Spotlight on Ardent by Heloise West

 

  Title: Ardent 

Author: Heloise West 

Publisher: Manifold Press 

Release Date: February 1st 2017 

Genre: Historical MM Romantic Suspense 

   

  BLURB In the village of Torrenta, master painter Morello has created a color that mimics the most expensive pigment of all, the crimson red. Master Zeno, from strife-ridden Medici Florence, tells him the color gives him a competitive advantage – but Morello must be careful. Fraud is ever-present in the dye and pigment markets. As they work together in Torrenta, Morello falls hard for Zeno’s assistant, Benedetto Tagliaferro, a young man of uncommon beauty and intelligence. Benedetto is still fixed on his old lover, the master painter Leo Guisculo, and cannot return Morello’s affections. But when Leo dies in a terrible accident, it’s to Morello that Zeno and Benedetto turn for help. And Morello soon finds that in Florence, every surface hides layers of intrigue.

  Find Ardent on Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Manifold Press | Kobo

EXCERPT The village of Torrenta, Tuscany, June 1475

Morello

The sun thrust warm fingers into the ancient Tuscan earth. The gray-green leaves of the olive trees shimmered, and the woods beyond beckoned Morello to abandon the painters’ workshop for their cool refuge. In the growing heat the apprentices inside settled into an afternoon nap, curled on benches in dark corners behind him. The harsh fumes of linseed oil and varnish had irritated Morello all morning, and he was unable to sleep in the miasma. Perhaps before their visitors from Florence arrived, he might escape the heat. A long tramp in the woods pulled at his bones. He reached for the walking stick behind the door, but a horse’s whinny stopped him, and a man’s voice called out. When no one stirred within to answer, he cursed the sleepers and stomped back through the shop, thwarted. In the lane in front of the workshop, two men removed packs from their horses. “Good day, Master Zeno!” From the doorway, Morello called to the older of the two. “You made good time!” At the sound of Morello’s voice, the apprentices roused themselves from sleep and peered around him. The gray-haired master raised his hand and smiled. “Good day, Master Morello.” Master Zeno’s companion, a tall young man with flowing golden hair, took the older man’s pack for him and shouldered the straps of both. “Take their horses to the stable and fetch Master Franco,” Morello ordered the apprentices, and they hurried to obey. Master Zeno’s journeyman brushed dust from the sleeve of his sweat-stained linen shirt, slapped more dust from his long thighs, and ran a forearm across his brow. His smile was uncertain as his glance met Morello’s. Donato stood at the window yawning and scratching his stomach. He shaded his eyes for a better look into the misty glare of the afternoon. “Who’s the beauty with the master?” Donato’s fellow journeyman Primo jumped to his feet and crowded against Morello in the doorway. “Can it be? He’s brought Tagliaferro?” Donato groaned. “The man you’ve been mooning about since you last went to Florence, Primo? You’ve only just finally shut up about him.” Morello ignored them. His irritation over his interrupted walk had vanished. Primo’s garlic- and onion-laden breath on his neck registered only remotely. He gazed out at the man from Florence, who, in Morello’s memory, had once been a long-legged boy with a head of yellow fluff too big for his skinny body. Morello stepped out into the sunlight that appeared to pour itself over the grown man, and stretched out his hand in greeting. Maintaining frank eye contact, Benedetto Tagliaferro adjusted the packs and took his hand. When flesh met flesh, Morello stumbled – at least, his heart did. As if the wind from the beating wings of the love-inspiring putti he had painted just that morning pushed them toward each other. “Do you remember me?” Benedetto asked with the shadow of that boy’s grin.

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  About the Author

 

  Heloise West, when not hunched over the keyboard plotting love and mayhem, dreams about moving to a villa in Tuscany. She loves history, mysteries, and romance of all flavors. She travels and gardens with her partner of thirteen years, and their home overflows with books, cats, art, and red wine. 

  Links: Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Goodreads

Top Ten Small or Inexpensive Valentines Gifts from Summer Devon & Bonnie Dee

For our novella, Will and the Valentine Saint, Bonnie and I did research about how the Victorians celebrated February Fourteenth.

Quick side-trip to our story: A Valentine bonbon from Devon/Dee, book two in the Victorian Holiday Hearts series.

Will Andrews wishes to escape the madness of his bohemian family. He dreams of an orderly, quiet life. Hiding his eccentric theater background with false recommendation letters, he interviews for a position at a legal aid society. The last thing he expects is to feel something more potent than respect for his genteel employer, Hugh St. John.

When Hugh needs a secretary, one magnetic candidate has a draw he can’t resist. Will Andrews shares his vision for the Society and is also the most attractive man he’s ever met. But Hugh has never even kissed a man and certainly wouldn’t throw himself at an employee.

As the pair plans a Valentine charity dinner, they grow ever closer to surrendering to their delicious desire. But when Will’s hidden background is revealed, can Hugh forgive his lies and omissions and trust him again?

On to the celebration! The Victorians went all out when it came to Valentine’s Day—with cards, that is. Christmas cards weren’t in vogue yet and Valentine’s Day cards were commercially produced decades before them. The Major Romantic Occasion phenomenon we know wasn’t in place. That meant most people didn’t pull out the wallet for more than a bit of pasteboard and perhaps a pair of gloves.

So if you want to party Valentine’s Day Victorian style, make your honey a card. Here are some fun traditional cards: http://home.kendra.com/victorianrituals/Victor/val.htm 

If you’re going authentically Victorian, you probably won’t get pearls and diamonds because, other than the cards, the rituals we think of as standard weren’t in place. Interestingly enough, people in previous eras had given more extravagant love tokens but that had mostly fallen out of style, perhaps because Victorians often sent cards to a number of people to mark the day, not just romantic partners. One person theorized that the long economic downturn in the late 1880s helped keep Valentine’s Day less excessive.

If you want to celebrate in the lower key, here are some other less-expensive ways authors tell me they consider appropriate for a special occasion.

Some describe their ideal romantic celebrations.

1.       For me going "out" on Valentine's Day is not fun, relaxing or romantic. Restaurants are overburdened which usually means the service and food are not up to their usual snuff. Since I live in New England and am not a snow bunny, outdoor activities are out. For this reason if my husband were to make me breakfast (served in bed or at the table is fine), give me time to soak in a bubble bath, followed by a foot massage... I'd think I were in Heaven. If he followed that up with a "movie date" (our living room, snuggled on the couch with popcorn, Lindt chocolate and a movie I WANT to see) the day would be perfect, fun, relaxing and very romantic.—Gail Chianese

2.       I’m a traditionalist when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I’d like to wake up to the smell of blueberry pancakes and bacon. From there, flowers are nice, as is chocolate and a sweet, heartfelt card. I’m also not opposed to a nice dinner out and a late dessert. [Nothing too expensive of course!]—P.J. Sharon

3.       Quiet candle light dinner at home, no fuss, no interruptions.--Marian Lanouette

4.       I enjoy the standard walk on the beach and even a snowball fights, but I think my partner taking the time to clean the house or do the dishes is even better and cheaper (hey, no gas to get there!) and I appreciate it more. Also let’s not forget the romantic fun of watching dirty movies together. --Linda Gayle

And some recall favorite (inexpensive) gestures of love from the past:

5.       My husband, pure Alpha, doesn’t really do a lot of romantic gestures like boxes of chocolate or flowery cards. He’s more the type to thank me for making dinner in front of all the kids (every night of their lives!) and turn to me in the middle of the day and tell me I’m beautiful. I love that! But, again, no cards/flowers/little gifts. So, one year—I don’t know why—but he presented me with an angel’s food cake covered in fresh whipped cream and strawberries. He’d made the whole thing himself from scratch. He’d even bought the special heart-shaped pan! It was awesome. --Erika Kelly

6.       The cheapest valentine was my most memorable one—and the first one with Mr. Darcy. He brought home a tiny Venus Fly Trap and proudly explained that I could keep it in the kitchen window and feed it hamburger. I was a vegetarian at the time and failed to appreciate his unique offering. Now? I think it was the sweetest thing. We were dead broke and he couldn’t afford flowers or candy, but he wanted to get me something memorable and lasting. He did.--Lb Gregg

7.       We had no money and my boyfriend gave me little hand-made cheap construction paper hearts he’d made, each with a promise for exchanges like administering back-scratches and walk-the-dog-NOW. They were designed for me specifically so they were better than anything off the rack. I still have a few, decades later.  --Summer Devon

8.       Out of all the Valentine’s Day cards I’ve gotten over the years (and I’m 50 so we’re talking a lot of years), the only one I can honestly remember is the one a long-distance lover sent me 25 years ago. He Fed-exed a giant handmade heart card. He wasn’t an artist or anything so it wasn’t super fancy but it was personal and thoughtful. Not something quickly picked up at the supermarket. Thinking about it still brings a smile to my face because it was fun and unexpected (and the sheer size of the card was impressive). --Julia Gabriel

9.       Here’s a link to a song that my husband sang. https://soundcloud.com/bonnie-davidson-2/lady/s-Scr7R It’s as romantic as anything I’ve ever received. --Bonnie Dee

And a reminder that Valentine’s day is about love, which isn’t always romantic passion:

10.   My dear old dad sent me flowers from “Your Secret Admirer” the first year I was out of college, alone, living in a new city. I called to thank him, and he valiantly denied the gesture.--Kristan Higgins

***

If you’re interested in seeing more about Will and the Valentine’s Saint, click here.

Book Spotlight: The Professor & the Smuggler by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon

The Professor & the Smuggler
Authors: Bonnie Dee & Summer Devon

Victorian m/m historical

Self published (editing by lindaedits.com)  

 Our spotlight book is a journey along the Cornish coast.

A grumpy smuggler meets a bumbling professor and treasure is found.                                            

An explorer at heart, former university professor Phillip Singleton’s adventures have only taken place in his imagination—until recently. Exploring the Cornish coast to research a travel book, he encounters a living example of a pirate archetype. Dark-haired, black-bearded Carne Treleaven might have been hewn from the very rock his name describes, and Phillip is eager to discover more.

Carne has little patience for the awkward, dreamy professor, an outsider who must be steered away from local secrets. He agrees to serve as a guide to seaside caves where smugglers once operated only to keep Phillip away from more recent activity.

As personalities clash, secrets unfold, and riches are revealed, the two polar opposites find the point where their similarities lay. Carne’s old beliefs are shattered by his attraction to a man and he must decide if he’s willing to take a huge step outside his familiar life and into a brand new world.

Excerpt: 

Singleton apparently forgot Carne after he’d carried the tripod back to the clearing. The professor talked to himself and peered down at the equipment, brows raised as if he was surprised to find the camera, as if it had arrived from nowhere. A couple of minutes showed he did seem to know what he was doing as he expertly attached camera to tripod and adjusted the lens.

Carne had come to the stones intending to drive off the stranger, but found himself gazing at the accordion leather, brass, and glass contraption. “What sort of camera is that?”

“A Zeiss. You might be surprised to hear that, because they’re known for their microscopes.”

Carne bit back the retort that certainly he was fair astounded to hear it, though he had no bloody notion of who made microscopes and, truth to tell, wasn’t entirely certain what a microscope did.

“I also have a Kodak, much cheaper, and I could even carry it with no problem, but this is better for my project.” He took a moment to beam at Carne, the sunlight reflecting off his spectacles and hiding those bright gray eyes. As he went back to work, he launched into a long explanation of wet plates, dry plates, and nitrocellulose. He seemed particularly excited about adjustable lenses.

Carne hadn’t known he wanted to hear a history of photography, but it was more interesting than he might have expected. The professor’s enthusiasm and ability to talk made the world of cameras sound downright fascinating.

He stood and watched and listened until he heard the far-off bell that reminded him he had a meeting to get to. “You said weeks, but surely you plan to move along to the next village sooner than that. There’s nothing to do round here. Nothing hardly like entertainment.”

 Singleton laughed, showing straight, very white teeth. Could they be false?

“Somethin’ funny?” Carne asked.

“I don’t require entertainment,” he explained and for some reason blushed.

Apparently, the stranger truly didn’t need much to amuse him if he thought Carne’s words were funny.

“Not lingering in Par Gwynear, are you,” he said rather than asked.

“Oh, just some exploration and interviews. I would love to talk to people about local lore and legends.”

“Don’t ask too many questions,” Carne said.

Singleton looked up from adjusting the lens. “How will I find out what I need to know if I don’t ask questions, Mr. Carne?” He brightened and added, “Ha. Cairn, Carne. Is your name derived from ancestors living near a pile of rocks?”

Was that some sort of bizarre insult? Probably not, judging from the earnest look on the professor’s thin face and the way he waited for an answer.

“No idea.” Carne didn’t bother to explain it was his first name. He wasn’t willing to share his surname, Treleaven, with a stranger. “Professor, there’s no inn hereabouts. You won’t find anywhere to lay your head down. Go inland a few miles, you’ll get to—”

Singleton interrupted. “Not a professor any longer. Mr. Singleton will do. And it’s no bother. I have gear in my motorcar. One appreciates sleeping under the stars in weather as fine as this.”

The man was an idiot, though as appealing as a gangly puppy—a large one, perhaps some sort of wolfhound. All right, idiot was the wrong description, for Singleton had a brain jammed into his head. And he certainly had more than enough money if he jolted about the countryside in a motoring car with cameras for company.

BUY IT

Amazon http://amzn.com/B0186H4SQA

Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-professor-and-the-smuggler-summer-devon/1123117363?ean=2940152509342

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/594087

All Romance Ebooks https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-theprofessorandthesmuggler-1940494-153.htm

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/book/professor-smuggler/id1065988112?mt=11

Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/the-professor-and-the-smuggler

our bio: Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee have co-written over a dozen books. Their historical novels often feature cross class romances which give the protagonists even greater hurtles to overcome than being gay men in dangerous times. Summer is the alter ego of author, Kate Rothwell, who writes gaslight historicals. Bonnie is interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find happiness together. These writers met by chance online and have had a fabulous time passing stories back and forth, creating characters and situations in what might be the world's longest party game.

Our sites

http://bonniedee.com

http://summerdevon.com

htttp://duetpublishing.blogspot.com

Book Spotlight & Giveaway~ Elder Petersen's Mission Memories

Don't forget to enter the contest at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of t his great book. Blog tour sponsored by P{ride Promotions.

Book Name: Elder Petersen’s Mission Memories

Publisher: Torquere Press

Cover Artist: BS Clay

Release Date: July 1, 2015

Blurb(s):

Steve Petersen has been hoping his homosexual feelings are “just a phase.” But as a nineteen-year-old embarking on a two-year Mormon mission in South America, he realizes those feelings are still there, and he’s attracted to another missionary—the companion he’s been assigned to be with 24 hours a day.

Set primarily in 1972, less than three years after Stonewall, these missionaries have been taught by their church that homosexuality is an abomination, and those who “suffer” from those “tendencies” must repent. Worse, with God’s help, fervent prayer, and mind over matter, they can become heterosexuals. Steve’s conflict is real and heart-wrenching; he’s an official representative of his church, but he’s falling in love with his companion. Can he reconcile his church doctrine and the feelings of his heart?

Pages or Words: 20,200 words

Categories: Fiction, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance, Historical (1970s)

Excerpt:

“Elder Petersen, I’m assigning you to Cali. It’s a big city with about a million people. Elder Evans will be your companion. […]”

I looked at the picture and recognized my new companion immediately.

“I know him. Sort of...”

The President smiled. “Small world. Don’t call him by his first name. Remember, he’s Elder Evans now. I’m sure you’ll make a great team.”

I flew to Cali and gave the cab driver the address I had been given. There were deep potholes in the residential side streets of my new neighborhood. The cab driver found the house, pulled over and turned out the headlights. Elder Evans came out to greet me and help me in with my luggage. He had removed his tie and had undone the top button of his characteristic white shirt. I gulped when I glanced from his face to his Adam’s apple and the dimple below it, then again into his smiling eyes. They were blue and sincere. He had light brown hair and was six feet tall, with a slender muscular build. He had powerful shoulders and arms.

Sales Links:

www.amazon.com/author/jefflaver

www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_id=3892

Goodreads Link: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7119308.Jeff_Laver/blog

Tour Dates & Stops:

Parker Williams, MM Good Book Reviews, BFD Book Blog, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Inked Rainbow Reads, My Fiction Nook, Bayou Book Junkie, Tara Lain, Bike Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Molly Lolly, Cate Ashwood, Velvet Panic, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Up All Night, Read All Day

About the author:

Jeff Laver served a Mormon mission in South America. He has a B.A. in Spanish literature and is the author of a novel entitled Just Call Me Greg and several short stories, one of which is included in the anthology Latter-Gay Saints: An Anthology of Gay Mormon Fiction which Jeff also helped edit.

Where to find the author:

Facebook Author Page:  www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Laver/808369479242026?ref=hhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeff-Laver/808369479242026?ref=hll

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/jefflaver

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A Valet's Duty Book Spotlight & Giveaway

Don't forget to check out the contest at the end of the post for a chance to win an e-copy of A Valet's Duty.

A Valet's Duty by H. Lewis-Foster

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Cover Artist: Trace Edward Zaber

Blurb(s):
At the turn of the twentieth century, Henry Simpkins is a valet at Taverslow, the Earl of Wayshaw’s Somerset home. When the Earl’s younger brother, Rafe, arrives from his villa in Italy, Henry is given the task of caring for his mischievous dogs, Pepe and Paolo. As part of his duties, he also goes to Rafe’s room each night to tidy away his clothes.
One night, Rafe tentatively asks Henry to go beyond his valet duties to relieve Rafe’s sexual tensions. Henry enjoys their increasingly intimate encounters, but he’s soon disturbed to find he feels more for Rafe than mere physical attraction.
Now, Henry faces a difficult decision. Can he remain in the same house as Rafe if his affections are not returned?

Categories: Fiction, Gay Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:

The next few nights passed in a similar way, with Henry nodding and smiling, and sometimes laughing, when Rafe talked of his life in Umbria. Falling to sleep each night in his narrow bed, Henry found himself dreaming of orange trees and vineyards. Sometimes he even dreamt of Rafe wandering among them in the Mediterranean sun, but on the fourth night when Henry went to Rafe’s room, something had changed.
Rafe seemed on edge as he opened the door, and he sat on the sofa in silence as Henry carried out his tasks.
Henry started to leave, when Rafe spoke at last, an unfamiliar tension in his voice. “Simpkins, could I ask you something?”
“Of course, sir.”
Rafe gazed intently at his fingernails, giving Henry no clue as to what he might ask. His eyes remained lowered as he made his enquiry.
“Simpkins, are you—are you the same kind of man as Oscar Wilde?

Sales Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Valets-Duty-H-Lewis-Foster-ebook/dp/B00N9E2QVU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419183990&sr=8-1&keywords=valet%27s+duty

http://www.amberquill.com/store/p/2019-A-Valet-s-Duty.aspx

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-valets-duty-h-lewis-foster/1117710737?ean=9781611246537

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Prism Book Alliance, BFD Book Blog

Bayou Book Junkie, Molly Lolly, Amanda C. Stone, Tara Lain, Andrew Q. Gordon, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Love Bytes, My Fiction Nook, Christy Loves 2 Read, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, MM Good Book Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Velvet Panic, Havan Fellows, Elin Gregory, The Hat Party, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Fallen Angel Reviews, Nephylim, Dawn’s Reading Nook

About the Author

H. Lewis-Foster lives in the North of England, and has always worked with books in one form or another. As a keen reader of gay fiction, she decided to try writing herself, and is now the proud author of several short stories and her debut novel ‘Burning Ashes’.

H. likes to create characters who are talented, funny and quite often gorgeous, but who all have their faults and vulnerable sides, and she hopes that you'll enjoy reading their stories as much as she loves writing them

Author Contact: Twitter

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway for Kayla Jameth's A Spartan Love

Don't forget to enter to win a free short story from Kayla Jameth at the end of the post. Tour is sponsered by Pride Promotions.

A Spartan Love by Kayla Jameth

Publisher:  Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist:  Catt Grant

Categories: Erotica, Fiction, Historical, M/M Romance. MAY be considered to have paranormal elements. 

Words: 77,000
Available in ebook & print

Blurb(s):

Alone, Andreas toils on a remote farmstead for a Spartan overlord. When a kryptes enters his world, Andreas fears for his life. The dread warriors stalk and kill helots—like Andreas' father—as part of their training.

Andreas sees only one way to save himself: he must tame the fearsome warrior.

But what began as self-preservation develops into attraction. Yearning for the company of someone other than his ferret Ictis, Andreas decides to trust the Spartan warrior and risk the fate that claimed his father.

Born to rule by the sword, Theron sees the world as his and acts accordingly, taking everything Andreas offers and reaching for more. However, love between men in Sparta is considered shameful and requires either exile or suicide to redeem Sparta’s honor. Now, only the gods can save them from the terrible price Sparta extracts from men who desire other men.

 Tour Stops:

Love Bytes, Andrew Q. Gordon, Cate Ashwood, Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat, Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents, Rebecca Cohen Writes, MM Good Book Reviews, Molly Lolly, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Parker Williams, Tara Lain, Nephylim, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Full Moon Dreaming, Multitasking Mommas, Jade Crystal, Velvet Panic, Kimi-Chan, Queer Town Abbey

About the Author

Kayla Jameth grew up on the family farm in Ohio, baling hay, raising cattle, and making maple syrup. An unrepentant tomboy, her father taught her to weld before she graduated from high school.

She attended Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University and later, Texas A&M University in her pursuit of veterinary medicine, taking her farther away from her rural roots. You can transplant the county girl, but you can’t make her a city slicker. Besides, it was only going to be for a little while, right?

But it wasn’t all hard work for Kayla, her sojourn as the princess of the Celestial Kingdom left her with the title sir and a costume closet the envy of many knights, lords, and ladies. See? She does have some ladylike qualities complete with the title of Lady to back it up.

After declaring for years that she was just a veterinarian who wrote not an author, Kayla now finds herself living in Spring, Texas (practically Houston) and writing m/m erotic romance. The location is probably a bigger surprise than the genre. Never the kind of girl to discuss makeup and clothing designers, she would rather be outside getting dirty with the boys.

Kayla shares her home with a cat, two guinea pigs, a gerbil, three guppies, a husband and a son and daughter.

Author Contact:

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Kayla.Jameth

https://www.facebook.com/KaylaJameth

https://twitter.com/KaylaJameth'

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Guest Author day with Elin Gregory and Giveaway

Elin Gregory - A Taste Of Copper

Published date 26 September, by Love Lane Books. More information, buy links, reviews, and excerpts can be found here: Insert link to the book page on http://lovelanebooks.blogspot.co.uk/

Cover Art by: Meredith Russell

Blurb

Your master has the field for today, but his name, whatever it might be, is without honour.

Olivier the squire worships the Black Knight and takes a fierce joy in his prowess as he defends a bridge against all comers. Olivier only wishes that his master loved him as much in return instead of treating him as a servant and occasional plaything.

Then word comes that the King desires to cross the bridge. With an army approaching, a bright eyed archer enticing him to desert and the first cracks beginning to show in the Black Knight's gruff demeanour, Olivier is left wondering if his honour is worth more than a chance for happiness.

Excerpt

Olivier’s heart thumped fast as he unarmed Maheris. Blood was still dripping, the sharp scent of it mingling with the stench of iron and old sweat from the arming doublet. He set the pieces of armour aside to clean later and eased the arming doublet over Maheris’s head. The left arm of it weighed heavy with blood, and the shirt beneath was sodden. Olivier bit his lip as he eased the clotted fabric away and saw the bright trickle that followed.

“That will do,” Maheris said once he was bare to the waist. His heavy shoulders and chest gleamed with sweat, his skin goosefleshing in the chill air, but he waved Olivier away when he brought Maheris a towel. “Time for that when the wound is sealed,” he said as he took a seat. “You know what to do.”

The wound in his bicep gaped like a hot, wet mouth.

Connect with Elin

Elin Gregory lives in South Wales and works in a museum in a castle built on the edge of a Roman fort! She reckons that’s a pretty cool job. It certainly provides more than enough inspiration for her writing.

“The button from a military jacket found in an orchard, a 16th century Venetian coin found between the cobbles of a Welsh street, a carnelian from a Roman signet ring – one can’t handle them without wondering who lost them, how much they regretted it and what kind of disaster was sparked off by the loss.”

Although Elin usually writes on historical subjects, she has also written contemporary and historical paranormals, science fiction, crime and a Western, none of which have, as yet, been published. She likes her heroes hard as nails but capable of tenderness when circumstances allow.

elingregory@gmail.com
https://twitter.com/ElinGregory
https://www.facebook.com/elin.gregory
http://www.elingregory.com/
http://elingregory.wordpress.com/

Competition

Enter to win: $15 ARe/Amazon voucher

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Special Series Spotlight~ Morticia Knight's Gin & Jazz

Gin & Jazz

By Morticia Knight

Books 1-4

The 1920’s are filled with gin, jazz, and the promise of easy money. When the young and innocent Jack heads to Hollywood with his best friend and lover – he believes that everything will be magical for them. They just need to stick together, no matter what.

The celluloid kingdom demands a hefty price from all who want a piece of the dream. Sacrifices must be made if you want to be a part of the glitz and glamour. Flappers, screen idols and the men behind the star-making machine all conspire to interfere with Jack’s happiness. Along the way, many of Hollywood’s players discover that unfortunately, sometimes dreams do come true.

Books 5-7

Hollywood continues to roar in the 1920’s as the men from Gin & Jazz search for love and meaning in the town of broken dreams. A studio chief wishes for a man to dominate, one that he doesn’t believe exists. A director can’t see the actor in front of him who was meant to be his. A fallen screen idol is lost in his own despair until a new playwright shows him the way to true happiness.

These are the men who struggle and work hard to make their mark upon the silver screen. The one thing they all have in common is the need to be loved, and the hope that someday love will find them.

****

Hollywood Bound (Gin & Jazz 1)

Jack and Nick seek fortune and adventure in the silent film era of Hollywood. But their newly-expressed love is threatened by the heady allure of fame, gin and easy money.

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/hollywood-bound

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Bound-Gin-Jazz-Book-ebook/dp/B00GDIX064/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408635478&sr=1-10&keywords=morticia+knight

Razzle Dazzle (Gin & Jazz 2)

Jack is on the verge of silent film stardom, but Hollywood glory won’t heal his broken heart. But the seductive screen idol—Roman Pasquale—sweeps Jack away, and makes him his own. Will Roman’s obsessive love finally bring Jack true happiness?

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/razzle-dazzle

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Razzle-Dazzle-Gin-Jazz-Book-ebook/dp/B00GZSEW8M/ref=pd_sim_b_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0QJ3773NE8ZZCT8XVR4A

Tarnished Glitter (Gin & Jazz 3)

Jack and Roman’s love grows seemingly stronger as Jack’s star rises, and he is determined to build a life with the sexually overwhelming screen idol. But hiding from the truth doesn’t make it any less real.

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/tarnished-glitter

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tarnished-Glitter-Gin-Jazz-Book-ebook/dp/B00HSOLL9A/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1DQVDWQPN1PE7M1SA4SC

Find Morticia Knight here:

www.morticiaknight.blogspot.com

Book Spotlight & Giveaway for Duty to the Crown

Duty to the Crown: The Crofton Chronicles: Book Two

Rebecca Cohen

Cover Artist: Anne Cain

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Historical M/M

Available in E-Book /Paperback
Available at Amazon / ARe

Despite the uncomfortable clothing and the gossip at court, Sebastian Hewel is still enjoying the role of Lady Crofton, wife of Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton. But when Queen Elizabeth asks a favor of Anthony, Sebastian’s world fractures and his heart threatens to break. The Queen wants Anthony to seduce Lady Marie Valois, the beautiful daughter of a French noble, to discover the whereabouts of her father, who is wanted by the King of France.

Sebastian knows Anthony can’t refuse the Queen, especially since he has something of a reputation at court. But the situation is further complicated when Lady Marie meets Sebastian without his disguise—and starts flirting with him. Her brother, Lord Nicholas, arrives at Crofton Hall, not happy that his sister has been linked to a man like Anthony, only to find his own head turned by Lady Crofton and her acerbic wit. Contending with the attentions of both siblings—and a very jealous Anthony—would be bad enough. But then Sebastian’s uncle demands Sebastian and Anthony stage Bronwyn’s death to avoid discovery… has been linked to a man like Anthony, only to find his own head turned by Lady Crofton and her acerbic wit. Contending with the attentions of both siblings—and a very jealous Anthony—would be bad enough. But then Sebastian’s uncle demands Sebastian and Anthony stage Bronwyn’s death to avoid discovery… 

 

About the Author

Rebecca Cohen is a Brit abroad. Having swapped the Thames for the Rhine, she has left London behind and now lives with her husband and baby son in Basel, Switzerland. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and a cup of Darjeeling in the other.

Author Links:  

Blog: http://rebeccacohenwrites.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/R_Cohen_writes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.cohen.710

DSP author page: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_462

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Cohen/e/B007UEFIXS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Tour Stops: Fallen Angel Reviews, Prism Book Alliance, 3 Chicks After Dark, My Fiction Nook, Havan Fellows, Love Bytes, MM Good Books, Parker Williams, Elisa Rolle, Nephylim, Iyana Jenna, Lee Brazil, The Hat Party, Cate Ashwood, Dawn’s Reading Nook, It’s Raining Men, Pants Off Review, Amanda C. Stone, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Kimi-Chan, Tara Lain

Giveaway Information: Enter below to win an E-book copy of Duty to the Crown in winner’s choice of format

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