Fiction Friday got lost along the way

Love the colours in this cover

It's been a while since I published a Fiction Friday post. To be fair RL and day job have both been hectic.

As you may have noticed audiobooks now have their own space in my Listen with Lillian posts, so they won't appear here anymore.

Right let's crack on with the recs. 

How to Raise an Honest Rabbit (Granby Knitting, #2) & Knitter in His Natural Habitat (Granby Knitting, #3) by Amy Lane - I really liked these two books. Jeremy's story in Rabbit was heartbreaking at times and the scope of his journey stretched from before the first book to during and then after. In Knitter, I liked that Stanley (a secondary character in the first book) got his HEA, and that we got a lot of interaction with previous characters, however I do think that it diluted Stanley and Johnny's relationship.

Set in Stone (Cray's Quarry #2) by Rachel Kane - Available in KU. This is more than a coming out story, and how different people deal with the revelation that their sexuality may not be what they've always thought. Karl carried this book for me. He was opinionated but somewhat adorable.

Myths, Moons, and Mayhem: Paranormal Gay Ménage and Erotic Romance by Dale Cameron Lowry - Anthology. This is a great collection of MMM stories in a variety of paranormal style. I enjoyed most of the stories but my favourites were Inside Man by Clare London (ghost) and The Cave by Dale Cameron Lowry (magic).

The Pride by Joe Glass - Issues 1-6. Fab Man collects together LGBTQ superheroes to make his own superhero team, The Pride. I loved it, the message, the representation not only for LGBTQ issues, but also HIV positivity. The issues were drawn by loads of different artists, which meant there were plenty of styles, some that I liked more than others.

I also read The Pride Adventures which is a several issues of short stories staring the characters from The Pride but they aren't a connected story arc like The Pride. Because of the nature of the issues there is a disconnect between the stories but there were some stories in this collection that I really enjoyed.

I've made no secret of the fact that I funded the recent kickstarter for the next issue of The Pride. And I can't wait to receive it in the post in the coming months.

Listen with Lillian - The High King's Golden Tongue

One of my favourite things about audiobooks is the ability to catch up with a series when a new book appears without having to put aside actual reading time (see last post for all the places I utilise audios). There’s nothing worse than a new book in a series arriving after several years and me realising there is no audio. Or, sacrilege, the narrator is so bad that I can’t listen to it.

But sometimes, when book and narrator align in perfection, I love to be able to simply immerse myself in a favourite book and let the words flow over me.

That’s what I’ve been doing this last week or so.

The High King's Golden Tongue 

Written By Megan Derr

Narrated by Michael Stellman

Prince Allen has trained his entire life to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious mother, who has made their kingdom one of the wealthiest and most influential in the empire. For the past few years he has trained to become the new consort of the High King. The only thing no one prepared him for was the stubborn, arrogant High King himself, who declares Allen useless and throws him out of court.

High King Sarrica is ruling an empire at war, and that war will grow exponentially worse if his carefully laid plans do not come to fruition. He's overwhelmed and needs help, as much as he hates to admit it, but it must be someone like his late consort: a soldier, someone who understands war, who is not unfamiliar with or afraid of the harsher elements of rule. What he doesn't need is the delicate, pretty little politician foisted on him right as everything goes wrong.

Buy links: Audible // iTunes // Amazon

My two pennies worth.

Tales of the High Court is one of my 'go to' fantasy series and this is the book that starts the series. I'm in awe of the world building and the way Megan Derr incorporates diversity without blinking an eye, especially the ease that she has introduced transgender characters into the world. The story is larger than the romance, in fact there are great swathes of pages where the characters aren't even in the same country and certainly not interacting. The plot is rife with politics and court shenanigans, murders and traitors, but the romance is also integral to the plot and affects the actions of more than just the MCs.

Michael Stellman's narration is excellent and his voice is very easy to listen to. He also adds a extra level of understanding to the characters with his interpretations.

Low in sex, but full of passion, plot, and interesting side characters.

Alex Beecroft - Guest Post

At my very first UK Meet, Alex Beecroft took the time to sit with a newbie author, one on one, and share with me some of her wisdom. That was nearly six years ago and we're both still ticking along, with slow years and busy years. And this year has already been a trying one for many people, including Alex. I'll hand you over to Alex to explain...

The life of an author is surprisingly light on writing at times. I haven’t written a word since before Christmas. Part of that was because I’ve been editing three books back to back – Pride of Cygnus Five, the third in my space opera trilogy, Contraband Hearts, the second of my m/m romances set in Porthkennack, and Murder of a Straw Man, my first attempt at a cozy mystery (published under a new pen name.) All of which are now finished and either already published or soon to be out.

The second reason I haven’t been writing, though, is that a scandal came upon my publisher, Riptide Publishing, and in response to the public outcry, they gave all their writers the chance to take back the rights to their books (except for the Porthkennack ones.)

It seemed to me that the right thing to do was to take my rights back and publish the books myself. So for the past few weeks I’ve been reformatting my manuscripts for Amazon’s KDP publishing page and Draft2Digital who handle distribution for all the other formats of ebook.

This has involved making new cover art for them all. And in some cases, where Riptide - for example - released Sons of Devils and Angels of Istanbul as two volumes, when they were written as one long book, sticking the two halves back together and releasing an omnibus version.

On the 31^st of March, I finally got that all finished and the ebooks re-released. Paperbacks still have to be set up, but that’s a long, complicated job, and I’ll do it slowly, starting from today.

Trowchester Blues

Michael May is losing it. Long ago, he joined the Metropolitan Police to escape his father’s tyranny and protect people like himself. Now his father is dead, and he’s been fired for punching a suspect. Afraid of his own rage, he returns to Trowchester—and to his childhood home, with all its old fears and memories. When he meets a charming, bohemian bookshop owner who seems to like him, he clings tight.

Fintan Hulme is an honest man now. Five years ago, he retired from his work as a high class London fence and opened a bookshop. Then an old client brings him a stolen book too precious to turn away, and suddenly he’s dealing with arson and kidnapping, to say nothing of all the lies he has to tell his friends. Falling in love with an ex-cop with anger management issues is the last thing he should be doing.

Finn thinks Michael is incredibly sexy. Michael knows Finn is the only thing that still makes him smile. But in a relationship where cops and robbers are natural enemies, that might not be enough to save them.

~

"Finn's belief that "if the heart is going to err... It's surely always best to err on the side of love" underlies an entertaining,emotionally satisfying mix of intrigue,mourning, adventure, comedy, and romance." - Publishers Weekly review of Trowchester Blues

You can get that here

Wish me luck with the new phase of my writing life as an indie-writer-and-publisher. I have the feeling that I’m going to need it!

Thanks so much to Lillian for having me on your blog! *HUGS*

Alex

Edited: 25/4/18 (Remove reference to free book, now no longer available for free.)

Release Blitz and Review - You're My Everything

RELEASE BLITZ

Title: You're My Everything

Author: Lily G. Blunt

Cover Design: Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art

Genres: contemporary, gay romance, short story anthology

Length: 52 000 words/172 pages

Release Date: March 29, 2018

Add on Goodreads

YOU’RE MY EVERYTHING

A Collection of Contemporary Gay Romance Stories from Lily G Blunt.

Six love stories. 

Some sweet, some steamy, and one or two will bring a tear to the eye.

Happy Anniversary, Jasper

Over the Rainbow

Opposites Attract

You Can’t Stop Loving Someone Just Like That

Service with a Smile

Without You

The stories in this anthology have been published before.

They have undergone several rounds of edits and the updated versions are published here.

Happy Anniversary, Jasper

As Nathan waits for Jasper in a restaurant to celebrate their tenth anniversary, he recollects their past and some of the passionate moments he has experienced with the love of his life.

A heartbreaking yet erotic tale of love, romance and destiny. 

Over the Rainbow

Dorian has been cast as Dorothy in his school's production of The Wizard of Oz.

Like his character, Dorian is about to discover whether dreams really do come true.

Opposites Attract

Chris and Andreas are opposites in character. Both fear the other wants to move on. 

Can being stranded on a mountainside resolve the doubt that is threatening to tear them apart?

