Michael War's Blog

Hey there everyone. Now that the dust has sort of settled, I finally have a plan in regards to some of my titles that were published by Less Than Three Press. I decided to re-release Outdated, Espejos, Roommate Adventures, and Under Five through JMS Books. I have published several short stories with them before and have been pleased with the way they do business. As we hammer out the schedule, I’ll have more news in regards to release dates.

I’m really bummed because Espejos just got released, and now I feel that I have to start the marketing and everything all over again. Which I guess won’t be so bad. This will give me an opportunity to try and reach out to other blogs/reviewers. Plus, maybe now I can get a chance to work on Outdated again, since people really hated that one. So in other words, this may have been some bad news, but at least there is a silver lining to it all.

Well another release day has come and gone. Espejos is here, and I was really excited about it. I poured my heart and souls into it, and in the end I felt great about it because I felt like it connected me as a writer to my culture. But then the reviews started coming in.

I know a lot of people will say not to take too much stock in reviews, but they are a big part of what makes a sale. So while the reviews for Espejos haven’t been bad, they just weren’t what I thought they would be. Now don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t looking for thousands of five stars, but I did expect more from the lukewarm response that it got.

If this had been the first time it happened I might have just shrugged it off and continued to find ways to improve. But I’m thinking that after about eight tries and one lukewarm response after another, it’s time to rethink where I want to be as a writer.

Perhaps I’m just in the wrong genre. I really don’t know. One thing is for sure, I love writing and I will find a way to make this work.

Okay, pity party over. Now back to relaxing. Oh and happy Fourth!!!

Hey everyone! As promised, here’s a bit more information about the first book in my upcoming Paranormal Romance South Texas Lore Series called Espejos. Based on the “El Espeso Misterioso” legend, Espejos (Spanish for Mirrors) is a book that is deeply personal for me, since it taps into the roots of the area of where I was born and raised. The tale has been told to me many times and in many forms, and several have been printed online for those to view. As I was reading some excellent fairytale retellings, I thought it would be neat to bring some of those tales to life, but with an LGBTQIA twist. I have seven overall planned,  and will hopefully get the next one in soon.

But enough background. Here’s the blurb:

After his mom passes away from a terrible accident, Carlos heads home to Tres Reynas for the funeral—and to reunite with his brother. Given he left after his parents abandoned him for coming out, it’s not a homecoming he’s looking forward to.

Once home, he learns a neighbor wants to steal his family’s ranch, and his brother is considering selling it. Determined not to let the ranch be lost, Carlos works to save it—with unexpected help from the handsome, rugged Eugenio.

But Carlos can’t seem to focus, especially with his mother’s image seeming to haunt the ranch mirrors, like she’s trying to tell him something—or maybe like he’s just losing his mind.

And finally, here’s the cover reveal:

[image error]

So what do you think? Here’s the listing on the Less Than Three Press site. It’s available for pre-order now and on sale! I’ll put more buy links as they come in.

Hi there everyone. I know it’s been a while since the last time I wrote, but I’ve just been very, very busy with some personal stuff. But I do still find time to put up stuff on Twitter,  so go follow me there if you would like. But I am back, and with some great news: Espejos has a release date!

That’s right, the first in my South Texas Lore Series will arrive in July. I know that’s not very long away, but it still feels like an eternity. I want to thank Less Than Three Press for giving this one a chance, and for all the support they have provided. Cover reveal and much more coming soon!

So now you may be wondering what the more part of this story is, well, as much as I hate to do it, I will have to take a break from being Michael War for a while. I realize that doesn’t mean much since my books have never blown up the charts and I don’t put out stories with the frequency others, but it still has been fun to talk with the people who have taken the time to read my work. It won’t be forever, I just feel I need to focus on other stuff before I come back to writing gay romance. Heck, if Espejos takes off, then it may be sooner than I have planned. I’ll still do my usual marketing pushes, with are always fun so I won’t be completely gone.

Till next time!

LOVING AGAIN SERIES BLOG TOUR

 

January 25, 2019 – A World Apart

February 22, 2019 – A New Life

March 22, 2019 – A Broken Promise

 

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: A New Life (Loving Again Series, Book 2)

Author: Mel Gough

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Black Jazz Design

Genre/s: Contemporary romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 49,000 words/188 pages

Release Date: February 22, 2019

Add on Goodreads

 

Blurb

New apartment, new job, new love – Ben and Donnie’s life in Atlanta is everything they dared to hope for. And when Zac, a baby in need of a home, comes to live with them, their family is complete.

But caring for a little one is hard work, and Donnie’s fragile health soon suffers. And then certain criminal elements from Donnie’s past turn up again. Ben and Donnie fight hard to preserve their little piece of heaven, but the destructive forces are determined to pull their happiness to pieces.

Can the two men prevail, or will they lose their baby son and everything they’ve fought for?

 

Buy Links – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal link

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 

Excerpt – Chapter 1

A drowsy post-lunch hush hung over the large, comfortable room. Small clusters of kids sat around low tables, drawing pictures or building models with brightly-colored Legos. Late fall sunlight dappled little faces and danced over the playful wall murals the community center volunteers kept adding to, whenever someone with a smidgen of artistic talent joined the team.

