GRL 2015 Pre-Orders

It's that time of year again: GRL!! That's GayRomLit Retreat, for those who don't know. It'll be held in San Diego this year and my cousin Thora and I are going. I can't wait to feel some actual sun on my skin. The weather in Iceland has been horrible this year. And I've been inside most summer...which is entirely my fault, but I've been writing (you heard me!). 

Zathyn, Sam, Katie, Thora and I are doing a theme for the costume party. I already have my costume ordered ^.^ I'm going to bring the same SWAG from last year: postcards, bookmarks, short story paperbacks, and Icelandic candy. What's different this year is that I'll have a publisher table along with 19 other authors. I'll have my MLR books and my Ice Cave book there. We're calling it an indie pub table, even though it's also for books from publishers who aren't selling at the retreat. I haven't worked out the price for each book yet.

For those who are interested in buying paperbacks at a reduced price can order from this pre-order sheet. It's only for those who will be at GRL since I'm literally hand-delivering the books at the retreat. I've added short descriptions beside each title, but you can go to these pages to read more: Boston Boys and College Fun and Gays. 

Because I'm going as a featured author, I did a guest post for Elisa Rolle a while back. I've been so busy trying to finish my next novel that I didn't have much time online, but I'm linking it now. I'll have three other guest posts on other sites leading up to GRL.

Jamie Lynn Miller: Romance Among the Stars

I have a guest today! I've been marathon-watching Stargate Atlantis (for the third time...), and appropriately have Jamie Lynn Miller here to talk about her latest M/M sci-fi release: An Endless Sea of Stars. 

Let's start with some questions:

Is there, or has there been, a person in your life you dreaded telling about writing M/M romance?

My husband. It was four years after we got married that I started writing gay fiction (I'd previously been writing m/f). Telling my husband that I wrote male/male stories was one of the most awkward and difficult conversations I’ve ever had in my life! At least on my part! Turns out I’d worked myself up for nothing. Bless his heart, he took the news without even blinking and has been my biggest supporter ever since my first book was published in 2008. Like he said, it’s perfectly acceptable for a man to get turned on by watching two women together, why should it be any different for a woman and two men? Smart man, my husband.

If you could live a day in your favorite film of all time, knowing to come out of the experience alive and well no matter the genre of the movie, would you?

Yes, absolutely! And the movie would be Star Wars, hands down. I'd give anything to either wield a lightsaber or fly an X-Wing!

Have you studied anything that you consider backs you up as a writer?

Yes, actually, I have. I've been interested in law enforcement since I was a kid and over the last several years I've taken more than 72 weeks of citizen police and fire academy classes. I used my knowledge to write Memory's Prisoner, Burnin' for You and Out of the Shadows.

Almost everyone has a quote that has stuck with them for a long time. Do you have one?

"To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life" - W. Somerset Maugham

This was on a bookmark I found inside a hardcover book I bought at a used bookstore. I couldn't believe how appropriate it was. I've always escaped into a book when things got tough, from when I was a kid. I think it's why I ended up becoming a writer.

Do you believe in the supernatural? If so, what kind, i.e. UFOs, ghosts, rebirth, poltergeist?

Yes, absolutely! I believe in ghosts, aliens and reincarnation.

What's the best fortune you've ever gotten in a fortune cookie?

Honest to God, about five years ago I got one that read "You will become an accomplished writer". I nearly fell out of my chair! I immediately taped it to my computer monitor where it still is today, inspiring me every day.

You can only watch one TV show for the rest of your life. What show is it? Why?

That would have to be The X-Files, hands down. I loved every aspect of that show, from the aliens to the creature of the week to Mulder and Scully's amazing relationship.

Could you just stop writing, for the rest of your life?

Good lord, no! There are way too many stories locked up inside my head and I don't see myself running out of ideas. Ever.

You’re going to end up on a desert island, all alone except a couple from one of your published stories. You get to choose, but keep in mind you’d probably end up witnessing them trying to kill boredom with sex. A lot. Which couple would you choose, and why?

I think I'd pick Cade and Toby from An Endless Sea of Stars. They're both quite comfortable being in and around water. So I'd get to watch them walk around in just their underwear (or nothing at all!) and frolic in the ocean. No way could I ever get bored!

Writing summaries and blurbs, love it or hate it?

Hate it! LOL! Writing a 50,000 word story is easier than having to try and condense the whole thing down to a couple of sentences.

Well, thanks for that. I haven't had the internet since I moved houses, so I've been watching TV series while I've unpacked. Among those were Firefly (and Serenity) and Stargate Atlantis. I also watched Star Wars as a child and they certainly made an impact on me. Those who know me know I'm a sucker for sci-fi. So, here's the guest post:

Many thanks to Erica for having me here today to talk about my new novella, An Endless Sea of Stars. I've been a sci-fi fan since 1977, the year that a little film called Star Wars hit the movie screens. I was only six years old back then. While my friends wanted to go see Bambi I was begging my dad to take me to Star Wars. My mother thought I was nuts and refused to go, saying my dad was just wasting his money because I wouldn't understand the movie. Seven days later and seven consecutive trips to the movies with my dad and she had to admit she'd made a mistake. :-)

To this day Star Wars remains a big part of my life. My home is filled with about a thousand pieces of memorabilia and photos of myself with many of the actors. I also love shows like the original Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, Firefly, Buck Rogers, Babylon 5, Fringe, Doctor Who and Alien Nation. I also read sci-fi novels voraciously.

So why it's taken me to this day to write my first m/m sci-fi novella I have no idea! LOL! But inspiration finally hit and An Endless Sea of Stars was born.

This is Book One of the Genesis Project series, which follows the lives of a test pilot and an engineer as Earth strives to build a starship that will take them beyond the Milky Way and into deep space. My friend Gina calls the book a "futuristic romance" and I love that description. While it has sci-fi elements to it, the story takes place entirely on Earth with its focus on the love story between Toby and Cade.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

BLURB:

The year is 2121. While Earth has conquered exploration of the Milky Way, we have yet to develop an interstellar engine to take us beyond our own galaxy. Thus the Intergalactic Exploration Alliance and the Gemini Project were formed.

Lieutenant Tobias Dekker is fresh out of the IEA academy and determined to be assigned to the Gemini engineering team. Putting career above all else. He knows from experience that relationships have no place in the Alliance. Commander Caden Flynn is equally determined to see the Gemini prototype take flight to uncharted space. The engine is his late father's design and he wants nothing more than to be the test pilot that breaks the next light speed barrier.

Two men dreaming of a sea of stars find that it's instead an ocean here on Earth that brings them together. Can Cade convince Toby to open up his heart and take a chance on love and explore the universe with him, side by side?

EXCERPT:

Toby rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a smartass?”

At that Cade finally let loose with his suppressed laughter. “I had you going there, though, didn’t I?” he smirked.

Toby waved his hand in dismissal. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll have you know that’s never happened to me before. I would’ve gotten us outta there. I just needed another minute…or two,” he finished with an embarrassed grin.

“You know, I really should report this to Hank,” Cade quipped as he finished removing his wetsuit. “But!” he held up his hand before Toby could say anything. “We can forget about the entire thing if…” he trailed off for a second and rummaged in his duffle bag, pulling out a bottle of Kentucky bourbon and showing it to Toby. “…you have a drink with me.” He shrugged one of his shoulders. “Since I couldn’t get you to a bar with me I thought I’d bring the bar to you.”

Toby paused. Alone, in the dark, sharing a few drinks. This wasn’t a good idea. He should politely decline and say they needed to start heading back. But his mouth was apparently not listening to his brain, because before he could stop himself…

“Deal.”

A very pleased smile crossed Cade’s face and he reached over and squeezed Toby’s bare shoulder before turning back to the duffel bag and producing two plastic cups. A few minutes later they had donned their t-shirts and shorts and were relaxing on the bow, sitting close enough that their shoulders were almost touching. The clouds had dissipated, revealing millions of stars twinkling in the clear sky and a full moon reflecting on the water.

Cade took a swallow of bourbon and turned his head toward Toby. “I can’t get over what an amazing feeling it was, being down in those caves tonight.”

Toby took a drink as well. “Been through those caves ‘bout a hundred times. But like I said earlier, there’s something different every time. It never gets boring.”

Cade looked up toward the sky. “It’s like being out in the stars. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.”

Toby couldn’t help his wistful, and envious, sigh. “Closest I’m probably ever gonna get to the stars is in one of the flight simulators.”

“From what I hear you’ve made some fabulous improvements to those simulators,” Cade said. “I wish I’d had you building and programming them when I was in flight school.”

Toby turned to look at him. “How did you know I was on the simulator team?”

Cade shrugged, took another drink. “After we met I took the liberty of looking into your Academy history.” He grinned. “I was curious as to who was going to be teaching me.” Cade shifted so that he was turned more fully toward Toby. “And I was damn impressed at what I read. You need to stop selling yourself short when it comes to your dream of working on the Gemini project. You’re in the top two percent of your class, Toby. Alliance Command is not going to overlook that when they hand out assignments next month.”

Toby shook his head. “Don’t you think they’d want someone older, more experienced, working on something as monumentally important as Earth’s first hyperdrive engine?”

“Just because you haven’t been in space doesn’t mean you’re not qualified to work on a starship engine. It’s about technical expertise, not flight time.”

Toby now turned to face Cade, a tinge of excitement in his voice. “Tell me about that. What’s it like up there? I’ve gotta admit that as much as I want to experience it for myself, it makes me kinda nervous, too.”

“It’s a lot like scuba diving, actually,” Cade began, then tipped his head up toward the sky, his voice gone quiet. “Surrounded by an endless sea of stars instead of water. It’s beautiful. And so serene. But there’s so much more out there to explore than in just our galaxy.”

Toby couldn’t help but smile at the passion and wonder in Cade’s voice. “You said we’re close to breaking barrier three?”

Cade nodded and finished off his drink, poured himself another and topped off Toby’s. “The engine tests we’ve been running are really promising. Captain Hoffman’s team is burning the midnight oil.”

“From what you told me last month it sounds like you are, too.”

Cade blew out a breath. “You know how badly you want in the Gemini program? That’s how badly I want to pilot that next barrier flight. It’s going to come down to myself, Logan Ramsey, Kenji Tran or Padma Singh. And they’re all damn good test pilots.”

“Well let me give you some sage advice that a friend of mine gave me,” Toby said with a grin. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

Cade gave him a look. “Now who’s the smartass?”

Toby just laughed and knocked his cup against Cade’s. He settled back to look up at the stars, and Cade did the same. They let the quiet of the open ocean surround them for several minutes, nothing but the sound of gentle waves against the hull.

“Does this place have a name?” Cade asked quietly.

“Not that I know of,” Toby answered.

“Then I think we should call it Dekker’s Cove.” He once again turned his head to look at Toby. “Thanks again for taking me out here. This is your spot and you didn’t have to share it with me.”

Toby turned his head to look back at Cade, his voice sincere. “I wanted to. I knew you’d appreciate how special it was.”

Cade pinned him with a gaze full of hope and desire. “There are a lot of things I’m finding are special down here.”

Toby’s breath caught in his throat. It would be so damn easy to give in to Cade’s flirtations. To say the hell with it and just reach over and touch him. Because Toby knew that’s all it would take. One touch. But then what? A summer fling, like they were teenagers away at camp? Toby just wasn’t wired like that, for one-time hook ups. Especially with someone like Cade. He knew he’d want more and he knew it’d never work. He just needed to keep reminding himself that it was Cade’s friendship that was most important, what he really wanted, was the only thing that would work between them. But it was getting harder and harder to do with each passing day he spent with Cade. His heart was warring with his head. And he honestly didn’t know which was going to win.

The moment stretched on between them, Toby knowing Cade was waiting for something from Toby, but he didn’t trust himself to speak.

Cade glanced away, then back. “Toby, I…”

And Toby’s stomach somersaulted, certain of what Cade was going to say next. He wasn’t ready for this…

“…I have to leave tomorrow.”

Toby blinked and released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “Wh-what?” he stuttered, completely caught off guard by Cade’s words, so far from what he had been expecting.

Cade sighed. “I’m needed back at Alliance HQ. I found out this morning but was putting off telling you.”

“That – that’s okay. I understand,” Toby replied, trying to hide his disappointment.

“I even brought a holo vid of a rugby match I was hoping to show you tomorrow,” Cade grinned and Toby chuckled. “Next month, okay?”

Toby nodded. “Next month.”

Next month. One last chance for Toby to sort out his feelings for Cade. And be able to live with that decision with no regrets. He had a sneaking suspicion that was going to be easier said than done.

  

BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/ng25ocw

LuLu (Paperback and epub): http://tinyurl.com/qe5oeal

Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/nvj3toh

Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/ow92qj2

Also available at the iBookstore

CONTACT INFO:

Jamie Lynn Miller

jamielynnmiller@live.com

http://www.jamielynnm.wordpress.com

http://www.facebook.com/jamielynn.miller.3

Jamie Lynn Miller has been writing fiction since childhood and decided to take the plunge and go pro in 2008, finding to her amazement that people truly enjoyed her love stories. She’s a romantic at heart, and her tales reflect the desire we all have to find “the one,” persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending.

Jamie has a degree in fine arts and has spent the last twenty years working as a graphic designer, though she’d much rather be writing. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today with her husband and their two furry, four-footed children, er… cats.

If she’s not brainstorming story ideas, you can find Jamie at a sci-fi convention, in front of a furnace doing glass blowing, or on a mat twisted into a yoga pose.

Douglas Black: The Bucket List

My buddy, Douglas Black, is back on my blog to give you a glimpse into his new novella. Take it away, Doug!

Hi Erica,

Thanks so much for having me back on your blog. It’s certainly been a while, but in my absence I haven’t been idle. Funnily enough, I've been busy writing and for once I can say that and provide proof because I have a new release out!

My new novella is called The Bucket List. It falls, as you would expect, into the MM erotic romance category and the story follows Kade, a young man whose friends write him a bucket list to help him break out of the rut he has found himself in after a recent break-up.

When I was in my early twenties, I wrote a bucket list for myself. I put pen to paper shortly after I had finished my Masters degree. By that point, I had spent five years in higher education and for all of that time, my life revolved around studying. That had been my choice and I didn't regret it, but by the end of my Masters I was definitely suffering from a severe case of burn-out. I had one long summer ahead of me and, instead of spending it preparing for another four years in academia, I decided to redress the balance in my life by going out into the world and having some fun.

I remember walking in to a little café in the west end of Glasgow - it was probably April or May, but it was one of those dreich days Scotland does so well so I remember keeping my coat on even as I sat inside. I took a seat by the window and drank my overpriced coffee while watching the world go by. Gradually, I started to jot down a list of things I wanted to do, not just that summer, but as I went forward in life.

I still have that bucket list. Over the years it’s transitioned from hand-scrawled notes on loose sheets of paper, to a neat draft in a posh notebook, to a saved file on my computer. Lots of things have been added, far more than have been checked off, and it continues to do what it first did that day in that little coffee shop in Glasgow. It inspires me to keep moving forwards. It convinces me that there’s not much to be gained from just standing still.

My bucket list differs from my character Kade’s in a few ways.

Firstly, I actually wrote mine so all the things I put on it were things I really wanted to do. Kade is forced into going along with his bucket list ‘for his own good’.

Secondly, unlike Kade I wanted to make changes. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience something new. Kade, at the start of the novella especially, is perfectly happy in his comfort zone, thank you very much.

Thirdly, my bucket list didn't turn my world upside down! Don’t get me wrong, in it’s own way it really did. It changed the way I thought about my work-play balance, it changed the way I spent my leisure time, and it changed the way I thought about how much money I was spending and what I was spending it on. But, it didn't lead to me meeting a hot Australian surfer-guy with a burning desire to take my life to pieces and give it a good shake, before rebuilding it with him in a starring role. More’s the pity.

No, that didn't happen to me, but that does happen to Kade. It could happen to you too, though, if you were to write a bucket list of your own, or dust down that old one still kicking about from the time when you decided you needed to make a change in your life. After all, they say life is out there and if that’s true you’re not going to experience it by sitting inside, reading this! Although please, do stay until the end.

If nothing else lists like this help you concentrate your thinking. They make you realize how much there is to do in life, how much is out there just waiting to be explored, and they help you to focus your attention on the future you want and how to achieve it, rather than on the little details that so often hold us all back. They help you look at the broader picture.

In my story, that’s exactly what Kade’s bucket list helps him to do, and that’s why I love this story so much. You get to watch a character change from a nervous, downtrodden man who is uncertain of himself into a man who, despite still going through some very tough times, is able to find a new path in life with that hot Australian surfer-guy I was on about before. Those things happen because Kade follows his bucket list, no matter how reluctantly. And if that’s not a pretty good reason to try your hand at writing one of your own, then I don’t know what is!

Blurb

When Kade Doherty gets dumped, he expects sympathy from his friends. Instead, he gets a bucket list. His friends want to help him enjoy life again, but Kade isn’t convinced a list of outlandish leisure pursuits will help much with that. To keep the peace he goes along with the plan and in the process, he meets Blake.

Blake’s Australian accent and surfer-boy looks are the stuff of sexual fantasies and Kade surprises everyone – including himself – when he wastes no time making a move.

Kade goes with Blake into the Scottish highlands, but just as he is beginning to get used to life with his very own Mr. Australia, reality comes knocking. Kade’s newfound happiness falls apart when his abusive ex demands they meet. Blake senses something is wrong and he wants to help, but Kade knows he can’t confide in Blake.

After all, Kade hasn't exactly been honest. He might feel like a different man when he’s with Blake, but Kade knows he’s still just an accountant from Glasgow with slight obsessive compulsions and a bucket list that someone else wrote. He knows Blake won’t hang around, let alone help, when he finds out the truth.

Or will he?

Excerpt

Kade made his way slowly over to Blake, keeping close to the relative calm of the curving bar. He stepped in beside his Mr. Australia. Blake didn't turn to look at him.

Kade assumed that, even given the circumstances, it was still acceptable to start with, “Hello.”

Blake turned his head, and Kade felt that warmth he had felt with his back to the fish tanks in the Asian supermarket. “Hi,” Blake said, his voice deep enough to carry against the music.

He turned, opening up his body and inviting Kade to step closer. Kade did. He wanted to, wanted to see if that strange connection he had felt earlier was still there between them.

“Who’s your friend?” Kade asked.

Blake just shrugged. “Don’t know. Just some kid. Art student, apparently. He was a good dancer, though.”

“Not a good kisser?”

Blake looked Kade up and down, taking his time doing so. Kade had always thought the idea that someone could undress you with their eyes was a concept fit only for the cheap romance novels his mum used to read, but he couldn't think of a better way to describe what Blake’s eyes had just done to him. The words needed to describe how that made Kade feel wouldn't be fit for polite company. Not that Kade was really in polite company.

“I wouldn't know. Didn't want to kiss him.” Blake reached out and stroked his hand down Kade’s right arm, from his shoulder to his wrist. He left it there for a few moments, holding tight, and then he pulled Kade’s wrist toward him. Kade’s hand landed on Blake’s hip, his thumb teasing Blake’s tight, strong stomach muscles. When Blake let go, Kade didn't move his hand away.

“Why didn't you want to?” Kade couldn't stop staring into those bright blue eyes.

Blake shrugged and wrapped the hand that had been around Kade’s wrist around Kade’s neck. “He’s not my type. And I was hoping I would meet someone else here tonight. I thought it was a long shot, but I didn't want to take the risk and ruin my chances.”

Despite his recent drink, Kade’s throat felt dry. He didn't even care if that was a lie. Blake’s strong fingers rubbed Kade’s neck just below his hairline.

“Who were you hoping to meet?” Kade asked.

Blake tugged him in close so their bodies were pressing together. Kade’s hand slipped around to Blake’s back, holding on tight as Blake put his lips to the side of Kade’s neck.

“You,” Blake whispered. They were so close to the loudspeakers that the word should have been lost, but Kade heard that loaded syllable and felt it translate like heat through his body, like he had just stepped into a hot bath.

“Are you here with somebody?”

Kade shook his head. He felt Blake spread his legs. There was barely any distance left between them.

“Then would you mind if I did this?”

Kade turned his head to find Blake’s lips less than an inch away from his own. He smiled and tried for one of those winks he was so not used to giving, and then let Blake close the distance between them.

Buy Links

Loose-ID

Amazon UK

Amazon.com

Author Biography

Douglas Black was born and raised in bonnie Scotland. An archaeologist by trade, Douglas started writing MM erotica - as a means of avoiding starvation at university - before returning to the genre in 2012.

Welcome to your fantasy.

Author Links

Blog

Amazon

Facebook Author Page

Twitter: @DBlackErotica

Guest Blog: Ciaran Dwynvil (In Blue Poppy Fields)

Thank you, Erica, for having me as your guest today. I'm very excited to be here to tell you about my newest gay erotic paranormal fantasy, In Blue Poppy Fields. The book will please not only all fans of Belial, the Prince of Trickery, the Lord of Lust and the Antilight... aka Guardian Demon, but all readers who love vampires. 

Though... maybe not all as vampire stories differ greatly. Some have gloomy, horror atmosphere, some are full of blood and violence, still others brim with dark sensuality. How should you know ours would be to your liking? Apart from reading a sample chapter on Amazon or Smashwords to get a feel of the tale, you can learn about various aspects of a vampire's life in our world during In Blue Poppy Fields release tour. Let's first take a look at the book and then we will move on to our topic for today. The bond between Sire and his Scion.

In Blue Poppy Fields blurb: 

A victim to another man's cruelty, talented and beautiful theater actor Adhemar Lebeau learned not to trust and not to love anybody but himself. Falsely accused of his master's murder, he has to accept assistance of mysterious Count Sanyi Arany to later discover his savior is a vampire. Forced both by a fatal illness and aftershocks of torture experienced during his unjust imprisonment, Adhemar agrees to the only possible cure. Rebirth.

Healed in body but not in mind, he guards his independence, free will and heart. He is not able to give love, only the fulfillment of lust. Yet, satiation of sensuous longing is not enough for his Sire and he knows it. When an eerie malady strikes and seems to deplete Sanyi's life energy for unknown reasons, Adhemar understands his fears and agrees to keep a street boy, Reyach, as a pet for both of them in hope it will soothe the unspoken worries.

Out of necessity he finds himself in the role of the only hunter in their company, and out of attachment he accepts the responsibility readily. Indulgence in blood and carnal pleasures fill his nights and vampiric powers give him the feeling of safety. Until the evening when he carelessly falls prey to High Demon Belial's plays that quickly turn into more than either of them has bargained for.

In spite of a hard start, Adhemar feels burning urge deep in his heart and no matter how much he denies it, the cause of the strange sensation is a budding seed of affection brought to life by the insufferable demon. But letting Adhemar learn to love somebody other than him is not what seemingly innocent Reyach plans. 

After reading the blurb you already know that Adhemar stayed with Sanyi after he had been Turned. Is it so for every true vampire of the night in our world? The lore says the bond between Maker and his Child is almost impossible to sever. And... it lies. The bond is in fact a loose connection between the two. Yes, it exists but the influence of Sire on his Scion's doings is exaggerated in the beliefs mortals hold about vampires.

The truth is that Sires differ. Some are very responsible and affectionate with their Scions, some are not. But if love guides a Sire's care, it had been there before he gave his lover new life. The feeling didn't magically come into existence during the act of Rebirth.

And so, when Turning just happens in the middle of a passionate night with a stranger, some Sires don't really care about their creations and leave them behind to stumble through their existence on their own. How can it just happen you ask? Very much like mortal encounters with strangers do. Perhaps the victim was too beautiful to be killed, perhaps something in his eyes awoke the immortal's mercy, perhaps the vampire's whimsical streak spoke at that moment, perhaps he wished to indulge in pain that night... who knows. But if he abandoned his offspring, nothing of the allure of that night was strong enough to make him start a relationship. 

Yet men are not kitten that truly need a cat, and while it is harder for the newborn vampire to handle the first nights of his immortality just on his own, he can survive well as long as he takes care to remain inconspicuous. It's the feeling of guilt, panic or indecision which may cost young vampires their immortal lives before they really start, but a man of a strong, independent personality will usually make it through the first critical nights even without help.

There aren't really too many things his Sire could teach him anyway. Not to swallow the food of mortals, not to expose himself to sunshine, to feed regularly, to hunt in the back streets and never among those who could be missed. Any man with average caution and intelligence would stick to these basics anyway. He may get scared by the fact that slumber strikes still before dawn if he is not well fed, or may avoid strong drinks or wine though they wouldn't really harm him, but in time and through experiments he will learn the nuances of his new existence. 

So why is Sire important anyway? For some vampires, his influence may be the difference between life and death. The act of Rebirth makes all personal traits stronger. So, a careless man becomes a careless vampire. He might not realize the dangers in time, or might underestimate them severely. Similarly, if a man always needed the guidance of others, he will need it as an immortal too and making his own decisions will be extremely hard for him. After his Rebirth he might become literally paralyzed by indecision if left to his own devices. Still other young vampires might be bound by religious beliefs and commandments to the point of not being able to hunt without encouragement, coaxing and guidance. In all such cases and many more it is extremely valuable for a newborn vampire to have his Sire at his side.

Does it mean that Sire, provided that he and his Scion stay together initially, always leads? Not at all. If a vampire with a strong personality Turns a dominant man, they will soon become equal and it won't be easy to distinguish who guides and who follows. If they are both hot-headed, they may spend many a night in heated arguments and perhaps after a time they will part ways anyway if they find themselves unable to come to a compromise.

It may also happen that a vampire possesses submissive traits and Turns his dominant lover. In such a case, their respective roles won't change. The newborn vampire will still be the guiding force in their relationship even though he will probably seek insight of his Sire when confronted with realities of his new existence for the first time. 

As you can see, the dynamics of the relationship between Sire and his Scion differ case by case and nothing is really carved in stone. Now you can knowingly raise your brow when you hear the lore :) 

Would you like to learn more about vampires in our world? You can find a list of topics and the schedule of the whole tour here.

For now take a peek into the book and catch a glimpse of relationship between Sanyi and Adhemar:

~*~*~

But they couldn't end every talk like this. Leaving him stumbling in the darkness, unsure of himself or their connection. If there ever had been any... Without thinking any further, Sanyi leaped off the statue too and quickly caught up with his desire. Grabbing his arm, stopping him in mid-step, he gave a bitter: “So, you are...”

Adhemar turned toward him and didn't shake his hand off. He just made a step back to lean against the chimney. The darned thing seemed to be always there. And had it not been there, they wouldn't have been having this painful conversation now. Sanyi frowned, wishing to throttle the mocking piece of architecture if he at all could. “I don't wish to speak about it,” Adhemar whispered, suddenly pulling him closer.

“But...,” he resisted and didn't even know why. He craved to be close to his favorite. It was just that he needed...

“What did I say?” A soft murmur but the touch of Adhemar's cold hand was insistent. It wouldn't allow him not to obey its call. Sanyi's knees buckled but somehow he managed not to let it be seen. Yet felt it all the same. The roof quaked. It did. And he was trapped and shaking too. “You...,” he gave and wasn't able to finish his line. His mouth wanted...

“Come here.” An order as silent as the soft mist undulating around them. And as loud as heavenly choirs.

“You...” His mouth wanted...

A pull. So powerful that he landed in Adhemar's arms with a yelp of surprise. “Will you ever stop talking, Maker mine?” the words caressed his pouts and he couldn't, couldn't, couldn't breathe. Leaning against his companion, he tried to retort: “May-,” but their lips crushed together before he finished the word. 

And then the world melted in red fog of lust, lust, lust. It quivered, shuddered, quaked and Sanyi didn't mind. Feeling the hardness of Adhemar's body against his own, he threw the gates to his soul open and let his assaulter claim his mouth in a hungry, glorious dance. Being kissed and kissing back, he finally felt... truly alive. Life raced through him in inexorable waves, starting in his tongue and rolling, rolling, rolling through all his nerves. Never to be stopped. Drowning in its magnificence, with his eyes closed to keep everything about this unseen moment in his heart, he moaned and buried his hands in silken, damp strands of Adhemar's hair. And wished to stay like this, stay like this, stay... like this. Forever.

~*~*~

Did the little peek into our world capture your attention? In Blue Poppy Fields is currently available at Amazon and Smashwords. 

It can be read without being familiar with other books in the Guardian Demon Series but you now have an opportunity to win one of the twelve copies of Trails of Love I Crawl Part 1 that opens the beguiling world of this series. Participation is easy enough for anybody over the age of eighteen. The more you help others find me and Guardian Demon Series books, the more chances to win you will have.

What can you do?

* Recommend my books in reader discussions on Goodreads, Shelfari or other platforms you are active at

* Follow my blog, like my FB page, follow me on Twitter

* Rate my books on Goodreads

* Review my books on Amazon, Smashwords, B&N or Goodreads

* Feature my books and your reviews of them on your blog if you have one

* Tell your friends about Guardian Demon Series

* Tweet about In Blue Poppy Fields, FB links to release tour articles, reblog them, Pinterest them, Stumble upon them… whichever platform you fancy is welcome

My giveaway form will give you more suggestions. Winners will be announced on my blog on the 11th of April: http://ciarandwynvil.wordpress.com/

I hope to see your entry in the giveaway and thank you for your help in spreading the word of mouth about Guardian Demon Series.

With this I hand over Erica's blog back to her. It has been my pleasure to be your guest, Erica. Thank you for having me over today. 

Ghosts are Sexy Too!

I'm blogging at the Long and Short Reviews today about sexy ghosts. I'm going to post the same thing here and then you have a chance to win a copy of Hot Hands. What you have to do is leave a comment to THIS post along with your email address. I will draw, contact and announce a winner on November 3rd.

Are ghosts real? Yes they are. I've been fed the “stories” (which were never told as “stories” here in Iceland but facts) since I was a kid and I've had firsthand experience with ghosts. I've blogged about that on my own blog this Halloween, so head on over if you’re curious.

But are ghosts sexy? I didn't used to think so when I was younger. Surely they’d be ugly fiends with axes sticking out of their heads. Surely they’d be corporal monsters that can strangle you in your sleep. Right? Wrong. What I've come to realize is that ghosts look the same as they did when they were alive. Maybe in their prime, or maybe as they were when they died, but if there are sexy people in our world (and boy, are there ever!), ghosts can be sexy, too.

I’m currently publishing and writing contemporary m/m erotic romance. However, I've always been tempted to write ghost stories, and I’m sure it won’t be long before I do. What could be more romantic than lovers who are stuck in separate world, only able to see each other but not touch? What could be sexier than not being about to touch but only see? I don’t know how I would iron out an ending here, but there are many possibilities. The meat - the middle - could be so rich with the ghost’s different era, his joys, his dreams. How did he die? Did he have a lover back then? Can he have a living lover now? How do they have sex? This topic has probably been written about a thousand times, but that’s the beauty about crafting stories with a common theme: you get to create new characters with unique tales and personalities. To make the story highly erotic would be a challenge since there can’t be any touching, but it is a challenge worth taking.

Since this story is still in the prison of my mind, I cannot offer a ghost themed book for a giveaway. However, I will offer up a copy of Hot Hands, which is a story where Casper (not the ghost!) is being goosed and groped at school and wants to identify the guy he’s dubbed “Hot Hands”. Hot Hands, however, doesn't want to be seen, so Casper has to rely on his other senses: ears, taste, smell, and touch to get to know his groper. Kind of like the opposite of the ghost story.

Now, I will probably be at the GayRomLit Retreat in Albuquerque with a bunch of other m/m authors when this post goes live, so I hope you’ll forgive that I won’t reply to everyone.

Before I go, I'm inviting you to follow me through my newsletter, Twitter, Facebook page and/or Goodreads. This is not necessary to take part in the contest.

Before I post the excerpts, if you want a free story of mine you can download Half-Baked Promises from here.

So, happy Halloween and remember that ghosts can be sexy, too!

Gay Players: Sexual Liberty

One of Jessica's books. Isn't it gorgeous??

Hi guys :)

Sorry for having you over just to send you on to another site! I wrote a guest blog for Jessica Freely's blog: Friskbiskit where I'm talking about gay players and sexual liberty in fiction. As those who have read my books know, my guys have often been around the block and although I shouldn't have to defend it - because there's nothing wrong with it - I wanted to explain my view.

As some of you know, this dude's a major player
and enjoys sex very much!
He's also unapologetic about it. 

A Special Love for Twinks, by Havan Fellows

Well hello there my lovely hostess, Erica! Thanks so much for letting me crash your party this week *bouncing and smiling*...I love your place...oooooh look at how comfy that couch is! *plops on couch and starts to tuck feet under me...stops and blushes* Sorry...guess I got a little too 'at home'...hehe...but I figure since we are sharing a release date for our new books we were pretty much like siblings you know? BTW – what's the chances that I could borrow that lipstick—that color is amazing! Oh...never mind siblings, we could be kissing cousins...hehe

Okay okay...sorry, I'll behave. But you know it is soooooo hard to do sometimes. Especially when you ask me to talk about one of my fave subjects...twinks! Now let me point out right from the start—I don't have a complete fave 100% type of man...oh no—that would be sooooo unfair to me! *smirks* But I do have a special love for each different type...and most definitely a special love for twinks.

So...what makes a good twink? Well isn't that the thousand dollar question? *heads desk* I've asked numerous people about this, pondered over what I believe a twink to be and even googled it some...(that brought up some very interesting sites...and no I won't mention which ones I bookmarked for further study...*clears throat*)

The list I've come up with is diverse while still circling around the same traits (um...is that even possible?)...so instead of telling you what I believe a twink to be I think I'll list a few of the attributes I discovered and ask you what you believe makes a good twink. 

Now remember –these are not my personal ideas, this is pure research baby...without a scientific formula that is...*eye roll giggling*

younger - pushy - flirty - smaller - blond/light hair color - wiry - mouthy - bottom - out of the closet - well manicured - pixie-ish - slighter build - tops-from-bottom - extrovert - fresh faced appearance - loud and proud - immature - no facial hair - effeminate - smooth hairless chest/body - self-confident

Wow...and that is without going into the sexual aspect of the word...*eyes bug out*...is there any wonder why I am having a hard time nailing down what being a twink might mean to others?

All I know is I love them... just like I know that I will freaking adore Erica's twink Eric...this world is plenty big enough for all kinds, especially those yummilicious twinks. *big smiles*

So please, leave a comment telling me what you think...and after you are done enjoying all Eric has to offer in Absolutely Eric...maybe you'd like to check out what my boys have to offer in Emery's Ritches...

Emery's Ritches

Releases tomorrow 5/11/12

Blurb:

Ritchie Lymings is wallowing in self-pity after seeing the man he loves—his best friend—reunited with his arch enemy. He's drowning his sorrows in coffee and caramel when an irritating stranger barges into his life, determined to make him smile. Even if this interloper is too dense to understand his faux pas, Ritchie figures he may be good for a quickie to get his mind off of his immediate situation. A simple round of love 'em and leave 'em sounds promising.

Emery Hutchins recognizes Ritchie immediately when he stops for his morning coffee and breakfast. His friend Ryder had been telling him stories about "the infuriating twit" for years. Fate and coincidence were two things that normally gave Emery cause for pause, but he couldn't let this opportunity pass him by. Unable to relinquish control to fate though, he immediately devises a plan to make the deliciously snarky Ritchie his own, one hundred percent completely.

But for these two diverse personalities there is one major problem. How can Ritchie's attitude and Emery's meticulousness blend together, or is this an oil and water mess?

You can find Havan Fellows @ Havan's Heavenly Haven blog & Facebook 

You can find her new book Emery's Ritches @ Breathless Press

Excerpt:

"Oh wow, and here I feared the worst, that you would never break through that dark look and smile. Now that I've seen your smile, I'm pretty sure I never want to see you without it."

Snapping out of his daydream, Ritchie turned to the intruding voice and set eyes on the sexiest man he'd seen in a long time. Short golden hair on the sides, longer in front, clear silver-blue eyes, high forehead, and pouty cupid's bow lips. Hot damn, he's a god. 

After a few tense seconds, Ritchie finally found his voice and attempted to put it to good use. "Can I help you?" Okay, not good use, but use at least.

"Most definitely, in so many ways too."

Ritchie's brows drew together and he couldn't hold back the growl. "Excuse me?"

The man smiled, wide and easy. "I wondered if I could share this table with you? This place gets busy in the blink of an eye. Plus I seem to have bought two coffees and two scones so I was thinking we could have breakfast together." And with that, he placed two cups and the single plate with two cinnamon chip scones he had meticulously juggled onto the table. He then proceeded to make himself at home in the chair across from Ritchie.

Ritchie glanced around and noted at least three empty tables, and pointedly glared back at his interloper.

That easy breezy grin didn't falter and the man didn't miss a beat. "That table wobbles, almost spilled a whole cup of their hazelnut all over me the other morning." He pointed to empty table number one. Then he directed his finger at empty table number two. "Sitting right next to that table you'll find Mrs. Glein. She's a widow and sweet as pie, but keeps insisting I meet with this mysterious grandson of hers named Stevie. Now considering she only has one grandchild, a beautiful woman named Stephanie, I figure she wants to convert me. I would rather skip that conversation this morning." Ritchie glanced over at the old lady. She smiled widely at the stranger and he waved and nodded back in acknowledgment.

Then he turned his attention to the third table that now housed two students with their laptops. "And darn if I didn't just miss that table by a millisecond. Good thing I got this seat when I did, huh?"

Ritchie took another sip of his coffee, trying to process how to lose this guy. He was obviously ill in some department no matter how hot he might be. Ritchie tilted his cup all the way back, then remembered it was empty. He set the mug back down a little too heavily causing a loud clacking noise that caused many of the patrons to look up with disapproving glares.

Then he looked back at his company, who held the extra steaming cup out to him. "Caramel latte, I believe?"

Begrudgingly, Ritchie took the cup and sipped some more. Damn near everything could be solved with the blessed combination of coffee and caramel. Staring into those clear silver-blue eyes from across the table, he stressed the damn near part.

"So, to what do I owe the great honor of your company?"

Grinning (of course, Ritchie mentally rolled his eyes) the man said, "You can owe the great honor to the fact that I didn't want to eat breakfast alone. Usually I don't mind, but when I noticed you so melancholy I decided today I minded."

Ritchie nodded. "Ah, I get it now. You're one of those do-gooders that just has to stick his nose where it isn't wanted. Come to turn my frown upside down, have you? Thanks, I appreciate the pity, but I'm doing just fine pitying myself. Don't need your help."

"But you did need my coffee and you do need to eat something." He placed one of the scones on a napkin in front of Ritchie.

"What are you, my mother?"

He winked at Ritchie. "Not exactly, I don't have the proper equipment for that. Though now I think I should start pitying myself that you didn't notice." And for the first time throughout this whole weird interaction, the stranger's smile turned into an exaggerated version of a pout.

Ritchie rolled his eyes for real this time, and against his will, he felt himself smirking in response to that pout.

"Ah ha!" Not surprisingly the pout disappeared. "I knew I would break down your defenses eventually. So who is he?"

"Excuse me?" Hadn't he already said that during this conversation?

"Who's the guy that's got you all knotted up? Only way for someone to look that downcast is when love's involved. Since you aren't all pissy and mad, well, not any more than what I assume's the norm for you," the man chuckled at his own joke, "I have to deduce that it's unrequited love. The guy obviously doesn't understand what a joyful gem you are. So I repeat, who is he? Shall I hunt him down and explain the error of his ways?" He popped a bit of scone into his mouth and managed to smile through the closed-mouth chewing process.

"I'm sorry, am I putting off a vibe saying that I'm a people person or something? Because if so, I need to fix my vibe-o-meter. What makes you think it's a guy anyway?"