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.
Cover Reveal
& Giveaway: The Royal Rogue By Sarah Honey
Coming January 27th
Tales of
Lilleforth, Book 3
Thomas
Malone is the new Captain of the Guard at
Lilleforth Castle. He loves
his job, but it leaves him no time for
himself. It's been way too long
since he's had anyone share his bed, let
alone his life. To say he's
frustrated is an
understatement.
To
make
matters worse, the King’s disreputable cousin Evan Devere, the
Duke of Ravensport, is back from his
travels. Evan is as scatterbrained
as he is attractive, which is a shame—if
Evan had even half a brain,
he’d be exactly Thomas’s type. As it is,
Thomas has resigned himself to
spending his days keeping Evan out of
trouble
But
when
a threat emerges against the crown, Thomas and Evan have to work
together to find who's behind the plot, and
Thomas discovers there’s
more to Evan than meets the eye. So when
Evan suggests that they act on
their mutual attraction, Thomas throws
caution to the wind and agrees.
After all, it is just a fling, right?
There’s no way Thomas is actually
going to fall for the sexy, infuriating
cousin of the king.
Direct Link:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57939/?
Check out the other Tales of
Lilleforth
Book 1: The King's
Delight
King
Leopold of Lilleforth rules his kingdom well.
He’s handsome,
intelligent, and charming. It’s no wonder
the neighbouring kingdoms are
eager to provide him with a princess to
marry. There’s just one
problem—Leo has no interest in princesses.
His tastes tend more towards
handsome young men who enjoy a good
spanking.
Felix
Hobson left the kingdom of Lilleforth as a
teenager to train as a
groom. While he was away he learned a lot,
and not all of it had to do
with horses—although riding crops were
definitely involved. Now an
adult, Felix is home to take up the
position of royal groom, where he
hopes he'll have plenty of opportunities
for a roll in the hay.
When
Felix mistakes Leopold for a horse thief and
attempts to seduce him,
Leopold is delighted by the irreverent,
attractive lad, and sparks fly.
Their arrangement is all fun and games,
right until they both fall hard
and fast. But while what they have together
is a delight, there’s no way
it
can last—can it?
They’ll have to navigate a visiting
princess, an assassination attempt, and a kidnapping if they want a chance to
find out.
Mother
Jones has spent his life working hard, running
the royal stables at
Lilleforth, and watching on fondly as those
around him fall in love and
lust.
But
nobody, man or woman, has ever stoked that
fire for him—right until the
new
royal groom barrels into his life. Vasily is all sunshine smiles,
golden hair and laughter. For the first
time, Mother finds himself
attracted to someone, and he can’t help
wondering what it might be like
to court—and bed—his handsome new
groom.
But Mother is over thirty, rough around
the edges, and hardly a catch.
Vasily
couldn’t possibly return his affections—could he?
Vasily
Petrov, the fourth son of the king of
Koroslova, is travelling
incognito for a year. In Koroslova the old
ways are the only ways, and a
man
being attracted to another man is unthinkable—especially if you're a
prince. But in Lilleforth, Vasily has the
chance to spread his wings
and explore the side of himself that he can
no longer deny, and he
intends to make the most of
it.
Except,
he’s
falling for his stablemaster—and worse, Mother doesn’t know he’s a
prince, and Vasily doesn’t know how to tell
him. And the longer he
waits, the more he fears losing what they
have when the truth comes out.
Sarah
started life in New Zealand. She came to
Australia for a working
holiday, loved it, and never left. She
lives in Western Australia with
her partner, two cats, two dogs and a
life-size replica TARDIS.
She
spends half her time at a day job and the rest
of her time reading and
writing about clueless men falling in love,
with a dash of humour and
spice thrown in along the
way.
Her
proudest achievements include having adult
kids who will still be seen
with her in public, the ability to make a
decent sourdough loaf, and
knowing all the words to Bohemian
Rhapsody.
She
has
co-authored both the Bad Boyfriends, Inc and the Adventures in
Aguillon series with Lisa Henry. Socially
Orcward, the third book in the
Aguillon series, was runner up in the Best
Asexual Book category in
2021's Rainbow
Awards.
