« May 2012 | Main | July 2012 »
Guest Post: Angelia Sparrow's Prolific Balance
We join vampire hunters Marcus and Samil as they go about theirappointed rounds. Samil is immortal and Marcus is his specially trained servant.This is a prelude to my novel Power in the Blood and gives us more time with the very ruthless, very gay Marcus, and his charge, a man who once fought against the Hittites in the armies of King David.
Continue reading "Guest Post: Angelia Sparrow's Prolific Balance" »
Man Candy Monday Makes a Splash!
Ganked from Love is Love.
Guest Post: K.Z. Snow and the Magic of Love
Please join me in welcoming K.Z. Snow to Friskbiskit. She's here today to talk about her recent release, Carney's Magic, and share a magical excerpt from the book.
She's also generously giving away a free ebook to one lucky commenter. Just leave a comment and you'll be entered to win!
K.Z., take it away!
Magic. It’s at the core of all romance fiction. (My hostess, Jessica, certainly knows this!) Sci fi, paranormal, contemporary, historical; fluffy or weighty; light on sex or saturated with sex; m/m or m/f or any variation thereof. Categories are irrelevant. Inevitably, magic prevails.
The unique interpersonal alchemy called love is almost always the most magical thing in our lives . . . and in the stories we’re addicted to writing and/or reading.
My May 29 release from Loose Id, Carny’s Magic, explores different variations of this theme. There are definitely paranormal events in the novel, but they’re inextricably tied to the different kinds of emotional bonds that exist: the first flush of lust that morphs into love; the profound connection that comes with an established partnership; the emergence of a father-son bond from a mentor-student relationship. And, of course, there are the internal and external forces that can undermine the magic that is love—or even destroy it.
But I’ll let Carny take over from here, since this is primarily his story. (I’m also giving away one download of this or any other of my books that feature Jackson Spey and Adin Swift. So leave a comment if you’re interested in winning. Thanks for stopping by!)
Blurb
Carny Jessup here. The best part of my life began when my aunt’s homophobic squeeze smashed his fist into my face. I already knew a wizard named Jackson Spey lived on my side of town, so I figured I’d turn things around by becoming his apprentice.
Problem was, Spey didn’t want an apprentice. He was going through a midlife crisis. All he wanted was to build beautiful furniture and live in peace with his beautiful husband, Adin. He still took me in, though. Guess he felt sorry for me. And he was intrigued by the red paths I’d been seeing in the air.
Hey, I’m only 19, so how could I have foreseen the rest? That I’d fall for a breathtaking boy named Peter, who was at the center of some strange magic tied to Jackson’s past. And I’d have to deal with a sorcerer named Bezod, an evil pig who plagued all four of us and threatened to destroy our relationships.
Sometimes you just have to fight for what’s right. Like love. I might’ve been new to the boyfriend gig and Jackson might’ve been a reluctant wizard, but when the time came, we were ready to kick some supernatural ass.
Excerpt
I glide onto the shoulder and switch on the hazard lights. Jackson gets out of the car. I get out too.
Because we’re close to the lake, the air doesn’t feel entirely like laundry that’s just been pulled from the dryer. But damn, it’s dark out here. Creepy dark. All I can hear are small things singing from secret places.
Jackson moves away from the car and the illuminating blink of the hazards. I soon see why. Headlights are approaching. I pick my way to where he’s standing. A four-by-four pulling a boat shoots past us.
Once the boat trailer is no longer visible, Jackson tells me to face the northeast. I hesitate; I’m disoriented. “That way,” he says, stepping behind me and nudging my head a little to the right. “Pick a point of light in the sky, one you imagine is shining directly over Peter.”
“Star or planet?”
“Either.” He splays his hands over the back of my head, two of his fingers brushing my ears. I have a fleeting vision of Mr. Spock doing one kick-ass Vulcan mind-meld. “Have you chosen one?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Keep looking at it while you think of every good memory you have of Peter, and every warm feeling he’s generated in you, and each moment of happiness and hope you’ve shared. Vividly, Carny. Conjure them up as vividly as you can. Concentrate on the positives. Don’t let anything negative creep in.”
