Into the Wind by Shira Anthony

At the beginning of the month, I was trying to finish The Higher Law and reading m/m romance titles set in that time frame, the 1930s, when Into the Wind came out. After reading Stealing the Wind, I had to stop what I was reading and see what was next in for Ian and Taren.

Blurb (from Amazon):

Sequel to Stealing the Wind
Mermen of Ea: Book Two

Since learning of his merman shifter heritage, Taren has begun building a life with Ian Dunaidh among the mainland Ea. But memories of his past life still haunt him, and as the threat of war with the hostile island merfolk looms ever closer, Taren fears he will lose Ian the same way he lost his beloved centuries before. Together they sail to the Gateway Islands in search of the fabled rune stone—a weapon of great power the Ea believe will protect them—and Odhrán, the pirate rumored to possess it.

After humans attack the Phantom, Taren finds himself washed up on an island, faced with a mysterious boy named Brynn who promises to lead him to Odhrán. But Taren isn’t sure if he can trust Brynn, and Odhrán is rumored to enslave Ea to protect his stronghold. Taren will have to put his life on the line to find his way back to Ian and attempt to recover the stone. Even if he does find it, his troubles are far from over: he and Ian are being stalked by an enemy who wants them dead at all costs.

Review: First of all, let me tell you, Into the Wind tops Stealing the Wind as a sequel, all puns intended. While Stealing the Wind is about Taren finding out about his Ea heritage, Into the Wind is about Taren finding his place among the Ea. Not only is Taren Ea, but also a reincarnated hero from 800 years ago. Tasked with recovering the same rune stone he hid in his past life, him and Ian are separated during the trip. Don’t worry, they aren’t separated for long and there’s plenty of time before and after for hot merman on merman sex. Yes! Now that Taren knows his true nature, him and Ian have sex in their mermen forms.

The climax of the book is one of the best I’ve ever read. I jumped like someone had been behind a door and startled me and it took five minutes to move forward to the very next sentence that explains the outcome. I seriously nearly threw the iPad across the room. Not only do we find out more about Taren and Ian and what is going on amongst the Ea people, the end of the book sets up what should be an amazing end to the trilogy.

For Writers: If you’re a fantasy writer, you’ll love the rich world that Shira has built. I imagine the world to be kind of a Game of Thrones world set on world of coasts and oceans. From the human towns and ports where Taren was raised to island of the merfolk, it’s an amazing world that I caught up in from the beginning.

Another study for writers is Taren’s character. As a reluctant hero, we see Taren take on the cause he seems destined to help lead. Along the way, he continues to learn not only about his past, but also his abilities as a mage among the Ea.

Great job, Shira! Looking forward to the third book in the Mermen of Ea series.

Clipped by Devon McCormack

Author Bio:  If I was writing an old-school craigslist personal, I'd say (appropriately in code): fit masc wm ddf lookin 4 same. 28yo. Of course, who's honest with their craigslist personal ads? And who the hell uses craigslist these days? Please. That's what grindr is for.

On a more serious note, I'm from Atlanta, GA. I work odd jobs. My gay erotic novel Clipped is available through Wilde City Press. I also have a vampire novel coming out through Wilde City in October and a young adult novel being released through Harmony Ink Press in June or July

Author Links:

https://www.facebook.com/devon.mccormack.79‎

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7327303.Devon_McCormack

www.twitter.com/@devon_mccormack

http://www.pinterest.com/mmromance/

www.devonmccormack.com

Cover Artist: Adrian Nicholas

Publisher: Wilde City Press

Blurb:

Though mortals have been convinced that God cares about their souls, nothing could be further from the truth. He created the world as a gift for his lover, Satan. But when Satan left him, he decided to end what he saw as his most grotesque creation.

Satan and his army of demons are man's only hope...

The demon Kinzer and his lover, Janka, have been sent by Satan to spy on The Raze, a gang of rogue demons who are working with God to bring about Armageddon. When someone exposes their true allegiances, The Raze clips Kinzer's wings and murders Janka. Kinzer manages to escape. He tracks down Satan's allies to warn them about a mole in their midst when he learns that they've located the Antichrist—a powerful weapon that could prevent the apocalypse. Now, he's on a mission to protect the Antichrist and avenge his lover’s death.

Excerpt:

Dedrus scanned Kinzer’s body, admiring his massive biceps, his brown eyes, and his black waves of hair. Even with the wounds and tears that still tainted his face, he was beautiful. Dedrus wanted to press him back against the cushion, rip off his clothes, and provide him with the ease he deserved. But no! He was just wanting it for himself, and he was pretending that it was to serve Kinzer’s pain.

“I loved him so much.” The words cracked through Kinzer’s lips. His cheeks and forehead shivered. Tears filled his eyes. “I know we had so much time, but it wasn’t enough.”

The sting in Dedrus’s chest intensified. His cheeks flashed red as anger washed over him—anger that he loathed because it made him feel like a terrible, selfish creature.

He set his hand on Kinzer’s back, his palm stroking softly across the blue fabric of his polo. He wanted to say, “You’ll find love again.” He couldn’t, because he knew he’d really be saying, “Please find love in me.” He thought of saying, “Everything will be alright.” No. He couldn’t make that kind of promise. “It’ll take time,” felt appropriate, and yet, as an immortal, Dedrus never perceived time as a generous gift as much as a twisted, agonizing punishment.

“I wish I could think of something right to say about this,” Dedrus said, “but I can’t. I know how much you loved him, and I know how much he loved you, and I can’t imagine how hard this is going to be for you. But I’m here. As your friend. I don’t know if that means much, but I know the feeling of having something so perfect and wonderful torn from you.”

Kinzer’s gaze met his. His eyes were sad.

Does he know what I’m talking about?

“Tell me you’ve found someone,” Kinzer said.

“Of course,” he lied. “I’m just being overdramatic.”

“I figured as much. Considering where you work, I'm sure you get a lot of offers.”

It was true, but not the way Kinzer was suggesting. There were nights when Treycore dragged some pathetic mortal back to ease Dedrus’s pain. Those nights were the loneliest. Though he could bring himself to climax, it was an empty relief that just stirred the cruel memories of those moments filled with so much more.

Dedrus hugged him again. “Let’s get to bed,” he said. “You need some sleep.”

Kinzer nodded.

“We have plenty to sort through tomorrow. You can have my room. I’ll just sleep here.”

Dedrus released him.

Kinzer picked the sword up off his lap and stood. He reached his hand out. “Come on. It won’t be the first time we’ve shared a bed.”

The upward curl of his lip let Dedrus know that Kinzer was more than interested.

Dedrus’s dick swelled. “I don’t think I can.” He wanted Kinzer so bad, and if he put himself in that position, he was sure that he wouldn’t be able to resist making a move—especially if Kinzer initiated something.

“I'd rather not disrespect you like that,” Dedrus said.

Kinzer’s hand fell, bouncing against his jeans. His head drooped.

“Then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Dedrus smiled. “‘Night, Kinzer.”

Kinzer knelt, offering a light peck on Dedrus’s lips.

Don’t tease me with a taste!

“Up the stairs, first room on the right.”

Kinzer walked up the stairs, headed down the hall, and slipped into Dedrus’s bedroom.

Dedrus had hoped that Kinzer’s exit would provide some relief.

It didn't.

He ached for him. His thoughts dwelled on Kinzer’s lips tickling his nipples, his gaze appreciating his body, his tongue delighting in his body’s grooves. He wanted to run upstairs and throw his arms around him, to hold him for the night, and tell him that no matter what happened he’d be there for him. He wanted more than that, but he wouldn’t press his friend. He wouldn’t dare cross that line…even if Kinzer insisted.

Spreading his limbs across the couch, he rested his head on a lace pillow at the end and rolled so that he was facing the cushions.

He closed his eyes.

A few moments passed before something pressed against his ass.

He flipped over and hopped to his feet, ready for a fight.

Kinzer stood before him, holding his hands out, as if showing a cop that he was unarmed. “Whoa, cowboy. Chill the fuck out.”

“Sorry.” Every hair on Dedrus’s immortal body stood on end. “You freaked the shit out of me. Did you need something? Another cover? Pillows?”

Kinzer wiggled his thumb behind the waistband in Dedrus’s khakis.

“Yeah. I need something.” He pulled their pelvises together.

His hot breath rushed across Dedrus’s lips, settling in the bristles across his cheeks. The warmth combined with a rush of blood that surged to his face and made him feel like his cheeks were about to catch on fire.

Kinzer pressed his lips against Dedrus’s.

Amidst the creases in Kinzer’s lips, Dedrus felt the smooth, subtle dip where Kinzer’s cut was healing.

He trailed his palm over the rough fabric of Kinzer’s polo. As he reached the smooth flesh of his neck, curly black hairs pricked his fingertips.

Kinzer opened his mouth wide. Dedrus eagerly reciprocated, tilting his head and allowing their lips to seal together. A swirling sensation gathered at the back of his spine and rushed to the crown of his skull.

Guilt nagged at his thoughts. He couldn’t do this. Kinzer didn’t really want him. He was just vulnerable and ached for a physical distraction from his grief. It would be wrong to take advantage while he was still recovering from Janka’s death.

Kinzer’s tongue flicked his.

He wanted Kinzer so bad, but not like that. Pressing his hand against the dip between the bulbous, jagged pecs before him, he broke their sealed kiss.

“What?” Kinzer rested his hands on either of Dedrus’s hips.

“This wouldn’t be right. I don’t want to disrespect you.”

“I know. But I want you to.”

Kinzer wrapped both arms around Dedrus. Spinning them around, he pushed Dedrus back against a painting that hung from the wall.

Kinzer’s eyes glistened with that gleam—the one that was so familiar to Dedrus.

Dedrus couldn’t control himself. His lips returned to their passionate embrace. His fingers found their way under Kinzer’s shirt, feeling about fervently, savoring the dips in his torso.

Tour Dates: April 21, 2014 – May 21, 2014

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Prize: A signed copy of Clipped if winner is in the US. If not in the US the winner will receive an e-copy

Sales Links: http://www.wildecity.com/books/gay-mainstream/clipped/#.Uy3NPyiYntU

 

Double Takes by K. Vale

Character Interview with Gio Savale

By Kimber Vale

Hi, everyone. I had the pleasure of nailing down my MC of Double Takes, Gio Savale, after his band Three Deaf Mice played a killer concert near me. He was nice enough to give me a quick interview. ;-)

Kimber: Hey, Gio! Thanks a bunch for talking to me. I’m sure you’d rather be hitting the showers right about now, so I’ll make it fast.

Gio: Not a problem. Did you get to see the show?

Kimber: Yes! Amazing! You were on my list of bands I have to see before I die, so I was stoked to get you checked off. It was everything I was hoping for.

Gio: Yeah? Great! Who else is on your list?

Kimber: Umm. Chili Peppers and Breaking Benjamin—you know, if they get back together. I’d take Ben Burnley as a solo act in a pinch.

Gio: Both great bands.

Kimber: Yes they are. Okay, I feel like this interview is getting away from me already. Let’s start with an easy question. How are things with you and Lance?

Gio: <A broad smile on his face> Fantastic. He was with us for part of the tour, but he can’t miss work for that long. He’s a serious businessman, my guy. We’re heading home tonight so…  I’m looking forward to seeing him.

Kimber: Home? Are you two cohabitating these days?

Gio: Yeah. He sold his condo and moved in with me. Saves me having to cross the Charles on a daily basis.

Kimber: And how’s that working out with Marco?

Gio: That kid is amazing. Just the most laid back, roll with the punches kinda guy ever.

Kimber: Gee. Wonder where he gets that from.

Gio: Laughs. Not Christine, that’s true. He’s got his room at my place and his room at hers. Honestly, I think he’s enjoying the whole two Christmas mornings, two Easter baskets thing he has going on.

Kimber: And Christine’s adjusted?

Gio: Christine is adjusted for Christine, you know? She’s always been a sore loser. Sooner or later she’ll convince herself that shared custody was her idea, just so she can live with it.

Kimber: Divorce is never easy. Okay, last question. Have you heard from Kyrie lately? He borrowed this vintage military jacket I found at the Salvation Army and I want that freakin’ thing back.

Gio: <Snorts> Good luck! Actually, he invited me to his graduation party. I’ll try to remember to give him the message.

Kimber: I’d appreciate that. Well, thanks for taking the time to talk for a bit, Gio. I loved your show and I’m definitely gonna keep an eye out for the next one. That Tool cover was outstanding.

Gio: Thank you. Nice talking to you, Kimber. I always have time for my fans.

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Blurb:

Ah, the life of a rock star. Everyone thinks it’s nothing but sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Not for Giovanni Savale.

For the lead singer of Three Deaf Mice, a band that reached its pinnacle in the late nineties, it’s nothing but an ugly divorce with a custody battle, money trouble, and now the nightmare exposure of starring in a reality television show. When his producer decides to cash in on an infamous interview Gio did years ago, and give the self-confessed bisexual rocker an onscreen boyfriend, things really hit the fan. Gio is certain his sexual experimentation back in his drug-abusing days meant nothing — after all he’s been married for nine years, clean and sober for nearly as long, and he has a son. And Gio is not remotely attracted to Kyrie, the funny, flamboyant actor they choose for his love interest. Of course, Lance Garrett, the mysterious and sexy owner of the local antique shop, Double Takes, is a whole different story. The guy has Gio planning out a future he never imagined. With the threat of losing all custody of his ten-year-old son, ghosts from the past returning for revenge, and the cameras rolling, can Gio keep his head above water and his heart from getting broken?

Excerpt:

Marco planted one hand on his hip, the ball wedged under his other arm, and gave them an impatient head shake as he waited to cross the street. “I’ve seen faster slugs,” he commented.

“Hey, maybe you tired out the old men on the field,” Lance said.

“Dad, maybe, but not you.”

“Thanks, pal.” Gio gave Marc a wry smile. Mental note. Work out more. Shooting some hoops with his son was good enough in Gio’s thirties, but he should probably step it up a notch if he wanted to keep the arms and chest he was famous for baring in concerts. Gio looked down for any telltale signs of aging. No pooch, at least, but the way he ate since getting sober made it much harder to keep off. One thing he could say about being an addict, buying his breakfast on a corner and drinking a liquid lunch had kept him lean for a long time.

“Don’t listen to him.” Lance patted Gio on the shoulder and gave a quick squeeze. He stepped closer and whispered, “You’re a brick shithouse.”

Gio gave him a half-glare, half-smile as they crossed the front lot of the pastry shop.

“Is that supposed to be a compliment? I’m just a few donuts away from love handles. Perpetually. I should be doing whatever you’re doing.”

“You can do what I do. Wanna hit the gym Monday at lunch?”

Rather hit something else Monday at lunch. “If I want to look at you … look like you, I probably should.” Gio tried to cover up the slip lightning-fast but it was out.

Lance’s eyebrows shot up, and Gio snuck a peek at Marco. The kid studied them judiciously as Lance produced his key and snapped open the padlock. He unlocked the back door to his store next, and waved Gio and Marc inside.

Marco handed Lance the soccer ball. “Next time, I’ll bring my glove and bat. Then we’ll really see how good you are.”

“Oh, yeah? I’ll try to dig up a mitt, tough guy.”

Marco offered a high-five, and Lance slapped his extended hand.

Then he turned to Gio. “Thanks for the good time.”

“I’ll talk to you later.” Damn, I wish I didn’t have to dance for the freakin’ organ grinder tonight.

“Sounds good.”

“Have fun tonight,” Lance added. Gio pretended to scratch his chin with his middle finger before he turned down the narrow hallway with Marco ahead of him.

“He’s cool,” Marco said matter-of-factly as they walked back out the front door.

“Yeah. He’s all right.” Gio chuckled.

“Just don’t try to get me to call him Uncle, and we’re good.”

Gio turned toward Marco with eyes that felt like they were bulging out of his head. The boy combined a shrug with face-up palms and his duh look.

“Mom lets me watch your show.”

“You know that’s not real, right?” What the hell is the matter with her?

“Yeah. I know you aren’t really into that Kyrie guy. I don’t think he’s crushin’ on you either.”

That word crush was enough to solidify the fact that Gio was talking to a kid. Yes, a kid on the verge of those rough and glorious teenage years, but still a person some months short of all-knowing. Don’t grow up!

“Definitely no crushes. It’s just acting, buddy. Just a silly show dad does to help pay the bills. You shouldn’t even be watching that garbage.”

They slid into the car.

“You should have asked Lance to be your boyfriend. He’d be much more believable.”

“Huh. I’ll tell him you said so.”

Then Marco asked for Gio’s phone and played Minecraft for the rest of the drive.

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Bio:

Kimber Vale writes romance of all stripes, from hot hetero stories to mouthwatering men falling in love (under the name K. Vale). Keep up with Kimber’s news and follow all her tour stops on her blog: http://www.kimbervale.me  and friend/follow her on Facebook and Twitter @KimberVale. Come for the sex. Stay for the story. http://www.authorkimbervale.com

Find Double Takes:

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Double-Takes-Shooting-Stars-Vale-ebook/dp/B00JTNT4MO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398112227&sr=8-1&keywords=Double+Takes+K.+Vale

At Liquid Silver Books: http://www.lsbooks.com/double-takes-p901.php

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-doubletakes-1484498-149.html

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/double-takes-k-vale/1119275663?ean=9781622100996

Watch the Double Takes book trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBF5EZ2Qcrk

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Kimber has a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card (winner’s choice) up for grabs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway