Spotlight on Enticing Hart by Mae Hancock #mm #contemporary

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will receive a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Hart Emile is tired of cruising for guys, living a soulless existence. He needs a change; so when an acquaintance gives him the number of the gay friendly Red Fox Ranch that’s hiring for staff, he heads south.



Oak Redman is eighteen years old and desperate to explore his awakening sexuality. The moment Hart lays eyes on the handsome young rancher he’s smitten. Not only is Oak hot, spirited and very persistent, he is also the ranch boss’s son and strictly off limits. Hart tries to fight his feelings and to respect his boss and the family who quickly become dear to him, but after Oak's Grandma suggests he gets with Oak he can't deny himself the most exciting and enticing man he has ever met.

Hart’s not the only man to have noticed how sweet and charming Oak Redman is. A family friend, Steve, is also anxious to have the affections of the young rancher. Can Hart work out Steve’s dark secrets before it’s too late and keep his job, his lover and his life?

Enjoy an excerpt:

The high-pitched choir of songbirds echoed through the forest as Oak and Hart settled on a rug, late in the afternoon. The two of them had found a clearing at the side of the forest that was near enough to the tress to offer shade, but also close to the water where they’d been fishing. They’d no sooner sat down than Hart spotted something on the other side of the riverbank moving in the grass.

“Shh…I just saw something. I think it’s an otter.” Hart absentmindedly put a hand on Oak’s lap to still him. He didn’t know which was more exciting, seeing the otters, or the burning hot palm that touched his thigh. Oak sat rigidly, glancing between the handsome cowboy’s hand and the otter family bounding along through the grass bank.

“Aren’t you going to get your camera?” Hart chivvied him along.

“Oh…yes.” Oak moved slowly, reaching for the black bag and pulling the camera out. He attached the lens calmly and crawled down the small decline toward the stony bank. He beckoned Hart to join him then focused the lens on the otters. He could hear his companion creeping through the grass behind him. Belly down on the mud, Oak steadied the camera as Hart came alongside him, and let out a sigh as he sank down next to Oak to watch.

The female had two pups with her. As their svelte bodies wound through the rocks to the water’s edge, the mother otter glided into the river without so much as a splash, and the two pups followed. Oak lost count of the photos he took, possibly hundreds of shots as they paddled through the murky depths cautiously. Their fur shiny and dark from absorbing water, making their frames sleeker as they gracefully bathed against the flow.

“Can you hear them?” Hart said with a smile that sprang from his lips right through to his big gray eyes.

“Yeah…” Oak whispered.

The otters called to one another with endearing high-pitched squeaks.

“You ever seen them hold hands?” Hart asked, his lips so close to Oak’s ear that he could feel Hart’s breath tickling the skin.

“No, but I’d love to get a picture of it.”

After about fifteen minutes of lying in the grass like a predator, Oak’s pointed his lens to follow the family towards some big flat stones that were warm from the sun. The otters rested on the smooth surface, shaking their fur, and squeaking to each other until eventually all three disappeared through the long grasses.

“Hart.” Oak turned to face his companion on the ground.

“Yes?”

“I just realized I’m getting damp down here,” Oak said, letting out a snort.

“Me too…” A wicked smile came to his dark pink lips that spread out with luscious fullness as he broke into a chuckle.

At that moment elation filled Oak Watching the beautiful man was always a pleasure. The river tickled over rocks, murmuring quietly, and Hart’s lips were so close to Oak’s that he could feel each breath on his skin. Moving closer, Hart’s mouth brushed Oak’s so slightly, that Oak wasn’t even sure they’d actually touched.

With closed eyes, Oak parted his mouth willing the man’s tongue inside. Soft, plump lips pressed against his sending a shudder through his spine. His breath hitched with anticipation. A chaste kiss ended with Hart pulling away and shaking his head.

“You and your wildlife photography are leading me astray, young Mr. Redman.”

“Sorry…” Heat rushed up to Oak’s neck and face. He couldn’t understand why he was blushing. The soft, innocent kiss had been simple enough, but the highly-strung emotions behind it made him hot with every need possible. All of his senses were raw, responsive to the man’s presence. What would Hart’s muscles feel like under the man’s touch? Warm, golden skin would rub easily against his, and the comforting, arousing scent of pine would enhance each sensation further.

Hart stood; the blue T-shirt had ridden upward, exposing his flat stomach and hard abs. He tugged the material down, covering the dark treasure trail leading to his cargo pants, and dusted himself off, shedding grass from his top. Oak stared, then realized he should roll his tongue back in and get to his feet. He followed Hart back to the blanket, and flicked through some of the shots he’d taken of the otters.

“You want a look?”

“Sure.” Hart put hand out and took the camera instead of coming close to Oak but being three feet away still made his skin tingle with expectation. An expectation that would go unfulfilled.

About the Author:I enjoy writing both academic and fiction material. My research interests include focus on people who experience marginalization, both in historical societies and modern. Themes include disability, neurosis, homosexuality, addiction, mental illness, slavery and prostitution. The most important part of my work is creating multi-dimensional, believable characters that are able to build lasting romantic relationships against the odds. I want all my readers to laugh, cry and enjoy the erotic journey towards a happy ending.

Website: http://www.maehancock.com/
Blog: http://maehancockfiction.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter: @Hancockfiction
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008234531718

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#MySexySaturday First Date Angst from Switching Leads #mm #glbt #kindle #eroticromance

My Sexy Saturday

"Our Sexy New Year"

The rules are simple: Choose 7 words, 7 sentences, or 7 paragraphs of something sexy to share! 

Switching Leads released this week, so I'm doing 7 paragraphs from this sexy, angst-ridden novella. Mine doesn't really have a New Year's theme except both of my heroes have made resolutions that concern each other. Sexy horse trainer Finn Parker wants to get his ex-lover and boss, John Graham, to forgive him again. John vows to do everything he can to stay out of Finn's bed. From the passage below, it looks like maybe Finn's on the way to success in the resolution department!

And now, 7 paragraphs from Switching Leads...

John had no clue what to say to Finn, not when desire asked him to give in. “Do you still like pizza?”

Finn dropped the pen and blinked fast a few times. “I had pizza for lunch yesterday. You sat and watched me eat it.”

Triple shit. Yes, he had, and he’d gotten hard at the way Finn had licked sauce off his fingers, too. “I haven’t had Palozzo’s in quite a while,” John commented. “Is it still good?” Finn lived near campus and also near the famous pizza place. That was safe small talk.

Finn nodded slowly with a confused frown. “It’s still the best I’ve ever had.”

With an internal sigh, John dismantled all of the roadblocks he’d set up in his mind and gave in to the desire. “Would you…” He gulped, his cheeks heating. It was only pizza, damn it. “Want to get some?”

“It’s nine-thirty in the morning.”

John licked his dry lips with an even dryer tongue. “I mean tonight.”

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Switching Leads Release Day! #mm #glbt #eroticromance #sports

Release Day! 

Well this sort of crept up on me like the Boogie Man on the prowl! But today is here, the release day for Switching Leads! I hemmed and hawed about adding new material to this novella now that it's not part of the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m bundle. I decided not to do so. If I do add something I'll notify readers and it will happen here, on my blog, for free.

So if you've read the story in the bundle, many thanks for reading. You're not missing anything new. Please feel free to add a review to one of the fine sites or Goodreads (links below the excerpt.)

If you're a new-to-me reader, then welcome! Have a peek at this short (28,000 words) but very satisfying m/m novella. Have you always wanted to see what m/m romance is about but were leery? I've been told in many reviews my books are a great place to start. If you're an avid m/m reader then you're sure to enjoy this hot but satisfying romance!

Here's a link to a great review by Smitten with Reading.

Blurb for Switching Leads 

Coach John Graham needs a new assistant coach for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life?

Finn has had a hell of a bad year, ending with a horrible riding accident. Instead of looking forward to winter in sunny Florida training horses for the show circuit, he ends up going home to snowy Cathia, NY to heal, physically and emotionally. He'll endure John's frosty reception if it means he'll get what he wants most. He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch leads?

Excerpt from Switching Leads (Campus Cravings: Higher Learning series)

A soft knock rattled the door. John pushed away just as it opened and Finn shoved his head in.

“Oh, hey,” Finn said. “Can I talk to you?”

“Busy,” John managed, his throat tight, choking down any other words that wanted to come out. Of course, it had to be Finn. He strode over to the desk and shuffled papers through his trembling hands, hoping it all looked natural. Just close the door and go away.

“You okay?” Finn slid through the small gap and shut the door behind him.

Was he? His hand froze on the note Rob had left him earlier, reminding him about Finn starting today, knowing John rarely checked email on the weekend. “Fine.”

“You have to talk to me at some point.” Finn cocked his head. “It’s just a matter of time.”

John whirled and leaned against the desk, his heart racing. Talking wasn’t good. If he was already seeking Finn’s approval, how long would it be before Finn coaxed him into bed? March? February? Hell, next week? Did he have that much will power? How long before his heart would be trampled again?

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And hey, give me a holler. I love comments! If you've read the book let me know about your favorite part! If you're a new reader, tell me what you love about romance. I often give stuff away when I get comments. Here's your chance to put me in an even better mood!

Thanks for stopping by! 

Mia Downing's New Year's Update #mm #eroticromance #amwriting

Happy New Year! 

I don't do resolutions. I just vow to try harder. So This year I'll try harder to write more, get more published, and work harder the whole author thing. I have some things brewing. I thought I'd give you a little peek at January's events.

To spark off the New Year...
Ripped is being featured on Crystal's Many Reviewers in their Throwback Thursday celebration. Two great reviews for my novella! Here's the link: Crystal's Many Reviewers.

Switching Leads to be re-released soon!
Switching Leads is up for pre-order on Amazon and ARE! It's also going to be available at Kobo, B&N and iTunes (through Smashwords.)

Expect to see it live everywhere January 7, 2015.

And a super secret project...
I've decided to branch out a little, and I'm working on a secret project that's straight erotica to be offered under another name. It's hot, very spicy, and sure to please. Look for this by the end of January 2015.

Look for more excitement to come for 2015! Thanks for stopping by!

After The End With Sara York #mm #glbt #dystopian #NewAdult

Today we have author Sara York in the hot seat with an interview and discussing her newest release, an m/m New Adult dystopian, After The End. She's sponsoring a tour-wide prize with some great 2nd and 3rd place prizes, too. Enjoy the interview and a great excerpt!

~Mia


Quick Round for Sara York...

Coffee, tea or...what’s your vice? COFFEE. It’s important. Really, I need coffee.

Favorite Movie: The Bourne Series, all 4 of them.

Favorite Color: Blue and purple, I can’t have just one.

Favorite book/author: This is a tough one. My favorite book of all time is...I can’t pick. There are too many good ones.

How do you feel about bacon? On the eight day God gave us bacon. He tried to keep it to himself by telling the Israelites they couldn’t eat it. It’s the food of the gods, but somehow humans have it in the grocery stores and at restaurants. Bacon goes with everything.

The Real Questions... 

Tell us a little about yourself. 

I’m fairly boring. Really, I am. I do like to workout. I like to lift weights and sweat, also, I like to watch the Bourne movies.

What’s under your bed?

A set of folding chairs. We moved into a house that is half the size of our old house. The chairs had to go somewhere.

What comes first, plot or characters?

I really don’t know. Sometimes it’s the plot, other times it the characters. For A Southern Thing it was the characters, for After The End, it was the plot.

Pantser, plotter, or hybrid? Tell us about your writing process.
Pantser with a bit of plotting thrown in for fun, but you shouldn’t have too much fun so I keep the plotting to a minimum.

Oddest thing on your desk?

I don’t have a desk.

What’s your most interesting writing quirk?

I really have to be listening to music to write but I can’t be watching TV. I write better with coffee, if someone threw bacon at me while I was writing, I wouldn’t be upset.

What’s your favorite thing about the genre you write in? 

I love how we get to change lives. A few months ago I received a review on the Texas Soul series about how the series changed her views on gays and whether gay men could love each other. Prior to reading my book she didn’t really believe that gay men could have such deep love for each other. That’s some cool stuff, being able to help people see that gay men are really great people and deserve the same rights as the rest of us.

What is the hardest thing about being an author? 

Writing. Some days I can barely get two words strung together.

What’s the easiest thing about being an author? 

The coffee. People think we run on coffee so they give me coffee. It’s a great perk.

Tell us about your latest release! 

After The End is a kick-ass dystopian, new adult, mm, take you to the edge of your seat type of book. Dean is William’s booty call, but William wants more, he just has no idea how to get it. When the world comes to an end, he chases down Dean, dragging him out of the hood. Both of the guys have to come to terms with the world changing around them and their relationship. It’s a rollercoaster of a ride that will leave you with a sense of hope.

After The End Blurb:

With international flights crisscrossing the skies on an hourly basis, are we ever really safe?