Cover Art: Book Brander Boutique, www.romancepremades.com
Length: 90,000 words
Available in: ebook, Kindle Unlimited, two paperbacks (cover model & discreet), and audio, soon after release, narrated by Darcy Stark
MM Contemporary Sports Romance
Tropes: double bi-awakening, friends/roommates-to-lovers, hockey player & football player
Tags: but we're just bros, on a couch, conducting a science experiment, a sexy science experiment, he's a jock but also a nerd, can't he be both?, and whoops, there's only one bed
Recovering from a knee injury he hopes won’t keep him off the ice. His team, the Portland University Evergreens, have a brand new coach, and he’s hoping to impress the legendary leader. Plus, he's got to make a decision once and for all about playing professional hockey or using his love of science to go a totally different direction.
The last thing he needs is a sexual awakening at the large, calloused hands of his football player roommate.
Dean is big and brawny and taciturn, but he doesn’t need words to woo Brody. He wants Dean, and his brilliant "experiment" to test his attraction gives Brody all the scientific results he needs to know he's not straight.
Now, they're proving his theory with new pleasures every night, while pretending during the day that they’re just roommates.
Except the heat burns so hot between them, it doesn’t just melt all the ice on Brody’s rink, it melts all his beliefs about who he is and what he wants.
But even more, it destroys the lie that he can’t fall hard for a guy. Because Brody is falling hard. The only question is will Dean catch him?
It's only supposed to be one
night. Until it isn't.
Blurb
When the Queen's guardsman enters my inn, the last
thing I expect is to be propositioned. But this far north, it can get lonely at
times, and my bed fits two easily enough. The guardsman is lithe and fae, and
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested. Besides, what's one night between
grown men?
I don't expect to see him again. But rumors of war
bring him back to me, and what starts as a one-off soon blossoms into so much
more ...
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.
Supernatural secret agents, vampires, and veterinarians!
Blurb
Drake Carlson is an agent for the Federal Bureau of Supernatural Investigation. He’s psychic and gets visions of alternate realities. Drake is tracking magical Mafiosi involved in paranormal crime. On a rare night out, he goes to an arcade and ends up in a Skee-Ball competition with Garrett Thompson, a cute veterinarian, and they really hit it off. More arcade dates and a visit to the Carnival of Mysteries lead to hot nights and a growing connection, and Drake begins to think he and Garrett could forge a forever relationship.
Then a mobster with a sick dog kidnaps Garrett, and a vampire henchman puts Garrett under his thrall. Drake is going to need all the help he can get—from the carnival, his own psychic mojo, and some paranormally skilled friends to catch the mobster, rescue Garrett—and, of course, save the dog—on the way to his happily-ever-after.
Midnight on the Midway is a fast-paced MM paranormal romance filled with supernatural suspense, found family, a brave veterinarian, vengeful vampires, sarcastic ghosts, midway magic, a fearless fed, hurt/comfort angst, love-conquers-all tension, and a very happy ending!
Part of the multi-author, shared-world Carnival of Mysteries series. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Excerpt—in an escape room
The attendant left the room which was designed to look like a Victorian parlor, and they heard the door click shut behind him. Ominous music began to play, and after a few minutes, Drake picked up other sounds like chattering teeth, moans, and wails.
“They go all-out, don’t they?” He followed Garrett’s lead to handle the objects on shelves and tables, gently shifting them to disclose secrets.
“This place has a good reputation.” Garrett turned slowly to survey the room.
Drake resisted the temptation to dive in with his agent training and decided to let Garrett take the lead. “I’ve never done one of these. Where do we start?”
Garrett looked pleased to share his love of the adventures. “This one was rated spooky but not extreme. It’s not like one of those live haunted houses at the beach where actors follow you around and chase you. Some places do have characters, but this one doesn’t.”
“Have you done it before?”
Garrett shook his head. “Not this particular scenario. I did the UFO one here a couple of weeks ago with some friends from work. So I’m basing my expectations on that.”
