Read Around the Rainbow - Blurbs

It's that time of the month when the Read Around the Rainbow group of queer authors/authors of queer romance get together to discuss the topic of the month. 

It's been a while since I've taken part in one of these. Either the topic hasn't been something I can contribute to or RL has been kicking butt (mostly the latter). But today I find myself with a spare hour and the subject is something no author can really avoid - Blurbs.

Love them, hate them, but you can't ignore them. A blurb is a necessary part of the book writing process. 

When I wrote for publishers there was often a house style. And each were different (I've written for 5 publishers before going fully self pub). Some points that were required:

A paragraph from each pov character then a paragraph to round things up. 

End the final paragraph on a question.

Don't end the final paragraph on a question. 

No spoilers.

Set word count.

Write it in 1st person (even though the book's in 3rd) 

Write it in 3rd person (even if the book's in 1st)

So much conflicting information I never knew if I was coming or going.  Then they'd ask for a short blurb and a tag line. Each required to do a different job, but with a connecting theme. I hated blurb writing and always left it until last. I certainly wouldn't dream of writing the blurb before the book! In fact, the very thought gives me hives. 

Now I'm self-publishing the restrictions on blurbs are only set by my own ideas, but I have a tendency to blather on, so I'll often send the blurb to my beta for trimming or a complete rewrite.

Take Theory Unproven. The tagline is above, a perfect length to fit a graphic and catch attention on Social Media. But what of the blurb?

Short

Working with elephants in their natural habitat has always been Eric Phillips dream. Getting what he’s always desired introduces him to Tyaan Bouwer, the bush pilot that flies in his supplies, and Eric discovers the allure of South Africa goes beyond the wildlife and the scenery.

But in an area where bushveld prejudices and hatred bleed across the borders, realising their love will be a hard fought battle. Keeping hold of it might just kill them.

Long

An unexpected job offer finds zoologist Eric Phillips transported from the elephant house at a zoo just outside London to the wildlife reserves in the South African bushveld. Being able to work with his own herd of elephants, and analysing their behaviour, more than makes up for the remote nature of the research station. The one bright spot on the horizon, quite literally if the sun hits it at the right angle, is the silver freight plane that brings his supplies and half an hour in the company of Tyaan, the gorgeous but taciturn pilot.

With wide open spaces and clear skies, Tyaan Bouwer is never be happier than when he’s flying over the bushveld, the landscape beneath him a changing vista of colour and texture. It’s that view and the freedom to be able to climb in his plane and fly that’s kept him in the small town where he was born and raised. South Africa might be a rainbow nation but in the northern regions where neighbouring countries are far from liberal minded, prejudices and hatred bleed across the borders. Tyaan’s not in the closet, not really. Get him to the city and with his strong, silent routine he can pull a guy without even trying. He’s fine with that as long as they don’t press him into trying to see them again. It’s not like he wants a relationship. And just maybe when he gets home he’s hovering in the doorway of that closet, but he’s never met anyone worth taking the risk for.

The day he’s sent to Limpopo to collect Eric that all changes. He tries to bury the feelings of want that Eric conjures in him, but he can’t resist the bonds of friendship that forms between them.

As a zoologist Eric likes to think that he’s adept at anticipating how a creature will react in any given situation, and they don’t come any more beautiful and skittish than Tyaan. Despite Tyaan’s jittery behaviour Eric has a theory they could be good together but when things go catastrophically wrong it appears their relationship will remain a theory unproven.

The long blurb gives far more information but it's unlikely to hold a reader's attention. The shorter blurb is more punchy. It hints at Eric's profession as well as implies that he's not a South African native. It states Tyaan's profession and hints at homophobia, danger and angst. 

Of course the longer blurb answers one of the commonly asked reader questions: 'What does the title mean?'

As a reader I have to confess I don't place as much importance on blurbs as I probably should. My attraction to a book is based on:

Author 

Cover

Genre - I'm more likely to read a blurb for an historical or urban fantasy. If I see the words mpreg, daddy/little, or puppy/kitten then I'm probably not even reading the blurb unless it's one of those on my author autobuy list. 

Friends recommendation

Blurb

Rating on GR/Amazon 

TikTok - that's a lie. TikTok doesn't even make it to my list. I'm not even on TikTok. 😄

But what should a blurb do? That's a tough one. 

Do you want a feel for the style or the author's voice? That's not really something I look for, author's voice can take some getting used to and can be off putting in such a short piece. 

A list of tropes? Sometimes this can be more effective than a longwinded precis. And it can avoid unwanted surprises. I'm not going to be happy if I'm reading a shifter book and mpreg crops up with no warning, and I'd expect a mention of kink (if not the exact kink) to appear if the kink makes a strong appearance. 

I guess I'm looking for a feel for the story, the type of genre, and a sense of the characters. But let's be honest, by the time I get to the blurb I'm probably already 75% invested.

So there we have it, conclusive proof that, for me, blurbs are more or less a waste of time 🤪

Check out my fellow RAtR authors who I'm sure will have more insightful opinions than I do. 

Nell Iris  - Read Around the Rainbow: On Writing Blurbs

Fiona Glass - Read Around the Rainbow: Writing Blurbs

Amy Spector - Read Around the Rainbow • Thoughts on Writing Blurbs #RAtR

Ellie Thomas - Read Around the Rainbow: How Do You Feel About Blurbs?

Holly Day - Read Around the Rainbow | How Do You Feel About Blurbs?

Addison Albright - READ AROUND THE RAINBOW ~ On Writing Blurbs #RAtR

Release Tour - Fate of the Moon by Sara Dobie Bauer

 

Release Tour & Excerpt:
Fate of the Moon
By Sara Dobie Bauer

You're a beautiful monster, and fate has bound us together for life.

After the murder of his parents, the rules of high society dictate that omega werewolf Shay find an alpha mate—and fast. While struggling with overwhelming grief, swirling rumors of his guilt, and the prospect of a forced marriage he's never wanted, his courting celebration yields yet another nightmare.

Alfie is a gossip reporter and alpha werewolf who latches onto the same theory as everyone else: that Shay is responsible for the deaths of his parents. When Alfie sneaks into a courting party to get a look at the guilty young man for his column, he expects to see a murderer, but finds his fated mate instead.

Despite their mutual disdain, Shay and Alfie are now inescapably entangled—all while a double homicide remains unsolved.

As their affections grow, so does the danger to their lives. Shay and Alfie might be fated, but can love conquer suspicion, grief, and the threat of death?

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Excerpt:

A little ways down the hall, he stopped outside a closed door when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He rubbed his hand over the misbehaving follicles, but the feeling continued, as though something deep within him struggled to get out. It was the wild wolf inside. Alfie felt it, right below the surface of his skin. Alfie was always aware of his wolf side, but unless aroused or under extreme duress, his kind only transformed during the full moon. If he didn’t know better, he would have thought a full moon had just risen above the horizon—but no, it was still weeks away. Yet, he heard it howling and could feel it clawing, pushing him to open the door!

            Open the door!

            So Alfie opened it, revealing a skeleton of a man frowning in clear confusion at him. Despite his small stature, there was something overwhelming about the skinny brunette’s presence. Although gaunt and frail, he commanded attention with the stubborn jut of his chin and sharp intelligence in his eyes.

            Shay Trudeaux.

            Alfie took one lurching step forward. Christ, what was this all-encompassing need to take? The young man’s bravado fell away. His eyes went from suspicious appraisal to wary desperation. Alfie wanted to hear his voice, knowing that somehow it would soothe his wolf, but Shay said nothing. Instead, he trembled and hugged himself. He made a high-pitched noise before dropping into little more than a pile of bones and a stunning suit on the polished hardwood floor.

           Alfie’s wolf would no longer be cowed. He rushed forward and slid to the ground, collecting the unconscious man into his arms. Alfie held Shay close while brushing his fingers through the omega’s mousy brown hair.

            “Shay.” Alfie repeated the name, and a rush of emotion nearly knocked him over.

            He would do anything for this man.

            He would protect him at any cost.

            He would kill for him, die for him.

            They were fated mates.

            And all Alfie could say was a quiet, “Shit.”

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About the Author:

Bestselling romance author.

Bisexual witch.

Feminist. Pro-choice. Anti-censorship.

Timothee Chalamet freak.

Horror movie aficionado.

Vampire mermaid in a past life.

Sara Dobie Bauer somehow survived her party-hard college years at Ohio University to earn a creative writing degree. She lives with her precious Pit Bull in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.

Connect with Sara:
Website: https://www.saradobiebauer.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaraDobieBauer
Newsletter Sign-Up: bit.ly/2Ywwurb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saradobiebauer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/saradobie
Freebies: https://www.saradobiebauer.com/freebies

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Audio Tour - Fairy Cakes in Winter by Lane Hayes

 

Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Fairy Cakes in Winter
By Lane Hayes

Narrated by Michael Dean

A grumpy baker, a quirky ad man, and a recipe for forever…

Scott

So this cute guy sits next to me on the plane and proceeds to talk my ear off for hours. Not good. I don’t like talking and I don’t like strangers. But Theo’s sweet, smart, and sexy—the perfect distraction from business woes and personal worries.

Okay, things got overly friendly, but we’re adults and we know the score. I’m too old, he’s too nice, and we live on different continents.

Then, out of the blue, he shows up at my bakery with that pretty smile and a list of wacky marketing ideas—like how to make fairy cakes a thing.

I don’t like fairy cakes.

But I do like Theo, so…maybe?

Theo

The new me takes risks. The new me is brave and confident. The new me flirts with hunky, imposing bears on planes while traveling to a foreign country.

It’s going well, thank you.

However, my plans to do some sightseeing, drink tea, and eat my weight in biscuits every day get derailed when I realize there might be a way to help Scott and prove a few things to myself.

Don’t worry. I won’t fall for the grumpy baker. No way. He’s complicated and broody and—

Uh oh…it might be too late. Help!

Fairy Cakes in Winter is a bisexual, age-gap, grumpy/sunshine MM romance featuring a sexy baker, a sunny tourist, and a few dozen fairy cakes. 

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Excerpt:

The flight attendant directed traffic with a smile, pointing the college-aged twentysomethings hefting giant backpacks to the far side of the plane before picking up her microphone. She gave the usual rambling speech, asking passengers not to crowd the aisles or stuff winter jackets into the overhead bins…Yadda, yadda.

I listened with half an ear for important info, like when this tin can was expected to get in the air and what time we’d land in London. Not that it mattered. I’d been on the late flight from Seattle so often, I knew I was in for a nine-and-a-half-hour ride and that I’d arrive at Heathrow sometime in the late afternoon. I also knew I’d be too disoriented to care about anything other than grabbing something to eat on my way home.

I had to admit, I was one of those weirdos who kind of liked the hum of airplane noise, and there was something vaguely comforting in the routine I’d established over the past seven years. I shrugged off my coat and made sure my headphones were within reach—along with my iPad, reading glasses, and the Ziploc bag of homemade trail mix my sister had sneaked into my carry-on bag. Then I buckled up, settled in, and hoped like hell that the seat next to mine would magically remain open.

Of course, that rarely happened. And I highly doubted my wish would come true this time around ’cause A, cross-Atlantic flights were rarely empty, and B, I didn’t have that kind of luck. The best I could hope for was a quiet neighbor. I peered over at the empty window seat and sent up a quick prayer for it to stay that way before slipping my readers on to check messages on my phone.

My ten-year-old nephew informed me he’d already beat my high score on Madden, my parents asked if there was any way I might finagle a trip home in the spring, and my sister claimed she’d added more M&M’s to her trail mix this year. She also asked if I was okay.

I sent an exclamation sign to Emmett, a heart symbol to my folks, and a thumbs-up to Heather. None of those messages required a wordy response. I’d learned that it was best to stick to basic communication with my family. Emmett was happy with the occasional poop or wind emoji, and my parents liked hearts. Real words got tricky. My parents knew that coming home for Christmas had been a stretch for me. I couldn’t swing another trip too soon, and it was best to avoid circular arguments.

And questions that might spark conversations about an old ex and his new wife. Yep, a thumbs-up was much easier.

I added another for posterity and was about to switch my cell to airplane mode when a new message from Becca lit up my screen.

Call me when you land! I’ll pick you up. Btw, I made a gorgeous lemon meringue pie I’m dying for you to try. Safe travels! xo

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Fairy Cakes in Winter, Lane is giving away the Winner's choice of an audiobook or ebook of your choice from her published works!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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About the Author:

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/lanehayes3/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes

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Total Creative Control (Audio) by Joanna Chambers & Sally Malcolm

 

Audio Tour & Giveaway:
Total Creative Control
By Joanna Chambers & Sally Malcolm

Narrated by Simon Goldhill

Creative Types, Book 1

Sunshine PA, meet Grumpy Boss...

When fanfic writer Aaron Page landed a temp job with the creator of hit TV show, Leeches, it was only meant to last a week. Three years later, Aaron’s still there... 

It could be because he loves the creative challenge. It could be because he’s a huge Leeches fanboy. It’s definitely not because of Lewis Hunter, his extremely demanding, staggeringly rude...and breathtakingly gorgeous boss.

Is it?

Lewis Hunter grew up the hard way and fought for everything he’s got. His priority is the show, and personal relationships come a distant second. Besides, who needs romance when you have a steady stream of hot men hopping in and out of your bed?

His only meaningful relationship is with Aaron, his chief confidante and indispensable assistant. And no matter how appealing he finds Aaron’s cute boy-next-door charms, Lewis would never risk their professional partnership just to scratch an itch.

But when Lewis finds himself trapped at a hilariously awful corporate retreat, Aaron is his only friend and ally. As the professional lines between them begin to blur, their simmering attraction starts to sizzle

… And they’re both about to get burned.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the audio release of Total Creative Control, Joanna & Sally are giving you the chance to win an e-copy or audio code of Total Creative Control and a $10 Amazon Gift Voucher!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57660/?

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About the Authors

Joanna Chambers has a day job and family but manages to find time to write by not cleaning the house or watching television. She is shockingly ill informed about popular culture. 

You can find her on Twitter being distracted, on Instagram being confused, and – most happily – in her FB group, Joanna’s Chamber, talking about reading and random stuff with her reader pals. 

Joanna’s newsletter subscribers get exclusive access to free bonus stories, competitions and giveaways as well as the latest news on upcoming releases (and other random musings).


Catch up with Joanna:
Website: https://joannachambers.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/joanna.chambers.58/
Insta: @joannachambers_auth
Twitter: @chambersjoanna
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/joanna-chambers

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Sally was bitten by the male/male romance bug in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. Her stories are emotional, sweetly angsty, and always have happy endings.

She also writes tie-in novels for the hit TV shows STARGATE: SG-1 and STARGATE ATLANTIS. To date she’s penned nine STARGATE novels and novellas, and four audio dramas.

Sally lives in South West London with her American husband, two lovely children, and two lazy cats.


Catch up with Sally:
Website: https://www.sallymalcolm.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sally.malcolm.3
Insta: @sally.malcolm
Twitter: @sally_malcolm
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sally-malcolm

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Release Blitz - Confetti Hearts by Lily Morton

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Confetti Hearts
By Lily Morton

Confetti Hitched, Book 1

Joe Bagshaw doesn’t believe in love or marriage anymore, which is rather a hindrance for a wedding planner.

His own marriage was a whirlwind affair that ended before the ink could dry on the wedding certificate. Nevertheless, even with his divorce pending, he’s getting by. Or at least he was until he finds himself snowed in at a remote Scottish hotel with the wedding party from hell, a terrible ABBA tribute band, and his soon-to-be ex-husband.

Lachlan has missed Joe from the second his husband walked away. He wants Joe back and is prepared to do anything to get him. Being snowed in together seems to offer the chance Lachlan needs, but does he have what it takes to get Joe to trust in love and their marriage again?

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about love, matrimony, and the best of second chances.

This is the first book in the Confetti Hitched series.

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Excerpt:

“I’m so sorry, Joe.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I croak. “This happens to me a lot.”

I’m crammed into a tiny bathroom cubicle, holding up one end of a massive meringue wedding dress. Lena the bridesmaid holds the other end while the bride sits on the loo.

Daisy stares at me from her porcelain perch. “This happens a lot?”

“Oh, almost every day,” I say airily. “I’d bet most gay men have never had this experience. I’ll be the envy of the gay choir.”

She snorts and Lena shifts in her cramped position in the bathroom stall. “Joe’s a wedding planner, so I’m presuming this is part of his job description, but I really do think the bridesmaid’s charter needs updating. I saw mention of hen nights, crappy dresses, and bridal blues, but absolutely zip about holding a wedding dress while the happy woman pees.”

Daisy chuckles. “This will be just like all those times I’ve held your hair back when you were drunk.”

“I’m just coming at it from the opposite end.”

They grin at each other, and I shift from foot to foot.

“It’s very warm in here,” I observe. “I hope I don’t faint, because that would make this whole thing very awkward.”

“It can get more awkward?” Lena says incredulously.

Daisy sighs. “I’m so sorry but I can’t go now.”

“Performance anxiety,” Lena says. “I do hope your bridegroom doesn’t suffer from the same thing.”

I twist to face the wall as best I can, trying to avoid leaving the skin of my nose on the door hinges. “I’ll try to give you some privacy,” I wheeze.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Confetti Hearts, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57662/?