Donnie glanced through the glass doors into the courtyard. It was a beautiful day, mild for so late in the year. He planned to go outside with the kids for some sandbox playtime soon. He wondered if he could sneak into the staffroom and put the coffeemaker on for an afternoon cup before that, but just then, a small, dark-haired girl at a table near the back looked up from her drawing. “Donnie, can you help me?” she called in a stage whisper that made Donnie smile.

“Sure, Padma.” He wended his way through the other tables and kneeled next to the girl’s child-sized chair. “What’re we doing?”

She held out an orange crayon for him. “Can you draw a lion?”

Donnie glanced down at her paper. “Course. Where d’you want him?”

“There.” Padma pointed at a gray box with bars across the front. “Into the lion cage.”

The girl had drawn a zoo. There were cages for the animals, and enclosures with green grass and landscaping. A big red house had a stick figure outside. Donnie pointed at it. “Who’s that?”

Padma said proudly, “That’s the zookeeper.”

“But where are the animals?” Donnie asked. “Did they all run away?”

Padma shook her head and gave a tragic sigh. “I can’t draw animals.” Her big, dark eyes shone. “Can you do it for me?” she wheedled.

“All right, let’s see.” Donnie settled down on his haunches and pointed at a patch of gray and blue on the paper. “What’s that?”

“That’s the Arctic enclosure, where the penguins go, and the polar bear,” Padma said.

Donnie nodded, keeping his expression serious. This would take a while, but he didn’t mind. “Makes sense. Right, lion first.”

They had drawn the lion and four penguins, and were just getting started on a zebra, when Arthur came into the daycare. Arthur was the community center’s director, a retired high school teacher who had come from England to Atlanta with his wife almost forty years ago. After Bess’s death, Arthur had decided to stay. Donnie couldn’t imagine the center, and his own life, without the old man.

Arthur was accompanied by a young woman Donnie had never seen before. Arthur looked around, and when he spotted Donnie, he and the woman started to make their way to him and Padma. The woman carried a baby in her arms. They stopped in front of Padma’s table. Arthur leaned down to admire Padma’s drawing. “That’s a very nice zoo,” he said kindly. “Well done!”

“Donnie did the animals,” the girl informed him.

“Well, he did a jolly good job, too,” Arthur said, nodding.

Donnie smiled gratefully. Arthur was good with people, and he always took time with the kids, even though running the community center kept him busy. He treated the children as if they mattered as much as the adults, and Donnie tried his best to emulate him.

Arthur addressed Padma again. “I need to borrow Donnie for a little while, is that okay?”

The girl nodded, pleased to be asked for permission.

Donnie got up, shaking the pins and needles from his legs. He loved being with the kids, but maybe he was getting too old to crouch on the floor so much.

The woman by Arthur’s side gave Donnie a quick, nervous smile, and Arthur said, “Donnie, this is Celia.” He indicated the baby. “And this is her son Zac.”

Donnie gave Celia a nod and a smile. Small-boned and no taller than five-two, she seemed to be barely twenty. Donnie had worked at the center for long enough to know that her slenderness and pallor were due to drug abuse. But her eyes were clear, and she seemed alert. She clutched her child to her like a shield. The little boy watched Donnie with big brown eyes for a moment and gave a happy chuckle. Donnie estimated her son to be about six months old.

“Celia has a new job,” Arthur explained. “She’s starting at JFK High tomorrow, with the school lunch team. Zac will be with us when she’s at work.” Arthur took hold of Zac’s foot and jiggled it. The baby grinned at him with toothless gums.

“Thanks, Arthur,” Celia said in a quiet, musical voice. “I’m so grateful. This’ll work out, I promise.”

“Of course it will, my dear,” Arthur said.

So Celia was another one of Arthur’s foundlings. Whenever the old man wasn’t at the center, keeping an eye on things and leading the AA meetings, he walked the streets of downtown Atlanta, talking to homeless young people, junkies and anyone looking as if they might be in need of a square meal and a bed. He would find them a shelter place and then, once they were willing and able, a spot in a detox program or a job, depending on their wishes. Arthur had the biggest heart of anyone Donnie had ever met. He had saved Donnie’s life in more ways than one, and Donnie would be forever grateful.

“Now, then,” Arthur said, turning to Donnie. “Can you show Celia around the daycare? And explain to her about the medication protocol, too. Zac’s positive.”

The protocol held details of all the medication and healthcare needs of the kids at the center. The daycare had been established as a safe place for the children of drug users, rough sleepers and low-income single mothers, and many kids brought their very specific challenges. Several were HIV positive, or suffered from developmental problems related to fetal alcohol syndrome, or showed severe signs of ADHD. No child was ever refused a place, if they had room.

“Sure thing,” Donnie said, and beckoned to Celia. “C’mon, I’ll show you the place.”

“Thanks, Donnie, I appreciate it,” Arthur said. “I’ll leave you to it.” He nodded at Celia, patted Padma on the head, then left.

Donnie showed them around the large main space first. He pointed out the play areas, the row of cots where the smaller kids and the toddlers slept after lunch, and the outside yard with its playsets and swings. He introduced the other volunteers by name, and everyone exclaimed over Zac, who smiled at everyone and babbled away happily.

Only when they went into the quiet staff room and stopped before the medicine cabinet did the little boy begin to fuss. He seemed to miss the attention from the other volunteers already. Donnie held out a finger. Zac took it and put it into his mouth. A warm feeling flooded Donnie as the tiny, wet mouth closed around his knuckle. “He’s a cutie, all right,” he said to Celia.

“He’s my heart,” she said very quietly, more to herself. “I have to make it, for him. He needs a better life than what I can give him right now. The shelter…well…”

She wouldn’t meet Donnie’s eyes, and her face crumpled as if she might start crying. Donnie felt uneasy. He didn’t have a lot of experience with women, or people he didn’t know well. He had no problem relating to kids, but adults were a different matter. He would’ve liked to say something nice, but nothing appropriate came to mind.

“Err, right…this is where we store the meds,” he said, hoping Celia would be okay. He pointed to the locked cabinet. “I’ll add Zac onto the protocol. When you bring him in tomorrow, bring all his meds along, all right? I’ll help you figure out which ones we need to keep here. Then I’ll give you a receipt. At the pharmacy down the street they’ll give you extra refills with that.” That arrangement was another of Arthur’s triumphs. He was amazing at finding donors for the center children’s particular needs.

Celia nodded, back in control. “Thanks, Donnie. You and Arthur, you’re real nice. Do you,” she hesitated. “Do you get a lot of kids with HIV?”

“We got a couple at the moment,” Donnie said. He was about to tell Celia not to worry, that the volunteers were all trained to handle kids with special health needs, and that he was positive himself. But Arthur stuck his head through the door.

“Celia, the AA meeting’s about to start. Do you want to come upstairs and attend?” He nodded at Zac in her arms. “You can leave the little guy with Donnie for an hour. Like a trial run?”

Celia glanced up at Donnie, uncertain. “That okay with you?”

“Course,” Donnie said. “Me and Zac, we’ll get to know each other, and he can meet some new friends, too.”

“Okay,” Celia said, still hesitant. But then she squared her shoulders and handed Zac to Donnie. “He’s had his lunch, he shouldn’t need anything, really. Oh, except this…” She dug in her bag for a moment and pulled out a purple stuffed dinosaur toy. “It’s his favorite. If he gets grizzly, that’ll calm him right down.” She also pulled out a small baby bottle with water and handed that to Donnie, together with the toy.

Donnie held the dinosaur out to Zac, who grinned happily and put the toy’s head into his mouth right away.

“He sure is precious,” Arthur said, smiling.

Donnie nodded. “Yeah, he is.”

Arthur beckoned to Celia. “Let’s go up. Zac’s in safe hands.” Celia took one last, nervous glance at the baby, then let Arthur lead her away.

Donnie watched Zac’s expression as his mom disappeared from sight. The little guy seemed unperturbed, and looked around with interest. It was a nice feeling, holding him. Donnie liked babies. The daycare didn’t often have the very small ones, and Zac was cute. Donnie stroked his back. “D’you wanna meet your new friends, huh?”

He walked back into the main room. One of the volunteers, a bright, bubbly woman called Sonia, was gathering the kids for story time. They clustered around her chair on the floor, fidgeting and nudging each other. Donnie sat in a threadbare armchair to one side. Some of the kids observed Zac with curiosity, but it was Padma again who spoke up. “Who’s that, Donnie?”

Donnie turned his upper body, so Zac could see the children. “This is Zac, everyone. Say hello!”

Many of the kids called, “Hello Zac!”, a few waved, and one of the older girls said, “Aww, he’s so cute!”

Zac grinned at them for a moment, but then twisted in Donnie’s arms and, suddenly shy, buried his face against Donnie’s shoulder. Donnie rocked him, and stroked his soft curls. He could smell baby powder. The little body relaxed.

“All right, everyone,” Sonia called, and the children’s attention returned to her. “Who wants to hear the story of Toothless the dragon?”

Donnie settled down to listen. Zac had snuggled up against his shoulder and seemed very content there, sucking on his purple dinosaur.

It was peaceful, sitting in the sunlit room and listening to Sonia’s cheerful voice as she read the story. When Arthur and Celia returned after the AA meeting, Donnie was amazed to find that an hour had passed. He found it hard to let Zac go, and had to remind himself that it was a very short separation. The little guy would be back the next day, and every day after that.

 

About the Author

Mel was born in Germany, where she spent the first twenty-six years of her life (with a one-year stint in Los Angeles). She has always been fascinated by cultures and human interaction, and got a Masters in Social Anthropology. After finishing university she moved to London, where she has now lived for ten years.

If you were to ask her parents what Mel enjoyed the most since the age of six, they would undoubtedly say “Reading!” She would take fifteen books on a three-week beach holiday, and then read all her mom’s books once she’d devoured her own midway through week two.

Back home in her mom’s attic there’s a box full of journals with stories Mel wrote when she was in her early teens. None of the stories are finished, or any good. She has told herself bedtime stories as far back as she can remember.

In her day job, Mel works as PA and office manager. No other city is quite like London, and Mel loves her city. The hustle and bustle still amaze and thrill her even after all these years. When not reading, writing or going to the theater, Mel spends her time with her long-time boyfriend, discussing science or poking fun at each other.

 

 

Author Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Newsletter

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE FOR

A NEW LIFE

 

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

LOVING AGAIN SERIES BLOG TOUR

January 25, 2019 – A World Apart

February 22, 2019 – A New Life

March 22, 2019 – A Broken Promise

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: A World Apart (Loving Again Series, Book 1)

Author: Mel Gough

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Black Jazz Design

Genre/s: Contemporary romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 51 000 words/197 pages

Release Date: January 25, 2019

The first book in a series of three, but can be read as standalone.

Add on Goodreads

Blurb

Ben’s life appears perfect. He has a career to shine in and a beautiful family. But his marriage has broken down, and being a small-town cop is turning into a dead-end job.

Hot-headed troublemaker Donnie is used to being side-eyed by the fuzz. Getting dragged into the station for a crime he didn’t commit is no big surprise – but a cop who gives a damn sure is.

Ben has no clue how much a second encounter with the secretive redneck will shake up his life. Donnie’s sullen vulnerability arouses a passion Ben hasn’t felt for a long time. Soon, nothing matters but helping Donnie fight his demons. Can they carve a new life together out of the ashes?

Buy Links

Universal Amazon Link

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Excerpt

From Chapter One

“WHAT HAVE WE got, Lou?” Ben asked the gray-haired desk clerk at Corinth Police Department. He glanced at a handcuffed man who sat on a nearby bench, staring down at the scuffed linoleum floor. The man’s dark hair was disheveled, falling low over his forehead and brushing his long eyelashes as his eyes flicked up at Ben. He looked to be in his mid-twenties. One knee jiggled with nerves, and his jaw worked as if he was biting the inside of his mouth over and over. His dark blue eyes were mistrustful, almost pained.

“That guy was driving the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run yesterday,” Lou said. “Browne and O’Donnell brought him in. They’re with the captain.”

Just that moment, the door to the inner sanctum of the station opened, and Jason Browne strode out of Captain Buckley’s office. The sleeves of his uniform were rolled up as usual, to show off his muscular, tanned arms.

“How was court, brother?” Jason sounded cheerful, but his gray eyes were cold. In Ben’s partner and best friend since high school, that was never a good combination. Ben gave Jason a long look, then shrugged.

“As expected.” He didn’t want to think about the peculiar effect Mr. Abbott’s words had had on him, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to discuss it in front of a suspect, or Lou.

“You missed all the excitement.” Jason gestured toward the handcuffed man, who had his gazed directed at the floor again. “Saunders here knows some pretty colorful language, and he was none too happy to accompany us, neither.”

“Hence the handcuffs?” Ben asked, his tone dry.

Jason nodded, smirking.

“Wasn’t me that hit that kid,” Saunders muttered, his dark voice shaking with suppressed anger. “Told y’all I wasn’t in town.”

Jason sighed, folding his arms across his chest with exaggerated impatience. “And I told you this: We got witnesses placing you at the scene, smart-ass. It’s your word against theirs. Who’re we gonna believe, some deadbeat, or the boy’s mother?”

Ben frowned at his partner. They had been in the radio car on their usual route the day before when the call about a hit-and-run near Corinth High had come over dispatch. O’Donnell and Myers, the department’s other two sergeants, had been closest and responded to the call. Last night, back at the station, O’Donnell had told them that the boy had a broken leg from being flung off his bike, but that he would undoubtedly survive. There really was no need for Jason to be so aggressive about the issue.

Saunders sat up straight on the bench, glaring at Jason. “It wasn’t me! Why’re you not listening?” His eyes were wide with fury.

Ben, knowing Jason’s thought processes and impulses almost as well as his own, stepped in his partner’s way. Gaze fixed on his friend, he said loud enough for Lou and any bystanders to hear, “Why don’t you and I take Mr. Saunders through to the interrogation room for a statement?” He put special emphasis on the last words, hoping Jason would get his meaning: Anything other than a polite request for an official statement from the suspect would be out of order at this point.

Taking Jason’s reluctant jerk of the head as assent, Ben turned around, intending to escort Saunders to the interrogation room. But as soon as his back was turned, Jason stepped nimbly around him and grabbed the man hard by the upper arm.

Saunders flinched, but Jason’s grip on him was like a vise. Saunders’s eyes met Ben’s, and there was pure animal fear in them, as well as something Ben couldn’t quite place. Anguish, perhaps?

He stepped up close behind Jason. “If you dislocate his shoulder there’ll be an awful lot of paperwork to fill in for both of us, brother.” Ben kept his voice quiet and even, but Jason knew him well enough to detect the steely undertone. After a moment, Jason huffed, then let go of Saunders and took a step back. There were finger-shaped marks on Saunders’s bicep, just below the rolled-up sleeve.

Now Ben stepped forward, and Saunders looked at him. His breath still came fast, but the fear began to fade from the indigo blue eyes.

Ben motioned at Saunders to stand, then pointed down the corridor. “Would you come this way, please?”

Good cop, bad cop. Ben hated playing this game, but Jason had left him no choice. Saunders got up. He was no taller than Ben, who just about scraped five foot nine. Jason towered over them both, still glowering. Saunders gave him a quick, disgusted look, then preceded Ben down the dreary-gray hallway, handcuffed arms held stiffly behind him. His narrow back was tense, the shoulders hunched.

At the door to the interrogation room, Ben let Jason draw ahead. He followed the two men inside and closed the door. Jason approached Saunders, who had backed up against the one-way mirror.

“Turn around,” Jason growled.

Saunders ignored him and stared straight at the bottle-green linoleum floor. Ben spoke before Jason could get angry again. “Sir, the sergeant will move the handcuffs to the front so you can sit down more comfortably.” The eyes that met Ben’s were still full of mistrust, but after a moment, they softened and Saunders turned around.

“Sit,” Jason said when he had shackled Saunders’s arms again in the front. Saunders flopped into the single chair on one side of the square floor-bolted table. Ben and Jason took the two chairs opposite.

