Why An Incubus Demon? – Zach Sweets on Queer Fear

In “Dark Revelation”, my short story written for Storm Moon Press’ Queer Fear anthology, I decided to make a villain as a half human half demon. I’ve wanted to write an Incubus Demon for as long as I can remember. For this story, I actually opted out to research demon characteristics and made it my own. I haven’t read a lot of them, though, so I wrote how I’d imagined it in my head. For all I knew, Incubui loved sex, and hey, I could use that to my advantage to make it a darker-themed story. It wasn’t an aww type of story, either. My demon raped his prey before he killed it. The demon needed sex to fulfill his demonic needs.

Now, moving on to the appearance of the demon. I had my own vision for how the demon in my story would look, and here is a tiny snippet from “Dark Revelation” to show how I described the demon:

Skin went from light tan to bruised purple, covering his entire body. His nipples and tongue turned orange, and four horns sprouted: two on his forehead, and longer ones on either side of his head. His eyes shone red, bright enough to light the room. His pupils vanished.

That was what my demon looked like inside my head, and he didn’t have wings either. When I eventually checked out the image search engine to see what incubus demons looked like, they usually had at least two horns on their heads and large wings along with fangs. Why follow those and make the story unoriginal? I figured it would be better if I actually created my own look, reinventing the incubus demon in my own way instead of trying to go with the popularly accepted norm.

The opening for my short story was actually tough for me to write. I didn’t expect someone to disappear quickly, but it was how the story flowed. It gave me a chance to explore the human side of Derek from “Dark Revelation”. If Derek was completely human, he would find a wonderful man to spend his life with easily, but being a half human and half demon didn’t give him the happiness he so badly wanted. I tried for a balance between good and evil. Derek was able to be like that. The good side about Derek was he had the willpower to sacrifice himself by living in isolation away from people. So, after I succeed having Derek isolated, I had to figure out how to make the story more horror-centric so it would balance out with the erotic. I wanted to give the readers the entertainment of reading a bit on the romance side right along with the horror. That was when I added new people and made the demon go crazy with his demonic hungers.

I tried to avoid using too much gore because it was basically a cheat to make the story plain old scary. I needed to get the reader inside the main character’s head to show how afraid he is. Yes, there is gore in “Dark Revelation”. It is not like Derek’s half demon is actually a clean demon. Every kill the demon makes would be a mess. It’s part of the package, no matter how hard any one demon tries to avoid it. There will always be a mess. There will always be blood. I can promise you the fatal scene isn’t that bloody. I wanted to keep the gore part to a minimum and let the readers enjoy the scary part. At the same time, I hope it will make readers feel something for the victims. Because when I wrote the murder scene, I felt more sad for the victim and Derek who had to suffer the consequence for being around humans.

Intrigued? Then I think it’s time for you to enjoy the short except from “Dark Revelation” below. I hope you like it and check out the Queer Fear anthology.

---

“Look at us on our fifth date.” Derek Fowell chuckled weakly, feeling nervous. Against his better judgment, his feelings for Matthew Zee had grown. Something was different about him, but Derek couldn’t pinpoint it. For now, he wanted to enjoy the meal and get to know Matthew better.

Matthew smiled and showed off his perfect, straight white teeth. “So far, I’m enjoying your company.”

“I agree. How was your day at work?”

“Ready to order?” the waitress interrupted.

“I’d like to get a strawberry salad with chicken. Can you put the dressing on the side, please?” Matthew smiled first at the waitress, and then at Derek.

“Absolutely. And you, sir?”

“I’ll have the same, but with steak. Medium-rare, please.”

“I’m sorry, sir. We can only serve medium and above for the steak.”

“Medium’s fine, thanks.” Derek handed the menus to the waitress.

Once the waitress left, Matthew cleared his throat. “My day at work wasn’t bad. I just cleaned patients’ teeth and tightened a kid’s braces. Nothing exciting.” He chuckled and took a sip of red wine. “What about you? You never told me what it is you do.”

“Oh, I don’t work. My parents died several years ago, and they left me a rather large sum of money. I made a smart investment, and so far, it’s working out. I’m financially secure for the foreseeable future.

