Upstaged, The Writing Journey

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Upstaged began as a casual conversation between Steph Danielson and myself as to what it might be like to collaborate on a book.

I'd met Steph when she was running Romance First Publications. She published my very first paperback, The Unfairness of Life, which is soon to be re published under the name Lab Rat. She also published my one and only m/f, Fallen Angel.

The idea was to write one book and see how it went. It was never going to be easy, as Steph lives in the Mid West and I live in Wales, but decided to "suck it and see".

As a committed pantser, it was a new experience to sit down and plan a book before we started, even though it was a rough plan. All our plans were rough and changed as we went along, but I can't deny it was good to have some kind of plan, and someone to plot with.

We decided from the start that we would each "own" our characters and be responsible for all scenes involving them. It was great fun, but could also be very frustrating to bounce our characters off each other. When you are writing both (or all if more than one) characters in a scene, you know exactly how they are going to react and what they are going to say. You know exactly what they need to do to drive the scene forward to where you want it to go. When you're controlling only one (or more if multiples in a scene) character you never quite know, a) how the other person is going to react and b) what they're going to say.

Of course, we both had a good idea of where the story was going, but things often took unexpected turns when Steph's characters misunderstood what mine was saying, or was heading off in the "wrong" direction, or simply wasn't going to do what I wanted them to do. Isn't that how it is in real life. Mostly, we just dived in and wrote. Words came so easy, and from the words came conflicts, emotions, resolutions and all kinds of shit from all kinds of people.

Steph and I would be constantly sending each other pictures of what we thought our, or her, characters looking like, of wedding cakes, rings, even the London Eye.

Sometimes, we would write into an online document, which completely blew my mind. As an absolute beginner at technology, I was amazed by how I could see the words she was writing appearing on the screen. Not only that, but I could write in my own words and the entire document was saved and could be downloaded by both of us. WOW!

Sometimes, we would brainstorm on messenger, sending pictures back and forth, firing off dialogue, getting amazing ideas, and some crazy ones. We'd dicuss seating plans for weddings, what stones would be in class rings, what the hell were class rings, and all kinds of things. Those were, perhaps the most fun times of all.

Sometimes, when we had to go away and write a scene or part of scene on our own, we would put it into a word doc, email to each other then copy and paste into the online document when we were happy with it. As mindblowing as the online documents was, it was bloody frustrating because it kept crashing and lagging.

Of course we had our disagreements and frustrations. I'm sure Steph is absolutely fed up of me pulling her up on passive voice and forbidding her from using certain words. I, for my part, would probably have strangled Erik twenty times if he were real. There were times when he just wouldn't go where I wanted him to go, and I had to accept that and change my ideas around him. He really is a meathead. Fortunately we are both laid back people and I've never closed down my computer cursing Steph - although I have cursed Erik, loudly.

Perhaps the most difficult and frustrating thing was the time difference. Steph lives in the Mid West and I live in Wales which means a five hour time difference. It often meant either Steph writing in the very early morning, or me in the very, very early morning. I saw the sun come up more than once.

As we approached the end of book one, it became abundantly clear that we had far too much to say to contain in one book, or rather our characters did. We gave them their HEA, but they weren't satisfied. Oh no, they turned it into very much a HFN and drove us on.

We started getting ideas for the second book whilst still writing the first, then we went crazy with what if's and wouldn't it be crazy if's and before we knew it we were on book four and still not done with all the ideas we had. We never though, though, when our characters started having children that we would end up writing their stories, but when we got to the logical end of the stories The Von had to tell, we were left with a gang of kids who wanted more,

Jayden, the twins, Quinn and even Caitlin insisted on having their say and before we knew it we were off again, with Jayden following his father down the rabbit hole, Erik being about as good at handling Jayden as he had with Asher in book one, Vince and Billy being sweet enough to give you cavities, and their kids running rings around them all.

If only you could see, from where we stand, the trials and tribulations that lie before The Von and their friends as they tread the path to stardom, and from there, superstardom. Some have it easier than other, and those tend to be Steph's characters, she doesn't have quite the same taste for torturing hers. There was a point where I was saying - what can I do to Asher next? I do a lot, but he asks for it. He should have got help in book one. Although I guess he couldn't help the plane crash.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed your peep into the creative process of two completely mad authors and their even more insane characters. We've thoroughly enjoyed the ride while writing and we hope you will enjoy the reading just as much.

Immature Writing From A Reviewer's Perspective

Since starting to review seriously, I've found myself commenting, sometimes, that the writing is immature. I know what I mean by that because I took the term from something I read, and flew with it. I hadn't thought about what it meant objectively and when I went looking I discovered that it means different things to different people.

I think everyone is agreed on the fact that it has nothing to do with age or content per se. That means writing a five-year-old character isn't immature writing, neither is having that character speak in baby talk or have another, grown up, character use baby talk with them. If it's authentic for the character it's good writing, not immature.

After that, things get a little muddy as opinion creeps in.

Some people believe that immaturity means not sticking to all "the rules". I do not adhere to this theory.

Reading that someone has their eyes glued to a screen doesn't pull me out of the action to wonder how he gets them unstuck (and trust me, as someone with asd that's saying something). Neither does it when, having unglued his eyes, he allows them to rove around a room and settle on the object of his desire.

I have no problem with author asides, such as "He was so deep in thought when he left the hall, he didn't see the dark shadow that slipped from behind the bush and watched him walk away." We're in his point of view so if he didn't see the shadow, neither did we. But the author was setting an atmosphere, as well as clueing us in to the fact that something is going on. This colours how we view what happens in the story from then on. Personally, I like this. Technically it's head hopping and "not allowed". I have to wonder who made the rules and who is allowing and not allowing what I write?

To me, the whole question of whether writing is mature or immature centers around syntax - the way the writing sounds - out loud and in your head, and the way it makes you feel, think or perceive your world.

Some examples of immature writing, that I notice when I review and have struggled with myself are

• Using names in dialogue. Think about it. When you're talking to someone, how often do you actually use their names? You can go days, weeks, months, maybe even years without saying someone's name, unless you're calling them or emphasizing something? "For goodness sake, Cher, what are you doing now?"

• Overusing "that". I always do a search for "that" when I've finished writing and try to take out as many as I can. Most sentences make perfect sense without it and it stilts the writing and interferes with the flow.

• Not using a name enough outside dialogue. Especially in m/m it gets extremely confusing when all you're saying is "He did this to him, while he was doing something else, but he didn't like was he was doing and was cross with him for not thinking about what he wanted before he did it."

• Using "he" and "she" at the start of sentences. It's fine as long as it's only once in a while. For the same reason as above, it's best to use names if you can, so readers know off the bat who they're focussing on.

• Starting a sentence with "Also" or "Then." "And" and "But" come into this category, but there are times when it's okay, mostly for emphasis. This is because they're "joining words" so should be in the middle not at the front.

• Starting a sentence with "Now". It can be okay in dialogue - remember just about any rule can be broken in dialogue - but not otherwise, except in very rare circumstances. 

• Writing lists. "He looked over and saw her, and smiled at her, and walked over, and said hello, and smiled again, and...." As a rule of thumb don't use "and" more than once in a sentence.

• Not using contractions. For me, nothing spoils the flow of a piece of writing as much as under use of contractions. 

• Something I call "Opening loops without closing them properly." For example "Before I closed the door...." What? What happened before you closed the door. "Although it was cold...." What about it being cold? This leads me on to another point

• Being attentive and consistent in language used. "Although it was cold he was shivering." Um no. "Although" means "in spite of" or "even though". Therefore the sentence has to resolve with something unexpected. "Although it was cold, he was sweating." "Even though it was cold, he was wearing shorts." Similarly "Not only did he...but..." More on that in the next part but for this point the two words have to have a connection. "Not only did he make her cry, but he had a sandwich," makes no sense because having a sandwich had absolutely nothing to do with making someone cry. "Not only did he make her cry, but he ate her sandwich," is much better because there is a logical connection.

• Correctly using paired words. For example, if you use "not only" you have to use "but". "Not only did he....but he...." So you don't say "Not only did he make her cry, then he went for a walk." It sounds pretty obvious but I've seen similar, although perhaps not so blatant, examples.

• Another example is "neither...nor". "The answer was neither black nor white". This often gets confused with "Either...or...." "Either the answer is black or white." "Neither...nor..." suggests something is neither one thing nor another. "Either...or..." suggests something is either one thing or the other. They are qualitatively different. And, very importantly, they can never be mixed. "It was neither right or wrong." "It was either right nor wrong." Both are very wrong.

• Repeated words. I fall foul of this all the time. Basically, it refers either to words that crop up too much during the work as a whole, or too many times in one sentence/paragraph. For me, my buzzwords are look, eyes, smile, beautiful and really. As with "That" I do a search through the documents for the words and eliminate as many as possible,

• Passive voice is a big one and tricky to spot. I've seen it called filtering and I like that because it is essentially an action or event being filtered through something else and it almost always makes the piece weaker. For example. "A knock came at the door." or "He heard a knock on the door." It's so much stronger and cleaner to say "There was a knock at the door." Or "He reached out to touch her hand." "He touched her hand." "He felt that it would be a good idea. ""It would be a good idea."

• Using unecessary words. "He nodded his head." What else could he nod? "He nodded" will do just fine. "He sat down." He isn't going to sit up, at least not with the same meaning. "He shrugged his shoulders." Unless he shrugged his eyebrows don't bother to specify because everyone knows what you mean, although I do wonder about this when readers are unable to understand that eyes being glued to a screen don't require paint thinner to get them off.

I'm sure there must be many, many more so please feel free to clue me in, in the comments below, in fact I would love you to.

Playing With Fire by Jane Burrelli

Title: Playing With Fire (Book 2 Bride of Fire)

Author: Jane Burrelli

Release Date: 02/06/2018

Taglines: This princess isn't afraid to play with fire, are you?

An exiled princess, a forbidding lord and a bond that ties them together

Can Mira thaw Zorren's icy heart or will he lose her forever








Sales Blurb

When the gods breathed life into us they blessed us with an element, a pity they didn’t care to bless us with anything else.

Princess Nymira’s life changed forever when a coup forced her to flee north and in doing so she found herself mated to Zorren, the formidable Ice Lord. Their instant connection is undeniable but their budding relationship is not without challenges.

Mira must now face the open hostility of a foreign court as she attempts to carve out a niche at Zorren’s side. New enemies work tirelessly to drive a wedge between the newly mated pair and their tentative bond of trust is tested to the limit. Are Mira and Zorren strong enough to withstand the storm or will her most guarded secret drive them apart?
Forever.

Publisher’s Note: This is book two in the Bride of Fire Trilogy. This fantasy romance contains elements of danger, suspense, mystery, adventure, and sensual scenes set in an apocalyptic world.

Purchase Links

Amazon Author Page UK
Amazon Author Page US


Excerpt

“Then by your own logic what shall your forfeit be for insulting my line and position?” My mouth gaped, realizing that I had been herded into a well laid trap with no reasonable defense. This time when I tugged my hands, Zorren let me go free. The blanket fell from my shoulders and the hairbrush I had been using clattered upon the floor.
“
You lay so much as a hand on me and I will scream until it wakes the deities themselves,” I snarled.

Zorren raised both brows. “You cannot have it both ways, your Highness, or are you a hypocrite?”

His words rankled and I did not care for them, or the truth they held. He sat back and folded his arms, watching as I paced back and forth like an agitated cat. I shook my head in vehement denial.

“You will not touch me.” Though my voice was not so strong and sure. “I am a princess.”

“Don’t be sure of that, Hellcat, actions have consequences.” Zorren reached for me and I neatly sidestepped him.

“I’ll scratch,” I warned, my eyes flashing while stepping back. Unfazed, Zorren rose to his feet. “I’ll bite.” Another step back, space rapidly shrinking. “I’ll fry you!”

White unsettling eyes never left me, not even for a second. “Duly noted,” Zorren drawled, stalking closer. “While you may scratch and bite the result will be the same. Your bottom over my knee growing steadily redder and redder.”

“You can’t do this.” I dashed around the other side of the bed. “I won't let you.”



Author Bio

When I realised that the world was not hiring for a ‘sarcastic but benign Supreme Ruler of the Universe’ I’ve decided to focus on my passion. By day I work in a UK company’s finance department and by night I become my alter ego Scribble Girl or as my good friends have affectionately dubbed me the 'sex author'. Always armed with a notepad and pen in the black hole I call a handbag, I have been writing never ending stories since the age of 11 and this all stemmed from my love of reading.

I love reading. Period!

I’m part of the Harry Potter generation and while waiting between books would literally devour any book I could get my hands on. Let’s put it this way J.K Rowling has a lot to answer for. I adore that there is no end in sight to where your own imagination can take you and that between the pages of a book you are transported to another world.

Happy Reading!

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Mustang Wild

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Hidden Embers (Bride of Fire Book 1)

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Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Embers-Bride-Fire-Book-ebook/dp/B07C64KP26

Character Interview

Jane: Thank you for joining me this evening, for the official record can I please have you name?

Mira: Certainly, my name is Mira.

Jane:I mean you full name please, it’s not everyday that I get interview royalty. My that was a big sigh, surely a name cannot be that tedious?

Mira: Oh, it most definitely can. It must stay between us Zorren cannot know, it would make things even more precarious.

Jane: Of course, you can rely on my absolute discretion.

Mira: I am her Serene Highness, the Crown Princess Nymira of the House Pyria, direct descendant of Fa-Rahzil the first Emperor of Fire, daughter of Princess Eliska of the house Pyria and the Scourge of the West Lord Castro of the house Vatra, granddaughter of Emperor Ageiz II, Defender of the sacred flame, Heiress to the Throne of Flames.

Jane: *Owl eyes* Wow, that is some name.

Mira: Exactly.

Jane: Let’s start with a few easy questions; do you have any siblings?

Mira: No, due to longevity of our natural life spans we do not reproduce easily and as such siblings are rare, but I have a cousin, Xhara, we are like sisters. We were forced to split up when I acted as a decoy so that she could escape.

Jane: I see, and what're your parents like?

Mira: My parents were Princess Eliska of the house Pyria and the Lord Castro of the exiled house Vatra. I barely remember them as they were assassinated when I was very young, but the story of their mating is infamous throughout the Firelands. My mother dared to defy the emperor and fell in love with the enemy. It made things a little strained when I went to live in the capitol.

Jane: Would you say you're someone who can handle pressure?

Mira: I was raised in the court of my aunt, Empress Faustia II, what do you think? Expectations were placed on me from an young age and I learnt how to conduct myself as a member of the royal house, so it takes something exceptional to rattle me.

Jane: Let’s make the questions a bit harder, do you have any enemies?
Mira: I currently have a bounty on my head. The usurper who murdered the Empress, seeks to either kill me or imprison me which forced me to flee North.

Jane: When you fled north you must have been traveling light, what's your most valued possession that you carry?

Mira: When I fled I carried my nation’s most sacred treasure, the sword of the first Emperor. It is priceless. Forged from the metal of a falling star it is the only weapon that allows tmy line to channel their greatest weapon. The sacred white flame that can burn through anything.

Jane: Your worst fear? You don't have to answer this one if you don't want to.

Mira: Failing to do my duty and not being strong enough to complete the task set to and being an embarrassment to the crown. My power - my inner flame is - lacking. My cousin, the next empress has started to produce the white flame that identifies our line and I..can’t...my power is mediocre at best.

Zorren: There you are!

Mira: Zorren? What is the meaning of this interruption?

Zorren: You disappeared, again.

Mira: I did not, just because you are paranoid-

Zorren: -and I wonder why that might be? Perhaps because you have a terrible habit of attempting to skulk away.

Mira: I do not skulk!

Jane: Now, surely we can be reasonable now, Zorren please stop icing up my floor, you are causing a health and safety hazard.

Zorren: What is a health and safety hazard?

Jane: It’s where - oh never mind.

Zorren: Do you remember what I said would happen the next time you wondered off, Hellcat.

Mira: You wouldn’t dare and stop calling me Hellcat.

Jane: Mira, please extinguish your hands, that sofa is highly flammable.

Mira: Zorren! Zorren put me down! I am not a sack of grain.

Jane: Apologies readers, we’ve had an unexpected interruption. Mira, has been carried off by one, highly determined Ice Lord and I don’t believe we will be able to reconvene anytime soon. But until that time, happy reading!

Keep watching as I am in the process of reading and there will be a review coming soon!

RELEASE DAY Opening Act Book 2 Waiting in the Wings.

At the moment the only buy link is with Extasy Books. This will change to the Amazon Link as soon as it is obtained http://www.extasybooks.com/s-l-danielson/978-1-4874-2024-6-waiting-in-the-wings/

Dreams can come true, but sometimes they’re nightmares.

The Von are on their way.  With a recording contract under their belt and a tour opening for a popular band, the world is at their feet.  For those left behind prospects are not so bright, especially with someone trying so hard to break them apart.

With the spotlight on The Von, no one sees the evil waiting in the wings until it’s too late.

****

Someone is targetting The Von, doing their best to split up the happy couples.

Vince had been pacing for the past hour. He could barely wait for the time to tick by so he could talk to Billy and the others again. It was very early, but he’d been so excited all night he had to force himself to sit and do homework and not eat the entire time. He’d been working on his weight. He was down ten pounds since Billy left, but it’d been tougher lately. Like now. He spotted Asher coming out of his bedroom.

“You’re up early. Or did you ever go to bed?” Asher yawned.

Vince’s chubby fingers brushed through his hair as he laughed and reached for Asher’s hand. “Come on, we’ve got fifteen minutes till they’re on. Aren’t you stoked? I feel like I could eat half the fridge or jump out of my skin!”

“If it has to be a choice, I’d choose the fridge. Eat as much as you like, but I warn you, if you explode I’m not stuffing you back into your skin.” Asher was about to sit down when a sound from the hall stopped him. “Post. I’ll get it.”

After a long moment of waiting for Asher to return, Vince heard the door open, albeit slowly. He put down his glass of orange juice and peered suspiciously at his friend. “Hey, what is it? Bad news in the mail, also known as bills?” he joked. Asher didn’t say anything, which worried him. He stood and walked over to him to look at what he had in his hands.

“I… It… I don’t know what to do.” Asher turned to Vince and grabbed his arms with bruising intensity. “Vince, I don’t know what to do.” He pleaded, begged, but there wasn’t anything Vince could say as his gaze flicked between the two photographs and Asher’s stricken eyes.

“Let me see them, please?” He wrested the slips of paper free from Asher’s grip long enough to see the photos and got the shock of his life. Glossy, set in some cool, trendy club surrounded by gorgeous people, Erik kissed a total stranger like he might inhale the guy and Billy was kissing a redheaded guy who looked very familiar.

What the… No. Not again. Wait. I know that guy… Holy shit, I know him!

COMING SOON Upstaged 2 Waiting in the Wings

Dreams can come true, but sometimes they’re nightmares.

The Von are on their way.  With a recording contract under their belt and a tour opening for a popular band, they have the world at their feet.  For those left behind, prospects are not so bright, especially with someone trying so hard to break them apart.

With the spotlight on The Von, no one sees the evil waiting in the wings until it’s too late.

****

For more information on the band, reviews, excerpts and much more visit their very own group and receive a Backstage Pass

REVIEW - GIVE YOURSELF AWAY BY BARBARA ELSBORG

One guy intent on caution. One an adrenaline junkie. Love could be one risk too many. 

March is determined to lose the numbness that accompanies a history of loss and blame. Desperate to feel something—anything—the adrenaline junkie base jumps off cliffs, soars on hang gliders, and embarks on dangerous sea-borne rescue missions. But any release he feels is fleeting, and when you play Russian roulette with fate, eventually you come crashing down.

​No matter how hard Caleb tries to forget his past, a dark shadow is always behind him. When a bizarre turn of events results in him being trapped in a sea cave, Caleb wonders how his mantra—safety at all costs—could have failed him. On the point of drowning, he’s stunned when March surfaces in the cave.

​March’s disregard for the rules saves Caleb’s life but gets March into a heap of trouble. Not least of which is the guy shivering in the boat next to him. March tries to ignore Caleb but it’s already too late. Together, they take small, awkward steps toward love. But Caleb’s past is waiting to sink in its claws…and this time, it could drag him to his death.

Warning: This book contains difficult flashbacks of child abduction and sexual violence, but also the incredible perseverance of two men who never give up on love—or each other. Bring your tissues and a heart that believes in the resilience of the human spirit.

Review

I read this book some time ago, before I started writing reviews on a regular basis. I think there’s a difference between reading a book just for the sake of it and reading to review. Or maybe it’s just that reading for a second time releases you a little from the tension and allows you to see things you might previously have skimmed over. I know, for sure, that with my favourite books I can read and re read and always find something different.

This isn’t one of my favourite books, but it’s competing with the likes of Sir Terry Pratchett so it was never going to come out on top. Having said that, I certainly won’t be stuffing it in the back of the bookcase either. (or the bottom of the kindle, or whatever)

Caleb and March are not your usual characters, and both have big issues that come out in different ways. While March is a danger junkie, Caleb is so cautious he double thinks himself crossing the road and refuses to try to keep up with March when following him in the car. March’s lust for taking risks, however, comes in handy when he goes against direct orders from his superior on the lifeboat and jumps into the water to save Caleb from a cave.

At first, both March and Caleb are reluctant to start a relationship, for very different reasons. At first, it appears that March is stuck in the closet and reluctant to admit he’s gay. While that is generally true, he is not denying it to himself, far from it. Much of his problem comes from a deep sense of loyalty to a lover he believes is dead. Caleb, on the other hand, has no problem being out and proud, but is also mourning two deceased and one almost deceased lover.

The real problem, however, arises when Caleb begins to wonder whether his past losses may have been linked and March might be next in the chain.

Despite the darkness in Caleb’s past, he’s an utterly engaging character. He’s sweet, funny and full of life. Given his love for all things wild and dangerous, March is much more cautious on a day-to-day basis. They are so, so lovely together that despite the dangerous goings on my main edge-of-the-seat moments came from their misconceptions and misunderstandings. Being privy to their thoughts makes things both better and worse.

There were some idiosyncrasies of writing that I found difficult at times. We switch back and forth between Caleb and March’s pov’s with no space or any indication of the switch. Sometimes, it led to me being slightly lost as to whose head I was in. I honesty can’t see that as a problem, though. If a moment’s confusion pulls you out of a story, then you probably weren’t that invested in it in the first place.

There is plenty of story to be invested in, for sure. Not only is there tension between March and Caleb and a huge question mark over whether their relationship is every going to get off the ground, but Caleb’s past is breathing down his neck and it’s a deadly one.

At the same time as the present-day story progresses, we have peeps back into the nightmare world Caleb inhabited from the time he was 12 years old until a few years back, and that story was running right through the middle of everything. It was a brave move and I think it paid off. It was a continual reminder of why Caleb acted in certain ways and, in some sense, how he became who he was.

I have to admit that some ways this didn’t work for me. For one thing, given not just what happened but how Caleb thought and felt at the time, I think Caleb got over it too fast and too completely. 

Apart from the odd panic attack, which he deals with remarkably well, he pretty well-adjusted given his background. March has had a far harder time dealing with his relatively less traumatic experiences, although I survivor guilt is nothing to be taken lightly.

There are some big surprises at the end of the book. Some I saw coming a mile away, some I didn’t. The reader is being asked to suspend disbelief on one or two things and I was more than happy to do so, given the reward. Others might be sniffier and purist about it and for them it might go beyond the realms of the believable. That would be a shame because they’d miss seeing the sun by focussing too hard on the cloud.

I was utterly charmed by this book and its characters. Caleb and March are the most adorable couple I’ve read in a long while, partly because they are so real with all their flaws and uncertainties, but also so bright and alive in their approach to life, the universe and everything. Caleb, in particular has such a sharp, witty, even sarcastic personality that absolutely blows me away. He’s that slightly weird friend that everyone wants to sit next to at the party because he makes them laugh and always has something funny and intelligent to say. March, on the other hand, is the one holding back slightly with a proud and loving expression on his face making sure no one who might spoil his vibe gets within shouting distance.

I know a damn good story when I read one, and this was a damn good story and a half.

Wednesday Briefs The Faery of Beacon Lake Part 12

“Damn, you’re freezing. You’ll be ill. Here.”

He shucked out of his coat and wrapped it around Bran’s shoulders. Bran snuggled into its warmth with a little sigh and Owen couldn’t mourn its warmth even though the cold cut into him like knives slicing his skin.

“I don’t like being cold,” Bran announced as they picked their way along the sheep track. It was slow going as Bran had no shoes and kept complaining that his feet hurt.

“Isn’t it cold in the water? You didn’t seem cold when you were sitting naked on a rock.”

“It’s never cold in the water, hot either. It’s always the same. And when I was on the rock, I was wrapped in a spell. Until today, I have never set foot outside the barrier as a human. I have never been cold before.”

“Then lets hurry. The sooner we get home, the sooner you can sit by the fire and have some hot chocolate to warm up.”

“What is hot chocolate?”

“Have you never had it?”

Bran shook his head.

“It’s the best, and my grandmother makes the best of the best. You’ll see.”

“Is it far? My feet hurt.”

“Almost as far as the last time you asked about five minutes ago. I’m hurrying as much as I can, but it’s still a way off.”

“I can’t walk much further.” As if to prove a point, he stumbled over the tussock and had to cling to Owen for support.

“You should have worn shoes.”

“I cannot. I can bring nothing with me from the other shore.”

“Oh damn. Well, hurry up then.”

Owen practically dragged Bran along the path, his mind whirling. More and more consequences forced themselves into his racing mind. What the hell was he going to tell people? How would he explain Bran? Where would Bran live? What would he do? It wasn’t as if Owen was in any position to take care of him. He was barely able to take care of himself.

“Owen?”

Owen stopped at the plaintive cry. He realized he’d been so caught up in his head he’d fallen into his usual pattern and pace and had left Bran behind. Frustrated, he hurried back to the struggling faery.

“I thought the fey were supposed to be at home out of doors, flitting around the mountains and luring unwary travellers into fairy rings.”

“I-I’ve never been out of the water, not on land. I don’t know what other fey do.” He ducked his head and bit his lip. “I’m not going to deny the luring part though. The water needs life force sometimes.”

Owen froze and stared at Bran, who squirmed under the scrutiny. “What do you mean?”

Bran shrugged, glancing at him nervously. He looked away and shuffled his feet, wincing as sharp stones and grass stems dug into the tender flesh of his feet.

“Tell me.”

Owen’s voice came out harsher than he’d intended, and Bran took a step back. He looked frightened.

“Tell me.” Owen repeated, advancing.

“I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“You’ve lured people into the water, haven’t you? To their deaths. You’ve drowned people.”

Bran licked his lips and flicked his eyes up. “Not me.”

“But your people, your family?”

Bran nodded, his eyes wide and filled with uncertainty.

“You’re murderers.”

“The water requires life force sometimes; sacrifice.” Bran swallowed and rallied drawing himself straighter. “It didn’t used to – until humans came and stole its purity.”

“Stole its purity?” Owen sneered. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means, human, that you make the water dirty, you poison everything in it. You even poison yourselves. The water is as much alive as the land, and you poison that too. There has to be balance. You take the life force from the water and the water has to take it back or we all die.”

“You stand there talking to me about murder as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.”

“It is not murder. Murder is wasteful. It’s sacrifice.”

“Semantics. You and your family are murderers. Shit. I should have listened to Aggie.”

“Who’s Aggie?”

Owen ignored Bran and turned for home. Squaring his shoulders against the cold wind and the pleading cries from behind, he walked as fast as he could and didn’t stop until he’d slammed the cottage door behind him.

Aggie looked up from her seat by the fireside.

“Didn’t go well then. Well, I tried to warn you but you didn't listen. How did you get out of it?”

“I didn’t.”

Aggie raised an eyebrow.

“He’s a monster,” Owen burst out. “He admitted to murdering people. Well…not him, but his family. Sacrifice, he calls it but the end result is the same. He’s been watching me since I was a child - every time I went to the lake. I suppose I’m lucky he didn’t see me as a sacrifice. He tricked me. It was all a trap. Probably so he could leave the water and spy on us on land. They don’t like humans, at least his father doesn’t. None of them trust us.”

“Do you blame them?”

Owen glared at Aggie, but couldn’t keep still long enough to keep the focus. He started to pace.

“What am I going to do? What have I done?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you start by telling me what you’ve done?”

Owen quickly recounted what had happened at the lake, with Aggie growing more and more alarmed.

“Where is he?” she interrupted while Owen was in full flow complaining about Bran’s constant whining.

Owen blinked, annoyed. “I don’t know. Still fumbling about on the mountain I guess. He’s the bloody faery, he can find his own way.”

“Are you insane?” Aggie surged from her seat and loomed over him. “I have often thought you to be a foolish boy, but I have never imagined you could be such a cruel one. Go to your room and wait for me there.”

“What? Am I five?”

“Go to your room.”

Owen opened his mouth, but no words came. Aggie was furious. Owen had never seen her quite so angry, at least not when the anger was directed at him. The old woman seemed to increase in size, looming over him. He swallowed hard and backed away.

“O-okay.” He turned and fled.

The other flashers who are going all out to entertain you today, are 

Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso 

Julie Lynn Hayes

RELEASE DAY Alpha (Tamed & Trained #2)

Title: Alpha (Tamed & Trained #2): Sequel to Puppy (http://amzn.to/2jyacS0)
Authors: R. Phoenix & M.A. Innes
Length: Approximately 39k words
Buy Link:(only $2.99 for a limited time; also available on KU): https://amzn.to/2HwSSJW.
Release Date: April 27, 2018


Blurb
Zain was just a dog walker. It was an unconventional job for a werewolf, even a brand new one, but he liked dogs and they liked him. It only seemed to make sense… right up until the point a vampire called him in to take care of his human pup. When his life collided with Liam and Caleb’s, none of them were prepared for the directions it could take.


Especially Zain.


But between the sexy pup and the vampire’s creativity, the power struggles pitting dominance against submission — and acceptance — the two might be too intriguing to just walk away from… 

When M.A. Innes, bestselling author of sweet taboo romance, and R. Phoenix, author of playful dark erotica, paranormal romance, and horror team up, you should leave your expectations at the door. The duo responsible for Almost Strangers, a sweet contemporary romance with more than a few taboo themes, has collaborated again to bring you something from the other side of the force.


That said, here are a few notes from Raissa:


This is not an alpha / omega / beta tale, at least not in the usual sense (designation at birth, slick, heats, mpreg, primary focus on the werewolf part, etc.). Alas, “Alpha” in this universe is completely different and refers more to status. I hope you’ll give it a shot anyway, but please don’t expect A/B/O dynamics! (Though there are plenty of Big Os in here. Just saying.) 

To M.A. Innes’s Readers:
I’ve temporarily corrupted your favorite author. Don’t worry; it isn’t permanent. Seriously, though, please do not go into this book thinking it is a typical M.A. Innes book. It isn’t. Innes is writing in my world — and my world is a much darker place. The warnings are there for a reason, darlings!


To R. Phoenix’s Readers:
Hello, my loves! It’s great to (finally!) get back to Caleb and Liam. Thanks so much for being patient. I know it’s been a while, but I hope you’ll agree this was worth the wait. You know the drill — this is playful dark erotica, emphasis on the dark. If you’ve read Puppy, you’re (probably) ready for Alpha. ;-) Give a warm welcome to Zain!


Other Notes:
*This is the sequel to Puppy by R. Phoenix, which should be read first. Sorry, loves, it’s definitely not a standalone.
*(Warnings/Potential Spoilers) Prepare for M/M/M, puppy play, body modification, humiliation, dehumanization, and other stuff I’m forgetting about right now. Not every dynamic or element is 100% consensual.



Social Media Info:

Bios


M.A. Innes

M.A. Innes is the pseudonym for best-selling author Shaw Montgomery. While Shaw writes femdom and m/m erotic romance. M.A. Innes is the side of Shaw that wants to write about topics that are more taboo. If you liked the book, please leave a short review. It is greatly appreciated.

Do you want to join the newsletter? Help with character names and get free sneak peeks at what’s coming up? Just click on the link. https://www.subscribepage.com/n1i5u

You can also get information on upcoming books and ideas on Shaw’s website: www.authorshawmontgomery.com


R. Phoenix

R. Phoenix (code name: Raissa) has an unhealthy fascination with contrasts: light and dark, humor and pain, heroes and villains, order and chaos. She believes love can corrupt, power can redeem and that the best of intentions can cast shadows while the worst can create light. She agrees with those who say that the truth is best told through fiction — even though fiction has to make sense while reality can be utterly baffling.

She loves chatting with readers, though she often awkwardly rambles. No matter how much she tries to keep her bad and often perverted sense of humor in check, it seems to escape at the most inconvenient moments. (Thanks, universe.) Feel free to friend Raissa on Facebook and chat or send her an email!


Facebook Profile:

Facebook Page:

Twitter: @RaissaPhoenix

Email: raissa(dot)phoenix(at)gmail(dot)com

Wednesday Briefs. The Faery of Beacon Lake Part 11

Its been something of a strange week, between one thing and another. I've been busy and it's been a challenge to fit everything in. fortunately, one thing I managed to fit in was my flash and here it is. Bran, as usual, totally encompases the meaning of the word.

Owen drew himself up as tall as he could. The shadow of his grandmother stood at his shoulder telling him what a fool he was, but he ignored her because she was just a shadow and Bran was a blinding light.

“What do I have to do?”

The queen regarded him intently and he was surprised to find there seemed to be a great deal of sadness in her expression.

“I believe you will do your best by our son,” she said, with the clear implication that his best could never be good enough. “Are you sure?” She turned to Bran, who nodded.

“You know it can be no other way,” he whispered, and Owen was shocked to realize that Bran was as nervous and out of his depth as he was. “I fought it as long as I could. I waited, as you asked. Don’t make me wait any longer.”

The queen nodded once, then turned her attention back to Owen. “Then I ask again, do you promise to care for our son, Bran, Prince of the Mountain Lakes and Guardian of the Gateway? Do you promise to honour him and never to raise a hand against him in violence?”

Owen glanced at Bran, then out at the lake. Something about the stillness of the water and moonlit path across its surface calmed and soothed him. He nodded. “Yes. I promise.”

“As for the bargain, Prince Bran will bring with him as dowry—” she reeled of a list of things Owen barely listened to because he’d caught and been captured by Bran’s eyes which glowed so brightly they diminished the light of the moon.

“Human boy?”

“Sorry.”

The queen sighed and stamped her foot. “Do agree the dowry?”

“Er…yeah. I don’t need a dowry.”

The queen’s lips pursed. She was clearly frustrated, and afraid she might think he wasn’t taking things seriously, Owen squared his shoulders and met her gaze directly. “Yes, I agree. I’m fine with it.”

“Very well. For your part of the bargain you will promise to care for Bran, to provide him with food, clothing and shelter, to lead him through the pathways of your world and never to be far from his side. You will promise to treat him with kindness and to never raise your hand against him in anger. Should you do so three times, the bargain will be broken, and Bran will return to the lake, taking whatever might remain from the dowry with him. Is this clearly understood?”

“Yes, I understand, and I promise. I’ll take care of him, give him everything he needs, and I will never, ever raise a hand in anger. Why would I? I’m not that kind of person.”

The queen waved a dismissive hand. She drew Bran forward and took his hand. Raising it, she held it out toward Owen. For a moment, he was confused, then he took a few quick step forwards and placed his hand over hers. As he gazed into Bran’s dazzling smile, the queen slipped away, and when he next looked up they were alone on the banks of the lake.

“Where did they go?”

Owen glanced back at Bran to find a naked boy whose only glow came from the moonlight striking 

off a single silver earring in the shape of a seashell. Owen decided he liked him better this way.

“So…we’re married now?”

“That is the closest human equivalent, I believe.”

“So…what do we do?”

“Whatever you wish, but I would like for it to be somewhere warm. I have never been cold before, and I don’t like it.”

“You’ve never been cold? But you live— You’ve always been naked.”

Bran ducked his head. “I felt no chill within the spell and as for my nakedness, well….” He glanced up again and smiled. “That was for you.”

Shock hit Owen like a bucket of icy water. “You what?”

“Do you really think you could catch a fey if they do not wish to be caught? Do you think you could see one if they do not want to be seen?”

“It was a trick? You lured me in.”

“No trick, human boy. A lure? Perhaps. I have been watching you.”

“Watching me? For how long?” Owen began to feel uncomfortable. Bran’s glance seemed more sly than coy now.

“Since you were a child, sitting on the bank, just over there, making stones jump over the water. I saw your first kiss and watched your heart broke when you were going away.”

Owen gasped. Anger, hurt and confusion punched into him like a fist in his chest. “You spied on me.”

“I watched you. I wanted you. I did nothing to force you. I….” Bran bit his lip and dropped his eyes 

again. “I felt for you.”

“Felt for me? Felt what?”

Bran shrugged. “Perhaps I am in love with you?”

“You don’t know?”

“I don’t know what love is.” He raised his eyes again, more curious than anything else now. “Do you?”

“I…. Sure, I know.”

“Tell me.” Bran stepped into his space, his eyes burning, eager. Owen took a step back. Bran froze. 

“Do you not love me? Do you not wish to hold me? To kiss me? You did before.”

“Look, this is all moving way too fast. I’m married to someone I hardly know, someone who’s admitted to spying on me for years and luring me into this… situation. At the moment I have no idea what to think. If I’m being completely honest, I feel… trapped.”

Bran winced but nodded. “Then take me home. You can think while we walk.”

“I—”

“Please, Owen. I am very cold.”

Owen blinked and for the first time realized that the blue tinge to Bran’s skin no longer came from the faery light, but from sheer cold.

And the other flashers this week are 

 Cia Nordwell

Carol Pedroso

Michael Mandrake

Avery Dawes

Jon Keys

Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Newsletter

Nephy's News launched in April and has been going for almost a year (WOW) Watch out for an extra special birthday edition in April. In the meantime for your chance to win the Giveaway in February 2019 edition then comment below, or simply leave an email address where I can reach you if you win!

If you haven't signed up and have missed this month's giveaway, do not fear, there will be another next month. Don't miss it. Sign up now!

(You can sign up here or on my website)

Blog Tour - Gaming and IRL Boss Fights by Alina Popescu

Title: Gaming and IRL Boss Fights

Series: Famous on the Internet, Book Three

Genre: Gay Romance, Contemporary Romance

Length: Novella (38,000+ words)












Blurb

An internet famous geek. A sexy landlord who hates him. An unlikely duo with slim chances of beating the romance game.

Simon Cromfield’s life seems perfect from the outside. His gaming channels made him an internet celebrity, he has great friends, and he’s just moved into a luxurious apartment. Yet his gorgeous landlord did a one-eighty turn and decided he hates Simon, his family thinks he’s a total failure, and some of his fans act like they own him.

Branden Dahlman has enough on his plate. He doesn’t need that pest, Simon, who became the bane of Branden’s existence on top of a large estate he never wanted and a family that drives him insane. As he unleashes his resentment on Simon, the sexy bastard insists on proving Branden wrong about everything.

In an unlikely turn of events, when Simon hits his lowest, Branden is there to support him. But will this new-found thing between them last when the pressures of Simon’s world come crashing in?

Gaming and IRL Boss Fights is the third book in the contemporary gay romance series Famous on the Internet. If you like geeks, binge-watching online content, and enemies-to-lovers tropes, then you will love Alina Popescu’s online celebrity protagonists.

Review

Okay, I have to start by saying that I’m reviewing an ARC as part of a blog tour. If you don’t know me, you won’t know that I have absolutely zero qualms calling things as I see them, whether I buy the book or I’m reviewing for a blog tour.

Neither knowing the author nor being part of a blog tour has had any effect whatsoever on the fact that I absolutely loved this book. No, that was the way the author brought to life the trials and tribulations of the professional, gaming, You Tuber. It’s strange to think there are whole generations out there who have no idea of what a professional You Tuber is, and I suppose I should be one of them. I probably would have been if not for the fact that I’ve been an mmorpg gamer since the whole thing started in the stone age, and my son is also a massive fan, as well as a fan of You Tubers.

I particularly like You Tubers because their videos and stream are short, and I can fit them in between working, during snack or procrastination time. I have my favourites who I follow closely, both gamers and more general (yes, I do love Dan and Phil).

This book brings the world to life on the other side of the camera and shows both the sheer amount of work that goes into it and the massive rewards, only part of which are financial.

History is full of mothers who think their children do not have “proper jobs”. Actors and actresses, artists, musicians…the list goes on. You Tubers are the new generation of deadbeats who live in the shadow of the “proper job brigade”. Thankfully, they’re not taking any more notice than their predecessors.

The characterisation is wonderful. I loved Simon to bits. He was such a hot mess. And I want a friend like Salma. Hell, I’d love to be a friend like Salma. Branden, I have more reservations about. Don’t get me wrong, he’s well written but he’s a complete dick and I didn’t warm to him until the end. Considering the way the alpha male (not in the shifter sense) he was by far the brattier. That being said, it all worked out in the end.

I have to admit that being a gamer myself coloured my opinion of the book as I found it totally relatable. The con, in particular, brought back some good memories. However, I don’t think that a background or any knowledge about gaming is required to fall in love with this book and everyone in it.

Gaming and IRL Boss Fights is part of a series “Famous on the Internet” but it can totally be read as a standalone.

Buy your copy of Gaming and IRL Boss Fights today to join the game.

Buy Links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C9D3MX6

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C9D3MX6

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07C9D3MX6

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07C9D3MX6



The Famous on the Internet Series

Book One – Br0th3rly

Tristan’s love life has one simple rule: his brother, Trevor, is off limits.

To fight his relentless love for Trevor, Tristan left for college at sixteen. A new city, building a new life for himself, and making new friends were not enough to give up what he considers sick, twisted feelings. Tristan even started an anonymous blog to cope with his love for his older brother. It made him famous on the Internet, but it wasn’t enough to get over his obsession.

Every time he goes home, a quick glance at Trevor brings it all flooding back.

When commitment-phobe Trevor introduces his serious boyfriend on one of Tristan’s rare visits home, things get a whole lot more complicated for the adoring kid brother. How far can Tristan run this time before he runs out of places to hide from his feelings?

Disclaimer: the main characters in the story are not blood relatives, the two boys were only raised as siblings.

Buy links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MT66HZV

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MT66HZV

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01MT66HZV

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01MT66HZV



Book Two – Travel and Spice

Famous travel blogger returns home to have his life thrown off balance by his high school crush.

Dante Sandford is at the top of his game. He’s paid to travel the world and share his spicy stories on his blog. He’s still young, gorgeous, and confident. When Dante’s high school reunion knocks on his door, he’s reminded of everything he’s lacking. More so when his old crush, Tommy Clancy, makes a pass at him. Or when the hot romance blows in Dante’s face because of his lifestyle.

Tommy has always been the hottest man in Riverbrook. Possibly the world. He’s stunning, smart, and the kindest soul Dante has ever known. He’s also read Dante’s blog along with all his steamy encounters. No wonder Tommy doesn’t trust Dante for anything more than a casual hookup.

Dante returns to hometown Riverbrook to face his past of bullying and feeling like a misfit. He instead ends up dealing with the reality of being a travel blogger: relationships are close to impossible. That won’t stop Dante from trying to convince Tommy his short-lived flings are not by design.

Buy links

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073VKTTGB

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073VKTTGB

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B073VKTTGB

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B073VKTTGB



About the Author

Alina Popescu is an author, traveler, and coffee addict. She has published several paranormal, science fiction, urban fantasy, and contemporary series, many of them having reached the Amazon bestseller lists for their genres. Her stories often fall under the LGBTQ fiction and romance subgenres.

Born and raised in Romania, Alina has been writing for most of her life. She’s an avid consumer of stories in all their forms. She’s fascinated by myths, folk tales, and other creators’ visions of the future. She finds her inspiration in books of all genres, movies, and the occasional TV shows or anime binges.

Alina is a proud geek and needs her fast internet connection and assortment of gadgets more than she needs air.

For a free taste of her writing, visit her website at https://alina-popescu.com, subscribe to her newsletter and get a free copy of her military gay romance, Mission: Protect the Ex.



Connect with Alina on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralinapopescu

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alina_popescu

Instagram: http://instagram.com/alinapopescuwriter

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/alina-popescu

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/alinaelenapopescu