Release Blitz + Giveaway: Waking Oisin by Grace Kilian Delaney

Grace Kilian Delaney and IndiGo Marketing celebrate the release of contemporary genderqueer age gap romance, Waking Oisin! Learn more today about the novel! Enter in the giveaway to win a $10 NineStar Press credit!

Title:  Waking Oisin

Author: Grace Kilian Delaney

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: February 26, 2018

Heat Level: 3 - Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 62700

Genre: Contemporary, LGBT, contemporary, bisexual, gay, genderqueer, new adult, cross-dresser, college student, lawyer, age-gap, piercings & tattoos, dirty talk, toys, spanking, D/s dynamics, light kink, family drama, pets

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Synopsis

Oisin Harrison blames his fiancée’s distrust for ruining their relationship. He blames his father for pushing him into law school. But more than all that, he blames himself for letting other people’s expectations stop him from going after his dream. But dressing in drag with his best friend is the one thing Oisin refuses to compromise.

As Sin, he meets handsome Trenton Fisher, a man who appreciates Oisin’s cross-dressing. Trent upends his world by doing things to his body no one ever has, making him want more than just one night together. That is, until Oisin discovers his hot hookup works at his father’s law firm and is angling for a promotion.

To complicate things, Trent doesn’t seem to recognize Oisin out of drag. Or does he?

Will Oisin and Trent’s magnetic attraction grow to something deeper, or will it threaten to jeopardize their careers and futures?

Waking Oisin contains characters from Seven Minutes but can be read as a standalone.

Excerpt

Waking Oisin
Grace Killian Delaney © 2018
All Rights Reserved

Chapter One
Oisin Harrison

As I walked out of my last class of the day, the wretched feeling grew larger in my stomach, and if it weren’t for the cool January air, I might have puked. I’d failed my first project. My second semester at UNLV’s law school was not going well, and I’d be lucky if I made it through the next four months without getting kicked out.

My father had been disappointed with my decision to attend our home state’s college. Being the senior partner and founder of the most prestigious entertainment law firm, with locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, he’d had ridiculously high expectations for his youngest son. When he came home from LA on Friday, like he did every weekend, the news of my being on academic probation would be reported to him by one of his many acquaintances (aka babysitters) before I had an opportunity to plead my side, and a butt chewing would ensue.

I trudged back to my apartment where I found my best friend, Devon Thomson, in the parking lot getting out of his car. His makeup and short brown hair were flawless, and the stylish wrap coat he wore stopped just above his knees, leaving his calves exposed. The ease with which he expressed his femininity had always impressed me.

Devon picked up on my body language immediately. “You don’t look too happy.”

“I failed.” My chest tightened. I’d never failed at anything before. I’d survived an undergrad degree in Biological Sciences and graduated summa cum laude, but I had no heart for law. Lately, I had no heart for anything; I was a zombie masquerading among the living.

Devon hugged me. “It’s okay, Os. You’ll do better next time—you always do.”

That’s why I loved my friend. He was always a hundred and ten percent supportive and affectionate. I missed our nights making love to each other as FWB and hanging out with him like we used to before he met his boyfriend. Whenever he talked about his lover, he glowed with happiness. I’d never seen him so happy, so in love, and it made any nostalgic desires I had seem trivial.

He released me and a wicked grin spread across his lips. “I got something that might cheer you up.”

“I know that look, and it means trouble.” I laughed, and it seemed like it’d been an eternity since that sound had come from me. “I’m in.”

He clapped, his suede gloves dampening the sound. “We got invited to a record release party in Los Angeles next weekend, and I was thinking we could dress up like we used to? It’s been too long since we had some fun together.”

My heart swelled. Seemed I wasn’t the only one missing our together time. I should stay and study. Be a good little student. But what Devon offered was too tempting. Screw it. I was going to LA. “Sounds perfect.”

“Yay! I’ve got the best outfit for you. You’re gonna look so hot, you’ll be swatting off guys and girls.”

“I don’t know about that.” Sometimes I thought being bisexual was a blessing, other times a curse. The curse had happened last semester when my fiancée determined my bisexuality was a cover for being gay and that one day I’d leave her for a man. I protested. She left anyway.

“I do,” Devon affirmed, hooking his arm with mine and resting his head on my shoulder as we walked the few steps to my front door

“Who are you? Susie Sunshine?” I envied the confidence he had; it drew people to him. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt safe or confident in my own skin.

He brought his hands to his face, framing it like a sun’s rays. “Oh, you know me. Just a ray of light wherever I go.”

“Will Stone be there?” Mentioning his boyfriend’s name brightened his smile to megawatt proportions. I’d need sunglasses if he kept it up.

“Yep. And before you even ask—no, Matty will not be there.”

Matty. Stone’s bandmate, who’d brought me to his hotel room, kissed me, and then shoved me away. Last time I saw him, he apologized for leading me on. Alcohol made any hole look good until a hiccup of sobriety hit. Whatever. Matty had been my last attempt at getting laid, and that was so many months ago, I’d reinstated my virginity.

I let out a breath. “It won’t matter if he’s there, Dev. We’re good. He’s over it. I’m over it. It’s not like he’s the first person to reject me.” That sounded more pathetic than I’d intended. Time to change the topic. “Do you mind if we stop by Paws for Love before getting dinner? There’s someone I want to check in on.”

“Wouldn’t be one of those gorgeous redheaded veterinarians, would it?” Dev raised his perfectly arched eyebrows.

“Despite my crush on the twins, no. It’s a female of the four-legged variety—much too hairy. I found a dog, a black lab, with a damaged leg.”

Devon brushed my cheek with his gloved fingers. “You’re so sweet, you know that?”

The familiar touch set up an ache in my heart, but not because I wanted to be in a relationship with him. Devon and I had been there, done that, and decided we were better off friends.

“Being sweet has done nothing for me.”

“Ooh, you could get yourself a leather daddy, go all whips and chains. You know, be bad.” Devon tapped a finger against his lips, his gaze shifted upward in thought.

“Seriously?” I struggled with the lock to the lemon-yellow front door, fighting back the disturbing image.

Devon lightly pushed me out of the way and turned the key twice before it gave. He plopped the key into my hand without acknowledging his triumph over the stubborn lock. “Might loosen you up some.”

“Getting laid would loosen me up, never mind getting a leather daddy.” I shouldered the door and went inside.

“I think we’ve found a goal for our LA trip.” He rubbed his hands together.

I barked a laugh. “My dad always says it’s good to have goals.”

Purchase

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Meet the Author

Grace Kilian Delaney resides in flammable Southern California where she spends the wee hours of the morning drinking coffee and writing. She identifies as genderfluid and pansexual, though both are recent labels, and a goal of hers is to create stories that include gay, bisexual, and genderfluid characters. When not writing, Grace composes music, pretends she’s an opera singer, plays piano, and practices yoga, though not all at the same time.

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Review: Lock and Key by Z. Allora

Rejected. Heartbroken. Devastated.

Zack Davis wanted to serve only one man, Andrew Nikeman. He was denied because Andrew thought he was too young and because their brothers were together. So Zack crushed his submissive tendencies and focused on being the perfect Dom, giving every sub he played with something he couldn’t have. 

After years of denying his submissive side, Entwined’s charity auction “Are you Dom Enough to be a sub?” gives Zack an excuse to get a little of what he’s always craved. 

Andrew doesn’t know when his infatuation turned into more, but it kills him to see Zack with a constant parade of submissives. He’d refused to jeopardize his brother’s relationship or become Zack’s regret; however, Zack isn’t a kid anymore, and his brother’s relationship is unbreakable. Now Zack’s popularity and success as a Dom might ruin Andrew’s dreams of collaring him, but he can’t wait any longer to confess his feelings or he risks losing the man he loves forever.

DNF @ 22%

I know a lot people start these DNF reviews with something along the lines of 'it's me not the book' which is basically a veiled attempt at cushioning the this book sucks blow. I admit I've done it, but in this case it really is me.

Firstly, this was my first experience with this author and based on the cover and blurb I thought I was in for an intense BDSM book. It is not. This falls under the heading BDSM 101 which is completely and totally fine. It's just... I've been there so many times I've got a closet full of t-shirts and it just does not interest me anymore. I'm not saying that I'll never ever read it, but it's got to be extraordinary to sustain my interest. Secondly, most of the events can be categorized as glitterkink which is my least favorite type of kink. This makes me a bit of an anomaly since I know many, many people enjoy the fancy club settings with the various rooms, implements, people all dressed up in their outfits, etc. Again, it's just not my jam.

