Blurb: Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbour on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.
Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.
When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly.
Who knew a welcome to the neighbourhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?
Review: I love a good shape shifter MM romance, in fact it has to rate as my favourite type of romance and Tempeste O’Riley’s Whisker of a Chance definitely rates highly among them.
Lynx and Alpha’s heir, Keith Skyler, has managed to move himself and his sister and nephew away from their tribe (chain) but most importantly, he has removed them away from his manipulative and evil father, the tribe’s Alpha. This new life has naturally set Keith off on an adventure he didn’t know could ever be possible for him – a gay shifter who was born to be an Alpha. Keith was fairly certain, he would never have a true mate because he was gay.
Then there is Jason Grant. He was instantly infatuated by his new neighbour and after giving Keith a welcome to the neighbourhood casserole, he too is flung into an adventure and a world completely unknown to him.
I can’t really think anything that makes this book stand out as an OMG when it comes to shape shifter and soul mates/mates (or whatever jargon the author chooses to use), even when it becomes very apparent that there is more to Keith’s lynx than being an Alpha. However, I really did love this. The characters – both MCs and minor characters – were all wonderful. They all had their own complexities, which were thoroughly explored with our MCs and partially explored with the minor characters.
I especially love Jason’s BFF Sasha (Russian guy), Keith’s lynx friends including Vance as well as the wolves that Keith also meets through his work as a vet. In fact, I would have loved to have known more from the latter two groups.
The characters were complex, enjoyable and relatable – the sex was hot – the attraction and tension between Keith and Jason was palpable – and overall it was a lot of fun.
Blurb: Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dream walker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.
Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, José, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns José has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.
Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.
Review: Interesting story about Liam, a dream walker, who has been dreaming of and falling for the same man, Cameron, for many years. Eventually they meet but things are not as good as Liam would like.
Fifteen years is a long time to be dreaming of someone you never met before but that’s what happens in this story. The intimate scenes in the dreams were hot and sexy. I liked that when they finally met it was not instant love. They had to fight to be together as most couples do to make things work.
Cameron freaks out upon learning about Liam’s abilities and that hinders them getting to know one another. Liam’s aunt I’m unsure how to feel about as it seemed to me like she treated Liam like a child who could not make decisions for himself and I hated that. But at the same time she does help him when he needs it.
Blurb: Lynx shifter Trace Wilson’s fun-loving exterior hides a heart scarred by severe domestic violence—a heart that might not ever trust another male, fated mate or not. When Trace moves to Seattle to take his place as trainer and council representative to the Glacier Rim Tribe, he discovers his mate is the vampire prince Sasha Tolstoi, leader of the Konstantin Coven. It’s not something Trace is ready to accept. Not now, maybe not ever. But if there’s one thing Sasha knows how to do, it’s how to be patient, especially when his fated heart is also his perfect sub.
When an outside force threatens the fragile bond slowly forming between them—and nearly kills Trace—Trace’s instincts shift into high gear. Sasha is powerful, and that means he has enemies, among them several rival covens and an uncle determined to force Sasha into a marriage with a vampire princess. But why involve the lynx Trace in their maneuvering? Finding the culprit won’t be easy, and it will mean building trust—a slow and difficult prospect for someone who’s suffered as much as Trace. Finding a way to move beyond the past, and to love, before those out to finish Sasha can destroy either, is a race the two fated hearts have to win.
Review: Fangs with a Heart is the second book in Tempeste O’Riley’s series Chain of Fate, the sequel to Whiskers of a Chance. I was so excited to read this one because this was the story that I wanted to read. I absolutely adored Vampire Prince Sasha in book 1, where he was best friend to the human MC, and I really did like Lynx shifter Trace, who was friend and valued pride member to the alpha shifter MC in book 1. You don’t need to have read the first book to understand all the components of this story, although we do get to see couple of the previous book.
This one’s a little angsty and sometimes I felt like I was running pointlessly in circles because of the reticence of Trace to be with his fated mate due to his past abuse. Sasha is the vampire prince, the leader of his coven. He’s used to having things done to his liking and is hurting badly because he cannot be with his fated mate. However, being a vampire Prince means that he has enemies, enemies that could be a danger to his mate that refuses to be with him. It’s a complex situation but this is a story that is so easy to read.
For me, I hated seeing the boisterous, happiness of Sasha be so severely deflated because of his hurt from Trace’s rejection. For me it was so much easier to connect with Sasha than it was to Trace, yet still loved the chemistry when the guys got together and started to battle their physical and mental demons.
For new comers to the series, if you’re a fan of paranormal romance, this is definitely a book to try out.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (27th July 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Simon Tyler knows his job as a gay romance author makes his lack of faith in love more than a little ironic, but he’s tired of being used for his wallet. When a night out turns into a matchmaking scheme orchestrated by his best friends, Simon’s not thrilled, but since he’s not the target and he’s sworn off happily-ever-after anyway, he goes along with it…until he meets Adrian, the object of their efforts, and finds perhaps he hasn’t given up on love after all.
Professor Adrian Keys has tried to date Hearing men before, but being Deaf himself, he’s never had any success at making a connection. After his friends con him into going out and Adrian realizes it’s all an elaborate plan to set him up, he braces for yet another failure, only to discover there is a spark – except it’s not with the man his friends had in mind, but with Simon Tyler instead.
Not all their friends have found a way past their romantic failures, but Simon and Adrian might be on the path to happily-ever-after.
Review: This is the fourth installment of the Desires Entwined series. This one could probably be heard/ read as a standalone, though by now both main characters in this one have been known to us for some time now. Simon we’ve known from the start of the series, and Adrian was introduced to us very briefly in Book 2. This series, in general is sugary sweet with the sweetest, romantic heroes and just so satisfying to hear. Actually, it’s the perfect series to just sit back or go about your day and listen to.
Simon is part of the small group of friends that are central to this series. Just like his friend, Chase, he’s seen to be nothing more than a party boy and generally a slut when it comes to men. Simon is from a wealthy and influential family, although he distances himself from them since they do not like the fact that he is gay. But Simon is independently wealthy and also happens to be a romance writer. The poor guy writes book after book of HEA for his characters (gay or otherwise) but he is just unlucky in love.
Simon meets Adrian, through Chase. Adrian was Chase’s professor at college for an advanced computer forensics type of course. Adrian also happens to be deaf. He can lip read very well but it is only natural that his primary language is American Sign Language.
Simon and Adrian seem to hit it off really well. Simon goes in with his heart on his sleeve. He doesn’t hesitate in doing whatever it takes for him to be with Simon, including learning and taking classes in ASL. Simon also deals with Adrian’s sometimes difficult but always overprotective friends. That entire story line with Adrian’s friends is just wonderful – including the set down Adrian gets from an ASL teacher about throwing Simon into the deep end of ASL. But Simon takes it all in his stride.
Honestly, this is a very enjoyable and sweet story. I really loved this one because Tempeste O’Riley brought to life the challenges of learning ASL as well as telling a story from the POV of a deaf main character.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (15th June 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Alexander James Noble is a gender-fluid gay man who gave up on finding Mister Right a long time ago. He’s not asking for much, though. He just wants a guy who loves all of him and appreciates his feminine form too.
At the local LGBTQ center where Alex regularly volunteers, he meets Dal Sayer, an officer of the Milwaukee PD. Because he’s been rejected one too many times, Alex doesn’t trust the huge cop and the interest he shows in him, but once Dal sets his mind on something, he goes all out. Pushing aside his preconceived notions, Alex opens up just a little and soon caves.
From their first date – while dealing with his father’s failing health and his parents’ demands for him to settle down and have children – Dal never takes his eyes off his goal of making Alex his. But proving to Alex he isn’t like all the men who couldn’t see him for who he truly was and only wanted to hide him away is harder than he thought.
Review: Desires Entwined is absolutely fantastic series to get into. The audio is just made so much better with the wonderful narration by Jeff Gelder (although I was not a fan of his impression on what I assume to be a Welsh accent). How he tells the story of the different characters makes it feel just so real. It’s an absolute pleasure.
Now, I know that I said that Book 2 can be read as a standalone, but I really do recommend if you don’t start with Book 1 you have to read Book 2 before getting to Temptations of Desire. This story follows Dal Sayer and Alex Noble. Dal is a detective for the Milwaukee police department. He also happens to be the brother of Rhys, one of the main characters in book 2. It is as part of the voluntary work that he undertakes for a local LGBTQ centre with his brother that he meets Alex. Alex is a personal chef to a rather wealthy gentleman who has more than one business encounter with Dal’s circle of friends. Alex also volunteers at the centre, making sure that the kids – and even the adults – get a decent meal at least once a week. Alex also has the added depth in his character that he is genderfluid, which I found to be an interesting spin on his character and is added dimension to Dal’s bisexual nature.
