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Release Blitz + Giveaway: College Days (Regalos #5) by Rebecca Cohen


 Author Rebecca Cohen and Signal Boost Promotions share new release info for College Days (Regalos #5)! Learn more about the prequel in the fantasy series and enter in the giveaway!


 


Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Reagalos Series

Book #1 - Servitude - Buy Links
Book #2 - Idolatry - Buy Links
Book #3 - Avarice - Buy Links
Book #4 - Restitution - Buy Links


Lornyc is good at keeping secrets, because secrets can get you kicked out of College.

Lornyc considers the undergraduate course, and most of the people on it, beneath him. He just needs to get through this year and then he can start his doctorate. Methian might be attractive enough, but he’s an annoying, fat-headed, sloth toad, and Lornyc doesn’t want him as a lab partner. In fact, Lornyc doesn’t want anything to do with him.

Prequel to the Reagalos novels: enemies to lovers, new adult, gay romance fantasy. A stand-alone novel in the Reagalos universe that charts how Lornyc and Methian got together, despite their best efforts not to.

REBECCA COHEN spends her days dreaming of a living in a Tudor manor house, or a Georgian mansion. Alas, the closest she comes to this is through her characters in her historical romance novels. She also dreams of intergalactic adventures and fantasy realms, but because she’s not yet got her space or dimensional travel plans finalised, she lives happily in leafy Hertfordshire, England, with her husband and young son. She can often be found with a pen in one hand and sloe gin with lemon tonic in the other.

With contemporaries, historicals, sci fi and fantasy in her back catalogue, there should be something for every taste in Rebecca's work.

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Crush Box Set 1 by Elouise East

 Author Elouise East and Gay Book Promotions host a release blitz for her collection of books #1-3 from the Crush series! Read more about the boxed set and enter in the signed copy giveaway! Good luck!

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Crush Box Set 1

Author: Elouise East

Cover Artist: Maria Vickers

Release Date: January 13, 2022

Genre:  Gay contemporary romance

Heat Rating: 3-4 flames

Length: approx 210 000 words for all 3 books 

Each one can be read separately, but characters pop into all books.

The stories do not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Crush is not just a bar… it’s a family.

Blurb 

Box set 1 contains:

First Kiss follows Charlie and Josh as love crosses boundaries they never expected it to. When Charlie tries to find someone to take his virginity, he doesn’t realise he is knocking down the first domino in a long line of changes set to test their loyalty and put them on a path neither anticipated.

Instant Desire is what Sean feels when he first meets Asher. Unfortunately, it pushes Sean further away from the man instead of closer. Asher does everything he can to help Sean get past what haunts him, but even though he understands the grief, he can’t wallow in it himself. His niece needs him.

Primary Seduction follows Trent on his bisexual awakening. He never would’ve thought Max would be the one person he wanted. A match flickers to life inside him, and he can’t hold back, even when Max comes complete with a BDSM lifestyle Trent knows nothing about. Trouble comes calling, but his newfound relationship helps him in ways he never expected.

MM romances where love wins over everything. Everyone is welcome at Crush.

Excerpt from First Kiss

“Hello?” 

Josh rushed into the hallway and ploughed into Charlie. 

“Umph!” Charlie dropped his bag with a thump, then slid his arms around Josh’s waist, one reaching up to rub his back. “Hi, J,” he whispered.

Josh didn’t say anything. Charlie hadn’t realised exactly how much he had missed him until he’d come back through the door. The same for Josh if how tight he was holding him was anything to go by. Josh squeezed him tighter. A throat cleared but they ignored it. Josh burrowed his face into Charlie’s neck. “I love you,” he whispered so quietly, Charlie wasn’t sure if he’d heard right.

Charlie’s body started shaking. Josh pulled back a little to look at him, and Charlie realised he was crying. Josh cupped his cheeks, wiping the tears with his fingers. “Is that okay?”

Charlie nodded as more tears fell.

“Why have you made my boy cry?” Josh got pushed aside as their mum took his place, pulling Charlie into a hug. “Are you okay, sweetheart? What did he say to upset you?” His mum looked at Josh, eyes narrowed. “You better have a good explanation, young man.”

Josh straightened, looked her in the eye and said, “I told him I loved him.”

There was a beat of silence then his mum burst into tears, hugging them both tight, mumbling words he couldn’t understand. He was hoping they were happy tears too. But he wasn’t sure.

His mum pulled away after a minute and pulled them into the living room. She pushed them both down onto the sofa and she sat on the coffee table facing them. She looked at Josh. “You love him?”

Josh nodded. “With everything I am.” He wrapped his arm around Charlie’s shoulder.

His mum looked at Charlie. “What about you?”

Charlie nodded. “I love him.” Then he turned to Josh, “I love you.” A lone tear dripped down his cheek, which Josh wiped away.

His mum clasped her hands to her mouth and laughed. “I’m so happy for you both.” She looked at them tenderly for a moment, then her face became serious. “You’re going to have many problems, my beautiful boys. There will be people out there,” she pointed out the window, “who will try to bring you down with their hate. You must stay strong. Believe in each other.

About the Author 

I am Elouise East but feel free to call me Elli. I write sweet and steamy connections in gay romance. I also touch on taboo stories under the name Elouise R East.

Books that tell the stories where friendship and family are the focal point - be it blood family or chosen - is very important to me. That’s why I include a variety of personalities, talents, ages, situations and abilities as I believe a story needs, or a character needs. I want my characters to be real, to be relatable, to be free to have whatever views they tell me they have. And trust me, most of the time, I do not have any say in the matter!

My characters come to life on the page for me as well as my readers. Their stories unfold in front of me, and I have very little input into how they want to be shown. Just like real life, the lives of my characters change with every choice, every interaction and every conversation. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I write books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of my stories. I don’t know any other way to write. It comes from deep inside.

Who am I? A single parent to two children who make life worth living. An avid reader who still devours every book she can get her hands on. A student of learning about any subject that takes her fancy. An author of books she would read herself. And a romantic at heart who loves anything cheesy. 

Who’s in?

Author Links

Blog/Website  |   Facebook  |   Twitter  

Instagram   |  Newsletter Sign-up  

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

one of two signed paperbacks of either First Kiss, Instant Desire, or Primary Seduction (winner’s choice).

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Red Sun (Shifter Chronicles #14) by M.D. Grimm

 

Red Sun (Shifter Chronicles #14) is out! Learn more today from author M.D. Grimm and Other Worlds Ink! And don't miss the $10 Amazon gift card giveaway!
 

M.D. Grimm has a new MM paranormal book out, Shifter Chronicles book 14: Red Sun. And there's a giveaway!

Raphael is no ordinary wolf shifter.

Raphael knows he must be possessed by a demon. What else could explain the aggression, the physical, beastly transformations? To protect himself and others, his father locks him away. But when Raphael is nineteen, the demon gains full control and breaks free. Now Raphael is scared and desperate on the streets of El Paso, Texas, convinced he’s cursed. Then a stray cat enters his life and everything changes.

Ahmes is a cat shifter and knows there’s something off about the young shifter he’s encountered. It soon becomes apparent that the young man doesn’t know what he is, and Ahmes is determined to help and care for him. But gaining the trust of not only the fearsome wolf but the scared young man will take all his persistence.

Friendship, and the potential for more, grows between them as they travel to Haven, Montana—a town founded by shifters, for shifters, and home to a specialized counseling center, one that can help Raphael understand and accept who and what he truly is.

If that wasn’t enough, on their trail is the last person either expected—Gregor Whitefield, the commander of the Knights of the Dawn, which is an organization bent on the eradication of shapeshifters. Gregor enjoys the thrill of the hunt, determined to collect the unique blood that is crucial to Arcas’s great plan.

Raphael’s blood.

Amazon | Smashwords


Giveaway

M.D. is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Excerpt

Red Sun Meme

When next he knew anything, he was naked, shivering in the chilly night air, and covered in blood. He whimpered and sat up, tears clogging his throat and the taste of blood ripe in his mouth. His stomach rebelled and he vomited.

He’d killed them.

He’d killed them.

Not only was he possessed by a beast but now he was a murderer.

God help me!

Disoriented, Raphael looked around. He didn’t know where he was. It was too dark for him to recognize any structures, and he was too weak to investigate further. Dizzy, he lay down and curled into the fetal position, the blood drying on his skin. Not for the first time, he wondered if he should end it all. But then he would be damned to hell. He was Catholic and that just wasn’t something he would do. There must be another solution.

“Can I go home now?” he whispered, shivering.

The angry growl made him cry.

“I hate you.”

A mournful howl echoed in his mind and he prevented himself from releasing it into the darkness by clenching his jaw.

It was dawn when Raphael woke, surprised he’d managed to sleep. He sat up and cringed at the gore covering him. He didn’t consider it too closely and ignored his small pool of vomit. He needed to get clothes and clean up without being noticed. He realized he was in a narrow alleyway, and from the smell emanating from the dumpster, he guessed the buildings were restaurants.

A soft sound caught his attention, and he blinked at the large cat staring at him. His eyes widened. That was one big housecat. And so beautiful! This one was hefty, but slinky with big ears and equally big green eyes. As the sun rose steadily, he could see the cat had silver, black-spotted fur.

“Wow,” he whispered.

The cat sat staring at him for a long, poignant moment before stepping closer.

“Hey kitty,” Raphael said. He lowered his hand cautiously and held it out for the cat to inspect.

Upon seeing it, he winced, once again reminded what the beast had done. Blood was caked on his arm and under his fingernails. The cat paused and stretched his neck forward, sniffing at his fingers. Then he jerked back as if punched and hissed, showing small pointy teeth.

Raphael flinched and huddled tighter into himself. “I won’t hurt you.” Tears choked his words. “Non sono un mostro. I swear to God I’m not a monster.”

Overcome, Raphael sobbed, face pressed against his knees. Not even a cat trusted him! Why was he being punished? What had he done to earn God’s wrath? Why was he cursed?

It was a long moment before soft fur touched his arm, accompanied by a deep purr like a well-tuned engine. He lifted his head and realized the cat was rubbing his head against his arm. Raphael sniffed, reached over and scratched the cat’s head. The cat arched into the touch, still purring.

“You’re a good kitty,” he said with a wobbly smile. “You’re a pretty kitty.”

The cat regarded him with those hypnotic eyes, whiskers twitching. Such intelligence in his gaze.

“I’m not bad, you know?” he said. “I can’t be all bad if you don’t hate me.”

The cat set his front paws on Raphael’s thigh and lifted himself up until their faces were level. Then the cat leaned forward and surprised Raphael by licking the tip of his nose with his rough tongue. Raphael jerked with a watery laugh.

“Whoa, what was that for?”

The purring continued as the cat climbed into Raphael lap and settled there, his body heat a wonderful thing. Raphael resituated himself, taking care of his genitals, before wrapping his arms around the cat, taking comfort from his warmth and gentleness.

As the sun rose higher and the day grew warmer, Raphael was surprised to realize the beast didn’t mind the cat in the least. Not a snarl or growl came from the monster inside him. It seemed to hate humans but the cat had apparently earned its approval. Whatever the reason, Raphael was grateful. He didn’t want to hurt this cat. He didn’t want to harm anyone else.

“I won’t hurt you,” he whispered in Italian into the cat’s fur. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

It wasn’t long before his protesting stomach could no longer be ignored. Raphael set the cat aside and approached the dumpster, aware of his nakedness. He lifted the lid and breathed through his mouth. The rising heat of the day did the garbage no favors. He’d be lucky if he didn’t get horribly ill from whatever was in there.

“Meow!”

The sharp sound caused Raphael to jump along with his heart. He swung his head around to stare at the cat as it gazed at him with apparent disapproval. And why did the feline’s eyes appear to be glowing? Must’ve been the sunlight.

“What? I have to eat something. I can’t catch birds and mice like you can. If you’re hungry, go do that.”

The cat flicked his tail, sitting with an air of royalty.

Raphael picked through the garbage, distressed to find nothing remotely worth the risk to eat. Sighing, he lowered the dumpster lid and rubbed his stomach.

“This is your fault, beast,” he whispered. “Are you trying to kill us?”

The beast snarled.

Raphael scowled.

The cat bumped against his leg, distracting him. Blood transferred to the cat’s pristine fur, and Raphael loathed to see it.

“Stop that.” He stepped away. “You’re getting my grossness on you.”

Determined, the cat trotted over to him and continued to rub himself against his legs.

“Il gatto pazzo. That’s what you are.”

Noise near the mouth of the alley had Raphael scrambling behind the dumpster. The cat followed him. He squeezed the cat in his arms, his heart racing. He didn’t want to hurt anyone else.

Behave yourself! he told the beast silently.

It growled.


Author Bio

M.D. Grimm decided to become an author in the second grade (kind of young to make life decisions, but whatever) and nothing has changed since then (well, plenty of things, actually, but not that!). Thankfully, she has indulgent parents who let her dream, but also made sure she understood she’d need a steady job to pay the bills (they never let her forget it!).

After graduating from the University of Oregon and majoring in English (let’s be honest: useless degree, what else was she going to do with it?), she started on her writing career and couldn’t be happier.

Working by day and writing by night (or any spare time she can carve out), she enjoys embarking on romantic quests and daring adventures (living vicariously, you could say) and creating characters that always triumph against the villain (or else what’s the point?), finding their soul mate in the process.

Author Website: https://www.mdgrimmwrites.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001710645622

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4574220.M_D_Grimm

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/m-d-grimm/

Author Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/M.D.-Grimm/e/B00I0KZMY6/

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Audiobook Review: Life Lessons by Kaje Harper

Mac's three goals: keep Tony safe, catch the killer, don't come out.

Tony Hart's a dedicated teacher, though he's not much older than his high-school students. Between his profession, a few good friends, and plenty of books, he's content with his quiet life. Then the murdered body of another teacher falls into the elevator at his feet, and Tony's life becomes all too exciting.

Jared MacLean is a homicide detective, widowed father to a young daughter, and deeply in the closet. But from the moment he meets Tony's blue eyes in that high school hallway, Mac can't help wanting this man in his life. Mac's not out ― can't afford to be out ― but Tony makes him want the impossible.

Mac isn't the only one with their eyes on Tony, though. As the murderer tries to cover their tracks, Mac has to work fast or lose Tony, permanently.

(This is a rerelease of the 2011 original with light editing.)

Reviewer: Annery


If you’re looking for a bit of fantasy, where true love & good sex are a magic potion that solves all of life’s problems this isn’t that book. If however you want a realistic portrayal of two people falling in lust, love and forging a relationship despite life woes you’ve come to the right place. A beautiful audio rendition by J.F. Harding is just icing on the cake.

Tony Hart is a high school teacher, an easy going guy, comfortable in his skin as a gay man. One day he has the misfortune of kind-of-sort-of witnessing the murder of a work colleague wich brings him into the orbit of Det. Jared “Mac” MacLean. Mac is Tony’s polar opposite in every way. Mac is a gay man who due to life, society, family, reality or take your pick, has never been out, in some aspects even to himself. You know what they say about opposites.

Tony is attracted to Mac from the beginning but mostly in the “hot guy alert” sense, while attraction is not something Mac allows himself to enjoy, not at home in Minnesota, but the investigation brings them into frequent contact, Tony gets hurt and … the real stuff begins.

As I said before, for the romance purists or those wanting candy cane and rainbows this will disappoint. For one a good portion of the book is dedicated to the investigation, a fairly accurate portrayal of police procedure, which can seem irrelevant and menial but to my mind enriches and informs where Mac is coming from, his worldview. Part two of the possible let down is that, realistically, this ends in a HFN, and it leaves Tony in an unenviable position, but one he chooses. To me it was painfully realistic. Also while Mac’s story does flirt a little bit with the dramatic I’m taking into account that, though the audio is new, the book itself is from 2011, eons ago. Obergefell v. Hodges had not yet been heard making marriage equality a reality, so things we now take for granted were very much not a thing.

On the plus side Mac & Tony’s relationship is beautiful and scorching. They just get each other on a physical and mental level. A beautiful thing.

I’d definitely recommend this and follow it with two shorts: “And to All a Goodnight” and “Getting it Right”.

Ps. I already owned the original books and thus followed along a bit. It seems that inconsequential parts have been altered but nothing major.

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.



Series Tour: The Sky Nymph Trilogy by Charlie Godwyne

Author Charlie Godwyne and Gay Book Promotions share series tour info for magical MMM friends to lovers, The Sky Nymph Trilogy! Discover more about the three books today!
 

SERIES INFORMATION

The Sky Nymph trilogy is an MMM romance that is best read in order, featuring spirituality, found family, and falling in love with one's best friend. Although the Sky Nymph series takes place in the same magical Vienna as the Augarten pentalogy, this series can be read as a standalone.

The Sky Nymph series is about finding one's way in the world, and reconnecting with nature and the spirit. As Ollie searches for meaning, he turns inward toward his Higher Self, and solidifies his bond with two men who are also on the path.

Author: Charlie Godwyne

Genre: Contemporary MMM Romance with spirituality and magical realism.

Trope: Best friends to lovers

Themes: Finding home, finding family

There are no cliffhangers. Each book ends happily, with a happily ever after at the end of the trilogy.

The books should be read in order.

Overall Heat Rating for the series: 4 flames (Detailed, but slow burn to set up.)

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 1

Book Title: Infinite

Cover Artist: Kanaxa

Length: 50 000 words / 186 pages

Release Date: March 24, 2021

The start of a trilogy that is best read in order.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

I'm on the run, leaving behind everything I've ever known.

I'm on the run, on a blessed path that leads me straight into their arms.

Blurb 

In 2026, Oliver Smith emigrates from the United States to Austria, to start a job as an editor for Boutique Press. Anxious, tired and broken, he hallucinates an angel comforting him on the plane. Ollie assumes it was a dream, but the Catholic contract lawyer Moritz who picks him up at the airport assures him that angels are real.

As Ollie builds a new life on the other side of the world, working his job while trying to keep himself together and hold his shadows at bay, he meets Bryn, a young man who practices a secret magic and sings gentle prayers to the sunset. Bryn is married to Moritz, the same contract lawyer who helped Ollie settle in and who keeps showing up and cooking for him in the evenings. But things have gone wrong: Bryn and Moritz are separated, pending divorce.

Ollie and Bryn fall fast together, becoming best friends, and as Ollie gets to know Moritz's caring heart he realizes he has feelings for this beautiful man, too. It’s clear that Bryn and Moritz still love each other. As Ollie works to bring them back together, he finds himself being healed in return and drawn into their loving embrace.

Infinite is the first book in the Sky Nymph series and is a 50,000-word MMM romance with magical realism, patient angels, typewriters on bicycles, and lots of espresso. Although Infinite takes place in the magical Vienna of the Augarten series, it can be read as a standalone.

BOOK 2

Book Title: Nebulae

Cover Artist: Kanaxa

Length:  37 500 words / 152 pages

Release Date: September 8, 2021

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

I pray, Angel, please keep my lovers safe...

Blurb 

In 2027, one year since emigrating from the United States to Austria, Ollie has settled into a happy life in Vienna with his two boyfriends, Moritz and Bryn. He has handled nearly all of his lingering debt, and is excited to embark on the next stage of life with his partners.

But on the eve of Fasching, Vienna shuts down. The Schöner Himmel coffee shop is forced to close, and with the mandatory ambulance service and the military deployed, Bryn and Moritz are called up. As his loved ones fall to illness and injury, Ollie works himself to the bone, helping his friends keep the Schöner Himmel, the Buchinger book bindery, and the tailoring shop running. With nowhere else to turn, he prays to his guardian angel, eager to seek spiritual refuge in dark times.

Instead of giving comfort, the angel challenges him to face what he is running from. Alone, without the support of his lovers, Ollie can no longer deny his greatest fears and must accept the test his angel has set for him. To awaken to the mystery and the forest of a myriad ways, Ollie must stand and fight what chases him.

He has found his home. Now, he must find the way forward.

"The path lies open before you," the angel says. "Will you take it?"

Nebulae is a 37,500-word MMM romance featuring magical realism and endurance through hard times. It is the sequel to Infinite and is thus best read in order. Although the Sky Nymph series takes place in the same magical Vienna as the Augarten pentalogy, this series can be read as a standalone.

BOOK 3

Book Title: Etheric

Length: 35,000 words / 146 pages

Release Date: December 15, 2021

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

 Come what may, I have what it takes to hold us together.

Blurb 

Two years after the events of Nebulae, Bryn, Moritz, and Ollie are enjoying peaceful days and continuing to build on their relationship. Meanwhile, Milly—Bryn's sister—and her wife, Grace, have always wanted children, and as planned, Milly starts trying to conceive with Ollie's help. Bryn never thought he'd become a parent or even an uncle, but seeing everyone around him so happy at the prospect of children, he is doing his best to open his heart to the fruitful gifts that life can bestow.

Then circumstances take a turn, and Bryn is left holding the reins of an exhausted and stressed-out family. With Moritz working non-stop at a local law firm, Ollie's panic disorder rearing its ugly head, and the addition of a little bundled-up blessing who had a rough start coming into the world, suddenly everyone is relying on Bryn to lead. Yet Bryn's intense self-doubt leaves him feeling like he isn't anywhere near good enough—or strong enough—to be all that his two men and their fragile baby need.

As magical forces become active in Vienna, Bryn must make a choice: refuse his role and watch his family fall apart, or invoke his higher self and come into his own to navigate the spiritual and magical flow of the world.

Etheric is a 35,000-word MMM romance featuring magical realism and the cutest baby ever. It is the third book in the Sky Nymph series, which is best read in order. Although the Sky Nymph series takes place in the same magical Vienna as the Augarten pentalogy, this series can be read as a standalone.

About the Author 

Charlie Godwyne lives in Vienna and loves to walk at Augarten and shop at book binderies. A translator by trade, Charlie loves to take train trips around Europe and hopes to one day learn how to play the banjo.

Sign up for Charlie's release-only newsletter and get a free short story from Equinox, in which Gabriel, Florian, and Solomon take a dip in the Danube. 

Author Links

 Website and Newsletter sign-up   

BookBub: @CharlieGodwyne   |   Goodreads

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Returning Heroes (The Galatic Captains #6) by Harry F. Rey

Returning Heroes (The Galatic Captains #6) is out from NineStar Press! Join author Harry F. Rey and IndiGo Marketing in celebrating the new release! Enter in the NSP credit giveaway!

Title: Returning Heroes

Series: The Galactic Captains, Book Six

Author: Harry F. Rey

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: 01/11/2022

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male, Male/Male Menage

Length: 83100

Genre: SciFi, LGBTQIA+, action,adventure, aliens, dark, MM romance, #ownvoices, royalty, sci-fi, futuristic, space, folklore, gods, intercultural, interspecies, war of worlds

Add to Goodreads


Description

Captain Ales has returned to the galaxy, forever changed as the powers have prepared for war. He’ll accept help from anyone if it leads to the mysterious Turo from whose cage Ales must free himself if he ever wants to return to the Red Moon.

Meanwhile Daeron has been offered the deal of a lifetime by the ruler of the Seven Suns. Marry Osvai, the Kyleri prince, and become heir to the richest star-state in the galaxy while raising an army to restore the prince to his rightful place as Emperor of the Million Suns.

But Viscamon’s grip on Jiwani has only tightened as the nobles imprisoned in the Royal Baths still refuse to bow to the immortal’s cataclysmic theology of destroying the Galactic Balance. It seems the only way for Imperial Guard Captain Antari to avoid a massacre is outright treachery.

While dynasties play galactic politics, the Outer Verge is being torn apart. From a prison cell, Mahnoor watches The Rip destroying Targuline, until the Kyleri rebels offer him the chance to save himself by flying into the heart of danger. He might even become Jansen’s most unlikely hero.

Heroes and villains run riot around the galaxy, unleashing destructive forces and sliding the great powers toward a war from which no one will be safe.

Excerpt

Returning Heroes
Harry F. Rey © 2022
All Rights Reserved

The sleek, spacious travel pod sliced through the swirling burnt-orange clouds of Bazman. Daeron edged forward on the puffed, pillowy chair that consistently failed to relax him. He tugged at the high collar of his pure-white Dalvian silk jacket—yet another gift from President Ezreal. He stared out the window at the spindly towers stretching in and out of the clouds above and below. The teeming city-world of Bazman, capital of the Confederation of the Seven Suns, supposedly the richest star-state in the Shakti Democria, was to Daeron no better than any of the thousands of worlds he’d been on. The rich lived above, flying around in these perfumed and carpeted pods, while the poor shuffled in and out of a noxious atmosphere far below.

Daeron could go anywhere he wanted on Bazman; no store, restaurant, menagerie, or cultural complex was too exclusive for President Ezreal’s new favorite son. Six weeks ago, they’d barely escaped the Kyleri fleet which had blown up Aldegar’s megacollider. Daeron and the remaining crew of the Daring Huntress chased Turo and the double-crossing Ezi into the Shakti Nebula, only to end up invited to land here by Ezreal’s security forces. On Bazman, where he could go anywhere at all, just not leave.

