Romance for the Rest of Us - Torquere Press

The Where of It All

2012-01-27T21:07:00.000-08:00

The clock has been my enemy today, so for those in some timezones I've definitely missed my Flashback Friday date with y'all. But for the rest of us (and of course for you all living in tomorrow!) I hope late is better than never.

For today's Flashback, I thought I'd bring back some of my stories with unusual settings. I've been lucky enough to travel, study, and work in some hella awesome places, and the impact they had on me was deep and wide. I try to bring a sense of place -- and an attendant sense of wonder -- to all my fiction.

Why not judge for yourself with these backlist titles set in Cuba, Kenya, and Appalachia?

Commenters to this post will be entered in a random drawing for a $5 Torquere gift certificate, to be drawn over the weekend and announced here and on the Torquere Social Yahoo Group.

My very first published story was THE HUSTLER PRINCE, set in the Cuba of the 1990s.

Martín, an American anthropologist in his early thirties, is settled in his life if still bruised from his latest break up. Then he visits Cuba on a fact-finding mission and discovers Alexei, a charming young man with hidden scars. Alexei introduces Martín to his dangerous and what had begun as an attraction deepens into love. Returning home and leaving Alexei behind nearly kills Martin.

ThenAlexei takes matters into his own hands. Fighting to keep Alexei withhim in the States isn't going to be easy but there's nothing Martínwon't do to keep Alexei safe, even if it means asking help from a manhe despises.

Also set in Cuba was BAILAME, the AZUL Color Box:
A principal dancer with a Havana company, Lola misses his big chance to defect from post-Soviet Cuba because of an injury. Left behind by his faithless lover, Lola finds his health and attitude improving as he develops a friendship with his mysterious doctor, Adán.

Adán has a secret, though, one he's guarded from everyone since he returned from medical training in Mexico. If Adán's secret identity doesn't destroy their relationship, the vicissitudes of Lola's job might. When Lola gets the chance to dance again, will he choose Adán, or his career?

My time in East Africa was a while back, but even so some of the settings and anecdotes in ASKARI (the SMOKE Color Box) are closely based on my own experiences.
Noble is an American medical anthropologist who wants to save the world. His work in Kenya is off to a slow start until he accidentally moves into a brothel. The night guard, Harry, is more than what he seems, and soon he’s helping Noble take his research, and love life, to a whole new level.

Their work among the poorest of Nairobi’s poor is challenging, and they find great comfort in each other until an old crush calls Noble away and sinister forces mass against him and Harry. From slums and whorehouses to game parks and Indian Ocean beaches, this isn’t the tour books’ Kenya, and Harry and Noble aren’t your ordinary couple! Can simple love triumph against the complex forces of corruption, prejudice, and public health crises? Or is it just a curl of smoke, ready to be blown away?

Last but not least, I did a lot of research for my story for the anthology SOMEPLACE IN THIS WORLD, partly because I've never lived in Appalachia, but because PACK HORSE was my first historical story, set during the Great Depression.
Wendall’s congressman father exiles him to the hinterland to ‘make himself useful’ after a series of indiscretions. Working as a pack horse librarian, Wendall meets Henry, and the isolated man changes Wen’s mind about getting back home.

Tell me what you think: Do you sometimes choose stories based upon their settings? What settings excite you? What settings do you avoid? What places do you wish your favorite authors would use in a story?

Thanks for having me this evening! Have a Flashy Friday, everyone!

Lee xo

The Romance Studio Release Party TODAY!

2012-01-27T05:00:00.001-08:00

Stop over at the TRS Release Party and join us for some great conversation!

http://trsparties.com/index.php

We also welcome Lee Benoit who is hosting the Flashback Friday today on the blog :)

Saying goodbye!

2012-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

I've had a great time hosting the blog today! Remember: anyone who comments on any of my posts today will be put into a random drawing to win one of my full-length novels: winner's choice! Either my contemporary erotic romance From Morocco to Paris or my urban fantasy Black Shore of the White City.

Additionally, anyone who comments to this final post will be put in a drawing for my Halloween sip Ghost Walk--a spooky, sexy, bite-sized bit of fun!

Just because I'm leaving doesn't mean you can't still catch me around: stop by my blog or website and say hi, anytime! I love talking to readers and other authors. I'll also be back for the lovefest on this blog in February!

Have a great day!

Lydia Nyx online: http://www.lydianyx.com/
Lydia's blog: http://lydianyx.blogspot.com/

Short stories: nibbles instead of full meals!

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

I'm published in several Torquere anthologies, as well as having a couple stand-alone shorts. If you like some of your reads more bite-sized, perhaps I have something that will tempt your palate:

Impasto - Part of the Mine Anthology

Alexander is a vampire and his human lover–and dearest possession–Laurent has finally agreed to be turned. While in London so Laurent can visit his mother one last time as a human, Alexander sits in the darkness of their hotel room contemplating Laurent’s beauty in post-coital slumber. Alexander endeavors to paint a portrait of him in words in his well-weathered notebook, but despite observing all the trappings of their lives together, and Laurent himself, he finds only one word can encapsulate him: mine.

Learn more about and purchase Mine here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2883

Miracle on LaSalle Street - A Getting Better charity short

ALL ROYALTIES FROM THE SALE OF THIS STORY GO TO THE IT GETS BETTER PROJECT

Illinois has just legalized gay marriage and Danny is about to obtain a license with his partner Eric–a dream come true for both of them. On his way to City Hall in Chicago, Danny meets a curious, quiet young man in the LaSalle Street station. Though a seemingly innocuous meeting, Danny doesn’t realize the encounter will change both their lives, in an even bigger way than Danny’s life is already changing.

Learn more about and purchase Miracle on LaSalle Street here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_111&products_id=3349

And learn about Torquere Press' Changing Lives project here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=79_111

Ghost Walk - A Halloween Sip

Cory Phillips is spending a semester studying abroad in London. In need of a job, he lands a position as a clerk in a gift shop that caters to tourists on London’s famous ghost walks. There he meets Alexi Lovegood, a charming and handsome man who plays the ghost of Sir Donovan Cartwright on one of the tours. As romance blossoms amid the campy fun, something spooky in the mist of London’s streets threatens to intervene…

Learn more about and purchase Ghost Walk here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_107&products_id=3373

Mr. Black and the Expo - Part of the Shifting Steam Anthology

Gerard Killaly Black is more interested in travel than science, more enticed by adventure than invention. Reluctantly, he returns from exploring the globe to his hometown of Chicago in order to see his father’s invention appear as the highlight of the 1890 New World Scientific Expo. Accompanying Gerard is his lover Jack, on the run after robbing a South African museum and able to transform into a wolf–a clever way to escape the authorities. At the expo, Gerard learns another inventor, the unscrupulous Professor Monahan, is trying to bring Gerard’s father to ruin and steal his invention. Although Gerard would like to be anywhere but in the midst of civilization and caught up in political intrigue, he and Jack must work together to save his father’s life and preserve his hard work.

Learn more about and purchase Shifting Steam here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76&products_id=3393

I will also be in Torquere's upcoming Po' Boys anthology: a New Orleans-themed anthology that was actually my very own brainchild while at the GayRomLit Retreat in New Orleans! So if you crave something a little more snack-sized, I've got a few treats for you!

Lydia Nyx online: http://www.lydianyx.com/
Lydia's blog: http://lydianyx.blogspot.com/

Sequels, threequels, and more...

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

As I said in my last post, my urban fantasy Black Shore of the White City is meant to be the first of a series. A trilogy, if my muse cooperates, more than that if it decides to go wild. I'm currently very nearly done with the first draft of the sequel, to be titled Red Rain in the White City. At least I hope it's approaching done since I'm at about 90,000 words currently (don't worry, it won't be that big--I chop off huge amounts in post-production)! I can see the climactic scene looming ahead, though I'm not entirely sure how it's going to play out. I'm going to have to follow the characters and see what exactly they're planning.

Very often I feel like a spectator at my writing--I don't know if that's disturbing or awesome.

The fun thing about sequels is, you get to expand on a world you already built the foundation for. Though the first book could conceivably stand on its own (though it would leave a lot of questions), there's concepts in the first book I'm happy I get to explore in the sequels. A few readers have told me they're looking forward to knowing more about the vampires in my world, which I only touch upon in the first book. I felt the same way and the vampires I've created do play a huge role in the second book, including the introduction of a prominent vampire character. I'm trying to put a different and unique 'spin' on vampires, so I'm excited to show my ideas off to the world.

Of course that means I need to finish the sequel...and the rewrites...and all the editing. But hey, I'm hoping to get it out this year!

I'm also going deeper into some of the relationships presented in the first book. Although Jude and Micha are a sort-of couple at the end of the first book, I've never been entirely sure if they'll stay together, or if there's something hot brewing between Jude and Sam as well. I don't think I could tell you at this point if Jude ends up with Micha, or Sam, or they end up a hugely dysfunctional threesome, because I just don't know. But I've had fun exploring their tensions, emotions, and sexy times in the sequel--as well as shedding some light on another relationship Sam is involved in (if you've read the first book, yes, that means we get to learn more about Muse).

As an author or a reader: how do you feel about sequels? Do you enjoy jumping back into an old familiar world and watching it grow? Do you like to see new characters come in and see the old ones deal with new issues, or find new ways to approach the ones they already had? Let's hear your thoughts!

Lydia Nyx online: http://www.lydianyx.com/
Lydia's blog: http://lydianyx.blogspot.com/

Lydia Nyx taking over the blog today!

2012-01-26T07:32:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I'm Lydia Nyx and I'll be popping in throughout today. I'm going to tell you about some of the works I have published with Torquere and give a few things away. Torquere has published both of my full-length novels, which are radically different from each other. I tend to write a little bit of everything: from urban fantasy and paranormal, to traditional romance and erotica, to historical and dystopian. I can't seem to settle on one genre. But hey, I like to think that means a little something for everyone!

So without further ado, allow me to show off my two (very different) novels, both available from Torquere Press:

FROM MOROCCO TO PARIS (erotica/romance)

Zane Reed wants to be a moviedirector, but first he has to learn the ropes by taking every crap job in theindustry. Employed as personal assistant to actor Elliot Butler, Zane hopes tofurther his education when Elliot works with famed director Saul Brennan on anepic movie about Napoleon Bonaparte. However, Zane gets an education in somethingelse entirely when he meets Davey Alexander, one of the production's costumers.

Davey, vivacious anderotically-charged, shakes reluctant, sexually-confused Zane down to his core. Thetwo begin a torrid affair which leaves Zane wrestling with demons from his pastas much as wrestling with Davey in the sheets. Zane's feelings for Davey grow beyond base lust but the two can't get ittogether as Davey is tempestuously strong-willed and Zane is tortuouslyrepressed. During filming, from Morocco, to Cairo, to Paris, the two strugglewith desire and muddled emotions. In the end, Zane will have to overcome--anddefine--himself, if he wants to keep the most intriguing, passionate man he'sever known from walking out of his life.

Read an excerpt, learn more, and buy here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3115

BLACK SHORE OF THE WHITE CITY (urban fantasy)

Jude Coffin enjoys the finerthings in life: an exceptional wine, a good whiskey, non-menthol cigarettes,and a cute guy with a great ass. Despite being a Siren—an 'aural captivator'for the supernaturally PC—he doesn't like paranormal politics, paranormalscience, and certainly not paranormal activists.

Despite this, Jude and hissimilarly supernaturally-endowed twin brother Jason are lured to Chicago, toundergo study at the controversial Institute of Supernatural Research. Juderemembers why he stays away from the paranormal world when shortly after theirarrival the Institute takes his brother hostage. His only hope of getting himback is enlisting the help of Micha Bellevue, Chicago's leading paranormaladvocate, and Sam Haain, fiery, possibly insane paranormal supremacist. Tangledup with these two clashing—but decidedly sexy—personalities, Jude gets a lookat Chicago he never wanted: a city at war with itself, full of angrysupernatural people, conspiracy, and murder.

I've built a whole world for this book (which is the first in a series), and you can check it out here. There's lots of extras, tidbits, excerpts, character sketches, and even some artwork!

Or, learn more and buy it here: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_id=3222

See something you like? Are you all about sexy romance, or do you like things that go bump in the night? I'll be giving away a copy of either book--winner's choice--to someone today. All you have to do is comment on any one of my posts today, that simple! I'll choose a winner from the commenters at random. Good luck!

Lydia Nyx online: http://www.lydianyx.com/
Lydia's blog: http://lydianyx.blogspot.com/

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Happy Hump Day!

(Anyone else snort and think "she said 'hump'"? No, just me? Let's move on.)

I have a short story out today called Ink, starring one Cade Tomlin as our eager tattoo apprentice. All Cade has ever wanted to do is be a tattooer, and thanks to an artist willing to take on an apprentice, Cade gets his chance. It's the clients that turn out to be more interesting than the actual job, though. One client in particular. You'll see what I mean if you hop on over to Torquere Books today and pick it up HERE.

I'll leave you with some lovely visuals of boys with pretty tattoos. Or are they pretty boys with tattoos? I'll leave that up to you to decide.

On Sale This Week

2012-01-25T04:07:00.000-08:00

This week we have books by TC Blue, Jenna Jones, Sean Michael and Tory Temple on sale at 20% off.

Check them out.

New Releases for January 25

2012-01-25T04:03:00.000-08:00

Berry Blue: Lessons Learned by TC Blue

Peter Jamison has spent half his life believing he betrayed his first love, so when Dex is suddenly back in his life, he's thrilled. Sure, they have their problems. They're not the same young men they were before. They've grown and changed, been molded by their lives and circumstances into completely different people, but there's still the echo of their previous relationship. It might not be enough for some people to build a relationship on, but they're happy.

Leonard Dumfries is a lot of things. School teacher. Martial arts student. Father. He's also thirty-nine and still single. When he finds out that the super-hot hunk he met at his own birthday party is not only involved with someone but is also his friend Riley's uncle, Leonard is disappointed but still willing to be just friends with the man.

Life is pretty good for everyone, right up until it's not. When Peter's world starts to crumble around his ears, it's up to Leonard -- with a little help from friends and family -- to step in with a more-than-friendly shoulder and maybe, possibly, find his own happiness while trying to ensure Peter's, too.

Pick up your copy today!

Ebony Angel by Jenna Jones

When Austin Archer was eighteen, he was attacked by an unknown assailant and rescued by a dark figure who wore ebony armor. Now thirty and a police detective, Austin faces a mystery that is connected to his own attack in ways he never thought possible.

Someone is murdering teenagers in Austin's city. At first Austin suspects a mysterious man named Jude, but Jude is far more than he appears to be, and knows more about Austin than a stranger should. Austin is drawn to Jude and wants to trust him, but Jude's claims about the identity of the murderer and even his own are too fantastic to be believed.

When Austin was a child, his mother sang to him that angels were watching over him. Austin is about to learn that this is more than a lullaby.

Get your copy today!

Ink by Tory Temple

Cade Tomlin wants nothing more than to tattoo people. He’s been drawing on himself with markers since he was little, but it can’t compare to the feel of a tattoo machine in his hand. When he finally discovers an artist who is willing to take him on as an apprentice, Cade learns more secrets and details about tattooing than he thought existed. However, his first real client, Kip Parker, teaches him much more about what a meaningful tattoo can say.

Pick up your copy today!

Love and the Farmer, a Velvet Glove story by Sean Michael

Love is the best, and brattiest, sub at the club. Punishments are fun for Love, as long as he's the center of attention. Then Freddie comes along. Freddie agrees to take Love on, and Love's furious at being taken in hand by this country bumpkin, but he learns soon enough that Freddie is far from a bumbling farmer.

Originally published on Turn of the Screw and in the print volume Velvet Glove, Volume 1

Get your copy today!

inspiration and ideas

2012-01-24T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hello and good morning! I'm Jenna Jones and I'm your host for the blog today.

Let's talk about inspiration. Every writer gets asked, "Where do you get your ideas?" at some point. I know that for me the question is hard to answer because there is no one answer. Below is just a partial list of things that have led to stories for me.

Song lyrics. I've got a vast music collection and enjoy the challenge of taking a song and letting its mood or subject inspire me. There's a meme I like to play of asking my friends list to name 2 to 9 actors, and then I use the next song to come up on shuffle to give me a plot. I've created over half a dozen plots that way that will eventually, knock wood, be screenplays or books.
Tarot cards. Aside from my three contributions to Torquere's Arcana line, I've also used plotting methods from Tarot For Writers to help me develop plots and characters. Sometimes I start completely from scratch; sometimes I use them to help me give existing ideas shape and structure.
Prompts. On Livejournal there are many communities where you can request a "bingo" card to give you ideas. Most of these are geared toward fanfic, but there's at least one geared toward original fiction, and you can request a card of all romance prompts or one with romance mixed with other subjects. While I've yet to complete a card (too many ideas, not enough time) my original-fic bingo card inspired an idea that I hope to complete later this year, on a subject that scares me a little to tackle: homelessness. We'll see if I can pull it off.
Names. I like to go through my name books and write lists of the names I like, and sometimes two names beside each other are enough to make me think, Hm, that looks like a couple. I wonder what their story is...
Pictures. The idea for The King's Diamond was born from two sources: the traditional meaning of the diamond birthstone, and the final page of my Treasures of Ancient Egypt calendar that hung in my kitchen that year: King Tutankhamen death mask. Ever since I was small I've found the story of King Tut to be very moving and sad, and while I was brainstorming for a plot I thought, What if I had a young king in a similiar situation, only this time he had something to protect himself with? What if that something wasn't an object, but a person? The theory of King Tut's murder has since been disproven, but I'm still pretty happy with the story it inspired.
Characters. Sometimes characters just sneak in and demand their story be told. Something Beautiful came about because while I was editing Chiaroscuro for submission I realized I wanted to tell Micah's story, and he would need someone for himself: thus Dune (a name I'd had for a character for years with no idea who he was or what story could be told about him) was worked into the plot.

There's really no one way a single story comes together, though with many of mine I can say what the main building point was. My story that comes out tomorrow, Ebony Angel, was born of several things. The names of the main couple, Jude and Austin, I'd had written down for a long time without any idea of who they were or what story they had to tell. I've had a print of an angel with dark wings on a deserted road hanging in my living room for a few years. There's a scene inspired by a dive bar I often drive past; there's another that came from a nightmare I had once.

(And sometimes you just start writing, and the ideas come because your mind is open to them. That happens, too.)

Writers, where do you get your ideas? Readers, are there ideas you'd like to see developed or want to know more about?

