Archive for December 2011
Today the lists of nominees for
Best Of 2011
came out from Love Romances Cafe-
And it is sprinkled with Breathless Press Authors!
Best Contemporary Romance-
Keeping House – Lee Brazil
Telling the Truth – Lee Brazil
Best GLBT Book
Orion’s Way- DC Juris
Best Menage
Untameable- Berengaria Brown
Best Historical
Finding the One- Rain Chapman
Best Cover Art
Loving Jacob- Lee Brazil (Cover by Victoria Miller)
Best Author
Hank Edwards
Lee Brazil
Best Book
His Treasure- Kiru Taye
Keeping House- Lee Brazil
Best BDSM
Orion’s Way– DC Juris
Best Anthology
Word Play- Story Orgy (Em Woods, Havan Fellows, JR Boyd, Hank Edwards, Lee Brazil)
Best Series
Truth or Dare – Lee Brazil
Congratulations to all nominees!
If you have additions to the list, please let me know!
What are we looking for?
We currently have the following themed submission calls: (When submitting, please send to:acquisitions@breathlesspress.com and put the name of the anthology in the subject.)
Currently Open: Ravaged Anthology, Hot Shifters
Ad-Dick-tion Anthology: Our Ad-Dick-Tion anthology is an ongoing submission call. Stories must be under 10k, have a heat rating of at least 3, be m/m (gay) orientated (m/m/f is fine as long as the two males have sex or a relationship together and not just with the female) and be original stories. There is no other theme besides being m/m. The anthology will consist of 10 stories each with a royalty of 4% of net sales. No single author shall have more than 2 stories in this anthology. We reserve the rights for digital for 1 year with the option of renewing after that. Some anthologies will go to print, if this is the case for this volume, royalties are 1.5% of net sales and we reserve the rights for 2 years with the option of renewal for another 2 years. Deadline: May 5th, 2012 – October 31st, 2012. Published: May 2013.
Volume 2 Comes out: May 4th, 2012
Hot Shots Anthology: Our Hot Shots anthology is an ongoing submission call. Stories must be under 10k, have a heat rating of at least 3, and be original stories. There is no other theme besides being erotic. All stories must be m/f. The anthology will consist of 10 stories each with a royalty of 4% of net sales. No single author shall have more than 2 stories in this anthology. We reserve the rights for digital for 1 year with the option of renewing after that. Some anthologies will go to print, if this is the case for this volume, royalties are 1.5% of net sales and we reserve the rights for 2 years with the option of renewal for another 2 years. Deadline: Nov 26th, 2011 – April 30th, 2012. Published: Nov 30th, 2012.
To answer your un-asked “yes/no” questions for New Year’s Eve Eve:
No, I do not make resolutions.
P. J. O’Rourke
The proper behavior all through the holiday season is to be drunk. This drunkenness culminates on New Year’s Eve, when you get so drunk you kiss the person you’re married to.
No, I don’t set personal goals, although I’m staring down the barrel of some pretty lofty ones for my brewery.
No, I don’t think there is anything inherently special about midnight Eastern Standard Time on January 1, Any Year.
No, I don’t have my Christmas crap put away yet.
Eric Zorn
Making resolutions is a cleansing ritual of self assessment and repentance that demands personal honesty and, ultimately, reinforces humility. Breaking them is part of the cycle.
No, I haven’t been to the gym or the hot yoga room in nearly a month (a MONTH!)
No, I don’t have receipts or anything else together for tax season.
Anais Nin
I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticizing, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me.
Why YES, I have a refrigerator full of leftovers.
Yes, my college age son still sleeps until nearly 1 p.m. every day when he’s at my house.
Yes, I found a black and hot pink thong draped over a shelf of growlers in my Tap Room this morning. (!)
Yes, I need a new clothes dryer.
Yes, I have something like five half completed writing projects.
Yes, I’ve joined another group of bloggers.
And yes, the smell of the lamb stew made from the leg of lamb from Christmas dinner, combined with the crackling fire is one of the most divine things in the world.
And yes, I love college bowl season (and basketball season).
And yes, I’m a smart ass.
BUT I do wish you all the best with your goals, resolutions, overdone NYE parties and champagne toasts.
I’ll be clinking glasses of “Neapolitan Lager” with my spouse, biz partners and bar patrons at that not-so-magic-hour, and will eat traditional bean soup and watch, apparently the NFL of New Year’s Day as there is no college ball on.
