Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Preorder & Excerpt: SEADRAKE by J.A. Jaken (The Dragon Mage Chronicles Book II)




SEADRAKE 
(The Dragon Mage Chronicles Book II)
by J.A. Jaken

Length: 67,000 words
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, M/M Romance


Synopsis

After much deliberation, Andrei chooses to bring his inexperienced and highly unusual apprentice to the far-off island of Sutan-lei, where the eminent mage-scholar Master Luth is rumored to abide. It is Andrei’s hope that Master Luth will have answers to the growing mystery he and Jander began to uncover in the city of Tempest as well as help his apprentice gain some degree of mastery over his unique—and highly unpredictable—prowess in the magic. But even as they struggle to piece together the puzzle in front of them, their enemy is close behind them every step of the way...and he is determined not to let the two of them get in his way.   


Preorder Links


 


Excerpt

Night fell slowly, an encroaching darkness that slithered in through the castle gates and leisurely laid claim to the land. Jander stood on one of the castle’s many balconies to watch it come, taking in the sweeping vista of the cliffs that spread down to the ocean below. The sun was a fiery golden coin balanced precariously on its edge at the line of the mountains to the west, its heavy light spreading thickly over the city to touch the waves at the water’s edge with a tail of molten fire. The sight of it was familiar from Jander’s youth, reminding him of simpler times. He drank it in readily, breathing in deeply to taste the cool, salty air.

A hand on his shoulder made his head turn. He smiled slightly as Andrei stepped forward to stand beside him.

“Have you been able to sense anything about the dragon?” Andrei asked.

Jander let out his breath out in a hard sigh, turning back to look out over the ocean. He had deliberately kept himself from thinking about Theros’s dragon problem throughout the day, but now there was no further excuse to delay seeking information that might help them.

His eyes fell closed as his breathing slowed, and he reached out to focus his thoughts on the magic. He could feel it respond to his questing touch as it always did, soothingly warm and eager to be used. A cool breeze stirred his hair against the side of his face, making him shiver.

This facet of his power still felt foreign to him, no matter how many times he practiced with Andrei to contain and direct its use. As a dragon mage, one of his gifts was the ability to sense the thoughts and emotions of dragons. It was a “gift” he could very easily have done without. Dragons were capricious beings, ancient and powerful beyond his capacity to measure. Whenever he touched the mind of one of them, he was left feeling shaken and awed, and achingly aware of his own mortality.

“It’s out there,” he said, folding his arms around his chest to steady himself. Gabrielle crooned softly in response to the words and nuzzled her nose underneath his hair, rubbing her head soothingly against the side of his neck. “The dragon. I can feel it.”

Andrei’s hand on his shoulder was steadying, warm. “Can you determine its intentions?”

Jander pressed his mouth together tightly, reaching out with his senses as best he could through the magic. He could feel the dragon out there, swimming somewhere far beneath the waves. For just a moment he caught a glimpse of the world through the dragon’s eyes—a waterscape of cool greens and deep purples, significantly further down than the light of the sun could effectively reach but still perfectly visible in the dragon’s vision. The creature swam through that endless, cold deep as easily as breathing, with a strength and a grace that spoke of its immense power and familiarity at living its life within such a daunting environment. It felt at home, there in the crushing dark. The world of air and sun that existed somewhere high above it seemed a fragile and foreign thing, and yet it beckoned to the dragon in some way that Jander could not determine.

“I feel chaos,” Jander said, struggling to put his thoughts into words. “It feels almost...curious about us. I’m not sure why. It’s killed, and it knows it’s killed, and it wants to kill again.” He frowned. “But I sense no malice in it. It’s not...particularly old compared to some of the dragons we’ve seen, but it’s not young, either.” He shook his head, feeling miserable at his failure to understand the creature. “I don’t know what it wants.”

“Peace, Jander.” Andrei sighed. “I’m sure we’ll find out all we need to know about the dragon when we set sail in the morning.”

Jander choked on a short bark of laughter at the quietly morbid statement. When he turned to meet his master’s gaze, he saw Andrei’s eyes shining at him with a rueful glint of amusement.

“I suppose we will,” Jander agreed, turning back to look out over the ocean. The sight of it seemed ominous to him suddenly, as if it were an impenetrable curtain which concealed unspeakable horrors beneath its endlessly shifting waves. In the morning—if Nierin was successful in locating a captain willing to transport them—they would be venturing out onto that ocean, with nothing more than his unpredictable strength in the magic to protect them.

Yes, they would most certainly find out more about the dragon tomorrow.





About the Author

J.A. Jaken has been writing fictional stories and novels for more than ten years, most frequently in the fantasy and science fiction genres. She got her start in the profession writing slash fanfiction, where she has published numerous stories under the pen-name Rushlight. Over the years she has written short stories and novels in genres ranging from science fiction/fantasy to gothic horror to modern detective mysteries, most with at least a touch of m/m romance to them. She lives at home in the southwestern U.S. with her college-aged son, a cat, and the family Rottweiler. Outside of writing, her interests include studying foreign languages, practicing martial arts, riding horses, and collecting medieval weaponry.







Saturday, April 18, 2020

Audiobook Spotlight: BISHOP by A.E. Via, narrated by Tor Thom (A True Lover's Story)

Bishop Audio Tour Banner

Bishop: A True Lover’s Story
by A.E. Via

M/M Romance
Audio Release: 03.31.20
Narrator: Tor Thom
Publisher: Tantor
Listening Length: 13 hours and 10 minutes

Bishop Audio Cover

Blurb

At only 32, Bishop Stockley has lived a hard-knock life. After doing five years in a federal prison, Bishop is back at his dad's trailer and working for his landscaping company, thrust into a legit world where he's no longer the alpha - a world where a criminal record is the least of his disadvantages, because Bishop can't read or write.

Bishop already had the deck stacked against him, but he wasn't afraid of hard work to change his situation, and he did want to change. Especially after he encountered Edison Scala, a kind-spirited office manager who didn't hesitate to come to his defense...a man that saw past Bishop's grass-stained coveralls. A man who wasn't intimidated by his stern features and his silence.

Bishop knew Edison was off-limits. He'd made personal vows to himself when he was released from prison, ones that he never intended to break. But, when Edison asked him about providing landscaping services at his home, there was no way he could refuse. He hadn't expected Edison to feed him, praise him, encourage him, and look at him the way he did - as if Bishop was somebody.

Bishop Audio Promo

Universal Buy Link: 

Bishop Teaser 2Bishop Teaser 3

Excerpt

“Bishop,” he breathed. “I can’t believe this. Your drawing is beautiful, but to think you thought of this from looking at that,” Edison pointed to his open patio doors. “It's unbelievable. You are so talented.”

Edison couldn’t tell if Bishop was blushing, because his skin was too tanned and his stubble too dark. But the way his gaze darted over the drawing, then to Edison’s face was telling. Bishop wanted him to like his work, wanted him to love it. Just like he wanted Bishop to love his cooking.

“I have a couple more.” Bishop’s knee bounced underneath the table as he flipped to the next page.

Edison gasped. It was the same concept, except with different patio sets and different flower options. The lines were still as sleek and complicated as the first possibility. Then Bishop flipped another page. Just as elaborate and intricate as the others. He shook his head, smiling over at this amazing man. “How do I possibly choose?”

Bishop licked his lips and Edison felt his smile fade as he stared at Bishop’s full mouth, wondering what it’d be like to kiss him.

About the Author
AEVia-Logo-JayAheer2015-white-black-Large (1)
A.E. Via has been a best-selling author in the beautiful gay romance genre for six years now, but she’s no stranger to MM. She’s been an avid reader of gay literature for over twenty years before she picked up her laptop to place her own kiss on this genre. She’s also the founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books, having published a couple great, new up and coming MM authors.

A.E. has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Virginia Wesleyan College that she used to start her own paralegal firm after she graduated in 2008. She spent five years preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions for struggling blue collar workers who couldn’t afford to file with a lawyer. It was a rewarding and satisfying career… but another path called to her.

Writing.

A.E.’s novels embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to adventure, to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

She’s recently celebrated her 20th book anniversary, and is well-known for her hardcore, love hard, bad boy, alphas. However, she does like to push herself to step out of her comfort zone, exploring different tropes. She’s head over heels for gay romance and she has tons of more hot stories to tell.

Be sure to visit Adrienne on her social media pages and subscribe to her newsletter to never miss another release date! Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peek at upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she’ll appear next.



Vibrant Promotions Logo (1)


Friday, April 17, 2020

Review & Giveaway: FOREVER by Kindle Alexander



Forever
by Kindle Alexander


Genre: M/M Romance
Cover Design: Reese Dante Book Cover Art & Design



Blurb

Dr. Robert Adams grew up with more advantages than most—the son of a former vice president, he had two loving fathers, a twin sister he adores and wonderfully doting grandparents. Life is good until one afternoon when his dreams flat-line. And no scalpel can repair the guilt and grief he carries with him for the first time in his life.

