Hi All! Today we have both the Foolish Encounters Blog Tour with a conversation between Sissal Naganos, the cobra shifter diplomat from "A Message from the Home Office," and Captain Spencer of the interplanetary transport Nutcracker, from "The Nut Job" and a Story Time excerpt from A Message from the Home Office. There are TONS of prizes with this blog tour, so don't forget the Rafflecopter at the end!

This conversation between Spencer and Sissal takes place after the events of The Nut Job and A Message from the Home Office. (Both stories are in the Foolish Encounters anthology.) **HERE BE SMALL SPOILERS** We join our principles in Sissal's office on the Yervath home world:

Spencer: *peeks in doorway, holding bottle of nice Scotch* Are you sure it's safe to come in?

Sissal: *looks up from his screen* That depends. Does that Scotch come with an apology?

Spencer: Yes? It all turned out well, didn't it? If I had known neurotic pipsqueaks were your thing.....wait *looks at self in glass* Let's not go down that road. *coughs* Yes. I apologize. *holds out bottle*

Sissal: *shakes head with a chuckle and lets Spencer pour a glass* Richard is not a neurotic...well, he's not a pipsqueak...oh, screw it. He may be those things, but there's more to the little guy, you know.

Spencer: *side eyes Sissal* I'm not sure I believe you. *hands over tumbler, pours for self* But you're not dumb so I'll take you at your word, ole pal.

Sissal: *takes a sniff and a sip* Ah, that's lovely. Very smooth. He's not my usual type, I know. But those little horns are adorable. And he does have other...assets. I hear you had an...interesting last run?

Spencer: Assets? Hmmm. I see. Ah. Yes. *cringes* The nut job. Yes. We ran into some interesting characters. A Sasquatch hunter was waiting for us. *sighs* Humans.

Sissal: How awful! I know humans can have strange reactions to things, but running into the dangerous ones is a rare thing. Bikkas all right, then?

Spencer: If you say so. *tail twitches, takes a sip of drink* He survived. Thanks for asking. Raijin helped us escape. I hear you're finally in the clear yourself. It will be good to have you back in the quadrant, though I do not envy your replacement.

Sissal: *shrugs and sips* It's usually a short-term posting. Usually. Unless the Home Office has found someone else they need to exile. Why didn't you come to me for help if you were having trouble? You know that's what the OIL is for planetside.

Spencer: Yes. Well, we *ahem* had some complications getting back to the ship, so we weren't able to call for help. Also, I wasn't sure if you would eat me or not. Rccred had only been there a couple days…

Sissal: Hmm, yes. At that point, it was probably a wise decision. Mithuanaen probably would've looked like a tasty snack those first few days. And yes, even I get angry once in a while.

Spencer: *points paw, shakes* See, it wasn't just us! Did you know Rccred tried to take my chair? Did he tell you that? *looks at door*

Sissal: *sputters, trying not to chuckle* Did he? Was it a regulation issue or a construction spec issue?

Spencer: *crosses paws* Yes.

Sissal: *loses battle and laughs* Oh...I'm sorry. I know how you feel about your chair. But it is a little over the top, you know. More like a throne than a Captain's chair.

Spencer: *narrows eyes* Your point? It is my ship. But if Rccred has gotten in with you... Has he loosened up? I'm not sure I can handle him on my ship again, Sis. Not if he goes after my chair. Though Raijin might be able to do something about Rccred. Hmmm. Yes.

Sissal: *frowns at his scotch* He was under a lot of stress, Spence. Lots of things you didn't know. Probably would've been dangerous for you if you did. It's all over now, though. He's much better these days. And if he were on your ship, I'd be with him, you know.

Spencer: All right. I can accept that. I am glad he managed to clear you of those bogus charges. It's about aywath time. *taps claw against table* I suppose you could always carry him away if he breaks out his level again.

Sissal: *snickers* Yes. We've had a talk about the level. And the photometer.

Spencer: Excellent. *claps paws together* Did I tell you about the chair I made for Raijin? He looks so pretty in it. The platinum reflects his black pelt nicely.

Sissal: Did you? I need to meet this Raijin of yours. Did you register him? Are you certain he understands what all this means, being your, ah, pet? I'd hate to think any of this was done without his full consent.

Spencer: *picks at something on jacket* He's registered. All paperwork filled out, signed, and completed. He was conscious when he consented. Yep.

