Torquere Press' Happy Hour's Journal
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| Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 | 9:24 pm
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: Country Messes by Jameson Dash
Country Messes by Jameson Dash buy link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_110&products_id=3883Matthew loves his dog and his garden. He doesn't love the club scene. But just when he's decided to stop looking, Amie drags him away to her grandparents' beach house, where they discover Louis, her cousin, has been hiding out all summer. He's there trying to write a musical; Matthew is trying not to make a fool of himself in front of his three best friends. It's summer savory which brings Matthew and Lou together, in the garden, near the beach, on the last weekend before summer comes to an end. Author Extra: His Fairy Tale by Paula Cabral SEATTLE, WASHINGTON November 7, 2014 The rain let up for a magical hour last night, long enough for the Pacific Coast Music Hall to roll out the red carpet for the opening night of His Prince, a new musical. Written by Louis Stricker, and directed by Nelson Fong, this queer re-telling of your favorite fairy tale tropes puts an earnest spin on life and love, but don't worry: there is a happy ending (and a pot of gold) waiting for you at the end. The stars, Michael Newman and Jackson Yu, arrived together, though they had to tell each reporter on the line that, no, they aren't dating. My boyfriend hates this kind of thing, Yu said. He'd rather stay at home. The prince and his prince wore matching boutonnieres, tiny pink carnations, on the lapels of their tuxes. Also spotted on the red carpet were pink rubber bracelets for all the chorus children, and the good queen wore a floor-length pale pink gown. Charlene Cavallo explained it was the theme of the night. Lou told everyone to wear a little bit of pink. The writer himself wore a hot pink dinner jacket with white trousers and white leather shoes. He didn't stop smiling all night, though whether it was the opening night or the new man on his arm, Stricker wouldn't say. This is the first show in six years for Stricker, who saw his senior year thesis project move from the university stage to downtown Seattle theater row. After a few successes and one very public flop, Stricker is back with a new take on an old idea. When asked if it was the man in his life who inspired the new musical, Stricker wouldn't say. All Stricker would say is that the man's name is Matthew, and he isn't an actor. Quieter than Stricker, happy to hang back while the photographers flash and the reporters call out their questions, the mysterious Matthew is dressed all in blacksuit, shirt, and tieexcept for a tiny pink heart pinned to his lapel. When Stricker reaches back to grab his hand and pull him to the ropeline, they make a great pair, in white and black and pink. Everyone with a ticket to the show ducks inside only moments before the rain starts up again, saving their beautiful clothes and fancy shoes. The fairy tale of the two princes is inside on the surreal stage, set to songs you will be singing for days afterwards. But it seems Louis Stricker is already living his fairy tale. His Prince, words and music by Louis Stricker; book and direction by Nelson Fong; at Pacific Coast Music Hall, 303 Pacific Ave; Wed-Fri, 8PM, Sat-Sun, 2PM and 8PM. | 1:37 pm
[jamesondash]
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So Many (Country) Messes
I can't believe it's already been a month. Thank you to everyone who took a chance on my first novella, A Great Rough Diamond. Are you ready for another? I was all ready yesterday to settle in today, tell some behind-the-scenes stories, and give away some books. Then I fell down the stairs and sprained my ankle. It's been a while since I sprained this ankle this badly, and getting around on crutches is really cramping my style. I can't even find a comfortable position to sit up and write. An injury like this is the kind of thing that throws your whole life out of whack. Which is kind of what this book is about. When Matthew agrees to let his friends take him out of the city and to the beach for a weekend, he doesn't know how much his life is going to change. It's much less painful for Matthew than it was for me, and he even gets a hot guy out of the deal! Country Messes was inspired by the Christmas and summer weekends I spent at my great aunt and uncle's beach house on Whidbey Island, outside Seattle. The beach is rocky and the water is cold, but waking up just steps away from both made up for all of that. We were there a lot when I was a kid, but less once I grew up. I always wondered what a summer fling at that beach house would be like. So I wrote one for Matthew and Lou, and for you, too. Whether you read it tonight before bed or wait for the weekend (Is there sun where you are? Read it outside on the deck!), I hope you enjoy the book. Now, I've got a few copies to give away. I wrote this whole story about my favourite summer getaway. What's yours? | 8:22 am
[kristipublicist]
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New Release Day
 Country MessesBy: Jameson Dash61 pages / 15000 words ISBN: 978-1-61040-475-4 $3.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3883Blurb: Matthew loves his dog and his garden. He doesn't love the club scene. But just when he's decided to stop looking, Amie drags him away to her grandparents' beach house, where they discover Louis, her cousin, has been hiding out all summer. He's there trying to write a musical; Matthew is trying not to make a fool of himself in front of his three best friends. It's summer savory which brings Matthew and Lou together, in the garden, near the beach, on the last weekend before summer comes to an end.  Lights, Camera, Zombies!By: Kiernan Kelly54 pages / 15400 words ISBN: 978-1-61040-474-7 $3.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3882Blurb: After the Dante Comet passed, the dead rose and demanded their lives back. Trouble was, not everyone was happy to see their dead relatives show up for dinner. Laws were enacted, but rarely enforced. Zombies kept at least one foot in the grave, working at menial jobs for less pay than breathers, experiencing discrimination and hatred from almost every quarter. Jericho and Dex are zombies living very different lives. While both have jobs on a film set, Jericho is out, hired as a zombie extra, but Dex remains in the closet, passing as a breather to keep his job as a make-up artist. They keep their relationship to the shadows for fear it might out Dex, and end with both of them in jail or worse. When a bigoted director decides the world can do with one less zombie so he can get an Oscar-worthy death scene, both Jericho and Dex are forced to reexamine their lives and make some decisions that might tilt their world on its axis. Torqued Tale Sip  A Wolf Brushed RedBy: Andie Johnston25 pages / 7700 words $2.49 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3881Blurb: Rowan leads a quiet life, but a shortcut through the woods puts her in the path of something dangerous. Lily has held onto her memory of Rowan since a chance meeting when they were both girls. When they find one another again, they don’t expect to become so close so fast, but they’ll both discover that the danger hasn’t passed just yet. Sip:  Sweet ToothBy: Julia Talbot12 pages / 3000 words $1.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3880Blurb: It's Alan and Shiloh's anniversary, and Alan wants to do something special to mark the day. Lucky for him, Shiloh has a huge sweet-tooth and all Alan needs to do to make the day special is buy chocolate covered cherries and candied pecans. Shiloh's got plans of his own, too, and Alan's sweets will make the perfect dessert for Shiloh's steaks. That is if they ever get to the food; they can't seem to keep their hands off each other. Good thing they both think that's the best way to celebrate their anniversary, after all. Originally published in the Pour Some Sugar On It anthology. Coming Next Week...Two Guys Walk into an Apocalypse by VL Locey Flying with Dragons by Sean Michael Mister, May I? Sip:  Captain May I by Kayla Bain-VbraComing next Week from Prizm Books...My Life as a Myth by Huston Piner Prizm Pinch:  Refrigeration Blues by Richard Natale | | Friday, May 10th, 2013 | 10:34 pm
[kristipublicist]
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| 12:32 pm
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: Shel's Moor by Jessica Ennis
Shel's Moor by Jessica Ennis buy link: http://www.prizmbooks.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_7&products_id=63&zenid=0081c41e95882c3e2410817821e9ea9fCedric and his best friend and schoolmate Brigham can't resist the mysteries of the Moor near Cedric's house, especially after hearing tales of a monster. The monster they seek turns out to be a young werewolf living in isolation -- who cannot risk word of his existence getting to the superstitious townsfolk. In order to assure his continued safety, the werewolf takes Brigham as a hostage. While Brigham faces confinement with a monster, he will soon discover the young man underneath the legend. Author Extra: To celebrate the end of Garrison's first full year at Harper Adams, Brigham decided a holiday was in order. The two boys finally managed to wheedle away from Cedric and his girlfriend Harriet for one full week and absconded to a beautiful seaside shack in Blackpool. The week was spent in delirious ecstasy; they lay on the beach until their noses were pink and their shoulders threatened blisters. They showered together, keeping the water cool. The shower stall filled with grains of sand, and their too-gangly mens' feet on boys' bodies kicked at each other as they laughed and reached in the tiny stall. Soap smeared from body to body, at first accidentally, and then intentionally. Next came lotion to soothe the fresh day's burns, hands and mouths roaming, and breath on ears in the summery delight of scents as salty as the ocean. Finally, they always had dinner out. Garrison and Brigham together possessed very little in the way of money, so they made due with meals from a fish and chips stand, or a back alley curry joint. It hardly mattered. Afterward, the beach was waiting again, and now they smelled of patchouli and drank cheap wine that made Garrison's aches ease and Brigham's eyes grow wide with lust. At night, they often slept on the beach, rivaling the waves with their own sounds. Before dawn, before anyone could catch them, they came inside for a breakfast of wine, toast, and berries. Then they wandered back onto the beach to sleep all day in the sun, until their noses were pink and their shoulders once again threatened blisters. "This is what I want to be when I grow up." Brigham sighed into the shorebirds' calls. "What, a lazy berk?" Garrison asked. Brigham pouted in mock offense. "I want to be on the beach, in love." | | Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 | 9:30 pm
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: Mystery Date by Logan Zachary
Mystery Date by Logan Zachary buy link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=79_188&products_id=3877Uncle Darryl is looking for a birthday gift for his niece, and a game he wanted to play as a kid has brought back memories. He ordered Mystery Date, and when it arrived he opened it and started playing with it. As soon as he opened the games door, there was a knock on his door, and it was the man from the game. He was ready for a hot date. Who would be behind the door then next time he opens it? Who would be his Mystery Date? Author Extra: A good part of this story is true. When I was a kid, I always wanted to play Mystery Date, but no one would let a boy play a girls game. So last year when I was looking for a Christmas gift for my niece, I came across this game again. After she opened her gifts, my niece wanted to play the game. We set up the board and played the game on the living room floor. I had just collected the three cards I needed to get a chance to open the door, as soon as my fingers touched the plastic knob there was a knocking on my sisters door. I stopped the game and turned to see who was there. As the door opened, it was my mother, but for a second the flash of what would happen if the guy behind the plastic door was really standing at the door. And then the rest of the story followed. I wish the hot sex had followed too. | 10:23 am
[kristipublicist]
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New Release Day
Fennel and ForgivenessBy: Ari McKay102 pages / 31000 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-470-9
$4.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3878 Blurb: Darius Cooper, Maitre d' of upscale Montgomery House, isn’t entirely pleased when owner Rhys Montgomery decides to allow the Gourmet Network to use the restaurant for an episode of a reality show. But if he thought that was bad, discovering the show’s director is his former lover, Max Boyd, is nearly catastrophic. Max is the only man Dare has ever loved, and he’s spent seven years fruitlessly trying to erase Max from his mind and heart. Max was young and immature when he and Dare were together, but now he’s a different man, and ready to settle down into the kind of relationship he wasn’t prepared for back then. He’s never found anyone else who affects him the way Dare does, and he wants Dare back in his life. The only problem is Dare isn’t the forgiving sort. Between dealing with bridezillas and Executive Chef Stephen Pierce, Max has his hands full. Fortunately he has a ninja-Cupid in the form of Stephen’s PA Robert Logan on his side – but Max still isn’t certain if Dare will forgive him, or if he’s blown his only chance at true love after all. 
Beneath an Emerald SkyBy: Michael Barnette38 pages / 10200 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-471-6
$2.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3879 Blurb: Emeraldsky is a datajacker, one of the best at stealing corporate secrets. He’s hired the zonewarrior Steel-Or to protect him while he makes a dangerous run. When things go bad Steel-Or finds himself in the position of taking care of an injured Emeraldsky. Torn between the need for money, memories of the datajacker, and the desire to look out for number One, Steel-Or has to decide: does he take the money and run, or protect the only man he ever loved, even if Emeraldsky might not love him back. Mister, May I? Sip 
Mystery DateBy: Logan Zachary19 pages / 5600 words
$2.49 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3877 Blurb: Uncle Darryl is looking for a birthday gift for his niece, and a game he wanted to play as a kid has brought back memories. He ordered Mystery Date, and when it arrived he opened it and started playing with it. As soon as he opened the game’s door, there was a knock on his door, and it was the man from the game. He was ready for a hot date. Who would be behind the door then next time he opens it? Who would be his Mystery Date? Tales of Leather Sip 
Wrapped in RibbonsBy: Sean Michael13 pages / 3100 words
$1.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3876 Blurb: Dillon and Dal spend every Christmas at a house on the beach, but they never spend very much time in the sand. This year, Dillon has dark red silk ribbon to wrap Dal up in and he can't think of a better Christmas gift for either of them. Originally published in Toy Box: Ribbons New this Week from Prizm Books... 
Shels MoorBy: Jessica Ennis25 pages / 6400 words
$2.49 Buy Link: http://www.prizmbooks.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5_7&products_id=63 Blurb: Cedric and his best friend and schoolmate Brigham can't resist the mysteries of the Moor near Cedric's house, especially after hearing tales of a monster. The monster they seek turns out to be a young werewolf living in isolation -- who cannot risk word of his existence getting to the superstitious townsfolk. In order to assure his continued safety, the werewolf takes Brigham as a hostage. While Brigham faces confinement with a monster, he will soon discover the young man underneath the legend. Coming Next Week... Country Messes by Jameson Dash 
Lights, Cameras, Zombies by Kiernan Kelly 
Sip: 
A Wolf Brushed Red by Andi Johnston | 12:56 am
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: The Colt by Kalita Kasar
The Colt by Kalita KasarDaytime soap star and part time rancher Marcus Bailey ought to know betterthan to take in a stray. But there's something about the streetwise hustlerhe pulls out of a bar room brawl that makes him throw caution to the wind.Malcolm Quinn, half starved, wary, and bearing the physical and emotionalscars of a tough upbringing in foster care, wants nothing to do withcharity, nor will he brook anything that hints at pity.When Marcus offers Malcolm a job and a place to stay, the kid turns him downflat, but all that changes when Marcus' mare, Sylvie gives birth to agangly, long eared colt that falls ill soon after birth. Malcolm agrees tostay and help with the foal, never realizing the chain of events thatdecision will unleash.Marcus' jealous and violent partner, Paul Wilson, escalates his abuse ofMarcus under the guise of a BDSM arrangement and Malcolm and Marcus arecaught up in a rollercoaster ride of violence and scandal. Marcus must findthe strength to stand up to Paul and end their relationship, while Malcolmstruggles to come to terms with the BDSM lifestyle and become the lovingdominant that Marcus needs. Two men from very different worlds, can Malcolmand Marcus surmount the obstacles in their path and forge a future together?buy link:http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=97&products_\
id=3874Author Extra:http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/miscellaneous/fetch-recipe.php?rid=misc-scotti\
sh-apple-dumpling | | Monday, May 6th, 2013 | 11:44 pm
[marasmine]
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And finally...
I've been reading a lot, as I said earlier, and not exclusively m/m for the first time in years. I can't escape the m/m mindset though and keep being surprised when the men (or boys) in YA sci-fi don't get together at the end. Reading het romance was even more confusing. I don't know if any of you are Andre Norton fans - I discovered her YA stories when I was ten and moved on to her Witchworld series in my early teens, she is one of my top ten authors - but I can't help seeing gay subtext in her stories as I re-read them now. They were written back in the 1950s and 1960s so I'm not sure if I'm imagining things or if it really is there. I did get the Kobo unfrozen after several hours, but finished reading a new-to-me Norton historical on my laptop. It was difficult to put down a Norton I hadn't read before! It was originally published in 1961 when she was settled in her craft and producing excellent books. Her work from the late 1940s is a bit stilted and difficult to read, but she hit her stride with the YA adventures she wrote through to the 1970s when she moved on to the Witchworld. (My current reading hours are 79 not 50 - I do like the reading stats Kobo produces.) Maybe my enjoyment of m/m has its roots way back then when I first read Andre Norton's Beast Master novel? Do you still re-read childhood and teen books that you loved back then? Have they stood the test of time? Or have you found an old favourite and cringed when you tried to read it again? I'll leave you with those thoughts and toddle off to bed now. Thanks for dropping by today and I'll see you on 6th June! Mara | 4:52 pm
[marasmine]
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New Release coming up
Although there has been no writing I do have a release date and cover for the sequel to Jobless in January: Johnny Smith
Something Worth Fighting For will be released on 12th June so I'll bounce about that next month! Here's the cover (under a cut for size):( Read more...Collapse ) | 10:49 am
[marasmine]
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Ereaders...
Last month I picked your collective brains on the subject of ereaders and went out the next day to have a good look at the Kobo. I knew I could get Kindle, Nook and Kobo in local shops (no waiting!). The Sony sounded good but was 50% more and not available locally. I ruled out Nook because it has a very limited selection of file types - two according to one list I looked at. Which left it as a choice between Kobo and Kindle. I'd played with a Kindle in store ages ago, so wanted to give the Kobo the same tests. Was it comfortable to hold? Could I make the font big enough for me? I'd been curious about the quilted back of the Kobo, surely it would get very grubby having a cloth back? It doesn't have a cloth back just patterned plastic. I stood there in the shop flicking pages and trying to make up my mind. Was it better than a Kindle? I couldn't come up with an answer. I could see myself wandering off to think about it (again) and not buying one at all. So I bought the Kobo and took it home. This was a month ago and I've just about stopped whining that I wish I'd bought a Kindle instead. I've got used to it and have been doing a lot of reading and even more playing of Sudoku games. So I'd been reading this morning before my first post and decided to continue while thinking up a second post and check my reading stats to see how many hours I'd really spent reading in the last four weeks. At which point the Kobo decided to freeze. It's been sitting there for quite a while now stuck on a page I finished long ago and refusing to do anything. I've tried to switch it off and it won't do that either. Mutter. Last time I checked on Saturday I had over 50 hours of reading time. Twelve hours a week seems about right with the amount of Sudoku I've been playing (probably something like 100 hours). My poor laptop is feeling neglected and absolutely no writing at all has occurred while I've been playing with the new toy. Was your last gadget purchase a success or a dust collector? | 8:28 am
[marasmine]
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Happy Monday!
Morning all! It's a public holiday here in England and we don't have the traditional weather for a Bank Holiday Monday - the sun is shining, it's supposed to stay dry all day, and be warm and pleasant. (Traditional weather would be cold with torrential rain.) I have a fun day of laundry ahead of me, and a meal out this evening, but no other plans for the day. Once again I've not got around to planning today or preparing posts in advance. One day I'll have the day's posts set up ready to go... and then I'll probably forget to post them! We've got another Bank Holiday at the end of the month which may, or may not, coincide with US Memorial Day (I think). But for now I've got a day off work and it is full of possibilities, most of which I'll contemplate and then ignore. Do you plan your extra days off for Holidays? Or do you just use them to catch up on tasks at home? Or do you decide what to do on the day depending on mood or weather? Mara | | Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 | 9:24 am
[kristipublicist]
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New Release Day
The ColtBy: Kalita Kasar260 pages / 72500 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-468-6
$6.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3874 Blurb: Daytime soap star and part time rancher Marcus Bailey ought to know better than to take in a stray. But there's something about the streetwise hustler he pulls out of a bar room brawl that makes him throw caution to the wind. Malcolm Quinn, half starved, wary, and bearing the physical and emotional scars of a tough upbringing in foster care, wants nothing to do with charity, nor will he brook anything that hints at pity. When Marcus offers Malcolm a job and a place to stay, the kid turns him down flat, but all that changes when Marcus' mare, Sylvie gives birth to a gangly, long eared colt that falls ill soon after birth. Malcolm agrees to stay and help with the foal, never realizing the chain of events that decision will unleash. Marcus' jealous and violent partner, Paul Wilson, escalates his abuse of Marcus under the guise of a BDSM arrangement and Malcolm and Marcus are caught up in a rollercoaster ride of violence and scandal. Marcus must find the strength to stand up to Paul and end their relationship, while Malcolm struggles to come to terms with the BDSM lifestyle and become the loving dominant that Marcus needs. Two men from very different worlds, can Malcolm and Marcus surmount the obstacles in their path and forge a future together? Mister, May I? Sip
Check MateBy: Rob Rosen13 pages / 3500 words
$1.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3873 Blurb: It was an odd question coming from an odd man down an odd road in the middle of a truly odd day: “You play chess, Dan?” The oddest thing of all was that Dan was naked at the time, his car broken down a few miles back, no hope of rescue apart from Patrick, the man asking for a chess game. Though not all is as it appears, especially since the most adept chess players always think a few moves ahead. And yet, even when you lose, you can still come out a winner, in more ways than one. Tales of Leather Sip
YoursBy: Kim Alan25 pages / 7300 words
$2.49 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3872 Blurb: Kyle is a lost boy. “Freed” for his own good, he’s doing his best to follow through on promises made. But he’s struggling, there’s no doubt about it. That is, until he suddenly finds himself in a place he least expected. Beau is an independent man, answering to no one but himself. If he’s lonely, it’s a small price to pay. That is, until a beautiful, lost young man stumbles into his bar on Valentine’s Day. He can’t turn him away. The boy needs him. Or is it the other way around? New this Week from Prizm Books... 
Ink~Blood~FireBy: K. Baldwin and Lyra Ricci224 pages / 70000 words
$6.99 Buy Link: http://www.prizmbooks.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=62 Blurb: When Piper decided that she needed a better life for her and her sister, she packed them up, took what money they had saved, and headed off the desperately depressing downward spiral of drugs, booze, and violence of the Reservation. They took off to see the world. Fate had plans for them after being helped on the road by the kindness of a stranger. Little did they know that the man named Flynn had more in store for them than they could ever imagine. Once they got back on the road Piper met a charming young up-and-coming tattoo artist named Nigel. After they said their goodbyes in Vegas, Piper realized her true feelings for Nigel, and, making a massive leap of faith, took a one-eighty to followed Nigel to the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Piper found out soon enough that even in beauty, there were dangers waiting for her, that maybe Prince Charming wasn’t always a clean-cut boy on a noble steed, but a man with long hair, tattoos, and a fierce protectiveness for those he loves. Coming Next Week... Fennel and Forgiveness by Ari McKay 
Beneath an Emerald Sky by Michael Barnette 
Sip:
Wrapped in Ribbon by Sean Michael Mister, May I? Sip:
Mystery Date by Logan Zachary Coming Next Week from Prizm Books...
Shels Moor by Jessica Ennis | | Sunday, April 28th, 2013 | 7:12 pm
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: Before I Wake by Eli Easton
Before I Wake By: Eli Easton Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3868Blurb: Nurse's aide Jonesy is drawn to Michael, the comatose victim of a hate crime whose homophobic parents have rejected him. Jonesey sits with Michael, reads to him, and encourages Michael to wake up. Jonesy may not be the smartest guy in the world, but he knows Michael needs him. And if he also thinks Michael is the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, well, Jonesy knows better than to hope for things that can never happen. Michael is lost in a dungeon, a dark and terrifying place. His only comfort is the sound of a man's voice. Can Michael come back? Does he want to? Maybe Jonesy can convince him that some things are worth living for. Author Extra: Ive always loved the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Theres something so dark and frightening about being trapped in sleep, unable to awaken, as if stuck in an endless nightmare. When I sat down to think of a story with a fairy tale theme to submit to this anthology, I knew I wanted a contemporary setting, something that used modern technology in some way to contrast with the lines of a classic tale. Before I Wake is the story of a young man lost in a coma in a modern hospital. Thanks to his love of The Lord of the Rings, the form Michaels mind shapes around that nightmare is that of a deep dungeon filled with threatening shadows. To his rescue comes a glowing knightJonesy. In the waking world, Jonsey is only a nurses aide, a big galoot with a tough exterior and a soft heart whos befriended Michaels sleeping form. In Michaels nightmare, though, Jonesy takes on epic proportions. Will Jonesys encouragement and love be enough to convince help Michael escape the dungeon? | 9:58 am
[sean_michael]
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Contest Winner from Friday
Congrats to  harperkingsley, winner of a $10 Torquere Gift Certificate. Please email me at seanmichaelwrites @ gmail . com (without the spaces) and let me know what email addy you'd like me to send the gift certificate to. Thanks to everyone who commented on Friday -- see you all at the end of May! | | Saturday, April 27th, 2013 | 7:10 pm
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: The Favor, a Hammer Club story by Sean Michael
The Favor By: Sean Michael Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3867Blurb: Erik wants to know what his subs feel, so hes planning on losing his virginity. To that end, he enlists the help of his best friend and mentor, Lion. Things get intense when Lion insists the only man he trusts for the job is himself. How will this affect their friendship? Author Extra: Eriks Crab Dip: 8 oz cream cheese 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Cream together and put in the bottom of a pie plate Then add, one layer at a time: pico de gallo to cover the cheese 1 can crab Shredded cheese Let sit at least an hour in the refrigerator (it tastes best when left to sit overnight) and serve with nacho chips. | 3:04 pm
[amoler]
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snips from BL2
When the car pulled up outside of Jennifer's house, Danny jumped to his feet and headed for the door. There hadn't been a reply to his last text to Peter, and he had a very uneasy feeling. As he opened the door, he saw Peter coming up the front steps.
"Well?" Danny demanded.
"Vaughn was right." Peter pointed a thumb in Vaughn's direction. The other man was several steps behind Peter.
"What happened?"
"Two guys with guns showed up. Vaughn said he thinks there was a third in a car, waiting." Peter walked passed Danny into the house.
That's when Danny saw the blood. A large patch of rusty darkness stained the back of Peter's shirt all across the left shoulder blade. Danny clamped a hand on the back of Peter's neck and forced Peter to turn and face him. "What the fuck happened? There's blood on your shirt, and it's a hell of a lot more than a couple of drops!"
"Relax. It's nothing much. Just a scrape. I'd've sat down and healed it if it wouldn't have drawn a ton of attention."
"That still doesn't tell me what happened." Danny was highly tempted to rip Peter's shirt open and look for himself.
"He got grazed by a bullet," said Vaughn, who was shutting the front door.
"There was gunfire?" Danny shouted.
Jennifer came darting out of the kitchen. "Gunfire? What gunfire?"
"I'm fine," Peter snapped. "There was just one shot. It's a graze. I let one of the EMTs put a bandage on it to appease Vaughn."
"God damn it! I should have never let you go. You don't spend enough time in the field anymore. You could've been killed." Danny was angry and just a little scared.
Jen reached out a hand and touched Peter's arm. "Both of you take a breath. Be honest Peter, is it minor?"
"I've got a gouge about fifteen centimeters long and maybe a little over half a centimeter deep. It's was a messy tear, but I only bled maybe fifty ccs. Is that detailed enough for you?"
Jen slipped between Danny and Peter and wrapped her arms around Peter's neck. "It might be a good idea to let Danny help you change your shirt and wash off the blood."
"Yeah, okay." Peter's tone was softer now.
Jennifer kissed him gently and then pointed at the steps that led upstairs.
Danny was highly tempted to throw Peter over his shoulder and carry him upstairs, but he restrained himself. He settled for stalking up the steps behind his lover.
In the bedroom, Peter started unbuttoning his shirt. "I guess I should just trash this shirt. Between the hole and the blood, I think it's a lost cause." He pulled it loose at the waist and shrugged out of it.
Danny held out his hand and took the destroyed shirt from Peter. He threw it in the trash basket in the corner of the room. As he turned back toward Peter, the man was peeling at the big square of stained gauze taped to the back of his shoulder. Danny stepped behind Peter and pushed Peter's hand away, gently prying the bandage off. The wound was an ugly furrow in Peter's flesh, a long, relatively narrow tear that resembled a ragged claw mark. Mostly dried blood clotted in dark brown-red clumps along the length of it.
"See? Nasty looking, but ultimately not much," Peter commented.
Danny took a deep breath and rested his forehead on the back of Peter's skull, letting his breath blow out on the nape of Peter's neck. "I'm still pissed. It could have been so much worse. You're almost never in the field anymore."
"Like I'm going to let someone I love deal with a bank robbery less than twenty-four hours after having stroke-like symptoms."
"I'm fine."
"Maybe. Now scram. I'm gonna lie down and fix this. It'll probably take me an hour." Peter gently pushed Danny toward the door. | 10:15 am
[amoler]
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NEW DIVISION P NOVEL
Hellos! Please forgive any bizarre typos that occur today. I had rotator cuff surgery days ago and I'm stuck in the wonderous/enormous pillow sling for the next 6-8 weeks. Hence one handed typing. Anyhooooo, Braided Lives 2: Splicing, A Torquere Press Menage Novel
By: AR Moler 191 pages / 53800 words
ISBN: 978-1-61040-464-8
$6.99 Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3870 Blurb: Jennifer Sebastiano likes having control of her life. As a psychic, more control is always better. Her lovers, Danny Valentine and Peter Vthoulkas feel pretty much the same way for similar reasons. But life has a way of turning sideways for everybody, even Division P operatives--maybe especially Division P operatives. When Danny's mental protections start to fail and Jen runs into a mugger, Peter's suddenly got his hands full. As their lives get complicated, none of the three likes living four or five hours apart, but Jen isn't sure she wants to turn her life completely upside down to move nearer the guys either. Why is it always the woman who has to upend her universe when relationships get serious? Now life has dumped a whole lot of trouble into their laps and the three of them have to figure out how to handle it all. These are the sorts of issues that either pull lovers closer together--or split them apart. And it's pretty much up to Jen to decide which it will be.
I'll be back in a bit with snippage | | Friday, April 26th, 2013 | 8:52 pm
[sean_michael]
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Looking Forward to May
I have two releases from Torquere in May. Wrapped in Ribbon is a short story staring Dillon and Dal that originally appeared in Toy Box: Ribbons. It'll be out May 8. Flying With Dragons is a short novella with Dragon shifters! That one is out May 22. I'll be back at the end of next month to tell you more about them. In the meantime you can find me here: LivejournalWebpageTwitterFacebook NewsletterThe contest will remain open until noon tomorrow (or sometime after then) when I will pick a winner. There's also a contest on my webpage on the contact and contest page :) Time to go get the first beer of the weekend! Have a good one! | 7:08 pm
[kristipublicist]
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Author Extra: Braided Lives 2: Splicing, a Torquere Press Menage by AR Moler
Braided Lives 2: Splicing, A Torquere Press Menage Novel By: AR Moler Buy Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=96&products_id=3870Blurb: Jennifer Sebastiano likes having control of her life. As a psychic, more control is always better. Her lovers, Danny Valentine and Peter Vthoulkas feel pretty much the same way for similar reasons. But life has a way of turning sideways for everybody, even Division P operatives--maybe especially Division P operatives. When Dannys mental protections start to fail and Jen runs into a mugger, Peters suddenly got his hands full. As their lives get complicated, none of the three likes living four or five hours apart, but Jen isnt sure she wants to turn her life completely upside down to move nearer the guys either. Why is it always the woman who has to upend her universe when relationships get serious? Now life has dumped a whole lot of trouble into their laps and the three of them have to figure out how to handle it all. These are the sorts of issues that either pull lovers closer together--or split them apart. And its pretty much up to Jen to decide which it will be. Author Extra: Since Coconut oil is featured in a non-consumable use in the book I thought Id give you a yummy edible use. Black and White Toasted Coconut Fudge Servings: 16 Preparation Time: 10 minutes 10 oz white chocolate 7 oz sweetened condensed milk* 2 tablespoons butter, divided 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided 9 oz dark chocolate 7 oz sweetened condensed milk 1 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes, toasted Place white chocolate, milk, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon coconut oil into a medium sized saucepan over low heat. Stir until chocolate has melted. Spread unto bottom of parchment or wax paper lined 8x8 glass pan. Repeat for dark chocolate layer, using the last tablespoons of butter and coconut oil. Spread onto white chocolate layer. The layers will not be even but that's part of the fun! Press toasted coconut onto top of fudge and refrigerate or freeze until firm. Cut into small pieces and enjoy! Note: If you want even layers instead of the marbled look place the dark chocolate layer on the bottom Recipe originally from -- http://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/index.cfm/2011/12/9/black-white-toasted-coconut-fudge?__utma=159983352.980605311.1365187090.1365187090.1365187090.1&__utmb=159983352.2.10.1365187090&__utmc=159983352&__utmx=-&__utmz=159983352.1365187090.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr= (not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=1574338 50 |
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