Blog Tour - Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

RELEASE TOUR: Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

"This Christmas, he’s hiding more than his identity…

Length: 25,000 words
Series: Silver Shoals, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Small Town Holiday Romance.
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Small Town, Holiday Romance.
Content: Brief mentions of unsupportive family, past relationships, addiction and enabling, light gore.
Heat: 2 out of 5

https://getbook.at/DeckTheHulls

Fresh from a life tangled with the Greek mob in LA, Adam Sgouros is starting over in witness protection—but he feels unmoored in his new small-town existence. When a sudden need to dispose of a body without drawing attention arises (Not his fault! He can explain!), Adam realizes his first Christmas in the sleepy, wintery little town of Silver Shoals is shaping up to be anything but merry.

Elijah Jensen has always been an optimist, but this year, even he’s struggling to keep his head above water. A head-cold from hell and a boat that’s falling apart at the seams seem determined to sink his holiday spirit, and all he wants is to get through the season without any more complications. Complications like a musclebound ex-gangster hijacking his boat (Accidentally! He can explain!)—and taking him along for the ride.

Stranded on the water by a snowstorm, this unlikely pair must navigate through a holiday filled with danger, unexpected warmth, and enough secrets to sink them both. Can Adam's tough exterior thaw under the force of Eli's unyielding optimism, or will the storm—and Adam’s past—prove too much to weather?

Set course for a low heat, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity MM novella with a comedic noir twist. Featuring a relationship between a cisgender male and transgender male main character, Deck the Hulls promises a small-town holiday romance full of festive mayhem, surprising sparks, and a love that just might break through even the iciest of hearts.

EXCERPT:

“What’s on your mind?” U.S. Marshal Gillian Reynolds, his WITSEC handler, asks with her signature blunt style of concern that always makes Adam squirm. These check-ins aren’t just about ensuring he’s keeping his nose clean and being a productive member of society; they also want to make sure he hasn’t wandered off the deep end. The shrinks say he’s ‘emotionally volatile,’ and he knows if he said half of what he was thinking, they’d haul him back to the proverbial couch faster than he could say ‘antisocial tendencies.’

Amidst the clatter of plates, the rattle of coffee cups, and the shouts of “order up,” Adam seizes the opportunity for a deflection. “Just wondering if Santa will have any trouble finding my new chimney.”

Reynolds carves into her egg-white omelet with surgical precision, her brow furrowing just a touch. “As I tell the kids, Santa has special dispensation from WITSEC. So he can find you, just as long as nobody else does this time,” she shoots back, a reminder of his less-than-stellar record in witness protection. She’s got him there. He hasn’t exactly been the poster child for low-profile living.

Of course, it wasn’t his fault they stashed him in the same Idaho backwater as some washed-up enforcer from the Iwamoto crime family. A week in, and they’d both reached for the last gallon of milk at the only supermarket in town. The guy was jumpy and assumed anyone he recognized had to be here to kill him. One thing led to another, which, naturally, led to a fistfight in the frozen foods section, and the next day their faces were splashed all over the local paper. Adam finished the fight, but he hadn’t even started it.

AVAILABLE NOW

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOW:

https://kingsumo.com/g/3eovlkm/deck-the-hulls-release-giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat Cassidy is a queer romance author. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her family and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.

Website: https://www.katcassidyauthor.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/katcassubcribers/
Instagram: katcassidyauthor
Newsletter signup: https://katcassidyauthor.squarespace.com/newsletter

Read Around the Rainbow - Retellings

It's that time of the month when a group of like-minded authors discuss the chosen topic of the month. #readaroundtherainbow. And yes, it does appear that I'm here two months in a row. Shocker!

The topic this month is retelling. But what is a retelling? 

Mark Twain quote: “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.” 

If we accept this quote from Mark Twain, then everything is a retelling. Or to paraphrase that comedy legend, Eric Morecombe, I'm using all of the same ideas, just not necessarily in the same order. And yes, that is a valid argument but it's not what we're going for. 

