Monday 28 April 2014

Max Vos - The V Unit

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Cover Artist   Meredith Russell

Today, I have the pleasure of hosting Max Vos to talk about his new book, The V Unit. It's about vampires, which I love, but they're vampires like you've never seen them before.

Before I start talking about the book, I had a chat with Max and asked him some questions to get a flavour of the author and the fab book he's written

Question 1      Have one of your characters tell us, in their own voice, why we should read their story

From Bronson Rudan, main character from The V Unit:

Being a journalist, I feel it is important for people to be ‘in the know’ on current events. There are things that go on all around us that we would never believe, but in fact do exist. You must read my story, as incredible as it may seem, to realize that there is another world and hierarchy that live among us. Their world is so very different, but also much like our own, with the same love, joy and pain that we also experience. Different, yes, but also so much like ours.

Question 2      Why did you choose that character? What’s special about them?

I based Bronson Rudan, the reporter on an actual reporter from Atlanta. I chose him because he was hot, smart and a good reporter. This story was written on a dare. I’d sworn to never write a vampire book/story. I did both. I wrote this book and a short story for Ravenous Romance for an anthology. I mean after Anne Rice did her vampire series, who could top that? Right?

Anyway, I was watching the morning news when this character popped into my head. It is his story, from a reporter’s point of view.

Question 3     What's your favourite character from someone else's book?

Ed Fellows, from K.C. Well’s Personal Secrets, the last book I’ve read. He has a killer Cockney accent, and is exactly the type of man I would go for: a big burly, hairy, uber masculine man. What made him stand out for me is how dedicated he is to his friends and family. 


Question 4     If you were a literary character, who would you be?

I think I’d want to be the gay version of Rhett Butler. He was just damned sexy.

Question 4    Pick a character from this, or any other book you've written and have them tell us their thoughts on you

Johnny Milloway, from My Hero:

Max Vos is a total nut-job. He kept trying to keep me and my boyfriend, Rich, from having sex. Just because he is old and tired doesn’t mean that we are.

But what does Max Vos have to say about himself?

Max Vos is a classically trained chef with over 30 years of food service experience. After retiring in 2011, Max found himself with time on his hands and was urged to turn his talents to writing. ‘Cooking English’, a short story, was his first published work, and since then Ravenous Romance have published five more of his short stories. His first novel, P.O.W. was released October, 2013 with MLR Press. His second novel, My Hero was a best seller and has just been recently been released in French




Blurb: 

Only a select few in the human world knew of the existence of the V-Unit, a small group of highly trained Marines – who happened to be vampires. And it would have stayed that way. But when events in the vampire world, threatened the stability of the human world, the powers that be called for the unit's specialized services.


An intrepid war correspondent, Bronson Rudan, who'd seen more than his fair share of fighting, stumbles across the unit by accident, and is drawn into their world. Bronson has no problem with that, given that he gets to spend time with a hunky Marine Lieutenant, Sarge. Although he won't remember any of this when they're through.


At least, that was the plan...

Sales Link 


To see more of this book why not visit some other stops on this blog tour


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Thursday 24 April 2014

COVER REVEAL Because of Jade by Lou Sylvre

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Blurb:

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

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


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

AND NOW THE STUNNING COVER





SALES LINK

http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4998

Author Bio:


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

Author Links: Visit her at http://www.sylvre.com or contact her at lou.sylvre@gmail.com

Cover Artist: Reese Dante

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press





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Studio Orders by Morticia Night

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Studio Orders by Morticia Night



Blurb:

The head of Global Pictures Studios, Vincent Franklin, promised Jack Stone that he would take care of Jack’s loyal driver, Juan. But for a dominant man like Vincent, Juan’s natural submissiveness causes him to long for much more from the shy young man.

Juan is devastated when his only friend, film star Jack Stone, leaves Hollywood for good. Lonely most of his life, the shy young man has dreamt of love, only to have his heart broken repeatedly. Before he left, Jack made certain that Juan would be taken care of by asking his ex-boss, studio chief Vincent Franklin, to hire him on.

Vincent Franklin is an incredibly controlled and meticulous man. Not given to emotional outbursts and unnecessary flights of fancy, his temperament is ideal for the stressful and demanding job as head of Global Pictures Studio. He leads a carefully concealed private life, his only social outlet being the sadomasochism club to which he belongs. When Jack introduces him to his handsome chauffeur Juan, he is struck by how naturally submissive Juan is. He wonders…

Soon, Juan is falling for the elegant, older man that is his new boss. He’s also thrilled when Vincent asks him to be his personal valet. But there are things that Vincent demands of a lover that Juan knows nothing about. Things that could make him run away from the man who would do anything to protect and care for him.

