Spotlight on Enticing Hart by Mae Hancock #mm #contemporary

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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!

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JamieLynn Boothe's Nightmares and Dreams #GLBT #FF #romance

Today we have JamieLynn Boothe in the hot seat, discussing her debut novel, Nightmares and Dreams. I hope you'll enjoy! 

~Mia

~*~

Interview questions for JamieLynn Boothe

Quick round:

Coffee, tea or…what’s your vice?  Definitely coffee, I probably drink way too much of it.

Favorite Movie: Wow, this is hard because there’s so many to choose from. As far as horror goes, definitely The Exorcist, romance would have to be Return to Me

Favorite Color: Purple all the way

Favorite book/author: I have a few favorites but I will say The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks

How do you feel about bacon? Ohhhh, I love it J

What comes first, plot or characters? 

For me, I have to say Characters. I enjoy building my story around them and what they go through, good and bad.

Pantser, plotter, or hybrid?

I create the characters and start with a general idea of what it will be about, but I actually just allow my imagination flow. I never really know exactly how it’s going to go until I’m about half way into it.

Oddest thing on your desk?  A picture of Betty Boop J

What’s your most interesting writing quirk?

Not sure that I have one unless you want to consider the fact that sometimes I have a hard time sitting still for too long.

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

I love gripping the readers emotions. To me that’s the most important thing. If I can make every emotion come alive, then I did my job well. If I didn’t make them cry, then I didn’t do it well enough.

What is the hardest thing about being an author?

Patience and the horrible times when writers block sets in and sometimes having enough time in a day to meet your goal and do lifes bidding.

What’s under your bed? 

I would have to say shoes. A girl can never have too many shoes J

What’s the easiest thing about being an author? 

For me, when it flows really good, when the story flows from my fingertips and it just keeps going and going and going.

What is one of the best rewards you have gotten so far from your writing? 

I find it extremely rewarding to hear or read from a fan how my story has touched them. How much they loved it and when I have had a few tell me it should be made into a movie.

Tell us about your latest release! 

Nightmares and Dreams is a special book for me. Not only because it’s my first novel, but because of what it’s about. It is something that will grab hold of every emotion you have and more. It’s focused towards the GLBT community and the hatred so many still have for them, but reflects on the deepest kind of love two women have for each other that is more powerful than any obstacle they face.

Blurb for Nightmares and Dreams…

Nightmares of being raped as a teenager haunted Christy for years and she had tried to run and hide from them to no avail. The pain over the years took enough of a toll to where she finally had enough and moved back home to her hometown of Moneta, Virginia to be with the woman she loved. After being away for six years from the small country town where she grew up, facing her fears and finally  being in Heathers arms again gave her hope for normality in her life.

Once she realized that running was only getting away from the physical aspect of it and she had to deal with the mental fears as well, everything started to fall into place.  Seeking professional help, being with Heather and doing what she loved most,  teaching, Christy had reason to smile again.

Being home a short while, things are going smoothly and happiness has entered her life once again, until a horrendous hate crime was committed, targeted  specifically  towards homosexuals. The roller coaster ride that Christy and Heather were unwillingly having to experience was nothing like they have ever encountered in their lives before.

 Men nothing short of being monsters continued their rage by kidnapping Christy and taking her off into the hills. Being kept hidden in an old hunting cabin where her earlier  nightmares dwindled in comparison to what they had in store for her, Christy was faced with a life or death situation. With feeling overwhelmed with her fears becoming real life and being helpless in a secluded cabin, could Christy overcome the odds stacked  against her and escape somehow, or would the monsters who tormented her kill her before she was able to get away and back into Heathers loving embrace?

Available at Amazon

~*~

Excerpt for Nightmares and Dreams...

Christy’s body convulsed and her brain was in overdrive as she jerked awake from her nightmare and realized she was lying in a large patch of sand. She sat up on one hand and hip, looking around, trying to peer into the darkness. She saw a swing set with an adjoining slide, too small for adults, a merry-go-round and a surrounding wire fence. Beyond the fence she saw yellow school buses and she knew where she was. She was in the playground behind the elementary school, in her pajamas.

Somewhat nauseated and dizzy, Christy sat still in the cold sand for a few minutes, shivering and hoping to get clearheaded before she stood to begin her journey home. Grateful that she didn’t live too far from the school, she was still a little upset that she had to even worry about it at all. She should be where most others were, wrapped in a warm blanket, in her comfortable bed, safe and with no fear. Shaking, she looked around at her surroundings and her head began to slowly clear little by little. Her breathing slowed down to a more normal pace, so she slowly started the process of rising to her feet. Getting on one knee, then the other and shifting her weight, she slowly stood, trying not to lose her balance because of dizziness.

On her feet, standing straight, she put her hands out in front of her to balance herself as she shivered from the cold sweat and terror still coursing through her. Her fear from the nightmare wasn’t as bad as it had been. The horror was slowly subsiding, but the memories of them were still fresh in her mind. Usually, when a person has a dream they don't remember much, if any of it, but not her, she remembered her nightmares vividly.

Feeling more balanced after standing in place for a couple minutes, she took a deep breath and started walking toward the chain link fence that surrounded the playground, feeling the sand between her toes with every step. Her eyes began to become more focused. The streetlamps in the parking lot helped and she was grateful for their light.

Reaching the fence, Christy placed one hand on it. Being closer to the parking lot where the buses were and where there was more light to see by, she looked herself over. Her feet were bare, and she had nothing on her cold shivering body except her pink flannel Betty Boop pajamas, which were now covered in wet sand. Her entire front, from where she was lying down, was completely covered with sand. She brushed as much of it off of her as she could, hoping they wouldn’t be stained, when she washed them. Christy loved these pajamas, and right now she was very grateful they were flannel, providing some warmth, although not much.

Having no idea what time it was, she told herself she needed to get moving. She was cold, dirty and she wanted a hot shower and some clean clothes. Thankfully, her house was right down the road on Lottie Lane. But being without shoes, it would take a little longer for her to get there. Opening the gate on the fence, she began her trek home. Taking her first step out of the sand onto the hard surface of the parking lot, she felt the pebbles and gravel press into the soft soles of her feet. She accepted the fact that this might not be a really long walk, but it certainly wouldn’t be a pleasurable one.

~*~

More about JamieLynn Boothe

Well, let’s see. I’m a Transgender Woman so I am a southern girl. Born and raised in the small town of Moneta, Virginia. I love writing obviously but I was a late bloomer. I didn’t write my first novel, Nightmares and Dreams until 2012. I am writing the second and third book to it now. I believe for me the best things to write will come from the heart. Either from my experiences or whatever but they will always ring true. I love movies, reading, writing, music, art, cooking, cats and spending time with friends, oh and naps. I love naps.

Connect with JamieLynn on the Web!

Amazon author page 

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest 

~*~

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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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.

~*~

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway