New Blog Location

In order to make our blogging and lfe easier, we're moving Writing In Tandem to livejournal. You can Follow it here.

Updates and Thoughts from Twitter

* 15:11 Watching Private Practice. Alexis Denisof is guest starring. I love him. He is so pretty. #
* 12:29 You know, real life can stop getting in the way of writing any time now... #

Follow our Twitter!!!

Jamie Craig Interview with Jessewave

Hi all! Long time no post. That's my bad. But to make up for it, I bring an interview. Here's our interview--read and learn something new about us, comment and have a shot at winning one of three books!

Long time no see!

Okay, so we're really bad about blogging. More like, we suck at it. The fact is, I'm lazy and inclined to focus on writing and other projects. Blogging is not a priority for me. Which means I forget about it for weeks at a time. But we have developments!

First, though I haven't remembered to post weekly updates, we've finished the novel formally referred to "Spence/Rebecca." It's called Cowboy Blues now, and we decided to query agents with it. At first we were going to submit it to Kensington directly, but honestly, I want to establish a relationship with an agent now. It's a little scary, and more than a little tempting to just sit back with be happy with the tiny little space we've carved out for ourselves. But we're capable of bigger and better things, and this is the logical next step.

We're working on the sequel to A Renaissance in Blood. It's called The Age of Retribution and we're cutting things pretty close. It was a last minute addition to the Master Chronicles series, which means it was going to be slotted into the schedule without disrupting the other two planned books. But unfortunately, Vivien has been feeling ill. On the bright side, we're a little over half-way completed. But we don't know if it'll still be released in October or pushed off to November. Once we finish The Age of Retribution, we've got to work on the final two stories for The Calendar Boys and then hopefully we can get to 10,000 Kisses. Though we still have to finish the final two books of The Master Chronicles and start our new series for 2009 Triple Sin (Six m/m/f short novels set in Las Vegas). So a lot to do, but school starts in a few weeks, which means Vivien and I should have more time to work. And I even found a job that won't take my attention away from writing!

We had a new m/m/f release this weekend. His Very Own which is just a sweet little novella with some m/m/f, m/f/m, m/f, and m/m. You can read the excerpt and blurb here.

Vivien's first gay erotic romance release!

I'm on vacation so I'm going to make this short and sweet. The very first gay erotic romance I've written all by myself came out this weekend at Amber Allure. It's called Bridge Over Troubled Water, and I went for what I've written most - vampires. I'm really happy with how it turned out, though, and it's most definitely not my last one...

Detective Brady Lindstrom deals in death, and not just because he’s a homicide cop with the slaughter of a century to solve. Ten years ago, vampires murdered his lover. Ever since, he’s looked over his shoulder, ready for vampires to strike again. Or maybe just the one he loved.

Exhausted and angry about the needless deaths he has to investigate, Brady worries that the killers he’s looking for aren’t even human. Those fears are compounded by an unexpected visitor, the battered and nearly broken Cole Singer, the lover he’d long ago given up for dead. When Cole offers to trade information on the killers in exchange for sanctuary, Brady realizes he doesn’t have a choice. He just can’t turn his back on the face of the only man he’s ever loved. Even if he’s a vampire...

And now for an excerpt not seen anywhere else...

They remained quiet as Brady shot down the road. He kept alert, checking all his mirrors repeatedly, watching for any sign that they were being followed. Only when he was completely sure they weren't did he angle toward the highway.

He glanced across to the other seat. Cole was out cold. No wonder it had been so quiet.

Brady had a whole shopping list of questions he wanted to ask, questions about who the vampires were, how Cole knew them. They would have to wait. Rather than torture himself with the unknown, he focused on the road and getting home as quickly and safely as possible. None of it would make a difference if they didn't make it.

He parked illegally in the handicapped spot nearest his house. Cole hadn't moved or made a sound for the entire journey, and blood had soaked through into Brady's car seat. Brady took his coat off and threw it over Cole's shoulders, hefting him out with an arm around his waist. He kicked the door shut and took the shortest path possible to his front door.

Inside, he was at a momentary loss as to what to do with him. Cole was a mess; he needed to be cleaned up. Bathroom then, he decided grimly. Blood trailed slightly over the carpet, but that was something else Brady ignored. He couldn't do anything about it anyway.

Leaving Cole slumped in the tub, he hurried back and moved his car, his gaze jumping from shadow to shadow the entire time. His exhalation when he finally locked his apartment door behind him was as much relief as it was weariness. Nobody had followed him. They would be safe. He'd get Cole taken care of, then call in to Webster and see what steps were being taken, what Brady could do next.

He came to a dead halt in the bathroom doorway. An unconscious Cole couldn't bathe himself. He couldn't even undress himself. But Brady couldn't do anything about bandaging him up while he was such a mess.

Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat, he stripped out of his shoes and shirt before kneeling at the side of the tub. The bloodstained gauze he'd taped over the injuries was a wreck, unusable. So was the shirt he'd given to Cole. Keeping his gaze from the worst of the injuries, he scooped an arm behind Cole's back in order to pull the shirt over his head.

He froze. Scars mottled Cole's shoulder blades. Skinny, thick, long, short. Most were white with age, but there were a couple still pink from newness. There were even a few puncture marks. Fangs. Unmistakably.

He wished Cole was awake. He wanted to know what the hell had happened to him. If this had something to do with the pair at the frat house.

Somehow, he got the rest of Cole's clothes off, and still, Cole wasn't moving. Brady sat back on his heels and debated his options. A bath was out of the question. Cole might not drown, but...he couldn't do it. A shower? There was still the question of how he'd get clean. Brady could do it, but he'd get wet.

For the first time since putting him in the tub, he looked at Cole's face.

The smooth skin. Bruises blued one side of his jaw.

The dark lashes. Cole could have been sleeping.

That mouth. Blood had dried at the corner where his lower lip split. Brady reached forward and rubbed it gently away.

He's a vampire.

He's hurt.

He deserved it.

He saved my life.

