Innocence & Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp

Title: Innocence & Carnality

Author: J. Alan Veerkamp

Genre: Alternative World, Steampunk, Historical

Length: Novel (348pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-64405-193-1

Publisher: DSP Publications (23rd April 2019)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’–đź’– 5 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Innocence is his only currency.

The gilded cage of propriety where Nathan grew up as a member of the Deilian aristocracy became a true prison when, at fifteen, his homosexuality came to light and created a terrible scandal. His parents see only one way to preserve their reputation amongst the other noble families: fit Nathan with a chastity belt to increase his value to a potential partner and marry him off as soon as possible.

The recipient of that prize is Lord Rother Marsh Delaga III. After a hasty wedding, Rother whisks Nathan away to the strange and seductive land of Marisol, where Nathan will begin a new life, free to explore the pleasures of the marriage bed, though his life is still not his own.

But Rother’s Delaga House is a place of secrets, dangers, and depravity Nathan can scarcely comprehend. Where friends are few and peril waits around every corner, Nathan must employ all the manipulation he learned from high society, along with his talent for clockwork. Most of all, Nathan must adapt, compromise to survive, and cast off the preconceptions of his homeland.

Because only he can orchestrate his freedom, and it’ll come at a cost.

Purchase Link: DSPP | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Review: Wow! This story blew me away with its twists and turns.

Innocence & Carnality starts out as expected for a historical setting story, a young stripling told point blank that he will be marrying a man of his father’s choice and he’d better like it or else. Then said young man comes over all aflutter when first meeting his husband to be, being swept off his feet by an older man who oozes carnal delights, and then rushed through marriage and dropped into a setting he is too innocent to understand. And that’s when things start to get juicy and veers off from a standard historical.

Nathan is the young man in question, after the first couple of days with his new husband he has high hopes but they are swiftly dashed, he gets a brutal awakening as to what his husband is really like and our young Nathan starts to plot.

Rother is the man who had to have Nathan after seeing just one picture, he’s a ruthless man who knows how to get what he wants and he never allows anyone to get the best of him.

When I first started reading this I expected it to follow the normal historical formula, young innocent breaking through to the ruthless lords’ heart and softening his outlook, well I was swiftly disabused of that notion as it is Nathan who comes into his own and changes vastly from the innocent young man we first meet.

All the characters in this story stand out in their own ways, each one vibrant with their personalities, and whether you like them or not each one leaves a mark in your mind. There are some characters you end up adoring who you weren’t sure of in the beginning, others earn your scorn and hate even though at first they appealed to you.

The rich settings have you plunging into the story, with a few well-placed words you’re in an office, a bedroom, a hallway, a salon, walking down a busy street or a quiet shop. We are treated to an amazing story that surprises at turns and shocks with its twists, it has vices and violence that has your eyes widening and yes there are some scenes of brutality.

One thing I want to say is don’t be put off if you hear about the cheating, I’m one for turning my nose up at cheating in a story and I take a very dim view of it but with this story it is essential and makes the story what it is.

I’m not gonna delve further into the story as it really does need to be discovered by yourself, but I will say it’s thoroughly enjoyable that I had a very hard time putting down.

This story isn’t about hearts and flowers, it’s not about first loves and breaking through someones toughened shell, it’s about surviving a situation that looks bleak, it’s about playing the game until you can turn the tables, and it’s about striving to make your own life on your terms.   

J. Alan Veerkamp has written a story that drags you along on a journey that you just don’t know where it’s going or how it’s going to end, and you’ll love every minute of it.

Innocence & Carnality by J. Alan Veerkamp Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

J. Alan Veerkamp - Innocence & Carnality BANNER

Hi peeps! We have J. Alan Veerkamp popping in today with his new release Innocence & Carnality, we have a brilliant guest post from J. Alan, a great excerpt, a fantastic $10 DSP Publications GC giveaway and my review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Innocence & Carnality

by

J. Alan Veerkamp

Innocence is his only currency.

The gilded cage of propriety where Nathan grew up as a member of the Deilian aristocracy became a true prison when, at fifteen, his homosexuality came to light and created a terrible scandal. His parents see only one way to preserve their reputation amongst the other noble families: fit Nathan with a chastity belt to increase his value to a potential partner and marry him off as soon as possible.

The recipient of that prize is Lord Rother Marsh Delaga III. After a hasty wedding, Rother whisks Nathan away to the strange and seductive land of Marisol, where Nathan will begin a new life, free to explore the pleasures of the marriage bed, though his life is still not his own.

But Rother’s Delaga House is a place of secrets, dangers, and depravity Nathan can scarcely comprehend. Where friends are few and peril waits around every corner, Nathan must employ all the manipulation he learned from high society, along with his talent for clockwork. Most of all, Nathan must adapt, compromise to survive, and cast off the preconceptions of his homeland.

Because only he can orchestrate his freedom, and it’ll come at a cost.

Warnings: Violence

.•.•.**❣️ DSPP | Amazon US | Amazon UK | iTunes | B&N | Kobo | Google Play❣️**.•.•.

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Priest & Pariahs by J. Alan Veerkamp

Title: Priest & Pariahs

Series: Centauri Survivors Second Chance Chronicles 03

Author: J. Alan Veerkamp

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Length: Novel (267pgs)

Publisher: Nine Star Press (September 24, 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖  5 Hearts

Blurb: Costa McQuillen has escaped from Earth, where being para-human—a Pariah—with tech empathic abilities is illegal, and marks him for extermination. Arrogant and standoffish, Costa is unable to trust anyone but is willing to risk everyone’s safety in his desperate effort to reach the planet Omoikane. His best solution, gaining passage on board the Santa Claus.

Arbor Kittering is the crew’s newest coding tech. Having spent a short time in prison for data hacking and falsifying government files, the Santa Claus is his last chance at a new start—if he can decipher the strange malfunctions plaguing the ship.

Eugene “Priest” Jones, the Santa Claus’s Head Pilot, is a bit of a scoundrel. Perpetually single, Priest is attracted to Costa and Arbor. In truth, he’d like to have both, but it’s clear even his grifting and gambling skills can’t make that happen.

Now as they all travel together, it appears Priest needs to make a choice before it’s too late as each of their lives intertwine with potentially dangerous and deadly consequences.

ISBN: 978-1-949340-76-1

Product Link: NineStar Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This story was so good. Priest is his usual self when two new new people enter the ship. Arbor is a dwarf with some issues about his height and past as Priest soon learns upon first meeting the man. He is hired as part of the tech crew to help Mac.

Casto is on the run after having escaped the persecution of para-humans on earth. You don’t know completely about Casto’s past right away but it heartbreaking. He’s on a mission to save his brother but is a powerful man with an addiction to calm. Calm is a drug to suppress his abilities.

I loved this exciting yet powerful story about three men who each have issues, two need help with their issues, one needs help completing his mission to set his brother free. I don’t want to give away too much but it’s edge of your seat worthy with hot scenes and action that had me in awe.

The story flowed smoothly and I am looking forward to meeting more of the crew and seeing what happens with Poll. Fantastic addition to the series.

Priest & Pariahs by J. Alan Veerkamp Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

J. Alan Veerkamp - Priest & Pariahs RB Banner

Hi guys! We have J. Alan Veerkamp stopping by today with his new re-release Priest & Pariahs, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Priest & Pariahs

(Centauri Survivors Second Chance Chronicles 03)
by

J. Alan Veerkamp

Costa McQuillen has escaped from Earth, where being para-human—a Pariah—with tech empathic abilities is illegal, and marks him for extermination. Arrogant and standoffish, Costa is unable to trust anyone but is willing to risk everyone’s safety in his desperate effort to reach the planet Omoikane. His best solution, gaining passage on board the Santa Claus.

Arbor Kittering is the crew’s newest coding tech. Having spent a short time in prison for data hacking and falsifying government files, the Santa Claus is his last chance at a new start—if he can decipher the strange malfunctions plaguing the ship.

Eugene “Priest” Jones, the Santa Claus’s Head Pilot, is a bit of a scoundrel. Perpetually single, Priest is attracted to Costa and Arbor. In truth, he’d like to have both, but it’s clear even his grifting and gambling skills can’t make that happen.

Now as they all travel together, it appears Priest needs to make a choice before it’s too late as each of their lives intertwine with potentially dangerous and deadly consequences.

.•.•.**❣️ NineStar Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo❣️**.•.•

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A Cook’s Tale by J. Alan Veerkamp

Title: A Cook’s Tale

Series: Centauri Survivors Second Chance Chronicles 02

Author: J. Alan Veerkamp

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novella (157pgs)

Publisher: Nine Star Press (May 21, 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: After a breakup, Erron Murfin finds himself broken, homeless, and destitute. The chance to become the Santa Claus’s new cook is a beacon he can’t ignore.

The new position allows him to work under Gamin Rockwell, the man who helped raise him until he disappeared when Erron turned nineteen—well over a decade ago. While the two make up for lost time, Erron catches the eyes of many crewmen as well as James and Barrus, a married pair with real intentions who are determined to draw the cautious new arrival into their relationship.

Even as he stitches together his ability to see a future for himself, Gamin’s history and personal issues begin to surface. Secrets bubble out in ways Erron can’t ignore and he finds himself with a mystery he needs to solve.

Because there’s something about Gamin that goes far deeper than the fatherly role he once held in Erron’s life so long ago.

ISBN: 978-1-948608-68-8

Product Link: NineStar Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: While I enjoyed this tale about Erron and Gamin I was disappointed that there was no action scenes in it. After all it is a sci-fi story. Nevertheless Erron captivated me from the start as he lost everything and was hired on the Santa Claus as a cook.

The man who was like a father to him and disappeared, Gamin, is also on board. What starts out as a get to know each other better turns into a tension filled story with Erron on the receiving end of cold shoulders after a question leaves Gamin in depression.

He takes Barrus and Jamie up on the offer of comfort much to the dismay of Gamin. I had already figured out Gamin’s feelings for Erron and was happy with the outcome. Though Erron was stricken in the book and had to adjust his life due to circumstances beyond his control it all worked out in the end.

Great read.

The Luxorian Fugitive by J. Alan Veerkamp

Title: The Luxorian Fugitive

Series: Centauri Survivors Second Chance Chronicles 01

Author: J. Alan Veerkamp

Genre: Science Fiction

Length: Novel (210pgs)

Publisher: Nine Star Press (March 26, 2018)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Trying to escape his tortured past, Sergeant Liam Jacks travels aboard the transport vessel, the Santa Claus, as the security chief alongside his best friend and captain, Marc Danverse. Having survived the Civil War, they shuttle amongst the Proxima Centauri planetary cluster, trying to find some modicum of peace. Something of which Liam is in short supply.

During a stopover on the planet Luxoria, they take on a mysterious passenger. Hadrian Jamison’s history is questionable and his effect on Liam is undeniable. The more they learn, the more questions they have. As they are drawn together, Hadrian’s presence threatens to disrupt the quiet.

When Hadrian’s past catches up to claim him, the ensuing conflict is more than any of them expected..

ISBN: 978-1-948608-25-1

Product Link: NineStar Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Loved this story of Hadrian and Liam. Captain Danverse and Liam have been friends and lovers for a while but the physical aspect is a coping mechanism for Liam to deal with their last mission. He suffers from nightmares and guilt at what he had done. Hadrian is genetically modified person. He’s strong, fast and has other abilities. He is labled as a slave to the one who owns him.
Escaping with help and getting aboard the Santa Claus was the only thing Hadrian focused on but meeting Liam he felt a connection that he couldn’t ignore. But when danger comes knocking it tests all of them.

I loved this story. The first half of the book is drama based where we get background on some characters and are introduced to Mac, the tech guy who is secretly in love with captain and vice versa. So there are plenty relationships throughout the story.

My favorite part was learning about Hadrian and all that entails. I was saddened by what he had gone through and how that came to be. I was incensed at the person who owned him. Hadrian never should have gone through what he had at the whim of someone in power.

An amazing detailed suspense and romance filled story with action scenes that leave you awed. I loved everything about this story and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Highly recommended.

A Cook’s Tale by J. Alan Veerkamp Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

J. Alan Veerkamp - A Cook's Tale Banner

Hi guys! We have J. Alan Veerkamp stopping by today with his new re-release A Cook’s Tale, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

A Cook’s Tale

(Centauri Survivors Second Chance Chronicles 02)
by

J. Alan Veerkamp

After a breakup, Erron Murfin finds himself broken, homeless, and destitute. The chance to become the Santa Claus’s new cook is a beacon he can’t ignore.

The new position allows him to work under Gamin Rockwell, the man who helped raise him until he disappeared when Erron turned nineteen—well over a decade ago. While the two make up for lost time, Erron catches the eyes of many crewmen as well as James and Barrus, a married pair with real intentions who are determined to draw the cautious new arrival into their relationship.

Even as he stitches together his ability to see a future for himself, Gamin’s history and personal issues begin to surface. Secrets bubble out in ways Erron can’t ignore and he finds himself with a mystery he needs to solve.

Because there’s something about Gamin that goes far deeper than the fatherly role he once held in Erron’s life so long ago.

Continue reading “A Cook’s Tale by J. Alan Veerkamp Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

The Luxorian Fugitive by J. Alan Veerkamp Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

J. Alan Veerkamp - The Luxorian Fugitive RB Banner

Hi guys! We have J. Alan Veerkamp stopping by today with his new re-release The Luxorian Fugitive, we have a geat excerpt and a fantastic $10 NineStar GC giveaway so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

The Luxorian Fugitive

(Centauri Survivors Second Chance Chronicles 01)
by

J. Alan Veerkamp

Trying to escape his tortured past, Sergeant Liam Jacks travels aboard the transport vessel, the Santa Claus, as the security chief alongside his best friend and captain, Marc Danverse. Having survived the Civil War, they shuttle amongst the Proxima Centauri planetary cluster, trying to find some modicum of peace. Something of which Liam is in short supply.

During a stopover on the planet Luxoria, they take on a mysterious passenger. Hadrian Jamison’s history is questionable and his effect on Liam is undeniable. The more they learn, the more questions they have. As they are drawn together, Hadrian’s presence threatens to disrupt the quiet.

When Hadrian’s past catches up to claim him, the ensuing conflict is more than any of them expected.

Previously published under the author name Mann Ramblings and series name Ship Logs of the Santa Claus.

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Salvaging Claus Day by J. Alan Veerkamp

Title: Salvaging Claus Day

Series: 2017 Advent Calendar Daily- Stocking Stuffers

Author: J. Alan Veerkamp

Genre: Christmas, Sci-Fi

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 5, 2017)

Length: Short Story (34 Pages)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: For three years, Filo has reveled in silence and solitude as the sole occupant of a space station, where he maintains the communication satellite.

Everything changes with the appearance of Luz Espina’s lifepod. Filo shares many interests with the flirtatious Luz, though Filo’s isolation has strained his communication skills. Still, Luz pushes all his buttons… and reminds him of the last man he was attracted to—an attraction that ended in disaster because the man was straight. When Luz learns Filo has never celebrated a holiday, he vows to cobble together a Claus Day celebration for them to share. But is it merely a friendly gesture… or something more?

ISBN: 978-1-64080-292-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Filo has been in space for quite some time. The blurb is really kind of off. In the story it says Filo, and three others. He is not exactly human but more like he was created or engineered. He was a fighting soldier, but had no taste for blood. So he asked to be put into space to work. Luz is sexy as hell and wants Filo, even tried to walk around naked to get a reaction. Now with it being Claus Day, he knows how to make it work.

This was not one of the stories I would have chosen for the holidays. There were parts of it that were off which made it hard to work out. It also starts off really dry and dull, and now I know all about space stations. Then it comes to naked men, and yeah just really bizarre. It was not my kind of story and did nothing for me. The ending was really nice, but I just don’t see how they get from one point to the steaming want in the end. I am sorry but this book was just not for me.