Author Elouise East and Gay Book Promotions share new release information on daddy kink romance, Disowned Royal (Club Royal #4)! Read more about the contemporary romance and enter in the giveaway for a chance to win
one of two signed paperbacks of one book from the Club Royal series! Good luck!
RELEASE BLITZ
Book Title: Disowned Royal (Club Royal Book 4)
Author and Publisher: Elouise East
Cover Artist: Designs by Tina Løwen
Release Date: June 2, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: Friends to lovers, Daddy/little, hurt/comfort, famous person chooses commoner
Themes: Family trying to hurt those the MCs love,
Heat Rating: 3 - 4 flames
Length: approx 82 000 words/ 295 pages
It can be read as a standalone but it is recommended the other books are read first.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger, but there is an overarching storyline that goes through the series.
Book 1 (Rogue Royal) will be on sale from June 2 - 5
An ex-Army prince must protect the man he loves from his treasonous family
Blurb
Life couldn’t get any more twisted and convoluted if it tried. Christian hates his parents as much as they hate him, but he never expected them to throw him in a cell when he blurted out he was bisexual. Their public image is important to them because it hides the transgressions they’ve subjected many people to over the years. People Christian mourn every day because he couldn’t save them. Reading is an escape, and one place gives him the solitude he needs to shore his defences - and the view isn’t too bad either.
Oscar is living his dream. The owner of a beautiful cafe slash bookshop slash library, he is never happier than when he is working, which is all the time. When Prince Christian becomes a regular, Oscar tries to stop his attraction to him, but the man is like a god. A haunted god, but nonetheless. His scrutiny of the man means he notices when Christian nears breaking point, but he has no idea what to do about it. Christian offers to find him a Daddy, but Oscar hesitates. Does Christian really want to help or is he feeling sorry for him?
When their attraction persuades Christian to take the role of Oscar’s Daddy for himself, can he keep Oscar safe when he goes up against the people who wish to harm those they love?
This is an MM book containing BDSM scenes and D/s dynamics in all forms. It also has lots of loving, friendships, family drama and, of course, a HEA.
Excerpt
“Would you like some company?” he asked.
Christian smiled. “Sure. Have a seat.”
“I don’t have to if you want some peace. I didn’t realise Hilary had…”
“Sit down, little one,” Christian murmured.
Oscar slid into the seat opposite him, pulling his cup and cake towards him. He was quiet for a moment before he peered at Christian again. “Does it hurt?”
Christian chuckled. “A little. Eating is tiresome because it makes my jaw ache, but I can manage.”
“Are your ribs the same?” Raising his eyebrows, Christian tilted his head. “I saw you wince a couple of times.”
“Yes. My ribs are decorated like a rainbow at present.”
Oscar gasped. “Should you be resting?”
“If I didn’t get out of there, I would’ve gone mad. I’ve been ‘resting’ for days already.” He focused on his coffee, taking a sip.
Oscar bit his lip to stop from asking what happened. Instead, he used his fork to cut a piece of his cake and slide it into his mouth. The chocolate cake was delicious, and the reason he always had his supplier make an extra cake so he could take one home. He counted it as part of his wages. It didn’t help that he had a sweet tooth, something his Daddy would need to help him with when he had one who stayed longer than a night.
“What are you thinking about?” Christian asked.
Oscar opened the eyes he hadn’t realised he’d closed and studied him. Then he stared at his cake, pushing crumbs from one side to the other. He huffed a laugh. “I was thinking that I needed my Da…” He glanced over his shoulder. “I needed my Daddy to make sure I didn’t eat too many sweet things. I have something of a problem.”
Christian laughed. “Working in a cafe is probably not the best idea.”
“Don’t I know it. I’m sure my trousers are getting tighter by the day.”
“You look fine to me. I bet being on your feet all day balances the sweet addiction. I bet it’s not as bad as Henry and George, anyway.”
“Why?”
Christian put his mug down and curled his hands around it. “Henry loves fudge. Any flavour, any shape. Just fudge. If he had his way, he’d eat it every day. As for George, his addiction to love heart sweets easily pays a factory worker’s annual salary.”
Oscar chuckled. “I don’t feel so alone now.”
“You’d fit right in, don’t you worry.”
Oscar’s heart jumped with Christian’s words, though he knew the prince didn’t mean anything by them. There was no way he would fit in with royalty.
“I will be speaking tomorrow to a couple of people who might be interested in your…situation,” Christian said. “I will hopefully have more news for you tomorrow.”
Oscar swallowed hard, ignoring the pang in his stomach when he thought about someone else being with him. He couldn’t have a prince. “Thank you.” He drank his coffee, shoving down the feelings his traitorous body was bringing to the surface.
“What’s wrong?”
Oscar glanced up. “What?”
“You seem sad. Has something happened?”
“No, nothing. I’m okay.”
Christian narrowed his eyes on him, and Oscar fidgeted in his seat, wanting to make himself smaller. Not because Christian was intimidating, but because Oscar’s brain was already associating Christian with being a Daddy and someone he didn’t want to upset. He wanted to be good for him, even though they didn’t have that type of relationship.
“Oscar?”
He lifted his gaze to where his name had been called, and Hilary waved for him. He stood. “I have to get back to work. I’m glad you’re okay.” Oscar stepped away but turned back when Christian said his name softly.
“I’ll find someone. I promise.”
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 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.
Author Rain Carrington and Gay Book Promotions promote contemporary BDSM series, The Denver Diaries Series (#1-7)! Read about the entire 7 book series including new release, Last Chances (#7) and enter in the giveaway for a chance to win one of three complete series sets (all 7 books in the Denver Diaries)! Good luck!
SERIES TOUR
The Denver Diaries Series by Rain Carrington (Books 1 - 7)
In The Denver Diaries we follow Lonnie and Travis from Apishipa Creek to Denver, where they live and run the BDSM club, Chaps. In Denver we meet new characters, searching for, and sometimes finding, love...leather style. Like any relationship, the love between a Dom and his sub(s) is bumpy. Nothing comes easy for these men, but with good friends and big hearts, even a bound man can feel free, and a dominant man can fall to his knees. Come and meet the men of Denver and see why the Mile High City makes men fly....
The books are better read in order, but SOME can be read as standalones
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 5 flames
Come and meet the men of Denver and see why the Mile High City makes men fly....
BOOK DETAILS
BOOK 1
Book Title: Second Chances
Length: 1013 pages
Release Date: May 13, 2016
Genres: Contemporary M/M/M Romance, BDSM, Erotica
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, D/s, Daddy/boys
Themes: Second Chance, forgiveness
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Come and meet the men of Denver and see why the Mile High City makes men fly....
Brian Lauder is a psychologist who’s dealing with his own demons of the mind. He lost the love of his life and was gutted. Having rebuilt his life, along with a new man that he keeps at arm’s-length, he was never more surprised in his life then when his former love knocks on his door one rainy night.
Morgan Cherik thought Brian was holding him back, and it took him walking away from his love and Dom to realize how much Brian meant to him. Knocking on that door was the hardest thing he’d ever do, but he knows it’s the only way to begin to try to get back what was most important to him.
Nicholas (Pez) Perez didn’t mean to fall in love with his client, Brian. It was a twice-a-week date, exploring their mutual love of BDSM. He did, however, and seeing Brian contemplating taking back his old partner sends Pez on a freefall of despair.
Can Brian dare to be the dominant to two men who need him, almost as much as he needs them? Can two men that hate one another, but love the same man, ever find something in the other worth loving?
In the words of an older and wiser Dom who has two submissives of his own, “Each couple in the relationship must have a strong love. It’s a triangle. Brain and Morgan, Morgan and Pez, and Pez and Brian being the corners; if they all aren’t strong, then the triangle itself isn’t strong. It’ll buckle.”
Trigger Warning: BDSM, Humiliation, Hurt/Comfort, rent boy, and sexual situations.
BOOK 2
Book Title: Maybe
Length: 496 pages
Release Date: May 21, 2016
Genre/s: M/M Contemporary BDSM Romance
Trope/s: D/s, BDSM
Themes: Hurt/comfort, Erotica
It is a standalone story and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Sebastian Blacksnake comes into the lives of the men from Denver unexpectedly. The last friend of a dying man that is related to Lonnie Lane, Sebastian is left with nowhere to go, so Lonnie and Travis bring him to Denver to join their ever-expanding community of kinky friends.
Beast, Chaps’ head of security, takes one look at the younger man and knows Sebastian could be the man he’s been waiting for. The problem is, Sebastian wants nothing to do with relationships. Loving being free and single is his thing, but Beast is someone that isn’t easily forgotten.
Sebastian doesn’t understand Beast’s style of kink, but when he finds out, will it be the final piece in the puzzle that could bring them both happiness?
Trigger Warning: BDSM, sexual situations, and lots of HEAT!
BOOK 3
Book Title: Pink Saddles
Length: 471 pages
Release Date: August 3,2016
Genre: MM Contemporary BDSM Romance
Themes: Hurt/comfort, BDSM therapy
It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.
Come back to Denver in this new book in the Denver Diaries Collection and find that words aren’t always needed to express an undying love…
Xen lives his life never speaking a word, but that doesn’t mean he’s silent. With his art, he speaks, sings and sometimes screams. Walls are his favorite canvas, sharing his dreams and his secrets, if only someone would care to look hard enough, they would know why he abandoned his own voice.
Texas native, Memphis, is a perfectionist, likes things simple and in order. Xen is neither, but from the first time he saw the submissive in the leather club, Chaps, there was something about the tattooed, pierced man that riveted him to his core.
As he learns more about Xen’s past with the help of new friend, Dr. Brian Lauder, Memphis knows without a doubt that he can never let Xen go, figurative and literally. He builds a cage for Xen in the barn and has no idea what impact it could make on Xen, leading to more questions than answers until a gift from a friend helps him to tell his story with no more fear.
Beast is having a hard time with his six submissives. Communication is important, he knows, but sometimes the things he hears breaks his heart. Just as he is relieved to find out he’s not losing one, another starts to pull away. Is P.J. in love with another man, one he can’t have?
Come back to Denver in this new book in the Denver Diaries Collection and find that words aren’t always needed to express an undying love…
Warning: Contains scene of BDSM
BOOK 4
Book Title: Lies Men Tell
Length: 251 pages
Release Date: March 20, 2017
Genre: MM Contemporary BDSM Romance
It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.
Friendships are tested, and trust is strained as the men of Chaps seek to once again find love and companionship in the great city of Denver. Come say hello and wish them well on their journey to find love.
Since his terrible breakup with his live-in lover years before, Clay Hollis has shied away from anything resembling a relationship. One night stands and scenes at the club, Chaps, are all he could commit to. His friends, the other former members of the lonely hearts club, were finding love, but he was still alone. Thinking he may never find anyone he could not only love, but trust as well, he ignores the pang in his heart for the one man who’d caught more than his eye in a long time.
Michael Duncan, AKA Mack Irons, is a former porn star, now set to be behind the camera, shooting for a new subsidiary owned by his longtime friend. Directing and producing Beast’s six submissives was enough of a challenge, but trying to get the attention of the beautiful bartender was an even bigger one. Every time he started to get close to Clay, the man fled like Mack had the plague.
When their mutual friends pulled a dirty trick on them, forcing them to confront the feelings they shared, Mack knew this could be his chance to show Clay that he wasn’t like the rest. What he didn’t count on, though, was Clay’s lingering doubts, or his own.
When they come close to splitting apart, another old friend steps in to help, and Mack must push aside all his pride and fear to put trust in the man that found it so hard to believe himself. Can he do it, or face leaving the beautiful man he’d fallen in love with? Can Clay ever trust again, or will his uncertainties get in the way of the love they could have together?
Brett Lincoln loved his best friend, Bennett. They were like brothers, and he hated the thought of losing him. Bennett’s lover and Dom, the formidable Beast, didn’t like him a bit, and didn’t hide it well. They had a shared secret that Brett knew could tear apart his friendship with Bennett. When the animosity comes to an explosive peak, Brett must tell his best friend his most guarded secrets, hoping he’ll understand.