When a strain of the Ebola virus mutates; it spreads quickly leaving the medical community shattered. People are dropping in the streets and life, as most know it, comes to an end. Two city dweller survivors, Dean and William, are forced to flee the city and live in the wilderness—where dangers lurk behind every tree and in every valley. Not everyone alive after the end is good, and William and Dean are faced with challenges that would bring many to their knees.

Growing up in the hood of Atlanta, Dean knows how to overcome trials, but he knows nothing of love. Can he sustain a relationship with William, or will his doubts end them before they even have a chance?

From birth William has had a silver spoon in his mouth and two in each hand, but the end brings him face to face with reality where he has to take responsibility for his life. After the end, money has no meaning, and life is lived on the edge.

Join William and Dean after the end and find out how close to the edge they come.

After The End Buy Links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/After-The-End-Sara-York-ebook/dp/B00NIXBQ54/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=ggre0e-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=MZ45TMNESNKEYOCO&creativeASIN=B00NIXBQ54

Amazon UK:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NIXBQ54?creativeASIN=B00NIXBQ54&linkCode=w00&linkId=RRQ4TSJJ6RW6GK7W&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=ggre-21

After The End Excerpt

After he finished, both of them satisfied, William pulled him up and brushed his lips over Dean’s. The kiss was charged with sensuality and caring. At first Dean stilled, wondering what the hell had gotten into William. They’d kissed before, but not like this. Not with William’s hands caressing his neck and face, and certainly not with the passion he felt flowing from the guy. He was a booty call to William, nothing more. The kiss spoke of love and caring, not hooking up and getting off.

Surprised, Dean tried to process the sensations and stop his feelings from running over his good senses. This wasn’t real. They’d changed a little since those first few times, but he wouldn’t acknowledge the difference. Speaking about the changes would mean they’d have to confront the truth, and no matter how many times they got off together, William would never really be his.

“I’ve left you some money under my pillow,” William whispered.

Pain lanced Dean’s heart. No matter how gentle William was with his kisses, he’d never really respect him. Dean shook his head, and tried like hell to hang onto his anger. “I can’t accept your money.”

“Take it. It’s not for sex. Okay, I...hell, I know about your parents and your house. I can’t....”

Heat filled Dean, his whole body burning like never before. “What the hell have you done?”

“Get real, I’m not going to ask you to be my...mistress isn’t the right word, but I want you around, you know, living close to where I do. I can’t offer more than that right now, but dammit, we’re good together.”

Dean stepped away from William and scowled. “I’m not some whore you can buy.”

“I didn’t say that. I know you’re smart. Hell, everyone at Blackwell knows you’re the smartest guy in school. But I want you.”

He shook his head violently, the food sitting in his stomach threatened to come up. “I can’t take your money.”

“Dean, please. I want you to be able to eat this week.”

Anger flashed. “My God, you don’t get it, do you?”

“No, I sure as hell don’t. Just take the fucking money. My parents give me a thousand dollars a week and I don’t have to pay for anything. I have cash and it’s disgusting. I don’t want it all, but I want you in my life.”

Dean started pulling on his pants. As he tugged them over his thighs he realized he’d forgotten his underwear. He almost left them in his haste to get away, but William was right. He was fucking poor. If he left the underwear here, he’d only have three pair that didn’t have holes in them.

William grabbed his shoulders as he stood from retrieving his underwear. He was pressed up against the wall and held there. Dean wouldn’t meet William’s gaze.

“Please, don’t be this way. Don’t end it like this,” William begged.

Dean stilled, his heart thudding. “You know it’s going to end soon.”

“We can work something out,” William pled. His brows bunched together and his eyes were full of desperation. The man looked adorable and heartbreakingly bad for him all at the same time. Dean would lose himself, his self-worth, and his future if he stayed.

Author Bio:

Writing is Sara York's life. The stories fight to get out, often leaving her working on four or five books at once. She can't help but write. Along with her writing addiction she has a coffee addiction. Some nights, the only reason she stops writing and goes to sleep is for the fresh brewed coffee in the morning.

Sara enjoys writing twisted tales of passion, anger, and love with a good healthy dose of lust thrown in for fun.

Author Contact Links

Website: http://sarayork.com/sarayork/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSaraYork
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarayork

After The End Giveaway:

Rafflecopter runs from September 29th through October 28th ending at Midnight EST.

Grand Prize: $150 Gift card to Amazon, iBooks, B&N or ARe (Winners Choice) and a print copy of After The End 

2nd Prize: Print copy of After The End

3rd Prize: ebook of a Sara York backlist book.

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Designs on You and an Interview With Carrie Pack #mm #contemporary

Today we have author Carrie Pack in the hot seat with a rousing interview and chatter about her newest release from Interlude Press, Designs on You. Carrie will be awarding a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. A free download of an Interlude Press eBook title or an author/book swag pack (US ONLY) will be awarded to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter at each stop during the tour. Enjoy!

~Mia

~*~

Interview questions for Carrie Pack… 

Quick round:

Coffee, tea or…what’s your vice? Coffee!

Favorite Movie: Apollo 13

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite book/author: Davita’s Harp by Chaim Potok

How do you feel about bacon? Yes, please.

The REAL questions…

Tell us a little about yourself.

When I was younger, I thought I wanted to do anything but write or teach. Now I do both and can’t imagine doing anything else. I am obsessed with nail polish and red lipstick, but otherwise don’t wear much makeup. I have professional backgrounds in journalism, public relations, editing, advertising, marketing, and currently work as a part-time college professor in advertising and journalism. I’m actually really close to my mom and would be friends with her even if she hadn’t birthed me.

What’s under your bed?

Nothing! I am so proud of that. We finally have a house big enough where everything has its place and I don’t have to store half my stuff under the bed.

What comes first, plot or characters?

Plot, every time. I don’t ever really get to know my characters until I start walking around in their shoes. I need a plot for that.

Pantser, plotter, or hybrid? Tell us about your writing process.

There’s a great quote out there from George R.R. Martin about gardeners and architects. So far I’m a gardener. I like to plant the seed of a plot and let it grow; I don’t need to plan everything out, and if I do outline, it’s very loose. But man do I love writers who can outline an entire story and then sit down to write it. They’re the architects. Some day I think I’d like to be what I call a landscape architect, where I can plant some seeds strategically and watch them grow, but still know what the end result will be because I designed it to look that way.

Oddest thing on your desk?

I have a pencil cup that’s also for converting measurements. I just Googled it and found out it’s actually a collector’s item. It’s a 1970s Ole Jorgensen piece. Who knew? I inherited it from my grandmother, and I just thought it was cool.

What’s your most interesting writing quirk?

I have to type. Writing by hand is just too difficult anymore. I can’t get the words out fast enough. I buy all these notebooks with the intent to fill them with words and then my hand cramps and I go grab my laptop.

What’s your favorite thing about the genre you write in?

Love. I don’t consider myself a genre writer, but so far, all of my writing has been based on romantic relationships. I guess I just enjoy writing about two people falling in love.

What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Writing. Getting my thoughts onto the page. But it’s also the most rewarding.

What’s the easiest thing about being an author?

Nothing. It’s all tough, but I do it because I love it and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do—even though in my youth I would have denied it.

What do you wish someone had asked you for an interview question? Here’s your chance to get the soap box out!

So far these interviews have been really great and the questions varied, but I’m always willing to answer more questions about the book itself.

Tell us about your latest release!

Scott Parker, a graphic designer, is just about to turn 30, still recovering from a nasty breakup and trying to get his career going. That’s when he gets asked to retouch photos of a gorgeous new model Jamie Donovan and the sparks fly. Scott develops a crush that borders on obsession, which makes for some interesting conflict when he actually becomes friends with Jamie.

The crush that Scott develops on Jamie is a bit of commentary on our society’s obsession with celebrity and image. It has become very easy, especially with social media, to think we know a celebrity personally. We may even go so far as to create an idea in our heads as to who that person is and start to fantasize about meeting them or being in a romantic relationship with them. Scott falls into that trap. He creates a fantasy version of Jamie in his head that doesn’t quite fit with what he sees in real life.

Ultimately, Scott is faced with his own conflicting desires and what it means to balance fantasy with a budding, real-life friendship.

~*~

BLURB for Designs on You...

If graphic designer Scott Parker has to design one more cupcake company logo, he might lose it. So when he is tasked with retouching photos for a big fashion client, a stunning, lanky model mesmerizes Scott and occupies his fantasies long after the assignment is finished.

When the model is assigned to one of Scott’s projects, Scott discovers that the object of his desire is nothing like what he imagined. Despite Jamie Donovan’s aloof and dismissive behavior, Scott struggles to forge a friendship with him, all the while trying to keep his attraction at bay.

