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.

News roundup

First of all, we're on Facebook! Head on over and friend us!

We're hoping to have a new cover to show you next week, but in the interim, we've got a whole slew of reviews to share. The Jamie Craig ones first...

Ley from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Chaos & Communion

Chaos & Communion is fascinating. The story opens with a sad, broken and confused Jesse. He’s nothing like the full of life man of the previous installments of this series. Marcus Brooker broke him and left a man who barely ate and was afraid to sleep for fear of reliving the hell he went through. I hurt for him, as well as Emma and even Gideon, who is not one of my favorite people but he loves Jesse and Emma and that is honestly the greatest reason of the short list as to why I care for him. Every time I read one of these books the talent of Jamie Craig amazes me. Chaos & Communion is a rather complicated story of alternate universes and altering lives to change the outcome of future events. Ms. Craig did a fantastic job with this complex story.

Christina from Romance Junkies gives A Hidden Beauty 5 blue ribbons

HIDDEN BEAUTY by Jamie Craig is a fascinating and incredibly moving novel. This is one of the most romantic stories I have ever read. This story is calm and soothing but it is also full of passion and intense emotion. The combination is very powerful. Micah and Jefferson’s relationship develops quietly and slowly so that the reader has ample time to get to know the characters and become invested in them. I read this story slowly savoring the beautiful prose. I can see myself reading this book again and again. I hope that there will be a sequel.

Frost's Fancy at Rainbow Reviews gives Corazon 4 stars

Author Jamie Craig (the writing duo of Pepper Espinoza and Vivien Dean) spin an excitingly romantic and sensual story of four individuals webbed together by tradition, expectations, romance, and lust. Battling their way through a situation that seems destined to hurt somebody no matter what action is taken, the characters evolve each in their own way. Eventually the protagonists come to understand that sometimes the deepest character change comes through the most difficult decisions.

Pepper got a number of reviews from Joyfully Reviewed...

Sabella reviewed My Only Home

...the romance between Noah and Lucas is sweet and the passion steamy when they finally come together. My Only Home is an entertaining read for a careless afternoon.

Nannette reviewed Fumble Recovery

I needed a minute to recover while reading Fumble Recovery, the story is sizzling hot! Derek and Melanie are explosive together. The romantic in me wanted more romance afterwards, but as far as sexy short stories go, Fumble Recovery is as hot as it gets!

And Barb reviewed Surrender's Edge

Surrender’s Edge was an interesting story. The characters were all looking out for each other and their futures. The feelings between everyone was of a natural and good feel.

And I got two new reviews this week...

Tanya from Joyfully Reviewed reviewed A Sentry's Touch

Iris and Avi are well-matched as a pair, though Iris doesn’t believe it at first, but the author does a wonderful job of showing not only their destiny but why they are meant for each other. A Sentry’s Touch takes place in an alternate universe, in the same timeframe as today. The author did a fantastic job in creating this realm and I hope the author will be continuing the stories in this realm. There is a wonderful plot line, as well as sensual loving scenes and fast-paced plot in A Sentry’s Touch that many will enjoy.

Stephanie from Simply Romance Reviews gives As It Should Be an A and an Outstanding Read

As It Should Be ask the age old question if you could go back and change one thing in your past, would you? It also delivers a hot and sentimental read that leaves the reader satisfied and hopeful. Nora is conviction that she is dreaming yet she is still determined to change the events of the day leave the reader hoping that she is successful. If you’re looking for a feel good sexy romance As It Should Be is the book you’re looking for.

Massive Review Post

Speak It's Name reviews A Hidden Beauty.

The slow and careful development of the relationship also allowed time for the forces of society to be amply ranged against the two men. I enjoyed – in a sort of masochistic way – the feeling that, slowly but surely, the jaws of intolerance were closing on the burgeoning love story. By the end I was on tenterhooks as to which force would come to the point of action first. The slow but sure build up of tension almost certainly contributed to the fact that the sex scenes in the book are some of the best I’ve read. By this time we know exactly how much they mean to both men, and some of that awe and wonder comes across, making these scenes truly intimate rather than merely voyeuristic.

Literary Nymphs gives A Hidden Beauty 4.5 stars!

A Hidden Beauty is beautifully written and the story is finely crafted. The language is “olde worlde” and is appropriate for the period in which the story appears to take place. I thought the pace of the love affair between the two characters was quite fitting given the era, but it seemed to me that Micah’s character was very juvenile and ordinary and maybe this was intentional on the part of the author. However, Jamie Craig does a good job on Jefferson in his role of seducer and experienced older lover.

Uniquely Pleasurable reviews A Hidden Beauty

There are some moments worthy of Wharton here, as when Jefferson is riveted by Micah removing his jacket in a warm room, then dismayed when he covers himself up again for a walk outside. Micah’s hero-worship of Jefferson is well-played, as is Jefferson’s reluctant yearning for the younger man. Their histories and personalities are well-developed, which makes their interest in each other convincing (and justifies the reader’s interest in them getting together and prevailing over convention and that pesky ghost. If their dialogue is a bit overwritten at times well, an eager student and a reclusive poet might well dress their language up a bit as a way to mask desire they fear may be unrequited (in Micah’s case) or disastrous (in Jefferson’s). An example: “The trick is to decide what is truly important. If I discover a pursuit worthy of my time, I’ll do what I must in order to accommodate it.” “I know you will.” Jefferson never took his gaze from Micah as he moved. “You probably aren’t accustomed to abandoning a worthy pursuit.” His inspection brought him closer and closer to where Jefferson sat. “That’s probably safe to surmise.” The passionate restraint of the two main characters is on better display in the charming epistolary romance they begin upon Micah’s return to Boston. When the two finally come together sexually, Craig gives us a consummation both satisfying and absorbing, with Micah’s inexperienced zeal a foil for Jefferson’s combined relief and fear.

FAR makes At the Advent of Dusk a Recommended Read and gives it five angels!

Jamie Craig delivers a fantastic tale in At the Advent of Dusk. The story was well balanced with the perfect blend of suspense, action and toe curling sex. Mary is strong in character and of mind. She is willing to do what is necessary to keep those she loves safe and out of harm’s way. Gideon has a will of steel, but found it bending to what would make Mary happy. I know some of his actions surprised not only Mary, but himself. Watching the two come to terms with a budding relationship was something to behold. Each knew that no matter how hard they tried to fight their attraction destiny would not be denied. This was my introduction to Jamie Craig and I’m elated with what I’ve discovered. I am looking forward to reading the sequel series to this incredible book.

Two Lips makes Out of the Storm a Recommended Read and gives it 5 lips!

Jamie Craig does it again, bringing drama, angst, and hot male sex, into one steamy, blow-your-socks-off novel. This story rocks! Actually, Jamie Craig is the collaborative efforts of two awesome writers: Pepper Espinoza and Vivian Dean. Together they write amazing stories. Nick is an outdoorsman that loves to be active. And Jay’s concern for Nick goes way beyond the call of duty. There are a lot of bedroom antics that you won’t want to miss! Out Of The Storm is a read that is sure to keep you very warm at night. This is part of the Calendar Boys series, but it can be read alone. I suggest getting them all for full enjoyment.

Literary Nymphs gives Out of the Storm 4.5 stars!

The writing team that makes up Jamie Craig has done it again with their light hearted, fun and sexy April offering in their ongoing Calendar Boys series, Out of the Storm. They have come up with another interesting meeting premise, witty dialogue that often had me chuckling, great characters and enough hot physical attraction to set the cabin on fire. Best of all it gave the men and their new relationship hope for the future. This well written and plotted gay romance is another of those books designated as a keeper to be re-read again in the future. Nothing about this series disappoints, so give it a try and enjoy!

JERR gives My Masked Mistress 5 stars and an O rating!