BOOK 5
Book Title: Protect Me
Length: 470 pages
Release Date: April 27, 2017
Genre: MM Contemporary BDSM Romance
Themes: Prison romance, mystery, danger
It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.
Come Back to Denver, and find that not all bound men are willing, and not all prisons have walls.
Convicted for a crime he didn’t commit; Brett Lincoln leaves his friends behind and heads to prison. Scared but wary, he takes each moment to assess the dangers that seem to be lurking around every corner.
From the first day, he was stalked and taunted by the bulls, a group of rapists out to make him their next victim. Brian Lauder works in the same prison, and tries to help, but when word gets out about Brett’s former lifestyle and membership in the leather and fetish club, Chaps, and that Brian is a member there as well, Brian’s help makes things worse.
Spencer, a former prison guard and current security at Chaps, is recruited by Brian to take a job at the prison and keep an extra set of eyes on Brett. What they all learn about the inner workings of the place terrify them more for the young man.
A mysterious black car pulls up to Spencer in the prison parking lot, and then waits at Brian’s home. They soon discover that not only is Brett’s life on the line, but their own, if they allow anything to happen to him.
Callahan O’Malley is a huge man of few words. He’s given a wide berth on the block, and no one can tell Brett why. When Brett is almost raped, he comes out of the infirmary terrified and when he sees that the bulls aren’t finished with him, he runs to Callahan and begs him, “Protect me!”
What starts as protection turns into something else. Callahan forces him to eat, to work out and teaches him to defend himself. Brett gets feelings for him, but Callahan won’t allow it. Then, the unthinkable happens, and Brett must again face the prison alone. Now, though, he has the skills and the pain behind them to protect himself.
Once he gets out, he realizes the fight isn’t over as he must face the world, which seems as ruthless as the prison ever did.
BOOK 6
Book Title: Lights & Shadows
Length: 577 Pages
Release Date: August 6, 2018
Genre: MMM Contemporary BDSM Romance
Trope: Menage
Themes: Prison love, hurt/comfort
It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.
Pulling himself up from his addiction, Tony Belame was on top of the world. His business was growing, successful, and his relationship was everything he could want. When he’d met Kegan Kelly, they both thought they’d have some fun and move on, but a year later, each was still longing for the other.
Another year of distance, phone calls and short trips to see one another, was over, as Kegan was home from his tour. Everything seemed perfect, but one thing was missing. Over the two years, they’d discovered they were both not only into the leather lifestyle but were both submissives. They needed a Dom.
Vincent Devereaux had been hurt in the past, so he wasn’t taking any chances with his heart again, even if that meant he spied on potential partners before he made a move toward them. His friend warned him people wouldn’t see it as Vincent being cautious, they’d see it as stalking.
When Vincent saw Tony, he knew he wanted him immediately. The more he learned about the man, the more he knew he had to have him in his life. Finding out Tony was involved with Kegan didn’t stop the yearning, as he discovered that Kegan was every bit as desirable.
When Kegan and Tony find out what he’d done to have them, will they run, or will he run from the man he’d become?
BOOK 7
Book Title: Last Chances: No One Will Ever Love You
Length: 797 Pages
Release Date: August 25, 2018
Genre: MMM Contemporary BDSM Romance
Trope: Menage
Themes: Prison love, hurt/comfort, recovery from abuse, abuse on page
It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.
With sexy moments from each couple/poly, heartbreaking farewells and new beginnings, come one more time to Denver, to love leather style.
There’s a difference.
There’s a difference between abuse and consensual play. There is no safeword in abusive situations. There is no trust.
Lucas Maes is being abused. He’s stayed with his abuser out of fear.
A Dominant man is driven by the servitude of his submissive, but an abuser is driven by the fear he instills in those he abuses.
There is a difference.
The final book of the Denver Diaries Collection is about to take you on an emotional roller coaster, the likes of which you’ve never received from Rain Carrington.
Lucas is taken in by the men of Chaps, and they see he is desperate for help but doesn’t know how to ask. Tony started by giving him a job. Xen and P.J. befriend him, but it is Ferris and Isaac who fall in love.
Not one person is afraid to pitch in all they can to help the abused man, and he finally makes his escape, running for his life.
Rooney Jones doesn’t let go easily. He enlists a group of armed and dangerous men to help to try to get Lucas back. When they can’t find him, they get the next best things. The people Lucas cares about the most.
As five men are taken, the others use all their skills and connections, including those that will bend and break laws to find them. Will they get to them in time? Will Lucas ever forgive himself? What does the future hold for the men of Denver?
In this seventh and final book of the Denver Diaries, we visit with all the men of the previous books, as well as many from other series who lend a hand. We say goodbye to Chaps when it’s sold to new owners, leaving Lonnie and Travis free to enjoy their growing family in Apishipa Creek, where they’ve returned to live.
This is a journey of discovering. Abuse leaves a shell, and often those abused don’t know who they truly are inside if and when they get free. Friends and family can help, lend support, but Lucas knows it’s up to him to discover who he truly is, under the scars.
With sexy moments from each couple/poly, heartbreaking farewells and new beginnings, come one more time to Denver, to love leather style.
Trigger warning:Abuse, violence, sex between consenting adults, mentions of rape, trafficking, kidnapping and sex with multiple partners. Mature audience only.
Excerpt
Maybe, Denver Diaries book 2
The movie paused, and Eddie whispered, “The movie is a comedy, so the tears are from something else. Maybe if you talk about it, it will help.”
“I can’t. I look really bad in this story.”
Eddie sighed and turned to face him fully. “Did I ever tell you how I ended up in the sub house?”
“No.”
“Well, I answered a personal ad online for a Dom. I agreed to meet him at his house the first time and he was no Dom. He wanted a guy to use and abuse. I was there three days before I could escape. When I did, I didn’t come out of my apartment for two months. I lost my job, lost my apartment, and then I stayed with a friend until I heard about the sub house. Brian Lauder helped me get through some of it, Travis called the cops on the guy, who was still putting ads up for other men. He got caught and went to jail. It was not my best story.”
Sebastian was shocked to his core. “I’m so sorry!”
“I’m not saying it was my fault it happened, I blamed myself enough, but I shouldn’t have gone there before meeting him. It was careless, but we all are sometimes.”
Unable to look at him, he stared at his hands as he said, “Well, the guy I was with is probably the best guy ever. He’s sweet, gorgeous, and he has everything anyone could want in a guy.”
“He dumped you after you fucked?”
Sebastian chuckled dryly. “No. I dumped him. I left while he was sleeping. Left a note like a fuckin’ coward.”
Eddie’s head was shaking. “I don’t get it. Little dick?”
“No…huge. Biggest I have ever seen and definitely the biggest I ever had.”
“Okay, let me get this straight. You like him. He’s nice, sweet, has a big dick. What did he do wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just not ready to settle down. I’m only nineteen. I can’t be tied down to one guy and waste how many years before I get dumped and get my heart broken, or worse, cheat on him because I never got to play around. If I ever hurt him, it would kill me. Plus, he’s into that leather stuff like you and everyone else around this fucking town.”
Eddie scooted over and put his arm around Sebastian’s shoulders. “You probably already did hurt him.”
Sebastian knew that. “Not as much as I would have.”
About the Author
I love writing. It's been my dream for many years, and in October of 2013, when my first book went live on Amazon, that dream came true.
Writing love stories that are centered on flawed but lovable characters is my passion. Finding love between people isn't easy, nor should it be. Even in a book, there have to be obstacles for the story to feel real.
I am a mother of three amazing people, and three adorable fur babies. I live in Colorado but love many other places besides my home. One state in particular is New Mexico, the state where I was born has always held a place in my heart.
People and places make my stories what they are. Each character I've written is a part of me in some way. Each place I write is as well. Adventures come in many ways, and each of my stories has taken me on an adventure that I treasure.
Come with me on my adventures and fall in love with my characters, as I have. I promise, you will love the ride.
Author Colette Davison and Gay Book Promotions share new kinky series, Sugar Bunny (My Kinky Housemate #1) ! Read more about the MMM romance and enter in the $10 Amazon gift card giveaway!
