Title: Appearances
Series: Opposites
Release Date: August 31st 2014
Author:  T.M. Smith
Genre: New Adult Dystopian (M/M F/F M/F)
Length: 188 pages
Publisher: TTC Publishing 
GMR 5 Star Review

Appearances, can be deceiving.

Raven and Tanis are trying very hard to merge their vastly different lifestyles, but Tanis issues with his own past could prove to be more than their fragile relationship can handle. Is their love for each other strong enough to weather the oncoming storm? 

Aiya and Sawyer have fought hard to be together in a world where Opposite relationships are generally forbidden. Yet, they are still forced to keep their relationship a secret while they are outside the walls of House Gaeland. 

Everyone assumes that the only threat lies outside their walls, the group of rebels led by Cillian. But something is happening within House Gaeland, something that hasn’t happened since GWI. And with all the attention focused on that, their guard is down. An evil that was under their nose all along strikes, and someone will make the ultimate sacrifice to save another.

Appearances is the second book in the Opposites series, the series should be read in order.

** Warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series that contains explicit sexual content and relationships between gay, straight and lesbian couples. **

Appearances (Opposites Series) by T.M. Smith! This series is best to be read in order to fully comprehend the characters, genre and the amazing stories! 

Tanis is trying to deal with his own past issues but it could be more than Raven and Tanis's relationship can handle. They are very much trying to bring their completely different lifestyles together but not as simple as they believed it to be. Aiya and Sawyer are in a world were being opposites is completely forbidden and very much frowned upon but they are trying very hard to make it work with the world against them. In the house of Gaeland something is brewing and about to go wild. Everyone is more concerned with the threat outside of the house and not realizing what is about to happen inside. There is an evil lurking inside and when it strikes, sadly someone will pay the ultimate price.

OMG OMG Kaden and Aiyan, those scenes almost finished me off, amazingly hot! TM Smith can really write some major hot gay scenes where I question, is she really a gay man...LOL They are getting ready to go home to celebrate pairings and weddings and those are some fun scenes. In my past reviews I have gone on about this genre that the author so brilliantly writes about. In this Dystopian era, it's illegal for opposite sex (M/F) to be together and as a gay man...I love it!!! For one it's about time someone had the sense to write a story like this one and two, it gives it to the straight community.....one for the gay community! So basically same sex couples/pairings is the norm in this fantastic world and the opposites have to hide their sexuality!


TM Smith delivered a beautiful book-two where she writes the story of Tanis and Raven and one of my favourite pairings. Their story will keep you riveted page after page and your heart pounding for more, you won't be able to put the book down for a second. What I loved about these guys is that there is an amazing connection from the very start and no denying their passion, desire and love for each other. It takes them awhile to finally get totally immersed into their relationship as they had to work a lot of things out and their story is so hot, you won't believe it. This book Appearances-Book 2 in the Opposite Series is filled with action, drama, love, intrigue, suspense, hot sex, beautiful love and brilliant amazing writing! I highly and I so mean highly recommend this novel to everyone so please do yourself a favor and read this book and the series, you won't be disappointed for a moment!!!

Guest Post for Gay Media Reviews

Coming up with the concept of a world where gay/lesbian is the norm.

I wish I could claim something spectacular like a waking dream or a vision. But in all honesty, seeing how one of my best friends who is gay was treated sometimes in public, DOMA, and the absolutely appalling treatment that the LGBT community as a whole received several years ago was a key factor. I will admit that we have come a long way in accepting that people are people and that love is love, but until all the violence ends, there is room for improvement. 

My friend Lucien is a 6’3 blonde haired, blue eyed, loud, proud gay man. He loves fashion and pushing boundaries. So there has been a time or two that he has turned a few heads when we have gone out. What I couldn’t stomach were people that glared, pointed, laughed, growled or disrespected him. Why? Because he’s a little flamboyant? Fuck you! I would stare right back at them, and lord god almighty help the person that EVER has the balls to look me in the eye while you are being a jackass, I will mop the floor with you! Lu didn’t give a shit. He wasn’t oblivious mind you, he just didn’t care. I, however, did. I had to learn how not to care, or at least act like I didn’t. 

We had a particularly fun outing one weekend where we went to see a movie and to eat at our favorite Italian place. While walking from point A to point B, there was this kid, seriously not a day over 20 if that, and he just kept staring. I was so done, I went off on this poor guy and in the end, he was only wanting to compliment Lu on his coat and boots, ask where he got them. I was just so used to people being rude or obnoxious instead of nice or complimentary that I acted without thinking. 

It was a few days later when Lu was retelling the story of our movie date that I suddenly had the thought, wouldn’t it be nice if the tables could be turned. What if we lived in a world where we, as straight people, were the oddity? What if to be gay/lesbian were the norm of society? We may or may not have been watching a Walgreen’s the town of Perfect commercial at the time, I’ll never tell. But the seed was planted and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. It was the execution I was worried about. How do I write this? How do I tell this story in a way that won’t alienate people? Unless they are those rude, homophobic, judgemental people. Then they can go piss up a rope. 

At the same time I stumbled across this video titled “Husband Missing” about a bi-national couple that were legally married in New York, but because one of the men was not a United States citizen, and they were a same sex couple, their union was not recognized by the Federal Government. I can’t tell you how hard I cried watching this video. I called Lu on the phone balling like a baby I was just heartbroken. It only fueled my fire to write this story. My way of shouting to the rooftops to all the straight hetero’s out there like Britany Spears getting married

and divorced in less than 24 hours, just because she can, and yet these two men that obviously love each other are forced to be apart because of some goddamn stupid ass law???? Your rights and your freedoms as a straight “normal” couple do not trump the rights of David and Jason just because they both have a dick, sorry, it shouldn’t work that way. You notice I didn’t write doesn’t work that way, because sadly it does. 

The more I delved into the LGBT world, the more aware I became. I was never a prude or phobic person, but I wasn’t a fully aware person until I started researching and writing Opposites. 

*Link to watch the video, Husband Missing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyk4Qo2vCpA)

*And thank god above, in the spring of 2014 Jason was granted residency (http://instagram.com/p/kQKzEGLp8o/)

After the initial idea was set, it just took planning and elaborating on that idea. I knew straight away it was going to be more of an epic saga than a basic story. My love for Sci-Fi and Dystopian fueled the world and the society that the book is based in, set a few hundred years in the future. It’s all seriously now just like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, making sure they fit, and I’m conveying what I’m seeing in my mind in a way that readers are seeing it with me. 

I hope you will all grab a copy of Appearances and keep traveling with these people as they journey through life, jumping through hoops to be together, and enjoy them all as much as I enjoy writing them! Thank you so, so much Paul for hosting me today. You have a special place in my heart for all that you do for me and all my imaginary friends! 

Hugs!!

Tams

Amazon | Amazon UK | Are

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. She now calls Texas home from her small town on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex. Most days you can find her curled up with her kindle and a good book alongside a glass of something aged and red or a steaming cup of coffee!

At 42 years young, she's decided to enter the next phase of her life by adding the title of "author" to her list of accomplishments that includes single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Smith is and outspoken advocate for Autism and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

Her Opposites series is based outside the normal parameters of social acceptability, examining a 'what if'... What If to be gay or lesbian were the norm? What if to be straight labeled you as an Opposite and made YOU the Outkast?

Author Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/T.M.-Smith/e/B00D8N818Ehttp://www.amazon.com/T.M.-Smith/e/B00D8N818E

Author website: http://www.ttcbooksandmore.com/

Author Twitter - https://twitter.com/TTCBooksandmore

GoodReads book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17619257-opposites

GoodReads author: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6997897.T_M_Smith

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

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ttcbooksandmore/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJjm1BpCFi7kCt_KK_VyReA

Dominvs
Historical Fiction
JP Kenwood
Released: April 21, 2014
GMR 4.5 Star Review

In AD 107, after a grueling campaign against Rome’s fierce enemy, the kingdom of Dacia, Gaius Fabius returns home in triumph. With the bloody battles over, the commander of the Lucky IV Legion now craves life’s simple pleasures: leisurely soaks in fragrant baths, over-flowing cups of wine, and a long holiday at his seaside villa to savor his pleasure slaves. On a whim, he purchases a spirited young Dacian captive and unwittingly sparks a fresh outbreak of the Dacian war; an intimate struggle between two sworn enemies with love and honor at stake.

Allerix survived the wars against Rome, but now he is a slave rather than a victor. Worse, the handsome general who led the destruction of his people now commands his body. When escape appears impossible, Alle struggles to find a way to preserve his dignity and exact vengeance upon the savage Romans. Revenge will be his, that is, if he doesn’t lose his heart to his lusty Roman master.

Dominus is a plot-packed erotic fantasy that transports readers back to ancient Rome during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. This is the first book in an alternate history series—a tumultuous journey filled with forbidden love, humor, sex, friendship, political intrigue, deception and murder.

Dominus by J.P Kenwood is a historical novel set in Ancient Rome during the reign of the Emperor Trajan!
 
Gaius Fabius returns home in triumph from the kingdom of Dacia in the year AD 107! The commander of The Lucky IV Legion, he now craves the simple pleasures of life. He purchases the very wild and young Dacian slave but not knowing by doing this he sparked an all out war. Allerix survives the war against Rome but is now a slave and not free as he would have thought. The beautiful and strong general who has destroyed his people, now owns him and controls his body. Allerix knows that an escape is not possible so he does what is needed to survive and seek revenge on the Romans. Revenge is what he desires most but what happens when he looses his heart and body to the Roman captor?
 
The novel opens at an archeological site in the modern day Rome with a huge mystery that has been revealed and will transport you back in time. I completely love this genre of the Roman days and add in gay sex with Romans and slaves and I am in heaven. I was instantly glued to every brilliant and beautifully written word in this great novel. What can I say about the lead, Gaius Fabius, first of all, what a cool name that is as quite a few Roman leaders occupied that sexy name and it so fits this character. I loved reading about how he handled himself and was the very hot master to his slaves. The way he had to conquer Allerix and that young spoiled kid did not make it easy on Gaius by any means but it was hot and steamy. I adored the sensuous relationship that these men shared as back then it was very normal for the masters to have sex with their slaves and no age limits by any means either. Gaius and Allerix are just getting started with their hot romance and I for one can't wait for the author to continue their beautiful story.
 
I simply was amazed at how much the author got correct according to the lifestyles of the Romans and through her writing, I felt I was living in this time and that represents a great book and talented author. JP Kenwood keeps this story moving at a great pace and leaves you wanting more and more of the two hot men and their story. I recommend this novel Dominus by J.P. Kenwood for anyone who loves reading about gay romance, historical characters and stories, murder, intrigue and high energy sexual connection with a twist of love and desire!!! 

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Gnaeus Decius’s estate on the Quirinal Hill, Rome

 “Ever seen anything as bloody tasteless as that?” Gaius tipped his chin at the extravagant structure before them as he poked Max in the side with his elbow.

They walked closer towards Gnaeus Decius’s garish auction pavilion and Max’s dark brown eyes widened. In front of the round building, a circle of naked cupids holding their tiny stone dicks pissed streams of pink-colored water into a basin beneath a large statue of Pan fucking a she-goat. From the roof, strings of bronze and silver breast-shaped shields twirled in the breeze and, up above, gilded roof tiles shimmered bright in the sunlight. Gossamer peacock blue curtains, suspended from gigantic erect phallus hooks, gently billowed between slender green and purple marble columns.

“It’s quite—well, colorful, sir.”

“Unfortunately, it seems nitwit Decius spared no expense on this monstrosity.”

A boisterous uproar of laughing and shouting erupted from behind the fluttering translucent curtains.

Clang!

That sound was the unmistakable clash of bronze cymbals. Another body had been sold to the highest bidder. 

As they approached the main entrance, an armed guard with short grey hair saluted.

“Welcome, Commander Fabius. Your host will be most pleased that you’ve arrived. Surrender your weapons, if you would.”

“My weapons? This is a new development.”

“I’m afraid so, Commander.” The guard gulped. “After that regrettable incident at Lord Hostilius’s auction last month, Lord Decius feels the need to—well, to take precautions, sir.” 

With a shrug, Gaius slipped his hand through the loose armhole of his tunic and drew out his dagger. He’d heard that some old fart had been stuck like a pig over an auction dispute. The bastard probably deserved it. Decius was prudent to ensure that sort of mayhem never happened at one of his exclusive events. Carefully, he handed over his ornate ivory-handle knife.

“Don’t misplace my property. I’ve carried this blade for many years. It has sentimental value. Right, Maximus?”

Max lowered his eyes and smiled sheepishly. “Yes it does, sir.”

“Thank you for your cooperation, Lord Commander. Please, this way.” The guard held back the indigo entrance curtain and motioned them inside.

Despite the early afternoon breezes that blew in through the sheer fabrics, the interior of the circular auction hall was oppressively humid. As Max pulled at the collar of his tunic, Gaius scanned the crowd of aristocrats from their discreet spot just inside the entrance. They weren’t alone for long.

“Gaius Fabius! Welcome to my humble hovel, Lord Commander!” 

“Greetings, Gnaeus Decius.”

“The esteemed members of our Lord Emperor’s court are most welcome at my private events.” Decius wiped away the sweat drops soaking his fleshy upper lip. “Today’s merchandise is particularly choice, if I may say so. I do hope, my Lord, that you won’t go home empty handed.”

Gaius looked over the portly man’s shoulder. “Excuse me, Decius, but I’m seeking out an associate of mine.”

“Of course, but do enjoy yourself, Lord Fabius. And please give my most warm greetings to our Lord Emperor.” Decius bowed and wandered off, no doubt to ingratiate himself with another visitor. 

Gaius grumbled out of the side of his mouth to Max. “That man is a fucking pompous bore, but his auctions are usually worth the effort.” 

The stifling space was filled to capacity with aristocrats and their servants of all shapes and sizes. All of the men appeared relaxed and jovial. The anticipation of taking home fresh flesh to fuck, enhanced by Decius’s generous supply of fine Falerian wine, had put all the guests in jolly good moods.

“Over there!” As he pointed, Gaius’s pressed lips melted into a sly smile and his eyes crinkled with delight. He’d found who he was looking for. Despite the crowds, it wasn’t too difficult to spot the distinctive profile of Lucius Petronius Celsus. Towering over a group of men, the tall brunet appeared to be entertaining his companions with one of his absurd vulgar jokes. Gaius had heard every one of them, many times.

“Come, Maximus!” Gaius forged a path through the exuberant mob. Although they were frequently slowed by a pat on the shoulder from this or that fellow, he ensured that they never lost momentum. He’d seen Lucius Petronius just a few days earlier, but he’d barely had an opportunity to touch his handsome lover, let alone fuck him. 

From the elevated auction stage, an olive-skinned auctioneer hollered above the clamor. Aristocrats paused their conversations and turned to assess a naked blond boy standing on the platform, his eyes downcast and his thin arms folded neatly behind his back. A wooden placard touting his attributes dangled from a cord tied around his slender neck. Gaius stopped to scrutinize the scrawny thing. 

Max asked, “Should I get more information about that one, sir?”

“Don’t be daft. It’s too skinny and too young. And besides, I already own a blond faun. Nicomedes might be an impetuous imp, but he’s my blond imp.” Gaius scoffed with a smirk. “Lord Petronius has something particular in mind for my consideration. Not that I expect to purchase a damn thing here, but what’s the harm in humoring our dear solicitor?”

“Gaius! Over here!” Lucius Petronius frantically waved his burly arm like an overeager schoolboy. Sharply dressed in his formal senatorial garb, his muscular frame cut a path through the pack. His light blue eyes sparkled with desire as he hurried forward and wrapped his long arms around Gaius’s torso, hugging him a bit longer than was wise in such a public venue. Clearly Luc had imbibed a tad too much of Decius’s wine.

“Let go of me, you colossal twit.” Gaius chuckled, as he pushed Lucius back a step. They had to be careful. People were watching.

“You made it here in time.” Luc cooed.

“I promised you that I’d be here, and here I am.”

Lucius curled his large hand around his lover’s solid bicep, and pulled Gaius towards a spot to the left of the auction dais. “I arrived early to claim a prime couch for us. We’ll have a clear view of the sale, and a sneak peek at the naked lovelies waiting by the side of the stage. You are here just in bloody time!” He slurred, far too loud.

“In time for what?”

“For the scrumptious delight that I mentioned; you haven’t forgotten, have you? You’ll be interested. I’m quite sure of it.”

Gaius leaned in and whispered seductively, “I’m interested in fucking you, Luc.”

“You’re coming to dinner tonight,” Lucius answered brusquely. Then he moved closer and spoke very softly into Gaius’s right ear. “Listen, gorgeous. Aurelia and Petronia will leave today to visit Aurelia’s cousin. I swear that we’ll have the house to ourselves this time. I’ve told Euphronia to prepare something decadent, with ladles of creamy sauce that I intend to lick off of your—everything.” Luc stuck out the pink tip of his tongue and wiggled it. “Now lie down and let’s enjoy the festivities. It shouldn’t be long before the fetching thing is offered up.”

Both men stretched out along the adjacent cushions, face-to-face and raised on their elbows, as Decius’s scantily clad servants brought over drinks and tasty tidbits. Max stood behind the couch, ready to attend to his patron’s every whim. 

The clang of the cymbals rang out to announce that the blond boy’s bum had a new home.

Scooting closer to each other, the lovers watched the stage being cleared, as the dealer’s assistants prepared the next item.

“So, Lord Petronius. Tell me more about this exceptional opportunity.”

“A dark-haired provincial delicacy. Or so I’m told. I ran into Decius on my way to the courts and he raved about this new acquisition for his auction. He drooled, actually, the disgusting pig.” 

“Dark-haired? As dark as yours?”

“Darker. Pitch-black locks, Gaius. You don’t have one of those, do you? Decius, the dolt that he is, thought that I’d be interested. Shit, he even offered early purchase rights to me. Me, of all bloody people! The foolish prat doesn’t know his own greased paw from a courtesan’s stained lips.” Lucius collapsed into cackles. His strong, sculpted features still managed to look spectacularly handsome. 

“Then it’s a girl?”

Luc slapped his friend’s shoulder. “Of course it’s a girl! You, my dear Gaius, have enough fuck boys for both of us. Well, that’s debatable, I suppose. Anyway, your exquisite bitch, Callidora, is getting long in the tooth. You need a fresh serving of twat, my dear.”

“So now you’re deciding where I’ll dine, and what I’ll fuck? How highly considerate of you.” Gaius clenched his jaw. Lucius Petronius could be such a bossy bastard—sexy, but pushy. Always the lawyer. 

Sipping his wine, Lucius flashed a coy smile. As he opened his mouth to respond to Gaius’s quip, the auctioneer’s voice bellowed through the space. 

“Gentlemen, may I direct your eyes to this nubile nymph!”

“Ah, that must be her! You have to confess that she’s fucking splendid, right?” Lucius crowed, and tossed back another gulp. 

Peeling his eyes off his lover’s face, Gaius appraised the naked thing now on the auction block. A slender young girl of no more than fifteen, she sported shiny waves of black tresses that flowed down her back to her waist, and full breasts that were firm and pouty. Her skin was as creamy as milk and her features impossibly delicate. Deliberately, as if she’d been instructed, she lifted her wide blue eyes and smiled in the direction of their couch.

And that was when another creature standing off to the side of the auctioneer’s platform caught Gaius’s eye. Entranced, he only half-listened to Lucius drone on.

“Decius told me that she’s from hardy mountain stock.  Good bones, sound and quick-witted. Look at that lovely smile. You’ll enjoy her for years.”

Gaius stared at the stage, his moist lips parted with desire. Lucius smirked when he noticed Gaius’s cock stiffen and tent the folds of his tunic.

“Send Maximus down to the dealer’s table. Gather her details and demand a private inspection.” Luc urged.

Gaius gnawed on his bottom lip but said nothing.

“Gaius?”

Finally, he muttered, “I’ve never seen anything that magnificent.”

“Ha! I knew you’d be pleased. Max, go speak with the auctioneer’s assistants about her attributes and report back to us—the attributes that Lord Fabius can’t already see, that is.”

“Commander?” Max asked.

“Hmm?”

“Should I get more details, Commander?”

Gaius snapped out of his trance and turned. “What?”

“That slave girl, sir? Should I inquire with the dealer?”

“For fuck’s sake, no! Max, come closer.” Max leaned down within range of his former master’s intoxicating lusty voice. 

“Do you see that ebony-haired Adonis standing just off the stage?”

Max squinted, while Lucius furrowed his brow as he studied the silhouettes that stood in the dimly lit corridor on the side of the auction dais.

“The, um—the bearded one, sir?”  Max responded, scratching his head.

“Yes, that one.” Gaius leaned forward and pointed. “Shit, look at it. What an exotic specimen. Not some damn run-of-the-mill Greek whore, that’s for sure. Go learn everything you can about it, Maximus. Quickly!”

As Max trotted off towards the stage, squirming his way through the crowd, Lucius began laughing, tears welling up in his eyes.

“You are joking, right?”

“Why?” Gaius snapped.

“A bloody bearded barbarian? Oh, Gaius—sometimes you are so predictable. I should have known, love.”

“He’s stunning, Luc. Look at those long, sinewy limbs and that exquisite voluptuous bum. It’s hard to say for sure from this distance, but his dark hair looks excessively coiffed, don’t you think? These crass dealers so often err on the fussy side in terms of presentation. But no matter, that can be easily fixed.”

Lucius rolled his eyes. “It’s drugged, Gaius. Look at the way it’s standing, bobbing and swaying back and forth. There’s no way to know its true nature when it’s stupefied on whatever concoction they forced down its throat.”

“That’ll wear off.”

“Yes, it will. And when it does, you, my friend, will have a wild savage on your hands.”

Gaius smiled, glancing sideways at his companion. “This one will require a firm hand.”

“I hadn’t realized you were looking for a project, darling.” Lucius groaned.

“It must be the will of the gods.” 

“Now you’re a philosopher as well? Horseshit! Do not bring the gods into this. It’s the will of your insatiable cock, darling. A powerful force of the cosmos in its own right.”

Max reappeared, panting.

“What’s the report?” Gaius asked.

“It’s a Dacian, sir, recently captured by scouts during a reconnaissance mission along the mountain border.” Max stopped to catch his breath. “No known diseases or physical faults. The beast is heavily drugged, Commander.”

“Yes, I can see that. Anything else, Maximus?”

“They claim — well, the dealer alleges that it’s a virgin, sir.”

Smirking, Gaius turned to his companion.

“Inflating the value, you think?” 

“Virginity always does cost extra coin.” Luc winked. 

“Does he have an estimated price, Maximus?” 

“Six—six hundred silver pieces, Commander.”

“Six fucking hundred denarii for an untrained Dacian? That’s bloody robbery.” Gaius turned to his friend. “Perhaps, as my loyal and devoted associate, you could negotiate a cheaper price for me, Lucius Petronius?”

“You really want that shaggy barbarian, don’t you?”

Turning to look towards the stage, Gaius leered at the alluring Dacian captive listing back and forth on his feet in the shadows. 

“He’s already mine.”

When she doesn’t have her nose stuck in a dusty old history book, JP Kenwoodrelishes writing erotic m/m fiction. JP prefers plot-packed, sexy, and romantic tales that explore loyalty, trust, betrayal, and sacrifice. She is currently busy penning the second book in her alternate history series, Dominus. The second book—tentatively titled, “The Lion of the Lucky Fourth”—follows our auburn-haired bastard of a protagonist, Gaius Fabius, and his gaggle of clients and pleasure slaves as they travel to Rome for love, laughs, and vengeance. JP has a terrible habit of posting preliminary drafts of chapters and snippets of her latest work to her online blog prior to publication. She loves to chat, so feel free to contact her through Facebook or Twitter.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jp.kenwood
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JPKenwood
My blog: http://dominusjpk.tumblr.com
Tumblr blog: http://dominusjpk.tumblr.com

Looking After Joey
David Pratt
Released: April 2, 2014
GMR 5-Star Review

From the author of Bob the Book comes a funny, fast-paced, touching tale of love, laughter, family of choice and fabulousness! Wouldn't it be great if a character from a porn movie stepped right out of your TV, into your life? Well, be careful what you wish for. Because that's how Calvin and Peachy end up looking after Joey. Then Peachy decides to make Joey the center of in a social-climbing scheme that will take them all from Chelsea to Park Avenue to Fire Island and will entangle a rogues' gallery of eccentric Manhattanites, including portly, perspiring publicist Bunce van den Troell; theatrical investor Sir Desmond Norma; studly thespian Clive Tidwell-Smidgin; and evil lubricant king Fred Pflester and his mysterious nephew, Jeffrey. Tender, wise, witty and utterly deranged, Looking After Joey will make you wish you, too, had a porn character sitting at your kitchen table, pointing at the toast and asking, "What's this called again?"

David Pratt's latest novel, Looking After Joey will have you laughing out loud as I did and grab your attention from the very beginning. This is a funny, touching and realistic look into the real gay lifestyle and it was quite refreshing to read. My stomach is still in pain from all the laughing that I endured at the hands of this author. David's writing is so brilliantly done with a beautiful true literate style of writing that I for one couldn't get enough of. 
 
Told through the eyes of Calvin, a New York businessman and who is reaching 40 in the worst place to reach that age....the gay community. He is trying very hard to be part of what his friend, Peachy calls gayristocracy. Yes Peachy is one of a kind and he is extremely close to Calvin and their loyalty and friendship will be a very important factor in the basis of this story. 
 
Now enters Joey who is the ideal dream boy/hottie for Calvin and a pornstar with such remarkable beauty and Calvin can't stop obsessing about this guy. I won't give much away about Joey as it would spoil much of the story for the readers. This funny and heartfelt story is for anyone who wants to know what its like to be gay today or for every gay man to read. I loved how it poked fun at the endless need to be young and beautiful in the gay scene. Also what drives that anxiety in these gay men who are obsessed in reaching that almost impossible dream of being young and beautiful forever...aka fountain of youth that seem to really inflict the gay community. I give so much credit and respect to this author for his mature and beautiful message that beauty is only skin deep but it's the people around you that make you a truly beautiful person.
 
I can't go on enough about this authors writing and what a complete joy it was to read his smart and intelligent novel...Looking After Joey by David Pratt. I highly and I mean highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves reading about the true gay community, a funny and delightful story and what beauty actually means!!!! 

AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK /

Paul asked me to talk about as many things as possible related to my new novel, Looking After Joey. That’s not difficult, as the book deals with a lot. Like gay porn, lubricant, Liza Minnelli, mojitos, scat videos, Fire Island parties, veined cheeses, the Prado, underwear, Nasaline, Dawn Upshaw, calves, traffic lights, Kafka references (they’re for laughs), anti-ageing regimens, a fake jukebox musical, and, most important…

Love.

And just as important… Loyalty.

And the pleasure you experience watching someone you love grow. Kids can take inevitable steps in surprising ways or with breathtaking grace. We think, That’s my boy. Only he could have done that in that way. 

As we keep growing, life knocks us down sometimes. I’m now thinking of Calvin, the hero of Looking After Joey. He has not been knocked down in a huge way. He’s just a bit worn down, like many of us. He has worn himself down.  He needs to get out of himself. And then his favorite porn character, Joey Rhodes, with whom he has spent many an evening of lonely, virtual passion, suddenly falls right out of the TV. Into his living room. And somehow Joey can’t go home again. So Calvin has no choice but to look after Joey. He must find it in himself to love Joey in a way he had not counted on. 

You love someone and look after them in that way for a while, but before you know it, it’s time for them to move on. Now, you look after them in a new sense, the sense of watching them leave. When Joey makes his own life (with the help of his this-world boyfriend Doug, but no more spoilers), Calvin faces the question of what to do with himself. He helped Joey grow. Now he needs to grow himself. In the final chapter he makes a coffee date with Joey, for no other reason than because he misses him. But just before that coffee date happens, fate intervenes to show Calvin what his own next step might be. 

Have I said enough? No?? Okay. A quick Q&A with myself…

Q: Joey sounds very touching. But it’s also funny, right? 

A: Oh, yeah. It’s effing hilarious! My only real marketable skill is making fun of things. My characters are a bunch of gay men living in New York City, so it was like mocking fish in a barrel!

Q: Who’s the cute guy on the cover? 

A: Nicholas Gorham, an NYC writer, actor and model, photographed by Eva Mueller. Nicholas usually models in outrageous makeup and wild clothes, but he’s a very elegant and beautiful man just as he is, so I’m glad we were able to showcase that. You can see more of him in the book video, here.

Q: What if Nicholas steps out of the video? 

A: Nicholas is a gentleman. He will expected you to treat him as one.

Q: Did you have as much fun writing those crazy characters—Peachy Sniegowski, Bunce van den Troell and Sir Desmond Norma—as people have reading about them? Or was it a lot of nose-to-the-grindstone work? 

A: Yes and yes.

Q: Has anyone responded to Joey in a way that surprised you? 

A: A couple of people have not liked it. I find this unacceptable.

Q: Why do you hate ABBA? 

A: I don’t hate ABBA! Peachy and Calvin take Joey to the theater. I thought a parody would be more fun than a real Broadway show. But many of the big, brand name Broadway shows have nothing to spoof. Chicago and Lion King are actually good. Phantom is humorless (Tim Rice got custody of the sense of humor), which makes it hard to parody. That left me with You-Know-What. By the way, have you seen the French and Saunders mock trailer for the movie version? It’s in two parts: here and here. 

Q: Does a gentleman ever remove his underpants? 

A: Of course. I refer you to the character of Doug, Joey’s boyfriend. He is every inch a gentleman, and a bit of a dork, which I think is very sexy. Doug loves unconditionally. I imagine the passion is just volcanic when those underpants come off. It’s not shown, because: a.) the book is from Calvin’s point of view; and b.) in spite of the premise, this is not erotica. But I think those two just go nuts on each other, no pun intended. I don’t think Doug removes his underpants. He has Joey rip them off. He does the same to Joey. When they run out of underpants, they just don’t wear them.

Q: Do you wear underwear?

A: I think it’s time for you to click the “buy” link, right?

Finally, thank you, Paul, for publishing this, and thank you everyone for reading it and for your support!

David Pratt is the author of two novels, "Looking After Joey" (Wilde City) and the Lambda Literary Award-winning "Bob the Book" (Chelsea Station). David's story collection, "My Movie," (Chelsea Station) includes both new work and short fiction published in Christopher Street, The James White Review, Velvet Mafia, Lodestar Quarterly and other periodicals. Recent anthology publications include Paul Alan Fahey's "The Other Man," Jerry Wheeler's "The Dirty Diner," and Jameson Currier's "With." David has directed and performed his work for the theater in New York City at the Cornelia Street Cafe, Dixon Place, HERE Arts Center, the Flea and the New York International Fringe Festival. His collaborations with Rogerio M. Pinto include "Os Tres Porquinhos," "Chapeuzinho Vermelho," and "Branca de Neve," Brazilian Portuguese versions of, respectively, "The Three Little Pigs," "Little Red Riding Hood," and "Snow White." In the 1980s, David was the first director of plays by the Canadian playwright John Mighton. David holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School. He is currently working on two more novels and a novella for young people.

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Somebody To Love
Merry Farmer
Released: April 27, 2014
4.5 Star Review

Somebody to Love by Merry Farmer!
 
Love has not come easy for Phineas and sometimes near impossible. He lives in a world where  loving another man is completely forbidden and not acceptable by any means. So he has lived his life through his work and the family and friends who accept him for just being himself. Now enters a gorgeous lodger who enters his life but more importantly his heart. He must now choose between the comfort of a secure and safe life or risk it all for the love he has never had before.
 
Elliott is the new sheriff in Cold Springs, Montana and every women wants him as he is simply gorgeous but for Elliott he only has eyes for Phin. The chemistry between these guys is so hot and steamy but Elliott has his hands full trying to break open Phin's heart and let him love him for the man he is. Now an abduction brings both men together on a hunt for the cold blooded kidnappers. Will their attempt to save the missing child bring them together or pull them apart?
 
This is another book in the Montana series and is a stand alone novel. I so enjoyed the characters and how beautifully written they were. I loved how Elliott had to work at getting Phin's love as he spent so many years alone. So this was not a jump in the sack story but one of true love and understanding and why these two men so belong together. From the beginning you will be rooting for Phin to find the love he so desperately deserves. Then add in a great sub-plot involving an abduction and what a great and brilliantly written piece of writing. This is such an amazing historical gay western romance book set in 1900. I truly love this genre and the author was so detailed and spot on in her writing of this time, that I found myself being portalled back in time. This was my first novel by this author and I found myself loving her story so much and I will definitely be reading more of her work. So I recommend this novel...Somebody To Love by Merry Farmer for anyone who loves a good gay romance story, hot men, drama, acceptance and LOVE!

5 STARS

Opposites (Book one) by T.M. Smith

The global apocalyptic of the year 2081 and the planet actually survived it. Dr. Smith, one of the few survivors of the GWI started a new and amazing new society which I enjoyed so much. He believed that the breeding of straight people led to the destruction of civilization so he started a new society. He was able to manipulate the Dionysus gene. This new gene has the capabilities to manipulate human DNA to make sure that all male babies were born gay and all fe...more Opposites (Book one) by T.M. Smith

The global apocalyptic of the year 2081 and the planet actually survived it. Dr. Smith, one of the few survivors of the GWI started a new and amazing new society which I enjoyed so much. He believed that the breeding of straight people led to the destruction of civilization so he started a new society. He was able to manipulate the Dionysus gene. This new gene has the capabilities to manipulate human DNA to make sure that all male babies were born gay and all female babies were born lesbian and this is now the new world he created.

In the year 2300 Dr. Smiths descendants are maintaining the control of the government that still rules this amazing and unique society. The Twins Aiya and Aiyan have to meet their love matches and take over the House Gaeland but not everything is as it appears. Aiyan has fallen in love with his soul mate Kaden and his match is everything he has ever wanted and he marries him. The person Aiya falls for will test everything that was put in place after GWI. There is a group that threatens everything this new society stands for and they're called....OPPOSITES!!!

When I came across this novel, I fell instantly in love with it, come on, a world where being gay is the norm and being straight is the abnormal. I would love to live in a world that T.M. Smith has created and she is so detailed and descriptive with this new society that it spoke to me in volumes. Her writing of these fascinating and beautiful characters is out of this world and she makes the reader take such an interest in them and you want to know them on a personal level and to me that is an amazing author. What I loved most is the pairing that she did with these characters that you feel...oh wow these couples totally belong with each other. The time she has invested in them has paid off so well as they are some of the best that I have ever read about.

T.M. Smith wrote in such detail about the people and this new society so well that the reader will completely understand this unique and beautifully new world. The hot sex scenes were so brilliantly done and so steamy that you will find yourself re-reading those scenes...OMG...HOT....HOT!!! I loved the characters of Tanis and Raven, they hit me in such a beautiful way, I adore them and their pairing. When Aiya and Maeve match up is when things get complicated and this is when the OPPOSITES appear as Aiya actually falls for one of them and things start to get messy. There is a huge amount of characters as the couples who match up actually produce heirs and so on but the author does it with such great finesse and very detailed writing that you will not get confused by any means.

This novel is very fast paced and so well written and OPPOSITES is the first book in the series and at the end of this novel you will be dying for book 2. Appearances (Book 2) is out this summer-2014. Everyone needs to read this novel...OPPOSITES by T.M. Smith as it's an amazing and brilliant piece of writing and how the author created such a unique world filled with the most fascinating characters. I can't recommend this book enough and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I so would be. If you like reading about hot characters, unique worlds, Dystopia and beautiful and hot love scenes than OPPOSITES is the book for you!!!!

5 STARS

This beautifully written book called The Library (An Opposites Novella) by T.M. Smith

Once I started reading this book I was completely enthralled with this amazing story! The hot and very detailed sex scene right off the bat was incredible! The authors’ very unique story that she is writing about is a world of Global Warning Ignition. This new world where Gay/Lesbians are considered the norm and being straight is considered the outcast way of living. It’s a rebuilt society and has redefined the...more This beautifully written book called The Library (An Opposites Novella) by T.M. Smith

Once I started reading this book I was completely enthralled with this amazing story! The hot and very detailed sex scene right off the bat was incredible! The authors’ very unique story that she is writing about is a world of Global Warning Ignition. This new world where Gay/Lesbians are considered the norm and being straight is considered the outcast way of living. It’s a rebuilt society and has redefined the parameters of breeding to make sure that every child is homosexual. This is a society that I would love to be a part of. This story gave a great twist on how the world perceives sexuality.

Cirian is the only child of the Ambassadors to The House of Gaeland. Kiernan and Gabriel, his fathers, have been grooming Cirian to take over his father’s position. Rian has always been in love with Cirian and has no political goals, he only desires to be the husband of Cirian and stand beside him. The love these two men share is the most beautiful love I have ever witnessed. The way Cirian protects and cherishes Rian melted my heart right away; he will never let anything or anyone even try to hurt Rian. I truly felt that the author brought these men's love alive and the way she wrote about their life and sexual relationship was beautifully and well written. I felt like I knew these guys and I wanted to know everything else about them and especially if they will be together forever.

The section about ice cream was so romantic and very sexually explicit which I loved reading. I will never think of ice cream the same way again without thinking of these hot teenagers Kaden and Aiyan who can't keep their hands off each other. You will love reading about their relationship and how they try everything to be with each other. I love these guys!

Raven and Tanis you will love reading about as they have the most complicated relationship and you will be rooting for them to make it and make sure that they end up together and happy.

The way T.M. Smith writes and explores this new type of world is simply riveting and I for one cannot get enough of it. The characters are so sexy and appealing and you want more and more of those high octane sex scenes. I completely loved this book and the only problem I had with it, was that it wasn't long enough; I just wanted it to go on forever.

Trust me you will hate to put this book down as you will be thinking of these incredible characters for months to come. I completely recommend this book The Library in so many ways and I classify it as a MUST READ!

#1

Excerpts for Opposites {warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series, this sneak peak may contain content not suitable for those under the age of 18, viewer discretion is advised}



Meanwhile in the forest, Aiyan stood in the shadow of the tree. His bow was cocked and ready as the deer trotted into view close to the stream. Kaden stood to his left directly behind the tree, watching the intensity in his features as he stalked his prey. His jaw was set and his brown eyes sparkled, the muscles in his arm were tensed and solid as he held his bow in place, taking aim at the deer. His mouth was just slightly upturned on one side forming that devilish, crooked grin Kaden had come to love more than anything. 

Kaden thought back to the first time they kissed and that first night alone with Aiyan in his room, his body held firmly between Aiyan’s and the wall as he ran his hands down Kaden’s body and nipped at his ear. Instinctively he reached out and ran his thumb along Aiyan’s jaw line just as he released the arrow. The sound of metal hitting flesh as the arrow penetrated the deer’s soft skin could just be heard, and then the unmistakable thud as the now lifeless animal hit the ground. 

Aiyan stepped to the side and pinned Kaden against the tree, cupping his crotch in his hand tightly and crashing their mouths together. Again, instinctively, Kaden moved into his touch and his lips, moaning softly. Aiyan smiled into the kiss and whispered, "Kaden, love, you’re killing me." 

Kaden pulled back and laughed. "Me?!" I think you need to look again my prince, I’m the one pinned to this tree while you…." he moaned again and 

closed his eyes, leaning back into the tree as Aiyan squeezed gently. He leaned in and kissed his neck then sucked at the sensitive flesh there. 

"Soon, M’anam. The Mehndi ceremony is tomorrow, and then the wedding, and then…" He let the sentence linger in the air as he ran his nose across Kaden’s cheek, bringing their lips together for another kiss. They settled into a more appropriate, affectionate stance just before Rian cleared his throat from behind them. Kaden flushed slightly and Aiyan turned to see his father smiling at them. He jerked his head back toward the palace motioning for them to follow, and they did, reluctantly. 



#2

Excerpt for The Library {warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series, this sneak peak may contain content not suitable for those under the age of 18, viewer discretion is advised}



"Ahhh, that’s cold!" he exclaimed when Kaden actually did accidentally drop a spoonful on his bicep. He placed the bowl on the ground as he pushed Aiyan to lean back against the bed and began lapping up the sweet treat. Aiyan lay his head back and closed his eyes. "Don’t start something unless you intend to finish it." He placed Kaden’s hand over the bulge in his pants that was growing harder, and thicker with every kiss. 

Kaden grinned wickedly, "Oh, I will." He purred. 

"Oh, my… Kaden." Aiyan groaned as Kaden ran the palm of his hand over his cock, the friction from the pants under Kaden’s grasp causing Aiyan to grow even harder. Aiyan opened his eyes when he felt the cold steel at his bottom lip, opening wide so Kaden could feed him a spoonful of ice cream. He dropped the spoon back in the bowl as he dove in for another kiss, the ice cream melting from the heat of their sweeping tongues. 

He followed the trail of liquid that was trickling out of the corner of Aiyan’s mouth and caught it with the tip of his tongue, before diving right back into the warmth of Aiyan’s mouth again. He pulled back with a sigh staring into Aiyan’s eyes and placing a few more chaste kisses on his lips. 

Kaden sat the bowl of ice cream on the floor beside them and then, with his palms on the floor to brace himself, leaned into Aiyan. Their lips brushed briefly and right as Aiyan leaned forward, Kaden pulled back. He shook his head, "Don’t move and don’t close your eyes." He saw the muscles in Aiyan’s upper arms twitch, and he thought Aiyan might ignore him. Then one corner of Aiyan’s mouth slid upward and he gave Kaden that lopsided grin with a nod of his head. 

Eyes wide open so no emotion could be hidden, Kaden leaned in and traced Aiyan’s lips with the tip of his tongue. He did this several times before flat out licking Aiyan’s lips from the bottom to the top, just where his nose started. He then traced Aiyan’s lips again, but this time with his entire tongue instead of just the tip. Aiyan’s chest began to rise and fall quicker than before, but he stayed still as Kaden had requested. 

A slight breeze from the open window blew into the room causing the candle at the foot of the bed to flicker. Kaden saw the golden light from the candle through Aiyan’s eyes and he pulled back slightly, cocking his head to one side, just watching and waiting. Aiyan took a chance and flicked out his tongue, barely nipping Kaden’s bottom lip, watching Kaden’s eyes to gauge his reaction. 

When Kaden didn’t make a move to either pull away or come closer, Aiyan repeated the tongue tracing on his lips. He wasn’t nearly as resolute as his husband and soon the desire that had been building reached a crescendo. Aiyan leaned forward and stole a quick kiss, biting down hard on Kaden’s bottom lip. 

Kaden growled then grabbed his face in his hands and shoved his tongue inside his mouth more forcefully, sucking and biting at Aiyan’s mouth. Aiyan let out a long, loud moan of pleasure. Kaden was already teetering on the edge

of oblivion and Aiyan’s responsiveness pushed him over. He grabbed Aiyan by the shoulders and moved him down onto the floor underneath him. He captured his mouth again with another rough and fiery kiss as they begin grinding into each other. 

Kaden leaned up and slowly drug Aiyan's pants down his legs, pulling them off then tossing them over his shoulder. He devoured Aiyan with his eyes as he stood and removed his pants as well. He hovered above him for several long minutes, tracing his fingers over Aiyan’s lips then down and along his jaw line, moving slowly down to his chest circling each nipple. 

The corner of his lip twitched as he reached for the bowl of ice cream. Aiyan shivered when Kaden first ran his fingers through the bowl, then painted circles around his already pert nipples with the cold, wet confection. He threw his head back and gasped when Kaden followed that sensation with his warm, wet tongue. Circling his nipple, licking the ice cream off, then biting down gently on the nipple itself. Kaden parted Aiyan’s legs with his and gently pushed his knee against his now throbbing cock. Kaden gently nudged Aiyan’s balls with his knee and watched his face as Aiyan’s eyes squeezed tight and his mouth hung open in a silent moan. 

"So sexy." Kaden whispered. 

Sneak Peek:

Here is a sneak peak at Appearances, book 2 in the Opposites series

 {warning, Opposites is an Adult Dystopian majorly M/M series, this sneak peak may contain content not suitable for those under the age of 18, viewer discretion is advised}



*note that this is still a WIP and thus has not yet been edited, please ignore and excuse any errors in grammer or spelling.*



~ 1 ~

Unyielding

Aiyan walked through the garden, violin case in hand heading toward the bench that sat in the center. Sitting, he removed his violin and stroked the strings. He hadn’t played in days and needed to feel the instrument in his hand as he poured his pain into the music. It was the only outlet he could think of at the moment that wouldn’t cause someone else bodily harm. 

His life had changed drastically over the past several months. He met and married his match who, thankfully, turned out to be his soul mate. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loved Kaden like no other almost from the minute he laid eyes on him. He realized just how much and how much he stood to lose when Kaden was kidnapped by his uncle. An uncle he didn’t even know he had until after they’d rescued Kaden and brought him back home where he belonged.

He heaved in a deep breath and brought the instrument up to rest on his shoulder, running the bow across the strings a few times to adjust the tone. Then he closed his eyes and let it all go, let all of the pain and anger flow out of his body and into the music. He thought of Kaden inside the palace, in their room packing for their impending trip to House Devi. He thought back to the first time they’d made love after the incident. How loving, tender and gentle he was with his husband; who was still broken and bruised from his captivity. 

For a moment he felt the anger seeping back into him as his thoughts strayed to Gorilla man, his uncle, and the violin screamed out a note in agony. He released a breath and regained his composure, moving his thoughts back to Kaden and how they’d leaned on each other in those days and weeks when they first returned to the palace. The melody leveled out as Aiyan stopped trying to control the emotions and just let them flow freely, the insanely beautiful whine of music filled the night air.

Kaden closed the last suit case and lifted it off the bed, carrying it over and sitting it by the door with the others. He stood upright when he thought he heard a shrill cry coming from outside their bedroom window. Their bedroom was just off one side of the garden when you looked out the window, which made sense as the garden was Aiyan’s favorite place to be. Kaden walked over and threw the window open, closing his eyes and smiling when he realized what it was he’d heard. 

Kaden quickly made his way out of the palace and out into the garden, hell, he would have just jumped out the window to make the trip quicker if he thought he could do it without hurting himself. Kaden rounded the corner and stopped, soaking in the sight of his husband, completely oblivious and completely sexy. 

Aiyan’s eyes were closed and the tip of his tongue just barely escaped his mouth, as his head jerked to the side occasionally with certain notes of the song. Kaden could see how relaxed he was surrounded by the things he loved most. His exquisite garden, his violin and his husband. Every emotion Aiyan was feeling played across his face as he felt them, Kaden just stood still and watched. The emotions blended flawlessly with the notes; anger brought on a loud shrill note and a scrunched up face; happiness brought on a flowing, sharp squeal and a slight smile; and then sadness was the lightest note of all as a tear trickled down Aiyan’s cheek. 

Aiyan’s eyes flew open when he heard a low crack as Kaden moved toward him, stepping on a twig. “Oh, sorry, I was just letting off some steam.” Aiyan said, moving to put away his violin. 

Kaden moved quickly over to him, “No, please... don’t stop. It was beautiful my prince, please play more for me.” Kaden slid onto the far corner of the bench, smiling slightly as Aiyan smiled back at him. 

“You like to beg, don’t you?” Aiyan said playfully, that crooked grin taking over his face. It was true; Kaden had said those exact words to him the night they met, here in the garden, the first time Aiyan kissed him. “No, please... don’t  stop.” Aiyan put his instrument away and then just sat there, silent, staring at the ground. Kaden could not only see, but feel the war of emotions raging inside him. The bond they had seemed to have been there since that first meeting, when they saw the same vision of them kissing on the bed. And it only grew stronger when they were separated. Truth be told, their bond had saved Kaden’s life when Gorilla man had thrown him down that well. 

Kaden reached up and pushed Aiyan’s hair back behind his ear, stroking the lobe with his fingers softly as he did. “My prince, tell me what troubles you.” Aiyan didn’t speak, didn’t look up at him, he didn’t even flinch. Kaden scooted a little closer and ran his hand down Aiyan’s arm, joining their fingers together. Still, Aiyan didn’t so much as squeeze his hand back, not even acknowledging Kaden’s attempt to placate him. Kaden brought himself around in front of Aiyan, wedging himself on his knees on the ground between Aiyan’s legs, staring up at him, refusing to be ignored.

0They stared into each other’s eyes for several long, intense moments. Kaden toyed with the right words to say, and decided words weren’t what was needed right now. He leaned up and kissed his husband. He just held his lips to Aiyan’s briefly, not attempting to deepen the kiss. When he pulled back Aiyan’s eyes remained closed and he took a few shallow breaths. 

“Don’t shut me out Aiyan, not now, we’ve been through too much for you to give me the silent treatment.” That crooked grin was trying to make an appearance Kaden thought, as the corner of Aiyan’s mouth twitched slightly. “There is nothing you can’t tell me. I know you want to deal with these emotions and this anger you feel on your own, but that is the problem Aiyan. Have you thought that the reason you can’t get past this is because you are trying to do it alone? You aren’t alone Aiyan, I am here, right here in front of you, begging you to…….” Kaden didn’t get the rest of his sentence out before he was grabbed and hauled up into Aiyan’s lap. Aiyan’s lips came down on his hard and fierce as Aiyan attempted to tongue fuck him right there on the bench. 

Aiyans fingers dug into Kaden’s shoulders and he poured everything he was feeling into the kiss. Kaden moaned into his mouth and melted into his touch as the kiss ignited a fire inside him. The combination of his own hunger coupled with Aiyan’s left his head spinning. Aiyan pulled back, gasping for breath, when he opened his eyes Kaden saw that they’d turned gold around the rims and he smiled. Aiyan leaned forward until their foreheads were touching, still breathing heavy. 

“Okay Kaden, okay. Let’s go back to our room and talk.” He panted out between breaths.

“Just talk?” Kaden whispered. Aiyan barked out a laugh and smacked his ass, which caused Kaden to yelp. They barely made it into their room before Kaden quickly divested them of their clothing. He pushed Aiyan back against the door and climbed up him, devouring his mouth. Aiyan spun them around as he lifted Kaden up off the floor, and slammed him up against the unyielding wooden door. Kaden wrapped both legs around Aiyan’s waist and thrust his hips up. Aiyan threw his head back and gasped when Kadens thick, hard cock rubbed up against his own. Aiyan kissed him again, his lips as unyielding and hard as the door Kaden was pressed up against. Then he proceeded to fuck Kaden into oblivion, right there up against the bedroom door. 

Kaden woke in their bed with the soft touch of Aiyan’s fingers, trailing down his back and over his ass, then tracing back up the path they’d just taken. “Are you awake?” Aiyan whispered. 

“I am now.” Kaden just chuckled. 

Aiyan didn’t speak again for a while; he just ran his hands along Kaden’s skin, setting it on fire. Finally, he let out a ragged sigh, “I’ve never felt the kind of anger I feel toward him Kaden, and it scares me. I swear sometimes I feel like the hatred will consume me. I want to kill him, I want him to suffer. What does that say about me Kaden, for Christ sake, he’s my uncle?!” Even if the touch of Aiyan’s fingers on his skin hadn’t gone from gentle to rough, Kaden could feel Aiyan’s anger inside him through the bond they shared. 

Kaden rolled over onto his back and Aiyan laid his head on his chest, he ran his fingers through Aiyan’s hair comforting and calming him all at the same time. “It says that you are my husband, my partner and you will do anything to make sure I’m safe. I would do the same for you. Do you feel better, now that you told me this?” Aiyan nodded but didn’t speak. “Then that is enough for now. I love you Aiyan and we will deal with this together. Everything, always together.” Aiyan smiled and Kaden could feel the curve of his husbands lips on his skin, which made him smile in turn, remembering. 

Those three words took Aiyan back to the past, to the night they decided to get their named tattoos. When Aiyan first broached the subject just days before their Mehndi ceremony, Kaden had balked at the idea. But then when Aiyan and Raven showed Kaden drawings of what Aiyan was suggesting they do, Kaden couldn’t deny the sentiment in the gesture. 

Gay Media Reviews Interview with T.M. Smith

Questions for Tammy! 

1. Welcome to Gay Media Reviews! Who is T.M. Smith?

Thank you for hosting me today Paul! T.M. Smith is an author, a pen name I write under. Not because I don’t want people to know it’s me (Tammy Middleton), but because it represents the name my parents gave me. My full name is Tammy Michelle Smith, so I write under T.M. Smith. Middleton is my ex-husbands last name only kept because it is my son’s last name as well. Is that the answer you were looking for? J



2. Please explain what genre you write under?

Adult Dystopian majorly M/M, or LGBT. While my book is rooted strongly in the LGBT genre, it is majorly a M/M series as most of the couplings are men. But I am an equal opportunity sexist, so I have my stock straight couple and a few lesbians to add some color and flare to the mix! The world I’ve created is a dystopian or sci-fi type of reality, being set over two hundred years in the future with a society that is widely different that the one we live in today. There are some fantasy elements within the story as well. At heart though, Opposites is a love story, there are just a dozen or so love stories taking place!



3. What made you want to write about GLBT characters?

People laugh when I say this, but the voices in my head have a specific orientation, and most of them are gay men. I’m convinced I was a gay man in my past life, and when I come back it will be as a gay man as well. There is something about the exploration an author can take when writing an LGBT book/series that don’t seem to be there in the run of the mill romance books today. I like being able to write whatever I want and not really having to stay within any pre conceived barriers to other characters.



4. How did you come up with the plot where gay people were the norm and straight people were considered the outcasts? 

Outings with my best gay friend. More than I care to think about, we have been at a movie or dinner or just out and about and people look down on him. And this isn’t an easy feat since he’s 6’4! That coupled with what was going on in the LGBT community about 4 years ago when I first started writing Opposites, I started thinking. What if the world were turned on it’s axis? What if all these jackoffs that condemn my friend for his sexual preferences, these bigots that throw words like stones and judge something they don’t even understand, were the outcasts of society. What if, to be gay/lesbian were the norm? And to be straight, like me, labeled us the Opposites, made US the ones that were cast aside, looked down on, made fun of, and often abused, killed or made to feel we didn’t want to live… simply because of who we chose to love. Doesn’t feel quite so good when it is YOU that is being discriminated against, does it??



5. What is something that you would like your readers to know about you?

Hmmmm… I love a good scary movie. I’m talking Halloween, The Excorcist and Texas Chainsaw Masacre. The originals, NONE of the remakes, just… no! It’s all about lighting, innuendos, music and suspense. Not how many buckets of blood you can spill. Buckets of blood are only acceptable in Quentin Tarantino movies, which I love as well. I think I have all but 2 of QT’s movies on DVD, I could probably quote the script for Death Proof!



6. What do your readers mean to you and how interactive are you with them?

They mean the world to me, without my readers I wouldn’t be able to call myself an author. Interaction is a must, how can you write books and share these characters with the masses, but not interact with the people that fall in love with them? I will never understand authors that “make it big” and forget where they came from, where they got their start, and who it was that put them where they are. One of my very favorite authors, and the only author I have ever been to a book signing for, is Lauren Kate. She is big time, in my miniscule opinion, and her Fallen series is being made into a movie. She still comes to the local Barnes & Noble in Southlake Texas every year for a signing. She is proud to be from the DFW area and wants to always show her hometown fans what they mean to her. THAT is what I hope to maintain, a connection with my readers.



7. What kind of research do you under take when writing your hot sex scenes?

Cockyboys! It’s not gay porn, it’s cockyboys!! Yes, gay porn and lots of it, why is that? Because there needs to be some accuracy in the sex scenes that I am writing. I am a straight female so I have no idea what the mechanics of two men showing their love, or lust, for one another entails. But there are drawbacks to this option for research as well, I’m a hopeless romantic, so if it’s BDSM or any type of cruelty involved, I don’t like or watch it. I read a lot as well. Mary Calmes, Sandrine Gasq-Dion, Andrew Grey, Mia Kerrick and Avril Ashton just to name a few. TV shows are good for seeing characterization of gay men. I love Queer as Folk, Degrassi, As The World Turns and Days of Our Lives. And while these are slightly grandious examples, they are still somewhat rooted in reality and show some of the struggles gay men deal with in life and relationships. 

I also have some really good friends that are gay, god love them! My Lucien, who is my inspiration for the character Raven, Paul Berry, my Jeffrey, my Jayson and Matt Ortiz have all answered questions for me along the way when I get stuck or need a second opinion on a particular scene I may not thinking I’m getting right. Just call me Dorothy!



8. From either Opposites or The Library, which character is your favourite and why?

That is like asking me which one of my children is my favorite. Which pair of jeans, or shoes are my favorite. I love them all, they are all different and quirky in their own ways. I am pretty partial to Aiyan and Kaden. Yes, when I talk about them I group them as one single entity, because they are two halves of one soul. They are my soul mates, the star crossed lovers, and they probably explore themselves and their world as well as their place in the world as a couple and as individuals the most of any other characters. And there little quirk, the breaking of things, it’s quite fun to figure out what will fall under them next. 



9. When did you first realize that you were a writer?

I had been working on Opposites for about six months and I sent a particularly hard chapter to write over to Lucien for his opinion. He responded, “Wow, Tams, not only are you officially a writer… you are a damn good one!” I was speechless for a bit. I think until he made that comment, I didn’t really look at my writing up until that point as anything but a hobby. After that I really buckled down and put twice as much effort into it.



10.What advice would you give an author, just starting out, who wants to write gay fiction?

First, do your research. Readers and reviewers will tear you apart if you don’t at least resemble someone that knows what they are writing about. Men, do not have a G-spot. If you write this, it will be disasterous! But not just the sex, while that is wildly important, there needs to be a basis of reality within your storyline. I have done exhausting research for several aspects in my world of Opposites, and I love when someone responds in a review or comment and says, “I’m Greek and you really nailed that.” Or, “I’m celtic and I cannot believe someone did their research on terms and wording that are specific to my culture, I loved it!” Yes, these are both comments that I’ve gotten. 

Be sure that you want to do this. It is a long, hard road and there are some bullies out there that will not get off of their sorry asses and try to write so much as one word, but they are quick draw magraw when calling you out on misspellings and such. You have to have thick skin. You can’t please everyone, you just have to please yourself, because at the end of the day… you are the only person that matters.



11-Do you have a Philosophy by which you live?