Brady scrubbed at his face, wishing at least one of the little voices in his head would shut the other one up. The scent of Cole's blood clinging to his fingers settled his decision.

He undressed in record time. Angling the showerhead so that it hit farther down Cole's body, he started the water, deliberately opting for as hot a temperature as he could stand. It was harder to slide into the tub with Cole already in it; it wasn't exactly built for two. But Cole had always been narrower than him, and by spreading his legs farther apart, Brady slipped Cole carefully in between them, leaning him back against his chest.

He immediately closed his eyes and shuddered. Memories like sharp glass rained down on him, too many to avoid getting cut. Falling asleep on the couch with Cole stretched out on top of him, watching TV. Clinging to Cole after his father's funeral, when everyone had already left, when the only thing that made sense was having Cole in his embrace.

His arms stole around Cole's body, holding him even closer. Resting his head against Cole's, Brady ran his hands up and down over the lean body he'd once known so well, tenderly, gently, washing away the blood that marred its pale perfection. His fingertips barely touched the rough edges of the cuts; he didn't want the moment ruined by more of the reality he loathed so much.

It wouldn't hurt to pretend. Not for a few minutes. Pretend Cole had never died. Pretend that they were together, that everything was fine, that there was nothing to mourn except the loss of their youth.

The water stung where it pelted against his skin, but Brady welcomed it. It made him feel alive. The heat soaked into Cole's flesh, too, which just made it easier to pretend. Except then he remembered that he was pretending, that none of this was real, that Cole rested ravaged in his arms and would never be that innocent, carefree young man no matter how much Brady wanted him back, and the loss hit him all over again.

The sob caught in his throat. He felt like he was choking.

Maybe if he just held him a little bit tighter...

Another New Release! Time In a Bottle

Vivien selected the title Time In a Bottle when we signed up for this pax, and honestly, we struggled for an idea. We struggled a lot. I don't even remember exactly who struck on the idea of setting it at a music festival and featuring the romance between two musicians--opposites in every way. I might have, but Vivien threw herself into it enthusiastically and Wendy and Macaulay were born (and we fell in love with them).

Opposites in temperament, success, and genre, two artists find they literally make beautiful music together...

The Hoolabaloo Musical Festival is one of the summer’s biggest events, but country artist Macaulay Jensen isn’t there for the much-needed career exposure. He’s there to see one woman—rock and roll superstar Wendy DeMartino. Beautiful, wild, and wildly successful, Wendy is out of his league. So Macaulay is shocked when she agrees to an after-concert date.

Wendy has always been attracted to Macaulay, and she’s thrilled when he asks her out on a date. But the reality of their lives is too pressing to ignore, and the most she hopes for is one perfect day...

Genres: Contemporary / The Arts / Exhibitionism / Public Places
Heat Level: 2
Length: Novella (24k words)

And now a never before seen excerpt.

“I need to write that down,” she said when the last note faded away. Twisting, she grabbed her notebook from the table and flipped past page after page of scribbled music and lyrics. “Maybe we should call that one ‘Ten Thousand Kisses’.”

Macaulay nodded. “I like that a lot. It’d be great to perform it live. If we ever end up in the same venue and the same city at the same time.”

Her pen paused in its scratching. “You know, you say it like that, and I start to think we need to steal the bus and not look back.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just…frustrating because there was a time, not too long ago, when I could have just shifted directions and followed you across the country.” Macaulay shook his head. “And that sounds really creepy.”

“Not any creepier than me wishing I could do the same.”

“You’d think, being musicians and all, we’d be better at timing.”

She grinned and resumed her writing. “You’d think.”

Macaulay drew his thumbs over the strings. “What would be good timing for you?”

Wendy didn’t respond until after she closed her notebook and set it aside. “Remember that sense of being trapped? It’s because there’s no end in sight. Today’s probably going to be it for awhile.”

“Yeah. I thought that might be the answer.” Macaulay couldn’t hide his disappointment, though he wasn’t in the least bit surprised. They both had to work hard for what they had. He needed to work hard to get a bit of success, and she needed to work twice as much to sustain it. “I guess something like this was bound to happen with my lifestyle. I finally find a girl I really like, and she’s the one
girl who doesn’t have the time.”

Her hand settled over his, stopping his playing. “Don’t think it’s because I don’t want it. I do. It’s just…”

Macaulay met her gaze, stunned, as always, by the vivid color of her eyes. “I know. I understand. Believe me, I understand. It’s not like I’ve got the time, either.” He leaned over, brushing his knuckles against her cheek. “But we do have time right now to finish this great song. And after today….well, we can work something out.”

“And we have tonight.” She smiled, pure mischief. “I can sleep on the bus tomorrow. We can have hours and hours, just the two of us.”

His groin tightened at the promise in her words. Normally, he would not sleep with a girl he liked on the first date. But it felt like this relationship needed to be accelerated. They had an awful lot to fit into one day, even if Wendy claimed they had hours and hours.

“And Jill can’t up and leave if she can’t find me.” He couldn’t resist the urge to run his thumb over her full, bottom lip. He leaned back before he was tempted to do more, and settled his guitar more firmly on his leg. “Do you want to take it from the top?”

Her gaze raked deliberately down his body, her head tilting in order to peer around the obstruction in his lap. “Well, I’m more interested in your bottom, but I guess we have to start somewhere.” Grabbing her guitar, she started playing the melody she had picked out earlier, waiting until he joined in before adding, “So if we’re going with that title, does that mean the lyrics should focus on what one lover wants from another?”

“I think so. Do you want it to be a duet?”

New Release Day! Calender Boys--July: Vintage

This month we're releasing Vintage. I wanted to write a story about two older gentlemen--silver foxes, if you will. Because, let's face it, older gentlemen are hot. Just take a look at Patrick Stewart if you don't believe me.

Friends or lovers—or is it possible to be both?

For more than a decade, renowned chef Alain Tiessart has been married to his restaurant, driven to make it one of the finest in Paris. But time is slipping away. Lonely and ready for a change, he packs up his bags on one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year and drives into the French countryside.

