Friday, January 31, 2014

Creating Worlds at Rob Colton's Blog!



A hopping I will go, a hopping I will go! LOL Today I'm over at Rob Colton's blog talking about Creating a World! You can read some of my thoughts on creating world... and having people actually believe in them! Comment for another chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!



Thursday, January 30, 2014

Hopping again... over to Lily Velden's blog!



Check out my post titled, Prime Motivation, over at Lily Velden's blog! Just like before, you can comment for another entry to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Wednesday Briefs: Lost Inside Chapter Four


It's Wednesday again! That means another installment of Lost Inside! Today's chapter employs the prompt: "It was only a joke." Now, if you missed it... I posted a mid-week update! If you haven't read it yet, go here first, then come back and read today's flash update. Enjoy!!

Lost Inside Chapter Four


“Fuck off!”

Benny crossed his arms over his chest and raised one eyebrow. “No. I told you to let him go. He’s working, not here to dance, and I heard him tell you that himself. Now I’m telling you it’s time to leave.”

The new bartender yanked his arm back, and the drunk idiot who’d grabbed him let go. He scurried back around the corner. Benny didn’t move, not even to flick an ear. He’d walk this guy out, if he didn’t leave on his own.

Well, the moron would make it outside. Walking was optional. The icy drizzle could cool the hot head down. “Are you going to make a stupid choice right now, or do I get to have some fun?” Benny yawned, exposing his fangs. He’d enjoy this.

The human’s face turned red and he clenched his ham hands into fists. Nope, he wasn’t going to take the easy way out. Benny might stand a head shorter than the pudgy bastard, but his shoulders were just as wide. And Benny’s bulk was created by bands of thick muscle he maintained by his two hour a day workouts, not guzzling a six pack every night.

Of course the human swung and missed. Benny stepped to the side, grabbed the man’s wrist in one hand, twisted and slid behind him, yanking the man onto his toes and threatening to dislocate his shoulder. The human bellowed.

“Tsk, tsk…” Benny stretched his free hand next to the man’s face, his razor sharp claws glowing red in the bar lights. He dropped that hand onto the bastard’s shoulder and began shoving him toward the door. “You should have just left. But then, I wouldn’t have had any fun at all.”

He grinned evilly at Jerret who was manning the door. Benny’s younger brother shook his head and didn’t move from his stool. Benny slammed the drunken mauler into the door, using his face to open it. The man howled and began to struggle. Benny dug his claws in and slid them down the man’s back, tearing his shirt and leaving shallow scratches behind as a reminder.

“You can’t hurt a human!” Benny rolled his eyes. He hadn’t broken the man’s arm or dislocated his shoulder, which he could have, easily.

“I didn’t hurt you. Besides, I highly doubt you classify as human. Don’t come back,” he hissed in the drunk’s ear, ignoring his blubbering. “Or my claws won’t just get a taste of your skin.”

Benny shoved the man forward. The human didn’t try to come back at him, though Benny was ready for it. He sighed. The coward was barely any fun at all. The cold air felt good under the overhang. The rain had increased into a steady drumming. Benny stepped aside for two guys heading into the club.

Maybe tomorrow would be better. The only glimpses Benny’d had for the last week of his mate were through the big window Yuri liked to sit in, reading or watching the rain from the safety of the Falcon home.

It wasn’t enough.

Benny was going to go crazy, one of these days. Maybe even one day soon.

***

Ellis sat at the bar drinking a cranberry and vodka. Davis was in his office doing something or other. Benny’d been working for two weeks straight without a single incident. He’d worked out for hours in the early hours of the morning after his shift to wear himself out.

A nervous energy had grown inside him. He fidgeted on his stool next to Ellis. He wasn’t technically working, but if anyone was stupid enough to hit on The Snake’s mate Benny would get first dibs on punishing them for their temerity.

Ellis glanced at Benny when he wrapped one foot around the leg of his stool and tapped his toe on the black metal bar at the base.

“Ants in your pants?” Ellis shouted over the music.

“No,” Benny snapped.

“Geez.” Ellis snorted. “It was only a joke.”

Benny sighed. “I know.” He stilled, his hands falling into his lap. “Sorry.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

Did he? Benny wasn’t sure if he could, much less wanted to. But since he’d mated Davis and fought in the attack against Mishtar, Ellis had changed. He wasn’t quite like a Snake, though he had fangs and venom, but he was more than human.