You Can’t Stop Loving Someone Just Like That

Despite being besotted for years with Jack, Corey finds himself falling in love with Pierre, a foreign exchange student, who is staying at his home over the summer vacation. Up to this point, Jack has shown no sign that he was gay or that he wanted Corey as anything other than a friend. It is only when he sees Corey and Pierre together that Jack wishes he had acted sooner. 

Service with a Smile

Terry visits a men’s designer boutique, and Ash gives him service with a smile…

Without You

Jasper is struggling to move on with his life without Nathan by his side. If only he could touch his lover one more time...

MY REVIEW

This is lovely collection of short stories. All have a different style and feel. From the the bittersweet, tear-inducing Happy Anniversary, Jasper to the amusing tale of a school play in Over the Rainbow, there is something for everyone, whether you want new love or established couples, sweet or sexy. The final tale, Without You, ties the collection together perfectly, but have tissues at the ready.

Excerpt from Over the Rainbow

THE BELL sounded to signal the end of the school day. At last. Dorian let out a huge sigh of relief. He quickly dismissed his boisterous pupils and logged himself off the computer on his desk by the time they’d all noisily exited the classroom.

God! What a day! Anyone who thought this job was easy should try teaching Pride and Prejudice to a class of fifteen-year-old boys. And damn it, he still had the bloody staff meeting to attend before he got to go home. Dorian scooped up his teaching notes and a pile of books he hadn’t managed to mark at lunchtime and strode out of the classroom barely missing two boys who ran past him. “Walk in the corridor!” he instructed the rapidly fleeing flash of emerald green uniforms, but to little effect. Dorian sighed again and looked down at the books in his arms.

Yet another fun-filled night with hardly any time to relax.

He wished he’d believed the person who’d told him his social life would be almost non-existent during his first year of teaching. Marking, planning, staff meetings, talking to parents, in addition to after-school activities two or three times a week. Bring back college days any time. At least he’d had something he could laughingly call a sex life then. 

Thank God it was the half-term break next week. Time to draw breath for a few days at least.

Dorian slowed his pace as he passed the adjacent classroom and glanced hopefully inside. His search was rewarded. Catching sight of the object of his desire made his stomach flutter.

“Hey, Dorian. Have you got a minute before the staff meeting starts?”

Dorian flushed a little and smiled. “Sure.” He glanced appreciatively over his mentor, Mr Leonard. “I wanted to ask you a few questions about my lesson observation tomorrow if
you’ve got time.”

Mr Leonard, Head of the English department, was everything Dorian wished he could be—and not just because of the expert control he had over the pupils. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and most of his exposed skin was covered in thick, dark hair that Dorian spent most nights dreaming about; he often imagined what the hairs would feel like if he ran his hands over Mr Leonard’s skin and what this hunk of a man would look like naked.

“That’s fine, D. Let’s grab a cuppa and talk on the way.”

Dorian nodded and shifted the books in his arms so most of his suddenly bulging groin was now covered. The very thought of calling Mr Leonard ‘Sir’ was enough to harden his
traitorous dick at the most inopportune moments. He usually thought of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett at times like these, but those thoughts often turned to Mr Bingley and a wet-shirted Mr Darcy, and he was no better off.

Dorian did his best to concentrate on their conversation, focusing on Mr Leonard’s eyes and lips as they discussed his lesson for class 5B the following day. “And I want you to speak up in the staff meeting today….”

“Yes, Mr Leonard.”

“Look, Dorian, it’s about time you called me Mark. We’ve been working together for over six weeks now.”

Dorian smiled again, his cock pulsing when his name fell from the older man’s lips. He’d never liked the name his parents had given him and had to suffer being called everything from Dory to Ryan in his teen years, but hearing Mark say it sent a shiver down his spine every time. “Sure. If that’s okay with you, Mark.”

Mr Leonard—Mark—paused as they approached the staffroom and huffed. “Of course, it is but not in front of the little Munchkins, though.” Dorian chuckled at Mark’s nickname for the pupils.

Buy Links - Available on KU

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Add on Goodreads

About the Author

Lily G. Blunt enjoys writing contemporary gay romance and paranormal stories. She loves to explore the relationship between two or more men and the intensity of their physical and emotional attraction. Angst often features in her stories as she feels this demonstrates the depth of feeling for each other. Lily is forever writing imaginary scenes and plots in her head, but only a few ever make it to the page.