Retired Brit Simon Hastings is prepared to spend Bastille Day as he always does—quietly and alone. When his oldest friend Alain arrives on his doorstep prepared to spend the next few days together, Simon is surprised but welcomes him in. He’s even more surprised when Alain suggests they move their relationship to a deeper one. Unwilling to jeopardize their friendship, Simon turns him down, a decision Alain accepts gracefully...

Until a friendly bet and an eager young man cast Alain in a new light. Now, Simon doesn’t know what he wants.

Or who...

Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Ménage (M/M/M) / Group Sex / Multicultural / Series
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (25k words)

And a never before seen excerpt

“No, I’m sure it won’t be. You’ll be utterly charmed by the shops. This is why I always walk to the village. Then I won’t be tempted to bring home more than I can carry.”

“Except now you have me to carry things for you.”

Simon smiled at him. “No, I’ll probably end up carrying things for you. Which is fine with me. I don’t mind being your faithful servant.”

“You say that now. But will you say as much if I ask for other sundries during my stay?”

“It depends on the other sundries, I suppose.”

Something about his tone made Alain pause. They hadn’t discussed the events of the previous night, even after they had occurred. Once the matter had been dropped, that was it. Now, he wondered if he was wrong to ignore it, but until Simon did or said something a tad more overt, he would remain wary of ruining what was already the best relationship he had.

“Oh, I wouldn’t ask anything I wouldn’t be more than happy to do in kind,” Alain teased. “Though Claude will likely tell you I’m a slave driver, so perhaps saying you’ll be my servant isn’t in your best interest.” He smiled and winked. “Even if it
is in mine.”

“I’ve seen the way you treat poor Claude. He’s right to call you a slave driver. But I don’t think you’d be quite so hard on me. For one thing, I suspect you like me more than you like Claude.”

Alain roared with laughter. “This is true. I can honestly say I’ve never propositioned Claude, or even entertained the thought. It would be like fucking one of those Ewoks.” He chortled at the image. “Those big eyes staring at me? I’d have to bend him over to even consider it.”

Simon snorted. “Well, thank you for introducing the image of you fucking an Ewok. That’s the sort of thing that could haunt my nightmares.”

“Then we’ll both be haunted. And I thoroughly blame you for it. You’re the one who put the thought in my head.”

“I wouldn’t have mentioned anything if I knew you were going to bring up Ewoks. And now the next time I go to Paris, I won’t be able to look at Claude without laughing.”

Alain waved it off. “Half of Paris already can’t look at Claude without laughing.
That’s why I keep him in the kitchen. Lucky for me, he’s a fantastic cook.”

“Have you ever propositioned any of your cooks? The ones who didn’t look like Ewoks?”

“Cooks? No. Waiters? Yes. Once.” Better to be honest. Simon would know if he was lying. “But in my defense, the boy wore pants to work that were painted on. A monk wouldn’t have been able to resist his cock.”

“And nobody’s ever confused you with a monk,” Simon said dryly.

“Exactly. I’m a man of carnal pleasures. Anyone who’s eaten at Rêver should know that.”

“True. The first meal I ever had at Rêver was the first one I could ever describe as truly sensual. I think that’s why I wanted to meet you.”

A car rumbled behind them, driving them off the road and onto the edge, out of its way in order for it to pass. Alain’s arm brushed against Simon’s, his skin firm and warm, and his body reacted automatically. He gritted his teeth. Did Simon even know what he did to a man? Did he have any idea just how appealing he really was?

“Lucky for me, you’re a man who can appreciate the truly sensual then. Which only proves my point. You wouldn’t have been able to resist Gilles either.”

“I might have been able to. I have excellent self-control if I have the proper motivation.”

His words from the night before drifted back, but Alain resisted the urge to remind Simon of them. No point in firming his resolve in that matter. In fact…

“How about a wager on that?”

Simon’s regular stride faltered for a moment, and then he was walking at the normal pace again. “What sort of wager?”

“I’ll find the most irresistible young man I can. Here or in one of the larger towns, perhaps. If you manage to resist him, I’ll cook every meal for you until I leave. And you’ll never have to pay for another meal at Rêver again. Is that motivation enough?”

“What if I can’t resist him?”

He hadn’t considered that. Simon seemed too proud of his restraint. “Then…” His mouth curved. “You promise to share him with me.”

And we already got a review from the lovely Elisa Rolle

The story is very interesting: two almost fifty years old friends who finally have the courage to admit that, if for so many years they manage to stay friends, when all the other men in their life disappear, maybe is since they have something more than friendship between them. But two "old" wolves are hard to lose their vices... Even if Simon seems the more steady and quite of the two, he is also a little grumpy, he is content with his quite country life and above all he fears to lose the only real friend he has: love could be a fleeting feeling, instead their friendship is very strong. But Alain has had a lot of time to re-think his life and he is sure that Simon is the right man for him, and his seductive powers are very good.

A very good story which manage to rebuild the right atmosphere of the lazy and wealthy life of a retired English business man in the lustful French countryside; it seems like you can savor the wines and the good foods Alain used to vow Simon, and you can also smell the flavor of their relationship; the setting is idyllic and the two characters really original.

More reviews!

Dee Dailey at The Romance Studio gives Fortune's Return 4 hearts

This is a great romance, well done gay eroticism. Many of us will envy the understanding and acceptance of a family like Ryan’s but they’re as real as the all too often penned homophobic families. The story moves well with enough action to keep me reading without wanting to put it down.

Lisa at Joyfully Reviewed reviews Keeping Time

Keeping Time is a smart May-December romance with a lovely twist: the guy is significantly younger than the lady. Clever dialogue and sizzling hot sex with solid secondary characters puts Keeping Time at the top!