RELEASE BLITZ
Book Title: Sugar Bunny (My Kinky Housemate Book 1)
Author: Colette Davison
Publisher: Independently Published
Cover Artist: Designs by Jo
Release Date: February 1, 2022
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Tropes: MMM, Pet play (bunny play), Daddy kink (no age play), age gap
Themes: Coming out, forgiveness
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 87 857 words
It’s the first book in a new series and does not end on a cliffhanger.
Can a no-strings fun-times relationship with two older men lead to real and lasting love?
Blurb
With the My Kinky Housemate app, I've found a place to live with seven like-minded guys. My new start and a chance to make my dreams come true aren’t turning out like I hoped. A housemate has the solution—become a sugar baby. Answering an ad is easy, but will a Sugar Daddy be interested in me?
A sexy interior designer is way more than I expect. He wants to spoil me, spank me, and share me with his silver fox husband.
Together, Colton and Ford solve some of my problems but create another as I start to fall for them. However fun our time together is, I have to remind myself it’s not real. It won’t last. It’s not love… is it?
Sugar Bunny is an MMM, D/switch/s, age-gap romance. It includes pet-play, spanking, an open relationship, sharing—but no cheating!—and some hurt/comfort.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse.
Excerpt
My black naughty bunny outfit consists of my bargain-buy corset, a jockstrap, suspender belt, and fishnets. I made a pompom out of wool and attached it to the very bottom of the corset. I feel sexy wearing it, especially when I add the bunny ears. I make sure they’re fully upright because I want to look perky for Colton.
Colton and Ford are waiting for me in the reception room. They’re sitting facing the open doorway, which means they see me the moment I walk in the door. Both men stare at me with wide eyes, not hiding the fact that they’re looking me up and down.
“You look sexy,” Colton says in a husky voice.
“Gorgeous,” Ford agrees.
He rubs his hand over his thighs, which draws my attention to the obvious bulge in his trousers. I gnaw my lower lip as a little thrill runs through me. He’s turned on by me.
“Are you ready to play, bunny?” Colton asks as he stands and walks over to me.
Ready. Excited. Nervous. “Yes, Daddy.”
He grabs my hair and pulls my head back, making me squeak. The sound is barely audible, though, because he kisses me crazily hard at the exact same moment. He’s claiming me. Showing me who’s in charge. Not that he needs to. He’s in charge. I’ll do anything he says.
He lets me go and steps back. “Do a little twirl for Daddy. I want to see my bunny from every angle.”
About the Author
Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting, in the shadow of Lancaster castle, eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She’s enjoying her own ‘happy ever after’ in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children and her writing.
Author Freydis Moon and IndiGo Marketing share new paranormal romantic suspense, Exodus 20:3! Read more and enter in the NineStar Press credit giveaway!
Title: Exodus 20:3
Author: Freydis Moon
Publisher:NineStar Press
Release Date: 02/01/2022
Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 21800
Genre: Paranormal, LGBTQIA+, PNR/fantasy, horror, romance, Latine, transgender, D/s power play, construction worker, angel, suspense
Religious eroticism and queer emancipation meet in a claustrophobic monster-romance about divinity, sexuality, and freedom.
When Diego López is guilted by his mother into taking a low-key construction job in New Mexico, he doesn’t expect to be the only helping hand at Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. But the church is abandoned, decrepit, and off the beaten path, and the only other person for miles is its handsome caretaker, Ariel Azevedo.
Together, Diego and Ariel refurbish the old church, sharing stories of their heritage, experiences, and desires. But as the long days turn into longer nights, Diego begins to see past Ariel’s human mirage and finds himself falling into lust—and maybe something else—with one of God’s first creations.
Diego López gnawed his lip as he leaned against the rusted tailgate on his father’s busted Chevy.
He cradled his phone against his ear and tried to focus on his mother’s voice, exhausted and cold, rasping through the speaker. The gas station was quiet—nearly abandoned—but his attention darted to an oasis floating above the highway and a napkin tumbling across the empty lot. He pitched his shoulder upward to steady his phone and smacked a pack of Lucky Strikes against the heel of his palm.
“I can find a way to pay you back,” he said and pulled a cigarette free with his teeth. “I don’t need another handout, and I definitely don’t need to play carpenter at some bullshit church to—”
“Cállate,” his mother snapped. “You listen to me, mijo. You get in that truck, you drive to that church, and you make this right. No one put you behind the wheel of that car—my car—and no one put the… the drugs in your wallet, and no one—”
“I know.” He sucked smoke into his lungs and switched his phone from one ear to the other.
“This isn’t about the money. This is about honor—familia. You go, understand? Go, work, get paid, come home. Do your community service and fix your life. This man, this Ariel, he’s giving you a chance. Take it before he changes his mind and hires someone else.”
“Yeah, because every able-bodied worker in town is trippin’ over themselves to go rebuild a church in the middle of the desert, Mamá. Sure.”
“You made your choice. Go.”
He angled his mouth toward the sky. She wasn’t talking about his fourteen-hour stint in jail or the cash-bail she’d worked double shifts at the diner to pay for. She was talking about the sickle-shaped scars beneath his shirt, the choice he’d made three years ago—eighteen and able to say, Yes, do it. Same vague guilt trip, same acquiescence. You’re like a coyote, she’d said to him once. Halfway to a wolf but still something else. He thought about that as she breathed on the other end of the line and imagined her sitting in the recliner in his childhood home, rolling a slender joint, watching fútbol while a pork shoulder braised in the crockpot. Sometimes she tripped over his name, her tongue unused to making the sound, but when she’d met him at the door after he’d been released from El Paso Detention Center, she’d said Diego with her full voice. Cracked every syllable like a bone.
“Yeah, okay.” He sighed. “Do you want me to call?”
She huffed. “Eres mi sangre.”
He shook his head and finished his cigarette, then crushed it beneath his boot. “Sé.”
“Tomorrow, then. You’ll tell me about the church?”
“Sure, yeah. Tomorrow.”
“Drive safe,” she said.
Diego ended the call without saying goodbye. He stood with his thumbs tucked through his belt loops. Endured the heat. Watched the road. Pictured himself elsewhere, across the state, settling in Austin. He’d bartend to make ends meet. He’d never touch narcotics again. He’d rent a studio apartment, and fill it with houseplants, and learn how to cook. He’d send money to his abuela, and he’d visit her more, and he’d grow the fuck up. Becoming another disappointment on the López family tree wasn’t an option anymore.
It never had been, but stealing the car, crashing the car, getting caught… Yeah, that changed everything.
Early summer rippled through the dry air. He scanned his phone again, reading and rereading the address his mother had sent him—coordinates, actually—before he hoisted into the driver’s seat and turned the key in the ignition. According to Google, Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe was located in Luna County, New Mexico. He pulled his lip between his teeth again. Seven grand to help rebuild a decrepit church in the middle of the desert? Camming paid more. He’d found that out after getting hit with top-surgery bills. But now that his mother knew about the Vicodin, he certainly didn’t need her to know about the porn too. He manifested the future he’d imagined—bartending in Austin, visiting his grandmother, making pozole in his apartment—and drove toward a city called Sunshine.
Freydís Moon (they/them) is a biracial nonbinary writer and diviner. When they aren’t writing or divining, Freydís is usually trying their hand at a recommended recipe, practicing a new language, or browsing their local bookstore.
Like the fake partner trope? Check out author Rebecca Raine and Gay Book Promotions release blitz for Bone Fide Fake (Experimental Love #2)! Learn more about the romance and enter in the back list giveaway!
RELEASE BLITZ
Book Title: Bona Fide Fake
Author: Rebecca Raine
Publisher: Self-published
Cover Artist: Bec Rivers
Release Date: 24/01/22
Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance
Trope/s: Fake boyfriends, Rock star, Mild sub/dom vibes
Themes: Authenticity, Trust in self and others
Heat Rating: 4 flames
Length: 80 000 words
This is Book Two of the Experimental Love series, but it can be read as a standalone.
The book does not end on a cliffhanger. It has a solid HEA.
My new fake boyfriend may not like me, but he needs me. There are worse foundations for a relationship.
Blurb
Ned
Toni Fairweather is a liar and a fake. I suspected it the day we met, but when he lies to his friends about being my boyfriend, I know for sure. I’ll play along with his deception, but Toni will owe me – big time.
I have my own reasons for needing a boyfriend. Someone who can handle me. Someone who can keep me in line. Toni is demanding enough to fulfil every requirement.
I don’t need to like the man… to obey him.
Toni
I never meant to fake a relationship with the lead singer of a local rock band. But the fib popped out over lunch with my best friend, and now I’m expected to present my new boyfriend at his engagement party next month.
The good news? I’m not the only one in need of a date.
Being boyfriends for a month shouldn’t be hard, but I do have one condition: this won’t be some fake boyfriends deal. I want a real relationship, and Ned’s going to give it to me.
Excerpt
From Chapter Six (Toni’s Point of View)
“You need a date for the festival. I need a date for Rodney and Leif’s engagement party next month. The answer is obvious.” I place a hand over my chest in a show of sincerity. “I think we should be boyfriends.”
Ned’s head falls back as he laughs out loud. “That’s why you’re here? You want to rope me into going to the engagement party with you?”
Hilarity isn’t the response I’d hoped for, but it’s better than instant rejection. “You have to admit, a twenty-minute acting job does not equate to an entire weekend away. This is simply a way to bring our arrangement back into balance. It’s only fair.”
He shakes his head at me. “How long are you planning to drag this fake boyfriend thing out?”
“Just until after the party. Then, we can break up and go our separate ways. It won’t be messy,” I assure him. “If there’s any moping to be done, I’ll keep it to myself. You’ll never have to hear from me again. However…” I lift a pointed finger to make sure he’s paying attention. “I don’t want to be fake boyfriends. I want to be real boyfriends.”
Ned’s amusement is replaced by confusion. “Real boyfriends.”
“Yes.”
“Just like that?”
“Why not just like that?”
He gapes at me in disbelief. “People don’t go around deciding to be real boyfriends as though a relationship can be plucked out of thin air. It has to come naturally. You get to know each other, spend time together, develop actualfeelings.” He gestures between us with one hand. “Do you have any actual feelings for me, Toni?”
“Yes,” I insist. “I think you’re incredibly sexy. That counts, doesn’t it?” His groan—half exasperation, half lust—makes me smile.
“Usually yes, but in this context not so much.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “We might be able to fake a real relationship for other people, but we can’t actually make it real. Tell me you know this.”
“Of course, I do.” In theory. My longest ‘real’ relationship didn’t make it to a monthiversary, so my practical experience is somewhat lacking. “But can’t we skip over all the getting to know you crap and go straight to the part where you adore me, and I make you happy?”
Groaning, Ned drops his head forwards.
“You need this as much as I do,” I snap. “Maybe more.”
Straightening, he places his hands on his hips. “How do you figure?”
“If we go down to the festival as friends, or let’s face it acquaintances, then I’ll be hard-pressed to stop you doing anything. This ex of yours will have power over you, and I will have none.” Ned opens his mouth as if to disagree with me, but then he must see sense because he closes it again. “If I’m your boyfriend… I will have power, too.” I give him a moment to contemplate my statement before I continue. “Trust me when I say I’m the jealous type. As long as we’re together, there is no way in hell anyone will be touching you but me. There will be no getting seduced by your ex. No sneaking off into dark corners to be fawned over by groupies. Nada. You’ll be my boyfriend, and I will not allow you to disrespect our relationship.”
He stares at me with wide eyes, a slow smile appearing as his ears turn a lovely shade of pink. “I take it you don’t like to share?”
The word alone makes me grit my teeth. “I don’t even want to share the air you breathe.”
His tongue darts out to swipe across his bottom lip as he contemplates my offer. Taking a deep breath, he nods his agreement. “All right, you’ve convinced me. Real boyfriends it is.” A smile bursts onto my face, and his eyes close on a quiet groan. “Holy fuck, those dimples will be the death of me.”
About the Author
Rebecca is a long-time lover of all things romance. Whether it’s a book, movie, or real life, she will always have more fun if there’s a love interest thrown into the mix. She lives in Queensland, Australia with her very own hero husband, two quirky kids and one big, black dog. Other than reading and writing books, her favourite things include loud music, enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, organising everything in existence, and spending too much time on the Internet.