Leaning forward, Ben waited until he had the suspect’s attention. “Do you mind if we record this conversation?”

“You’re arresting me?” The narrow blue eyes were suspicious again, but Saunders sounded more wary than belligerent. And he ignored Jason, his gaze never wavering from Ben.

“No, we’re not,” Ben said in an even tone. “But having a record of what we talk about will aid your cause.”

Saunders chewed this over, trying to decide whether Ben told the truth. Eventually he gave a small shrug.

“Sir,” Ben said. “Please state for the protocol: Do you mind if we record this conversation?” Forcing the police procedural on this man was distressing. The tension vibrating off him made Ben wince. Saunders gave him a pained look.

“Go ahead.”

Jason pressed the digital recorder button on the small panel in the tabletop to his right. But it was Ben who spoke again. When they interrogated a suspect together, Ben usually started off the interview. His milder, calmer demeanor tended to relax the atmosphere better than Jason’s hot temper. For now, Jason seemed to have gotten all his anger out by playing scary cop in front of Lou and sat back in his chair without interrupting.

“Statement protocol, September twenty-second, eleven forty-five a.m. Officers present: Sergeant Ben Griers and Sergeant Jason Browne.” Ben nodded at the suspect. “Please state your full name for the record, sir.”

“Donnie Saunders.” The man’s voice was quiet, and he sounded tired.

Ben waited for Saunders to look at him again, and nodded his thanks. Then he glanced at Jason, eyebrows raised, reminding his partner with his most level stare to act appropriately. “Officer Browne will now ask you a few questions.”

“All right,” Jason said. Ben took this as the opening of the interview and an affirmation that he would stay calm. “Mr. Saunders, your pickup truck was seen driving away after hitting Dennis Mallory on his bike while he was riding home after school yesterday afternoon at about three thirty p.m.”

“I told y’all three times now, it wasn’t me. Why is it that you can’t hear me?” Saunders’s voice had risen again in volume, but there was a strange quiver in it, too. He leaned back in his chair as far as he could, regarding Jason from eyes narrowed in anger.

Before Jason, who looked ready to explode again, could respond, Ben said, “Let’s rephrase the question: Sir, where were you yesterday at three thirty p.m.?”

Saunders didn’t immediately reply. His eyes darted around the room, never meeting Ben’s, and still ignoring Jason. Then they settled on the shackled, tightly folded hands in his lap. Is he trying to come up with a lie?

At last, Saunders said, “Was in Atlanta. Had an appointment at the DFCS.” His voice was very quiet, and he didn’t look up. It didn’t sound like a lie, but a truth the man was reluctant to share.

Ben decided not to press for details. It was none of his business why the guy had been summoned to the Division of Family and Children Services. As long as he could determine that Saunders had been forty miles away from the scene of the hit-and-run, he had done his job.

“I need to know who you were there to see,” Ben said just as quietly, and wasn’t surprised when his gaze was met with one of suspicion again. He added in explanation, “A phone call to the person you had the appointment with will clear you.”

Saunders gave a small jerk of the head in understanding. “Stacy Miller.”

“Thank you.” Ben looked at Jason, considering his options. Could he leave these two alone for a few minutes? His partner’s steel gaze never wavered from Saunders, and Ben could feel Jason’s tension. But if he told Jason to make the phone call, would he try very hard to get at the truth? No, Ben would have to call the DFCS himself. He’d just had to be quick.

“Jason, stay with Mr. Saunders. I’m going to call Ms. Miller.”

Not waiting for Jason’s acknowledgment, or asking permission from Saunders to make the call on his behalf, Ben got up and left the room. He went back to the front desk. “Lou, find me the number for Atlanta DFCS.”

The desk clerk looked grumpy for a moment but then started hacking away at his keyboard without a word. Finally he picked up the phone, dialed a number, and held the receiver out to Ben.

“DFCS switchboard,” a tinny voice announced in Ben’s ear. “How can I help?”

“Stacy Miller, please,” Ben said, ignoring Lou, who tried hard to look like he wasn’t listening in.

“Hold the line.”

Ben half turned away while he listened to the annoying phone queue music. After a few moments, there was a click and a crisp voice said, “Medicaid assessment team. How can I help you?”

About the Author

Mel was born in Germany, where she spent the first twenty-six years of her life (with a one-year stint in Los Angeles). She has always been fascinated by cultures and human interaction, and got a Masters in Social Anthropology. After finishing university she moved to London, where she has now lived for ten years.

If you were to ask her parents what Mel enjoyed the most since the age of six, they would undoubtedly say “Reading!” She would take fifteen books on a three-week beach holiday, and then read all her mom’s books once she’d devoured her own midway through week two.

Back home in her mom’s attic there’s a box full of journals with stories Mel wrote when she was in her early teens. None of the stories are finished, or any good. She has told herself bedtime stories as far back as she can remember.

In her day job, Mel works as PA and office manager. No other city is quite like London, and Mel loves her city. The hustle and bustle still amaze and thrill her even after all these years. When not reading, writing or going to the theater, Mel spends her time with her long-time boyfriend, discussing science or poking fun at each other.

Author Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Newsletter

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE FOR

A WORLD APART

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: I Wished For You

Author: Colette Davison

Cover Artist: Designs by Dana

Genre/s: mmm contemporary romance

Release Date: January 22, 2019

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Add on Goodreads

 

Buy Link – Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US

Amazon UK

 

 

Blurb

Three wishes.

