Clare London, Author

Thoughtful Quote for today

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:19:09 GMT

This one struck a chord today. How true, that we should allow people to be both strong and vulnerable!!

There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors.

Adrienne Rich

May 16, 1929: Poet, activist, and MacArthur "genius" Adrienne Rich was born in Baltimore, Maryland, 84 years ago today. In 1997 she turned down the National Medal for the Arts in a protest against the disparity of justice in America.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

♥

New cover art for Peepshow!

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:34:27 GMT

Available June 23 at Amber Allure.

BLURB: Ever wanted to spy secretly on other people's lives? Ken doesn't have a choice: his student summer job is manning the CCTV screens for the new shopping centre. But instead of spotting criminals or vandals, he becomes fascinated by a cute new waiter from the local bistro who sneaks out to the backyard for his break ... and plays sexy to the camera.

Is he an old friend, or an anonymous exhibitionist? Should Ken be excited by this or will people think he’s behaving like a pervert? Poor Ken's confused and thrilled in turn. It's like living in one of the movies he's studying at university. He knows the man can’t see him, yet there’s a connection of some kind. It all encourages Ken to continue with his guilt-ridden Waiter Watch.

He bears the suspense as long as he can, until a chance meeting and an abortive blind date bring the explanation and answer to the secret assignations. And then hopefully, that will guide Ken to the real-life chance of romance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What a cover, eh?!
♥

Who will inherit your copyrights?

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:28:02 GMT

Originally posted by chrissymunder at Who will inherit your copyrights?

Like many authors, I hadn't given much thought to the idea of including my copyrights into my estate planning. After all, my main focus was on writing new work. Besides, my latest will update had been signed long before I became brave enough to submit my first story. But a series of very blunt conversations with greatly-missed friend and author, Patric Michael changed my mind, and I went back to the estate plan drawing board.

How about you? Have you thought about your copyrights and their future? If you're not sure where to start click on over to Writers on the Storm and check out publishing attorney and author, Susan Spann's terrific (and ongoing) series of articles on estate planning for authors. Even the busiest author can consider it research time well spent.

Required: Just a polite click of the mouse

Sat, 11 May 2013 08:50:03 GMT

I don't often chat about the Family except in general terms. None of them likes being featured on the net, I must confess :). But just occasionally, I need to express my love, pride, frustration with them - whatever! - to online friends as well.

Today, Son#1 starts a new job. Nothing spectacular, you may say, unless you're me (and him LOL). He's been looking for suitable jobs ever since he discovered further study at University wasn't for him. He's a great worker - he's done temp placements with plenty of praise - and he has a very strong sense of how things should be done properly and well, and how to behave at work. He's also very sociable and (ok, ok so I'm biased *g*) good-looking and personable. But since he had to leave his permanent bar job and move back home last summer, there's been nothing doing.

In this world of email, don't you think it should be even easier to be civil?! Jobs are advertised online, and applications are made through email, so a polite reply - even if it's a generic "no thanks" without any need for explanation - can be done on the click of a mouse. Dammit, I used to send individual snail mail letters to unsuccessful applicants at my work, or at the very least talk to an employment agency about them individually.

Well, that's not the case nowadays, in my experience. He's got THREE replies from 100s of applications, over the last few months, two of which led to interviews - the rest he never heard a whisper. And as some of these places are still advertising, yet I can't see what they might NOT have liked in his CV, I can only think they're not paying attention *grr*.

Anyway, this latest place called him for a physical interview, said they were impressed with his interview, and want him on the team. He likes the boss and has all the right experience. It's a new place, with a fresh team, and the chance to be involved in a new pub/food establishment from its inception. Personally *g* I'd say that's his forte, and he should shine.

And fingers crossed as well, because we all know how much LUCK plays a part in these things :).

In other, less rant-y news, I was "tagged" at Facebook recently, only to find I hadn't gained a new friend (or a spammer, luckily), but an accidental PLACE in life LMAO. Or maybe I've been entering those wet T-shirt contests again ...

UK Meet tickets going fast!

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:12:30 GMT

THE UK MEET COUNTDOWN CONTINUES!!

Already at 75% maximum capacity - Don't leave it too late to book and miss out!

CHECK OUT who's coming already :)

We're delighted to confirm that our keynote speaker on the Saturday will be Elisa Rolle and to announce the keynote speaker for Sunday as...Marie Sexton! They're bound to both be charming, informative and entertaining.

As the attendee list has steadily grown, we've been working to increase capacity (for example by securing an extra room for Sunday to allow for parallel panels). We're now at about 75% of maximum, so if you're intending coming, don't leave it too late to register.

Feel free to contact the team with any questions, although our FAQ page covers many of the things people want to know.

LESS THAN three months to go to UK Meet 2013!

FROM THE UK MEET TEAM:

Charlie, Clare, Jamie, Jo and Liam

Follow us on GOODREADS and FACEBOOK and the BLOG.

♥

Dreamspinner celebration giveaway

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:09:24 GMT

Every Sunday during the anniversary month, we will give away two eBook readers of the winner's choice! One will go to a customer who purchased books from us during that week. The other will go to one of the authors spotlighted that week.

Readers - Every Sunday we will draw one order from the orders placed that week, contact that customer, and they may choose a Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi or a Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight. (a $119 value)

Authors - Every Sunday we will draw the name of one of our authors featured during the previous week and they may choose a Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi or a Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight. (a $119 value)

May is the Dreamspinner Press anniversary month. Join us on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads to take part of events, giveaways, and discounts.

Anniversary celebrations at Dreamspinner

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:50:35 GMT

Celebrate Six Sexy years with us! All of May we will offer you discounts, giveaways, contests, happenings, and more. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads for more information. You never know what might happen but we are sure you will love it!

May 6-12, we will offer a 35% discount off all books (including in-stock paperbacks) by authors who signed with us during our third year of business: Andi Anderson, Jae Ashley, Rayne Auster, Lenore Black, Scarlet Blackwell, Anne Brooke, H.J. Brues, Brackley Burke, Mary Calmes, Tessa Cárdenas, Heidi Champa, R.W. Clinger, Rachelle Cochran, Diana Copland,J. Crow, Heidi Cullinan, Jana Denardo, Sophia Deri-Bowen, Sonia Devereaux, Libby Drew,Anne Dudley, Chelle Dugan, Andy Eisenberg, Henri Fer, Jamie Freeman, Lacey-Anne Frye, Lyn Gala, L.A. Gilbert, Roland Graeme, Cornelia Grey, Julie Lynn Hayes, S. Reesa Herberth, Violet Hilton, Jan Irving, Felicitas Ivey, Dawn Kimberly Johnson, Joanne Kells,V.B. Kildaire, L.J. LaBarthe, Amy Lane, Trina Lane, Sam C. Leonhard, Anna J. Linden, Taylor Lochland, Amylea Lyn, EM Lynley, D.W. Marchwell, Rowan McAllister,Brooke McKinley, Kate McMurray, JL Merrow, Patric Michael, Margaret Mills, Ellie Moonwater, Emily Moreton, Maggie Morton, Josephine Myles, Mallory Path, J.R. Patrick,Jeff Pearce, Devon Rhodes, G.R. Richards, Kate Roman, Persephone Roth, Linda Reilly,Lily Sawyer, RJ Scott, Rosina Scott, Marie Sexton, Barbara Sheridan, Aundrea Singer,K.Z. Snow, Jillian Snyder, Rowan Speedwell, Jay Starre, Rowena Sudbury, Lori Toland,Carolyn Levine Topol, Jonathan Treadway, Bryl R. Tyne, Matthew Vandrew, Anel Viz,Aleksandr Voinov, Edward von Behrer, Ashleigh Walton, Tedy Ward, Nessa L. Warin,Sarah Ann Watts, Rachel West, Ellen Whitehall, A. Willingham, L.A. Witt, Serena Yates,Cari Z., J.A. Zecca.

Discounts, free fiction, exclusive author interviews. Sign up for our newsletter. CLICK HERE

Attention cover artists: Would you like to be part of the Dreamspinner family? CLICK HERE

Discount at JCP Books

Sun, 05 May 2013 08:47:53 GMT

Follow the link below for a fab discount at JCP books this weekend! Remember that series of Jordan Castillo Price's you wanted to dip your toe into.....???!!! LOL

More than One is Much More Fun
Some people like to buy things one at a time. Buy a book. Come back in an hour. Buy another book. Come back in an hour. Buy a book...you get the idea.

That's a great way to make sure the credit card processors don't go hungry! They charge a fee for every transaction.

I'd rather encourage you to put more stuff in your cart and bump the savings back to you.

This week's special
Buy at least 3 items and receive 5% off your cart using the coupon code MULTIMAY. Offer not valid on wholesale paperbacks.

Enjoy the savings until Midnight CST on Tuesday, May 7.

Take me to the JCP Books website!

UK MEET - EXCITING NEWS

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:38:30 GMT

THE UK MEET COUNTDOWN CONTINUES!!

Early bird discount stops in four days time. Don't miss out.

CHECK OUT who's coming already :)

Something different for 2013! For readers/bloggers and wannabee authors (no "old hands") we'll be having a table at the Buffet of Banter whose target is to speed write a story that will (once it's been proofed and checked) appear on the UK Meet website, with the names of all active participants. Mara Ismine and Charlie Cochrane will be your facilitators for this - we've a list of questions to ask in advance to kickstart the story and help us reach our goal.

And, planning ahead because we're already getting questions about it, we'll be doing a poll soon picking your brains about dates to avoid in 2014.

Feel free to contact the team with any questions, although our FAQ page covers many of the things people want to know.

LESS THAN three months to go to UK Meet 2013!

FROM THE UK MEET TEAM:

Charlie, Clare, Jamie, Jo and Liam

Follow us on GOODREADS and FACEBOOK and the BLOG.

♥

holiday and sequel plans ...

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:24:05 GMT

I *thought* I'd packed almost everything....

Then I had to take everything out to see if I remembered the phone charger ...

We don't have any sun lotion in the house for me to use (not that I go out in it much *g*)...

My swimsuit's gone walkabout and hidden from me (not that I'm going to *swim*, either)...

I haven't printed off the map to airport parking yet ...

This is the usual last minute Holiday Hassle for me. I'll be away for a week, probably not online, but will catch up with you all soon :)

******

In other news...

The minute I woke up today, I thought of a title for my Red/Carter sequel to True Colors. What about FLYING COLORS ? :):)

Had a lovely meal and chat with Jenre in London last night, in the glowering shade of Millbank buildings and close to MI6. (Amazing how quickly they mended M's office after the bomb attack in Skyfall *heh*). We even had the police draw up outside the restaurant and quiz the passengers in a van parked there. Very mysterious ........ and when I was witing for my train back at Vauxhall, there were a *lot* of sirens in the background. Hope there wasn't anything sinister going on :(.

Better go and check-in online now, or I'll be sitting by the toilet again, as usual... :)

♥

Channeling Morpheus Special: Payback $1

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:37:00 GMT

Go take advantage of this if you've never read any of this series! THIS was the first time I bought a book for the cover alone - THIS was one of the times I HAD to email the author after reading it, AND buy the whole damned series up to date LOL. And now I've read all her stuff, she's a dear friend, and *drum roll* she's coming to the UK Meet again this year!!!

(have you dropped in recently to see who else is coming to the UK Meet 2013 in July?! The early booking discount ends on 30 April!)

******************************

Originally posted by jordan_c_price at Channeling Morpheus Special: Payback $1

Deliciously Dark

Think all vampire books are the same? Think again.

Michael is a reckless vampire hunter who lures in his prey by posing as bait, captivating his quarry with kohl-rimmed bedroom eyes. Wild Bill is the enigmatic smartass in ripped jeans and black leather he can’t seem to shake. And Channeling Morpheus is their story: a sultry slice of Americana served up with a steamy helping of dark obsession. No fancy club owners or city lords here—the gritty action goes down in abandoned buildings, shabby strip malls, and the back of a rusted out van.

By turns poignant, wry and disturbing, rich with lyrical language, hard-hitting eroticism and unflinching violence, Channeling Morpheus is character-driven erotica you’ll want to read again and again.

This week, pick up the first Channeling Morpheus novelette, Payback, for $1 with the following coupon codes:

PBMOBI

PBPDF

PBEPUB
(select the code according to the file type you're purchasing)

Take me to the Payback page!

JCP Books also offers great bundle deals on the 10-novelette series every day. Read the first chapter of Payback free, get hooked, and grab the bundle!

If you’ve already read and loved this series, be sure to tell your friends about this deal!

Coupon code valid through midnight CST May 2, 2013

The guy who’d wanted the light was smiling. Still standing practically on top of me, too. Staring me right in the eye.

You’d think that would be all. He asked for a light. I didn’t have one. And then he would move on. But maybe it was more than that. Maybe he’d just been looking for an excuse to talk.

He slid himself onto the barstool beside mine. I did my best to look nonchalant. He was…amazing. Tall and lean, with ripped up jeans and spiked blond hair, earrings, a snake tattoo on his neck and chipped black nail polish. And he wanted to talk to me.

Couldn’t I have run into him any other night? Like, a night that I didn’t already have a date with a vampire?

“Got a name, Mister Lung Association?” he asked me.

“Michael.”

“Michael, Michael, Motorcycle.” He tucked his cigarette behind his ear and shook my hand. Well, more like he jammed his hand toward me, and I either had to shake it or be knocked off the barstool. “Wild Bill.”

Take me to the JCP Books website!

packing panic

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:02:44 GMT

Never thought I'd say it, but in this instance, thank God for Amazon's all-encompassing eye :)

I'm going on holiday Saturday for a week with girlfriends, and we always stock up on plenty of books, we're avid readers.

"You bought this book on xx xxxx xxxx" says Kindle when I make another flurry of purchases.

THREE TIMES I tried to buy a book I'd already bought! sheesh. I suppose it shows I have consistent taste LOL. Have you ever done that??

♥

PSST: So if the blog is quiet for a week, you'll know why - not that it's been a hive of activity recently anyway :(. Waaaaay too much going on at home / work / writing. I need longer days, a quieter house, and no panic over paying the bills. THEN everything would get done! :)

Clock's ticking to the UK Meet!

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:21:09 GMT

THE UK MEET COUNTDOWN CONTINUES!!

Three months to go to UK Meet 2013 and we're edging towards the last chance saloon on a couple of things.

1) Early bird discount stops at the end of this month.

2) Panels will be inked in by the end of May, so the programme can go to print. We still have some flexibility so that anyone who wants to feature on a panel can have that opportunity, but you need to let Charlie know during the next few weeks.

Feel free to contact the team with any questions, although our FAQ page covers many of the things people want to know.

FROM THE UK MEET TEAM:

Charlie, Clare, Jamie, Jo and Liam

♥

JMS Books - new releases, discounts and free gifts

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 13:17:11 GMT

New E-Book Releases for April 21, 2013

Each week we give away free e-books to THREE lucky subscribers.
This week's winners are: nico88@..., jaymi.e@..., and bsb_aj_rocks1@...
If your e-mail appears above, send an e-mail to jms@jmsnyder.net
with the title of the e-book you'd like to receive!

SPECIAL PAPERBACK SALE!

We've added MORE BOOKS to our HUGE PAPERBACK SALE!
Select titles are only $2.50 each! Time to stock up on your faves, or take a chance on a new author!
Quantities are limited, so CLICK HERE for the list of titles!

SAVE 20% EACH WEEK ON NEW RELEASES!

All our e-books are 20% off the first week of sale only at the JMS Books and Queerteen Press websites.
And every purchase earns 10% back in Reward Points you can use towards a future purchase.
Buy direct from our sites and don't miss out!

TITLE: Pig Heaven
AUTHOR: Chuck Willman
ISBN: 9781611524765
GENRE: Contemporary • Erotica • Fiction • Gay
LENGTH: 5,156 words
PRICE: $2.99

PURCHASE EBOOK URL: http://jms.bz/cq

In a remote little shack hidden in the desert, a group of men gather regularly to indulge in their most primal needs. The Shack, fully-equipped with everything for every desire, is a place of communion, where men worship men without remorse or apology.

When a young gay man new to the city overhears Jim and Buck talking about getting back to The Shack, he's intrigued. All it takes is one whiff of the place and he’s hooked, learning what it’s like to experience true sexual freedom.

TITLE: Playing for Keeps
AUTHOR: J.M. Snyder
ISBN: 9781611529043
GENRE: Contemporary • Erotic Romance • Fiction • Gay
LENGTH: 35,588 words
PRICE: $4.99

PURCHASE EBOOK URL: http://jms.bz/cr

Shy, soft-spoken clarinet player Thad Archer tours Europe over spring break with his college marching band. He's lonely lonely so far from home and everything he's ever known, but at least he has his friends -- Mark, Peter, Seth, and Jamie. Thad has had a secret crush on sexy drummer Jamie McIntosh since they met but has never managed to pluck up the courage to confess his feelings. Could Jamie be as lonely and homesick as Thad?

Confident and cocky, Jamie is Thad's opposite in every way, but something about his quiet friend sets his heart aflutter. Unfortunately, Thad's deep in the closet, while Jamie is much more secure in his sexuality. Jamie doesn't want to rush Thad into anything he isn't ready for, but hopefully at some point their friendship, they can move toward something more.

But any romantic hopes the pair have are frustrated by Mark, the band's drum major, who has his sights set on bedding trombonist Seth, or flutist Peter, or anyone, really. He isn't too picky. If he can't get into pants of his straight friends, he'll settle for whoever he can get. Thad? Jamie?

The band will be flying back to the States in a couple of days. Thad knows once they're home, he'll have missed his chance with Jamie. Can he be satisfied just being friends? Or has Mark conducted his way between them?

TITLE: The Author's Assistant
AUTHOR: R.W. Clinger
ISBN: 9781611524635
GENRE: Contemporary • Erotic Romance • Fiction • Gay
LENGTH: 14,604 words
PRICE: $2.99

PURCHASE EBOOK URL: http://jms.bz/cs

Author Dane Bentley is looking for an assistant to help with his work. When he hires Shane Allister, Bentley falls head over heels in lust for the younger man. The two hit it off quite well, and soon their attraction to each other becomes heated, even though Shane already has a boyfriend.

But after Shane discovers Bentley's very dark secret, he to question their relationship. Then Bentley learns of Shane’s discovery, and all hell breaks loose.

The author’s assistant soon becomes a caged pet as Shane’s life is turned upside down from Bentley’s rage. Can he Shane survive such madness?

TITLE: You Rock!
AUTHOR: Drew Hunt
ISBN: 9781611529180
GENRE: Contemporary • Erotic Romance • Fiction • Gay
LENGTH: 8,419 words
PRICE: $2.99

PURCHASE EBOOK URL: http://jms.bz/ct

Driving home from a concert, William Prout worries his rock star vocalist boyfriend Alex “Tank” Sherman is about to dump him. Things haven’t been the same between them since Tank and his nu metal band went to New York City to discuss a recording contract. William doesn’t think their relationship can withstand the increased publicity Tank’s fame will attract. Already Tank is withdrawn, distracted, and won’t answer any of William’s questions.

William’s fears heighten when Tank directs him off the highway and along a series of dirt tracks. Where are they going? Will the end of their car journey also be the end of them as a couple, or has Tank worked out a way to have both a career and William?

GayRomLit Ebook Giveaway: Clare London - Compulsion

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:39:35 GMT

Follow the link to Elisa's Journal and comment to be in the draw! On offer? A free download of my steamy novel, COMPULSION.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Originally posted by elisa_rolle at GayRomLit Ebook Giveaway: Clare London - Compulsion

I asked to all the authors joining the GayRomLit convention in Atlanta in October (http://gayromlit.com/grl-authors) a personal favor, a special Ebook Giveaway: twice a week I will post 1 book from each author, and among those who will leave a comment, I will draw a winner. Very easy and very fast ;-) I will send a PM to the winner, so remember to not leave anonymous comments!

Today author is Clare London: Clare took the pen name London from the city where she lives, loves, and writes. A lone, brave female in a frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home, she juggles her writing with the weekly wash, waiting for the far distant day when she can afford to give up her day job as an accountant. She’s written in many genres and across many settings, with novels and short stories published both online and in print. She says she likes variety in her writing while friends say she’s just fickle, but as long as both theories spawn good fiction, she’s happy. Most of her work features male/male romance and drama with a healthy serving of physical passion, as she enjoys both reading and writing about strong, sympathetic and sexy characters. Clare currently has several novels sulking at that tricky chapter 3 stage and plenty of other projects in mind . . . she just has to find out where she left them in that frenetic, testosterone-fuelled family home.
Website: http://www.clarelondon.co.uk
Most recent title: Chase the Ace
Publishers: Amber Quill/Amber Allure, Carina Press, Dreamspinner Press, JMS Books, Less Than Three Publishing, MLR Press, Torquere Press

Compulsion by Clare London
Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 29, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1623800862
ISBN-13: 978-1623800864
Amazon: Compulsion
Amazon Kindle: Compulsion

The past always catches up with you. Max Newman should know-he's been running from his ever since he dropped out of Uni and made a disastrous move to the seedier side of London. Now he's returned to Brighton to lick his wounds. Though Max believes the club scene is better left behind him, one night he lets his friends drag him out dancing. And suddenly the simple life he's tried to lead gets complicated.

At Compulsion, the Medina Group's newest hotspot, Max meets Seve Nunez, a member of the Medina management and a man used to taking what he wants. The sexual chemistry between Max and Seve immediately leads to an intimate encounter in the backyard of the club-just the kind of dangerous behavior Max tried to leave behind. Despite that, he can't help but crave more, and Seve seems just as eager.

But Max soon suspects that Seve may not be the scrupulous businessman he claims. Max has seen the Medina Group at work before, and what he saw got a good friend killed. He's not sure what future he has with Seve, but he'll have to decide whether to trust in Seve's innocence or keep running. The wrong choice could land them both in mortal danger.

This journal is friends only. This entry was originally posted at http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/3555279.html. If you are not friends on this journal, Please comment there using OpenID.

Turbulence Collection ebook giveaway

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:33:43 GMT

Originally posted by jordan_c_priceat Turbulence Collection ebook giveaway

Hop over to Elisa Rolle's LJ and comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of the Turbulence Collection.

Couldn't resist today's quotation - as a mother x

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:08:13 GMT

Our mothers always remain the strangest, craziest people we've ever met.

Marguerite Duras
April 4, 1914: French writer and filmmaker Marguerite Duras was born 99 years ago today in former French Indochina.

From Clare: Couldn't resist this pic, as he's now 23 and working in the office with me on a short temp placement :). How times change, eh? (he still sleeps that carelessly ... LOL)

♥

Great review for Chase the Ace at Amber Allure

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:45:28 GMT

I've had a lovely review for my latest novella at Amber Allure, called CHASE THE ACE.

Barb at Live Your Life, Buy the Book says very kindly - "That book was so good! I just loved Daniel and his quest so much! Yes I know it is a short book; and people seldom give mega stars to short books … because… well, they’re short. Logic at it’s finest, right? Well I did ! Because Clare wrote just the sweetest story which, when I ran through it ALL to my teenage daughters on a drive somewhere (oh, the glamorous life of Chauffeur to the Teens!) both of them went “aaaaw” at a certain point – which for spoilery reasons I can’t share with YOU! "

She sums the theme up marvellously, too - "Meeting childhood friends is always scary and exciting. What are they like now? Is their life better than yours? As adults have they maintained some of their childhood traits? Are they happier than you? No matter what anyone says – at school reunions you want to have done the best, be the happiest, have the most fulfilling life. So Dan was pretty excited and somewhat nervous as he sets off to Brighton, with his co-questor at his side. What his questmate doesn’t know is… part of the quest focusses on a game the boys played Chase the Ace…. and dammit I can’t say any more….. just. Go. Buy the Book. It’s a goody!"

Many thanks, Barb! :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Newly single in his late twenties, and looking for more fun than he gets from his boring job, Daniel Cross soon discovers the lure of social media. After a few hiccups, he’s excited at the chance of tracking down his old mates from the Scorching Summer Sports Club of 1990. He lost touch with his “Gang of Four” after that summer, but now he launches a personal quest to find out what kind of man each boy has become.

It starts well with a link to the first boy’s current address, through a mutual friend on Facebook, until Dan realises he’s been chatting online to the wrong man–Nick Carson isn’t an old school friend at all. Itt’s a genuine mistake, and Nick isn’t offended. He offers to accompany Dan on the trip to find the others. It’s the first step to friendship and something more for both of them.

For Dan, the reunions with the “Gang of Four” range from startling, heartening and disturbing. Nick’s company is a constant support, though neither of them are prepared for the exposure of personal secrets that they’d thought were long-hidden. Dan begins to suspect that he’s really looking for a direction in his own life–and the excitement and purpoose he craves may be closer to home than a quest with its roots in a boyhood dream.

EXCERPT:

I glanced at my watch. “My lift’s arriving at eleven.”

“That’s another thing. Why aren’t you getting a taxi?” She looked worried again. “Driving off with some stranger, it’s odd. And potentially dangerous. You know, I could drive you wherever you want to go.”

God forbid. “It’s not a stranger, it’s another kid who was in the summer club. Well, he’s adult now of course. I found him online and we’ve chatted a few times already. He’s got a current address for one of the people I’m looking for.”

“One of your Gang of Four?” Alice caught my look of surprise and smirked. “You talked a lot about them that year. I was always sorry you didn’t get to go back to the club…” Her voice trailed off and she looked suddenly sad.

“I’m fine.” I gave her a quick hug. “And looking forward to getting started on my Quest.” The doorbell rang. Glancing at my watch again, I saw he was early.

“Shall I let him in?” Alice asked, already sidling toward the hallway.

I darted past her with a glower, and opened the front door myself with a ready smile. Then paused. My smile remained in place but it wasn’t quite as ready.

The man on the doorstep nodded slowly. “I’m not the person you expected, am I?”

I gaped. “I’m…well…no.”

He smiled ruefully. “Look, it’s okay. I thought so. I think you got me mixed up with my brother, Nathan.”

“Nathan Carson?” I was still gaping, like an impression of a hungry goldfish.

“Yes. I’m Nick Carson, Nathan’s older brother.” He peered at me. “You were looking for anyone who knew the Scorching Summer Sports Club? Who went there in the summer of 1990? I didn’t, but my brother Nate did.”

Things were starting to make horrible sense. “I friended you on Facebook!”

He nodded again.

“By mistake?” My voice came out in a squeak.

He shrugged. “It happens. Same initial. You know how it is.” He looked as if he doubted I did. There was high colour in his cheeks. It was actually very attractive. “I replied because I did know the club. And Nate’s not on Facebook, you see. But when you went into details about wanting to find your friends, I thought it was time to come along and…uh…meet you. Let you know the mistake. A face to face explanation felt better to me than just shooting you down online.”

“Um…thanks,” I said, feeling like the greatest idiot that had ever lived. I sneaked a better look at the man on the doorstep. He didn’t look much like Nathan, even if I only had my memory to extrapolate what Nathan would look like now, at sixteen plus some twelve years. My visitor—Nick Carson—was taller than me by a couple of inches and leaner. His hair was short and he was clean-shaven. Clothes were smart/casual¬—a polo shirt, fitted jeans and Converse Hi-Tops. I’d wanted a pair of them myself a couple of years ago, but one of my exes who wore nothing but Hollister persuaded me they weren’t for old farts like me. Yes, and that was one of the reasons why he was an ex, but the caution had persisted.

I glanced back up and caught Nick’s gaze on me. His dark hair looked thick and natural, and his smile was very striking. For a brief second, I saw the resemblance in that smile to my old football mate. But during that summer I spent at the SSSC with Nathan and all the other kids, I didn’t remember ever thinking Nathan was my type, even if he hadn’t been straight. Whereas Nick…

I felt Alice’s presence behind me before I heard her simper. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Carson.”

He reached over and shook her hand. “Call me Nick, please.”

“Nick, then. Daniel makes mistakes, you see.”

Hell’s bells. Like I had very special and unique educational needs. “Ali,” I said. “I can make my own apologies.”

“He doesn’t read carefully enough,” she added, relentless. God, now I was illiterate as well. I thought I saw a twitch at the corner of Nick’s mouth. “And since he’s launched out into this media society thing, there have been a few hiccups along the way. For example…”

She wasn’t going to quote the pen mistake, was she?

“He went browsing somewhere called Pen Island. He got all kinds of pictures that had nothing to do with stationery.”

She was—and had.

“Athletic Men was the same—no sports shoes in sight, except the pairs perched up on another man’s bare shoulders. And you remember that site you found, Daniel, that had nothing at all to do with drinking tea?”

“Teabagging,” I muttered under my breath. “And that’s why my laptop has a password now.”

CHASE THE ACE is part of their PAX collection, on the theme of "That Old Gang of Mine". Make sure to visit the newly-launched AMBER PAX COLLECTIONS blog and keep up to date with all the collections - and prize draws and discounts! - as they happen.

April Fools Day - from the safety of hindsight!

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:40:02 GMT

I hate practical jokes, to be honest, but I couldn't resist - I've been on a search for some great April Fools Day media spoofs :)
Here are my favourites from today.
♥

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http://blog.twitter.com/2013/03/annncng-twttr.html

Starting today, we are shifting to a two-tiered service: Everyone can use our basic service, Twttr, but you only get consonants. For five dollars a month, you can use our premium “Twitter” service which also includes vowels.

We’re doing this because we believe that by eliminating vowels, we’ll encourage a more efficient and “dense” form of communication. We also see an opportunity to diversify our revenue stream.

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http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2302000/Asda-hopes-capitalise-popularity-mummy-porn-fifty-shades-loo-roll.html#ixzz2PCUuOu3i

Asda is seeking to cash in on the success of erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey with themed products including a new range of toilet paper.

The grocer has struck a deal with author E.L James to sell limited editions of loo roll in 50 variations of grey.

Each ‘shade’ has been named after lead character Christian Grey’s traits, from ‘enigmatic’ to ‘obsessive’.

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Google Nose, which provides smells for whatever you type into the search engine – just “bring your nose as close as you can to the screen and press Enter".

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http://www.mumsnet.com/academy/course/76-vajazzling-theory-and-practice

Mumsnet is offering a one-day course (1 April 2013) in the theory and practice of vajazzling. The course includes "a two-hour exhibition with cutting-edge vajazzler Dr Flora Pisol MBE, whose contributions to the field have earned her the recognition of a raft of well-known public figures including model Katie Price, the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Ed Balls."

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Easter offer at JCP Books

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:59:47 GMT

Click HERE for details :)

I'll be at GRL

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:59:44 GMT

I'm looking at flights today for GayRomLit in Atlanta in October. Yes, I'm going, hurrah!!

And look how wonderfully I'm squeezed in the list of authors! What gal could ask for more?! LOL ♥

snicker snippets

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:57:18 GMT

Oh, these vids have totally cheered up my Bank Holiday! What do you think?!
♥

Lover At Last: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:56:39 GMT

Originally posted by elisa_rolle at Lover At Last: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

I stopped reading het romance more or less in 2006, but Sherrilyn Kenyon and J.R. Ward were among the last authors I read in that genre, and I remember I liked them. I especially liked the paranormal genre (while oddly I now prefer the contemporary ones) probably for their alpha male hero, always so strong, always so protective, always so bound to being honorable and right. That is not how Qhuinn and Blay are, or at least not totally; they are not really Alpha males, they are more enoforcerers, and till now they gravitated on the edge of the series, favorites to many readers but never having their own story. On the forums there was speculation they were gays, but the author never really gave them the definitive push, not until the book before this one: from what I gathered (since I haven’t read that one), Blay finally came out, but not to be with Qhuinn, but instead with Qhuinn’s cousin, Saxton; and to make things even more complicated, Qhuinn decides to have a child with a female, even if he didn’t mate with her.

So this is the situation we are when this book starts, and I was not sure I liked it. For Qhuinn and Blay to be together it meant Blay had to betray Saxton, and for what I could say, Saxton was a good man. And Layla, Qhuinn’s Chosen and the mother of his still unborn child? Was it right for her what was happening? And again, she was apparently a good and comprehensive woman, someone who deserved a lover of her own. So yes, I’m not sure why and if there was a reason, but J.R. Ward didn’t pave the path for these two to be together in an easy way, a lot of hurt had to be done and it seemed there was not solution for everyone to be happy.

The plot was running in two parallel but separate ways: one was the center piece story about Qhuinn and Blay, a plot that was introduced in the previous book and that was to find an end in this one; the other was about the ongoing fight of the Brotherhood and the personal target of Wrath to make a better kingdom for everyone to live in. Not having read the previous books (and I strongly suggest to read the summary of all previous books to have an idea of the characters and of what happened before), I have to be sincere, I didn’t care much for the second plot; I mostly focused on Qhuinn and Blay, with some spare interest on Layla, Saxton and John Matthew (actually I was hoping for more on this last supporting character). This story was good, pretty much as I remembered this author was, and the sex scenes were hot, and this statement arrives from someone that usually doesn’t care much for them. In my previous experience with an het romance author trying her hand to a gay romance, the feeling was that she didn’t dare too much in the sex department, but here J.R. Ward was not shy at all. Now don’t get me wrong, she neither went into almost analytical details, and maybe that is a bonus, she cannot go wrong in that way, but for sure she gave these two guys enough time and space to enjoy also the physical side of their relationship.

Amazon: Lover At Last: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
Amazon Kindle: Lover At Last: A Novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood
Hardcover: 608 pages
Publisher: NAL Hardcover; 1 edition (March 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0451239350
ISBN-13: 978-0451239358

Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle

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Even more fun at the UK Meet!

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:27:17 GMT

THE UK MEET EXPANDS!!

We're delighted to announce that the programme for the Sunday has been expanded to reflect increased demand for Sunday/weekend tickets. Please check out the revised draft programme; it's full of good stuff. The list of attendees is touching 70, with a lovely mix of readers, authors, bloggers and publishers. One of the places they hang out for pre-event chat (or to ask questions) is at the UK Meet Goodreads group.

The Taurus Bar & Restaurant will be one of the places available for dinner on the Saturday. The organising team are drumming up some great entertainment (of which more later).

Don't forget that early bird discount is only available for the next few weeks, and all bookings must be made by June 2nd.

FROM THE UK MEET TEAM:

Charlie, Clare, Jamie, Jo and Liam

♥

Submissions call at JMS Books

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:33 GMT

JMS Books LLC is a small queer press specializing in LGBT erotic romance. We release 3 e-books a week and 3 print titles a month. Authors receive 50% net on royalties from all sales.

While we're always open for submissions, we're currently looking for well-written stories between 15,000 and 45,000 words in length in the following genres:

* Contemporary GAY or M/M erotic romance
* LESBIAN or F/F erotic romance (any subgenre)
* TRANSGENDER erotic romance (any subgenre)

Please send the first 2,000 words or 2 chapters plus a synopsis and author bio to submissions@jms-books.com. We respond in 2 days to all submissions.

Full guidelines are online at http://www.jms-books.com.

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Here's me at JMS Books ♥