“Ah, I’m jealous. I’d love to not to ever work again.”

Their meals were delivered, and they ate in silence. Derek took his chance to watch Matthew eating. Strong sweet scents attacked his nose, he sniffed deeply. Mix of strawberry and his pheromones. Matthew clearly became horny just as soon as Derek slid his right foot toward his. Matthew’s cheeks grew red and avoid making an eye contact to Derek. Grinning, he changed his attention to his salad. Everything in his view turned red and something inside him awoke. Squeezing his eyes shut, breathing slowly, and his breath ceased the minute he heard his inner voice. He’s horny and smells delicious, it growled.

Shut up, Derek mentally shouted back at that inner voice. He shook his head, and his vision was back to normal. Colors and all. It wasn’t his demon eyes looking up at Matthew’s puzzled face. “Excuse me. Nature calls.” Derek walked away before Matthew could respond. Derek was pissed. It had been four dates without even a peep. It wasn’t until things had become more personal between him and Matthew that the inner voice had decided to speak up. Derek locked the door behind him in the restroom, and then his legs gave out. His muscles twitched, his body shook, and his head might as well be splitting open as the demon he valiantly fought took control of his limbs.

“About the fucking time. I’m back!” the demonic voice crackled.

Derek screamed in the demon’s head. You can’t do this. Not Matthew! Please, I
beg you. I’ll do anything as long as you don’t touch Matthew. Please!

---

Did the demon keep his promise to Derek? The answer is in “The Dark Revelation”. You can find this story along with four other erotic horror shorts at Storm Moon Press’s book store: Click HERE.

Zach Sweets is an army brat originally from El Paso, TX. He now resides in Arizona, where he moved to start a new adventure with his partner and dog. Zach writes as often as he can and likes to push himself with writing challenges. Joining the M/M Romance group on Goodreads.com has immensely boosted his motivation to become a successful Deaf author, writing about man to man love, with some horror thrown in for good measure. His latest short story, “The Dark Revelation”, is now available in Storm Moon Press’ Queer Fear anthology. Zach can be found on Twitter @ZachSweets.

Hop Against Homophobia

Today is: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17^th) – their link is: http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/

We at Top 2 Bottom Reviews are taking a moment away from reviewing to bring awareness to a national issue that just can’t seem to go away. This issue is a word called: Homophobia. More or less it means that one can’t seem to care to understand what they don’t know about. Instead of looking at the whole picture, which would mean getting out of one’s comfy zone to learn or care about someone else who lives life in a different manner.

As a reviewing site it is our responsibility to do a couple of things. One: We review books written in the Gay genre and Two: We support all writers and readers who come to us. We are trying to open the eyes of people who are scared to step out of their comfy zone and to try a different type of book to read. Romance exists in M/F fiction just as it does in Gay Fiction. There are real people in this world who do love someone of the same sex and it should not ever be shunned, especially by people who can’t be bothered to understand what the word Gay means. Instead of learning, they strike out and generally they do nonsense such as this out of fear. We need to bring awareness to the frightened homophobes filled with nothing but hate and get them to open their closed eyes to see that just because someone is gay, does not make that person any less of a human. We, as a nation for the most part overcame slavery, now lets unify and become an open minded world. Being gay is not a sickness, nor is it a choice. It is who a person is.

Every book we take in has a lesson, for the most part. Most of the author’s have real compassion and a real desire to help the rest of the world see that being gay is no different from being straight. A person is a person and everyone who treats others with respect deserves to be treated with respect.

Let us know what you think and one lucky person who leaves their email with their thoughts will win a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate. Contest closes May 27th, 2013.

Ciao’!

Michele, Gabbi and team!

Other places to visit:

http://www.michelelmontgomery.com/blog.html

Lost and Found

I came across a picture on Facebook about how 40% of our GLBT teens are homeless due to their so-called families turning their backs on them because the kids are gay. NO LOVE THERE! And this picture made me mad. There’s NO reason why a kid should end up homeless over their sexual preference. PERIOD. NONE. Their parents forgot to love. Probably because their parents didn’t teach them love either. Sick bastards. Anyway, that picture made me want to write a story about it to bring awareness to the situation. Do you have any idea how many teens sell their bodies so they can eat? So they don’t have to sleep under a park bench? How many teens are out of school because their families threw them out? It’s disgusting.