“So we get to live out our inner Scooby Doo?”
“Pretty much. Trap doors may open, but you won’t fall through anything. Handle anything that’s loose and look for clues or codes. Gently tug on things to see if they move. If it opens, look inside. There will be doors to other rooms, so look for hidden openings as well as regular doors,” Garrett said. “It’s more fun if we work together, so don’t try to do it all on your own.”
Drake thought that working together on a project might feel awkward, or there could be a push-pull vying to be in charge. To his relief, Garrett proved to be competent and inquisitive without any one-upmanship.
They divided the room into search sections, moving clockwise so they eventually went over each other’s areas without getting in the way. Garrett found the first of several clues and seemed genuinely pleased when Drake found a secret door that opened to lead them into a long-abandoned dining room.
A sudden shriek raised the hackles on Drake’s neck. Garrett chuckled. “Gotta watch out for the sound effects. They’ll get you every time.”
Drake relaxed, chagrined, and reminded himself that this wasn’t the usual life-or-death stakes. As he searched behind paintings, checked under couch cushions, and peered inside the grandfather clock, Drake admired the clever set dressing and the ingenuity of the scriptwriter.
Real ghost hunts rarely went smoothly, and while the escape room was made to look like a creepy abandoned house, it lacked the smell of mildew, rodents, and disuse that came with the real thing.
“You’re pretty good at this.” Garrett bumped elbows with Drake. “I think you’ve got a knack for it.”
If you only knew.
About the Author
Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic and urban fantasy, with less romance, more explosions.
All of the modern-day Morgan Brice and Gail Z. Martin series crossover, so characters from one series appear in cameos and on page in important secondary roles in books from other series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the more you read the more the expanded universe of friendships and connections becomes clear.
Morgan and Gail believe that paranormal elements make any story even better, and her worlds are full of ghosts, psychics, shifters, creatures, vampires, monster hunters, and magic.
She's also a huge fan of the TV show Supernatural. (Chibi art by Kamidiox)
Audio Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hotshot By Lane Hayes
Narrated by Nick J. Russo
The Elmwood Stories, Book 5
The rookie superstar, the desperate cowboy, and a naughty proposition…
Denny
The press calls me this year’s hotshot, the rookie who scores at will and conjures plays out of thin air. Truth is…I’m a PR nightmare. Seriously. Ask my agent.
My anxiety is off the charts. I can’t talk to the media without breaking into a cold sweat, but once I get through the season, I can regroup at home. Life is simpler in Vermont.
Well, not anymore. There’s a new cowboy in town. Literally, a cowboy. At least, Hank looks like one—he owns a horse, wears a hat, and did I mention he’s hot?
And get this…he has a proposition for me.
Hank
Proposition is a strong word. I prefer to call this a mutually beneficial arrangement. See, I could use Denny’s help with a family business venture, and though I was planning to offer cash, the jock has a sexier idea.
Not gonna lie, I’m interested.
This could be a fun distraction while I’m stuck in Elmwood. Nice enough place, however, the locals are wary of an outsider taking over the neighboring mill. Long story short…they don’t trust me. But they love their hometown hockey hero.
I get it.
I’ve never met anyone like Denny—skittish in street clothes and a feral beast with cunning instincts on the ice. He’s fascinating, sexy, smart, and—
Whoa! I’m not falling for the hotshot rookie. No way, no how, no chance…
Too late.
Hotshot is an MM bisexual, age-gap, small town romance featuring a hotshot rookie, a sexy cowboy, and a proposition that changes everything.
“Ouch. I can’t remember the last time anyone was happy to see me,” he groused without heat. “Except Steve the contractor. He likes me okay, but he’s being paid well. Our employees do well too, but sadly, they don’t like me at all.”
“I can’t help you with that. Sorry.”
Hank sipped his beer and shrugged. “Yes, you can. I’m extorting you, remember?”
“Oh…yeah.” I chuckled.
