Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Thank you!


Thank you to all my guests and everyone who visited!


Stay tuned - All Birthday Gift Winners will be announced by June 4th!

Birthday Guest: Jambrea Jo Jones

Please welcome my birthday guest - Jambrea Jo Jones!

Happy Birthday Month Nicole!
It took a bit for me to decide who I wanted to take on a birthday trip. I started going through all of my old books until I stumbled on one that I haven’t visited in a while. Wishing Star. Click the link to check out the book and blurb, if you haven’t already read it. J

It was an unseasonably warm day for November, but Patric wasn’t about to complain. He wasn’t overly fond of the winter. He didn’t mind the cold so much as the snow. It was pretty when looking out from inside, but driving on snow and ice sucked.

Today was his birthday and his fiancé, Gabriel, had a plan he wasn’t letting Patric in on. He wasn’t big on surprises, but once Gabriel began speaking Spanish in Patric’s ear, he’d agree to anything. Gabriel knew it and used it to his advantage on a few occasions.

They’d been together for five years and were planning a wedding soon, now that Indiana passed the law letting gay couples get married. His and Gabriel’s moms already had their heads together planning. All Patric really wanted to do was elope. The talk of babies would come soon. He just knew it. But today he wasn’t going to think about that. Nope. It was his birthday and Gabriel was doing something special.

If he knew his man, and he did, it would be something so romantic that Patric would melt. He had done that a lot in the past few years. It was insane, but every day was like the first. When Patric woke up in the morning he was worried it would all be a dream and Gabriel would be gone.

“You ready, mi amor?” Gabriel nuzzled Patric’s ear.

“Mmm… We could always stay here.” Patric turned in Gabriel’s arms.

“We could, si, but it would ruin your surprise. Now let us go.” Gabriel tapped Patric’s ass and moved to the front door.

Patric might grumble, but he would love any moment he could spend with Gabriel. Usually he would drive, but Gabriel wasn’t letting him do that either. He was probably lucky to not be blindfolded. Patric got into the car and buckled up.

“Am I dressed okay? Can’t you give me a hint?”

Gabriel leaned over and brushed his mouth against Patric’s. “No hints. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.” Gabriel winked at him.

“Okay, okay.”

It seemed like they drove for hours, but it really couldn’t have been that long. Patric had closed his eyes, the gentle sway of the car putting him into a light sleep. It always did that when he was in the passenger seat.

“We are here, sleepy head.”

“Mmm, where?” Patric cracked open one eye to look at Gabriel.

“Come on.” Gabriel got out of the car.

Patric stretched a little before opening the door. He got out as Gabriel was opening the trunk. He didn’t even know Gabriel had packed anything. Patric looked around and it took him a moment to realize where they were. The stop sign in the middle of nowhere was the biggest clue.

“Where it all started.” Patric ran up to Gabriel and threw his arms around him. “I can’t believe—”

“It has been a while since we have been here. It is our special place and I could not think of anywhere better to spend your birthday. It is where it all started and I know you worry sometimes that things will go away, but I will always be here for you. Happy birthday, mi amor.”

“Thank you.” Patric raised up on his toes and kissed Gabriel.

Gabriel dropped whatever it was he was holding and wrapped his arms around Patric, picking him up a bit. God, he loved this man.

Patric was sad, when the kiss ended. He was hard and wanted nothing more than to have Gabriel take his ass.

“We’ll have time for that later. Right now,” Gabriel reached down and picked something off the ground. “We are going to have a picnic.”

Gabriel had a picnic basket in one hand and a blanket in the other.

“You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

“Si.” Gabriel smiled.

“Let’s eat. I hope you have cake in there.”

“I do. You know—maybe we should have the wedding here.”

Patric snorted. “No way. Our mom’s would hurt us. Plus, I don’t think we can have one here. Can we?”

Now that the idea was in Patric’s head, he really wanted to get married in the place that helped him find his love. Maybe they could get everything together by Christmas Eve, the day a bit of Christmas magic brought them together.

“I know that look. You like the idea.” Gabriel spread out the blanket and sat down, holding out a hand for Patric to join him.

“You know me too well, love.” Patric leaned over and brushed a kiss along Gabriel’s cheek. “And you get to tell our mothers.”

Patric laughed as Gabriel tackled him. Best. Birthday. Ever.





 
Wishing on a Star might just bring you love.Patric Mitchell wanted true love.On Christmas Eve he wished on a star to find that special someone. If that someone happened to be his neighbour, Gabriel Vega he’d be even happier.When his wish might come true will he take the chance at happiness?

Amazon

Jambrea Jo Jones

I wanted to be the youngest romance author published, but life impeded the dreams. I put my writing aside and went to college briefly, then enlisted in the Air Force. After serving in the military, I returned home to Indiana to start my family. A few years later, I discovered yahoo groups and book reviews. There was no turning back. I was bit by the writing bug.

I enjoy spending time with my son when not writing and love to receive reader feedback. I'm addicted to the internet so feel free to email me anytime. jambrea@jambrea.com

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Monday, May 30, 2016

Birthday Guest: Matt Converse

Please welcome my birthday guest - Matt Converse!

My birthday surprise: you’re published!
By Matt Converse

I always loved to write. In fourth grade, I wrote a short story about a young boy who would sleep walk to a graveyard at night. At the end, he discovers a grave with his name on it. Pretty dark for a nine-year-old, and my teacher accused me of copying it from a movie or TV show. I took that as quite the compliment. So, I knew quite early I wanted to write, but it wasn’t until the day after my birthday last year that I would be published.

 I checked my email and there was a response from a publisher I’d been waiting for, and the subject line said, “We absolutely LOVED Behind the Velvet Curtain.” I could hardly believe it. I hurriedly clicked on the email, and there it was. They loved my novella and attached was a contract from Comet Press. I was over the moon--and slightly hysterical. I called my Mom and she thought something was terribly wrong because I was such a babbling mess, until she realized what I was saying was that I was finally going to be published. My Mom was a great inspiration to my writing as she first got me into watching scary movies on Friday nights. This led me to writing scary short stories, and led up to me being an author in the genre of horror, mystery and thrillers. As a novella, it would be an eBook only, so publication moves pretty quickly anyway, but this was being fast-tracked. They told me in just seven weeks it would be published, on March 2nd, the day after my birthday! It all happened so fast I could hardly believe it. All the struggle and hard work was worth it. My annual birthday bash would become a book release party too! It has been like a roller coaster, and I don’t want to get off any time soon. 

So the stories of countless rejections and then finally a yes are true. Every no is one step closer to that yes. Keep at it, and keep writing. Do what you love and you’ll find it’s true, success doesn’t bring happiness. Happiness brings success. 

My next project is publishing my first full length horror novel, which I recently finished. I’m currently writing a prequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain.  


BEHIND THE VELVET CURTAIN, erotic gay thriller novella eBook.

People have an idea of what being a stripper is like, and they'd probably be wrong. It takes swagger to strip for a room full of men but what goes on in his head might surprise you.

Matt was just a scrawny kid from Ohio who moved to San Francisco in hopes of starting a new life. He cut his hair, started working out, and suddenly he was desirable. But when he was up on stage, he held onto the same insecurities he clung to in his childhood.  The stripper façade was complete, but inside, he was still the anxious kid he’d always been. Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building. Matt previously would’ve thought Justin was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected.
But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly.

Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building Matt would have previously thought was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts hot sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected. But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly. The stripper façade was complete, but inside, he was still the anxious kid he’d always been.
Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building. Matt previously would’ve thought Justin was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected.
But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly.inside, he was still the anxious kid he’d always been.
Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building. Matt previously would’ve thought Justin was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected.
But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly.The stripper façade was complete, but inside, he was still the anxious kid he’d always been.
Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building. Matt previously would’ve thought Justin was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected.
But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly.The stripper façade was complete, but inside, he was still the anxious kid he’d always been.
Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building. Matt previously would’ve thought Justin was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected.
But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly. The stripper façade was complete, but inside, he was still the anxious kid he’d always been.
Justin was a young hunk living in the same apartment building. Matt previously would’ve thought Justin was out of his league. But Matt took a chance and approached, and to his surprise, the attraction was mutual. Over time, the off the charts sex began to turn to love, something Matt hadn’t expected.
But just when Matt seemed to have everything he desired, a stalker with a twisted obsession appeared with plans to take it all away. Sex sells, what it attracts can be deadly.

Comet Press buy links (includes Kobo, Barnes & Noble (Nook) and Amazon UK. 

Thank you so much for hosting me on Milestone Birthday Posts, I appreciate it.


Sincerely,

Matt Converse










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Sunday, May 29, 2016

Birthday Guest: Lily Adile-Lamb

Please welcome my birthday guest - Lily Adile-Lamb!

Happy Birthday Nicole! Thank you so much for inviting me to your special event.

I’m also celebrating my first year as an LGBTQ writer.

Turkish by background, I am both a mother and wife, I work as a nurse during the day and write LGBTQ stories late at night once the family are tucked in bed. I studied in the UK and worked there for a few years before I moved to Australia, settling down for good.

A few days ago I released my story, “Boundless Love” which was a very emotional experience for me. In that story, I focused on how traumatic events can lead to depression or anxiety, thus affecting our lives, and how sometimes people lose all that is dear to them, to the point of becoming homeless.

I support Marriage Equality for all, and stand by same sex parents because I believe that children primarily need loving and protective homes, showered with kindness and a kid friendly diet (I am a big believer in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs).

I love writing interracial stories about people from all backgrounds. The LGBTQ community is universal, existing in all countries and cultures. For some cultures, being from an LGBTQ background is not easy and these are the people for whom I want to promote further. I tend to focus on gender fluid characters in my stories, along with alpha males and those who are socially awkward and shy.

I love writing “happily ever after” stories. I imagine readers making their drinks (hot or cold, as they like it), then making themselves comfortable enough to settle in and read my stories after a long stressful day at work. I write novelettes with the expectation that when someone finishes reading my story, with a smile and a sigh they close their eyes, sleeping contentedly as a result.

Yes, I am more of a storyteller than anything else… maybe even a dream weaver.

Here is one the reviews that explains my character so well so I shall share that with you.
“There is a notion that life does not often give us second chances, frankly I find it does…however, I find third chances scarcer and even more valuable. Terry is homeless, his problems are real, and life has left him gutted; but Terry has crawled back to life the hard way. This is a hopeful story, yet still a very real depiction of the gritty, everyday reality of many.

As a reader, I like to escape into the lives of other people but I do not always need the perfect looking man to come riding in on a white horse to save the day. There is a very real need for stories of real people that are not alpha males, drop-dead centerfold models, or wealthy executives.

This story focuses on the people that may often seem expendable or are overlooked by many, but are nonetheless real, valuable and endearing. This book does not have mindless victims and it is a beautifully empowering story with wonderfully well-developed characters. I have followed this author’s books from the beginning of her career and it is exciting to see her spread her wings into some new territory with this offering, taking some daring risks that pay off beautifully for the reader.

Lastly, amongst the flood of positive things that I want to share about this exciting read, I want to say this…I find books that fill in all the blanks and tie everything up with a pretty bow at the end, leaving the reader with nothing to think about or possibilities to consider…well, I find them unfulfilling. "Boundless Love" by Lily Adile Lamb is real, realistic, and has a happy ending too.” Tidal Ashburn


Boundless Love

Events in his past left Terry crushed, disowned, homeless and living on the streets. He has reached the point where he is ready to rebuild his life. 

Chris has enjoyed a life filled with love and acceptance. With his extended family close by and working on his small IT business, he is confident with himself and in his surroundings. Both men’s world collides at a chance meeting while attempting to assist a young mother and child. With that first awkward encounter, both Terry and Chris know their lives would never be the same again. 

This carefully crafted and highly emotive story follows Terry and Chris as they take their first tentative step toward building a new life together. 

Terry’s demons are never far away and when things in his life begin to unravel once more, he is thrust back into his worst nightmare. Can he allow himself to become vulnerable in the face of Chris’ love and learn to trust him, and their relationship, allowing them both to move on to the life they both desire and deserve?




About Lily 

My author page on Facebook is https://www.facebook.com/LilyAdileLamb/



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Saturday, May 28, 2016

Birthday Guest: Tidal Ashburn

Please welcome my birthday guest - Tidal Ashburn!

Thank You for this opportunity and allowing me to wish Nicole Dennis a Happy Birthday.
This is a Milestone Birthday Post of Jenna Riley.  She is one of the main characters from Tarot Tales Presents TAROT TALES AND DIAMOND DUST BLUES.
Jenna is a middle-aged transgender character who is also the aunt of Libby Perkins.
Jenna is as cagey about her a real age as she is about the point in her journey of transition. “It is my story to tell and I get to choose who, and how much of it, I decide to tell.”

As she got the key from under the welcome mat to let herself in the back door, Ruby wondered if anyone else in Southern California, or the civilized modern world for that matter, still left a key under the mat any more. She put the basket of scones, the flowers, and gift bag on the table in the breakfast nook and set about preparing a fresh pot of herbal tea.
Ruby heard noises above her head just as the tea ball had steeped long enough to make the perfect pot: the shoosh-shoosh of slippers on hardwood and the creak of door hinges in need of some WD-40.  Aunt Jenna was awake.
Aunt Jenna and Uncle David had raised Ruby. Aunt Jenna’s origin might have been scandalous had they been living in the Bible Belt, but Ruby never gave it much thought. Aunt Jenna started out as Uncle Jason, but Ruby only remembered her as Aunt Jenna. In her mind, it had never been a big deal.  This was Southern California and the inhabitants of their world were gifted artistic flower-children. 
The stairs creaked as Aunt Jenna began her descent down the stairs. Ruby tried not to snigger as the blue-silk-robed figure reached the kitchen, high-heeled slippers with midnight blue marabou feather poofs tapped as the figure asked, “What the hell are you doing here?"
“Happy Birthday! I made your favorite orange raisin scones and your favorite tea!” Ruby directed Aunt Jenna to her chair, and then pushed the cup of tea and the gift bag towards her. Ruby watched Aunt Jenna’s surprised face as she stared at all her favorite things arrayed before her. Ruby saw a few tears pool in her aunt’s blue eyes, but Jenna quickly wiped them away.
“You really are my favorite niece!” Aunt Jenna grinned at her and arched her eyebrows over the rhinestone encrusted purple cat’s eye glasses as she put a dab of butter on the still warm scone and closed her eyes with delight as she bit into the pastry. “Darling, this is absolutely divine! You are such a dear!” Ruby could always tell what movies Aunt Jenna had been watching the previous evening. Apparently, last night’s offering had been “Tales of the City” and Aunt Jenna had morphed into Anna Madrigal Ala Olympia Dukakis today. Ruby laughed.  At least it hadn’t been “Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe” and that god-awful Elizabeth Taylor fright wig.
Aunt Jenna smelled the roses, read the card, and gingerly rifled through the gift bag.  A delighted smile graced her face as she took careful inventory of the contents: homemade truffles, her favorite perfume, a customized Mojo bag, and the latest Lisa Olsen novel. She looked at the bag and around the table, then reached for a tissue and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
”You must be psychic. How did you know just what I wanted?" Jenna said.
“It had absolutely nothing to do with you dropping hints at every opportunity.” Ruby laughed.
"Ruby, you have no idea how much I love having you here, living in the guest house. I mean, it's not like having my own personal stable of cabana boys, but hey, you are my second choice!” Jenna picked up the bag and looked inside again, as if inspecting it to see if she had missed anything, but Ruby saw her peek out the window into the back patio towards the bushes.
“What are you looking for?” Ruby asked.
“Oh nothing,” Jenna said, craning her neck about.
“What?” Ruby said.
“Well ---I just thought, nothing says Happy Birthday like a roll of quarters and a birthday stripper.” Jenna grinned.
Ruby rolled her eyes. “You know what? I think that there's something wrong with one of us and…”
“I think it's you!” Jenna said.  They laughed.
They leisurely drank their tea and each had a second scone. Ruby knew she was lucky that they could sit for the longest time without speaking, comfortable in each other’s silence.
“Did you pull your tarot card yet today?” Aunt Jenna asked.
“Nope. It's your birthday. You have to pick it. Plus, I’m in a Sola Busca mood today.” Ruby laughed as she handed Aunt Jenna the large wooden box which was sitting next to the antique crystal ball covered in black silk on the table.
“What shall we ask?” Jenna asked.
“Well, I’m expecting to hear from Bernice today.  I hope that it’s good news about that audition! Can you imagine if I get that part of Nurse Robin on Lust in the Hamptons! I am so Virginia Taylor's long lost illegitimate love child on a vendetta of retribution!”
“Now you know as well as I do you can't make a monkey lay eggs. If it's meant to be, it will be.” Aunt Jenna opened up the box, gently pulled out the Sola Busca tarot deck, and unwrapped the cards. She shuffled them with careful attention.  This card would serve as her road map for the day.
Aunt Jenna turned over the seven of Pentacles. She looked at the card and looked at Ruby. Her smile spoke volumes, but she said it anyway. “See darling, you’re doing the work. You just have to be patient Timing is everything. You can’t force these things.”
The reading also gave Aunt Jenna clarity on some issues, as she explained to Ruby. She’d been considering the fate of her bakery. Jeremy Haynes had managed it for her for years and had asked to first option if she ever sold. “It’s time to start a new chapter of my life too,” she told Ruby. “And stop hiding behind my apron.”
Ruby got up to clear the table and noticed a shiny silver crescent wrench sitting on the counter. “What’s broken? I can call someone for you.”
“Oh.” Aunt Jenna put her hand to her cheek and glanced at the tool, a half smile on her face. “About that.” She giggled.  “Funny you should mention that, dear.” She hesitated, slid down in her chair, and her eyes flitted about the kitchen.  Just as Ruby realized she was looking for a way to change the subject, Aunt Jenna swiped her arm across the table in a blur of blue silk and her fork fell to the floor with a clatter.
“Look! It's a sign… we are going to be having company!” Jenna said, as excited as if she had just opened an invitation to an unexpected party.
Ruby stared at her, both hands on her hips, tapping her foot.  She knew she probably looked about as intimidating as an angry Chihuahua, but she didn’t care. She could always tell when her Aunt Jenna was up to something or stretching the truth, and she had a sneaky suspicion she knew the reason behind the crescent wrench.
Aunt Jenna jerked her chin up. “Sable's son Scott is coming tonight after work to fix that leak in the sink. Please be a dear and put that back in the toolbox out of sight,” Jenna continued, raising her chin a notch higher still, clearly intending not to acknowledge the annoyed look on Ruby’s face.
Jenna continued. “We’re having fresh garden salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing and my world famous stuffed manicotti, red wine, and cannoli for dessert! He’ll be here at 6 p.m. sharp.  Don't be late”.
“Hold it! Wait a second! Are you telling me you deliberately loosened the drain pipe to lure some poor, unsuspecting man over here to ambush him into a blind date with your spinster-niece?” Ruby didn’t know if she were more horrified or irritated by the sneakiness of it.  “I can find my own man, if and when I decide that I want one! You’re meddling again, and you pinky swore! Didn't you get that email? Aunt Jenna pinky promises are sacred and irrevocable in the state of California!” Ruby said, exasperation making her voice rise until she almost squeaked.
“Oh, well, sure it sounds bad when you say it that way. In my defense, I was minding my own business and trying to lend a hand. Sable said Scott’s struggling, so I’m really only doing this for him.  I rather consider it an act of Pagan charity.  Scott’s new in the business and needs a little help building his confidence. I’m only trying to help this poor dear boy; I have no motive beyond kindness, ulterior or otherwise!" Aunt Jenna pursed her lips and raised her eyebrows in an expression of studied innocence. “Besides, you do have to eat. The fact that you will be here for dinner is simply an unforeseen bonus! Consider this. He’s straight, single, educated, doesn’t live in his mother's basement, and its common knowledge that he has never been seen publicly playing air guitar! Even the unenlightened would see this as a sign!" Jenna said, raised her shoulders, and clasped her hands together in front of her in a gesture of pure pleasure.
“Oh it's a sign all right! A sign you’ve lost your damn mind!”  Ruby felt her face flush and groaned.  She didn’t blush prettily.  Instead, she turned a rather unhealthy shade of hypertensive red. Irritation at her aunt flared hotter because it was Aunt Jenna’s fault she would look like an apoplectic beet for the next hour. “You, you, you are such a Pisces!” she said.
Aunt Jenna nodded.  “True.” She pursed her lips again and cocked her head slightly, narrowing her eyes as if something had just occurred to her.  “You know, dear, if you’re not interested in meeting men, I totally understand and I’m here to support you. Remember my friend Mable I told you about from Bingo? Well her daughter, Margaret-Louise, works down at the Hardware Store and...”
Ruby quickly broke in. “I am not a lesbian! I’m taking a break from dating and focusing on my career.”
“You know darling, there's nothing wrong with...”
“Okay, Okay I give up, I’ll be here, okay?  But never again! I mean it!” Ruby sucked in a breath, prepared to blast her aunt again and drive the point home when her cell phone rang. Her purse played a muffled version of the disco anthem that threatened to shower men on the front lawn.
Aunt Jenna snorted, daintily.  “Like you’d know what to do with them. Hallelujah, indeed.”


Tarot Tales Presents DIAMOND DUST BLUES will be available June 14, 2016. Tarot Tales Presents DIAMOND DUST BLUES has been re-edited. Mainly, and not to give away any spoilers, because with all the news of the laws changing in North Carolina I found that for me to leave the book, and the rest of the series, set there I would have to address those issues. As my intent for writing books is not only to entertain but also to bring people together, I could not leave my book series in North Carolina without my books becoming political. Therefore, I relocated my series to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I want everyone who reads my books to feel safe, included, and welcome. Santa Fe, New Mexico is well known for their welcoming attitude to artists, new age people, the LGTBQ community, and writers; as well as offering a beautiful loving people with a rich heritage, cuisine, and culture. It gives the series even more room to grow.

Book blurb: A struggling actress and her transgender aunt were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now they are on the run from diamond smugglers in the Witness Protection Program. They have gone totally off grid just to stay alive. The Two U.S. Marshals are packin' heat and the women are packin' Tarot cards in a cross country race to stay alive. Alone, and left to their own devices... well just anything may happen. Welcome to book one in the Tarot Tales Trilogy


Tarot Tales Presents DIAMOND DUST BLUES Book Link
Mini Bio: I make my home in central Wisconsin with my husband of two years, who has been my partner of 15 years, and two dogs. My husband is my biggest supporter.
I have many interests. I love the Tarot, and practice Pagan spirituality. I adore writers. Writers have always been my favorite species of people… they have this fascinating ability to see the world through the eyes of all their characters and have found a refuge which offers a place where all the voices in their head can come out and play. I like to write in several genres, m/m romance, cozy mysteries, and supernatural horror. I love imperfect people with rough edges and who dare to color outside of the lines.
My focus in life is on building bridges of love and understanding to each other, rather than building walls.
When I finished writing “Tarot Tales Presents DIAMOND DUST BLUES,” I quickly realized this lively ensemble of beautiful characters had more stories they demanded to tell… and I realized that it was meant to be a series. The other books in that series will have other supernatural characters and themes, and contain a good representation of people from within the LGBTQ community who are lead characters and not just the stereotypical side-kick characters there for a quick laugh.

At this point, I have three of the “Tarot Tales Presents’ books in various stages of editing, and a M/M romance called “Signs of Hope” due out this Summer – this one will be a saucy read.

If you would like to reach me, you can contact me via Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008822358112
My website – https://tidalashburnblog.wordpress.com/
My author page on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tidalstarottales/?fref=ts

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Birthday Guest: Lynn Michaels

Please welcome my birthday guest - Lynn Michaels!


From The Holeshot

Tyler woke to hot breath in his ear sending chills down his spine. "Happy Birthday, Sleeping Beauty!" Davey panted in his ear. Defused sunlight splashed in through the slats in the blinds, but the room still felt dark and cozy, smelling of sweat and spunk. They hadn't cleaned up well from the night before when Tyler had come all over the sheets. He moaned at the memory, and tried to roll closer to Davey's warm skin, wanting more.

"No. You have to get up, Birthday Boy. Angel has breakfast going." Davey seemed to love having a full house. After being alone for so long, Tyler couldn't blame him. His beautiful home once again had a family. Tyler was happy for Davey, but he loved it too. He'd been close to his family and close to his best friend Janie and he missed them. Having his race family at The Ranch helped. Angel and Stewart were the only two guests at the time, taking up one of the four guest rooms on the other side of the house.

"I smell pancakes," Tyler moaned.

"Yeah, baby. Then we're going to have surprises!" He kissed down Tyler's neck.

"I don't need anything. Just you, Davey."

Davey pushed Tyler over on his back and blew a huge raspberry on his stomach, making Tyler laugh. "But, you're going to get surprises. Now come on."

"How about we start with a birthday blowjob?" Tyler teased, grabbing his cock and giving it a stroke to wake it up.

"Later, baby." Davey slid to the edge of the bed and grabbed Tyler's arm.

"But you called me baby. Davey, it's my birthday. Suck me."

"No. Brat. Come on. Angel has pancakes ready for you. Let's go."

With a growl Tyler rolled up to sitting and slung his feet to the floor, not wanting to disappoint everyone. "Fine. But, I better get a blowjob later."

Davey laughed and tossed a T-shirt at him. "After you get your birthday surprises, you're gonna want to give me a blow job." 


Wanton
Publisher: Rubicon Fiction
Release: April 15, 2016
Corey has graduated from college and is trying to find his way, but when his Dom/boyfriend, Jack, demands that he move in with him, Corey loses himself in emotion, fighting Jack every step of the way.

Jack is a rich owner of a real estate investment firm and he’s determined keep his submissive/boyfriend in line, even though Corey refuses to use his safe words.

Will their play become all consuming, or will they learn to trust each other enough to find love?

Buy links:

Lynn Michaels
Lynn Michaels lives and writes in Tampa, Florida where the sun is hot and the Sangria is cold. Lynn is the newest addition to Rubicon Fiction, and she loves reading and writing about hot men in love.  She writes paranormal and contemporary MM Romance


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Friday, May 27, 2016

Birthday Guest - Talia Carmichael

Please welcome my birthday guest - Talia Carmichael!

Happy Birthday Nicole! Thanks for letting me come by and guest. Yippee! Let's party.

I’m also be celebrating a milestone birthday in a few months. With that approaching I’ve been thinking of other milestone birthdays I’ve had and where I have been and where I am and my future. Yes deep thoughts…I’m happy with life and most importantly living life. There is nothing better than embracing life and enjoying the moments as they come along.

Now I’m sharing with you an interlude featuring characters from my Prentiss series.

Home
A Prentiss Interlude
By Talia Carmichael

“Why the hell am I here?” Morgan Ralston scowled at the all the people around him. That is until something sexy caught his eye.

He leaned against the booth and studied the man walking toward him. Even with all the people walking around half naked he stood out even being fully dressed. The sun glinted off his hair making it shine. He moved toward Morgan with a lazy grace—making Morgan have to shift as he went hard.

"Yeah I shouldn't be ogling him." Morgan grumbled.

Yet he was powerless to resist. The man came adjacent to him then with slender fingers pulled down his shades.  His eyes made Morgan's breath catch. The man flashed a cocky grin and smirked.

"Come here often cowboy." 

Although seeming innocent the emphasis on the first word didn't help Morgan's erection. 

"Damn it Cactus we should have stayed in the hotel." He waved his hand. "Instead of out here with all these naked people. We could have been naked ourselves."

"Call me 'Cactus' again and you'll be sleeping on the couch." Blayne crossed his arms over his chest and jutted out his chin.

"Ah…there is my Prima Donna. How bout we get something to eat and head back to the hotel."  Morgan couldn't help teasing him. Blayne was so darn cute when he was irritated.

Blayne glared at him then stared hard.

Morgan laughed. "No plotting where you'll like to deck me."

"Humph, how'd you know that's what I was thinking." Blayne pursed his lips.

"Cause I know my Cactus." Morgan said fondly as he straightened from the booth and stepped closer to Blayne.

He placed his hand on his waist and stared into the eyes of the man who had made his life so much better. Morgan jumped as someone touched his ass. He glanced over his shoulder. The man behind him winked then skated away.

"He just groped my ass." Morgan scratched the back of his neck. "I…hell Blayne why are we even here again?"

"For your birthday." Blayne said. "You're the one who wanted to come to California for your birthday." Blayne lifted an eyebrow. "And since we got here all you've done is complain. Why the hell did you want us to come here if all you're going to do is bitch?"

"Cause I know you miss California and I wanted to come for you. Wanted share this with you. I know you've given up a lot for me…"

"Shut the fuck up." Blayne said it so mildly it took a minute to register what he said. "What have I given up for you?"  He lifted his hand in a stop gesture before Morgan could answer. "And the next words out of your mouth better be, 'Blayne I know your home is wherever I am and I'm an asshole to even think anything different. I'm lucky to have you.' No wait end that instead on. 'I'm so grateful that you came into my life I don't know what I would have done with the stick up my ass if you hadn't yanked it out and—"

"Smart ass." Morgan chuckled moving closer and cupping Blayne's cheek. "I just—"

"Was being an irritating asshole." Blayne shrugged. "Yeah I'm used to it."

"Pot calling kettle black." Morgan snorted. "My Prima Donna Cactus." He grinned. "I like the sound of that."

"See that's what I mean Mister Irritating." Blayne sighed. "It's a good thing I love you, Cowboy."

"Love you." Morgan paused. "Prima Donna Cactus." He snickered.

"You think you're funny." Blayne pinched his butt then rubbed it. "I can't fault the man for groping you because you do have a fine ass. But he'd lucky he left when he did. This is mine." He cupped Morgan's ass and squeezed. "And if he had stuck around I would have kicked his ass for touching what's mine."

Morgan licked his lips. "Possessive Prima Donna Cactus is so sexy. Let's go back to the hotel."

"Let's." Blayne winked. "And to make up for calling me that name and then actually coming up with a way to string them together you can give me a blow job."

"Hey, this is my birthday trip." Morgan protested.

"And since it's a sucky one that you didn't actually want to be here anyway, then you might as well be the one doing the sucking." Blayne smirked. "It's a good thing I know you well too and already figured out this wasn't a trip you actually wanted. What I couldn't figure out is why we were here? I was going to give you one more day then sit on you to get the reason why. Now I know we can head for your real birthday trip."

Morgan frowned. "What real trip?"

"One where we both can have some fun."

"Really?" Morgan looked at the people going by on the boardwalk then back at Blayne. "Are we getting out of here? Hell I don't care where we go."

"Yes we're leaving this area but still staying in California. Remember that rancher you've been talking to for the last year or so and wanted to go visit but haven't had a chance. Well since we're in California anyway I made arrangements for us to go there. Tomorrow morning we'll head out and drive to it.  You'll get to spend time with your rancher friend and I'll get to pick the brain of his brother."

"I didn't think there was anyone who could be as gadget crazy as you are. But I was so wrong. Oh boy…the Crazy Gadget Duo on the loose. " Morgan laughed then sobered.  "Thanks Cactus."

"I'll have you know there are many of us gadget lovers. And before this trip is over you might meet a few of them. He's gonna introduce me to some of his friends." Blayne took his hand and squeezed. "Anytime, Cowboy, Anytime. You are my home Morgan, never forget that."

"I won't ever again." Morgan lowered  his head.

Blayne met him. Kissing his deeply.

This is the best birthday trip ever. Morgan held the man he loved and knew Blayne was right. He was Blayne's home. And he would remember to show Blayne he was his—home.


Copyright © Talia Carmichael, 2016.
All Rights Reserved.
 
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To see how Blayne and Morgan got together check out Ralston's Way...


Ralston’s Way
By Talia Carmichael
Totally Bound
Available Now
ISBN: 978-0-85715-629-7
Genre: Contemporary/Western
Series:  Prentiss- Book 1
Length: Novella

Buy Here: Pride Publishing

Blurb:
When the computer guru meets the rancher who likes things his way, who will have their way?  
Blayne Dalton knows from their first introduction he will need all his calm reasonable skills to deal with Morgan Ralston. The rancher is aggravating and determined to avoid him. The calm he is known for goes out the window. He can’t decide if he’d rather deck him or kiss him senseless. How do you rope a cowboy? You teach him that not everything has to be his way.

Morgan Ralston likes things his way. On his ranch - MGR Ranch – he is the one who make the decisions. Well at least he is supposed to be. When his brother decides to hire a new office manager and cook he knows it will lead to nothing but disruptions. What he gets is not what he expected. The man who becomes his office manager is not a problem to the ranch. The trouble is of a more personal one – to his libido. Avoiding him doesn’t work. It’s time to approach this as he does everything else. After all when it comes down to it… there isn’t any other way but Ralston’s Way.

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Bio: Talia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.

Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real… to fill the craving. 
or check her out on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Talia-Carmichael/247134751977720. Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/TaliaCarmichaelBookNook and Twitter:  @taliacarmichael
  

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