Archive for the ‘m/m’ Category

Out Very Soon! Paws on Me by Silvia Violet

Oct 26, 2011 Filed under: bears, book release, excerpts, m/m, men in uniform, paranormal, shapeshifter Tags: bear shifter, bears, Changeling Press, cop fantasy, erotic romance, gay bears, gay erotica, gay romance, m/m erotica, m/m romance, paranormal romance, shapeshifter

Coming very very soon, like tomorrow 🙂

Protect and Serve: Paws on Me by Silvia Violet

Blurb:

Lieutenant Seth Morrison loves being a cop, but with budget cuts and crime both on the rise, he’s stopped making time for anything but his job.

On the outside, Brandon Lord is an easy-going, flirtatious club owner. On the inside he’s a man trying to overcome a difficult past.

When a murder investigation brings the two men together, passion roars to life. They’re both willing to break the rules to be together. Because as mismatched as they might seem, each man is exactly what the other needs.

Excerpt:

I’m Seth Morrison. I’m a cop, a police lieutenant to be precise. I’ve been on the force more years than I want to think about. I’ve seen good men get killed, turn dirty, lose themselves in the bottle, lose their fucking minds, but I’m still here doing what I do. I don’t know any other life. People tell me I need a break, a vacation, to relax. I don’t want to fucking relax. I just want to do my job and keep this city from falling apart.

I park my car, grab my coffee from the cup holder, and charge up the front steps of the station. I could take the side door, it’s closer to my office, but I love the chaos of the bullpen. When I open the door, I breathe deeply, enjoying the variety of smells: coffee that’s been on the warmer far too long, the sickeningly sweet smell of candy and doughnuts, pine-scented cleaner from the scrubbing the janitors gave the floors last night, and something unnamable that simply smells like cops and hard work. I shake my head as I try to imagine not being here nearly 24/7. This is where I belong.

My stomach rumbles. I should’ve had dinner, but after pretending an afternoon nap was a night’s sleep, I’m running late. I’ll grab something from the vending machine while I dream about a juicy burger and thick home fries. It sure would be nice to have someone cook for me. I don’t seem to get along with stoves. Years ago, I tried being married. That worked for about 30 seconds. My wife wanted me to work shorter hours. I wanted her to talk less, or maybe never.

Friends tell me I should make an effort to date, but I’m more comfortable at a gruesome homicide scene than making small talk at dinner with a woman or a man. Yeah, I like both. I stopped going out with men when I entered the academy. I just couldn’t deal with the shit the guys would give me. Now, I don’t advertise what I like, but I pick up a guy now and then. I’m discreet, but if somebody finds out, I’ll deal.

One-night stands I can handle, but relationships are beyond me. People think police work is draining, but I’d rather spend all day in the field and all night at my desk filling out fucking paperwork — and often I do — than try to decode relationship signals. I inevitably screw things up and never understand why.

Sex I need. Romance I don’t.

My phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket hoping the call will save me from the mountain of paperwork on my desk. It’s Drew Danvers, detective and vampire. That’s right, a vampire who works for the good guys. We’ve got a werewolf in homicide too. And he’s a damn fine cop.

I remember when the shifters came out of the closet, scaring the hell out of us humans. One by one other monsters made themselves known. Most people assumed they were all assholes who wanted to eat us, but I quickly learned not to judge a man because he sucked blood or turned into a wolf. I judge men based on how they treat others.

I answer the call. “What’s up, Detective?”

“Two dead werewolves found in a closet at Shift. Hacked up pretty bad. The scene’s a circus. Jenkins called in sick. I’m on my own, and –”

“I’ll be there in ten.”

“Thanks, sir.”

“No problem. Murder scene or paperwork, which would you choose?”

* * *

I step inside the club. A crime lab team is there and several uniformed officers are talking with employees. I spot Drew in the entryway of an office. He’s frowning as he questions a tall hairy hunk of a man. I’ve seen this man around the area several times, and just like every other time, he makes my cock sit up and take notice.

Our most recent encounter was a week ago. When I want to grab a beer and be left the fuck alone, I go to Mitch’s, a dive just down the street from Shift. Last time I spent the evening there, he sat next to me at the bar and came on strong. I was in a shitty mood. I wanted him, and it pissed me off. He’s not my type. He’s young, hip, and outrageously flirtatious. I walked away, but I regretted it later that night when I couldn’t stop fantasizing about him.

The man looks my way and catches me staring. His grin says he knows the direction my thoughts are going. Fucking bastard winks at me. Drew scowls.

I turn to face him. He grins down at me, that same cocky-as-fuck little smile he’d given me earlier, making me even more aware of how close we are and how big he is. At 6’2″, I’m hardly small, but he’s got several inches on me. And while I’ve got a rather thick pelt, the fur visible above the vee of his t-shirt is astounding.

He smiles mischievously. “You gonna cuff me if you take me in?”

“Impeding a murder investigation will get you thrown in jail.”

He rolls his eyes. “I found two dead guys in my closet when I came to work tonight. My business is shut down, and I’ll be losing money every minute that you’re here. But at least I have a sense of humor.”

“Well, I don’t.”

He shakes his head. “Are you taken too?”

I take another step back. “You’re making a lot of assumptions.”

I look over at Drew and realize he and Jason are grinning like loons. Fuck. All I need is the two of them ragging me.

I glare at Drew. “Detective, do you think you can question this man without killing him?”

“Probably.”

“Fine. Fleetfoot, head back to the lab. Take my car. I’ll get a ride with Danvers.” I throw him my keys, and he snatches them out of the air as he gives Drew’s hand a final squeeze. Jason is better in the lab than any tech we have. We only send him into the field when we’re desperately short-handed. I run a hand through my hair, wishing I knew how I’m going to hold the homicide division together if we don’t get more funds.

He holds out his hand. “I’m Brandon Lord. I own Shift.”

“Lieutenant Morrison.” I shake his hand. His skin is surprisingly smooth, his grip tight and warm. I want to feel those big hands running over me. I want to rub his furry body with my own. Fuck! I should assign someone else to this case right now and get the hell away from him. But some crazy restlessness he’s dredged up in me makes me fight my instincts.

“Nice to meet you, Lieutenant.” His voice is low and rich. And his grin lets me know he’s well aware of my body’s reaction to him.

I need to get away. His smell alone is making me hard. “I’m not here to play games. Drop the act and treat this case seriously, or I’ll find an excuse to throw your ass in jail.”

He grins. Fuck, he knows he’s got me rattled. “I’d never kill anyone, Lieutenant. I’m just a cuddly teddy bear.”

The bear shifter and the bear. Ridiculous. I need to leave now. This man is no cuddly toy. I don’t think he’s our murderer, but he’s far smarter than he wants me to believe and likely far more dangerous. “I know what cuddling leads to.”

Brandon laughs, a deep, infectious sound. I can’t help but respond. Now I want him more than ever. Taking this case is a supremely stupid idea, staying on it now is unprofessional.

But I won’t walk away.

Learn more here.

Dinner with a Hero – Marc Devlin

Oct 21, 2011 Filed under: BDSM, D/s, excerpts, m/m, menage, paranormal, sci fi, shapeshifter, werewolf

Today I’ll be cooking for Marc Devlin, captain of Shifter’s Station. The four stories in this collection are some of my earliest publications and Marc is a character I think about a lot. Though he’s not always good at expressing it, the love he has for Kirlos and Larissa moves me to tears when I look back at these stories.

Marc grew up in a coastal Terran town and often laments that he can’t get good Terran seafood on his remote space station. Tender, melt in your mouth scallops are his favorite so I’ll make those, coconut couscous, and roasted asparagus. We’ll finish the meal with a dense piece of cheesecake with cherry topping.

I love these seared scallops from Alton Brown.

Coconut milk gives couscous a delicious creamy flavor.

Roated Asparagus: Break off tough ends of asparagus stalks. If you hold the stalk in the middle and snap the end with the other hand, it will usually break in the right place. Place the stalks on a foil-line baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt. Place under the broiler for approximately 10 minutes or until they start to brown and are tender.

This cherry cheesecake is amazing!

Excerpt from Book 1 of the Shifter’s Station Collection

Available from Amazon, ARe, and Changeling Press

The commander cut off whatever Captain Devlin was going to say. “I have the ability to probe your mind to determine if you’re telling the truth. And if you are lying, I can compel the truth from you.”

Larissa studied him for a moment. He seemed sincere and somewhat dismayed by the captain’s brusque manner. “Do it.”

She felt pressure on her head, as if someone were mashing the heel of their hand against her forehead. Then the pressure turned to pain. It grew sharper until it felt like a needle was boring into her skull.

She felt tension radiating from Adesta. “Stop fighting it.”

“I… can’t. I don’t –”

Then the pain spread as if her skull had cracked. She fell to her knees, panting. The world began to go black. But just before she passed out, the pain disappeared.

“Fires of hell, she’s strong.”

The captain snorted. “Did you get through?”

“Yes, she’s telling the truth.”

Thank the gods. They would have to let her go now. Larissa heard the men speaking, but they sounded very far away. A dull pounding still echoed in her head. Nothing like the tearing pain of the scan, but she still wasn’t sure she could stand.

Then she felt a hand on her arm. It was the commander. She wanted to refuse his assistance, but she didn’t want to be on her knees in front of the captain. He was arrogant enough without her prostrating herself like a slave.

When the commander helped her to her feet, she stepped away and forced herself to focus on Devlin. His dark eyes were narrow and cold. “Who taught you to shield your thoughts?”

“My boss.”

Devlin raised his brows. “You need this ability often on cargo runs?”

“When you take these kinds of jobs, you do.”

He laughed. “I suppose you are right. Federated Transport isn’t exactly a legitimate business.”

“And yours is?”

Adesta’s lips curled into a wicked smile. “You seem to be losing your touch, Captain. You usually have them trembling in their boots by now.”

Larissa just managed to keep from rolling her eyes. The captain might be one delightfully put together man, but she had no intention of rolling over for him. “Can I go now?”

Devlin scowled. “No.”

“The commander has established my innocence.”

“He has established that you were unaware that the weapons were faulty. But I still have one dead crewman and several more injured. Someone has to pay.”

“Yes. That someone is my bastard of a boss.”

“But he’s not here, and you are.”

“Captain.” The warning glare in the commander’s eyes gave Larissa hope he might convince his superior to let her go.

“She stays.”

Larissa’s heart pounded. “You can’t be serious.”

He gave a cold smile. “I’m always serious.”

Larissa clasped her hands behind her back to hide their shaking. “You can’t just keep me here.”

“I can do anything I damn well please.”

“But –”

The captain stepped toward her. She stabbed her nails into her palms, hoping the pain would dull her fear and help her hold her ground.

Devlin grasped the single braid that hung down her back and jerked her head to the side. “I am the law here. No one questions what I do. If I wanted to shove you out an airlock, that’s exactly what I’d do. No one would dare protest.”

She held her breath, and commanded her suddenly rubbery legs to keep her upright.