And fuck, I didn’t want to be amused. I didn’t want to like Hank at all, but it was hard not to appreciate his self-deprecating honesty. He emanated “nice guy” vibes with the right amount of edge. No wonder drunk me had gotten flirty with him. Fortunately, sober me knew he was more than I could handle.
Which was fine since Hank wasn’t interested anyway. He wanted my alleged star power, not me.
So why was I grinning like an idiot?
Fuck, I had a bad feeling my eyes were twinkling too. I had to rein that shit in, stat.
“So…let’s make a deal,” he said, thankfully unaware of my inner detour. “I need an Elmwood buddy. My dad gave me the all-clear to make my offer sexy, so…what’ll it be?”
I bugged my eyes out. “Sexy?”
“Yeah, something interesting. If it’s money, name your price. Tell me what you want in exchange for your time.”
You.
The word tripped to the tip of my tongue. I bit it back and swallowed it, clearing my throat to be sure it was gone.
“I just…want to make sure that whatever I blabbed while I was wasted off my ass stays between us.”
“Yeah, but I’ll do that for free. You can trust me.”
“I don’t know you,” I retorted.
“True,” he conceded, sipping his beer. “But you don’t really have a choice. I can’t prove that I won’t sell you out. It’s a trust thing. Let’s talk about the sexy angle, ’cause I need an Elmwood buddy like yesterday.”
“I can’t believe I’m asking this, but…what does an Elmwood buddy do?”
“He shows the new guy the ropes.” Hank leaned in. “Introduce me, give me tips on who’s who and what to avoid. I suck in Elmwood and I need a champion, a liaison…a friend. That can be you.”
I huffed in amusement, feeling strangely at ease. He was charming as fuck and I was not immune. “How can you suck in Elmwood? Everyone is cool there.”
He slumped on his stool. “I don’t know, but I’m even worse in Wood Hollow. I don’t get it. People in Denver like me just fine. Even you like me.”
“No, I like your hat.” I reached for his water and winked.
I fucking winked.
Me.
That was me flirting. Ugh. Bad, Denny. Bad.
I felt surprisingly relaxed with him. Like I had last weekend when I’d spilled my guts and…other things. The point was, I could talk to him without feeling immediately depleted, and that alone was a minor miracle.
Hank kicked my shin playfully. “Nah, you like me. You did last weekend, anyway.”
“I was drunk, and I’m still mortified. Go easy on me.” I took a swig of water as if I were knocking back whisky.
“I’ll try, but…you shook your dick at me, then fell buck-ass naked in my bed, so c’mon.”
My eyes had to be saucer-sized. “I shook my dick at you?”
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!
Release Tour & Giveaway: A Taste of Danger By Morgan Brice
Subparheroes, Book 14
An unlikely rookie superhero and a dog shifter beer enthusiast team up to stop a nefarious supernatural plot.
Food reviewer Scott Dixon didn’t just lose his job—he started getting premonitions linked to random tastes, a new ability he’s not sure how to manage. When an interview lands him a position using his visions to help people and stop criminals, Scott finds himself chasing bootleggers who create beverages specially formulated to control people with psychic abilities. The trail leads to upstate New York, where he meets a sexy craft brewer who takes his breath away, but might be more than he appears, testing Scott’s trust.
Craft brewer and Belgian Malinois shifter Gage Merrick never fit in with his law enforcement family. He loves beer and spent years developing brews designed to taste good to different types of shifters. When he meets Scott, sparks fly. But Gage’s passion for paranormally optimized beverages raises Scott’s suspicions, threatening their chance at happiness.
Will Gage be the love of Scott’s life, or will their affair leave a bitter aftertaste?
A Taste for Danger is a feel-good paranormal super-powered hero MM romance romp filled with secret agents, found family, good beer, quirky humor, sexy shifters, soulful psychics, and supernatural skullduggery!
This book is part of the multi-author MM Romance SubPar Heroes series and is also linked to the Fox Hollow series.
Join us over on Instagram for more of A Taste of Danger!
You can also enter the giveaway on our Instagram post or click here for your chance to win an e-copy of your choice from Morgan or Gail's backlist!
About the Author:
Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.
On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.
Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!