Seb wants to be happy.

Matt wants to find ‘the one.’

Connor wants them.

 

Two drunken kisses.

Seb didn’t plan to kiss Matt and Connor, but he doesn’t regret it, even if it has changed their friendship forever.

Matt has never considered dating a man before, let alone two. Despite his confusion, being with Seb and Connor feels right.

 

One uncertain future.

Connor’s potential fate has stopped him living and loving. Can he face his fears to be with the men he loves?

 

 

Excerpt

Matt adjusted his jogging bottoms and leaned back against the sofa. The next words popped out of his mouth unfiltered. “I could do with a blow job.”

Seb snorted out a loud laugh. “Too much information.” He patted Matt’s shoulder. “But hey, if you’re desperate, I don’t mind obliging.” Seb’s laughter trailed off into a nervous chuckle. “Umm… that was a joke.”

“Yeah, yeah, of course.” Matt couldn’t look at Seb. A week ago, he’d have taken a comment like that and ribbed his friend with it mercilessly. Now, he wasn’t sure at all that it had been meant in jest. He wasn’t even sure that he wanted it to be a joke. He rubbed his jaw, clearing his throat again. “What would you do if I said yes?”

Seb twisted on the sofa so he was facing Matt. “You’re not going to say yes.”

“What if I did?” Matt kept his stare on the ceiling, but he was still able to see Seb shrug out of the corner of his eye.

“I’d give you one.”

Seb’s reply was so matter-of-fact that it sent a chill running up Matt’s spine. It did nothing to ease the pressure in his cock. If anything, blood pumped to it faster.

“Really?” Matt asked. Why the hell was he still talking? It was like he was engaged in a game of chicken with Seb, trying to see which one of them would back down first. He had no idea how far his head, or his cock, was willing to take it.

“Sure, why not? It’s just a blow job, right? It wouldn’t mean anything.”

“But we’re friends,” Matt stuttered.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve sucked off a friend.”

 

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

 

Author Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub

Goodreads

Instagram

 

 

RELEASE BLITZ SCHEDULE

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

 

Hey all. I’ve been a bit silent recently, which is not a bad thing. Just needed to get some stuff in order, plus I’ve been working on a big project that I hope to share with everyone soon. But before we get to that announcement (and some ramblings), here is a bit of news.

Espejos

The first in what I hope will be a nice series, Espejos, was just sent back after receiving some edits. I’m really excited about this one, especially since it dives into the folklore from where I grew up. The town itself may be fictional, but the tale is one that has been a part of South Texas folklore for a long, long time. I plan to write five books for this series, and while I wait for a release date (and cover), I should get started on the second one. I have it mapped out already. Now I just need to sit down and start writing. Speaking of writing…

New YA Project

I know what you are thinking, it seems like everyone is jumping on the gay bYA bandwagon, especially after seeing Love, Simon. Well, I don’t see anything wrong with that, especially if you feel inspired to write a story worth telling. Though in all fairness, I haven’t seen the movie yet (gasp, I know), and I just finished the book (after I began writing my YA story). So if you have guessed already, the reason the next book in the South Texas Lore series hasn’t been started is because I’ve started working on a YA story of my own. While it does have some coming out aspects, I didn’t want to focus on that. Instead, I wanted to give life to the feelings of unrequited love that some young gay men face, and how they navigate in a world that keeps telling them that they need to be something else. The “secret” does come out (sorry, bad pun), but it’s not to the whole world. I don’t consider that a spoiler since it doesn’t give away too much.

Well, I guess that’s it for now. What big projects or books are on your horizon?

We are pleased to have E.T. Malinowski stop by today to talk about Night Kiss, the first in the BL Entertainment Series. Check out the guest post below, where E.T. talks about who would play the characters in their book. When you are done, take a look at the description and excerpt, then enter to win a ten dollar DSP gift card!Who Would Play Who?

If I were a Hollywood producer about to put your book on the big screen, who would you want me to cast as the leads? Why? And can we have pictures to drool over?

This is actually an easier question to answer than you might think. Once a story idea starts to percolate in my twisted little brain pan, I think about what the character looks and sounds like, and what type of personality he or she has. With Night Kiss, the characters had visual inspirations before their personalities developed. The story itself was inspired by an image and a song. In a movie adaptation of Night Kiss, this would be my dream cast. Honestly, I doubt anyone who has followed me on Facebook is surprised by my answers!

Jung Ki-tae is the youngest son and member of Bam Kiseu. He has a way of charming people with a smile and a wink, and then turning on the sexy in the blink of an eye. He would be played by Kai from EXO who displays the same boyish charm right before he smacks you in the face with how damn sensual he is. The ability to go from Kim Jong-in (real name) to Kai (Stage persona) in the space of a heartbeat shows his skill as a performer.

Cheong Jin-woo is a hard-working university student. He is sweet and kind, but has a strong will. He looks all innocent and adorable, but can be just as erotically wicked as the man he falls in love with. As part of my dream cast, he would be played by Xiumin (Stage persona), also from EXO. The oldest member of the group, Xiumin is what I call adora-sexy. One moment he is cute and adorable, and all little boy innocent and the next, he’s all grown man and sexy as hell. Few men can pull this off, Xiumin is one of them. Having seen how easily he switches from lovable Xiumin to hyung about to correct his dongsaeng (mostly Baekhyun!), I can picture him playing Jin-woo easily.

