When I was 2/3 of the way through this book, if you had asked me what I thought of it, I would have said it was a very nicely written character driven novel. The focus was primarily on the two MCs and their developing relationship. Ryan is down on his luck; thrown out on the streets by his family because he’s gay. Gar (Will) saves Ryan from street thugs intent on robbing and killing him. Gar has never intervened in a crime in progress before… his usual gig is seeking vengeance for the dead… the innocent. Ryan captivates him; reminds him of David, his dead lover from 40 years ago… prior to the Purpose. The Purpose normally creates chaos in Gar’s mind, but somehow Ryan calms it; quiets it. Gar still feels the pull of the innocent, but the compulsion to act is gone. He struggles to determine what this means.
The story of this budding relationship, in and of itself, is a great story. Ryan feeds (and reawakens) Will’s soul… gives him back his feelings and emotions. And Will gives Ryan acceptance and a sense of belonging; something that has been taken from him when his family kicked him out. And both are trying to figure out how the Purpose fits into their lives.
Ohhh, but that’s not the end of the story. For at this point, the plot takes over… grabs you around the neck and slams you into the rollercoaster for the rest of the ride. There are twists and there are turns. First you convince yourself the story will end one way, but no it won’t end like that at all…will it?? Eh, you’ll just have to read it yourself.
Very nicely done, Andrew. This will go on my Favorites shelf.
All authors face the same daunting task – how to get their book noticed. In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I’m going to post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s were it is.
I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.
If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.
Only had a few requests this week, so if anyone wants to be included for next week, email and let me know.
Taboo For You: By Anyta Sunday
Blurb:
Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . .
Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends. Except there’s a certain someone who doesn’t know yet: his neighbor of 7 years. Who also happens to be his best friend. Who Luke needs to tell the truth, but he just . . . can’t . . . seem to . . .
Jeremy’s freaking over-the-moon. It’s the countdown to his 15th birthday, and his goal is simple. No matter what, he’s going to spend heaps of time with saucy Suzy. But first he needs to get his over-protective, no-girlfriend-’cause-you’ll-get-her-pregnant parents off his back. And what better way than pretending he’s gay?
Sam, Luke, and Jeremy. Three guys who have a lot of history together, and a lot of future too—
—well, if they can sort out their issues, that is.
According to legend, King Arthur is supposed to return when Britain needs him most. So why does a man claiming to be the once and future king suddenly appear in Los Angeles?
This charismatic young Arthur creates a new Camelot within the City of Angels to lead a crusade of unwanted kids against an adult society that discards and ignores them. Under his banner of equality, every needy child is welcome, regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation, or gang affiliation.
With the help of his amazing First Knight, homeless fourteen-year-old Lance, Arthur transforms this ragtag band of rejected children and teens into a well-trained army—the Children of the Knight. Through his intervention, they win the hearts and minds of the populace at large, and gain a truer understanding of themselves and their worth to society. But seeking more rights for kids pits Arthur and the children squarely against the rich, the influential, and the self-satisfied politicians who want nothing more than to maintain the status quo.
Can right truly overcome might? Arthur’s hopeful young knights are about to find out, and the City of Angels will never be the same.
Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author of three novels––A Boy and His Dragon,A Matter of Time, and Children of the Knight––who grew up in San Rafael, California.
He majored in English and Theatre at Santa Clara University and earned a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount and another master’s in Special Education from Cal State Dominguez Hills.
He partnered with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several ultra-low-budget horror films including “Fatal Images,” “Club Dead,” and “Things II.” These films are often unintentionally funny, but the reviews are intentionally snarky and hilarious. Checking out the reviews is much more fun than watching the movies.
He taught high school in Hawthorne, California for a number of years, both general education and to students with learning disabilities in subjects ranging from qualified areas like English and Strength Training to he-doesn’t-know-what-he’s-doing-but-was-forced-to-teach-these-subjects-anyway areas like Algebra and Biology. (Oh, well, he and the students had fun, anyway.)