Coming this Week

2012-01-23T05:26:00.000-08:00

Coming on Wednesday:
Berry Blue: Lessons Learned by TC Blue (Novel, M/M)
Ebony Angel by Jenna Jones (Novella, M/M)
Ink by Tory Temple (Short Story, M/M)
Love and the Farmer by Sean Michael (Short Story, M/M)

Meme Monday - White Lies?

2012-01-23T05:08:00.000-08:00

Are "little white lies" okay if no harm is done?

Happy Year of the Dragon Sale!

2012-01-22T13:17:00.001-08:00

It's the Chinese New Year of the Dragon! We're celebrating with 15% off your purchases from now through the end of day Tuesday! Just put 'dragon2012' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books before Tuesday at midnight to get 15% off your order.

Sale good now through Tuesday, January 24 at Midnight (est).

Celebrate the year of the Dragon with a book from Torquere Press today!

Discount codes are provided as a courtesy to our customers. Torquere Press Inc. cannot be responsible for discounting purchases made before coupons/sales are announced, and cannot issue discounts to customers who fail to use the coupon or discount code during the purchase process.

2012-01-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

Ermine & Bougainvillea came about when I was asked by a writer friend if I'd do a short story in one of his worlds. I said I'd think about it and my little writer brain started ticking over on what I could write. I wanted something a little different and came up with Etireh, a half-dryad. He needed a lover and since I'd been toying with another one of my stories at the time (a shifter piece), I decided to go with a shifter. But what kind?

I like to do the unusual and to be honest, I don't think I've ever written a straight up wolf shifter. While poking around, I saw a picture of an ermine and had a little eureka moment. I'm not entirely sure where the BDSM element came into play with Etireh and Wynn, but I can't imagine them without it. After I finished writing Ermine & Bogainvillea, I immediately started Claiming Rights and submitted the two within a few days of each other.

Technically speaking, E&B takes place in the same city as Blind Desire and there is even a razor thin connection between Etireh and Quin. The tattoo artist who did Etireh's tattoo is the same woman who did the Eye of Ra and Thoth on Quin's back when he was a kid. Her son, Aaron, is also the... friends-with-benefits partner to Sam, one of Ryzel's spawn. Further to that, Sam has a connection to Adrial.

Why yes, I like playing in this world quite a lot. And for the people who are curious, the city in question is Toronto, Ontario and the park that Etireh's tree is in is called High Park.

I would like to write more of Etireh and Wynn as they were a blast. I don't have anything planned for them at the moment though beyond some cameos in the story that will be about the leader and his two lovers of the cackle Wynn belongs to. Those shifters, in case anyone is curious, are Kaleb (jackal), Nico (fox) and Sebastian (honey badger) and the story (which is at 50K+ but requires massive re-writing *sigh*) is called Tasting Transcendence.

2012-01-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

Promenade A Deux features a rather unusual main character in the form of El-Ashir. I can't with 100% certainty say that it's never been done before, but I also can't recall seeing anyone else give their main love interest anything quite so different as 4 arms and a scorpion tail. I actually came up with the idea of him from a random comment that a fellow writer made about the mains in a story always being hot, fit, studly examples of manhood and how they were slightly disappointed that so few writers ever made their men less than ultimate wet dream material.

Naturally, I felt this was a challenge (even though it wasn't).

I already had the Gen-Mod world created (and a story started) and figured, what the hell, let's go for broke and really give readers something unusual. I also thought I'd really ramp up the not standard looking aspect of the story by making Dr. Bertram plain by anyone's standards and an uber geek (because geek is the new sexy). While I liked the story and characters a lot, I didn't have high hopes in getting it accepted because El-Ashir was so... not standard. Imagine my surprise when Torquere accepted it.

Plug & Play is a little 500 word ficlet I wrote for the release of PaD. It is rated a soft R, so I've linked to my author LJ just in case anybody is reading this from someplace that requires a little discretion.

I have been pleasantly surprised when people tell me that they really liked the pairing and would even like to read more of not only El-Ashir and Bertram, but of the other Gen-Mods I have in the wings. One of the Gen-Mod stories I'm working on is a novella with Cephian. He's a Gen-Mod with blue-ring octopus, viper fish and human DNA. He has octopus arms from the hips down. Yep, there'd be a little tentacle action going on with him and like all the Gen-Mods, he's got a bit of a thing for BDSM and boy are those octopus arms handy for that *leers*.

But my question to readers is this... would you be interested/curious to read something with tentacle sex or would that have you hitting the back button so fast you'd get whiplash?

2012-01-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

Hello ad good morning all (or at least it's morning where I am, which is Ontario, Canada, BTW). First time poster here so be patient/gentle, okay? Unfortunately for me, 2011 was a year in which I couldn't get off my butt and get something new out there. That being the case and as how Fridays are flashback Fridays around here, I'll be talking about stuff I've already got out there. And maybe I'll slip in a mention of what have planned for this year *crosses fingers*.

So, right now, I have the following things available from TQ:
Blind Desire This novel is about Ryzel, an Incubus, who finds much more than just a meal in Quinlin. Quinlin is a blind studio musician with one hell of an attitude. While Ryzel is all for getting something started with Quin, Quin isn't so sure that a relationship with a demon is a smart move even if his Gran predicted it would happen and that he'd be happy in such a relationship.
Slave To The Blood This novella features Jareth, a man who requires not only blood to survive but sex, too, and Liron, a man capable of changing his form to many different animals. Jareth needs a new bodyguard (his last one meeting an unfortunate end) and Liron is just the man for the job.
Ermine & Bougainvillea & Claiming Rights E&B is a novella and Claiming Rights is a short. They both feature Etireh, a half-dryad, and Wynn, an ermine shifter. These two meet by accident/hapenstance and it's the best thing that ever happened to either of them. There is BDSM in this. That's actually one of the things that make these two so perfect for each other.
Promenade A Deux This short story has a main that is a little bit different from your typical guy. El-Ashir is a Gen-Mod (genetically modified) soldier in a future Earth. The bulk of his DNA comes from the deathstalker scorpion with some fire ant and human tossed in the mix just for fun. He's got 4 arms and a scorpion tail and Dr. Bertram Noojimanidooshiwe thinks El-Ashir is the hottest man he's ever seen but is sure a stunning creature like El-Ashir would never want to have anything to do with a dishwater dull virgin like himself.

So that's what's currently available from me. I have more stuffed planned, but that will require my actually getting something finished *rolls eyes at self*. So, I'm opening the floor to questions/discussions of the above or if you wanna ask me when I'll get my butt in gear and write the sequels I've been threatening, have at. I will respond, but might be a little slow as I must hie off to the day job now. But I'll be back later with possibly some excerpts.

Keeping It Clean This New Year

2012-01-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I took a vacation from pretty much everything late December and then another one just last week, and I'm still tingling with the benefits.

Over the holidays, I went to my mother's house, spent time with family, and hardly accomplished anything at all. I watched movies with my sisters, did a lot of knitting, and I... ate turkey? Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

And last week? Well, I swept my girl off to Niagara Falls for the full monty of romantic getaway-ness. Yuppers, the red roses, the jacuzzi suite overlooking the falls, the how-the-hell-am-I-going-to-pay-for-this? dinner, the fireworks... all the sweet and sensual (and sexy) romance you can imagine.

I needed to get away. I spend every day in front of a computer. Finally, I gave myself an opportunity to NOT sit in front of a computer, and it was wonderfully relaxing.

So, now it's late January and people are pretty much past thinking about New Years resolutions, but you know what? I'm going to talk about them anyway.

I'm actually not much of a resolutions person, but this year I'd like to live cleaner. Wait... no, that's not what I meant. I don't smoke or drink, and my drug of choice is caffeine, so I'm not sure I could live much cleaner if I tried.

No, what I meant to say is I want to live in a cleaner apartment. When I look back on 2011, all I see is clutter. I've become one of those artists types who can't pull herself away from her writing to eat, let alone vacuum. That's going to be a hard habit to break, because writing can be like a drug in itself, but I don't want to live in disarray anymore.

I want clean.

So that's my semi-resolution. I'm going to keep it clean this year.

Oh, but not my work. That'll stay dirty. In fact, I have some work planned for 2012 that stands to be the dirtiest smut I've ever written. It's going to be so much fun....

For now, how about a naughty little snippet from my newest Torquere release, Naughty: Full to Bursting? It's a lesbian strap-on story. *smile*

“Wanda?”

Janelle sat up in the middle of the mattress, cradling the covers in both hands. Her back was bare, chilled not by the temperature of Wanda’s cozy home, but by her apprehension. The house was too quiet.

“Wanda?”

There was a squeak on the stairs and then a creak on the landing before Wanda appeared in the doorway. Janelle struggled with where to look first: she glanced at her woman’s face, but she couldn’t glean any emotion from that stony expression before her gaze shot down between Wanda’s thighs. Should she laugh or should she gasp? It was…wow, it was huge!

“Lost for words, little girl?” Wanda strutted into the bedroom, and that mammoth dildo bounced with every step. “Hey, you said you wanted more. I figured I'd give you part of your Christmas present a little early. Doubt you’ll be calling out for more after I fuck you with this monster.”

Janelle could feel saliva collecting under her tongue, and she forced herself to swallow. She couldn’t even remember what she’d been thinking about before. Now that she’d laid eyes on that big, veiny cock, she only wanted one thing.

“It’s new,” Janelle stammered, feeling like an idiot. Of course it was new, it was her Christmas gift!

The strap-on they usually used belonged to Janelle, but it was cheap, hard to wrangle, and the dildo that came with it was nothing to write home about. This new one was less a harness than a sleek pair of jockey shorts with a reinforced waistband and O-ring. Janelle had only ever seen them online, but that stretchy black fabric fit Wanda’s round ass like a wet dream.

Wanda crept up next to the bed, proud as punch, letting the new toy sway side to side. “Wanna touch it?”

Naughty: Full to Bursting is now available from Torquere Press

Hugs,

Giselle

Giselle Renarde

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Good Evening

2012-01-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

I really ought to check my schedules more often, as I was given the blog today and completely forgot. I blame it on over-scheduling, I do.

In any case, seeing as The Hanged Man's Ghost is upcoming for February, I shall treat you all to a teaser.

To be thorough, once we got back to Jack’s apartment and sent Shannon on her way (after supper), I retrieved my newest asset. A deck of cards. These weren’t tarot cards like Amanda had used, but regular playing cards. They were old, dirty, and I’d picked them up for a dime at a thrift store in South Hollow.

Tarot cards felt too…preposterous. I could read the playing cards just as well as the tarot cards and they didn’t make me feel like a gypsy.

"What are you doing?" Jack asked, cleaning up the dishes while Tara played in her room.

"I’m trying to confirm Voight’s story."

"With playing cards?"

"Fortunetelling," I said, "is an ancient art. Well respected."

"Uh-huh. So, mighty fortuneteller, what do the cards say?"

"They say…you are in great danger." I made a spooky sort of noise. "And that your meat was under-seasoned."

"Oh really?"

"Really." Truthfully, I was certain the cards were confirming Voight’s tale. The Jack of Spades (Eustace) was being overpowered by the Jack of Clubs (definitely Voight) while the Jack of Diamonds was stuck in a maze built of spades, clubs and hearts.

Yeah, I had no idea who the Jack of Diamonds represented, not at all.

Jack slipped out of the kitchen and to me, slipping his arms over my shoulders and peering down at the table. "That’s a mess."

"I know."

"I can tell you your future better than those cards can."

"Oh really?"

His lips brushed over my neck with obvious intent. "Really." His voice went slightly husky, and it felt like electricity ran over my skin. "Let me put Tara to bed and then…I’ll put you to bed."

If that wasn’t enough to make a man’s knees weak, I wasn’t sure what was.

"You are a bad man," I whispered back.

"Let me prove it to you."

He moved off to put Tara to bed, and I exhaled loudly. This was going to be an evening. I gathered up the cards and put them away while Jack put Tara to bed.

When he came back into the living room, he pulled me out of my chair and into the bedroom.

"I thought you were straight," I protested softly as he pushed me onto the bed.

"I was married, there’s a difference."

"Oh really?"

He leaned over me, knee on the bed. "Really. Fynn, just because I’m attracted to someone, doesn’t mean I have to show it. I was married, and I don’t have it in me to cheat…no matter how much I wanted to."

That was information I wasn’t sure what to do with. But Jack certainly knew what he was doing. He pushed me down with one hand, climbing up on top of me with that feral grin that set my heart racing.

"And I wanted to, Fynn."

He pressed his lips against mine, and I closed my eyes for just a moment. "Jack."

"Yeah?" his hands trailed down my stomach, lifting up my shirt.

"I love you."

"I know." He smiled. "I heard you the first time."

"You…heard?"

"Yeah. I should’ve said it then."

"Said what?"

"I love you, too."

With that established, I found it in myself to lean up, and kiss him. This man, this amazing, brave man…he was all mine and I was all his.

It was about damn time.

And that's the end. If you want to read more of Fynn and Jack's exploits, you'll have to pick up a copy when it comes out. And for those curious yes, that is the same Fynn from Fiends in Low Places.

New Releases for January 18

2012-01-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Just Perfect by Rowan McBride

Three years ago, Draven was forced to leave behind his human best friend to become a Drayner Assassin. Cody knew nothing of Draven's ability to steal a person's physical attributes by touch, and the Drayner intends to keep it that way when he returns to Maryland. Remembering the innocent, flawless human he left behind, he looks forward to rekindling the relationship.

He's taken aback to find Cody a different man, and Draven is stunned by his own attraction to a harder, more brilliant kind of perfection. But getting close to Cody is not easy--Draven has more secrets than ever. Like that day, all those years ago.

When he used his magic to steal from Cody.

Pick up a copy today!

Used, Rare and Custom Jobs by Chris Owen

Used, Rare and Custom Jobs brings back Desmond and Wyatt, Archie and Dave and their overlapping relationships. Des and Dave are as eager to explore each other as possible, both physically and as people with dissimilar but complimentary interests. Wyatt, however, has concerns, and has Desmond questioning just how aware Dave is of all the trappings that come with being with kinky partners. Archer thinks things are fine, if only they could all spend a little more time together.

The solution appears to be a night of showing Dave what they all do, an event that will take place in the fire station Dave and Archer are renovating as a home. It sounds like a good idea, but no one is sure Dave can deal with seeing Archer and Wyatt together. How will Dave handle having all the bondage and domination brought into his home? Will Des and Wyatt, Archer and Dave and all their many combinations find their happy ending?

Originally released as the Chaser series Used, Rare and Custom Jobs.

Get your copy today!

Come and Play: Video Games by Juniper Gray

Matt Harding is a university student with an open love of video games and a secret curiosity for cock. Things get complicated after he explores this curiosity with his housemate, Rafe, one evening when they’re home alone. Matt must decide whether to fight the attraction he feels for Rafe, or embrace it and find out just where it all might lead.

Pick up your copy today!

Cuffs and More by Dakota Dawn

Lane, owner of a BDSM supply store, can't help thinking about how he always turns into a wallflower whenever the Dom he's hot for comes near him. In fact, he’s even turned down a direct offer and now he's sure Perry will never approach him again.

Perry can’t ignore the chemistry that sparks between him and Lane any longer and, taking charge, he goes to Lane’s store before it opens and demands that Lane opens the door. Shocked and very nervous, Lane does, letting Perry in. By opening the door, has Lane changed his life forever?

Find out today!

Squeaking in for one more post

2012-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry y'all

I have all manner of excuses, but no one wants to hear them. (grins) I meant to post all manner of fun stuff today, but now it's late and I'm pooped

So I'll natter a moment about my story coming out next week. It's called Loose Snow, and it's about a pair of forestry service rangers and an avalanche. That sounds like a joke: two guys walk out of cabin and into an avalanche. AJ and Jack had a one night thing a while back, but decided it wouldn't work out. Then Jack gets caught in an avalanche, and AJ starts to rethink his feelings...

Look for it soon!

Looking for Sunny Weather Sale!

2012-01-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for the sun? We're spreading a little sunshine with 15% off your purchases from now through the end of day Saturday! Just put 'sunny2012' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books before Saturday at midnight to get 15% off your order.

Sale good now through Saturday, January 21 at Midnight (est).

Get a bit of sunshine -- buy a book from Torquere Press today!

Discount codes are provided as a courtesy to our customers. Torquere Press Inc. cannot be responsible for discounting purchases made before coupons/sales are announced, and cannot issue discounts to customers who fail to use the coupon or discount code during the purchase process.

yoga challenge and writing

2012-01-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all!

It's my day on the blog today, and I'm freshly back from yoga, where I completed my second day of a 40 day challenge. We're doing 30 classes in 40 days, except BA Tortuga and I are doing 30 classes in 33 days, because we're out of town 7 of the 40 days

O.O

Yoga is a lot like writing. Some days it comes easy. Some day that last down dog is enough to make me cry. I'm a big girl. Down dog isn't instinctive for me. Still, like writing, yoga is a worthy endeavor. It quiets my mind and helps me focus, even when class itself is frustrating.

What do y'all do to recharge the batteries?

Coming This Week

2012-01-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

Coming out on Wednesday:

Come and Play: Video Games by Juniper Gray (Short Story, M/M)
Cuffs and More by Dakota Dawn (Short Story, M/M)
Just Perfect by Rowan McBride (Novella, M/M)
Used, Rare and Custom Jobs by Chris Owen (Chaser Compilation, M/M)

Review Round-Up on LiveJournal

2012-01-16T20:47:00.001-08:00

Come check out the latest Review Round-Up on our LiveJournal.

http://torquere-social.livejournal.com/2207613.html

Meme Monday - Do you have a dream?

2012-01-16T10:43:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of inspiration and remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory. What is your inspiration or dream for your life or your future?

Flashback Friday! - Latigo (excerpt is NSFW for language)

2012-01-13T06:36:00.000-08:00

Ah, Latigo. How I love you.

Latigo was my first 'cowboy' novel. Will and Dean are absolutely cowboys -- down to the bone. Everything about them. They're what I remember about growing up in East Texas, they're characters I love. Also, my mom's dog (who is also a namesake for our girl basset) is in the book.

Now, I have to admit, if I wrote this one again, I would do it differently. I wrote this one in scenes with no thought to it being a novel. I learned, damned quickly, after writing my first three books this way that it made for a weird reader experience. Of course, when I wrote Will and Dean, I *never* thought about publishing them at all. I wrote them for my soul, sort of as an answer to the hunk-calendar cowboys.

Excerpt:

Will made his way back to camp like his pants were on fire. Where the Hell had that come from? And why hadn't he left the minute he realized what Dean was doing?

Right, okay, he knew the answer to that. The sight of Dean, half naked, hands on cock and ass, well it just damned well froze him on the spot. And when he heard his name come out of Dean's mouth he almost died. The only thing that saved him was that damned stick. He'd stepped right on it as he was about to drop to his knees and start jacking off.

Will shook his head. God. Breakfast. Right. He needed to be normal and have breakfast ready when Dean got back. Eggs, leftover biscuits, maybe a fried potato. He put water on to wash dishes after, and poured himself a cup of coffee, which had finished making while he was off playing voyeur. Right. Normal.

Dean came back and dumped the gear in the back of the truck, then walked over, cup in hand. "There enough for me?"

"You bet." Okay, it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be to be normal. This was Dean. Genuinely good people and all around decent guy. Will smiled. "Strong enough to etch steel."

"The way it's supposed to be." Dean poured himself a cup, drinking deep. "'s good."

"Yeah. I'm getting used to having no stomach lining." He sipped his own coffee, watching the potatoes sizzle. "Um, look. Sorry about bursting in on you there." He could feel his ears get hot, but damn it, apologizing was only the right thing to do.

"I'm sorry you had to see it. I..." Dean chuckled, the sound wry and amused all at once, easing the tension. "It's a hell of a position to be found in."

He had to laugh at that one, too, the humor of the situation finally catching up with him. "I bet." He cut his eyes over to Dean, glancing under his lashes, feeling mischievous all the sudden. "Looked damned nice, though."

Dean's lips opened and then he got a look, teasing and somehow hot. "How much did you see?"

"A good bit?" Shit, the memory alone was enough to make him hard. "I... I should apologize again or something, shouldn't I?"

"Probably at least once an hour for the next ten years, but we'll call it over." Dean shook his head. "Maybe I'll just tie a bell to the heel of your boot."

"Nah, just be sure to tell me you're leaving, or leave me a note or something." He shook his head, flipping the potatoes. "You want scrambled or fried?"

"Whichever you're having. I'm easy." Dean took his coffee over to the trailer and grabbed a bucket of sweet feed for the horses. "You feed Sadie this morning?"

"Yeah. I even remembered her pill." He cracked eggs for scrambling, adding a little salt and pepper, biting his tongue over the instinctive retort that came to his lips on the "easy" bit.

"Thanks." Dean pulled a cantaloupe out of the cooler and started cutting it up, peeling the wedges easily. "For the record, you're pretty damned nice looking yourself, Will. Here's the melon. I'll grab the plates."

Blinking, he looked at the cantaloupe, then at Dean's upturned rump as he rummaged for the plates. Well. Well, well, well. "Mutual admiration society," he said with a chuckle.

"Don't push your luck, Ace." The words were tough, but the tone was easy, Dean setting the picnic table. "You could be bass bait in no time."

Laughing hard, he slid the finished eggs and potatoes onto plates, along with the warmed biscuits. "Yeah, but then who would make you cobbler, old man?"

Dean chuckled. "I'd just have to settle for fried pies and remember the good old days fondly."

"Well, it's nice to know you're replaceable." He sat down to tuck in, smiling easily, the worst of the awkwardness gone. And a world of possibility opened.

Official Blurb:

Dean’s been around the rodeo circuit long enough to know when a new kid is down on his luck. Giving Will a ride to the next event is just the neighborly thing to do, passing on some of the kindness strangers have shown him over the years.

Who could expect that Will could be such good company? So good in fact, that Dean figures he might just keep Will around. Will feels the same way, despite protests from friends and family. They have a lot in common, traveling together from rodeo to rodeo, enjoying all of the fringe benefits they can. These two cowboys are a match made in heaven, but can they convince everyone else to let them live their own lives?

Available at Torquere Press, Amazon, and All Romance Ebooks.

Y'all have a fab weekend!

BA Tortuga

Because sometimes fistfights are foreplay.

http://www.batortuga.com

Happy Places

2012-01-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Having recently done time in the form of a root canal, which is an hour or so of not happy times, I am in touch with needing a Happy Place to go to. I imagined the different ways my various characters would react to being in the same position.

The Hammer Club's Jack would scream through the whole thing, but then for him, the screaming would be his happy place.

Daddy, Daddy and Me's Donny would think about playing in the park with Robin and Kimmy, and kisses from their Daddy.

None of the Velvet Glove characters would be in the same situation, because in their world, dental problems are fixed quickly and painlessly.

Rock would just tough it out because he's a Marine. He would however, also be planning on a reward when he was done -- a blowjob from Rig.

What is your Happy Place?

Sean Michael
www.seanmichaelwrites.com

On Sale This Week

2012-01-11T04:05:00.000-08:00

Today we have books by Patricia Logan, Syd McGinley, Jez Morrow and Vic Winter on sale at 20% off.

Check it out!

New Releases for January 11

2012-01-11T03:48:00.000-08:00

Gypsy Knight, a Torquere Menage by Patricia Logan

Gavin Kentworth, Gypsy half-breed knight, has just returned to Sheffield, the estate in England where he grew up. He’s brought along his lover Malik Shahosseini, a warrior crusader who fought by his side in the Holy Land. Gavin has returned to keep a vow to his friend and mentor the old Lord Sheffield, who he’s just buried. He is to serve the young heir to a mighty dynasty, the teenaged Thomas James, new Lord of Sheffield.

Gavin is honored to serve young Thomas but has forgotten the beauty of Thomas' older sister Bree. Malik, though deeply in love with Gavin knows that his lover must marry and have sons. He sees Bree as Gavin’s opportunity for everlasting love. When Gavin finds himself falling for the beautiful young virgin, he is torn, not wanting to give up the man he also loves.

When Lord Thomas becomes the target of a vicious killer the knights realize that they have more than love to worry about. Then, unexpectedly, Gavin’s shameful past comes back to visit him as well. Join our three in an all consuming ménage of action, adventure, love and sex that burns up the sheets.

Get your copy today!

Beloved Captor by Jez Morrow

Desdaine has fallen hard for space fighter ace, Jess Laren. The trouble is, Laren is a hero on the wrong side of the interplanetary war.
As a senior intelligence officer in the Ilzec Empire, Desdaine thinks his attraction to other men is his own secret. But when Laren is shot down in Ilzec airspace and found guilty of spying, Desdaine receives orders to carry out the execution. Desdaine didn’t think his outlawed desire was obvious, but apparently someone sees through him, and wants to know where Desdaine’s loyalty truly lies. Shamed and furious, Desdaine makes the only choice he can…

Pick up your copy today!

Let it Snow by Vic Winter

Dar's at the ski hill with his best friend Perry, acting as Perry's wing man with the ski bunnies. It's a small price to pay for an all-expenses paid ski trip, especially as he's not interested in the ladies himself. When the most gorgeous stud Dar's ever seen heads right for them, Perry's worried about the competition, but Dar's worried he's drooling all over himself. Could the man really be coming over just to introduce himself to Dar?

Find out today!

Wrong Customs by Syd McGinley

After being trained by Dr. Fell, Tommy finally has an owner all to himself. Katashi Tanaka lets him design costumes and study their shared Japanese heritage, but Tommy keeps misunderstanding Tanaka's intentions. Can Tommy figure out how to please his master, and make his new role fit right?

Originally published in Toy Box: Costumes and the paperback Dr. Fell 3: The Boys of Fell

Get your copy today!

Ficlet for Liz Brooks - and everyone else to enjoy!

2012-01-10T20:40:00.001-08:00

Here were Liz' prompts: ten (the number); pomegranate; paper clip. And Liz asked: and in honor of your icon, it would be awfully fun to peek in on Angel and Brandon and the kids... please?

Okay, Liz - here you go!

"Guh. These workouts are getting harder. Or I'm getting older." A towel around his waist, Angel stared hard at the mirror. "I'd swear I saw a gray hair the other day." At a suspicious sound from his lover, he turned, leaning his butt against the bathroom counter. "You've got something to say?"

Brandon Halvorsen, baseball's The Great Dane, pointed at himself. "Who me?" He gave a rapid headshake. "Nuh-uh."

The big blonde was just too good-looking for his own good.

Angel curled a lip and turned back to the mirror. "Keep it up, smart guy. We'll see who laughs last tonight." He bit his own lip to keep from smiling.

"Angel!" Trey's bawling voice blasted across the fitness center, into the connecting room where the two men were cleaning up after their workout.

Sighing, Angel opened the linen cabinet. "That boy sounds like Fred Hallowell's bull." He raised a second towel to his hair, then froze, hand at the back of his head. "Brandon. Did you just hear me? I sounded almost... country."

Brandon burst into laughter, dodging Angel as the terrycloth was snapped at his ass. He quickly yanked on his track pants, still snickering.

Trey banged on the half-open door. "Angel!"

"What!" Angel yanked the door all the way open. "Ay-yay-yay, mi'jo. Where the heck is the fire?"

Rolling his eyes, the ten-year-old waved a piece of paper. "We're supposed to go pick up our stuff, remember?"

Brandon whistled. "Oh, yeah, mi fresa. You get to play den mother today, remember, while I'm working?"

"Oh, crap. That's right." Angel turned to Trey, hoping the fifth grader would cut him some slack. "Maybe my mama will help you with that."

"Uh-uh, Angel. Mama Maria said you'd try to weasel out of this. You promised. You're supposed to drive me to pick up the candy we have to sell for my football team."

"Yeah, Angel." Brandon had a definite smirk on his face. "And then, don't forget you have to take Marisa to her Pomegranate Princesses meeting. Aren't you doing some kind of paperclip bracelet project or something?" Rumbling with glee, Brandon was practically vibrating with amusement.

"Oh, God. Kill me know."

Have you read the latest Johnny & Grissom story?

2012-01-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas, a short story sequel to A Change of Tune came out at Torquere. I hope you'll give it a shot. The election has just ended, and Grissom has won - but at what cost? Johnny is coming to realize what he could cost his lover. Life as a family is wonderful, but what does it mean if Grissom could lose the job he loves?

Meet up with the boys from Tune as they sort it out. Johnny's not known for his patience, and Grissom, who is, is just about fed up. Laugh along as the boys butt heads once again.

You can read about it here.

Let me know what you think!

Post-holiday blahs? No way! Not here!

2012-01-10T06:05:00.001-08:00

Hey y'all! JM Cartwright reporting for duty. It's a glorious day here in the Midwest, and holy cow, have you seen the moon the last two nights?

I left work at 6pm, and the moon was hanging just over the city skyline. What a Kodak moment - but my iPhone isn't up to the task. I've tried to snap the night sky before, to no avail. But la Luna Bella was still around and full this morning at 6am. Gorgeous! How bad can it be when we start the day with that sight?

Well, on that note I should pause for remembrance. It's been one year since psycho Jared Loughner killed six innocent people in Tuscon. I just saw Christina Taylor-Green's mom on TV. She's amazing, has written a book and established a foundation in her daughter's memory. I'd say it's a perfect time to pause and reflect how lucky we all are and that, despite the horrible crimes that people commit, there is still good in our world, and wonderful souls among us.

Let me know how it's going in your lives - and what you think about the Green family foundation.

Coming This Week

2012-01-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Beloved Captor by Jez Morrow (Novella, M/M)
Gypsy Knight by Patricia Logan (Novel, M/M/F)
Let it Snow by Vic Winter (Short Story M/M)
The Wrong Customs by Syd McGinley (Short Story M/M)

Meme Monday - Pranks??

2012-01-09T07:13:00.001-08:00

What was the funniest/nastiest/most memorable prank you ever pulled on someone?

January Pick Me Up Sale!

2012-01-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

It's your January pick me up! Get 20% off your purchases from now through the end of day Monday! Just put 'pickup2012' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books before Monday at midnight to get 20% off your order.

Sale good now through Monday, January 9 at Midnight (est).

Get a pick me up -- buy a book from Torquere Press today!

Discount codes are provided as a courtesy to our customers. Torquere Press Inc. cannot be responsible for discounting purchases made before coupons/sales are announced, and cannot issue discounts to customers who fail to use the coupon or discount code during the purchase process.

New Releases for January 4

2012-01-04T03:32:00.000-08:00

Storms and Stars by Neena Jaydon

It's lonely at the top for Commander Villam Elding, who has always ranked loyalty to the empire and career ambition over romance. He finds it easier to love ideas than people; without military life, he's lost. Even so, it's his close relationship with Kardiell, a popular officer, that tears him from his life. Those with competing ambitions try to take Villam hostage to leverage Kardiell's soft spot for him. In the struggle, Villam crashes the small spacecraft he's riding. All hands perish except he and Luke, his kidnapper.

Luke Sicinik travels the galaxy performing dirty missions for money to send home. Born on a desert colony abandoned by the empire, he has no love for imperial soldiers. He spent his childhood in a monastery which taught the evils of anything impractical or sentimental. Yet when he crawls from the destroyed spacecraft, his first instinct is compassionate: he drags Villam's unconscious body free of the wreckage. Stranded together on a wild planet, Villam and Luke know that survival means cooperation. A truce becomes trust, and trust turns to passion, as they struggle to find a new life together -- just the two of them against an entire world.

Pick up your copy today!

A Rare Thing by Alex Douglas

Benedict Smith is an artist-turned-mature-student, and is feeling the pinch of funding his new studies. Forced to sell some of his grandmother’s jewelry to get some extra cash, it’s not just the antiques that have caught his eye but also Sam, the handsome owner of Carson’s Antiques. However, Sam has jewelry of his own – a wedding ring. Resigned to another doomed crush on a married man, Benedict brings an old necklace in to be valued with surprising results. Is all jewelry really what it appears to be?

Find out today!

His to Save by BA Tortuga

Cowboy Jasper hasn't been the most honest of men, but when ghost riders come for his soul, all he wants is to make sure they don't hurt his best friend Tanner. When Tanner faces the ghost riders and insists there is good still to be found in Jasper, he's given a year to turn things around. Will he be able to stay out of trouble, and will Tanner ever be more than just a friend?

Originally published in the Legendary Creatures Taste Test

Get your copy today!

Search for the Yeti by Kate Roman

Bryan's research into yetis leads him deep into the dark, magic heart of the Pyrenees, where myths about snow and ice are still serious things. And it leads him to Nic, an Italian mountaineering guide. But when Bryan's obsessive search threatens to tear them apart, will Nic's courage -- and the magic of the Pyrenees -- be enough?

Originally published in the Legendary Creatures Taste Test

Pick up your coy today!

Meme Monday: "Happy New Year"

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

1. Did you make a New Year's resolutions this year?

2. Did you make any resolutions last year? Did you stick to them?

3. What are the things you hope will happen to you this year?

4. What are the top things you will remember most from 2011?

Contest winner

2011-12-28T12:39:00.000-08:00

Just sneaking back in to announce the winner of my comments contest: ali_wilde! Please contact me at neenajaydon @ yahoo.ca (spaces removed) and I'll send you a copy of Storms and Stars when it is released.

On Sale This Week

2011-12-28T05:25:00.001-08:00

This week we have books by Lucius Parhelion, Sean Michael, Maia Strong and Julia Talbot on sale at 20% off.

Check it out.

New Releases for December 28

2011-12-28T05:19:00.000-08:00

Indigo: The Cat's Meow by Lucius Parhelion

Good jobs were hard to come by in 1930, even in booming Southern California, even in Hollywood. Fred Doyle was relieved when the chores his brother Charlie conned him into taking over, serving as handyman and cat sitter for their landlady's son, accidentally led to decent work with Carl Belasco, youngest and sharpest of the Production Heads at Metropolitan Pictures.

But now Fred and Carl are being drawn together by more than painting woodwork on weekends, trying to keep track of Mr. Flurry the cat, or even correcting errant movie directors. They’re realizing that a more intimate and illegal taste they share is turning them toward each other. Too bad that onlookers, including the ever-conniving Charlie, may notice the growing attraction before Fred and Carl do.

Given this tangle, a quick trip to buy decorating supplies on romantic Catalina Island is likely not the wisest of ideas…

Get your copy today!

Rose & Thorn, a Torquere Menage by Maia Strong

Eamon Quinn, a newly minted actor from a small university town, is auditioning for a position with Rose & Thorn Theatrics. He's up to the acting challenge; he's not so sure he's up to life in the big city. That is, until he finds a friend in Jasper Davison. Jasper is intrigued by Eamon, certain that he, like Jasper, is a mountain-born, Druid-touched soul.

When both men are hired as journeymen by Rose & Thorn, the kindred spirits soon become lovers, and catch the eye of the company's head apprentice, HJ Greenhills. Their flirtations are lighthearted, but bad luck plagues the theater. Accidents, injuries, and a sudden death have given rise to rumors of a curse. The power of three is a mighty force in Druid magic – is it powerful enough to stop the destruction of Rose & Thorn?

Find out today!

Connor's Journey, a Velvet Glove story by Sean Michael

Connor attends a friend's pre-commitment send-off at the Velvet Glove, and he knows he's out of place, but is determined to enjoy his one night among the rich. Then he meets Desmond, a regular member, who wants to show him everything about being a sub if he'll take a five year contract. It beats his old job, but can he do the things Desmond wants him to?

Originally published on the Turn of the Screw serial service, and in print in Velvet Glove, Volume 1.

Pick up your copy today!

Naughty: New Legs, New year, a Hammer story by Sean Michael

Jeremy should be happy -- he and Simon (who first appear in the Hammer novel, Forged) had a great Christmas and are looking forward to New Year's Eve. He's got new legs, though, and he doesn't like them at all. Can Simon convince him to focus on the positive, and help him do it, too?

Find out today!

Naughty: Popping the Cork by Julia Talbot

Granger isn’t sure why he’s been summoned home to Gunnison, Colorado for New Year’s Eve, but when he finds out it’s his sister’s wedding and not some pack ritual, he’s damned relieved. When he meets the groom’s brother, he’s even more interested. Channing is hot, dominant, and all male. Can the two of them get to know each other before the cork pops at midnight?

Find out today!

Bye bye~

2011-12-27T19:56:00.001-08:00

It's been lovely hosting the blog today. I'll leave the comment contest open until midnight PST.

Good night! ^_^

Storms and Stars excerpt

2011-12-27T18:07:00.000-08:00

A little taste from the story itself. This is early on in Villam and Luke's relationship, when they're just getting a feel for each other on this new world:

Villam sighed to himself, prodding at his bristly chin. He despised the feeling of whiskers, and this was turning into a beard. He hadn't yet succumbed to the mad urge to try shaving with his sword. He glanced at the knife Luke was using to trim fern heads.

"Lend me your knife, would you?" he asked.

Luke didn't look up from his task.
"No."

"I'm hardly going to attack you with it," Villam snapped. "I just want to shave."

"No."

"Fine." Villam sat down, his back to a tree, and crossed his arms over his chest. "You'll just have to shave me, then." He'd meant to irritate Luke into giving up the knife, but all he got in reaction was a shrug. For a moment he hesitated; then, not willing to back down, Villam lifted his chin. "Well?"

Without a change of expression, Luke set aside the ferns. He rinsed his hands and the blade from a canteen. Then he walked over to Villam and looked down at him, holding the knife in one hand, the canteen in the other. Villam's heart skipped a beat. He didn't allow himself to look away. Something in his stomach sank with Luke as he went to his knees.

Luke poured a small amount of water into his palm, then patted it onto Villam's face. He looked Villam in the eye as he raised the knife. Villam swallowed reflexively, his body tensing. As always, he felt as though Luke were taking his measure, but he didn't know against what standard. When that attention moved to Villam's cheek, it was only bringing his willpower to bear that stopped him from jumping at the first touch of the blade against his alert skin.

It was a sharp knife, gliding against his jaw. Luke's callused fingers were gentle as they pulled his skin tight. Villam gazed at the tendons in Luke's throat, the subtle swell of his jaw, and the potent shape of his Adam's apple. He licked his lips.

"Stay still," Luke murmured. He was intent on his work now, making his way to Villam's chin. A lock of his hair brushed the bridge of Villam's nose. It was so quiet now with the birds on the water settled down to rest. He could hear his own breathing, louder than Luke's, quicker than it should be. Luke's lips were resting thoughtfully closed. Their shape was gentle, just slightly lush, and shaded a paler relative of burgundy.

The only hint that Luke thought anything of what he was doing was a single sharp look as he put the edge of the knife to Villam's throat. Feeling his face harden, Villam met that challenging gaze, his fingers curling into the dirt. In that moment, he remembered in a visceral way that they were enemies, and that he was foolish to trust. Luke's palm slid down his neck, a warm contrast to the goosebump-raising chill of adrenaline. Then Luke bent his head to focus on his delicate work.

Villam's confused senses found the ticklish sensation almost unbearable. He closed his eyes and realized that he was holding his breath. He could feel Luke's body close to his own but only making contact through that one steadying hand, and his jaw clenched. As strange sparks bolted down his spine and his skin tightened, Villam had an urge to take hold of him with both hands and grip hard. His fingertips wanted to know what Luke's chin might feel like; his legs wanted to press into Luke's, to feel and to trap.

This is ridiculous. He's just --

Then Luke's touch was gone, taking the precisely uncomfortable knife with it. Villam opened his eyes, then gasped as chill water splashed against his bared face. Luke picked up his small canteen and stood up. Villam ran an exploratory hand over his face. His skin felt rubbed raw, but free of whiskers.

"Thank you," he said as steadily as he could. His heart hadn't quite understood that the process was complete.

"My knife is only for my use," Luke said. "I'll use it for you, but don't touch it."

"Fair enough," Villam replied faintly.

Contest

2011-12-27T10:42:00.001-08:00

Comment either here or on the Torquere Social LJ today, and I'll put your name in a draw for a free copy of my upcoming novel!

It's lonely at the top for Commander Villam Elding, who's always ranked loyalty to the empire and career ambition over romance. He finds it easier to love ideas than people; without military life, he's lost. Even so, it's his close relationship with Kardiell, a popular officer, that tears him from that life. Those with competing ambitions try to take Villam hostage to leverage Kardiell's soft spot for him. In the struggle, Villam crashes the small spacecraft he's riding. All hands perish except himself and Luke, his kidnapper.

Luke tyv Sicinik travels the galaxy performing dirty missions for money to send home. Born on a desert colony abandoned by the empire, he has no love for imperial soldiers. He spent his childhood in a monastery which taught the evils of anything impractical or sentimental. Yet when he crawls from the destroyed spacecraft, his first instinct is compassionate: he drags Villam's unconscious body free of the wreckage. Stranded together on a wild planet, Villam and Luke know that survival means cooperation. A truce becomes trust, and trust turns to passion, as they struggle to find a new life together -- just the two of them against an entire world.

Check out an excerpt on the Torquere social LJ.

First Time on the Blog!

2011-12-27T09:23:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

I'm Neena Jaydon, and my debut novel Storms and Stars is coming out very soon from Torquere Press! I'll be hosting the blog today as well as hanging out on the Torquere Press social LiveJournal. It's nice to meet you!

Just popping in to say hello. I'll be back soon for chat and an excerpt :).

Coming This Week

2011-12-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

Coming on Wednesday:
Connor's Journey, a Velvet Glove story by Sean Michael (M/M)
Indigo: The Cat's Meow by Lucius Parhelion (M/M)
New Legs New Year, a Hammer Club story by Sean Michael (M/M)
Popping the Cork by Julia Talbot (M/M)
Rose and Thorn by Maia Strong (M/M/F)

Letters to Santa, from Torquere Authors

2011-12-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

Howdy, y'all!

Every year our authors let us share some of their letters to Santa. I'd like to personally thank all of the Torquere writers, readers, staff, editors, artists. Lorna and I are truly blessed.

Shawn

***

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is for you to stop me from procrastinating – retroactively. I could have already sent out my Christmas cards, then. I bet I'd be at least two books further along in my preparation for next semester, too. If you can make reindeer fly, it doesn't seem unreasonable to suggest that you replace my ten-put-off-tasks-a-day procrastination habit with some proper adult time management skills.

As for Villam and Luke, well ... they don't celebrate Christmas, of course. But Villam's keen to participate, and would like the complete 38-volume set of pre-conquest era poetry commissioned by her Imperial Majesty. I told him I wasn't sure that would fit in a sleigh. He said he's not sure why anyone would build an atmospheric craft too small to carry a few books. I suppose after riding around in massive starships one gets a little snobby about these things.

Please don't bring anything for Luke -- he's offended by the very idea of giving presents. You can take the monk out of the austere desert colony monastery, but you can't take the austere desert colony monastery out of the monk.

Looking forward to your visit.

Love,

Neena Jaydon

***

Dear Santa,
I know that you have many authors writing to you, and that others may have already asked you for this, but could I please make it onto the New York Times best seller list? If this isn’t possible, how about a bag of chocolate that will never run out, so I can keep nibbling as I continue to write?

Thank you in anticipation

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/
http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

***

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is another night like the one we had last year. You remember...the one when you wore Rudolph’s harness and nothing else? I drove your sleigh into the mattress that night, as I recall. Come on, you know you want to. What the Missus doesn’t know won’t hurt her, and besides, you know she’s got a threeway going with Yukon Cornelius and the Bumble.

Counting the days until Christmas Eve,

Herbie (the dentist Elf)

www.KiernanKelly.com
http://www.facebook.com/kiernan.kelly
Follow me on Twitter!
http://kiernan-kelly.blogspot.com/

***

Dear Santa,

I've you've got a minute, could you tidy my apartment a bit? This year, I've spent so much time writing new erotica and queer fiction that I've barely had a moment to vacuum or dust or scrub the tub. I manage to get the dishes washed, but that's only because I need to use them. And I do clean the litter box, mostly because one of my cats likes to poo in inopportune places when it gets smelly.

Thanks, dude. You're the best.
Hugs,
Giselle Renarde

***

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa:

Hi. It's Johnny. You know, Johnny Rayne. Well, I can't say as I've written to you since I was about five or six, so bear with me. Oh, good choice of words there. Virgil has been a huge bear lately, and I'm about ready to pop him one. This election was a killer. I really didn't know how bad it could get. I'm ashamed to say I haven't paid attention to elections and voting until now.

Anyway, Santa - if you could see your way to bringing some of that special lube, you know the one that warms up when it comes in contact with skin, well, I'd be pretty darned grateful. I might even try to stop swearing so much. Last night, Virgil had to remind me, um, the hard way about that.

The kids are doing great, and my mom is coming in for the whole week before Christmas. God, Virgil will love that. I'm going to get some more Baby Einstein DVDs for the kids, and I know my mom is shopping at RalphLauren.com for winter gear, so you don't need to worry about them.

Well, Merry Christmas, Santa!

PS - I would like a new chair for Virgil's mancave so I can hang out with him there once in a while. Since I let him in my music room, I think he should let me in his space. Leave me a sign if you think of something that will match.

(dictated by JM Cartwright)

***

Dear Santa,

I don't suppose your bag could hold what I *really* want, which is about four extra hours in each day. No, didn't think so.

As a writer, then, I could sure use one of those new iPads -- perfect for writing at my favorite coffee shop, or just capturing plot-bunnies when they nibble on my toes! (And hey, Santa, if you wanted to drop my books into a few stockings, that would be pretty awesome, as well!)

And as a reader, I need more, more, MORE! of my favorite authors... and you could throw in a few new authors to get hooked on, too! I bet the elves have some suggestions -- I bet they spend a lot of time snuggling and reading stuff that will help them keep warm on those North Pole nights! (Do you and Mrs. Claus ever join in when they act out their favorite scenes?)

Love,
Elizabeth L. Brooks
http://EveryWorldNeedsLove.blogspot.com

***

Dear Santa,

Please put a good boy in the stocking of every naughty boy. I promise to take notes.

Love Sean

http://www.seanmichaelwrites.com

***

Dear Santa,

Please send plane tickets to Colorado (for me and BA) so I can do research. :D

And play in the snow.

Peace on earth.

Julia

http://www.juliatalbot.com

***

Dear Santa,

I was going to ask for a cowboy for me and Julia to play with. Then I wanted a puppy.

What I really want, though, is rain. Please let central Texas have enough rain to survive the coming summer.

BA

http://www.batortuga.com

***

Dec. 2009

Dear Santa,

I know it’s odd having a twenty-eight year old man writing to you, but I had to. What I ask of you isn’t for me, it’s for Riley. Probably another oddity for you, a Christmas request for the dead.

It’s the season for family, friends and loved ones. Riley fits each of those criteria. He means the world to me and I feel he is still with me - watching over me. Maybe he even helped bring Tennyson into my life. It’s just the sort of thing he would do. A
constant Dom, even in death, always looking out for his sub.

So, we come down to my request. I want Riley to know how much I still love him and I want him to have peace and know we will meet again. At least I hope so. I’d hate to think that I’d never see him again. I want my Dom to not worry about me, to look out after himself for once.

We miss and love him dearly. His memory will always live on with me, Cameron, Ajay, John, Russell and Max. Even Tennyson indulges me and let’s me talk about how things were. Ten knows I will never stop loving Riley, but I have room in my heart for him as well.

Thank you,
Avery Miller
Braeside, New York
(Mist Gray: Falling Apart Falling Together)

2010

Dear Santa,

Normally I would ask Him, but I feel He has given me enough already. But I beg of you to leave my Ash
something under the tree. He is convinced that he isn’t deserving to be on the ‘good list’. I’ve seen the good in him and feel he should be rewarded for it.

Thank you,
Casimir
Summerset, New York
(Blurred Clarity)

--Andy Slayde

***

Dear Santa,

This Christmas I'd like three things; the cancellation of Survivor, a Glock 17 and an exorcism. Thanks.

Fynn Adder

(dictated by Missouri Dalton)

***

Dear Santa,

I've been (mostly) good this year, and certainly worked hard, so for christmas I would like:
1) 4-day weekends every week
2) A full servicing for my 6-year-old boiler so I don't die of carbon monoxide poisoning
3) Driving lessons (already booked, because apparently I'm incapable of doing that myself)
4) A llama

I don't have any brandy, but you're welcome to the brandy-flavoured whipped cream in the fridge. Just please don't feed any to the llama.

Lots of love and merry christmas,
Juniper Gray x

Christmas Sale!

2011-12-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

It's the holidays!! So we're offering 15% off your purchases from now through the end of day Sunday January 1 to celebrate! Just put 'xmas2011' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books before Sunday January 1 at midnight to get 15% off your order.

Sale good now through Sunday January 1 at Midnight (est).

Happy holidays from Torquere Press!

Discount codes are provided as a courtesy to our customers. Torquere Press Inc. cannot be responsible for discounting purchases made before coupons/sales are announced, and cannot issue discounts to customers who fail to use the coupon or discount code during the purchase process.

Wreck the malls - the holidays are upon us!

2011-12-22T22:39:00.000-08:00

The holidays are here again. Every year, I go through the same stressful process – determining what to buy everyone on my list. As I stand in the department store aisle holding the rhinestone-studded toilet paper dispenser, I ask myself the same tired, old questions I ask myself every year. - will they like this? Do they already have one? Can they use another one? Will they like this color? I hem and I haw. I put it down, pick it back up, and put it back down again. I walk around the display, biting my lip, trying to decide.

Finally, I snatch it up and run to the register, wanting to pay for the item before I can talk myself out of buying it again. After all, I'm swiftly running out of both shopping days and ideas, and I have to buy something.

It was so much easier when my kids were toddlers. Back then, I could gift wrap a boxful of Styrofoam peanuts and they'd think I'd given them gold. Back then, they were happiest playing with the boxes, never mind what came inside them.

But as they grew up, things got tougher. Every year, I'd get THE LIST, and on it was at least one toy that was totally, absolutely, and utterly impossible to find. One year it was Cabbage Patch dolls (there were actual riots in toy stores over them). Another year it was Teddy Ruxpin, the talking teddy bear that could read story books.

This was in the days before the Internet, too. In those days, you couldn't simply hop online, place your order with a few keystrokes, and have the item delivered to your home. You had to physically go out there and find it. I remember going on the hunt every year. The hunt meant driving all over the state, visiting every freaking store in every town, where I'd elbow my way through a thick crowd to get near the display case. It took everything I had short of indulging in bare-knuckle fisticuffs to get my mitts on one of the toys before they were all gone. Then I had to stand in a line long enough to qualify for the Guinness World Book of Records in order to pay for it.

It's true what they say – the difference between men and boys (and women and girls) is the price of their toys. As a child's age goes up, so does the cost of items on their holiday wish list. As they progress from grade school to high school to college, they graduate from Barbie dolls and action figures to I-phones and video game systems, and then to laptops and I-pads. As adults, they're into flat screen TVs and Blue Ray players.

The thing is, no matter how costly the gift, their eyes never quite sparkle with excitement they way they used to.

Well, there's always the grandchildren.

Oh, yes, I spoil them. Mercilessly. It's payback for all the years my kids drove me crazy driving around trying to fill their wish lists when they were young. So far, the pile of gifts I've gotten for the grandkids is so big it can probably be seen from space.

But oh, how their eyes will sparkle when they open them!

And then they'll play with the boxes.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Review Round-Up

2011-12-22T15:45:00.000-08:00

Come enjoy our newest Review Round-Up on our LiveJournal

A new release and a chance to WIN a free book.

2011-12-22T01:01:00.000-08:00

My new werewolf holiday book is out! So here is a taste of "A Little Light Loving" AND the chance to win your choice of a book from my backlist!!

I’m visiting awesome author Tracy Cooper-Posey today, answering questions and offering a giveaway from my backlist. Go, comment, win:
http://tracycooperposey.com/get-cozy-with-santa-baby-and-berengaria-brown/

“A Little Light Loving” blurb:

Cord’s a werewolf and the holiday season makes Cord’s skin itch, his head ache, and his wolf side agitated. Usually he goes on vacation at this time of year but he wants to be with Dillon.
Cord decides to rent a little cabin in the mountains for the holiday week and Dillon agrees to come with him. They have a few wonderful days together, then Cord asks Dillon about werewolves and Dillon reveals his abhorrence of the animals and his animal heritage. Cord’s heart is breaking that the man he loves could be so mistrustful of him. How can they have a future without trust?

PG13 EXCERPT

You need your fucking head examined. Going off to fuck a werewolf? Where's your brain? Dillon chastised himself as he followed Cord's truck. Oh, yeah, that's right -- it's in your pants. Well, you deserve everything that happens to you, then.
Yeah, but all that's going to happen is that I'm going to get laid. And it'll be excellent, I know, because Cord's so yummy.
Idiot.
Quite likely. But I'll be a contented, sated idiot.
Having lost the argument with himself, and being unaccountably happy and excited at the thought of spending the night with Cord, Dillon jumped out of his car, beeped the security system on, and bounced across the parking lot to where Cord was standing waiting for him.
The man did look yummy. Hunkalicious. Dillon was tempted to lick his lips but managed to refrain. He didn't dare look down to check, but he was almost certain his dick was leading the way to Cord. To bed. Oh yes!
Side by side they walked up the stairs, their steps echoing with a hint of urgency, Dillon’s heart beating faster and faster the closer they got to Cord’s apartment.
Cord kicked the apartment door shut and pressed Dillon to the wall. Dillon stared into Cord's eyes. Their faces were almost on a level. Cord was just the slightest bit taller than him. His breath hitched at what he saw in Cord's gaze. Lust. Desire. Passion. "Kiss me," he breathed.
"I plan to do a whole lot more than kissing," said Cord, holding Dillon's chin in one hand.
Dillon licked his lips. He couldn't help himself this time. He leaned forward and very deliberately rubbed his cock over Cord's.
Cord hissed, then pressed back against Dillon, pushing him hard into the wall with his full body weight. When Cord was plastered tight against Dillon's body from hips to shoulders, he flicked his tongue across Dillon's nose, eyelids, forehead, and jaw line, as if savoring the flavor.
Dillon reached up and grabbed Cord's head, sliding his hands through the thick, silky hair, then holding tight. "I thought you said you were going to kiss me. That's not a kiss."
"This is, though," said Cord in a half-strangled, husky tone, before plunging his tongue into Dillon's mouth.
Cord's tongue was everywhere, tangling with Dillon's tongue, rubbing along the insides of his cheeks, sliding over the roof of his mouth. Dillon tightened his grip on Cord's head, holding it still so he could thrust his own tongue in return, matching Cord thrust for thrust, stroke for stroke, until they were both breathless and gasping for air.
"Now that was a kiss," panted Dillon, grinning.
"Bedroom," said Cord. "I don't want our first time to be against a wall."

BUY LINK: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83&products_id=3472

Here's a little extra something starring the characters from "A Little Light Loving".

“Tonight I’m going to cook us something truly special for dinner,” said Cord.
“Special eh?”
“Oh yes. Watch.”
They were both seated on the living room floor of the cabin in the hills, in front of the open fire. Cord jumped up, went over to the kitchen area, and came back with a bag of supplies he’d obviously prepared earlier.
Cord grabbed some pre-cut twelve-inch squares of aluminum foil, folded them over his fist into pockets, then lined the bottom of the pocket with thin slices of lemon. “This helps keep the food from burning, as well as adding extra flavor to the meal,” he said.
Next he added some strips of dried beef, chopped potatoes and carrots cut small, peppers, onions, a small can of beans and a few shakes of garlic, salt and pepper. He topped each tube up with maybe a quarter cup of water, folded the top edges of the pocket closed, and set it directly into the hot coals. “They’ll take maybe half an hour to cook. All the veggies slow roast in their own juices,” he added.
“Wow that really does look special. Very simple, yet a lot of different tastes,” said Dillon.
“Exactly. Since they cook so slowly all the various flavors have a chance to blend in the juices, and we’ll end up with a totally delicious meal.”
“So what will we do while dinner cooks?” asked Dillon with a cheeky look in his eyes.
“I’m sure we’ll think of something. Cord licked his lips and pulled Dillon into his arms.

Berengaria Brown

http://berengariasblog.blogspot.com/

http://berengariabrown.webs.com/

New Releases for December 21

2011-12-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

Having it All and More by Dalia Craig

Two very different women brought together by one set of jewelry.

Josslyn Harper and Paige Railton are bidding for the same antique ensemble at a New York auction. Each has her own pressing reason for wanting to win the bidding war. With neither woman prepared to give way to the other, the bids rocket to almost two million dollars, forcing Josslyn to admit defeat.

A triumphant Paige is delighted with her purchase, despite its high price. However, she hasn’t bargained on encountering a major obstacle in the shape of a very determined Josslyn Harper. Josslyn vows to fight Paige to get the family heirloom back but she hasn’t reckoned with Paige’s tenacity. Paige and Josslyn find themselves growing closer and soon discover they have a lot in common when the power of love overtakes their battle for ownership of the jewels.

Pick up your copy today!

Thyme: Brave and True by Jenna Jones

Thyme is the herb for courage, something Patrick has been lacking ever since he was publicly humiliated on a national cooking competition. For the past sixteen years, he's been content to be the personal assistant to celebrity chef Dix and love him in silence.

Between the end of Dix's long-running television show and accusations of fraud within Dix's charity, Dix's world is changing and Patrick doesn't know his place in it anymore. As secrets come to light, can Patrick find the courage to trust Dix as he once did, and to believe that he deserves it?

Find out today!

A Little Light Loving by Berengaria Brown

Cord has been attracted to Dillon for a long time. After months of casual conversation and a gradually growing friendship, he’s finally convinced Dillon to share a meal with him. But Cord is a werewolf, and Dillon despises weres. Even worse, the holiday season makes Cord’s skin itch, his head ache, and his wolf side agitated. Usually he goes on vacation at this time of year, but he wants to be with Dillon.

Their first date is a success, although it's over way too fast. Still, Cord refuses to lose hope. Can he persuade Dillon to spend a little more quality time together? Even more importantly, will Dillon be able to open his mind and heart to the wolf within?

Find out today!

Christmas Homecoming, a Hammer Club story by Sean Michael

Grady's been waiting for over two years to see his lover, Joey, who's been deployed in Afghanistan. It looks like it's going to be Valentine's Day at the earliest before they're reunited, though. Oliver's been keeping Grady busy during the holiday season, and he just might have a Christmas surprise for Grady at the Hammer's annual Charity Auction that the man will never forget.

Pick up your copy today!

Winning in a Landslide by JM Cartwright

Sheriff Grissom has just won re-election, but the campaign got nasty. Johnny and Grissom are at odds with each other, the reality of their world sinking in for both men. Johnny's frustrated and Grissom's patience is stretched to the limit.

Johnny's come to understand exactly what their relationship could cost Grissom, and he's having second thoughts. But the two men have established a family, and a life together -- a good life, despite their differences. Plus, it's almost Christmas, and they're breaking in a new housekeeper. How will she like working for two daddies?

Can they really make it work in small-town West Virginia? Join the boys from A Change of Tune and find out.

Get your copy today!

Naughty: Full to Bursting by Giselle Renarde

After six months together, Wanda still hasn't told her children Janelle is more than just a friend. Janelle spends every evening at the house, helping with dinner and homework, but come 10 or 11 at night Wanda always sends her home. Their only chance for debauchery comes one weekend a month, when the kids visit their grandparents. With Christmas on the way, will tensions build too high for Janelle to handle, or will she be fully satisfied by Wanda's big, sexy gift?

Find out today!

Nice: Connections by J. Rocci

This Christmas is going to be a special one for Officer Josh Dabbs and his husband Garrison Williams: For the first time, they're sharing the holiday with their children, Henry and Gabriella. Of course, this being the Dabbs-Williams household, there are crazy dogs, visits from the in-laws to prepare for, and the uncertain waters of parenthood as Gabriella tests her boundaries. But Josh and Garrison have each other, and their family and friends, and a house full of love, so the holidays will be perfect.

Pick up your copy today!

Nice: The Man Who Didn't Like Snow by Aaron Michaels

Chuck and his stud muffin Milton from "The Man With the Alabaster Heart" are back just in time for Christmas!

The holidays find the boys vacationing at a rustic lodge with the rest of Milton's extended family. It's the perfect place for Chuck and Milton to play Santa and the Naughty Elf -- the bed is a four-poster, after all -- but a surprise announcement from Milton's mother leaves Milton reeling. It's up to Chuck to make sure Milton has a Merry Christmas after all. Not to mention put that bed to good use.

Get your copy today!

Devilwood Lane by Lucis Moreno Velo

When the Jeffersons move to Darkfort, their reputation precedes them. Mrs. Jefferson has recently disappeared and everybody just knows her husband must have killed her. Suddenly, the whole town is in an uproar. But nobody is more shaken than Jamie Park, who falls in love with Timothy Jefferson. When Jamie finds out that Timothy’s a werewolf, he’s surprised, but not enough to stop inviting him to his bedroom every day after school. But then the school bully dies after a fight with Timothy, and Jamie starts thinking that maybe he is dating a monster, after all.

Then Jamie finds disturbing information about his father’s death, ten years before. He starts looking into Kevin’s death and decides there must be another werewolf pack in Darkfort. But Timothy doesn’t believe him. As Jamie starts to understand the true nature of werewolves, he is revolted by their violence. But when the Jefferson’s old pack turns up to destroy them, Jamie finds himself fighting along Timothy.

Fighting for the pack and for his life. And with a little luck, for a chance to unravel the mystery of Kevin’s and his father’s death.

Pick up your copy today!

Foxhart by AR Jarvis

Tucked safely away from the world on their peninsula, the three 'Veld kingdoms--Estveld, Ostveld, and Norveld--have little to do with the rest of the world, instead focusing their efforts on fighting amongst themselves. But the world hasn't forgotten about them, and the Cheil Empire has turned its armies their way.

The three 'Velds ally together, but even their combined might is not enough to prevent their eventual defeat. The kings are forced to surrender, but the terms for Estveld and Ostveld appear suspiciously lenient; each kingdom maintains its independence, so long as the royal bloodline continues unbroken. The only catch seems to be that the Cheil Emperor is allowed to choose each generation's bride.

Prince Cavan of Ostveld is unhappy with the terms because he fears he won't be allowed to marry the princess to whom he was betrothed. Prince Gair of Estveld is disgruntled because he never intended to marry at all. But the surrender is already signed, and the princes are left with no choice but to travel to the capital of the Cheil Empire where they will learn who--or what--the Emperor has in store for them.

Get your copy today!

Coming This Week

2011-12-20T07:35:00.001-08:00

Coming on Wednesday:
A Little Light Loving by Berengaria Brown (Xmas Single Shot, MM)
Christmas Homecoming, a Hammer Club story by Sean Michael (Xmas Single Shot, MM)
Having it All and More by Dalia Craig (Sapphic Signs, FF)
Naughty: Full to Bursting by Giselle Renarde (Holiday Sip, FF)
Nice: Connections by J. Rocci (Holiday Sip, MM)
Nice: The Man Who Didn't Like Snow by Aaron Michaels (Holiday Sip, MM)
Thyme: Brave and True by Jenna Jones (Spice It Up, MM)
Winning in a Landslide by JM Cartwright (Xmas Single Shot, MM)

Coming on Wednesday from Prizm Books:
Devilwood Lane by Lucia Moreno Vel0 (Young Adult)
Foxhart by AR Jarvis (Young Adult)

Happy Holidays

2011-12-19T14:55:00.000-08:00

Missouri here (first time caller long time reader) and well, it's the nineteenth, and I have managed to injure myself a dozen ways this holiday season. That's why it's important to be safe this Christmas. Use potholders, wear mittens, and don't forget about the all important jumper cables. Because getting stuck by the side of the road sucks.

Christmas season isn't entirely ridden with accident potential. It's also a great time to get together with friends and family, share stories and read new authors, and even new series by old authors.

Coming in February is the first book of the Night Wars, The Hanged Man's Ghost which follows some characters you'll recognize from Fiends in Low Places and Poisoned Spirits. I'm very excited. Gaze away at the pretty cover art.

And in the spirit of Christmas, I've decided to share something with everyone.

It's my recipe for snack mix, which do to my inability not to eat, is only made during the Christmas season, or special occasions.

8 cups cereal of choice (I prefer Crispix)
1/2 tbs garlic powder
1/2 tbs onion powder
1 tbs season salt
5 tbs Worcestershire
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp hot sauce
1/4 cup of butter
1 cup peanuts
1 cup super thin pretzel sticks

Melt butter, mix seasonings, pour on cereal, pretzel and peanuts, mix bake for 30-45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes until dry through out.

I like my mix a bit zesty.

Meme Monday: "Tis the Season"

2011-12-19T07:49:00.000-08:00

1. Are you going anywhere for the holidays? If you could go anywhere for the holidays, where would you go?

2. What is your funniest holiday memory?

3. Do you like your presents to be a surprise, or do you ask for hints and try to peek at them?

4. Did you put up any holiday decorations this year?

5. Do you believe in Santa Claus? If not, did you ever? When did you stop?

2011-12-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome. I'm Jenna Jones and I'll be your host on the blog today. I'm here to talk mostly about my new release in the Spice It Up! line, Thyme: Brave & True.

Thyme is the herb for courage, something Patrick has been lacking ever since he was publicly humiliated on a national cooking competition. For the past sixteen years, he's been content to be the personal assistant to celebrity chef Dix and love him in silence.

Between the end of Dix's long-running television show and accusations of fraud within Dix's charity, Dix's world is changing and Patrick doesn't know his place in it anymore. As secrets come to light, can Patrick find the courage to trust Dix as he once did, and to believe that he deserves it?

Thyme: Brave and True will be released December 21, 2011.

A SFW(ish: contains kissing) excerpt is below the jump.

"Keep me company tomorrow night, too?" Dix asked quietly.

"Of course."

Dix was silent for a while, his thumb brushing Patrick's shoulder. "And the night before
they send me to prison?" he whispered. "Keep me company that night, too?"

"You're not going to prison."

"I don't know how to prove my innocence, Patrick."

"Nicky wants to see the accounts. He'll find a way. And if he doesn't -- we'll find
something else. But you can account for all your income, you pay your full taxes, you
report every gift -- you're an honest man. They'll see that. They've got to."

Dix looked at him again, a faint smile on his lips, his eyes oddly bright. "Thank you," he
said and cleared his throat. "For having faith in me. It means a lot."

"Of course I have faith in you." He swallowed and wondered if Dix was even aware he
still had his arm around Patrick's shoulders. He hoped not, because then Dix might move
away. "You -- you're the only thing I have faith in anymore."

"Patrick," Dix breathed and Patrick cupped Dix's face in his hands and Dix's hand knotted
into his hair, and Patrick tasted that sensitive mouth. Dix's skin was cool from being
outside but his mouth was warm and tasted like thyme from dinner. His strong fingers
massaged Patrick's head and he sucked in Patrick's breath, and when he tugged Patrick
closer Patrick went willingly, climbing onto him.

This was Dix's body, solid and sturdy, his thighs, his hips -- it wasn't enough to just look
at him, not when Patrick could touch. He touched, broad shoulders, powerful arms, a
deep and sturdy chest, the long throat where he could feel Dix's pulse racing under his
fingertips. He stroked Dix's throat, his jaw and his cheekbones.

Dix caught his hand and clasped it tightly. Patrick held Dix's head and kissed him deeper,
unable to keep back the keening noises that escaped his throat. So many years, so much
longing...

2011-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Seven -- yes, that's right, SEVEN -- shopping days until Christmas. This coming week is the big run-up to the holiday. For myself, I'm just grateful that Hanukkah is so late this year! Last year it was the first week in December and my entire family panicked. We made the decision to have our holiday dinner/present-giving sometime after Hanukkah was actually over, just to give ourselves time to shop.In any case, I feel more prepared this year, although my shopping is far from done. My cooking and baking lists are organized and ready. I've been to Walmart, Target, Costco, and the mall. (And I will probably go to all of those places at least three more times before Christmas Eve.) I've seen a lot of Santas on my travels, but none of them looked like this:

That's really a shame, isn't it? I'll keep my eyes peeled, though. In the meantime, let me give you a little snippet of the short story I'm working on. Cade is a tattoo apprentice who finally gets to tattoo his first customer, and it's a lot more erotic than he thought it would be.

***

It was a beautiful picture. It would be tricky andchallenging and Cade wasn’t sure if he had the ability to do true justice toit, especially his first time, but the artist in him simply could not turn downthe opportunity. Cade knew that this needed to be his first real tattoo. “Wheredo you want it?” he asked. Maybe it was somewhere innocuous, like on Kip’sforearm.

“On my chest. The opposite side of the one I got last time.”

His chest. That meant Kip would have to take his shirt offand sit there, and Cade would have to touch him. The thought was terrifying andexhilarating.

“All right,” Cade finally said, looking up at Kip. “Have aseat on the couch behind you and give me twenty minutes to draw it up.”

“Thanks.” Kip nodded. “I’m sure you’ll do it justice.” Hesat on the leather couch and smiled confidently at Cade.

Cade felt something stirring, but he was unsure if it wassomething complicated like gratitude for Kip’s trust, or something simple likepure lust. He decided it was both, and neither feeling had any place in the jobhe was about to do. He needed to concentrate.

Nearly a half hour later, Cade had a decent replica of Kip’spicture. He’d shown it to Graham for approval.

“Looks good, Cade. Look at it like a grid, not as a picture.You’ll be fine.” Graham smiled and went back to texting Jessica. Cade felt atiny frisson of fear that Graham didn’t seem interested in sitting over Cade’sshoulder to watch him work, but that fear was soon outweighed by relief. Onething Cade didn’t need was the extra pressure.

Cade called Kip over and pointed to the chair that all ofGraham’s clients sat in. “Go ahead and take your shirt off,” Cade said, and waspleased to hear that his voice sounded normal. Kip was even more attractive atclose range, and Cade sent up a silent prayer that his body wouldn’t betrayhim. His dick was already twitching.

Kip did as he was asked and Cade’s mind registered that theman must have been in the sun at some point. Kip’s chest was a smooth browncolor with a dusting of golden hair.

Uh oh. That meant Cade would have to shave him.

***

Makes you want a tattoo, doesn't it? Happy Holidays, Torquere readers. :)

Clark and Daniel Snippet: The Proposal Part 2

2011-12-16T17:47:00.000-08:00

( continued from Part 1 in the previous post... )

Stunned by the one-two punch of Clark'swords and offerings, Daniel gaped. The dead silence made Daniel suspect that heheld more than just Clark in suspense, so hemoved deliberately. Turning his hand to hold Clark's, Daniel used the other tocaress the blue links about Clark's throat. Hebriefly pressed against Clark's pulse, and it trippedat a pace to rival Daniel's heart. Daniel slipped his hand within the loop andgave it a twist to pull it taut and bring Clarkcloser.

"My love," Daniel whispered when his voice failedhim. "My ever-vigilant Sergeant." Daniel found stability in the joy growingin Clark's widened eyes. Daniel raised hisvoice to carry. "Yes, Clark. I will."

Applause burst from everywhere, and Daniel turned to findpeople walking out of all the tiny rooms. He leaned to whispered into Clark'sear, "I will keep and hold you as you keep and hold my heart until Idie."

Clark gasped, and a smallfist punched Daniel's shoulder. "Good thing you said, yes, Danny, or I'dhave kicked your butt."

Daniel let go of Clark'sthroat, but not his hand, and met the fierce, tear-laden gaze of Mary Innes. Behindher were Conner Adams and his wife, Daniel's Uncle Martin and Aunt Penny, and Daniel'sstep-siblings: Maddi, Alex, and Ricky. His students were there too, hanging back and eyeing the dozens of theNAPD's finest who had come.

Lucian Gray swept them all aside, and Daniel helped Clark to his feet. Plucking the ring from Clark's fingers, Daniel slid it on. It fit perfectly. TimAkkard was shaking Clark's hand, while Chanceand Ryuu hung back with smirks on their faces. Galen Fang, from the Green Dojo,slapped Clark's back and grabbed him in a bearhug while Jin smiled. Ken stood just inside a room, but Jeffrey cruised thecrowd.

"He finally did it," Heathergroused by Daniel's other shoulder. Clark'sbarmaid now sported fascinating chartreuse hair. "He was driving everyoneinsane for the last month getting this together."

"I can just imagine," Daniel said faintly.Studying the ring more closely Daniel found the circumference laden with tinygems the clear blue of a tropical sea.

"I'm glad you said 'yes.'" Heather looked anywherebut at Daniel. "You're good for him."

"I'm glad I can be," Daniel said gravely.

As subtle as smoke, music threaded through the congratulationsand laughter, and the band began to cover Bon Jovi's "Thank you for loving me."

Clark took Daniel's hand,pulling him onto the dance floor. Daniel followed his Sergeant's lead, and Clark mouthed the words:

I never knew I had a dream
Until that dreamwas you
When I look intoyour eyes
The sky's adifferent blue

They danced together, before all the people who loved them. When the dance ended, Daniel deliberatelypulled Clark close.

"Now you're my world, too," Daniel whispered. WhenClark glanced at Daniel's mouth, Daniel lunged for the kiss, and Clark met him halfway.

Fin

Thank you, Kelly, for sharing the dream. -- Raine

Clark & Daniel Snippet: The Proposal Part I

2011-12-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Long ago and far away, in a land I like to call, Daydream, I was working on a novel with a friend of mine (though, I think, to be fair, at the time we were calling it "just for fun"), and I heard a song that reminded me of the man she made for my Clark. It's called Gypsy by Shakira, and to this day, it inspires fits of manly "allergies" in my eyes.

The images I saw in between the chords were of Clark, Daniel, and the mundane art of Men Dressing for an Occasion. Cufflinks and collars oh my, and a kiss from Clark to Daniel, to land on the good professor's cheek.

A long drive with the top down on a spring day. Handholding and laughing, and being at the kind of peace that can only be found when the love of your life is a mere glance away. A restaurant, an air of mystery... a dimming of the lights...

A question... an answer... and more...

I spoke of the tale to my friend, who listened to the song and cheered with me. Cheered for love conquering all, despite the odds pitched against it; cheered for optimism in a world where it makes no sense to search for the light at the other end of the long, dark, day.

For in the end... don't we all write and dream of and for love?

It's all there is... it's all there ever was...

And herein, below, is my clip, (in exactly 500 words, as we NEVER do it the easy way, do we?) of what, to some, might be the end of the journey, but methinks to Those Who Know, we share the secret that it's only the beginning...

"And for you, sir?" the waiter asked Clark.

"Same," Clark said, handing over menus and gulping water. Napoli was a sweet Italian restaurant in New Amsterdam, made fantastic by its authentic food and chaotic architecture. A series of small, intimate rooms in reds, golds, and blues weaved from the front door to the kitchen. A larger room stood central, for dancing to the live band's tunes.

"You all right?" Daniel asked from where he sat at their table for two.

"I'm great." Clark tried to smile, wiping his hands on the linen napkin.

Daniel tilted his head, dark curls spilling across his forehead and oceanic eyes inquisitively disbelieving. "You hate red wine."

"Time to change?" Clark tried. Daniel touched the lily in one lapel that Clark had given his beloved before they left the townhouse. A sappy gesture for their romantic date planned seemingly on a whim. A regular Thursday, and they were in suits: Clark's gray and Daniel's maroon. They'd driven through the spring night with the top down on the Jag, holding hands. Daniel, so beautiful, sleek, and bemused, and Clark, so nervous, uneasy, anxious.

"But I love the way you are," Daniel murmured, and Clark melted with the gentle brush of fingertips to his wrist.

"I know," Clark choked. He met the eyes of the other lone patron in the tiny space. Paid informant, mysterious stranger, and Clark got a thumbs up.

Ready.

Doubt threatened to win, the whispering fear of a possible negative lingering despite better judgment. Clark drained his glass, trembling, and he adored the concern that made Daniel half-rise. "I'm fine. Just something I need to do. Would love to wait for alcohol, but I think it'd kill me."

Rising tall, Clark swept right, and went down on a knee. "Daniel János Germain." A clarion call of name. "Professor." Quieter, and the music stopped. "Sir." Softest, and Daniel's lips parted. "Before you, I was half the man I could be. With you, I am whole. You saw me, you saved me, and every day you keep your promise to me. I don't want life without you."

"Clark." Daniel gripped chair and table, universes of affection in the single word.

From a pocket, Clark withdrew a box; he opened it. The ring was brushed cobalt titanium, oceanic metallic peace. "I offer love, support, and friendship for now and all time." Clark shook, steadied, and undid tie and shirt, slowly. Around his throat was a simple chain wrought of the same blue steel. For a moment, his voice was lost beneath the tide of Daniel's gasp, but the faith Clark put in the links urged him ever onward. He dropped onto both knees, smiling with his soul. "I offer my truth and myself. I want only to be yours, and for you to be mine. Anything with or for you, Sir, now and forever more."

Clark took Daniel's hand, held the offering above the clasp. "Daniel, you're the love of my life. Will you marry me?"

To Be Continued...

Love, Kelly Wyre

On Mad Teaparties and Naked Cake

2011-12-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

Good morning, everyone!

Kelly Wyre, here, and soon to be joined by my co-author, H.J.Raine to post all sorts of fun things from titles to excerpts to extras.

Raine and I write in a world called New Amsterdam: it's like NYC landscape meets Chicago's machine meets Gotham's darkness. Hearts Under Fire came out last July, "The New Deal" was released in November, and we're busily working on short pieces and novels in our cozy little home.

We're very happy to be among such amazing people, and delighted to have the blog for today. We're also hosting the Torquere Press Social Site today, too! Come join us for tea, cake, prompts, and just the right amount of chaos.

Much love and many thanks!
Kelly Wyre & H.J. Raine
Kelly's Blog
Kelly's Facebook
Raine's Blog
Raine's Facebook

Excerpt from Hearts Under Fire:
Gay? Clark blinked. Of course Clark was gay. The bartender went still for a moment -- a leftover from training that taught him that moving when confused or startled could get one killed. He replayed the conversation, forced the bullshit bits about his eye and the past away from his thoughts, and finally caught up to the rumor business.

Under normal circumstances, Clark thought he might be more upset that somebody got him off his game -- even for a split second or two. But some weird additional heat was mixing in with the desire to get this man alone in a dark room and learn what his skin tasted like.

"Oh? Do you?" Clark said as he leaned back in and brushed his thumb over the back Daniel's right hand. "I've acquired a taste for it myself."

"Have you, now?" Daniel asked. He caught the wandering hand with his left and tried to turn it over. The lightness of Clark's skin against the darkness of Daniel's hand fascinated Clark, and want stirred in Clark's bloodstream and groin like some grinning cat poised over a cornered mouse. Clark hummed and pressed his thumb into Daniel's palm for a light squeeze with a hint of very short nail. Clark relented and let the other man move his hand as he liked.

"I guess I've had a taste for it ever since I remember," Daniel said. He spread Clark's fingers on the bar and traced the life and health lines as if divining things from Clark's skin. "That is part of my trepidation over the wedding. They've never physically beaten me up about it, just tried to get me to date more girls."

Clark found it was harder than it had any right to be for him to follow Daniel's words instead of the trails of fire igniting on Clark's skin. Mentally, he chastised himself for getting so worked up. Then he chastised himself for chastising himself over feeling something good.

Truly, it was one long game of punch-for-punch in Clark's head sometimes.

"'More girls?'" Clark repeated, refusing to look away from Daniel's face. He relaxed his arm and hand with effort. "Implying there were girls to season your taste early on?"

"Mmhm," Daniel hummed, brushing his thumbnail against the Mound of Mars under Clark's thumb. "Beauty is still beauty, as are intelligence and courage. Though I admit that my aunt was just beside herself when I was dating a girl who was graduating summa cum laude."

"I'm sure," Clark agreed, grateful for the new information to distract him from the urge to full-body flinch from the casual touches. Calculating, he rolled his fingers and stroked the underside of Daniel's wrist. "I'm sure they'll all be glad to see you. Sounds like the kind of family that wants you to be happy above all else." Touch, drag, press of fingertip, and Clark's heart beat faster.

Daniel squeezed Clark's hand and released him. "I don't know about happy, but they're always there when I need them. That's a good thing."

Clark watched Daniel grab the beer and empty it with one last, long pull. He shifted his weight from foot to foot, struggling with an internal wrestling match that started when Daniel let go of him. He instantly regretted the loss of contact and chided himself for it. It wasn't sudden, so Clark didn't think he'd offended. But something was off.

"Having that kind of support is rarely a bad thing," Clark commented, trying to sort through the Daniel-flavored consternation.

"Indeed," Daniel said, finishing the sandwich. The furrow was back between Daniel's brows, and Clark shook his head, bemused, before reaching to cover Daniel's entire hand with his own.

Giving an affectionate squeeze, Clark leaned closer, playful again. "You're thinking hard enough to make my head hurt."

Daniel blinked and then laughed, the smile reaching the corners of his eyes. The effect took Clark's breath away.

Story Excerpt from "The New Deal":
Rough denim rubbed against Maxwell Clark's lips, and he mouthed the hardening cock he could feel beneath the fabric. Clark kept his hands behind his back at his lover's instruction, grip digging into the flesh above his elbows. Fingers raked through Clark's hair and tightened in warning. The professor didn't actually say stop, however, and Clark dragged teeth along the thick line straining the front of Daniel Germain's jeans.

Buttons popped and clattered to the floor as Daniel ripped open his dress shirt. "Damnit, Clark, when I asked you to wait for me on your knees, this isn't quite what I had in mind."

Clark chuckled, and Daniel groaned as Clark dug deeper, the jeans growing damp. Daniel tugged again at Clark's hair, twisting just the way Clark liked. "Though I do love your sense of initiative," Daniel murmured, and he let go of Clark to rip apart his cuffs.

"Just keeping myself occupied in full service capacity, Sir," Clark said around a smile, while Daniel impatiently shrugged out of confining work clothes. Clark had lost his shirt, shoes, and socks on the way up the stairs after the dinner that had led to a brief negotiation of the games that would serve as a damned fine dessert. He expected his pants would follow in short order, and impatience swirled beneath the knowledge of protocols to observe and procedures to follow. Daniel didn't like to wander too far from the outlined beating path.

Still, it didn't hurt to hurry some of the details along, and Daniel wasn't exactly complaining. Clark caught the tongue of Daniel's belt between his teeth and yanked it to the side to undo it. Warm hands fell to Clark's shoulders, and Daniel's legs spread for balance. "You do have a talented mouth, love," Daniel said. "Finish and then stand for me."

On Sale This Week

2011-12-14T07:58:00.001-08:00

This week we have books by Tam Ames, Carole Cummings, M. Durango, Sean Michael, AR Moler, Hayden Thorne, and BA Tortuga on sale at 20% off.

Check them out.

New Releases for December 14

2011-12-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

Needing To by BA Tortuga

Boone doesn’t think he’ll find much on his Reno hotel TV, but he’s looking for a little something to brighten his day. Instead of adult entertainment, though, he finds an advertisement for the headlining act at the casino, rock star Gerald High. Boone doesn’t know Gerald High from Adam, but he knows the man behind the stage name: his old high school buddy, Danny.

Lead singer Danny is a mess when Boone forces his way into the penthouse suite, not sure he knows what day it is, or even where he is. He remembers Boone though, the cowboy who got away all those years ago. Can Boone give Danny the merry Christmas he never expected to have?

Find out today!

Daddy, Daddy and Me by Sean Michael

When Jeff agreed to be the sperm donor to his best friend Beth, he never expected a tragedy to leave his newborn and three year old motherless. That's exactly what's happened, though, and it's totally thrown his life into chaos: his lover has left him, his house isn't anywhere near childproof and his boss feels the restaurant has been patient enough with the time off.

Donny has always known he wanted to be in childcare, and he just finished his degree in early childhood education. He didn't count on people being less than thrilled to hire him when they find out that not only is he a male nanny, but a gay one at that. Job hunting has been frustrating to say the least, so when he knocks on Jeff's door and is greeted by the sounds of things breaking and a pair of screaming children, he thinks, just maybe, he can begin this particular interview with a trial by fire.

Becoming the nanny to Jeff's children just might be a dream come true for Danny, and exactly what Jeff needs, but are either one of them ready to really be a family?

Find out today!

Gravity, a Hammer Novel by Sean Michael

It's never easy to run into an ex-lover, especially when the break-up was a bad one. That's exactly what happens to Hunter Barrister one evening at the Hammer, though, and he's more upset over seeing the amazingly beautiful Forrest Greune again than he ever thought he could be. When he finds out that Forrest is not only back in town for good, but wants to join the Hammer Club, board member Hunter balks and refuses to give his consenting vote.

Forrest, a now retired model, isn't the same flighty young thing he was when he and Hunter were together, and he wishes Hunter could just move on. When that doesn't happen, he finds himself amusing himself, elsewhere with disastrous results. Broken and injured, Forrest is surprised to find Hunter the one at his bedside, the one who sticks with him and offers support through everything.

Can Forrest and Hunter put their history behind them and be what they need for each other, or will guilt, fear and the past put an end to the relationship neither of them seem to be able to abandon?

Find out today!

Naughty: Mandatory Fun, a Torquere Menage story by AR Moler

The head of Special Investigative Services, John Benchley, dreads the holiday season. During the autumn of the last two years, he’s lost two friends and fellow agents: one to a senseless robbery and one to the predations of a supernatural being that SIS was created to combat. The last thing he wants to do right now is participate in the mandatory Yuletide interagency bash. In particular, he’d really, really like to avoid an old hook-up, the man-eating Madison Carthage. Gabrielle Dichenz and Evan Garrett, his current lovers, promise him a reward for being a good boy and hanging in there. Sexy grown-up presents are good; love and support are better. John’s Christmas season just might take a turn for the better this year.

Get your copy today!

Naughty: The Santa Problem by Tam Ames

Lane would do most anything to make his live-in love Gavin happy, but this is taking things too far. Just because Gavin can’t find someone to play Santa at his office building doesn’t mean it’s Lane’s problem, too. But Gavin can be very persuasive when he wants his way, and Lane may be taking on more than he can handle in order to keep his man content.

Pick up your copy today!

Nice: Christmas Mistletoe by M. Durango

Ben Warren’s year is ending on a down note: he dumped his two-timing boyfriend, got laid off from his job, and moved home with his parents. Not sure what to do next, he spends the Christmas season working at his family’s Christmas Tree lot, a job he thought he’d left behind years before. When Nick Paine, a former high school track buddy, shows up in search of the perfect tree, Ben thinks it’s just another business transaction. Once Nick makes it obvious his interest is more personal, Ben realizes his year might end on a positive note after all.

Get your copy today!

Aisling 3 by Carole Cummings

Newfound love might not be enough. Trust holds the possibility of both salvation and damnation.

Circumstances having forced them to seek asylum in Lind, Wil and Dallin are momentarily safe, but find themselves at the center of a convergence they’re not sure they’re strong enough to face. The power of the land and the Mother awaits Wil in the bowels of Lind, but it comes with strings attached. With Dallin's help, Wil must find a way to defeat the soul-eater, save the Father, Her Beloved, and manage to keep his soul in the process.

Through deduction and magic and mutual strength, Dallin and Wil must accept their roles as the Guardian and the Aisling and stand together against a ruthless god in a climactic battle of dreams and wills. The fates of their souls and those of all mortals hang in the balance. But what good is the power of love if the one who needs it doesn't know how to trust?

Aisling: Book Three, Beloved Son, is the third book in the Aisling series. Other titles in the Aisling series include Book One: Guardian, and Book Two: Dream.

Pick up your copy today!

Desmond and Garrick Book 2 by Hayden Thorne

As the vain and self-absorbed poets continue their campaign of destruction via awful verse and catastrophic romantic advice in Dryden Abbey, tutor Garrick finds himself struggling in the classroom, with increasingly distracted and agitated pupils eroding all of his hard work and reducing him to using all things dead and decaying in order to keep Desmond and Lavinia’s minds on their lessons. As if that isn’t enough, his parents embark on a mad countryside ramble, their ultimate destination being Dryden Abbey and a face-to-face meeting with their son’s unholy employers.

Meanwhile, with Phillip Priestley’s unexpected appearance, Desmond’s world slowly unravels as infatuation, lust, confusion, and revulsion drive him into wilder mood swings and an overwhelming desire to play with his father’s antique executioner’s axe. Mr. Sherbourne’s coldly distant yet attractive presence in Dryden Abbey further complicates things, prompting Desmond to do something he never thought he’ll ever do: reach out to unlikely allies for help.

In the midst of the wild goings on around them, Garrick and Desmond will realize that the chasm that separates them as distinct species will not only teach them important lessons on understanding and acceptance, but also forge a stronger bond of friendship than they expected.

Get your copy today!

Winners from Monday

2011-12-13T22:59:00.000-08:00

So I threw everyone's name in and pulled one out, and Sarah won the Torquere gift certificate! :D Sarah, send me your e-mail address at angiebenedetti at gmail dot com, and I'll send you your GC.

Only two people commented on the post for the tote bags, so I flipped a coin, and Stevie won. :D Stevie, send me an e-mail at angiebenedetti at gmail dot com with your mailing address and I'll get it out to you.

Thanks to everyone for commenting on Monday, and congrats to the winners!

Angie

Stock Up Sale!

2011-12-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

It's time to stock up for the holidays! So we're offering 20% off your purchases from now through the end of day Sunday so you can do just that! Just put 'stock2011' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books before Sunday at midnight to get 20% off your order.

Sale good now through Sunday December 18 at Midnight (est).

Stock up for the holidays with some books from Torquere Press today!

Discount codes are provided as a courtesy to our customers. Torquere Press Inc. cannot be responsible for discounting purchases made before coupons/sales are announced, and cannot issue discounts to customers who fail to use the coupon or discount code during the purchase process.

Christmas isn't really almost here, is it? I need a laugh...

2011-12-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hey, good morning/evening! I thought I'd start us out with a good laugh. My brother sent this to me a few days ago.

Merry almost Christmas! Hard to believe we've just about reached the homestretch. What's happening in your house these days as you get ready?

Family drama is strong around my neck of the woods. Divorce, in-law in-fighting, etc. Can't imagine a holiday dinner without it... makes we long for a quiet cabin in the woods, with a roaring fire, great red wine, a sweet companion, and my dogs, of course!

Would love to hear from you on your top gift requests/suggestions. I've got lots of ideas for my list, and some of them are on order. For instance, I just found the cutest, funniest boxer briefs on Amazon yesterday for my nephews.

Take a look and tell me what you think:

Hidden Magic Sequels

2011-12-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Sara asked in my previous post about sequels to A Hidden Magic. I've been working on two sequels, actually -- Book 2, which is about Paul and Rory again, has been in the works pretty much since I finished the first book. And I set that aside (because I thought I was just a couple of chapters from finishing it [cough]) in November and started Book 3, which is about Manny, for NaNoWriMo. So I have 50K words and change of Book 3 ready to be picked up as soon as I finish Book 2.

And actually, it's a good thing I started Book 3 when I did, because it takes place concurrently with 2. In 2, most of the gang heads off to Seattle to find Rory's dad, whom he hasn't seen since he was a teenager, while Manny stays in San Jose to mind the fort. Manny has an adventure of his own while the rest of the guys are tracking down evil (or maybe just stupis?) mages in Seattle. But because they happen at the same time, there are some points where the two books touch, when the guys are checking in with one another through e-mail or over the phone. Making sure the stories mesh where they're supposed to has meant a couple of fix-its to Book 2 already, so I'm glad it wasn't alread done and published before I started 3.

I'm pretty sure Book 2 is close to wrapping -- in fact I'll probably finish this week, and maybe tonight. [crossed fingers] I hit 100K words last night O_O and I know what I want to do from here on, pretty much. I'm a dedicated pantser, so I never know when the boys will spring something on me. At this point, though, a signifcant book-lengthening surprise really wouldn't work with the flow of the story, so I'm fairly certain the end is near, yay!

Once it's done, I'll go over it with sandpaper -- spelling, punctuation, that sort of thing -- and fix a couple of things from earlier chapters to match decisions I made later on. Then it's off to Torquere, and I'll dive back into Book 3, which with any luck is already more than half done. [crossed fingers]

For this post, a Hidden Magic special -- commenters on this post will be entered into a drawing for a Hidden Magic tote bag. It's a black bag with silver printing, with the text from the front of the book -- the title and my name, in that same awesome typeface my artist Skylar Sinclair used when she did the cover. It's not a huge bag, but it's big enough for your lunch and a soda and a book. :) The winner can e-mail me their mailing address and I'll send it off this week.

Angie

Holiday Books?

2011-12-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

What's your favorite holiday-themed book?Angie

Coming This Week

2011-12-12T06:29:00.000-08:00

Coming on Wednesday:
Christmas Mistletoe by M. Durango (Holiday Sip MM)
Daddy, Daddy and Me by Sean Michael (Top Shelf MM)
Gravity, a Hammer novel by Sean Michael (Top Shelf MM)
Mandatory Fun by AR Moler (Holiday Sip MMF)
Needing To by BA Tortuga (Xmas Single Shot MM)
The Santa Problem by Tam Ames (Holiday Sip MM)

Coming on Wednesday from Prizm Books:
Aisling 3 by Carole Cummings
Desmond and Garrick 2 by Hayden Thorne

Winter Wonderland

2011-12-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm Angela Benedetti, and I'm driving the bus today here at the blog. Everyone who comments today on one of my posts will get a raffle ticket -- max one per post -- and tomorrow I'll draw a name to get a $10 Torquere gift certificate. :)

I was born in San Francisco and grew up in Silicon Valley -- San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, that area. I remember when I was small, learning in school that winter was the season when it snowed. :/ Obviously it'd never been winter at my house, because I'd never seen snow except for TV and movies. (I was in my late thirties before I ever experienced actual snow, more than the once-every-dozen-years sprinkling on the valley floor that San Jose gets, which melts before 9am.) Back then, though, school books as well as other children's books, plus movies and TV shows and magazines and such all assumed that everyone lived in New England or the Midwest, and when you're five or six, this is really confusing. Common birds -- cardinals, orioles, chickadees...? I've still never seen any of those birds outside of photos or video. Children's magazines had craft projects for things like a suet ball covered in birdseed that would be hung from a (bare, leafless) tree as a bird feeder in winter when it was snowing. Snow again, and what's suet? And there are more of those cardinals in the picture! [bemused smile]

When I was in fifth grade, we were singing "White Christmas" for the school holiday show (which hints at how old I am) and our teacher found an intro that was perfect for our area:

The sun is shining, the grass is green,

The wind makes the trees all suede.

There's never been such a day

In beautiful San Jose.

But it's December the twenty-fourth,

And I am longing to be... up... north.... [go into song]

That was the first time I'd ever sung a Christmas song that specifically acknowledged that I did not live in a climate where deep snow and ice was the assumed backdrop for the holiday. It was pretty cool, and I've always liked that version of the song.

Nowadays there's a tiny bit of acknowledgement in media that some of us live in places where white Christmases are rare or nonexistent, which I assume results in fewer confused six-year-olds in the current generation of kids.

Does your area conform to the media norm when it comes to seasons? If so, does the picturesque view make up for the fact that everything's covered in frozen water? :) If not, what does Christmas look like to you? Do people in other warm climates put up Christmas trees with fake snow on them, while everyone's running around in T-shirts? And what did Christmas look like in kids' books when you were little?

Angie, who's going to bed now and will be back later

Christmas Gift Tips

2011-12-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Is everyone done with their Christmas shopping yet? I bet the answer is no. One of my favorite things about Christmas is giving someone I care for a gift that makes their eyes light up. But it's even better if it's also a gift that gives twice.

Now I bet you're thinking "How can a gift give twice?" The answer is easy - you buy a fundraising item as a gift. Now you're both giving the gift to the recipient, and giving a gift to the charity the item is raising funds for. Of course not every fundraiser is appropriate for everyone - I suspect lots of you have family who would not really appreciate a Torquere title, but for those of you who do have people on your gift list who enjoy a good GLBTQ romance, you can get that double value by picking them up one or all of this year's charity stories: Torquere's It Get's Better Charity Sip Blitz

I'm naturally partial to my own offering, Salvage Operation, but there are a lot of great stories in the collection this year. They make great stocking stuffers.

Paying it Forward

2011-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

Sorry I’m popping in so late with this – I double-booked myself, and then failed to get this to post before I had to run out the door this morning to a workshop. But, better late than never.

It being the holidays, I’ve been reflecting on the good things in life. Aside from breaking my foot last week there are quite a lot of them – a day job I enjoy, the most wonderful woman in the world is my wife, I live in a state where she can be my wife, and I have a lap full of warm, happy cat as I type this.

Another thing I’ve been appreciating lately is my fellow writers. Collectively they’re amazingly generous people. The Torquere family has some really amazing people. I’m going to avoid naming names because it would be a long list, and I’d inevitable mess up and forget someone I should have mentioned. Over and over again I see someone new join our group after their first sale, to be met with congratulations and open arms. And not only that – when they have questions people are full of helpful practical advice – how to market better, how to start a web site, beta reads when you just can’t seem to nail a second sale, and more.

Writers on the whole are generous with their time. There are communities all over the internet filled with people who will give you genuinely helpful advice on how to improve your work so you can compete with them. They write blogs full of advice. Some of them mentor people individually. And it all adds up to helping that newcomer break into publication so they can potentially compete with you for the reader’s hard-earned dollars, time and attention. Yet they do it anyway, and are genuinely happy for the new kid on the block when they finally land a contract for something.

There are precious few other businesses or professions I can think of where the established practitioners are anything close to that helpful and encouraging to the new guy trying to get started. To for all my writer friends, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Thank You for being there.

Holiday Goodies

2011-12-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Eden, for the opportunity to post with you today! I am wrapping gifts already; the kids are out and about, and can't peek.

Lots of holidays fall in December, and some of us celebrate other than Christmas. Well, some of us celebrate Christmas, too, in a general, non-religious way. The Marital Unit and I come from different backgrounds, so I have the menorah out, and sometimes, like this year, we say the blessings over the candles by the light of the Christmas tree. The boys are a tad confused, but they are old enough now to "get it," and know the Hebrew by heart.

I finally got over the idea of having a Christmas tree in the house--his traditions are as important as mine--and stopped wrapping strands of lights over the ficus and the sheffleras. Besides, as I used to implore my folks when I was young, the evergreens inside smell so good! Not that coming downstairs and seeing the tree with lights doesn't still give me a jolt.

I love giving people gifts. I love choosing just the right thing to suit someone, or picking up on the odd comment about likes and wants. It's rather fun to see their faces when they unwrap the something they've been wanting. (The seventeen-year-old has been dreaming of a car this year, and that, alas for him, will not happen.)

Brent, from Training Cats, has a gift-giving problem with Tyler, who's never quite satisfied. This is a Torquere Charity Sip, which gives you the opportunity to do some good in the world by benefitting the It Gets Better project when you pick up any of the charity shorts. Training Cats is part of my On Call series, featuring Keith and Dante, who make a cameo appearance in this story.

As a holiday gift to you, email me at pd DOT singer AT live DOT com, for a free story from the On Call series!

It's my birthday!

2011-12-10T08:05:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday, but ya'll get the gift!

Two years ago my holiday-themed Tinsel and Frost released at Christmas and has been out of print since January 2011. Well, Frost and Tony have been demanding their own novel, so this short story will probably not publish again. However, since it's my birthday, and I'm in a gift-giving mood, if you email me at edenwinters @ gmail dot com sometime this weekend, I'll be happy to send you a copy.

Blurb:

The last time Tony danced, he wore the spangles and tights of the Nutcracker’s Prince and the audience threw roses at the stage. One career-ending accident later, he’s dancing again, and he’s not proud of hoping that the audience will reward him with twenties.

Frost, the big, pale bouncer, has reasons of his own for keeping a watchful eye on Tony. He keeps his distance, too, until he has to bounce an aggressive customer who takes things with Tony too far. They have a short, shared walk home but a huge divide between their lives. Do Tony and Frost have more in common than they believe?

Good morning (afternoon, night, way-too-early), whatever it happens to be where you are!

2011-12-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Hi ya'll! Happy Saturday!

The holidays are upon us, and last year I released a holiday-themed Single Shot called The Match Before Christmas. Little did I know at the time that Barry and Adam would demand a second story. Fanning the Flames is timed around their first Valentine's Day. Well, it seems readers fell in love with a secondary character from those two shorts, and that's how cuddly nerd Otis got his own story.

A Lie I Can Live With is more Thanksgiving-themed than Christmas, but why break up the set? Here's the blurbs for all three, and where you can find them:

The Match Before Christmas

Candlelight, mistletoe, gaily wrapped packages beneath a trimmed tree, and someone to share it with. That's all Barry Richards wants for Christmas. Desperate for a traditional holiday, he takes drastic measures. Creating a profile on "GetaDate.com," he hopes to find the perfect man in a matter of weeks. One date after another goes sour, while all around him friends are falling in love, and Barry starts to lose faith. The first snow falls and the world is filled with seasonal cheer, all except for Barry, for whom time is running out. Facing the prospect of a lonely holiday, he tries just once more to make The Match Before Christmas.

Fanning the Flames

The man of Barry's dreams has gone from a sugarplum fantasy to sweet reality, thanks to the GLBT dating site GetaDate.com. Introducing a new boyfriend to the family and settling into coupledom isn't the easiest thing in the world for a man with little dating experience, but the romantic demands of Valentine's Day are beyond Barry's imagination. His piteous cry for help brings all kinds of suggestions from family and friends. Fully believing he's found the perfect ways to charm his sweetheart, Barry isn't prepared to hear "Achoo!" at every turn. Adam's allergic to what? And will sneezes and welts wreck Barry's painstaking plans for fanning the flames?

A Lie I Can Live With

With a few extra pounds and a geek reputation, Otis Tucker despairs of ever finding someone to share his life with. When the GLBT dating service GetaDate.com matches him with handsome hunk Garret, he thinks it's some kind of joke. But the more he learns of Garret, the more he realizes that even gorgeous people can be taken at face value and that Mr. Perfects come in many different sizes.

Happy reading!

Happy Holidays to all!

2011-12-08T18:53:00.001-08:00

I've got a little smutty advent calender kind of thing going over on my LJ this month. There's something new every day for December.

And check out my revamped website!

Happy Holidays to you, no matter how you celebrate it, I hope it's a wonderful time for you. And Happy New Year, too!

Sean Michael
www.seanmichaelwrites.com

Holiday Stories

2011-12-08T15:24:00.001-08:00

I have two holiday stories coming out this month -- did I mention I really enjoy writing holiday stories? Both of them are set in the Hammer world.

The first has become a bit of a tradition, working around the Christmas Charity Auction that the Hammer Club puts on every year: this is the third year I've done one. The other is a short that takes place between Christmas and New Year's.

Christmas Homecoming, a Hammer story -- Grady's been waiting for over two years to see his lover, Joey, who's been deployed in Afghanistan. It looks like it's going to be Valentine's Day at the earliest before they're reunited, though. Oliver's been keeping Grady busy during the holiday season, and he just might have a Christmas surprise for Grady that the man will never forget.

New Legs New Year, a Hammer story -- Jeremy should be happy -- he and Simon had a great Christmas and are looking forward to New Year's Eve. He's got new legs, though, and he doesn't like that at all. Can Simon convince him to focus on the positive, and help him do it, too?

Christmas Homecoming will be out December 21.
New Legs New Year will be out December 28.

Sean Michael
www.seanmichaelwrites.com

Graviity and Daddy, Daddy and Me.

2011-12-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned Gravity and Daddy, Daddy and Me last time I was here, but now I have covers to go with them.

This Hammer novel features Hunter and Forrest, two men with a history who think they can't possibly have anything to do with each other anymore. A terrible event proves that maybe they're still exactly what each other needs.

When Jeff agreed to be the sperm doner to his best friend Beth, he never expected a tragedy to leave his newborn and three year old motherless. That's exactly what's happened, though, and it's totally thrown his life into chaos: his lover has left him, his house isn't at all childproof and his boss feels they've been patient enough with the time off. Could nanny Donny be exactly what Jeff needs, both for his kids, and himself?

Gravity and Daddy, Daddy and Me will be available next week -- December 14!

Sean Michael
www.seanmichaelwrites.com

Snow, 'tis the season

2011-12-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

We had a light dusting of snow yesterday, but it has been unseasonably warm and there's been very little precipitation this year. It just doesn't seem like Christmas without snow, though, so I'm hoping we get a bunch before too long.

For folks living in warmer climes, and on the other side of the world, I know Christmas doesn't come with snow -- what are your cues for Christmas? The things that it just wouldn't be the same without?

While the weather can be unpredictable, the fact that it gets dark earlier and earlier leading up to the Solstice isn't. It's one of the reasons why the Christmas lights are so enjoyable -- if it's going to be fully dark by five, there might as well be pretty lights to look at, right?

And then there's the food. It seems that everyone, no matter where they are in the world has some special food that they always have at Christmas. For me, it's red cabbage and caramel potatoes. What about you?

Sean Michael
www.seanmichaelwrites.com

On Sale This Week

2011-12-07T05:00:00.001-08:00

This week we have books by Berengaria Brown, Mara Ismine, Amy Lane, Chris Owen, and M. Raiya on sale for 20% off.

Check them out.

New Releases for December 7

2011-12-07T04:43:00.000-08:00

Day and Night: Turquoise by Chris Owen

Steve Hughes and Luke Jones know they like each other, but they're not too sure if their cosplay characters will get along at all. At EscapeCon Steve becomes Captain Emerson Langdon-Hughes, a military inspired Steampunk captain. Luke Jones becomes Lucas Pickett, an authority-hating shopkeeper who will only deal with customers of rank because he wants their money. For most customers that means a few teasing comments, but for Steve's Captain there might be something special in store.

When Steve finds a particularly wonderful treasure among Luke's items he's eager to pay top dollar. Luke, however, won't even discuss the matter, taking the turquoise cufflinks out of sight and all but kicking Steve out of the storefront. What's so special about them? And if Captain Langdon-Hughes can't get along with Lucas Pickett, what does that mean for Steve and Luke?

Find out today!

Being, Green's Hill Werewolves Book 6, a Torquere Menage story by Amy Lane

Teague has never asked for anything in his entire life. Until now.

The wedding is over and the real work has begun. Teague was almost killed in the line of duty, and everyone has felt the consequences. While Jack, Teague, and Katy grapple with Teague’s injuries and their implications, the Lady Cory who protects them all is forced to deal with an entirely different development—one she is almost completely unaware of. But when Teague needs help protecting his mates, Cory and Bracken jump into action. Literally.

But Cory almost died saving Teague’s life, and now she’s the one who needs saving. Teague Sullivan has been willing to sacrifice everything in defense of his queen and his lovers except his pride. Will he be able to live with the consequences of asking for help?

Find out today!

Nice: Happy Commitment by Berengaria Brown

Damaris has loved Larnie for a long time. Larnie welcomes Damaris’ advances, but is unwilling to commit to a true relationship. After a night of excellent sex, Larnie explains why she is acting this way. Can this holiday season bring a change in Larnie’s attitudes?

Find out today!

Nice: The Dragon and the Mistletoe by M. Raiya

Dragon-shifter Varian Kendall would rather face a sword than have to pick out a Christmas present for his flamboyant lover, Josh. But this is their first real Christmas together, and he knows he must find something special to go into the red, lacy, fishnet stocking Josh has hung by their tree. But what Varian comes up with is only one of the surprises waiting for them on Christmas Eve.

Varian and Josh first appeared in Notice.

Get your copy today!

Nice: The Joy of Christmas Shopping by Mara Ismine

Is visiting a sex shop with your best friend a good antidote to Christmas shopping? Or is it a good way to move the relationship to something more than just best friends? Keith and David are about to find out.

Pick up your copy today!

Where To Find Us

2011-12-06T06:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of our titles

We can be found on Live Journal:
Andy Slayde
Ali Wilde

Facebook:
Andy Slayde
Ali Wilde

Twitter:
Andy Slayde
Ali Wilde

Angels We Have While High

2011-12-06T05:58:00.000-08:00

This ebook will be out of print soon - as in sometime this month.

Toy Box: Twisted Presents

Angels We Have While High

It's all fun and games. Until someone freaks out.

Alex and Zed, from Drawing Conclusions and The Art of Seduction, are back from spending Christmas with family, are ready to celebrate their first Christmas together their own way. A little too full of 'Christmas cheer', the boys are set for a relaxing night of cuddling in front of the Christmas tree. That is, until a friend turns up... with an Angel in tow. Suddenly, Zed finds himself being used as inspiration for someone else's art. His own artist/boyfriend seems to be inspired too.

What happens when those that think they're Demons want to be Angels, those that are named Angel don't care what they are and someone who thinks like Satan unsuccessfully tries manipulating them?

Blurred Clarity

2011-12-06T05:55:00.000-08:00

Blurred Clarity takes place in Summerset, New York. We love our city of Summerset. Some many of our stories are linked to it. It's like 6 degrees of separation via Summerset.

Ash Gray: Blurred Clarity

What happens when good and evil don’t so much collide as merely annoy each other? Which, when young men are involved, quite often means that they really want to get to know each other.

Ash, a low level demon, and Cas, a low level angel, become aware of each other -- in more ways than one -- and set out to prove that good and evil can exist in close contact, even complementing each other. They blur the lines and cross them frequently with surprising and almost devastating results.

For a Sample and to Buy this eBook
Authors' Extra

Just Lucky That Way

2011-12-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Alex and Zed have been in several stories:

1. Drawing Conclusions in Taste Test: Artistically Yours (oop)
2. The Art of Seduction in Toy Box: Body Paint (oop)
3. Angels We Have While High in Toy Box: Twisted Presents (soon to be oop)

We are planning to rework the stories and make them available again. Hopefully in the beginning of the new year.

Just Lucky That Way
Just because Zed Roxbury is hearing voices doesn’t mean he’s insane.
And if he is, all of his friends are joining him.
Surely doing a favor for a friend should bring good karma, but a fun 4th July holiday turns into much more than anyone could have anticipated when bad luck dogs Zed. And the voices are just a small part of it. Could the opal brooch he finds have anything to do with it? Or perhaps it’s just Zed’s irresistible allure…
Maybe the past should stay buried.

For a sample & to buy this ebook
Author Extra
Trailer

St. Nickolaus Day!

