Release day has come around a little quicker than planned. I guess that’s what happens when you’re juggling editing for three stories all at once. I am now a master of time management, even if I’m a little more frazzled than usual.
Here’s the blurb for As the Leaves Fall. Falling onto an eReader near you today!
The perfect job or the perfect man. Surely Aiden and Noah can have both, right?
Aiden Turner’s world flipped upside down when his vengeful ex-boyfriend destroyed a major project, costing his uncle’s architectural firm an important client. Feeling guilty, Aiden has since sworn off all romantic involvement with anyone he works with.
Noah Walker is getting ready to interview for his dream role when he catches Aiden’s eye on the London Tube. They strike up a conversation, and even though the attraction sizzles between them, Noah must decline the offer of a morning coffee. The interview is crucial, and he needs to focus on getting the job, not getting a date.
When Aiden discovers the enigmatic man on the train is the same man he is interviewing, he is torn. But he knows Noah is the right man for the job, and he attempts to put some professional distance between them. However, it’s not long before Noah makes his way under Aiden’s skin.
Neither man can afford to risk their employment, but keeping their relationship a secret takes its toll. When things get ugly, they need to decide what’s more important—or if the job is worth the sacrifice.
Here’s what some readers are saying about Aiden and Noah:
“Check out this book if you want a fun read with scorchin’ hot sex! A great love story.” ~ Jamie. Alpha Book Club
“The motions in this book (like other M/M books) were so much stronger. The devotion the guys have to each other and their families feels so much bigger. I really loved how this story was told and the spicy factor was just enough!” ~ Lora. On Goodreads.
About five days before I was due to fly to Sydney to spend a few days in the Hunter Valley with bestie Nic Starr and N.R. Walker, my back started playing up. I took a few pills and went to bed. The next morning I couldn’t move. I couldn’t stand, sit, move about. Nothing. Lucky for me, I’m good friends with my physiotherapist so I explained my symptoms to her on a Sunday afternoon. I was ordered to not sit. Ever. Avoid sitting like the plague, she told me. So how was I supposed to survive a four flight to Sydney then another two hour drive to wine country?
I don’t know how I did it, but I did. I did all the right things to get my spine moving again and within a few days I was up and about. Special exercises, stretching and absolutely no bending or sitting. I got on the plane, but it was a tough flight and I still don’t know how I managed to do it. I arrived at the Hunter sore and in desperate need of a lie down and some pain meds. Lucky for me my problem was contained before it started to affect my legs.
I spent 5 days with Nic and Walker and while they were both tapping away at their keyboards while sitting at the dining table, I lay on the couch and chatted. I had a wonderful time away, I just wish I was a little more mobile and a little less pathetic. However, our little writers retreat in the country was well worth the pain of getting there and it was filled with lots of laughter, gossip and great gourmet food prepared by Nic. Walker and I were more than happy to help her eat it.
Nic’s driveway
While in the country I managed to get the first lot of edits done for True Blue. They took me the entire 5 days I was away to do because I wasn’t able to sit down for long stretches of time. They normally would’ve taken me a day, but at least they’re done now. (Release is scheduled for mid May.)
So, now I’m back home and trying to get on top of things again. I’m still not allowed to sit down for any longer than an hour, which is making writing this blog post a little difficult, plus I’m attempting to get the arc’s ready for As the Leaves Fall and As the Ice Melts. They’re coming, I promise. Does this mean the release is pushed back? Not at this stage. I should be okay to get them ready for publishing. Ever tried using a laptop whilst flat your back? Not as easy as you might think.
Anyway, the point is, if you’re waiting on something from me, please be patient. I’m working through my very long list, but it’s taking me longer than it should.
Want to check out some great m/m books and hear from some wonderful gay romance authors? Then this is the blog hop for you! Make sure you visit each author to find out about their latest release and enter the multiple giveaways available. Good luck!
Scroll down to read more!
A best friends to lovers road trip. What more could you want?
The Blurb:
Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.
Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.
Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?
While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.
From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles, to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.
An Excerpt:
WE STUMBLED up the stairs to our room at the B&B, and no sooner had we closed the door than Alex had me pinned against it, mouth assaulting my throat.
“Tell me this isn’t weird,” Alex said on a breath.
“It’s not weird. It’s right.”
“Tell me… tell me you want this as much as I do.”
Alex’s lips made their way to my ear and the soft spot behind it, making any coherent thought impossible.
“Want… you,” I managed to squeeze out.
In an instant, his body was gone from mine and I was left cold without him. Alex grabbed my hand and led me quickly to the bed, pushing me down and climbing on top.
“I don’t know what I’m doing,” he said, resuming the assault on my throat as he pushed my shirt up. He found a nipple and tweaked it hard.
“Ungh, more of that.”
My hips had a mind of their own as they bucked, trying to find some friction. I’d never been so turned on. Alex palmed my cock through my jeans, his movements gentle and hesitant.
“Is this okay?” Alex asked.
“Better if my jeans weren’t in the way.”
“Um, I…”
I stopped his movement, placing my hand over his but not removing it from my groin.
“It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I have no idea what I’m doing either, but I know I want something.”
Alex smiled, his eyes shining. “I’m so glad you’re just as clueless.”
I’m late, I know. Sorry. My time hasn’t been my own and I’m up to my neck with edits and pushy characters that simply won’t wait their turn.
This will be a quick post, as – if you’ve been following me on social media – I just haven’t had the time to scratch myself.
New Year’s resolutions aren’t really my thing. I could say I will eat more healthily, exercise more or be kinder to strangers. But we all know that after the first week we forget about the new things we said we’d do and just get on with life. That’s usually how it works for me anyway. (Oh, BTW, I’m not unkind to strangers, so that’s a moot point. The eating and exercise bit, that’s a different story.)
Christmas was a mixed bag for me. I spent some time with my sisters and their families which is always a lot of fun, but I also had to spend time with my father in law and sister in law which I was dreading. Needless to say, I’m not in a hurry for them to return. (FIL is still here *insert sad face*)
Anyway, I don’t want to talk about them. That’s not why I’m here.
2015 was huge for me. I self published my first book Out of the Blue in March with the second in the series, Black & Bluhe releasing in July. Two short stories happened as well, thanks to Wayward Ink Press. I finished the year off with Indigo Road.
The writing part is fun. I mean a lot of fun. Publishing and promoting is hard work so I was quite chuffed when I saw Out of the Blue, Black & Bluhe, and The One That I Want be nominated in the Goodreads MM Members Choice Awards. All up I received 10 nominations! How’s that for cool? I can’t thank you guys enough. You make all the blood, sweat and tear-jerking tantrums worth it.
If you wish to vote, click here but you must be a member.
So, 2016 huh? What have I got planned? I resigned from my EDJ to concentrate on my writing, as, lets face it, it’s a hell of a lot more fun. I will definitely have three releases this year and I’m hoping for a forth, possibly a fifth. It depends on how much time I get to actually write the words. If I could conjure up a perfect first draft, that would help.
So be sure to keep your eye out. This new author is far from done.
I hope 2016 is everything you hope it will be. Take care of each other and be kind.
Page/Word Count: 39 pages/11,500 words
Release Date: December 16, 2015
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Genre: Holiday Themed Contemporary Gay M/M Romance
Blurb:
Reid, an American shark research scientist, is in Perth, Australia working to develop a mobile app that may revolutionize shark safety practices. But even the company of his boyfriend, Graham, isn’t enough to stave off homesickness as Christmas approaches, and a missing shark and Graham’s struggling business seem set to ruin the holiday for good.
I was lucky enough to be able to help A.V. with betaing this story and I was impressed with the level of research she did to get the Perth feel just right. Below is a guest post where we talk about the on going fight for Marriage Equality in Australia. Change will come, let’s just hope it’s sooner rather than later.
On the Global Stage: Marriage Equality in Australia
Hi, RJ, Happy Holidays! Thanks so much for having me on your blog for ‘Five Engagement Rings‘— the fifth day of the ‘7 HOT Days of Christmas Blog Tour’ for “Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas”!
Thanks for asking me. It’s always nice to read about my little patch of the Earth and it’s not very often –read never – that I come across Perth in a book.
Oh, those authors are missing out! The more I learned about Perth, I had to write about it. Here’s a quick side-story: the way I first got to know RJ. I’d noticed where she lived, and I asked whether the term “lifesaver” or “lifeguard” was more prevalent in Western Australia. She answered, and within moments, she was taking a poll on Facebook with her friends! Now that’s pretty extraordinary. I took a chance, and asked if she would be kind enough to read “Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas” in one of its early drafts for Aussie-accuracy, and she agreed! I’ll always be grateful for her willing kindness. <3
Now, when I was writing this novelette, I waffled about how much of a “statement” I wanted to make with it. I came to realize that if I can’t make a statement with my own writing, then why write anything at all? So, this is a special post because it’s about one of the central themes of my story: marriage equality in Australia.
About the time I was outlining this story, the world was in a beautiful afterglow from Ireland saying YES to equal marriage by an unprecedented popular vote. America was still waiting, but hopeful, while our Supreme Court judges decided what was constitutional for all U.S. citizens. I was noticing rumblings that Australia was up next to be in the spotlight for same-sex rights. RJ, what sorts of things have you been seeing and hearing, and has it been building for a while, or does it seem to be happening quickly in the wake of other favorable outcomes around the world?
Our last Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, was a staunch Catholic and was vehement in his statement that the Australian Constitution would not be changed. (Currently it states that marriage is between a man and woman.) Mr Abbott’s sister is gay and has been in a relationship for many, many years and Mr Abbott states that he loves his sister’s partner, but he believes that marriage was only for one man and one woman. (He studied to be a Catholic priest once so his faith is very deep.) When he was ousted as PM and Malcolm Turnbull came to power we all thought “Woohoo. Marriage equality at last!” There was a huge push and it dominated the news, but, even though Mr Turnbull is quite liberal in his views, he states that the Party’s policy is to go to a vote at the next election, much like what Ireland did. The majority of us think it’s a waste of money (it would cost $millions to have a separate vote) and we don’t understand why the Australian Government is dragging its heels. It’s globally embarrassing.
Funny you say that; I have a lot of my own global embarrassment. Don’t get me started on Prop 8 from 2008—I do live in California. Talk about shame! It was feelings like these that prompted me to write “Wet, Hot, Australian Christmas” as if the cross-party bill had gone through and that there was a successful vote in favor of equal marriage. I chose to do this because, to me, that reality is how it should and needs to be. I am hoping that what I’ve written as fact inside my fiction will soon bear no separation between it and what has already come to pass. I’ve read articles that’ve said it is inevitable Australia will have marriage equality put into law—if not now, soon. I even found this great new video from Australian Marriage Equality that outlines a solid plan to help love win in 2016.
What’s your pulse on it, RJ? Is Australia going to make it happen this first time around?
God, I hope so. I can’t imagine how stupid we’d look if it didn’t happen soon. We have openly gay members of parliament and it probably feels a slap in the face for them especially. They’re the ones passing bills and voting within the Party to change things, yet this one policy has become such a sticking point. Honestly, to be the only English speaking, Western country to NOT have marriage equality is highly embarrassing. We’re on the wrong side of history.
I know that feeling, and waiting for people to make up their minds to do the right thing…ugh. But, soon! May 23rd and June 26th will always be days of happiness and hope for myself and countless others around the world. I’m incredibly proud of every person who is fighting for and supporting marriage equality in Australia now, and looking forward to adding their happy date to the list. The world is watching, and we’re cheering you on! Together, we can all stand on the right side of global history.
A.V. Sanders loves and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She shares her home with her husband, two cats, and tropical aquarium fish. She is an avid hoarder of Halloween decorations and inconsequential information. When writing science fiction, mystery, horror and romance with LGBTQ main characters, she can be found staying up all hours of the night listening to endless sets of EDM music. She is an advocate of love, art, animals and frivolous acts of beauty. She also has a growing suspicion that not causing harm to one another is what matters in the end.
12.16 – Wednesday – THE NOVEL APPROACH– A Partridge in a White Fir Tree: Exclusive Excerpt + Giveaways
12.17 – Thursday –CARLY’S BOOK REVIEWS– Two Sea Turtles: ‘Christmas Memories’ with A.V. and Carly + Giveaways
12.18 – Friday – PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE – Three French Men: ‘Let’s Talk About: Sharks!’ + Giveaways
12.19 – Saturday – BAYOU BOOK JUNKIE – Four Sea Birds: ‘On Location: Inspiration for the Story’ + Giveaways
12.20 – Sunday, Double Day! – AUTHOR RJ JONES’ WEBSITE + BECAUSE TWO MEN ARE BETTER THAN ONE BOOK REVIEWS – Five Engagement Rings: ‘Marriage Equality in Australia’ with A.V. + RJ Jones, Review at BTM, Giveaways at both!
12.21 – Monday – ON TOP DOWN UNDER BOOK REVIEWS – Six Blokes a-Layin’…Out: Review + Story Playlist + Giveaways
12.22 – Tuesday – HEARTS ON FIRE REVIEWS – Seven Sharks a-Swimmin’: Character Interview + Giveaways
If you haven’t figured it out yet, Indigo Road is here!
This is a friends to lovers, out for you, road trip story about what happens when two best friends discover much more than they thought when traveling on the open road. Don’t miss it!
Here’s the blurb:
Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.
Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.
Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?
While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.
From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles, to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.
I felt the need to give this cover it’s own coming out party because it’s just so beautiful. THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL MEREDITH RUSSELL FOR DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB!
(Psst Meredith! It’s so worth the 19 different colour changes!)
Release: 4 December 2015
Blurb:
Two best friends take a year off to find themselves… and end up finding each other.
Joshua Simpson has just finished four years at Purdue University, but that’s not why he’s buzzing with excitement. Once they’ve said goodbye to their families, Josh and his best friend Alex are taking off to discover America in an old but reliable VW van, planning on not seeing snow for an entire year.
Josh has always considered himself straight—except for that one time in college—so when he and Alex are living in such close proximity on the road, he’s unsure what these new feelings mean. Is it because they’re spending 24/7 together, or is it something deeper? And does it really matter since Josh has only ever seen Alex with women?
While in Oregon, Josh meets Johnno, a sexy but confusing Aussie surfer. While having an impromptu surfing lesson, Johnno helps Josh realize who he is and what he wants—but Alex’s reaction leaves Josh confused.
From a Montana ranch to the bright lights and dangerous streets of Los Angeles, to a dark and lonely deserted highway in Alabama, join Josh and Alex as they drive around the US, discovering not only who they are, but who they can be together.
