Belega by Dianne Hartsock Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Belega - Dianne Hartsock

Dianne Hartsock has a new MM fantasy romance book out, The Karthagans Book One:

Belega.

The Karthagans have regained their ancient powers of manipulating nature, but at the price of madness. In their lust for control they’ve destroyed their island and most of their race. They come now to Belega where one of them, Camron, seeks domination over the known world.

The Mage has come from the northern continent of Sennia to bring peace, but finding his strength no match for the coming struggle, he passes his abilities on to Natan, who only desires a simple life. Now only Natan has the ability to stop Camron, but the personal cost is more than he imagines.

It is only with the combined strength of his friends, his Karthagan lover, Kavi, and his deep desire to bring peace to the earth, that he finds the courage to overcome Camron and restore balance to the world. The power of the mind is immense.

In this world, mankind has learned to gather the energies of creation to use at their whim. But absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Publisher | Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CANBarnes & Noble | QueeRomance Ink


Giveaway

Dianne is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour – enter via Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47115/?


Exclusive Excerpt

Belega meme - Dianne Hartsock
Hello! I’m Dianne, author of Belega, and today I’d like to bring you a deleted scene involving my gruff Captain Bryon. It’s not mentioned in the book, but as a youth Bryon fell in love with the daughter of the richest man in Amara. He courted her, as did all the young men of age, one day taking her to his cabin in the woods. Gathering his courage, he asked her to marry him. As you might suspect, she scorned him, laughed at him, declaring she could never call such a hovel a home.

Heartbroken, shamed, Bryon never brought another woman to his cabin. That is, until he meets Kirstin. In this scene, he’s anxious for Kirstin to visit, doubting she’ll come, knowing he and his home were not good enough for her. And yet he hopes…

~~

Bryon leaned on the handle of his scythe and looked critically at the cabin.  He’d gotten there the day before and had set his plans at once into motion.  He laughed wryly to himself, remembering the sweeping and dusting and airing out of empty rooms. His mother wouldn’t have known him for the boy she’d had to threaten to pick up after himself. 

His smile dimmed at the weather-beaten look of his home. At least it was clean.  He picked up the scythe and worked on the hillside until the sweat poured down his body and the ache had worked its way out of his heart.

            The afternoon passed into evening before he quit.  He’d reached the bottom of the slope and had even begun on the sides of the path.  He felt pleasantly tired and was thinking of supper when a step on the path startled him.  He watched in disbelief as Kirstin walked around the corner.  She stopped when she saw him and Bryon remembered to breathe.

            “What are you doing here?” were his first blunt words, but then he recalled himself and set the scythe carefully against a tree. He went to the girl and took her hands.  She smiled timidly, and it amazed him that she seemed nervous of him.  He couldn’t keep from touching her golden hair. Then he laughed, feeling ridiculous, and broke the spell.

             “Come on, girl.”  He put an arm around her and led her up the slope.  “You can tell me all about it over super.”  His steps faltered as they neared the cabin. What did he have to offer the girl after all but an old shack and a lonely heart?  He swore bitterly under his breath.

            Kirstin looked at his averted face in surprise then pressed her lips together. 

            “Bryon,” she chided and touched his cheek.  Her fingers covered his eyes.  “You’ve seen your home for far too long through her eyes.  Look with your own.” 

            She removed her hand and Bryon cried out. His mother’s flowers sprawled in a mass of color against the gleaming white walls of the cabin while pines towered in the background.  The well Father and he had dug close to the house for his mother sat in a lush field of grass. He caught a glimpse of the generous garden at the back.  He walked up the porch steps and looked in awe at a home with polished floors and hand-carved and cared for furniture.  Mother’s rugs and blankets added color everywhere. 

            “Thank you,” he whispered hoarsely.  He looked into Kirstin’s clear eyes and without thought bent his head and kissed her.  He drew back sheepishly and motioned to the open front door.  “Won’t you come in?”

~~

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Author Bio

Dianne Hartsock
Dianne grew up in one of the older homes in the middle of Los Angeles, a place of hardwood floors and secret closets and back staircases. A house where ghosts lurk in the basement and the faces in the paintings watch you walk up the front stairs. Rooms where you keep the closet doors closed tight at night. It’s where her love of the mysterious and wonderful came from. Dianne is the author of paranormal/suspense, fantasy adventure, m/m romance, the occasional thriller, and anything else that comes to mind.

She now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play. Dianne says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write. There’s something about being cooped up in the house with a fire crackling on the hearth and a cup of hot coffee in her hands, which kindles her imagination.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop. Which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Author Website: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/diannehartsock

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Hartsock-Author-107985445959828/

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/diannehartsock

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Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/dianne-hartsock/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dianne-Hartsock/e/B005106SYQ/

Review

Dianne Hartsock - Belega COVER - Belega 3445Title: Belega

Series: The Karthagans 01

Author: Dianne Hartsock

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (288pgs)

Publisher: Solstice Publishing (February 10, 2020)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: 3 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: .The Karthagans have regained their ancient powers of manipulating nature, but at the price of madness. In their lust for control they’ve destroyed their island and most of their race. They come now to Belega where one of them, Camron, seeks domination over the known world. The Mage has come from the northern continent of Sennia to bring peace, but finding his strength no match for the coming struggle, he passes his abilities on to Natan, who only desires a simple life. Now only Natan has the ability to stop Camron, but the personal cost is more than he imagines. It is only with the combined strength of his friends, his Karthagan lover, Kavi, and his deep desire to bring peace to the earth, that he finds the courage to overcome Camron and restore balance to the world. The power of the mind is immense. In this world, mankind has learned to gather the energies of creation to use at their whim. But absolute power corrupts absolutely.

ISBN: B084P7NJFR

Product Link: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Belega is a story about the Karthagan people with great powers who were forced out of their homes by others were terrified of them to the isle of mist. But the isle causes strife between them splitting them into two groups and war. They are all but decimated until Natan, who I really never understood who he was, retrieves them.

This story starts out fast with hardly any descriptions or background of who the many characters are throughout. I found myself lost trying to figure out who was who and what exactly was going on. It was not until almost halfway through that I understood.

Kavi was a very confusing character to me. He ran hot and cold through the story which irritated me immensely. I honestly didn’t like most of the characters in this book. I will say the powers the Karthagans had were intriguing.

Fast paced, action packed with twists and turns but not enough character details. The reader is thrown into the story without any lead ins. I felt like i was missing something from start to finish.

O.k. read for me.

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Eran’s Release by Dianne Hartsock Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys! We have Dianne Hartsock stopping by today with her new release Eran’s Release, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

Dianne Hartsock - Eran's Release Cover 37ujv

Eran’s Release

by

Dianne Hartsock

It’s cliché to fall for the cute barista at the coffee shop, but Paul can’t help it. Eran’s shy smile and heated gaze are driving him wild. Convincing Eran to go out with him, however, is a lot harder than expected.

Eran’s been burned before—by family and more, enough to make him jump at shadows and avoid intimacy. But Paul is determined, and with the help of counselors, classes, and an unexpected modeling gig, Eran might just find that taking a risk on what scares him the most, has a worthy payoff.

.•.•.**❣️ Less Than Three Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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A Summers Day Anthology Release Blast, Excerpts & Giveaway!

A Summers Day Anthology RB Banner

Hi guys, we have a wonderful collection of authors visiting with their charity anthology A Summer’s Day, we have a couple of great excerpts and there’s a fantastic $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway!❤ ~Pixie~

A Summer’s Day: Shakespearean Anthology with a Twist

by

Rory Ni Coileain, Louise Lyons, Asta Idonea, Nephy Heart, Charlie Cochrane, Dianne Hartsock, Kathy Griffith, Rian Durant, Phetra H. Novak, J.L. Merrow, M. LeAnne Phoenix, Rebecca Cohen

We’re celebrating Shakespeare’s legacy with this collection of 12 stories based on his works and the way they are often woven into our lives. The twist is that all stories are MM. There are modern retellings of some plays, interpretations of others and one of the sonnets, and delightful referencing of anything Shakespeare.

There is gentle YA romance next to hot sexy stories and all kinds of relationships – first love, May/December, interracial, second chances, happy endings and even a tragic one.

We’re traveling from Ancient Rome through Renaissance England to modern day UK, Venice Beach and other places in USA, Vancouver and Havana.

There’s fun, drama, tears, angst, joy and, above all, lots of true love.

DEEPER THAN DID EVER PLUMMET SOUND
Rory Ni Coileain

Clarence Limont is a slowly fading star of the London stage; convinced his great performances are all behind him, he nevertheless agrees to play Prospero in an off-off-Broadway production of The Tempest helmed by an old friend.

Jaymes Stafford is the production’s starry-eyed Ariel, waking feelings Clarence had thought long dead and buried.

But the poisonous jealousy of other members of the cast may steal the stars from Jaymes’ eyes, and even put paid to Clarence’s illustrious career.
(“The Tempest”)

A FINE LINE BETWEEN
Louise Lyons

When Romeo runs into Julian on the beach, he’s the last person he wants to see as he’s grown up hating him due to his parents’ aversion to Julian’s dad.

Forced to rescue Julian from the sea, Romeo is surprised by his grudging attraction to the other young man.

When simple lust becomes something more, the pair ignore their parents’ anger, but family fights drive the lovers away from home – into a horrifying incident. Will it make the Montgomerys and the Caplins rethink their feud?
(“Romeo and Juliet”)

THE DEVIL AND THE LION
Asta Idonea

Caius Martius and Tullus Aufidius have long been enemies.

Then Martius arrives on Aufidius’ doorstep, seeking a military alliance. Aufidius accepts; however, he wishes their partnership to extend from the battlefield to the bedchamber.

His lust for Martius is one of the reasons he spares his life, but his jealousy will soon have terrible consequences.
(“Coriolanus”)

KISS ME, KADE
Nephy Heart

Kade is in trouble, negotiating a dangerous path between an authoritarian father and wayward sister.

Then Pete storms into his life and tries to take over.

It can only end in disaster.
(“Taming of The Shrew”)

IF MUSIC BE…
Charlie Cochrane

Rick Cowley finds himself taking up am-dram once more, thinking it’ll help him get over the death of his partner.

He’d never anticipated it would mean an encounter with an old flame and the sort of emotional complications the Bard would have reveled in.

Still, old Will had the right word for every situation, didn’t he?
(“Twelfth Night”)

TWO GUYS FROM VANCOUVER
Dianne Hartsock

Valentine has been watching Preston date man after man with never more than a brotherly hug for him.

Finally, despairing that Preston will ever love him in return, Val moves away to college, where he meets the glorious Silver, a man with problems of his own, who just might be his answer.

Torn between his attraction to Preston and his growing desire for Silver, Val wonders if he’ll ever find love or will his life become as tragic as any of the Shakespearean plays he loves so well.
(“The Two Gentlemen of Verona”)

WHEN I LOVE THEE NOT
Rian Durant

Desmond, the heir of a business owner is outed in the media after a hot night with his lover, Olvin, who also happens to be the company’s best negotiation expert.

This is only the first step in Ian’s plan to get back at Olvin for choosing Michel Caswell as a main assistant for the latest merger instead of him, a plan in which he’s moving everybody around like pawns on a chessboard, bending the rules.

Will Ian drive a wedge between Desmond and Olvin and get the position he wants or will he realize that there’s something more important that stops the world from turning into chaos?
(“Othello”)

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE BEACH
Kathy Griffith

Tony and Bartholomew have been friends for years, but his latest request is a little much.

Bart needs a loan to impress Porsche Keller, a personable billionaire, but the only cash available is from banker and raging homophobe Sherlock Palmer, who has a devious plan for them.

Will our heroes find love and get their happy ending?
(“The Merchant of Venice”)

A HERO’S LAST BATTLE
Phetra H Novak

Claudio is happy to be home after serving his country as a soldier for over fifteen years being stationed mostly abroad ready to settle down.

Hero is still living at home, together with his father, trying to do what is expected a young man his age is supposed to do, work and live every day like it is your last.
The two men meet at a family wedding, realizing they share a mutual dream of finding love and starting a family but evil lurks amongst them. Will these two lovers find a way to be together?
(“Much Ado About Nothing”)

NOTHING LIKE THE SUN
JL Merrow

Hollywood darling Jerome Winter always defined himself by his looks—until a fire destroyed them.

His oldest friend and still-loyal manager, Sam, has long carried a torch for him, but with his looks—and earning power—gone, what does Jerome have left to offer?
(Sonnet 130)

THE SUN OF TOMORROW
M. LeAnne Phoenix

When actor Koray Shepherd rescues writer Winter Sirois from the brutal hands of his supervisor, Winter never would have believed the beautiful Turk would share his love of The Bard.

When Koray asks Winter out on a date, Winter takes center stage in his very own tragedy, determined to end his play for today with a happily ever after.

Screwing his courage to the sticking place, Winter sets his sights on the future and Koray… but when the horrors of yesterday resurface, will he crest the waves of fear and despair, or will he be heard no more?
(“Macbeth”)

MUCH ADO ABOUT LADY MACBETH
Rebecca Cohen

Competition for roles is always high when the King’s Men put on a play, but David seems to come up against Jacob time and time again, no matter what part he is auditioning for.

But now they both want to be Lady Macbeth and it’s more than simple rivalry that causes the sparks to fly.
(Shakespeare’s Theatre)

And as all the world’s a stage we do hope that one day very soon all the world will be a place for everybody to love whomever they want to love and feel safe.

All proceeds of this collection go to the It Gets Better Project. By reading this book you become part of the hope for a better future of the LGBT youth.

.•.•.**❣️ Amazon US | Amazon UK ❣️**.•.•.

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Callum’s Fate by Dianne Hartsock Release Blast, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

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Hi guys! We have Dianne Hartsock stopping by today with her re-release Callum’s Fate, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Cat’s review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Callum’s Fate

by

Dianne Hartsock

In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work. But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.

Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae. Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.

Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest… Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight. Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?

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Once Upon A Rainbow Vol One Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway!

Anthology - Once Upon a Rainbow Banner

Hi guys! We have NineStar Press stopping by today with their newest anthology Once Upon A Rainbow, there’s eight authors with some fantastic stories in the collection and NineStar Press is sharing an exclusive excerpt and having a brilliant giveaway to celebrate the release, so guys, check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Once Upon A Rainbow Vol 01

by

Sydney Blackburn, K.S. Trenten, Riza Curtis, A. Fae, Dianne Hartsock, J.P. Jackson, Donna Jay, A.D. Song, Mickie B. Ashling

Morning Star

by Sydney Blackburn

Tariq is a devoted apprentice to his master, even stealing a perfume jar for Malik, the man he secretly adores, with only a twinge of guilt. But when Malik seeks to use the Jinni bound to the stolen jar, Tariq learns what love is—and isn’t. Ridha has given Tariq five wishes, two of which remain, and the one Tariq wants most, he cannot have. Or can he?

Fairest

by K.S. Trenten

All of my life, I’ve been haunted by her dark eyes. At birth, she cursed me to prick my finger on the spindle and sleep for a century. She appears in my dreams, my reflections, shaping my desires. Who is she? My guardian has only revealed a few enigmatic words as to her identity, the fairest of them all. Follow me into the lonely Forest of Tears where the dwarves dwell, walking where she once walked. Gaze into the depths of the magic mirror, which reveals her secrets. For I refuse to fear her, even if I should.

Gingerbread

by Riza Curtis

When a dozen gay men go missing, the Supernatural Investigations team is brought in.

With the trail running cold, werewolf Detective Erik Stuart is sent undercover with fellow officer Noah Coleman to investigate exclusive gay club Gingerbread. As their friendship blossoms into romance, danger puts their very lives at risk. Are they powerful enough to survive and bring justice for the missing men?

Sleeping Beauty

by A. Fae

Two royal births: one born into the body of a prince and the other a princess, bodies betraying their true identity. They grow to be inseparable, both deciding to become their true selves as soon as they are able. But an ugly curse by a wicked godmother brings them to the brink of disaster. And only through true love’s kiss can they be united.

Little Match Girl

by Dianne Hartsock

Christian can’t help himself. He’s fallen in love with the sweet, sometimes effeminate guy who’s been coming into the sandwich shop for the past several months. But Dani is also the Little Match Girl, the ragged queer selling candles on the street corner Christian’s been avoiding all year, going so far as to cross the street to avoid walking by him. Ashamed, he wonders if Dani can ever forgive him.

Losing his mother to cancer, Dani has spent the last year in a haze of grief and loneliness, selling Mother’s candles like they always had, giving himself to any man who can pay, saving him from having to go home to his father’s brutality. Desperate for a place to belong, he sets out with Christian to find his mother’s family. Christian helps, wanting Dani to be happy, though the cost might be losing his sweet lover forever.

Hood’s Ride is Red

by J.P. Jackson

Harkin Ross, otherwise known as Hood, hasn’t exactly had a happy childhood. His mother died in childbirth and his older brother perished in an unusual accident on the family farm. Hood’s father hasn’t coped well over the years and he’s spiraled into a black hole of anger, alcoholism, and abuse.

But when Kenneth Lowell is hired as the family farm hand, Hood’s life vastly improves. Kenneth earns Hood’s trust, and friendship while teaching Hood some basic mechanics skills, helping Hood get his red Dodge Dart up and running.

Kenneth, however, is hiding a violent and primal secret of his own. When Hood’s father discovers the Hired Hand is doing more than just yard work, the weekly trip to Grandpa’s house goes all to hell.

The Gingerbread Woman

by Donna Jay

Looking forward to a weekend of solitude, Candace heads to her country cottage hoping the peaceful surroundings will help to get her creative juices flowing. Never in her wildest of dreams could she have envisioned the events that unfolded.

White Roses

by A.D. Song

One night in the dark woods, a faerie attacks Lady Iliana and curses her to slumber forever. Lady Iliana finds herself kissed awake by Lord Alexios. When Iliana meets Adara, Alexios’ sister, Iliana finds herself torn between the man who saved her and the woman who hides secrets about Iliana’s awakening. When Alexios turns on Adara, they discover Lady Iliana is stronger than anyone thought. She does whatever she has to do to save Adara…even if it means killing her again.

Once Upon a Mattress

by Mickie B. Ashling

Crown Prince Sebastian of Sendorra has shied away from his obligations to marry and produce the requisite heir. He wants a love match—complicating an already difficult situation—and insists on finding the right man; someone willing and able to carry his child with medical intervention. The Royals throw a ball and invite eligible bachelors from all over the world.

Errol Maitland, a famous sculptor who lives in the small Principality, is tired of random hookups and relationships that fizzle out before they get started. He’s intrigued by the Prince’s invitation and decides to attend the ball.

Sebastian’s mother belongs to a clan of powerful witches. She’s convinced that a touch of magic will ease the selection process. Placing a spell on an ordinary pebble, she tucks it underneath Sebastian’s mattress. The right choice will voice a complaint. Will Errol spend a miserable night and prove his worthiness or will Sebastian have to keep on looking?

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Sweet William by Dianne Hartsock Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

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Hi guys, we have Dianne Hartsock stopping by today with her new release Sweet William, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~

Sweet William

by

Dianne Hartsock

William Wilkerson leads the life of the privileged rich. Head of his father’s shipping business, he indulges to his heart’s content in the pleasures of the flesh with Boston’s finest young men.

That is, until he reunites with Fredrick: his former tutor and the one man who captured his heart. But William’s father has declared Fredrick off limits. And Fredrick, himself, believes he’s beneath the attention of the Wilkerson heir.

After having lost his current pupil to graduation, and with no prospects of a replacement, Frederick is homeless, hungry, and easy pickings for the men on the docks. When Frederick is shanghaied into service on William’s own merchant ship, will William discover his plight in time to rescue him?

Warning: Scenes of dubious consent

NineStar Press | Amazon | Smashwords | B&N | Kobo

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Readers & Writers for LGBT Chechens with Dianne Hartsock & Kim Fielding!

Chechnya Blog TourReaders & Writers for LGBT Chechens is a group of people raising money for organizations working directly with gay men and other persecuted LGBT people from Chechnya and the northern Caucasus. We do this through direct donations, donating royalties to these charitable organizations, and an online auction to be held May 5–13.

The group started out with a Facebook conversation between authors Dale Cameron Lowry and Olivia Helling in mid-April, after news of the targeted imprisonment, torture and executions of gay men started coming out of Chechnya. Other authors quickly got involved, and the effort snowballed from there.

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Dianne Hartsock, a romance and speculative fiction author, has donated a set of two signed paperbacks to the charity auction. Here, she talks about why she decided to get involved:

“As a believer in human rights for all, I was horrified and heartbroken to realize what is happening in Chechnya. At first I was shocked, which quickly turned to a feeling of grief and helplessness. Participating in Readers & Writers for LGBT Chechens has given me the opportunity to help in a small way. If all of us take part, we can make a difference.”

Author Kim Fielding, who donated a set of three paperbacks and a t-shirt to the auction, adds,

“I got involved because it’s a small way I can contribute to the fight against brutality. As part of my day job, I’ve been studying hate crime for over two decades, and I’m well aware of how bad things can get. I think the fight against bias and violence is eternal, but every battle counts.”

Chechyan BT2

Ways to Get Involved

Readers         

If you are a reader who would like to learn more about the situation in Chechnya — including news updates and how to make a direct donation to a designated charity, buy a book whose proceeds go to a designated charity, or bid in the auction — please visit Readers & Writers for LGBT Chechens.

Authors, Publishers and Artists

If you’re an author or artist who would like help out, please sign up at Authors & Publishers for LGBT Chechens. There, you can also find answers to frequently asked questions about royalty donations, the charitable organizations that are helping out LGBT Chechens, and more.

Facebook

Please RSVP to our Facebook event and invite friends. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date. https://www.facebook.com/events/286004325144634/

Chechnya BT3

Dianne Hartsock is the author of paranormal/suspense, fantasy adventure, m/m romance, and anything else that comes to mind. Oh, and a floral designer, which is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Kim Fielding is the bestselling author of numerous m/m romance novels, novellas, and short stories. Like Kim herself, her work is eclectic, spanning genres such as contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and historical. Her stories are set in alternate worlds, in 15th century Bosnia, in modern-day Oregon. Her heroes are hipster architect werewolves, housekeepers, maimed giants, and conflicted graduate students. They’re usually flawed, they often encounter terrible obstacles, but they always find love.

Chechnya BT4

Turning The Page… Anthology Release Blitz!

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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~

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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)

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Stuck on Rewind by Dianne Hartsock Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Dianne Hartsock - Stuck on Rewind 960x350

Hi guys, we have Dianne Hartsock popping in with her new release Stuck on Rewind, we have a short guest post, a great excerpt and  a brilliant giveaway so enjoy the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~

Dianne Hartsock - Stuck on Rewind Cover

Stuck on Rewind

by

Dianne Hartsock

Ashton has been in love with his best friend for years, watching him grow from a pretty high school boy to the gorgeous erotic dancer at the club where they both work. The problem is that Lance enjoys the attention of a variety of men while Ashton wants him for his very own.

After a day spent denying his attraction for Lance, standing by while their friend Trey openly flirts with him, Ashton decides it’s time to make his move or risk losing his man forever. Once Lance knows how he feels, he’ll realize they should be together. Or is it already too late?

Continue reading “Stuck on Rewind by Dianne Hartsock Blog Tour, Guest Post, Excerpt & Giveaway!”

Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate -fb

Hi peeps, we have Dianne Hartsock stopping by with the tour for her new release Callum’s Fate. We have a great excerpt, a fantastic giveaway and Cat’s review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate Cover

Callum’s Fate

by

Dianne Hartsock

In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work.

But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.

Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.

Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.

Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….

Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.

Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?

Don’t miss the Valentine’s Day Sale (February 11-17) 50% off on WIP’s website and 40% off on ARe!

Continue reading “Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!”

Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartstock

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate CoverTitle: Callum’s Fate
Series: N/A
Author: Dianne Hartsock
Genre: Erotic Romance/Fantasy/Historical
Length: 63 pages
Publisher: Wayward Ink Publishing (Feb 42016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work.

But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.
Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.

Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.

Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….

Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.
Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?

ISBN: 9781925222760

Product Link: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/callums-fate-by-dianne-hartsock/

Reviewer: Cat

Review: Hungry and tired from not being able to find work, Callum is lured off the road, into the Moors the will-o-wisp. He finds himself bespelled by the Barrow Eright, rescued by Liam and brought back to Donal’s farm.

But is he really safe from the Barrow -Wright there?

This story moves very fast, is full of mysterious, magical creatures and lots of sweltering hot, wild sex The story is very- well written, and I cannot imagine the research it took to do this story. However, I am going to have to admit this story wasn’t my cup of tea.

I had some trouble figuring out what all the creatures and places were even with the dictionary on my Kindle, which didn’t pull up a lot of the words. I am going to admit where I do read some fantasy it’s also not my favorite genre.

I read it because Dianne is one of my favorite authors and this story is in keeping with her style. Very hot and a bit scary.

If you like fantasy, folklore, Fae creatures, wild, raw sex, you will like this.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock Release Day Blitz & Excerpt!

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate banner

Hi peeps, we have Dianne Hartsock stopping by with her new release Callum’s Fate. We get a look at the stunning cover and there’s  also a great excerpt! So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate Cover

Callum’s Fate

by

Dianne Hartsock

In 1780, Scotland, following a harsh year of drought, Callum Mackenzie is forced from his father’s farm in the hopes of finding work.

But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.

Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.

Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.

Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….

Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.

Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?

Don’t miss the sale on Amazon! 30% off for the first 48 hours after release.

Continue reading “Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock Release Day Blitz & Excerpt!”

Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock Cover Reveal & Excerpt!

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate banner

Hi peeps, we have Dianne Hartsock popping in with the cover for her upcoming release Callum’s Fate. Not only do we get a look at the stunning cover but we also get to have a peek at an excerpt! So check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Dianne Hartsock - Callum's Fate Cover

Callum’s Fate

by

Dianne Hartsock

But as fate would have it, Callum is lured onto the moors by the will-o-the-wisp. Lost in the dark, he falls into enchantment, encountering faeries and nymphs, until he stumbles into the arms of a licentious Barrow-Wight who lays claim to his soul.

Hearing his silent pleas, Donal sends Liam the gruagach (faery) to rescue Callum and bring him to his farm, a place of refuge from the Fae.

Callum is happy working on Donal’s farm, slowly falling in love with the beautiful, silver-haired gruagach.

Yet there’s something wrong in the nearby forest….

Despite Donal’s warnings, Callum is lured into the forest and becomes tangled in its magic, easy prey for the Barrow-Wight.

Will Liam be able to strike a deal with the Barrow-Wight to save Callum’s life, or has Callum found his last resting place instead?

Don’t miss the final day of the Australia Day Sale – 50% off all titles, including coming soon books, on the WIP website!

Continue reading “Callum's Fate by Dianne Hartsock Cover Reveal & Excerpt!”

The Shed by Dianne Hartsock

81a0T5g6AZL._SL1500_Title: The Shed
Series: N/A
Author: Dianne Hartsock
Genre: Contemporary/ Thriller
Length: Novel (260 pages)
Publisher: Solstice Publishing (Published June 12th 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.5 Hearts
Reviewer: Aerin
Blurb: As a Certified Mental Health Therapist, Scott Reid has his share of interesting experiences, though nothing compares with the time he spends with the psychic, Alex Elson. Plagued by terrifying images and dreams, Alex turns to Doctor Reid in the hopes of learning to control his visions.

Instead, Scott is pulled into Alex’s world, where dreams and reality mix and nightmares are real. Two young men, brothers, have been abducted from the lake outside of Oakton without a trace of who took them.

That is, until Alex receives a silver pocket watch in the mail belonging to the elder brother, a taunt from the kidnapper for Alex to come find them. Alex’s visions turn at once into nightmares. Images flash in his mind of an abandoned well and a terrified, lonely boy slowly dying at the bottom. The shed looms close by, holding a horrifying secret, a dark place Alex’s frightened mind refuses to go.

With the help of Scott Reid, Alex endeavors to control his visions and find he brutalized victims before death claims them. But the watch is ticking away and time’s running out

ISBN: 9781625260819

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Shed-Dianne-Hartsock-ebook/dp/B00KXH186K

Review: Wow, this book was different from any other MM book I’ve read so far. This is not exactly a romance book, even though love and support from the loved ones are what help the characters thrive. This is mostly about the relationship between a psychic, Alex, who’s known for his visions that have been helpful to police in the past, and his mental therapist, Scott.

This story is told from the POVs of both Alex and Scott, which helps us understand the characters better, it gives us a better understanding of the plot, but it also showcases the amazing secondary characters that all play a very important role in this book. This book is a thriller with a very light romance subplot. The paranormal touch made the whole book very fascinating to me.

Alex is plagued by visions about two boys that have gone missing, Caleb and Christian. One of them is slowly dying, stuck in a well, while the other is somehow connected to the shed that makes an appearance in most of Alex’s visions. Unfortunately, only one of the boys will have a happy(ish) ending. Alex’s wonderful relationship with his wife is one of the main points in this book, and I loved the support and strength Alex got from it.

Scott is trying to help Alex control his visions, but this book isn’t only about Scott’s professional career. The relationship between Scott and Arthur, Scott’s love interest, is pretty much an insta-love, but it didn’t bother me in this book. There is no sex on page, not even a blowjob…*pouts*, but the progress of their love affair is a nice, light touch to a story that’s dark and somewhat creepy.

While I liked this book a lot, I didn’t really love it. The plot itself was intense enough; there were so many flashbacks that both Alex and Scott experience, it seemed a little overdone to me. And most of the characters in this book had fucked-up parents. I understand Scott’s past was the reason he chose to become a mental health therapist, but the other characters that were physically and/or psychologically abused by their parents made this book more dramatic than it already was.

If you like, a fast-paced book with solid, well-written characters, a mystery/crime based plot with a paranormal touch and a romance (both mf and mm) subplot that manage to soften the chaotic and violent actions, than this book is for you.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Dianne Hartsock's Christmas Traditions

Next on my list is Dianne Hartsock. I fell in love with her when I received a copy of Alex to review.  I fell in love with it. It’s very dark and angsty and I hear a sequel is coming soon. I can’t wait. Now I think I own everything she has out, and can’t wait for more. not everything is dark like Alex. She also writes mystery, and plain old good loving contemporary, paranormal, and even Zombies. Here is how she plans to spend the holidays and she also shared a recipe with us. ~ Cat~

Dianne Hartsock Christmas Traditions

Diannes tree 

When I was little, it was all about Christmas morning. Hardly able to sleep the night before—too excited!—we’d tumble out of bed as soon as Mom let us, and line up outside the living room doorway. That room had sliding wooden doors to close it off from the rest of the house, which Dad would open with a flourish and we walked into magic.

Things changed a little after I got married. I love it! We open presents to each other on Christmas Eve, something I’d never done before. It’s an amazing evening filled with family and laughter, good food and, of course, presents!

We all traipse over to my mother-in-law’s house, my family who live in the area included. There’s quite a house full! Karen always makes a huge pot of clam chowder, which we eat quickly, ready to get to that tree glittering in the other room, up to its lower branches in brightly wrapped presents.

After dinner, the youngest has the dubious honor of handing out the gifts, one at a time. We oooh and aaah and pretty soon it all falls apart into the great Christmas wrap war. Fun times!

Christmas morning we spend quietly at home, fire on the hearth, Christmas music playing, and wait for our grown kids to wake up and see what Santa brought them.

Christmas is the time for families and laughter and presents and peace on earth. And of course, those candy filled stockings. My favorite candy is the old-fashioned candy cane, which has quite a history of its own.

Birth of the Candy Cane

Around the seventeenth century, European-Christians began to adopt the use of Christmas trees as part of their Christmas celebrations. They made special decorations for their trees from foods like cookies and sugar-stick candy.

 

The first historical reference to the familiar cane shape goes back to 1670, when the choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, bent the sugar-sticks into canes to represent a shepherd’s staff. The all-white candy canes were given out to children during the long-winded nativity services.

The clergymen’s custom of handing out candy canes during Christmas services spread throughout Europe and later to America. The canes were still white, but sometimes the candy-makers would add sugar-roses to decorate the canes further.

Candy Cane Recipe

 

Be careful! It will be very hot. Once it is just barely cool enough to handle, the candy must be pulled and turned on itself over and over until it is no longer clear.

Prep Time: 45 minutesDiannes candy canes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

·         2 cups sugar

·         1/2 cup light corn syrup

·         1/2 cup water

·         1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

·         3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

·         Red food coloring

Preparation:

Cook sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar to a very hardball stage (use candy thermometer: 250 to 265 degrees F.). Remove from heat and add peppermint. Divide into two parts, add red food coloring to one part, and mix well.

Pull pieces of each part to form ropes and twist red around the white to make candy canes.

Yield: 1 dozen
Recipe Source: “From my Great-Grandmother Maggie’s cookbook…” —Jonni McCoy

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

The Dark Bokor by Diane Hartsock

TheDarkBokar600Title: The Dark Bokor

Author: Dianne Hartsock

Genre: Zombies/Horror

Length: Novella (14,500 words)

Publisher: Breathless Press (October 18 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Hearts Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Cat

Blurb:When it comes to the dark weavings of hoodoo magic, only a few can survive.

It’s started. Bodies have been found in the French Quarter, torn limb from limb. The undead have been seen walking. For Detective Matthew Rieves, this is the worst news he can imagine. Having spent his entire life in Orleans Parish, Matt’s no stranger to the bizarre. Though, despite the growing evidence, he still has a hard time believing in the occult. But when two hoodoo bokors vie for supremacy, it’s the innocent civilians that pay the price.

For Jesse Dalembert, he’d left New Orleans to sever his ties with hoodoo. But when a friend is brutally murdered by the bokor’s zombies, he returns, falling at once into danger and into Detective Rieves’s bed. With their lives on the line, their simmering attraction flares into a passion they can no longer deny.

Working against time, can the lovers find a way to stop the hoodoo war, or will they fall victim to the dark magic, maybe becoming zombies themselves?

 

Purchase Link: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=1&products_id=487

Review: The Dark Bokor is a unique take on Zombies.  I found the story very original and interesting.

Jesse has tried to sever his ties with the Hoodoo community but when  his friend and ex-lover is found murdered he finds himself back in action and back  working with detective Matt Rieves the man who has been starring  in his fantasies far too long.

This story has a lot of mystery, lots of magic or hoodoo and lots of hot mansex.  Oh did I mention Zombies?

I liked the unique take on the Zombies, the New Orleans hoodoo and dark magic setting, and how the backstory and the romance and the Zombies are all wove together smoothly so that nothing was overwhelming. I also liked that it wasn’t gory.

I recommend this to anyone that likes a good mystery, hot mansex and Zombies.

Philip's Watcher by Dianne Hartsock

Title: Philip’s Watcher

Author: Dianne Hartsock

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (90pgs)

Publisher: Etopia Press (7th September 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2 – 2 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Can passion melt a heart of stone?

Darkness is spreading in the world with only the powerful Agenor family to oppose it. In the guise of a stone gargoyle atop the castle walls, Adrian has protected Philip, the young heir, since birth, watching him grow from childhood into a strong but lonely man without love.

When the clan chief, Philip’s father, is murdered by those he trusted, Adrian resumes his human form to better protect his beloved Philip. And finds his love returned. As lovers, their passion is all-consuming, but as they fight against treachery from within, will their love be enough to stem the dark tide sweeping the land? And will it be enough to keep Adrian’s heart alive…

Purchase Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-philip039swatcher-937624-142.html

Review: Adrian was made a Watcher to watch over Philip, the Heir to the Agenor family. Philip’s family has fought against the Dark forces, but their losses are piling up with the loss of Philip’s father. Adrian is betrayed by the one he loved many years ago and he has to give his all to ensure that his beloved Philip survives.

This is one of those books that has huge potential, but fails in the world building and background story. Adrian is Philip’s Watcher. He has to help protect Philip’s family in their fight against the Dark forces, but when an unexpected attack comes from one who he thought was an ally and a lover from his past, he feels that he has failed in his duty to his beloved Philip.

I was intrigued by this story at first and thought that I was in for a treat, but I was disappointed by the way the story started to go into Adrian’s remembrances of the past and also of the imagines implanted by Jaimin (Adrian’s lost lover and Philip’s enemy). There was no real relationship building between Philip and Adrian, other than Philip talking to Adrian in his stone form, and Adrian watching over Philip from afar. We see more of Adrian and Jaimin’s relationship than was needed.

As I said there isn’t much world building, we are thrown in the deep end and have no real clue why good and bad are really fighting, just vague references, and we get a vague sense that Adrian was transformed into a watcher somehow. There are some very erotic moments in a dreamlike quality but they aren’t between our heroes, and those moments seem to pop up for no reason at all.

I admit that there was a lot of potential for this book, but it needed a lot more detail and world building to carry it off. I found myself wondering if I hadn’t got the blurb wrong a couple of times and it was really about Adrian and Jaimin and forgiving love etc. But, no. It was about Adrian and Philip.  Unfortunately, I didn’t feel any connection between them, except for when they did the spiritual thing and then I felt the connection.

So, I will recommend this if you like gargoyles, fantasy, hot erotic sex, magic and a happy ending.

 

 

Nathaniel by Dianne Hartsock

Title: Nathaniel

Author: Dianne Hartsock

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novella (101pgs)

Publisher: Etopia Press (2nd March 2012)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Only true love or magic could make the sex burn so hot…

From the moment Taden rescues Nathaniel from the Sutherlin soldiers’ torture, he finds himself caught in the gaze of the most beautiful eyes he’s ever seen; amazing eyes that hold him thrilled and confused. The Sutherlins are planning to invade the beautiful Tahon Valley, but as Taden secrets Nathaniel from their reach, he finds himself drawn to the young man. Not only does he feel the urge to protect him, but he feels an ache he hasn’t felt in many long years.

Nathaniel claims to be a traveler from a distant continent, saying he comes in peace. True or not, the youth has powers beyond anything Taden has seen—control over men and animals and the very weather. Taden falls hard for the strange traveler, protecting him not only from the Sutherlins but from his own mistrustful people, who don’t understand Nathaniel’s powers and accuse him of being a witch…

Purchase Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nathaniel-739041-143.html

Review: Taden is a lord who rescues a young man from enemy soldiers; he realizes later that the man has magic, which puts the man in danger in his land.  But, the man is running from someone from his own land, who has paid the Sutherlin soldiers to capture him. Nathaniel is trying to get himself and his friend to safety, but can’t seem to escape, when Taden offers his help he begrudgingly accepts, but nothing goes well.

This is quite a well written little fantasy. Nathaniel is running from something in his past and his best friend Miranda has run with him, as she can help to keep him balanced. Taden runs across Nathaniel and rescues him and offers him help. This is a story that should have been very good or even great, but for me lacked reason. Reason? You ask. Yes, reason, I say.  (lol I’m going insane).  you see, as this book progresses, even though the descriptions are fantastic and the plot good the execution failed a bit for me, as we have people following others blindly for no reason and accepting capture and falling instantly in love and then we get implausible reasons as to why they are running in the first place and why they are being chased… it was as though the author couldn’t quite make up her mind about what the story-line was.

Want me to explain. Well, here goes. Nathaniel has killed someone by setting them on fire, because they were touching Miranda. Nathaniel runs and Miranda goes with… they end up in Taden’s land and Nathaniel hides Miranda before the soldiers capture them.  Why do the soldiers want them? Well, because Nathaniel’s cousin wants Miranda (who left with Nathaniel because he is unstable and she keeps him calm). So, the cousin sets soldiers on them. Taden enters and Nathaniel takes advantage of the fact that the man fancies him. After Nathaniel and Miranda have fled, Taden for some reason goes with the cousin to find them.  Sorry, but there is just too much going on for a novella. If it was a novel and had another hundred or so pages then it would have been more spread out and we could have made some sense out of some of the actions.

So other than that it is an interesting story, but just too much so I couldn’t enjoy it at all. There were also some places where more detail would have been welcome; background on Nathaniel’s land and people, why Taden’s people feared Nathaniel’s, why were Taden’s people at war with the Sutherlin’s… those are details that I wanted, not too much going on with the characters.

I will recommend this to those who love fantasy, hot sex, an interesting story-line and lots going on with action.