Dee Dailey at The Romance Studio gives Unclose Me 5 hearts

The author shares all of their doubts and insecurities with us throughout the tale. Then, in a way only someone who understands relationships can, she shows them how important communication is to a love that will last. Their conversations are excellent, filled with humor and teasing most of the time. The eroticism is very well done with some mild bondage thrown in to show their versatility as lovers who are well suited in every way. I really enjoyed this book and the authors’ gift for keeping realism in fiction.

Dee Dailey at The Romance Studio gives Fortune's Honor 5 hearts

Great dialogue, scenery and interactions make this a powerful story. It’s easy to read, naturally flowing from scene to scene.

Monday News Roundup

We have a few covers and reviews today!




Christina reviewed Fortune's Return at Romance Junkies

Jamie Craig always seems to write heroes that I can’t resist and Teo is no exception. I instantly fell in love with him. He is a strong alpha male who isn’t afraid to let his gentler side show. The secondary characters are also very well drawn. Teo’s son Antonio is a lot of fun and Ryan’s interactions with him are very endearing. These two cowboys and their relationship feel very real to me. FORTUNE’S RETURN is definitely a keeper!

Teresa gave Commencement four angels at FAR

Ms. Craig has created a story about two very strong men who are willing to put everything on the line to reach for what they want most in life, a love to last a lifetime. Almost every student at one time or another has feelings for a teacher, but never get to live out their dreams. Levi is a man with strong beliefs in what is right and wrong. Andrew loves this about him even though those ideas made them wait to explore their feelings for one another for four years. Andrew appears to be a cocky young man, but underneath he knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to wait for it. Together they create a love that is poignant and very erotic. Thanks go to Ms. Craig for a fun read.

Commencement also got 3 stars from Rainbow Reviews.

Craig gives us a realistic portrait of two men who have held back for four years, so no wonder they go a little wild when the breaks come off. The sex is hot and those who like plenty of it will be well satisfied.

I was particularly grateful to see that the author has given these two more in common than just physical attraction. It makes me think they stand a good chance of making it long-term. I’m a sucker for happy-ever-after endings.

Valerie gave My Masked Mistress 3.5 hearts at Love Romances & More

This is a very hot story that will certainly leave lovers of the BDSM lifestyle panting for more. Jamie Craig graphically portrays the ways of a Dominatrix with her sub. Now, I don’t mind a bit of BDSM in my erotic stories. Some spanking, tying up and such, but when it comes to outright pain, which the characters enjoy, then for me this is going just a tad too far. But, having said that, I appreciate that there are many people who do live this lifestyle and will definately enjoy this story. The characters are charming, alive and believable, the plot is a page turner and the relationship between Dante and Noelle is hot! More than just the enjoyment of their BDSM sessions blooms between them and finally, Noelle has to come clean about why she approached him in the first place.

Sabella reviewed A Hidden Beauty for Joyfully Reviewed

A Hidden Beauty is a timeless romance that skillfully weaves the love of poetry through its pages until it becomes almost a language of its own between the characters. Jamie Craig wrote a spectacular and lyrical tale of love between two men who must battle their socially-ingrained repellence to the feelings they incite in each other. Micah is a young, naïve, and exuberant young man who has pursued his love of poetry against his family’s objections. When he unexpectedly finds a kindred soul in Jefferson, he is overjoyed, even if a little confused by his reaction to the man. Jefferson is a mature man who has been burned in the past for pursuing his desires, but he nonetheless is swept away by Micah’s charm. A Hidden Beauty is not a story for the casual, laidback reader. Its prose is very complex and deep, requiring the reader’s undivided attention to fully capture the characters' flavors and emotions. Also, there is a substantial build-up to the culmination of the relationship between Micah and Jefferson, which I felt was resolved rather quickly and simply, given the length of the book. A Hidden Beauty is not a light or short read, but it is well worth the time and attention for those readers who enjoy the emotional courtship aspect of romance!

Unclose Me got a 2nd, 5-Cupid review at Cupid's Library.

This is definitely a realistic story. The characters could be any one of a thousand couples facing these problems. The way in which Elliot tries to resolve the issues is typical male and the way Jude faces them is typical female, thusly in the beginning there is no resolution just further pain. In the end, this book is full of truths and communication between Jude and Elliot which every successful relationship needs and, well, a lot of very hot, sweaty sex. This is an excellent contemporary, erotic read that has a great message in it yet demonstrates it in a believable and unforgettable way with smoking' hot sex scenes.

Film Review: Indiana Jones at the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

I actually have several movies I could review, and three movies I got from Netflix with the intent of reviewing, but I thought I'd get back in the saddle after my inexplicable absence on Fridays by talking about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Yeah, I'm a month late. I honestly don't get out of the house that often, and when I do, I don't like driving to the theater and spending all that money. As a result, even the movies I really want to see I end up putting off for weeks at a time. Well, onward!

I love Indiana Jones. That hardly makes me unique. I recently rewatched the first three movies, and I realized some things about the series. For one thing, by most objective standards, they're not good films. Honestly, the plots are nonsensical, and the action scenes are completely over the top. In Raiders and Last Crusade, Indiana could have stayed home and none of the bad stuff would have happened. Well, his father might have eventually died at the hands of the Nazis, but he seemed okay with that fate as long as the Nazis didn't get the grail. Anyway, that didn't make me love the movies any less. I just recognize them for what they are, accept that, and enjoy them (mainly because of Harrison Ford, I'll admit).

Having said that, I believe The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a pretty good installment in the series. There were a few things I didn't like. For example, I think there were too many new characters that didn't have the time/space they needed to become fully formed characters. This isn't a problem the other movies had. It felt like there were a lot of faces we never saw before and had even less reason to care about.

From here on in, there are going to be some minor spoilers. be warned if you haven't seen the film.

I like the parts of the movie that deal with characters and names we already know. Marian and Abner Ravenwood (and Mutt). I can deal with the introduction of John Hurt's character (and he did a great job). I feel like everything to do with spies and spying and double crossing should be removed. The more I think about it, the more I think Mac and all that had no place in the movie. Indiana Jones isn't a spy, and we never needed the added element of double-crossing to make the movies interesting. I know that thematically it played into the paranoia and fear during the Fifties, but hell, we already had Cate Blanchett's character for that, and her motivations. Having Mac just felt like lazy writing, which shouldn't surprise me said George Lucas is the laziest man alive and he did the story and produced the thing (as an aside, thank God for Steven Spielburg. I don't like all his movies, but at least he can keep a leash (and muzzle) on Lucas or George Mucus as I call him).

The action scenes were way, way over the top, even for Indiana Jones. I'm torn on them. I felt like they just went a little too far, but then, that's what Indiana Jones is all about.

I know lots of people didn't like the alien aspect, but I honestly don't find those any more ridiculous than a radio to God, a grail that grants supposedly eternal life, and a religion that includes tearing somebody's still beating heart and then showing it to him before he dies by fire. My husband and sister thought it was a little heavy on the "knowledge is power" theme, but isn't that the other point of Indiana Jones? He's not stronger than the bad guy. He's not bigger than the bad guy. He's not even faster than the bad guy. But he is smarter.

Overall, I give it a B. I think in the future people won't be as dismissive of it as Temple of Doom (which I actually love) but they won't love it as much as Raiders of the Lost Ark or even The Last Crusade.

WIP Tuesdays

We have a few more titles this week because we had two WIPs in different stages of completion that we have gone back to. I also just finished the galleys for Calendar Boys--August: Scorched and Vivien is working on the print galleys for Trinity Broken.

Title: The Master Chronicles VII: A Renaissance in Blood
Publisher: Amber Allure
Length: 78,600 words
Date Started: 3/29/08
Date Completed: 6/20/08
Summary: Jesse Madding wakes up one morning to discover everything has changed and he is completely alone, both Emma and Gideon gone. Betrayed by the last person he’d expect, the life he once had is over, and a new existence must somehow be forged. Aching with the loss, Jesse vows to do everything he can to overcome the lies, return home, and find the vampire that makes his life worth living.

Title: An Innocent Proposition
Publisher: Amber Heat
Length: 35,000
Date Started: 11/20/07
Date Completed: 6/18/08
Summary: At twenty-two, Amanda Stevenson is tired of being treated like a child. Unfortunately, her parents are devoted to controlling her life, and they’re not above using blackmail to get their way. Their greatest weapon is the final two years of her college education, which they wield against her without remorse. Amanda’s choices are limited. But her former professor, and current friend, Jack Navis, has a suggestion—marry him and take advantage of the university’s tuition remission policy.

Jack is sure he can keep everything between them platonic. Especially since he’s a fetishist—he needs to watch people to get off and he doesn’t enjoy participating. He’s sure of that until he kisses her. And their world is thrown into chaos with new emotions, unexpected needs, and driving hunger.

Working Title: Spence/Rebecca
Publisher: Targeting Kensington
Length: Full Novel
Words Completed 20,000
Date Started: 5/21/2007
Date Due: No Deadline
Summary: Spencer Cole risks his life every night on the backs of the world’s most dangerous bulls, and that’s the way he likes it. A rising star on the professional rodeo circuit, he is poised to be one of the most elite bull riders in America. Until he sustains a devastating injury—a concussion that brings his future as a bull rider into sharp question, and a torn shoulder that requires major surgery. He is forced to turn to the only friend he has in town, Rebecca Rankin.

Rebecca’s annual trysts with Spencer Cole are the high point of her Independence Day Celebration, but it never occurs to her to seek out from their relationship. And she is not prepared to be thrust into the role of nurse-maid for a bitter, angry cowboy. She is obliged to put her own blossoming career as a photographer on hold, but vows it will just be until Spencer can take care of himself—or hire a real nurse to take care of him

But Spencer doesn't just need a nurse. He needs somebody to show him his life didn't end when his career did.


Title: 10,000 Kisses
Publisher: Targeting Kensington
Length: Full novel
Words Completed: 2,000
Date Started: 5/3/08
Date Due: No deadline
Summary: Macaulay Jensen and Wendy DeMartino come from two different worlds. He's alt-country and she's a hardcore rocker. Their chemistry and passion is undeniable, but their careers have always come first. If they want a shot together, they've got to learn how to break old habits. M/F, M/F/M content.

Inspirations--Paul McCartney!

Today is 6/18/08. It is significant to me for two reasons. First, it's Paul McCartney's 66th birthday. It's hard to overstate just how much I love Paul McCartney, and have done for the past eleven years. But to give you an idea, today is also my 7th anniversary. No, that's not a coincidence. I chose to get married on Paul's birthday (and walk down the aisle to Here, There, and Everywhere).

WIP Tuesdays

Title: The Master Chronicles VII: A Renaissance in Blood
Publisher: Amber Allure
Length: 80,000 words
Words Completed: 64,716
Date Started: 3/29/08
Date Due: 6/30/08
Summary: Jesse Madding wakes up one morning to discover everything has changed and he is alone. The life he once had is over, and a new life must be forged, but only after he finds the vampire that makes life worth living. M/M content.

Title: 10,000 Kisses
Publisher: Targeting Kensington
Length: Full novel
Words Completed: 2,000
Date Started: 5/3/08
Date Due: No deadline
Summary: Macaulay Jensen and Wendy DeMartino come from two different worlds. He's alt-country and she's a hardcore rocker. Their chemistry and passion is undeniable, but their careers have always come first. If they want a shot together, they've got to learn how to break old habits. M/F, M/F/M content.

No edits this week. It is the calm before the "galley storm".

Oodles of reviews

There have been a lot of reviews coming in the past few weeks, but we'll share them in pieces in order not to make your eyes blur, lol.

First up, Ley over at Joyfully Reviewed read and reviewed three different Jamie Craig titles...

Ley from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Out of the Storm...

I really enjoyed this book. Out Of The Storm was sweet, hot, sexy, and plain ol’ cute! Poor Nick was so disappointed and heartbroken, Jay was exactly what he needed to perk things up again. These two didn’t get off on the right foot when they first met, but a little bit of wine did the trick to get them to start opening up. Jay couldn’t resist Nick’s charm and Nick was a slave to Jay’s beautiful sexiness. I just loved these guys.