As more and more classic reads fall out of copyright, then an influx of books about that character by new authors become available. You only need to look at the number of new Sherlock Holmes stories that have flooded the market in recent years. But again, I'm not here to discuss the morally grey area of riding on a dead author’s coat tails, especially since I'm not 100% certain where I sit in this particular argument. 

The purpose of these posts are to discuss direct reworkings of other authors' stories. By this I'm talking about taking the plot and certain character traits and changing it up. How do we do that? Oh let me count the ways: 

• Genderbend the characters. 
• Make it contemporary. Or set it in the future. 
• Or add vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies.

Alternatively the option is there to use the characters before you but in a totally different way. 

• Take two random side characters and give them their own story. 
• Rewrite fairy tales or bring the the Gods of Myths and Legend to life and settle them on our mortal plane. 

Which of these takes do I prefer as a reader? Probably the last one. But let's consider them all. 

If it's a classic book and you're going to make it queer, then quite often you'll need to genderbend one of the leads. This is done effectively in Anyta Sunday's Love, Austen series, where she writes Jane Austen novels with male leads and in a contemporary setting but loosely follows the plot and various traits of the characters. The first book in the series is a retelling of Emma, with misunderstandings and an oblivious MC, just as you'd expect. Of course, a retelling of a story with two male leads often just requires removing the obligatory female love interest. Where these style of stories sometimes fail for me, is when the author sticks too closely to the source material. These can then be bland and predictable without any flair. Maybe those stories need Twain's kaleidoscope twisting a bit more. 

Adding the supernatural. Recently Rebecca Cohen has been retelling her own Crofton series but putting a supernatural twist on it. I'm thoroughly enjoying the darker versions of familiar characters as vampires and fey.

Giving side characters their own story. Well, don't we all do that as soon as we write a series but obviously in this case the characters aren't our own. The first work that came to mind is actually a play not a book, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard. Stoppard takes these two characters and creates the story of what they are doing while they aren't on stage in the main play. I must admit that I struggled with applying this concept to gay romance until I remembered the swashbuckling, evil doings of The Henchmen of Zelda by KJ Charles. Telling the tale from the morally dubious pov of the henchmen of the ‘tache-twirling bad guy, certainly puts a new spin on a classic Victorian pulp novel. A Romance with a capital R it is not, but it’s a cracking read, especially if you cast Rupert as the ever gorgeous Douglas Fairbanks Jr. 

So, we come to my favourite type of retelling, fairy tales and myths. Whether it’s Clare London’s take on Little Red Riding Hood in her new Christmas story, or Eli Easton’s Beauty and the Beast retelling, ‘Billy & the Beast. Or maybe it’s the more complex world of Greek gods and demi-gods who walk the Earth, falling in love, and fighting for humanity in Sam Burns & WM Fawkes Lords of the Underworld/Sons of Olympus series. Why do I like this type of story so much? It’s hard to say. Maybe it’s because the source material goes back hundreds or even thousands of years, that we’re far removed from the word of mouth origins. Maybe it’s because the source material is somewhat dark and yet favourite authors turn them into Romances with that capital R and multi book series full of action and swoon-worthy heroes. 

Have I written any retellings? Well, yes, but none that you’ll find for sale. Back in my fanfic days I turned both Around the World in 80 days and The 39 Steps into stories from my fandom of choice. But I know that several of my fellow RATRs have turned their hand to a retelling or two. Check out their posts to find out. 

Nell Iris - Read Around the Rainbow: Retellings

Ofelia Grand - Read Around the Rainbow | Retellings

Fiona Glass - Read Around the Rainbow: retellings

Ellie Thomas - Read Around the Rainbow: Retellings

K. L. Noone - read around the rainbow: retellings

Addison Albright - READ AROUND THE RAINBOW :: Retellings #RAtR

Release Blitz - Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

 

RELEASE TOUR: Deck the Hulls by Kat Cassidy

"This Christmas, he’s hiding more than his identity…

Length: 25,000 words
Series: Silver Shoals, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Small Town Holiday Romance.
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Forced Proximity, Small Town, Holiday Romance.
Content: Brief mentions of unsupportive family, past relationships, addiction and enabling, light gore.
Heat: 2 out of 5

https://getbook.at/DeckTheHulls

Fresh from a life tangled with the Greek mob in LA, Adam Sgouros is starting over in witness protection—but he feels unmoored in his new small-town existence. When a sudden need to dispose of a body without drawing attention arises (Not his fault! He can explain!), Adam realizes his first Christmas in the sleepy, wintery little town of Silver Shoals is shaping up to be anything but merry.

Elijah Jensen has always been an optimist, but this year, even he’s struggling to keep his head above water. A head-cold from hell and a boat that’s falling apart at the seams seem determined to sink his holiday spirit, and all he wants is to get through the season without any more complications. Complications like a musclebound ex-gangster hijacking his boat (Accidentally! He can explain!)—and taking him along for the ride.

Stranded on the water by a snowstorm, this unlikely pair must navigate through a holiday filled with danger, unexpected warmth, and enough secrets to sink them both. Can Adam's tough exterior thaw under the force of Eli's unyielding optimism, or will the storm—and Adam’s past—prove too much to weather?

Set course for a low heat, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity MM novella with a comedic noir twist. Featuring a relationship between a cisgender male and transgender male main character, Deck the Hulls promises a small-town holiday romance full of festive mayhem, surprising sparks, and a love that just might break through even the iciest of hearts.

EXCERPT:

“What’s on your mind?” U.S. Marshal Gillian Reynolds, his WITSEC handler, asks with her signature blunt style of concern that always makes Adam squirm. These check-ins aren’t just about ensuring he’s keeping his nose clean and being a productive member of society; they also want to make sure he hasn’t wandered off the deep end. The shrinks say he’s ‘emotionally volatile,’ and he knows if he said half of what he was thinking, they’d haul him back to the proverbial couch faster than he could say ‘antisocial tendencies.’

Amidst the clatter of plates, the rattle of coffee cups, and the shouts of “order up,” Adam seizes the opportunity for a deflection. “Just wondering if Santa will have any trouble finding my new chimney.”

Reynolds carves into her egg-white omelet with surgical precision, her brow furrowing just a touch. “As I tell the kids, Santa has special dispensation from WITSEC. So he can find you, just as long as nobody else does this time,” she shoots back, a reminder of his less-than-stellar record in witness protection. She’s got him there. He hasn’t exactly been the poster child for low-profile living.

Of course, it wasn’t his fault they stashed him in the same Idaho backwater as some washed-up enforcer from the Iwamoto crime family. A week in, and they’d both reached for the last gallon of milk at the only supermarket in town. The guy was jumpy and assumed anyone he recognized had to be here to kill him. One thing led to another, which, naturally, led to a fistfight in the frozen foods section, and the next day their faces were splashed all over the local paper. Adam finished the fight, but he hadn’t even started it.

AVAILABLE NOW

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY NOW:

https://kingsumo.com/g/3eovlkm/deck-the-hulls-release-giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat Cassidy is a queer romance author. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her family and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.

Website: https://www.katcassidyauthor.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/katcassubcribers/
Instagram: katcassidyauthor
Newsletter signup: https://katcassidyauthor.squarespace.com/newsletter

Release Blitz - Arcane Entanglement by Ava Marie Salinger

 

Release Blitz- Arcane Entanglement by Ava Marie Salinger

Pride and Prejudice meets Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell in this steamy MM historical fantasy romance!

Length: 82,000 words
Series: The Mage and His Brute, Book 1
Genre: Historical, Fantasy Romance.
Heat: 4 out of 5

He thought he had to choose between duty and desire.

But what if he could have both?

In an alternate Victorian London where magic reigns supreme, Duke Evander Ravenwood hides a dangerous secret — he is an Archmage of unparalleled power. When a brutal murder throws him into the path of Viggo Stonewall, the notorious leader of the underground information guild Nightshade, Evander’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel.

Forced into an unlikely alliance, Evander and Viggo find themselves drawn into a web of conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of their society. With tensions rising between the magical elite and the oppressed thralls, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of politics, prejudice, and forbidden desire to find a common enemy.

But in a world where magic divides the haves from the have-nots, their growing attraction could be their greatest weakness — or their most powerful weapon. Can Evander and Viggo’s burgeoning relationship withstand the storms to come? Or will the shadows of the past and the dangers of the present tear them apart?

The Mage and His Brute is an MM Fantasy Romance series of passion, power, and the unbreakable spirit of those who refuse to be subjugated. Strap in for a wild ride filled with scorching romance, breathtaking magic, and a struggle for justice that will keep you on the edge of your seat in Arcane Entanglement, Book 1!

Excerpt:

Shaw watched Rufus leave with a conflicted expression.

“What’s the matter?” Brown asked.

“I’m wondering if I should go out there and secure one of those lost melons.”

Brown squinted. “They ain’t lost, Shaw. And what you’re describing is theft.” The alchemist glanced at Evander. “Help me out here, your Grace.”

“Mr. Brown is right, Miss Shaw,” Evander said as he wandered deeper into the alley. “You’ll get in trouble with the law.” He paused and arched an eyebrow at the forensic mage. “I’ll bring you a melon next time my cook buys some, so please refrain from accidentally nicking one of those unfortunate cantaloupes on your way out of here.” 

Shaw brightened and fist-pumped the air. Brown muttered under his breath.

Something clinked against Evander’s boot. He frowned and lifted his foot out of the puddle he’d just stepped into. Water dripped into the dirty spill, spreading ripples across the brown surface.

A faint blue light flashed weakly beneath it. 

Evander’s pulse quickened. He squatted and carefully moved aside the rock his boot had dislodged, exposing a small object.

Shaw and Brown joined him as he picked it up and brought it to eye level.

“What is that, your Grace?” the alchemist asked curiously.

Evander stared at the small crystal vial. It had a slim body and two tapering ends, fitting easily in the palm of his hand. A clear, sparkling azure liquid filled the hollow chamber within. 

It didn’t look like the sort of thing you’d find in the East End. 

Evander’s heart slammed against his ribs. 

His intuition was telling him the object was a magical item. One linked to the victim. 

His gaze shifted to the dead man, gauging the distance between the body’s point of impact and the location of the vial.

Was it on him when he fell? 

The hairs lifted on the back of Evander’s neck in the next instant. 

The air in the alley thickened with a suddenness that made his ears pop. Dread chilled him when his breath misted in front of his face. 

Dark magic!

Shaw and Brown doubled over before he could shout a warning. Their hands rose to clutch their temples even as their faces contorted in expressions of pure agony, the suddenness of the invisible attack robbing them of breath and stealing their cries before they could form. 

The only thing that protected Evander from the debilitating effect of the spell that incapacitated his associates was his powers.

AVAILABLE NOW

Direct from the author

Add on Goodreads

About the Author:

Ava Marie Salinger is the romance pen name of an Amazon bestselling author with a passion for writing addictive tales. Known for her action-packed and thrilling urban fantasy novels, she has expanded her repertoire with the introduction of the M/M urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers.

Additionally, she has penned the scorching hot contemporary M/M romance series Nights and Twilight Falls as A.M. Salinger.

When not immersed in her writing, Ava can be found curating inspiring music playlists, indulging in her love for nature, marveling at the latest gadgets, and savoring Chinese cuisine.

Connect with Ava:
https://linktr.ee/avamariesalingerauthor

Release Blitz - Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes

RELEASE TOUR - Winnie Takes Paris by Lane Hayes

The fabulous stylist, the absentminded professor, and a Parisian adventure…

Length: 54,000 words
Series: Love and Travel, Book 2
Genre: Contemporary
Tropes: Age-Gap, Opposites Attract, Humor, RomCom, Travel Romance.
Heat: 5 out of 5

Winnie

Hey, I don’t regret taking an oddball assignment to assist a British professor abroad. I could use a break from my life as an aspiring hair and style guru in LA. The only worrisome snag is that the professor is determined to do everything on his own.

Not acceptable. I’m here to help the impossibly smart geek with mismatched socks who just happens to be my best friend’s boss.

Alistair

Paris calls. And somehow, I have a new temporary assistant. 

Winnie is a technicolor, whirlwind American with a wicked laugh and the subtlety of a steamroller. He’s brash and ridiculous and…funny, warm, lovely, and—

Oh no. 

Winnie can take Paris, but he can’t take my heart.

Winnie Takes Paris is an MM romantic comedy featuring a fabulous diva, a nerdy professor, and the Parisian adventure of a lifetime!

EXCERPT:

“To Paris!” 

I tapped my cup to his flute awkwardly. “To Paris.”

Winnie watched me cautiously. “Did I get your tea right? Raine said you like a smidge of milk and sugar.”

“Uh, yes…brilliant. Thank you.”

He grinned. “You’re welcome. What should we do now?”

“Wait for the train,” I replied evenly.

Winnie threw his head back and laughed, drawing a few curious glances our way. The lounge wasn’t exactly a library, but there was an unspoken acknowledgment that this was a quiet zone. 

“Got that. I meant, what about work? I’m your assistant. If you need me to do anything, just say the word and I’m there.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your diligence, but there’s no need. Enjoy your champagne,” I said in a tone that clearly marked the end of the conversation. 

Winnie didn’t take the hint. “Do you like champagne?”

“No, I don’t.”

He flattened his hand over his heart. “Why not? Champagne is the elixir of the gods, sunshine in a flute, bubbles for the soul.”

I shrugged. “I’m afraid I don’t care for bubbles at all. I don’t want to drink them, anyway.”

“Mm, you’re missing out. I would bathe in champagne bubbles if I could.” He hummed indulgently. 

“That sounds…sticky.”

Winnie’s lips twitched. “You’re right. It also sounds like a waste of a good thing, and I wouldn’t sacrifice a single sip of this stuff.” 

I wasn’t sure how to respond or if I was supposed to, but this was probably a good time to remind Winnie that I didn’t need him to entertain me or vice versa. Or perhaps this was an opportunity to ask him a few questions and be done with prerequisite niceties. 

What sort of questions, though? I had no clue. This was the sort of thing Raine usually handled for me. 

I set my cup on the side table, pulled my cell from my pocket, and typed, Questions for a new acquaintance.

Google suggested the following: Number one, ask personal information—likes, dislikes, favorite color, hobbies. Not a chance. In my admittedly limited experience, that line of inquiry invited reciprocity, and there was no point in pretending we shared any common interests. 

Number two, comment on something pleasant, such as the weather. I glanced out the rain-streaked window and quickly abandoned that suggestion. Too dire. 

Number three, pay a compliment. That seemed like a safe option. Winnie was very…winsome. He had beautiful olive skin, perfectly coiffed hair, a flair for fashion, and—

“You have lovely eyes,” I blurted. 

Winnie froze midsip, quirking his head as he slowly lowered his glass. “Are you flirting with me, Professor?” 

“I—no! No, I…no,” I sputtered, wrinkling my nose, licking my lips, and blinking in rapid succession. “That was a statement, not a flirtation. I don’t do flirtations, so you’re quite safe there.”

“Am I?” 

He was teasing. The spark in his eyes held pure mischief, but I didn’t know the rules of engagement at all. Was I supposed to say something clever in return? Possibly, probably. Witty banter wasn’t my strong suit, so I went with the truth instead.

“I couldn’t help noticing that you’re wearing makeup and…you look quite smart.”

His megawatt grin hit me like a bolt of lightning. “I do? How so? I’ve never been told my application of Chanel Stylo Yeux in espresso gave collegiate vibes.”

“Uh, no. I didn’t mean smart in that sense. That is to say, I’m sure you’re very intelligent, but I meant that you look…nice.” 

His smile didn’t waver. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” Well done, old chap. Now, leave it alone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t shut my gob. This was bad…very bad. “Ancient Egyptian men wore cosmetics, and depending on their rank and social class, they wore a lot of it. The kohl liner they used had practical purposes, too. It shielded one from the sun’s rays and repelled insects. They used animal fats and oils to create moisturizers, shampoos, and even to prevent baldness. Interesting, isn’t it? They’d rub fat from a snake or a—”

“Okay.” Winnie held his hand up. “That’s a lot of information.”

“That’s hardly the tip of the iceberg,” I assured him. 

“I bet.” He gestured to the corner of his eye. “I made a last-minute trip to Sephora for this stuff. Much easier than wrangling a snake.”

“Sephora, derived from the Greek sephos, or beauty.” 

Oh, bloody blooming bollocks. What is wrong with me?

About the Author:

Lane Hayes  lives in sunny Southern California with her amazing husband, who thankfully doesn’t mind cooking, and their fabulous fox red Labrador, George, who’s pure mischief. Both provide oodles of inspiration for the low-angst, humorous books Lane loves to write.

She’s been telling stories about sexy, funny, sometimes geeky and quirky men who find love for a dozen years now and loving every minute. In her previous life, she sat at a desk and dealt with numbers, so yes…romance is much more satisfying!

Lane loves tea, travel, and chocolate…in any order. Add a book and she’s set!

AUTHOR LINKS

My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Website: 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/lanehayesauthor/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes
Tiktok: tiktok.com/@lane_hayes

Release Blitz with Review - The Unquiet House by Ellie Thomas

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: The Unquiet House (Regency Paranormal, Book 2)

Author: Ellie Thomas

Publisher: JMS Books

Cover Artist: in-house with publisher

Release Date: October 26, 2024

Tense/POV: Third person, past tense, single POV

Genres: MM Historical Paranormal

Tropes: Hurt/Comfort, Opposites Attract, Friends to Lovers

Themes: Haunting, ghosts, romantic suspense, peril

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 17 520 words

It is not a standalone story.

It is book 2 in my Regency Paranormal series. It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

 

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

In Regency England, Sam and Christian come across a ghostly disturbance at a country house.

Can their combined skills resolve the problem before someone, including themselves, gets seriously hurt?

  Blurb After barely surviving their terrifying encounter with the spectre of the hooded monk during the previous autumn, Christian Maxwell and Sam Gillespie have consolidated their romantic relationship and are starting to gain a reputation for dealing with the unknown. For this reason, they receive an invitation to Haverford House in Wiltshire during the spring of 1817. The owners of the historic haunted manor house, Mr. and Mrs. Huxley, are being afflicted by a series of inexplicable incidents. With his sensitivity to atmosphere, Christian is immediately alerted to danger. Yet, despite their best efforts, neither he nor Sam can discern the cause, although their search brings them closer as a couple and as a team. As sinister events develop, can our devoted duo unmask the culprit without putting themselves in danger?  

 

My Two Pennies' Worth 

This is a review for both books in the series so far. I say so far because I'm really hoping for more.

It's a perfect pair of novellas for those long dark nights. Creepy and menacing in all the right places but balanced by a sweet romance between our two amateur paranormal investigators.                   

In the first book, The Monk's Lair, they stumble upon the paranormal mystery. However by the time of the second book their reputation has grown and they are actively invited to investigate. The author manages to pack a punch despite the story length, with a rollicking good mystery and some lovely character/relationship development. I loved how Sam supported Christian when his low self-esteem got the better of him.

Highly Recommended

Excerpt

Christian regarded the stolid group of middle-aged people surrounding Sam, the second vicar, with a darker shade to his complexion from the Caribbean sun. Sam had already struck up an animated conversation with the colonel’s lady. His face, shaded by candlelight into fascinating planes and hollows, was alight with interest. Christian was so distracted that he lost the thread of Mrs. Huxley’s discourse.

“You’ve met my husband, of course.” Christian dragged his attention away from Sam to regard his host. “And near to him is Ernest Bell, a distant relative of mine. It’s very good of him to support us in our endeavours since our son Gordon returned to university after the Christmas vacation. Of course, Ernest’s very fond of the place. He was a regular visitor in my Cousin Grenville’s day.”

Christian placed Mr. Bell in his early thirties, somewhat younger than the Huxleys. There was little or no family resemblance to the fair and even-featured Mrs. Huxley. The man was dark haired and had a strong craggy face. He seemed completely at ease, conversing easily as though taking his cue from his hosts.

As the meal commenced, Mrs. Huxley was monopolised by the gentleman on her other side, allowing Christian to absorb the surrounding ambience. The candlelight flattered the diners and the ready supply of wine increased the merry flow of conversation.

The food is excellent, Christian thought, nibbling on a chicken leg. The dishes were removed by a small number of well-trained staff. The Huxleys clearly hadn’t stinted on the domestic sphere of their enterprise.

“Have you come far?”

A gruff male voice broke into Christian’s preoccupations.

“Not at all. Only the other side of the county,” he replied.

“We hail from Suffolk.”

Unprompted, the gentleman leaned over the lady sitting between them and launched into a treatise on the historic sights of that region. Thankfully, he required little in the way of a response. Without having to pay much attention, Christian simply interjected the occasional, “Oh really? How interesting.”

In such congenial surroundings, Christian almost forgot that he and Sam weren’t invited to enjoy the convivial atmosphere.

When the hair rose on the back of Christian’s neck, at first, he assumed it was due to a stray draught, understandable in such an ancient and large space. Rather than easing, the sensation intensified and Christian felt his shoulders tense, as if braced for attack.

He felt a sudden burst of malice like a silent cackle of mocking laughter.

Again, he couldn’t place the source of ill-intent until a footman leaned between Christian and Mrs. Huxley to place a covered salver on the table.

As the servant reached across to lift the lid, Christian hissed, “Don’t!”

His voice was low, but his urgency transmitted to his hostess and the footman, who hesitated in mid-action.

Mrs. Huxley threw a startled glance towards Christian. However, her voice was calm as she said, “Take it away, please, Simon.”

The young server obeyed without question. Mrs. Huxley murmured, “Excuse me.” She accompanied the footman from the room without attracting any attention.

Christian’s collar felt constricting and the candlelight too bright for his strained nerves. He took a sip of wine to steady himself before he glanced around the table.

There was no discernible change in the level of chatter and general merriment. Christian attempted to focus in vain. He could no longer sense the slightest whiff of the ill-feeling that had vanished like a puff of smoke in a strong breeze.

He jumped at the light touch on his shoulder.

“May I borrow you for a moment?” Mrs. Huxley asked.

Christian turned to see that his hostess was pale, her eyes wide with alarm.

“Yes, of course.”

He rose to follow her, unnoticed except by Mr. Huxley, briefly hesitating in mid-comment, and Sam, who quickly looked up before resuming his discourse.

Christian followed the lady into the service region of the house. In a pantry, the silver salver sat alone on a shelf, guarded by the footman.

“I thought you ought to see this for yourself.”

Mrs. Huxley nodded to the footman, who lifted the lid without ceremony. Instead of the expected delicacy, on the gleaming silver platter lay a dead rat with a candied cherry in its mouth.

 

About the Author

Ellie Thomas lives by the sea. She comes from a teaching background and goes for long seaside walks where she daydreams about history. She is a voracious reader, especially about anything historical. She mainly writes historical gay romance.

Ellie also writes historical erotic romance as L. E. Thomas.

 

Author Links

Blog/Website | Facebook | Facebook Group

Twitter | Newsletter Sign-up | Bluesky

Goodreads | Bookbub

 

   

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Audiobook Tour - Persistence of Memory by J.M. Snyder

AUDIOBOOK TOUR

Book Title: Persistence of Memory

Author: J.M. Snyder

Publisher: JMS Books LLC

Narrator: Nick Johnson

Release Date: September 25, 2024

Tense/POV: first person, present tense, single.

Genres: MM Dystopian Romance

Tropes: amnesia 

Themes: love despite everything

Heat Rating: 1 flame      

Length:  2 hours and 28 minutes

It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Audible US   |  Audible UK 

Amazon US  |   Amazon UK 

Blurb 

Five years ago Joah was culled—kidnapped by the government to be trained as a soldier. In the process, they erased his memory, destroying his past, his dreams, everything but his name. Armed with that alone, Joah escapes from the facility in search of someone to help him recall the man he used to be.

That person is Tobin, Joah’s husband, who never gave up hope of finding him again. He refuses to believe that the strength of his love alone won’t be enough to bring back Joah’s memories of their shared lives, and he’s determined to bring back the man beneath the soldier, the man he knows has to love him.

But an alarm in the chip blocking Joah’s memories was triggered at his escape, and if it isn’t removed soon, it will shriek his life away. Removing it won’t bring back his past, and may destroy the present that Tobin has tried so hard to build between them. How can the love they once shared possibly survive?

About the Author  

J.M. Snyder is a multi-published author of gay erotic romance who started writing fanfic (specifically, boyband slash). She has worked with several different e-publishers, including Amber Allure Press and Torquere Press, and had short stories published in anthologies by Alyson Books, Cleis Press, eXcessica, and Lethe Press.

In 2010, she started JMS Books LLC to promote and publish her own work as well as that of other authors she enjoys.

Author/Social Media Links

Audible Profile  |  Blog/Website  |  Facebook 

Twitter  |   Newsletter Sign-up

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RATR - Monsters

It's been a while since I've contributed to a Read Around the Rainbow group post. Often it's simply because the last Friday of the month rushes at me because of deadlines in the day job and I miss the posting date, no matter all my good intentions. But this month I stuck my oar in with the topic so I have to make the time to post 😃.

It's scary season. Whether you celebrate Halloween, Samhain, or Day of the Dead. Maybe you simply shy away from the darker nights and longer shadows of the shorter days here in the northern hemisphere. Whatever the case, there's no doubting that this time of year is conducive to horror and monsters in all forms of popular culture. 

I'm not a massive horror fan. I avoid scary movies like the plague. Honestly, I got creeped out by Blink, the weeping angels episode of Dr Who. And if it involves clowns, ventriloquist dummies, or dolls, then count me out. However I do have soft spot for the old Universal monster movies of the 30s and 40s. Bela Lugosi's Dracula, Boris Karloff's Frankenstein's Monster, Lon Chaney Jr's Wolf Man. 

To a modern audience these films aren't scary, of course not. The pacing is often slow, the monster is obviously an actor in stage make-up, and the acting can be unpalatable for today's movie goers. It can certainly be camp and over the top, although that is part of the charm of these movies. They are safe, as who doesn't have some knowledge of these characters from traditional and modern literature, but they also have a degree of pathos and emotion that is often lacking from modern horror movies. 

My fondness for these characters bleed over into other forms of pop culture that I indulge in but especially in comics.

One of my favourites is DC's Frank, aka Frankenstein's Monster, a sword weilding undead, who works for SHADE as part of the Creature Commandos. Often mistaken for a dumb monster, he is intelligent and often quotes poetry. 

One of my favourite teams for Frank was the mini series, Gotham City Monsters. Among others, this team included Andrew Bennett, a vampire, and Michael Drown, Phantom of the Gotham City opera. And a whole slew of other monster to fight against. 

Marvel's monster-based characters never quite grabbed me in the same way but I have to admit having a soft spot for Capwolf. If you think that sounds like Captain America as a werewolf then you'd be correct. I love certain incarnations of him so much, I even have him as a Funko Pop. 

And if you want your monster to be a bad guy, then how about Dracula vs Jesus in the second season of Loaded Bible. I'd highly recommend it. 

But enough of my ramblings, let's check out the thoughts of the other members of the RATR squad. 

Nell Iris - Read Around the Rainbow: Monsters

Ofelia Grand - Read Around the Rainbow | Monsters

Ellie Thomas - Read Around the Rainbow: Monsters

Addison Albright - READ AROUND THE RAINBOW ~ Monster Edition #RAtR

Fiona Glass - Read Around the Rainbow: Favourite Monsters 

KL Noone - Read Around the Rainbow: Favourite Monsters 

Didn't believe me about the whole Jesus fights Dracula thing. Thought it was a fever dream? Too much cheese before bed?

I'll leave you with one last image.