“It’s too loud in here.” Benny didn’t want any ole asswipe hearing about his problems. They were his.

“Let’s go up to Dav’s apartment.” The Snake had practically moved out to live with Ellis in his apartment, but he kept his apartment above the club.

Benny followed Ellis past the dance floor and up the stairs in the back. He collapsed on the couch Ellis gestured toward. The slender man took a seat in a chair.

“So, tell me how you feel.” Ellis tented his fingers under his chin and blinked owlishly.

Never in his dreams had Benny imagined he’d bare his feelings… and laugh first. Ellis grinned.

“You know, I’ve never seen you laugh before. “ Ellis cocked his head.

Benny sobered; his smile faded. “Not much to smile about in a while.”

It had been a year since he’d lost his mate. Yuri still lived… but Benny wasn’t sure he was anymore. It was like the world existed in a fog around him, except for when he was angry. Then everything was sharp and clear.

But even that was getting harder and harder to feel. Ellis listened when the dam inside Benny finally broke and everything spilled out. It was supposed to be cathartic.

But he didn’t feel any better.

Tears shone in Ellis’ eyes when Benny fell silent. “I get up for him. To see him each day. I eat, drink, and breathe for Yuri. Because I see him happy sometimes, so I have to just deal. Right?”
 
 Ellis shook his head. "No. No, you shouldn't have to just deal. I'm going to find a way to help you."
 
TBC
 
Now check out the other Briefers. You can use the links here, or go to our central site and get a 100 word preview of each update along with a link.
 
 



Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Visit M.A. Church!



Today's hop topic is The Science of Making up Science Fiction. You can find me over at M.A. Church's blog. Don't forget to comment for your chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card!

 

Monday, January 27, 2014

New Release: The Experiment Available Today! Plus a Contest!

It's here, it's here! The Experiment is available for purchase today at Dreamspinner for just $5.24 during the last day of their 25% off sale!

To set off the promotion I'm starting off a Blog Hop here. One commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card, so make sure you follow me to each blog where I'll be sharing character interviews, thoughts on the story, and other fun posts along with a new excerpt each day. The winner of the gift card, chosen by random number, will be announced on February 6th on my blog. Make sure you leave your email, or I won't be able to contact the winner.

Hop Stops

Tues, Jan. 28:     MA Church
Thur, Jan 30th:  Lily Velden
Fri, Jan 31st:      Rob Colton
Sat, Feb 1:        Andrew Q. Gordon
Sun, Feb 2:       LM Brown
Mon, Feb 3:     Shira Anthony

Tues, Feb 4:     Chris T. Kat
Thur, Feb 6:     Alicia Nordwell; Winner Announcement

 

Buy Now! Dreamspinner Press - 25% off ends today!! or  All Romance eBooks
 

Synopsis: In the distant future, humans wage war against the alien planet Caeorleia, with no tactic off-limits if it will help the humans get their hands on Caeorleia’s resources. Ask Ryker. He thought he volunteered for a simple experiment that would help his government in the war. He didn't realize sadistic doctors would turn him into the experiment—by injecting him with blood from a captured Caeorleian, Seral Iorflas.

Nor did Ryker realize he’d be sent to sabotage a planet full of the very beings his world is battling, beings who kill humans on sight. But then, thanks to the experiment that irrevocably changed him, he isn’t exactly human any longer—and with each passing day, as his blood bond with Seral strengthens, he’s less and less sure as to whose side he's on.


 

Excerpt: Chapter One

They’d lied to us.

We weren’t working on an experiment. We were the experiment.

I shivered in my bed, the measly blanket that covered me not nearly enough to keep me warm. The effects of what they’d done had changed the others’ bodies more than mine, but the sadistic bastards enjoyed torturing me more for some reason. Maybe it was because I was the only one left. Maybe it was because I’d killed one of them. I’d fought so hard for the first year.

I didn’t have much fight left in me.

I’d lost my savings and my family. With only days left on the lease of my cardboard box of an apartment in the slums, I’d desperately scanned the ads. I’d seen one for scientific service that seemed promising.

They’d said we’d be locked in the dome for five years. It was supposed to be an ecological study to see if humans could adapt to a new environment. There had been a viable M-class planet discovered just outside of populated space, and there apparently were creatures on MC-214-XXV that were slaughtering the human troops they sent down to the surface to explore. Our job was to make sure the planet was worth the effort of subduing them. We were supposed to be alone, no outside contact, the entire time.

