#GuestBlogger Meet the Character Day: Chatting with Everett Kinkade from “A Secret Match” by Kelli A. Wilkins

June 25, 2021June 22, 2021 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

This “Meet the Character Day” blog is part of a series examining my romance novels. In each “Behind the Scenes” blog, I talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. The “Meet the Character Day” blogs are fun chats with the heroes and heroines from my romances. Warning: blogs may contain spoilers.

Hello romance lovers! Today we’re chatting with Everett Kinkade, the hero from A Secret Match by Kelli A. Wilkins. Let’s see what’s on Everett’s mind…

Greetings, Everett. A Secret Match is a contemporary gay romance set in the world of professional wrestling. Can you tell us a bit more about the book?

Absolutely, and please, call me Ev. Kelli got the idea for this story while she was writing A Deceptive Match, her straight romance that also takes place in the wrestling world. I was a secondary character in that book. I helped the hero (Vin) and the heroine (Danni) get together. Vin is my best friend, so I acted as a soundboard/matchmaker for him and Danni.

While Kelli was writing A Deceptive Match, she knew I needed my own book, but she wasn’t exactly sure what the storyline would be. Then one day on the way to work, the majority of the plot popped into her head, and she was off and writing. She says I’m one of those characters who tries to take over a book. (Laughs) And why not? I’m charming, and witty, and handsome. Who wouldn’t want to read about my life?

A big part of the novel centers around me dealing (or rather, not dealing) with my sexuality and my (un)willingness to be open about who I really am. My longtime partner, Josh, is tired of being kept in my “walk-in closet” and wants me to come out (at least to friends and family) but I’m concerned about losing my job. (Will fans accept a gay wrestler?) Part of me wanted to keep everything just as it was because that’s safe. But another part of me longed to stop pretending and hiding the truth.

Do you sometimes want to strangle Kelli? What sort of upsetting things did Kelli do to you in the book?

At times, yes! The book starts off great, but within the first two scenes, all hell breaks loose. Josh tells me he’s tired of being my little secret, and wants me to come out. That caught me off guard and it was something I was not at all comfortable with. (Kelli loves jumping right into conflict!) So, Josh gave me an ultimatum. (Sighs) Things didn’t go well for us, and I was devastated. Only one person knew about Josh, so I turned to my best friend, Vin, for help and advice.

Over the course of the book I had to come to terms with accepting myself for who I am, what I am, and how I’m perceived by the wrestling fans, my coworkers, and everyone else. Being an openly gay wrestler was something I didn’t sign up for, and Kelli threw me into a lion’s den! I did eventually come out—not once, but twice!—on live TV. That changed everything and took the story in a whole new direction.

Looking back, I realize it was for the best and Kelli knew exactly what she was doing, but at the time, I was physically hurt, emotionally wrecked, confused, and pretty pissed. Vin and Danni helped me through all the turmoil, and Josh stood by me when I needed him most.

What is it about Josh that makes you crazy in a good way?

He likes to drive me nuts on purpose. He enjoys teasing me and pushing my buttons and my boundaries. But it’s always in a positive way, for my own good. He’ll deliberately force me to come out of my shell and open up to new people and new experiences. And I love him dearly for it.

Was there an instant attraction between you?

Yes and no. I met Josh at the gym—but it wasn’t a gym hookup. I noticed him out of the corner of my eye and thought he was cute, but I was so deep in the closet I didn’t dare approach him. Josh asked me for training advice and we got to know each other in a casual way. Then one night he asked me if I wanted to grab a bite to eat, and the rest is… in the book! (Laughs)

Kelli did an excellent job of working my first meeting (and first kiss) with Josh into the book. They are some of the most sensual, tender scenes she’s ever written. I was incredibly nervous and unsure of myself, and Josh was there to put me at ease.

Tell us a little bit about your world. What are your greatest challenges?

I’m on the road wrestling about 300 days a year, so one of my greatest challenges is maintaining my relationship with Josh. We don’t see each other all the time, but we’re constantly talking on the phone and sharing photos. When Josh has time off from work he comes on the road with me and we hang out before my matches. It’s not easy (okay, it’s almost impossible) to have a “normal” home life, but we do the best we can—and we make the most of the time we have together.

Describe yourself in four words.

Sensitive, strong, sexy, wiseass.

Do readers need to be wresting fans to enjoy A Secret Match?
Nope! Wrestling is the setting or backdrop to the main romance. Kelli wrote the story in a way to help non-wrestling fans understand the moves, terminology, and action. So they won’t be confused or lost.

Kelli says the only difference between A Secret Match and other contemporary gay romances is that the story is about wrestlers instead of more “traditional” characters, like police officers, Navy SEALs, FBI agents etc. She could have written a similar gay romance about another sport (like hockey or basketball) but she chose wrestling because she’s been a life-long wrestling fan, and it’s what she knows and loves.

Okay, tell us the truth. Are the characters in the book based on real wrestlers?

Nope. Kelli gets asked this all the time, and I’m here to say emphatically none of the characters in the book are based 100% on any one wrestler. Kelli drew upon her years of wrestling knowledge and took bits and pieces of different wrestlers to create the people in the story. I’m drawn from at least five different guys. Even Nick August isn’t completely based on a famous “billionaire” wrestling promoter and owner. He’s close, but even he’s not 100%.

What do you and Kelli think of wrestling’s popularity these days?

We’re loving it! The wrestling world is getting lots of exposure and is certainly part of popular culture. There has been a recent wave of wrestler biographies, crossover shows featuring wrestlers, and wrestlers guest-starring on reality shows. Maybe we started a trend, because now people want to see behind-the-scenes shows of what goes on in the ring, out of the ring, and what happens backstage that fans never know. It’s an interesting business, for sure.

Anything else you want to add?

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with everyone. I’m grateful to Kelli for sharing my story with the world. And I’m pleased to help her promote it during Pride month. A Secret Match isn’t just a “wrestling story” or a typical romance loaded with sex scenes, it’s a sensitive, coming out story that resonates with all types of romance readers; straight, gay, or whatever.

A Secret Match is a fantastic story, and it’s Kelli’s favorite gay romance. Anyone who likes a good love story/romance should read the book. And you don’t have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy the book. But you might become one after you read it! (Laughs)

If gay romances aren’t your thing, I urge you to check out the book that introduced me to readers, A Deceptive Match. It’s a hot romance and a fun behind-the-scenes look into the world of professional wrestling.

Kelli has written romances in all genres—historical, paranormal, contemporary, gay, and straight—but they all have two things in common—they’re all unique stories, and they’re anything but boring! I hope you’ll check them out. I plan on reading her other two gay romances, Four Days with Jack and Killer in Wolf’s Clothing.

I invite readers to catch up on all of Kelli’s romances and visit her on social media. If you missed a blog, you can catch up here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/blog

~~~

A SECRET MATCH

Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and the sexy heartthrob of millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone. He’s gay.

After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.

One night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems—both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a manipulative boss and a tag-team out to destroy him.

Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything… can he find a balance between his career and his heart?

Order A Secret Match here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/md6rZb

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-secret-match

Don’t miss the book that introduced Ev to fans… A Deceptive Match:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F18X3XQ

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3RB96j

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-deceptive-match

~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 100 short stories, 20 romance novels, 7 non-fiction books, and 3 horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and she likes to scare readers with her horror stories.

She released Journaling Every Week: 52 Topics to Get You Writing in early 2021. This fun and innovative guide to journaling is filled with hundreds of thought-provoking prompts designed to get you writing about your feelings and emotions.

In 2020 Kelli published Love, Lies & Redemption, a western romance set in 1877 Nebraska. This novel blends a sensual love story with mystery and danger.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.

Visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and to find all her social media links.

~~~

#GuestBlogger Behind the Scenes: “A Secret Match (A Gay Wrestling Romance)” By Kelli A. Wilkins

June 23, 2021June 22, 2021 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 1 Comment

This “Behind the Scenes” blog is part of a series examining my romance novels. In each blog, I’ll talk about why I wrote the book, share my thoughts on the plot and/or characters, and reveal what I loved most (or least) about writing the book. Warning: Blogs may contain spoilers.

A Secret Match is my contemporary gay romance set in the world of professional wrestling. It’s a follow-up book (of sorts) to my M/F wrestling romance, A Deceptive Match. Technically, the book isn’t a sequel because it’s a gay romance and falls into a different romance genre… But it’s closely connected because it focuses on Everett Kinkade, a secondary character I introduced in A Deceptive Match.

A Secret Match cover

In that book Ev is the best friend of wrestling champ Vinnie Valentine. They’ve been together for years as tag-team champs, confidantes, and are as close as brothers. I fell in love with Ev so much while writing A Deceptive Match I knew he needed his own book. And I knew it wouldn’t be an easy one.