I went to a fellow author who is a friend and talked about doing a project on the situation. I’m a writer for a reason. Not for the money, but to get messages across in a different way. We ended up putting a call out for others to take part in. We put together an anthology and found a publisher to back us up and publish it. It’s called: Lost and Found. There are ten writers involved and the stories are amazing. All of us, including the editor will be donating every cent made on the book, which is coming out sometime in May, to a foundation also called: Lost n Found based out of Atlanta Georgia.

This organization is just a year old and they’ve helped well over a hundred homeless kids. They were very excited and very grateful to us. We are all just as excited to be able to help them too. Writers aren’t rich, regardless of what anyone believes. Some of us struggle daily, so giving our time and royalties to those kids is all we can do to help them. And I’m thrilled I’m able to do something for them. I’m thrilled with my fellow writers as well. They helped me to make something I came up with a reality. And we will do it once a year, if not more. We are now here to stay and we are here to help.

Michele L. Montgomery

Note from our editor: Kris Jacen and link to buy the book.

In the Fall of 2012, DH Starr approached me about Featherweight publishing an anthology that he was a part of. It was a special project being organized by Michele Montgomery. All the authors wanted to donate their royalties from the anthology to charity. They wanted the monies to go to a specific cause—they wanted the money to go to a charity that worked with LGBT homeless teens.

The inspiration for the anthology was a picture that they had seen with the text over the image that said “40% of homeless youth are LGBT. The #1 reason they’re on the streets in family rejection.”

Once we got to final editing stages we realized, we didn’t know WHICH charity to donate the monies to. There are so many great charities out there working with LGBT youth that we weren’t sure which to choose. We wanted to make sure that no matter how much, it would make a difference. So the search was on.

I was pleasantly surprised to come across one that had the name of the anthology almost exactly—Lost-n-Found Youth, Inc. It seemed like fate talking to me and after speaking with one of the board members, I was convinced of it. You see the board member told me that the day before we spoke, they received a call from a teen that had been on vacation with his parents and when they found a gay romance on his eReader, they left him on the side of the road. Yes, you read that correctly, abandoned him for reading a gay romance.

Our hope is that with these stories, these teens realize that there are many out there that care about them. That no matter what anyone says—THEY MATTER.

Kris Jacen

MLR Press

Buy Here

Do I really NEED a beta reader? by Kris Jacen

 

Beta- 101

So with a show of hands, who uses a beta reader? What? You’re not sure what a beta reader is? Or even if you need one? How about where to find one?

First and most importantly – what does a beta reader do for an author? Well, that depends on the author and the reader. A good beta reader is someone objective, who will give you input on the story (does the action/dialog fit the characters/place; is there a continuity issue?) first. Is it nice if they notice a typo, missing punctuation, or a dangling modifier? Yes, but it’s more important for them to find something glaringly wrong with your PLOT or character arc. Why yes, I am suggesting that plot and character are more important than grammar. Grammar can be cleaned up in editing but if your STORY doesn’t have the chops, it isn’t going to matter if you have all your misplaced modifiers not misplaced.

Second – do you need one? Some authors do, some don’t. Most authors have a person (or persons) who they bounce ideas off of, ask to read their rough, rough, rough, rough drafts. You need to have someone you can use as a sounding board, who will tell you the truth CONSTRUCTIVELY. Telling you “hey, that’s bad” without telling you WHY doesn’t really help – it more hinders. A solid beta reader is a step removed emotionally from your manuscript, and will be able to tell you if you really said what you think you said in your story. A solid beta can tell you your pacing is off because a character’s backstory was told in two pages of narrative, instead of a slow reveal through dialog or action.

If you are writing a story and something in the story is completely outside your knowledge base, I highly recommend that you find someone who DOES know a great deal about the subject, and ask them to review your file. Research is a great thing but can only get you so far. Oh come on, we’ve all read those stories that have all the characters referred to as soldiers, when they’re in the Air Force/Navy/Marines. What? They’re not all soldiers? No, they’re not, and you will throw readers that know the difference right out of your story no matter how engaged they were at that point.

How to find this paragon who is going to improve your writing immensely? It takes time, and some trial and error. Putting something on social media that says “hey, anyone want to beta?” MIGHT work, BUT (and this is a big but) even though someone might read and enjoy your books, or similar books in the same genre, it doesn’t mean that they would be a good beta reader.

It’s all great to ask your friends/family if they want to take a look at your story but remember, you need someone that is going to look at it with an objective point of view. Telling you “I love it; it’s great; don’t change a word” might be what you want to hear but is it really the truth? A beta reader should be able to tell you “okay I like the scene on page 22 but on pages 30-34 you’ve got a big infodump and on page xx…” you get the point. They should identify where your strengths AND weaknesses are in your story.

A better way might be to ask around. Who do your fellow authors use? Does your editor know of anyone? Some authors may also function quite well as betas, others may only know how to do, not how to teach. Network with writing social groups and see if anyone knows of a good beta or can recommend a service. Some freelance editors might be able to beta, as well as line edit. It never hurts to ask.

Once you have a candidate on the hook, ask them questions like: why do you want to beta? Do you have any experience (and proof reading college term papers isn’t the right kind of experience)? What authors do you like to read and why? See if they understand some writing/literary terms such as ‘showing instead of telling’, emotional notes, character through-lines, and plot points. You’re going to be trusting your words – your baby – to this person. Interview them, give them some test pages to edit, determine if the two of you ‘click’. You don’t have to become the best of friends (sometimes it’s better if you don’t!), but you should be able to share a laugh.

Reality in your Romance…by Jaime Samms

Reality in your Romance… How much is too much? And the corollary, when does the lack of realistic character action, or reaction, send a story into a tailspin of WTF?

Some background: I read a story a while back, which I loved, even though there was one element that kind of struck me as unrealistic. It wasn’t a huge theme or anything. Just a plot point that stopped and made me do a kind of double take, holding the story action up to the real world for a sec and seeing that the two didn’t quite match up. I let it go, because the rest of the story really appealed to me.

I also wrote a story recently that a friend beta’d and commented that the main conflict the character had was unrealistic and squicky. That’s fine. Everyone is entitled to their squicks. She also had issues with the story I read and liked. Again, she likes what she likes, I like what I like, and we often have to agree to disagree, usually with her wandering off shaking her head at my willful blindness to the reality of life. She’s not the only one who has that reaction to me and my stubborn ways. I yam what I yam. I make no apologies.

So. Here’s what I’m wondering. When you pick up a romance, and it doesn’t matter here what you read, be it het, gay, BDSM, whatever your poison, what do you expect? Do you want the gritty reality of the real world?

I’ll give a bit of context: A college boy meets a man, the man takes serious, cruel advantage of his innocence and his inexperience in D/s relationships and severely damages his ability to ever trust anyone again. Boy leaves man, even goes so far as to put man behind bars, and tries to move on with his life. Then he meets another man, a too-good-to-be-true man, and falls, head over heels, despite his reservations. It’s been a few years, he wants to put his past behind him and try again. Here’s where the reality check comes in. How far should this story go? How much reality do you want at this point? This young man has been horribly hurt, physically, (though that’s long healed), mentally, and emotionally. Realistically, there’s little chance he’ll ever have a truly normal relationship in his life.

But do we really want that much reality? Or do we want him to live Happily Ever After?

In the above example, I chose to give him a probable happy outcome. My reason? Simple. There are enough unhappy endings in the world, and this is a story. Why would I chose to create a make-believe world that is no better than the one I live in?

Which leads me to another question: Is it OK to “ignore” such problems in the world as unsafe sex, homophobia (in my genre), dangerous situations like women accepting help from a man she doesn’t know in an isolated environment? Let’s face it, we all know, in the real world, none of us would hop in a man’s car and accept a ride home if we just met him. We live in a world where we are taught that such an offer, while it appears kind on the outside, has far too much potential to do us harm. In short we are taught that risk outweighs possible gain and we should distrust, play safe and be afraid. But in the world of romantic fiction, can we get away with pretending the world is a slightly better place than we are taught that it *may* be? Some would say two men walking down the street holding hands, or a woman giving a man she just met too much information about herself, are just asking for trouble, and in the real world, it would never happen. Because of that, such situations in stories just yank them right out of the tale and send them on their way to the next book. I would say phooey. Sometimes, I just want a world where condoms aren’t necessary, where a man actually wants to help and not harm, and where no one bats an eye no matter who’s hand you’re holding.

What do you say?

Dreamspinner Press’ releases for the week of May 6, 2013

The God Hunters: Reunion by Mark Reed

The God Hunters: Book Two; Sequel to The God Hunters

Months ago, David Ruger was an average human with a flighty boyfriend. Now he lives in an alien universe called the Expanse and wields supernatural powers. He’s also traded in his flighty ex for Doug Colt, a man with a heart of gold and nerves of steel—which is a good thing, because his occupation can get rough.

When David joins Doug and his brother, Bryan, on a job to track down a group of vengeful trolls, the journey takes them across the Expanse to the Shards of Exeter, a magical place made of continent-size landmasses shrouded in atmosphere. There, supernatural beings abound and formidable adversaries lurk in the shadows.

But the mission is more than it seems. Through visions, David learns of the role he must play in reshaping the Expanse—and of the unspeakable evil that caused the God Hunters’ war so long ago. With that same threat resurfacing, David must embrace his destiny to save the family he has come to love.

Length: Novel (344p.) | Genre: Science Fiction, Other Paranormal| Release Date: May 6, 2013

Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-481-7) | Buy as Paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62380-480-0)

Soul Magic by Poppy Dennison

Triad: Book Three; Sequel to Body Magic

Blood runs soul-deep. Cormac hasn’t been the same since the night the High Moon Pack was attacked. With his magic weakened, he’s consumed by a bloodlust he hasn’t felt since he first became a vampire. His need to replenish his power makes him a danger to his last remaining family member, and his hunger makes him careless. And that’s just the beginning of his troubles. Feeding from pack beta Liam Benson was supposed to slake his appetite, not leave him craving more.

Simon Osborne and Gray Townsend are trying to fight a being history says shouldn’t exist—one with all three types of magic. The pack must use all of their resources to combat the mysterious triad, even turning to the shady Council of Mages for help. While Cormac struggles to reconcile his past failures with his current desires, Simon must attempt the impossible: an alliance between mind, body, and soul.

Length: Novel (220p.) | Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal – Werewolves/Shapeshifters, High Fantasy Release Date: May 6, 2013 | Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-580-7) | Buy as Paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62380-579-1)

 

Prelude by Shira Anthony & Venona Keyes

A Blue Notes Novel

World-renowned conductor David Somers never wanted the investment firm he inherited from his domineering grandfather. He only wanted to be a composer. But no matter how he struggles, David can’t translate the music in his head into notes on paper.

When a guest violinist at the Chicago Symphony falls ill, David meets Alex Bishop, a last-minute substitute. Alex’s fame and outrageous tattoos fail to move David. Then Alex puts bow to string, and David hears the brilliance of Alex’s soul.

David has sworn off relationships, believing he will eventually drive away those he loves, or that he’ll lose them as he lost his wife and parents. But Alex is outgoing, relaxed, and congenial—everything David is not—and soon makes dents in the armor around David’s heart. David begins to dream of Alex, wonderful dreams full of music. Becoming a composer suddenly feels attainable.

David’s fragile ego, worn away by years of his grandfather’s disdain, makes losing control difficult. When David’s structured world comes crashing down, his fledgling relationship with Alex is the first casualty. Still, David hears Alex’s music, haunting and beautiful. David wants to love Alex, but first he must find the strength to acknowledge himself.

Length: Novel (250p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: May 6, 2013 |Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-597-5) | Buy as Paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62380-596-8)

Horn Gate by Damon Suede

HORN GATE: Open at your own risk.

Librarian Isaac Stein spends his lumpy, lonely days restoring forgotten books, until the night he steals an invitation to a scandalous club steeped in sin. Descending into its bowels, he accidentally discovers Scratch, a wounded demon who feeds on lust.