My Masked Mistress is a wonderful story of love and redemption. I didn’t like Noelle much at first. While I felt she was justified about being passed over for promotion, I couldn’t agree with how she went about venting her anger. Noelle knowingly prayed upon Dante’s sexual proclivities, becoming a dominatrix in order to make him fall madly in love with her. She was the perfect Domme for him because she used her erotic research, which is shown through carefully orchestrated scenes, giving them both maximum sexual fulfillment. Noelle teases and tantalizes Dante so well that I couldn’t help but envy him. I needed to take several toy breaks during their play because their interaction was so steamy! After some time with Dante, Noelle finds her elaborate scheme has backfired. What a man Dante was- waiting for many years, hiding his submissive tendencies, until the right Domme came along. Noelle made him happy until the truth comes out. In my estimation, it takes an extraordinary person to forgive such an egregious fault. My Masked Mistress hooked me from its opening word to its most satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed Noelle and Dante’s story and look forward to reading more from the wicked pen of Ms. Craig.

Monday News Roundup

Prisilla Alston at JERR reviewed Chaos & Communion and gave it 4 1/2 stars:

This is the fifth book in a series from this author, but without having read the other four books, this one can definitely stand on its own. The theory of the book made sense, and I was able to follow along with where the author was going with these engrossing characters. Clearly, Emma and Gideon are in the relationship for the long haul as they work diligently to heal the man they both love. They see he's not the same, and so do we, as he struggles to come to terms with what happened in his life. There are other secondary characters that are eager to fill us in on the entire novel. While we feel the love as it surrounds us by the main characters, this is not a "cutesy" romance. The sex scenes were strong and pulsing page turners that easily drew me into their erotic web. As this is a story about a dominant vampire and his submissives, I fully expected to see some blood play, and it definitely didn't turn me off. In fact, those not into the lifestyle may be surprised at how turned on you are by some of the sexual acts. The book was very well-written and I didn't have a problem until I got to the very end. It wasn't a bad ending, but somehow seemed incomplete. Perhaps there is a plan for another book, causing things to seem unfinished. To find out if Jesse gets healed and some of the things he experiences through the process, I encourage you to read The Master Chronicles V: Chaos & Communion. Despite my disappointment with the unclear ending, I highly recommend this book.

Elisa Rolle reviews Out of the Storm

Jay Archer is a park rancher who needs to evacuate a flood zone full of tourist. Nick Lau is a television weather man who has not foretold the bad weather and chose to spend a romantic weekend with his lover in an isolated cabin. But he was dumped soon after his arrival to the cabin and now is mourning and trying to get drunk. And he has no intention to leave the cabin.

At first Jay is all to leave Nick to his depression, but the flood caughts him to the cabin and very near to Nick. Nick all in all is a very handsome and cute guy, and Jay is not the type to deny a man, if he asks and is enough sober to understand what he is asking. So Jay and Nick spend a sexy weekend, but when the rain stops, Jay has to return to his work and Nick to his city... can they find a common path?

Out of the Storm is a sexy little story. Jay and Nick are two characters without inhibitions, and they have no problem to try the boundaries of sex. There is a bit of pleasure/pain game and D/S on both part. Nor Jay or Nick are totally dom or sub, but I think that Nick is the more fragile, he needs reassurance and a man near him who is enough independent to not rely on Nick for everything, but also enough self-conscious to leave sometime the upper hand to Nick.

This is a rather short book, less than 60 pages, and it also spans for only a weekend in Jay and Nick's life, but for me is very enjoyable, and the two characters are deeply enough to allow me to understand them and their reasons.

She also reviewed A Hidden Beauty

The story is very long and it's peaceful and quiet, it flows like a placid river. It starts slow and continues with a almost straight course. But it's very beautiful and romantic. The paranormal event is only a second line aspect, and this is for sure an historical romance. Reading it I remember some biography I have read of poets who chose to live alone far from the so-said civil society, to enjoy the nature and the simple life of the country. In this case there is also the matter of homosexuality, and Jefferson chooses a self-imposed exile to avoid the consequences of a sexual scandal in the scholar Harvard community.

Almost all the story is setting in Jefferson's cottage, and in a very small village, and both Micah than Jefferson come from wealthy family who provide for them, and so they live in comfort. But more than the historical accuracy of the setting, it's the sensuality between the two men that draws me, the poetry that becomes love stimulation, the words that become sex toys...

Beautiful cover that enlights you in one of the sexual game they play... you should read it!

Tina at Two Lips Reviews gave Mine 5 Lips and a Recommended Read!

Jamie Craig gives you sex, more sex, and intrigue in Mine. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story that are sure to keep you guessing. There are also a lot of things at play in this book, you might not realize at first. The surprises will leave you wondering until the very last page is turned. Eric is dominating, endearing, and completely not what you would expect. Is he really a stranger? Or is there more to this? Travis also has his secrets. Is he the lover in this story? Or a mad man carefully in disguise?



This story has many levels of mind games, as well as body games. I loved how it is written. It keeps you wondering and completely off guard the whole time. You won’t be disappointed in this book. But just to let you know, it’s not for the faint of heart. There are extreme sex scenes in Mine, as well as extreme violence and extreme blood. But it’s well worth it! This is part of the Calendar Boys series. Mine is a great read. Ms. Craig gives you everything you could want in a story: sex, intrigue, and true love, with a final twist that makes you want more!

New Release: A Hidden Beauty

I love poets. I love Romantic poets. I love Romantic poets that were gay, had gay experiences, or rumored to be gay. My very real fascination with Romantic poets led to this novel. Vivien indulged me in my desire for hot gay poets, hoping it would help me get it out of my system. Of course, it didn't because hot gay poets are hot! And our gay poets, Jefferson Dering and Micah Yardley, are super hot.

Poetry drew them together. Forbidden love bound their hearts.

A student of letters, Micah Yardley wants one thing: To meet Jefferson Dering, a poet he’s long admired from afar. After hearing his idol speak at Harvard, Micah travels to Jefferson’s home in Wroxham, entertaining visions of discussing poetry over dinner and drinks. What he experiences exceeds anything he ever anticipated.

Jefferson finds Micah mesmerizing, passionate, everything he has ever wanted. But ten years earlier, caught in a compromising position with another young man, he exiled himself from Boston and proper society. Now Jefferson represses his desire out of respect for Micah, but his tumultuous emotions stir the restless ghost of Wroxham church—with deadly consequences.

Amid denial, desire, and the villagers rising panic, a single kiss is enough to change the course of their lives…and ignite the flame that could fulfill a generations-old promise.

Warning: Contains explicit male/male sex, men who love poetry, and unrestrained love letters.

And now an excerpt.

Turning on his heel, he grabbed his coat, ignoring Ewan’s frown. “I’m going for a walk. Don’t wait up for me.”
After Ewan’s earlier assessments, Micah half expected to be stopped. But Ewan let the door click shut behind him without argument, and Micah fled the inn for the welcoming night.

Micah went directly to Jefferson’s home, though he suspected it would be a fruitless journey. The windows were dark, and nothing, not even a hint of smoke, rose from the chimney. The house didn’t look empty. It looked abandoned. Micah shook his head and tried to tell himself he was being ridiculous. Jefferson hadn’t fled Wroxham.

Micah narrowed his eyes and surveyed the area. Every window in the village blazed with light, as though nobody wanted to be alone in the dark. Every building seemed brimming with life, with smoke from the fire, with the smells of supper. Every building except Jefferson’s cottage and the church.

Micah didn’t hesitate. He crossed the small town square with long strides. A full moon sat, fat and white, just over the horizon, allowing enough light to move with ease. Even from a distance he could see the church door was not shut all the way. Had the hinges been damaged earlier? Micah certainly wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case.

Jefferson’s voice drifted from the dark shadows. “Not tonight, Micah.”

Though he paused on the threshold, Micah squinted in order to find his friend. “Why
not? Would you really send me away?”

“I would. You should go back to your room.” The rising moon cast more light through the church windows, and he saw Jefferson’s familiar form in the middle of the aisle.

“Perhaps we can meet tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to meet tomorrow. I wish to see you tonight.” Even to his ears, he sounded like a petulant child. Micah cursed his impatience and took a step into the church. “You’re my friend, Jefferson. As such, I refuse to look away simply because you wish to shield me from whatever is troubling you.”

