Dreamspinner Press Releases for week of March 11th

Freedom by Jay Kirkpatrick

Length: Novel (232p.) | Genre: Science Fiction | Release Date: March 11, 2013

Available in e-book & print

In a future Earth, Patrick Harvey, newly promoted Class One Empath, dreams of the independence his position brings and the apartment he’s saving for. His first solo assignment is treating John Doe 439, a man found outside the city, battered, traumatized, and apparently mute.

Despite a strong taboo against Empaths forging romantic relationships, Patrick realizes he feels a strong attraction to his patient. Soon he learns the man is a high-level Psychic Talent named Jac. Then Jac reveals that there are abusive people hunting him for his gifts, and Patrick’s uncomplicated world explodes.

Jac needs to meet up with his companions and flee the city before anyone else can find him—but it may be too late. Word of Jac’s talents has leaked to Central Government in Chicago. If Jac wants to retain his freedom, he needs to run—now. And if Patrick wants to explore a relationship his society tells him he can’t have, he’ll have to exchange the safe fetters of his job for the uncertainty of liberty.

Keeping Secrets by Cate Ashwood

Length: Novel (206p.) | Genre: M/M/M or More, Contemporary |Release Date: March 11, 2013

Available in e-book & print

Days away from high school graduation, with hardly a penny to his name, Evan Lowry needs to earn money for college. When he comes across an ad for modeling, he thinks his luck has changed—until he learns he’s interviewing for an adult film and will be expected to have sex. On camera. With other men.

For gay porn star Brandon Court, the shine has worn off of regular shoots. He and his producer, Les, decide to try something new: a reality-show porno set at a beach house. When he meets wide-eyed and naïve Evan for the first time, Brandon isn’t sure if he wants the kid to get lost or get naked. Naked wins.

On set, Brandon takes Evan under his wing, and over the next month, they are thrown together in every intimate way conceivable—except emotionally. Both Brandon and Evan are terrified of trying for anything deeper, and insecurities and doubts wear on their hopes, but the chemistry between them won’t let them slow things down.

Under the Southern Cross: stories by RJ Astrue, Isabella Rowan, Robyn Walker, L.J. LaBarthe & Meredith Shayne

Length: Novel (350p.) | Genre: Anthology, Contemporary, Science Fiction, Other Paranormal, Historical - World, Mystery/Suspense | Release Date: March 13, 2013

Available in print only

An anthology filled with stories that will make you fall in love with Australia, written by Australian authors. Anthology: Under the Southern Cross, available from Dreamspinner Press.

Fall in love with Australia.

Fight zombies in colonial New South Wales, solve a mysterious murder in 1920s Adelaide, and journey to a bleak Australian future that may yet hold some promise. Overcome prejudices and take a pilgrimage to Uluru, Australia’s sacred heart. And along the way, explore the theme of unexpected love beneath the shining stars of the Southern Cross.

Stories included:

The Body on the Beach by L.J. LaBarthe

Coming Home by Robyn Walker

Jasper and the Dead by RJ Astruc

The Red Heart by Isabelle Rowan

Whitewater by Meredith Shayne

The Body on the Beach by L.J. LaBarthe

Length: Novella (109p.) | Genre: Under the Southern Cross anthology, Mystery/Suspense, Historical – World / Release Date: March 13, 2013

Available in e-book only

In 1920, a body is found on Brighton Beach, Adelaide. Billy Liang has been living a respectable life as the representative of Adelaide’s Chinese community—with his lover, lawyer Tom Williams, discreetly at his side. When evidence seems to implicate the people Billy represents, he steps up to help solve the murder. He and Tom deal with illegal opium dens, fantan games and gambling, racism, and being shot at. Though Billy’s family accepts the love he and Tom share, Australia’s laws against sodomy and homosexuality pose a constant danger. Now, the body on the beach brings a whole new threat to Billy and Tom’s life in Adelaide.

Part of the Under the Southern Cross anthology.

Coming Home by Robyn Walker

Length: Novella (69p.) | Genre: Under the Southern Cross anthology, Science Fiction

Available in e-book

 In 2045, Russian-born Nick comes “home” to Australia for the funeral of an old friend. After a ten-year absence, he finds a country scarred by drought and a people scarred by technology. He grieves for Ben, whose death has left his friends bewildered. He grieves for Australia, the country that forced him to leave. But his greatest grief is for Daniel. Although Daniel is alive, it seems their friendship is dead. And Nick has no idea why. 

Part of the Under the Southern Cross anthology.

Jasper and the Dead by R.J. Astrue

Length: Novella (66p.) | Genre: Under the Southern Cross anthology, Other Paranormal

Available in e-book

At the dawn of the nineteenth century, a zombie outbreak threatens to wipe out Sydney. Zombie hunter Jasper Blue and Pape Sassoon, a ferryman’s secretary, are charged with getting the governor safely out to the ship anchored in Sydney Harbor. Despite a sparking mutual attraction, the two men hire a cadre of bodyguards and attempt the mission. But when the zombie horde threatens to overwhelm them, their fight for the governor becomes a battle for life, and love, and much more.

Part of the Under the Southern Cross anthology.

The Red Heart by Isabelle Rowan

Length: Novella (114p.) | Genre: Under the Southern Cross anthology, Contemporary

Available in e-book

An ex-soldier and an urban Goth walk into a desert. It sounds like the start of a joke, but for Sam Collins and Daniel Evans, it is the beginning of their story. Daniel walks to shed his drug-filled past and make himself whole. But Sam, who hides the demons of war behind a smile, needs Daniel more than either man knows. An old stockman’s wisdom sends them on their journey together, a long hard road to find Australia’s sacred Red Heart and—perhaps—each other.

Part of the Under the Southern Cross anthology. 

Whitewater by Meredith Shayne

Length: Novella (117p.) | Genre: Under the Southern Cross anthology, Contemporary

Available in e-book

Baker Luke Henderson loves his job, and owning a bakery at Coogee Beach makes it even better. When he opens the shop before dawn, he hears the waves.  When he walks along the beach after sunrise, he admires the surfers—one in particular: Cameron Brown. A chef and café owner, Cameron secretly watches Luke right back. When Luke proposes a business deal, Cameron seizes the chance to get close. But Cameron’s ideal man is physically perfect, and Luke’s awkward limp could be the flaw that fractures their romance.

Part of the Under the Southern Cross anthology.

Pawn Takes Rook by Lex Chase

Length: Novella (88p.) | Genre: Contemporary Fantasy | Release Date: March 13, 2013

Available in e-book only

The first time Hogarth Dawson sees superhero Memphis Rook, he comes to Hogarth’s rescue by cracking the heads of two thugs like eggs into a skillet. Hogarth is utterly smitten, but he soon discovers the superhero Power Alliance has ejected Rook for failing to protect a civilian.

Hogarth devises a plan that will reinstate Rook and might even earn Hogarth a place in Power Alliance roster. But what he expects to be a simple few missions rescuing kittens and helping little old ladies cross the street turns into a shocking reality of citywide chases, foiling robberies, and facing his ex. Then Hogarth discovers the beating Rook saved him from wasn’t a chance attack. It’s possible Hogarth is just a pawn in Rook’s game….

A Simple Romance by J.H. Knight

Length: Novella (217p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: March 13, 2013

Available in e-book only

Skip thought he had it all: the fabulous husband, the great apartment, and the teaching job he’d always wanted. Even the cat was perfect. When his partner of eight years decides he wants something else—something that doesn’t involve Skip or the apartment or even the cat—Skip decides it’s time to go home to the other side of the country.

However, Skip’s hometown doesn’t just hold a loving meddling mother but also the memories of his awkward crush on a boy he met his senior year in high school. A boy he humiliated himself in front of just when it looked as if his fantasies might become reality. Finding out Paul Miller is now working at the same high school where Skip has just been hired flips his world upside down. After a heated night together, Skip is happy being friends with benefits. Paul will have to convince him love is worth the risk.

Ice and Embers by Augusta Li

Sequel to Ash and Echoes; Blessed Epoch Series, Book Two

Length: Novel (350p.) | Genre: M/M/M or More, High Fantasy | Release Date: March 15, 2013

Available in e-book & print

Despite their disparate natures, Yarrow, Duncan, and Sasha united against overwhelming odds to save Prince Garith’s life. Now Garith is king and the three friends may be facing their undoing.

Distraught over Yarrow’s departure to find the cure to his magical affliction, Duncan struggles with his new role as Bairn of Windwake, a realm left bankrupt by his predecessor. Many of Duncan’s vassals conspire against him, and Sasha’s unorthodox solutions to Duncan’s problem have earned them the contempt of Garith’s nobles.

When word reaches Duncan and Sasha that Yarrow is in danger, they want nothing more than to rush to his aid. But Duncan’s absence could tip Windwake into the hands of his enemies. In addition, a near-mythic order of assassins wants Sasha dead. Without Yarrow, Duncan and Sasha can’t take the fight to the assassins. They are stuck, entangled in a political world they don’t understand. But finding Yarrow may cause more problems, and with his court divided, King Garith must strike a balance between supporting his friends and assuaging the nobles who want Duncan punished—and Sasha executed.

Unfinished Business by Mia Kerick

Sequel to Beggars and Choosers

Length: Novel (224p.) | Genre: Contemporary | Release Date: March 15, 2013

Available in e-book & print

After struggling through dishonesty, betrayal, and the kind of pasts they’d like to leave behind them, Brett Taylor and Cory Butana are back together and starting to build a new life. Brett has a good job. Cory has started college. But not everything goes the way they planned. 

Still recovering from the emotional and physical repercussions of a brutal assault, Cory finds himself trapped by his own insecurity and fear, unable to believe that his heart is safe with Brett or that his body is safe without him. On the other hand, Brett has total faith in Cory’s love and commitment, even though he still struggles with his own ghosts.

With girls flocking to Brett’s side and a wannabe-lover lab partner feeding his doubts, Cory can’t find a way to tell Brett about the unfinished business that haunts him. If Brett wants to save him, he’ll have to see through Cory’s deception in time.