>Aftermath by Angel Martinez

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Aftermath
Author: Angel Martinez
Publisher: Red Rose Publishing
Pages: 120
Characters: Vic Szoldos, Cody Fitzroy
POV: 3rd person
Scene Setting: Contemporary
Genre: Romantic drama
Book Cover Rating: 3

3.5 KISSES

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Blurb:

Victor and Cody have the American dream —a house, two cars, upwardly mobile income, and each other — but all is not well in paradise.

Cody’s naive belief in other people’s goodwill led to one recent assault from which he struggles to recover. Returning to his art, he seems to have found his balance only to be betrayed by a friend and brutally assaulted again.

Victor, wracked by guilt and shackled to a grueling, time-devouring career, must find a way to help Cody back from the darkness and to keep him safe from his self-destructive behavior.

With the help of a common-sense therapist, some loyal friends and Cody’s own impetuous nature, their recovery and their relationship have a chance. If the criminals who attacked Cody would leave him alone, that is.

Review:

Rape is a crime that continues to victimize long after the act is committed. From being haunted by the memories of the act itself to suffering through the stigma of the question that the victim might have somehow been to blame for the violence is a perpetual source of torment. Cody Fitzroy taught me a lesson about making judgments.

Cody is a contradiction. He is at once charming, funny, and affectionate, yet is reckless, impulsive, and self-destructive. There was a point in time in the book that I would have believed Cody to be his own worst enemy—if that role wasn’t already being filled by his Judas of an ex-lover, Jonathan Kemp. It was Cody’s impulsiveness that set me on edge through the book, trying very hard not to criticize and blame him for his poor choices. I was guilty of persecuting the victim, but in the end, Cody Fitzroy proved his strength, and I loved him. He may be imperfect, but he is an entirely sympathetic character.

Vic Szoldos is Cody’s partner. Vic is a dominant and vigilant man who balances his innate need to protect Cody with being sensitive to Cody’s need for his own identity. Vic’s demanding career is a frequent source of contention between the two men and is a contrast to Cody’s own artistic freedom. Cody loves the nightclubs, and when he hears the music and hits the dance floor, his irrepressible nature seems to overwhelm his common sense. At one time, that had nearly cost Cody his life, and it’s the memory of that horror that triggers Vic’s protective instincts. When a truly unforgiveable betrayal causes history to repeat itself, it nearly tears the men apart.

Cody and Vic try to navigate their way through the aftermath of Cody’s rape and with the help of a therapist, each of the men contemplate some truths about themselves, helping them to evolve and reinforcing their commitment.

Aftermath is a story of chain reactions, a tale of a series of events that begins with an act of duplicity and ends with a couple who are stronger for their trials. The book portrays the devastating effects of a brutal violation and the recovery that provides the basis for a stronger relationship for Cody and Vic, and does so with candor and sensitivity.

Review by Lisa

>Transit by Raev Gray and Aleksandr Voinov

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Transit
Author: Raev Gray & Aleksandr Voinov
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 98
Characters: Andrew Young, Javier Castillo
POV: 3rd Person
Setting: Italy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Rating: 4

4 KISSES

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Blurb:

When a snow storm strands Javier Castillo in Italy at Christmas, it almost ruins his chance to win back a client his advertising agency desperately needs. The situation isn’t improved by the presence of his colleague, Andrew Young, a silver-tongued account director infamous for having slept with a client. Javier has a hard time respecting a man who would do anything for an account, but proximity may prove that Andrew is not quite the man Javier thought. They might have the opportunity to forge a successful business opportunity—or even a life together—if they don’t get cold feet.

Review:

Andrew Young has a reputation at work based both in fact and conjecture. Andrew is very good at his job, but the fact that he made the mistake of sleeping with a client keeps the office grapevine buzzing with the speculation that he might have earned the McGrady account through seduction rather than savvy. Andrew made the mistake of mixing business with pleasure, and the rumors have plagued him since.

Javier Castillo has heard those rumors and, fair or not, he believes them. He has a bit of a reputation himself, but of an entirely different sort: Javier is the creative side of the advertising business, not known for his warmth and congeniality but for his artistic talent. Together, Javier’s and Andrew’s abilities should be the perfect complement when they team up, if reluctantly, in an effort to retain a lucrative account, but the fact is they each harbor preconceived notions of the other, setting the tone for their working relationship.

Circumstance and Mother Nature collude to undermine their plans and force the men together out of their element, stranding them in a hotel room in Italy during a snow storm and providing them with the opportunity to learn some truths about both themselves and each other. With his artistic vision, Javier begins to see Andrew in a new light. Javier is a man with an eye for detail who can’t seem to see beyond his own fears, limiting himself to what is safe and routine. While the men view the world through different experiences, they each come to find that they want nothing more than to matter to someone. Whether that someone will be each other depends upon whether they are willing to open themselves up to the risk. When the weather breaks, they accomplish their mission, re-signing the account and returning to their regularly scheduled lives. The question then becomes whether their attraction to each other was based on something solid, or did they succumb to a magic as fleeting as the snow that had held them captive. Those misgivings might be enough to break their fragile bond.

Transit is the story of two men travelling on a parallel journey, each longing to arrive at the same destination, but following different paths to get there. Placing trust in something fragile, in something that comes with no guarantees, requires courage and compromise; it’s a pass or fail test for which there is no way to prepare.

Andrew and Javier were both incredibly engaging characters whose lives were filled with the strengths, insecurities, and uncertainties that made them each relatable. They were a fine example of how opposites attract and of how an opposing force can often become the catalyst for much needed change. Their attraction to each other may have sparked effortlessly, but their personal and professional lives hit just enough snags along the way to add a bit of angst and depth to their romance and gave me a reason to welcome their happy ending.

Reviewed By: Lisa

Sloan Parker Interview

Sloan Parker
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Sloan. We are very excited and can’t wait to learn more about you.
Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve got in store for me.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I’m from northern Ohio where I live with my partner of too many years to admit. I have a master’s degree in Mass Communications and started writing with the hope of publication during my college years. I’ve written half a dozen partial manuscripts, a couple of novellas, and one vampire m/m erotic romance that I’ve never let anyone read other than my partner. In 2007, I got serious about my writing and not long after that began working toward a writing career in m/m fiction.

What was your first book and how long did it take to get it published?
My first book, MORE, was published by Loose Id in March of this year. From the time I finished it to signing the contract was about 3 to 4 months.

When did you start writing m/m erotic romance? What about this genre interested you the most?
I started in this genre in 2008. I had been writing suspense and romantic suspense on and off for years without being happy with what I was producing. Then I read an erotic m/m romance and was inspired. When I started writing my own, I liked the characters, the heat, the passion, and the storylines I was coming up with.

Do you write full time?
Currently I’m writing full time and working on freelance projects part-time. A few years ago, I made the decision to leave my corporate job when a large freelance project became available. I knew I couldn’t work full time, take on more freelance work, and write. Something had to go. I decided it was time to get serious about my writing.

Looking back was there something in particular that helped you to decide to become a writer? Did you choose it or did the profession choose you?
I knew I wanted to be a writer when I was a young child, but I spent a lot of years trying to do other things–trying to tell myself I’d be happy doing other things. It didn’t work. I think the passion for storytelling has always been with me. The craft of writing took some time to develop, and I’m still learning. Hopefully I always will be.

On a typical writing day, how would you spend your time?
I usually try to spend the bulk of the daytime hours writing and then fit everything else in, including promotion, marketing, and my freelance work, after I’ve finished my writing goals for the day. That doesn’t always go as planned, but I’m working on it. I also try to hit Twitter and Facebook at least once or twice a day. Both are helpful for my sanity.

When it comes to plotting, do you write freely or plan everything in advance?
I’m a plotter. I plan as much as I can using character sketches and an outline before I start writing the first draft. The story changes a bit during the writing phase, but I like to have a firm idea about the characters and where the story is going from the start.

What kind of research do you do before and during a new book?
While I’m outlining I keep a list of things I need to research, and then before I start writing, I research as much as I can or at least as much as I need to know to make decisions about the plot. Then as I write, I mark any areas I need to validate after the first draft is done.

How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters? How do you approach development of your characters? Where do you draw the line?
I think I definitely bring some of my own life experiences or things I’ve witnessed and learned about into my writing. I’ve written about characters who were nothing like me, but even then I think parts of my own experiences or the people I’ve interacted with find their way into some of that character’s personality/story. When creating my characters, I come up with a general idea for their traits, backstory, and who I want them to be. Then I fill out character sketch sheets before I build a detailed scene outline for their story.

How long does it take for you to complete a book you would allow someone to read?
This is tough since I’m still so new to writing on a full-time schedule. I’d have to say 6 months to a year for a novel-length story. I write a very rough first couple of drafts, so I have to be pretty far along in the editing before I share with anyone.

If you weren’t sitting there right this very moment answering our book of questions, what else would you be doing?
Right now my to-do list is pretty lengthy, so I’d probably be catching up on work, reading one of the many books on my to-read list, or hanging with my partner at home.

Do you write straight through, or do you revise as you go along?
During the first draft, I’ve found I go back through sections and re-read/revise a bit to start each session or to get going with the flow of the story when I’m stuck. I have also found I do much better when I shut off the internal editor and pound out that first draft, then start revising.

Writers often go on about writer’s block. Do you ever suffer from it, and what measures do you take to get past it?
I’ve had moments that are really tough to get through when writing, but I don’t necessarily call them blocks. So far they haven’t lasted long. I move on to another part of the story (that’s the great thing about my outlines) or take a short creative break to let my mind wander. I’ve found a shower or a long drive help wake up the muse and get me back to work quickly.

When someone reads one of your books for the first time, what do you hope they gain, feel, or experience?
I’d like it to be entertaining, to say something to them about the power of love and passion. For it to be a special and unique experience for them.

Does the title of a book you’re writing come to you as you’re writing it, or does it come before you even begin the first sentence?
I don’t think I’ve ever had a title picked out before I started writing a story, and if I did, it changed by the time I was done. All my titles were selected before I was finished revising the books.

How would you describe your sense of humor? Who and what makes you laugh?
I’m not sure how to describe my own sense of humor. I just know I don’t write humor all that well. I can do a line here and there, but I’m not sure I could pull off a romantic comedy. As for what makes me laugh…My partner makes me laugh like no one I’ve ever known. I love her one-liners that just come out of nowhere. And I love books and movies with humor where you can’t help but laugh out loud. The kind where you are crying one minute, then laughing the next, or you are laughing so hard you have tears running down your cheeks–those are the best. Some of my favorite comedies are My Cousin Vinny, Galaxy Quest, The Golden Girls, and MASH.

What are you working on now?
I have two novel-length stories currently in the works. I hope to have the first drafts of both finished by the end of this year. Both are contemporary m/m erotic romances. One has more suspense than the other, but I don’t have a title for either one yet.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve received with respect to the art of writing? How did you implement it into your work?
I’ve read and heard so much great advice over the past two years that this is a tough one to answer. I guess it would be to put the reader into every scene in a way that they are living it with the characters, not reading about it. I try to use deep POV to get the reader into the moment with the characters.

When it comes to promotion, what lengths have you gone to in order to increase reader-awareness of your work?
Well, I’m still learning about how to effectively promote and market my work. I spend some time on a few of the romance groups and social networking sites, I post a few times each week on my blog. I’ve also joined an author co-op and purchased some advertising on romance, ebooks, and glbt sites. I participate in contests, guest blogs, and interviews as often as I can.

Writing is obviously not just how you make your living, but your life-style as well. What do you do to keep the creative “spark” alive – both in your work and out of it?
Music, reading, television, movies, interacting with all different kinds of people, daydreaming (or even people watching), and allowing my mind to play the “what if” game that allows the plot ideas to come alive. These all feed the muse in different ways.

What pros and cons surround the e-publishing industry, and how do you envision the future of e-publishing?
Some pros: fast access, availability, niche markets, faster to market, quicker payments for authors. One con I still experience is the negative impression so many people have toward ebooks. I’m amazed at how many people have said to me in the past year that ebooks are not “real books.” Well, I worked damn hard on that not “real book.” The good news is that I foresee that impression changing dramatically in the coming years as more and more of the general reading public read their first electronic book. I think we’ll see a tougher market and fight for market share as more and more books are e-published. Readers are going to become more demanding, not less. They’ll want quality work, competitive prices, attractive covers, and multiple formats.

What kind of books do you like to read?
Mostly these days I’m reading erotic romance and romantic suspense. Anything that keeps me on the edge of my seat (either in terms of the suspense or the passion).

If you weren’t a writer what would you be?
Flailing around in misery. Seriously, I (and everyone in my life) would be in trouble. I guess I’d still be at the corporate job and hoping I didn’t go postal at the next continuous improvement meeting when someone mentioned how to save money by using less toilet paper in the restrooms.

When it comes to the covers of your books, what do you like or dislike about them?
So far there has been nothing I don’t like as far as my covers. I’ve been lucky enough to have two awesome artists, April Martinez and Valerie Tibbs, who created wonderful representations for my stories. They fit the tone and genre very well.

Aside from writing, what else do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy spending time with my partner (which I never get to do enough anymore). I’m never bored when we just hang out together. I also spend as much free time as I can reading or listening to audio books. I wish I had more time to catch up on my TV and movie watching. I haven’t seen much in the way of new entertainment in a while.

New writers are always trying to glean advice from those with more experience. What suggestions do you have for new writers?
Not sure I’ve been around long enough to answer this question, but I guess I’d say be careful of sending your work out to agents or editors too early. It’s a thrill to complete a manuscript. Not everyone who wants to write actually gets that far. When you do, take a deep breath, and then go back to the beginning and polish that story until you can no longer see any errors, until you’ve made the characters, settings, and descriptions as real and unique as you can.

Can you please tell us where we can find you and your books on the Internet?
Love to. You can check out my website at: http://www.sloanparker.com/. There are links to my Twitter, Facebook, blog, and other social networking sites. My books are available at Loose Id: http://www.loose-id.com/Our-Authors/Sloan-Parker.

>The King’s Tale by Rowena Sudbury

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The King’s Tale
Author: Rowena Sudbury
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 282
Characters: King Christopher, Sir Dafydd
POV: 3rd Person
Scene Setting: Cornwall
Sub Genre: Historical
Book Cover Rating: 3.5

5 KISSES

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Blurb:

Though Dafydd is the fourth son of Welsh nobility, when he leaves his home he becomes a humble woodsman in small kingdom of Lysnowydh on the sea. During a fierce storm, a stranger seeks shelter in Dafydd’s remote cottage. He is no ordinary traveler-he is Christopher, King of Lysnowydh. The wild passion that flares between them rivals the storm, and love moves King Christopher’s heart to name Dafydd Marshal of his troops to keep him close.

However, love is never simple or safe when it must endure the pressures of political life. Though Dafydd proves himself in battle, Lysnowydh’s nobles protest his rise in position and power. Forces will conspire against Dafydd and Christopher, and they must endure treason, treachery, and the demands of a kingdom requiring an heir to secure their happiness together.

Review:

I don’t know if you can truly expect historical accuracy in this story, but as far as I’m concerned, who cares? Certainly not me! Frankly if I want to read a story that is completely accurate I’ll go for non-fiction, but personally I much prefer fiction and romance is right at the top of my favourites.

With The King’s Tale, Rowena Sudbury has not only gained a new fan, but she has gifted her readers with a story that is emotionally rich and filled with incredible detail. I could certainly *see* what was happening throughout the book.

I fell in love with Dafydd right from the get-go. Now there’s a man who is much, much more than he first appears; it’s obvious that he’s a hero, he’s loyal and not afraid of any kind of work, he’s got a knack for connecting with people, even when they’re prepared to hate him because he’s Welsh. Even so he’s not a man to hold that against them; he’s able to see beyond the surface and can see why they would feel that way. While we do get to know him better there’s still a part of him about which he is—not secretive because he’s not a man given to keeping secrets—but reserved maybe? Whatever it is, the only one to even get close to that hidden man is Christopher.

Christopher is another great and heroic man. He’s also free enough to indulge himself and to be open—at least somewhat—about the fact that he prefers men. Brave, yes, but it definitely helps that he’s been privileged and his father was willing to let Christopher sow his wild oats. And with Dafydd’s help, he accepts that he has a responsibility to his people and the King Henry. As much as he may not want to do what needs to be done, he is able to put aside his needs to ensure that his kingdom will be left strong. And kudos must also be given to Dafydd; without his being able to see beyond the here-and-now he is a big part of why Christopher fulfills his duty. Hard? You better believe it, but two men more committed to others than just themselves would be difficult to find.

The romance between Dafydd and Christopher is extremely sensual and sexy and just plain HOT, but it’s also sweet and loving and a joy to behold.

But the story is more than about them; there are any number of secondary characters who have an impact on the story as well. They, with our heroes, as well as Rowena Sudbury’s riveting storytelling make The King’s Tale not only a wonderful first read but one that I will go back to again and again.

Reviewer: Kathy

>Coming Soon: Second Chances by Jeff Erno

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Harold Wainwright is dying. At seventy-nine, stricken with malignant cancer, the multi-billionaire insurance mogul realizes he has much to regret. In his youth he rejected his only true love and instead chose to advance his career and build his financial empire. Single-mindedly he focused upon achieving his own goals, looking out for number one, and acquiring a monetary fortune. Now he is alone, and all he has is his money…and his life is over.

Doctor Timothy Drayton has devoted his entire career to developing the technology to prolong human life. His entire focus has been upon creating a computer chip which can be implanted into the human brain, allowing human consciousness to be transferred from one human subject into the mind of another. Given optimum circumstances, he is confident that he can now preserve the consciousness of a dying patient into the mind of a donor subject with a surgically electronic implant.

Jesse Warren is eighteen years old, about to graduate from high school. He’s a track star, model student, and the typical all-American kid. One day while on his way to track practice, tragedy strikes, and Jesse is in a terrible accident, rendered comatose. When his family learns the horrifying news, they believe they’ve lost their son forever. Jesse Warren is pronounced “brain dead”.

When neurosurgeon and world-renowned brain specialist Dr. Timothy Drayton arrives, telling the Warren family that he has an advanced form of experimental treatment which can possibly save young Jesse and restore his consciousness, the Warrens are convinced that God has sent them a miracle. They are overjoyed the next morning when their son undergoes surgery and awakens as a new man. His memory loss, they are convinced, is amnesia due to his accident.

Jesse lives, and is given a second chance. Will his new life prove to be the impetus for significant change, or will the old Harold Wainwright emerge to make the same mistakes a second time around? Most of us are given but one chance to make the right choices, but imagine if… there were such things as Second Chances.

>Night Shift by Red Haircrow

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Night Shift

Author: Red Haircrow
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Pages: 53
Characters: Jamie Holloway, Derrik Lehmann
POV: 3rd person
Setting: Contemporary
Genre: Short Story

4 KISSES

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Blurb:

To escape a troubled home, Jamie works the night shift at a department store with a rag-tag group of punks, war veterans, and bickering couples. He’s unsure what direction he wants to take in life until a mysterious new co-worker arrives.

With his long ponytail, faint accent, and quiet manner, Derrik manages to disturb or fascinate everyone, not just one pint-sized Southern boy who wants to escape from his boring life.

Jamie finds himself falling for Derrik, but the older man harbors a secret that threatens to come between them.

Review:

Jamie Holloway works the night shift in a retail store, stocking inventory and performing other mundane duties with a disparate group of co-worker who range from kind to repugnant. Jamie is a quiet boy whose appearance and demeanor leave him at the mercy of his supervisors, who find nothing morally wrong with berating and taunting the young man at every opportunity.

Derrik Lehmann is the mysterious new employee who has transferred to the store under the guise of domestic issues, which has forced him to leave his former location. Derrik is remote but not unfriendly, lending to his mystique and enhancing Jamie’s attraction to the man, and while Derrik attempts to resist, the attraction is entirely mutual. Conflict arises as the men forge a fragile bond, one that is threatened by secrets and lies of omission.

Night Shift is a lovely short story about the complications that arise when duty and obligation clash with temptation and ultimately, love. Told in a clear and concise narrative, the story moves along fluidly from beginning to end, exposing the characters beautifully in its limited timeframe. Red Haircrow has brought into existence two protagonists about whom I’d love to know more.

Reviewed By: Lisa

>The Lieutenant’s Love by Red Haircrow

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A Lieutenant’s Love

Author: Red Haircrow
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 35
Characters: Lieutenant Jarryd Alyt, Arin
POV: 3rd Person
Setting: A battlefield
Genre: Historical Romance

4 KISSES

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Blurb:

Lieutenant Jarryd Alyt has given blood and soul in service to the Duke, yet suffering the loss of a beloved companion drives him near the brink of despair. Disillusioned though still loyal, when new recruit Arin arrives, Jarryd is struck by the youth’s innocence and beauty. But will the horror of war strike before Jarryd summons the courage to love again?

Review:

Lieutenant Jarryd Alyt has spent nearly twelve years in service to the Duke, winning battles but losing love amidst the violence of war.

Arin is a young man who is forsaken by his father and rejected by his village. With no means of support, he joins the Duke’s army, weakened in both body and spirit, welcoming the possibility of death to erase his pain.

Love and war are juxtaposed in A Lieutenant’s Love; the contrasts of awakening passion set against the frenzy of battle are exposed in this eloquent and touching short story of two men who embrace the gift of perfect intimacy under imperfect circumstances.

A poignant ending and a gift for expressive language and imagery are the hallmarks of this brief but deeply romantic tale, which left me wanting for nothing more than a continuation of the story for these two characters. This story reaches for the emotions of those who love a good romance and succeeds in tugging at the heartstrings.

Reviewed By: Lisa

Lisa Marie Davis

Lisa Marie Davis

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Lisa. We are very excited and can’t wait to learn more about you. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I’m from Florida. A small town near Gainesville. (GO GATORS) I’m pretty much the one and only loud, opinionated, liberal in a family of staunch conservatives – everyone is still trying to figure out HOW that happened.

That being said, my parents support my writing, even if they don’t read it.

What was your first book and how long did it take to get it published?
My first book was When Love Comes Back Around. It’s took about a month or so to write, since it’s fairly short. After I submitted to Dreamspinner, they only took a few weeks, to get back to me and it was published in September of 2008.

How many books have you written thus far?
I’ve written eleven eBooks, and 3 short stores and I’ve had one anthology published.

When did you start writing M/M Romance? What about this genre interested you the most?
I started writing slash fanfiction first and after reading some m/m novels, I fell in love with the genre.

Do you write full time?
Currently, I do write fulltime, which is wonderful!

Looking back was there something in particular that helped you to decide to become a writer? Did you choose it or did the profession choose you?
I’ve always had an active imagination and a tendency to daydream; I’ve had other jobs in the past, everything from office work to customer services, but nothing ever held my attention for long and I became bored quickly.

Writing is the only thing that really appeals to me, the only thing that hold my attention and I love how it feels, to finish a story.
On a typical writing day, how would you spend your time?

I tend to do most of my writing at night, between ten p.m and three or four o’clock in the morning, but how much writing I get done depends on the subject of the story and the scene or scenes that I’m writing.

Writing a sex scene tends to take me a while, as I get nervous writing those.

When it comes to plotting, do you write freely or plan everything in advance?
Oh, I write freely. I’ve tried to plan everything else, several times, only to have the story take me in a completely different direction.

What kind of research do you do before and during a new book?
The amount of research depends on the subject matter of the story. For Here And Now, I did a lot of research, because the main character is HIV positive and I wanted to make certain I handle the subject with respect. I did a lot of research about safe sex practices. It was an educational experiences.

For Shadows From The Past, I did some research into serial killers and managed to freak myself out pretty good!

How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters? How do you approach development of your characters? Where do you draw the line?
Usually, the first thing that comes to mind is the character’s name. As insane as it sounds, it’s almost like they introduce themselves to me and from there, the story is their story to tell and my biggest challenge is getting out of the way and just allowing the character to share their life.

I don’t really put much of myself into the characters, they are very much their own person/persons.


As for where to draw the line, for me, that can be a challenge, as I tend to write about some heavy subject matters (HIV, serial killers, stalkers, child abuse) and while I really want to capture the seriousness and the emotions, I don’t want to be overly graphic. At the same time, I don’t want to gloss over important facts, or lessen the emotional impact. It can be a fine line and it’s not always easy to judge what is or isn’t too much.

How long does it take for you to complete a book you would allow someone to read?
The first person that reads a book after I write it is someone at Dreamspinner. I trust their judgment completely and I’m happy to take whatever advice/suggestions the editors make because we all want the story to be the best it can be.

If you weren’t sitting there right this very moment answering our book of questions, what else would you be doing?
Any number of things. Research. Playing around on the internet. I’ve come to decide that YouTube is a great way to procrastinate and of course, I love reading, so I devote a lot of time to that. If I tried to read all the books that spark my interest, I’d never get any writing done myself. That’s the great thing about the m/m romance genre, there are so many, many talented writers and so many whose work I admire.

Do you write straight through, or do you revise as you go along?
I usually revise about half way through, and then I finish the other half and revise that. I like the chance to go back and read what I’ve written in the first half, to make certain I don’t leave in questions unanswered in the conclusion.

Writers often go on about writer’s block. Do you ever suffer from it, and what measures do you take to get past it?
Oh yes, I get writer’s block. I’m currently struggling with it. I find the best way to get past it is to just back away from the computer and focus on something else for a while. If I try too hard to write, I can’t get a word out. I need to be relaxed, for it to come naturally. When I get stressed, I watch a movie, go shopping, read a book I’ve wanted to read for a while, anything that will help me chill out.

When someone reads one of your books for the first time, what do you hope they gain, feel, or experience?
The main thing I want is for the characters to feel real for them, I want the reader to care about what has happened to the character and I want them to feel what the character is feeling and root for them to have a happy ending.

Does the title of a book you’re writing come to you as you’re writing it, or does it come before you even begin the first sentence?
The title usually comes to me, towards the end, especially if there is an overall theme.

How would you describe your sense of humor? Who and what makes you laugh?
LOL. I tend to be very, very sarcastic and I love sarcastic humor. My own sarcastic sense of humor has gotten me into trouble more than once.

What are you working on now?
I have several ideas I’m playing with right now; I have an idea for lovers that find each other again and again, throughout time, and I want to write a story with WWII as the backdrop. I have several mysteries in mind.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve received with respect to the art of writing? How did you implement it into your work?
Write what you enjoy reading! That’s the best advice anyone ever gave me. If you don’t care for a genera or a subject matter, you won’t feel any passion for what you are writing and that will be evident to the reader.

When it comes to promotion, what lengths have you gone to in order to increase reader-awareness of your work?
I have a Twitter, Facebook, and Live Journal account that I use to promote new releases and I run contest in time with each new release. I have plans to do more, promotion wise, I really want to get in touch with those that enjoy my work.

http://twitter.com/DavisMarieLisa

http://lisamariedavis.livejournal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000766744295

Writing is obviously not just how you make your living, but your life-style as well. What do you do to keep the creative “spark” alive – both in your work and out of it?
I guess I mostly keep in mind that yes, writing is how I make my living, but more than that, it’s something I love.

Another thing is to keep up on current trends, current events and again, it comes back to writing what I enjoy reading.

If I tried to write something that I have no interest in, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything.

What pros and cons surround the e-publishing industry, and how do you envision the future of e-publishing?
I love e-publishing! I think it appeals to a lot of people because it’s so easy, to order books and have that instant access.


With the various readers out there, you can take countless books with you anywhere. What avid reader wouldn’t love that?


The format also allows publishers to put more books out for readers.


Of course, I have to admit, as thrilling as it is to have an eBook published, there’s also a certain thrill in holding a paperback copy of your book in your hand. And some people still prefer printed books, so I think there will be room in the publishing industry for both, for a long time to come.

What kind of books do you like to read?
Romance! M/M Romance more specifically. I love D.J Manly. Finding Zach by Rowan Speedwell is one of the best books I’ve ever read. I really enjoy J.L Langley’s work. There are countless m/m authors that never cease to amaze me – Dreamspinner alone as an endless well of talent that offers something for everyone.


M/M is what I read mostly, but outside of that, I do enjoy Kay Hooper and Allison Brennan

When it comes to the covers of your books, what do you like or dislike about them?

I love the covers! Dreamspinner has the best art department. I can’t even pick my favorite cover. I’ve always envied people with artistic talent. I can’t draw stick figures. I’m always excited when I get emailed a cover for a coming release. I’ve never been disappointed.

Aside from writing, what else do you enjoy doing?
I loved to read. I babysit my two nephews, Zachary who is four years old and Isaiah, who is a happy four month old and I spoil them rotten. Being an aunt is just so much fun! You can make the rotten and send them home to their parents!

I like to shop. I can spend hours in a bookstore. But I truly HATE shoe shopping. My mom and I are close so we go out to dinner often. I go to the movies, but only when it’s something that really catches my interest.

Any special projects coming out soon we should watch for?
I have a dozen ideas! I’d like to do a few follow stories to some of the books I’ve written. I have ideas for tie ins to Unstoppable Force and Come Back To Me. I’d like to try a historical piece, if I ever get the nerve and maybe a BDSM, all M/M Romance, of course.

I love mysteries, so I’d like to do more of those, along the lines of Shadows From The Past and Jasper’s Journey.


I really enjoyed writing Here And Now, so I’m considering another story with an HIV positive character, because that is an important issue and I think it needs to be addressed more often and with the proper respect.

>Loving Lucas by Lisa Marie Davis

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Loving Lucas
by Lisa Marie Davis
Dreamspinner Press
Ebook: 201KB
POV: Third Person
Setting: Modern Day North Carolina
Characters: Lucas Kiefer, Nicolas Demetris
Genre: M/M Romance
Book Cover Rating: 4.5

4.5 KISSES

Buy Here

Blurb:

Lucas Kiefer has lived through hell. Assaulted and nearly murdered by a man obsessed with him, he now lives with horrible scars inside and out. Abandoned by his boyfriend while trying to recover, Lucas withdraws into himself. Building a new life, he focuses only on running his bookstore. But his nightmare returns when ten years later, his attacker is released from jail on a technicality.

Sheriff Nicholas Demetris has known and loved Lucas for five years. He doesn’t care about physical scars; he’s attracted to the silently strong man inside. He knows Lucas feels more for him than he’ll admit. Despite being well aware of Nicholas’s feelings, Lucas won’t allow anyone close, regardless of the feelings in his heart, especially now when he’s once again the focus of unwanted and deadly intentions. Lucas can’t stand the idea of anyone being hurt for him, but Nicholas is determined to protect him and earn Lucas’s love no matter what.

Review:

Riley Miller is about to be released from prison after a ten year incarceration. His conviction is being overturned and his record expunged. Although he admits to having committed the crime, his rights were violated during his interrogation and his confession should never have been admissible in the first place. It is startling, actually, for although it may be true that Riley’s rights had been violated, he is not the real victim. Riley is the perpetrator.

The victim of the crime is Lucas Kiefer. Lucas was Riley’s school teacher, and he was excellent at his job. He was so compassionate and caring towards his students that he volunteered to work one-on-one with troubled Riley when he needed help with his assignments. Riley almost immediately fell in love with his young teacher, and soon he became obsessed. When Riley learned that Lucas was in a relationship with another man, he became enraged. He felt Lucas had hurt him, and plotted to exact his revenge.

In a state of wild rage, Riley kidnaps and brutally sodomizes Lucas. He tortures his fantasy lover, hoping to make Lucas aware of what it feels like to experience such pain. He feels that Lucas has hurt him, and now he is returning the favor. After raping him, Riley then stabs Lucas and sets his body afire, leaving him for dead. Now ten years later, Riley is being released from prison.

Miraculously, Lucas survives the ordeal. His body is wounded though, as is his spirit. He now has disfiguring burn scars on his back and arm. He has relocated and started his life anew. For five years he’s lived in a small North Carolina town called Cedar Point where he owns and operates a bookstore.

Nicolas Demetris is the sheriff of Cedar Point, and he is gay. Almost immediately he takes to the newcomer in town, and gradually he begins to develop a close friendship with Lucas. Although Nicolas yearns for their relationship to become more than merey friendship, Lucas repeatedly pushes him away. Nicolas investigates, and learns the details of Lucas’ history.

When Nicolas discovers that Riley Miller is due to be released from prison, alarm bells go off. He knows he must watch over Lucas very carefully and provide him with protection in case Riley returns to finish what he started years ago. Lucas is resistant, of course, and Nicolas must be very assertive in order to gain entry into Lucas’ home… and his heart.

The fluid, unpretentious writing style of author Lisa Davis is nothing less than refreshing. Her prose comes across as being very down-to-earth and conversational. There are no big words that leave the reader scratching their head. There is no convoluted parallel plots and confusing flashbacks or backstories. She writes simply and honestly, and it makes for a very comfortable read.

The most beautiful aspect of this story is the vulnerability and sincerity of protagonist Lucas Kiefer. He is portrayed as being a genuinely decent person, modest and self-effacing, and very principled. He is loveable, and there is an undeniably sympathetic component to his personality. He also is amazingly forgiving.

The romance within the story is also magnificently presented. The love scenes between Lucas and Nic are intensely sensual. Even while in the throes of sexual intimacy, the scenes did not have a pornographic feel. Instead they were beautiful and romantic. The lovemaking was not overly graphic, but the conveyance of feelings was extremely vivid.

Essentially both central characters are quite likable. Nicolas is the classic hero. The protector. The knight in shining armor. Lucas of course is his damsel in distress. These literary archetypes are depicted in the classic sense, yet of course with a notable variation: they’re gay.

The villain is Riley, and as is typically the case in romance, his character is portrayed as being very sinister and dark, arguably hyperbolic. Although he is extreme, he is believable. His mental health issues add a sympathetic quality to him as well, and in light of what we know from modern psychology, one may almost pity him. He is evil and sociopathic, yet in some ways the victim of a failed system.

Lisa Davis’ effort with this story is commendable, and it is my feeling that she accomplished everything that one would expect from this type of story. It is a straightforward, classic romance. All the elements are in place, she follows the formula, and it works perfectly. She also does an exceptional job of conveying emotion and sensuality. It’s just a truly touching and sweet story with a marvelous happily-ever-after ending. I highly recommend it.

Review by Jeff

>Not Alone by Sonja Spencer

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Not Alone
Author: Sonja Spencer
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Pages: 76
Characters: Andy Parker, Eddie Ferguson
POV: 3rd Person
Scene Setting: Unspecified
Sub Genre: Contemporary
Book Cover Rating: 4

3.5 KISSES

Buy Here

Blurb:

Andy Parker moves to a small town on a lake to start over after a bad breakup. The big drawback? He’s alone with no prospects for romance. He meets Eddie Ferguson at the local grocery and strikes up an easy friendship, but the divorced man isn’t really Andy’s type. Still, a friend is a friend—and when Mr. Oblivious Eddie says “So use me,” Andy’s imagination goes wild. But will trying for more risk any chance of a friendship?

Review:

This story is set in a cozy little town. One of those places where everyone knows everyone else and they all can share stories of one another from when they were 5 years old. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s rather comforting and sweet, in fact, but what happens when you throw a big city, out and proud man from New York into the middle of it? In this book, good fun, that’s what.

Andy Parker is an aspiring author and recently single man from New York. He’s come down to a small lake resort town to live in a cabin that was bequeathed to him by his uncle and he’s lonely. Eddie Ferguson owns Ferguson’s, the family grocery story in the town where he was born and raised and is a divorced dad with two daughters, ages 11 and 13.

When Eddie helps Andy retrieve a bottle of creamy vinaigrette from the top of one of the shelves at Ferguson’s, the two men introduce themselves to one another and Andy ends up inviting Eddie over for a friendly dinner. Only it’s not like any friendly dinner I’ve ever had. Apparently, I’ve been doing my friendly dinners all wrong; penis size, toys, and sex are what you are really supposed to discuss. Now, doesn’t that just make you want to invite some people over and cook up a batch of lasagna?

That first dinner establishes the foundation for a solid and sweet friendship; one that continues for months, slowly progressing into something more, but neither man knows how the other feels and it takes a night out at a gay club for anything to really transpire between the two. Once it does though, a passionate, emotionally charged relationship is formed and although it wasn’t set in stone at the end of the book, it gave me the feeling that it was a happily-ever-after sort of relationship.

This was a charming gay-for-you and friends-to-lovers tale. I would recommend it to anyone in the mood for a sweet, mostly angst-free read.

Reviewer: Michelle