For Tech Sergeant Landon Russo, determination isn’t just a word, it’s a way of life. Joining the US Air Force allows him to prove his worth, and he takes the values of integrity, service and excellence to heart in every decision he makes. Until on one fateful night, in celebration of a much-deserved promotion, a simple misstep sends his life flying into a tailspin.

As both men fight to regain control of their lives, they’ll soon discover fate rules. Will they ignore the signs and risk everything or will they take a chance and trust they're destined to be together...forever?  

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited)



Praise for Forever

Again, Kindle Alexander takes us on a heartfelt journey between two men that share a soul deep connection that one could only wish to have.  ~ SIKReviews

Forever is a scorching mm story that gave me all the feels and let me fall in love with the characters. ~Konny Doerbeck, KDRBCK News and Releases

FOREVER is a journey of acceptance, understanding, romance and passion. It is also one of love, a love that will remain Always and Forever. Breathtaking and beautiful ... Robert and Landon are everything. ~ Ria - Reading Is Our Satisfaction


Carra's Review

I’m going to admit—I was never able to pluck up the courage to read Always because I knew from everyone else who had read it that it was going to be an emotionally wrenching story needing many tissues.  When I found out about Forever, I figured I’d gather that courage and read them both…but kept putting it off until I just decided to read Forever on its own and keep waiting for the right frame of mind to go back and pick up Always.  The good part?  Forever can be read as a standalone without losing any of its own emotional punch.  The bad part?  I still need to go find my courage for Always—and Forever still dragged some tears out of me anyway.

I loved how organically Robert and Landon’s relationship evolved.  Some people meet and just click with each other from the very start, and while sometimes that can seem like insta-love, the way their story is written that is absolutely not the case for them.  They were just comfortable together at the outset, and even after they parted for a while after the first bit of time in which they became friends, when they’re next with each other they pick up right where they left off…but as SO much more.

The intensity of their connection is incredible; it virtually leaps off the pages at you.  It’s evident in every aspect of their relationship, the very epitome of “two halves make a whole”.  Even with Landon continually trying to keep the notion in his head that eventually Robert will realize he should want more and leave, both of their words and actions just keep negating that sentiment as they become more deeply entwined with each other.  The angst level is barely there, and only existed at all because of Landon’s notions—which Robert constantly bulldozes right through.

“Meant to be”, “matching set”, “interlocking puzzle pieces”…pick your platitude, and just sit back and just bask in the love story of these two.  For me, the story did feel just a bit too drawn out and that’s the only thing that brought me to rate this as 4.5 stars instead of 5.  No matter how sweet they were together, this book is exactly what I needed.  Robert and Landon are also crazy intense when they come together physically, so the sexual content plus the adult language mean Forever is meant for readers 18+.


Giveaway!


Also Available:

About the Author

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It's always a surprise to see what's coming next!
I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it's true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women's hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life - I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations - regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal... I don't want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I'm going to tell you about Kindle.
I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I'll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died - weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn't have to be alone.
That time in my life was terrible. It's everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.
Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness - it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.
Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn't a time she wasn't there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It's its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn't be here today without her.
Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com





Thursday, April 16, 2020

New Release-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: THE PRINCE'S DRAGON by W.M. Fawkes & Sam Burns (Fire and Valor #2)



The Prince’s Dragon
by W.M. Fawkes & Sam Burns

Series: Fire and Valor #2
Release Date: April 16, 2020
Subgenre: LGBTQIA+ High Fantasy Romance



Purchase on:


Synopsis

The last place Lord Tristram Radcliffe ever expected to find himself was right hand to the Llangardian throne. His parentage should have seen him banished, but he managed to keep his draconic secret. Now, King Reynold is dead. Long live King Roland.

The boy ascends to rule a kingdom in chaos, and Tristram must undo the damage of the last king's reign to save his people from lean winter and wolves in the palace itself. Reynold’s former shadow, Bet Kyston, is determined to root out King Roland's enemies, but his version of help may cause as much harm as good.

There remains a traitor near to the throne, and when the king falls mysteriously ill, Tristram’s strongest ally is forced to leave court. As his enemies move closer, the strength of Tristram's regency is more precarious than ever. Abandoned and friendless, Tristram must sacrifice everything to protect his homeland or risk not only Roland’s life, but his own.


Excerpt

“I thought you wanted me gone?”
Tris clamped his jaw shut so he didn’t say anything unwise, but then he realized that if he couldn’t be honest with Bet, there wasn’t a soul in all of Llangard he could be honest with. “I’ve never wanted you gone. I don’t want an assassin in Roland’s employ, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want you there.”
Bet, still fully clothed, climbed atop him, running his hands over Tristram’s bare chest. “So all you wish is to change my nature?”
“I do not,” he denied. He put his hands atop Bet’s, but didn’t hold them in place. He let them roam over the planes of his chest, down the narrowing line of his waist, just barely dipping below the sheets to tease at the trail of hair leading farther down. He took a shaky breath and reminded himself that they were conversing. Or they had been.
Bet smirked.
“You are more than what Reynold asked of you, Bet. More than what I’ve asked.”
Bet’s smirk turned into a scowl for a second, but then he was changing the subject with his hands once again, slipping them both under the sheets.