Jefferson took a step back, maintaining the same distance between them. “Micah, if you are my friend, you’ll accept my wishes.” After a week of listening to Jefferson speak, he was intimately aware of each nuance in speech and tone. Each word seemed to come with great effort. “My wish is for privacy.”

“Then you would have stayed locked up in your home.” He pushed the door shut behind them, blocking out the moon. “I know you. I know you come here when you seek solace. Why is it so difficult for you to accept my solace instead of a cold, empty church?”
Jefferson made a short, strangled sound that might have been an aborted laugh. “You really have no idea what’s going on, do you?”

At least he wasn’t insisting Micah leave anymore. That was a good start.

“No.” Micah ventured further into the church, until he stood at the end of the aisle. It was then that he realized he’d been mistaken. The church wasn’t cold. It was as hot as an August day at noon, and he had to unbutton his coat in order to relieve the sudden discomfort. “Why don’t you tell me, Jefferson? Why did you flee this morning?”

“Because if I stayed, it would only get worse.” He walked to the front of the church, putting the length of the building between them. “There’s a spirit here, Micah, and I don’t understand how, but he…he responds to me.”

“A spirit?” More than one theory that day had posited such an option, but Micah had dismissed it as foolhardy. It was inexplicable that Jefferson would subscribe to the same theory. “Surely, you jest.”

“Do I look like I’m laughing?”

Since Jefferson still faced the altar, Micah couldn’t discern what exactly he was doing, though the harsh tone of his voice made it clear that laughing was not it. But he still didn’t understand how a rational man such as Jefferson could believe in spirits.

“Does he haunt you then?” Micah edged to the far right aisle. Jefferson might insist on keeping the distance between them, but he couldn’t hide from him completely. “How can you even be sure your spirit is male?”

“He doesn’t haunt me.” Jefferson seemed too distracted to notice him, and Micah inched closer to him. “He haunts the church, but he only manifests himself to me. Usually. I know who it is. His name is…was…Joseph Mather. He was a traveling minister. He helped build this church.”

“You said your grandfather built this church.”

“He did. They built it together. Joseph had been an apprentice to a carpenter before he decided to preach the Word. He died here. Before it was finished. He took his last breath over there.” Jefferson gestured at the pew—their pew as Micah was beginning to think of it. “I found letters of his once, tucked into the Bible my grandfather kept. They…Joseph and my grandfather…were very close.”

The ache in Jefferson’s voice drew Micah irresistibly closer. “Like us.”

“Yes,” Jefferson said hoarsely. “Exactly like us. Perhaps that’s why…”

Micah waited for Jefferson to finish the sentence, but it never came. Pain tore through him. He hated seeing his friend like this, in such obvious torment.

“Is the spirit hurting you somehow?” he asked, hoping to prompt more details.

“No, but I am likely causing him a good deal of pain.” Jefferson looked up and blinked. He moved to take another step back, but he didn’t have anywhere else to go. “And you…Micah, please, just stop. Don’t come any closer. Please.”

And the link with more information.

Inspirations - A Hidden Beauty

Yesterday saw the release of our Samhain title, A Hidden Beauty, so in honor of that, we're posting pictures of two men who inspired the physical characterizations of our heroes.

First up is Jefferson. Now, Jefferson is the older of our two poets, the more mature, the more jaded. Pepper had a very definite idea about who she wanted - Damian Lewis. He's a British actor who starred in Band of Brothers and Life.



Yes, that's red hair. We love it. He's not sexy in a conventional sense, but there's a magnetism about him that we adore. On Valentine's Day, Pepper posted a video of him reciting To His Coy Mistress. I have no idea how to embed the video, so follow the link and watch. It's amazing.

For Micah, we knew we wanted someone earthier, though Micah is from an upper class family. He's also younger than Jefferson by a decade, so that someone had to look a little more carefree, a little sweeter. We found the inspiration in someone we never expected, gay porn star Rafael Alencar. Believe it or not, this is the first picture I ever saw of the man, but it was finding this one that made us seek out his work.
It was the tousled hair, the bright clear eyes, that really captivated us. It wasn't until later that we saw just how good he looked without his clothes on, lol.