He has also been a volunteer Big Brother to seven different boys with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a long-time volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles. He is a passionate advocate for the fair treatment of children and teens in California, something that is sorely lacking in this state. Sadly, he knows far too many youth in prison. While some people tour the California Mission system on their summer vacations, he often tours the California prison system visiting these throwaway kids, reminding them they are not and never will be forgotten.
He has been honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year, California Big Brother of the Year, and National Big Brother of the Year. The “National” honor allowed he and three of his Little Brothers to visit the White House and meet the president in the Oval Office.
He has already completed the sequel to Children of the Knight and is hard at work on the third volume in the trilogy.
Today is the last stop on the Purpose promo tour – yes, I hear the universal sigh of relief with that announcement. I’ll be chatting on Dreamspinner Press’s Facebook page from 4:00-7:00 p.m EDT. Here’s the link:
If you get a chance please come. I’ll be giving away an eBook Copy of Purpose – or if you’ve bought it already, you can have a copy of (Un)Masked or The Last Grand Master – if you own all three – we’ll talk. To enter, just ask me a question about the new release.
All authors face the same daunting task – how to get their book noticed. In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I’m going to post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s were it is.
I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.
If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.
Only had a few requests this week, so if anyone wants to be included for next week, email and let me know.
A Knight To Remember: Anne Barwell
Blurb:
“The last of your line will be in the embrace of a dragon.”
Aric, Crown Prince of Astria, has been brought up to believe that all dragons are evil. But when he speaks with one, he finds himself questioning those beliefs. The dragon tells him to find a sword in Sherwin Forest to save not only his kingdom but also his sister, Georgia, who must otherwise wed the prince of a neighboring kingdom.
At the start of his quest, Aric dons a disguise and meets Denys, an archer and herbalist who lives alone at the edge of the forest. Denys agrees to guide Aric into the forest, but then Georgia appears, revealing Aric’s true identity.
However Aric learns he is not the only one keeping secrets. Denys has a few of his own that could change both of their lives forever.
Anne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing “discussion,” and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as “too many.” These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of “spare time” is really just a myth.
Blake Davis is in the closet. And he’s going to stay that way. Because if his father finds out he’s gay, Blake could lose everything he’s worked so hard to achieve during the last six years as CEO of Trinity Publishing, the fastest rising star in the publishing firmament. Not that coming out wouldn’t solve a couple of problems. Maybe then his father would stop trying to set him up with yet another empty-headed, social-climbing girlfriend. And better still, Blake could stop using that escort agency when he wants a night of hot sex with a cute guy…
Will Parkinson has had a tough life so far, but he’s back on his feet. Okay, so he’s working as an escort – with ‘benefits’– to pay off his student loans, but that does have its advantages, such as the really hot guy who hired him. Yeah, Blake rocked his world last night – several times. So imagine how Will feels when he arrives to be interviewed for his dream job as PA in a publishing company, and the guy who’s hiring is….. Blake.
Second, I posted the first of three Pre-quels yesterday on my site – Goodbye. There are two more coming out Monday on Rick R. Reeds Blog and the last on Joyful Jay’s Site. Check them out either before or after you read the book. They give a sense of some of the book – mostly Will’s background. They don’t touch on Ryan’s so maybe those are shorts I can do later on.
Next, I’m doing Release Day guest posts at the Purple Rose Tea House talking about Happy Ever After/Happy for Now vs. Bittersweet endings. Stop by and comment for a chance to win a $25.00 Dreamspinner Press Gift card as part of the post release book tour.
And I’m doing an interview on Slashessed. Stop by and learn a bit more.
Last, for those who haven’t seen the trailer, here it is again.
Even though David never appears in the book – he died forty years before the book begins – he is an essential part of the book. David was Will’s first love who was killed right about the time the Purpose chose Will as Its host.
Losing the man he loves shapes Will – as it would any of us I suppose – but not as much as being host to a spirit of vengeance. In Goodbye, I show a bit of the back-story of Will’s feelings for David. It takes place on the one-year anniversary of David’s death.
The other purpose, if you will, is to show the beginning of the ‘death’ of Will. Turning into the hand of vengeance, one that is required to kill the guilty was at odds with Will’s personality. After the desire for revenge against David’s killers wore off, Will had to confront who…what…he’d become. We learn in the book [and since it’s in the blurb I’m not giving away anything] that Will hides behind a made up persona to shield himself from what he’s doing. Purpose is about many things, but one of them is Will trying to reclaim his humanity and in the process, his life.
I hope these snippets of Will’s past help flesh out a bit more the story without giving away too much or being too disjointed. I meant these to stand-alone to a degree, you do need to read the blurb to have any context I suppose, but they certainly go better if you’ve read the book.
Goodbye:
Tears dripped off Will’s chin, he didn’t even try to stop them. One year, one long, lonely miserable year and all he had left were the tears. David, his David, the one with the beautiful eyes and ever-present smile, lay beneath his feet, resting forever.
Will ignored the damp, wet dirt soaking the knees of his jeans. What did it matter? There were days he wished he died that night, so they weren’t apart.
“I know it’s been a year, David, but it still hurts, hurts so bad I scream some nights. If you wonder why I don’t come more often, I can’t. My heart hurts so much I want to tear it out just to stop the pain.”
Squeezing his eyes tight didn’t stop the tears; nothing would. Unbidden, memories of David flashed into focus. Another thing he couldn’t stop. Not now, not here, not today. They consumed him.
“Something happened to me after you died, something I don’t understand. You would’ve figured it out. Fixing screwed-up heads was your field, not mine.”
That used to be their private joke. Once it made him laugh, now he only cried harder. “I heard when you called to me, asking for justice, and I felt you when you finally were at peace. Pretty screwed up, isn’t it?”
There was more, a lot more, but it wasn’t why he came today. Digging into his coat pocket, he pulled out the gold ring. He turned it over examining it from all angles. It was his last link to David, but keeping it was worse.
“There’s so much I want to say, things I wanted us to do together that we can’t. I hate, David, hate like I never did before. I hate that you’re gone, hate those who did this to you, hate this fucking ring, and hate myself for buying it for you.”
Giving David the ring for Christmas was supposed to be a sign they’d be together forever. Not a wedding band, gays would never be allowed to marry, but it was something Will knew David would like; and he did.
“Seeing your face light up when you saw this, how could I know it would hurt us both so much?” Suppressing the urge to throw the ring as far as he could, he put it on the head stone, staring at it for a time.
The small boxwood near his knee reminded him what he came to do. Pressing his fingers into the moist earth, he slowly pulled the dirt away, mounding it on either side. Satisfied it was deep enough, he retrieved the ring.
Even in his dirt-covered hands, it sparkled. So like David. Reading the inscription, ‘Always’ he shook his head. He meant it to mean they’d always be together, not they’d always be apart. As much as he hated it, now that it was time to leave the ring, he wondered if he should.
“David, I know you’d want me to have this, but I’m not the Will you fell in love with anymore. There’s this thing in me that makes me find people’s killers and I do it. I can’t help it. It’s how I found your killers.”
Even now It called to him, demanding he do what it wanted. Soon he’d go, but nothing would make him miss today. Finding a clean part of the back of his hand, he wiped away the tears. His head jerked slightly, and he found it hard to swallow. Keep going. Tell him.
“Anyway, I can’t keep this anymore. It feels wrong, because I know you’d never approve of what I’ve become.”
Breathing became difficult between the sobs. He killed David and ruined his own life in the process. Twice he tried to stop crying, but each time he saw David’s name engraved on the headstone, he broke down again. Ignoring the dirt, he tried to clear his eyes.
“I just want you back.” His words came out a scream, disturbing the crowd of after-church visitors. Like everything else, today he didn’t care.
Numb, he turned his hand over and released the ring. It rolled to the bottom of the hole, and seemed to wink at him as a ray of sunlight broke through the clouds. The next instant the light was gone. He waited, staring at the ring, hoping David might speak through it again, but knew it wouldn’t happen. That glittering moment had been David saying, hello and goodbye; his final goodbye.
It took several deep breaths to steady him. He ran his hand along the root ball, helping the roots break free. David always talked about having a house with a boxwood garden. Now he’d have one watching over him.
Tamping the dirt firm around the plant, he sat back staring at the small boxwood and the marker. Maybe one of them would find peace now.
The pull to act tugged like an insistent child. Clenching his teeth and grinding them, he growled, “Not yet!”
People stared. Couldn’t they leave him alone? Maybe grieve for their own lost loved ones?
Running his hand over the smooth white marble, he flicked at the dirt he’d smudged over it. Why bother? No one came to see it but him. David’s family wouldn’t even buy a headstone to mark where their only son rested.
“I didn’t leave them out, David. They didn’t deserve it, but I listed them.”
The stone was so cold, but he traced every line over and over. When he felt the first drop of rain, he dropped his hand to his side. A wave of umbrellas preceded the exodus of ‘mourners’ until only he was left. A daft fool, sitting in the rain beside the boy who wasn’t coming back.
The rain hardened when he stood up. His tears mixed with the drops, leaving rivulets running down his face. Bending slowly, he kissed the top of the stone. “I love you, David.”
The pull intensified, and he checked his watch. Over a day since he first felt it. Too bad. David wouldn’t have understood if he missed today.
Soaked, he adjusted the shirt plastered to his body and pushed his hair back. Time to go. Maybe this time he’d die. The plot next to David was bought and ready for his use. Soon. He couldn’t take much more of this.
Will turned for a last look.
David Anthony BrunoApril 7, 1945 – September 12, 1970Son, Brother, Best FriendWe’ll miss you forever.
“Goodbye.”
The Second Prequel will be released June 24, 2013 on Rick R. Reeds Blog: http://www.rickrreed.com
The Last Prequel will be released on June 25th on Joyful Jay’s site: http://joyfullyjay.com
Blurb:
Forty years ago the Spirit of Vengeance—a Purpose—took William Morgan as its host, demanding he avenge the innocent by killing the guilty. Since
then, Will has retreated behind Gar, a façade he uses to avoid dealing with what he’s become. Cold, impassive, and devoid of emotion, Gar goes about his life alone—until his tidy, orderly world is upended when he meets Ryan, a broken young man cast out by his family. Spurred to action for reasons he can’t understand, Gar saves Ryan from death and finds himself confronted by his humanity.
Spending time with Ryan helps Will claw out from under Gar’s shadow. He recognizes Ryan is the key to his reclaiming his humanity and facing his past. As Will struggles to control the Purpose, Ryan challenges him to rethink everything he knew about himself and the spirit that possesses him. In the process, he pushes Will to do something he hasn’t done in decades: care.
I don’t think I can honestly say I’ve been quiet about the release of Purpose. I mean, I’ve been on three blogs, had them reposted on Facebook and tweeted them. I even remembered folks a couple times when one was ending and a new one began. To be honest, with all the ‘views’ I’ve gotten, I expected more people would sign up for something free. And it’s not just an eBook. I’m trying to give away a $15.00 gift certificate to Dreamspinner Press. That way if you already bought the book or if you don’t want the book, you can just take the money and buy whatever you like in Dreamspinner’s store. And you can enter multiple times. Each blog stop – and two are still open a third is coming soon – is giving a way an eBook, plus each time you comment on a blog hope your email is entered to win the gift card. You can get up to four chances to win that way. Here are links to those contests that are still open if you want to go sign up:
But maybe I didn’t make it easy enough? Each blog stop does require you answer a question. So I’ll make this easier – well hopefully it’s easier.
I’m going to give away another eBook copy on my site on June 21, 2013 – the day Purposeis released. To enter, starting today and running thought midnight on the 20th, just 1) comment on this post- no email required, or send out a tweet with a link back to this page; or leave a comment on the Facebook post for this giveaway. All who enter will also be entered to win the $15.00 Dreamspinner Press Gift Credit. I think that makes it a bit easier to enter.
Last – my dear friend Lily Velden is having a special pre-release giveaway for me as well. Anyone who comments on her interview of me that begins June 18 and ends June 20 will be entered to win a $10.00 Dreamspinner Press Gift Credit. This giveaway is just for those who comment on Lily’s site so make sure you stop by and say hello. Here’s a link to her site.
In an effort to help some of my fellow authors, every Monday I post some of the numerous new books that have been released. For the most part these will be M/M Fiction with a heavy bias on Romance. That will probably evolve over time, but for now that’s where it is.
I’ve not read everything that is listed, though I’ve probably read or will read many. Which means inclusion on the list isn’t an endorsement or suggestion. You should read the blurbs provided to see if you’re interested. I’ll post reviews to books I recommend under the ‘Books I Reviewed’ tab. This is just a partial list of what’s new for visitors of my site to check out. That said if you end up reading something listed here and want to comment – please do. I reserve the right, however, to delete nasty or personal comments.
If you’re an author and want to include a new release, email me your blurb, cover image, buy links and any personal links you want included. No excerpts, interviews, giveaways etc. Those are welcome, but can be discussed separately.
Same Page: By Lily Veldin
Book 1 How The Light Gets In
Blurb:
He was like the only splash of color in a black-and-white photograph.
The man was beautiful.
At an exhibition opening in Sydney, jaded Hollywood heartthrob Jaxon Moncrieff lays eyes on publicity-shy artist Liam Lassiter for the first time and is immediately captivated. But he doesn’t get far into their first conversation before he realizes what he’s feeling is attraction, which brings him up short. Jaxon has always been a womanizer.
Despite his reservations, Jaxon makes a play for Liam, but Liam has his own issues. Unlucky in love and orphaned at sixteen, he is reluctant to open his heart to anyone, and dismisses Jaxon out of hand. Continue reading New Releases: Monday June 10, 2013
Purpose: By Andrew Q. Gordon – Release Date 6-21-13
In less than two week, Purpose will be released. As I mentioned when I first announced the date – I’m going to try a few different things. One of them is to post three ‘prequel’ short stories in place of excerpts. Two will be in the year to eighteen months after the Purpose finds Will. The third is about twenty-five years years at the first two and about fifteen before chapter 1 begins. These will expand on past events mentioned in the book. In addition to the these backstories, I’ll be giving away an eBook copy with each Pre-Release guest blog post. Each contest will last three days and will ask readers to answer a question in order to enter the book giveaway. In addition, all valid entires – i.e. made within the three days and answers the question – will be entered into a drawing for a Dreamspinner Press Gift certificate for $15.00. You can only enter one time per blog book giveaway, but you can enter all five book giveaways and get five chances to win the Dreamspinner GC. The DsP GC will be given away on June 25th. Continue reading Purpose: Pre-release Update
M.A. Church is my guest today serving up an excerpt from her new book – The Yellow Rope.
The Yellow Rope
Blurb:
A cranky submissive…
Luke Walker is tired. He spends long hours between his job as a teacher assistant at an elementary school and helping out his family at their restaurant. Coupled with the fact that his degree is going to waste, he’s discouraged and fatigued by too much work and endless southern heat, and not enough time spent with his live-in partner.
An understanding Dom…
Gage Holt has been on both sides of the fence. He believes that in order to be a good Dom, one has to understand being a sub. Unfortunately, he’s had some bad experiences in pursuit of that knowledge, and suffered a great deal. But that’s in the past now.
A long weekend…
Three little days… Gage is determined to see that his man gets what he needs in every way he can give it to him. Anything to remove the dark circles from beneath his beautiful eyes. For the next seventy-two hours, he’s going to pamper his boy—in his way. He’ll fight a bull that hates him, battle with a crusty old woman at a gift shop who snubs him, and deal with the never-ending lack of money just to bring the shine back to Luke’s eyes.
Mel’s Review
![KnighttoRemember[A]](http://andrewqgordon.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/knighttoremembera.jpg)