The memories and feelings swell inside me, all intertwined. I see Peter flashing me a smile over his shoulder as he leaves the shower stall, feel his hair between my fingers, hear him giggle as I tickle him and sigh as I hold him. I see the things we’ve done together, and I relive our pleasure in doing them. Tenderness fills me. Joy. Contentment. More…
“When you’ve remembered everything you can,” Jackson says quietly, “pour all of it into that speck of shine in the sky.”
I hold the star in place with my eyes and let that beautiful stuff gush out of me. Discrete images don’t form like so many BBs and shoot into the heavens. Instead, a stream flows, pure and sparkling—a stream that is the finest distillation of Peter-and-Carny.
The star glimmers.
I hear a whisper. “Now release the light. Direct it to spill over Peter and cocoon him. Make it blaze white all around him. See it happening.”
My eyelids flutter and close. Breath is hopping in and out of my chest. I think I’m smiling.
“Save some of the light for yourself. Pull threads of it toward you as it covers Peter. Let them wrap around the center of you.”
From that distant place where Peter is, bright tendrils float through the darkness and coil around me. I feel them just below my rib cage. A low voice is murmuring near or maybe in my head, but I don’t understand the words. Not at first. Then they give way to different words I do understand.
“Don’t give up on me.”
“I won’t.”
* * * * *
Carny’s Magic is currently available from the publisher, Loose Id http://www.loose-id.com/Carnys-Magic.aspx , and will soon be available at all major e-book outlets.
You can view all of K. Z. Snow’s books at her website http://www.kzsnow.com, or visit her at her blog http://kzsnow.blogspot.com and Twitter @k_z_snow.
Guest Post: Viki Lyn Strikes a Match
It's my pleasure to welcome Viki Lyn to Friskbiskit today! Viki's here to tell us all about her new release, John’s Match – Woodland Village Book 3. Read on for the story behind the story, and for an exciting excerpt.
Plus Viki's generously giving away a free digital copy of one of her books, winner's choice! Just leave a comment and you'll be entered to win!
Hi Jessica, thank you for having me as a guest today! It’s great to be back.
For those who aren’t familiar with my stories, I write male/male romance, both contemporary and para/fantasy. I love both subgenres, but I have to confess when I buy GLBT fiction to read, it’s usually contemporary.
My first m/m book that I wrote was Blue Skye, which became the first book in my Woodland Village Series. It has already been three years and ten books later since I’ve written Blue Skye. Before that, I wrote historical romance under another pen name. When I made the switch to gay fiction, it rekindled my passion for romance writing. I was hooked! Over the past few years I’ve learned a lot about the genre and writing in general. But although it’s my first book, Blue Skye will always hold a special place in my heart.
Blue Skye is about an artist, Skye Taylor, who loves his childhood friend, Drew Adams. During their high school graduation, their passion for each other ignites but Skye leaves for NYC without Drew and with a broken heart. Years later, Skye returns to Woodland Village to sell his family’s salt box cottage and help inaugurate his dealer’s new art gallery designed by Drew. When Skye and Drew meet again, all those buried emotions for each other begin to surface and change their lives.
The setting is a fictional village on the east coast. I pictured a cross between Cabot Cove and Cape Cod! It has a harbor, pier and a great crab shack, local coffee house and art gallery. There are salt box cottages that date back to the last decade. Pretty much a place where I’d like to live. Being a native Californian, I’m familiar with the west coast, so I’m not sure why I didn’t set my story in a fictional town near Big Sur or Malibu!
Recently, my Woodland Village series had to find a new home, so when Blue Skye, and the second book, Ryan’s Harbor were re-released, they also were re-edited, making the series even stronger. I had such a great response with book 3 – John’s Match when it came out this March. It was a leading seller during the month of its release, and a best seller on All Romance Ebooks!
When I set out to write my Woodland Village series, I didn’t plan on each story featuring a subplot of a son coming to terms with the relationship with his father. Its uncanny how characters take on a life of their own, and as a writer, I usually go with the flow.
In Blue Skye, Drew must learn to stand up to his father’s expectations. In Ryan’s Harbor, Martin Pierson feels like his father blames him for his brother’s death. He takes this belief and owns it. When I completed the third book, John’s Match, I realized again, I had a father playing a significant role in one of my character’s lives. John has a good relationship with his father, and must learn to accept his father’s illness, and the loneliness that will follow when he passes on. Their relationship is much closer to my relationship with my dad who died several years ago. I still miss him, and wonder what he’d think of his youngest daughter writing gay fiction. I believe he would have shaken his head, not really understand why, but would have accepted it with good grace. :)
Here’s a blurb from John’s Match:
Fantasy writer Scott Marwick just might be John’s financial savior if John can convince Scott to sign over the character rights for a new computer game. John befriends Scott for one purpose -- to get him to sign -- never planning on falling in love. When John shatters Scott’s trust, can Scott forgive and move on from his past mistakes?
John Kramer discovers two guys humping on the hood of his Ferrari in the parking lot of the local gay bar. When he finds one of the pair alone and in a drunken stupor, John drives him home. To his surprise, the young man’s father is his new next door neighbor, Scott Marwick. Tempers flare when Scott accuses John of getting his son inebriated and taking advantage of him. John plans to never see the man again.
Then John’s boss flips out when he finds out the jerk next door is Scott Marwick, a temperamental, but famous fantasy writer. The elusive author could save their company from financial ruin if they can get him to sign over his characters for a computer game. Ryan insists John befriend Scott, show him around the Village and get him to agree to a meeting.
The last thing Scott needs is friends. He moved to Woodland Village to forget about the past and to write. Since his partner’s death three years ago, he hasn’t written one word, and his agent, publisher, and fans are clamoring for the final book of his award-winning series. His life is spiraling out of control and he doesn’t know if he can finish his series. He doesn’t need the complication of love and he certainly wouldn’t associate his name with a computer game.
But when John’s life begins to fall apart, Scott must decide where his loyalties lie—with John or his principles.
Excerpt: PG-13 – some swearing!
Rob groaned and his head wobbled on his father’s shoulder. “Don’t feel so good…” Then his head thumped down, and the kid passed out.
“I’m putting him to bed. You—” Scott pointed to John “—stay put.”
John bristled under the command. He should get the hell out of there, but the bastard was his neighbor. All he needed was all-out war between him and this asshole.
Scott returned, shutting the door behind him.
He tightened the belt of his robe. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t ever want you near Rob again.”
John was never tongue-tied, but the piercing glare of those dark, dark eyes under the overhead light left him unbalanced. Were they navy blue or brown…too hard to tell, the black lashes thick and distracting.
John straightened his tie. He’d be damn if he moved first. “Look, we’re neighbors, so let’s be reasonable, here.”
“Rob never gets drunk, and he doesn’t take drugs.”
Yeah, and the sun sets in the East.
The man either had no clue about his son’s lifestyle or was in denial. John had enough of being accused for an action he hadn’t committed. He was too old for that shit.
John closed the space between them, pleased when he saw the muscle in Scott’s jaw tense. They were almost the same height, but John had the advantage of buffed muscles, a solid chest and his clean, well pressed clothes. He knew he looked good, kept in shape, and had too many admirers to worry about what this piece of shit thought of him.
“Let’s get something straight. I’m not the type of man who gives drugs to get a piece of ass.” He shoved Scott back with a well place palm to his chest, noting with surprise how firm it felt under the material. “I told you the truth. I found Rob drunk and gave him a ride. I suggest you talk with your son and find out why he had to get so pissing drunk he’d throw up all over your hedge bush.”
“Why you son of a bitch—”
John blocked the upraised hand. “Temper, temper…” He escaped down the porch steps two at a time, smiling as curses followed him all the way to his car.
Well, that didn’t go so well.
What a way to end his night.
He’d keep this encounter to himself. His friends would just tease him that he got what he’d deserved for sticking his neck out. Well, hopefully he wouldn’t have too much interaction with his neighbor. All they shared was a stretch of beach with other residents on their street. If John was lucky, he’d never have to talk with the man again
***
As you can see, John and Scott don’t start off on good standing! It was fun to write their relationship, and the softening of their feelings for each other.
Buy link: http://musapublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=9&products_id=236 or go to my website and all my book resources are located on my sidebar! www.vikilyn.com
Jessica, thanks for the opportunity to post to your site, and come and visit my blog when you get a chance. I’d love to have you as a guest.
Happy Reading everyone!
And if you want a chance to win one of my digital books, please comment. I’ll pick a winner at the end of the week.
Viki Lyn
http://www.vikilyn.com
http://www.vikilyn.com/blog
http://www.twitter.com/vikilynromance
http://www.facebook.com/vikilynromance
Free Fiction from Andrea Speed!
Former Friskbiskit Guest Andrea Speed is giving away Pretty Monsters. You know you want one.
Get a free copy of Pretty Monsters by Andrea Speed now, at Riptide.
Josh knew the night shift at the Quik-Mart would be full of freaks and geeks—and that was before the hell portal opened in the parking lot. Still, he likes to think he can roll with things. Sure, the zombies make a mess sometimes, but at least they never reach for anything more threatening than frozen burritos.
Besides, it’s not all lizard-monsters and the walking dead. There’s also the mysterious hottie with the sly red lips and a taste for sweets.
Josh has had the hots for Hot Guy since the moment he laid eyes on him, and it seems Hot Guy might be sweet on Josh too. Now if only Josh could figure out whether that’s a good thing, a bad thing, or something in between. After all, with a hell vortex just a stone’s throw away, Josh has learned to take nothing at face value—even if it’s a very, very pretty face.
Man Candy Monday: Kilt and Kilt Again
I have a sneaking suspicion I've posted this pic before. But what the hell, who can resist seconds?
Ganked from Skhye Moncrief.
Books by Jessica Freely
Coming April 19!
What can go wrong in a sex club? Plenty, as Alex is about to find out. Still, when morning comes, the worst night of his life might just turn out to be the best after all.
"I want to see where this adventure goes, and I am sure other readers will as well."
-Lototy, CoffeeTime Romance
"I am recommending this to those who love science fiction and space operas, android loving, cute technician’s, hot sex, slavers getting what they deserve and a very happy ending."
--Aggie, Hearts on Fire Reviews
"I fell in love with Samura from the beginning...This is one story that will stay on my favorites list."
--Theresa, Fallen Angel Reviews, 5 Angels, Recommended Read
"Broken is a nail biting, fast-paced romance that has quickly become a favorite of mine. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this thought provoking author."-- Daisiemae, Night Owl Reviews, 5 stars, top pick
"Like Alexander McCall Smith only with boylove."-- Paulette, Bean & Leaf Books
"Hero is warm, touching, and sensual. I love David and Seth and the moving beginning to their relationship."-- Nannette, Joyfully Reviewed
"Two men, one soul deep love, and an opportunity to watch a society find a new way of life... Those looking for a fascinating story with a brilliantly written plot need look no further."-- NeNe, Fallen Angel Reviews, 5 Angels
"...An absorbing, strongly plotted story with a lot of suspense. Rust Belt is my Top Pick for January."-- Val Kovalin, All Romance eBooks Wildfire Newsletter
"I'm always thrilled when an author manages to surprise me, so I'll say right now, I wasn't expecting the ending..."-- Literary Nymphs Reviews, 4 Nymphs
"I want to go out and read anything and everything Jessica Freely has written."-- April, Fallen Angel Reviews. 5 Angels, Recommended Read
Newsletter: get bonus stories and more
Explore Friskbiskit:
Categories
- #amazonfail
- Alex
- All the Colors of Love
- Ameranth&Ash
- AuthorSpotlight
- Behind Broken
- Birthdays
- bishiecon
- Books
- Broken
- contests
- Conventions
- CurrentAffairs
- Dharma Café
- DirtyBirdies
- Drawing!
- EyeCandy
- Food
- FreeFiction
- Fun
- genderpolitics
- GoogleSettlement
- Guest Ficlet
- GuestPost
- His Own Devices
- HOD
- Ice Prince
- Interview
- LGBTQ
- life
- Life
- Links
- m/m
- Manga
- Michigan
- policy
- Publishing
- Reviews
- ShamelessHustling
- shopping
- SHUWPF
- slash
- Stan&Gus
- technology
- Unlawful
- Unpacking the Case
- Video
- WhyWeLikeIt
- Word Candy Wednesday
- writing
- Yaoi