Ley at Joyfully Reviewed reviewed Corazon

As the story progresses, the chemistry and passion between the two become stronger and more desperate. It also becomes clear that Miguel and Mason’s relationship is nothing more than the need of companionship. Corazón fittingly touched my heart mostly because of Anton. He’s the big, strong silent type who only wants acceptance and love and luckily he finds it with Mason.

Ley at Joyfully Reviewed reviews Fortune's Honor...

This story is so great! I loved, loved, loved Clay, he is a beautiful and honorable man inside and out and Paige was made for him. Paige and Clay took time getting to know each other and the love blossomed naturally, of course neither one was looking for it or expecting it but that’s when you know it’s real. Fortune’s Honor is such a sweet and enjoyable story and I know many readers will just love it.

And a couple other Jamie Craig titles...

Pam from My Book Cravings gives Mosaic Moon 4 flowers...

Mosaic Moon is the third book in The Master Chronicles and the first that I have read. I was afraid that in a book containing continuing characters that I would be lost, but the story contains just enough back-story to allow readers unfamiliar with the previous books to follow the complex plotline. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book can easily be read as a stand alone and still be thoroughly enjoyed. It also includes a well thought out and plotted suspense portion revolving around the stealing of magical powers from a mage friend of Jesse’s. So along with love, passion and sex, the reader gets a nice dose of deceit, magic, suspense and grave robbing.

The relationship between Gideon and Jesse is enduring, devoted and happy, with lots of blistering hot sex, and with the addition of lovely Emma it just gets hotter. Through it all the men stay totally committed to each other, and their love. Some readers might be uncomfortable with the stronger sexually explicit scenes that involve BDSM, but within the content of the story and the relationship of the characters it seemed well done, believable and very erotic. Once these three get past their misunderstandings and fear, watch out!

Carmen at The Romance Studio gives Double Down 4 1/2 hearts...

I thought the author did a great job handling a potentially explosive situation. To say that I felt badly for their respective partners is an understatement as I would hate to be in their shoes, but Cass and Patrick had wonderful chemistry. At first, the main goal appeared to be sex, but I saw a progression in their relationship as they truly seemed to care about each other. Even though they were aware of the dangers of getting caught, they couldn't seem to stay away from each other. This was a fast paced and easy read and I was anxious to see where Patrick and Cass were headed. Do they get their happily ever after or do they suffer the consequences of their actions? I highly recommend reading Double Down to find out.

And finally, FAR gave my Ellora's Cave release its highest rating!

Missy at Fallen Angel Reviews gives As It Should Be 5 Angels and a Recommended Read...

Ms. Dean touched my heart, my soul and my very being with this inspirational story. I must admit that I’ve never read an erotic inspirational love story before but this one fits that bill. To be in Nora’s shoes, knowing that her husband that she loved with everything in her is back and she can tell him good-bye one more time means the world to her. This is something that I think we would all do if given the chance and this author captures that storyline perfectly. The time that the characters spend together is erotic and the love shines through in their behavior. This story is one of the most unforgettable ones that I’ve ever read, and after you read the love story between Nora and Marshall I’m sure that you’ll agree with me that it deserves to be a Recommended Read.

Look at all the pretty covers!

July is going to be a very busy month for us, with 8 releases between the two of us. Amber Quill announced song paxes last winter, which we jumped on, both separately and together. Now, we've already shown the cover of Querida, but we have 5 of the song pax covers ready to share, as well as the cover for my August release, Walk Among Us.

First are our Jamie Craig titles...

The Hoolabaloo Musical Festival is one of the summer's biggest rock concerts, but Macaulay Jensen isn't there for the much-needed exposure. He's there to see a girl--rock and roll superstar Wendy DeMartino. Beautiful, wild, and wildly successful, Wendy is out of his league. So he is shocked when she agrees to an after-concert date.

Wendy has always been attracted to Macaulay, and she's thrilled when he asks her out on a date. But the reality of their lives is too pressing to ignore, and the most she hopes for is one perfect day…

* * *
Bobby Kendrick has idolized reclusive author, Dr. Parley Taylor, since he was a teenager. The only problem is, Dr. Taylor has disappeared. He finally finds Dr. Taylor in a tiny basement apartment in Kansas City, and the first thing Bobby learns about his idol is that Parley Taylor doesn’t want to talk to anybody. Especially his fans. But Bobby wants to show Taylor that the world is waiting for him, and he is not going to give up on his Nowhere Man.

* * *Then come the Pepper Espinoza titles...

Malachi Hawkins left his home to move west as soon as he was old enough. Running from a family secret that he can never escape, he takes a job on the ranch of an old family friend, Lee Rose. The first night he’s there, he meets Christian, Lee’s foster daughter, a young woman of mixed Comanche blood. They call her a savage and treat her like the family slave, but Mal doesn’t see a savage. He sees a woman of unbelievable strength and a kindred spirit. But his secret is bound to catch up with him, and when it does, it could destroy both of them forever.

* * *
After a horrible car accident, Guillermo “Guy” Rivera doesn’t even remember who he is. Suffering from amnesia, bound to a wheelchair with a broken arm and a broken leg, he relies on his in-home caregiver, Dane Mathis, to help him with everything from bathing to eating. Guy wants Dane to be more than just a caregiver, but Dane keeps his distance.

Six months after their relationship ends, Dane Mathis dropped everything to help Guy put his life back together. It is difficult to treat Guy like a stranger, but he knows he must not give in to his deep desires. He won’t risk Guy’s anger by revealing the true nature of their relationship. Or the reality of their past together.

Even so, Dane can’t help but hope that this is the second chance they have both longed for.

* * *Then there are the Vivien Dean titles...

Detective Brady Lindstrom deals in death, and not just because he’s a homicide cop with the slaughter of a century to solve. Ten years ago, vampires murdered his lover. Ever since, he’s looked over his shoulder, ready for vampires to strike again. Or maybe just the one he loved.

Exhausted and angry about the needless deaths he has to investigate, Brady worries that the killers he’s looking for aren’t even human. Those fears are compounded by an unexpected visitor, the battered and nearly broken Cole Singer, the lover he’d long ago given up for dead. When Cole offers to trade information on the killers in exchange for sanctuary, Brady realizes he doesn’t have a choice. He just can’t turn his back on the face of the only man he’s ever loved. Even if he’s a vampire…

* * *

As an artist in New York City, Calvin Shumacher finally has the life he’s always wanted. In fact, only one thing can get him to come back to Illinois—his father’s funeral. All he wants is to bury his dad and hightail it back to New York, but a sniper at the graveyard puts those plans on indefinite hold.

So does Matthew Soto. The gorgeous gunman who speaks of monsters wearing human faces. And predicts there won’t be a body for police to find.

Calvin doesn’t know what to think when Matthew claims he didn’t do anything wrong. All he knows is that this man’s haunted eyes seem to pierce right into his soul.

But as each of Matthew’s assertions comes true, Calvin slowly realizes this killer could be the only thing standing between him and an unspeakable evil…

Forsaken - final chapter

The final chapter of our free serial, Forsaken, is up at Bam's blog.

If you've been waiting to read it in one swoop to avoid our cliffhanger chapter endings, now's the time to do it!

Inspirations - Firemen

Since we just finished our August Calendar Boys story about two firemen, Pepper and I have them on the brain. So to help with the heat of the approaching summer, we give you sexy firemen...
One of the things that makes firemen sexy? The thought of all that water washing over all those muscles...


We love this guy so much, we used him as the model for a new character who gets introduced in book 7 of the Master Chronicles...

WIP Tuesdays

Title: Calendar Boys--August: Scorched
Publisher: Amber Allure
Length: 31K
Date Started: 5/29/08
Date Completed: 6/4/08
Summary: Fires are blazing across southern Utah, and Aaron Meyers, volunteer firefighter, knows he should be concentrating on the flames. Unfortunately, he's too distracted by former crush, and current New York City fireman, Xander Wescott. Xander returns to Utah to help battle the flames threatening his hometown. He remembers Aaron as the gangly kid who used to follow him around, and he's unprepared for just how much he wants to know the man Aaron has become. M/M content

Title: The Master Chronicles VII: A Renaissance in Blood
Publisher: Amber Allure
Length: 80,000 words
Words Completed: 43,340
Date Started: 3/29/08
Date Due: 6/30/08
Summary: Jesse Madding wakes up one morning to discover everything has changed and he is alone. The life he once had is over, and a new life must be forged, but only after he finds the vampire that makes life worth living. M/M content.

Title: 10,000 Kisses
Publisher: Targeting Kensington
Length: Full novel
Words Completed: 2,000
Date Started: 5/3/08
Date Due: No deadline
Summary: Macaulay Jensen and Wendy DeMartino come from two different worlds. He's alt-country and she's a hardcore rocker. Their chemistry and passion is undeniable, but their careers have always come first. If they want a shot together, they've got to learn how to break old habits. M/F, M/F/M content.

We also have the edits for Scorched and Stealing West, as well as the galleys for The Calendar Boys Vol II: April-June, which is the paperback collection getting released in July.

New Release: Fortune's Return

Rather than clog everything up last Monday with our new releases, we decided to wait until today to announce our latest release at Liquid Silver, Fortune's Return. If you recognize a similarity to a het release we had earlier this year, that's deliberate. This story takes place in the same world as Fortune's Honor, because we just loved the quiet, honest atmosphere the Putnams evoked for us.

Ryan Putnam has lost everything. Laid off from teaching high school and dumped by his lawyer boyfriend, he has nowhere else to go but his childhood home - the Good Fortune ranch. He plans to take the summer to regroup and start over. He never expects to be smitten with a cowboy. Especially not a cowboy like Teo Mendez, who is everything Ryan's ex-boyfriend is not.

Four years after his wife's death, Teo Mendez has returned to what he loves the most - working the land. He believes the Good Fortune ranch is the perfect place to build a new life for his son, Antonio. When his boss's brother Ryan shows up to work, the other man's haunted eyes reminds Teo of everything he has lost as well. So he offers the only thing he can - his friendship. But it doesn't take long for Ryan to reawaken long dormant emotions and desires.

Ryan doesn't intend to find a relationship. Teo doesn't want to complicate his life with a fling. What they have between them, however, is too powerful to ignore.

Contains graphic m/m interaction, including oral and anal sex.

And now for an excerpt you can't find anywhere else:

******

The floor was wet, all right. The cupboard doors beneath the sink were thrown wide open, and Teo was on his back with his head poked beneath the plumbing, much like a mechanic underneath a car. His feet were bare, and instead of his usual long-sleeved shirt he wore for work, his chest was bare, covered only by a fine dusting of dark hair that did nothing to hide the sculptured muscles.

He looked up as soon as Ryan entered. For a moment, their eyes locked, Teo’s body going utterly still at Ryan’s entrance. He imagined he saw something flicker in the black depths, but just as quickly, it was gone.

“Be careful,” Teo said, repeating Tony’s earlier warning. “The floor’s wet.”

The wet floor was the least of his problems. He was more concerned about the way his cock was responding to the sight of Teo, half-naked and on the floor.

“Dad says the pipes are old,” Tony informed him from the doorway, and the sound of the child’s voice gave him the cold dose of reality he needed.

“They are old,” Ryan agreed, setting the toolbox down beside the sink and crouching down. “What do you need?”

“Got a basin wrench in there?”

Ryan had to dig around and hold up a couple tools before finding the exact one Teo was referring to. He handed it over, aware of the water dripping down the back of Teo’s hand, but it was Tony speaking up behind him that distracted him from lustier thoughts.

“Does this mean no bath tonight?”

“No.”

“But the water’s busted.”

“Only in here. Bathroom’s still working.” Something creaked and Teo muttered a curse. “Go get me another towel, Antonio.”

Tony ran out of the room, and Ryan took advantage of his absence to stare shamelessly at the boy’s father again. He knew Teo was broad, of course, with wide shoulders, but the man could probably crush him. Ryan supposed he was naturally a big guy, but being adept at hard, physical labor no doubt helped to sculpt those delicious muscles.

Tony hurried back into the room and slipped when he tried to stop. Ryan reacted automatically, reaching out to catch Tony before he could fall. Tony looked at him with big eyes, and Ryan gently took the towel from his hand.

“Why don’t you go sit on the couch for now, okay? That way, you won’t slip again.”

Before Tony could voice a complaint, Teo spoke up. “You heard him, Antonio. Go.”

The boy sulked as he extricated himself from Ryan’s grasp. He looked like he wanted to argue, but he backed up dutifully until he was gone.

“Sorry you had to come all the way out here. If you want to drop the chest, you could go back to the house if you want.”

“No, that’s fine. I wasn’t doing anything tonight.” Except thinking about you. “It looks like you’re going to need an extra set of hands to clean up this mess anyway. Here’s your towel.”

Teo took it without glancing away from his work. “I think I’m going to have to run into town for some parts for this. Some of these threads are completely stripped.”

“If you can get it to stop leaking for now, I’d be happy to run to the hardware store tomorrow.” Ryan didn’t quite know why he was volunteering. It wasn’t as though running Teo’s errands would increase the time he could spend in Teo’s company. “And talk to Clay about seeing to renovations. If he’s going to be using these cottages again, he should make sure they’re up to code.”

“This one’s my fault. I told Clay I’d take care of the smaller jobs, and I’ve been too distracted with other stuff to get to it.” Another squeak came from the old pipes. “No reason for you to go in alone, though. I need to get some other stuff anyway. If you don’t mind driving, we can go together.”

The thought of spending most of the day in Teo’s company made him feel a little giddy. It wasn’t a word Ryan would ever use to describe himself, except what other word could be used? He was a little lightheaded, and grinning like a fool, and...he was actually acting like a few of his students when they finally got a date to the Prom. That thought was more than a little sobering.

“I don’t mind driving at all. Of course, you realize that Paige and Clay are both going to have lists of additional items to pick up.”

“Yeah.” He thought he caught a glimpse of a smile. “They’ll just have to make up for it by watching Antonio.”

“I’m sure Paige will be happy to.” Ryan ducked his head to try to see exactly what was going on with the pipes. Teo had a flashlight shining on the busted connection, and the water was down to a mere trickle.

“And you?” Water beaded Teo’s brow, and there was a smear of oil across the sharp line of his jaw. “Think you can handle being stuck with me all day?”

“That’s a good question. But I think it won’t be too bad.” This was the understatement of the century, but the best response for Teo. “I think the real question is whether or not you can handle being stuck with me. You’ve probably already noticed, but I’m the talker in the Putnam clan.”

Teo gave the washer one last twist. Handing Ryan the wrench, he used the towel to wrap around the joint before sliding out of the cupboard. “I like your talking. Reminds me I’m not alone.”

Ryan straightened and stepped out of the way, his boots slick on the wet linoleum floor. “Actually, I thought that might be the reason you wouldn’t like my talking.”

Teo frowned. “If I wanted to be alone, I wouldn’t have invited you along for my morning rides.”

“Good point.” And the companionship was probably the only reason Teo invited him along. Ryan decided it was a good idea not to lose sight of that. “Do you have a mop?”

“You’re a guest. You’re not cleaning my house.” Rising to his feet, Teo seemed completely oblivious to the way his jeans were wet across the seat, outlining the curve of his ass even more than usual. “If you want to do something, go keep Antonio busy while I get this mess taken care of. Dinner should be ready in about twenty minutes. You like chili dogs?”

“Yeah, chili dogs are great.”

Ryan would have rather helped straighten up the kitchen, but he ducked out of the room without protest. He had been trained since he could walk to pitch in and help clean up after any catastrophe, great or small. It didn’t matter who the mess belonged to. But that was with family, he supposed. Teo clearly had boundaries, and Ryan knew he shouldn’t be so eager to completely ignore them. He wasn’t family. Ryan wasn’t even sure he was a friend.

Tony was on the couch, exactly where Ryan told him to wait. Ryan sat down beside him and stretched his legs out. “The leak is taken care of. Your dad says dinner will be done in about twenty minutes.”

“You’re staying?” There was no denying the way his eyes lit up. “So you can play a game with me while we wait?”

Ryan smiled. “I sure can. What do you want to play?”

Tony eagerly jumped from the couch and pulled a board game from beneath the coffee table. Ryan slid down to the floor, awkwardly folding his legs beneath him, and listened as Tony explained the rules of checkers...

*****

For more information, visit Liquid Silver Books.

WIP Tuesdays

Title: Calendar Boys--August
Publisher: Amber Quill Allure
Length: 30-35K
Words Completed: 20,874
Date Started: 5/29/08
Date Due: ASAP
Summary: Fires are blazing across southern Utah, and Aaron Meyers knows he should be concentrating on the flames, but he's too distracted by former crush, and current New York City fireman, Xander Wescott. Xander returns to Utah to help battle the flames, side by side with Aaron, who is a volunteer firefighter. He remembers Aaron as the gangly kid who used to follow him around, and he's unprepared for just how much he wants to know the man Aaron has become.


Title: 10,000 Kisses
Publisher: Targeting Kensington
Length: Full novel
Words Completed: 2,000
Date Started: 5/3/08
Date Due: No deadline
Summary: Macaulay Jensen and Wendy DeMartino come from two different worlds. He's alt-country and she's a hardcore rocker. Their chemistry and passion is undeniable, but their careers have always come first. If they want a shot together, they've got to learn how to break old habits. M/F, M/F/M content.