Finding Harbor #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Finding Harbor

Author: Duncan Gaye

Release Date: November 10, 2025

Tense/POV: Third person/ past tense

Genres: MM Historical Romance, LGBTQ Fiction

Tropes: Friends to lovers, strangers to lovers, small town romance, forced proximity, shared bed 

Themes: Love against the odds, found family

Heat Rating:  2 flames

Length: 291 pages

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

Goodreads

Buy Links

Universal Link

Blurb

Part of The Long Shadow Series by Duncan Gaye

Patrick Callahan comes to Cape Breton expecting easy money from a quick and lucrative timber deal. Instead, he only finds humiliation. Swindled out of his inheritance and stranded in a windswept fishing village, he is left with nothing but a single suitcase and a future that has collapsed overnight. At seven and a half feet tall, Angus MacAskill is a gentle giant with his own past. In St. Ann's, he is known for his silent kindness as much as he is for his stoic nature. He offers Patrick a bookkeeping job in his mercantile, and a place by the fire. What begins as a simple arrangement blossoms into a profound connection neither man could have ever imagined. 

Set within the wild beauty of nineteenth-century Nova Scotia, Finding Harbor is a queer historical romance about survival, finding home, and a love that takes root slowly but with unshakable strength. Perfect for fans of Annie Proulx (Brokeback Mountain), Cat Sebastian (A Gentleman Never Keeps Score) and KJ Charles (An Unseen Attraction).

Excerpt 

Patrick watched, fascinated by the sight. Submerged, Angus looked even more amazing. His chest rose like an island from the water, with rivulets flowing through the valleys of his muscles. His hands, spread wide to aid his floating, could have easily spanned Patrick's entire ribcage. Every proportion spoke of power held in careful check, strength tempered by conscious gentleness.

As Angus had predicted, the water's temperature became pleasant after the initial shock. Patrick swam to the pool's center. His strokes were strong and careful. They reflected his childhood summers in Boston Harbor. He circled Angus once, then twice, like a small craft orbiting a ship.

"Show off," Angus said, righting himself in the water. He moved with surprising speed for his size, catching Patrick around the waist before he could dart away.

Patrick found himself lifted effortlessly, Angus's hands secure around his midsection. "What are you—" he began, but his question transformed into a yelp of surprise as Angus tossed him several feet through the air. He hit the water with a splash, sank briefly, then surfaced, sputtering but laughing.

"Again?" Angus asked, his eyes bright with mischief.

"You're a menace," Patrick said accusingly, but he swam back to Angus, nonetheless, allowing himself to be captured once more.

This time, Angus hoisted him into the air with deliberate care, ensuring Patrick was prepared before launching him skyward. At the pinnacle of his leap, Patrick savored a delightful instant of weightlessness—just a taste of flying. Then, in a beautiful arc, he dove cleanly back into the water. As he emerged, he noticed Angus watching him with bright-eyed admiration.

"Graceful," the giant commented. "Like a kingfisher."

What began as play evolved into a pattern: Angus would throw, Patrick would fly, then dive, then return for more. Each toss sent him higher, Angus's strength precisely controlled to provide thrills without danger. Patrick laughed freely, just like he did as a child. He forgot about being self-conscious. The joy of movement, water, and trust flooded him.

Breathless and excited, Patrick swam to Angus and climbed onto his broad shoulders. He wrapped his arms loosely around the giant's neck. "Onward," he commanded imperiously, pointing toward the small waterfall.

Angus obliged. He swam with powerful strokes that barely seemed affected by Patrick's added weight. They traversed the pool together, Patrick riding high above the water's surface, feeling the play of muscles beneath him as Angus moved. In the tender embrace, skin met skin; Patrick's chest molded to Angus's back. This connection stirred a quieter pleasure, profound and comforting.

At the waterfall, Angus stood tall, water cascading down his body. Patrick, perched confidently on his shoulder, felt like he was soaring among the towering trees. The shift in perspective was exhilarating.

"You see things differently from up here," Angus said in a low voice, one hand reaching up to steady Patrick.

"Is this how you always see the world?" Patrick asked, marveling at the altered perspective.

"More or less," Angus confirmed. "Higher than most, lower than trees."

He helped Patrick slide down from his shoulders. His hands guided Patrick through the water. Soon, they faced each other, bodies close but not touching. Droplets clung to Angus's eyelashes and beard, catching sunlight like tiny prisms. His hands remained at Patrick's waist, neither restraining nor demanding, simply connecting.

Patrick placed his palms against Angus's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart beneath water-cooled skin. Angus's eyes held his, patient and waiting. He inched closer, their lips poised for connection. When the kiss came, it tasted like fresh water and sunlight; unhurried and adventurous. Unlike their first kiss by the fireside, heavy with longing, this one held a different charm. It was not about urgency, but the playful bliss of certainty. Angus's arms cradled him gently, as water lapped at their shoulders. Wrapped in each other's embrace, they felt whole for a moment, completely secluded in their secret haven.

About the Author 

Duncan Gaye lives in River Forest, Illinois. He believes magic can be found anywhere, even the suburbs. He writes the kind of love stories that sneak up on you—queer, tender, and just a little strange. His books are full of burly big-hearted men, tall tales, impossible odds, and the kind of endings that leave you wanting more.

When not writing, he likes to read, travel and relax with his adorable senior dogs, Spotty and French Fry.

The Long Shadow Series by Duncan Gaye is a thematic anthology series of stand-alone LGBTQ+ novellas and novels that tell love stories shaped by the extraordinary. Blending elements of speculative fiction, magical realism, tall tales, and literary drama, these are stories where intimacy and identity meet epic strength and emotional vulnerability.

From the mythical to the mundane, each book explores larger-than-life characters—strongmen, bodyguards, super soldiers, and other giants. For fans of emotional intensity, queer desire, and stories that stretch the boundaries of realism, this series offers a new kind of legend.

Social Media Links

Landing page for all social media links

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Golden Bond New Release #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Golden Bond

Author, Publisher, Cover Artist: Tavian Cross

Release Date: July 9, 2025

Tense/POV: first person, past tense, alternating POV

Genres: MM Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Bonded lovers, strangers to lovers, forced proximity

Themes: fate, choice vs duty

Heat Rating: 5 flames      

Length: 56 000 words/200 pages

It is the first in the series. The romance between MCs is complete here. It works as a standalone.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

I came to the sacred island to pay my family's debt. I never expected to lose my heart.

Blurb

My name is Callis, and I'm an offering.

Sent to Eletheria—the legendary pleasure palace where gods once walked among mortals—I have one purpose: submit to the bonding ritual, serve my time, and return home with my family's honor restored.

But the man who chooses me changes everything.

Auren is silver-haired, devastatingly beautiful, and dangerously powerful. As a Thorn of the sacred order, he needs to complete a successful bond to advance in rank. I should be just another transaction to him—a means to an end.

Instead, he awakens something in me I never knew existed.

Under his skilled touch, I discover pleasure that burns hotter than temple incense. The bond between us grows deeper than any ritual, more consuming than prayer itself. But Auren carries the scars of three failed bonds, and I have a ship waiting to take me home.

As our connection intensifies, I'm forced to choose: honor my duty and leave, or risk everything for a love that could either complete us both—or destroy us.

Some debts can only be paid with the heart.

Excerpt

Auren's eyes didn't leave mine. He took a step forward, then another, just enough to draw closer without closing the distance completely. His movements were measured and elegant. Confident without the need to prove it.

"I believe the state of my attire is acceptable, Callis," he said, voice low and smooth, a flicker of mischief curling at the corner of his mouth. His eyes gleamed—was it amusement, or something darker?

The lead priest stepped forward again, drawing our attention back to him with a subtle lift of his hand. The scent of resin filled the space as one priest lit the offering fire. Smoke curled upward, sweet and sharp, as the brazier took its breath.

When the priest then turned to me, "Come hither, and place your hand upon the staff."

I moved.

I didn't trust my legs, but they carried me. I stopped in front of Auren, lifted one hand, and set it lightly over his where he gripped the staff.

It was warm. His skin. The staff. The silver. Everything felt charged.

"Speak," the priest said, not unkindly.

I drew breath. "I accept," I said. My voice was quiet, but it didn't shake. "I accept this bond. I come in truth, though I do not know what waits. I offer what I am, and will not turn away."

The priests withdrew, leaving us alone.

Auren's hand found mine again, warm and firm.

We undressed each other slowly.

Not ceremonially, though it felt like a ritual. Not erotically, though there was no mistaking the heat under my skin.

It was like opening something fragile. Something wrapped for safekeeping.

The silks they dressed me in shimmered like flame. When they stepped back, they studied me in silence, then bowed lightly.

We stood bare, inches apart, the silk pooling at our feet. The altar waited behind him. I knew what it was meant for. But in this moment, there was no pressure.

Only him.

Only me.

And the space between us, narrowing, breath by breath.

Auren stepped toward me.

There was no hesitation in his stride. He closed the space between us in a quiet step, and suddenly I could feel the warmth of him, closer than anyone had ever stood, close enough that our bodies brushed, whispering against each other in the stillness.

He kissed me.

Not gently.

His mouth found mine like he'd done it a hundred times, firm and sure, his hands lifting with the same certainty to touch me. One framed the side of my jaw, his fingers a breath from trembling, the other settled low at my waist, grounding me, anchoring me to the moment.

Heat bloomed through my skin like lightning seeking purchase.

The kiss wasn't soft. It wasn't exploratory. It was fiercely possessive in a way that set fire to something deep inside me, something I hadn't even known was there. Auren kissed like someone who had no interest in surface things. He dove straight for the center.

And I—

I didn't know what to do with that.

My hands hovered, helpless for a moment, until instinct caught hold and I clutched at his sculpted arm. My fingers curled there, tense and searching, and my other hand rose to his shoulder as if I could brace myself against the storm building in my chest.

Auren pressed closer.

His lips parted slightly, just enough to pull me deeper, and my body responded before I could stop it—leaning in, opening, breath hitching in surprise at the feel of him.

It was like I had been asleep for nineteen years and someone had finally whispered my name.

When Auren finally drew back, he didn't go far.

He studied me: my face, my breath, the tremble I couldn't hide in my fingers.

"You're not what I expected," he said, his voice low and uneven at the edges.

About the Author 

Tavian Cross is an emerging author of gay erotic fantasy romance.

Obsessive fan-fiction reader, BL manga collector, and erotic steam engineer, Tavian is setting out to create a world where love has no boundaries, lust serves a higher purpose, and beauty is divine.

Follow Tavian online for more heart-tugging content.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram

Newsletter Sign-up  |   TikTok 

Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win one of three

Print copies of Golden Bond upon release with special interior images,

shipped directly by Amazon in any Amazon market.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Specimen #GayBookPromotions

RECENT RELEASE

Book Title:  Specimen 

Author: C. Quince 

Publisher: Ninestar Press 

Cover Artist: HolBat 

Release Date: March 11, 2024

Tense/POV: third person/past tense/alternating POV

Genre:  MM paranormal/alien/sci-fi romance

Themes: Enemies to lovers, mystery, thriller, action adventure, spies, frenemies, forced proximity, colleagues

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length:  105 000 words/ 300 pages 

It is the first book of a series. 

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger as the mysteries are ongoing, 

but the couple are solidly together.

Goodreads

Buy Links

NineStar Press  |  Universal Link

A former US Marine and a British M16 Intelligence agent find more in common than attraction. 

Blurb

David Cortez, a decorated US Marine, is now on the run from his own government after escaping a top-secret CIA lab when an experimental medical procedure turned sour.

While lying low in Mexico, an assassin sent from British Intelligence tracks him down. However, Sonny from MI6, a British-Iranian with a cockney accent, offers David a choice: join his team, or be killed.

David chooses to work with Sonny, not only because he wants his life back, but because he feels a kinship with the man.

They’re also both in the unique position of being the only living test subjects with alien DNA in their blood. Could that explain the strong attraction between them?

Excerpt

Sonny opened the brief. Inside, the first page was stamped TOP SECRET in big letters, which always made him want to laugh, along with the usual disclaimers typed out manually from a typewriter. Sonny breezed past all that and looked at the mission itself. What he saw was a collected file on one man: former US Marine, last known employment in private security. The collected photos were from past ID’s like Marine Corps and the DMV, and included some candids and hospital patient logs.

Handsome guy, Sonny thought idly. Tan skin, short brown hair, a strong jawline. Sonny was unsure of the guy’s ethnicity until he clocked the name.

“The file is Sergeant David Luis Cortez,” Shepherd said. “US Marines scout sniper.” She sat down at the opposite end of the table to Guv. “Peak physical health while on duty,” she went on. “Loyal. Follows orders. Impressive stats. Fifty-two confirmed kills, one of which being a one-and-a-half-mile sniper shot from a thirty-storey window.”

Sonny felt equally annoyed and impressed to hear that. He was the trick shot in this division, and he didn’t need another hotshot coming for his wig.

“Served in Afghanistan, Sudan, and South America, as well as several black ops missions. Honourable discharge, moved onto private security and diplomatic detail,” Shepherd went on. “Assigned to US diplomat Philip Sherman, thwarted an assassination attempt, but fell victim to poisoning from thallium sulphate.”

Sonny leafed through the hospital files. These medical records were official, along with a copy of the death certificate.

Sonny guessed what had happened before Shepherd confirmed it: they had another resurrected government experiment on their hands. Sonny should know; he was one himself.

“His condition in civilian hospital deteriorated,” Shepherd explained. “Through an Army connection, Cortez was recommended for special medical trials, codenamed Trial X. His first round of tests proved successful, when not many subjects pass that stage…” She glanced up pointedly. “As we well know.”

Sonny kept quiet and lifted his cup to take a sip. The slurp was noisy in the quiet room.

Guv gave Sonny a warning look. Sonny stopped slurping and smirked. He’d made his point. He was a special case who’d survived testing and was worth his weight in gold. He got away with murder on a daily basis.

“So,” Shepherd continued, “the CIA faked Cortez’s death, and moved him to one of their black sites for further testing. Cortez was renamed Specimen X.”

Sonny turned the page and saw copies of top secret CIA medical files, including a colour photo of the poor bastard inside a tank filled with bubbly blue liquid. He was naked except for an oxygen mask over his face and various cables attached to his limbs. The photo cut off below the waist. Sonny, being a thirsty bitch, immediately zeroed in on the man’s toned abs and pecs, and biceps to die for.

Was it uncouth to lust over him in that condition? Probably. Did Sonny care? Not really.

In the photo the man’s eyes were closed. His hair had grown longer than the short army cut, and he also had a beard now. He’d be hot shit, if not for the fact he was stuck inside a human-sized test tube.

“Was it Wallace’s team?” Guv asked Shepherd, referencing a top CIA operative.

“We don’t know for sure,” Shepherd replied. “My mole was tight lipped about the department. But we do know they were working with their own version of Sample A-X, which is why I’ve brought this to the front of our queue. It’s amazing we got as much intel as is, considering their operation was all shut down and relocated after his escape.”

Escape? Sonny perked up at that. Excellent! He loved drama. 

He flicked through more of the file, speed-reading reports detailing the subject’s general disorientation after the procedure, then his violent outbursts toward medical staff… But Sonny never trusted a doctor’s word on patients. Who wouldn’t get pissed off after being poked and prodded then shoved in a tank? Sonny could sympathise.

There were some printouts of shots taken from a black-and-white security feed showing the naked (and ripped) subject overpowering several doctors and guards in the lab in order to break down the door and escape.

Sonny felt vicariously proud of the guy. 

He probably shouldn’t have smirked over it, because Guv and Shepherd noticed. “I’m glad you think this is amusing, Sonny,” Shepherd said haughtily, “because you’re the one who’s going to track him down.”

About the Author 

Quince is a MENA-British author who lives in England, enjoys sci-fi and fantasy, history, and Halloween.

Social Media Links

Website   |  Facebook  |  BlueSky   |   Instagram

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Awakening In the Storm #RainbowSnippets#WIP

 

Image by Rondell Melling from Pixabay

Every year, I write a story for the Passionate Ink charity anthology.

If you write spicy, you should join Passionate Ink. This is my third year as a member.

http://passionateink.org

This story is a f/f erotic romance utilizing the enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes.  I've actually put it on the back burner for another time, but I wanted to share a few lines from a character development exercise I did, which you can find by following the link below.

https://experiencewriting.com/2024/10/05/sounds-of-words-euphony/

I'll share three lines from Shams and three from Lucia. Rolo is Lucia's twin brother. He and Shams became friends after he asked her if she'd be interested in creating some clothing designs for his band. They hit it off, and he invited Shams to come from London to Rancho Cucamonga to work with him and the band in person. Shams and Lucia are like oil and water.

Shams

I was having such an amazing morning here in Rancho Cucamonga, creating styles reflecting the band’s Latino heritage. The colours of the Southwest are so vivid, reflecting an arid yet beautiful environment with shades of warm brown, bright pink, bright blue, brilliant yellows, and oranges. There are so many colours to work with.

Lucia

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing when I walked out by the pool to find Shams with her easel drawing blindingly colorful clothes that looked like The Doctor accidentally or on purpose emptied out the 1970s closet on the TARDIS and left his unwanted clothes here. I don’t know what Rolo sees in this girl. Es una idiota with a head full of stereotypes.

I also wanted to share the opportunity to download a free story. I'm extending this offer until next Sunday. Follow the link below for more information. I hope you enjoy it!

https://ornerybookemporium.blogspot.com/2025/01/mormo-and-more-project-60-week-2.html

Free use image from Open Clipart Vectors

http://www.facebook.com/groups/RainbowSnippets

Dragon's Folly #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Dragon’s Folly

Author and Publisher: Joy Lynn Fielding

Cover Artist: Miblart

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Pairing:  MM

Tense/POV: Alternating first person pov.

Genres: Paranormal romance (shifters)

Tropes: Grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, possessive MC, size difference

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 80 000 words

It is a standalone story in a series. 

It contains mild spoilers for the first book in the Wings over Albion series. 

it does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |   Amazon UK 

Falling for him would be pure folly. I know that. 

Now all I have to do is convince my heart…

Blurb

Allowing a strange dragon into my home was not my idea.

The Assembly assured me it was necessary, though. And that’s how I ended up with him.

Ollie Shaw is clumsy. Unfairly hot. He stumbles through my life leaving a trail of chaos and sunny charm in his wake.

And I hoard every moment with him like he’s my greatest treasure.

But with an entire dragon territory to rule, bills to pay, and treachery brewing in my family, I can’t afford to be distracted by Ollie’s copper-gilded beauty and boundless enthusiasm.

I especially can’t give in to my dragon’s primal urge to claim him.

Because loving him could cost me everything I’ve fought so hard to protect. And that would eventually come back to bite us both—with dragon’s teeth…

Dragon’s Folly, Book 3 in the Wings over Albion series, is a sweet and spicy, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity paranormal m/m romance.

Excerpt 

“How much longer do you think they’ll—oh my God.” I interrupted myself. “Who is that?”

Mia stood on tiptoe and followed my awestruck gaze. “Who?” she asked. “The redheaded guy with the beard?”

I revised my impression of her intelligence. “The tall one with the shoulders. Black shirt and black jeans.” Along with dark hair, and did I mention shoulders? He was moving decisively through the throng, bootheels striking the floor in a way that might indicate temper or might simply be supreme self-confidence. He knew other dragons would move out of his way. 

Lean-cheeked and dark-browed, his face was set in stern lines that made my knees weak. This was a dragon who knew what he wanted and took it. I hoped that would include me.

He was heading in our direction, closing on us fast. I’d opened my mouth and started to say God knew what but something to make him notice me, when Mia spoke over the top of my incoherent babble.

“Archer,” she said. “This is Ollie Shaw.”

Oh great, her brother had arrived. What bloody awful timing. Wait a minute—the only person next to us was Mr Sex God himself. He smiled slightly at her, before glancing at me. I’d thought the first Mortimer grandson I’d seen would level Troy. This guy would have the Martians invading to fight over his square jaw and piercing grey eyes.

“Hi,” I said, and hoped my voice hadn’t come out sounding as squeaky as I feared.

He nodded at me, not unfriendly but not friendly. And that was the final nail in my coffin because dark, powerful and emotionally unavailable? It was as if he’d read my teenage diary and was role-playing every one of my fantasies. Almost every one—he hadn’t yet shoved me up against the wall and fucked me. I flicked my tongue over suddenly dry lips and wondered if he could see how ready I was to do anything he told me.

“Good to meet you,” I said belatedly, ducking my head in an attempt at a respectful salute to the head of a family. It didn’t work too well because I couldn’t tear my eyes from his face. From the dark eyebrows that were drawing together as I continued staring at him. “I’m from Tunbridge Wells.” I scarcely knew what I was saying, just that I didn’t want him to leave. “Mia’s been keeping me company.”

His eyes narrowed on me, and how the hell did that make him even sexier? “Has she?” His voice was deep, with a dangerous note that thrilled right to my cock.

“Yes.” That was definitely a squeak, damn it. “She’s very nice.” Oh my God, would someone take me outside and shoot me? 

His expression remained stern. “I’m aware of that.” He glanced at her, seeming to forget my existence. “Let’s go, Mia.”

She gave me a grin that let me know she was fully aware of her brother’s effect on me. “Catch you later, Ollie,” she said, and they left.

About the Author 

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding and gardening (though not all at the same time).

She tends to talk a lot about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |   Newsletter Sign-up 

Giveaway 

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win

a $10 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Waylaid #GayBookPromotions

AUDIOBOOK TOUR

Book Title: Waylaid

Author: J.M. Snyder

Publisher: JMS Books LLC

Narrator: Nick Johnson

Release Date: August 16, 2024

Tense/POV: First person, present tense, single POV.

Genres: MM Fantasy/Romance

Tropes: Forced proximity, only one bed

Themes: Falling in love

Heat Rating: 5 flames       

Length: 5 hours and 20 minutes

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

Goodreads

Buy Links

Audible US  |  Audible UK 

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

It's only supposed to be one night. Until it isn't.

Blurb 

When the Queen's guardsman enters my inn, the last thing I expect is to be propositioned. But this far north, it can get lonely at times, and my bed fits two easily enough. The guardsman is lithe and fae, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested. Besides, what's one night between grown men?

I don't expect to see him again. But rumors of war bring him back to me, and what starts as a one-off soon blossoms into so much more ...

About the Author  

J.M. Snyder is a multi-published author of gay erotic romance who started writing fanfic (specifically, boyband slash). She has worked with several different e-publishers, including Amber Allure Press and Torquere Press, and had short stories published in anthologies by Alyson Books, Cleis Press, eXcessica, and Lethe Press.

In 2010, she started JMS Books LLC to promote and publish her own work as well as that of other authors she enjoys.

Author/Social Media Links

Audible Profile  |  Blog/Website  |  Facebook 

Twitter  |   Newsletter Sign-up

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Grabbing My Slyce #GayBookPromotions

NEW RELEASE

Book Title:  Grabbing My Slyce! (​​Some Like It Haute! Gay Romance Series)

Author: Dann Hazel

Publisher: The Original Press

Cover Artist: Joshua Fippen

Release Date: June 24, 2024

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Forced Proximity; Hurt/Comfort; Slow Burn; Age-Stratified or May/December Romance

Themes: Family Strife; Loss of a partner/spouse; dealing with internalized homophobia

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 138 829 words/ 360 pages

It can be read as a standalone, but is part of a series.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

How do you find your true love when the other business of life has always gotten in the way—until now?

Blurb

As an only child, Frank Slyce is an independent, self-reliant gay man with a huge creative streak. 

Now, at thirty-two, he feels thrown off-kilter by a proverbial “urge to merge.” 

But how does a man like Frank find love when he has always related best to people older than he is?

Enter David Hawkins, a Unitarian minister who’s similar in age to Frank. At first, they seem to hit it off. But in their steamy pursuit of a relationship, they discover individual differences that feel insurmountable.

Then, Frank seeks a business loan to open Slyce! Pies and Pasta. The hot, charming banker who works with him, Nicolas Beaumont, is eleven years older than Frank. 

Age is not a problem for Frank. 

But what is it about Nicolas’ history or personality that causes the banker to retreat into silence when Frank, for the first time in his life, feels certainty about love?

A slow-burn, age-stratified, HEA gay romance.

Excerpt 

Once they’d returned to the Round House dock, Frank helped Nick secure the boat all over again. There was, after their kiss, a certain timidity between them now. As though they had to process what had just happened at their own pace. As though speaking of it might somehow wipe what happened out of existence.

While they worked with the boat, Frank didn’t notice the arrival of a familiar car.

David’s car.

It was, after all, Nick who filled Frank’s consciousness. He could smell him. He could hear his rhythmic breaths. He could feel Nick’s body against his.

It was as though he walked toward the Round House on autopilot. It was as though he had no idea where he was, the magic still had such a blinding hold on him.

Then, from the familiar car, Frank heard his name.

A voice he recognized, shouting his name.

He looked up and saw David, a big smile on his face, a hand waving at him. More eager than ever to spend a day with his chef and their friends. As though those days of silence and isolation had never happened.

Frank smiled and waved back.

Nick noticed. He noticed and took it all in. He didn’t know exactly what was going on between these two men, but from his forty-two years on this familiar planet, he had an idea.

He knew that the best move he could take now was to make himself scarce.

He bid farewell to Frank, asking him to convey his regrets to their hosts, before he headed back to his boat. He was no longer feeling well, he said, and needed to return the boat to the marina, then get himself home and into his bed.

Frank was speechless, though he managed to ask if Nick needed him to accompany him. To make sure he was okay.

“No. That’s not necessary, Frank,” Nick replied. “I’ll be fine. It’s just a—thing—that happens from time to time. It’s not serious. Just my body’s warning that it needs a little rest.”

Nick boarded his boat, then sped away with a perfunctory wave.

Then, Frank turned back to David.

But David, he saw, was already heading into the Round House.

David, he knew, was mad as hell.

About the Author

Dann Hazel has been writing both fiction and nonfiction for more than twenty years. 

Besides writing romance, he has taught high school English and journalism, college psychology and human sexuality, directed federal grants and worked as a therapist in a psychiatric hospital. His fiction genre interests include thrillers, horror, literary and gay romance. He has published the Some Like It Haute Gay Romance Series, including Room for Dessert, My Own Private Biscuit and Lonely Diner.

Nonfiction works include Witness: Gay and Lesbian Clergy Report from the Front and Moving On: The Gay Man’s Guide for Coping When a Relationship Ends.

Dann’s personal interests include reading and writing, cinema, jogging, Broadway, keeping abreast of current events and travel.

Currently, Dann lives in Central Florida with his husband, Josh, and their American Eskimo canine, Flurry.

Social Media Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook   |  Instagram

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

Authortube Writing Conference (Charity Sunday)

 

The Authortube Writing Conference is an annual online gathering where authors, professionals, and readers converge. This information-packed event is free to the public. The playlist can be found at the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVrC50nqY3OL1g2nNZhx4s7vSon3-lXTg

The event is completely run by volunteers. The group has set up a Ko-Fi page to help cover costs. You can learn more and make a donation at the following link.

https://ko-fi.com/authortubewritingconference

I am going to share a snippet from C. L. Hart's forthcoming sweet second-chance holiday romance, Snowbound Hearts. You can learn more about the story and a special opportunity here.

https://ornerybookemporium.blogspot.com/2024/06/extra-special-book-blogger-hop-your.html

 “Really, Marti? Blasting The Ride of the Valkyries while tearing up the Dalling Rise?” Ophrah Pololáník asked, checking her seat belt and looking askance at the driver.

“You know The Ring is my focus music, OP,” Marta Benscoter said. The calmness in her voice belied the intensity in her light hazel eyes. She could have posed for the cover of a business magazine with her perfectly coiffed, collar-length pale blonde hair and her sharp gray suit jacket with the high-end dark-blue t-shirt underneath.

“You look like a mild-mannered fifty-three-year-old interior decorator on the outside, but your devil-may-care behavior suggests a hostile takeover," Ophrah quipped. "Have you been possessed by a Valkyrie?"

“I'm not devil-may-care; I'm just focused,” Marta explained. "I want to get to Arbofil before the storm hits. Those roiling clouds grow closer and darker every time I glance in the rear-view mirror."

“You know best,” Ophrah said, nervously running a hand over her frizzy mahogany hair as if checking to ensure that she’d at least look good when they crashed. “You’re a good driver. It’s just that I’ve always been a slow-cruising kind of gal. I like to take my time and get there in one piece.”

“I’m all for that, but we’re more likely to get there in one piece if we aren’t driving on slick roads.”

For a little added fun, here are some images generated by Pixlr to give you an idea of what these characters look like.

Marta

Ophrah

Follow the link preceding the snippet to read the entire story and help me out by being one of my beta readers. This opportunity ends on the 15th of July.

If you're worried that you don't have the skills to be a beta reader, don't be! Use the list of guidelines I provide in my post about my alpha and beta reading services to help you. 

https://ornerybookemporium.blogspot.com/p/ornery-beta-reading.html

You don't have to worry about issues such as spelling, grammar, or sentence structure. I've cleaned the document up pretty well, and my line editor will take care of the rest. I'm interested in your impressions as a reader, not an editor.

I hope you enjoyed the snippet. Don't forget to check out the Authortube Writing Conference playlist and Ko-Fi page! 

Playing to Win Book Blitz #rabtbooktours

 

A Chandler Billionaire Romance, Book 1

Contemporary Romance

Date Published:  March 2024

 

Every male in the family has scaled the marriage mountain only to take catastrophic tumbles.

They’ve dubbed it The Chandler Curse.

Angel Harris has been sitting on the sidelines since her husband’s death three years ago. Her long-held dream of having a family of her own is slipping away because grief left her frozen in time.

Winston Chandler will do anything for his friend and business partner’s widow. By helping her move forward, perhaps the survivor’s guilt he suffers because of his friend’s death will ease. He believes a makeover will show both Angel and others an external transformation has taken place.

Trouble is, he’s too good at the job. Win is drawn to Angel 2.0. They cross the friend line, but Winn isn’t the man to complete the perfect life she envisions. Chandlers and romance are a volatile mix that end in one way. Disaster.

What will it take for Winn to challenge his family’s legacy of failure and conquer The Chandler Curse?

Celebrating family, friendships, and the power of love. Stories with heart, heat, and humor. 

*Playing to Win is the first book in A Chandler Billionaire Romance series. All the books have interconnected characters, no cliffhangers, happily ever afters, and can be read as standalones.

*A billionaire, fake dating, friends to lovers, forced proximity, forbidden romance.

 

About the Author

Lynn Mapp is a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, teacher, writer...obviously a multi-faceted diamond, princess cut.

Lynn was a navy brat, born in San Diego, California. While she was born in California, her Idaho roots are deep. Her mother and grandfather were Idaho natives.

She has always looked for happily ever afters, the light after the darkness. Families and humor are central in her life and her stories.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Kobo

B&N