Guest Author Day with Kelli A. Wilkins: Behind the Scenes with A Secret Match

 

Behind the Scenes with… A Secret Match

By Kelli A. Wilkins

www.KelliWilkins.com

This “Behind the Scenes” blog is part of a series examining my romance novels. In each blog, I’ll talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. Warning: Blogs may contain spoilers.

If you missed any blog in this series, you can catch up here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog

Hi romance lovers,

A Secret Match is a contemporary gay romance set in the world of professional wrestling. It’s a follow-up book (of sorts) to my M/F wrestling romance, A Deceptive Match. Technically, the book isn’t a sequel because it’s a gay romance and falls into a different romance genre… But it’s closely connected because it focuses on Everett Kinkade, a secondary character I introduced in A Deceptive Match.

In that book Ev is the best friend of wrestling champ Vinnie Valentine. They’ve been together for years as tag-team champs, confidantes, and are as close as brothers. I fell in love with Ev so much while writing A Deceptive Match I knew he needed his own book. And I knew it wouldn’t be an easy one.

Ev is a gay professional wrestler who has lots of insecurities and personal issues to overcome. Although he’s been in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend, Josh, he’s kept their involvement a secret. Aside from Josh nobody except Vinnie (and Danni, the heroine from A Deceptive Match) know he’s gay. He has a hard enough time dealing with his sexuality on a personal level, and on a professional level—forget it.

So naturally I put the screws to Ev—right in the first scene. When the book opens, Josh and Ev are having “going away” sex, and all seems well—until they have a major argument. Josh is tired of being hidden away like a “dirty secret” and wants Ev to come out or at least acknowledge their relationship to someone in their life.

Ev refuses for several reasons. His wrestling persona is a heartthrob who women fantasize about, and he needs to maintain his image if he wants to keep his job. Obviously, coming out would threaten his livelihood. (This book was written before it was “acceptable” for wrestlers to come out.) He’s also afraid of what people will think about him if they know he’s gay. After a heated exchange, Josh gives him an ultimatum and walks out.

Ev is distraught and turns to his best friend and fellow wrestler, Vinnie for advice. Danni and Vinnie play a crucial role in Ev’s story—both in his personal journey—and in the ring.

The head of the wrestling organization, Nick August, tells Ev he has to go along with a “steal my woman” angle involving Vinnie and Danni. As part of the storyline, Ev has to kiss Danni in front of a live audience. This is the turning point in the book. Ev is torn between living a lie and being true to himself—and in the spur of the moment, he comes out on live TV.

From there, all hell breaks loose.

Ev instantly regrets what he’s done and is afraid he’s just tanked his career, some of the other wrestlers aren’t thrilled with the news, and Nick August is beyond furious. But in true wrestling fashion, the fans think it’s all a work—until Ev comes out again. This time, he’s out and proud.

When I wrote the book I knew Ev and Josh would be apart for about a third of the story, but I wanted to give readers a peek into their lives before the break-up. I decided the best way to do that was through flashbacks. Over the course of the book readers learn how Ev and Josh met, see their first kiss, and more. When Josh and Ev reconnect, readers know all about them and realize they’re meant to be together.

I love Ev as a character. On one hand, he’s funny, sharp-witted, sexy, and a wiseass. And on the other hand, he’s an emotionally fragile, wounded warrior who is torn between living two lives.

A Secret Match has everything a good wrestling storyline needs: action, heroes, heels, drama, humor, sexy wrestlers—and in this case, some pretty hot love scenes. It takes readers (and the characters) on an emotional roller coaster ride. And it’s not just for wrestling fans. The wrestling world is merely a backdrop for a tender romance and a look inside Ev’s mind.

A Secret Match isn’t a sequel to A Deceptive Match per se, but it takes place in the same world of pro wrestling and many of the characters from A Deceptive Match appear in A Secret Match. You don’t have to read the books together or in any particular order, and each book stands alone as an individual read.

If you love wrestling, if you love romance, and if you loved A Deceptive Match, you’ll love this book too. Here’s the book summary and links:

 

A SECRET MATCH

Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and the sexy heartthrob of millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone. He’s gay.

After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.

One night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems—both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a manipulative boss and a tag-team out to destroy him.

Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything… can he find a balance between his career and his heart?

Order A Secret Match here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/md6rZb

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-secret-match

 

Don’t miss the book that introduced Ev to fans… A Deceptive Match:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F18X3XQ

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3RB96j

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-deceptive-match

I hope you enjoyed this “Behind the Scenes” look at the making of this hot gay romance. I welcome questions and comments from readers and other authors. You can contact me via the form on my site or on social media.

June is Pride month. Let’s all celebrate Love this summer!

Happy Reading,

Kelli A. Wilkins

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 8 mystery/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror and mystery stories.

Her twenty-fourth romance, For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, was published in January 2025.

In August 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.

Kelli also released her fourth gay romance, A Thousand Summer Secrets, in 2024. This tender contemporary romance takes place over a summer weekend, where two friends reconnect while seeking love and acceptance.

She published The Route 9 Killer, a mystery/thriller set in Central NJ, in 2023.

Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and social media links.

 

Release Blitz/Giveaway~ Love at the Right Tempo

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Length: 76,805 words

Publisher: Evernight Publishing

Blurb

Violinist Frederick Tremblay is one of the biggest names in classical music. When it comes to work, he’s all in. There is only time for music and working to make his dreams come through but none for love. Hell, he barely makes time to eat. When he agrees to play at an acquaintance son’s birthday party he figured he’d go in, make his rounds then go home—but his plans change when he walks into the path of Vaughan Singleton.

Vaughan “Sin” Singleton is the disowned heir to a candy empire. After he came out, his life basically ended and he had to start over from scratch. Joining the military was the thing to save him and also the one thing that brought him to his knees. Forced to retire, slinging alcohol wasn’t his dream but he needs something to pay the bills and to assist with easing back into civilian life. When he meets Frederick, Vaughan isn’t looking for love, but one unguarded moment changes everything.

From different sides of the track, Frederick and Vaughan have much to teach each other. But what is to become of their new romance when Frederick’s quirks come to light and Vaughan’s brother shows up?

Excerpt

“Way to step out, man.” Deena giggled.

Frederick ignored her comment and put up his free hand. There was a man behind the bar, but he had his back turned and right now, no one else was there working with him. He looked to be busy drying glasses or perhaps washing. Though Frederick didn’t want to disturb him, he really wanted something else to quench his thirst.

“I’m sorry, excuse me, sir.”

The man turned around and approached them. “What can I get you?”

Frederick eyed the mature gentleman in front of him, taking in his features. Dark brown eyes, hair cut low with a beard and well trimmed mustache. His lips were thick. Kissable. Frederick loved a man with distinct features.

“Oh … um… I’d like a soda. Perhaps a 7-Up or Sprite if you have it.” Frederick continued staring, clutching his violin case tightly in his hands.

Deena seemed to pick up that he was tongue tied. “And I’ll have a beer. Heineken if you have it?”

“Heineken for the lady and a—um—soda for the gentleman,” the bartender said. There was a slightly hitch in the way he said soda, almost as if in disbelief. He then focused his attention on Deena. “Would you like the bottle or a glass?”

“The bottle is fine. I’m a simple kind of gal.” She giggled.

Frederick smiled at the man, still holding onto his violin as if it were a life raft. He wondered why the bartender seemed put off by his request. “Something funny about 7-Up or Sprite?”

The bartender eyed him with his head tilted slightly to the side. “Oh nothing.” He spoke, his lips forming over the two words making them escape his being easily. “Nothing at all.” Without another word, he walked over for a clean glass that sparkled. They had the word Prince’s with a crown on the side in golden letters. Using large hands, the bar man operated the tap to expertly fill the glass with Sprite before grabbing a green bottle of Heineken from a cooler and prying off the cap. When he returned he set the glass before Frederick without a word but offered Deena a smile with her drink. “Ma’am?”

“Thanks.” Deena batted her eyelashes at him.

Flirtatiously.

Frederick suppressed a growl and eyed his glass, watching the bartender walk away again. For some reason, it bothered him that the guy appeared to be bothered by his choice of beverage. “I don’t drink alcohol, by the way. I’m sort of boring. The fact I play violin is the most interesting thing about me.” Frederick set Gabriel beside him in a vacant chair. He lifted the glass to his lips and swallowed slowly, still gazing at the handsome gentleman working the bar.

Deena nearly spat out her beer, and she nudged him with her elbow.

“To each their own,” the bartender said. “Did anyone let Stuart know you’re here?”

Frederick finished his Sprite, still gawking at the man. “Yes, the hostess did. I suppose she’ll be back shortly. Do you mind if I ask your name?” Frederick thought he’d go for broke even though it was quite possible he’d be barking up the wrong tree. A part of him said he wasn’t, or perhaps he hoped that to be true.

Deena gasped next to him, seemingly in surprise.

The bartender moved to stand directly across from Frederick, braced his elbows into the bar and leaned in. “If you wish to tell my boss I’ve been an ass to you,” he said, his voice warm and rough. “You don’t need my name for that. All you have to do is tell him the black guy at the bar. I’m the only one here.”

Frederick shivered at the sound of the man’s voice and how he leaned in so close to him. Instead of shying away as he usually did, he decided to play the game. “Actually, I wasn’t thinking that at all. More like, I wanted to know your name so I know the lovely man that is taking such good care of us tonight and, maybe might like to have a drink with me after my performance?” Frederick knew he was going for broke. Gazing at the bartender, Frederick had every intention on finding out something about him, even if it was the disappointing news he’d dread.

“I see.” The barman licked his lips. “I’m working. Drinking on the job is strictly prohibited, and besides—you’re not a fan of alcohol.”

Frederick sighed inwardly. He looked to Deena for help, but she only kept drinking her beverage.

Author Bios

Michael Mandrake pens complex characters already comfortable with their sexuality. Through these, he builds worlds not centered on erotica but rather the mainstream plots we might encounter in everyday life through personal experiences or the media.

Website - https://michaelmandrake.wordpress.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichaelMandrake/

Multi-published Remmy Duchene was born in St. Anns, Jamaica and moved to Canada at a young age. When not working or writing, Remmy loves dabbling in photography, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Website - https://remmyduchene.wixsite.com/remmymantasy
Twitter - https://twitter.com/remmyduchene

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway~ Caught Inside

Check out the cover for Jamie Deacon's Caught Inside and enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. The contest closes on August 25th. The cover reveal tour is sponsored by Pride Promotions.

Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Series: Boys on the Brink

Book: One 

Release Date: September 29, 2016

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29540070-caught-inside

Blurb:

Luke believes he has his life figured out…and then he meets Theo.

It should have been simple—a summer spent with his girlfriend Zara at her family’s holiday cottage in Cornwall. Seventeen-year-old Luke Savage jumps at the chance, envisioning endless hours of sunbathing on the private beach and riding the waves on his beloved surfboard. He isn’t interested in love. Though his rugged good looks and lazy charm mean he can have his pick of girls, he has no intention of falling for anyone.

Nothing prepares Luke for his reaction to Theo, the sensitive Oxford undergraduate who is Zara’s cousin and closest friend. All at once, he is plunged along a path of desire and discovery that has him questioning everything he thought he knew about himself. No one, especially Zara, must find out; what he and Theo have is too new, too fragile. But as the deceit spirals beyond their control, people are bound to get hurt, Luke most of all.

Pages or Words: 83,000

Categories: Contemporary, M/M Romance, Young Adult

Excerpt:

I swallow against the dryness in my throat. “We need to talk.”

No response.

Slowly, as though wading through deep sand, I cross the room until I’m standing right behind him. He grips the edge of the worktop.

“Theo?”

Still nothing. Only the convulsive tightening of his fingers shows he even heard me.

“Theo,” my voice cracks, “don’t do this.”

Theo sucks in a breath. When he replies, his tone is even. “Do what?”

“This. Shutting me out.”

“I’m—”

“And don’t say you’re not, because we both know that isn’t true.” I’m aware of my voice rising, and lower it with an effort. “Just…don’t.”

Theo exhales in a long sigh. He turns to me, his expression distant but not unkind. I wish he’d glare at me, shout, whatever. Anything to show he gives a damn.

“Luke, I’m sorry about this morning. It was a mistake. If you got the wrong impression—”

“The wrong impression? You kissed me. What impression was that supposed to give me?”

He casts a nervous glance at the window.

“What’s wrong, Theo? Worried Giles might hear? I don’t blame you. He’d probably make you bathe in disinfectant for a year if he knew you’d kissed scum like me.” Theo starts to protest, but I shake my head. “You know what? Forget it. So sorry I embarrassed you.”

I need to get out of here. Humiliation, hot and clammy, coils like tar through my veins. Still, what did I expect? Theo’s made it perfectly clear how he sees me, that he thinks I’m beneath him. I grab for the nearest glass, intending to pour myself a liver full of whatever’s in that jug, but my hand shakes so much it slips through my fingers. Glass collides with oak in a minor explosion, glittering fragments flying.

“Shit.” I drop to my knees, begin picking up the larger pieces. I fumble, a jagged shard slicing my palm. “Shit.”

“Luke?” Theo crouches beside me.

“I’m fine.” I turn away from the phony concern in his eyes, fist clenched around the cut to hide it from view. Blood trickles through my fingers and onto my jeans. The pain is almost a relief.

“Let me see.” Theo holds out his hand, but I jerk away.

“I said I’m fine.”

He ignores me. With gentle firmness, he takes hold of my wrist, uncurling my fingers to examine the wound. My body stills. I scarcely breathe. Every nerve ending, every particle of my being is aware of him, the pressure of his fingers on my wrist, his warm palm supporting the back of my hand.

Buy the book:

Beaten Track Publishing

http://www.beatentrackpublishing.com/caughtinside

Amazon UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Caught-Inside-Jamie-Deacon/dp/1786450356/ref=sr_1_1

Amazon US:

http://www.amazon.com/Caught-Inside-Jamie-Deacon/dp/1786450356/ref=sr_1_1

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/caught-inside-jamie-deacon/1123565998?ean=9781786450357

Apple iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/caught-inside/id1094224851?mt=11

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/caught-inside-5

ARe:

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-caughtinside-2001121-149.html

Smashwords:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/623264?ref=b10track

Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, Divine Magazine, Bayou Book Junkie, Making It Happen, Open Skye Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Happily Ever Chapter, Dawn’s Reading Nook, The Jena Wade, A.M. Leibowitz, Nephy Hart, Boy Meets Boy Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Love Bytes, Up All Night, Read All Day, V's Reads, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Two Chicks Obsessed With Books and Eye Candy, Molly Lolly, Louise Lyons, Alpha Book Club, MM Book Escape, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Unquietly Me, Charley Descoteaux, Kirsty Loves Books, Velvet Panic, MM Good Book Reviews

Meet the author:

Jamie lives in a tranquil spot close to the River Thames in Berkshire, England, and has always been just a little out of place—the only redhead in a family of brunettes; an introvert far more at ease with dogs than with people; a connoisseur of simple pleasures in a society intent on the quest for wealth and fame. Despite an outward cynicism, Jamie is a romantic at heart, and, when not immersed in a book, can mostly be found writing emotional stories where young men from all walks of life are thrust headlong into the breathless, euphoric, often painful whirlwind called love.

Where to find the author:

Website: http://www.jamiedeacon.com

Blog: http://www.boysonthebrink.com

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/jamiedeaconauthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jamiedeacon82

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jamiedeacon/

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Book Spotlight~ Finding Aaron and a Giveaway

 

  Title: Finding Love 

Author: Gigi Kern 

Series: Finding Home #2 

Release Date: June 20th 2016 

Genre: Contemporary MM Romance 

   

  BLURB

Aaron is in love with his new boyfriend TJ and living with his best friend Ryan. Life is perfect. Right? Except his past rears its ugly head threatening everything he has and ever wanted. Now that would be the end of his story, but ever since Aaron met the Fosters and his hot boyfriend TJ, his luck has changed! Dreams really do come true!! Shush it's a secret... I know the writer of Finding Love, and she told me... "When I originally came up with the idea for Finding Love, this is what I had in mind... Yes I didn't see everything at the time. But I did see their first time. And the anxiety Aaron would have. And I knew that TJ's friends wouldn't "get" their relationship. But I didn't see Rick giving the "talk". 

Awesome right!" I'd tell you more, but I think the author is on the look out. She promised me to secrecy. But how could I not share right!! Disclaimer: Because of Aaron's cuteness, TJ's hotness, Ryan's awesomeness and David being David, please Read Book# 1 Finding Aaron first. How else can you fall under their spell.

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30719299-finding-love
  Buy Links: Amazon

  EXCERPT Focusing solely on Aaron, he manhandled him as gently as he could. Over the past several months of his and Aaron’s relationship TJ noticed that the trust Aaron had in him not to hurt him was mind-blowing. It was his touch, sight unseen sometimes, that would always center and calm Aaron. Knowing this, TJ always tried to use this sparingly and held it in the reverence it deserved. Ryan, Aaron’s best friend and TJ’s nephew, didn’t even have this ability. Gently pulling Aaron out of the recliner, TJ maneuvered himself behind Aaron and unceremoniously plopped down into the chair. Slowly TJ repositioned Aaron and seconds later Aaron was in TJ’s lap and they were cuddling. Yes, CUDDLING. It was a major shock to TJ and everyone around him that he actually liked to cuddle. Yet again another revelation these past few months brought as TJ descended into the rabbit hole that was “Aaron Samuel” and found it got more intriguing by the day. Wrapping his arm around Aaron’s slim shoulders brought the needed warmth to Aaron’s shivering body. “Aw, look how cute and comfy the two resident lovebirds look,” David said with a snicker as he draped the blanket across Aaron’s lap and chest.

  BOOK ONE Title: Finding Aaron 

Release Date: November 4th 2015

 

  FINDING AARON Book 1 in Finding Home Series 

At 23, Aaron has aged out of the foster-care system and is now a struggling college student. Between his severe Learning Disabilities, ADHD and past trauma, every day is a struggle. Three years ago, Aaron's world got a whole lot brighter thanks to his new best friend, Ryan Foster and his family. The Fosters have taken him into the fold. That is, everyone except for Ryan's Uncle TJ. When Aaron and TJ meet, sparks fly. TJ, 31, can't stand his nephew's flamboyant, in your face, blue-haired, rainbow loving, best friend. He knows he shouldn't be so judgmental but after spending five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, his patience is buried under a mountain of guilt and loss. TJ's animosity toward Aaron always stresses Aaron out going home to the Foster's for the holidays but they are the only family he has. He just needs to put up with TJ. He can do that, right? When something happens that neither one wants to acknowledge, it may just be the catalyst needed for the sparks to explode. What happens when TJ lets himself see the real Aaron? And, can Aaron let TJ past his defenses, when he's barely holding on.

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27431779-finding-aaron Buy Links: Universal Amazon Link | B&N | All Romance | iBooks | Kobo

Finding Home Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FindingHomeSeriesByGigiKern/?pnref=story

GIVEAWAY: Win ebook copies of Finding Aaron and Finding Love

  About the Author 

   

  Gigi Kern is currently writing the third book, Finding David in the Finding Home series, her first gay contemporary romance series. A huge fan, she along with thousands wait with baited breath for the next new release from her favorite gay romance authors. Gigi first discovered her passion for reading out of desperation. During her month long hiatus for her seventh grade summer break, spending quality time with the grandparents in sunny Florida in August, the hottest time of year, she became desperate. See, awesome grandparents had no cable. Travesty though it was, Gigi discovered the retirement community's library and there it was in all its glory, Heaven by V.C. Andrews. And she's been hooked ever since. Though her day job is monotonous, she has been able to work in three continents, travel and see the world. Her menagerie of wooden animals from her world travels have major competition from her two cats, Marco-pollo and Squertie. And, cause what would a menagerie be without animals, her two 65+ pound dogs, Leo the lug and Blink the destroyer of toys. She is currently writing her life away on the shores of North Carolina.

   Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY: Win ebook copies of Finding Aaron and Finding Love

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/391d73bd42/?

Book Spotlight & Giveaway~ The Minder

Don't forget to enter the contest at the end of the post. You could win an e-copy of The Minder. 

A little Q&A with author Catherine L. Byrne

If you could time travel would you visit the past or the future?

·         The past. I want to know: Were people like us? Did they think the same and worry about the same things? What actually happened at key moments in history e.g. the Battle of Hastings? I’m not that interested in the future, it might never happen. 

Favorite meal?

·         My husband cooks a delicious gluten and dairy free lasagne, it is a triumph of cooking over allergies.

Now onto 'The Minder'.....

Pages or Words: 92 pages 

Categories: Gay fiction, M/M Romance, Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Extasy Books

Cover Artist: Latrisha Waters

When down-on-his-luck minder Chase takes on a job for a fading gangster, the job and his charge both turn out to be very different to what he expected. Someone is trying to sabotage the mobster’s business and doesn’t care who they hurt in the process. Soon Chase finds himself on the run with his charge, trying to carry out a friend’s last wishes before their pursuers catch up with them.

Excerpt:
They sneaked down the stairs and along the corridor like ghosts, the voices of the killers shouting in the distance. Chase went first and they reached the long, white kitchen. The spare sets of car keys were in a box by the back door so people could take or return them on the way out. He had just grabbed one when Jody clutched his arm.

“I have to go back for my phone,” he hissed.

“Really? You little—” But Jody had a point. They needed phones to communicate. “I’ll come with you. Just a sec.” He pointed the key through the window blinds at the parked cars lining the driveway by the garage and the red Ferrari 458 flashed its lights. “Nice.”

“Come on.” Jody pulled his arm again and they crept out of the kitchen towards the stairs and Jody’s bedroom.

They reached Jody’s room and it only took him a few minutes to locate the phone and shove it in his pocket. Then Chase remembered something.

“Quick, come with me.” He steered Jody into Tony’s office, unlocked the safe, took out stacks of notes and put them in his rucksack.

“What are you doing?” Jody glared at him. “Stealing?”

Chase pushed him against the wall—no time for pleasantries. “Listen, we’ve got to go or they’ll kill us too,” he snarled in Jody’s face. “Understand? Come with me or I’ll leave you to them.”

Jody gulped and nodded, his brown eyes wide.

“Good.” Chase let him go and dragged him out of the office and down the stairs.

Sales Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Minder-Catherine-L-Byrne-ebook/dp/B00ZS86Y7C/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1435166559&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Minder-Catherine-L-Byrne-ebook/dp/B00ZS86Y7C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435167011&sr=8-2&keywords=catherine+l+byrne

http://www.extasybooks.com/The-Minder/?author_id=1023

Tour Dates & Stops:

Bayou Book Junkie, BFD Book Blog, Charley Descoteaux, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Havan Fellows, Inked Rainbow Reads, It’s Raining Men, Jessie G. Books, Michael Mandrake, Mikky's World of Books, MM Good Book Reviews, Parker Williams, Prism Book Alliance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, The Hat Party, Vampires, Werewolves, and Fairies, Oh My, Velvet Panic, Wake Up Your Wild Side

About the author:

Catherine L Byrne writes stories about relationships which push buttons and provoke reactions from readers. She writes about both gay and straight relationships, depending on which characters in her books shout the loudest to have their stories told. 

An inquisitive author, she prefers writing about different situations in each book rather than writing a series about the same one—her stories range from 10th century Viking Britain, to modern educational settings and from mystery to romance. 

As she was born and bred in England and lives there with her family, this infuses her books with a distinctly English tone. She has been writing since as long as she can remember and Extasy Books have published her novels since 2014.

Where to find the author:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherines-Creations-and-Concerns/235748973239333?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CatherineLByrne

Blog: https://catherinelbyrne.wordpress.com/

Publisher: http://www.extasybooks.com/?route=product%2Fauthor&author_id=1023

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25734866-the-minder?ac=1

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Anthology Spotlight for Plaid Nights plus a Giveaway

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post for a chance to win an e-copy of Plaid Nights.

Plaid Nights

Authors: Rob Rosen, Megan McFerren, Julia Talbot, Elizabeth Coldwell, Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae, Angelique Voisen, Missouri Dalton, Logan Zachary, Lila Mathews, Anna Mansel, and McKay

Publisher: Torquere Press

Cover Artist: BSClay

Blurb:

In Plaid Nights, men in kilts are as varied as they are hot. Whether they're caber tossers, rugby players, Highland warriors, country dancers, or time-traveling vampires, they're up for surprises and sexy good times.

Rob Rosen starts us off with humor in "Tossing It." Contemporary men discover love in unexpected places in "Whiskey and Want" by Megan McFerren, "Some Like It Scot" by Julia Talbot, "Perfect Working Order" by Elizabeth Coldwell, and "Off-Kilter" by Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae. We get a taste of the paranormal in "Sir WW" by Angelique Voisen, "Feumaidh Mi Ruith (I Have to Run)" by Missouri Dalton, and "Kilt in the Closet" by Logan Zachary. And we're treated to forbidden love in historicals "Hunting for a Highlander" by Lila Mathews, "A Time to Heal" by Anna Mansel, and "As Fair Art Thou, My Bonny Lad" by McKay.

In these stories, some tartan-clad men wear their kilts in the "traditional manner," while others are less daring. But all find love, and of course, a happy ending—especially at night, when the plaid comes off.

Pages or Words: 65,000 words

Categories: Contemporary, Erotica, Gay Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance, Paranormal (Please note: As an anthology, not all categories may relate to all stories.)

Excerpt: From "Tossing It" by Rob Rosen:

He took a spoonful of stew into his mouth, green eyes sparkling in the daylight. He was cute in a lanky, pale, freckled sort of way. He sighed contentedly as he set the spoon back down. “Just like mom used to make.”

“Back in the old country?”

He laughed. “Back in New Jersey. Though Newark is sort of old.”

We continued eating together, side by side. His leg brushed mine. It stayed brushed. I didn’t move mine away; he didn’t move his either. This was an odd turn of events. Was he gay? Not a clue. Still, most guys would’ve moved their legs away. Maybe he was simply oblivious. Straight guys sometimes had a habit of that. You just never knew. Then again, you could test the theory if you were so inclined. Me, I was always so inclined.

I pointed to a throng of kilted behemoths off to the side. “What’s with the skirted mountain men?”

He chuckled. “Caber tossers.”

“That some sort of Scottish slang for rednecks?”

He turned my way, eyes locking with mine. It was like staring into a field of emeralds. Guess I’d been too busy staring at his crotch before to notice. Shame on me. “Caber tossers. They toss logs. Poles. Big ones.” Well, he’d certainly know about big poles, I figured. “They’re up to twenty feet tall and almost two hundred pounds.”

“And they toss them? Why?”

“For sport.”

I ate a couple more bites of my fish. It was perfectly cooked, greasy and flaky. My stomach settled down. “Sport? Like tiddlywinks for giants?”

He nodded as he continued eating his stew. His eyes rarely left mine. I was all too glad to return the favor. I stared at his freckles, connecting the dots, constellations hidden in the patterns. “Something like that.”

Sales Links: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=200&products_id=4430

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25822224-plaid-nights-anthology?ac=1

Tour Dates & Stops: July 14, 2015

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