Sissal: *raises eyebrow* Spence, you know that's not right. I won't intervene unless I have to, but you need to make sure everything's on the up and up here.

Spencer: *sniffs, tail twitches* Raijin says he likes his chair. *waves paw* It's a leaf. It's made to look like a weed he likes to smoke. There's a PVS and a lighter. I put controls on it because he thought there should be some. We pretend they work for his sake. The chair even has a sucking machine he calls Hookah he enjoys, though I'm not sure what purpose it has quite yet. It relaxes my human, though.

Sissal: *gapes for a moment* Raijin smokes... Spence, is your new human, ah, rather calm most of the time?

Spencer: Hmmm. Yes. Yes he is. Quite complacent. I get to pet him lots. He grows his weeds too, in the greenery. It makes him happy.

Sissal: *rubs hand over face* Well, ah, hmm. I suppose there are more problematic human types to pick up than a pothead.

Spencer: *sips Scotch* His head is no pot, Sis. I assure you it has the matted fur of an Imaldian. Bikkas thinks some of their genes may be expressing themselves again.

Sissal: *nods and decides not to explain* I've wondered that myself about humans. You know...we have to visit Richard's mother tomorrow. Do you think I can borrow some of Raijin's, ah, plant matter? It may prevent Richard from having an aneurysm.

Spencer: *Smiles* Oh yes. Raijin has made himself quite an enterprise, but for a friend he is more than happy to share. He also grows "Shrooms." Would you like some of those as well? *sips on scotch, tail twitches* I really don't understand why one would eat a fungus.

Sissal: *shaking head and chuckling* Oh, Spence, you need to learn more about humans. And you also need to be careful the bio-matter regulators don't get wind of some of this. Especially if he's selling.

Spencer: *Ears perk* Ah. Really? Hm. I shall investigate, but I do prefer my human happy. I will make sure he, uh, stays out of trouble. I finally have the Pecan harvesting site. I don't want to lose that.

Sissal: *pats Spencer's arm and holds out glass for more scotch* Good. Congratulations on the pecans. And let me know if you run into any bureaucratic issues. I may be retiring from the service, but I do know people still. *winks*

Spencer: *pours scotch* Yes. Yes, I will. Congratulations again! I will miss you, but you've earned it, Siss. Are you going to follow Rccred?

Sissal: I will. We're to be officially mated in a few weeks. Pending his mother's approval. Or even without her approval. We're both adults.

Spencer: *eyes gleam* Is there to be a ceremony?

Sissal: Of course. Probably something big and flashy if mother likes me. Or small and intimate if she doesn't *laughs*

Spencer: *laughs* The boys and I will be there. May I offer the happy couple food and refreshments for the ceremony as their mating gift?

Sissal: I'd be honored if you did. Thank you, Spence. That's very generous.

Spencer: *raises tumbler* You’re welcome. To old friends.

Sissal: *clinks glasses* And new adventures.

Spencer: *sips* New adventures.

Foolish Encounters: A Rainbow Gold Anthology
Wilde City
Amazon
All Romance
Amy Lane, Angel Martinez, Elin Gregory, Freddy MacKay, JC Wallace, Tali Spencer & Tinnean

Cover Artist: Adrian Nicholas

Release Date: April 1, 2015

Blurb:

An accident, a chance encounter, a thought blurted out, a boat blown off course, a change in direction that suddenly runs into the line of fire – the smallest misstep can change everything. These foolish encounters are the moments around which lives pivot and sometimes spin out of control. Join us for tales of imprudent choices and bad decisions that can lead just as easily to hilarity as they can to tragedy.

About the authors:

Amy Lane

Amy Lane has two kids in college and two kids in soccer, and four fur-babies up in her business as she writes. She, her Mate, and her brood live in a crumbling crap mansion and squander their funds on movies, travel, and joy.

 

Angel Martinez

 

While Angel Martinez is the erotic fiction pen name of a writer of several genres, she writes both kinds of gay romance – Science Fiction and Fantasy. Currently living part time in the hectic sprawl of northern Delaware, (and full time inside the author's head) Angel has one husband, one son, two cats, a changing variety of other furred and scaled companions, a love of all things beautiful and a terrible addiction to the consumption of both knowledge and chocolate.

 

Elin Gregory

Elin Gregory lives in South Wales and has been making stuff up since 1958. Writing has always had to take second place to work and family but now the kids are grown up it’s possible she might finish one of the many novels on her hard drive and actually DO something useful with it.