Will Jamie follow through on signals that he may be interested, or will he forever be the beautiful man in the photograph, an untouchable fantasy?

Available at Interlude Press

~*~

Excerpt from Designs on You...

The model turns his head to follow Isaac’s gaze. And, of course… it’s Jamie. Scott’s intake of breath is so sharp that he has to cough to cover the sound. Because Jamie Donovan is even more beautiful in person.

Scott stares open-mouthed for a minute.

J

amie purses his lips and raises both his eyebrows when he sees Scott standing there, obviously confused by his presence, or perhaps annoyed at the blatant ogling that Scott is indulging in. He looks down to Isaac, giving him the same questioning look.

“This is Scott Parker, our art director for the day,” Isaac mumbles around the pins between his lips. He flips a strand of hair out of his face, but it immediately falls back to its original position.

Scott steps forward and smiles. “Yvonne’s got the flu,” he says, unable to think of anything else to say.

“I know,” Isaac replies. “She fill you in on the concept?”

Scott nods. He needs to give him Yvonne’s notes and try to get organized for the shoot, but instead, he walks around behind Isaac and takes in the full outfit: skinny-legged grey trousers and a jacket that looks to be a cross between a leather bomber and a straightjacket. It looks amazing on Jamie.

“Hi,” Scott says, extending his hand.

Jamie looks down at it like it might burn him and slowly drags his eyes back up to Scott’s face.

“Charmed,” he says with a lifted eyebrow. His voice isn’t as deep as Scott would have thought, but it has a seductive, raspy quality.

Scott’s eyes follow Jamie as he leans forward to look in the mirror, attempting to fix his already flawless hair. It’s swooped up in an overdramatic pompadour that should look ridiculous, but Scott thinks it looks perfect, and he almost says so before he realizes he’s still holding his hand out and Jamie has completely left him hanging.

Scott slowly withdraws his hand and shoves it unceremoniously into his pocket. “Likewise,” he mumbles under his breath.

Yvonne wasn’t kidding. This kid’s an ice queen. It’s kind of annoying. It’s also kind of hot.

~*~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A former graphic artist, Carrie Pack turned to her early career experience as the backdrop for her first novel. She lives in Florida with her husband, where she teaches advertising writing at a local college.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Interlude Press

~*~

Contest Details!

Carrie will be awarding a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. A free download of an Interlude Press eBook title or an author/book swag pack (US ONLY) will be awarded to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter at each stop during the tour.

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Campus Cravings Release Day! #mm #college #anthology

Today is release day for Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m boxed set! 

I'm so excited! This is the first thing I've written in a year, due to a nasty case of writer's block. I'm grateful to Cassandra Carr for inviting me to do the boxed set. Though I had writer's block, I couldn't pass up the opportunity of being in a set with so many awesome authors I enjoy reading. So I pushed myself, whined a lot, drank a little, and here we are on release day!

Here are some thanks! Thank you to KyAnn Waters and Darah Lace for brainstorming sessions. Thanks and a huge hug to Diana Carlile for editing, and one for Lucy Francis for copy editing. Thank you to Kim and Lee for cheering me on when I was sure it sucked.

And thank you, readers! I wrote this for those of you who believed in me. 

Release day events! 

I am guesting on Adriana Kraft's blog and discussing the idea behind Switching Leads and giving away a back list ebook.

Adriana Kraft's Website

FB release event through Ebooks Galore!
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/337536166401273/
Time: 10am-2pm. Expect prizes, excerpts, and fun galore!


FB Author Takeover party with Naughty Books and Bits' Back to School Bash! 
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1527327804153867/
Time: 10-11pm EST. Expect prizes, excerpts, and fun galore!

~*~

Welcome to Cathia University!

School is in session! Nine of today's hottest gay romance authors have crafted brand-new interrelated novellas celebrating everything wonderful about college, with over 200,000 words featuring sophisticated professors, sexy teaching assistants, ambitious grad students, and spirited undergraduates, all looking for the same thing: an A+ in true love.

Annabeth Albert: Winning Bracket

Metrics and tournament brackets—who knew they were sexy? When competing dorm advisors Edwin and Ollie bet on a basketball tournament, neither expects he’s risking his heart. As the challenge becomes a hot bedroom battle to avoid real feelings, the two “frenemies” must change their definitions of losing to win a shot at lasting love.

Cassandra Carr: The Eloquent Jock

Hockey jock and English Lit major Brendan knows he’s gay, but hasn’t come out to anyone, fearing a possible backlash. Then he’s tapped to be a TA for a hot professor and feels an immediate connection. Now he must decide how much he’s willing to risk to score the ultimate goal.

Dalton Diaz: Lesson Learned

Adam Warren is counting down the days until he can put “Professor” next to his name—and his disastrous past with Tyler Ford behind him. When a fluke puts Tyler in Adam’s class, the graduate assistant faces some hard choices while Tyler faces an uphill battle for a second chance at first love.

Mia Downing: Switching Leads

Coach John Graham needs a new assistant for Cathia U's equestrian team. The last person he expects to get the job walks into the barn and stops his heart. How is he supposed to focus on the team when his ex-lover—sexy horse trainer Finn Parker—wants back into his life…and into his bed?

Whitley Gray: Artistic Endeavor

When friends ask one-night stand connoisseur Michael Esteban to introduce shy virgin Cobey Miller to the joys of sex, Michael balks—lust is his thing, not teaching. But Cobey’s problem meeting men fuels Michael’s decision to help Cobey become a gay-sex-loving guy. It’ll all be fun and games—unless someone falls in love.

Bianca Sommerland: Solid Education

Gage Tackett comes off as a bad boy—detached and maybe a little dangerous. Definitely not Vet Sciences Professor Derek Paulson’s type. When Gage arrives at Derek’s veterinary clinic with a frostbitten stray dog, Derek realizes his most difficult student has a few things to teach him. Things he’s more than willing to learn.

KyAnn Waters: Private Lessons

Ryan Kane could lose his scholarship and his position on the pitch. Jake Finely offers to help. Only Ryan and Jake discover their private lessons have more to do with sex ed than Business Ethics. When a tenured professor offers Ryan an indecent proposal to make the grade, will he choose soccer or Jake?

L.A. Witt: Did Somebody Order a Pizza?

Paul Switzer has been miserable ever since his childhood love, Cory Bowman, chose a fraternity over him. When a pizza delivery to the frat house lands the exes face to face for the first time in eighteen months, the wound is reopened... and so are Paul's feelings for the only man he's ever loved.

Sara York: The Dust Of Everyday Life

Cole only has the courage to lust after the swim team from afar. When Seever asks to share a table at the packed coffee house where Cole is studying, he’s sure it’s a joke. But after one touch and one scorching kiss, Cole thinks the chance meet could lead to something with substance.

Available at...

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Print versions are coming soon!

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Thanks for stopping by!

AJ DeWall chats about Forever Man #mm #contemporary

Today we have A. J. DeWall in the hot seat, talking about her latest release, Forever Man. There's a $25 Amazon GC (tour-wide) up for grabs for one lucky participant. Read on to meet A.J., get a taste of the excerpt (a hot kiss!) and see how to enter the drawing. Enjoy!

~Mia

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Interview questions for A.J. DeWall...

Quick round:

Coffee, tea or…what’s your vice?

Tequila, and hot fudge sundaes.

Favorite Movie: “The Philadelphia Story” is my all-time favorite movie, but movies are my great love, and it would be impossible to come up with a top ten list.

Favorite Color: Is it weird to say Martha Stewart green? I’m a little obsessed with that color right now. (‘Right now’ as in the last six years.)

Favorite book/author: “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving.

How do you feel about bacon? Unfortunately, I had to break up with bacon. I no longer eat meat, and I miss bacon every day. I pine for bacon.

It's not as good, but maybe it will help the longing. 

The REAL questions…

Tell us a little about yourself.

I live in a quaint little village on the Hudson River, about 20 miles from Manhattan. I walk everywhere, carting my laptop with me. When I’m not writing novels or ghostwriting self-help books, I am usually hanging out with my nine-year-old son, whom I raise with three other people—my wife of 16 years, our son’s biological father, and his fiancé. It’s an unusual family, but it works for us. 

What’s under your bed?

Nothing sexy, unless you count those dusty old mix tapes given to me by former loves.

What comes first, plot or characters?

Characters. Always. I get a character first, learn about his or her life, and then figure out which part of their life story I want to tell.

Pantser, plotter, or hybrid? Tell us about your writing process.

I’m a pantser until I figure out my characters. Then, I’m more of a hybrid, outlining the next few chapters. I never know the exact ending until I’m done with the rough draft, though. I would be bored, otherwise.

Oddest thing on your desk?

A little troll doll that represents the annoying little voice in my head that tells me I shouldn’t bother trying. I like to knock him over, dunk him in a water glass, make him bow down to my son’s LEGO mini figures. Whatever it takes to shut him up.

What’s your most interesting writing quirk?

About writing process, I would say the fact that I write usually start my writing day at around 3:30am. Is that quirky or just plain scary?

What’s your favorite thing about the genre you write in?

I love writing GLBTQ love stories because we, as a community, don’t have enough stories with happy endings.

What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Getting the little troll to be quiet long enough to let me say what I want to say.

What’s the easiest thing about being an author?

Getting ideas! I have so many!

What do you wish someone had asked you for an interview question? Here’s your chance to get the soap box out!

I wish someone had asked me why I set the novel in Santa Fe. I lived there for half of my twenties, and fell in love with it. Santa Fe has a way of waking you up to desires and dreams you’ve pushed down, or put off. It’s a romantic city that seems out of time, as if anything could happen there. When I lived there, I knew many people who came there for a visit and never left. It’s a city where people make big changes, seemingly overnight, and that is what I wanted for Ren and Cole.

Tell us about your latest release!

Forever Man is a story about getting one last chance to act on your feelings, and maybe, just maybe, live the life you were supposed to live. In the novel, Ren and Cole are prep school friends who loved each other deeply but never told each other. Instead, they went on to live on separate continents with other lovers. When fate puts them in the same hotel in Santa Fe, they are both faced with the same choice—should they act on their feelings and give in to the chemistry between them, or stay friends and go back to the men they settled down with?

This story explores the question, “What if you had one more chance to get the love—and the life—you always wanted? Would you take it?”

Thank you so much for having me on your blog!

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BLURB for Forever Man...

A bond forged in Catholic school, an unspoken attraction that outlasts years of separation and other relationships.

Ren and Cole never acted on that thing that always bubbled beneath the surface of their friendship, not until a chance encounter in a Santa Fe bar and a song that would tip the scales forced them to confront their feelings. Will the influence of a music superstar, a New York socialite and a mystical property manager finally bring them together, or will a history of missed opportunities, their own fears and an impending wedding keep them apart? Can they just have one night, and then walk away?

Forever Man is a story of the consequences of the choices we make, and how the courage to change can last a lifetime.

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Excerpt from Forever Man...

 Suddenly Ren's mouth is on his and they're kissing. Oh God. This is everything. Cole’s whole body gives over to the kiss, lips warm, tongue skating across teeth, hands wrapped up in the hair at the base of Ren's neck.

         

Ren wraps both of his hands around Cole's neck, winds his fingers up into his curls and tugs. Cole hisses, loving the pain; Ren does it again. And again. His are lips strong and insistent and Cole knew it, he knew Ren would kiss him just exactly like this. Cole nips at Ren's bottom lip and then Ren's hands are on his hips and his mouth is at his neck and Cole can't help but moan into Ren's ear.

         

The song is like a spell, and Cole feels it coming to an end so he pulls Ren off of his neck. Ren looks confused, almost hurt, but then Cole takes Ren's face in his hands and gives him a soft, chaste kiss, the kind he should have given him that day by the chapel.

         

He wants to give him all of the missed kisses now, the sweet, innocent, hopeful kisses he should have given him in the hallways at Saint Benedict, in empty classrooms, under stairs. Cole kisses Ren's forehead, his cheeks. He nuzzles his nose and then runs his tongue over Ren's bottom lip like he should have done that day in Ren's bedroom, when Ren told him he was accepted to Pratt and promised to visit him every month in Boston. He kisses him deeply now, a bit desperate, like he should have done in the backseat of Ren's car every damn Saturday night for years, winding themselves up.

         

He knows he should kiss Ren like another missed kiss, like this is goodbye, but instead he gives him everything like he should have done all along; like he should have done every time this perfect man graced him with his presence.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

A professional writer for more than 20 years, A.J. DeWall began her career as a playwright. She is the ghostwriter behind dozens of nonfiction books, including several award-winning bestsellers. As a writer of fan fiction, her online titles have hundreds of thousands of reads. Forever Man is her first novel. She lives in New York with her wife and son.

Website: http://ajdewall.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJDeWall

Buy Link: http://store.interludepress.com/products/forever-man-by-a-j-dewall

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Contest Details!

The author is offering a randomly drawn $25 Amazon gift card. Follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter. 

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