He let her go and stepped back. “Fortunately for you, I have something far more pleasant in mind as repayment for your crimes.”

Larissa’s lungs burned, but she couldn’t seem to fill them with air. She forced herself to look him in the eye. “I have no intention of letting you punish me for a crime I didn’t commit.”

Adesta smirked. “I like her spirit.”

The captain stared at her intently. “So do I. The spirited ones are so much more fun to break.”

Larissa’s heart hammered against her chest. She knew her eyes were wide and her fear shone all too plainly. She felt like a rabbit cornered by a wolf — a big bad wolf with plans to eat her.

Now why the hell did that thought make her body feel hot and tight? She was so damn wet she’d likely soaked through her flight suit. What was wrong with her?

Devlin took a long, deliberate inhale. “Mmm. I think she likes us more than she wants us to know.”

Shit! The last thing she needed was for him to be aware of how she was responding to them. She needed to convince them to let her go. But before she could think of anything to say, Devlin’s lips curled up in a wicked smile.

“Since you seem so interested in the issue of fairness, why don’t we strike a bargain?”

“What bargain would that be?” Larissa mentally cursed the quaver she heard in her voice.

His smile widened. “I will spend the next two hours convincing you that you want to stay. If you can resist, you go free. If you can’t, you agree to remain on the station as my servant for the next month.”

Larissa took a deep breath. Her initial reaction was to tell him to go to hell, but something told her this might be her only way off the station. “How will you convince me to stay?”

“That’s my secret, but you have my word you will come to no harm.”

“Why should I trust you?”

The captain’s face froze, and a sound too like an animal’s growl rose from his chest.

Larissa glanced at Adesta. He shook his head. “I wouldn’t go down that road if I were you.”

“Fine. If I were to lose, which I have no intention of doing, how would you expect me to serve you?”

The captain’s smile returned instantly. “With every last inch of your naked body.”

Luscious Cover Art for Paws on Me

Oct 20, 2011 Filed under: bears, book release, eye candy, m/m, men in uniform, paranormal, shapeshifter

Paws on Me, my next contribution to the Protect and Serve series will be available very soon. Don’t you just LOVE the cover art?

Hump Day Eye Candy, October 19

Oct 19, 2011 Filed under: eye candy, m/m

Sweet Hot

Guest Blogger: Em Woods

Oct 18, 2011 Filed under: guest blogger, interview, m/m, shapeshifter

Today I’m welcoming the lovely Em Woods to my blog. So grab some coffee and sit down with us. Em, will you tell us about your latest release.

Eek. I haven’t had one of those in a while! But the last one was Jack’s Way, which debuted in the Saddle Up ‘N Ride anthology from Total-e-Bound Publishing early this year. It has since been released in single e-book, print, and audio…so pick your poison for some really yummy cowboy action. Overall, I think it has been my favorite published work so far. You can find out more here.

Of course, my most recent projects can be found every Monday with the Story Orgy when I post a new piece of whichever blog story I am working on. Right now that one is called Flying High – and is a paranormal shifter story about a butterfly Fae and his lynx shifter mate. It’s getting really good… *wiggles eyebrows*

What is your favorite genre to write? What other genres do you enjoy?
Ah, Silvia. You know my favorite genre is M/M. *grin* Of course, within that category I write mainly contemporary with a bit of paranormal.

Do you have a favorite character from one of your books?
It would have to be Graham. He’s a secondary character from Chasing Alex, which released last Christmas. I know that sounds odd that he’s a favorite, but I liked him so much (and had quite a few people asking about him!) that he got his own story which will be coming out this Christmas.

He is so intriguing and turned out to have quite a number of secrets. Graham isn’t as rough and tumble as he likes to appear and when Matt decides to knock down those walls – the fight is on. So to speak. LOL.

Is there a style or genre of writing that you haven’t tried yet but you’d like to explore?
Hmm. I’ve written contemporary, cowboy, paranormal, shifter which are mostly M/M with even a sprinkle of M/F/M as a ménage tossed in there. And I’m good with that. However, my stories fall on the vanilla side of BDSM – and I would love to write a true BDSM story. I’m working my way to it, though. So we’ll see. *grin*

How do you make time in your life for writing?
Oh my gosh. Really? I have no clue. I just do it. It’s one of those things that I need to do or I’ll go stark raving mad. LOL. I am either up really late…or up really early to fit it all in. And I drink a lot of coffee. I think caffeine runs in my veins, honestly.

What do you like to read? Do you have some favorite authors?
I love my Story Orgy pals, of course. Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows, JR Boyd and Hank Edwards. Our lovely camera girl, Jade Baiser, has even begun to do short flash fiction that will just rock your socks off.

Outside of that, I love Ava March, Stephani Hecht, Ryssa Edwards, TA Chase, Cameron Dane. And then there’s Nora Roberts, Christine Feehan, Anton Chekhov… well…there’s a few. *laughing* I really do love to read. And have a ton of authors that I will buy as soon as they come out – oh! Amber Kell is another one. And JP Bowie. Jambrea Jo Jones. And…And… (do you see? I am a lost cause!)

If you decide to take a Saturday off, what are we likely to find you doing?
Chasing around behind my two sons. They are six and four. What a handful they are, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Choose six adjectives to describe yourself.
Loyal. Compassionate. Funny. Hard-working. Outgoing. Bossy (There! I said it. LOL)

Describe the perfect meal.
Lasagna. Yummy ricotta/mozzarella cheese layered with tender noodles and a fantastic Italian meat sauce….oh man. I want some. Right now.

If you were a dessert what would you be and why?
Cherry Pie. Do you see those six adjectives I used up there? Yeah, that how I imagine it looking. A whole lot of sweet with a tart kick at the end. *grin*

Thanks for joining us Em!

Excerpt: Jack’s Way by Em Woods

“Benjamin.” Joan’s urgent whisper scarcely made it out of the little black box on his desk.

He closed his eyes, wishing for the thousandth time that working for a high profile architecture firm in New Hampshire meant he could escape the big city drama. Setting his pencil down on his drafting table, he slid off his stool and pressed the two-way. “Yes?”

“Christian’s here.”

A loud crash from somewhere down the hall punctuated her statement. Ben’s eyes narrowed as he stared at his closed door. “That’s not possible. He’s still in treatment.”

“He’s in treatment, all right, but it isn’t the one where you get any kind of help.”

He blinked at the intercom, mute.

“Ben?” She was louder this time, more worried.

“What are you talking about?”

“For God’s sake. He’s drunk.” A second bang came from just outside his door at Joan’s desk. The line went dead.

Then, he didn’t need the open line to hear what his assistant was saying to his ex-lover. “You nutcase! Look what you just did to my desk.”

“Where’s Ben?” Christian’s drunken slur carried through the closed door.

“He’s not here. Take your fool self home before I call the police.” She was like a mother hen, all gossip and ruffled feathers. But don’t be the idiot who crossed her. She’d peck your eyes out.

“His car’s in the lot. I know he’s around.”

He didn’t want Joan caught in the middle of this. One thing had been consistent in his relationship with Christian—his ex was violent when he drank. Things usually ended in a nasty brawl because Ben wasn’t the pushover his ex liked to think he was. He had known after only two months of dating he wanted out.

It had taken another four to get it done.

When Christian had agreed to in-clinic therapy after yet another vicious argument, Ben had used the opportunity to make a clean break. That had been three months ago. He’d finally started to relax. Six months was a short-term relationship, after all, and Christian hadn’t so much as called.

Until now.

Ben was gripping the doorknob before he realised he’d even moved. He took one more deep breath before opening the door to take in the scene.

Joan’s back was to Ben and Christian wobbled on weak legs in front of her, poking her in the shoulder. He leant in, momentarily losing his balance before catching himself on her arm. “Where’s he at?”

“Right here.” Ben leant against the door jam, crossed one foot over the other. He cocked his head to the side. “What do you want, Christian?”“Benjamin.” Joan’s urgent whisper scarcely made it out of the little black box on his desk.

He closed his eyes, wishing for the thousandth time that working for a high profile architecture firm in New Hampshire meant he could escape the big city drama. Setting his pencil down on his drafting table, he slid off his stool and pressed the two-way. “Yes?”

“Christian’s here.”

A loud crash from somewhere down the hall punctuated her statement. Ben’s eyes narrowed as he stared at his closed door. “That’s not possible. He’s still in treatment.”

“He’s in treatment, all right, but it isn’t the one where you get any kind of help.”

He blinked at the intercom, mute.

“Ben?” She was louder this time, more worried.

“What are you talking about?”

“For God’s sake. He’s drunk.” A second bang came from just outside his door at Joan’s desk. The line went dead.

Then, he didn’t need the open line to hear what his assistant was saying to his ex-lover. “You nutcase! Look what you just did to my desk.”

“Where’s Ben?” Christian’s drunken slur carried through the closed door.

“He’s not here. Take your fool self home before I call the police.” She was like a mother hen, all gossip and ruffled feathers. But don’t be the idiot who crossed her. She’d peck your eyes out.

“His car’s in the lot. I know he’s around.”

Learn more about Em at her website, Facebook, or Twitter.

Dinner with a Hero – Hank Edwards

Oct 14, 2011 Filed under: book recommendation, excerpts, historical, m/m, paranormal, vampire

Today I’m thrilled to welcome, Hank Edwards, one of my favorite writers. He’s here to share good food and an excerpt from his spooky, sexy, Western adventure, Bounty.

Hi Silvia, thanks so much for inviting me to share a recipe and a bit of story. My partner is the chef in our house, but I love sampling his recipes. He’s adventurous and not afraid to try different ingredients together, whereas I pretty much stick to a written recipe. Even though he’s the cook, I still have a few recipes I haul out and throw together for us, and since it’s October and, like in my Old West vampire/zombie mash up novel “Bounty,” it’s starting to get cooler, this seems like the perfect time for comfort food. To hell with the calories, it’s winter, we need to insulate! (I completely agree! – Silvia)

I’ve selected a recipe for Beef Chow Mein. My mother made this for us kids a lot growing up, it was a filling meal and made a pound of ground beef go a long way. It’s one of my go-to dishes for cold days or those times you just want to sit and digest afterwards. I actually made this recipe for my partner’s wacky cooking show, “Dish and a Drink,” and you can see that episode on here.

This dish is really good fresh out of the oven, but even better warmed up the next day. And, since it’s a Chinese Chow Mein dish, I’ll include an excerpt from my book with Ling Chen, a Chinese frontier girl who has a small but pivotal role in “Bounty,” book one of my Venom Valley Series. Thanks for stopping by, and happy eating!

Beef Chow Mein Dish

Ingredients

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup diced celery

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup cooked rice

1/8 cup soy sauce

1 small can mushrooms

1 can bean sprouts

1 can sliced water chestnuts

1 can chow mein noodles

 

1. Brown beef, onion, celery in a skillet. Drain.

2. Add remaining ingredients except chow mein noodles. Mix well.

3. Fold into a 9 x 13 dish.

4. Bake at 350 for 1 hour.

5. Top with chow mein noodles.

6. Bake 5 minutes longer.

7. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

 

Bounty by Hank Edwards

Amazon, ARe

Blurb:

Josh Stanton discovers he can raise the dead after his adoptive mother returns and tries to kill him. With a bounty on his head for her murder, Josh flees into the arid plains of Venom Valley, pursued by his best friend and deputy, Dex, and the two finally surrender to the love that’s grown between them. Back in town, a powerful vampire stalks the girls working at the saloon, and Glory, a half white, half Indian saloon girl, depends on her Native American protective spirit to keep her safe as she fights to save her best friend, Edith.

Excerpt:

A sound outside the window brought him back, and Josh jerked his head up. The pale shape of a face hovered behind the glass, almond eyes wide and mouth round with shock. It was Ling Chen, the young Oriental girl Agnes had been instructing in English.

Ling’s eyes shifted between Agnes’s body and Josh’s face.

Josh looked at Agnes, the rifle in his hand, and then back to Ling. In a moment of horrifying clarity, he understood how it must look.

“Ling,” Josh croaked and rose to his feet, looking at the window again.

Ling was gone. Josh stumbled to the door, stepping out into the wind-driven night and squinting against the onslaught of sand. All he saw was the rear end of a horse galloping down the road, Ling hunched low in the saddle, snapping the reins hard as she rushed toward town and the sheriff’s office.

“No, no, no, no,” Josh moaned. He spun in place a moment, looking between the fleeing girl and the inside of the house. What could he do? Ling had seen him by the body, possibly seen him shoot Agnes. Even if he could bury Agnes’s body, there would be questions and accusations, especially because of who he was. He would be thrown in jail, and at some point someone would miss Wayland Overbrooke and ride out to his farm and find him dead in the barn.

“Fuck!” he shouted into the furious wind of the night.

He hurried into the house and slammed the door, leaning back against it as he swept his gaze around the small rooms. He had been raised in this house, had spent hours by the fire with Agnes. How could he leave her like this, with no explanation, no respects paid?

But who would believe him?

Dex, maybe. But Dex was just a deputy. The rest of the town would believe what they wanted, even from a Chinese girl. They had made up their minds about him years ago. He had to run.

Keeping his gaze averted from Agnes’s body, Josh moved through the house. He grabbed clothes, some dried meat, and bread. Crouching before the bookcase, he selected a few favorite books and stuffed them in his pack. Agnes had not only encouraged his reading, she had insisted that he devote time each day to it. He would not let her down now.

Picking up his hat, Josh turned to throw a final look at the body consumed by shadows.

“Rest in peace, Agnes,” he whispered, his voice breaking on her name. “I will always be grateful for you.”

He left the house and pulled the door closed behind him. Clementine stamped and snorted as he mounted her. Josh patted the side of her neck and leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“It’s just us now, Clem.”

He sat up and clicked his tongue as he pulled the reins. Clementine turned, and he urged her into a gallop, heading for the Overbrooke farm. He needed to try and find a connection between the farmer and Agnes. Then he planned to travel further outside of town to the house where he had once lived with his mother. It stood, vacant and decaying, on the edge of the brutal stretch of desert land known by those in Belkin’s Pass as Venom Valley. He would be safe there for a day, maybe two. Perhaps something of his mother’s still lay waiting inside the house that might help explain what happened when he got close to the dead.

Hump Day Eye Candy, October 12

Oct 12, 2011 Filed under: eye candy, m/m

In honor on my horse shifter and his werewolf cowboy who can’t stay out of the barn.

Guest Blogger: Lisa Worrall

Oct 11, 2011 Filed under: guest blogger, m/m

Today we welcome the fabulous Lisa Worrall. Lisa, tell us about your latest release.

I have two already released and one due at the end of this month.  Chasing the Dream is an anthology with Patricia Logan, Sue Brown, GA Hauser and SammyJo Hunt, some of the best in the biz.  Then we have No Strings Attached which has just been re-released this week by Dreamspinners which is about a guy who’s first venture into the underground club scene, goes better than he’d ever dreamed.  And released by Silver on the 29 October is Forever Dusk, about Jonah, who gets talked into attending a vampire theme-club with his friend…and meets the club’s delicious owner, Sebastian.

What is your favorite genre to write? What other genres do you enjoy?

I really only write M/M.  I used to write M/F, and am hoping to have another tiptoe through that genre, but M/M is really my niche.  I have no idea why other than it comes to me the easiest and flows the easiest.

Do you have a favorite character from one of your books?

Oh, God yes…Carter Gray. Carter is one of the two main characters of Thirst which is being released by Silver in January.  He is a cold, calculating vampire who finds himself in a whole heap of trouble when he literally falls over Detective Max Bowman in an alley after the detective has been attacked.  And like any sensible vampire would do when faced with dessert….he picks him up and takes him home.  I know…Carter had a little trouble with that one too.  Seeing Carter go on this journey with Max and how the other man shows him that yes, he is what he is, but he is still capable of love and being loved in return.  I loved him.

Is there a style or genre of writing that you haven’t tired yet but you’d like to explore?

I’d like to explore a little F/F, but I’m not sure…I’m still thinking on that one…

How do you make time in your life for writing?

I’m a stay at home mum, and now the kids are both at school it’s easier, but as all writers know, you have to discipline yourself and strap yourself in that seat…or you’ll spend a lot of time thinking and not much doing 

I do sooooo know how that goes 🙂
What do you like to read? Do you have some favorite authors?