Ev is a gay professional wrestler who has lots of insecurities and personal issues to overcome. Although he’s been in a long-term relationship with his boyfriend, Josh, he’s kept their involvement a secret. Aside from Josh nobody except Vinnie (and Danni, the heroine from A Deceptive Match) know he’s gay. He has a hard enough time dealing with his sexuality on a personal level, and on a professional level—forget it.

So naturally I put the screws to Ev—right in the first scene. When the book opens, Josh and Ev are having “going away” sex, and all seems well—until they have a major argument. Josh is tired of being hidden away like a “dirty secret” and wants Ev to come out or at least acknowledge their relationship to someone in their life.

Ev refuses for several reasons. His wrestling persona is a heartthrob that women fantasize about, and he needs to maintain his image if he wants to keep his job. Obviously, coming out would threaten his livelihood. He’s also afraid of what people will think about him if they know he’s gay. After a heated exchange, Josh gives him an ultimatum and walks out.

Ev is distraught and turns to his best friend and fellow wrestler, Vinnie for advice. Danni and Vinnie play a crucial role in Ev’s story—both in his personal journey—and in the ring.

The head of the wrestling organization, Nick August, tells Ev he has to go along with a “steal my woman” angle involving Vinnie and Danni. As part of the storyline, Ev has to kiss Danni in front of a live audience. This is the turning point in the book. Ev is torn between living a lie and being true to himself—and in the spur of the moment, he comes out on live TV.

From there, all hell breaks loose.

Ev instantly regrets what he’s done and is afraid he’s just tanked his career, some of the other wrestlers aren’t thrilled with the news, and Nick August is beyond furious. But in true wrestling fashion, the fans think it’s all a work—until Ev comes out again. This time, he’s out and proud.

When I wrote the book I knew Ev and Josh would be apart for about a third of the story, but I wanted to give readers a peek into their lives before the break-up. I decided the best way to do that was through flashbacks. Over the course of the book readers learn how Ev and Josh met, see their first kiss, and more. When Josh and Ev reconnect, readers know all about them and realize they’re meant to be together.

A Secret Match is my favorite gay romance. I loved revisiting the wrestling universe I created in A Deceptive Match, and I love Ev as a character. On one hand, he’s funny, sharp-witted, sexy, and a wiseass. And on the other hand, he’s an emotionally fragile, wounded warrior who is torn between living two lives.

A Secret Match has everything a good wrestling storyline needs: action, heroes, heels, drama, humor, sexy wrestlers—and in this case, some pretty hot love scenes. It takes readers (and the characters) on an emotional roller coaster ride. And it’s not just for wrestling fans. The wrestling world is merely a backdrop for a tender romance and a look inside Ev’s mind.

A Secret Match isn’t a sequel to A Deceptive Match per se, but it takes place in the same world of pro wrestling and many of the characters from A Deceptive Match appear in A Secret Match. You don’t have to read the books together or in any particular order, and each book stands alone as an individual read.

I realize not all M/F romance lovers will want to read a gay romance and not all gay romance lovers will want to read a M/F romance, but each book has excellent characters to root for, interesting plots, and lots of wrestling action that appeals to readers of all genres.

I hope you’ll check it out. If you love wrestling, if you love romance, and if you loved A Deceptive Match, you’ll love this book too.

~~~

A SECRET MATCH

Order A Secret Match here:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A

All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/md6rZb

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-secret-match

Don’t miss the book that introduced Ev to fans… A Deceptive Match:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F18X3XQ

All other platforms: https://www.books2read.com/u/3RB96j

Read reviews here: https://www.kelliwilkins.com/a-deceptive-match

I hope you enjoyed this “Behind the Scenes” look at the making of this hot gay romance. I welcome questions and comments from readers and other authors. Contact me via the form on my site or on social media.

Happy Reading,

Kelli A. Wilkins

~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

In 2020 Kelli published Love, Lies & Redemption, a western romance set in 1877 Nebraska. This novel blends a sensual love story with mystery and danger.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor.

Visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list and to find all her social media links.

~~~

#ReleaseBlitz “My Only Reason” by Leigh Lennon

October 15, 2020October 12, 2020 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Title: My Only Reason Author: Leigh Lennon Genre: MM Romance Release Date: October 15, 2020 Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Ryder

It’s a cliche’ really, falling in love with my best friend, my very straight best friend. And to add more complications, I’m a football player, about to be drafted. We’re manly men. We aren’t supposed to be gay. But I am and I love the one person I’ll never have. Until fate forces us together six years later. It’ll be both a fantasy and hell on earth, playing along Crush—the only man who will ever truly own my heart.

Crush

He dropped a bomb on me. Then he left, never looking back. Our friendship—ruined until he lands back in my life. His presence is just as big as ever. I never forgot him, or what that one kiss so many years ago still does to my body. He’s here, but is he willing to stay.

Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON

Pre Order Book 2 My Only Regret

AMAZON

Leigh Lennon is a mother, veteran and a wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led to a deep passion. She lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. Her imaginary friends become real on her pages as she creates a world for them. She loves pretty nails, spikey hair and large earrings. Leigh can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.

“Legacy of Freedom” by Deanndra Hall #CoverReveal

August 3, 2017July 30, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Title: Legacy Of Freedom
Author: Deanndra Hall
Genre: MM Romantic Suspense
Release Date: August 24, 2017
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

School’s over, and Hunter McCoy has a request of his newly-found dad. He wants to work for Citadel Security for the summer. With Jack Crismon as a grandfather, he’s decided he might want to look at criminal justice instead of a law degree, and getting a little hands-on experience is the only way he’ll know what he should do.
But the benign job Steve gives him as a bodyguard for an old business contact, Burton Calvert, turns out to be a horrible mistake when it’s discovered that the guy is in cahoots with the infamous criminal Crismon. Worse yet, Calvert keeps a stable of barely-legal young men captive for use by his business associates. He couldn’t have known that Hunter was gay. No one did. And to Hunter’s horror, one of the slaves the criminal offers to his accomplices is the young McCoy’s dream come true. They fall helplessly and hopelessly in love, only to find that things are much worse than they first appeared and everyone’s lives are in danger.
It only takes one massacre for Hunter to know he has to do something drastic. But what? As things deteriorate, danger gets ever closer until one fateful night when everything is on the line. It could all go up in smoke with one big bang, and the only ally Hunter can rely on is an enemy. It’s time to trust someone. All Hunter can do is hope that when he makes the choice between the devil and the deep blue sea, he chooses wisely.
Otherwise, everyone will die.
The second book in the Legacy series and the tenth in the Love Under Construction saga, A Legacy of Freedom is Hunter’s story, a story of imprisonment, sometimes at our own hands, and the courage it takes to break free. Sometimes, the worst prison we can inhabit is the one we make for ourselves.

International Bestselling Author Deanndra Hall lives in far western Kentucky with her husband of 30+ years and three crazy little dogs. She spent years writing advertising copy, marketing materials, educational texts, and business correspondence, and designing business forms and doing graphics design. After reading a very popular erotic romance book, her partner said, “You can write better than this!” She decided to try her hand at a novel. In the process, she fell in love with her funny, smart, loving, sexy characters and the things they got into, and the novel became the Love Under Construction series.

Deanndra enjoys all kinds of music, kayaking, working out at the local gym, reading, and spending time with friends and family. And chocolate’s always high on her list of favorite things!

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“The Caretaker (Sin Bin #2)” by Dahlia Donovan #BookBlitz

July 11, 2017July 9, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Title: The Caretaker( The Sin Bin #2)
Author: Dahlia Donovan
Genre: MM Romance
Release Date: July 8, 2017
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Nurse Freddie Whittle devotes every fibre of his being to his work with cancer patients. Their pain weighs heavily on his shoulders. Between losing clients, the expectations of his fathers, and bigot neighbours, he’s slowly reaching his breaking point.

Taine Afoa retires from a storied career as an international rugby star. He’s moved away from London for a change of pace, never expecting to meet a man who’s far too young for him. No matter how hard he tries, it’s impossible to get Freddie out of his mind.

Will Taine’s resistance dissolve in time for him to give love the chance to flourish?

“Are you going to continue to stare at my lips whenever you look my direction?” Taine’s voice dropped down to a husky whisper. “If you are, why don’t you bring yours a little closer to mine? You’ll see them far better with your mouth than your eyes.”

Cursing his exuberant and generally impulsive nature, Freddie leaned forward until their lips hovered a breath away from each other. One strong exhale could bring them close enough to qualify as a kiss. Taine didn’t move backwards or forwards; they both waited for the deadlock to be broken.

“Oh, why not,” Freddie muttered impatiently. He surged forward, closing the distance. His lips smacked awkwardly to the left of Taine’s, which caused the man to chuckle. “Oh, coc y gath, sorry.”

“Calm down.” Taine caught Freddie’s chin in his hand and guided him closer. His mouth controlled the connection. They had to tilt to avoid their noses mashing uncomfortably. The former rugby player’s tongue darted across Freddie’s lips and pressed the advantage. He delved expertly into their true first touch. “Now that is a kiss.”

“You should be ashamed.”

Freddie jerked away from Taine and snapped around to find a woman in her sixties glaring at them—or at Taine specifically. “Pardon?”

“You should be ashamed.” She pointed a bony finger at Taine. “Corrupting a young teenager. Is that legal? I’ve half a mind to report you. Are you okay, young man? Did he force you away from your parents?”

“A teenager?” Freddie swallowed down an irrational burble of laughter. “I’m twenty-six years old.”

“Oh. Oh, dear. I’m so sorry.” She covered her mouth in obvious embarrassment. “You look so young. I just assumed. Carry on then, loves. Never you mind me. It’s always good to see someone enjoying the pleasures of life.”

The two men stayed silent after accepting her apology. Freddie only dared to peek at Taine out of the corner of his eye once the woman had gone back to her seat. A clear mistake. It started with a snort, muffled quickly by his hand, but quickly dissolved into laughter anyway; it continued until their sides ached and they were gasping for air.

Freddie regained his composure just as the train pulled into Paddington station, forcing him to shelve any comments about the kiss. “Ready for the next stage of the journey?”

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

“Happy Endings M/M, Cedar Falls #20” by Shea Balik #NewRelease 18+

June 6, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Happy Endings cover

“Happy Endings M/M, Cedar Falls #20”

by Shea Balik

Genre: MMRomance/Gay/Erotic

Release Date: June 6, 2017

Bookstrand

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Where the people are friendly and the men are hot.

Gabriel McCarthy came to Cedar Falls in an attempt to find his own way in this world. What he hadn’t expected was to find friends who would stand by each other no matter who tried to get in their way or a man he could easily see spending the rest of his life with.

Lakyn Voss had just had the rug pulled out from under him when the mayor of Cedar Falls made it his mission to destroy Lakyn’s business. Determined not to fall victim to the man’s manipulations, he finds solace in Gabriel’s arms.

Warning: A battle of wits ensues in Cedar Falls as the tension rises and the date for the mayoral race comes closer.

Excerpt

“What do you think of Jesse becoming mayor, Lakyn?” Vail asked.

At times, Lakyn might cringe at the thought of Jesse being mayor, but he knew, deep down – like way deep, deep down – that Jesse would make a great mayor. “So long as he doesn’t actually do half the crazy things he mentions, I’d vote for him.”

Ethan gave a harsh laugh. “Yeah, let’s just hope he doesn’t ban tea from downtown. I might prefer coffee most days but I have to admit to still liking a cup of hot tea on occasion.”

“Or erecting a Bigfoot statue,” Flynn added. “Sure it would be cool, but I also don’t believe the taxpayers should have to pay for that any more than they had to pay for that waterfall monstrosity Mayor Murphy had built.”

“I’d like a Bigfoot statue,” Vail insisted. “And it might add enough mystery to this town to get more people to visit.”

Lakyn would appreciate that. “I agree. Those weekends when the festivals do activities in the woods or on the lakes generate a lot of business for me. Zoey and I are usually booked solid as the men go off on their adventure while the wives stay and get massages.”

Zoey was Lakyn’s partner. They had both worked for Sierra Breeze, a holistic store in town, for about a year. But when the owners Sierra and Breeze said they needed more room for their products and would no longer be able to give Lakyn and Zoey room to give massages, they had decided to try to open their own massage parlor, Happy Endings.

It was tough going at first, but they have been building a steady clientele. They also set up massage chairs during the festivals that brought in really good money.

“See?” Vail said. “Building a Bigfoot statue and having a yearly event to search for him would bring in great revenue.” The smug expression on his face told Lakyn this wasn’t the first time they had argued about the topic.

“Excuse me?” A man in a suit that was way too formal for Cedar Falls approached their table.

Instantly Lakyn was put off by the man’s need to impress. Who did he think lived in Cedar Falls that a suit was needed? This was a small southern town, not some big city where the only morals people knew were the ones that were green and had numbers on them.

“I heard you gentlemen discussing the mayoral race and I was wondering if I may get your perspective on the candidates.” The man’s deep cultured voice sent a small shiver down Lakyn’s spine.

Lakyn tried to stop it, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. There was just something about the smooth voice that made him want to listen all day. Didn’t mean he would, just that he would like to.

“I haven’t seen you around these parts and that suit clearly screams you aren’t from Cedar Falls, so why would you want to know about our mayoral race?” Ethan asked bluntly.

Compelled to look up at the man whose voice held his attention, Lakyn softly gasped as he stared into brown eyes swirled with amber. They were like the warm honey he drizzled on his toast. Enthralled, Lakyn found himself gazing up at the man, not caring that just seconds before he’d been put off by the stranger for wearing a suit.

“I’m here for an interview with Jesse Grant to be his campaign manager, but I was hoping to get a sense of the man first,” the stranger answered, not even seeming to notice that Lakyn was there. Then again, Lakyn hadn’t spoken so there was no reason for the man to notice him. Not that Lakyn wanted him to.

Ethan immediately stiffened and went on the defensive. “I don’t remember Jesse saying he had an appointment with anyone today.”

“That’s because I don’t have an appointment,” the stranger said. Then he stuck out his hand to Ethan. “Gabriel McCarthy. Nice to meet you.”

But Ethan, Flynn, and Vail just continued to eye Gabriel, silently demanding he explain further.

But Gabriel didn’t bend, which was impressive. If Lakyn’s friends had looked at him like that, he would have given up whatever secrets the three wanted. He probably would have even made up a few just to keep them happy.

Almost reluctantly, Flynn stuck his hand out and shook Gabriel’s. “I’m not sure we can trust you, but I am impressed. Flynn Rankin.”

Gabriel’s lips turned upward just slightly. “Thank you. I must say, it isn’t often I’ve faced anyone as intimidating as you three, and I’ve faced potential presidents.”

Lakyn wanted to leave. He might be attracted to the guy, but it was obvious by the reserved expression on Gabriel’s face that he was as fake as a three-dollar bill. Nothing turned Lakyn off more than those who couldn’t be genuine.

“Wait a minute,” Vail said. “If you’ve met people running for president, what in the hell are you doing in Cedar Falls to meet Jesse?”

Gabriel’s face fell for the first time since he approached the table. It only lasted seconds but it was the first time Gabriel had been real and damn if it didn’t draw Lakyn in.

A haughty note crept into Gabriel’s tone, as if he were trying to cover his mistake of dropping the mask he’d been wearing since approaching them. “Unfortunately, I may have met some of the leaders in this country, but due to my young age and inexperience, I was not given the opportunity to actually help on their campaigns as I had wished.”

Ethan tilted his head. “So, in other words, you want to use Jesse to give you experience of running a campaign to advance your career.”

Those liquid honey eyes hardened into amber. “Even though I wish to advance my career, I can assure you Jesse would benefit from the knowledge I possess in politics. I graduated from Harvard, after all.”

Ass. Yet, even though he thought that about Gabriel, Lakyn couldn’t deny he was attracted. If he had any hope of not falling for the guy, who clearly was used to playing a part instead of being himself, then Lakyn needed to get out of there. Fast.

Follow Shea Online

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“Happy Endings M/M, Cedar Falls 20” by Shea Balik #Preorder

May 31, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Happy Endings cover

“Happy Endings M/M, Cedar Falls #20”

by Shea Balik

Genre: MMRomance/Gay/Erotic

Release Date: June 6, 2017

~ PreOrder ~

Bookstrand

Welcome to Cedar Falls, a small North Carolina town nestled amongst the Smokey Mountains. Where the people are friendly and the men are hot.

Gabriel McCarthy came to Cedar Falls in an attempt to find his own way in this world. What he hadn’t expected was to find friends who would stand by each other no matter who tried to get in their way—or a man he could easily see spending the rest of his life with.

Warning: A battle of wits ensues in Cedar Falls as the tension rises and the date for the mayoral race comes closer.

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“Chiseled Wood M/M, Cedar Falls 19” by Shea Balik #Excerpt 18+

April 23, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ Leave a comment

Chiseled Wood cover

“Chiseled Wood M/M, Cedar Falls #19”

by Shea Balik

Genre: MMRomance/Gay/Erotic

Release Date: May 4, 2017

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Excerpt

When a huge grin appeared on Parker’s face along with a radiant kind of happiness that only appeared when he was around his husband, Aaron knew Jesse had to be the one who had just caused the bell above the door to jingle as he entered.

“Angel,” Parker said, even as he got up from his seat and headed toward the front.

Not really wanting to see the pair kissing when Aaron’s own love life had been bleak as of late, he continued to eat his chili. He could greet Jesse when he joined them, as Aaron was fairly certain he would.

“Parker, I’d like to introduce you to the new manager of Nice ‘N Rosy,” Jesse said. “Kyler Prince, this sexy man is my husband, Parker.”

“Kyler,” Parker said. “I’m so glad to meet you. Would you both like to join us for lunch?”

Aaron silently groaned. They were in a booth. That meant Aaron would need to make room, which was a bit awkward. Using chainsaws, handsaws, and axes to chisel the logs he used to create his works of art, not to mention having to lift those heavy logs, had built Aaron’s muscles. It made it a tight fit to put another person on the bench with him.

“We’d love to, wouldn’t we Kyler?” Jesse asked without actually letting the man speak. Then again, when Jesse wanted something he rarely gave those with him a choice in the matter.

“Oh, uhm,” a soft voice Aaron assumed was Kyler, said. “Actually, I don’t have any money for lunch.”

But, as if the man hadn’t said a word, Jesse tugged him to where Aaron still sat. “Hey, Aaron,” Jesse said as he slid into the other side of the booth. “This is Kyler. He’s new to Cedar Falls.” There was a twinkle in Jesse’s dark eyes that instantly put Aaron on edge. “Maybe you could show him around. Help him find a place to stay. Even take him to the casino so he can see that Cedar Falls has some interesting night life.”

“Oh, but,” Kyler tried to interrupt, but Jesse, being Jesse, didn’t pay him any attention.

“How about it, Aaron? I hear there is a slot tournament at the casino and they are introducing the new chef at Bliss tonight with a special menu.” But instead of waiting for Aaron to answer, Jesse turned to his husband, who had slid into the booth next to him, leaving only Kyler still standing. “Shane claims this new chef is really good. How about we make a night of it? I could invite the gang to give Kyler a chance to get to know them.”

Parker hadn’t said a word when Jesse turned first to Kyler, then to Aaron and said, “Aren’t you going to scoot over and let Kyler sit down?”

“Sorry,” Aaron said as he moved over. It wasn’t until Kyler actually sat down that Aaron really looked at the man next to him.

Dull brown eyes stared at him through thick black rimmed glasses. Nothing about Kyler was anything but plain, ordinary. Even his dark hair seemed to just sit on his head as if it had no style. Then there was the obvious fact Kyler was as uncomfortable being there as Aaron was, especially since he had to be partially pressed up against a relative stranger because Aaron’s large body took up most of the seat.

Feeling for the guy, who clearly was out of his element, Aaron stuck out his hand. “Aaron Garnett. It’s nice to meet you Kyler.”

Kyler peered at his rough calloused hand as if it might just bite him, but eventually pressed his hand in Aaron’s. “Nice to meet you to,” he said.

“Good,” Jesse said as he pushed at Parker to get back up from his seat. “Now that you two are friends, Aaron, would you mind walking Kyler back to Nice ‘N Rosy while Parker and I make the rounds to our friends to coordinate tonight?”

Aaron opened his mouth to object. Not that he minded walking Kyler to work, but he had to get back to his own shop. But, in usual Jesse fashion, he wasn’t given the opportunity to say anything.

“Make sure to set up a time and place for you two to meet so you can take him to the casino tonight.” Jesse pulled Parker by the arm toward the door. “I’ll arrange dinner for six, which will give us plenty of time to gamble afterward.”

The door opened and Parker and Jesse headed out with a final wave. “See you both tonight.”

Then they were gone.

Aaron’s gaze went from the now empty doorway to Kyler. He’d seen Jesse do this in the past, but it was always to others, not him. Now what was he supposed to do?

“Overcoming Stereotypes M/M, Miracle Book 4” by Shea Balik #NewRelease 18+

April 4, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 4 Comments

“Overcoming Stereotypes M/M, Miracle Book 4”

by Shea Balik

Genre: Gay/Paranormal/Urban

Release Date: April 3, 2017

In a world where everyone was against them, they needed a Miracle. What no one had expected was to find their salvation in an abandoned town that was ready to collapse. Yet, that is exactly what happened when they moved to the town of Miracle, Oregon.

Kellach Alder hadn’t been given a chance in life to be the man he knew he could be. It never occurred to him that if he wanted others to see him differently, he would have to stand up and be the person he wanted to be.

Trygg Snow was sent to kill Kellach and his friends. Already conflicted about his mission, Trygg knew he wouldn’t be able to complete his assignment when he came face to face with his mate. If only Kellach, a mountain lion shifter, would look past the fact that Trygg was a wolf shifter.

Against all odds, and an army headed their way to destroy them all, Trygg and Kellach must find a way past their differences if they are to survive. The only way to achieve that is by Overcoming Stereotypes.

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“Whitewash (Unexpected Series #3)” by Ann Grech #ReleaseBlitz 18+

March 30, 2017 ~ Felicia Denise ~ 4 Comments

RELEASE BLITZ

Whitewash by Ann Grech

Series: Unexpected #3

Genre: M/M Erotic Sports Romance, LGBT

Release Date: March 30th

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Blurb

An unexpected love worth fighting for…

Pro snowboarder, Reef Reed, is on the precipice. His chance of winning the world championship is within reach. But he’s navigating a treacherous path, one which is full of incredible highs and soul-crushing lows. Crippling stress, insurmountable distances between him and his boyfriend, jealousy, and illness threaten everything he’s worked for. His relationship with Ford is tested in ways Reef couldn’t have fathomed.

Ford Wallace will do anything within his power to help his man soar high and achieve his dreams. But the season has been hard on both of them; watching all Reef’s hard work unravel from afar is unbearable for the healer at heart. So he fights—they both do—for their happiness and love, and they emerge on the other side stronger than ever before.

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Meet Reef and Ford in Whiteout

Unexpected #1

CURRENTLY FREE ON ALL PLATFORMS

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UNEXPECTED BUNDLE

CURRENTLY 99c

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Whiteout

The moment you get all you ever wanted…

Pro-snowboarder, Reef Reid, has it all, except the one thing he desperately wants: the girl, the white picket fence and the happily ever after. At the peak of his career, he turns his back on the upcoming season and flies to a tropical island paradise to defrost.

At least that’s where he was supposed to go; a ticketing mishap has him landing in Queenstown, New Zealand, famous for its idyllic ski resorts.

Stratford ‘Ford’ Wallace understands attraction to the opposite sex. He’s a true playboy at heart after all; a genuine love ‘em and leave ‘em type. But all that is flipped on its head when the enigmatic Reef Reid literally drops out of the sky.

When a whiteout traps them together on a mountaintop, neither expects the explosive attraction that sparks between them. They’re unable to resist each other, but will they give into temptation? Or will the avalanche that tears through the mountain end them?

White Noise

Everything he didn’t know he wanted, and now couldn’t live without…

Paramedic and mountain rescuer Stratford ‘Ford’ Wallace fell hard and fast for pro-snowboarder, Reef Reid. For a ‘straight’ guy, falling in love with a dude was not what he expected, but his explosive attraction to Reef is undeniable. Neither of them have uttered those three little words yet, but Ford knows Reef feels the same. At least, he thinks he does.

Reef is smashing his pre-season training at Fernie, the idyllic Canadian snow resort, getting wicked air and landing what could be season-winning jumps. What’s even better is that his man is with him. Going home to Ford every night is what Reef always dreamed of— his very own happily ever after.

Knowing they’re ready, they take the next step in their relationship— meeting the parents. But when tragedy strikes on the slopes, can Ford push through the painful memories and be what Reef needs?

Ford will sacrifice himself, literally putting both his heart and his life on the line, to protect his man. But will it all be for nothing when Reef is presented with an offer that’s too good to refuse?

Author Bio

By day Ann Grech lives in the corporate world and can be found sitting behind a desk typing away at reports and papers or lecturing to a room full of students. With her quirky glasses and shiny leather briefcase, she has the librarian look nailed. All laced up tight in her pencil skirts and killer heels, her students can only fantasise about what she gets up to in her spare time. If only they could see those tattoos! Oh, and those notepads of story ideas tucked away in odd places that would be sure to have them fanning themselves!

By night she’s a wife and mum and a purveyor of saucy stories that are filled with lust, raunchy scenes and ultimately love. Ann’s an avid reader of anything sexy and firmly believes in the motto ‘leave mummy alone, she’s reading or writing.’ Because of that, she is pretty hopeless when it comes to getting dinner on the table on time or cleaning the house.