“What’s wrong now, Daeron?” Osvai said, relaxing in his similarly styled—but all black—Dalvian silk suit. The missing heir to the Kyleri Empire sipped on a Lactarian malt from a crystal glass while grinning at an entertainment package broadcast on the holoscreen in front of his seat. Lest His Imperial Majesty get bored in the half hour it takes to get from Bazman’s presidential palace to the restaurant opening. Daeron glanced over at the prince who was now biting his lip to keep from laughing at the holovid. Daeron watched for a moment. He’d never seen anything so stupid.

“What’s so funny about people walking into things? It’s cruel.”

Osvai wasn’t listening. He gasped in laughter as some poor unsuspecting holo-person had a pile of trash dumped on their head. Daeron flung himself against the seat, but it only absorbed the shock and began to massage his lower back. Daeron could huff all he wanted, but Osvai had stopped caring about what bothered Daeron. He stroked his thick black beard, forgetting it was still glistening in the fancy oils Osvai made him use. Daeron wiped his greasy hand on the plush arm of the chair and returned to staring out the window at the traffic lanes of pods gliding through the clouds and between the towers—with no end and no beginning.

“Are Xenia and the rest of the crew coming tonight?” Daeron asked, breathing slowly through his nose, trying to let the fury of being stuck in a gilded prison subside. It wasn’t going anywhere. Just like him.

“They left.”

Daeron spun on the chair to face Osvai.

“They…left?”

“Yeah. Didn’t I tell you?” Osvai said, not looking up from the holovid. Daeron yanked at the silk collar constricting his neck, and it let out a satisfying rip.

“No…you didn’t tell me. That was…my crew. My ship.” Daeron was doing everything in his power to stay calm, but he knew his string was about to snap. Maybe if Osvai understood that, they wouldn’t spend half their nights screaming at each other in their apartment in the presidential palace.

“I guess they went to meet your mom.” Osvai drained his glass, then stretched and placed it inside an alcove grooved into the wall where a nozzle filled it back up. “Isn’t it her crew again now she’s back?”

Daeron fell into a sulking silence at the mention of his mom. Maybe Osvai knew him better than he thought. Because the moment Captain Sanya was raised, Daeron shut down. It had been weeks since she and that Tevian girlfriend of hers, Sallah, had crossed back through the horizon point with her brat, Ales. Had they come to see him? No. Daeron had only learned their mission had been successful from the newscasts. The returning hero Captain Ales, who apparently had an Ingvarian fleet at his disposal now, as well as the entire Outer Verge, had been spotted at the Mayo resort in the Central Star States. After their collective trauma, Captain Sanya, Sallah, and Ales had decided to play happy families and treat themselves to a little vacation at one of the most expensive systems in the galaxy.

It hurt Daeron hard. He’d still not seen her. Not even a holovid call. He stretched out his hand and opened his palm-tech to flick through the only messages his mom had sent since she’d returned.

The megacollider is gone then?

Yeah, as if a rebel Kyleri fleet blowing up an ancient sphere surrounding an entire sun had been his fault. Then, loving, motherly message number two.

Why is Osvai not back on Jiwani? And you lost Turo? Can’t you do anything right?

Good point. Why was Osvai not back on Jiwani?

“Don’t you care at all?” Daeron snapped, spitting his frustrations at Osvai. The prince finally looked up from the holovid, staring back with those thin eyes and sunset skin that Daeron couldn’t deny filled him with lust. Even if he was perpetually pissed off at him.

“Care about what, Daeron?”

“Your fucking empire.” Daeron stood up, kicking the chair hard so it spun like a ship out of control. Osvai drained his glass again and, with an overly audible sigh, came over to Daeron and slid his small arms as far around Daeron as they could go. But Daeron wriggled out of his half hug and slunk to the back of the pod, watching the dusty clouds spinning like a vortex as they flew.

“What do you want me to do, Daeron? Fight Viscamon for my throne with what army, exactly?”

“My mom said to take you home.”

“Oh, your mom said. It’s always the same story with you, Daeron. Your mom says you have to stay on Jiwani with a father you never knew, and you stayed. Your mom says look after me until I’m back on Jiwani, and you blame me for staying in the one place in the galaxy no one’s trying to kill me!”

Here we go. Another screaming match.

“Can we not do this now?” Daeron said, arms folded and his back to Osvai. “The president invited us to this restaurant opening, and since he’s the one keeping you safe and letting us stay for free, we don’t need you getting drunk and making a scene.”

“Excuse me?”

“Sorry, more drunk.”

Osvai sucked in a short breath. If they’d learned one thing about each other since escaping Jiwani together on the night of Osvai’s father, Emperor Kantori’s, assassination, it was how to push each other’s buttons.

“When was the last time you saw Xenia?” Osvai asked, lathered in bitterness. “Or Tal, or Bindi? Or even Voros? When was it? Kaj’s memorial service?”

“Shut up, Osvai.”

“You haven’t asked about them in weeks. So don’t pretend you didn’t know they’d leave. You didn’t want to know.”

“I said shut up!”

“You can say I’m afraid all you want. And yes, I am afraid of going back to Jiwani when Viscamon is imprisoning nobles until he’s blackmailed enough to crown himself emperor. That’s a normal thing to be scared of. But you—”

“Osvai, I’m fucking warning you.” Daeron spun around to see him sauntering around the pod with a look of victory splashed across his face.

“You might look like a big scary man, Daeron, but you’re just a little boy. Afraid of what his mommy will say.”

Daeron had already exploded. Fury prickled his body; sweat soaked the suit. He’d throw Osvai out of this pod if he could. His fists clamped together, ready to test just how much of a punch this glass could take.

“You have arrived at your destination,” the pod’s soft female voice said with a ding. “Have a pleasant evening.”

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Meet the Author

Harry F. Rey is an author and lover of gay themed stories with a powerful punch with influences ranging from Alan Hollinghurst to Isaac Asimov to George R.R. Martin. He loves all things sci-fi and supernatural, and always with a gay twist. Harry is originally from the UK but lives in Jerusalem, Israel with his husband.

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: House Arrest Without a Home by Brina Brady


Author Brina Brady and Gay Book Promotions celebrate new release, House Arrest Without a Home! Learn more about the contemporary romance and enter in the giveaway!

 

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: House Arrest Without a Home

Author: Brina Brady

Publisher: Self-Published

Cover Artist: Brina Brady

Release Date: January 10, 2022

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Steamy, Age Gap, Hurt and Comfort, Forced Proximity, MM Romance/HEA

Themes: Learning to love and trust again

Heat Rating: 4 flames   

Length: 59 184 words/180 pages

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

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Blurb

Pre-law student Shawn O’Brien loses his mind when he finds his live-in boyfriend Jasper Logan with a younger man in their bed. Shawn breaks the law and ends up in big trouble, in danger of losing his scholarship and freedom. He needs a new place to live to serve his house arrest sentence or he will go to jail for six months. 

Successful District Prosecuting Attorney, Noah Braun, has it all: money, friends, and a top career, but he’s at risk of losing it all as he grieves the loss of his husband. His father, Judge Braun, finds the perfect lover to save his son. The judge asks Noah to take Shawn into his home to complete his sentence.

Everything changes when Noah and Shawn meet and find themselves living together. Noah is determined to do whatever it takes to prove to Shawn that their relationship will be different from his nightmarish one with Jasper.

Can Noah find a way to win Shawn’s heart forever, or will Shawn move on when his house arrest is complete?

Steamy, Age Gap, Hurt and Comfort, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, MM Romance/HEA

Excerpt 

“You don’t have to like me, but I like you.” Noah paused the movie so he could focus on talking to Shawn.

“That’s not the problem. I do like you, but you wanted to pay me for sex. That means you just want to fuck me. That’s all you want from me.”

“First, the money was added to entice you. I do want to fuck you, and I only want that from someone who I care about.”

“I’m afraid of getting hurt again.”

“Think about how much fun we could have. I can’t promise you we won’t get hurt, but I want to try to have something with you. I have a feeling we might work out sexually.”

“Are you sure you didn’t have me stay here to entertain you?”

“Do you think you can entertain me?”

“I’d like to try, but right now I feel like I’m sexually boring. When your lover cheats on you because you’re not enough, something must be wrong.”

“I loved kissing you. Do you like to try new things?”

“Always. I guess I feel like I might fail in the sex department.”

“It’s not about performance, though it helps, but taking on a new lover is exciting. Learning what they like and don’t. Not every time is going to be perfect but, in some sense, it is. I get this feeling by being in your presence. I can’t explain why I want you sexually as opposed to remaining just friends. It’s either there or it’s not.”

“I know what you mean. When I saw you the first time, I wasn’t expecting someone so hot! I just figured you were an older lawyer and a friend of Henrik’s. I didn’t understand why you would consider taking me in without even meeting me. The entire set up is odd to me, but I’m grateful for what you did for me.”

“What are you trying to say?” Noah hoped he felt the same way about him, but it wasn’t a given. His experience involved working for it, and maybe Shawn still loved bully Jasper. How could someone so brilliant fall for that ignoramus? And that shaggy beard was sickening.

“I want to be with you, but I’m afraid of disappointing you.”

“Your kiss didn’t disappoint me.”

“Your kiss was hot to my lips, but I got scared.”

“Do you bottom?”

“I do both. Do you only top?” 

“No, I top mostly, but I’m not against switching it up now and then.”

“Really?” 

“Do you have any kinks?”

“I probably do. Like what are we talking about?”

“Spanking, handcuffs, role playing. What do you think of those kinks?”

“I like those things you mentioned. I like to feel a little pain.”

“Am I making you feel uncomfortable?”

“No. I like getting to know more about you. I want to know what you look like naked.”

“That can be arranged. I think it’s good we talked. I want you to feel on equal basis at all times with me. That’s the reason I wanted to pay you. I figured it would balance us.”

“The money is not happening, now or ever. The only item unbalanced between us is our age difference and that doesn’t bother me at all.”

“Then money is off the table for now. I’d like you to sleep with me in my bed. What do you say about that?”

“I don’t know.” Shawn fidgeted in his seat.

“We could finish watching Dune in my bed, then maybe you could see how I look without clothes on.”

“Only if we can take the popcorn and our Diet Cokes.” Shawn didn’t take any time to think about it. He just answered as Noah suggested Shawn could see how he looked naked. 

“It’s a deal.” Noah picked up the bowl of popcorn with his drink and Shawn followed behind him as they climbed the stairs. Shawn had surprised him with his quick response, which led Noah to believe Shawn might like him in some way and maybe he was just afraid of making a mistake. 

About the Author 

I am from Huntington Beach, Ca. I taught various subjects at a Continuation High School in Los Angeles, California for 27 years. I obtained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in History, Secondary Social Science Credential and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Reading and Secondary Education from California State University, Long Beach. I also enrolled in some creative writing classes at UCLA.

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Release Blitz + Giveaway: Loving Summer Rain (Love Me Do #1) by Megan Slayer


Author Megan Slayer and Pride Publishing share new release info for modern royalty romance, Loving Summer Rain (Love Me Do #1)! Read more and enter in the First Romance giveaway!
 

Loving Summer Rain by Megan Slayer

Book 1 in the Love Me Do series

Word Count: 40,091
Book Length: SHORT NOVEL
Pages:  163

GENRES:

CONTEMPORARY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI

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Book Description

You are formally invited to the royal ball…to become the husband to the king!

King Charles of Lysianna needs a husband and fast. He’s up against the biggest time crunch of all—a royal decree stating he must marry or lose the crown. It’s already December and he’s running out of time. Throwing a royal ball to find a suitable man for the role of husband seems like the king’s only option…until he meets Nathan. This royal has always done things his own way—and maybe now it’s time to go rogue.

Nathan Pratt doesn’t want much from life except to raise his son and be happy. Dating isn’t on this single father’s radar until he sees Charles in the castle solarium and his heart goes out to the sad-looking man. Once he meets Charles, he starts to think love might be possible. There’s just the small issue of Charles being the king…

Will Nathan be able to handle the glare of the spotlight with Charles beside him, or will the notoriety that comes with dating a royal be too much?

Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of gunshots as well as the threat of kidnapping. This book is linked to Runaway Royal.

  

Excerpt

Arthur Burton stepped away from the printer and up to his computer. He’d been told using the standing desk was better for his figure. Standing all day wasn’t fun and by the end of his shift, all he wanted to do was sit down. Oh well. All in a day’s work, right? He’d completed his workout before he’d arrived at the office, so at least he’d burned off calories.

He stared at the notification on his computer. One new review. Despite his better judgment to delete the notification, he looked. He prided himself on doing good business and being the best insurance salesman in Norville. He groaned. This review wasn’t positive. The wording was downright negative and mean. He cringed—he wanted to do right for people who came to his office.

A dull throb started behind his eyes. He sold insurance for a living, which made him the butt of jokes in the dating world. For some reason, guys didn’t see him as a sexy man. They saw him as trying to sell them something. He might have been a personable man, but he was lonely. He’d dated a few times and thought he’d found love in college, but no. Kevin wasn’t in it for the long-term. Kevin wanted to play around and hadn’t loved Arthur in return. He’d also said Arthur should go by his middle name, Lee. Why? He liked his first name.

He’d been told he was too sensitive. He cared too much about what others said and having the correct appearance. The business was his livelihood. If he didn’t keep it going and thriving, then he’d lose everything he’d worked for.

“Boss.” Kathy, his secretary and one of his few friends, rested her knuckles on his desk. “Wow. Okay. First, you need to close that tab. You’re not going to please everyone. Second, I remember the person who wrote that review.”

“She claims I didn’t pay attention to her. I didn’t correctly create her quote.” He rubbed his forehead. “I think I remember her, too. It was for a truck she wanted covered that she owed money on. She wanted minimum coverage and we can’t offer that if she has a loan on it.”

“Right.” She closed the tab on his computer. “She’s upset over something we can’t change.”

“Maybe.” One bad review wouldn’t kill his business, but he didn’t want any negativity like this. He strove to fix all problems and make them right. He couldn’t fix this. He sighed. “I’m sorry. You’re right. I need to let this go.” He needed to remember not everyone would be happy.

“I know you try to make everyone happy and most of the time, it works. You’re a good man and you work hard, but some people can’t be placated. Besides, you’re going to give yourself an ulcer.” She leaned forward and stared at him. “You also seem to have forgotten you’ve got an appointment at Dye Hard Style in half an hour.”

“I do?” She was right—he didn’t remember the appointment. “In thirty minutes?”

“Yes.” She stood tall. “And it sounds like you need to have a chat with James.”

“Why?” Normally, his secretary didn’t get this involved in his life, but she did care about him, so he should listen to her. “What do you think?”

“You need to get laid.” She shrugged. “You need to see James to have him work his magic on your hair and your love life. I also believe you need to relax. You keep yourself so buttoned-up and proper—so much that you’ll make yourself sick. Stop doing that.”

“I need to stay business-like.”

“I know.” She rested her hands on her hips. “But there’s a difference between being professional and being an automaton. You have so much personality and you hide it. You don’t even wear crazy socks or ties. Doesn’t bland blue and brown get boring?”

Yes. “No.” He groaned. “People expect me to be a certain way. I can’t get silly.”

She rolled her eyes. “There’s silly and there’s ridiculous. You’ve never been ridiculous. That said, wearing argyle socks or a patterned tie won’t make you look silly.”

“I’ll think about what you’ve just said.” He rounded his desk. He wanted to say more, but he wasn’t sure how. She’d made her point—a good one, too. “I’ll head over to Dye Hard. Thanks.”

“Good.” She sighed. “I’ll prod you toward the right direction, but you need to get moving.”

“Thanks.” He needed all the help he could get. He watched her leave his office. If he were into women, he might have tried to make a play for her. But he wasn’t. He preferred men. The tattooed, purple-haired woman didn’t fit into his visual ideal of a secretary, but Kathy did her job well. Despite her ink, piercings and wild-colored hair, she managed to look professional. He admired her freedom and confidence. She looked happy and didn’t seem to care what others thought. He needed more of that confidence in his life.

He ensured he had his keys, wallet and phone tucked into his suit coat, then turned his computer screen off. “Kath?”

“Yes, sir?” She appeared in his doorway. “What’s up?”

“I’m going over to the salon. Maybe James is running ahead.”

She snorted. “That’s not going to happen, but you know that and should still get moving. The fresh air on the walk will do you good. Might even help you clear your mind.”

“You’re right.” He glanced back at his desk, then left his office. “I’ll return as soon as I can.”

“I’ll hold down the fort.” She clapped him on the shoulder. “I’ve got this.”

“I know you do.” He trusted her more than she knew. If she were licensed, he’d make her his co-agent. “I’ll be back.”

“See you.” She waved. “Come back sexy.”

He laughed. “I doubt that’ll happen.” But he could let James try. He left the office and walked the three blocks to Dye Hard Style.

Along the way, he drank in the views of Norville. His hometown wasn’t a big one. Norville had a state-of-the-art softball complex for the girls’ softball teams, wonderful parks and a pretty circle in the center of town, but not much else. The townsfolk alternatively loved and hated the roundabout. The statue at the center of the circle was supposed to be the image of the town founder, Clarence Norville, but the nose had long broken off and one arm had been damaged in a windstorm. People claimed the statue was the spirit of Norville, rather than any one person.

Spirit aside, nothing much happened in Norville. The festivals were long gone and people tended to gather for the yearly softball tournaments and football seasons. The girls’ softball team dominated each year, often winning at the state events. The high school football team wasn’t so hot, but the players tried and the town was dedicated to the sport.

The one thing the town did have going for it was the architecture. Almost all the buildings along the main drag were over a hundred years old, looked their age, but still managed to be structurally sound and beautiful. All had ornate carving in the brickwork and names embedded at the apex of each. Many featured stone entryways and flower boxes that the business owners lovingly kept full of blossoms all spring and summer. Arthur worked hard to make his storefront shine along with the rest.

The one building that stuck out was the old movie theater. Movies hadn’t been shown there in years, but the neon and chrome on the building still glimmered. The neon was the signature look for the salon that had taken over the building. The concession stand served as the counter for buying hair care products and scheduling appointments. The rest of the room belonged to the styling stations. The auditorium had been turned into an event hall for weddings and social gatherings. He admired the owner’s decision to keep the original façade for the building and worked with the spirit of the space, rather than changing it. The modifications ensured the building was used and appreciated. No one knew the owner, though. If he’d come to the chamber of commerce meetings, Arthur had never seen him.

Everyone in town knew to visit Dye Hard Style. James, the head stylist, did wonders with all sorts of hair. He also knew how to couple people up.

Arthur opened the door to the salon. A scruffy dog trotted in beside him and strode right past the scheduling station. Arthur frowned. Did the dog belong to the owner or James?

“Hi.” Clarke, the receptionist, beckoned from the ticket counter. “Did you bring your pup along? He’s rough around the edges, but cute.”

“He’s not mine. I don’t know him.” He stopped at the counter. “I have an appointment.”

“Arthur.” Clarke grinned. “James is ready for you.”

“He is?” He was early.

“He is.” Clarke frowned and opened the gate. The dog trotted in first and made himself comfortable strolling along the styling stations. Clarke snorted. “Looks like the dog wants a style, too.”

“I guess so. Maybe James knows him.” He ventured over to James’ chair.

James knelt in front of the dog. “You’re back.”

“I just got here.” Arthur petted the dog. “Or do you mean him?”

“Him.” James scratched the dog behind the ears. “He’s shown up every day this week. No tags, no collar. I even asked around and no one has ever seen him before.”

“Maybe he’s adopted you.” Arthur folded his arms. “He might have. Do you want a dog?”

“I never thought about it.” James stood and retrieved a bowl. “I’ve fed him and he gets water.” He filled the bowl with water. “Let me finish here and wash my hands.”

“I bet he adopted you.”

“I think you’re right.” James gestured to the chair. “Now, you’re here for a cut and style.” He washed his hands. “Sit. Do you know what you want? Any ideas for your style? Tell me your troubles. Remember, I’m like Vegas. What’s told to the stylist stays with the stylist.”

Arthur took his place in the chair and waited until he’d donned the cape. “I need to think about anything but the semi-crappy day I’m having.”

“Then let’s polish you, beautiful.” James turned the chair around and tipped it back. “What happened, doll? Why is your day semi-crappy?” He turned on the water, wetting Arthur’s hair.

“It’s silly really.” He loved when someone washed his hair. The act relaxed him. He bit back a sigh as James shampooed him. “I got a bad review and I let it get me down.”

“Oh, honey. We get the odd bad reviews, too. You can’t make everyone happy.” James rinsed Arthur’s hair. “They get a color they begged for but don’t want, or say they want everything cut off then change their mind after the haircut. I can work miracles, but not every one of them will be miraculous.”

“I get it.”

James sat him up and covered his head with a towel. “So, forget the review, honey. Focus on what you can change.”

“I’ll keep doing my job, then.” That sounded easy enough.

“Then there you go.” James turned him around to face the mirror. “So, what are we doing?”

“A trim and polish. Just neaten me up.” His heart sank. He was too buttoned-up already and not getting out of his comfort zone wasn’t helping much.

James stared at him through the reflection in the mirror. “May I try something? It won’t be too drastic, but I want to try a slightly different look for you.”

James had the ability to style individuals to make their uniqueness shine. If he had an idea for Arthur, who was he to argue? “Okay.”

“Yeah?” James grinned. The piercing in his bottom lip sparkled. “You’re sure?”

“I am.” He needed something. This could be the small change required.

“Good.” James combed Arthur’s wet hair. “Why do you look so lonely and sad, doll? Not because of that review? Talk to me.”

He kept so much bottled up. If he couldn’t tell his stylist, who could he tell? “Because I am lonely.”

“Why? You’re handsome, have your own business, are smart…” James parted Arthur’s hair, then began trimming. “What’s not to like about you?”

“I don’t know, but I don’t give myself the chance to look for guys, that’s one thing.” He cringed. “That sounds doofy.”

“No, you sound scared and like you need a little help.” James continued cutting. “You need a matchmaker.”

“I do.” He shouldn’t have admitted that out loud, but oh well.

“What do you want in a guy?” James asked.

He sighed, buying himself some time to think. “I want a man who is kind, considerate, who will work with me and make me better. A partner. I want a guy who isn’t afraid to date an insurance agent. Someone who sees beyond the shell and won’t let me get complacent.”

“And looks?” James stared at their reflection. He narrowed his eyes, then resumed cutting. “You must have a type.”

“Not really. I like guys based on their attitude and ability to empathize. It’s about being drawn to the man,” Arthur said. “You know? If there’s a spark when we’re talking, then that’s the thing. If there isn’t, then I don’t bother.”

“I do.” James finished cutting, then combed Arthur’s hair. “Sometimes, you just know the guy is right.”

“Yes.” That was it exactly.

James stopped touching Arthur. “Well…try this.” He turned Arthur away from the mirror, then finger-combed Arthur’s hair. “Okay, this.” He swiveled Arthur back to face the mirror. “Well?”

Arthur stared at himself. He looked like him, but the haircut with his part on the left looked more correct. It accentuated his eyes and appeared professional. “That’s awesome.”

“Yeah?” James plunged the comb into the blue solution and his scissors into the sink. He wiped his hands. “About your dating situation…go to Club Jester on Friday at nine. Dress like you, but be casual. I want you to meet my friend, Summer Rain.”

“A girl?” He’d never heard of anyone named Summer Rain.

“No, he’s a guy.” James removed the cape. “A great guy who ticks your boxes.”

“Named Summer Rain?” It seemed like an odd moniker for a man.

“Yes, and trust me. I have the golden touch.” James picked up a tablet. “Do you want a two-month appointment or six weeks?”

“Six weeks.” He set up his next slot with James, then offered his credit card to pay. “You said nine on Friday night?”

“Yes. Club Jester. His name is Summer Rain. It’ll be great.” James swiped the card. “If you don’t hit it off, then the next appointment is on me.”

He had nothing to lose. “Okay.”

“You’ll be meeting your destiny.” James handed him back the card. “Plus, you look fierce. Any man would be nuts to pass you up.”

He wasn’t sure he believed James, but why not? “You’re right.”

“I know I am.” James winked. “Feel better?”

“I do.” Almost like he could conquer the world. He handed James a twenty as a tip.

“Then there we go. Thank you and I’ll see you in six weeks.” James grinned. “Maybe I’ll have named the dog by then.”

“I’ll bet you do.” Maybe he’d find love by then, too. It couldn't hurt to try.

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About the Author

Megan Slayer

 

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-

n writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and BDSM themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been the runner up in the Kink Category at Love Romances Café as well as nominated at the LRC for best author, best contemporary, best ménage and best anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice.

Find out more about Megan on her website, and sign up for the newsletter here. You can also check out her Blog, Amazon Author Page, Bookbub and Instagram.

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