Friday, February 28, 2020

The Twisted Oak by Sarah Hadley Brook

The Twisted Oak
by Sarah Hadley Brook


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GENRE: LGBTQ Romance/MM Romance

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BLURB:

Wade Dwyer's life is turned upside down when his father dies and he learns he must marry or he and his siblings will lose the ranch. One last jab of the knife from his father. On top of that, his father's only friend knows about the stipulation and is determined to own the property by any means necessary.

He's facing the very real possibility of being the reason his family loses their home when his brother's best friend, Lance Matthews, offers to walk down the aisle with him. A faux marriage to the man he's loved for years is a torture he isn't sure he can endure.

Can he keep the ranch ... and the man of his dreams, too?

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Excerpt :

This is nice,” Wade said as he moved closer to the pictures. Lots of family photos, some of his graduation. It was like a timeline of Lance’s life. When his eyes fell on one photo, he stopped, leaning in. It was a picture of Wade, Casey, and Lance on the sofa, playing video games. Probably one of the many nights Lance spent there as a teenager. But Lance wasn’t watching the game. He was staring at Wade.

I remember that night,” Lance whispered, suddenly by Wade’s side.

Brings back memories,” Wade admitted. “Who took the picture?”

Lance blushed. “Landon had been bugging us to let him join in on the video games, so I handed him my phone and let him play something on there so he’d leave us alone.”

Ahh, the little brother bribe. I know it well,” Wade said, grinning.

Lance laughed. “Well, he must have been bored, because when I got the phone back, there were a lot of new pictures. He took some of his room, the barn, the horses, and this one of us playing video games.”

Wade’s chest tightened. “You kept this one…why?” There was nothing really remarkable about the picture. Other than Lance staring at him. But that could have been anything. He could have said something funny or they could have been talking.

Lance’s cheeks pinked. “I just liked the picture.”

He cocked his head and stood in front of Lance. “No reason?”

The man took a step back, and suddenly they were in the same position in which they’d found themselves this morning in the hallway. Lance looked into his eyes and Wade’s heart did a somersault. Lance’s eyes were dark with desire.

Tell me,” Wade ordered. “Tell me why you kept the picture, Lance. Why were you looking at me instead of the game? Were we talking?”

Lance shook his head. “No,” he breathed out, his voice shaky. “God, I remember like it was yesterday, though. Casey and I were playing a game and you came in and joined us. When you sat next to me…I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t even breathe.” He looked to the side.

Wade cupped his chin and tilted his head to face him. “Why? Tell me, Lance.”

Lance licked his lips. “Because I was crazy about you, Wade. And I was scared of my feelings.”

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Hello and welcome to my blog! Can you tell me a little about yourself, and how you became an author?

Hi Jennifer. Thanks so much for having me! A little about me… I’m a mother of two amazing young men, a grandmother of a wonderful toddler, and a cat mom to two furry babies.

For as long as I remember, I’ve wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I finally started writing in earnest. I started writing short stories and posting them for review and when I felt I was ready to give it a real go, I submitted one to a publisher. When I received an email telling me they’d accepted my story, I jumped out of my chair and yelled. Probably not the best reaction, since I was in an office setting at my day job!

From there, I just kept writing!

What is your book about?

My book is an MM western romance with a faux marriage, a family fighting for their ranch, and lots of love.

Wade Dwyer has been in love with his brother’s best friend for years, but an incident from his teen years has caused him to avoid Lance by all means. When he finds out his father has put a condition in his will, Wade is devastated—until Lance steps in and offers to be his groom.

How is Wade supposed to focus on catching the man responsible for the attacks on his ranch when he’s sharing his bed with the man of his dreams? He doesn’t have time for feeling. No matter how much Lance tempts him.

Who is your hero? Is he based on someone in real life?

The hero is Wade Dwyer, the middle of the three Dwyer men. He’s quiet, slightly introverted, and fiercely loyal to his family. He’s definitely the tall, brooding type!

I didn’t actually base him on anyone that I know, but now that I think about it, he reminds me of a guy from my high school! Whew, that was too long ago to admit!

What are your favorite times for writing? Morning? Evening?

I am definitely a morning person. I wake up at 5:30 every morning and that’s when I try to get some writing in before I head off to my day job. I write anytime during the weekend, though. Anytime I can grab a few hours. 

Who are your favorite authors? Did they influence your writing, and if so, how?


I love Julie Garwood and Nora Roberts. When it comes to romance, they always hit it out of the park. But I also love find new authors. I read mystery, romance, sci-fi, historical, political—I’m open to most anything. I’m not sure any particular author influenced me, other than inspiring me to keep learning and keep writing. There are so many great authors out there!


Did you have a favorite book as a child? Did it influence your choice to become an author?

Little Women was hands down my favorite when I was young. I loved Jo and wanted to be just like her. That book definitely pushed me toward wanting to be an author. Although, reading The Box Car Children inspired me when I was even younger. I loved those stories and created stories in my mind for my dolls to act out. I also wrote little paper books for my dolls.


Reading takes us places we might never go and I will always be a voracious reader. 

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, and best of luck for your book, it sounds wonderful!


AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Sarah Hadley Brook lives smack-dab in the middle of the Heartland and is the mother of two wonderful young men, as well as two cats. During the day, she works in the non-profit world, but reserves evenings for her hobby-turned-passion of writing, letting the characters she conjures up in her mind take the lead and show her where the story will go. When not working or writing, she can be found reading, working on dollhouses, trying her hand at new recipes, or watching old movies and musicals. In her ideal world, Christmas would come at least twice a year, Rock Hudson and Doris Day would have co-starred in more than three movies, and chocolate would be a daily necessity to live. She dreams of traveling to Scotland some day and visiting the places her ancestors lived. Sarah believes in “Happily Ever After” and strives to ensure her characters find their own happiness in love and life.

Website: www.sarahhadleybrookwrites.com
Email: contact@sarahhadleybrookwrites.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahhadleybrook
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SHadleyBrook/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/SarahHadleyBrook
Instagram: @sarah_hadley_brook_author
QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/?s=sarah+hadley+brook&search_type=book_search

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Sarah Hadley Brook will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn host

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Melinda Longtin presents Metaphoria


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Melinda Longtin will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Collecting seashells

Off the sands of time,
I race to Grandfather Clock.

Barter,
Burden,
Broken,
Bought.
My broken shells are gone.
The beach is empty.

I
Have
Nothing
But salt and canvas.

What new life
Can I create?

Enjoy an Excerpt
Spinning Windows into Doors

Veins are trees. Sprigs shimmer matte Without their foliage.

Invisible ceilings Mark the only barrier Between the shrubs and waves.

Rushes spiral, Slipping into cores, Ripped out stains of the sky.

A sun is a fist In a drawing’s window. Can’t punch through the waves, So it sneaks where water incinerates flesh.

But wait for the canvas, Front and center, Shooting past veins, To the pains of this clerestory.

It’s bleached white With eyes carved of wood and stone. Lips transparent, But deep violet. They restrict the pen Of one who would paint the world In gems and marble-cased grasses.

Emerald green would envelope the drawing, And no one would see the panes.

How could someone Try to resist A face with star flowers Around one eye, Decorated with time above the other?

Does sand permeate the window? Could it shut down time, And freeze the halves of pink chrysanthemums To shatter its own cheeks?

An image without purpose, Must spin the window Into a door.

About the Author: Melinda Longtin is the founder of inspirwing, a professional development blog focused on helping people pursue their dreams. Inspired by her own recovery as a survivor of domestic abuse, Metaphoria started out as a private attempt to organize her emotions. However, it quickly evolved into drastic personal growth as well as her passion for assisting others. A previously published poet and successful educator, Melinda lives life to the fullest in the American Northeast with her soulmate and their cat. Chase your dreams too.

Website: https://inspirwing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspirwing
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/inspirwing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stardancermel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LongtinMelinda Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19535097.Melinda_Longtin
Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Metaphoria-Melinda-Longtin-ebook/dp/B083LFF435/

Melinda Longtin will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, February 17, 2020

The Unexpected Wedding by Debra Elizabeth


The Unexpected Wedding
by Debra Elizabeth

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Lady Elizabeth Tyndale has endured a string of bad dates. She’s not sure if sharing her opinions and business sense scared potential boyfriends away, but what’s the point of having an opinion if she never expresses it? When her brother and sister-in-law invite her to join them on a trip to San Diego, she reluctantly agrees. Besides, what does she have to lose? She’s certainly not burning up the dating scene in England.
Computer Programmer Jackson ‘Jack’ Stanfield doesn’t date much. He’d rather bury himself in code because computers are simple, but people are complicated. When his college buddy invites him to a BBQ, Jack reluctantly agrees to attend. He’s not prepared for his intense reaction when he meets Elizabeth Tyndale. Can the British beauty draw Jack out of his shell and open his heart to love?

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Excerpt:

Jack walked toward the back door. When he was almost there, he saw a vision—a stunning young woman with blonde curls cascading down her back. When she turned at his approach, the last rays of the sun enveloped her silhouette, giving her an ethereal dreamy quality. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and he felt the breath leave his body as he stood staring open-mouthed. He’d never had such a reaction to a woman before. It was new and an unnerving experience.

Did you want something?” she asked.

Jack continued to stare, totally captivated by this woman and her beautiful cornflower blue eyes. He knew she was talking, but he didn’t hear a word, just a lyrical melody.

The young woman waved her hand in front of his face. “Hello, can I get you something?”

That broke his trance and Jack felt heat climb up his neck. “Huh? Oh god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to stare,” he stammered.

It’s quite all right. Now do you want something, a beer perhaps?” she asked.

You’re British?”

The young woman’s eyes traveled down to her feet and back up again before she looked at him. “Last time I looked, yes,” she chuckled.

What an asinine thing to say!

Shall we start again?” she asked. “I’m Elizabeth and you are?”

Jack gave himself a mental shake. “Oh, please forgive me. I’m not used to making a complete fool of myself before I’ve even uttered a single word. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth. I’m Jackson, um Jack, that is.”

Well, Jackson um Jack, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Now, would you like a beer?”

He chuckled. “Yes, please. That would be good.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Debra writes sweet romance in contemporary romance and historical romance. She enjoys telling stories and has been pouring out her passion for romance since her teenage years.


Debra lives in New England with her husband and one very exhausted kitty.

Buy Link:

Website:

Facebook:

Bookbub Profile:

Amazon author page:

The book will be on sale for $0.99.
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

Debra Elizabeth will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This was a very sweet romance and definitely one that lovers of billionaire stories will adore. The hero is properly nerdy and falls like a ton of bricks for the heroine. Jack (the hero) is cute and funny. Elizabeth (the heroine) has her feet on the ground. I liked their interactions and thought that they were a great couple. Elizabeth is British and she seems very much at home in the American setting. Her relationship with her family and their reactions to Jack are well written. I would recommend this book for lovers of sweet romance, and billionaire romances.


Friday, February 7, 2020

Rage and Retribution

Thank you, Jennifer, for giving me the opportunity to chat about the latest in my D.I. Sterling series, Rage and Retribution.


The idea came to me while watching a programme dealing with victims of rape who couldn’t bring themselves to go to the police. That programme sent my mind into overdrive. What would you do if you knew someone was a rapist, but the victim was never going to report the crime? What would you do if you knew of several rapists who were never going to be brought to justice? Would you tell yourself it was nothing to do with you, or would you be unable to put it out of your mind? Would you try to ensure that justice of a sort was carried out? That’s the premise behind Rage and Retribution.

Can two wrongs ever make a right?
A man is found by the side of a canal, comatose and brutally attacked.
It quickly becomes clear that someone is abducting men and subjecting them to horrific acts of torture. After three days they're released, fighting for their lives and refusing to speak.

A councillor is accused of fraud.
Montague Mason is an upstanding member of the community. That is until he's publicly accused of stealing the youth centre's funds - an accusation that threatens to rip through the very heart of the community and expose his best-kept secret. But how far would he go to protect himself?

Two cases. One deadly answer.
As the two cases collide, D.I. Paolo Sterling finds he has more questions than answers. And, when torture escalates to murder, he suddenly finds himself in a race against time to find the killer and put an end to the depravity - once and for all.
Rage and Retribution is the fourth in the D.I. Sterling series, which sits at the darker end of the crime fiction spectrum.
Read an excerpt:

Chapter One
Nemesis in Action Blog
Day One – Jason Corbett
I opened the door and smiled at the scene. The naked man was splayed face down on the table. He looked as if he was still unconscious. Surely not? Moving into the room, I slammed the door closed to see if that stirred him. He spun his head at the sound. Good. He was awake at last. Blindfolded and gagged, he wasn’t about to have a chat with me about how he’d ended up here. That conversation would come soon enough. I checked to make sure he couldn’t make any sudden moves.
Not that it was likely he’d been able to free his limbs. His feet rested on the floor, each ankle tied to a leg of a small square table with butcher’s string. There was no way the knots would ever work loose. When the time came, I’d have to cut him free. His arms hung down on either side of the table and were fastened to the other two legs. Bent over the table at the waist, his backside was vulnerable and ready for action.
I reached forward to untie the gag. Letting them talk during the process was good – a chance to hear them trying to make excuses, or better still, begging for forgiveness. A quick tug released the material from the man’s mouth, leaving him gasping for air. When he finally caught his breath, his anger erupted.

Coming February 11
Book links:


Bio:
Born and raised in South East London, Lorraine lived and worked in South Africa, on the Island of Gozo and in France before settling on the Costa del Sol in Spain. She lives with her partner in a traditional Spanish village inland from the coast and enjoys sampling the regional dishes and ever-changing tapas in the local bars. Her knowledge of Spanish is expanding. To stop her waistline from doing the same, she runs five times a week.
When not working on her D.I. Sterling series of crime novels, Lorraine is engaged in many writing-related activities. She is a columnist for both Writing Magazine and Writers' Forum and is head judge for Writers’ Forum monthly fiction competitions. A tutor for Writers Bureau, she also runs her own private critique and author mentoring service.
Find her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorraine.mace.52

LESSER KNOWN TRAVEL TRIPS - Book IV "How to React When Woken at 3am by Drunk Argentinian Backpackers While Staying in a Youth Hostel and Other Lesser Known Travel Tips" by Simon Yeats

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