Carra's Review

First up—this is the second book in the Fire and Valor series, and you need to read book one, The King’s Dragon, before starting this one or you’re going to be lost.  That story does an excellent job of introducing you to the world these talented authors have created, and entrenching you in the lives of the characters.

Next—there are a lot of characters who are important to this story (as well as the series), but it’s actually pretty easy to remember who they are and their relationships to each other…or at least I think so.  I think some of that is due to the fact that, just as in the first book, the story is told from multiple points of view.  Telling the story this way has its advantages with more depth and a greater understanding of all the moving parts and character relationships.  For me, again just like with book one, it does make the flow of the story less smooth until I got more than halfway in.  Once I was deep into it though, the excitement of the events did take over and make the read easier.

Things between Tristram and Bet continue to evolve (*insert happy grins here!*), but you’ll also find that several other budding relationships are starting to form among other characters.  This means you’ll find some interesting alliances forming as the real baddies start to show their faces, as well as some family relationships that start to shift.  There are some new faces, the most intriguing being one simply known as “Dragon” who I just wanted to wrap up in my arms and cuddle close (you’ll see why).

With tensions rising with the young king fallen ill, issues with family (and not just the king’s family), and the increasing threat from enemies, there is plenty of drama to go around.  There’s more to come in the series, so things are not resolved by the end of this story—though there are moments that will definitely make you smile amongst the turmoil.  

Four solid stars for The Prince’s Dragon, and I can’t wait for the next book!  This series is a must-have for fans of fantasy romance, and not just M/M…you’ll find other pairings as well, though Tris and Bet do command the most attention ;-)  As with the first book, this story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.


About the Authors


W.M. Fawkes is an author of LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She lives with her partner in a house owned by three halloween-hued felines that dabble regularly in shadow walking.


Sam lives in the Midwest with husband and cat, which is even less exciting than it sounds, so she's not sure why you're still reading this. 

She specializes in LGBTQIA+ fiction, usually with a romantic element. There's sometimes intrigue and violence, usually a little sex, and almost always some swearing in her work. Her writing is light and happy, though, so if you're looking for a dark gritty reality, you've come to the wrong author.


Author links:
Joint Facebook Group:





Giveaway!
Win one e-copy of The King’s Dragon by Sam Burns & W.M. Fawkes

Monday, April 13, 2020

New Release-Review & Excerpt: HANDSOME DEATH by Sara Dobie Bauer


Handsome Death
by Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Carnation Books
Release Date: April 10, 2020
Genre/s: Paranormal M/M romance, contemporary M/M romance
Trope/s: Vampires, bondage, hurt/comfort, age gap
Themes: explicit sex, past abuse, dark, immortal, graphic violence, stalking
Heat Rating:  5 flames   
Length: 72 000 words
It is a standalone story.

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited


Blurb

I’m not hunting him; I’m protecting him.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

In New York City, a beautiful creature like Tristan Clement should not be walking the streets alone, and I’m the perfect vampire to watch his back.

But what if keeping him safe isn’t enough anymore? What if I want to touch? And taste?

I need him. But I’ve never needed anyone.

In a world where paranormal creatures live amongst us and must follow certain laws, living life as a dangerous loner works for vampire Ethan. Inhabiting his gleaming apartment, wearing his designer suits, jetting around the world as a fanged killer-for-hire, Ethan does it all alone.
That is, until he literally runs into Tristan. Tristan, who is clearly trouble wrapped in skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. Tristan, with his shock of angelic blond curls. Tristan, who plays piano more beautifully than the old masters-- and Ethan would know; he saw Beethoven.
Tristan is gorgeous, a little sassy, and irresistible. Also, Ethan is horrified to note, Tristan has no idea how incredibly tempting he is to things that go bump in the night.
Overcome by the urge to keep Tristan safe, Ethan begins to... well, stalk is such a strong word. What starts as an obsession quickly becomes something more, something that Ethan needs. And to his surprise, Tristan seems to need him, too...
*This darkly romantic tale delivers steamy passion and a happily ever after. Be advised that Handsome Death includes explicit m/m content, stalking, mentions of past abuse, and graphic violence.* 