Thinking of these two just makes me smile, but then I have to admit, this one probably ranks as one of my all-time favorites of what we've written. It's one of the most romantic stories we've ever done. Hopefully one day, we'll be able to go back to them.

News roundup

Bad Vivien! I got so bogged down in work late last week and on the weekend that I totally forgot about Flashback Friday until Pepper mentioned yesterday needing something to blog about. So the fact that our flashback showed up on Sunday is totally my fault. Hopefully, this week will be better.

We have a new cover to brag about! Our upcoming release for Liquid Silver, Fortune's Return, is about a man who returns to his childhood home after a bad break-up, only to fall for his brother's new ranch hand. Pepper asked that we request David, who did all her solo titles there, because he creates original canvases that then get scanned in rather than using stock photography. The end result is quite evocative, we think:


On the review front, it's been good.

At Romance Junkies, Robin Snodgrass reviewed Chasing Silver and gave it 5 blue ribbons:

Jamie Craig has penned a thrilling adventure in CHASING SILVER. This time-travel romance is filled to the brim with non-stop action, sexy dialogue, and sensual love scenes. Remy is a sassy, street-smart heroine who refuses to give up, no matter what the obstacles. In my opinion, Nathan is the perfect hero for her. He is strong and protective toward Remy even though she is a strong woman who does not need coddling. They work exceptionally well together whether tracking leads, dodging bullets, or just having fun in the bedroom. CHASING SILVER is an inventive and exhilarating adventure that you do not want to miss. The explosive conclusion left me breathless! I cannot wait to see what Craig has in store for these remarkable characters in the future.

Natasha Smith at the same site reviewed Trinity Broken and gave it 4.5 blue ribbons:

TRINITY BROKEN by Jamie Craig took me on a rollercoaster ride like none other. I could not stop reading this book and while I winced, cried, and even got angry at the turn of events in the storyline, I relished and cherished the end result which was a truly magnificent story of love, forgiveness and the ability to overcome horrendous odds to find true love. Quite simply, it was glorious. Sara and Cameron are mates and while they love each other, their ability to love and accept Josh into their lives is very beautiful. Josh had never experienced anything as profound as Sara and Cam’s love and his ability to accept them as well is realistic and often times steamy! The trinity that is Cam, Sara, and Josh is written in such a way that unconditional love is endless – and to me, that is the way it should be.

We've also gotten an early review for our new release tomorrow at Samhain, A Hidden Beauty. Mrs. Giggles gave it an 83 and called it a "romantic gay story." She especially liked Jefferson: Jefferson has that nice tortured artist vibe about him that is most attractive. He doesn't overdo his whining or self-pity, in fact, he's an adorable woobie who is hurt and in need of some TLC.

Last but not least, we have a new contract with Samhain! The story we were working on last week, actually, at our editor's request. Querida is a May/December het novella and is scheduled for a July 22 release.

Saturday's News Roundup

Two covers and a review today!

First, the review.
Chasing Silver.
Fallen Angel Reviews.
Reviewed by: Stephanie B.
Rating: 5 Angels out of 5 Angels. A FAR Recommended Read.

Chasing Silver by Jamie Craig is a marvelously inventive, time-traveling, suspenseful, steamy romance. The main characters are rough around the edges, distrustful, take the law as advisement, yet are loyal and caring deep down under their prickly skin if they choose to befriend someone. Their situation is impossible, how can someone from the future function in the present time frame and how can someone from now understand the differences inherent in the time differential? And yet, Ms. Craig makes the impossible seem obtainable. The story is non-stop action from page one and keeps the reader on their toes trying to figure out how Remy and Nathan can possible make this work if they even survive all the people who seem intent on harming them. Oh and when Remy and Nathan decide to take their relationship further their love scenes are steamy yet sensual. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is closure for most of the elements to this story and yet Ms. Craig has left a perfect set up for a sequel. And as hinted, at the end of the book, there is a teaser for a sequel. I can’t wait for the sequel to be released; it should be very good book too! I highly recommend Chasing Silver for fans of gritty and steamy romantic suspense, time-travel, or even science fiction!

We received our cover for A Little Bit Bewitched as well.

It’s nearly love at first sight for Professor Daniel Meyers when he meets his associate’s, Charles Cowling, American assistant, Lucy Hensen. She enchants him, but he soon learns that when it comes to Lucy, enchanting is not merely hyperbole. A very powerful witch, she’s more than just Charles Cowling’s assistant. She’s his initiate in his coven. And his lover. If that wasn’t complicated enough for Daniel, he finds himself fantasizing about Charles—and Charles’ mouth—at the strangest times.

When Lucy and Charles invite him to a coven meeting, he is curious enough to agree. There he discovers his own latent magical abilities. But he wants more from Lucy and Charles than a night of magic. In fact, he’s more than a little bit bewitched by both of them.

And we also received our cover for A Hidden Beauty.

A student of letters, Micah Yardley wants one thing: To meet Jefferson Dering, a poet he’s long admired from afar. After hearing his idol speak at Harvard, Micah travels to Jefferson’s home in Wroxham, entertaining visions of discussing poetry over dinner and drinks. What he experiences exceeds anything he ever anticipated.

Jefferson finds Micah mesmerizing, passionate, everything he has ever wanted. But ten years earlier, caught in a compromising position with another young man, he exiled himself from Boston and proper society. Now Jefferson represses his desire out of respect for Micah, but his tumultuous emotions stir the restless ghost of Wroxham church—with deadly consequences.

Amid denial, desire, and the villagers rising panic, a single kiss is enough to change the course of their lives…and ignite the flame that could fulfill a generations-old promise.

We also submitted the fourth book in our gay novella series, Calendar Boys. It's called April--Out of the Storm and here's the blurb

When it rains, it pours. Television weatherman Nick Lau’s romantic weekend with his boyfriend, Austin, ends in disaster before it even has the chance to begin. Austin dumps him and leaves their cabin just as the heavens open and soon the mountain is awash in dangerous flash floods.

Jay Archer just wants to escort the tourists off the mountain and to safety. But instead, he finds himself stranded in a small cabin with the very attractive Nick Lau. He seeks sanctuary with Nick. Soon Nick returns the favor by seeking a different kind of sanctuary in Jay’s arms.

Also, the winner of this week's drawing is

!!!!JEANNE!!!!

Please email us at jamiecraigbooks (at) gmail. com in order to collect your prize.

Weekly roundup

This has been a very quiet week for us, though not unproductive. No new releases, no new reviews, no new covers, but Pepper and I have been busy with editing and galleys. We finished the first round of edits for A Hidden Beauty and received galleys for Liaisons in Jubilee (which will be coming out in a print anthology in May, woo hoo!), At the Advent of Dusk (the prequel to Master of Obsidian, about Gideon meeting Mary), and I got the galleys for my upcoming vampire novella coming out as part of the same vampire pax as the prequel, Ruby Red Rebels.

On the writing front, we finished Fortune's Return, a 72k gay erotic romance, which I got cleaned up and submitted to Liquid Silver Books yesterday. Fingers crossed they want it! We also started our April Calendar Boy story, though Saturday spent going through A Hidden Beauty edits and my day yesterday off the computer meant we didn't get very far yet. Not for long! Our stranded guys in their cabin need our attention and I imagine that us working on it today will make a huge dent in their story.

Oh, I almost forgot. Pepper and I are now part of a blog comprised of writing teams. It's called It Takes Two, and along with us has the teams of Stella and Audra Price, Emery Sanborne & Philippa Grey-Gerou, and Ashleigh Raine. We post over there on Fridays, but there are good things all week long. Head on over and take a look!

Saturday's News Roundup

We have some good stuff this week! A blurb, a contest, a new website, a progress report, and some squeeing over sales figures. Not necessarily in that order.

Trinity Broken is doing very well at Samhain. It's been released for one week, and it already hit #5 on the best selling list. But it's not our only best seller this month. Seduction in Black and White was the second best seller of the month at Amber Quill Allure.

We also have a bright and shiny new blurb (and release date) for our historical gay romance, A Hidden Beauty.