Author Bio: M/M Erotic Romance author Morticia Knight enjoys a good saucy tale – after all, who doesn’t? Since she loves several genres, you may find your heroes in a contemporary, historical, paranormal or sci-fi setting. One of her passions is bringing people's fantasies to life on the page, because life is too short for even one boring moment. Her stories are volcanic in heat, deep in emotion, and sprinkled with doses of humor.

When not indulging in her obsession for books, she loves the outdoors, film and music. The Pacific Northwest is the ideal spot to enjoy both hiking and beachcombing. Once upon a time she was the singer in an indie rock band that toured the West Coast and charted on U.S. college radio. She now resides on the northern coast of Oregon, where the constant rain and fog remind her of visits to family in England and Scotland when she was a child.

She is currently working on the Gin & Jazz series about the glitz and glamour of 1920’s Hollywood and additional installments of the Uniform Encounters series.

Author Links:

Twitter: @morticiaknight

Sales Linkshttps://www.totallybound.com/studio-orders

Cover Artist: Posh Gosh
Publisher: Totally Bound



Excerpts 

“Would you like to hire a really good and loyal driver?”
Vincent let out a loud laugh.
Unbelievable. It’s as if Jack has brought me a glorious gift in the person of my dream submissive.
Unable to keep from smiling at the unexpected turn of events, Vincent needed to know the complete details. It at least cleared up his curiosity over whether Juan and Jack were lovers, despite the driver’s obvious infatuation. He knew Jack well enough to know he wasn’t the type of person to use, then toss someone aside.
“I assume you’re speaking about Juan?”
“I’m not trying to get rid of him. But when I’m done with Mr Chenard’s picture, what will I do with a driver? And I owe him big.”
“Oh?”
 “Yeah. He lost his job to help me get out of there. And he’s very nice, but I don’t need to order anyone around, and he told me he really likes that.”
Vincent coughed behind his hand and adjusted himself in his chair.
“I see.”
Good Lord. Yes. Absolutely unbelievable. However, I have a driver already. Perhaps some other position?
Vincent noticed that Jack stared at him in likely anticipation of his answer. He wasn’t sure how he was going to handle the whole situation quite yet, but there wasn’t the slightest chance that he would let this opportunity slip away.
“I’ll figure something out. I assume we need to keep him away from…?”
He had promised not to speak of Roman, however the new development with Juan had to be taken into consideration.
“Yeah. We would. Will that ruin things for him?”
“Don’t worry about Juan. I’ll make sure he’s being taken care of—personally.”
Excerpts are unique to your site. Please see the attached file for yours.

Tour Dates: 4/23 – 5/9

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Monday 21 April 2014

Recovery - by Con Riley

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Blurb: San Diego is a city of second chances for Jamie Carlson. His new career as a photographer is taking off, and with the support of a loving surrogate family, he’s finally putting his party years behind him. The Bailey family helped him solve his drinking problem, but there’s no easy solution to staying sober now that Belle Bailey’s dying. Her last wish is a challenge Jamie can't overcome without help.

Solving problems is Daniel Priest’s specialty. More than twenty years older than Jamie, he’s successful and experienced. He makes his living resolving corporate crises—but his personal life has been far from perfect. Now that his marriage is over, Daniel’s determined to make up for lost time. One night with Jamie isn’t nearly enough for him.

Daniel’s honest offer of help is more than Jamie expects from a one-time hookup. Even so, fulfilling Belle’s last wish is a tall order. Repairing her damaged family as she requests proves difficult when Jamie has to face his own past as well.


Jamie could risk his hard-won recovery by admitting why he hit rock bottom in the first place. If he wants a future with Daniel, he'll have to address those reasons head-on.

Author Bio: Con Riley lives on the wild and rugged Devonshire coast, with her head in the clouds, and her feet in the Atlantic Ocean.

Injury curtailed her enjoyment of outdoor pursuits, so writing fiction now fills her free time instead. Love, loss, and redemption shape her romance stories, and her characters are flawed in ways that makes them live and breathe.

When not people watching, or wrangling her own boy band of teen sons, she spends time staring at the sea from her kitchen window. If you see her, don't disturb her—she's probably thinking up new plots.

Author Links: 



Tour Dates: 4/21/14
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Friday 18 April 2014

Cock & Tails - Renee George


Another promotion brought to you by the wonderful Pride Promotions.

COCK & TAILS #1 - THE WALLBANGER


To celebrate his 45th birthday, Dr. Harvey Grace agrees to go on a blind date at a popular gay sports bar, The Other Team. His date turns out to be the bar's owner--gorgeous 32-year-old Jay Lincoln. Their attraction is immediate and hot as wildfire. Harvey begins to believe that Jay might well be "the one," but is the younger man serious about finding Mr. Right ... or is he looking for Mr. Right Now?

COCK & TAILS #2 - THE HOT TODDY



Todd Nelson and Tucker Thompson both know what it's like to feel abandoned, lonely, and afraid. Since ending up in the same foster family together, they've been as close as brothers.  Now in their early twenties, they still have each other's backs, sharing an apartment and working at The Other Team. Tuck avoids hook-ups while Todd constantly indulges in one-night-stands. Watching Todd go through a string of conquests in their home is brutal on Tuck, who wants Todd all for himself. What he doesn't realize is that Todd has strong feelings for him, too. Tuck has always trusted Todd to have his back, but can he trust him with his heart?

COCK & TAILS #3 - THE GIN RICKEY


Alex Michaels values intellect and propriety. To help pay the bills while he finishes his biological research degree, he waits tables at The Other Team. He’s trying to avoid romantic entanglements to focus on his studies, but the new cook, Ricky McNeil, is dangerously attractive. Ricky’s scars and tattoos have Alex both scared and horny. It doesn’t take long for Alex to cave in to their insane attraction. But can two men from two different worlds have more than just a physical connection?



AUTHOR - RENEE GEORGE


Multi-published, award-winning author Renee George has been a factory worker, an army medic, a nurse, a website designer, a small press editor, an artist, and a teacher, but writing stories about sexy alpha men is the BEST job she's ever had. When she turned thirty, she went back to college and earned her BA in creative writing. She has been married to the love of her life, a wonderful man who supports in every way, for over half her life (and that is a VERY long time!). She happily lives in a small, Midwest town with her husband, two needy dogs and a very independent cat. 


AUTHOR LINKS

Renee’s Website: romance-the-night.com
Join Renee’s Newsletter for exclusive content, contests, and news!
“Like” Renee’s Facebook Page
Follow Renee on Twitter @reneegeorge2008

Social Media

Facebook Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/authorreneegeorge
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102162613194969751413/about
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/reneegeorge12/
Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/blog/reneegeorge
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/reneegeorge2008
Personal Blog: http://romance-the-night.com/Renee_George/my-blog/

Additional Sites: 

Cover Artist: http://www.reneegeorgeoriginals.com 

Reader interaction with your books

Authorgraph: https://www.authorgraph.com/authors/reneegeorge2008
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/Renee_George 

Author Pages/Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Reneé-George/e/B009MGCL9Q/
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/ReneeGeorge 
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/renee-george
All Romance Ebooks: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Renee+George

Publisher author pages: 
 https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/renee-george/


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Wednesday 16 April 2014

Wednesday Briefs - Ch 5 Cyan



And another week rolls around. It's my last day of work today. After today I won't be a solicitor anymore. Quite a landmark and kind of a sad day. I can't help being a little sad, even though it's a relief to get the sword of Damocles from over my head.

So, here's to a whole new life.

The prompt I used today was, Do you know what you're doing?


Robin didn’t see Cyan all morning, though he looked everywhere. He was disappointed when he wasn’t at lunch, and started to get a little worried. They had History first period after lunch, and he was eager to get there, to see Cyan.

He knew, as soon as he walked through the door, something wasn’t right.

Cyan sat by the window, huddled in his seat. He was brushing at his sleeve, over and over, in an agitated way. As Robin drew closer, he could see Cyan had mud all over him.

“What happened?”

Cyan’s head snapped up as if someone shot him. He didn’t say anything, just stared at Robin with ultra-bright eyes that looked as if they’d been crying.

“Are you alright?” Robin sat next to Cyan, while Gillian grabbed a chair from a nearby table.

“I-I’m okay.”

“What’s with the mud?”

“I…fell.”

“Yeah, and who pushed you?”

“How did you know?”

“I’m magic. Who did it?” Cold anger swept through Robin, and it showed in his voice, causing Cyan to shrink back, and Gillian to glare at him.

“You’re not surprised, are you?” she queried. “He’s asking for it.”

“And how precisely is Cyan asking to be pushed in the mud?”

“Well…. He….”

“What, Gillian? He what? Come on. Obviously, you’re the expert on what Cyan’s doing wrong so why don’t you tell us so we can put it right.”

“I didn’t say that. I just—”

“He said I’m gay.” Cyan’s words tore through the conversation like bullets, then dropped into the following silence. “I told you it wasn’t good to talk about that.”

“You didn’t?” Robin gaped at Gillian, who looked very uncomfortable. “Please tell me you didn’t tell anyone about Cyan being gay.”

“Not exactly,” she said, getting defensive.

“What does that mean...exactly?”

“Well…someone might have mentioned he looks gay, and I might have agreed. It’s not as if I searched people out to tell them.”

“That’s not the point,” Robin said. “Cyan trusted us. He told you he didn’t want anyone to know. I thought you’d done enough harm spreading rumours about him being mentally ill, but this is too far. That’s enough. I’ve had it with you. You’re a selfish, spoiled bully and I’m sick and tired of the poison that comes out of your mouth. We’re done.”

“What do you mean?” Gillian laughed and shook her hair. Usually, Robin liked the gesture and to run his fingers through the silky strands. Today it only irritated him.

“What do you think I mean?”

“Well…. It sounds like you’re breaking up with me, but—”

“Well done, Gilly. You caught on quicker than you usually do.”

“But…. But you can’t. You can’t finish with me. We’re—”

“Over, Gilly. We’re over.”

Gillian’s eyes hardened, and she glared at Cyan, who shrank back. “You’ll pay for this,” she hissed.

“Don’t you dare. This is not Cyan’s fault. It’s what you’ve done, I hate. I doesn’t matter who you did it to.”

“Liar. You’ve been all over him since you met. Be careful, Robin, people might start thinking you’re gay, too.”

Robin laughed out loud.

“As if anyone’s going to believe that. I’m as gay as you are, and everyone knows it.”

“Robin,” she said, her voice turning soft and wheedling, “think about it. Do you know what you’re doing?”

“I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m getting rid of something nasty from my life. I’m sick of your mean, spiteful comments, your twisting, your stirring. You’re a bitch, and I’ve had enough. We’re done. Goodbye.” Robin got to his feet. Gillian gaped at him. “Come on Cyan, let’s get you sorted out.”

“But….it’s History. You can’t go.”

“Watch me.”

Forgetting about Cyan’s censure, Robin grabbed his hand, pulled him to his feet. Just outside the classroom, they met Aivah and Alex.

“Hey, what’s going on? You’re heading in the wrong direction, mate.”

“I’m taking Cyan to get cleaned up and calmed down. Some little shit pushed him in the mud because my ex girlfriend thought it would be alright to tell people he’s gay.”

“Your ex?”

“We’re over. I’m done with her.”

“About time,” Alex said.

“I never really understood why you were with her in the first place,” Aivah said. “You’re so sweet and gentle and she’s a complete bitch.”

This was strong speaking coming from the gentle and delicate Aivah. Robin and Alex stared at her. “What? She is. You know it. I don’t know how you put up with her all this time. She does terrible things.”

“Yes,” Robin said. “She does, and no doubt she’ll be doing it to us now, so you’d be better distancing yourselves from us for a while. You know what Gillian’s like.”

“Oh yes,” Aivah said, “I know what she can be like. I remember when I first came here, it was me she was being spiteful to. It was a long time ago, but I remember. I’m on your side, and to hell with Gillian.”

“I’m on whatever side she’s on.” Alex said, with a grin. “Although I’d be on your side anyway. Can’t imagine Gilly will find many on hers. Can’t imagine she’ll find many people in the school she hasn’t been mean to at one time or another.”

“True. Look, I don’t want to hurt her. I’m not in the game for vengeance or anything like that. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“As if we would.”

“Don’t drop her flat. She’s going to need someone to bitch to and that’s fine with me.”

“She can find someone else,” Aivah said, tossing her hair. Robin thought how different the gesture was with her, so natural and unforced.

“It will make it easier on me…and Cyan, if she has someone still speaking to her who will give her some perspective.”


“Oh alright,” Aivah said, with an angelic smile. “Just for you, and sexy.” She batted her eyelashes at Cyan as she said it and Cyan looked as if he was going to faint.

Now go on, go check out the others. Go on. What are you waiting for? Check out all the other flashers here Wednesday Briefs

Monday 14 April 2014

Jackie Nacht - Blog Tour

Today I'm happy to again be part of a Pride Promotions blog tour. Jackie Nacht writes about shifters. Not just the run of the mill wolf or even cat shifters, but, in the first book below, a playful chipmunk has his eye on the big bad wolf.

In the Moon Compound series we're back to wolves but again we find ourselves just outside the box and each of the three book have their own individual flavour.



Peanut Butter & Jelly For Two

Book Blurb:


The sexy chipmunk shifter isn't afraid of the dentist; he's in love with him. Phillip has the best job working at the Paranormal Dentistry for the Fanged and Friendly. As a chipmunk shifter, Phillip has seen handsome men walk through the door but none so gorgeous as his boss and wolf shifter, Dr. Gunner Samuels. When he finds himself being manipulated by his best friend to ask the big bad wolf over for dinner, Phillip realizes his biggest dilemma, he's never cooked a day in his life, let alone meat. Can Phillip pull off a fabulous dinner for two? And has Gunner had his eye on the sexy shifter all this time? 




Full Moon Lockdown



Blurb

Can surviving the horrors of the night lead Colin to find the one that was meant to love him and bring him back to the light?

Colin Brantford is an Omega wolf. When his pack is destroyed by hellhounds, he and his brother are transported to Moon Compound. There, Colin must enter into a world where all wolf shifters are sent to learn to shift. Two years prematurely.


Sloan Atwater has been at the compound for three years and still has no control of his wolf. That is until he spots Colin, making Sloan crave the slightest touch. Will he be able to claim Colin for his own? And when Colin needs Sloan, will he be able to control his wolf? 


Full Moon Feral (Book Two)


Blurb

With all great sacrifices for love, there must be consequences. Brendan has been at Moon Compound and gone through his first shift. He feels like hell when his mate walks into his life in chains. Devastated that his mate is feral, he mourns for the mate he is bound to lose before he ever has him. Desperate not to lose his mate, he does something that will forever change his life. Will Brendan be able to save his feral?


Full Moon Gamma (Book Three)



Blurb

When Rayce finds he has two paths before him, the unknown consequence is the only alternative to help the man he loves survive. Rayce is sent on a recon mission to find out if hellhounds are in Lansing. What he discovers on his way is his mate, Peyton, has followed him into the very heart of danger.

Peyton has loved Rayce from the moment Rayce saved him. He knows he probably shouldn’t be following Rayce, but the instinct driving him to protect the man he has already fallen for causes him to go recklessly into the city. All is not as it seems, and Peyton will have to find strength to survive for not only himself but his mate and friends as well. 

Sales Links

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Author Bio:

 Short, sexy and sweet—where a little love goes a long way. That’s the best way to describe Jackie Nacht’s stories. I was introduced to M/M Romance through my sister, Stephani, and read it for years. Then, I thought it was time to put my own stories on paper. I began writing short and sweet stories that ended with a happily ever after…and sometimes more than one, in the case of my YA Fork in the Road series, which has interactive endings. Thinking back to my own book addiction, where there were many nights I stayed up way too late so I could read just one more chapter—yeah, right—I decided to write short romances for young adults as well as adults. Hopefully, they will give high school and college students, or working men and women something they can read during their lunch hour, in between classes or just when they want to briefly get away from the daily stresses of everyday life.


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Wednesday 9 April 2014

Wednesday Briefs - Cyan Ch 4


The wheel turns to another Wednesday. In precisely one week I will no longer be employed and I will start the next adventure of my life. I have decided, for a lot of reasons, that I won't look for another job straight away. It should mean freedom, but I wonder. I intend to put some energy into writing so watch this space

“How are you feeling?” Robin asked as they walked into school. “Nervous?”

“Yes.” Cyan’s voice shook, and Robin noticed his hand was shaking on the strap of his bag. He also noticed how long and slender Cyan’s fingers were. An artist’s hand his mother would have said.

“What subjects are you taking?” he asked, to take his mind off them.

“English, History, Art History and Art.”

“I knew it.”

“Knew what?” Cyan asked nervously.

“That you’re an artist. You have the hands for it.”

“Do I?”

Unthinking, Robin took Cyan’s hand and ran his fingers over the palm and digits. For the briefest moment, Cyan stared, and Robin felt him shiver, then he pulled away.

“Don’t touch me,” he said, but it sounded like an automatic response laced with confusion.

“I’m sorry.” Robin said. “I forgot you don’t like being touched.”

“Good luck with that in this place,” Gilly said, glaring at a group of giggling girls who’d just jostled her.

Robin was surprised when they carried on staring at them even as they walked away – some of them backward. “What are they looking at?” he asked.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” Gillian called after them and they hurried away, giggling, after flashing flirtatious glances their way.

At first, Robin was puzzled but it finally clicked. Of course. They were looking at Cyan, and why not? The school uniform suited him and added to his glorious good looks. If Robin hadn’t seen anything like it, then they sure hadn’t.

“God,” Gillian snapped, “they’re all at it.”

Robin looked around . The stares were coming from all directions. A glance at Cyan showed he was aware and acutely embarrassed.

“Let me show you the common room,” Robin said, stopping himself just in time from grabbing Cyan’s arm.

In the common room, Gillian flopped down in a chair next to Aivah.

“What’s wrong?” Aivah asked.

“God save us from kids,” Gillian groaned. “Stupid idiots were staring at us the whole way. You’d think they’d never seen a new boy before.”

“Bet they’ve never seen one like Cyan,” Alex said, smirking.

 “Do you like our school?” Aivah asked.

“It’s big,” Cyan said. He perched on the edge of a chair, hugging his bag like a lifesaver.

“Is it bigger than your last school?”

“Much. I’ve never seen so many people. It’s very loud.”

“I expect your last school was a special school,” Gillian said. “It must be strange to come to a normal one.”

“It wasn’t that special,” Cyan said, frowning in thought. “I don’t think it was special at all.”

“Did you really just say that?” Robin glared at Gillian, who smiled innocently.

“Does the noise bother you?” Aivah asked, diverting attention. Robin glared at Gillian, letting her know the matter was far from closed.

“Yes. Loud noises hurt, and…so many people.” He glanced around as if even the number of people in the 
common room was too much.

“We’re not that bad when you get to know us,” Aivah said, and Cyan smiled.

“What was your last school like?” Gillian asked. “Not…special.”

“Not really, no, but smaller. A lot smaller.” Robin frowned. Had no one noticed him wince?

“Why did you leave?”

“We…moved.” There was definitely more to it than Cyan was saying.


The only lesson Robin shared with Cyan, was History, which was after lunch. By then, the school was rife with rumour. Some of them weren’t nice, and Robin had a sinking feeling they originated with Gillian.

“He got kicked out of his last school,” he overheard a year nine girl say to her friends. “Coz he flipped and smashed up a classroom. He battered the teachers when they tried to stop him.”

“And the police,” another chipped in.

“Did he go to prison?”

“Probably.”

“He’s mint though, isn’t he?”

“Ooh yeah.”

The girls stopped surmising what crimes Cyan may have committed and adopted moony expressions.

“Do you think he’s got a girlfriend?”

“Who cares? Not into him are you, Becca? Didn’t think you went for retards.”

Robin could have let the rumours go, even the pointless mooning, but that was too much to walk away from.

“Hey,” he called. The girls turned to him in surprise. Seeing his sixth form uniform and prefect’s badge, they looked uncomfortable.

“Stop with the rumours. Cyan is not retarded.”

“Oh yeah, he is, I’ve seen him. He talks weird, and he doesn’t look at people.”

“He may be weird, but he’s definitely not retarded.”

 “Did he really beat up a teacher?” one of the girls asked.

“Of course he didn’t,” Robin said hoping he was right. “Cyan isn’t like that.”

“Then what is he like?”

Robin was saved from having to work out how the hell to describe Cyan, by Gillian.

“What the hell did you do?” he demanded as they walked away.

“What do you mean?”

“At least half the school think Cyan is some kind of violent maniac who was thrown out of school for either burning it down or beating up a teacher.”

Gillian shrugged. “He might have.”

“Cyan would never have done anything like that.”

“Don’t be so sure. One of my mum’s friends has an autistic son and he has terrible temper tantrums. They’re called meltdowns and autistic people have them all the time. They can’t help it. He probably did do something like that.”

Robin just couldn’t see Cyan being violent. “You can’t spread rumours unless you know for sure.”

“Since when has that stopped me?” Gillian asked with a grin, Robin wanted to slap off her face.

“Well, at least don’t tell people he’s retarded.”

“I haven’t…exactly.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, I haven’t told anyone he’s retarded, but I have told them he has mental health issues.”

“But he hasn’t.”

“Are you blind and stupid?”

“He’s autistic. That doesn’t mean he has mental health issues.”

“Dream on.”

“Whatever. Just stop spreading rumours.”

Gillian shrugged again, and walked away. Robin followed, only because he had no choice as they were going to the same place.


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