That was just another lie.

They wanted the planet. On Earth, what they wanted, they got. The nameless faces had stood behind thick clearplaz, watching the experiments they performed on me.
 

 

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Lost Inside Chapter 3 Mid-week Update!

I hope you enjoy this mid-week update of Lost Inside! I think it helps set the story a little more for those who haven't read the other Carthera stories. I'll be back with more on Wednesday with the Briefers!

Lost Inside Chapter Three


Benny didn’t expect to thank Velaku in person, but he had to find out what Brad told the Falcons. The safety of Ellis, Davis’ mate, as well as the other Carthera that worked at the bar, was at stake. A meeting with the leader of all the Carthera clans wasn’t something Benny could refuse to attend when they’d been invited, even if his boss had. At least they discovered the only surviving members of Mishtar’s band of traitors who tried to take over Velaku’s territory were small players. Thugs and outcasts with little brains or sense, they were unlikely to be a large threat.

Each Carthera clan knew their identities and were on the lookout. They’d never manage to hide forever. By now they’d probably already fled Velaku’s territory in fear of him and his mate. No one else would make the mistake of underestimating the young leader. His mating, and rise to power after the murder of his father, at such an early age meant nothing. He was a deadly Falcon and his mate, a handsome lynx named Natham, were firmly in control after the attack on Davis’ safe house failed.

The cross-species mating was rare, but Ellis’ change from pure human was even stranger. He’d even taken on many of Davis’ Snake characteristics. Velaku and Natham discussed the situation, in-depth. All Benny wanted to do was go home and sleep. His ears twisted and flattened.

“I’m sorry, Benny. I know you’ve had a long day.” Velaku leaned back in his chair. “It’s been a crazy week or all of us.”

Natham stood behind his mate between his snowy white wings and kneaded his shoulders. “Hopefully things will settle down. The smugglers are being put down by the government, Mishtar—the fucking traitor—is dead. The Falcons will nominate a new leader soon.”

Benny sat forward. “Really? How do they decide that?” He, like every other Carthera, had heard of the legendary Falcons. They were elite fighters. Not much was known of them other than that. They were a secretive sect, a holdover from the time the Carthera clans fought amongst themselves and were hunted by humans.

“A competition open to all the senior Falcon fighters and the battle group leaders. They will compete both in combat and in strategy games.”

“Sounds simple enough.” Benny shrugged and then smothered a yawn.

“Not really. Sure, the strategy isn’t physically dangerous, but contenders for the title have been known to break wings and limbs. The battles are fierce.”

Velaku patted Natham’s hands. “Thank you. I’m sure we’re all tired. For now, we’ve done all we can do. Please, thank Davis again for us.”

“I doubt he and Ellis will come up for air for a while, but I’ll pass it along when I see him next.” Benny pushed his chair back from the table.

Velaku stood up and leaned against his mate. Natham wrapped an arm around his waist under his wings. “You’re welcome to attend the gathering when the Falcons compete, as our guest. I know you fought against Mishtar’s men at great risk to yourself. I know my father allowed you and your brother to enter our territory without a clan, but for my part, I disagree. If you wish, we would welcome you as the Tiger Clan Alpha for our territory.

Benny blinked. He fought to keep his jaw from dropping open in shock. “I’m not an Alpha, and the only other Tiger around is my brother.”

Natham snorted. “You’re not? Coulda fooled me.” He flicked one ear and smiled, taking the sting out of his skeptical comment. “You don’t have to decide anything now. Go home and get some rest. The competition will take place sometime next week. We’ll send you message when the time is determined.”

Benny nodded. He saluted Velaku and his mate. They left out a separate door. Benny walked out of the house on the edge of the eyrie in a daze. He barely remember the trip home, which wasn’t safe for the other motorists on the road, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care.

Flopping down on the center of his bed, Benny closed his eyes. He’d take his shoes off and shower after a few minutes. He just needed to gather the chaotic thoughts darting through his mind so he could get a few hours of sleep.

Benny yawned.

Yuri shoved him down on the bed. Benny stared up at him, then tipped his head back slowly. He could barely see Yuri’s smug grin, but he could feel it through their bond. His mate hovered over him, and Benny waited, his cock slowly filling. As big as he was, as dominant outside their bedroom, Benny enjoyed submitting to his mate when they were alone.

Sometimes.

Yuri’s hot breath puffed against his exposed neck. Benny shivered. The looming Tiger licked a warm, wet line up his throat. Yuri completed the submission ritual with his jaws stretched wide and clamped down on Benny’s throat. When Benny didn’t move, Yuri began to purr. He ran one hand down Benny’s chest, his claws tearing the white t-shirt into ribbons from the neck to hem.

Yuri released Benny’s neck and leaned back to kneel between his legs. He stared down at Benny with a smug grin. “I’ll never get tired of that. Who’d have thought you’d become my mate?”

“I did, the first moment I saw you.” Benny felt his face heat up. Yuri laughed, then leaned down and kissed him. He nipped Benny’s bottom lip with his fangs, then licked off the tiny drops of blood with the tip of his tongue. He broke off their kiss when Benny tried to pull him down.

“Slow down.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to.” He rocked back on his heels. “I want to see you.”

“Is that why you ripped my shirt? I liked this one, you know.” Benny sat up and pulled it off, tossing it to the floor. Yuri pushed him back down.

“Then next time don’t work out with a shirt on if you don’t want me to rip it off when we get back home.”

Benny grunted when Yuri his rolled nipples between his fingers. “Then you’d pounce on me in the gym. Don’t think”—he gasped when Yuri pinched and tugged on the sensitive tips—“oh damn. Uh, I don’t think we’d be let back in if you did that.” Yuri stroked the abused flesh softly and Benny resisted the urge to squirm.

“That tickles!”

“Well, we can’t have that.”

The first lick across his right nipple sent a shiver down Benny’s spine. The soft sucking and sharp bite wiped his mind of rational thought. Yuri kept changing the sensation. Soft licks mixed with small nips and soft kisses became strong sucking pulls. Benny’s balls began to ache.

Benny stroked his hands down Yuri’s back. He shoved at the damp waistband of his mate’s shorts. “Off.” He needed more. He squirmed under Yuri when his mate sat up.

“Just this.” Yuri pulled Benny’s shorts down. His cock smacked against his stomach. Benny gasped and tensed when the elastic band on his shorts smacked against his balls. “Oh yeah, look at those ridges.” Yuri stroked the sides of Benny’s six pack, so close to his dick but not touching it.

His mate was evil!

A pool of precum gathered under the head of his cock as Yuri teased him. Benny finally growled, unable to stand it. He reached for his cock, but Yuri shoved his hands away.

“Damn it, Yuri!

His sexy Tiger looming over him laughed. “Waiting is good for you.”

Benny might combust before then. His balls ached under the tight band of his shorts. “Getting me off is good for you.” Benny’s claws snagged on the blanket under him. “I want to feel you.”

Yuri appeared to give his demand some thought. Benny was about to roll them when his mate finally slid his shorts down. Benny reached and Yuri swayed back.

“No touching.”

His cock was fatter than Benny’s with a thick cap already flushed purple. Benny didn’t know how his mate stayed so calm. Yuri leaned forward and braced himself just above Benny’s body. “This what you want?” He pumped his hips, barely grazing their cocks together. Benny arched up.

He hated it when his mate was in a teasing mood, especially after he’d had to watch the massive Tiger’s muscles flex and shine with sweat as he worked them on the weight machines at the gym. Benny’d had been half hard, his jock barely able to keep his bulge from becoming obscene, for at least an hour. “More,” he growled.

Yuri flashed his fangs. He reached between their bodies and grasped their cocks loosely in one hand. Benny shuddered. He thrust into his mate’s hand, working against the rough palm on one side and Yuri’s cock on the other. The weeping fluid eased his rough thrusts into Yuri’s grip into smooth glides. Yuri froze, crouched over him, as Benny grunted and thrust. He controlled the sensation, tightening and relaxing his fist. Benny wanted to make his mate lose control, but Yuri was a rock. It was maddening. He was so close!

Benny snarled as someone slammed the door open. Yuri shouted as he was ripped off the bed. His dad stood over him, his face a mask of rage, his ears flat to his head.

“You fucking ingrate!” He slashed his claws across Yuri’s chest when his mate tried to get up. Yuri collapsed in shock, staring at his father with his mouth gaping open. Benny fought off his shock. His mate was hurt! Benny yanked up his shorts and flew off the bed.

“Leave him alone!”

He shoved the Alpha aside and bent to help his mate up. Blood dripped from the five slices across Yuri’s chest and upper stomach. They were deep but not fatal.

The hair on Benny’s neck stood up. Yuri’s eyes widened and then…

Benny rolled, trying to avoid those phantom claws that had raked down his side and laid him open deep enough for bone to show. The vicious boot to his head when he fell left Benny dazed.

But it wasn’t a boot. He wasn’t bleeding.

Benny lay on the floor beside the bed in his lonely apartment, cursing the nightmares that haunted him. Clammy sweat coated his skin. He rolled over and slowly made it to his knees and then his feet. A shower was first on his list. The stench of his fear saturated his room. Even Benny could smell the acrid odor.

Then he needed a drink. Or maybe two.
 
TBC

Visiting Author: Sid Love with a Cover Reveal!

Today I have an author visiting that I originally knew from GA. Sid started a blog in 2013 and has since turned it into a phenomenal reviewer site for eBooks. Now he's joining the list of authors with his first eBook coming out with Dreamspinner Press. Check out his awesome cover and then head over to DSP and preorder your copy! Right now everything on their site is 25% off, so you can get a great deal!
 
Holding on to Hope by Sid Love
Published by: Dreamspinner Press



LENGTH:
68 Pages

RELEASE DATE: 14th February, 2014

COVER ARTIST: Paul Richmond

BLURB:
Bradley Parker has waited twenty years for Mr. Right, and on Valentine’s Day, he finally finds him. It’s love at first sight, and Brad even loses his virginity to the man of his dreams. But when he wakes up the next morning unable to remember anything—even what the man looked like—his best friend, Leslie, is convinced he imagined the whole thing. Brad knows he didn’t make up the best night of his life, but he has no idea of the danger he’s putting himself in as he struggles to recall the details of his perfect man. His search may lead him to parts of New York City he never dreamed existed and a war being waged in the shadows.

PRE ORDER LINK: Dreamspinner Press

AUTHOR BIO
Sid Love grew up in one of busiest cities in the world, Mumbai, listening to the excerpts of Indian epics from his father every night. While it served as an inspiration back in time, he has always had an ambitious mind. In 2007, when he had just turned sixteen, he decided that he would make his lifelong dream come true—to become a well-known, respected author some day.

Ask him and he would refuse to accept that he is obsessed with books. Or movies. Or TV shows. Addicted may even be the right word. He is a die-hard fan of Jane Austen's romance novels and loves to reread them time and again.

You can find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sid.love.16?ref=tn_tnmn or tweet him anytime: https://twitter.com/FatefulMercy, or simply e-mail him at sidlovethewriter@live.in.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Wednesday Briefs: Lost Inside Chapter Two

 
Today I took inspiration from Murphy's Law as my prompt. I know sometimes for me it feels like that is the guiding principle in my life too, lol! Enjoy! If you missed Chapter One, click here!
 
Lost Inside Chapter Two


“Damn dreams.” Benny shuddered. Time for a shower. Benny had to wash the clammy sweat off. He glanced at the clock on the microwave as he stumbled past the kitchen to the bathroom. Six o’clock. The sun would be up soon.

The lights flicked on with an annoying buzz. The dim light didn’t hide his haggard reflection. Benny brushed a hand over his scalp. He needed to shave. His hands shook a too much to handle a razor to get a truly close shave, but Benny plugged in his electric and ran it over his head and face.

“Good enough.” Benny avoided looking at his earring when he turned his head side to side to check for any stray patches.

Benny stepped into the shower before he turned it on. The shock of cold water blasted him in the face but even that didn’t work. He was still exhausted. Benny braced himself on the wall, his biceps bunching, and let the gradually warming water pound over his head and back. He lathered up a washcloth and began scrubbing the dreams away.

Not seeing the scars couldn’t take away the feel of the deep gouges or the mangled repair that was the best the doc could do for him. Benny didn’t linger in the shower once he got clean.

There wasn’t a lot of selection in his wardrobe. He pulled on a tight pair of jeans, a tighter white shirt, and his black boots. Benny made a pot of coffee; he needed the caffeine to get through his day. Benny stood at the counter and downed his first cup, then refilled and popped the lid on his to go cup.

He had things to do.

It was foggy outside. The moist air was chilly against his shaved head. Benny went back in to grab his jacket while his jeep warmed up.  Yesterday it was raining; today it was foggy. Come tomorrow it would probably jump twenty degrees and be sunny.

Benny growled when his phone went off. He glared at the screen. He slammed the door and checked to make sure it was locked.

“Why are you calling this early?” he growled.

“Because I knew you’d be up.”

Benny rolled his eyes. “Why are you up?” Sure, he’d left early with Ellis, letting the bar staff think they’d taken off. Really, he’d gone with Ellis to ensure his mate stayed in the safe room. They were still in the honeymoon phase and probably hadn’t gone to sleep until late, even if they’d just survived a serious attack from Mishtar. Benny pushed that thought away. He didn’t want to imagine Dav in bed.

“Did you speak with Velaku?”

Benny rolled his eyes. “Yes. He’s sending over two Falcons to help with an aerial search.”

“There’s been a change in plans. Tonight Ellis is going to act as bait.”

He was going to what? Benny sucked in a sudden breath. “You’re shitting me? Damn it, Dav, your mate might have some physical abilities now, but that doesn’t mean he’s up for something like that. He’s not strong enough.”

Dav sighed. “Do you want to tell him that?”

“Not a chance.”

“Well, me either. Look, he’s determined to do this, and I think he’s right. There’s some new information you don’t know. Look, I don’t want to talk about this over the phone. I’ll send you the details.”

“Damn.” Just what Benny needed.

***

Benny waited. His claws flicked in and out as he flexed his hands. Two of Velaku’s loyal Falcons were behind the door to the bathroom. They all waited in silence. Benny glanced at his watch. He expected the traitors to show up early, make the hit, and then run. They’d already been hiding for an hour, and he was tired of waiting for the scumbags to show up. They’d been testing the club’s security, casing the exits, looking for a sign of where Dav had Ellis hidden.

His phone buzzed. Benny slid it out of his pocket. Ellis left. Should be there in five.

“Look sharp,” Benny hissed. He heard feathers rustling as the Falcons shifted.

Five minutes passed.

Ten.

Benny frowned. The door to the safe room wasn’t locked. Ellis should’ve come in already, drawing the two traitors into their trap. Where the hell was he?

“Stay here.” The Falcons nodded. Benny palmed his gun and slipped out of the safe room. He went up the steps toward the short hall that led to Dav’s apartment. He took a deep breath, nostrils flaring.

Blood!

“Shit, shit, shit.” He pounded up the stairs and burst through the door. The scent was stronger there. Dav’s apartment. If anything happened to Ellis, his ass would be toast. The Snake would go apocalyptic.

Benny ran into the room, his gun ready. Brad cringed against one wall, Ahsran standing over him snarling. Isiah, Ellis’ twin, was checking the bodies. Two Carthera, one Falcon and one Badger, lay dead in steadily growing pools of blood. “I smelled the blood!”

Dav had his arms around his mate.

“What do you want me to do, boss?” Benny asked.

"Get someone to clean this shit up," Dav said. "We'll go to Ellis' apartment after I get him cleaned up; you can contact me there if you need me."

“Will do.” Benny watched as Ahsran and Isiah dragged the begging bartender out of the room. He had no idea Brad had been in on the plot.

Benny scrubbed his hand across his head. Seemed like whatever could go wrong, would go wrong lately. Maybe it was time he gave up his job as Dav’s second. The problems in his own life were too distracting. Benny flicked open his phone. Time to get a clean-up crew to dispose of the bodies and mop up the blood. He’d have to oversee that and he needed to thank the Falcons and send them back to Velaku.

Tomorrow he’d go see his mate. That thought didn’t help the twisting in his gut, at all.
TBC                                                                                                        Click here for Chapter Three



Now check out the other great Briefers! You can follow this list or check us all out on the central Wednesday Briefers' website! There you will find snippets of each brief and links, plus we're adding new content to the site all the time.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Winner!

Thank you to everyone who commented yesterday! I have one final winner from the Protecting Bear blog hop. The answer to yesterday's question was leather pants, of course, and Random.org picked...
 
JBST!
 
Congrats!
 
Okay, guys, don't forget to come back and check out my blog hop for The Experiment which comes out next Monday!! It's available on Dreamspinner now for pre-sale, which means you get it a bit sooner.

Monday, January 20, 2014

Winner! Protecting Bear Blop Hop Final Stop

Hello everyone! First, I want to say thank you to everyone who hosted me for this hop. One of the best things about being a part of the MM writing world is the wonderful support network we all provide for each other. Secondly, thanks to everyone who followed the hop! I was so happy with the number of people who participated.

