Sunday Series Spotlight- Marie Sexton's Coda Series

One of the best M/M contemporary series out there. I just fell in love with it and am always hoping for more set in this series. They are available in e-book and some stories are in print as well. Publisher- Dreamspinner Press

Book One-Promises

Jared Thomas has lived his whole life in the small mountain town of Coda, Colorado. He can't imagine living anywhere else. Unfortunately, the only other gay man in town is twice his age and used to be his teacher, so Jared is resigned to spending his life alone.

Until Matt Richards walks into his life, that is. Matt has just been hired by the Coda Police Department, and he and Jared immediately become friends. Matt claims he is straight, but for Jared, having a sexy friend like Matt is way too tempting. Facing Matt’s affair with a local woman, his disapproving family, and harassment from Matt’s co-workers, Jared fears they'll never find a way to be together—if he can even convince Matt to try.

Book Two: A to Z

Zach Mitchell is stuck in a rut. His college boyfriend left him ten years ago, but Zach still lives in the same apartment, drives the same car, and feeds his ex-boyfriend’s ungrateful cat. His Denver business, A to Z Video Rental, is struggling. He has annoying customers, eccentric neighbors, and an un-fulfilling romance with his landlord, Tom.

A combat boot-wearing punk with an attitude, Angelo Green was raised in foster homes and has been on his own since he was sixteen; he has never learned to trust or to love. He doesn’t do relationships, so when Angelo takes a job at A to Z Video, he decides Zach is strictly off-limits.

Despite their differences, Zach and Angelo quickly become friends, and when Zach’s break-up with Tom puts his business on the line, it’s Angelo who comes up with a solution. Together with Jared and Matt, their friends from Coda, Colorado, Zach and Angelo will find a way to save A to Z, but will they be able to save each other too?

Book Three: The Promise & The Letter Z (Sequel to A to Z)

These take place at relatively the same time in the series and are short stories.

 

Zach and Angelo have settled into their new lives in Coda, Colorado, finding their place in the community with the help of their good friends Matt and Jared. Zach and Angelo are also working out the particulars of their relationship, but when they make a decision Jared disagrees with, Angelo finds himself at odds with his partner’s best friend. And his best friend’s partner.

When the four decide on a quick trip to Vegas, Angelo thinks he and Jared may be back on the right track. But a chance encounter with Zach’s ex-boyfriend will make Angelo question everything about himself and his relationship with Zach. Matt and Jared have always been there when Zach and Angelo needed help. But when it comes to sorting out their relationship, their friends may do more harm than good.

The Promise can be found on the author's website

Book Four: Strawberries for Dessert

When Jonathan Kechter agrees to a blind date with Cole Fenton, he expects nothing morethan dinner and a one-night stand… but he gets more than he bargained for in Cole. Cole is arrogant, flamboyant, and definitely not Jon’s type. Still, when Cole suggests an arrangement of getting together for casual sex whenever they’re both in town, Jon readily agrees. Their arrangement may be casual, but Jonathan soon learns that when it comes to Cole Fenton, nothing is easy. Between Cole’s fear of intimacy and his wandering lifestyle, Jonathan wonders if their relationship may be doomed from the start—but the more Cole pushes him away, the more determined Jon is to make it work.

Book Five: Putting Out Fires

Short Story

Matt Richards has never given much thought to Valentine’s Day, but when his lover of almost three years, Jared Thomas, hints that he feels unappreciated, Matt realizes he needs to do something. He’s determined to make this Valentine’s Day special, but nothing is going to turn out the way Matt plans. 

A very short little story for Valentine’s Day. Available only through Dreamspinner Press.

Book Six: Paris A to Z

Sequel to 'The Letter Z'

 

Zach Mitchell and his lover Angelo Green are headed to Paris (along with their Coda friends Matt and Jared) to attend Jon and Cole’s wedding. Matt will have to face Jared’s former lover, and Angelo will have to spend an entire week with Zach’s ex-boyfriend. Between Matt’s jealousy and Angelo’s temper, Zach thinks they’ll be lucky to get through the week without one of the grooms being punched. But Zach soon realizes he should worry less about Angelo and more about himself. Facing the bittersweet memories of his past and his own guilt over breaking Jon’s heart is harder than expected, but Zach will have to find a way to leave his past behind if he’s to have any hope of the future he wants with Angelo.

Author Note: This is more about Zach and Angelo than Jon and Cole.

Book Seven: Fear, Hope & Bread Pudding

Sequel to Strawberries for Dessert

Families should grow, not shrink. It’s been on Jon Kechter’s mind since before he tied the knot with his millionaire lover, Cole Fenton. Now hoping to adopt, Jon and Cole search for a mother-to-be willing to let them love her baby, but the interminable wait is wearing on them both.

Jon is close to his father, George, but until Cole, he didn’t have anyone else. Now George is pushing Cole to reconcile with his estranged mother. When the three of them spend Christmas with her in Munich, the results are disastrous. Jon and Cole resolve to stay positive, but no hope exists without a tinge of fear. Jon and Cole can’t help but wonder if their dream of being parents just wasn’t meant to be.

 About the Author

Marie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.

Twitter / Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

My Personal Review for Where Nerves End by L.A Witt

Welcome to Tucker Springs, Colorado....this is the first book in a series written by LA Witt, Marie Sexton and Heidi Cullinan. Each writing a different story but centered in this lovely town.

My Rating for Where Nerves End: 3.5 Stars

Jason Davis dealt with his latest break up. He dealt with the mortgage and the struggling business. Plus he has dealt with the shoulder injury that has him on his knees in pain most nights but hey, he is handling that just fine, thankyouverymuch. What he can’t handle is when it hits him all at once and now Jason has to figure out how to pay the bills, keep his struggling club open and find a way to deal with the chronic pain that won’t have him popping pills constantly. So taking a friend’s advice to try acupuncture, he relents and meets Michael Whitman.

A single dad, Michael is trying to make ends meet and still do what he loves which is helping people deal with their conditions and Jason Davis is a man who desperately needs his help. When Jason asks Michael to be his roommate so they both can save some money, Michael jumps at the chance and both find out that close in proximity, sparks fly, desires flare and for Jason, wanting Michael is driving him insane with need. Because Michael is straight….right?

Author L.A. Witt introduces readers to the town of Tucker Springs, Colorado. It has wonderful mountain views, great universities and a high living cost. We meet Jason who is dealing with a down economy, a mortgage on a house he thought he was sharing with his partner, who up and left him & with a crippling shoulder injury that leaves him some nights withering in pain. The characters are the star attractions in this series and I was thrilled to be introduced to the town by this author. With her trademark writing style, Ms. Witt delivers a story of two people who are perfect for one another yet find obstacles in their way. The writing is tight, story moves at a nice even pace & the characters shine brightly amid the pages.

I absolutely enjoyed this new story by L. A. Witt. It had heart, sensual scenes and humor that it wasn't all doom and gloom. The author does a great job in creating such flawed characters for me to fall in love with. Jason made me want to cuddle with him and sympathize with the pain he was dealing with-emotionally, mentally and physically. The author does a great job in letting the readers see into his pain and how much it costs him every time it flares up. I love how these two are together. They are the perfect pair and each one gives the other something as well. This isn't just a 'will they or won’t they?' kind of story. It’s about two people trying to do the right thing for themselves as well as their lives. What will make them truly happy? It’s a journey both characters go in Where Nerves End and the reader finds out just how these two will do to get what they both desire even as they try to make sure they give what they can to their priorities.

L. A. Witt delivers a story that is wonderful with moments of humor, love and sheer joy at times. She delivers a story that isn't just about two people falling in love, it’s about two people trying to do the right thing to the people they care about while staying true to themselves. It can be a rough road to travel at times but this is an author who knows how to weave a story skillfully and I can honestly say, I would read this one all over again. I can’t wait to see what else is up in Tucker Springs and see where this series goes. 

Buy Where Nerves End at Amber Quill/Amber Allure 

Book 2: Second Hand by Marie Sexton & Heidi Cullnan

Coming September 2012

Riptide Publishing

Pre-Order at http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/second-hand

Paul Hannon moved to Tucker Springs for his girlfriend, but she’s left him with a house he can’t afford and a pantry full of useless gadgets. All Paul wants is to get back to normal, even if he's not sure what that is anymore. When he wanders into Tucker Pawn for a gift to win her back, he meets El Rozal, pawn shop owner and all-around cynic.

El Rozal doesn’t do relationships, especially not with clueless straight boys still pining for their ex. El may make his living dealing in castoffs, but that doesn't apply to men. Still, when Paul starts clearing out his old life, pawning kitchen equipment he never wanted in the first place, El is drawn to Paul in spite of himself.

Paul and El have nothing in common except a past full of disappointments. There's no reason to believe the two of them could fit, but in El’s line of work, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. When it comes to love, El and Paul may learn that secondhand doesn't mean second best.

New Dreamspinner Press Releases and News for Week of Aug. 13th

Check out this week's newest releases at Dreamspinner Press

This week in anticipation for Animal Magnetism anthology, Chris T. Kat is giving away one copy over at her journal. Make sure to enter to win a copy! http://christikat.livejournal.com/175290.html

The Letter Z/Paris A to Z by Marie Sexton
Contemporary/Anthology
Print only
Buy in Print

The Letter Z

With the help of their friends Matt and Jared, Zach and Angelo have settled into a new life in Colorado. They’re working out the particulars of their relationship, but when they make a decision Jared disagrees with, Angelo finds himself at odds with his partner's best friend. And his best friend's partner.

When the four decide on a quick trip to Vegas, Angelo thinks he and Jared may be back on track. Then a chance encounter with Zach’s ex makes Angelo question everything about himself and their romance.

Paris A to Z

Zach Mitchell and his lover, Angelo Green, along with their friends Matt and Jared, head to Paris to attend a wedding—a wedding where Matt and Angelo have to spend time with their boyfriends’ exes. Between Matt's jealousy and Angelo's temper, they'll be lucky to get through the week without someone punching one of the grooms. But Zach soon realizes he should worry less about Angelo and more about himself—facing the bittersweet memories and his own guilt is harder than he expected.

The Letter Z was previously published in eBook by Dreamspinner Press (May 2010). Paris A to Z was previously published in eBook by Dreamspinner Press (April 2011).

Emerald Idol by Hank Fielder

Contemporary/Novel

Buy in E-book and Print

Once upon a time in the eighties, Nick Davanger’s soulful green eyes and successful record-producer partner turned him into the pop sensation known as the Emerald Idol. But Rusty has been dead for a year now, and though Nick is slowly putting his life back together, it isn’t easy—especially since someone is trying to derail his comeback by blackmailing him about his decadent past.

Enter LA detective Anson Bay, who’s been assigned to keep Nick safe. Anson is the total package, handsome as well as competent. He strives to keep business and pleasure separate, no matter how strong his feelings grow, but his attraction to Nick strains the limits of his professionalism.

To aid the search for a suspect, Nick finds himself reliving his time with Rusty, from London’s steamy all-male strip clubs to fame in the Hollywood Hills. Even if he can’t deny that Anson excites him, Nick’s not sure he can love again. Of course, if the villain who’s blackmailing him succeeds, Nick may never have the chance to find out.

Wake Me Up Inside by Cardeno C.

Fantasy/Paranormal: Werewolves/Shapeshifters/Novel

Buy in E-book & Print

A Mates Series Story

  

Zev Hassick is surprised and confused when he finds himself attracted to his best friend. His very human, very male best friend. Zev is the son of the pack Alpha, regarded as the strongest wolf in generations, born to lead. And everyone knows a male shifter has to mate with a female of his own kind to keep his humanity. So shifters can't be gay, right?

Jonah Marvel wants a relationship with Zev, his best friend, the man he has loved since childhood. It wasn’t easy to maintain that relationship over years spent living apart while Jonah studied to become a doctor. And then things grow more difficult when Jonah becomes his own patient. Before he can make a life with Zev, he has to understand his past and cure the unexplained ailments that plague him.

Zev and Jonah know they’re destined for each other, but they’re facing traditions ingrained over generations and long-buried secrets that may threaten any future together.

Blind Devotion by M. D. Grimm

Werewolves/Shapeshifters/Novella

Buy in E-book only

The Shifters: Book Three – Sequel to Love is a Whirlwind

In Haven, Montana, the shifters and their human allies are safe—for now. But that safety hinges on the town’s location remaining a secret, and it’s about to be compromised.

Cougar shifter Travis Kuger spent the past ten years alternating between craving revenge and wishing he could forget his painful past. Ever since the shifter-hating Knights blinded him and killed his family, Haven—and Sheriff Jack Ulger—have been Travis’s refuge.

Travis and Jack know their friendship could be much more, but Jack is part of Haven’s ruling wolf shifter pack. If he takes a non-wolf mate, he’ll be banished forever. But when one of the Knights infiltrates Haven, love becomes the least of their problems.

Campus Visit by Stella Huerto

Contemporary/Novella

Buy in E-book Only

Damian Garza and Alex Murphy became best friends in their closed-minded small town, remained inseparable through Alex’s coming out, and have stayed close while studying at different colleges. They’re close enough that Damian dares a shocking e-mail confession: he’s bisexual and wants to experiment with men. With Alex.

It’s supposed to be a simple friends-with-benefits arrangement, one weekend only. That one weekend turns into two, then three, then a whole season of unexpected passion. But life after graduation can’t be ignored: soon Damian will be obliged to return to his family’s orange orchard, and Alex will fly off to his dream job in Europe. Unless they can admit their feelings to each other—and the world—their time as best friends may be over.

(Un)Masked by Anya Sunday & Andrew Q. Gordon

Contemporary Fantasy/Novel

Buy in E-book and Print

Jay Walker has two wishes: to perform the play of his dreams alongside his best friend at Wellington’s Tory Street Theatre, and to meet that special someone. Someone he’d go to the ends of the earth for. Someone who might only exist in fairy tales.

When Jay meets accordion busker Lethe Cross, it’s like living a dream come true. Lethe’s music captivates Jay, and he resolves to meet the man who plays so beautifully. But then he discovers Lethe’s life is more like a nightmare. The phrase “down on his luck” can’t begin to cover it. Determined to help, Jay does some snooping for answers—and winds up on the wrong end of a centuries-old curse. The good news is there’s a way to break it. The bad news is it might cost Jay his life.

Snow on the Mountain by P. D. Singer

Contemporary/Novel

Buy in E-book and Print

The Mountains: Book Two -- Sequel to Fire on the Mountain

2nd Edition

Champagne powder snow, gorgeously groomed slopes, and elegant hotels draw the expert and the wealthy to the exclusive Wapiti Creek Ski Resort, but for Jake Landon and Kurt Carlson, the lure is work.  A novice skier, Jake's been assigned to run the bunny lift, but Kurt’s afraid he’ll be stuck shoveling snow all winter. Instructing at a private ski school should be his dream job, but it brings giggles and sideways glances among their new friends.

All summer, Jake and Kurt were alone in the wilderness. If Jake wanted to stay in the closet, it didn’t matter. Now they have to navigate a relationship in public, where the five-year-old twins who’ve adopted Jake as their ski buddy are as big a nuisance as the ski patroller who has a crush on him. Would-be friends, vicious coworkers, and the perils of the mountain could mean the end for Kurt and Jake, but their biggest danger comes from each other.

First edition published by Torquere Press (November 2009)

Bonus story: Mistletoe on the Mountain

Jake’s agonizing over what to give Kurt for their first Christmas together—he knows what Kurt wants most can’t be gift wrapped.

Animal Magnetism Anthology

Contemporary/Novel

Buy in E-book and Print

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Whether it's a dog, cat, or something more exotic, the animals in this collection of romantic m/m stories serve as the catalyst for bringing lovers together. No matter how the encounter begins, by the end of each story, with a little help from their finned, furred, or feathered friends, our heroes have discovered some animal magnetism of their own.

Stories included in this anthology:

A Few Too Many by Heidi Champa

Butterbean and the Pretty Princess Make a Home by R. Cooper

Care and Rehabilitation by Kim Fielding

Jonno by Emily Gould

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? by Skylar Jaye

Cuddling Up by Chris T. Kat

Show and Tell by Liz Makar

         On an Eagle's Wings by A.J. Marcus

         Wild Horses by Kate Pavelle

         New Tides by Avery Vanderlyle

         Along Came Spiders by Matthew Vandrew

                     Stripped Bare by Lily Velden

         The Conch Republic by G.S. Wiley

         Tears for a Broken Sun by Minerva Wisting

         Having a Ball by Cari Z.

My Personal Review for Putting Out Fires by Marie Sexton

If you never visited the Coda Series by Marie Sexton, then her Valentine's themed novella, Putting Out Fires, is the perfect introduction to the series that started with Promises. 


My Rating for Putting Out Fires: 4 Stars

Matt Richards has spent the last three years with his lover, Jared Thomas and he has been happier than he ever has been. But when Valentine’s Day rolls around and his lover mentions he is unappreciated, Matt finds he needs to do something to show the man he loves that Jared is appreciated in every way by Matt. But things don’t go according to plans and chaos ensures. Can Matt salvage this Valentine’s Day before Jared is home?

With the right amount of humor, romance and more, Marie Sexton delivers a wonderful addition in her Coda series with Matt & Jared front and center. I absolutely adore this series, not just because there are three main couples that it follows but because it has a heart and soul that leaves a reader breathlessly aching for more. Marie Sexton captures the heart of Jared and Matt in this funny, sweet and sexy Valentine's story that is perfect anytime of the year, not just on Valentine's Day. The characters, Matt and Jared, are center stage and with the help of a few friends, Matt is on his way to show Jared how appreciated he is. Well...I don't think Matt anticipates that plans can somehow go out of whack with a blink of an eye.

I laughed out loud so many times my honey came walking into the living room wondering what I was doing that was hilarious. The story is a fun way to introduce you to the Coda series or just revisit some beloved characters. This author knows how to showcase her characters in ways that let them shine in her stories and that is the beauty of a Marie Sexton story. Her storytelling is unparalleled and delivers something that will leave you aching for more. I fell in love with Matt and Jared in the first book, promises, and from then on, each story (novellas and novels) bring added characters that give the series depth and growth. With the right amount of humor, sexy scenes, romance and angst, the reader is treated like family as they read the Coda series.

If you haven't read any of the Coda books, why are you standing here? Run-go, shoo-to grab the books and then get ready for the fun to begin. If you are back after a break from reading them, it's like coming home after a long vacation as you catch up with everyone. 

Marie Sexton is an author to look out for and one I am eager to read more of. I highly recommend her entire Coda Series and hope you enjoy the series as much as I do.

You can find the Coda Series at Dreamspinner Press in ebook, print and audio books

The Coda Series is as follows:

Promises (About Jared and Matt)

A to Z (About Zach and Angelo)

The Letter Z (about Zach and Angelo)

Strawberries for Dessert (About Jonathon and Cole) 

Putting Out Fires (Jared and Matt novella)

Paris A to Z (about all the couples)

Free stories on Marie Sexton's website for the Coda Series http://mariesexton.net

The start of the series:

My Personal Review for Promises by Marie Sexton

I picked up Promises because I liked the sound of the blurb. Wasn't sure what I was getting story wise but the minute I started reading I was hooked. This is the first book in the Coda Series and I have to admit, I stayed up really late just to finish it. Needless to say once pay day hits, I am getting the rest of the series to read. :-)

Now onto my review of Promises.....

Jared Thomas loves his small town of Coda, Colorado. He lives, works and has an enjoyable life…a bit one that is a bit lonely as well. Being the only other gay man has it disadvantages mainly there are no single gay men to have a relationship with. Jared was fine with that until Matt Richards walks into the door and into his life. From then on, it’s misunderstandings, falling in love, secrets and a whole lot of sexual tension between the two men. Will they be able to find a way to work past everything that is thrown at them to have the relationship they deserve?

I seriously don't know how I missed this series before now. I have seen the author around on loops, facebook, etc but never really explored her books. Well I am remedying that ASAP. Promises is an engrossing tale of a small town and the two men who find they are perfect for one another. What I loved the most about this story was how the author was able to incorporate small town life into the storyline. It made the story much more life like and I could really relate to the characters.

The characters in Promise had me at times, laughing, sighing and wanting to smack them for their stubbornness. They are so life like I swear I could find them in my small town and be friends with them. They were quite multi-dimensional and kept my attention till the very end. Jared Thomas is an openly gay man but doesn't flaunt it in his small town. He loves his town but the man prospects are dismal at best. Enter in new police officer, Matt Richards. He blew Jared away with his smile, the kindness he spies in his face and the loneliness he sees in his eyes. A kindred spirit they become friends and Jared is resigned to loving Matt secretly as Matt is straight....well Jared thinks he is that is. What results is secret desires, confusion, misunderstandings and more. Can Jared get Matt to accept and embrace his feelings or will Matt walk away from Jared forever? 

I love how this author really peeled the layers from him and Matt so the readers could see the heart of their issues throughout the story. Each time I felt like I knew the characters, another layer would be ripped open and you would see a whole new side of them. It made the story much more life like to me. There were a few secondary characters that left quite an impression on me so I am hoping the author revisits them soon.

Promises is more than a simple romance story of two friends falling for one another. It's about taking a risk to reach for your happily ever after. That, yes you are worth that love the other person feels for you. It's about hope, promises of forever, love, friendship and so much more. Ms. Sexton delivers a timeless classic in Promises and it is one book I can see reading again, multiple times. I am eager to read the next chapter in the Coda series and can't wait to see what happens next for Matt, Jared and all their friends in Coda, Colorado.

If you are looking for a new author to explore, I highly recommend Marie Sexton. She delivers character rich stories that will leave a smile on your face. I can't wait to see what else this author has up her sleeve for her readers in the future.

My rating for Promises: 4.5 Stars

The Coda Series:

Matt & Jared:

Promises

The Promise

Putting out Fires

Cole & Jon:

Strawberries for Dessert

Zach & Angelo:

A to Z

The Letter Z

Paris A to Z

More information on Marie Sexton and all her wonderful books can be found HERE