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About Lily:

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven't had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations - Chocolate Baileys.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

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Series Tour - Finding Home Series by Lily Morton

 

Series Tour & Giveaway:
Finding Home Series
By Lily Morton

Universal Series Link

Add the Series to Goodreads

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Book 1: Oz

What happens when temporary becomes forever?

Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it.

However, when he gets there he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met. An earl belonging to a family whose roots go back hundreds of years, Silas is the living embodiment of duty and sacrifice. Two things that Oz has never wanted. He's also warm and funny and he draws Oz to him like a magnet.

Oz banks on the fact that they're from two very different worlds to stop himself falling for Silas. But what will he do when he realises that these differences are actually part of the pull to one another? Will falling in love be enough to make him stop moving at last and realise that he's finally home?

From bestselling author, Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy about two very different men and one very dilapidated house.

This is the first book in the Finding Home series but it can be read as a standalone.

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Book 2: Milo

Once upon a time a brave knight rescued a young man. Unfortunately, he then spent the next few years bossing the young man around and treating him like a child.

Milo has been burying himself at Chi an Mor, hiding from the wreckage of his once promising career and running from a bad relationship that destroyed what little confidence he had. Niall, his big brother’s best friend, has been there for him that entire time. An arrogant and funny man, Niall couldn’t be any more different from the shy and occasionally stuttering Milo, which has never stopped Milo from crushing wildly on the man who saved him.

However, just as Milo makes the decision to move on from his hopeless crush, he and Niall are thrown into close contact, and for the first time ever Niall seems to be returning his interest. But it can never work. How can it when Milo always needs rescuing?

From the bestselling author of the Mixed Messages series comes a story about a man who needs to write his own happily ever after.

This is the second book in the Finding Home series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Content warning: There are descriptions of domestic abuse in this book.

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Book 3: Gideon

Gideon Ramsay is so far in the closet he should be a talking faun.

A talented, mercurial, and often selfish man, Gideon has everything he should want in life. Fame, money, acting awards – he has it all. Everything but honesty. At the advice of his agent, Gideon has concealed his sexuality for years. But it’s starting to get harder to hide, and his increasingly wild behaviour is threatening to destroy his career.

Then he’s laid low by a serious illness and into his life comes Eli Jones. Eli is everything that Gideon can’t understand. He’s sunny tempered, friendly, and optimistic. Even worse, he’s unaffected by grumpiness and sarcasm, which forms ninety percent of Gideon’s body weight. And now Gideon is trapped with him without any recourse to the drugs and alcohol that have previously eased his way through awkward situations.

However, as Gideon gets to know the other man, he finds himself wildly attracted to his lazy smiles and warm, scruffy charm that seem to fill a hole inside Gideon that’s been empty for a long time. Will he give in to this incomprehensible attraction when it could mean the end of everything that he’s worked for?

From the bestselling author of the Mixed Messages series comes a story about a man who needs to realise that being true to yourself is really just a form of finding home.

This is the third book in the Finding Home series but it can be read as a standalone.

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Also available as a Series Bundle

The bestselling Finding Home series is now available in one collection. Set in Cornwall, the series follows a group of friends as they each find love with a lot of heat and humour along the way.

Oz

Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home.

However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met. An earl belonging to a family whose roots go back hundreds of years. Silas is the living embodiment of duty and sacrifice. Two things that Oz has never wanted. He's also warm and funny and he draws Oz to him like a magnet.

Will falling in love be enough to make Oz stop moving at last and realise that he's finally home?

Milo

Milo has been burying himself at Chi an Mor, hiding from the wreckage of his once promising career and running from a bad relationship that destroyed what little confidence he had. Niall, his big brother’s best friend, has been there for him that entire time. An arrogant and funny man, Niall couldn’t be any more different from the shy and occasionally stuttering Milo, which has never stopped Milo from crushing wildly on the man who saved him.

However, just as Milo makes the decision to move on from his hopeless crush, he and Niall are thrown into close contact, and for the first time ever Niall seems to be returning his interest. But it can never work. How can it when Milo always needs rescuing?

Content warning: There are descriptions of domestic abuse in this book.

Gideon

Gideon has everything he should want in life. Fame, money, acting awards – he has it all. Everything but honesty. At the advice of his agent, Gideon has concealed his sexuality for years. But it’s starting to get harder to hide, and his increasingly wild behaviour is threatening to destroy his career.

Then he’s laid low by a serious illness and into his life comes Eli Jones. Eli is everything that Gideon can’t understand. He’s sunny tempered, friendly, and optimistic. Even worse, he’s unaffected by grumpiness and sarcasm, which forms ninety percent of Gideon’s body weight. As Gideon gets to know the other man, he finds himself wildly attracted to his lazy smiles and warm, scruffy charm that seem to fill a hole inside Gideon that’s been empty for a long time.

Will he give in to this incomprehensible attraction when it could mean the end of everything that he’s worked for?

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate Lily's new covers, we are giving you a chance to win your choice of any book from Lily’s backlist! Three winners will be chosen!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57653/?

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About Lily:

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven't had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations - Chocolate Baileys.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily's Snark Squad Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Website | Newsletter

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Audio Tour - The Sceptic (Audio) by Lily Morton

 

Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
The Sceptic
By Lily Morton

Arcana Books, Book 1

As the best friend of a psychic, Will Buchanan can’t help but believe in the dead. It’s the living that he finds to be problematic. However, after a spate of betrayals, he finally has the chance of a new life within his grasp, and he’s not going to risk it for anyone or anything. Staying safe is the name of Will’s game.

Jem Dawson defines the word temporary. A talented cameraman, he’s here today and will undoubtedly be gone tomorrow chasing adventure and danger. But, while he’s in York, he’s made it clear he wants Will, and Will can’t help liking the charming daredevil.

This inconvenient attraction results in Will accompanying Jem to the site of a notorious poltergeist outbreak. A malevolent spirit has targeted a family, and now the ghost hunting team for whom Jem does camerawork are going to be locked down in the house for three days.

The house is strange and filled with sinister and violent undercurrents. One by one, the group experiences threatening incidents, and as events escalate, Will has to ask himself if he's risking not just his heart but also his life with this impulsive gesture.

This is the first book in the Arcana Books series featuring characters from the bestselling Black and Blue series.

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Excerpt:

“What a ridiculous question. Do I look like I have a book on how to reanimate a cadaver? I have enough problems with the living customers without adding dead ones. Go next door.”

I set my pen down on the counter and sigh as Tom’s stertorous tones echo through the building. I’m currently working in an occult bookshop that connects to Tom’s bookshop. The divider between the two stores is a curtain, but even if we had walls the thickness of Fort Knox, it still wouldn’t stop me hearing Tom.

A few seconds later, the curtain lifts, and three startled goths scoot into the room as if their backsides are on fire. I offer them a smile and point to the stairs. “First floor. Shelf by the window.”

Their footsteps echo on the treads, and silence descends again. I pick up my pen and then pause, looking around. The room is full of the scent of old paper and leather, along with a whiff of fresh paint and new carpet. Sun streams through the Georgian window, laying stripes over the shelves of books and painting my skin with warmth. It’s incredibly peaceful in here, notwithstanding the grumpy bookshop owner next door.

As if on cue, the old man’s voice rises through the divider again, muttering something about the problems associated with zombies becoming customers.

I look up as the shop’s front door opens and the bell jingles cheerfully, heralding the arrival of my current boss. Viscount Ingram.

“Dear boy,” he booms, his face lit up. He’s the exact opposite of Tom, being eternally cheerful. The glass isn’t half full of wine with this one. He’s got a whole fucking vineyard in there. “You will never guess what I found at the house sale.”

I open my mouth to respond, but Tom forestalls me. “Not in here,” he booms from the other room. “The death books are all next door in the occult bookshop. No, not there. There. Through that curtain.”

A young man in a long duster coat and a trilby hat sidles through the curtain. He gives us a haunted look and then legs it up the stairs to join the goths, who are probably cowering in a corner.

The viscount sighs. “Oh, dear. Tom is a trifle rusty on customer service, isn't he?”

“He was probably rusty sixty years ago,” I confidently state. I’ve known Tom for many years. He’s an established figure in York and someone my best friend Blue and I have known since we were young and homeless. Tom is now Blue’s boss, psychic mentor, and a possible glimpse at how Blue will be in fifty years.

“Oh dear,” the viscount says again. He looks towards the table in the corner of the room. “And where is Madame Hecate? I thought she was reading the tarot cards for our customers today.”

“Probably at the pub. She came in, turned over one card, gave a scream that Tom’s still complaining about, and then left.”

“Poor woman. I wonder what the problem is.”

“Gin,” I offer helpfully. “It does seem to influence most of her tarot choices.”

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About Lily:

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven't had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations - Chocolate Baileys.

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