She reviews for several blog sites and has recently launched Gay Book Promotions, an online book promotion service for authors of LGBT+ romance and fiction.

Lily loves to hear from readers and other authors.

Contact and Social Media Information

Amazon | Amazon UK | Blog | Facebook | Facebook Profile

Goodreads | Twitter | Ello | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of You're My Everything and a choice of ebook from Lily G Blunt's backlist. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

RELEASE BLITZ SCHEDULE

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Rainbow Snippets - 24/25th March

Rainbow Snippets is a Facebook Group that invites authors to post 6 sentences of their work each weekend. It can be from anything you like, your current WIP, a recent release, the golden oldie that even you had forgotten you had written, or just a scrap of an idea (as long as it has 6 coherent sentences). Nothing of your own work worth mentioning? How about a 6 sentence review of your favourite LGBTQ+ story.

I've had a bit of a snippet break but I'm back with another snippet from Under the Radar. Welcome to the start of Chapter 4.
#WIP #historical #WW2 #submarines

Standing to straighten out his back, Zach pulled himself up to his full height and felt his hair brush the ceiling of the wardroom. Taking a step to the right, he positioned himself in the tallest, and one of the few parts of the submarine where he could stand with comfort. How the guys taller than his five ten coped he had no idea. Maybe he should ask Gethin next time he brought a drink.

Zach cupped the back of his neck with both hands and twisted his torso. He relished the burn in the muscles down his side. A low cough interrupted his lazy stretch, dragging his attention back to the table.

Even though the book isn't ready and I have no cover, I've created a Goodreads entry, because one way or another this book will be released this year, and this should spur me on (especially if people actually add the book to their 'want to read' shelf).

Add it to your Goodreads bookshelf here.

The Blurb

Having invited the wrong man into his bed, US Navy pilot Lieutenant Commander Zachary MacKenzie has only one option to save his family name and himself from possible jail time; agree to be cast out of both his country and his service. Sent to Blighty, to ‘help the war effort’, Zach’s punishment is more severe than simply being exiled. For a man used to the freedom of the skies, Zach’s banishment to a life beneath the waves ensures he will be unlikely to see the sky, let alone fly in it.

The only bright spot in the oppressive atmosphere of the submarine is sonar operator and steward, Gethin Llewelyn. Despite the differences of rank, background, and demeanour the pair form a fledgling friendship. However, the tenuous threads of their relationship are sorely tested by Zach’s inability to ignore the thin ribbon of desire that ties him to his steward and threatens to expose all his secrets. Combined with the confusion of Gethin’s late-blooming epiphany, the path to a mutual understanding might be impossible to navigate.

Throw in mysterious miniature vessels that appear to be stalking the sub, some strange vibrations, and several suspicious crew members. With the very real possibility that someone on board is a spy, Zach doesn’t know what is in more danger, the vessel under his charge or his heart.

Listen with Lillian - The Fireman's Pole

I love an audiobook. Although generally, due to the cost, I will only buy audios of books that I have already read and enjoyed. And knowing the story means that I miss nothing if my attention should lapse for a moment, because I normally listen to audiobooks while I’m doing something else. They make a lonely drive pass in a flash, the treadmill at the gym much less arduous, and food shopping more pleasurable. And because I love them I think everyone else should love them too, or at least give them a fighting chance.

So, I’ve decided I’ll do a weekly, maybe fortnightly (you know how good I am at keeping to a schedule), post of my favourite audiobooks. Or new releases that catch my attention.

First up, one of my chums has a new(ish) audio release out.


The Fireman’s Pole (Dreamspun Desires)
By: Sue Brown
Narrated by: Finn Sterling
Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 02-02-18
Language: English
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press LLC




The flames of passion rise for the lord of the manor.

It’s springtime in Calminster village, but things are already heating up. Sexy firefighter Dale Maloney is new to the local station. When Dale backs the company fire engine into the village maypole, he attracts the ire - and attention - of Benedict Raleigh, the Baron Calminster.

Soon after meeting Dale, Ben breaks off his relationship with his girlfriend, and the sparks between Ben and Dale are quickly fanned into flames.

Unfortunately, the passion between the two men isn’t the only blaze in the village. An arsonist’s crimes are escalating, and it’s up to Dale and his crew to stop them. Meanwhile, as they investigate, an unscrupulous business partner attempts to coerce Ben into marrying his daughter. The May Day parade is around the corner, but they have plenty of fires to put out before Ben can finally slide down the fireman’s pole.

Buy link: myBook.to/FiremansPoleAudio

My two pennies worth.

I’m a sucker for stories set in a small British villages or communities (I say British rather than English because two of my favourites are Elin Gregory’s The Bones of Our Fathers, which is set in Wales and Clare London’s Romancing the Ugly Duckling, set in Scotland). Hell, I’ve even written my own (shameless self-promo for Village Love series). So you can imagine my joy when Sue Brown released The Fireman’s Pole.

Firstly, that’s a super title and ripe for some good old British innuendo, nudge nudge wink wink, say no more, but Sue uses it sparingly and isn't ramming pole and wood jokes down our throats every few pages.

Secondly, not only do we have a village setting, with a ‘Lord of the Manor’ but we have Firemen too. Yes folks, Men in Uniform alert. Could this book get any better? There’s camaraderie between the fire crew, a village rallying together, a May Day parade, and some great secondary characters, including a female character you prepare yourself to hate who actually turns out to be completely kickass.

If I have one qualm it is directed at the publisher. An English village setting really needs a British narrator, or at least one that can do a passable English accent. While the accent Finn Sterling applies to Benedict is fine, I didn’t like the one he did for Dale. Also, it’s slightly disconcerting to have the voices in English and the narrative in American. Please, please, please can we have an English narrator.

An endearing tale with a very British feel and great setting. And I love gruff but kind Benedict.

Rainbow Snippets - 3rd/4th March

Rainbow Snippets is a Facebook Group that invites authors to post 6 sentences of their work each weekend. It can be from anything you like, your current WIP, a recent release, the golden oldie that even you had forgotten you had written, or just a scrap of an idea (as long as it has 6 coherent sentences). Nothing of your own work worth mentioning? How about a 6 sentence review of your favourite LGBTQ+ story.

I'm running out of reworked chapters. This is the last one so I might head elsewhere next week. Welcome to the start of Chapter 3.
#WIP #historical #WW2 #submarines

Gethin stood by his berth uncertain what to do next. They’d been at sea a little over eight hours and he’d just finished his first four-hour watch in the control room. Everything seemed to have gone well. He hadn’t missed anything important on the ASDIC and he’d been able to answer any requests for information that Lieutenant MacKenzie had made. It seemed strange to be reporting to an American officer, but the lieutenant seemed personable enough and was obviously still finding his feet in a submarine full of more experienced men, just as Gethin was. Which only made the Captain’s request return to the forefront of his mind.

Even though the book isn't ready and I have no cover, I've created a Goodreads entry, because one way or another this book will be released this year, and this should spur me on (especially if people actually add the book to their 'want to read' shelf).

The Blurb

Having invited the wrong man into his bed, US Navy pilot Lieutenant Commander Zachary MacKenzie has only one option to save his family name and himself from possible jail time; agree to be cast out of both his country and his service. Sent to Blighty, to ‘help the war effort’, Zach’s punishment is more severe than simply being exiled. For a man used to the freedom of the skies, Zach’s banishment to a life beneath the waves ensures he will be unlikely to see the sky, let alone fly in it.

The only bright spot in the oppressive atmosphere of the submarine is sonar operator and steward, Gethin Llewelyn. Despite the differences of rank, background, and demeanour the pair form a fledgling friendship. However, the tenuous threads of their relationship are sorely tested by Zach’s inability to ignore the thin ribbon of desire that ties him to his steward and threatens to expose all his secrets. Combined with the confusion of Gethin’s late-blooming epiphany, the path to a mutual understanding might be impossible to navigate.

Throw in mysterious miniature vessels that appear to be stalking the sub, some strange vibrations, and several suspicious crew members. With the very real possibility that someone on board is a spy, Zach doesn’t know what is in more danger, the vessel under his charge or his heart.

Add it to your Goodreads bookshelf here.