2011-12-06T04:50:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Nickolaus Day to everyone!
I'm German and we celebrate this holiday. It is usually just for kids but I ignored that memo. You leave your shoe on the windowsill in the hopes that St. Nick soon would be there. In the morning you find your shoe filled with sweets and little gifts. Which is a nice warm-up to the big visit by St. Nick on the 24th. Yes, we celebrate on the 24th. The 25th and 26th are the first and second days of Christmas and each is also celebrated.

I am lucky enough to be visiting my aunt and uncle this Christmas near Hamburg. I can't wait. I was there last year as well.

I look forward to eating lots of Lebkuchen and Spekulatius and Stollen... and going to all the Lübeck Christmas market.

Questions

2011-12-06T04:41:00.001-08:00

Any questions about us or our stories - ask away!
I will do my best to answer them.

Good Morning!

2011-12-06T04:32:00.000-08:00

Good morning and Happy St. Nickolaus Day!
I'm hosting the blog today, sadly my partner in crime, Ali Wilde is unable to be here today. I'll be posting some info on our latest releases, talking about the holiday and whatever else I can come up with.

-Andy

Review Round-Up on LiveJournal

2011-12-05T16:41:00.001-08:00

Come enjoy the latest review round-up on our Live Journal Community.

New Releases Catch Up Sale!

2011-12-05T14:06:00.000-08:00

We know that you may have missed some new releases over the holidays, so that now that they're over, we're giving you a chance to catch up with 15% off your purchases from now through the end of day Saturday! Just put 'newre2011' in the coupon code box any time you check out at Torquere Books before Saturday at midnight to get 15% off your order.

Sale good now through Saturday December 10 at Midnight (est).

Catch up on our new releases at Torquere Press today!

Discount codes are provided as a courtesy to our customers. Torquere Press Inc. cannot be responsible for discounting purchases made before coupons/sales are announced, and cannot issue discounts to customers who fail to use the coupon or discount code during the purchase process.

Meme Monday: "Happy Holidays"

2011-12-05T04:58:00.000-08:00

1. Do you send out holiday cards? If so, do you make them or buy them?

2. If you get a Christmas tree, do you prefer real or fake? Colored lights or all white?

3. Do you have any family traditions around the holidays?

4. Does it snow around the holidays where you live? Do you like it that way?

5. What is at the top of your holiday wishlist this year?

Coming This Week

2011-12-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

Coming on Wednesday:

Being, Green's Hill Werewolves Book 6, a TP menage story by Amy Lane (High Ball M/M/F)
Day and Night:Turquoise by Chris Owen (Birthstone M/M)
Naughty: Mandatory Fun, a TP menage story by AR Moler (Sip M/M/F)
Naughty: The Santa Problem by Tam Ames (Sip M/M)
Nice: Christmas Mistletoe by M. Durango (Sip M/M)

JB and Bentley [heart] 4ever

2011-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

The holidays are upon us, and with them holiday celebrations! In my other life as a dog trainer, I have a very wealthy client who hired me to help with her Great Dane, Bentley, who'd become dog aggressive. Re-training Bentley was possibly one of the longest undertakings I've ever had, aided along by my client's requests as Bents got better and better!

One request, for instance, was to be Bentley's handler in The Great Dane Drill Team of Los Gatos, and then to be in the holiday parade with the Drill Team! So today I'm resplendent in my Drill Team shirt and hat, and I'll be picking Bentley up at 10am to hit the Parade circuit with my fellow teammates. Given this is the second year in a row, I suspect I see a pattern forming...

What about others out there? Do you have things you like to see or do, be it the Macy's Day Parade or putting Hanukkah lights on Santa, as one of my Jewish clients did with her daughter? ("How do you tell a five year old she can't go see Santa?" she said to me, laughing. I thought it was brilliant!)

Of course, my favorite thing? GIFTS! My gift to myself this year was finishing the rough draft of the next Dragon story, Dragon Whisperer, just a few short weeks after Dragon Hatching hit the metaphorical shelves!

As a gift to you, here are excerpts from each story, in order. Enjoy!

Dragon Hunted

Everything hurt in the sort of way it hurt when he'd been drinking too much and his buddy, rather than stopping him, encouraged the bar-dancing, helped him brawl, and possibly tossed him down the stairs. Twice.

It was much better than it had been.

Ashe cracked a grime-encrusted eye, lashes resisting as they stuck together. Finally, though, he got that eye open and looked around.

Dirt. Murky sort of darkness. More dirt.

He licked his dry lips and debated how much he'd likely regret it if he tried to move. Finally deciding that moving was better than staying put, he braced one hand against the ground and pushed upward.

There was minimal world-swirling, and when it stabilized , everything came rushing back to him.

Light filtered through the opening to the cave, though it was still dim inside. When he looked toward the back of the cave he saw Katsu sprawled out between him and the wall, bare chest covered in writhing black tattoos and smeared blood. Ashe had never seen Katsu half naked before. His eyes traveled the swirls of ink, intricate and wildly beautiful, spilling over lean pectorals and a ribbed stomach.

Katsu slept, one tattooed arm over dark eyes, looking pale. His black trousers were coated in a fine patina of dust, little pools of it gathering in the folds of cloth.

Whatever Katsu'd done last night, he'd worn himself out. And saved Ashe's life.

Ashe twisted to look over his own shoulder, trying to get a glimpse of the lines Katsu had cut into him. They flared painfully, and something wet trickled down his ribs.

"Stop moving."

He froze, then looked back down. Katsu hadn't moved. Not even to open his eyes. His short black hair wasn't much cushion for his head. "How did you know I was moving?"

"You're awake, aren't you?" Finally, Katsu shifted his arm. There were dark circles under his eyes, which were bloodshot and puffy. "You're exhausting. Why do you get into so much trouble?" Katsu grimaced. "Why do I care?"

Ashe's heart leap ed, but he only gave Katsu a rueful grin and remembered, just in time, not to shrug. "It's a talent." It was hard not to keep looking at Katsu, spread out half naked beside him. With an effort, Ashe turned toward the cave opening. "Is the dragon still out there?"

Dragon Traders

He stood as well, movements stiff. "You can't expect me to do nothing all night. I can at least ask around. I can't just sit here while he could be dying somewhere--" Katsu cut off, visibly restraining himself. His hands curled into knots at his sides. Then, as he took a deep breath, they relaxed. When he looked at Eddie again, his mask was back in place, impassive and impervious. "I'll be smart. You get back here with the others quickly."

Eddie studied him for a long moment, but if there was anything to be read in his expression, it was far too subtle for her. "I will," she said at last.

It took only a few minutes to hail the tavern keeper and negotiate for a night's stay. Another few minutes to collect Katsu's belongings from his horse and pay for the horse and packhorse's overnight lodging in the stable. Eddie tightened her girth and bridled her mare, eying the sun. It was past midday, but not by too much. The sun hadn't fallen far. She mounted, wheeling her horse around to face Katsu once more. "We should be back no later than lunch tomorrow. Try and delay him leaving until then. Hopefully he'll have lots to load up and won't even try to leave earlier."

Katsu nodded wordlessly, tight-lipped.

Eddie hesitated, then made a decision. "Ashe thinks you're using him for sex. I think he's wrong."

Confusion crossed Katsu's features, followed by swift comprehension and vague annoyance. "I wouldn't let him stick around if I -- this isn't the time. Get out of here and get back."

Eddie nodded, spun her horse, and took off as fast as she could through the crowded city.

Dragon Hatching

Ashe started laughing, slinging his free arm around Katsu and pulling him close, cutting the words off with a kiss. It started out as the simple press of mouths, but deepened rapidly. Ashe dropped his clothes; they landed with a rustle by his feet, drowning out his inhalation as he skimmed his palms up Katsu's arms, moving carefully over the splint on one forearm. Ashe had graceful hands, with one finger less than a human's, pale against the dark cloth of Katsu's tunic. The moonlight blessed them, seeming to shine down brighter for a moment before the clouds scuttled across the moon, hiding them in shadow.

Still, Ashe's skin glowed with magic. He pulled Katsu's tunic off, letting it drop to the ground on top of his own clothes, exposing the twists and bends of inky dark tattoos. Ashe traced them with pale fingertips, down Katsu's muscular chest and stomach, back up across his shoulders, and down his arms. His forearms were bound, wrapped around and around with lengths of tan cloth, hiding the tattoos where they would have become visible beyond his sleeves.

Methodically, Ashe untied the knots that held the cloth in place on Katsu's good arm and unwound those strips as well.

Once free, Katsu ran callused hands, broad compared to Ashe's but still slim for a human, gently over Ashe's shoulders and down arms too slender to be mistaken as anything but elven. The ends of Katsu's wraps, partially undone, skimmed over the rest of Ashe, catching the light breeze and fluttering against Ashe's flank.

Ashe nuzzled in, face brushing under Katsu's jaw, ribs expanding as he took a deep breath. "You smell nice," he murmured on an exhalation.

Katsu licked his lips. "Nine hells, you feel--" He cut off, pressing his hands against Ashe's flesh again and closing his eyes tight.

"It's the magic," Ashe all but purred. He rubbed his face on Katsu's shoulder, tongue lapping out to taste firm skin. There was a moment when Ashe moved away and everything went silent, and then his mouth returned much lower to warm the skin on Katsu's abdomen, tongue licking slowly along the line of a tattoo. "It makes everything feel good," he continued quietly.

Katsu opened his eyes and looked down, gaze locked on the elf in front of him. "Does it always do this?"

"Make me horny?" Ashe chuckled. The sound came out lightly, blending with the small nighttime noises around them. "Most of the time." He unlaced Katsu's trousers as he nuzzled against the flat span of pelvis just before sparse, soft hair began.

And, as yet un-edited and un-released, the upcoming Dragon Whisperer!

Ashe ignored him, caught up in the realization that those desires were coming only secondarily to his own. "Katsu," he breathed, "I think it's working. I mean, Tabitha's training. I think it's really working!" His relief felt palpable. He knew, logically, that even in the last few days he'd gained some weight back -- but to know it in his mind and to feel it in his heart were two very different things. "I could have my life back!" He whirled, grinning as cream slopped over the edge of his cup and onto his hand. "We could head back to the mercenaries and go back to the way things were." With no Tabitha or anyone else who might tempt Katsu.

Even as Ashe thought it, he knew it was wrong. He couldn't stop the desire, anyway.

Ignorant of Ashe's thoughts, Katsu smiled contentedly and ate his fruit. Ashe slung an arm around his shoulders and squeezed, a little intimidated about doing anything else in this crowd that Katsu might not appreciate. Katsu, after all, wasn't precisely what Ashe would call demonstrative.

But Katsu didn't protest the arm or the squeeze, just steered them to a bench to sit. Ashe ate some of his fruit -- a few small strawberries, tart at the end of the season -- and thought about how nice it was not to feel so hazy all the time. "We'll have to keep getting eggs for it," he said suddenly, remembering that keeping it fed was half the battle.

"I suppose we could cage some chickens and take them along," Katsu answered. He leaned close, bumping his shoulder against Ashe's. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

"I am!" Ashe agreed enthusiastically, and Katsu laughed softly. "You have no idea what a relief this is!"

"Oh," Katsu said nonchalantly, "I do. It wasn't easy watching you get fainter and fainter."

Fainter and fainter, Ashe contemplated. It was a good description, given how his skin had paled and his body whittled away. Even his personality had gone, lost in a shroud of exhaustion. "Thanks for trying to fix it," Ashe said quietly. He settled against Katsu, keeping them in contact while they ate. "You know. For sticking with it." He held his breath, waiting for that damnable comment. For something like, "I don't let my patients go easily."

But Katsu gave a small smile to his fruit and cream, scooping out the last bites with the flat bit of polished wood they'd been given for that purpose. Ashe wasn't sure that was any better; he wondered if Katsu just liked the praise, or was actually happy. And if he was happy, was it because of the solution, the fruit, or Ashe?

These thoughts he didn't miss having. At least the exhaustion had taken them away, too. "I think Tabitha is pleased with my progress," he said, half hoping that Katsu would agree.

Katsu's smile was gone in an eyeblink. "Tabitha," Katsu snapped. "You have such an overwhelming desire to please, you can't even see she's a witch."

Ashe frowned, thinking back over the witches he'd known. "No," he said at last, "I don't think she is." He blinked and startled when Katsu glared at him.

"Not that kind of witch," Katsu bit off.

"You're making no sense."

Katsu stood, tossing his paper bowl into a bin. "A witch. Like a bitch, only more polite."

Ashe couldn't actually remember hearing Katsu insult someone so plainly before. He lifted his eyebrows in surprise, then tossed his paper cup and wandered after Katsu. "First off, a witch is a perfectly respectable occupation here, whether or not it is in your country." The jerk of Katsu's shoulders told him he'd hit home. "And second off -- I think you're jealous." He grinned as Katsu stiffened. This was even better than being told he was doing well. "You are! Why is that? Because Tabitha did something you couldn't? Because she saw me with my tunic off while examining the dragon mark? Because she rubbed salve all over my muscular chest?" That last was a joke; any muscle he'd had was long gone, and his chest was too bony to be sexy. He thought it might break through Katsu's irritation, but instead Katsu froze, then walked quickly and quietly toward the mouth of an alleyway.

Ashe followed, all playfulness gone. He knew that look; not in Katsu, necessarily, but he'd seen it in other mercenaries. Alarm and a hunting instinct, as they snuck up on prey that could be dangerous. Ashe caught up and passed Katsu, knowing full well that of the two of them, he had more recent experience fighting. Perhaps he couldn't speak to Katsu's past, but it was a certainty that the medic stayed behind the lines as often as possible.

Happy Holidays!
JB McDonald

December Recipe: Incredibly Easy Artichoke Dip

2011-12-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's December, and no matter who you are, no matter what you do, that probably means you'll be attending some kind of pot-luck gathering. And you're going to need a recipe. And it needs to be easy. And taste good. So, here's my solution:

Incredibly Easy Artichoke Dip

I started making this artichoke dip about five years ago, and now my family begs me to bring
it to every gathering. We barely eat main dishes at Christmas. It’s all about the appetizers. This dip is savory, delicious, and above all... easy!

Ingredients:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated parmesan
1 (14 ounces) jar marinated artichoke hearts*

*Make sure they’re marinated or your dip won’t taste like anything other than bland. Trust
me, I’ve made that mistake before.

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Drain artichoke hearts and cut them up by hand or in a food processor if you have one.
(I don’t. Santa? Little help?)
3. In a big bowl, mix together mayo, parmesan and artichokes.
4. Transfer mixture to any oven-ready bowl or dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the dip is golden brown and bubbly, and the savory aroma
has infiltrated every inch of your home.

Wasn’t that easy?!?

Serving Suggestions:

Now, unless your guests are all comfortable sticking their hands into the communal dish,
you’ll probably want to serve this appetizer with some type of dipping instrument. Tortillas
work well. Even crackers. But, in my experience, pitas are your best bet. Here’s what I do:
Brush pita bread on both sides with olive oil. Toss on a baking sheet and place in the oven for a minute or two while the dip is baking, removing bread when golden.

Slice into triangles.

Bon appétit!

Giselle

Giselle Renarde is author of Torquere titles such as Eclipse the Stars, a Charity Sip

--
Giselle Renarde

Canada just got hotter!

Visit me online
http://donutsdesires.blogspot.com
http://www.wix.com/gisellerenarde/erotica
http://twitter.com/GiselleRenarde

Deck the balls with... er...

2011-12-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

Nevermind.

Hey, y'all! It's December 1st, which means I get to kick off Torquere's month-long holidays fun here on the blog. :D

This is one of my all-time favorite times of year, to be honest. Yes, I'm pagan and Samhain is our biggest holiday, but the winter holidays are something else entirely for me. The smells of gingerbread, spice, pine, cinnamon... oh my god... Nothing compares, I tell ya.

Then there's the music. I'm a huge fan of Tran-Siberian Orchestra and they do some amazing renditions of my favorite holiday songs like 'What Child Is This?', 'Carol of the Bells', and so on. Another great group to do a vocal version of Carol of the Bells is Celtic Woman. Talk about giving you chills. Wow...

So what's YOUR favorite holiday music?

On Sale This Week

2011-11-30T12:19:00.000-08:00

This week we have books by Winnie Jerome, Kiernan Kelly, HJ Raine & Kelly Wyre and Andy Slayde & Ali Wilde, on sale at 20% off.

Check them out.

New Releases for November 30

2011-11-30T04:06:00.000-08:00

Ash Gray: Blurred Clarity by Andy Slayde & Ali Wilde

What happens when good and evil don’t so much collide as merely annoy each other? Which, when young men are involved, quite often means that they really want to get to know each other.

Ash, a low level demon, and Cas, a low level angel, become aware of each other -- in more ways than one -- and set out to prove that good and evil can exist in close contact, even complementing each other. They blur the lines and cross them frequently with surprising and almost devastating results.

Pick up your copy today!

Vyper by Kiernan Kelly

Vyper is a dashing pirate whose name strikes fear in the hearts of blackguards and civilians alike. A fortuitous message in a bottle leads Vyper to the island of Jamaica, but soon entangles him in a web of lies, deceit, and double-crosses, and introduces him to the man who may plunder Vyper's heart and destroy his world.

Byron Caldwell is a handsome, titled British landowner, whose holdings include a thriving plantation on the island of Jamaica. The only shadow on his otherwise brilliant future is his shrew of a sister, Elizabeth. It's his intention to marry her off as soon as possible, if only he can find someone willing to take her off his hands.

Elizabeth wants one thing and one thing only, the key to the Caldwell fortune, and she'll stop at nothing to get it, including arranging the kidnapping and eventual death of her brother by hiring the most ferocious pirate she can find.

The events spurred by a seemingly innocuous message found in a bottle washed ashore on a tiny island in the Caribbean soon set Vyper's life on its ear, and may ultimately bring about his demise.

Get your copy today!

A Perfect Target by Winnie Jerome

Trent and Adrian from “The Perfect Housemate” return. It's Trent's birthday, and Adrian takes him out for an early, sexy celebration. However, a secret from Adrian's past interrupts the festivities, and Adrian is forced to disappear. Now Trent must decide if he wants to let Adrian walk out of his life, or if he's willing to risk it all.

Originally published in The Care and Feeding of Demons.

Pick up your copy today!

The New Deal by HJ Raine & Kelly Wyre

It's been a year since Clark and Daniel found one another in Hearts Under Fire, and the bartender and the professor have found harmony. However, Clark's work for Lucian Gray, the New Amsterdam Mayor's son and leader of an underground vigilante network, still continues, and it's not without danger. Clark knows it's only a matter of time before the risks become too great for Daniel to bear, and his prediction comes true when a BDSM scene turns into a captive discussion. Find out what happens when the men must balance life's passion with true love.

Get your copy today!