A student of letters, Micah Yardley wants one thing: To meet Jefferson Dering, a poet he’s long admired from afar. After hearing his idol speak at Harvard, Micah travels to Jefferson’s home in Wroxham, entertaining visions of discussing poetry over dinner and drinks. What he experiences exceeds anything he ever anticipated.

Jefferson finds Micah mesmerizing, passionate, everything he has ever wanted. But ten years earlier, caught in a compromising position with another young man, he exiled himself from Boston and proper society. Now Jefferson represses his desire out of respect for Micah, but his tumultuous emotions stir the restless ghost of Wroxham church—with deadly consequences.

Amid denial, desire, and the villagers rising panic, a single kiss is enough to change the course of their lives…and ignite the flame that could fulfill a generations-old promise.

Look for it April 1, 2008!

I just finished the coding for The Pepperverse 3.0. April Martinez designed it. It's based on the template for the Jamie Craig website, but like the Vivien Dean website reflects Vivien's style and personality, Pepperverse 3.0 reflects mine.

This week, we finished our gay novella Nowhere Man. Look for it in July from Amber Allure.

Finally, and most important, we have a new contest for Writing In Tandem! The rules are simple:

As part of our new blogging schedule, we’ve decided to do a weekly giveaway for people who read our blog. It’s very easy.

1. Comment on any post that week, from the previous Saturday through Friday.
2. Every Saturday, we will take the name of everybody who commented the previous week and put them into a hat. Your name gets entered for each time you comment.
3. We’ll randomly draw a name to win a free copy of one of our books. It could be a Jamie Craig title, a Pepper Espinoza title, or a Vivien Dean title.
4. We’ll announce the winner and the book they win.
5. Limit 3 books per person.

Our first drawing will be on Saturday, January 12th. We’re going to include everybody who commented since the 1st. Now isn’t that simple?

New Contract: A Hidden Beauty

We are very, very happy to announce that Samhain has accepted our gay romance A Hidden Beauty. I should have a blurb to put up soon. Hurrah!

Love stories

In case it wasn't obvious, Pepper and I write a lot. My solo stuff has slowed down considerably because of it, unfortunately, but I'm not complaining. I love what we do, and I would be hard pressed to find a story I couldn't sit and re-read over and over again. Ultimately, this is what writing does for me. I write stories I want to read, and if others like them, too, all the better.

Occasionally, characters become more than just people we love. Some characters find root in our lives stronger than we expect. Gideon, Jesse, and Emma from The Master Chronicles. Josh, Cam, and Sara from Trinity Broken. Remy, Nathan, Isaac, and Olivia in the Silver books (first book comes out in print in 2 weeks!!!!).

And now we have Micah and Jefferson.

Who are they? They are our poets in our current WIP, A Hidden Beauty. Our first historical. We started it 8 days ago, and as of right now, we have just over 38k. Saturday we wrote 8748 words. Yesterday, 9420. It's almost frightening how quickly it's flowing out of us, but what's even more frightening is that in that 38k, we've only had one kiss. Who knew we'd be writing an erotic romance where we actually get to the I love you's before sex? But that's appropriate for the period, especially with romantic gay men and one of them is only learning he's gay. It's 1840 after all. It was a lot harder for men to love each other then, especially in prim social circles.

But Pepper and I are finding it very difficult to step away from these two when bedtime comes around and I haven't had been to bed before 1am in a couple nights. We've already submitted the partial to our editor at Samhain for consideration, but at the rate we're going, we're going to have it done before she gets the opportunity to read it. These two speak to us in ways not every character does. Perhaps it's because we get to indulge in old-fashioned love letters. Perhaps it's because we have two very lonely souls calling out for someone to love them. Most likely, it's a combination of those and more, because these two are currently consuming our every thought.

I've seen a few notes online that call our Jamie Craig persona a "gay author." Meaning we write gay romance. I don't think that's accurate, because we have het titles that actually surpass our gay titles in sales. But Pepper and I aren't interested in labels. We write what we love, what characters we love.

Ultimately, we write love stories, whether it's two men, a man and a woman, or a threesome. And I wouldn't have it any other way.