I would say that Alex’s story had more depth than Dal’s story. But as we found out in Book 2 when Rhys and his boyfriend went for a family meal with Dal and their parents, the parents want Dal married off and they want grandchildren. That seemed to work in Rhys’s story because we did not see their parents on page a lot owing to them being overseas. However, though we do not see their parents on page often in this book, we get to hear more about the family. The background info suggests that they are they are a very close and loving family. The well meaning meddling from the parents – it seems weird but I assure you that it is explained enough, at least to satisfy me.
Alex’s side of the story is somewhat understated, but it is clear that with him Dal has to work to show that Alex can trust him. Alex has had trouble in the past because he is genderfluid and finds himself comfortable wearing female or male gendered clothing, depending on his mood.
The flow of the story is really good and overall is well paced. Just like other books in the series this one is really sweet and I found myself quickly invested in the relationship between Dal and Alex. The ending is just nice as well. However, it left me eagerly waiting for the next installment. The short stories are not available in audio, unfortunately and I have to admit that I have not read them, but with book 4 we have another couple to follow.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (14th June 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Most people see Chase Manning as the party-boy twink he seems on the surface. Only James, Chase’s BFF, knows the depth of his loyalty and the extent of the wounds Chase carries inside. When Chase meets Rhys Sayer, things don’t go well, but he can’t shake his attraction to the huge, sexy man.
Rhys is a man of contradictions and fear – a strange combination for a PI and bodyguard. He’s in a bad place emotionally when he sets eyes on Chase for the first time. When Chase puts the moves on him, Rhys insults him, thwarting any possibility of a relationship. Rhys doesn’t see himself as a complicated man, but he dreads the very kind of connection he desires.
Just as they’re trying to overcome their uncertainties, Chase is put in harm’s way. Luckily Rhys and their friends have all the right talents to help Rhys save the man of his dreams.
Review: This is my first audio and book I’ve had my hands on by Tempeste O’Riley. Yes, this is book 2 in a series and I have to say Desires Entwined is absolutely brilliant series – I had to binge listen to this. The point is that these books can be read as standalones but you’d be doing yourself an injustice if you don’t get to them all, even if you do as I did and go through books 2 to 4 and then book 1.
Desire’s Guardian is quite simply a wonderful audio experience. (Sort of Spoiler: Jeff Gelder is a wonderful narrator and gave a perfect voice to so many of the characters throughout the series). The story follows Chase and Rhys. I have to admit that there is a lot more depth to these characters than I first expected. The development of both guys throughout their story is spot on and just so damn relatable.
Chase is a party boy and loves being around his friends. At first it is easy to write him off as a bit shallow-headed. But there is a lot going on inside. Just recently he has already suffered a blow when Rhys, who he met through his friend James. There had been an instant attraction between the two but Rhys makes it more than clear that he doesn’t want to be with someone who he thinks is about as shallow as a tide pool. See, the thing is though, when we meet Rhys, we realize that the big, tough PI has his own hurt and hidden depths lurking below the surface.
What you see in the blurb is what you get, so there is no point me rehashing the story and risk giving out spoilers. This is an intensely sweet story and just so enjoyable. The only thing that got me was that the general time line of the story didn’t seem to mesh well.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (4th December 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.
As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable-including James-if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.
James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?
Review: Designs of Desire is the first book in Tempeste O’Riley’s fantastic Desires Entwined series, which has at least 2 more books coming out in the future. However, I must admit that I did listen to the audios a bit arsed about – I actually heard this one after hearing books 2, 3 and 4 in order. Luckily, these books work as standalones although I recognized the names of characters as we met them of people that had their own stories in the following installments.
Designs of Desire follows artist James. He is kind of the heart of the group that slowly forms around him during the course of the series. He is an artist who works for a design firm, and had been for 5 years. He’s been used and abused by people who were meant to love him in the past, primarily a couple exes and his own brother. On top of all that, he also has a genetic condition which means that his soft tissues can never heal properly and are easily injured. This is where Seth, CEO of Carrington Enterprises comes in.
This is a very sweet romance, on the whole. The sexual tension and attraction between the characters works well and is well paced. At no point did I mentally think “oh, for fuck sake, hurry up”. James in no way need a knight in shining armor – he is a strong man because of what has happened to him. However, Seth does want to ride in on his proverbial horse to save James. But that isn’t a bad thing. Even James can recognize that sometimes a little bit of help is never a bad thing, especially where love is involved.
Hi peeps, we have Tempeste O’Riley popping in today with her upcoming release Fangs With A Heart, we have a brilliant guest post and a great new excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Fangs With A Heart
(Chain of Fate 02)
by
Tempeste O’Riley
Lynx shifter Trace Wilson’s fun-loving exterior hides a heart scarred by severe domestic violence—a heart that might not ever trust another male, fated mate or not. When Trace moves to Seattle to take his place as trainer and council representative to the Glacier Rim Tribe, he discovers his mate is the vampire prince Sasha Tolstoi, leader of the Konstantin Coven. It’s not something Trace is ready to accept. Not now, maybe not ever. But if there’s one thing Sasha knows how to do, it’s how to be patient, especially when his fated heart is also his perfect sub.
When an outside force threatens the fragile bond slowly forming between them—and nearly kills Trace—Trace’s instincts shift into high gear. Sasha is powerful, and that means he has enemies, among them several rival covens and an uncle determined to force Sasha into a marriage with a vampire princess. But why involve the lynx Trace in their maneuvering? Finding the culprit won’t be easy, and it will mean building trust—a slow and difficult prospect for someone who’s suffered as much as Trace. Finding a way to move beyond the past, and to love, before those out to finish Sasha can destroy either, is a race the two fated hearts have to win.
Hi peeps, we have Tempeste O’Riley popping in today to share her stunning cover for her upcoming release Fangs With A Heart, we have a brilliant guest post, great excerpt and a fabulous giveaway, so check out that wonderful cover, enjoy the excerpt and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Fangs With A Heart
(Chain of Fate 02)
by
Tempeste O’Riley
Lynx shifter Trace Wilson’s fun-loving exterior hides a heart scarred by severe domestic violence—a heart that might not ever trust another male, fated mate or not. When Trace moves to Seattle to take his place as trainer and council representative to the Glacier Rim Tribe, he discovers his mate is the vampire prince Sasha Tolstoi, leader of the Konstantin Coven. It’s not something Trace is ready to accept. Not now, maybe not ever. But if there’s one thing Sasha knows how to do, it’s how to be patient, especially when his fated heart is also his perfect sub.
When an outside force threatens the fragile bond slowly forming between them—and nearly kills Trace—Trace’s instincts shift into high gear. Sasha is powerful, and that means he has enemies, among them several rival covens and an uncle determined to force Sasha into a marriage with a vampire princess. But why involve the lynx Trace in their maneuvering? Finding the culprit won’t be easy, and it will mean building trust—a slow and difficult prospect for someone who’s suffered as much as Trace. Finding a way to move beyond the past, and to love, before those out to finish Sasha can destroy either, is a race the two fated hearts have to win.
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC (20th September 2016)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.
Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known only to a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle – and away from their tribe – his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.
When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome-to-the-neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?
Review: I love a good shape shifter MM romance, in fact it has to rate as my favourite type of romance and Tempeste O’Riley’s Whisker of a Chance definitely hits all the right marks. Good narration also helps a lot too, which really helped me get into the mind of both main characters. This is the first time I’ve heard Craig Beck’s work but I have to say he I rate him among my favourite narrators.
Lynx and alpha’s heir, Keith Skyler, has managed to move himself and his sister and nephew away from their tribe (chain) but most importantly, he has removed them away from his manipulative and evil father, the tribe’s alpha. This new life has naturally starts Keith off on an adventure he didn’t know could ever be possible for him – a gay shifter who was born to be an alpha and Keith of was fairly certain, he would never have a true mate because he was gay. Then there is Jason Grant. He was instantly infatuated by his new neighbour and after giving Keith a welcome to the neighbourhood casserole, he too is flung into an adventure and a world completely unknown to him.
I can’t really think anything that makes this book stand out as an OMG when it comes to shape shifter and soul mates/mates, even when it becomes very apparent that there is more too Keith’s lynx than being an alpha. However, I really did love this. The main characters had their own complexities, which were thoroughly explored with our MCs and partially explored with the minor characters. I especially love Jason’s BFF Sasha (Russian guy of course), Keith’s lynx friends including Vance as well as the wolves that Keith also meets through his work as a vet. In fact, I would have loved to have known more from the latter two groups.
The characters were complex, enjoyable and relatable – the sex was hot – the attraction and tension between Keith and Jason was palpable – and overall it was a lot of fun.
Hi guys, we have the charity anthology Turning The Page stopping by today to celebrate it’s release, so check out the stories and authors who have donated to this great anthology! <3 ~Pixie~
Turning The Page…
by
Tempeste O’Riley, Dianne Hartsock, Nikki Prince, Grace R. Duncan, Sue Brown, Aine P Massie, Carole Cummings, Hope Ryan, Mark Zubro, Antonia Aquilante, D. Zander Crane
Turn The Page…. began as a simple idea and grew from there. No matter how bad things seem to be, just turn the page, there’s more—better—things to come. This is only one chapter in your life. It’s not the whole story. With this simple idea, Novice Sister Eroti-Quill—whom most know better as Tempeste O’Riley—began their quest to help Suicide Prevention and Awareness programs in their area. They managed to con (excuse me, convince) other authors to donate their time and stories to the project, and now, many months later, Turn The Page is born!
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eroti-Quill’s hope for others, to help bring strength to programs that so desperately need funding. It will allow them show those that need support but may not have it, or that may be afraid to reach out, just how much love and understanding surrounds them. Turn The Page…. is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love, hope, and acceptance.
Individual Blurbs:
Happy Birthday to Me by Tempeste O’Riley
When Dave’s best friend drags him out for his birthday—nearly kicking and screaming, he finds more than he expected at Sovereign, the BDSM club he half owned but had refused to step foot in for two years other than for administrative things while it was closed. He didn’t go to clubs. He didn’t sub anymore. Period.
Well… until he sees Master Nicky. Then his plans for his birthday change and he decides that maybe giving himself a present, might not be quite such a bad idea after all.
Robin’s Confession by Dianne Hartsock
How can Robin find true love without accepting himself first?
Purr by Nikki Prince
Sasha’s love was in imminent danger. All she wanted was to keep Tori safe. Stay at the cabin wait for the verdict from the council. That’s all they had to do. One little dip in the lake couldn’t hurt could it?
Lockdown by Grace R. Duncan
Gylam’s never been that great at communication and this time he’s gone too far. His penchant for keeping his mouth shut resulted in a disastrous trip to the local dungeon. Jackson, his partner—both cop and at home—and Dom, is well familiar with Gylam’s tendencies. The punishment he gives Gylam is just shy of his limits, but Gylam knows he’s earned it. It remains to be seen if it teaches him anything, though.
Ducks in a Row by Sue Brown
David spends his afternoons feeding the ducks, a peaceful activity until the day Jeff and his Labrador dog burst into his life. David and Jeff get to know one another, punctuated by Bozo’s mishaps, but David is unwilling to share all his secrets. Will Jeff give him the time he needs?
Butterflies by Aine P Massie
Kyndra visits Jaiden’s shop for a little birthday shopping but is there for more than the pretty blown glass designs she makes—lovely though they are. What she really wants is a date with the beautiful craftswoman. But can she push her fears aside and ask, or will her past get in the way? With Jaiden’s help, can who Kyndra is inside finally shine?
Once Step Back by Carole Cummings
When Sahir is busy running for his life, it never occurs to him that the being in wrong place at the wrong time might turn into the right place at the right time. Not until he literally collides with Nicholas and salvation comes by way of magical intervention. But when Nicholas ends up being the one who really needs help, Sahir has to decide the best way to give it—and how to offer it to someone who can’t even figure out if he wants it.
Superheroes by Hope Ryan
Many people reach a point where they think life can’t get any worse. Rock bottom, where the future is so bleak, they begin to ask, “why bother?”
When homeless gay man Wayne Kent reaches that point, standing on a Pittsburgh bridge on a cold Tuesday in April, the last thing he expects is to get stopped—especially by a man named Bruce Clark.
But Bruce has been there, he’s seen that, he’s thought and felt the things Wayne is now and he refuses to see the beautiful, hurting man become another statistic. Coffee and a sandwich is a first step and Bruce hopes it’ll lead to a permanent step up for Wayne. And maybe even a step toward more together.
Unworthy by Mark Zubro
A love lost over half a century ago. Is there really redemption for all of our regrets, or at least perhaps for one regret? A chance to change the decision you made over half a century ago, or at least a chance to say what was unsaid, to say what could be said now? The love you missed so long ago, and if you could have one moment again, once last chance.
Love and Hope and Magic by Antonia Aquilante
Once each century, a ritual is performed, the magic of which sustains the land and protects it and its people for the century to come. But the person who performs the ritual never survives. This time Ailill is chosen. He is honored and content with his fate, but his best friend Lorcan is not. Lorcan can’t accept the loss of Ailill and can’t see a life without the man he thinks of as his other half. But Ailill knew Lorcan perhaps better than Lorcan knows himself, and he knew a life of love and magic is waiting for Lorcan after Ailill is gone, if only Lorcan can find the courage to reach for it.
Façade by D. Zander Crane
David struggles with his gender identity as he searches his city for a woman-murdering madman in his female alter-ego, Façade. Can he overcome his depression and confusion long enough to stop the Grinning Reaper?
M/M F/F Transgender Genderfluid
Contemporary Urban Fantasy Paranormal BDSM Romance
(Each story is unique and special, so the genre varies wildly. All are LGBTQ)
Hiya peeps, we have Tempeste O’Riley stopping in today with her upcoming release Dreamers’ Destiny, we have brilliant guest post and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Dreamers’ Destiny
by
Tempeste O’Riley
Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dream walker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.
Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.
Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.
Hiya peeps, we have Tempeste O’Riley popping in with the stunning cover to her upcoming release Dreamers’ Destiny, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Dreamers’ Destiny
by
Tempeste O’Riley
Liam Grady is the owner of the Feathered Quill, a quirky little bookstore in Asheville, and—though he doesn’t realize it yet—a dream walker. His last relationship failed almost a year ago, and he’s not had the interest or nerve to pursue anyone he’s met since.
Cameron Danu is a tattoo artist from rural Georgia. Cameron is left without a job after his boss, Jose, is forced to close the shop after a heart attack. When Cameron learns Jose has set up an interview for him at a small tattoo parlor in Asheville, he hopes for a fresh start in a new town.
Fate brings Cameron and Liam together, and they realize they’ve met before—in their dreams. A chance encounter and a winged tattoo might lead them to their destiny—if fear doesn’t turn their dreams into a nightmare.
Hi guys, we have Tempeste O’ Riley popping in today with her brand new release Whiskers of a Chance, her first paranormal story! Tempeste chats a bit about writing Whiskers of A Chance, we have a great excerpt, a awesome giveaway and review, so enjoy the post and click that rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Whiskers of A Chance
by
Tempeste O’ Riley
Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.
Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.
When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?
Title: Whiskers of a Chance Series: N/A Author: Tempeste O’Riley Genre: Paranormal/Shape Shifters Length: Novel (204 pages) Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30 Sept 2015) Heat Level: Moderate Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts Blurb: Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbour on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.
Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.
When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly.
Who knew a welcome to the neighbourhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?
Review: I love a good shape shifter MM romance, in fact it has to rate as my favourite type of romance and Tempeste O’Riley’s Whisker of a Chance definitely rates highly among them.
Lynx and Alpha’s heir, Keith Skyler, has managed to move himself and his sister and nephew away from their tribe (chain) but most importantly, he has removed them away from his manipulative and evil father, the tribe’s Alpha. This new life has naturally set Keith off on an adventure he didn’t know could ever be possible for him – a gay shifter who was born to be an Alpha. Keith was fairly certain, he would never have a true mate because he was gay.
Then there is Jason Grant. He was instantly infatuated by his new neighbour and after giving Keith a welcome to the neighbourhood casserole, he too is flung into an adventure and a world completely unknown to him.
I can’t really think anything that makes this book stand out as an OMG when it comes to shape shifter and soul mates/mates (or whatever jargon the author chooses to use), even when it becomes very apparent that there is more to Keith’s lynx than being an Alpha. However, I really did love this. The characters – both MCs and minor characters – were all wonderful. They all had their own complexities, which were thoroughly explored with our MCs and partially explored with the minor characters.
I especially love Jason’s BFF Sasha (Russian guy), Keith’s lynx friends including Vance as well as the wolves that Keith also meets through his work as a vet. In fact, I would have loved to have known more from the latter two groups.