Historical subjects predominate. She has written about ancient Greek sculptors, 18th century seafarers but also about modern men who change shape at will and how echoes of the past can be heard in the present. Heroes tend to be hard as nails but capable of tenderness when circumstances allow.

There are always new works on the go and she is currently editing a novel about spies in the 1920s, finishing one set in 6th century AD England and contemplating one about the Second World War. Any excuse to buy more books!

Freddy MacKay

Freddy grew up in the Midwest, playing sports and running around outside. And honestly, that much has not changed since Freddy was small and throwing worms at other kids, expect worm throwing has been replaced with a healthy geocaching addiction. Freddy enjoys traveling and holds the view a person should continually to learn about new things and people whenever possible.

Freddy's contemporary LGBTQ book, Incubation: Finding Peace 2, won 3rd Place - Best Gay Erotic Fiction in the 2012 Rainbow Awards. In 2013, Freddy's story, Internment, tied for 3rd Place - Best Gay Fantasy in the Rainbow Awards. Freddy's steampunk/SF story, Feel Me, was a Finalist and honorable mention in the 2014 Rainbow Awards for SF.

 

JC Wallace

JC "Jake" Wallace started writing from a young age, but took a break for marriage, kids, and college (in that order). A few years ago, he rediscovered his passion and ventured out into the brave new world of publishing. He now has several novels and short stories published. At night and on the weekends, Jake writes about all things men, believing there is nothing hotter than two men finding and loving one another, whether for a night or forever. An avid reader of M/M romance, Jake loves a good twist of a plot, HEA, HFN, or tragic ending. He also writes what his bestie calls HUNK (Happy Until the Next Kidnapping). In his daytime hours, Jake works with individuals with autism and behavior problems. He is owned by a beautiful partner, three kids, two grandchildren, two dogs and one cat. He lives in the Adirondack Mountains in Northern NY.

 

Tali Spencer

Tali Spencer fell in love with writing at an early age and never stopped. Thanks to a restless father, she grew up as a bit of a nomad and still loves to travel whenever she can. Her longest stint in one place was Milwaukee where she went to college, enjoyed a series of interesting careers, and raised three surprisingly well-adjusted sons. She later married her true love and put down new roots in Philadelphia, where she lives in an ongoing Italian American family sitcom. At least she’s learned how make good pasta. When not writing, Tali reads everything from sweet goofy romances to medical research, manages her fantasy football team—go Gekkos!—and takes long walks with her loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.

 

Tinnean

Tinnean has been writing since the 3rd grade, where she was inspired to try her hand at epic poetry. Fortunately, that epic poem didn't survive the passage of time; however, her love of writing not only survived but thrived, and in high school she became a member of the magazine staff, where she contributed a number of stories. 

It was with the advent of the family's second computer – the first intimidated everyone – that her writing took off, enhanced in part by fanfiction, but mostly by the wonder that is copy and paste. While involved in fandom, she was nominated for both Rerun and Light My Fire Awards. Now she concentrates on her original characters, and recent novels have received honorable mention in the 2013 and 2014 Rainbow Awards.

 
Where to find the authors:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freddy.m.mackay, https://www.facebook.com/amartinez2,  https://www.facebook.com/amy.lane.167, https://www.facebook.com/Tinnean, https://www.facebook.com/jcwallacebooks, https://www.facebook.com/elin.gregory, https://www.facebook.com/tali.spencer

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreddyMacKay, https://twitter.com/AngelMartinezrr, https://twitter.com/amymaclane, https://twitter.com/jcwallacebooks, https://twitter.com/ElinGregory, https://twitter.com/tali_spencer, https://twitter.com/tinneantoo

 

Other: http://www.wildecity.com/

Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildecity/

Other: https://www.facebook.com/rainbowgoldreviews, https://twitter.com/LGBT_Reviews


Tour Dates & Stops:

8-Apr

Angel Martinez

Decadent Delights

 

9-Apr

Molly Lolly

Carly’s Book Reviews

Bayou Book Junkie

 

10-Apr

MM Good Book Reviews

Chris McHart

Hearts on Fire

 

11-Apr

Rainbow Gold Reviews

 

13-Apr

Divine Magazine

Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words

Love Bytes

Bike Book Reviews

 

14-Apr

Cate Ashwood

Prism Book Alliance

BFD Book Blog

 

15-Apr

Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance

Inked Rainbow Reads

Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews

Foxylutely Book Reviews

Rafflecopter Prizes:

3 eBooks of Foolish Encounters
$10 Gift Certificate
$15 Gift Certificate
An eBook copy of They Come by Night by Tinnean,
An eBook copy of Snow on Spirit Bridge by Freddy MacKay
Choice of eBook from Angel Martinez's backlist
Choice of eBook from Elin's Gregory's backlist
Surprise prize from Tali Spencer
Choice of eBook from JC Wallace's backlist

The wonderful Cate Ashwood, despite being a new mom, had this killer idea. What if the authors for this year's GRL got together and made a book? Snippets, excerpts and original material, from both featured and support authors have all been gathered in one place. If you're coming to GRL 2014 in Chicago - the books will be available free. Yes FREE.

To Chicago, With Love

More than 80 of the Featured and Supporting Authors of GRL

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Sales Links: This is an exclusive at GRL 2014 in Chicago


Blurb(s):

Writing is a solitary activity, and yet authors would be useless without readers to devour the words they create. GayRomLit brings the two together; a community made up of people with different tastes and styles, from all over the world, all with one thing in common: a passion for romance.

From science fiction to urban fantasy, from historical to paranormal to contemporary, enjoy an eclectic collection of stories and excerpts from the authors attending GayRomLit 2014 in Chicago.

Tour Stops: Carly's Book Reviews, Parker Williams, The Novel Approach, Angel Martinez, Amanda C. Stone, Kimber Vale, Tara Lain, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Prism Book Alliance, Andrew Q. Gordon, Cathy Brockman Romances, Jade Crystal, MM Good Book Reviews, The Blogger Girls, Foxylutely Book Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, Queer Town Abbey, Sinfully Sexy, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Kimi-Chan, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Love Bytes, Fallen Angel Reviews, Multitasking Mommas, My Fiction Nook, SA McAuley, Iyana Jenna, Cate Ashwood

Rafflecopter Prize: $10 ARe gift card

My contribution? An excerpt from Gravitational Attraction - there's every genre imaginable in this compilation!

The newest addition to the series? Here we are:
No Fae Is An Island
Endangered Fae 4
MLR Press
cover by Winterheart Designs (Lex Valentine)

Amazon
All Romance

Three years ago, Danu banished Diego for a time from the human world. Three years and three days doesn't seem that long to be away from home but living among the wild fae can change a man and the human world returns the favor by changing while he's gone. There's a vampire on Tearmann Island's security force. A curious selkie's followed him home. So much to do to keep the world safe...but Diego's no longer sure he has the right to interfere.

Theo Aguilar started his vampire life on the wrong side of the law. He's killed and knows he's dangerous if he doesn't stay in control every moment. But the fae took him in and Prince Lugh has given him a position of trust. So when Diego and Finn are arrested on a diplomatic mission far from home, he knows his duty. He's striking out on his own to rescue them, a lone vigilante once again, this time for the good guys. The only glitch? The selkie, Limpet, can't seem to understand the alone par


Buy a Fae book, support a pooka and his author ;)

Today, the lovely Silvia Violet visits us with a yummy new story- don't forget the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the post ;)

 Say Yes
All Romance
Smashwords

Author Name: Silvia Violet

Cover Artist: Freddy MacKay

Publisher: Silvia Violet Books

Blurb(s):

Rex Aiken recently started his own business, Grass Fed Texas, supplying organic beef to restaurants and catering companies. When he hosts an event for potential clients at a prestigious hotel in Asheville, the event coordinator, J, impresses him with more than his professional expertise. They indulge in a delicious one night stand, but Rex’s taste of J leaves him wanting more. Rex intends to savor J, and he refuses to see the distance between them as an obstacle. He’ll do whatever is necessary to convince J to say yes.

 

Excerpt: “So…um…you’re going to do some sightseeing tomorrow?” Jordan asked.

“I am. I haven’t been to this area since I was a kid, and it’s so beautiful this time of year.”

Jordan nodded. He’d picked up a pen and was rubbing the end of it over his full bottom lip. Rex wanted to replace it with his tongue. Jordan put the pen down and flipped through papers in a folder. When he licked the tip of his finger to help him unstick a few pages, Rex had to cover a groan by turning it into a cough.

Jordan glanced at him quickly before closing the file and slipping it into a drawer. “If there’s anything in particular you’d like to do, I could help you find the best—”

“I’d like to kiss you.” Rex hadn’t meant to be so bold, but he’d never been particularly good at restraining himself. His bluntness had served him well in business and almost as well in his attempts to pick up men.

Jordan made a strangled noise and looked up. “Mr. Aiken, I’m not sure that would…um…”

He looked terrified. Rex realized he was doing the same thing to Jordan that Lucy had done to him—putting him in a position where he could easily believe saying no would affect his job.

“I’m sorry. That was out of line. You did me a favor, and you deserve more respect from me.”

Jordan’s cheeks were now bright red. “I’m not offended, sir. I’m just surprised.”

  Author Bio: Silvia Violet writes erotic romance in a variety of genres including paranormal, contemporary, sci fi, and historical. She can be found haunting coffee shops looking for the darkest, strongest cup of coffee she can find. Once equipped with the needed fuel, she can happily sit for hours pounding away at her laptop. Silvia typically leaves home disguised as a suburban stay-at-home-mom, and other coffee shop patrons tend to ask her hilarious questions like "Do you write children's books?" She loves watching the looks on their faces when they learn what she's actually up to. When not writing, Silvia enjoys baking sinfully delicious treats, exploring new styles of cooking, and reading to her incorrigible offspring.

Author Links: http://facebook.com/silvia.violet, http://silviaviolet.tumblr.com

Twitter: @Silvia_Violet



Tour Dates: 8/18/14

 

Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Angel Martinez, Wake Up Your Wild Side, Reviews and Ramblings, MM Good Book Reviews, Amanda C. Stone, Prism Book Alliance, Hearts on Fire, Redz World, Cate Ashwood, Love Bytes, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Kimi-Chan, Iyana Jenna, Smoocher’s Voice, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Dawn’s Reading Nook, Fallen Angel Reviews, Inked Rainbow Reads, Romance the Night, Rainbow Gold Reviews, 3 Chicks After Dark, It’s Raining Men, Michael Mandrake

We have another lovely cover reveal today for one of my favorite people - Eden Winters. Don't forget to read all the way down for the giveaway!

Book Name: A Matter of When
Paperback
Author Name: Eden Winters Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Blurb(s):

Wealth. Fame. Gold record. Hookers and Cocaine front man Henri Lafontaine has it all…including a control freak manager, band members who smile as they sharpen blades for his back, and last but damn well not least, a fan out to steal his heart. Literally. Trying to write hit songs and plan a comeback in the midst of the hi-fi white noise of LA feels more like watching his world implode, until he’s offered a month in the Colorado Rockies for vocal coaching.

 

Sebastian Unger’s rich, classically trained tenor inspires wicked thoughts. More than a pretty choir boy, he cracks the whip without hesitation to drive tattooed bad-boy Henri to give his all to his music. Working, fighting, and finally establishing a fragile peace, they find inspiration and perhaps more in each other. But the clock is ticking. Time will pull Henri back to the grit and gold of LA’s mean streets and fame machine, while Sebastian must return to the opera circuit, where a mysterious man known as “the patron” holds far too much sway. Only the trust they've built on a handful of notes bridges their two worlds...and shields them from malice.

  Author Bio:

Captivated young by story-telling, Eden Winters’ earliest memories include spinning tales for the family's pets. Her dreams of writing professionally took a sojourn into non-fiction, with a twelve-year stint in technical documentation.

She began reading GLBT novels as a way to better understand the issues faced by a dear friend and fell in love with the M/M romance genre. During a discussion of a favorite book, a fellow aficionado said, "We could do this, you know." Good-bye gears, motors, and other authors’ characters; hello plots and sex scenes.  So far that's produced such award winning novels as The Wish, Settling the Score, The Angel of Thirteenth Street, Duet, Naked Tails, and Diversion.

Somewhat of a nomad, Eden has visited seven countries so far. She currently calls the southern US home, and many of her stories take place in the rural South. Having successfully raised two children, she now balances the day job with hiking, rafting, spoiling her grandchildren, and stalking the wily falafel or elusive tofu pad Thai at her favorite restaurants. Her musical tastes run from Ambient to Zydeco, and she's a firm believer that life is better with fur kids and Harley Davidsons.

Author Contact:

For more information about Eden, please visit her website at www.edenwinters.com. Be sure to look for Eden’s soon-to-be-published works: A Matter of When and Manipulation.

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenWinters

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eden-Winters/300380906658065?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenWinters1

Tour Dates: 8/15/14

 

Tour Stops: Full Moon Dreaming, Parker Williams, SA McAuley, Prism Book Alliance, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Boy Meets Boy Reviews, Hearts on Fire, Iyana Jenna, Angel Martinez, Nephylim, Carly’s Book Reviews, Velvet Panic, 3 Chicks After Dark, MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Hat Party, Andrew Q. Gordon, Book Reviews and More by Kathy

Please welcome the lovely Lou Hoffmann and the cover reveal for her exciting new YA novel - Key of Behliseth! And don't forget the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom of the post! :D

Key of Behliseth
release date 9.11.14, available for pre-order
by Lou Hoffmann
Cover Artist: Catt Ford

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press imprint)

Blurb(s):

On his way to meet a fate he'd rather avoid, homeless gay teen Lucky steps through a wizard's door and is caught up in a whirlwind quest and an ancient war. He tries to convince himself that his involvement with sword fights, magic, and interworld travel is a fluke, and that ice-breathing dragons and fire-breathing eagles don't really exist. But with each passing hour, he remembers more about who he is and where he's from, and with help, he begins to claim his power.

Lucky might someday rule a nation, but before he can do that, he must remember his true name, accept his destiny, and master his extraordinary abilities. Only then can he help to banish the evil that has invaded earth and find his way home—through a gateway to another world.

For Harmony Ink Purchases:

Code: SUNCHILD
20% off - preorders
15% off - first 2 weeks after release

Author Bio: Lou Hoffmann, a mother and grandmother now, has carried on her love affair with books for more than half a century, and she hasn’t even made a dent in the list of books she’d love to read—partly because the list keeps growing as more and more fascinating tales are told in written form. She reads factual things—books about physics and stars and fractal chaos, but when she wants truth, she looks for it in quality fiction. Through all that time she’s written stories of her own, but she’s come to be a published author only as a johnnie-come-lately. Lou loves other kinds of beauty as well, including music and silence, laughter and tears, youth and age, sunshine and storms, forests and fields, rivers and seas. Proud to be a bisexual woman, she’s seen the world change and change back and change more in dozens of ways, and she has great hope for the freedom to love in the world the youth of today will create in the future. You can find Lou on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lou.hoffmann, or twitter @Lou_Hoffmann.

Tour Dates: 8/12/14


Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Amanda C. Stone, Havan Fellows, MM Good Book Reviews, Prism Book Alliance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Velvet Panic, Love Bytes, The Hat Party, Angel Martinez, Fallen Angel Reviews, Iyana Jenna, Will Parkinson, The Novel Approach, Hearts on Fire, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Smoocher’s Voice, Cate Ashwood

Hi all! We're here to interrogate, er, chat a bit with the lovely Silvia Violet today about her new release, If Wishes Were Horses. Settle down and pay attention, because there's a $25.00 Amazon Gift Card on the line!

Without further fuss - 10 Questions for Silvia:

1. Folks probably ask what it is you like best about writing an Alpha/Alpha couple, but let’s go farther back. Who was your first Alpha on Alpha couple, the one that made you say, “Whoa, that’s hot.”

Ty and Zane. The Cut and Run series started my m/m reading addiction. And as soon as I met those men I started asking for more alpha/alpha recs.

2. My heart went out to Andy reading his story, PTSD compounded by additional violent trauma. How did you research posttraumatic stress to make this seem so believable?

I researched both information written by psychologists and accounts written by people suffering from PTSD. I’ve also read several books which, though fictional, are touted as being very realistic in the portrayal of PTSD.

3. When you were first writing this story, you had made it clear that Karl Urban (*drool*) was the inspiration for Ken and the Not-Karl-Urban’s Ranch. Do you find you write better with specific models for your characters or was Karl as Ken a special case?

Karl *sigh*. I usually have a picture that is my image for the main characters but sometimes I have a few different pics I’ve seen that have the right feel even though they are of different models. Often, my images are of models whose names I don’t know, a pic I happened to see on FB or Tumblr. But I had a dream about this story with Karl Urban as Ken and that became firmly set in my mind.

4. I’ve always enjoyed the sense of place in your stories, the ones set in and around Asheville and so on. What prompted you to place this story in Texas?

I wanted Ken to have grown up in a large city and to have a ranch outside of it. I wanted him in the south because that is familiar ground to me. I’ve not lived in Houston but I’ve visited and I’m fortunate to have friends willing to make sure I got the setting right.

5.Supporting cast characters are often half the fun in romance. Do you find yourself developing them as you need them or do you have some idea of who they are before you start?

Unless it’s a series story where the secondary characters have already shown up earlier in the series, I typically develop them as I go. Often they pop up and insist on a much larger role than I anticipated for them, or in the case of Tristan from Wild R Farm, they try to take over the book and many books thereafter.

6. Speaking of supporting characters, I hear a follow-up calling with Rusty’s name on it. How often and when does it hit you during the writing process that a supporting character will need his own book?

That happens a lot more than I plan for it to. Usually it hits me after writing a few scenes with a character who keeps talking to me and insists I give him more. And yes, Rusty is one of those characters.

7.Too often in M/M fiction, we see female characters reduced to caricature. This isn’t the case with your stories – Renata and Lt. Gomez are both good examples. Do you have role models in your life or in pop culture that you draw from to write strong women who aren’t crazy or evil bitches?

I don’t consciously model my female characters after people I know or famous women but I’m sure that the women I’m drawn to who are strong and multi-faceted are informing me even if I’m not realizing it. I think it’s important that both the women and the men who appear in m/m fiction are fully realized and show the range of humanity from evil bitches to sweet mothering types to strong women who are true friends.

8. Writing sex. Your favorite part.

I do love writing sex, particularly including character development in sex scenes. Sex can make even the toughest man vulnerable, whether or not he wants to be.

9. If one of your own kids said to you, “Mom, I want to be a writer,” what would you say?

I’d say that’s fantastic but I’d also be realistic about how it’s truly hard work.

10. Dream cast time! If someone wanted to make IWWH into a movie, we know Karl would play Ken. But how about the rest of the cast?

Hmm. I always struggle with actor names outside my circle of favorites. I could go with Chris Evans for Andy. *am now lost in fantasies of him and Karl and unable to think of much else*  Let’s see. Gina Torres for Gomez. I love her so much. For Rusty…maybe Colton Haynes.

If Wishes Were Horses
Silvia Violet
Cover Artist: LC Chase

Blurb: Kenneth Carver had everything growing up except warmth and acceptance. When protecting his family’s name became more than he could bear, he came out as gay, sold his company, and bought a horse ranch.

Andrew Wofford's last undercover assignment nearly cost him his sanity. Now he has another chance of catching the drug runner who killed one of his informants and then escaped, but gruesome flashbacks threaten his ability to function in the field.

Andy’s latest investigation sends him to Ken’s ranch where he poses as a ranch hand. Ken is a prime suspect, but Andy refuses to believe Ken is guilty, in part because Andy is falling for him. Ken knows Andy isn’t who he seems, but he can’t bring himself to push the man away. When Ken hears rumors that someone is using his land to move drugs out of the city, he worries that it’s Andy. Neither man can trust the other even though that’s exactly what their hearts tell them to do.


Author Bio: Silvia Violet writes erotic romance in a variety of genres including paranormal, contemporary, sci fi, and historical. She can be found haunting coffee shops looking for the darkest, strongest cup of coffee she can find. Once equipped with the needed fuel, she can happily sit for hours pounding away at her laptop. Silvia typically leaves home disguised as a suburban stay-at-home-mom, and other coffee shop patrons tend to ask her hilarious questions like "Do you write children's books?" She loves watching the looks on their faces when they learn what she's actually up to. When not writing, Silvia enjoys baking sinfully delicious treats, exploring new styles of cooking, and reading to her incorrigible offspring.

Author Links:

Website: http://silviaviolet.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/silvia.violet
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Silvia_Violet

To visit the rest of the Blog Tour (and for more chances to win):
Tour Dates: May 19 - 23

Tour Stops:

May 19 - MM Good Books, Top2Bottom, Prism Book Alliance

May 20 – Kimi-Chan, Mrs. Condit & Friends, Dawn’s Reading Nook

May 21 – Havan Fellows, My Fiction Nook, Parker Williams

May 22 – Angel Martinez, Lee Brazil

May 23 – Love Bytes, Amanda C. Stone

I got to meet my special guest today in Tampa at Rainbow Con this month - Elizabeth is not the loudest voice in the room but she is a compelling presence. I'm so pleased to be able to share a bit about her latest release, Electric Candle, with you today.

You'll find the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of the page - don't' forget to enter for a chance to win your own copy ;)

Electric Candle
by Elizabeth Noble
Dreamspinner Press
Cover art: TL Bland

When a vampire finds his soul mate, the bond is forever. It’s love at first sight. Or is it?

Flint, Ohio Homicide Detective Jonas Forge has been a vampire for nearly two hundred years. He’s fought wars, seen life go from the simple but hard colonial days to the modern high tech world. He’s evolved with the times, adapting with each new era, blending into each new life. The one constant is his best friend and lover, Declan. Until Forge’s soul mate tumbles, literally, into his life. 

Even though they’re not fated to be together forever, Forge and Declan are perfectly happy. Despite the pheromone attracting him to his soul mate, Forge isn’t thrilled with the guy, and the feeling seems mutual. While trying to adjust to his clumsy soul mate and equally awkward feelings, Forge is on the hunt for the serial killer who’s leaving a trail of bodies, and who witnesses can’t identify. But Forge better watch out. When his work collides with his love life, things really heat up.

About the author:

Elizabeth Noble started telling stories before she actually knew how to write, and her family was very happy when she learned to put words on a page. Those words turned into fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M romance fiction. Being able to share her works with Dreamspinner is really a dream come true. She has a real love for all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural and a bit of an unnatural interest in a super-volcano in Wyoming.

Elizabeth has three grown children and is now happily owned by an adorable mixed breed canine princess named Rosie, and two cats, Murphy and Yeti. She lives in her native northeast Ohio, the perfect place for gardening, winter and summer sports (go Tribe!). When she's not writing she's working as a veterinary nurse, so don't be surprised to see her men with a pet or three who are a very big part of their lives

You can find Elizabeth at: http://www.elizabeth-noble.com/

Here it is - the lovely cover for Luki and Sonny's return. Stay with us - there's an entry at the bottom of the page. ;)

Because of Jade (A Vasquez and James Novel)

Author Name: Lou Sylvre
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Blurb(s):

Luki Vasquez receives the news he's still cancer free after five years, and he wants to celebrate with his whole family. He and his husband, Sonny James, take a road trip south, intending to gather at the home of his nephew Josh, Josh's wife Ruthie, and Jade--a little girl who was still in the womb when she and her mother helped Luki beat lung cancer.



Halfway to their destination, Luki learns Josh and Ruthie have met a tragic death. The horrible news lays Luki low, but he pulls himself together in time to be the family's rock and see to the dreaded business of tying up loose ends. The most important business is Jade, and when Luki and Sonny head home, they take Jade with them.



Luki and Sonny must combat self-doubt and fear and help each other learn to parent an unexpected child—and they must also nourish the love that has kept them whole for the past ten years. A relative's spurious claim to Jade threatens the new family, and even if they prevail in court, they could lose their little girl unless they can rescue Jade from evil hands and true peril.

Rafflecopter Prize: An e-copy of Because of Jade

For more entries, please visit these other lovely bloggers participating in Lou's cover reveal today!

http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/

http://www.parkerwilliamsauthor.com

http://angelmartinezauthor.weebly.com/the-blog-erotic-fiction-for-the-hungry-mind.html

www.lovebytesreviews.com

http://kimnsarah.co.uk

http://leebrazilauthor.blogspot.com/

http://myfictionnook.com

www.amandastonebooks.com

http://havanshawthaven.blogspot.com/

http://www.prismbookalliance.com

http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com

http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/

http://cateashwood.blogspot.com

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

http://shirleyfrancesbooksandmore.wordpress.com/

Author Links: Visit her at http://www.sylvre.com or contact her at [email protected]

Author Bio:

Lou Sylvre hails from southern California but now lives and writes on the rainy side of Washington State. When she’s not writing, she’s reading fiction from nearly every genre, romance in all its tints and shades, and the occasional book about history, physics, or police procedure. Not zombies, though. Her personal assistant is Boudreau, a large cat who never outgrew his kitten meow. She plays guitar (mostly where people can’t hear her) and she loves to sing. She’s usually smiling and laughs too much, some say. She also loves her family, her friends, the aforementioned Boudreau, a Chihuahua named Joe, and (in random order) coffee, chocolate, sunshine, and wild roses.