Cover Reveal for Blue by D.P. Denman

Title: Blue

Author: D.P. Denman

Genre: Gayrom, MM

Release Date: September 25, 2015

Long before he was a successful songwriter and black-belt badass, Blue was a survivor. 

He escaped a program designed to cure him. One that left him near death with nothing to rely on but the kindness of a stranger. Hostile and headstrong, he needed a calmer influence to balance his fury. Someone to save him from himself. 

Brady’s life was quiet and orderly until fate sent him a blue-eyed hurricane. Bursts of temper and flashes of despair battered his efforts to quiet the storm in a man he doubted he could tame. One drowning in the wreckage of his past. 

With a head full of lies and a body full of scars, Blue worked to rebuild his life with the help of a man who showed him sometimes trust is worth the risk.

Blue features one of the most popular characters from the Saving Liam saga! Destined for greatness, he reveals the past that made him the scarred bad boy readers love.

A burst of resolve pushed Blue through the open doors of Brady’s office but left him speechless when he crossed the threshold. Brady stood near the window in a dark polo shirt that covered broad shoulders and the swell of pecs. He knew from experience that body was as solid as the wall he was tempted to lean against for support. Desire made him dizzy, anxious, twitchy.

“Hi.” Brady smiled when he saw him, an expression that had always been warm and reassuring.

He let it soothe him as he stepped further into the room caught between the fear of looking like an idiot and frustration over unanswered questions. He grabbed the frustration and held it close.

“I have a question, and I don't know how to ask it.”

“Well,” Brady rested his ass against the windowsill and crossed his legs at the ankles, “you can either stumble around with it or just spit it out. I'm okay with blunt.”

“You might be sorry you said that in a minute.” He tried to smile, refusing to wipe sweaty palms on his jeans. “Are you gay?”

Brady's eyebrows twitch up his forehead, and he blinked. “That's blunt.”

“I said you'd be sorry.”

“You did.” Brady nodded, folding his arms.

Brady took longer contemplating the answer than he'd expected. He didn't know what that meant. His stomach clenched, heat spreading through his chest, threatening to bubble into a blush so hot it charred his skin.

“Yes. I'm gay.” Brady stared back at him.

He was so relieved he wanted to laugh. He hadn't misread that part, and if that much was true, he wondered if he'd misread any of it. He decided to stick with blunt.

“In that case, I have another question.” He took a few steps closer, leaving several feet between them.

“I thought you might.”

“Do you like me?”

“Of course, I like you.”

“No. I mean are you into me?”

Brady's attempt at a pleasant expression crumpled into a frown. “Why?”

“Because I've been feeling things and sensing things, and I'm tired of guessing whether they’re real.”

It was the most honest he'd been with anyone in months and for the first time since running off to fail at life a year ago, he didn't feel the tight knot of apprehension that usually followed those confessions.

He had secrets. Dark things he never shared because the camp taught him more than how to loathe physical contact. It taught him the value of keeping everything to himself. Brady was the exception. Blue kept him in the dark because he hid everything from everyone, but Brady knew most of his secrets already. Nothing he confessed ever seemed to shock him, though that conversation came close.

“What kind of things?” Brady's tone was quiet, gentle.

“Things that make me wish I wasn't afraid to touch you.”

Brady added a sad smile to the frown. “I wish you weren't either, but it might be better that way.”

“Why?”

“Because I don't think you're ready for this.”

Disappointment flung itself against his ribs in an aching fit. The anger that flashed through him an instant later burned it to ash.

“How do you know what I'm ready for?” he demanded.

“We wouldn't have much of a relationship when Mary is the only one who can touch you without sending you into orbit.”

“Like you've tried.”

“You're the one who said you're afraid to touch me. Don't pretend I'm jumping to conclusions,” Brady said.

“So I'm afraid. So what? That doesn't mean I wouldn't do it anyway.”

“Fine. Then kiss me.”

Award winning author DP Denman writes character-driven contemporary romance about gay men. Her stories are real and intense, but resolve in endings that make people want to read the book all over again. She lives among the moss and trees of the Pacific Northwest with a rambunctious pair of fur babies.

In her spare time, she is a dedicated LGBTQIA rights activist with a special focus on the thousands of rejected and abandoned kids who end up on the street every year. To support the cause, 25% of the royalties from every book go to LGBT charities.

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Beyond the Surface by Felice Stevens Blog Tour

Title: Beyond the Surface

Series: The Breakfast Club #1

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: August 17, 2015

On 9/11, firefighter Nick Fletcher’s world changed forever. He's unable to rid himself of survivor’s guilt, made worse by the secret he hides from his family and co-workers. Nick's life is centered around helping burn victims, until he is reunited with the man he’d once loved but pushed away. Now he has a second chance at a love he thought lost forever.

For fashion designer Julian Cornell, appearances mean everything. His love affairs are strictly casual, and the only thing he cares about is making his clothing line a success. A chance encounter with the man he loved long ago has Julian thinking for the first time in years there may be more to life than being seen at the best parties and what designer labels to wear.

When Julian’s world takes an unexpected turn, it's Nick who helps him regain perspective on what matters most in life. Julian, in turn, helps Nick accept who he is and understand he isn’t responsible for tragedies he couldn't prevent. Lost love found can be even sweeter the second time around and after all the years apart, both men learn to look beyond the surface to find the men they are inside.

Julian was in the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the counter. He had a glass in front of him filled with what Nick presumed was vodka, having spied the Grey Goose bottle.

“Would you like a drink? I have beer, wine…anything you’d like.”

Nick shook his head, regret piercing his heart as he watched the hope drain from Julian’s eyes.

“I don’t think so. I’m going to head home. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did for Jamal tonight.”

Julian stood abruptly, kicking the stool away from his feet.

“Don’t treat me like I’m some fucking stranger, Nicky. You owe me. It’s been eighteen years; you think I’m going to let you walk out on me again like you did before? After what just happened between us? After you fell apart? No fucking way. I’m not that same person and neither are you, obviously.”

Taken aback by Julian’s anger, Nick remained mute.

“What the hell is going on with you? One minute you’re tongue fucking me into the next century and the next you’re freaking out. I know I’m a damn good kisser, but this isn’t about us, is it? It has nothing to do with our past and everything to do with you and the shit that’s floating around in your head.”

Julian stepped closer to him and Nick, who normally couldn’t stand people near him, was rooted to the floor, unable to move.

“Talk to me, Nicky. Tell me what happened to you.”

He was so tired of holding himself together, feeling like at any moment he’d shatter into a million tiny pieces, leaving nothing behind but a pile of dust.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The words poured out of him, flowing unchecked this time. “It should’ve been me. We all went to the Towers to save them. It was my day off, but I went anyway. I heard and couldn’t stay home; I had a duty to help, you know? But I lived and they all died. Why, Julian? Why did I live and they didn’t?”

“Oh, Nick.” Julian held him close. “I don’t have the answers for you. No one does. But I’m going to be completely selfish and say I’m so thankful you did make it and we’re here together after all these years.”

Unflinching green eyes gazed back at him. Clever, beautiful eyes that Nick could never stop dreaming of. Eyes that at one time had held the promise of forever, until Nick ruined everything with his cowardice and shame. Unable to maintain Julian’s scrutiny, Nick broke away and ran to the elevator, his chest heaving, eyes stinging with tears.

“Let me out. I need to leave here. NOW.”

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending just around the corner. I started reading traditional historical romances when I was a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until I picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that my interest in romance novels became renewed.

But somewhere along the way, my tastes shifted. While I still enjoys a juicy Historical romance, I began experimenting with newer, more cutting edge genres and discovered the world of Male/Male romance. Once I picked up her first, I became so enamored of the authors, the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion of the books, I knew I wanted to write my own.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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The Marine in Unit A by Kris Cook ~~~~~Cover Reveal

Title: The Marine in Unit A

Series: A Mockingbird Place Novella

Author: Kris Cook

Genre: M/M Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2015

The man who has been more of a dad to me than my biological father is dead.

He rescued me from the streets six years ago—a runaway teenage boy, escaping a family who thought I was an abomination.

Now what do I do? I have no one.

My life might look great from the outside. I’m in college. I have my own apartment. I have lots of friends.

But I’m dying on the inside.

I feel so alone. Lost. Hopeless.

I’m not the kind of person to wallow in self-pity. I need a distraction.

The guy moving into Unit A may be just what I need to take my mind off of losing my dad.

The Marine in Unit A Mockingbird Place

© 2015 Kris Cook

Having been awake all night, I step out of the shower. The rally doesn’t start until noon, but I need something, anything that can distract me from thinking about what happened with Adam. Giving him space is what Martha and Sarah think I should do, so I decide to let a single day pass. But if I don’t hear from him by tomorrow, I will make the first move to fix things between us. And besides, Adam still needs help setting up his apartment before his mother arrives, and I want to be that help.

I finish getting ready, and take one last look at my hair before leaving my apartment. I park my car in the student parking lot.

The university I attend has a large green space in the middle of campus. Mature trees line the sidewalks that are sparsely filled with students going to and from their classes and dormitories. In the fall the grounds will be teeming with students.

I look at the time on my cell. 8:21am. I have over three and a half hours to kill before the rally. Where to go? The library? No. I didn’t need to go over my speech any more, since I’ve spent several early morning hours already working on it. I am ready. So I decide to get a bite of breakfast in the cafeteria.

When I walk inside, I see Adam at a table filling out some paperwork. I freeze in place. I am in a quandary whether to approach him or not, whether to follow Martha and Sarah’s advice or not, whether to tamp down my desire to sit down next to him to say how sorry I am—or not.

Adam looks at me. Did he feel me staring at him? Before I can step back to the entrance to leave, he waves me over. I feel my shoulders relax as relief rolls through me. At least he is willing to talk to me again. I take cautious steps in his direction. Gone are his jeans and T-shirt and facial hair. He is clean-shaven, wearing black slacks and a white dress shirt and blue tie. Casual or dress up, with whiskers or without, Adam is the epitome of masculine beauty.

“Have a seat, Oliver.”

I do, waiting for him to lay into me again about seeing his prosthetic legs. “Would you mind if I put your name down as a reference on this application? They’re asking for a student or professor’s name. You’re the only one I know.” He looks at me with those damn gorgeous doe eyes. “I have the option to leave it blank if you don’t want me to.”

“Please. Use my name. I’ll be happy to be your reference.” Your friend. Your boyfriend. Whatever. 

“Thanks, buddy.” He smiles and then goes back to filling out the paperwork.

I have the strongest urge to bring up what happened last night to try to clear the air. But hearing Martha and Sarah’s words of advice replay in my head, I keep my mouth shut. If he isn’t ready to talk about it, then I certainly am not going to mention it. I will give him whatever space and time he needs. At least he isn’t asking me to leave.

“Done.” He stands. “Wish me luck.”

“Sure. For what?”

“That I can get a job in the cafeteria. Are you in a hurry?”

“I don’t have to be anywhere until noon.”

“Good. Let me turn this in and maybe I could trouble you with that tour around campus you offered me.”

I am so glad he’s asking for my help. “I’ll be happy to show you some shortcuts.”

“You’re a lifesaver. My sense of direction is shot. I wish you could have seen the look on my face when I walked into the women’s locker room by mistake earlier. Why the door was unlocked I have no clue, but I could feel my cheeks burning when the girls started giggling and running for cover. I turned and walked out as fast I could, buddy.”

“You really do need my help. It took me a whole semester to figure out how to get around this place. But I’m surprised that you walked into the women’s locker room. Isn’t a good sense of direction necessary on the battlefield?” Oh shit. Why did I bring that up? 

“It’s easy on the battlefield. You just have to know where the bullets are coming from.” He smiles, which makes me feel better. “I’m starving, how about you?”

“Famished.”

“Breakfast is on me.” He hands me a twenty-dollar bill. “The lady in charge asked me to fill this out today but won’t be able to interview me until next week. Let me turn this application in and you order us some breakfast. Then we’ll go on the tour. I’ll be right back.”

He walks away. His limp is gone. No one in the cafeteria has a clue that he is missing a leg but me. And it certainly doesn’t bother me, not one bit. I don’t know how he lost his leg, but obviously he hasn’t quite accepted it yet. He mentioned a friend was supposed to help him initially, but the guy never showed. Did Adam have any help packing and loading before driving to Mockingbird Place? He didn’t seem overly tired that night, but he is a strong guy. A former-Marine. I guess he’s not limping because he got some rest after unloading his things into Malcolm’s old place. No, Adam’s place. Unit A is Adam’s.

I go and order two sausage egg cheese biscuits and orange juices for us. When I get back to our table, he is already there.

Adam looks up at me. “Breakfast is served?”

I place the tray on the table. “Yes, sir.” I can’t resist and salute Adam, instantly worrying I might be overstepping again. Thus far he’s been very closed mouth about his military service. But he returns the salute with a devilish grin, easing my concerns.

We eat our breakfast, talking about everything except the main issue on my mind.

“I bet you’re glad our complex has a pool,” he says. “It’s going to be very hot according the weatherman for the next several days.”

“You like to swim?”

He shrugs. “I used to.”

I brace myself, thinking we might be getting close to opening Pandora’s box about what happened.

But as usual, Adam changes the subject. “Oliver, how about you show me the buildings where my classes are going to be first?” 

“Sure thing.”

He hands me his schedule, and I realize the lid on the infamous box is not only shut tight, it is also locked with no sign of the key in sight. What is it going to take for Adam to explain his sudden and over-the-top reaction to me learning he lost his leg? And will I ever learn if he is gay or straight?

As we leave the cafeteria, he asks, “Do you know the guy who lives in Unit D? Long black hair. Blue eyes. Good looking. He invited me to a party tonight at his and his roommate’s place.”

“That’s Trace. I’m going, too. In fact the whole complex should be there. It’ll give you another change to get to know everyone.”

“The ones who helped us move my things were very nice, though the MMA fighter is a bit intense.”

“Tony’s that way, but I believe he’s really a good guy underneath all that darkness.”

“I wasn’t sure I would go, but now that I know you’re going I will.”

We had so much drama last night, and today he’s acting like it never happened. Now, he says he only is going to the party if I’m going. Damn. He confuses me so much. I sense now is not the time to confront him with what I’m feeling. But if not now, when? “I’m glad you’re going, too.”

We walk around campus, and I point out the iconic spots.

“That’s Dallas Hall, the oldest building on campus.”

“It’s quite grand. I like the dome.”

When we got to the building that had the last class on his list, he turns to me.

“Thanks, buddy.”

Buddy. There’s that word again. But better to be called that than nothing. I did say I would settle for friendship, but can I really? The more time I spend with him the more my feelings get mixed up.

“No trouble, Adam. I enjoyed hanging out.”

“Me, too. I would have been completely lost on my first day of classes if it hadn’t been for you and your fantastic tour.” He sighs. “I better get back to looking for a job.”

“Do you plan on working the entire time you’re in school?”

“Yeah. With the financial aid I’m getting I don’t have to work, but I want to. It will give me extra spending money and will keep me busy.”

I have a feeling that he likes keeping busy so he doesn’t have to face bigger issues inside him. “You don’t seem like you would be happy working in food service to me. Have you thought about doing something else?”

“Like what?”

“I know the guy who heads the campus police department, Chief Torres. He told me the other day he has two openings. I bet he’d love to hire you, especially with your military background.”

“Right.” Adam shakes his head. “A one-legged Marine would make such a great police officer.”

I am nervous to push him, but have to try. At least he’s mentioning his service—and missing leg. It’s a start. “Adam, I saw you unload that truck and move all those boxes and furniture into your place. You’re strong and capable. You would definitely be an asset to Torres’s department.”

“You really think so?” My cell rings. “I know so.”

I answer the call. “Oliver, where are you?” Candy’s voice sounds frantic.

“I’m at the engineering building.”

“That’s clear across campus. You’re supposed to speak in two minutes.”

“Oh crap. The time got away from me. I’ll run. Stall if you have to.”

“Hurry.” 

“Sorry, Adam, but I have to go. I’ve got a speech to give.”

“I’d like to hear it.”

“Then follow me.”

Though starting in straight erotic romance, Kris's total focus now is on gay romance. When asked why recently, his answer was "My muse finally came out of the closet. Isn't it about time? I’ve been out since I was twenty-five." A voracious reader, Kris loves many genres of fiction, but this writer's favorite books are romances that are edgy, sexy, with rich characters and unique challenges. Kris' influences include Anne Rice, JR Ward, Lexi Blake and Shayla Black. Last year, Kris married the love of his life Stephen.

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