Stephen King is a stalwart favourite of mine.  The way he draws you in and wraps you in a story, scaring the pants of you and also sending you on a whirlwind of emotions as well, never ceases to amaze me.  In my genre, my favourites are Sue Brown, Chris Quinton, Patricia Logan, Lee Brazil and I’ve just read and insist everyone else does too, TJ Klune’s first release…Bear, Otter and the Kid.  You have to read it – it was fantastic! 

I’m about 3/4 of the way through Bear, Otter, and the Kid and it is blowing me away!

If you decide to take a Saturday off, what are we likely to find you doing?

You are likely to find me *hangs head in shame* in front of the television watching the omnibus of Come Dine With Me.  It’s an English show where five people, complete strangers to each other, cook a meal each over five days and the winner gets £1,000.  I know!  I’m sad and pathetic.

Or you’ll find me poking the kids while they’re on their DS’s and watching the TV, complaining that I’m bored and they won’t play with me.

Choose six adjectives to describe yourself.

Okay…this is where you tell me I have no business being a writer because I had to look up what an adjective is…I know…I get confused between nouns and adjectives
Me…ummmm….kind, generous, loyal, impatient, insecure, and my daughter’s favourite, squishy.

Describe the perfect meal.

No hesitation, no doubts, no queries…steak and kidney pie, mashed potato, onions and gravy.  *Le sigh*

Mmmm sounds wonderful. Comfort food at it’s best.

If you were a dessert what would you be and why?

I’d be apple pie…because I can be slightly crispy on the outside…but when you get past it, I’m all gooey and squishy on the inside

Forever Dusk by Lisa Worrall
Blurb:
When Theo decides to drag Jonah to a fabulous new club, he reluctantly agrees. Five minutes inside Forever Dusk, a theme club for wannabe vampires, is more than enough for him — until he catches the violet gaze of the mysterious owner, Sebastian O’Keefe. Inexplicably drawn to the vision of tall, dark and mysterious, Jonah makes a decision that could change his life forever.

Excerpt:

“I believe the gentleman said he wasn’t interested.”

Jonah turned his head in the direction of the chocolaty voice and winced at the pull on his hair that the movement created. His assailant took one look at the owner of the voice and released him.

“I’m sorry, Sebastian,” the oaf slurred, obviously drunk. He turned back to Jonah and held his hands out in a placating gesture. “I should not have been so forward. I overstepped my boundaries. Please forgive me.”

“Yeah, whatever,” Jonah said, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at the crowd that seemed to have assembled around them. He turned away and looked down at his beer, desperately willing the people to disperse so he could die quietly. He started when a slender hand fell onto his shoulder and he looked into eyes the color of which could only be described as violet, in a face so ethereally handsome that his mouth actually dropped open.

“I’m Sebastian O’Keefe, I am the owner of this establishment and I would like to extend my apologies for the way you have been treated this evening, Mr…?”

“Michaels, Jonah Michaels,” he replied, hoping he didn’t sound like a complete moron, because his tongue was currently stuck to the roof of his suddenly dry mouth.

“Mr Michaels, again, my apologies. Braden will furnish you with a drink on the house.” He motioned to the bartender. “Please, enjoy the rest of your evening,” Sebastian said politely with a nod of his head and turned away.

“Wait,” Jonah said on a rush of breath, not entirely sure what he was doing, but certain in that split second he didn’t want to stop listening to the lilting, musical quality of the man’s voice. “The least I can do is buy you a drink after you defended my honor.”

“Thank you, but no,” Sebastian replied, his violet gaze travelling over Jonah slowly from beneath lowered lashes. “I have some work to do in the office, and I don’t really care for alcohol.”

“A soda then?” Jonah blurted as the man turned away. “Tea, coffee… water?” He held out his hands in a hopeful gesture. “I’ve got a breath mint in my pocket…” /Way to go, Jonah, your best pick up line yet/. He smiled as Sebastian’s lips twitched and he tilted his head, gazing at the other man with his best hang-dog look. “Just one?”

“Very well, Mr Michaels,” Sebastian replied, “just one.”

“Please, it’s Jonah.” Indicating to the stool beside him, Jonah encouraged Sebastian to sit down.

“Then Jonah it is.”

They were only seated for mere moments, Jonah noted, when a cup of black coffee was put down in front of the other man and another microbrew to replace the one he had finished. He swallowed hard as he lifted his gaze and found Sebastian O’Keefe’s glittering eyes staring at him.

The man was quite basically the most gorgeous thing Jonah had ever laid eyes on. He was easily over six foot, slender framed, but he could see the muscles clearly defined beneath the close fitting black button down the man wore. Sebastian’s hair was jet black and fell to his shoulders in a silky curtain, the ends flicking up to rest on his shoulders, and bangs lay across his forehead. He had thick black brows above what, at first glance, could be mistaken for piercing blue eyes but, on closer inspection, the blue was that of cornflowers, lending a violet hue to his gaze. Violet eyes surrounded by long black lashes which would not have looked out of place on a girl, but didn’t feminize the man’s strong angular features in the slightest. His straight nose sat above full pink lips, and below that his chin was square and strong, giving a heart shaped appearance to his almost symmetrical face. Sebastian O’Keefe was, quite simply, beautiful.

Dinner with a Hero – Josh Lanyon

Oct 7, 2011 Filed under: guest blogger, m/m, recipes, sweet treats

Today, Josh Lanyon, a write I admire immensely, invites you to join two of my favorite heroes, Tucker and Elliot from Fair Game for a mouth-watering repast….

Cocktails

Lemon Drop Martinis

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. Jose Cuervo Especial Gold T

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1/2 ounce triple sec (may sub Grand Marnier for extra kick)

• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar (to rim martini glass)

• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

• 4 -5 ice cubes

• Twist of lemon

Directions

• Chill martini glasses in freezer for at least 10 minutes prior to serving.

• Place Vodka, Triple Sec, lemon juice and sugar into a cocktail shaker with 4-5 ice cubes and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.

 

• Run the lemon twist around the edge of the chilled martini glass and dunk in a small amount of sugar for a coated rim.

• Pour the strained martini into the chilled glasses and serve.

 

Hors D’Oeuvres

Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 1 French baguette, cut into 36 1/4-inch-thick slices

• 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 halved garlic cloves

• 1 medium eggplant

• 1 large seeded, diced tomato

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon shredded fresh basil leaves

• Salt and pepper

Directions

• 1.Cut a French baguette into 36 1/4-inch-thick slices and brush lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toast in a 350° oven for about 7 minutes until golden. Rub the toasts with 2 halved garlic cloves.

• Lightly coat 2 large baking sheets with vegetable oil cooking spray. Slice 1 medium eggplant lengthwise 1/4 inch thick and arrange the slices on 2 baking sheets. Brush with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 10 minutes, until softened. Cut the eggplant into 1/2 -inch dice and transfer to a large bowl. Add 1 large seeded, diced ( 1/4 inch) tomato, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 12 shredded fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper.

• Mound the eggplant-tomato mixture on the garlic-rubbed toasts and serve.

 

Soup

Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter

• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 1 jar (2 lb.) butternut squash puree

• 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, thinly sliced

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 small bay leaves

• 3 tsp. kosher salt

• 1/2 cup crème fraîche

• 1/4 tsp. ground coriander (optional)

• 1/4 tsp. grated peeled fresh ginger (optional)

• Fried sage leaves for garnish

• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

• In a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until soft but not browned, 12 to 15 minutes.

• Add the butternut squash puree, apple, broth, bay leaves and salt and stir to combine.

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Partially cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.

• Remove the bay leaves and discard. Add the crème fraîche.

• Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Stir in the

coriander and ginger.

• Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and garnish with fried sage leaves and pepper.

• Serve immediately.

 

Main Course

Tucker’s Cedar Plank-Grilled Salmon with Garlic, Lemon and Dill

Ingredients

• 1 (3 pound) whole filet of salmon, skin on, scored (up to but not through the skin) into serving pieces

• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 4 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup minced fresh dill

• 2 teaspoons sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving

Directions

• Soak an untreated cedar plank (or planks) large enough to hold a side of salmon (5 to 7 inches wide and 16 to 20 inches long) in water, weighting it with something heavy, like a brick, so it stays submerged 30 minutes to 24 hours.

• When ready to grill, either build a charcoal fire in half the grill or turn grill burners on high for 10 minutes.

• Meanwhile, mix oil, garlic, dill, sea salt, pepper and lemon zest; rub over salmon and into scored areas to coat.

• Place soaked cedar on hot grill grate, close lid, and watch until wood starts to smoke, about 5 minutes. Transfer salmon to hot plank, move salmon off direct charcoal heat or turn burners to low, and cook covered until salmon is just opaque throughout (130 on a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest section) 20 to 25 minutes or longer, depending on thickness and grill temperature.

• Let sit 5 minutes; serve with lemon wedges.

 

Roland’s Cauliflower with Mustard-Lemon Butter

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cauliflower (about 1 3/4 pounds)

• 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard

• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter rimmed baking sheet.

• Cut cauliflower in half, then cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Arrange slices in single layer on prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with salt.

• Roast until cauliflower is slightly softened, about 15 minutes.

• Meanwhile, melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in lemon juice, mustard, and lemon peel.

• Spoon mustard-lemon butter evenly over cauliflower and roast until crisp-tender, about

10 minutes longer. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. If desired, rewarm in 350°F oven until heated

through, about 10 minutes.

• Transfer cauliflower to platter. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

 

Dessert

Warm Chocolate Cakes with Mascarpone Cream

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped, plus shavings for garnish (optional)

• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter

• 3 large eggs, plus 3 large egg yolks, at room temperature

• 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup cake flour

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

• 1 cup mascarpone (8 ounces)

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• About 1/2 cup brandied cherries or kirsch-soaked sour cherries

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°. Coat six 6-ounce ramekins with butter, and dust lightly with flour. Set the ramekins on a sturdy baking sheet. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate with the butter; let cool.

• In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk, beat the eggs, yolks and sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chocolate, then fold in the cake flour just until no streaks remain.

• Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins and bake for 15 minutes, until the cakes have risen, the tops are dry and the centers are slightly jiggly. Let stand for 5 minutes.

• In a bowl, beat the cream with the vanilla seeds, brown sugar and lemon zest until soft peaks form. Add the mascarpone and lemon juice and beat until blended.

• Run the tip of a small knife around each cake to loosen it, then unmold onto plates. Spoon the mascarpone cream onto the cakes and garnish with the brandied cherries and chocolate shavings.

 

 

Bailey’s Irish Coffee

Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) wine glass, preheated

• 10 ounces brewed coffee

• 1 shot glass of Bushmill’s Irish whiskey

• 1 1/2 jiggers Bailey’s Original Irish Cream

• 1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form

• Ground cinnamon or chocolate shavings (optional)

Directions

• Pour whiskey into heated glass

• Add hot coffee

• Add the Bailey’s and stir well to blend

• Top with a mound of whipped cream

• Sprinkle with cinnamon or shaved chocolate.

• Serve responsibly.

 

Fair Game by Josh Lanyon

Buy at Amazon, ARe, or Carina Press

Watch the book trailer.

Blurb:

A crippling knee injury forced Elliot Mills to trade in his FBI badge for dusty chalkboards and bored college students. Now a history professor at Puget Sound university, the former agent has put his old life behind him—but it seems his old life isn’t finished with him.

A young man has gone missing from campus—and as a favor to a family friend, Elliot agrees to do a little sniffing around. His investigations bring him face-to-face with his former lover, Tucker Lance, the special agent handling the case.

Things ended badly with Tucker, and neither man is ready to back down on the fight that drove them apart. But they have to figure out a way to move beyond their past and work together as more men go missing and Elliot becomes the target in a killer’s obsessive game…

Excerpt:

On the sidewalk outside the house, Tucker preempted Elliot with a harsh, “I don’t want to hear it. Personally if someone did pop the kid, I like Daddy-o for it.”

“I’m not saying you’re wrong.”

‘The guy is a bona fide homophobe – with a violent streak to boot. Have you had a look at his record? Assault charges were filed against him three times back when he and your pop were buying their tie-dyed tickets to Woodstock.”

Tie dyed tickets? Despite the face that there was little to find funny in any of this, Elliot’s mouth twitched. “What happened to the assault charge?”

“Maybe the same thing that happened today. Someone convinced someone else against his better judgment to drop them.”

Elliot met Tucker’s flinty gaze. He shook his head. “The guy’s a lawyer, Lance. A very successful lawyer. And he’s a grieving father. Where do you think a court’s sympathy is going to lie? With a model citizen like him or a hard-ass like you?”

Tucker’s gaze grew adamantine. He opened his mouth, but Elliot said, “It’s a rhetorical question. I know the answer if you don’t. Can you give me a lift back to the college?”

After a moment, Tucker nodded curtly.

The drive back to campus was accomplished in record time and dead silence. As the tires bit into the chapel parking lot, Tucker glanced Elliot’s way and growled. “You okay?”

Elliot gave him a narrowed look. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“What happened back there?” Tucker glared at Elliot’s knee, which Elliot had been unconsciously rubbing.

“Nothing.” That was obviously not true. Elliot qualified, “I rammed my knee into the counter.”

Tucker opened his mouth, then seemed to think better of it. He shrugged.

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about it.” He was not fine, of course. He felt drained, depressed, and his knee was pulsing to a steady, painful beat, flares of anguish surfacing through damaged nerves and muscles and tendons when and where he least expected.

He was sorry he’d ever agreed to look into Terry Baker’s disappearance. What the hell use had it been?

“Good,” Tucker clamped out, pulling up beside Elliot’s Nissan. “Great.”

“I’ll talk to you later.” Was there some reason he would be talking to Tucker later? Elliot wasn’t sure, but he knew that he couldn’t say a final goodbye to Tucker here and now. He didn’t dare examine that conviction, but it persisted all the same. This was not the time or the place to face never seeing Tucker again.

He reached for the door handle, and Tucker said suddenly, urgently, “Elliot?”

He turned his head and Tucker’s big hand landed ungracefully on his shoulder, drawing him back as his warm mouth landed on Elliot’s.

For an astonished moment Elliot was aware of nothing but the feel of Tucker’s hard, insistent lips on his, the almost desperate pressure, the taste, the scent, the disturbing reality of Tucker’s desire.

“Elliot,” Tucker whispered, breaking contact for a moment. The heat of his breath was against Elliot’s face, hypnotizing, bewildering. His mouth touched Elliot’s again, and Elliot could feel his name – and a question – formed against his skin. Just that. Just Elliot?

There was a terrible familiarity to it. A reminder that he had not forgotten nearly enough, nearly what he had reassured himself was far, far behind him. It was all there, buried deep, but still flickering, like a short in his wiring, like an imprint on cell memory. Genetic code and the secret message was Tucker. The sudden unbearable sweetness of it made his breath catch and his eyes sting. Turned his guts to liquid with furious longing for that touch – that touch and no other.

The unfairness of it, the outrage of it, gave him the necessary strength to pull away. Tucker stared back at him, pupils dilated, breath uneven.

“What the fuck?”

Tucker’s chest rose and fell.

“Where did that come from?”

Still nothing from Tucker, and Elliot’s anger soared.

“Are you out of your fucking mind? You think after two years you’re just going to – to pick up where we left off? What the hell’s the matter with you?” Elliot pushed Tucker. Shoved him back into his corner behind the steering wheel. Tucker made no move to defend himself.

“You’re what’s the matter with me,” he cried. “Why did you have to come back?”

“I’m not back.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“I’m working for the Bakers.”

“Bullshit. Bullshit, Elliot.”

“You think I got involved because you’re on this case?”

“No. I know better than that. Maybe you’ve developed selective amnesia, but I haven’t. I remember the way it went down. I’m not the only one who made mistakes.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“You’re so goddamned stubborn. And you always have been.”

At some point it would be funny, the fact that the two of them were sitting there glaring at each other, panting and nearly inarticulate with anger and lust and complete, utter confusion. But it was not funny now. Now it was merely one more painful, pointless instant in a day of painful, pointless incidents.

“Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that, Tucker,” Elliot threw back. He yanked open the car door, jumped out. “Eventually you’ll convince yourself I walked away.” He slammed the door shut with all the energy and anger he could summon.

He stood there rubbing his knee impatiently, absently, as Tucker’s car sped from the parking lot.

Learn more about Josh Lanyon at his website.

Hump Day Eye Candy, September 28

Sep 28, 2011 Filed under: eye candy, m/m

*sigh*