Excerpt
I feel an itch on the back of my neck so glance behind me, and indeed, there he is, the blond kid from yesterday. I must have caught him staring, because as soon as I turn to look, he ducks his head and goes back to reading.
I shouldn’t approach him. Granted, he’s stunning. Most vampires would love to get their hands on his bare skin, but I’m not one for picking up humans outside of blood clubs. I’m cautious. Vampires can get in a lot of trouble for biting a human without consent. Like sentenced-to-death trouble. The humans at blood clubs know what they’re getting into. This guy? He looks like a puppy in need of a cuddle. He has no idea what a vampire could do to him.
Maybe some reconnaissance is in order. Just to, you know, make sure he’s all right after yesterday’s altercation. 
Or something. 
I’m lying to myself. This isn’t a protective detail in Serbia, this is me away from combat too long and bored in New York. 
F*ck it.
He sits at one of the heavy wooden tables with the lid off his cup. His hair hangs halfway over his forehead, tilted down over a paperback, but I can still see his mouth, the way he chews his bottom lip, making it pinker, fuller. 
I walk right up to his table. I don’t wait for him to look up. I don’t wait for an invitation. I just sit.
He startles at my arrival. His eyes widen and stare at me.
“Who are you?” I ask. I’ve always been really good at openings.
“Uhh.” His forehead wrinkles.
I drum my fingertips on the table. “I’ve never seen you in here before.”
“You saw me yesterday.” He folds the top corner of a page in his paperback: Dracula by Bram Stoker. “You saved my ass yesterday.”
“Before yesterday,” I reply. 
He sighs. “A Starbuck’s bought out my favorite coffee shop, so I guess this is now my favorite coffee shop. Buy local.” He scoops his messenger bag off the floor and shoves the book inside.
The kid has one of those runway model faces—gaunt if not so beautiful, sharp and yet soft. Freckles? Zero. Wait, no, he’s got just a smattering that you would only notice close-up … or with well-trained vampiric eyes. He has no shadow of recently shaved facial hair, and that’s no surprise based on the white-blond of his hair. He must moisturize those lips because nobody’s mouth just naturally looks like the perfect mixture of velvet and silk.
He sighs again, louder. “You’re staring at me.”
No, I’m studying him—checking out his vulnerable areas, which are pretty much everywhere considering he’s so thin and fragile-looking.
As for everyone else in the coffee shop, they’re looking at the kid like they want to take him to bed. I catch a girl at the next table over gawking. A big dude with a beard stands in line to our right, his mouth hanging half open as he admires. 
“Everyone is staring at you,” I respond.
His pale cheeks burn bright red as he swoops his bag onto his shoulder and stands. “No, that’s …” He shakes his head. “Ha, no.” He doesn’t say goodbye. He even leaves his coffee, half-consumed on the table. He up and abandons me without a word, but I do watch him go—as does half of Inky Grounds. 
Once he disappears out into the early October morning, I turn back around and stare at his deserted coffee. Granted, I’m not smooth—I get it—but he didn’t have to run out like that. I just wanted to see that he was safe. Sh*t, I don’t even know his name. 


Carra's Review

When I first started reading this book, I was just kind of waiting for something to happen.  But gradually it turned into one of those strangely fascinating stories where you become oddly attached to the characters.  And for me, it was Tristan and Ethan who solidly held my attention regardless of what might have been going on in the story at any point in time.

There’s really only one dramatic moment in the book, and it absolutely is a turning point for both Tristan and Ethan (oh boy, especially for Tristan).  Beyond that, everything else focuses on the characters and their personalities, and in particular Tristan’s impact on Ethan.  They are a study in opposites, with Ethan’s immortal life being a walk on the darker side thanks to his interesting occupation.  Tristan is much more light and sweet, someone who couldn’t hurt a fly.  He has a taming effect on Ethan which was refreshing to see, slowly pulling Ethan from that dark life into a place of family, friends, and a lot more.

The two of them start out with sensual, steamy encounters but you know it’s never going to stay that way…no matter how much Ethan wants to fight it.  But once that bit of drama happens, it takes them both in a brand-new direction—one that’s actually quite fun to tag along and watch as it unfolds.

So, even though I wasn’t immediately pulled under, the characters were enough to keep me there until that fascination aspect kicked in.  Overall this one is hovering between 4-4.5 stars for me, and for those who are paranormal romance fans—stick with it, you’ll be rewarded when you do.  Adult language and Tristan and Ethan’s intense and hot sexual escapades make this story one for readers 18+.


About the Author

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, mental health speaker, and LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. Her current obsession with Timothee Chalamet runs deep, and don’t even get her started on Call Me By Your Name.



Author Links