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?

Available now!

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Add to your wish list on Goodreads.

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! 

Behind The Book with Whitley Gray and Artistic Endeavor #CampusCravings #mm

Today we have Whitley Gray, one of the authors from our anthology, Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m bundle. Whitley is sharing how she got her idea for Artistic Endeavor and offering up an excerpt! She's giving away a digital copy of Rabbit Wars to one lucky comment leaver. 

Enjoy! 

~Mia

Behind the Book: Artistic Endeavor

 When the Campus Cravings group got together to craft a series of stories set at a fictional university in the Northeast, I wanted a unique take on that time of life. I sat down and thought back to my college days. Art was always a big part of it. LGBTQ life wasn’t. I thought about the “why” of that.

What would happen if a gay guy spent the first twenty-five years of his life hiding because he came up through a strict religious upbringing—not only in high school, but had the same situation continue on through college and grad school?

What if he finally emerged free of parental/parochial influence and could be himself when he got his first job?

What if he had no clue how to be…gay?

Cobey was born. Gorgeous, painfully shy and woefully inexperienced, he’s an art professor, newly hired on at a liberal university. Lots of opportunities to meet men, but Cobey has no idea how to go about dating, let alone sex. Cobey needs an instructor, someone who can show him the ropes without devouring him like a virginal lamb chop.

Enter Michael. In some ways, he’s Cobey’s opposite. Very experienced—in fact, a connoisseur of the one-night stand—and terrified of love. As a graphic artist he’s got a lot in common with Cobey. Unlike his lothario reputation, Michael is kind-hearted, caring, and patient.

I loved writing these two coming together and discovering things neither knew about himself. Cobey may be the newbie, but he’s got a thing or two to teach Michael. Summer made for the ideal season to put the guys together, allowing for more relaxed settings. Pride got to play a role too. Overall, as much fun to write as I hope it is to read.

~Whitley

www.whitleygray.com

Artistic Endeavor excerpt

In the dimly lit bar, Michael drummed his fingers on the table. “Maybe you should have let me meet him somewhere without you two along as chaperones.”

Eli chuckled. “It took me a week to convince him to meet you. He’d never go for the blind date thing.”

“Well, he’s late. Sure he’ll show?”

“Relax.” Burke massaged Eli’s neck. “He’ll be here.”

Ordinarily Michael looked forward to sizing up a new man. In fact, he’d already taken stock of every guy in the room. If Cobey didn’t show, the bartender looked like a good prospect. Prolonged eye contact, a big grin, and a wink when serving Michael’s beer. Yep, good prospect. Someone new.

Of course, Cobey would be new. Too new. Michael sighed. How was he supposed to introduce himself? Hello. I’m the guy our mutual friends have asked to be your sex instructor. How’s it hangin’? Yippee.

“There.” Eli nodded at the entrance. “Just coming in.”

For a moment it was too crowded to see much, but the herd of patrons parted. Michael licked his lips. Well, well, well. The picture hadn’t done Cobey justice. Nicely wide shoulders, narrow hips, hair a man could get a grip on. Dark eyes. A perfect mouth—full but not too full. How was it possible this gorgeous male specimen had never been intimate with another guy? And Michael had the opportunity to be the first one.

I can certainly sacrifice myself for the greater good by teaching him.

~*~

Available at...

Amazon

Amazon U.K.

B&N

Smashwords 

Kobo 

ARe 

Tunes

Print versions are coming soon!

Visit our Facebook group
Add Campus Cravings on Goodreads

~*~

Contest Details!

Whitley would love to give away a digital copy of Rabbit Wars to a lucky comment leaver! Good luck!

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...

Amazon

B&N

Smashwords

Kobo

ARe

iTunes

Print versions are coming soon!

Visit our Facebook group

Add Campus Cravings on Goodreads

~*~

Thanks for stopping by!

A Horsey #MySexySaturday with Switching Leads #mm #anthology

This week's My Sexy Saturday is supposed to be carriage-themed for the historical authors. I don't have carriages, but my upcoming release does have horses! Here are seven  paragraphs from Switching Leads, my novella in the Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m bundle.

The set-up: Cathia U's equestrian coach John Graham needs an assistant coach--fast--to help sort out his divided team and end up with a decent placing in the region. He doesn't count on his boss hiring sexy, Olympic-level horse trainer and rider Finn Parker. Yes, Finn is more than qualified, but he's also John's ex boyfriend. Throw into the mix Finn has brought Maggie with him, the first horse to truly set John free in the saddle. Here's an excerpt of John's reunion ride on Maggie with a little sexy at the end. 

Seven Paragraphs from Switching Leads...

Finn beckoned for John to come down the outside line of jumps. Excitement bubbled up as he rounded the corner and set her up for the first fence—an easy vertical of about three feet high. He’d never jumped Maggie at this height, but Finn wouldn’t set him up to fail. He could trust Finn in that respect. They cleared the jump easily and cantered four strides to the next, the breeze whipping across his cheeks, John’s heart soaring over the fence.

“Diagonal line,” Finn called.

John turned after the corner, aiming across the ring for the pink-and-white rails set easily a half a foot higher than the first two. They found the perfect distance, cleared, and galloped three strides to the barrels. Maggie snorted as she landed and shook her head, looking for the next fence. John laughed with sheer joy. She’d always done that mid-course. He looped one rein to scratch her neck as he settled her for the next fence.

With ease, he guided the mare around the arena, jumping the fences Finn indicated. After they cleared the final three jumps set a stride apart each, John pulled her into a finishing circle, slowing her canter to a trot, and then to a walk.

He grinned and met Finn’s gaze, his heart pounding from exertion and sheer joy. Those piercing blue eyes held approval, admiration, and…something more. John’s breath caught in his throat, his chest swelling with pride. Every inch of him tingled, from the roots of his hair to the base of his cock.

“Yeah, Coach!”

The cheers and hoots quickly brought John back to reality faster than a bucket of ice water. Damn it, he’d been looking for that approval. He swore he’d never do that again.

~*~

Campus Cravings Blurb: Welcome to Cathia University, where 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.

Campus Cravings: Switching Leads will be available 8/25 at all retailers. 

Add us on GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22738703-campus-cravings

Join our FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/campuscravings/

Join our FB party on release day! 8/25 10-2 pm

Follow the Linky List to visit other My Sexy Saturday entries! If the Linky List isn't working, visit:
My Sexy Saturday Blog

Campus Cravings Cover Reveal with Mia Downing! #mm #boxedset #college

Campus Cravings Cover Reveal!

I'm in a boxed set with eight other fabulous authors and today is our cover reveal for Campus Cravings, a m/m bundle! The novellas are all set at Cathia University. It was a blast to write and include some of the shared locations and characters for our little college town. And I'll also give you a little teaser of my blurb to enjoy while you drool over the cover. 

Switching Leads by Mia Downing 

He’s used to taking the reins…for love will he switch 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? 

~*~

Here's more about the bundle and finally...the cover!!!

Welcome to Cathia University, where 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.

Campus Cravings: Higher Learning m/m boxed set

Annabeth Albert: Winning Bracket 

Cassandra Carr: The Eloquent Jock

Dalton Diaz: Lesson Learned

Mia Downing: Switching Leads

Whitley Gray: Artistic Endeavor

Bianca Sommerland: Solid Education

KyAnn Waters: Private Lessons

LA Witt: Did Somebody Order a Pizza?

Sara York: The Dust Of Everyday Life

The Campus Cravings male/male bundle will release 
on August 25th.

Join our Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/299579866886134/

Add Campus Cravings to your Goodreads to-be-read-list here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22738703-campus-cravings

Thanks for stopping by!