Jung HanYin is the middle son and member of Bam Kiseu. HanYin is a very happy person and wants those around him to be happy as well. He has a habit feeding everyone their favorite foods. It’s his way of showing he cares. He does have a tendency to hug people, a trait he picked up from his visual inspiration; Huang Zitao (real name), formerly of EXO and now a solo artist with his own production company, LTAO. If it were up to me, I would choose ZTao (Stage name) to play HanYin. Having seen clips of his acting ability in Railroad Tigers and a few of his other movies, I feel he would be able to accurately portray HanYin’s sweet nature as well as his fierce protectiveness. I think he would truly get HanYin’s need to care for his family above all else and the personal pain HanYin experiences when he feels he has failed in that task.

Bak Jong-in is an incredibly hard-working university student, even more so than Jn-woo, and is one of Jin-woo’s dear friends. He is very quiet and doesn’t speak much but when he does it usually is significant. He is more open with his friends and can be very stubborn. In my dream cast, Jong-in would be played by Lay (Stage persona) of EXO. Lay is another person who I classify as adora-sexy. It’s the dimples, they’re killer! And when he combines them with glasses, forget it. As far as acting goes, I don’t believe Lay has ventured into that field, yet. However, visually, he is Jong-in for me. I’d like to think he could pull of Jong-in’s combination of quiet strength and dominance. Jong-in isn’t into that scene but he prefers to be on top because he has never found anyone he trusts enough to bottom for, but that’s a story for another time… and a later book!

Jung Cheongul is the oldest son and member of Bam Kiseu. He’s the stoic one, the one who talks the least, and is perhaps a bit of a grump at times. He’s a fighter and a lover who isn’t sure he’s worthy of love. However, he adores his brothers and is more open with them, more playful, smiling more. In this, I think of Kris Wu (Stage persona) and he’s who I would choose to play Cheongul. Kris Wu began his music career with EXO as well and left the group in 2014. Having watched him in XXX: The Return of Xander Cage, while not a great movie and I would have loved to see Kris perform rather than just play DJ, I can see Kris carrying off Cheongul’s quiet strength. I can picture him getting all fiercely protective and warning people against hurting his brothers all with a single look. I’ve noticed Kris rarely smiles when photographed, but when he does, and I mean a genuine smile because you can tell the difference, it changes the whole feel of the photograph. There aren’t many of those and it makes me sad. I think Kris can pull off those rare moments when Cheongul is relaxed enough to show what he really feels.

Yi Min-su is not your average lady. She’s sassy and sweet, and smart and adorable. She’s just as hard-working as her best friends, Jin-woo and Jong-in, and while she’d never admit it, she’s a fangirl, especially when it comes to Bam Kiseu and Cheongul in particular. Min-su was inspired by Lisa (Stage persona) from BlackPink and I would choose Lisa to play her on-screen. Whether she has the acting ability to carry a role or not has yet to be seen. It may never happen, but that’s why this is a ‘dream’ cast!

There are three other characters that I will list but I won’t go into detail about why I chose the people I did simply because the people I’ve chosen are actors. They have the skills to carry off roles, otherwise, they wouldn’t be as successful as they are!

Park Soon-Joon is the sire of Cheongul, HanYin, and Ki-tae, and manager of Bam Kiseu. I would cast Jang Dong-gun to play him. He has this air of maturity and experience while still being sexy.

Rhim Hyun-jo is the personal assistant to Soon-Joon. He is quiet and unassuming, almost delicate, and that’s just what he wants you to think. My choice for this role would be Wu ChuYi. The first time I saw Wu ChuYi it was in a series called My Roommate is a Fairy Fox and I loved it. It most legends the Fox Spirit is female and, quite honestly, Wu ChuYi gave that sense of delicateness to his performance without compromising or disguising his masculinity. It was well-done in my opinion. Because of that, I feel he could carry off Hyun-jo with no problem, especially when Hyun-jo drops his veneer of delicacy and bares his fangs.

Liang ChénBao is the sire to Soon-joon and Owner of BL Entertainment. She is elegant and sophisticated, and beautiful. She can be fierce and terrifying when she feels the situation calls for it. I would cast Fan Bing Bing to play ChénBao in a movie of Night Kiss as she was the visual inspiration for the character, particularly in her role as Empress Wu.

There are several other characters in Night Kiss, but these are the main ones and their inspirations. The only other character that appears regularly is Cho Shin-bai, the head of security for not only BL Entertainment but for the Jung boys in particular. Honestly, I picture him as huge and bald, and built like a brick shithouse, but I’ve never thought of someone who could play him in a movie. I’ll have to get back to you on that one because I’ll also have to think about his wife who is a tiny little pixie of a lady!

Once you read Night Kiss, let me know who you think should play the various characters. You can do so on my author Facebook page or on my website!

E.T. Malinowski has a new queer paranormal book out: Night Kiss.

What could be frightening enough to freeze the blood of a centuries-old Vampire turned K-pop idol?

Being bound to someone.

University student Cheong Jin-woo dreams of working in the arts, especially for BL Entertainment and his favorite band, Bam Kiseu. After seeing the band perform, Jin-woo separates from his friends to explore. What he discovers backstage will change his life.

Does he embrace it or run?

Jung Ki-tae has kept his secret for centuries—until a young fan interrupts his feeding. Even more disturbing is the instant bond Ki-tae feels with Jin-woo—a complication he refuses to allow. Yet resisting becomes increasingly difficult as Jin-woo and a group of students win the chance to make a video for the band, working closely with them for weeks. The obsession Ki-tae felt toward Jin-woo—even before tasting his blood—deepens into genuine feelings, feelings that terrify Ki-tae. But when he finds a way to break the bond, he’s torn between severing the connection and protecting Jin-woo….

Especially with a mysterious killer getting closer.

DSP Publications | Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Play | Universal Link

Giveaway

DSP Publications is giving away a $10 DSPP gift code with this tour. Enter via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d4749/?

Excerpt

Jin-woo was late and Min-su was going to kill him, but if he hadn’t gone back to the studio, they wouldn’t have their visuals, and then she would have killed him slowly. He’d had to scramble to find someone with the keys, too, forcing him to miss all the other presentations. He never realized how hard it was to find maintenance personnel on a campus this size. When he finally reached Min-su, she looked scared as hell.

“What?” he asked. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Um, I… I can’t breathe. I really… can’t.” Min-su puffed out her cheeks and fanned her face. “I didn’t…. If I had known, I would have chosen a different outfit. I would have done my hair, and my makeup is just…. Dammit. Why didn’t anyone tell me they were going to be here?”

“What the heck is she talking about, Jong-in-a?” Jin-woo demanded.

“We’re not just presenting to Park Soon-joon hyung,” Jong-in said quietly.

“Of course we aren’t. Seonsaengnim is there as well,” Jin-woo said. “This isn’t new.”

“It’s…. We’re…. Jin-woo-ya, Bam Kiseu is in that room!” Min-su said, grabbing him by his vest and shaking him back and forth. “HanYin oppa is in that room! Ki-tae oppa is in that room! Cheongul oppa is in that room!”

Jin-woo did the only thing he could think of. He slapped her.

Min-su stumbled back a few steps and just stared at him. Then she narrowed her eyes and came at him.

Jin-woo threw up his hands in defense of the punch coming his way.

“I’m sorry!” But it never landed. He peeked with one eye. Min-su looked completely calm.

“Thank you,” she said with a sigh. “I was losing my shit, and that’s not acceptable.”

“You’re good?” Jin-woo said.

“I’m good.”

“Good,” Jin-woo said as he began to shake. “I’m going to pass out now.”

And he did just that.

Jin-woo didn’t remember hitting the floor, but he figured that must have happened, as he was staring up at the ceiling with Min-su slapping his face and Jong-in looking terribly concerned. He caught Min-su’s wrist and held her hand to his face for a few moments, closing his eyes once more.

“No, you cannot pass out on us again. We’re up next, Jin-woo-ya!” Min-su said, an edge of desperation in her voice.

“I’m not going to pass out again. I just wanted you to stop slapping me and calm down,” he said. Then he slowly sat up, rubbing the back of his head. He looked at Jong-in and teased, “You couldn’t have caught me?”

“Nope, Min-su-ya was in the way.”

“Hey, this is not my fault,” she said, putting her hands on her hips.

“Well, you were shaking Jin-woo-ya pretty hard,” Jong-in pointed out. “There’s no need to panic. They’re people, just like us.”

No, not just like us, Jin-woo thought but wisely kept the words to himself.

Author Bio

An avid reader, E.T. finds inspiration in all her favorite genres, from mainstream romance by her favorite authors to Japanese manga and anime. To her, even the classic fairytales hold that spark of motivation and if there is one thing she has learned from her many years of writing solely for herself, it’s this: never deny the Muse, she gets cranky and pulls out the bullwhip. E.T. Malinowski is the youngest of seven girls. It was her love of reading that eventually led her to attempt writing. From there, a passion was born.

She began writing romance in her early teens and, at that time, never dreamed of sharing her work with anyone. With the help of several dear friends, not to mention her ex-husband, she found the courage to take that last step towards publication. As the single mother of three rambunctious boys, finding time to write is a bit difficult. Yet E.T. manages to do it, even if it’s on break or lunch at a regular day job.

She has found her place in homoerotic romance. To her, love doesn’t recognize gender rel=”noopener”boundaries and is always special. An avid reader, E.T. finds inspiration in all her favorite genres, from mainstream romance by her favorite authors to Japanese manga and anime. To her, even the classic fairytales hold that spark of motivation and if there is one thing she has learned from her many years of writing solely for herself, it’s this: never deny the Muse, she gets cranky and pulls out the bullwhip.

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/eleonore.malinowski

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/E.T.Malinowski/

 

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: I Wished For You

Author: Colette Davison

Cover Artist: Designs by Dana

Genre/s: mmm contemporary romance

Release Date: January 22, 2019

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Tagline

Since childhood, their friendship has been steadfast; falling in love will test that bond.

Blurb

Three wishes.

Seb wants to be happy.

Matt wants to find ‘the one.’

Connor wants them.

Two drunken kisses.

Seb didn’t plan to kiss Matt and Connor, but he doesn’t regret it, even if it has changed their friendship forever.

Matt has never considered dating a man before, let alone two. Despite his confusion, being with Seb and Connor feels right.

One uncertain future.

Connor’s potential fate has stopped him living and loving. Can he face his fears to be with the men he loves?

About the Author

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.

Author Links

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter

Facebook Group: Colette’s Cosy Corner

BookBub

Goodreads

Instagram

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions