Blurb: “It’s not all about serving coffee and typing reports.”
Working for a secret organisation specialising in alien cover-ups, Connor Smith is no stranger to the abnormal or dangerous. His love life on the other hand… not so exciting. Until he reluctantly agrees to a blind date and meets the perfect bloke, Jason.
Things are finally falling into place for Connor, so of course that’s when he attracts an alien stalker.
Noah Jones, ex-alien, has been stranded on Earth and forced to live as a human since 1648. Alone and detached from the world around him, Noah has spent centuries observing and recording humankind. In all that time, he’s only experienced a connection with a human once… until he finds Connor.
Even knowing Connor is in a relationship, Noah can’t ignore their potential bond, or stay away.
While dealing with missing alien artefacts, a dangerous and shadowy group of collectors, and the ever-present Noah, Connor finds his orderly life crumbling around him. At least he still has the perfect boyfriend…
When Noah goes missing, Connor is forced to face the feelings growing between them and the mounting evidence that Jason isn’t who he says he is…
NOTE: This is the second revised/re-edited edition. It was previously published by Storm Moon Press.
Connor works for an organization that keeps track of aliens and artifacts and tries to prevent attacks. His best friend Isa is constantly setting him up though nothing pans out until Jason. On the surface Jason seems perfect. But nobody is perfect in my opinion. Then there was the mind attacks on Connor and the culprit found in Noah an alien.
Now I found Connor to be, I don’t know the word to use here, clueless, ignorant He should have known something was off about Jason. I could not believe he was that clueless consiering what his job was. it felt unrealistic to me. Noah was interesting and I liked his character. His backstory was fascinating especially his reasoning for doing what he did to Connor.
I think I would have enjoyed the story more if not for Connor’s character. I don’t think his character quite fit his job description and he left me feeling stunned at times that he could not see what was right in front of him. Never the less, I still enjoyed the story.
Great read.
Pixie’s Review: 💖💖💖💖💖 4 1/2 Hearts
Connor works for a company that secretly investigates anything alien, making sure alien artifacts don’t fall into the wrong hands. But, just recently somebody is getting to the artifacts before they can. On top of that worry, Connor seems to have gained a stalker who he has a very strange connection with, is it friend or foe? Noah has managed to stay under Primrose’s radar since the company came into being, but now he has inadvertently connected to one of its workers, Connor. Noah tries to keep clear, but it’s not long before Primrose comes for him. Will the connection between Noah and Connor work for them or against them?
This is a great alien story that has a wealth of detail, great characters and an intriguing plot. Noah has been stranded on Earth for hundreds of years, living a quite unassuming life and not drawing attention to himself. Inadvertently he makes a connection that he hasn’t felt in 270 years, he has high hopes, but then finds out Connor has a boyfriend. And that isn’t the least of his problems when he receives a visit from Primrose. Connor is shocked when something strange happens to him, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he starts dating a new man. Unfortunately, things become confusing for him when he discovers he has a connection to an alien and then he comes under suspicion when alien artifacts disappear from his work place and then Noah disappears as well.
Aliens, Smith, and Jones is far from the typical alien story. Noah Jones might have been found by Primrose, but they never experimented on him, okay so he went through a lot of tests but he wasn’t treated badly. I really liked the way that Primrose is portrayed in this book, although they do hunt aliens and alien artifacts it is more for the safety of the world, but without the need to experiment. I really was puzzled by Connor’s boyfriends’ role at first, but it soon began to come clear and it added a really good twist. I liked how we were drawn into the workings of Primrose and what they actually do, so we didn’t see them as the enemy.
What happens between Noah and Connor because of their connection I won’t say much about, but let’s just say that it saves both of them on more than one occasion. The action is well written and I liked how the mystery was done. There is some betrayal and a really horrific time in store for Noah at the hands of unscrupulous characters.
The sex in this book is really hot and it is intense when Noah and Connor finally get it together. Their connection is something that is quite beautiful. There are some times when anguish and fear shine through and the descriptions are impressive and you can imagine just how emotionally painful it is.
I am going to recommend this one to those who like clandestine agencies, aliens, secret agendas, alien loving, a great storyline and a happy ending.
Hi guys! We have Blaine D. Arden visiting today with the tour for her new re-release Aliens, Smith and Jones, we have a great exclusive excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and mine & Shorty’s reviews, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~
Aliens, Smith and Jones
(The Primrose Files 01)
by
Blaine D. Arden
“It’s not all about serving coffee and typing reports.”
Working for a secret organisation specialising in alien cover-ups, Connor Smith is no stranger to the abnormal or dangerous. His love life on the other hand… not so exciting. Until he reluctantly agrees to a blind date and meets the perfect bloke, Jason.
Things are finally falling into place for Connor, so of course that’s when he attracts an alien stalker.
Noah Jones, ex-alien, has been stranded on Earth and forced to live as a human since 1648. Alone and detached from the world around him, Noah has spent centuries observing and recording humankind. In all that time, he’s only experienced a connection with a human once… until he finds Connor.
Even knowing Connor is in a relationship, Noah can’t ignore their potential bond, or stay away.
While dealing with missing alien artefacts, a dangerous and shadowy group of collectors, and the ever-present Noah, Connor finds his orderly life crumbling around him. At least he still has the perfect boyfriend…
When Noah goes missing, Connor is forced to face the feelings growing between them and the mounting evidence that Jason isn’t who he says he is…
Hi peeps, we have Blaine D. Arden popping in with her new release Full Circle, Blaine is holding a giveaway to celebrate the release and we have my review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Full Circle
(Forester Triad Act 03)
by
Blaine D. Arden
“I have great responsibilities, but my path ahead is as foggy and blurred as the path behind me.”
With forester Taruif freed, Kelnaht has claimed him openly at Solstice before tribe and Ma’terra as his partner, but with their third, Ianys, bound by an old promise, their triad is still incomplete. Sneaking around puts the most strain on Ianys. He and Kelnaht must keep their relationship a secret or he will lose his daughter, Atèn.
When several children fall ill with more than a summer bug, truth seeker Kelnaht is assigned once more to investigate. What he finds is deadly and threatens the life of every underage child in the tribe, including Atèn. Then a wounded traveller is found in the forest, left to die after a vicious attack.
With Taruif and his apprentice on the hunt for a cure, Kelnaht focusses on the attacks, but the clues are few and more children are infected. Nothing seems to connect until both the traveller and Atèn dream of the same grey-haired elf. Driven by fear for his daughter, Ianys pulls away from his lovers. Kelnaht can only pray Ma’terra will guide him to a solution that brings them all together and keeps Atèn safe from harm.
Hi peeps, we have Blaine D. Arden popping in with her new releases Full Circle, & A Triad In Three Acts, Blaine is holding a giveaway to celebrate the release so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Full Circle
(Forester Triad Act 03)
by
Blaine D. Arden
“I have great responsibilities, but my path ahead is as foggy and blurred as the path behind me.”
With forester Taruif freed, Kelnaht has claimed him openly at Solstice before tribe and Ma’terra as his partner, but with their third, Ianys, bound by an old promise, their triad is still incomplete. Sneaking around puts the most strain on Ianys. He and Kelnaht must keep their relationship a secret or he will lose his daughter, Atèn.
When several children fall ill with more than a summer bug, truth seeker Kelnaht is assigned once more to investigate. What he finds is deadly and threatens the life of every underage child in the tribe, including Atèn. Then a wounded traveller is found in the forest, left to die after a vicious attack.
With Taruif and his apprentice on the hunt for a cure, Kelnaht focusses on the attacks, but the clues are few and more children are infected. Nothing seems to connect until both the traveller and Atèn dream of the same grey-haired elf. Driven by fear for his daughter, Ianys pulls away from his lovers. Kelnaht can only pray Ma’terra will guide him to a solution that brings them all together and keeps Atèn safe from harm.
Blurb: “The Guide mentioned puddles, but I envisioned lakes, deep treacherous lakes, and I was drowning.”
One turn has passed, another Solstice is just around the corner, and having an illicit affair with not one but two lovers—smith Ianys and shunned Forester Taruif—is taking its toll on Truth Seeker Kelnaht.
If it isn’t sneaking around to find some quality time with his lovers, it’s heavy rainfall hiding traces of a missing stripling, or waiting for the elders to decide whether or not to set Taruif free.
And if that’s not enough, Kelnaht fears that in gaining one lover, he might be losing another, as Ianys seems to be pulling away from them, and it looks like someone is, once again, trying to frame Taruif.
Review: What a lovely read, again. I’m really obtaining an obsession with this world/series. There’s just something really attractive about these elves, the way they use their magic that is so composed, the way they live their life… It’s alluring I tell you. You only want more after each installment is done and you dread the moment when all is going to come to an end.
This is the second part of the Forester trilogy that follows the life and hardships of Truth Seeker Kelnaht, the Forester Taruif, and the smith Ianys. Yes, the trilogy follows a triad and boy are they hot, even as the text does not contain explicit sexual scenes. This triad is a challenge, a relationship born in the shadows, stolen moments, and obstacles that go beyond death.
The second part follows our men a year after Kel claims Taruif in the privacy of darkness, away from the public eye. Taruif is still shunned and Kel with Ianys are barely holding it together with the long time that’s pasted since they learned that Taruif’s sentence might be reduced in half. Both men want their lover free, even as Taruif being free doesn’t necessarily mean that they can all be together and finally start their lives without fear. After all, the promise given to the dead still hangs over their head, cutting short any chance for a non-guilty relationship.
In addition, there is a young apprentice missing, traces of the abduction missing and hard to get, and someone trying to frame the Forester in a crime, yet again.
Kel’s just as beautiful in this second part as he was in the first. I love the fact that there characters actually get tired. There is no “supernatural” stamina going on here and the realistic effect of a person trying too hard, getting exhausted with all the shit happening in his life, make this read even more approachable. His love for Tauif is just as sweet, his anger with Ianys’ situation just as beautiful in its frustrating state, and his angst to find an innocent child while saving his forbidden lover make your heart beat in tandem with the rising agony.
As for Taruif, damn he was fantastic when he finally got his freedom back. The emotions and bewilderment that followed gave the book a heartfelt touch and makes the reader want to grab him and shelter him from further pain. He was gorgeous, simply fantastic.
Ianys though, I’m didn’t get much from Ianys at all in this book. While he was there and he was seriously upset with the events, he was more withdrawn this time around to the point he didn’t feel much part of the triad. Honestly, I can’t wait for the final part when all his issues will finally be dealt with.
As for the rest of the story, this time it was much more hmm, melancholic perhaps. It had sadness in it that continued to exist till the end. The bad guy here was not sharply drawn out, he existed inside blurred lines making you not know what to feel exactly, not know what you wanted his story to end. A sad story indeed.
The end was promising and a bit of a cliffhanger making it clear that there is more to come. Yes, we knew it, but just in case we forgot, it was made crystal clear. In addition, it gave so much food for thought, so many possibilities hanging in there about what might come in the future. Are going to see the tree elves take a giant leap of faith and go with the currents…?
Overall, this book was as lovely and enticing as the first one. I enjoyed my favorite triad immensely, but now more than ever I can’t wait for the final part to come. As for you, keep in mind that this story – one I strongly recommend if you’re fan of the genre – is part of a series and it is best read in order.
Blurb: Kelnaht, a cloud elf, is a truth seeker caught between love and faith. Worse, a murder committed ten days before Solstice reveals an illicit affair between two tree elves he desires more than he can admit: Kelnaht’s former lover Ianys, who once betrayed him, and the shunned forester named Taruif, who is not allowed to talk to anyone but The Guide, their spiritual pathfinder. When Taruif turns out to be the only witness for the crime, Kelnaht has to keep Ianys from sacrificing himself and losing his daughter, while at the same time realizing he’d gladly sacrifice himself to end Taruif’s loneliness.
Review: Okay, so after reading Oren’s Right – book #2 in Tales of the Forest series – I had this feeling I’m going to like this world. No, scratch that, I already liked this world, now I simply love it.
So I went back and picked up book #1, because yeah I do that sometimes, start a series backwards that is. I felt like I just had to read the first book and wait for the last one to come, you know, there was this pull from this world I couldn’t resist, and the writing, well the writing is just so easy and smooth, flows like water and all you have to do is let it carry you along. And I let it, and I’m so glad I did.
Kelnaht is a Truth Seeker (aka a cop/investigator for the elves’ community) and he’s tasked with finding the elf responsible of a hideous act; murder. During his investigation, he discovers that his ex (who dumped him) is having an illicit relationship with the Forester (who he secretly desires but can’t have). Choices, choices… If he turns his ex to the Elders’ council, his ex will be shunned just like the Forester. His feeling for both men are stronger though and his call as a Truth Seeker is battling with his desires. Not to mention that there’s a killer there loose. So Kelnaht does what every man would do. Deals with one problem at a time, focusing on the killer at the moment. Problem is, the Forester is a witness that can help the investigation, and Kel is being granted permission to speak with him.
Okay so, the mystery-suspense parts were good, not too much, but not full of plot-holes, either. For such a short read, it was really good. The lows and highs were nicely balanced and made for a fun murder case to read. The romance was even better. We had a law officer (kind of), we had the ex who still haunts his wet-dreams, we have the new object of desire who just makes everything mouth-watering, and damned it all to Hell, this author needs to let go more, because this plot was so raw material for an all-out carnal erotica *sigh*. As it is, the intimate parts tend more toward romance and sensuality, leading you to thoughts that burn, but not blatantly saying it on the text. Sneaky.
As I felt with Oren’s Right, this book too ended on a satisfying note for such a short length. I mean it’s a 50 pages read and it has a very nice structure to it, makes a whole circle and the end leaves you wishing for no more. Well, no more from this story, because frankly it would be a shame to abandon this fascinating world. Fairies are plenty out there, but original, unique characters such as we encounter on this series? Let’s just say it is invigorating seeing authors take risks and make their fae unique.
So, overall I loved this story and totally recommend it for fans of the genre. As for me, I have The Forester II: Lost and Found waiting for me the moment I end this review. Enjoy!
Blurb: Veld, tree elf and Forester, fell in love with mute baker Oren, also a tree elf, when he first set eyes on him two turns ago, but Healer Haram, Oren’s vowed, made it clear that he had no intention of sharing Oren with Veld. Now, with Oren in mourning after Haram is killed, Veld is torn between Haram’s unwillingness to share and his desire to make Oren his. But when Haram’s death turns out not to be quite the accident it seemed to be, Veld is drawn into the investigation. At the same time, others appear to claim Oren’s independence, and Veld is forced to face his insecurities or risk losing Oren… again.
Review: This story was quite nice and interesting. I loved the plot and the way this world was woven. I loved the storyline and the tree-elves, cloud-elves, and dark-elves. Yes, I have a thing for elves and the many worlds one can set them, this world being quite refreshing.
The story begins with a melancholic strike as Harem, Oren’s vowed, has died living Oren in a deep mourning. While death is a terrible thing for any character, Oren has it a bit more difficult due to his nature, what with him being a submissive and in need of an owner. Veld on the other hand has been in love with Oren ever since he first met him, but his friends possessiveness and unwillingness to share had cut off all hope, until his death that is. So Veld is facing with a turmoil of feeling; his love for Oren, his need to take care of him, his guilt for wanting such thing when Oren still in mourning. When the society though makes it clear, they would not leave Oren alone, thinking him to be unable to care for himself and not understanding his nature and his relationship with Haram, Veld is forced to take action.
So the romance part is quite deep for such a short story, the characters have to fight over their feelings and their society and make a stand for themselves. The D/s element here is not one you can see or read, it’s a known state but not a developed one, so if you expect any BDSM-y scenes, don’t, you won’t find them.
As for the suspense plot, that was very interesting as well. We have a murderer on the loose. The elves magic while strong enough can’t easily find the person killing people, or the reason behind it. Veld holds the spotlight by helping the Truth Seeker find the culprit and when we learn who it is it comes as a sad and sorrowful surprise.
The ending itself had me gasping with shock. No, nothing shocking happened, I was simply expecting more. I had been pinning all read for the moment when Oren and Veld would come together, and yes I admit it I was literally drooling for their sex scene (they had a strong chemistry for crying out loud), and when it never came I felt disappointed. Still do. It’s like the author teased me with a nice dinner cooking. Smelling all the scents coming from the kitchen and drooling over my imagination of how they’ll feel when I would finally taste them, yet at last second having everything canceled. I feel deprived, robbed out of something I think I earned. My head is still screaming at this author “give me my sex scene damn it.” Sigh!
Ah well, be prepared for a tease that as well written and enticing as it was, it remains a tease. Still recommended.
Blurb: Connor Smith works for Primrose, an organization tasked with monitoring and tracking aliens and alien technology. It’s a job that doesn’t know the meaning of “nine-to-five”. It also doesn’t leave much room for a social life, a complication that Connor hasn’t minded, until now. At the prodding of his best friend, Connor reluctantly puts himself back in the dating pool, even though it means lying about his remarkable life.
Elsewhere, Noah Jones has led a remarkable life of his own. Stranded on Earth in 1648, Noah was forced to transform himself permanently into human form to survive. He soon learned that in doing so, he’d become effectively immortal, aging only at a glacial pace. Alone, with no way to contact his people or return home, Noah becomes a silent observer of human civilization—always in the world, but never of the world. Then, hundreds of years later, he sees a face in a crowd and instantly feels a connection that he thought he’d never feel again. But he’s too late: Connor’s already taken.
Destiny is not without a sense of humor, though, and the two men are pulled inexorably closer, snared by the same web of dangers and conspiracies. Worse, Primrose is now aware of Noah, and they aren’t ones to leave an alien unrestrained. So while Connor struggles to understand the strange pull he feels toward Noah, forces without as well as within are working against them to keep them apart.
Review: Conner works for a company that secretly investigates anything alien, making sure alien artifacts don’t fall into the wrong hands. But, just recently somebody is getting to the artifacts before they can. On top of that worry, Conner seems to have gained a stalker who he has a very strange connection with, is it friend or foe? Noah has managed to stay under Primrose’s radar since the company came into being, but now he has inadvertently connected to one of its workers, Conner. Noah tries to keep clear, but it’s not long before Primrose comes for him. Will the connection between Noah and Conner work for them or against them?
This is a great alien story that has a wealth of detail, great characters and an intriguing plot. Noah has been stranded on Earth for hundreds of years, living a quite unassuming life and not drawing attention to himself. Inadvertently he makes a connection that he hasn’t felt in 270 years, he has high hopes, but then finds out Conner has a boyfriend. And that isn’t the least of his problems when he receives a visit from Primrose. Conner is shocked when something strange happens to him, but he tries to push it to the back of his mind as he starts dating a new man. Unfortunately, things become confusing for him when he discovers he has a connection to an alien and then he comes under suspicion when alien artifacts disappear from his work place and then Noah disappears as well.
Aliens, Smith and Jones is far from the typical alien story. Noah Jones might have been found by Primrose, but they never experimented on him, okay so he went through a lot of tests but he wasn’t treated badly. I really liked the way that Primrose is portrayed in this book, although they do hunt aliens and alien artifacts it is more for the safety of the world, but without the need to experiment. I really was puzzled by Conner’s boyfriends’ role at first, but it soon began to come clear and it added a really good twist. I liked how we were drawn into the workings of Primrose and what they actually do, so we didn’t see them as the enemy.
What happens between Noah and Conner because of their connection I won’t say much about, but let’s just say that it saves both of them on more than one occasion. The action is well written and I liked how the mystery was done. there is some betrayal and a really horrific time in store for Noah at the hands of unscrupulous characters. The sex in this book is really hot and it is intense when Noah and Conner finally get it together. Their connection is something that is quite beautiful. There are some times when anguish and fear shine through and the descriptions are impressive and you can imagine just how emotionally painful it is.
I am going to recommend this one to those who like clandestine agencies, aliens, secret agendas, alien loving, a great storyline and a happy ending.
MM Good Book Reviews lead reviewer, Pixie, tracked down one of Storm Moon Press’s newest writers, Blaine D. Arden. Her short story, The Storyteller is an erotic fantasy piece that bleeped my radar. It’s sexy and so well written, I just didn’t want it to end. Since then, she has gone on to writer both fantasy and mystery and has been featured in several Goodread anthologies.
Enjoy their chat,
Portia
Tell us a little about yourself Blaine and is your hair naturally purple (What? You never know) Well, I’m a purple haired, forty-something, writer of gay romance with a love of men, music, mystery, magic, fairies, platform shoes and the colors black, purple and red, who sings her way through life.
Born and raised in Zutphen, the Netherlands, I spent many hours of my sheltered youth reading, day dreaming, making up stories and acting them out with my Barbies.
I’ve been married for almost twenty-two years to a man who gave me all the space I needed to grow, and together we raise—or try to, anyway—two sons, a foster-son (17, 20 and 19) and a ten-year old cairn terrier named Kendra.
As for my purple hair: Of course it is natural!! *snort*
Nah, I’m a natural blonde, so the purple is purely for artificial intelligence and vanity. You can check my color here: http://blainedarden.com/images/Blaineat18-writing-d.jpg though I was quite a bit younger then *wink* (in this photo I’m actually writing my first gay fiction)
Blaine do you set aside time to write or do you just go with when the inspiration strikes? Well, I treat writing as my profession, so I write every day. I don’t quite make a 40 hour work week, with appointments, household, family, social gatherings and social networking distracting me from it, but I try to write a couple of hours in the morning and another couple in the afternoon.
But… I am a writer, so I drag a notebook everywhere and will definitely write when the inspiration strikes. I often complain that inspiration is a bitch with a lousy sense of timing, especially when she strikes right after I turned my lamp off to go to sleep.
You started out writing quite young, did you always want to be a published writer or is that just a nice bonus? No, not always. I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer, and writing wasn’t exactly encouraged at home. And while I did try to get a story published at eighteen—still can’t believe I did that, and shudder at how badly written it was—I still didn’t think of it as a future career. Writing always came second… well, last, to anything: studying, job, family, chores. I think the idea of being published didn’t take hold again until I finished my first NaNoWriMo project a couple of years ago, but I didn’t take a conscious step towards being published until January last year, when I dumped my studies to focus on my writing full-time. No regrets yet *grin*
How do your family support you in your writing? (Little bell next to computer to summon someone to make you a drink?) I love my men to bits, but I doubt any of them would bring me something to drink until I asked them, repeatedly, and even then I’d probably have to wait a couple of hours for them to remember they promised to bring me one… They hug me and cheer for me when I receive good news, they stay out of my way when I request it (yes, sometimes I have to ask more than once for it to stick in their minds), they put up with my bouncy hysterics when I’m soaring and moodiness when I’m stressing out over a deadline.
Blaine what gave you that little push to finally submit your work? Oh. Well, after I made the decision to go for my writing career, I joined a critique group, and the comments to my first chapter/scene were helpful and encouraging. It amazed me how level-headed I was when reading the edits (though I often kick at them during a first read-through, my inner editor takes over on the second read and agrees with most of the suggestions). I think that was the final nudge to giving it a go.
I have to ask, was it difficult getting someone to publish your work when you decided to take that step? Err… not yet. At least, not in my experience. Out of three submissions, I was rejected once, and that novel subsequently was accepted elsewhere. Though, the first line of my first acceptance email almost gave me a heart-attack, because they didn’t think the story fit the anthology I submitted it for. But they wanted the story anyway. Phew! I was on holiday in the UK at that time, and I think the whole campsite could hear my joy.
And how do you find it working with Storm Moon Press?
Enjoying it very much so far. The staff is very friendly and helpful and I love the banter during the editing. I never take anything for granted and ask about every change I don’t get (when not explained in the comments) and defend every change I don’t agree with, and it’s encouraged. In the end, it’s all for the good of the story. I like that they handle a lot of the marketing and arrange reviews/interviews/guest blogs, if you’re willing to do those. So, all around, very enjoyable. Oh, and I love their covers. *grin*
So, Blaine you write M/M, how did you decide to write in this genre and what book inspired you to take the plunge. I wrote my first gay fiction when I was 17/18. I was a rather naïve idealist and with all the negativity on homosexuality and AIDS on TV, I wanted to show the world how beautiful love between men could be. I’ve written non-gay stories over the years as well, but somehow I always come back to my men. It wasn’t a book that inspired me to take the plunge; I was inspired by films, three of them to be precise. ‘An Early Frost’ is the film that started it all, ‘Maurice’ is the film I fell in love with and ‘Beautiful Thing’ is the film that finally convinced me that my view on gay romance wasn’t wrong, like I thought it was for a while. Of course, if you want to be technical, ‘Maurice’ is a book as well, by E.M. Forster, but I saw the film before I read the book.
Who is your favorite fantasy/mystery character out of all the books you have read? Out of ALL the books I’ve read? Oh, boy… My first thought was Snape… so I’ll be going with that, though Mrs. Pollifax is a very good runner-up. Snape embodies the types I tend to fall for, the underdog, the aloof, the stoic, not quite bad guy, while Mrs. Pollifax embodies every girl’s dream. Who doesn’t want to be a secret agent on dangerous missions? LOL
You seem to have an affinity for fantasy; will you be branching out into other genres? I make occasional road-trips to other genres—Aliens, Smith and Jones is SF—but I feel fantasy is where I’m strongest. I know it sounds strange, but creating my own world with its own culture and rules is far easier for me than researching contemporary cultures. I’m not very politics and culture minded and I don’t read the news papers, so am often not quite up to date on what’s happening where. I am a dreamer, after all, and I like living in my own world, however inconvenient that often is. Plus there is this annoying habit I have of wanting to write stories in which no one cares what gender your partner is, and our world just isn’t ready for that yet, regrettably.
Your next book is Aliens, Smith and Jones (expected release 20th July 2012) tell us a little about it and how it came to life. How it came to life? Oh, my? Do you have a day or two? No? I’ll try to keep it short, then.