I tried a couple of different times and took a big break, but the above coupled with these characters and the writing style... we're just not a match. Many people enjoy theatrics and overly dramatic MCs. I am not one of those people. I'm of the opinion that life is plenty dramatic enough without making mountains out of mole hills. As for the writing style, I prefer emotion be conveyed through the narrative, the events that transpire and how the characters process and respond to those events rather than it being spoon fed to me repeatedly via italicized text. For these reasons I chose to call it a day rather than delay the inevitable.

I would encourage anyone interested in this book to read other reviews, most of which are good before taking the opinion of a seasoned kinky perv like myself.

Recommend to fans of glitterkink BDSM 101 books with emotional characters.

An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads & Dreamspinner Press.

Review: Corporal Domination by Cassandra Dayne

Dominating a powerful man isn’t easy… 

Sometimes corporal punishment is needed 

Kade Thompson is sick and tired of working sixty-plus hours a week. After all, he’s only an accountant, not a surgeon. For many he’s considered powerful and a sought-after catch, yet he hasn’t obtained all he hungers for. However, earning a six-figure income has allowed him to indulge in his every desire, including toys and rather kinky bouts of sin. He also enjoys an on-again, off-again push-and-shove relationship with his boss, Trevor Willis. While the sex is passionate, he craves being dominated by the six foot six god, but Trevor doesn’t seem interested. Tired of playing games, he’s ready to break off their relationship until an invitation to meet for a drink at The Peeping Hole—a mysterious and very exclusive club—has him more than curious. 

When he finds out the club offers every aspect of kink, he’s breathless with excitement. As Kade waits for Trevor’s arrival, he’s given an offer he can’t refuse and one that might sate his every craving—if he will submit to the man behind the mask. Unfortunately what goes on behind the hallowed doors is required to stay a sensuous mystery. But can they keep up their end of the bargain and one forged in a touch of black magic? Only Alexander knows. Ssshhh… No peeping. 

I am Alexander—a teacher, a scoundrel, a voyeur and a true entrepreneur. In my world there’s little left to the imagination. That is if you dare to taste what only I can offer. Welcome to The Peeping Hole, where every fantasy you’ve ever desired will come true. Leave your inhibitions at the door and join us. But you must remember, whatever happens here stays here, and trust me, I will know…

Look at that blurb. Just look at it! I thought for sure this would, at minimum, be good.

*kicks rocks*
*mopes*

My luck with the kinky reads lately has been less that stellar.

Nothing worked for me. N-O-T-H-I-N-G! 

I thought there might a little dub-con. There were some questionable practices but nary a dub-con in sight.

I thought there would be some kink, possibly hardcore kink. All I got was glitterkink.

Glitterkink that didn't make a lick of sense! 

Apologies for the spoilers that lie ahead.

This novella is less than 50 pgs and I spent well over half of those pages looking like I got a shot of novocaine and the rest cocking my head from side to side. 

Confuzzlement #1:

I was under the impression that Kade had a history of submitting. Nope. He just wants to try submission. Ok, I get it. I don't get why he's on the cusp of breaking up with Trevor because Trevor won't "give him what he needs". Wouldn't most people wad into the kink pool with their partner to see if they like it? I mean, who can't get their partner to try a little bondage? A blindfold? A little spanking? And if your relationship is that tenuous why wouldn't you check out the local BDSM scene on your own? 

Confuzzlement #2:

Why would you experiment with kink without your partner? Who you're supposedly doing all this for? Trevor instead undertakes dom training IN SECRET for a couple months to the detriment of his relationship with Kade. It's murky as to whether or not Trevor's even interested in kink period much less becoming a dom. It seems a lot like begrudgingly undertaken endeavor which bodes well for their future, doesn't it?

Confuzzlement #3:

Trevor arranges for Kade to undergo "training" at the super secret club and agrees to have random "doms" fuck his boyfriend bareback because they've been tested. Allegedly. Nothing says I love you like a bareback ménage with a dude named Razor, I guess.


Confuzzlement #4:

Trevor's undergone secret dom training for the last 2(ish) months and this qualifies him to train Kade in becoming a slave? Talk about the blind leading the blind. Also, Kade went from wanting to try submission to being a slave? This brings a whole new meaning to the phrase 'speed of light'. 

Confuzzlement #5:

Why did Trevor feel the need to get a giant dragon tattoo on his chest? Is this his idea of the dom equivalent of a Superman symbol? Furthermore, why keep it a secret?

SO MUCH WEIRDNESS!

*brain explodes from an excessive confuzzlements*

The writing is juvenile. The dialogue is stilted. The kink is uninspired. The sex... *sigh* you know those Post-It "story" books with the stick figures boinking? The sex was slightly less arousing than that. The characters, aside from not making a lick of sense in their decision making, are unlikable and flat. There's zero character development and the vapid attempts at it were rife with the usual isolated millionaire who's bossy and misunderstood. Y'know the standard cliches that are de rigueur. There was a meager attempt to add some depth by making Trevor an ex NFL player who's largely closeted and black with Kade as the white boy who lurves sucking on his monster cock for days. IF Trevor had been the submissive this could've been a whole different review, but traditional size roles were maintained much to my dismay. 

The ending with hint of magicians/warlocks read tacked on and hokey, but, I guess, it lends credence to the club's motto of... 

Or else!

p.s. The cock is not a muscle. Just FYI.

It should go without saying that I'm not recommending this or at least it should.

A review copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: Becoming His Master (Neighborly Affection #4) by M.Q. Barber

From rescue to romance…

Teach a wounded submissive the value of his service. The task ought to be an easy one for an experienced dominant like Henry Webb. 


But novice Jay Kress challenges his teacher like no other. Still bearing the bruises of an encounter outside the bounds of safe consensual play, Jay is desperate to submit to the man who saved him—and shamed by his desires. 


Henry recognizes the dangers of a relationship built on hero worship. He’ll teach Jay how to stay safe, that’s all. He won’t take advantage of the younger man’s trust. He won’t share his fantasies about his dark-haired, athletic student. He’ll never claim this submissive for his own...

Excellent hurt/comfort Glitterkink!

Barber is a new to me author and her writing is reminiscent of Kim Dare, an author close to my heart. I liked this so much that I looked back over the previous three books and realized this is a prequel. IF I can eek out the time I'm going to backtrack and read the others.

Jay and Henry are the centerpiece of this installment. Jay is a novice who's been through an ordeal with a problematic dom who ignored Jay's safe word. Henry is an established dom at this club, friends with the manager, Victor, and his wife, Emma, both of whom encourage Henry to take Jay under his wing. Jay is very eager to please and therefore reckless in his decisions, usually putting his needs/desires/wants secondary to his dom's. Henry's primary objective is to instill a sense of safety and a certain level of wariness in the two months they have before the traumatizing dom's suspension expires. The trouble is Henry is smitten and over the course of these two months he comes to the realization that seeing Jay with another dom would crush him. Henry's concern that Jay is hero worshipping him is the fly in the ointment and it's up to Jay to convince Henry of his devotion.

There isn't a lot of kink but the UST is sky high as is the steam. I would've enjoyed more sex but given Jay's recent trauma I respect that the author didn't jump into buttsex. There was a highly satisfactory frottage scene, though. Henry and Jay move very slowly and layer the tension for the reader. What I enjoyed most was Henry's attention to detail towards Jay; he's highly observant and intuitive and the way he cossets Jay resonated. I also enjoyed the way this club is depicted running the gamut from plushies to age play to sadomasochism and the fact that all are accepted regardless of kink or sexuality. Speaking of sexuality, both Henry and Jay are bisexual and there are girl bits in this, so be forewarned.

The secondary characters were a delight and I'd be interested in reading Will's story if that ever comes to pass. Another reason I'd like to backtrack with this series is to see how Jay progresses with impact play and bondage as his relationship develops with Henry.

My only quibble was Jay's behavior towards the end. I had a hard time believing Jay capable of all that mouthiness with his behavior up till that point. It was very jarring.

Recommend to fans of slow burn, UST, Kim Dare and hurt/comfort reads.

A review copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads!

Review: Base Over Apex by Kim Dare

Please note: This story was previously published under the title Call Me, Sir, Boy! This version has been tweaked and re-edited to become part of the Kinky Cupid series.

It’s Valentine’s at the Spread Eagle leather club, but the only sub Jack’s even spoken to belongs to his best friend, Marcus—and all Bret did was con him into taking a stupid bet. It is not going to be a good Valentine’s night…

The moment Jack sees Ricky walking naked through the bar, he wants him. When Ricky kneels at his feet and offers him the keys to his restraints, it’s obvious that his interest is returned. It might just be the best Valentine’s Jack’s ever had…

Ricky is sweet, and eager to please, and obviously new to leather. He’s the kind of guy who actually makes Jack wonder if “something at first-sight” might really be possible. But, when it suddenly becomes apparent that everything is not what it seems, the only thing Jack knows for sure is that this Valentine’s night is going to get very, very complicated. 

Kim Dare strikes again with an incomparable case of mistaken identity only a brat like Bret  (from Once a Brat) could've pulled off. Bret's heart was in the right place for his friend Ricky whose gotten himself into a bad situation. Ricky's found an online "dom" that wants to meet for the first time at The Spread Eagle. Jack's surprised to find the irresistible and naked sub but for his cuffs heading towards him, though not enough to turn him away. Naturally, Bret was right and they connect. Is there anything worse than a bratty sub being right?

Once online dom a.k.a. Mr. Carter shows up Ricky has a choice to make. God, online dom is a douche and a half. So, really, it's no contest between him and Jack Bowen. Like taking candy from a baby. Not… that I would do that. Who does that anyway? That's just mean. 

Base Over Apex was extremely satisfying for just three short chapters. I even got a little chastity kink dangled in front of me. You know how I feel about that. *growls* I like this series. I'm stoked to read about McCormack. His beefy, growliness combined with being pierced and tattooed could send me into convulsions. I can't wait!

p.s. That cover is perfect. Purrr-fect.

A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Find out more on Goodreads.

Review: Once a Brat by Kim Dare

Experienced dominant Marcus has a stalker. On the plus side, the boy following him around his local leather club is gorgeous and a self-professed submissive. Unfortunately, he’s also inexperienced, bratty, and liable to drive Marcus insane with his incessant chatter and questions.

Bret Daniels fell head over heels with Marcus the moment he first saw him. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Marcus’s attention and prove his worth as a submissive. He might not be a traditional sub, but he knows he has a lot to offer a dom who can handle his quirks.

When Marcus gives in and agrees to do a scene with Bret, sparks fly. One scene quickly becomes another, and another. But will it be a case of once a brat, always a brat? Bret intends to prove to Marcus that—expectations and experiences aside—he deserves his master’s collar.

This title is part of the Kinky Cupid universe.

October Author of the Month!!!

I've been thinking quite a bit about why it is Kim Dare resonates with me so. Let's call a spade a spade. I normally like kink that's harder than what she delivers and erotica that's probably closer to porn than erotica. So why am I so horny for her?

What I've narrowed it down to is twofold. She could turn a legal brief into something akin to a cozy-blanket-with-hot-cocoa-by-a-fire-and-a-great-book kind of good which is a talent in and of itself. But what really impresses me is her ability to construct unique characters. I've not read her complete body of work, but I've never felt like I was reading different permutations of the same characters. That's unreal given how prolific she is and speaks to her creative talent.

Bret and Marcus were yet another example of two unique characters. 'Bret the Brat' really wasn't that bratty, much to my relief. Well, not the bratty that makes me cringe. He's chatty but obedient to Marcus. He's also a newbie to kink but decisive; he's no wallflower. He zeroes in on Marcus straight away and is persistent. I like that. I also liked his intelligence and logic, the way he considers situations and weighs his options rather than acting on impulse.

Marcus is some indeterminate number of years older than Bret and well acquainted with the scene. He's never really committed to a sub before and his feelings for Bret escalate quickly which shocks him. Kim always makes her doms conscientious and adherent to SSC. It's the level of strictness that varies and Marcus values obedience. Bret's motor-mouthiness he finds amusing and it is.

Maybe most of all, he longed for Marcus to tach him how to kneel, defenceless and vanquished at his master's feet, gratefully submitting to his dominant's better judgement.

They meet at Spread Eagle (haha! love that name!) and begin working on trust. Things progress nicely mainly focusing on power dynamics. The swing/O-ring gag scene was my personal fave. I liked both of them and their romance, but I feel like it needed more time to percolate before they got to the HEA.

Once a Brat is a great start to a series which I look forward to completing once she's completed editing.

As a side note. I also read: 

A hot little morsel about two guys who meet under… unusual circumstances. I gave it 3 Stars. AND it's free!