So I'm sure everyone is anxious to know who won! For the $10 Amazon gift card the winner is...



AMBER LAMB!!
 
 
As a bit of fun, since I had so many more folks comment than I expected, I've picked a winner for a free eBook copy of Protecting Bear. That winner is....
 
DREAMSEEKER!!
 
 
And, because I feel like having some more fun... Whoever comments today and can tell me what Bear is wearing when he first meets Kameron will be entered into one last contest for an eBook copy of Protecting Bear. I'll be using Random.org to choose the winner from one commenter who has the correct answer. This contest will end at 8 PM PST.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Passing on the Plot with Nephylim!

I'm over at Nephylim's blog today with a new twist to a scene from the story original. I change something up quite a bit... and it really matters for later in the story too! Of course I can't give too much away, but go check it out! Don't forget to comment; today's the last day in the contest for you to get another entry.
 

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Friday, January 17, 2014

eBook Review: Strain by Amelia Gormley

StrainStrain by Amelia C. Gormley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*COMING SOON*
       Feb. 17th!

Many, many times I search for dystopian stories only to fail to find one that captures my attention. I want the sense of 'the world has ended' drama, the gritty and often dark reality that the comfortable has disappeared and survival takes a level of guts and bravery not everyone has.

Strain fulfilled every single one of those dystopian desires. We have governmental mishandling, virus-releasing, politician tumbling, society crumbling and... and.... ZOMBIES! Well, kinda. We also have superhumans that are more human than the humans they're trying to save and protect.

I'm not going to go over the plot, other to warn that there is a lot of sexual content and those who have issues with slight reluctant consent/shades of non-consent should be wary. I felt the sex, while frequent, was not gratuitous due to the integral nature of the plague/cure the plot required. There's some shades of D/s involved as well.

The world building was a little lax. I'd have liked to see more of the society and overall picture, but the microcosm of the story from the character's POV made that lack not too bad. When the world has ended, there's not like any newspaper or TV to watch to see what's going on in other countries, or even in the same country or state.

The author's writing was smooth. I was hooked from the dramatic beginning, where the main character was fighting for his life... and losing. I adored the main characters, disliked the villain and steadily grew to hate him as I was supposed to. The story wasn't exactly a surprise when it comes to events but I was forced to stay up half the night to finish it anyway. It was absolute torture... to end it! I wanted more. I will definitely be watching this author for more stories to come.

View all my reviews

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Hopping on Rob Colton's website!

Today I'm teasing your taste buds with the guy's fav foods over at Rob Colton's website. I share some pics and recipes so you can make their favorite dinners too! Don't forget, every comment counts toward the contest for a $10 Amazon gift card.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Wednesday Briefs: Lost Inside *New Carthera Story*


Hi readers! I thought I'd get started on this with my Briefer since I had no comments or suggestions last week. I'm sure this will make some people happy though. :D My inspiration this week came from the prompt, "My momma always said some things were better left unsaid.”

Happy Reading!

Lost Inside


Benny dug his claws into the mud. He’d already created furrows deep enough to bury his fingers all the way. He needed them anchored to stay in his spot hidden at the base of a pine tree. He’d been there for hours. The fragrant needles helped hide his scent so he could get close to the eyrie.

It was close, but not close enough. It was never close enough.

Instinct drove Benny to race down the slope. The slender Carthera wouldn’t be able to stop him. He could be down there, amid the young rolling around on the ground, in seconds. He trembled with need.

The memory of Yuri's frantic screaming was the only thing holding Benny back.

His mate was so close, yet too far away. Each time Benny came to watch him another piece of his soul was ripped away. The hole where his mate should be was gone, and he was losing whatever bits of himself he had left.

Pretty soon there’d be nothing to him but an empty shell. Keeping his ears erect was more than Benny could stand. They folded flat, muting the happy peals of laughter as his mate romped with the young hawk Carthera. His stripes were covered by his long-sleeve shirt, his ears hidden under his hat. If Benny didn’t know for certain, if the bittersweet memories of making love to his mate didn’t torment him nightly, he’d never have known Yuri was mated.

Of course, Yuri didn’t know he was mated. He’d forgotten those precious nights just as thoroughly as he’d forgotten Benny.

***

“Where have you been?” Brad asked. “You’re late.” He peered over the tap. “You’re never late.”

Benny held in a snarl. “Mind your own business.” He went in the back and grabbed a fresh t-shirt out of the laundry room. The black fabric stretched across his chest, the word security emblazoned in tall, white letters.

Another night working in Davis’ club rousting stinking humans who pissed their life away. He flexed his claws then sheathed them. Maybe he’d get lucky and some guy would start a fight.

The music blared and colored strobes flashed over the dance floor. Benny hissed. The lights always messed with his eyes, but Davis liked them. Too bad his mate didn’t react to the lights anymore. If Ellis did maybe Davis could’ve been persuaded to change them.

Jerret straddled a stool set by the entrance. He dug his phone out of his pocket and glanced at it. “Hey bro.” He leaned in. Even with both of them mated and changed it was hard to talk over the music. “It’s been quiet. Ellis swung by and nabbed Davis ‘bout an hour ago. The band has a break in thirty.”

“Thanks.” Benny crossed his arms over his chest, scanning the bar.

Calix walked in the bar. Jerret grinned when the huge liger pulled him close and captured his mouth.

Benny looked away. He dropped his arms and ground his teeth.

“Whoa man, what’s eating you?” Calix was eyeing Benny’s hands.

Benny forced his claws to retract. “None of your fucking business.” He flashed his fangs.

As big as Calix was, Jerret pushed his mate back a step. The large liger owned a gym not too far from the bar, and it showed in the muscles rippling in the light when he moved. Jerret elbowed Calix in the stomach. “Shhh.”

Calix pulled Jerret back against him with one arm around his stomach. He was just as protective of Benny’s little brother as Jerret was of him. Of course Benny would never hurt his family, but still… it was good to see Jerret with a caring mate, even if it hurt too. Calix ducked his chin.

“Sorry, Benny. My momma always said some things were better left unsaid.”

“It’s fine.”

Jerret and Calix exchanged a glance Benny ignored. “Don’t you guys have a better place to be?”

“Yeah, we do.” Jerret reached out and squeezed Benny’s shoulder. “See ya later, bro.”

Benny manned the door. He carded folks when they came in and kept an eye on the little twink who seemed to be causing a bit of a ruckus on the dance floor. He took a seat in a booth with his friends when the band took a break and things calmed down.

It was too quiet. Someone needed to fuck up and give Benny a reason to kick their ass.

A few someones. Benny bared his teeth and snarled at a drunk getting irate with Brad at the bar. Looks like he had his first taker.

***

Benny sank onto his couch, exhausted. He yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it toward his bedroom. A drunk had puked and some of the bile on his face had wiped on Benny’s shoulder when he stuffed the sot into a taxi. He’d spent the day watching Yuri and his night working. His stomach complained, but it was too much work to get up and make something to eat. He leaned his head back and groaned. Sleeping was a crapshoot. He hadn’t climbed into bed in over a year. Good thing he had a comfortable leather couch.

It was getting harder to force himself to go through the motions of life. Everyone was happily mated but him. Benny rolled his eyes to look at the clock. Dawn wouldn’t come for a few hours. His eyes were gritty. He ground the palms of his hands over his eyes.

He’d eat something later. He’d just take a short nap.

Claws dug into Benny’s shoulders and legs. He was restrained on the bed by four large Tigers. He roared, fighting their grip. His mate had long since stopped shouting but his father had no mercy. Benny didn’t want to see, but he couldn’t shut his eyes.

“And you. You won’t be tempting my son in this abomination of a relationship again.”

Benny screamed as the alpha’s sharp claws slashed down.

“Fuck!” His claws were buried in the couch cushion.
 
TBC
There's a lot of Briefers to read more! Our groups is really growing! Don't forget to check out the Wednesday Briefers website too! Andy's been doing a lot of work to polish it, and you can find snippets and links to all the story updates as well as past updates if you get a little behind in your reading.
 
 
Nephylim 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Some Photo Fun with Julie Lynn Hayes!



I'm all about visuals, you know? I love to see a story in my head. To tease you a bit about what you could see if you read Protecting Bear, I have some lovely images. So... what are you waiting for? Head over to Julie's blog to take a peek! Don't forget to get an entry to the $10 Amazon gift card by commenting!

Monday, January 13, 2014

Biting the Bullet Hop at Victoria Blisse's Blog!


Editing is never easy... but sometimes you just have to grit your teeth, bite the bullet, and make the changes. I talk a bit about that process with Protecting Bear over at Victoria's blog today. Hop over, check it out, and don't forge to comment for another entry into the contest for a $10 Amazon gift card.