Aliens started life as a short story from the point of view of a virtually immortal ex-alien who falls in love for the second time in 400 years. But while writing I started to realize that writing from the point of view of his lover was much more interesting, considering he was the one with all the action, tracking and monitoring alien beings and artifacts. And then came the blind date that wouldn’t go away and the story grew into a novel.
Aliens, Smith and Jones is about Connor Smith, who works for Primrose, an organization tasked with monitoring and tracking aliens and alien technology. It’s a job that doesn’t know the meaning of “nine-to-five”. It also doesn’t leave much room for a social life, a complication that Connor hasn’t minded, until now. At the prodding of his best friend, Connor reluctantly puts himself back in the dating pool, even though it means lying about his remarkable life.
Elsewhere, Noah Jones has led a remarkable life of his own. Stranded on Earth in 1648, Noah was forced to transform himself permanently into human form to survive. He soon learned that in doing so, he’d become effectively immortal, aging only at a glacial pace. Alone, with no way to contact his people or return home, Noah becomes a silent observer of human civilization—always in the world, but never of the world. Then, hundreds of years later, he sees a face in a crowd and instantly feels a connection that he thought he’d never feel again. But he’s too late: Connor’s already taken.
Destiny is not without a sense of humor, though, and the two men are pulled inexorably closer, snared by the same web of dangers and conspiracies. Worse, Primrose is now aware of Noah, and they aren’t ones to leave an alien unrestrained. So while Connor struggles to understand the strange pull he feels toward Noah, forces without as well as within are working against them to keep them apart.
What advice would you give to a new comer to the M/M genre who is just starting out? Write what you love and finish what you write. Don’t worry about publishing until after you’ve finished the story. Actually, don’t worry about publishing at all. Finish the story, then edit it, edit it again, let someone else (NOT your mother or best friend) look it over and don’t fear critique. Critique is not meant to hurt you, but meant to make your story better, meant to help you grow as a writer. And then read it through at least one last time.
And when you’re finally ready to submit, stick to the guidelines. I know the fonts are not the most beautiful, and the format may not make it pretty, but it’s not about looking pretty, it’s all about the text, and not making editors squint their eyes and think twice about even opening it. You want them to read your stuff, make it readable and stick to the guidelines.
Last, but not least, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Other writers are often very willing to answer questions.
Tell us a little of your hobbies aside from writing.
I sing in a choir and I have singing lessons. I also practice QiGong.
And for those of us… err *cough splutter* for those of our readers who don’t know Qigong (unless you mean the artist and then I will look a complete pratt ;-)) what is it? QiGong (aka Chi Kung) is the practice of aligning breath, movement and awareness for exercise, healing and meditation. And yes, I plucked that off the net to make sure I say it right. It’s a close relative to Tai Chi, actually and it’s all about your chi, your life force.
Do you think Qigong helps with your creativity? (Qigong is said to ‘allow access to higher realms of awareness, and awaken one’s “true nature”’) I don’t really see relation to my creativity, but, I started doing it because my mind never shuts up. For me, going through those exercises, from posture to breathing to moving and being aware of what I’m doing, means that for an hour, hour and a half a week, my mind is slowed down and very much forced into the here and now.
But it’s entirely possible that giving my mind a break is good for my creativity.
Funnily enough my singing teacher teaches on the same principles, almost. She’s very in tune with her students and through breathing and mindfulness exercises she tries to get the best out of me, vocally and health wise. So, double-win situation for me.
You also sing. Besides from choir singing, what other type of music do you like to sing to? Oh, tough question, since I suck at naming genres. I sing rock/soft rock, ballads, top forty, country… whatever catches my fancy, really. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve sung Toto, Heart, Gotye (bit too low for me, unfortunately), Ilse DeLange, Adam Lambert, Maria Mena, Emmy Rossum and Kings of Leon. I have a rather eclectic taste and depending on my mood I’ll go for something that screams or something that’s small and more intimate in nature.
So Blaine tell us something that nobody else knows… not even your husband (leans forward in eager anticipation). I had plenty of things to say, until I read the ‘not even your husband’ part. Is there anything my husband doesn’t know? I guess the only thing I could answer to that is how often or how much… He knows what sort of porn I love, but not how often I watch it. He also knows I buy books, just *cough* not how much money I spend on it *cough*
Disappointing answer, I know, but… I honestly don’t know what I haven’t told my husband. I think I even told him I fancied my ex-boyfriend’s father for a bit…
Well Blaine I have read a bit of your background and I have to ask… what’s wrong with pixies? You love fairies and elves and dragons but not pixies (muttering about stinking fairies). There’s nothing wrong with pixies, honestly. I just never thought to include them into my bio. Probably because I’ve not written about them… but never say never. I used to think I wasn’t ever going to write gun porn, and see how wrong I was about that *grin*
Okay Blaine a serious question now, if this world suddenly became a magical place what magical creature would you be? (What… you can tell a lot about the sort of person someone is by that choice!! Honest) Magical creature? Oh, that’s open to so many interpretations. But, seeing how much I love pointy ears, I guess I’d have to go for fairy, elf or even pixie *grin* I’m none too picky, I just want to fly, wear pretty clothes and play with other creatures’ pointy ears. Though, I’d love to have a bit of magic, even if it’s just to do the dishes with the flick of a wrist
Blurb: Llyskel is the fifth son of a King, but, unlike his brothers, he doesn’t have a career in politics or the military to look forward to. In a world where everyone possesses magic to some degree or other, Llyskel is powerless, unable to perform even the smallest magic-based tasks. All his life, he’s been under constant guard for his own protection from the magical world around him, much to his annoyance. The only time Llyskel feels free is when he paints, where the only spells he needs are the ones he weaves with brush and paint, capturing moments of beauty and giving them immortality on canvas.
Llyskel harbors a secret wish, though, a dark desire that haunts his nights. Only Ariv, a captain in the King’s army, seems to sense the truth of Llyskel’s needs. The pull he feels to Llyskel is unavoidable, and the passion between them undeniable.
But Ariv isn’t the only one interested in Llyskel. The Queen of a neighboring country expresses her interest in the boy’s talents, but her true intent goes far beyond a love of art. And what she asks may be too high a price for any of them.
Review: Llyskel is nothing like anyone else in his kingdom or the country. Everyone else has magic and Llyskel doesn’t and because of that he is protected in and out of the castle. a captain in his father’s army captures Llyskel’s eye and his imagination. Ariv is attracted to the young prince and has guessed his secret desires; he sets out to court the prince and discovers a secret that nobody knew.
I enjoyed this story and think it was well written. It has a slightly whimsical feel to it, but that could be because it’s from Llyskel’s POV. Llyskel is dearly loved by his family, but they treat him like a helpless child because he has no magic. He can’t even spar with anyone else he has a practice dummy and that is it. He has a guard that follows him everywhere, even in the castle and he feels stifled by it all. Ariv is the man that he fantasies about along with his shooter and Ariv is going to light up the prince’s world and give him everything that he wants and nothing will stop him not even the new discovery.
Llyskel is wonderfully described and the way the author describes the scenes and emotions is wonderful. you can feel Llyskel’s frustrations seeping through, his want and need and his obsession with Ariv and shooters. Ariv is harder to get a grip on, but you know he is the man to give Llyskel everything that he needs. Even when his prince goes missing, he knew Llyskel could handle himself. Even without magic and when he gets him back he gives Llyskel the support and encouragement that he needs.
For me this book was just right. it wasn’t too short, it wasn’t too long (did I sound like Goldilocks?) it was the perfect length with a touch of danger, a touch of kink, a lot of hot sex, a good story-line, the world building was good without too much information. There was a kidnapping, a controlling Queen, a hunky Captain and a quite prince, so honest to god… what more could you want. Get this book and enjoy.
Blurb: Banished by his family, young, blind aristocrat Oleg finds there are advantages of living isolated with just his tutor for company. But the perfect day said tutor, Neiam, planned for them, Oleg’s father seems hell bent on ruining.
Review:
The Storyteller is another wonderfully written story with a little extra towards the end. More of the B&D and S&M themes but not in a way where it’s all the usual “whips and chains” but an understanding between Neiam and Oleg. It’s interesting how the term “pet” comes to mind in this and how it’s used in a term of endearment. Overall, I also enjoyed this story writing which wasn’t all about fluff and sweetness. Then I read the biography and saw that the author is from the Nederlands so that made all sense. Europeans are more sexually open and tend to go for the gut of things without the sappiness that some American writers go for. I did like that ideal that these two characters trust each other and that their relationship stays constant even after the more kinkier edges.
I’d give this story an A- for its depth (father and the relationship between the two) and that realness in the story (two friends, lovers, exploring each other in safe boundaries).
Title: Aliens, Smith and Jones (2nd Edition)