Consorting with a mortal is a bad idea, but Scratch can’t resist the man who knows how to open the portal that will free him and his kind. After centuries of possessing mortals, he finds himself longing to surrender.

To be together, Isaac and Scratch must flirt with damnation and escape an inhuman trafficking ring—and they have to open their hearts or they will never unlock the Horn Gate.

Length: Novella (100p.) | Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal: Angels & Demons | Release Date: May 6, 2013

Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-881-5)

 

Be My Alien by M.A. Church & Julie Lynn Hayes

A man too busy for love…

Reed owns an upscale men’s boutique with a naughty back room. While making a late delivery to a client, he runs into Taz.

A man on a disastrous date…

When Taz agreed to come to Earth on a date, he didn’t expect to be dumped and left with no way home. Then he falls into Reed’s arms—literally.

A coffee date soon becomes a trip back to Reed’s apartment. But when Taz’s stripes begin to show, Reed discovers Taz comes from a planet far, far away.

Reed never believed aliens existed, but he’s facing one now. What in the world is he going to do?

Length: Novella (100p.) | Genre: Science Fiction | Release Date: May 8, 2013 | Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-521-0)

Dear Diary by Allison Cassatta

Dear Diary: Book One

2nd Edition

Chris Bishop has everything a high school senior could want—a loving family, a perfect girlfriend, and a bright, shining future. At his dad’s suggestion, he spends a summer working at a law firm to gain experience, but he never bargained on meeting Josh. Josh is handsome and green-eyed and just what Chris doesn’t want—or does he? Some things Chris has admitted only to his digital diary, but by the time prom comes around, he needs to make a decision: risk the pain of honesty about himself and his feelings for Josh, or play it safe and lose what matters most.

1st Edition published by XoXo Publishing, June 2011

Length: Novella (90p.) | Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age | Release Date: May 8, 2013

Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-571-5)

The Fight for Identity by Andrew Grey

A Book in the Good Fight Series

Will Martin’s racist father, Kevin, hates Native Americans and wants to keep them off his property, never mind that part of the ranch land is sacred ground for the Sioux. When they request access for prayer, Kevin refuses—but Will doesn’t share his father’s views. Ever since he first saw Takoda Red Bird during one of the Sioux sacred ceremonies, Will has been fascinated. He grants the tribe access.

Takoda defies Kevin on a regular basis. He often sneaks to the sacred site on the rancher’s land for prayer and knows Will has seen him there. When, out of spite, Kevin places the land up for auction, Takoda knows it is time for action and bands together with Will to stop the sale.

In the fight that follows, Will gets more than he expected. He starts out helping the tribe preserve their identity… and ends up finding his own.

Length: Novel (200p.) | Genre: Western, Contemporary | Release Date: May 10, 2013

Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-612-5) | Buy as Paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62380-611-8)

The Hollywood Version by Harry K. Malone

Mark Lawler has always imagined the world as a movie. With his overactive imagination, he can’t help equating life and art. Currently, he’s living the dream: successful actor, beautiful wife, and he works with his best friend, television heartthrob Zach Pericles. The problem is a certain contingent of fans are convinced Mark and Zach are really in love.
When a compromising photo of them leaks to the press, Mark’s life spins out of control. The show’s executive producer plans to kill off Mark’s character, and Mark faces unemployment and life as a single man. He turns to Ross Lockhart, an old acquaintance, to help him pick up the pieces.

Ross has to be the most frustrating man Mark’s ever known, but he’s levelheaded and wise for his years, and Mark envies the honest life he leads. Maybe Ross can teach Mark a thing or two about finding his own happily ever after.

Length: Novel (244p.) | Genre: Contemporary |Release Date: May 10, 2013

Buy as eBook (ISBN: 978-1-62380-483-1) | Buy as Paperback (ISBN: 978-1-62380-482-4)

Dreamspinner Press’ releases for the week of May 6, 2013

TORQUERE PRESS ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASES FOR MAY 1, 2013

The Colt
By: Kalita Kasar260 pages / 72500 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-468-6
$6.99Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3874Blurb:

Daytime soap star and part time rancher Marcus Bailey ought to know better than to take in a stray. But there’s something about the streetwise hustler he pulls out of a bar room brawl that makes him throw caution to the wind. Malcolm Quinn, half starved, wary, and bearing the physical and emotional scars of a tough upbringing in foster care, wants nothing to do with charity, nor will he brook anything that hints at pity.

When Marcus offers Malcolm a job and a place to stay, the kid turns him down flat, but all that changes when Marcus’ mare, Sylvie gives birth to a gangly, long eared colt that falls ill soon after birth. Malcolm agrees to stay and help with the foal, never realizing the chain of events that decision will unleash.

Marcus’ jealous and violent partner, Paul Wilson, escalates his abuse of Marcus under the guise of a BDSM arrangement and Malcolm and Marcus are caught up in a rollercoaster ride of violence and scandal. Marcus must find the strength to stand up to Paul and end their relationship, while Malcolm struggles to come to terms with the BDSM lifestyle and become the loving dominant that Marcus needs. Two men from very different worlds, can Malcolm and Marcus surmount the obstacles in their path and forge a future together?

Mister, May I? Sip

Check Mate
By: Rob Rosen

13 pages / 3500 words
$1.99

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3873

Blurb:

It was an odd question coming from an odd man down an odd road in the middle of a truly odd day: “You play chess, Dan?” The oddest thing of all was that Dan was naked at the time, his car broken down a few miles back, no hope of rescue apart from Patrick, the man asking for a chess game. Though not all is as it appears, especially since the most adept chess players always think a few moves ahead. And yet, even when you lose, you can still come out a winner, in more ways than one.

Tales of Leather Sip

Yours
By: Kim Alan

25 pages / 7300 words
$2.49

Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3872

Blurb:

Kyle is a lost boy. “Freed” for his own good, he’s doing his best to follow through on promises made. But he’s struggling, there’s no doubt about it. That is, until he suddenly finds himself in a place he least expected.

Beau is an independent man, answering to no one but himself. If he’s lonely, it’s a small price to pay. That is, until a beautiful, lost young man stumbles into his bar on Valentine’s Day. He can’t turn him away. The boy needs him. Or is it the other way around?

New this Week from Prizm Books…

Ink~Blood~Fire
By: K. Baldwin and Lyra Ricci

224 pages / 70000 words
$6.99

Buy Link: http://www.prizmbooks.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=62

Blurb:

When Piper decided that she needed a better life for her and her sister, she packed them up, took what money they had saved, and headed off the desperately depressing downward spiral of drugs, booze, and violence of the Reservation. They took off to see the world. Fate had plans for them after being helped on the road by the kindness of a stranger. Little did they know that the man named Flynn had more in store for them than they could ever imagine.

Once they got back on the road Piper met a charming young up-and-coming tattoo artist named Nigel. After they said their goodbyes in Vegas, Piper realized her true feelings for Nigel, and, making a massive leap of faith, took a one-eighty to followed Nigel to the tropical paradise of Hawaii.

Piper found out soon enough that even in beauty, there were dangers waiting for her, that maybe Prince Charming wasn’t always a clean-cut boy on a noble steed, but a man with long hair, tattoos, and a fierce protectiveness for those he loves.

Coming Next Week…

Fennel and Forgiveness by Ari McKay

Beneath an Emerald Sky by Michael Barnette

Sip:

Wrapped in Ribbon by Sean Michael

Mister, May I? Sip:

Mystery Date by Logan Zachary

Coming Next Week from Prizm Books…

Shels Moor by Jessica Ennis

M.J. O’Shea blog tour

 

I’m Mj O’Shea, author of erotic romance–well all sorts of romance actually, that’s just what’s been published so far!

I grew up, and still live, in sunny Washington state and while I love to visit other places, I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home.

I spent my childhood writing stories. Sometime in my early teens, the stories turned to romance. Most of those were about me, my friends, and our favorite tv stars. Hopefully, I’ve come a long way since then…

Right now, I have four books published through Republica Press (click on the link to visit their site), but I’m constantly working on new projects.

When I’m not writing, I love to play the piano and cook and paint pictures…and of course read. It’s nearly impossible to work on my own writing when I’ve gotten myself hooked into a great new book:) I like sparkly girly girl things, own at least twenty different colored headbands, and I have a little white dog with a ginger eye spot who sits with me when I write. Sometimes she comes up with ideas for me too…when she’s not napping.

 

Website http://mjoshea.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mj.oshea.5

Twitter https://twitter.com/mjosheaseattle

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3512511.M_J_O_Shea

 

 

Finding Shelter

Rock Bay: Book Three

ISBN-13: 978-1-62380-595-1

Pages: 204

Publisher: Dreamspinner

Release Date: April 29, 2013

eBook $6.99

Print $14.99

Justin Foster has nineteen years of nothing but trouble behind him. After escaping his abusive father, he finds himself in Rock Bay, Washington, with his cousin Travis. Justin is bruised and has a hard time trusting, but with the help of his family and the small town, he might be able to heal.

Logan O’Brien is also new in town, hoping he can finally get away from his past and the memories of the girlfriend who shattered his heart. It doesn’t take him long to realize Rock Bay can be more than safe harbor: it can also be home. And for the first time in his life, he finds himself captivated by a man—by Justin.

Justin is attracted to Logan too, but he’s also wary. Physically, Logan reminds him a bit too much of the closeted jerks who used to beat him up after school. But after one awkwardly amazing kiss, he’s smitten, despite how his past and insecurities continue to haunt him. Logan’s love, faith, and stubbornness are just what Justin needs to believe their love is worth fighting for.

 

 

MLR Press New Releases

Making the Grade

Title: Making the Grade Author: Shannon West ISBN#: MLR-1-02013-0066 (ebook) $4.99 Release Date: May 2013 Cover Artist: Scarlet Tie Designs Length: 30,000 words Heat Rating: Graphic Categories: Contemporary Available At: MlrBooks (ebook)

Travis is trying hard to make enough money to pay at least part of his tuition so he’s not still paying off student loans with his social security checks. Enter Shane Bradfield, rich, sexy and sinfully good looking. Shane has never been attracted to cute little twinks, even those who look like Travis, but when Travis darts out in front of his motorcycle, he falls for Travis quite literally.They begin a hot romance, but shadows from their past, misunderstandings and Travis’s notion that Shane is way out of his league all threaten to sabotage their budding romance. Read an Excerpt.

Leather Days Murderous porn king, gay criminal lawyer, sadistic gang of wealthy businessmen – two LAPD detectives face challenges in finding a killer as well as their own leather relationship.

Title: Leather Days Author: Alex Ironrod ISBN#: MLR-1-02013-0067 (ebook) $7.99 Release Date: May 2013 Cover Artist: Deana C. Jamroz Length: 86,000 words Heat Rating: Graphic, Extreme Categories: BDSM, Mystery Available At: MlrBooks (ebook)

A body-builder is found dead – naked, roped, and raped in his Los Angeles apartment. Is it an accident, suicide, or murder? In the fast gay world of television stars, high-priced criminal lawyers, and sadistic wealthy businessmen, two young LAPD detectives try to solve the vicious sex mystery, while facing challenges in their own evolving leather relationship. But their efforts are checked at every stage by an unknown killer, while a leather-sex weekend in New York comes at a high price. Can Mark and Dan track down the murderous kingpin? What price must they pay to find answers to their case and their own desires? Read an Excerpt.

Upcoming Releases!

Due Out 05/03/13

Ghost of a Chance by TA Chase

Do You See Me Now by Stephani Hecht

Call for Submissions

Beneath the Cape - They walk through the shadows, fighting for a world that sees them through the filter of a mask.

Deadline for submissions: July 31, 2013

Food! Glorious food!
What’s sexier than a man commanding his space making wonderful succulent treats?

Deadline for Submissions: October 15th, 2013

LOOKING FOR JOE…CALLING THE AVERAGE JOE –  Give us your best AVERAGE JOE who isn’t AVERAGE at all to the man that loves him.

Deadline for submissions: June 15, 2013

I SPY…WHAT? - The dashing, the daring, the geeks? Spies come in all shapes and sizes…

Deadline for submissions: August 15, 2013

Friday Frenzy with Total-E-Bound