Guest Author: Lex Chase and Checkmate Ever After

Hello Internet!

I’m Lex Chase and Tali was kind enough to let me drop by today for the Checkmate Ever After blog tour! Checkmate Ever After is an anthology collecting the first three novellas from the Checkmate series and included a fourth all new novella exclusive to the anthology. Checkmate is a superhero comedy featuring the disgraced superhero Memphis Rook and his rise back to redemption alongside his ever-so-hyper boyfriend/sidekick Hogarth Dawson.

Something we need to make clear is Garth is quite obviously nerdy and rife with current pop culture knowledge. Rook on the other hand is a not so secret old school geek that loves all things from the 80s. Rook and Garth also deeply love each other. They also like being in one another’s pants. And so… I present the Top Five Spots Where Geeky Superheroes Go To Make Out.  


#5: Twede’s Café of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks  
Twin Peaks has fans that transcend generations, and Rook and Garth mutually enjoy the dreaminess of Kyle McLachlan as Agent Cooper and the damn good pie. While Hogarth and Rook inanely have an entire conversation in quotes from the show over the cherry pie alamode, they’ll be playing footsie under the table. When it gets to the point where Hogarth very sternly quotes the Log Lady and says “My log saw it. My log saw it all!” and Rook obscenely sucks the whipped cream off the spoon, they’re ready to Get. It. ON!

#4: Flight 815’s Fuselage of JJ Abram’s Lost
Considered the Twin Peaks of the New Millennium, Lost, and its sexy castaways have Hogarth swooning. Despite the… well… pretty gruesome concept of a catastrophic plane crash, it’s the story of Lost and the romanced context that makes Hogarth want Rook to press him upside the ruined seats and take him for all he’s worth. Rook, like a logically thinking man, doesn’t see what’s sexy about a plane crash at all. But that Sayid Jarrah guy just does it for him.

Oh my DAYUM~  
#3 Dumbledore’s Headmaster Office of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter
  So, Hogarth totally has that fantasy that Rook is a cruel headmaster of Hogwarts, and Hogarth is an ever eager to please student. And then Rook demands Hogarth come to his office for his punishments. Wait. You thought I was serious? MEANWHILE, SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD: Thousands of Checkmate/Harry Potter AU fanfics are being furiously written.

#2 The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier of Marvel’s Avengers  
Because they’re superheroes, and superheroes totally need a superheroic space to get their jollies. The possibilities are endless. Stripping on the landing strip, ‘examining’ the beakers in Banner’s lab, being frisky in Fury’s office, bringing it on in the Brig… that is until they notice Loki’s there with them. Well. Doesn’t that make things interesting? Huu huu~  

Who’s the mewling quim NOW?  
#1 Maine North High School of John Hughes’s The Breakfast Club
 
Rook, being a lover of the ‘80s, Maine North High School would be his ultimate getting busy between the stacks spot. The primary filming location of the iconic ‘80s movie The Breakfast Club is one of Rook’s favorite films, if not the favorite. Hogarth doesn’t get his fixation with Molly Ringwald, or John Hughes, but he does agree the modern covers of “Don’t You Forget About Me” originally by Simple Minds have got to stop.   So riddle me this! Which celebrity would you make out with? Ooh lala! 

Drop your comment below and click the giveaway banner to enter for a chance to win a 25 USD Amazon Gift Card!

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Genre: Sci-Fi Superhero Comedy Length: Novel Anthology Published: December 15, 2015 Publisher: DSP Publications ISBN: 978-1-63476-462-9 Buy: Paperback (and get the eBook for free!) or only the eBook Blurb: 2nd Edition (Books One - Three)

The day disgraced superhero Memphis Rook literally fell into Hogarth Dawson’s lap, you could say it was fate. But the brawny Rook did nearly crush Garth’s pancreas. What started as two ships passing in the night ended on the weirdest adventure of their lives. Together, Rook and Garth form Checkmate, a daring super duo that keeps Axis City safe from a rogue’s gallery of nefarious villains, dastardly masterminds, and a coalition of calamity. Fighting evil wherever it appears—from reality shows to comic book conventions—Checkmate serves up knuckle sandwiches of justice. But by day, they’re a couple of broke losers who can barely afford a burger and navigating a weird thing called a relationship.

Ain’t true love grand? Rook and Garth may be in over their heads, and even super heroes fail sometimes, but they’re ready to take a stand when no one else will. Don’t hate the players, because Checkmate owns the game.

1st Edition of Pawn Takes Rook published by Dreamspinner Press, 2013. 1st Edition of Cashing the Reality Check published by Dreamspinner Press, 2013. 1st Edition of Conventional Love published by Dreamspinner Press, 2014. And the all new fourth novella Miracle in Axis City and bonus short What The Water Gave Me, exclusive to the anthology!

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  About the Author: Lex Chase once heard Stephen King say in a commercial, “We’re all going to die, I’m just trying to make it a little more interesting.” Now, she’s on a mission to make the world a hell of a lot more interesting. Weaving tales of cinematic, sweeping adventure—and depending on how she feels that day—Lex sprinkles in high-speed chases, shower scenes, and more explosions than a Hollywood blockbuster. Her pride is in telling stories of men who kiss as much as they kick ass. If you’re going to march into the depths of hell, it better be beside the one you love. Lex is a pop culture diva, her DVR is constantly backlogged, and unapologetically loved the ending of Lost. She wouldn’t last five minutes without technology in the event of the apocalypse and has nightmares about refusing to leave her cats behind. She is grateful for and humbled by all the readers. She knows very well she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and welcomes feedback. You can find in the Intarwebz here: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LXChase Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lex_Chase Tumblr: http://lexiconofkittens.tumblr.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/lexachase Site: http://lexchase.com

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One lucky winner will walk away with a $25 USD Amazon Gift Card!

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  Follow the Checkmate Ever After Tour!

12/1 - Charlie Cochet's Purple Rose Tea House 12/3 - Tali Spencer 12/5 - Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews 12/5 - Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese 12/7 - Aidee Ladnier 12/9 - Genre Talk on The Novel Approach 12/12 - Gaylist Book Reviews 12/15 - Checkmate Ever After Release Day!

Kim Fielding's The Sacrifice, and a Giveaway

Kim Fielding writes soulful fantasies that burrow deep into the heart. This collection of short stories is a great way to experience her work. All net proceeds from this are being donated to Doctors Without Borders. The work they do is amazing and so very needed.

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The Sacrifice and Other Stories

by Kim Fielding

A sickly man seeks recovery in a seaside cottage.

A temple slave tends a man due to be sacrificed.

A soldier releases a genie.

In seven fantasy short stories and novellas, men find passion with other men in the most unexpected places, and even the gravest circumstances may open the door to hope and love.

This anthology includes two brand-new short stories. In “The Sacrifice,” Rylo is a temple slave tasked with comforting a man who is scheduled to be killed in the morning. In “Chasing Away Cold,” Daku builds an ice sculpture of the god Jarli in order to ensure the end of winter. The collection also includes three novellas and two additional short stories, gathered for the first time in a single volume. “Treasure” introduces Jules, a young man who travels to the quirky seaside town of Urchin Cove to regain his health—and finds an unexpected treasure washed up on the beach. Xolani, a soldier in “Three Wishes,” picks up a small glass bottle and unleashes a surprise. Another soldier, Volos in “Guarded,” will risk everything to save Prince Berhanu. In the sequel, “Mato’s Tale,” an unassuming innkeeper gets a chance for adventure. And in “The Downs,” Enitan is unjustly banished and comes to discover that the demons he must face aren’t the ones he expected.

Join Kim Fielding on journeys through imagined worlds where magic is commonplace and romance lies just around the next bend. All royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontiers.

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Available now for preorder from Amazon. Releases November 27.

http://www.amazon.com/Sacrifice-Other-Stories-Kim-Fielding-ebook/dp/B0180W71RY/

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Kim Fielding is the bestselling author of numerous m/m romance novels, novellas, and short stories. Like Kim herself, her work is eclectic, spanning genres such as contemporary, fantasy, paranormal, and historical. Her stories are set in alternate worlds, in 15th century Bosnia, in modern-day Oregon. Her heroes are hipster architect werewolves, housekeepers, maimed giants, and conflicted graduate students. They’re usually flawed, they often encounter terrible obstacles, but they always find love.

After having migrated back and forth across the western two-thirds of the United States, Kim calls the boring part of California home. She lives there with her husband, her two daughters, and her day job as a university professor, but escapes as often as possible via car, train, plane, or boat. This may explain why her characters often seem to be in transit as well. She dreams of traveling and writing full-time.

You can find Kim

On her blog:  http://www.kfieldingwrites.com/

On Facebook: http://facebook.com/KFieldingWrites

On Twitter: @KFieldingWrites

Or via email: kim@KFieldingWrites.com

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For more on Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontiers or to donate directly to them: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

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Excerpt (from “Chasing Away Cold”):

She knelt, scooped a handful of snow, and stood to hold it before her. “This is nothing special—simply water that has frozen and melted and frozen again. But sometimes something very important may come from nothing at all. It depends on the heart of the maker.” She dropped the snow and pressed her hand against Daku’s chest. “The contents of a heart can change everything.”

Although he didn’t understand, he nodded. Then he gave her the cup and turned to complete the ice man.

He took particular care over the face: a narrow chin and broad cheekbones, far-set eyes with a slight downward tilt at the outside, a strong nose, and lips stretched in a wide smile. The ice man’s hair was straight, falling well below his shoulders.

“You’ve made him beautiful,” Yalamay said. Daku couldn’t say whether she’d gone and returned or had been standing there the entire time.

“He is beautiful. I only… I only tried to show that.”

Yalamay nodded as if this made perfect sense. “I knew you were the right one for this.”

Aside from Daku’s mother, people rarely praised him, and Yalamay was always sparing with her commendations. Daku should have preened under her rare words. But he was too preoccupied with what he had created. The ice man looked so real, so joyful. And in a few short hours he would be destroyed.

Daku swallowed with difficulty, but he managed a small smile when Yalamay patted his back. “Thank you for letting me do this,” he said.

“I won’t always be here, my boy. And none in the tribe but you could make Jarli so well.”

“Don’t go!” Daku cried, as if she could somehow stop death.

She chuckled. “I am pleased to be appreciated. But Daku, everything changes eventually. Winter becomes spring becomes summer becomes autumn becomes winter. Youngsters grow old and babies are born. Even hard stone is worn away”—she gestured at the rock on which the ice man stood—“but new plants grow.” She gestured toward the forest. “Someday this world will see changes that are so far beyond the tribe’s dreaming. But a few things remain unaltered. Do you know what those things are?”

“The gods?”

Her laughter startled a nearby crow from its branch. “Oh no, my boy. Gods and goddesses change too. More slowly than humans, perhaps, but no less inevitably. But the world contains magics even more powerful than gods, and the strength of those magics never changes. What are they?”

At first his mind was as blank as a fresh layer of snow. But Yalamay looked at him expectantly, and Daku remembered the conversation he’d had with his mother earlier in the day. “Love and courage.”

“Very good! There are others too, but I think those are an excellent start.”

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sexy Tentacled Alien...Oh Yeah!

Nighttime Promises by M.A. Church

M.A. Church writes the sexiest aliens around. I just love this cover and excerpt! The book is every bit as fun as it looks! :) Give it a look and read what Ms. Church has to say about whether or not humans are alone in the universe. (Personally, I hope we are!)

Buy Link: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-nighttimepromises-1908642-340.html

NOTE: This is a previously published work. The title, author, and/or publisher may have changed.

Book Description:

When you wish upon a star… it comes true in ways you never expected.

Things have gone downhill since Sheriff Bryan Coltrane got involved in the FBI’s investigation of a recent UFO crash. Not only is a homophobic agent pushing his buttons, but he’s made contact with one of the aliens…who wants him for a mate!

Daroshi, a warrior with tentacles from the planet Maz’Rar, monitored the rescue of his captain, Ziang. Impressed by the courageous and brawny human male, he wants Bryan for his own despite knowing little about the race. Neither man is prepared for the problems arising from Daroshi’s desires, or the passion exploding between them.

What’s an alien to do when his mate harps on his civil rights and makes demands? He makes the wishes come true.

Excerpt:

“Morning, Agent. Why don’t you have a seat and tell me what can I do for you?”

“I need a list of everyone that owns an ATV.”

Bryan snorted. “Are you kidding me?”

“I never—as you say—kid.”

No kidding. “You’d do better to ask me to find the proverbial needle in the haystack. This is the South. Have you looked around? Nearly every man, woman, and child in these parts own ATVs, myself included.”

“But do you own a yellow one? A very old, beat-up, monster-sized one? Can you tell me who has a four-wheeler like that?”

Bryan’s guts clenched as a burning sensation started. “No, mine isn’t yellow. You want to tell me why you need this information?”

S.A. Jacob stood up and shut the door to Bryan’s office. “We had an incident last night at the site.”

* * * *

Are we alone in the universe?

One of the most widely asked questions you’ll hear today is “are we alone in the universe?” News flash, folks—you’re in the minority if you believe no intelligent life exists in the universe.

In the US alone, at least half of all Americans believe we’re not alone. Many staunchly believe there’s some form of life on other planets. Even more say intelligent extraterrestrials have already come to Earth and have been doing so for some time. 

Why do these people feel this way? Well, there are multiple reasons why the extraterrestrial question continues to gain popularity. Here are just a few:

1. The Size of the Universe

Counting the stars in the universe is like trying to count the number of sand grains on a beach… it’s just not possible. Although estimates vary among different experts, the general consensus is that there are at least between 100 billion and 200 billion galaxies in our universe. Now, think about that for a moment. That’s a lot of uncharted territory.

2. Whistle Blowers

The past few years have seen a surge of whistle-blowers who have come out and said some remarkable things. The reality is hundreds of whistle-blowers who have come forward have verified credentials and backgrounds.

3. The Evidence of UFOs

Within the past few years, dozens of governments admitted to allocating resources and having programs to study the UFO phenomenon. 

4. Mass Mainstream Media Attention

Media outlets of all kind are covering the topic, almost every movie that comes out these days has something to do with space or some kind of extraterrestrial intelligence. We’ve been bombarded with the topic for a while now, so it’s not hard to see how it’s on the minds of many.

These are just a few things to think about. So, what do you think? Are we alone in the universe? Bryan and Shawn would tell you—quite loudly, actually—that no, we are not, lol. So what in the world possessed me to write a story about tentacles? *laugh* Originally the idea came from an anthology submission. While I’d written sci-fi before, tentacles was a new one for me.

Most of those stories I’d read were dark and edging on toward scary. So I decided to do something different. My alien does indeed have tentacles, but they look more like dreads and are on his head. On the males of the species, they’re part of his reproduction system. So, yes, the tentacles like to come out and play. *wink *

I didn’t make the 25K word count cut off. Not only did I not make it, the story ended up close to 90K! It ended up with not one, but two, humans and several tentacled alien warriors. What can I say? They all had a story to tell.

It didn’t take long to see that while the alien’s tentacles were very much a part of the story, the books themselves didn’t revolve around just that. I actually ended up devoting a lot of time to world building. The series starts on earth and then ends up in outer space—on the alien’s planet!

About the Author:

M.A. Church is a true Southern belle who spent many years in the elementary education sector. Now she spends her days lost in fantasy worlds, arguing with hardheaded aliens on far-off planets, herding her numerous shifters, or trying to tempt her country boys away from their fishing poles. It’s a full time job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!

When not writing, she’s exploring the latest M/M novel to hit the market, watching her beloved Steelers, or sitting glued to HGTV. That’s if she’s not on the back porch tending to the demanding wildlife around the pond in the backyard. The ducks are very outspoken. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two children. She was a finalist in the Rainbow awards for 2013.

For more information on other books by M.A., visit her official website: www.machurch00.blogspot.com

Social Media links:

Blog * Twitter * Facebook * The Harvest FB fan page * Goodreads * Amazon

There is a tour giveaway too:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba112ffc1213

Signs of Desire Cover Reveal

When a night out turns into a matchmaking scheme, they thought communication would be their biggest challenge to their happily ever after....

Signs of Desireby Tempeste O’RileyDesires Entwined, #4M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance Publisher: Dreamspinner PressCover Artist: Reese DanteRelease Date: November 30, 2014 (ebook/print)Length: Novel / 200 pagesPreOrder:

♥ ♥ ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ ♥ ♥

Add to: Goodreads

Simon Tyler knows his job as a gay romance author makes his lack of faith in love more than a little ironic, but he’s tired of being used for his wallet. When a night out turns into a matchmaking scheme orchestrated by his best friends—though he’s not the target—Simon’s not thrilled, but since he’s sworn off happily-ever-after anyway, he goes along with it… until he meets the object of their efforts, Adrian, and finds perhaps he hasn’t given up on love after all.

Professor Adrian Keys has tried to date hearing men before, but being deaf himself, he’s never had any success at making a connection. After his friends con him into going out and Adrian realizes it’s all an elaborate plan to set him up, he braces for yet another failure, only to discover there is a spark—except it’s not with the man his friends had in mind, but with Simon Tyler instead.

Not all their friends have found a way past their romantic failures, but Simon and Adrian might be on the path to happily-ever-after.

They all debated what to eat and chatted for a little, Adrian mostly staying quiet and watching the others. He noticed one of the other men seemed just as out of it as he was, the one Chase had called Grayson. He was handsome, tall, and powerful like Rhys, but he had long black hair, deeply tanned skin, and light brown eyes that were almost amber. He was a little thinner than Chase’s partner, though just as intimidating a presence.

The other man who caught his attention was named Simon. Adrian knew a little more about him because Chase spoke of his closest friends often, and Adrian loved meeting Chase’s friends even if the outing was nerve-racking. Simon had light brown hair, big puppy brown eyes, and a slender body. The longer Adrian looked, the more he wondered how Simon would look when dressed in something a little less bulky.

A tap to his shoulder pulled Adrian out of his musings. He turned and realized the server was back with their dinners and blushed at how entranced he’d been. 

He didn’t usually stare, hating when others did that to him. “Sorry.”

“No sorrys.” Chase hugged Adrian, then dug into his bowl of chicken and dumplings.

Simon waved to get Adrian’s attention and smiled when he looked up from his country-fried steak and mashed potatoes with white gravy. “Chase said you were his teacher before and are now a friend.” Adrian nodded. “How’d he convince you to go out with his skinny butt?”

Heat infused Adrian’s face as he laughed. “Chase was very sweet and asked nicely.”

“I love your laugh, by the way. It’s deep like your voice, kind of carefree.” Simon looked slightly sad. Adrian knew he’d had a hard time lately. Chase said he’d been cheated on a year ago and had refused to date since. Adrian knew the feeling, though he pushed the thought away, hoping not to dwell on why he was alone.

He ducked his head slightly. “Thanks? I don’t know how anyone sounds, even myself, so it’s always weird to get comments like that.”

“I said the same when we went out,” Chase commented. “But don’t let him fool you. He’s an excellent teacher and speaks in all his classes. He knows his voice is good.”

“No, I know it’s clear enough for you to understand. That’s something I work hard to make true, but I have never heard my voice, so I have no idea how I sound. And well.... Chase was the first person to ever say something like that.”

He worked regularly with various computer programs to improve and maintain his speech, knowing if he didn’t it could cost him his position at the college. He had always struggled to make sure he spoke well for Hearing people, considering his family’s opinion of his Deafness. His dad knew sign

language, but his mom refused to learn, insisting he learn to be “normal.” Adrian had always thought that was extremely unfair, especially as a child. Considering his hatred of being dependent on others for his communication, he was thankful he could read lips and speak as well as he did.

“Then you know the wrong people, ’cause he’s right.” Simon nodded to emphasize his point, confusing Adrian more. Why would he be so determined with his compliments?

Shrugging off his curiosity, Adrian tried to push past the topic. “What do you do?”

Simon’s eyes tightened at the edges slightly, his shoulders drooping a little more. “I’m a writer.”

“He’s a romance author, and a damn good one,” Jamie, or James as he knew the guy’s actual name was, said. Chase talked about his best friend often, though this was the first they’d met. “Don’t let him talk down about what he does.”

“James, hush. He’s not interested in what kind of writing I do.”

“Yes, I am. I love to read. Would I know any of your work?” Adrian didn’t have a large collection of romances, but he had read some. He couldn’t think of any authors named Simon, though.

“You’re an author?” Grayson asked, turning to join their conversation.

The nod seemed reluctant, but the smile on Simon’s face, while small, looked genuine. “Yeah, I write under the name Tyler Jacobs, a pseudonym, but I have a few books out. But, um, I thought we were trying to get to know Adrian and Grayson, not more about boring ol’ me.”

   

“I found it a beautiful tale of unhappiness changed to romance and then love with a happy ending.”

—Rainbow Book Reviews, on “Designs of Desire”

“Designs of Desire is a tough realistic book that is touched by violence countered by the growing love between the two heroes.”

—Sensual Reads, on “Designs of Desire”

“It’s a great book to fall into and enjoy some really good characters.”

—Love Bytes, on “Desires’ Guardian”

“This is my favorite in this series so far. I love seeing how these characters are growing, all of them. As individuals, as couples, as friends, and as a family.”

—MM Good Book Reviews, on “Desires’ Guardian”

“The writer did an excellent job with the characters, they are likable and perfect. Not perfect in the way that they have no flaws, but in a way that they grab you and complement each other.”

—Love Bytes Reviews, on “Temptations of Desire”

Designs of Desire – Simple Desires*+ – Bound by Desire* – Desires’ Guardian – Temptations of Desire – Truth in Lace* – Desires’ Pride*

Micah’s Medicine+ – Caged Sanctuary – Whiskers of a Chance

*shorts in series +shorts in anthologies

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what they couldn’t—defy the hate and come out. He has been their hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic who loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, they has done many things in their life, yet writing has always drawn them back—no matter what else life has thrown their way. They counts her friends, family, and Muse as their greatest blessings in life. They lives in Wisconsin with their children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America^®, WisRWA, and Rainbow Romance Writers. Tempe’s preferred pronouns are they/them/their/theirs/themselves. To learn more about Tempeste and their writing, visit http://tempesteoriley.com.

Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog

Adored Release Party and Giveaway

Adored is released and to celebrate I’m holding a special giveaway. All you need to do to enter is tell me your pet peeve about pregnancy. It can be anything: maybe pregnant people annoy you; maybe when you’re pregnant other people annoy you; maybe your pet peeve is that’s it’s impossible to find real honest-to-goodness strawberry shortcake at 1 a.m. during a blizzard in January. Go to town.

Why pregnancy? Because in this het romance—a sequel to Captive Heart and Dangerous Beauty—the heroine, the Uttoran princess Adora, is eight months with child. The villain who got her that way is no longer in the picture—that’s the good news—but now she’s wishing for a bit of romance in her life. Can a pregnant princess find love?

You can weigh in on that question too, if you want to. J  As with all books in the Uttor series, this one can be read as a standalone.

My sweet old poodle and I will draw a winner this coming Wednesday, October 28 from the comments to receive an ebook copy of Adored.

Here’s ye olde blurb:

It takes true strength to overcome tragedy and survive.

Adora Leonnte, sister to the Uttoran emperor, endured a year trapped in a nightmarish forced marriage to a Sebboyan prince driven by a sinister prophecy to take her against her will. The war that followed destroyed the small country, but she emerges unbroken…if not unscathed. Safe again in Uttor, she vows to put the horrors she faced behind her and once again become the fearless young woman she was before her abduction.

As fate would have it, her hated kidnapper left her carrying his child, and that is a condition even she cannot wish away. Adora’s enduring hope for romance fades until a blue-eyed, self-possessed foreigner walks back into her life and reawakens feelings promising the erotic delights of which she’s always dreamed.

Vallmer Berringen, the handsome and devout prince of a country allied with conquered Sebboy, has come to Uttor for two reasons: to secure the treaty that will give his country a much needed alliance, and to fulfill his father’s orders to use the occasion to find a suitable bride. Captivated by Adora’s intelligence and courage, Vallmer is torn by the fact she is both pregnant and pagan. Her infamous reputation taints Adora, a woman that a man of his position and faith should never be tempted to woo.

Can he reconcile his vision for his country with his passion for a woman whose spirit sets his blood on fire—but for whom kingdoms have gone to war?

* * * *

The book is available today at Resplendence Publishing and Amazon. Now available at AllRomanceebooks, too!

Thanks for hanging with me!

Adored to be Released Next Week

Adored, the third book in the Pride of Uttor series, will be released next week by Resplendence! This is the book with my pregnant heroine. After all, pregnancy doesn’t put a stop to desire…or love. It just gets in the way.

First off, isn’t this a gorgeous cover? I love the rich colors. The world of Uttor is vibrant and passionate. So is Adora, a woman who, pregnant or not, is determined to set her own course in life. I think the cover conveys that—at least I hope so!

Blurb:

It takes true strength to overcome tragedy and survive.

Adora Leonnte, sister to the Uttoran emperor, endured a year trapped in a nightmarish forced marriage to a Sebboyan prince driven by a sinister prophecy to take her against her will. The war that followed destroyed the small country, but she emerges unbroken…if not unscathed. Safe again in Uttor, she vows to put the horrors she faced behind her and once again become the fearless young woman she was before her abduction.

As fate would have it, her hated kidnapper left her carrying his child, and that is a condition even she cannot wish away. Adora’s enduring hope for romance fades until a blue-eyed, self-possessed foreigner walks back into her life and reawakens feelings promising the erotic delights of which she’s always dreamed.

Vallmer Berringen, the handsome and devout prince of a country allied with conquered Sebboy, has come to Uttor for two reasons: to secure the treaty that will give his country a much needed alliance, and to fulfill his father’s orders to use the occasion to find a suitable bride. Captivated by Adora’s intelligence and courage, Vallmer is torn by the fact she is both pregnant and pagan. Her infamous reputation taints Adora, a woman that a man of his position and faith should never be tempted to woo.

Can he reconcile his vision for his country with his passion for a woman whose spirit sets his blood on fire—but for whom kingdoms have gone to war?

* * * *

The next book in the series, Victory Portrait, will tell the story of enslaved royal Peta Kordeun and the triumphant Uttoran general Darius Arrento, who falls for the beautiful captive when ordered by his emperor to sit for an infamous artist….

My Sexy Saturday: Adored

Here’s another sexy mini-excerpt from my next release, Adored. The book is scheduled for October 21st.

Adored is a MF romance and third book in the Pride of Uttor series. Adora Leonnte, the stolen princess rescued in the first book, Captive Heart, is the kind of woman who knows what she wants, as seen in this snippet where hunky prince Vallmer has just given Adora an amber necklace—and she decides to show it off.

* * * *

Adora raised her hands to her shoulder to undo the pin of her gown, then did the same for the other shoulder. The released fabric fell to her waist, where it was stopped by her girdle of gold. It would be a loss, really, if Vallmer should leave Uttor without having ever seen her breasts. They were her best feature, after all. She watched with satisfaction as his mouth fell open and his pupils widened. 

“By the prayers of all the Prophets—”

“Tell me the necklace doesn’t look even better like this.”

His gaze told her it did. The amber beads flowed like droplets of honey over her skin and dipped in a trail of fire between her full breasts. Her nipples stood erect with an excitement any man would notice. 

“Now you,” she said. Her own breathing had quickened. She was taking an enormous risk. As a rule, men who followed the Koth faith frowned on bold women… but if she did nothing and simply allowed Vallmer to be proper, she might never experience more than a kiss from her handsome suitor.

“Me?” 

“I would like very much to see more of you also.”

* * * *

My Sexy Saturday is a blog hop, so check out the other authors below for more sexy snippets.

My Sexy Saturday: Adored

Back! I’ve been a bit scarce of late while juggling an onslaught of family events, vacations, a cruise, and, yes, deadlines. Because last year’s health problems set me back on my heels I now owe my publishers a slew of books. The first of those books is being released this month on October 21^st. 

Adored is the next in the Pride of Uttor series and is a MF romance. Adora Leonnte, the stolen princess rescued in the first book, Captive Heart, has set her sights on Vallmer, a brooding prince who has come to Uttor to procure a wife. If he would just look past her pregnant belly and fiercely protective brother, he might notice Adora is the perfect match.

In this snippet, Adora has just asked Vallmer to kiss her.

* * * *

His eyes widened. “What did you say?”

“You heard me. Kiss me.” She twined her fingers behind his head. His thick golden hair filled her hands and her bound breasts pressed against his body as she drew his lips to hers. Sweet, so sweet…warm and open—and eager to join the hunt. He might be confused, but he was willing, and the kiss he gave her was in no way proper.

With a deep groan, Vallmer pulled her close. His lips explored hers savagely, caressing the upper and then the lower before claiming them both. Wanting to know his taste, she opened for him and savored how his tongue swept hers. He too was hungry and she returned his probing caress for as long as they both had breath. When they parted, he stared down at her. His deep, rapid breaths pushed against her body.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the first day you came to my house,” she confessed.

“Perhaps you should have.” His lips curved disarmingly into a grin and he held her just as tightly as before. “Because now I can tell you I have been tormented for months by impure thoughts regarding a wild-haired princess from Iniga—though I did not dream of kissing her outside of dreams until she looked deep into my eyes on a balcony beside the sea.”

“I dressed for you that night. I wore a gown that displayed my bosom.”

“Yes, you did.” His gazed wandered back to her breasts, his thoughts quite naked for her to see. “And I see you’ve done it again.”

* * * *

 If you enjoyed this snippet, just click below to find more sexy bits from the other authors in this hop.

Lex Chase, Bayou Fairy Tales, and a GIVEAWAY!

One of my very favorite authors is visiting today! Lex Chase writes amazing fantasy, and to celebrate the release of her new book this month, she is having an amazing GIVEAWAY. Her blurb and excerpt (from a different book) already have me hooked.  Check out giveaway details at the end and be sure to comment to enter.
Hello everyone! I'm Lex Chase and I want to thank Tali Spencer for having me here today to kick off the Bayou Fairy Tale Blog Tour! Bayou is the sequel to Americana Fairy Tale and tells the tale of fuck-up fairy tale princess dude Taylor Hatfield and his true love a jackass redneck huntsman by the name of Corentin Devereaux. After they saved the world once, their quiet retired life is interrupted when destiny comes knocking. Rude. It's up to Taylor and Corentin to save Enchants and mundanes from the machinations of one apple turned rotten to the core.

 Tali asked me to share a snippet of my latest WIP which, problem as I'm currently working on Urban Fairy Tale, the final book in The Screw-Up Princess and Skillful Huntsman series. And everywhere you look it's spoilers all over the freaking place.


Yeah. It's like that. So instead, I'm sharing a snippet of one of my DSP Publications releases coming in 2017 called Grow. It's a post-apocalyptic tale of after humanity as we know it goes extinct and a new race evolves called blooms. One curious bloom named Iris defies the law as he tries to uncover the ancient history of a creature once called "man." Enjoy!

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Grow by Lex Chase

Coming 2017 from DSP Publications

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Iris stared at the markings on the pages. None of them made a damn bit of sense as they had said. He had been at it for hours. If anyone caught him after lights out with contraband, there would be a swift, severe punishment. Execution even. Torture if he was lucky.

 He compared the symbols one more time to the thick cover with the blue, fluffy lop-eared creature and the fuzzy orange one with pointy ears.

 He put his finger on the blue one and rubbed over the worn, stained fibers. He tried to sound it out.

 “Dooooawg,” he said and tried his luck with the orange thing. “Caaaat-tuh.”

Maybe? he thought. Was that close?

 No one could know he could read.

A flicker of torchlight flittered through the crawl space grate and Iris slinked away into the back corner. He smashed himself to the wet, rusty walls and held his breath.

Footsteps paused before the grate. Beads of sweat flushed across Iris’s forehead.

His pen lay just outside the grate in plain view.

Fuck! The pen! The pen! They’d take his fingers for having the ancient item.

He closed his eyes. “Don’t look down,” he whispered. “Don’t look down.”

The night watchman turned away, and Iris relaxed. Relieved.

Until the man’s foot crunched on the plastic casing of the pen.

Shit. The man jerked back at the unusual sound, hunting in a panic for the offending source.

Iris scrambled out of the hidden entrance to the crawl space. He had to get away. Sneaking around the corner, Iris crashed chest to chest with the night watchman. Both stumbled back then Iris immediately snapped to attention. Swallowing hard, he cast a discreet glance to the man’s insignia badge. He internally groaned at the image of a wasp.

“What are you doing up in the dark, Harvester?” Wasp asked, narrowing his eyes.

Iris kept his eyes forward. “I have reason to believe I have discovered contraband, sir.”

Wasp frowned. “How so?” he held up the pen. “This strange stick?”

“Yes, sir,” Iris said. “I have examined it. I have found it can make marks.”

Wasp held it up to the torchlight and squinted at the yellow barrel. “Make marks? Like in clay and sand?”

“No, sir,” Iris said. “On hard surfaces. Where no marks can be made without tools.”

Wasp gasped, stumbling in shock. “Hard surfaces?” He handed it back quickly.

Iris hoped that would be the end of it and Wasp would continue on his way. Simply tell him to return to his quarters and wait for light time.

“Show me,” Wasp commanded.

Iris’s heart hammered. If he didn’t he’d raise too much suspicion and Wasp would report back to his hive. He nodded and held the pen in one hand and held out his opposite palm.

“Watch,” Iris said softly. He steadied his breathing as he made a squiggle in purple ink across the meat of his thumb.

Wasp slapped a hand to his mouth to hold in a strangled gasp. “Where did you find this?”

“Amaryllis,” Iris lied. “When we had harvested the Sis-Stems, he had taken it for himself.” It wasn’t a complete lie. One of the Sis-Stems had bartered with him during her relocation. She had given him what she called a book and the pen in exchange to be planted in the north. She had been the one to show him how to use the pen.

“Amaryllis?” Wasp repeated the name. “I’ve never heard of him.”

Iris kept his expression even. “He came from the grove beyond to assist in the mass harvest after the flood. He has since returned to his grove.” The grove beyond was a good enough excuse. That place remained a mystery to most since it was nearly impossible to get to over Gaia’s blood. Or as the Sis-Stem had told him was once called the ocean.

“Interesting.” Wasp said. His tone indicated disbelief. He stepped in closer to Iris’s personal space. Iris winced from the closeness and his metallic scent. “Tell me, Harvester. Who are you protecting?”

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Oh yeah. What is up with that? Now I know Tali loves her sci-fi and fantasy like burning. (Omg Thick as Ice you guys. Thick as Ice!) But you guys share with me what is one of your favorite sci-fi films and why? I need something for my Netflix queue!

 Leave a comment and don't forget to record your entry on the giveaway widget!

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Genre: Urban Fantasy Fairy Tale Series: The Screw-Up Princess and Skillful Huntsman Trilogy: Book Two (A Fairy Tales of the Open Road Novel) Length: Novel Published: October 19, 2015 Publisher: Dreamspinner Press ISBN: 978-1-62798-499-7 Buy: Paperback or eBook

Blurb: Modern day fairy tale princess Taylor Hatfield has problems. One: he’s a guy. Two: he’s Sleeping Beauty, the most useless princess in existence. Throw in his true love, Corentin Devereaux, a huntsman descended from child-eating witches, and Taylor’s younger brother, Atticus—this generation’s Snow White—who tried to kill him. That didn’t go so hot.

For two years, Taylor and Corentin live their Happily Ever After. But Corentin’s cursed to lose his memory every seven days, including his life with Taylor—a painful reminder that he can’t provide for the man he loves. Taylor insists Corentin has the strength to succeed, and when Taylor discovers a way to break the curse, he is more than willing to pay the cost.

When an enchanted blizzard devastates Corentin’s hometown of New Orleans, Taylor is convinced Atticus is to blame and grows desperate to find him amidst the Big Easy turned frozen wasteland. Corentin believes Taylor is chasing a ghost while he chases the ghosts of his own past. Old tensions scratch open scars, leaving both to wonder if they have each other’s best interests at heart. The clock is ticking until Corentin loses his memory, and the rabbit hole goes so deep they may never come out.

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About the Author:

Lex Chase once heard Stephen King say in a commercial, “We’re all going to die, I’m just trying to make it a little more interesting.”

Now, she’s on a mission to make the world a hell of a lot more interesting. Weaving tales of cinematic, sweeping adventure—and depending on how she feels that day—Lex sprinkles in high-speed chases, shower scenes, and more explosions than a Hollywood blockbuster. Her pride is in telling stories of men who kiss as much as they kick ass. If you’re going to march into the depths of hell, it better be beside the one you love.

Lex is a pop culture diva, her DVR is constantly backlogged, and unapologetically loved the ending of Lost. She wouldn’t last five minutes without technology in the event of the apocalypse and has nightmares about refusing to leave her cats behind. She is grateful for and humbled by all the readers. She knows very well she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them and welcomes feedback.

 You can find in the Intarwebz here:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LXChase
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Lex_Chase
Tumblr: http://lexiconofkittens.tumblr.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lexachase
Site: http://lexchase.com

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 I'm having a Down on the Bayou Giveaway where one lucky winner will walk away with a magical fairy tale prize pack! From Corentin's mini journal, to a delicious bottle of Disney's Snow White perfume, Lex Chase swag annnndddd.... [caption id="attachment_2769" align="aligncenter" width="300"]

This lovely necklace![/caption]

US residents only please, but for International residents, you'll get a lovely 20 dollar Amazon Gift Card!

Don't forget about the multiple ways to enter! Not only do you need to comment, you can tweet! Use the hashtag #BayouFairyTale! Or enter via Instagram!

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Bayou Fairy Tale Tour Stops:

10/1 - Tali Spencer 10/3 - The Novel Approach 10/5 - Gay List Book Reviews 10/6 - Bru Baker 10/7 - Charlie Cochet's Purple Rose Teahouse 10/8 - Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance 10/10 - Aidee Ladnier 10/13 - Prism Book Alliance 10/15 - C.S. Poe 10/16 - Joyfully Jay 10/17 - Bayou Fairy Tale Facebook Chat 10/19 - Bayou Fairy Tale Release Day!