian Islands themed hotel and have a little fun, something he hasn't had much of since his partner died two years ago. So far he's managed to halfheartedly accomplish the first task; however, he's failing miserably at the second. That is, until a charming islander shows him both the locale and how to start living again.


***


Look for Summer Boys, and thirty-two other stories about getting better, on September 17. 

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Rainbow Awards Cover Contest - Round 1, Slot 19

Here we go, another week of lovely covers to vote on, as well as a chance to become acquainted with books that you may not have known about, if you're like me.

Here's the covers:

Here's the poll:


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Featured Author Spotlight on A Gay Man Inside a Female's Body - Eden Winters

Reviewer Sheila at A Gay Man Inside a Female's Body interviewed me this month as the site's spotlighted author.

Here's the link:

Friday, September 2, 2011

Two Chances to Win a Copy of Galen and the Forest Lord

My latest work, Galen and the Forest Lord, is a fantasy/shifter/humorous tale of just over 30,000 words, set to publish Saturday, September 10. In honor of the release, Chris at Stumbling Over Chaos is hosting a contest. All you have to do is comment on the thread at her site, saying you'd like to enter, and she'll toss your name into the hat for an ebook copy, to be delivered after it releases from Torquere Books.


While you're there, check out the fascinating linkety's, Misadventures in Stock Photography, and the pictures of the very photogenic Chaos and Mayhem. 

On release day, I'll be hosting the Torquere Press LiveJournal, where I'll talk about Galen and the Forest Lord, post excepts, and discuss what else I've got in store. Any commenter's name will be tossed into the hat, and a name drawn to win a copy of Galen. 

Your can find me at this link, but not until Saturday, September 10.

Here's the blurb:

By the time Galen Olaf-kin woke up and smelled the spiced ale, it was too late, and he never finished the wicked deed for which he stood trial. Banished from his home, he flees to the forest, taking nothing but the unwanted infant he's rescued. Perhaps the legends are true and the Forest Lord will take them both in – he's said to give sanctuary to outcasts, but none of the stories mention the naughty, tempting things he whispers, or that he shares Galen's forbidden passions. 

Lord Erik rolls his eyes at the prophecy that says when human hands deliver a babe to the forest he’ll meet the mate destined to reunite forest folk with humankind. What interest has he in a child? The handsome human that brings the babe is another matter entirely, and a little thing like destiny won't stand in Erik's way of claiming the golden-haired Galen as his own. Or will it? 

Sometimes prophecies are overrated, legends incomplete, and heroes not always the sharpest swords in the scabbard.



Thursday, September 1, 2011

Torquere Press Eight Anniversary Celebration - Chance to Win a Kindle!

Reposted from Torquere Press:
The Eight Ball will help celebrate our eighth anniversary here at Torquere Press! Join us for the celebration! We're having a reader scavenger hunt with weekly gift basket prizes and a grandprize (this year, a brand-new 3G Kindle along with a CD of stories from each participating author), plus daily prizes of gift certificates to show our appreciation to you -- our readers! Check our blog, http://glbtromance.blogspot.com/ where we'll have a number of our authors visiting the whole month. We'll post excerpts, hang out to chat, and talk about our stories.
In addition to the grand prize of the Kindle, we're giving away gift baskets every week! Some are silly, some are smutty, and all are fun. The themed ones are: m/m, ménage, BDSM, and lesbian, plus our authors have chipped in with extragoodies.
Here's how to play. Visit our contest page, http://www.torquerebooks.com/contest/contactmain.html, and start scavenging for the Eight Ball answers. Visit the author pages and find the graphic somewhere on their site. An online form is set up, and we'll randomly choose a winner for the Kindle from all of the correct entries. Plus, every day, readers will have the chance to win a Torquere gift certificate and a gift basket.
Help us celebrate our eighth anniversary and ask the Eight Ball your question…Like, will I win a prize from Torquere Press?