The characters were complex, enjoyable and relatable – the sex was hot – the attraction and tension between Keith and Jason was palpable – and overall it was a lot of fun.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Hi guys, we have Tempeste O’Riley stopping in with the cover to her upcoming release Whiskers of A Chance, Tempeste lets us have a peek at a tantalizing excerpt and I have to admit to being a tiny touch hooked! So enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
Whiskers of A Chance
by
Tempeste O’ Riley
Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.
Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.
When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?
Hi guys, we have Tempeste O’Riley stopping by with her newest release Caged Sanctuary, there’s a fantastic excerpt and we have KathyMac’s review for you to check out, so enjoy the post! <3 ~Pixie~
Caged Sanctuary
by
Tempeste O’Riley
Kaden Thorn, a dental surgeon who lives a quiet life, has no hope of finding the love he craves. A vicious gay bashing cost him the use of his legs and confined him to a wheelchair. He has given up hope of finding a Dom or even a nonkink partner to love him. When his best friend practically forces him to attend a dinner party, the last thing he expects is a strong Dom who can see beyond his wheels.
Deacon James is an architect and a demanding Dom, but he has spent the past couple of years without a sub or partner. When an employee invites him to a dinner party to meet his girlfriend, Deacon smells a setup but agrees anyway. He prides himself on being an excellent judge of character, and when he meets the younger dentist, he sees past the chair and finds a sweet submissive man who more than piques his interest.
Kade’s fears and demons continue to haunt him, challenging Deacon to use everything he’s learned as a Dom to earn Kade’s trust and submission. Deacon’s determined, though, willing to battle all of it to have Kade by his side and at his feet.
Hiya guys, we have Tempeste O’Riley stopping buy with her newest release Truth In Lace, so check out this book and Tams Review <3 ~Pixie~
Truth in Lace
(Desires Entwined 03.5)
by
Tempeste O’Riley
When Alexander James Noble looks in the mirror, he sees a freak looking back at him. Despite his high grades and plans for culinary arts school after graduation, his parents would hate him if they really knew him.
Forced on a shopping trip with his twin sister, Lyric, and her friends, Alex eyes the girls jealously, longing to be able to dress like them—to be them. The constant struggle of being “gender fluid,” wrestling with an identity that seems to change daily, begins to wear on Alex. But all those questions and fears seem more manageable when his sister gives him his first skirt and lace panties.
Hey guys, we have Tempeste O’Riley visiting today with her newest release Temptations of Desire and she is celebrating with a brilliant giveaway and sharing a little of this fabulous story. Tams is completely in love with this series and has provided a wonderful review so I want you all to enjoy the post and then click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~
Temptations of Desire
Desires Entwined, 03
by
Tempeste O’Riley
Alexander James Noble is a gender fluid gay man who gave up on finding Mister Right a long time ago. He’s not asking for much, though. He just wants a guy who loves all of him and appreciates his feminine form too.
At the local LGBTQ center where Alex regularly volunteers, he meets Dal Sayer, an officer of the Milwaukee PD. Because he’s been rejected one too many times, Alex doesn’t trust the huge cop and the interest he shows in him, but once Dal sets his mind on something, he goes all out. Pushing aside his preconceived notions, Alex opens up just a little and soon caves.
From their first date—while dealing with his father’s failing health and his parents’ demands for him to settle down and have children—Dal never takes his eyes off his goal of making Alex his. But proving to Alex he isn’t like all the men who couldn’t see him for who he truly was and only wanted to hide him away is harder than he thought.
Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy! I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉
Description:
On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.
One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.
Foreword by S.A. McAuley
An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)
The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk
When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste
Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)
The Jogger by KC Burn
Holding Court by Cardeno C.
For Dear Life by Mary Calmes
Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington
Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)
That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado
Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys
Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford
Last First Kiss by LE Franks
Tomorrow by John Goode
From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)
Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.
I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.
Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!
About John Amory:
John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.
In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).
Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!
1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.
My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.
Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:
Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.
I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do.
2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?
Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?
3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?
When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.
4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?
I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!
About Sophie Bonaste:
Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.
If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste
GIVEAWAY!
20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover Grand Adventures Paperback $30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard
Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014 End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014
Title: Whiskers of a Chance
Title: Dreamers’ Destiny 
Title: Signs of Desire
Title: Temptations of Desire
Title: Desires’ Guardian
Title: Designs of Desire
Title: Whiskers of a Chance
Title: Whiskers of a Chance