Love
Liz
J so- Happy almost New Years! I’m Dianne Hartsock, the ‘Featured Author’ for this week. *takes a bow* As I’m writing this, I’m thinking back to a year ago. I was probably sitting at the keyboard like I am now, chin on hand, debating whether or not to hit the send key and whisk Shelton in Love off to Breathless Press. I’d never written an erotic romance before and wasn’t sure how it would be received.
Keep in mind, I’d never had anything published before, and my confidence wasn’t at its highest. But if I’d learned anything raising two energetic kids, it was patience and stubbornness. I was going to keep submitting and filing away those rejection letters until my hands were too arthritic to type. Then I’d probably hire someone to transcribe for me.
This time last year I was putting the finishing touches to my paranormal/thriller novel ALEX before submitting to Solstice Publishing. Even as I dotted the last ‘i’ and mailed it off, a scene kept playing over in my mind. At one point Alex is at an art festival in the park. He’s looking at some sketches from local artists when he glances up and meets a lovely set of amber eyes. He blinks as a jolt of electricity passes between them.
I sat up in my chair. Whoa! What just happened? Sure, I’d written scenes with men in love with their boyfriends before, but there was something sensual about this exchange, a heat I’d only touched on before. I know I smiled as my first m/m erotic began to take shape in my mind.
I feel a little wicked as I watch, le voyeur, as my men undress and touch each other for the first or second or hundredth time. And best of all, as a reader, you can be there as well! Feel the silky smoothness of heated skin over tight muscles. Taste the salt of sweat and the sweetness of a first kiss. Feel the sorrow and joy and passion of a love affair.
All in all, this has been a fantastic year, ending with the release of Shelton’s Choice on December 23rd from BP and several other stories due out in early 2012.
Thanks for stopping by!
Dianne Hartsock
Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock
Shelton in Love
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelton-love
Amazon: http://amzn.to/m3VJDe
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.
Shelton’s Promise
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-promise
Amazon: http://amzn.to/nGt0xx
Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?
Shelton’s Choice
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/sheltons-choice
After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion he’s been working toward at the bank. Unfortunately the new position is in another state, and Nevil doesn’t want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted coworker. Torn between the pressures at work and at home, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.
Merry Christmas, Shelton
“Hush, love. Slower. We have to make this last.”
Shelton drew a ragged breath and tried to calm a body driven wild with passion. Nevil pushed deeper inside him and pleasure sent his mind reeling. A tingle began in his fingers and raced along his nerves, all his energy gathering in his balls and the erection being stroked by Nevil’s skillful hands.
He blinked, distracted by the Christmas lights flashing in his eyes and over Nevil’s beautiful face above him. He lost control then, his body demanding release.
“I can’t…” he warned even as his penis jerked in Nevil’s hands. Nevil gripped Shelton’s hips and thrust madly into him, catching up and sending them both into heaven.
* * * *
Shelton rested his chin on his hand as he watched the snow come down harder outside the window. It had begun to stick to the sidewalks. The roads would be next.
“Any news?”
Shelton glanced across the table at the young man opposite him then back to the text message on his phone. “The airport’s still open, but they’re worried about ice. Nevil’s plane doesn’t land for another hour and might be diverted. Damn this snow.”
“It’s Christmas Eve. They don’t dare close the airport.”
“From your lips to…”
“Anything else, sir?”
Shelton looked up into pale blue eyes, clear and earnest as they met his. Men shouldn’t be allowed such pretty eyes, especially surrounded by soft layers of dark hair cut in a bob at the chin.
“I’m fine, Eran,” he said, reading the man’s name tag. “Paul?”
Paul gave the waiter his most gorgeous smile. “Can I have another espresso?” They both reached for his empty cup and Eran pulled his hand back as if stung. Color flooded his cheeks and he murmured an apology and hastened across the room, retreating behind the counter.
Shelton dragged his attention from the snow piling up outside to study his companion’s face. “Why don’t you ask him out?”
“What?”
“Don’t play innocent! You’ve been inviting me here after work for the last two weeks, then ignore me whenever you catch a glimpse of the beautiful Eran.”
“Sorry, dear. Feeling neglected?”
Shelton snorted. “Save your lines for Eran. But Nevil’s coming home and I won’t be able to play chaperone anymore.”
Paul’s hazel eyes widened at a sudden thought. “I bet he thinks we’re dating. Shit.”
Sheltonfelt the heat in his face. “He does not.”
A smile curled Paul’s lips. Shelton wasn’t sure he liked the teasing gleam in the green eyes. “Shelton, you’re delicious. If I hadn’t sworn off older men I’d definitely be attracted. Eran must be playing it cool because he thinks I’m with you.”
“I could leave,”Shelton said hopefully, then realized he was talking to himself as Eran approached with Paul’s coffee. The young man gracefully skirted the crowded tables, slim in dark jeans and tee-shirt and the green apron tied around his hips.
Paul seemed mesmerized as he took the drink from Eran. Eran nodded at his murmured thanks and lingered to wipe the edge of their table with a rag. Shelton kicked Paul in the shins.
“Owe. I mean, I’m Paul.” Paul held out his hand. Eran colored slightly as he shook it.
“This is my co-worker,Shelton,’ Paul continued, waving inShelton’s direction. “I’m keeping him company while his lover’s out of town on business.”
He hastened to explain as Shelton laughed and Eran raised a brow. “I mean, we’re just friends. If you were wondering,” he added lamely.
A smile touched Eran’s face and he tucked a strand of Paul’s brown hair behind an ear. “In that case, I’m off work in five minutes, if you want to meet me out front.”
Paul gaped at him and Eran’s smile widened, showing even white teeth.Sheltonsaw the flick of a pink tongue before he left them. Paul turned his wide hazel eyes on Shelton. “Did you hear him? Was I dreaming?”
“Merry Christmas. Now go on. You don’t want to keep him waiting.” He waved Paul away as he hesitated. “I can catch a cab when I’m ready to go.”
“Thanks.” Paul grabbed up his coat and surprised Shelton with a kiss on the cheek as he hurried off.
Shelton put a hand on his cheek and remembered other, more exciting lips that had burned along his jaw and burrowed against his throat.
“I don’t want you to go,” he’d murmured and held Nevil’s naked body closer in his arms.
“I don’t want to go, either. But I’ll be back for Christmas. Now kiss me goodbye. And don’t forget to water the Christmas tree while I’m gone.”
They’d lingered over a kiss, then Nevil untangled from him, giving Shelton’s spent cock a last gentle squeeze before climbing to his feet. Shelton watched the play of colored lights on Nevil’s body as he dressed, already lonely for him.
Shelton blinked away the memory and looked at his phone. Still another twenty minutes before Nevil’s plane landed. He watched the snow thicken outside the window and said a silent prayer for everyone traveling that night. God, he just wanted Nevil home safely.
He jumped when a snow covered coat was thrown onto an empty chair and he raised his face to meet turquoise eyes full of fire.
“Nevil?” he whispered and hastily cleared his throat.
For answer Nevil pulled Shelton up into his embrace. Shelton met his hungry lips with his own seeking tongue, needing to taste and touch and smell his lover.
“How?” he managed between searing kisses.
Nevil smiled into Shelton’s eyes. “I heard the weather report and managed to catch an earlier flight. Merry Christmas, love.”
“It is, now,”Shelton assured him, holding the love of his life safe in his arms. He knew the words were terribly corny, but he meant them with all his heart.
“Let’s go home,” Nevil whispered in his ear. “I want to unwrap you.”
Sheltoncouldn’t speak; only hold Nevil’s hand as they walked out into the beautiful Christmas Eve snow together.
Dianne Hartsock
Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock
Shelton in Love
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/shelton-love
Shelton is falling hard for his best friend and roommate, finding Nevil’s dark good looks and moments of gentleness almost impossible to resist. But Nevil is more interested in affairs of the body than the heart. As Shelton’s desire for the man grows, he wonders if he can change Nevil’s mind. But does he even want to? Nevil might not stay, once he learns Shelton’s secret, and then his loneliness would be complete.
Shelton’s Promise
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/node/108
Shelton has a gift he’s eager to give to Nevil. At a party, Nevil flirts with one man after another, keeping Shelton on his toes. Then Percy, an ex, shows up to complicate things. Despite his best efforts, Shelton can’t find the right moment to give Nevil his gift. Will Nevil ever let Shelton get close to him, or will Shelton have to keep the gift in his pocket all evening?
Shelton’s Choice
Breathless Press: http://www.breathlesspress.com/
After a year of bliss with Nevil, Shelton is offered the promotion at the bank he’s been working towards. Unfortunately, it’s in another state and Nevil doesn’t want to move. As tension mounts between them, Shelton is given another challenge in the form of a besotted co-worker. Torn between desires, Shelton has to choose his future. That is, until Nevil takes the decision out of his hands.
How much teasing does it take to make you Breathless?
Tease Me Once
Shelton’s Promise
Tease Me Twice
Finding the One by Rain Chapman
“I do love you. Please forgive me, Sophia. I am so terribly sorry.” His voice came out softly, filled with love and regret, and then he exhaled his last. With nowhere else to go, the energy she continued to draw filled her. The lump on her head disappeared along with all of the half-healed bruises and abrasions on her back and the ache in her wrist. She turned to face the men she was stealing life from. Both had fallen to their hands and knees, looking somehow shrunken, less than they had been only minutes before. A raw, primal scream rose up and roared out her throat.
Buy it here: http://www.breathlesspress.com/finding-one
Tease Me Thrice
“This is a live in position. You don’t mind working for and living with a gay man?”
Finally, Mischa smiled. Donovan’s heart lurched at the sexy sweetness of that smile. The tiny silver hoop in his lower lip glinted seductively. Wonder how that piercing would feel when he pressed his lips to Mischa’s? It certainly drew attention to the swollen plumpness of the full red lower lip. Yeah—he really needed to get laid this weekend.
“No. I don’t mind working for a gay man, as long as you don’t mind hiring one.” Mischa’s smile was now a broad grin, and he settled back more comfortably on the barstool, as though he were suddenly making himself at home.
Buy it here: http://www.breathlesspress.com/keeping-house
“A Torottun Christmas”
Jinsu eased out of bed and tiptoed down the hall to Tristan’s art room, where Kelan already waited. He peered over his brother’s shoulder at one of Tristan’s drawings. “He’s so homesick. What are we going to do?”
Kelan shrugged. “Give him a piece of home, obviously.” He pulled one of the sketches down. “Although I’m not sure where we will find…what did he call this?”
“A Chris Mass Tree.” Jinsu frowned. Tristan had said the things were grown at farms, but the one he had drawn seemed to look like any ordinary tree. “Perhaps we can cut one from the forest?
“We’ll have to. I don’t know what to do about lights, though.” Kelan held the paper closer for a better look. “These are on some kind of rope.”
“Tristan called them strings. What about the orbs we hang for night festivals?”
“Those are awfully large.” Kelan shook his head.
Jinsu took the paper from Kelan and studied it. His twin had a point; the orbs would never fit on a tree. They needed something just like them, only miniature. His eyes widened. “I have an idea! What about Pelldor? He can make tiny lights.”
“The toy maker?” Kelan grinned. “That’s perfect! He can probably even make the decorations. They’re small like toys, after all.”
“If you can keep Tristan occupied tomorrow, I can get everything set up.” Jinsu’s heart skipped a beat at the though they’d be able to pull this off for their mutual lover.
“What will you tell Pelldor, though? He can’t know about Tristan’s world,” Kelan warned.
“Of course not.” Jinsu frowned again. What would he tell the old toy maker? “I’ll tell him…I’ll tell him it’s for a friend’s daughter to decorate her room.”
Kelan patted him on the shoulder. “Good thinking! We’d best get back to bed. If he wakes up without us, he’ll be suspicious.”
Jinsu carefully replaced the drawing in the exact same spot Tristan had put it, and followed his brother back to bed, though he knew he’d barely be able to sleep.
***
Keeping Tristan out of the house the next day proved nearly impossible, but Kelan somehow managed to pull it off. They returned that evening, Kelan leading the way inside.
Tristan gasped as Kelan stepped aside. “What…?”
Jinsu stood beside the tree, grinning from ear to ear. Pelldor had outdone himself. From the soft glow of the dozens of tiny orbs, to the intricately detailed ornaments, the tree certainly resembled the ones in Tristan’s drawings.
Tristan crossed the room, mouth open, eyes wide and brimming with moisture. He circled the tree again and again, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you two did this,” he murmured.
“Why not?” Kelan spoke up. He moved to stand beside Jinsu and slid an arm around his twin. “You deserve a taste of home, after all you’ve given up for us.”
“Is it a good Chris Mass present?” Jinsu asked.
Tristan faced them; tears flowing freely down his cheeks. “It’s the best Christmas present ever.”
Kelan took Jinsu’s hand and led him over to the tree. They pulled Tristan into a hug, Kelan had to bite back his own tears at the strength of Tristan’s grip, and how Tristan trembled. He stroked a hand through Tristan’s hair and kissed Tristan’s neck. “Happy Chris Mass, love.”
Tristan raised his head and kissed Kelan, then Jinsu and back to Kelan, then Jinsu again. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispered.
Jinsu smiled and fitted his arms around Tristan’s waist. “You don’t have to say anything. Just enjoy it.”
“It”—Kelan reached down and palmed Tristan’s cock through his pants—”and perhaps us.”
Tristan grinned and pulled them both close. “I think we have some packages to unwrap!”
***
Tristan and his alien lovers, twins Jinsu and Kelan, are from The Sky People Trilogy, which includes “Dream Come True”, “The Door Under the Bridge”, and “Follow His Heart.”
“Dream Come True” blurb/buy link:
Driven by dreams of his soul mate, Tristan, Jinsu steps through the portal to Earth, leaving all he has ever known behind. Little does he know that Tristan has had dreams too, but unlike Jinsu, Tristan doesn’t believe in them. When they meet, will they both discover that dreams really can come true?
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-dreamcometrue-448535-143.html
“The Door Under the Bridge” blurb/buy link:
Tristan and Jinsu are back! It’s now seven months into their fairy-tale romance, and Tristan and Jinsu couldn’t be happier. But when Jinsu falls ill with a mysterious, lingering condition, everything changes. Jinsu’s magic is dying and taking him with it. Suddenly the couple’s desire to find a way back to Jinsu’s home world is more than just a dream–it’s a necessity. With Jinsu’s time quickly running out, Tristan is forced to seek help from someone he’d hoped to never, ever lay eyes on again.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thedoorunderthebridge-501236-143.html
“Follow His Heart” blurb/buy link:
In the conclusion to The Sky People Trilogy, Tristan awakens on Torottu, but the portal wasn’t meant for humans, and he’s been near death since his arrival almost ten months ago. That’s okay, though, because now that he’s awake, he and Jinsu can start their life together. The problem? Jinsu has no idea who Tristan is–the return trip through the portal erased his memory of Earth, of their relationship, of Tristan himself. Winning Jinsu’s heart again won’t be easy, especially if Kelan, Jinsu’s twin, has anything to say about it. Kelan loves Jinsu, too, and he won’t be put aside for Tristan. Not again. Tristan knows his only chance for happiness–and the only chance for Jinsu and Kelan–is to follow his heart.
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-followhisheart-523916-143.html
What are we looking for in the coming year?
Serviced Anthology: Our Serviced anthology is an ongoing submission call. Stories must be under 10k, have a heat rating of at least 3, and be original stories. There is no other theme besides having something to do with the army, military, navy, or air force as well as being romantic/erotic in nature. We will be doing two a year, one with a focus on m/m stories, the other on m/f stories. The anthology will consist of 10 stories each with a royalty of 4% of net sales. No single author shall have more than 2 stories in this anthology. We reserve the rights for digital for 1 year with the option of renewing after that. Some anthologies will go to print, if this is the case for this volume, royalties are 1.5% of net sales and we reserve the rights for 2 years with the option of renewal for another 2 years. M/M Deadline: Sept 8th, 2011 – Feb 29th, 2012. M/M Published: Sept 7th, 2012. M/F Deadline: Mar 10th, 2011 – Aug 31st, 2012. M/F Published: Mar 8th, 2013.
Home for the Holidays: Our Home for the Holidays is published for December. We will be releasing 8 stories in December all revolving around the holiday season. Stories must be more than 10k with a heat rating of 2 or more. Deadline: Jan 1st, 2012 – June 30th, 2012. Published: December 2012.
Hot Shifters: Our Hot Shifters are published for October. We will be releasing 8 stories in October all revolving around the shifters. This can be wolf, lion, panther, etc. Stories must be more than 10k with a heat rating of 2 or more. Deadline: Nov 1st, 2011 – April 30th, 2012. Published: October 2012.
Head over to the website for more details on how to submit your work!
Greetings.
Liz is busy. Or at least that is the excuse she is using to not walk us, yet again.
Something about “shopping.”
Then more about “wrapping.”
There were some mumblings about “editing.”
And a fair bit of “cleaning.”
All we know is that since this whole “writing” thing has taken hold, we have to practically stand on our front paws to get fed, and use the deepest, most soulful Disney eyes we can muster to get a walk.
Jeez.
Merry Whatever The Hell Is Going On.
NO we do NOT look like this we just dropped this in for a laff.
Roxie & Layla
Liz’s Poodle Muses