Blog Tour + Giveaway: Mystic Guardian (Blackwood Pack #9) by Mary Rundle


Author Mary Rundle and Other Worlds Ink host today's tour stop for Mystic Guardian (Blackwood Pack #9)! Discover this popular paranormal series and enter in the giveaway for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card AND a Blackwood Pack mug!

Mystic Guardian - Mary Rundle

Mary Rundle has a new MM paranormal erotic romance out, book nine in the Blackwood Pack series: Mystic Guardian. And there's a giveaway!

The Blackwood Pack saga continues…

This is part of an on-going series by Amazon International Bestselling Author, Mary Rundle – catching up on previous titles is advised. Readers of previous books will enjoy meeting old friends once more as the pack does what it does best ̶ caring for one another and helping shifters everywhere.
Carson never dreamed his six bothers would get their fated mates before he did and now, hanging on with the barest of hope he’d be next, he ends up devastated when it doesn’t happen. Unable to cope with seeing so many happy couples around him at the pack house in California, he accepts a job offer in France, intent on building a new life—only to discover the Fates have not forgotten him at all.
After graduating from university, Remy, a low-level warlock leaves the world of magic behind, believing there’s no place in it for him. Encouraged by his parents, to accept a job offer at the Chateau des Flammes winery, he begins working for Arthur MacDùghlas, the dragon shifter owner, finally finding a place for himself in the world.

Happy with his new position, Remy’s life abruptly changes when his parents unexpectedly die and he becomes the guardian of his three younger brothers. Muddling through the unexpected role of fatherhood, he finally finds his footing until…his life is upended once again when Carson, his fated mate arrives on his doorstep.

Shocking surprises, treacherous plots, an action-packed rescue, and many unexpected twists and turns make this passionate love story by Mary Rundle impossible to put down once you’ve read the first page.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | QueeRomance Ink | Goodreads

Giveaway

Mary is giving one lucky winner a $20 Amazon gift card AND a Blackwood Pack mug with this blog tour. Enter via Rafflecopter for a chance to win:

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Excerpt
Mystic Guardian meme - Mary Rundle
Remy was surrounded by chaos—the new normal since he became his brothers’ guardian when he was twenty-four. Looking over his shoulder as he was preparing Rune’s bowl of oatmeal, he saw Galen and Eamon chasing each other through the kitchen, waving plastic swords. “Hey, stop, you two! Go wash your hands before sitting down at the table.”
Turning back to the task at hand, Remy poured the hot oatmeal into a small bowl, setting it aside to cool before giving it to Rune. The last thing he needed was for his youngest brother to burn himself again. It’d been a steep learning curve after taking custody of his three brothers; sometimes he questioned if he’d made the right decision, especially when one of them got hurt. The guilt he felt when it happened always triggered his memories of sitting in the lawyer’s office faced with a life-changing choice. It would all come rushing back—the numbness of his grief, how cold he felt while listening to his parents’ will being read—his world being turned upside down.
“Mr. Marchant? What do you want to do?”
When the lawyer’s voice finally penetrated through the thick fog of his mind, Remy lifted his face and stared at the lawyer. “What do I want to do about what?”
“Your brothers. As far as I can determine you are their only living relative.”
“That’s right,” Remy murmured, fresh grief washing over him about his young brothers growing up without the love of their parents to shelter them from the hate in the world.
“You do have the option of sending the boys to an orphanage that will accept boys like them.”
Shaking his head, Remy would—could never do that. He didn’t know what went on in those places, but he’d heard enough about them to know it wasn’t good. Frankly, he didn’t even know why they were allowed to exist. “No, they belong with me,” he replied.
“Are you sure? It’s a lot of responsibility for someone as young as you.”
Ignoring the comment, Remy asked, “What do I have to do to legally become my brothers’ guardian?”
“I’ll have the papers drawn up, ready for your signature tomorrow.”
Nodding, Remy stood, extending his hand. “That will be fine. Thanks.” Then he headed out to the waiting room where his brothers rushed him as soon as he entered. Taking Rune from Galen’s grasp and settling him on his hip, he said, “C’mon boys, let’s go.”
After signing the papers the next day and attending his parents’ funeral, Remy packed up his brothers’ few belongings and brought them back to France, where he began to build a new life for them…and himself.
Giving Rune a few apple slices in an effort to keep him quiet, Remy headed over to the doorway, scooping up Eamon who was running through it. Taking the sword from his hand, he set it down on the butcher-block counter, then, tickling his brother’s belly, he smiled at the sound of childish laughter filling the room
“Noooo, Remeee.” Eamon made futile attempts to escape Remy’s hold, laughing as he protested being captured.
“Didn’t I tell you to wash your hands?” Remy said, giving a fake growl.
“I wuz fightin’ Gally.”
“Who was winning?” Remy asked, carrying his brother over to the kitchen sink.
“I wuz!” shouted Galen, standing in the middle of the kitchen, brandishing his sword.
“Uh, uh! I wuz!” Eamon yelled, squirming in Remy’s arms as he tried to get down.
“Oh no, you don’t,” Remy said, turning on the faucet, while lowering his brother so he could wash his hands. “Hey, use soap,” he admonished, handing a bar to his brother.
“Aww, why? Gally never does.”
“I do, too,” Galan yelled.
“Stop yelling,” Remy said automatically as he dried Eamon’s hands and swiveled around, setting him on his chair. Turning to Galen, he growled, “C’mon, you, too. And put your sword next to Eamon’s.”
“Dang it. Why do I have to?” Galen pouted, slapping his sword down on the counter. “What if someone attacks me when I’m eating?”
“No one’s going to attack you,” Remy said, helping Galen up on the stool so he could reach the water.
“You don’t know that.”
“Yes, I do. Now go sit down.” Once Remy made sure Galen had obeyed him, he turned back to the three bowls of oatmeal, sticking his pinky in each of them to check the temperature. Finding them cool enough, he poured maple syrup and cream in them before setting bowls in front of Eamon and Galen—and then placed Rune’s on his high chair table.
Sitting down next to his youngest brother, Remy couldn’t help but notice what a beautiful child he was. Even though Rune was all-boy, he had an angelic air about him that reminded Remy of cherubs painted on the ceilings of French cathedrals. His big, deep blue eyes pierced Remy’s soul while his beautiful white, curly blond hair was so fine, you had to be really up close to see it. Dipping a spoon into the oatmeal, Remy brought it up to Rune’s mouth, slipping it in when his brother smiled.
Suddenly, the kitchen door swung open as Mrs. Beasley swooped in. “Oh, my goodness,” she exclaimed, “you are running late this morning.”
Glancing over at her, Remy grinned. “And how is that different from any other morning?”
“Ahh, true,” agreed Mrs. Beasley, removing her jacket and setting it down next to her big bag she’d dropped on the rocking chair next to the stone fireplace. Hustling over, she took the spoon from Remy’s hand. “Shoo, go get ready. I can finish feeding our Rune.”
Rising quickly, Remy gave Mrs. Beasley a quick kiss on her plump cheek. “Thanks, Mrs. B. The new owner is arriving today and I promised to pick him up at the airport.” Glancing once more at Galen and Eamon, satisfied they were behaving, he rushed upstairs to shower and dress. Checking the time on the grandfather clock as he hustled past it, he muttered under his breath. “Sacré bleu!” He’d be cutting it close.

Author Bio
Hello, I'm Mary Rundle and welcome to my Amazon Author page. I write MM paranormal erotic romances. The first book I ever wrote was Dire Warning in 2017 and, much to my delight, it became an Amazon Best Seller. Readers loved it and I was on my way to chronicling the Blackwood Pack, seven brothers who are gay wolf shifters in search of their fated mates– stories about love at first sight with twists and turns, angst and humor, romance and adventure and, of course, happy endings.
Now, five books later, Shadow Voice, another Best Seller, has just been released to critical acclaim. I love the M/M paranormal genre because it gives my imagination a lot of territory in which to roam. My mind can really run wild and come up with some amazing stuff when it doesn’t have to stay inside the box.
My readers tell me they feel like they’re a member of the pack as the stories unfold. As if they’re right there in the middle of the action. Others tell me it’s like watching a fast-paced movie. My writing style pulls no punches– readers love it and are always clamoring for the next book.
Stories come to me as if they were being channeled by my characters, all of whom I love (except for a few villains). They are eager to recount their lives, loves and adventures and are not inhibited when it comes to revealing steamy details.
I currently live in the Northeast and love the beautiful change of seasons, my husband, and our quirky calico cat, though not necessarily in that order. I love to hear from my readers so feel free to get in touch with me via Facebook, Twitter, MeWe or my website www.maryrundle.com
I’m always happy to hear from my readers and can be reached through Facebook, Twitter, MeWe, or my website.
I never went to school to learn writing nor attended a writing workshop, but it didn’t stop me from entering a writing contest and from that came my first book, Dire Warning.
Readers loved it and I was on my way to chronicling the Blackwood Pack, seven brothers who are gay wolf shifters in search of their fated mates– stories about love at first sight with twists and turns, angst and humor, romance and adventure and, of course, happy endings.
My stories come to me as if they were being channeled by my characters, all of whom I love (except for a few villains). They are eager to recount their lives, loves and adventures and are not inhibited when it comes to revealing steamy details.
I love the M/M paranormal genre because it gives my imagination a lot of territory in which to roam. My mind can really run wild and come up with some amazing stuff when it doesn’t have to stay inside the box.
Although my writing is sometimes raw—that’s the way I like to tell my stories—readers love it and are clamoring for more.
I currently live in the Northeast and love the beautiful change of seasons, my husband, and our quirky calico cat, though not necessarily in that order.
Please join me as we travel through my wonderful fantasy world of shifters who are Fated Mates and all have HEAs. I love to hear from my readers so feel free to get in touch with me via Facebook, Twitter, or my website www.maryrundle.com
Author Website: https://www.maryrundle.com
Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/maryrundle69
Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/maryrundleauthor/
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryRundle69
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryrundle69
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14246427.Mary_Rundle
Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/mary-rundle/
Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Rundle/e/B0763CDQQ6
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Blog Tour + Giveaway: Hearts Ablaze (Forged in the City #1) by A.D Ellis


The Hearts Ablaze (Forged in the City #1) blog tour stops here today! Learn more about the contemporary romance from author A.D. Ellis and Other Worlds Ink! Don't miss the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway too!




A.D. Ellis has a new contemporary MM romance out: "Hearts Ablaze."

Chase Steele and Xander Copperfield are down on their luck, as similar as they are different, and ready for a love they didn’t even realize they’d been waiting on their whole lives.

With two gorgeous “tough guys” discovering and exploring their true selves, Hearts Ablaze is a steamy, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, bisexual awakening romance.

*This is the first book in the Forged in the City series.*

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About the Series:


Love will find you whether you’re ready for it or not. Join the men of the Forged in the City series as they navigate the twists and turns of falling in love when it’s least expected. This series contains steamy, M/M age-gap, opposites-attract, friends-to-lovers romance tropes.

Series Link





Giveaway

A.D. is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour. Enter via Rafflecopter for a chance to win:

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Excerpt


Hearts Ablaze Meme

As I quietly opened the door, I was overcome with nervous anticipation. Sage and Bode were nice, they invited me to stay, there was no reason to feel like I was intruding or needed to sneak around.

Yet, I found myself just outside of the kitchen eavesdropping on Sage and Bode. I hadn’t meant to slink in the shadows and listen to their conversation, I just wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted to be and their words caught my attention. Before I knew what was happening, I was spying like a damn spying spier.

“Think about it. It’s like fate. Remember when you didn’t want me to move in here? You did everything you could to convince the guys to pick someone else. But you ended up with me and it turned out to be fabulous.” Sage’s words were low and persuasive. “Ginny finds her long-lost nephew, he discovers his aunt and a sister he never knew, and it looked very much like he and Xan are totally hitting it off.”

“Babe, he’s a complete stranger.” Bode’s words were gruff.

“Ginny had his records checked. You checked his records—even had Mark check them which I’m still not okay with. We could run a complete check for employment.” Sage paused and I heard the soft noises of a gentle kiss.

Bode groaned.

I was a total perv hiding in the shadows and getting turned on knowing Sage and Bode were kissing.

“We need an employee. We have an extra room.” Sage was laying it on thick. “We could help bring two siblings together and maybe even strike a love connection.”

Bode began to speak, but I missed what he said because I nearly shit myself as Rosie gripped my hand and basically screamed, “Whatcha doin? Why you hidin?”

Sage and Bode stuck their heads out of the kitchen and I prayed to melt into a puddle right there. Rosie shrugged when she realized it wasn’t a game and went back to playing with Oliver.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to listen in.” My words poured from me like the pathetic excuse they were. “Really, I came for coffee, heard Sage and didn’t want to interrupt. By the time I realized you were talking about me, it was too late and I was frozen.” I ran a hand over my face, my cheeks on fire. “Shit, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Sage assured and waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Coffee?”

Since I wasn’t lucky enough to die on the spot, I nodded and entered the kitchen. “Yes, please.”

“Well, what would you think?” Bode leaned against the counter.

“About?” I stammered.

Sage beamed at Bode. It was clear Sage had won. Something told me Sage often won when it came to winning over Bode.

“Sage is right. We do need an employee at The Lizard. We lost quite a few people to college graduation or busy school schedules.” Bode shrugged. “We planned on inviting you to be around as much as possible to build a relationship with Rosie. If you’d be willing to have a complete background check, the position and room are yours.”

I stared at him for years. Decades even.

“What’s wrong with him? Did I break him?” Bode scowled and spoke out of the corner of his mouth to Sage.

Sage chuckled and moved closer to me. He pushed my jaw up. “Close your mouth, sweetie.” He stepped between me and Bode. “Chase, would you like a job at The Salty Lizard? It’s not glamorous or exciting.” He frowned. “Actually, it can be kinda exciting sometimes. And it’s always fun. Great people.” He dipped his head to catch my eyes. “Chase? Job? You want it?”

I nodded and tried to work my sandpapery thick tongue. “Yes, yes, of course, I want it.” I tried to breathe, but my lungs seemed to be faltering.

“We have a room here. You’d pay rent, but it’s a decent price. We’d set some ground rules. You’d have to be okay living with kids.” Sage spoke slowly as if trying to explain quantum physics to me. “Would you like the room?”

“I, um, I just can’t. I mean, yes, of course I’d want the room, but I can’t ask you guys to give me a job, give me a room, and let me hang with my sister. It’s too much.” I moved to the right and leaned against the sink.

“Want to talk about the rent and salary? Make a decision from there?” Sage patted my arm.

I nodded mutely.

Sage went to check on the kids and set them up with crayons and coloring books along with Kidz Bop on a tablet.




Author Bio



A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana as an instructional coach/teacher in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing school-aged children, and wondering how she and her husband of almost two decades have managed to not drive each other insane. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.

She loves chocolate, wine with friends, pizza, crocheting and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don’t leave much time for housework, much to the chagrin of her husband. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in sarcasm.

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

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/adellisauthor

Author Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ADEllisAuthor

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adellisauthor

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8068864.A_D_Ellis

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/a-d-ellis/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/A.D.-Ellis/e/B00K0YJ8CW


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Review: When I First Saw Red (Soldiers & Mercenaries #2) by Kasia Bacon

RED:
Lázhien’s human. A common Imperial soldier. And my soulmate.
How could fate get it so wrong?
The demon in me craves this bond with every shred of his being. He pushes me to accept it. This time I won’t yield to his demands.

LÁZHIEN:
Red’s a lust demon, a whore and a stuck-up snob.
The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen. Pain in the arse. And he hates my guts.
I’d be an idiot to pursue him. Yet something about him compels me to make him mine.

When I First Saw Red is a complete and standalone short novel with an HEA ending, featuring a couple of reluctant fated soulmates—a demon and a human—trying and failing to defy destiny.




When I saw this come across the blog there was no question I wanted to read it, and I grabbed it up without paying too much attention to the blurb. All I needed to know was that this was a Kasia Bacon story, and it was set in her wonderful Order Universe.

This time around, the romance focuses on soldier Lazhien, who’s not typically one to frequent brothels, but a lonely free night nudges him towards the local establishment just to get out of the barracks to kick back and have a drink. He really has no set plans to indulge, but when he lays eyes on the most beautiful man he’s ever seen, the attraction bowls him over despite his slight aversion towards paying for sex, and Lazhien surprises himself by offering an exorbitant amount for a night with the Tii-Matashi.

What Lazhien doesn’t realize is that Okkano is equally knocked on his ass, that being a “two-soul”, the demon incubus that inhabits his being has apparently marked Lazhien as his. Okkano certainly doesn’t want to be tied down, he for sure doesn’t want to be further dictated by the demon in him, and he absolutely definitely doesn’t want what looks like a dumb brute of a solider as his soulmate no matter how delicious his big muscles are. To say the least, the dislike at first sight (and on principle) from both sides is palpable but so is the rampant desire and want that is pulling Lazhien and Okkano together like nobody’s business, something that they can barely resist as they try to keep things in check unsuccessfully.

These two fight what feels so right and they have plenty of reasons and assumptions to not finalize such a permanent bond, but Bacon throws in some very good twisty feels and angsty baggage to make Lazhien and Okkano’s pairing all the more rewarding once they come to their stubborn senses.

This is by far the sexiest of the author’s works regarding such a buildup, despite the lack of fully fleshed out explicit details where it counts. Regardless, I loved what I got and greatly enjoyed myself, simply asking for more yumminess in whatever the next book may be. Pretty pretty please with a cherry on top?

Essentially, I’m biased, and I don’t think this author can really do any wrong with the fantastical, rich, and complex world she has created. I’ll continue to happily line up for her stories for as long as she churns them out, and I can only hope it will be for many years to come!







Don't miss When I First Saw Red's exclusive HERE

Release Blitz + Giveaway: Cutting Cords (Cutting Cords #1) by Mickie B. Ashling



Author Mickie B. Ashling and IndiGo Marketing host today's blitz for re-release Cutting Cords (Cutting Cords #1)! Rediscover this contemporary romance and enter in the $20 Amazon gift card giveaway!



Title: Cutting Cords
Series: Cutting Cords Series, Book One
Author: Mickie B. Ashling
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: 6/2/20
Heat Level: 4 - Lots of Sex
Pairing: Male/Male
Length: 63,525
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, bisexual, hurt-comfort, coming out, disability, cutting

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Synopsis


Sloan Driscoll is a talented graphic artist but compared to his father and younger brother—all star athletes—he’s never measured up. A lifetime of insecurity leads him down dark paths.

His childhood friend, Cole Fujiwara, a former major league pitcher, embodies all of Sloan’s hidden aspirations. Cole is physically fit, attractive, intelligent, and successful. Seemingly perfect.

When Sloan shows up on Cole’s NYC doorstep needing a place to stay, their reunion is anything but simple. Sloan has always been drawn to Cole, but now, even though there’s a girlfriend on the periphery, the attraction seems mutual.

One night, inhibitions slip away. But both men are hiding a multitude of secrets. Salvation could be found within each other’s arms. But only if they let it.

Cutting Cords is the first book in the Cutting Cords Series previously published by Dreamspinner Press. This series must be read in order and all four titles will be available by September 2020. HEA guaranteed at series end.


Content Warning: contains body image issues, drug use, cutting, and some BDSM elements.

Excerpt


Cutting Cords

Mickie B. Ashling © 2020

All Rights Reserved

The doors of the plane were shut; the engines revved and ready to go. I leaned back and plugged in my earphones, increasing the volume so I could hear nothing but Queen blaring out Bohemian Rhapsody. I loved their music, stage presence, and style. One summer, I even made the attempt to dress and talk like Freddie Mercury. It wasn’t hard, since we had the same body type, not one ounce of fat anywhere. My little game was met with disapproval, so my outrageous persona went back into a compartment in my brain, along with all the other shocking thoughts that resided there.

The plane finally took off, almost in sync with Freddie’s falsetto blaring in my ears. I removed my earplugs and unfastened the seat belt when the captain turned off the sign. It was time to go to the restroom and take care of business.

The light in the tiny bathroom cast a yellowish shade on my normally pale face. I stared at the mirror, trying to see if I looked any different since my haircut and my father’s attempts to make me look respectable. Everything appeared the same; my hair was still a boring brown, my eyes an unremarkable shade of gray. My mouth was a bit too full and girly for Dad’s taste, but there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. I wondered how long it would take for my hair to grow out again. I hated the feel of cold air against my neck, although my tattoo was now clearly visible, the Queen logo, a testament to my devotion.

I started to strip, undoing the belt buckle and pushing down my jeans, past the ugly web of scars on my thighs. They were a constant reminder of my inner turmoil, a grim display in varying shades of hair-raising red. I stepped out of my pants and boxers simultaneously, leaving them bunched at my feet. Next off were the tight white briefs that had served its purpose—holding the sandwich bag with my stash in its hiding place near my crotch. I dumped the briefs into the wastebasket and pulled my jeans and boxers back on.

I opened the plastic baggy and inhaled the pungent aroma of the high-grade weed, wishing I had the guts to light up, but I knew my impulse would activate the smoke alarms and they’d be pounding on the door within minutes. So I popped a Xanax instead, a poor substitute, but certainly better than nothing.

I spent the rest of the flight in a hazy fog. Thanks to my age and the money in my pocket, I was able to buy a few drinks to add to my drug-induced high. I passed on the food, shaking my head at the flight attendant, but asked for more peanuts instead. I could almost hear my father’s voice telling me to eat and not skip meals or I’d never gain weight, but I wasn’t buying into his plan anymore. No amount of sustenance had ever worked to give me the kind of body I craved, so any time I was on my own, I ate whatever I wanted.

I knew I wasn’t in California anymore as soon as the cabbie pulled up to the curb and looked me over suspiciously. “Need a ride?”

He was a brightly turbaned Indian who spoke passable English but seemed to have left his manners on another continent. I wasn’t sure if it was the late hour or his job, but good cheer was in short supply right then. I was expected to haul my gear into the cab on my own. Cussing under my breath, I hefted the duffel with all my worldly possessions onto the seat beside me. “Can I smoke in here?” I asked as soon as we got going.

“Sure thing, buddy.”

Pleasantly surprised, I pulled out the joint I’d rolled in the airport restroom and lit up, inhaling deeply, letting the smoke fill my lungs. The cabbie lifted an eyebrow as soon as he smelled the weed. In an instant, his demeanor changed, and he respectfully asked, “Would you be willing to share?”

I smirked and passed the joint through the opening in the glass.

He took a huge hit, bobbing his head in appreciation. “Good stuff, buddy.”

“It better be for what it cost.”

“Where are we headed?” the cabbie asked.

“Chelsea.”

“Okay.”

It was almost eleven by the time we stopped in front of Cole’s apartment building, and after I handed over my money, I waited to see if the driver would help me with my bag since I’d shared my dope. Stupid thought. He sat there and checked his log sheet.

Fucking asshole. I didn’t tip him.

I dragged my shit out of the cab and waited for the doorman to let me in. Apparently he’d gotten word of my arrival, and he actually helped me place my bag in the elevator and told me the apartment was on the tenth floor. When I arrived at my destination, I stabbed at the doorbell for several minutes before the door was yanked open by a guy who appeared ready to strangle me.

“Will you ease off the fucking bell already?”

“Hey, I didn’t know if you were asleep or what.”

“Well, I’m wide awake now.”

“Sorry. I’m looking for Cole Fujiwara.”

“You found him,” he replied warily. “Sloan?”

“The one and only.”

“Wow. You’ve grown. When’d you get so tall?”

And when the fuck did you get so hot?

“Probably when you lost all the weight,” I replied out loud, taking a really good look at him. He was nothing like I remembered. The chubby kid with thick glasses who teased me and told me I threw like a girl was gone. In his place was a young Johnny Depp look-alike with cut-glass cheekbones and bone-straight black hair sliding over his forehead. The specs were gone as well, probably replaced by contacts, but those indigo eyes were exactly the same, courtesy of his Irish mother, and I was rooted to the spot.

“Are we going to stand here all night?”

I snapped out of my trance even as the blood rushed to my cheeks. Caught in the act of staring again, I was flustered and behaving like a total dweeb. Any hope of making a good first impression was shattered by my momentary lapse in judgment. “Sorry.”

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Meet the Author

MICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West.

Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Lately, her muse has been nudging her in a different direction, and she’s learned through past experience to pay attention to creative sparks that show up unexpectedly. Her pen name is a part of her now, and will travel along on this exciting new journey, wherever it might lead.

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