Love is Love. 



12-What is your favourite curse word?

FUCK!!!!



13-What was the last book you read and your thoughts on it?

As of today (June 14th 2014) I just finished reading Perfect Imperfections by Cardeno C. It was fantastic, fresh and romantic. Cardeno took the ‘gay for you’ storyline and tweeked it, just like she does everything, she made it her own. I loved the character development and interaction, and the romance was passionate and beautiful, but it wasn’t overbearing or raunchy. I recommend it, whole heartedly!



14-If you could come back as any animal or mammal, what would it be and why?

A cat. I love cats! They really could rule the world.



15-Lastly, any hints on your next book that you might be working on?

Oh yes, Appearances, book 2 in the Opposites series is set for a late August release. This story while continuing the journey that the main younger characters started in Opposites, will show a different side to them all. Raven and Tanis fans will be quite excited as this story is all about the priest and his warrior from Greece, who has seemingly swept him off his feet. But not everything is as it seems, Appearances can be deceiving.



*Thank you Paul for hosting me today! It has been a pleasure, and your questions were so much fun to answer. I hope I wasn’t too long winded, and I hope everyone stopping by will follow my various links and pages to stay up to date on everything TM Smith and everything Opposites!

HUGS XXOO… Tams

Appearances-Book 2
T.M. Smith
Release: Summer 2014

Playlist for Opposites


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkehmrHrmCeM4a1IpZWLk6p8-GODvnw5s

Celtic Dream | Ronan Hardiman

Lament | Ronan Hardiman

Kashmir | David Garrett

Csardas | David Garrett

Rain on the Pond | Relaxation music

Shadow of the Moon | Blackmore’s Night

Where are We Going From Here | Blackmores’ Night

Bound To You | Christina Aguilera

Jai Ho | Slumdog Millionaire

Love Aaj Kal | ye Dooriyan

Drowning Pool | Bodies

Enya | Watermark

Come On Get Higher | Matt Nathanson

Between The Raindrops | Lifehouse w/Natasha Bedingfield

Ice Cream | Sarah McLachlan

Sirtaki (Zorba’s Dance) | David Garrett

We Belong | Pat Benatar



Playlist for The Library

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkehmrHrmCeMLM1FSKNdEl9_VIfUrO6j3

Ginuwine | Pony

Justin Timberlake | Mirrors

Sarah McLachlan | Ice Cream

Ryan Beatty | Every Little Thing

Adam Lambert | Stay

The Irrepressibles | Two Men In Love

Two Steps From Hell | Undying Love

Steve Grand | Stay

M83 | Midnight City

Meet the parents of House Gaeland

So, yes, I realize there are a lot of characters to keep up with. Apologies, but that’s the way the voices in my head told the story! I only hope that when you read my books you get the subtle differences between characters. Whether it be traits, personalities or homicidal tendencies. 

When I first started writing Opposites I made a power point (don’t judge me!) where I would put things as I researched them. Meanings of names, actors pics, height, what traits I wanted that character to possess. Yep, I’m a dork! But hey, it worked out in the end. 

Cirian and Rian of House Gaeland. You get a lot more of their personal stories in The Library, but long story short, Cirian and Rian were the first pairing of soul mates.

Cirian (pronounced Ce-Ree-An); Height 6’2; Eyes Blue

CIRIAN (derived from the name of 2 Irish Saints.  Gaelic “Dark”) Vision: Matthew Goode  Married to Rian   Father to the twins  

He is the current Captain of the Gardai, the army of Gaeland (Gardai is Irish in origin meaning “Guardians”.)

Cirian’s heritage is Irish/Gaelic and his Fathers both hailed from a traditional Irish family. 

He was a Warrior for his Fathers who are still the current Ambassador’s for Scotland; a skilled swordsman, plays the Piano and is an exquisite cook.  

RIAN (Gaelic “Little King”) Vision: Adam Harrington Married to Cirian Biological Father to the twins

Rian (pronounced Ryan) Height 6’2, Eyes Blue

Biological Father to the twins; his appearance is deceiving; very affemanite everyone assumes that Cirian is the dominate in the relationship.  He is fine with this assumption.  When his strength is needed he will show it!

He is a skilled swordsman, prefers to hunt with a bow and arrow, the resident Herbologist.

He is an artist as well, having taught Aiya how to relay her emotions with paper and paint.

~ Ciran and Rian share a “gift”.  They have always been able to sense each other better than most; when they are in danger or pain, when they are elated (definition of the term I use “sensatives”).  They can

also calm their children with their touch.  When either is extremely angry or aroused (any heightened emotion) their eyes take on a silver tinge.

I redefine the term “Power Couple” giving you four parents instead of the boring ass usual two.

Now for the moms. I am a sucker for a Bitch on Wheels! Some of my favorite women in books are those pains in the ass that you love to hate. They are cranky, difficult, strong and fierce. I hope that I poured all of that into Amaya/Maya. And then going to the exact opposite of that spectrum, I wrote Amelia/Mia who is so small and waif but yet, voluptuous and loud. 

AMAYA –aka Maya- (Spanish “High Place”) Vision: Alexa Davalos Married to Amelia Mother to the twins

Amaya; Height 5’8; Eyes, a mixture of blue/green depending on her mood.

She was the Captain of the guard when her Mother’s ruled.  She is skilled with the crossbow, ax and sword just as Aiyan. 

AMELIA –aka Mia- (Latin “Beloved”) Vision: Christina Aguilara Married to Amaya Mother to the twins

Amelia; Height 5’2 ; Eyes, brown like a Tiger’s eye just like the twins.

Biological mother of the twins.

If you are interested, here is the link for my “Meet the Parents” album on facebook where you can see how I envision each of the parents from the main houses. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.170645963089328.1073741825.152039511616640&type=3

Delve Into The House Of Opposites

Today, I’m going to fill you all in on ‘The Houses’ of Opposites. I’m long winded and it’s a long explanation so, grab a bottle, hunker down and pray for daylight!



Opposites was over a year in the making, and I did a lot of research along the way to set the backdrop for my world. The core of my research was setting up the different Houses that you’ll read about throughout the series. 



The concept of having “Houses” was three fold. First, why Houses? Well, I’m a huge dystopian and sci-fi fan so it is a given that one of my favorite books/movies is Dune. I always liked that people were referred to by their house. Also, with so many different characters in my book there is bound to be confusion already, so last names weren’t something I wanted to add to the mix. Therefore all my characters have a first name and a house. 



Second, why seven houses. Stay with me here, this one gets a little scattered. In Numerology, the essence of the 7 symbolizes our struggle, as humans, to know and understand. There is also a religious aspect being ‘God created the earth in six days, on the seventh, He rested.’  There are seven Archangels.  Lucky number seven. 



Third, names and locations of houses. Nearly three hundred years in the future our planet has evolved. After GWI (Global Warming Ignition) over ninety percent of the planet is now covered in water, so my objective was to seek out and find the highest points of elevation around the globe. I concentrated on the seven different locations, spread out, and came up with the Colorado mountains, the Himalayas (using the Asian and Indian points), Mount Olympus in Greece, Australia, Scotland and Brazil. 



House Gaeland 

United States (location - Colorado Mountains) 

Cultural makeup: USA, Canada, Alaska and surrounding areas

Of course we would survive! We have some vast mountain ranges in the US but I’ve always been fascinated with the ones in Colorado. It’s at an extremely high elevation as well so it was perfect. The name of our house in the US was really just a play on words. Since the society Dr. Smith created after GWI is an entirely gay/lesbian society I came up with Gaeland, but it flows as one word. So you don’t say gay land, you say Gaeland. Everyone needs a little humor, right? 



House Devi

India (location: Himalayan Mountains' point in India)

Cultural makeup: Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Sudan, Africa and surrounding areas

specific location: HM/India 3rd highest elevation, Mount Devi

The core of my story is the twins, Aiya and Aiyan, and their loves. I knew I wanted either a native American, Egyptian or Asian person to be matched with Aiyan from the start. Searching for this person brought me to actor/model Imran Abbas and he was everything I wanted for Kaden. Imran is a Pakistan born actor so therefore, India, we have house number two! Again it came back to elevation and I landed on Mount Devi so I decided this would be House Devi.  



House 人之初 Ren Zhi Chu

China (location: Himalayan Mountains point in Asia)

Cultural makeup: China, Japan, Tibet, Russia, Thailand and surrounding areas 

specific location: HM/Tibet highest elevation on the planet. Rén Zhī Chū is translated as “New Beginnings”

Yeah, you know that China is too damn mean to be wiped out. And, since the highest point of elevation on planet Earth is in the Himalayas, specifically Tibet, that sealed the deal for China being a house. Deciding to do something a little different I looked up the meaning of words in Asian and came up with Ren Zhi Chu which means ‘ New Beginnings’ and named this house. 



House Orion 

Greece (location: Mount Olympus)

Cultural makeup: Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain and surrounding areas

Who doesn't want Greek gods in their book?! I wish I could say I put more thought into this house, but that’s the jest of it. Of course it would be Mount Olympus and when thinking of Greek culture, the first symbol I thought of was Orion.  



House Gilley

Scotland (location: Ben Nevis)

Cultural makeup: Scotland, Ireland, Finland, France, UK and surrounding areas

Even though my ruling house is House Gaeland I am fascinated with Irish, Scottish, Gaelic cultures. You will see a lot of these cultural references in the book. Cirian is Scottish and since he’s one of the twin’s fathers, he brings that aspect to Gaeland. My grandmother was half Irish and her maiden name was Gilley, so I named this house after her. 



House Uluru

Australia (location: Mount Kosciuszko)

Cultural makeup: Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Indonesia and surrounding areas

I don’t know what they feed the men in Australia, but goddamn! Since I was writing a majorly M/M book it was only fitting that said hot men be included. Mount Kosciuszko is the highest mountain range in Australia, and Uluru more commonly known as Ayer’s Rock, is a national landmark. 

House Brasilia

Brazil (location: Pico da Neblina)

Cultural makeup: Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chili, Columbia and the surrounding areas

specific location: highest mountain range in the Amazon

I couldn’t destroy the Amazon! Pico da Neblina is the highest mountain range in Brazil, and Brasilia is the capital of Brazil.  

I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek into the world of Opposites. Go grab your copy today!

Oh, and follow me on Pinterest for the added visual. There are some pics of House Gaeland, House Devi, House Orion and Aiyan’s beloved garden there.  http://www.pinterest.com/ttcbooksandmore/

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. She now calls Texas home from her small town on the outskirts of the DFW Metroplex. Most days you can find her curled up with her kindle and a good book alongside a glass of something aged and red or a steaming cup of coffee!

At 42 years young, she's decided to enter the next phase of her life by adding the title of "author" to her list of accomplishments that includes single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Smith is and outspoken advocate for Autism and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

Her Opposites series is based outside the normal parameters of social acceptability, examining a 'what if'... What If to be gay or lesbian were the norm? What if to be straight labeled you as an Opposite and made YOU the Outkast?

Author: Gavin Atlas
Release Date: June 7th, 2014 (early release May 9th, 2014)
230 pages
Paperback ISBN-13: 978-1590212219
E-Book ISBN:  978-1590215906
5 Star Review

Does the idea of a naïve young buck who can’t stop himself from losing his ass turn you on? Or would you rather experience life as a bottom who is every top’s fantasy? Through unquenchable lust or uncontrollable need, these are bottom boys who live to please and wouldn’t have it any other way. Gavin Atlas, author of the best-selling collection The Boy Can’t Help It, offers a second dose of porn stars, college boys, strippers, acrobats, and athletes taken body and soul by business tycoons, cops, mischievous professors, and other dominant men who won’t take no for an answer. Your journey through these stories will offer humor, affection, and true devotion, but please stay seated as you’re taken deep into the psychology of sexual submission. If you enjoy the dazed confusion of youthful studs helpless to escape the penetration of aggressive, powerful tops, come meet a few who will always grant you the Full Ride.

The Full Ride: Bottom Boys Get Play by Gavin Atlas.
 
This is a collection of gay erotica short stories and they are very powerful and amazing so if this genre excites you then watch out as The Full Ride will have you in total ecstasy from the very first line in story one. If the idea of a young guy giving up his ass over and over and can't stop excites you or experience life as a hungry bottom then prepare yourself for some hot and steamy reading. These bottom boys love to please their tops in every which way possible and the tops are very willing to take these bottom boys for their own animal lust. This book of gay erotica stories has the beautiful characters of pornstars, college boys, strippers and athletes taken by cops, rich men and in general very and I mean very dominating men who don't know what NO means. 
 
Gavin has written such beautiful gay erotica stories in this book and I couldn't get enough of his vastly interesting characters and the way he comes up with such great chemistry between these men. I enjoyed his style of brilliant writing where I was glued to each page and praying that the story was not about to end but then the next story was just as beautifully and erotically written. There are too many stories and characters to go through to sit here and write about them but trust me when I say this, they were so amazingly written. My only thing I would tell Mr. Atlas is that he has to write a book about each story as I loved the characters and the scenes so much that I want more of them. The author wrote in such a realistic way and the gay sex scenes were so dead on correct and well researched that any gay man reading them would be relating to them in such a profound way. Some books speak about gay sex but Gavin wrote exactly how gay men have hot passionate sex. When I was reading through these stories and sex scenes, I was thrilled that an author had the guts to write about the real gay sex and not just some misguided romance between men. You will so love reading about the true meaning of pure hot and sensual gay sex and the chemistry they share. I loved the stories too as they were so real and almost every gay man knows these characters or actually is one of these characters.
 
Here is a list of the stories for you!
-He Could Stop Traffic
-Pink Cowboy Hat
-Revenge as an Art Form
-Welcome to Fair Warning
-The Full Ride
-Fair Trade
-Tanners Tuck-In Service
-Three-Way At the Western
-Daddies in Damian
-And Brawley Threads the Needle
-The Laius league
-Il Circo dei Fiori
-Which Way to Dominance
-Engine of Repression
 
I highly recommend this book...The Full Ride: Bottom Boys Get Play (Collection of Gay Erotica Stories) to anyone who loves to read about hot gay sex, hot gay men, hot gay scenes and beautifully written characters and brilliantly written stories then this book by Gavin Atlas is most definitely the one for you!!!!! 
"Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review."

Reviewed by Paul at Gay Media Reviews! 

AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK / BARNES & NOBLE / SMASHWORDS

Excerpt  #1 from “He Could Stop Traffic”

Officer Karl Wilkes tore his eyes off the college boy to check his phone. The incoming call was one he’d been anticipating for weeks. He looked back up. The boy was Latino, and at second glance, damn familiar. His tight tan t-shirt showcased a pumped chest and narrow waist. His shorts revealed tawny, muscular legs with a fine down.

Stop staring and answer the phone.

How did he know him? The boy’s walk was sultry and confident. His muscular body reflected a disciplined workout. Despite the conservative haircut and textbooks, the boy seemed out of place. It could have been the sensuality rolling off him, but something made Karl think he belonged on a stripper pole, not on his way to class.

Answer the damn call, Karl.

As he clicked the TALK button, Karl saw the stoplight tattoo on the boy’s neck. Heat curled through him as vague memories formed. Oh, hell. I think I’ve had him. If he was who Karl thought he was, he was Hondureño, unbelievably good sex, and his name began with a “T.” What was it?

“Uh…this is Wilkes. Lieutenant, I’m about to give that presentation about the profiling program. Do I need to scrub it?”

Lieutenant Corley might have been lousy at returning calls, but he wasn’t a prick. “No, that’s important. Just make sure you have your Plan A ready for Main Street at five this afternoon.”

Karl’s eyes went wide. “Wait, I’ve been asking about this for months. Why—”

“Wilkes, a federal wig’s son vanished last night, here in Houston. We’re almost certain it’s El Sistema.”

“Oh…fucking shit.”

“Exactly. Disaster. On the other hand, the problem you’ve been going on about finally has everyone’s attention.”

Karl had apprised the department that the occasional disappearance of male prostitutes outside of a couple hustler bars was likely a larger operation that didn’t just affect the “deviant” element. The white shirts at Main Street sometimes paid attention when gangs kidnapped women, but gay boys? Never. If any of them besides Corley had given a rat’s ass before today, Karl wouldn’t have known. “But do we have the device? And two detectives?”

“Checking on the first question and one, but not two. Weren’t you going to work on that?”

Karl huffed. “I’ve been scouring the region for agents who fit the requirements, but there’s nothing. Now if I’d been chosen for the Vice Unit, I’d have prioritized—”

“Christ, Wilkes, trust me. I know what this means to you. You’ll be on the unit once you’ve had a couple years under your belt. Everything you got by five tonight, clear?”

“Get back to me about the device, please, Lieutenant,” Wilkes said before his superior hung up. The hallway had cleared. Which room was C219? He heard his cousin’s voice coming from the down the hall. “Officer Wilkes from the Houston Police Department was supposed to be—”

“Made it, Tanya.” Karl jogged into the brightly lit classroom. He saw her wince because he’d forgotten to call her Professor Dawes in class again. But he had a recovery plan, and he turned to the students. “Just because she’s my cousin doesn’t mean she wouldn’t have my head if I missed…this.”

There was the boy, and he clearly recognized Karl. The name came to him. Tomás. Tomás Torres, the alleged pizza delivery boy who was really a stripper, who was really a nude housecleaner, who, so it would seem, was really a college student. Karl gave him a quick smile and turned away, blood rushing to his groin as his mind now flooded with memories: Tomás in nothing but a jockstrap taking Karl’s dick in position after position. It hadn’t been much more than a year. Had he gotten that swept up in work? How could he have forgotten how good it felt to be inside that stud? And how much fun they’d had afterward, talking, cuddling, and laughing at stupid movies? Stop it. You have a presentation to give.





Excerpt # 2 from “The Full Ride”

“Hey, bud,” Mr. Laszlo said when I arrived, his massive frame still covered in a pinstripe shirt, tie, and wool dress pants. “You look down. More calculus trouble?” “Yes, but that’s not why I’m here.” I stripped off my shirt. “Right now, I want to get fucked.” Mr. Laszlo raised his eyebrows and gave me a half smile. “I hoped that’s why you came over.” As much as I had begged, Mr. Laszlo refused to touch me until after my eighteenth birthday. In the two months since, he’s been inside me at least once a week. When I was a sophomore, two seniors from the soccer team gave me enough experience to know Mr. Laszlo was a phenomenal top. He unbuttoned my denim shorts, and they fell to the ground. He chuckled. “Look at this. No underwear. Ooh, and you’ve shaved your crotch. Are you using your mother’s tanning bed naked? You’re getting brazen, young man.” He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, spanking and groping me all the way to his bed. In moments he had me lubed up with my legs in the air. He wanted me to practice putting

condoms on him so I’d know later in life if my partners were using them correctly. He could tell from my moans that I was too impatient for that today, so he suited himself up. He entered me slowly. I breathed great puffs of air while my hole adjusted to the penetration. “Ooooh, Nicholas,” he said. “So nice. I’m not hurting you, am I? Should I go slow?” “I’ve been bad. My ass needs to be punished.” Mr. Laszlo was never angry with me, but I loved angry sex, and he liked to role play. “Then you’re going to be pummeled, young man, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” “Oh, yes, sir,” I said, moaning. I looked up at him while he fucked me, slowly increasing his pace. Mr. Laszlo was six two and built like a bouncer. My mom said he was Hungarian and “looked like an actor on a soap opera.” She flirted with him every chance she got. Take that, Mom. He’s fucking me. I put my hands above my head, pretending Mr. Laszlo had me tied up. I’d asked him to in the past, since it was my number one fantasy, but he’d said we weren’t ready. However, keeping my hands above my body encouraged him to jerk me off. I loved that. “I adore fucking your ass, Nicholas.” My tutor’s breathing was ragged from shoving in and out of me. “God…your skin is so soft, and your body is so beautiful.” “I’ve been working out every day,” I boasted. He squeezed my arm muscles without slowing his pace. “I can tell,” he rasped. “May I tell you a secret?” Even though his thrusts made my entire body rock, I did my best to look into his dark brown eyes. “You’d better tell me, boy.” His vise-tight grip on my nipple and pumping of my cock made me feel owned by his lust. “Since I can’t ever please my dad, my goal in life is to please men with my hole. Men like you.” “Mmm,” he said. “I see.” I felt little jolts of wonderful pain as he nipped at my neck. “Instead of going to college, I’m going to be your permanent ass slave.” “Oh…yessss,” he hissed. His thrusts increased. He began to grunt. I felt his balls slap against my butt cheeks, and each stroke hit my prostate hard. Yep, I was too dumb for college. All I was good for was getting my ass fucked. Those thoughts sent me over the edge. I shot in his hand in wave after wave. God, he was good.

At the same time, Mr. Laszlo shoved in one last time, shouting, “Yes…Jesus, Yes!” His face was red and dripping sweat. “Did you want me to finish fast?” he asked, wiping my come off his hand with a towel. “I would have lasted longer if you hadn’t turned me on with talk of being my slave. Why did you say your ass needed punishing anyway?” The satisfaction I’d felt from coming drained. “Hey, what’s wrong? You look so sad.” He gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I didn’t get into college. Maybe I’m bad at math, but that’s not the problem. My parents made me apply to top schools, and they all rejected me. I feel like a loser. If college isn’t an option, I’ll spend my life getting fucked. At least that makes me feel good.” Mr. Laszlo snorted and shook his head. “Whoa, don’t give up on college, bud.” Then he blinked and tilted his head. “You don’t really think you want to spend your life getting fucked, do you? I felt my face flush. “I do, sir. I bet being your slave would be perfect.” “Buddy, I’d love that, too, but not in place of college. I can help you get into an excellent school. Fenton University of Central Kentucky. I used to be a professor there.” “Kentucky? There’s no school my parents would pay for there.” Mr. Laszlo led me by the hand back to his kitchen, both of us still naked. He wanted to teach me to cook. “Your parents won’t have to spend a dime. In fact, we’ll tell them as little as possible, okay? I’ll help you get something called a Bardache Scholarship, and you’ll receive a full ride.” He squeezed my ass and smiled.

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR: GAVIN ATLAS

1-Who is Gavin Atlas?

Aaaand I’m already stumped. That shouldn’t be a difficult question, should it? Gavin was found in the woods and raised by a Scottish falconer and his partner, the dashing young son of a Greek shipping tycoon. Are you buying it? No? Sigh. As you get to know me, you’ll notice I find identity to be a struggle. 

2-What was it that made you want to write about gay characters and erotic sex scenes?

The first part is easy. Those are characters I’m likely to know the most about in terms of psychology and life experience. The erotic sex writing is more complicated, and it’s a question I ask myself a lot. One reason I keep coming back to it is that it’s something I’m good at. 

3-How do you come up with such interesting gay storylines?

First, thanks! Second, I have no idea, but let’s figure it out. I think Natalie Goldberg, who wrote Writing Down the Bones, said to start with your obsessions. Story can come from there. There was a time I was obsessed with Dutch Masters’ paintings, and there was a time I was obsessed with Las Vegas casinos. The first turned into “Revenge as an Art Form,” and the latter turned into “Three-Way at the Western.” I had to battle with both stories to make them worthwhile, but especially the second. It took a long time to make the story truly about a character instead of about the obsession. I think some of my other best stories were triggered by innovative calls for submission I received from Joe Pittman, Cecilia Tan, and Jerry L. Wheeler. Those stories (“Which Way to Dominance,” “Slavery by Degree,” and “Engine of Repression”) were so difficult to write, but I’m still thankful to all of them. 

4-Was it difficult writing such erotic sex scenes when you first started writing?

Not really. I think it becomes more difficult once writing sex scenes is no longer new. I have to fight harder for originality and heat. If you’re asking if it was difficult to share them for publication, then yes. A little. 

5-Jason Frazier does your audio book for The Full Ride, how did you choose to pick him? Also what are your thoughts of his work on your book?

Funny story. Jason said “Hi” to me on Facebook and told me he would be performing the audio book. My reaction: “Wait, there’s an audio book? No one tells me anything!” Thus, I’m sure my publisher, Steve Berman, picked him. Now I’ll make the rest up: Steve was going to surprise me for my birthday, then he realized it was better business sense to hire a hot actor to act than to jump out of a cake. And he still got to say, “Surprise!” 

As far as what I think? Jason’s work is phenomenal. He sent me “Revenge as an Art Form” as a sample, and it was like listening to the writing of a much better author because I was that gripped. He made me laugh out loud. I had to listen to it three times. Here is his website, by the way. 

6-When did you first realize that you were a writer?

I realized I wanted to be a writer in fourth grade after I read a book by Ellen Conford called Dreams of Victory. When did I realize that I am a writer? Hmm, I’ve never considered that

question until this minute. I’ll guess since May 2010 when I was put on a panel of writers at Saints and Sinners. Before the panel I expected to feel like “Who am I kidding? I have no business talking to other people about writing,” but I think I did well. That made me realize I’d learned enough from pro writers over the years that maybe I am one, too. Although when I say that you should imagine me looking at my sneakers and kicking imaginary dirt. 



7-What genre of writing would you classify yourself with?

I was informed the other day that I am a writer of “gay twink erotica.” Did you know there is more than one genre of gay erotica? Me neither, but actually, bear erotica is something I’ve never written. Speaking of bear erotica, Paul, you should totally interview Ron Suresha and Jeff Mann because they will rock your world. Okay, now I’m distracted. What was the question? 

8-What's the most difficult element of being an author today?

When I mentioned being distracted a second ago, I was being silly, although I do have trouble with ADHD. But distraction is a battle for most writers, I suspect. Finding time to write, to read, to make enough money not to starve, and to spend enough time with people not to be lonely is tough by itself, but I think for most people, the enemy is distraction.

9-What advice would you give an author, just starting out, who wants to write gay fiction?

This is not original to me, but here goes: If someone says “I want to be a writer, but I’m terrible at it,” she or he should write anyway. With enough practice and with enough reading of fiction by good writers, she’d go from terrible to not bad to pretty good to published. 

Also, you specifically asked “gay fiction,” and I’d say if the beginning author enjoys reading gay fiction, then right on. What you most enjoy, Beginning Author, is probably what you’ll be best at writing. 



10-Where would you like to see your career in 10 years from now?

With my ADHD, I’d be surprised if I could ever earn a master’s degree. But if I could qualify as a creative writing instructor, at the junior college level, for example, that would be fantastic. 



11-If a reader hasn't read any of your books yet, which one would you recommend?

Oh, hey! Thank you for the soft lob promo question. You are totally my favorite interviewer. I think my new book, The Full Ride, has a lot of my best work, so hopefully that’s a good place to start. On the other hand, The Boy Can’t Help It, has two of my hottest stories ever. And then romance readers have said they prefer Slave to Shadows since it’s a longer piece and takes the concept of “happily ever after” literally, or as close to it as I can imagine.  While I’m at it, there’s a new Gavin Atlas release, Snapshots of Seduction, that just came out with photos by Garrett Matthew of model Cody Allen. Do you know the photo fiction they used to have in Playgirl? Incredibly hot photos of a sexy guy along with a narrative? Like that, except hopefully readers will find the fiction component to be a big improvement. Garrett’s photos are beautiful. 

12-What kind of research do you undergo when writing those hot gay sex scenes?

“Undergo,” he says. Like there should be hazard pay. I love this. You’re so funny, Paul. And no, I’m not answering. 

13-What is something that you would like your readers to know about you?

Hi, Readers! You all deserve huge hugs! Is there something readers wouldn’t know? I tell people everything, so I’m not sure I’m sitting on much undisclosed information. Oh! I collect inexpensive gemstones even though I don’t wear jewelry at all. I keep them in a treasure chest-shaped box. My friend said, “What? You just keep them for no reason? What are you? A dragon?” So, apparently I’m a dragon. 

14-What do you want to be remembered for most?

Hopefully for being a good guy who liked making people smile. Also, I hope something I write has lasting significance. That would be wonderful, too. 

15-What do your readers mean to you and how interactive are you with them?

I can only think of a few readers who aren’t also writers or reviewers, and the fact that they contacted me means a lot. I’ve written a few fan letters – Ann Harleman, Felice Picano, and Aaron Allston are the ones that come to mind. To get one of my own was unbelievable, so I think my readers mean a lot and can make a big difference when it comes to how I feel about myself. 

Interacting? I think mostly Facebook and Livejournal at the moment. A little bit on Goodreads, too, and I’m also on Authorgraph if anyone wants a personalized e-book. If they have “meet the author” pool parties on Fire Island, my invitation must have gotten lost. 



16-Do you have a Philosophy by which you live?

Not officially, but “treat others the way you’d like to be treated” is something that often guides me.



17-What is your favourite curse word?

Do you mind if I get distracted again? I have a plan to start a new curse word fad that you can help make happen. You know the host from the Actor’s Studio show who always asks this question? We should honor him by making him a curse word. As in “Where the James Lipton do you think you’re going?” or “Jesus, Mary, and James Lipton! I just banged my shin!” What do you think? 



18-What was the last book you read and your thoughts on it?

I’m a terrible reader. The ADHD thing. I last read Best Gay Romance 2014, edited by Timothy J. Lambert and R.D. Cochrane. Outstanding. Every story. Oh, you should interview them, too. (The editors, I mean.) And now I’m reading a book of stories called Next to Nothing by Keith Banner. Beautiful and atmospheric. In the mid 90s I read a short story collection by Kevin Canty called A Stranger in This World and a novel by David Bowman calledLet the Dog Drive. Both of those were unsettling and fascinating and, for those reasons, stayed with me. I think Keith Banner’s book will do the same. 



19-If you could come back as any animal or mammal, what would it be and why?

I wonder what animals feel happy and safe most of the time? Probably a pampered house cat who gets to sleep a lot, but then is also clever, adorable, and somehow solves cozy mysteries. That’s what I’ll be. 



20-Lastly, any hints on your next book that you might be working on?

I often plan for Gavin Atlas to retire except as a publicist and interviewer. Then I keep coming up with concepts for short story collections. One is called Stud Pups Go to College and another is Ecstasy Angels which would largely involve magic or slipstream elements. Then I have an idea for a novel where a bottom boy hustler kept by DC politicians suddenly gets custody of his sister’s infant son. That wouldn’t be erotic, but would deal with the “that’s all I’m good for” mentality. How far have I gotten? The title (It May Be Necessary to Lose Everything Else) and some notes. I’m not any further with the short story collections. That’s typical for me. If editors aren’t breaking down my door, telling me I have to write something for them, I often practice my house cat impersonation. 

Thanks for all the great questions, Paul.  

Blog:  Livejournal – “No Rest for the Wicked”
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GavinAtlas Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/gavinatlas

Rush
Nyrae Dawn
Released: May 6, 2014

For the love of the game.

Brandon Chase has always defined himself by one thing: football. Tough and athletic, he is a great college player who enjoys the hard hits and the sweaty grind of the gridiron. But when Brandon is injured, only one person can help him get back on track-a forbidden love he's desperately tried to put behind him. 

Alec Andrews has never quite forgiven Brandon for walking away when their friendship turned into something more. But he can't deny help to one of his closest friends. As the two spend the long, hot summer working together, their old attraction comes flooding back.

Now as Alec thinks about coming out to his conservative family and Brandon considers revealing he's a gay football player, the two men must be strong to fight for a love that could be the greatest rush of their lives. 

"Devastatingly relevant, engaging, sexy, and ultimately heroic. Rush is the kind of book that will keep you reading late into the night." -J.H. Trumble, author of Don't Let Me Go

He’s still standing there, chest surging in out and, his eyes hard on me. 

“You know what? Never mind. I—” My words are cut off by his lips crushing mine. It’s quick, urgent, desperate and our teeth clink together. But then my lips part and he pushes his tongue inside and I’m trying to do the same to him. 

Our mouths battle. His hands cup either side of my face as I push mine up under his shirt, wanting to feel him—flesh-covered steel. 

Brandon pushes forward and I stumble backward. My foot tangles on the leg of the coffee table and I almost fall, but then Brandon’s pushing it out of the way with his foot. Back…back…back, he continues moving forward, making me fall but the couch catches me, Brandon coming down on top of me. 

He laughs and I can’t help but do the same.

“Shit. I’m sorry. Didn’t want you to change your mind.” He kisses the corner of my mouth, before whispering, “Please don’t change your mind.” A kiss to the other side. “I want you so much.”

My dick is so hard I feel like I’m going to explode. But yeah…it’s more than that. “I want you too.” 

This time, it’s my mouth pushing against his. My tongue parting his lips. I lean forward and Brandon seems to read my mind, pushing up too. Our mouths don’t part. He has one knee on the couch. His other leg is on the opposite side of me, his foot on the floor like he’s straddling me but still able to hold himself up. He’s slightly sitting on me. When I have enough room between myself and the couch, I pull my mouth off his. Brandon pushes my hands out of the way when I start to go for my shirt, and then he’s lifting it and pulling it over my head. 

He doesn’t hesitate to go for his next, throwing it somewhere on the ground before he’s kissing me again. 

This time I purposely fall back and he’s comes down right on top of me, the hot skin of his chest against mine. 

Brandon’s mouth slides down my neck, and each time he moves, I feel the roughness of his scar, reminding me what happened. 

I squeeze him tighter, my hand in his hair and then his tongue runs up the side of my neck. “I love the taste of your skin.”

My cock jerks. “Holy shit. Don’t say stuff like that or I’m going to embarrass myself.”

He just chuckles and then kisses me again, his tongue sweeping my mouth. 

I move my hips and when I do, my dick brushes against his. Brandon jerks his mouth away, “Oh fuck,” huskily comes out of his mouth; at the same time, I hiss. 

So close. I’m already so damn close… 

Brandon’s bottom half is flat against mine. One of his arms is holding him up a little, making the muscles move and constrict and it’s so hot. 

He smiles down at me and it makes more lust shoot through me. He’s so gorgeous and he looks…happy. 

And then he’s moving. Each time he nudges his hips into me, our cocks rub together and it’s like the epicenter of everything I feel. It tells my body it’s the most incredible thing that’s ever happened and I swear I feel that touch everywhere. 

Pulling him toward me, I open my mouth when his comes down on mine again. My hips are matching his rhythm now, each of us moving together, rubbing each other off. 

I run my hand down his back. His muscles working and he’s thrusting harder each time. I want to slow down, want to hold it back because I really need this feeling to last forever. 

Rush UK Cover

Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn’s passion. Even when she was too busy chasing kids or working, writing stories was never far from her mind.

She feels a special pull to characters in their teens. There’s something so fresh and fun about the age that she adores exploring. Her husband says it’s because she doesn’t want to grow up. She doesn’t think that’s such a bad thing. Luckily for her, he doesn’t either.

Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. Whether reading or writing, she loves emotional journeys. It’s icing on the cake when she really feels something, but is able to laugh, too. She’s also a proud romantic at heart who has a soft spot for flawed characters. She loves people who aren’t perfect, who make mistakes but also have a big heart.

Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids.

When she’s not with her family, you can be pretty sure you’ll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her.

She writes for Entangled Publishing, Grand Central Publishing and is self-published.

Nyrae is represented by Jane Dystel of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management.

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