Thursday 15 November 2018

Why I... Series by Colette Davison


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Book Title: Why I Left You, Why I Need You, Why I Trust You 
(available individually or in an omnibus edition)

Author: Colette Davison

Publisher: Self-Published

Genre/s: gay contemporary romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames 

Length: Why I Left you: 296 pages; Why I Need You: 320 pages; Why I Trust You: 300 pages.

They are a loosely linked series, but can all be read as standalones.




Blurb

   

Why I Left You

Jamie is struggling with university, money and depression. The last thing he needs is for Brett—the guy who left him four years ago—to walk back into his life. Yet it could be just what he needs.

Ever since Jamie left him, Brett has been running away from commitment. But when he meets Jamie again, he’s forced to re-examine every aspect of his life.

Brett and Jamie are drawn back together by an undeniable spark, but unless they can come to terms with the past, their relationship won’t survive the present.



          


Why I Need You

Following the death of their parents, Fin put his life on hold to raise his little sister. He’s convinced her well-being is all that matters, even if it’s at the expense of his own. A chance meeting with Noah opens his eyes to the possibility of happiness. A happiness that could shatter the moment Noah discovers Fin has an eight-year-old in tow.

Noah has been living a lie for years. When he gets publicly outed, he gets kicked out of his parents’ home and business. Although he’s angry at being disowned, Noah knows it means he’s finally free to love whomever he wants. But in order to have a fulfilling and lasting relationship, Noah has to get past his repressed upbringing and inhibitions, before Fin walks out of his life.

In order to stay together, Fin and Noah have to be brave enough to be honest with themselves and each other.




   



Why I Trust You

Martin is the larger than life funny guy, the one who’s quick to soothe other’s pain, whilst hiding his own. He wants nothing more than to find ‘the one’, but his love life consists of a string of break-ups. He’s close to giving up on love, until he meets Ryan online, the artist whose work speaks to his soul. There are just two problems: Ryan already has a boyfriend and he lives in California, which is one hell of a long way from England.

Working with Martin to develop a game is supposed to be purely business; a way for Ryan to earn the money to leave his abusive boyfriend. Except, he finds himself falling for the enigmatic Englishman. Wondering what kind of spark there might be if they were in the same country is one thing, escaping his boyfriend is another.

Wounded by their past relationships, Martin and Ryan have to learn to trust each other in order to have a chance at building a future together.

**These stories contain mature language and scenes, including descriptions of sex, depression and domestic abuse**


INTERVIEW


Let’s start by telling us, in twenty words, or less, what you’re book’s about.
Why I Left You is an emotional second chance romance, about first loves reuniting after a brutal misunderstanding.

What was it that led you to write in the genre(s) you write? 
My first experience reading the m/m genre was via a charity anthology. I was hooked by the characters and the emotional impact of many of the stories: it was just what I needed when I was struggling with post-natal depression and was at a very low ebb. I first wrote Why I Left You as an act of catharsis. I needed an outlet for how my depression was making feel, at a time when I felt I couldn’t talk to anyone about it. I then did nothing with Jamie’s book for almost a year, during which time I sought help and was able to become more open about my own experiences. A friend convinced me to let them read Why I Let You and their reaction to it encouraged me to carry on writing in the genre.

Are your books character led or plot led, or both?
They are very much character led.

What is your favourite part of the writing process?
I love getting the first draft down, although it can sometimes be very hard going. On the whole, I love letting the words pour out. However I also enjoy redrafting and polishing. It’s wonderful seeing those very rough first draft words transform into a book other people might enjoy.

What is your least favourite part of the writing process?
It’s not exactly part of the process, but writing can be very lonely. No one else can do it for me, so it’s very much just me and a blank page/screen a lot of the time. When my characters are talking to me, it’s fantastic, but when they’re quiet, it can be very tough.

Where do you get your inspiration for your characters? 
From everywhere, really. I suppose my characters are the sum of my experiences and the people I know or have encountered. Jamie’s experience with depression came from deep within my heart. Likewise, Fin’s story about balancing work and distance study, In order to become a teacher in Why I Need You, is something I chose to do for several years.

Tell us a little about the characters in your book and their story. You can use more than twenty words this time.
After four years apart, Brett and Jamie are different people than each other remembers. Brett has given up on his dream of travelling and works in a call centre. He’s treading water, to help out his housemate while she does her MSc. Once cheerful, smiling, Jamie is now struggling with depression and is unwilling to ask for help. When their worlds collide again, they have to face the tragic event in their past, in order to move on and have a future together.

If you could have one wish what would it be?
For everyone to be happy.

What's your deepest fear?
Losing one of my children, or them losing me. Fin and Olivia’s situation in Why I Need You reflects this.

If I came to dinner what would you feed me? 
Lasagne.

Which of your characters would you like to be sharing the dinner table with us?
All of them? Not that I have room for them all, but it would be so hard to choose between them. If I had to choose two of the Why I… characters, I’d probably go with Martin and Ryan from Why I Need You, because Martin would be the life and soul of the meal.

Tell us in the character’s own words, what he/she would have to say about you.
Martin would definitely think I’m far too serious and that I don’t take enough time out for myself. He’s got a point!

What would they say (again in their own words) about themselves, and their story that will make us want to read about it?
Why I Trust You is mine and Ryan’s story and really, what more reason do you need to pick up a copy? Seriously though, behind all my bravado I hurt, just like everyone else. I’ve been used more times than I care to think about and I was ready to give up on love altogether. Then I met Ryan and… well, you’ll have to read our story to find out what happens when two hurt men, looking for someone to believe in and trust, find each other.

Which other fictional character(s) would you like to be present at the dinner party?
I’ve just finished reading Autoboyography by Christina Lauren, so I’m going to have to go with Tanner. I loved his poetic descriptions and dry sense of humour. I think he’d be a lot of fun at a dinner party.

What other authors would you say have either influenced your writing or you would like to emulate?
Some of my favourite m/m authors are Christina Lee, Sloane Kennedy and Riley Hart. They are definitely the ones who influenced me to start writing in this genre. I wouldn’t say I try to emulate anyone else; my voice is my own.

What do you prefer writing. A one off novel, a series or short stories?
I’m enjoying writing loosely linked novels: they all stand alone as one-off novels, but share some characters. When I get to write cameos of previous characters, it very much feels like coming home. I hope that makes sense! I don’t write short stories often. I have just written one which contains all three couples from the Why I… series, although it’s centred around Fin and Noah from Why I Need You. It’s free to download on Prolific Works: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/dfezJZby5dNdXk5gTp93

What kind of books do you read (if you have time to read)? 
At the moment, mainly m/m romances, to keep myself familiar with current trends in the genre. There’s the added bonus that I love reading and writing this genre! I also enjoy reading YA and fantasy novels.

Where do you see yourself personally and professionally in 5 years time? 
Hopefully, in 5 years’ time, I’ll be able to write full-time. I’ll still have my family around me and hopefully my daughter won’t be too much of a cranky teenager at that stage!

Do you have any other projects in the offing we should look out for?
I’m currently working on redrafting With You I Rise (Angels & Misfits Book 2) with T.N. Nova. I’m also working on the first draft of a ménage et trois novel, I Wished For You. Yes, I have a slight obsession with four word titles: send help!

Where can we find you?
The best place to find me is in my reader group on Facebook, Books With Heart. I share snippets there I don’t share anywhere else and that’s where cover reveals etc happen first. You can find my reader group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1449972488434304/
I’m on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Colette_Davisonhttps://twitter.com/Colette_Davison
Finally, I have a newsletter for semi-regular updates: http://eepurl.com/c8Dk6v




Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited






 



Excerpts


Why I Left You

“You’d get drunk faster on spirits,” Brett said, wandering up to him.

Jamie glowered at him and then fixed his gaze on the dance floor. “Thanks for the tip, but I’m good.” He sipped more slowly at the new pint.

Brett didn’t move. “I didn’t think you were into guys anymore.” The question sounded casual, but his body was full of tension as he leaned against the wall beside Jamie.

“What the fuck would you know about it?” Jamie tipped his head back against the wall, closed his eyes and breathed in and out. Just Breathe. “Sorry. I don’t want to fight with you, not tonight.” He pushed his hair back and took a good-sized gulp of his beer. “I just want to hang out and relax. If you’re not gonna help me do that, would you please get lost?”

Brett’s eyes widened. “Help you? How would I be able to help you?”

Jamie shook his head. “Forget it.”

Except he couldn’t get the thought of kissing Brett out of his head, which was totally fucked up. He decided it was the drink talking, stirring up long-forgotten feelings. He glanced at Brett and knew instantly he shouldn’t have done. Brett’s blue eyes seemed more intense under the ultraviolet lighting, almost supernaturally so. They bored into him, trying to understand what he’d just said. And damn if that gaze didn’t make his legs weak and his stomach flip over, the way it always had done when they were younger.

He knocked back the rest of his beer and then put the plastic cup down on the floor beside his feet. He straightened up too fast and swayed. Brett reached out and grabbed him by the shoulders to steady him.

“On second thoughts, I guess you’re already well on the way to being plastered,” Brett said.

Before he had time to regret even thinking about it, Jamie did something stupid. He stepped in to Brett and kissed him.


Why I Need You


“I’m staying at a friend’s house for now,” Noah said, trying to inject lightness into his voice. “Martin. He’s cool. You should meet him sometime.”

“Just a friend?” Fin asked, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Was that curiosity playing across his face?

“Yes,” Noah said. “We went there once, in high school, but we’re really not into each other. What about you? Have you got a boyfriend?” It was a stupid question, really. They wouldn’t be out together if either of them was involved with someone else.

“No.”

“Really?” Noah acted surprised. “I can’t believe someone as cute as you is available.”

Fin let out a short laugh. “I’d have thought you’d have been snapped up quickly, too.”

Noah ran his finger around the rim of his pint glass. “I’ve been keeping a low profile. I had to keep up appearances for my parents and all that. Now, I’m free. What’s your excuse?” He was sure he saw panic flit through Fin’s eyes. They certainly darkened for a couple of seconds, his irises becoming almost indistinguishable from his pupils.

“I’ve been too busy, I guess. Too much work and study.”

“You know what they say,” Noah said. “All work and no play makes Fin a dull boy.”

“I’m dull, am I?”

“Not from what I’ve seen. Yet. But you’re in danger of it,” Noah said in a knowing tone. “You should definitely get out more.”

“Oh, yeah?” Fin asked, his voice lower than it had been moments before. He leaned towards Noah, resting both elbows on the table. “And who would I do that with?”

Noah leaned towards him as though there were some sort of invisible tug coming from Fin. He could tell by the way Fin’s eyelids were a little heavy and the lazy curve of his lips that he’d welcome a kiss in that moment. Noah found he wanted to. He wanted to feel the texture of Fin’s lips against his own, wanted to taste him. His hands became clammy. It felt like the few people in the bar were all staring at them. It didn’t matter whether it was true or not; he could already feel the blood pounding in his head. His stomach lurched at the thought of prying eyes watching what should have been an intimate moment. So, instead of doing what he knew they both wanted, he leaned back.

“I’m sure you can find someone,” he said in what was supposed to have come out as a cocky, laid-back tone but actually sounded really dumb.


Why I Trust You

As Martin spoke, Ryan drew as quickly as he could. He wasn't aiming for anything of beauty, just the gist contained in a series of incredibly rough sketches. It was impossible not to get caught up in Martin's vision. The childlike excitement in Martin's voice encouraged Ryan to smile as he drew, visually realising the story that was beginning to unfold in Martin's rambling and often chaotically organised sentences.

"And that's it," Martin said. "I talked too fast, didn't I? You should have stopped me."

The truth was, Ryan had loved listening to Martin's deep, smooth voice. He'd loved being able to switch off from everything else to focus on nothing but Martin's words and the sketchpad and pencil. He used his phone to snap a few photos of his rough sketches and emailed them straight to Martin.

"I sent you a present," he said. "And, no, you didn't talk too fast."

"Got it," Martin said. "Holy shit. You drew these while I was talking?"

"Yeah, they're kind of rough."

They were more impressions than clear drawings. Bold lines used to create the suggestion of vast detail. But despite that, Ryan was confident that the content of each sketch was clear.

"I'll obviously need to translate all these ideas into digital format and pick a style that'll work across platforms without pixelating on larger devices or looking too visually cluttered on smaller screens. I'll work on some solid graphics ideas over the next few days."

"These are amazing," Martin breathed. "I just… wow."

Ryan felt a warmth surge through his chest. It felt so good to be really, truly appreciated by someone. The fact that it was a guy he'd never met and who lived several thousand miles away only made it hit home how truly miserable he'd become. But that awareness didn't stop the guilt from seeping into every fibre of his being. He was sneaking around behind Zane's back, talking to another guy. A guy whose voice he liked. A guy who made him feel appreciated. If Zane found out, he'd flip out and accuse Ryan of cheating. He gripped his pencil tightly, to the point of almost snapping it in half.

"I'd better go," he said, his voice suddenly weary. "I've got work in a few hours, so I'd better get some sleep." Not that he was convinced he would be able to sleep, as his thoughts were so mixed up about the way Martin made him feel.

"Yeah. Sorry I kept you up."

"No problem. It's been fun." It really had been. That was the thought Ryan wanted to take away with him, rather than the guilt, but he knew the guilt would win.


About the Author 

Colette’s personal love story began at university, where she met her future husband. An evening of flirting eventually led to a fairytale wedding. She lives in the north of England with her husband, two beautiful children, a crazy dog and a lazy cat.





Author Links








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Thursday 8 November 2018

FREE FOR THREE DAYS "Kicker, the forgotten front" by R G Hoover.

I am a member of the #asmsg writing group and a few weeks ago I read in our newsletter about a book that had been written to remember a group of veterans from WWII that tend to be largely overlooked. In his own words. R G Hoover wrote,

Every year I watch the TV programs on Memorial Day and Veterans Day that are presented to honor the veterans of World War II, and every year I am disappointed that a segment of those veterans is forgotten.  The history and actions of veterans of the European, African and Pacific theaters are always well represented and honored, but the veterans of the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater are never mentioned. The CBI gave us such notable units as the Flying Tigers, Merrill's Marauders and the first military use of gliders. It was the largest WWII theater with the worst weather conditions imaginable and it featured over 700,000 allied troops completely supplied from the air for over 3 years.  As the son of a veteran of the CBI theater, it is very disappointing to me that such an important segment of our honored military is always overlooked.

If you would like to find out more about "The Forgotten Theatre" there is a lot of information out there. I found this site to be particularly helpful and fascinating. Beware though because once you start, it gets a hold of you.


As a way of honouring the brave men and women who died in the CBI Theatre R Grey Hoover is making his book, Kicker (The Forgotten Front), available on Amazon for free during the Veterans Day holiday. Kicker is based on actual experiences and military records and tells the story of Grey's own father and many other CBI veterans through the eyes of a single protagonist. The book does not contain vulgar language or erotic scenes and is acceptable for teens as well as older generations. It tells the story of our forgotten veterans both on the home front and the CBI front.


Blurb

World War II is raging. A young father must choose between his family and duty to his country- a decision that could cost him everything.

Based on actual experiences of United States veterans and official military aviation history records from World War II, this is the thrilling story of a family’s journey into war. While his loved ones struggle with shortages and rationing at home, Sam endures relentless Japanese attacks against his unarmed aircraft over the treacherous mountains and torrid jungles of Asia. His job is to drop supplies to Merrill’s Marauders and over 750,000 allied soldiers fighting in the perilous jungles of Burma. If the enemy is not stopped, the American way of life will end.

If you like non-stop action with a touch of humor and romance and the chance to learn about the “forgotten front” of WWII, then this is the book for you.


Excerpt

April 4, 1944 - Dinjan Airbase, India

Sam and Bobby Joe were totally exhausted when they crawled into their charpoys. The harrowing events of the day had taken its toll on them physically and mentally. In spite of the heat and noise of the jungle, Sam felt the blessed relief of sleep approaching soon after his head hit the pillow. However, as he drifted off, a feeling of unease came over him. It was a feeling that something was wrong, not here in India, but at home. He didn’t know if he felt uneasy because he still hadn’t received mail from home or because of some unknown reason, but the feeling stayed with him until he finally succumbed to his exhaustion and slipped into a deep sleep. 

Thankfully, his slumber was not disturbed by his recurring nightmare, and he slept soundly until the wee hours of the morning when he suddenly awoke not knowing what had disturbed him. A light rain was falling outside, and except for an occasional flash of distant lightning, the basha was in total darkness. He lay very still, listening to the sounds around him. He strained his hearing, but no sound came except for the steady breathing of the sleeping men around him. After several minutes, he relaxed, thinking his imagination was playing tricks on him. He was almost asleep again when he thought he detected a faint unfamiliar sound coming from somewhere in the basha. Once again, he listened intently, not sure he had heard anything; but then he heard the sound again—only this time it seemed closer, and he was sure it came from within the basha. He couldn’t quite place the sound, but it seemed like something soft brushing against an object. He listened closely, but all was silent. None of the other men in the basha stirred, and after an extended period of silence, he relaxed once again in anticipation of sleep.

He was in that dreamy state just before slumber when he felt the presence of something or someone nearby. Once again, his senses came to full alert, and he made a conscious effort not to move. He listened carefully, bringing all his senses to bear. He could see or hear nothing, and yet he was sure something was there. He was startled when someone at the other end of the room moved, but then all was silent once again. He was lying on his back, so he slowly moved his head to the right and scanned the darkness. 

  At first he saw nothing, but then attention was drawn to a slight movement at the foot of his bed. He couldn’t make out what it was. It appeared to be an undistinguishable shadow against the darker background of the room. As he watched, the shadow moved, and he held his breath as it silently glided along the side of his bed. There was no sound as it moved, and it slowly drew nearer and stopped near the head of his bed. He could tell that it was something large, but due to the extreme darkness, he was unable to see what it was. His instincts told him this was something dangerous and evil, and the hairs on the nape of his neck stood erect. At that moment, a distant flash of lightning faintly illuminated the scene, and in that instant of light, Sam could see the large form of a tiger standing beside him. 

The animal’s head was enormous. Its eyes, momentarily reflecting light from the faraway lightning, gave the beast an evil, devil-like appearance. This was death incarnate staring directly at him. 

Sam was frozen with fear, and his heart seemed to stop. His .45-caliber pistol hung on the wall not three feet away, and he cursed himself for not keeping it inside the mosquito netting with him. He knew the tiger could see that he was awake, and he feared any movement would cause it to attack. The animal stepped closer, and Sam could see its dim outline and smell its damp fur and the fetid odor of its breath. The tiger appeared to know its victim was helpless. The great beast took its time as it sniffed the mosquito netting as if testing its strength. Slowly it raised a huge paw and placed it against the puny impediment. The tiger’s claws caught in the netting, and with a mighty swipe, it ripped the flimsy material away from the bed.


Author Bio

R Grey Hoover is an Air Force veteran with a family tradition of military service that dates back to the American revolution. He wrote his book “Kicker the forgotten front” to honor his father and the other veterans of World War II who fought in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theatre.  During the war, the European and Pacific theatres got most of the supplies and media attention leaving the CBI theatre with the leftovers. Even in today’s media coverage of World War II the CBI theatre is never mentioned. The author’s book is an attempt to correct this gross oversight.

R Grey Hoover’s social media links: