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.

News roundup

Some bits and pieces to share this week...

First of all, Pepper and I have new contracts with Samhain! We wrote a trilogy of novellas - she wrote one on her own, I wrote one on my own, and then we wrote one together - that Samhain has accepted for publication. Together, they're called A Calling of Souls, and they are all gay erotic romances with one of the leads with a tie to the priesthood. Pepper's is called If All the Sand Were Pearl, a fantasy erotic romance about a young man who was going to enter into service to their Goddess, only to be married off to an older man. Our collaborative story is No Fear in Love, a contemporary erotic romance about an Anglican priest whose longtime best friend comes back to town with specific plans in mind. My story is called Walk Among Us, and is a paranormal erotic romance about an ex-priest who sees demons. So a wide variety of stuff! These will be released individually in August and September, and then collected into a paperback anthology for release in 2009.

We've also got some reviews this week...

Sabella from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Mosaic Moon

...a wonderful book that skillfully weaves in magic, vampires, love and intrigue while plunging us back into the hectic lives of Gideon and Jesse. In this new adventure Gideon and Jesse continue to explore the boundaries of their relationship while continuing to play their games in the bedroom with the added spice of including Emma in their lives. The dynamics of Gideon and Jesse are interesting and fun to read about as we get to know them better and realize that the bondage games that they play reflect some of their needs but do not necessarily encompass the entirety of what they feel and need from one another. Emma, on the other hand, as an empath is a great window into the feelings of both men and serves to balance their relationship while adding the softer touch that Jesse craves. When Gideon, Jesse and Emma come together they will set fire to your screen and have you sweating in no time.

Indy from Joyfully Reviewed reviews Trinity Broken

...readers who enjoy emotionally heavy storylines and are patient enough to understand the trials and tribulations that need to be conquered first will be pleased with Trinity Broken.

And finally, I had my very first story come out with Ellora's Cave on Friday! It's a short het erotic romance, as part of their Emerald line, called As It Should Be...

For fifty years, Nora Ensley has mourned the premature death of her husband. Now, on the day of what would have been their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary, she receives a surprise gift from her best friend. When Nora falls asleep wearing the emerald pendant, she isn't all that surprised to slip into the most realistic dreams of her life. The day Marshall died.

Nora takes charge and changes circumstances, forcing him to stay home so the fatal crash never happens. But dreams can't last forever. Eventually, she is going to wake up...

For more information and an excerpt, visit Ellora's Cave.

News roundup

Since we have new releases, we'll be talking about those on Monday, which makes today all about our good news from the past week.

Romantic Times reviewed Mosaic Moon in its May issue and gave it 4 1/2 stars:

Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza, writing as Craig, bring back all the dark magic, passion and hardcore sex that readers expect in The Masters Chronicles series. There's a good mystery, but the best part of the story is the erotic and sensual relationship between Jesse and his vampire lover, Gideon. The addition of a woman to the mix only heats it up more. BDSM, torture, blood play, M/M and M/F/M sex scenes may make some readers uncomfortable, but those who enjoy dark sensuality will be enthralled. --—Gail Pruszkowski

But the bounty doesn't stop there. At Joyfully Reviewed, Lisa reviewed our February Calendar Boys story, Mine, and made it a recommended read!

February: Mine is a scorching hot slice of m/m BDSM heaven. Talented author Jamie Craig once again gives readers another sure-fire winner with February: Mine, a part of the Calendar Boys series, and a stand-alone hit. Fast paced, great characters and blistering hot sexual encounters made me glad it’s winter because you need cold temperatures to cool off after reading February: Mine. This may be too explicit for some but for those who enjoy a powerful m/m BDSM story February: Mine is definitely for you, plus I would love to hear more from Erik and Joel, please. I joyfully recommend February: Mine a hot hit!

The comments to our post the other day about what readers might want have made us do a lot of thinking, but one idea jumped out as soon both Pepper and I saw it. Maggie mentioned a character blog that another author does, and we knew right away we had to try this.

So now, Jesse Madding from The Master Chronicles is officially on MySpace! Go over and friend him, leave a comment, interact to your heart's content. We want this to be fun for all of us.

Flashback Friday on Sunday--Mosaic Moon

The third book of the Master Chronicles is Mosaic Moon. It's the first menage in the series, as Jesse and Emma finally come to terms with the fact that they really, really like each other a lot...oh, let's not be coy. They love each other.

Emma Coolidge is accustomed to isolation. Born with the ability to read emotions, Emma reached adulthood without learning how to control her special gift, leading to a life of self-imposed seclusion. Until she meets Gideon Keel and Jesse Madding, a vampire fighting for good and his human lover. Both men befriend her and introduce her to people who can help her create a normal life for herself. Everything is great for Emma for the first time in her life—except for one small problem. She longs to be part of Jesse and Gideon’s lives, and their darker games involving bondage and sadism, but believes her desire can be nothing but a private fantasy.

Gideon adores Jesse and wants nothing more than to give him everything he wants. When Gideon realizes Jesse wants Emma, as well, he decides to invite Emma into their games. But a disturbing new crime distracts Gideon from his goal. Jesse and Gideon are forced to investigate a string of grave desecrations that are somehow siphoning power from the most powerful mage in Chicago. They must unravel the mystery of who is stealing Black John’s power, why, and how to reverse it before they can devote their time and energy to their mutual desire for a third in their bed.

Genres: Gay / Ménage (M/M/F) / Bisexuality (M/M) / Dark Fantasy / Vampire / BDSM / Fantasy / Witchcraft / Magic / Mystery / Detective / Series
Heat Level: 3
Advisory: This book contains graphic violence, hardcore bondage and punishment, and blood play. May not be suitable for the more sensitive reader.

And now, for a never-before-posted excerpt.

Emma laughed. "I think you've even got Jimmy Hoffa in there." Her attention returned to Jesse, and she caught her lower lip between her teeth for a moment before adding, "Why don't you come with us? You can see how much a fool I make of myself live and in person then."

A night in Ethan's company, even if it meant spending time with Emma, was not his idea of a good time. He'd probably punch the other man in the face, for one thing. Gideon would approve, no doubt, but Jesse knew he shouldn't put himself in the path of temptation.

"I can't tonight," he said with genuine regret. "We don't really have the time to spare."

"White might be too young for him," Ethan said.

Jesse frowned. He knew the popular dance club, though he really never got the chance to go. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing." Emma shot Ethan a small frown. "Ethan just doesn't know you like I do."

"I'll take you dancing, Emma, as soon as we take care of John's case. How does that sound?"

The suggestion was out of Jesse's mouth before he thought to stop it, but the delighted smile she turned in his direction banished any residual anxiety he had about making it. "I think that's a great idea," she said. "We've never had a chance to do that before now. Well, there was Sangre, but..." For a moment, her eyes flickered to his neck, and he knew she was remembering the leash and collar he'd worn the first time they'd met. Her blush deepened, but there was a twinkle in her eye when their gazes met again. "You can handle wearing clothes at a club, right?"

Jesse's lips twitched. "I don't know. I never tried." With a smirk he added, "I guess what I used to go dancing in could generously be called clothes."

"You used to go clubbing?" It was genuine surprise in Gideon's voice. "You never told me that."

Jesse looked up, tearing his attention away from Emma for the first time. "I guess it never came up. But, yeah, I used to go all the time." He smiled a little sheepishly.
"My whole first year at Cambridge is more or less a blur."

"A blur?" Gideon cocked a brow. "I don't believe you."

Emma laughed. "Why would he lie about something like that?"

"Because Jesse never likes to do anything halfway," came Gideon's amused response. "He just wants us to think he was the biggest clubber ever."

"Maybe he was." She turned to Jess, taking a step closer. Her breasts just barely brushed his arm. "Are you sure you can't come tonight? We need to prove Gideon wrong."

Jesse was very tempted to take her up on her offer. The thought of her on the dance floor made him throb. But Ethan shuffled his feet at the door and cleared his throat, bringing Jesse back to reality. But there were other ways to prove Gideon wrong.

"You don't believe me? I have proof."

Gideon leaned against the jamb. "This ought to be interesting."

"Don't move," Jesse ordered before turning to the stairs. He couldn't believe he was doing this. He had never mentioned his clubbing days to Gideon because they were hardly the bright point of his life. And the pictures that remained of those days were private, and probably more than a little silly. Was it some misplaced sense of pride? Was he trying to impress the woman he had already decided would never be more than a friend?

Maybe he just felt like showing off.

He found a half-dozen photos stashed away in an old picture album that he kept in the closet. Each one featured him and one or two other young men--the faces changed from photo to photo, and he had been fucking most of them. Which might have been one reason why he never showed them to Gideon before. His own youth surprised him, and he was half-naked in all of them, his leather pants hanging low on his hips. His eyes and lips were heavily accented with make-up.

He returned to the office and presented them to Gideon. "That's all that still survives."

"No way he gets to see and I don't," Emma announced.

She bounded around the desk to slip past Jesse, into the narrow space left in the doorway at Gideon's side. Her face was bright with expectation, but as her dark eyes settled on the pictures in Gideon's hand, they widened, her smile fading into something more lax. When Gideon slid the top to the bottom of the stack, her full mouth made an o shape, and stayed like that for the duration of the slide show.

She took them from Gideon when he'd gone through all six, flipping through them again more slowly, deliberately, as if she didn't want to miss a single detail.

When she started a third rotation through the pictures, Jesse reached for them and gently pried them from her fingers, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. He pulled the top drawer of his desk open and slipped them inside. "I suppose Gideon could argue that those pictures were posed and don't really prove anything at all," he joked lamely.

"They prove you look hot in eyeliner," Emma offered.

Jesse smiled self-consciously. It was the same smile he always offered when Gideon complimented him. "That's what they used to tell me."

"They also prove you don't have nearly enough leather in your wardrobe." As Gideon shifted his weight, Jesse noticed his definite bulge. "I'm going to have to fix that."

"Yes, I'm sure he looks great in eyeliner and leather," Ethan said from the door. "Emma, didn't you want to get dinner before we went to the club?"

Emma jerked at Ethan's voice, and a flush of satisfaction coursed through Jesse when he realized she'd momentarily forgotten about Ethan's presence. It dissipated quickly, however, when she hurried to his side, slipping into his arm before glancing back at Jess and Gideon in apology.

"Call me about when you want me to help you with this grave robber thing," she said.

Jesse nodded. "I will. Have fun tonight."

She waved and the door clicked behind them. His gaze remained on the empty space she left behind, as though he could conjure her back if he concentrated hard enough. The room seemed empty without her in it. Until he looked over his shoulder and noticed Gideon was watching him--staring at him.

"Well, that was a brilliant move, Einstein," Gideon said dryly.

"What?"

"Getting the girl all worked up and then letting her just walk out of here. I'll bet Ethan thanks you in the morning."

Jesse frowned. "I didn't."

"And you didn't have to pry those photos--those fucking hot photos--out of her greedy little hands, either, right?"

Jesse sat down heavily. "Was she flirting with me, too?"

"She asked you to go out with them. Twice. You do the math."

The math said he might have to admit that Gideon was right. "Was she really worked up? I mean, could you tell she was...aroused?"

The question was the first thing to draw Gideon from his office doorway, coming to the desk to perch on the corner. "Jess, I've been telling you this for days now. Yes, she was excited. It started when you offered to take her dancing yourself, but the second she saw those pictures..." He shook his head. "You never listen to me."

"Oh, my God, and we let her go out with Ethan."

"And you know he's going to take advantage of the situation."

Jesse grimaced. "I can't stand the thought of him touching her."

"Then don't let him." Gideon rested his foot on the chair between Jesse's legs, nudging his aching balls with his toe. "Let's get dressed and go to White."

Jesse looked at him through his lashes. "You do realize I won't be wearing a collar there, right? And I don't own any leather pants any more."

"Trust me. You don't need to get glammed up to get Emma's attention. You walk in there, you ask her to dance, there is no way in hell she is saying no." Grabbing Jesse's hand, he pulled him to his feet, standing at the same time. He grasped his hips, rubbing their hard cocks together with a wicked gleam in his eye. "Do you think you'll be hard like this when you dance with her?"

"Oh, yes." Jesse sighed. There would be no hiding his arousal from her then. The thought sent a hot jolt straight to his groin. He had gone out of his way to hide any sign that he thought of her sexually for the past several months, but knowing he was going to be honest left him relieved. And very excited. "Will you dance with us, too?"

"I think I'd rather watch this first time." Gideon leaned in and licked along Jesse's jaw, ending at his ear. "I'll save my dance for when we get her home tonight."

Jesse shivered. All of his fantasies were so close, almost within his grasp. Could he be just a few hours away from everything he wanted? "I do love it when you watch." He turned his head and kissed Gideon's neck. "Come on, let's get dressed before I change my mind."

Saturday's News Roundup

First, we have a lovely review for Mosaic Moon. From Ariel at RRTErotic.

MOSIAC MOON actually smokes when these three characters play together for the first time. Jesse is a beautiful, shy and sexy character with a sharp mind and who does not mind mixing pleasure with a little pain. Gideon is a bad-ass vamp who deeply loves Jesse and is willing to share him with Emma just to make him happy. Gideon is also a complete Dom in the bedroom, so just imagine what could happen if he changed roles who played the submissive just once (ok, I know that is a teaser!) Emma is a sweet treat to both men who is ready to let go of her inhibitions. She cares for Gideon but is in love with Jesse and is willing to do anything for him…even practice a little BDSM (another teaser). There is also an unexpected twist involving black magic and a grave robber that adds a level of suspense to MOSIAC MOON. Although MOSIAC MOON is a stand alone tale, it only hints at how Emma met Gideon and Jesse. Since this story was so good, so good in fact that I am going to find the first two The Master Chronicles to get up to speed. Yeah, it was that good.

And another nice review for Chasing Silver from Scooper Speaks.

It entertained me. I was interested in the relationship between Remy and Nate and I loved Remy’s dialogue. Try as they might to disbelieve Remy, Nate and his ex-partner, could not ignore her weird slang.

Second, we have a new cover for our series The Calendar Boys. It's for the month of March, Kiss Me.


Third, the best sellers for Amber Quill were posted yesterday. Fortune's Honor was #4 for their Amber Heat line, and Miami's Perfect Weekend was #2 for their Amber Allure line. :)

Mosaic Moon--4 Stars from FAR

Reviewer: Ashley
Rating: 4/5 Angels

Gideon and Jesse are back again in the third book of the Master Chronicles, Mosaic Moon. In the previous book we were introduced to Emma. She is back as well and now Jesse wants to be more than just her friend. But first, Gideon must figure out who is stealing power from the strongest mage in the city.

So far I have loved every book of this series, and Mosaic Moon does not disappoint. The chemistry between Gideon and Jesse are hot as ever, and throwing Emma into the mix just turns up the heat. The relationship between the three is completely realistic, and I couldn’t have asked for a better story. There is also the usual crime to solve, and this one was as good as the last two. I was looking forward to, and pleased with the re-appearance of Black John. Jamie Craig’s writing is brilliant, and she has written two of my favorite characters ever with Gideon and Jesse. It’s hard to stop reading their stories, and I can only hope that there will be many more books. I also love a story thaies, and I can only hope that there will be many more books. I also love a story that has both fantastic sex scenes, and an intriguing plot that is full of substance.

Mosaic Moon - JERR review

I just updated the website with a bunch of new reviews, and realized we have to share the one we received this weekend from JERR. This is our first review for Mosaic, and we were thrilled. This is exactly what we were trying to convey when writing the story, and there's not a better feeling in the world than knowing somebody out there got it and appreciated it.

Title: The Master Chronicles 3: Mosaic Moon
Author: Jamie Craig
Publisher: Amber Quill Press
Publisher URL: www.amberquill.com
Reviewer: Roxy Blue
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Heat level: O

Jesse Madding is a human in love with a vampire, Gideon Keel, and their relationship is rock-solid. However, Jesse is also in love with another human, Emma Coolidge, an empath who struggles to command her abilities. Much to Jesse’s shock and delight, Gideon welcomes the idea of bringing another into their lives. Now, all they have to do is convince Emma.

This novel is the third in The Master Chronicles but you don’t need to read the others to appreciate this complex and compelling plot. There is a lot of back-story to these three characters and I urge you to read the previous novels to deepen your appreciation, but Mosaic Moon stands alone because the author does a great job of intertwining the back-story into this novel so the reader understands what is happening. Jesse is deeply human and endearing for his honest acceptance of his dual sexual nature. I loved how Jesse never agonized over the issue of gay or straight; Jesse simply accepted himself. His love and desire for Gideon never wavered but his attraction to Emma is undeniable. Gideon surprised me in his acceptance of Jesse’s nature. Gideon came across as fully realized and so sure of his relationship with Jesse that including a woman in their relationship did not threaten him. I found this delightful and different. Gideon, as a vampire with lifetimes of experience, accepted this quirk in his lover. Do not think this is a sham of a triangle. For just as Jessie loves Gideon and Emma, Gideon has his own reasons for loving the dynamic Emma and Emma loves both of these wonderful heroes. This author truly created a triangle relationship between all three characters that was believable. The sex scenes were hot, detailed and engaged all of my senses. The author didn’t hold back from exploring the lust and love between all three main characters. Some readers might be a bit shocked at some of the stronger BDSM sex scenes but I found them believable, erotic, and entirely fitting to the characters.

Roxy Blue
Just Erotic Romance Reviews

Happy New Release Day!---"Mosaic Moon"

Today marks the release of the third book in "The Master Chronicles," Mosaic Moon. It's a very exciting day. I've been looking forward to this release for a long time. To give a general update on the series, we have edited book 4 Seduction in Black and White, and will be editing book 5, At the Advent of Dusk very soon. We're currently writing book 6, Chaos and Communion, and last night, we spent most of our free time plotting book 9 (as yet untitled)! So, if you're enjoying the series, there's a lot more yet to come. If you haven't started the series, now is a good time. If you aren't enjoying the series, what's wrong? These are awesome books!

Emma Coolidge is accustomed to isolation. Born with the ability to read emotions, Emma reached adulthood without learning how to control her special gift, leading to a life of self-imposed seclusion. Until she meets Gideon Keel and Jesse Madding, a vampire fighting for good and his human lover. Both men befriend her and introduce her to people who can help her create a normal life for herself. Everything is great for Emma for the first time in her life—except for one small problem. She longs to be part of Jesse and Gideon’s lives, and their darker games involving bondage and sadism, but believes her desire can be nothing but a private fantasy.

Gideon adores Jesse and wants nothing more than to give him everything he wants. When Gideon realizes Jesse wants Emma, as well, he decides to invite Emma into their games. But a disturbing new crime distracts Gideon from his goal. Jesse and Gideon are forced to investigate a string of grave desecrations that are somehow siphoning power from the most powerful mage in Chicago. They must unravel the mystery of who is stealing Black John’s power, why, and how to reverse it before they can devote their time and energy to their mutual desire for a third in their bed.

And here's an excerpt, not on our website.

“Were you able to catch Emma at the Institute?”

Jesse smiled. “Yes. It was good. I wanted to drag her home with me. I don’t think she would have protested much. But I think she likes her job, so I did the noble thing.”

“And came back to the ex. I hope that teaches you a lesson. Never walk away from a nooner.”

“Walk? I limped away from a nooner.”

“Even more reason to have pinned her to her desk.”

“She actually had me pinned to the floor. And the things she was saying didn’t help. She asked if we could use the play room next time.”

The corner of Gideon’s mouth lifted. “You better have told her, hell yeah.”

Jesse opened his mouth to answer in the affirmative, but he paused, realizing that he never gave Emma an answer. Then he remembered why. And everything that happened between his arrival at the office and that moment was forgotten.

“No, I didn’t. I mean, I would have, but she…what she wanted to do didn’t quite work.”

A slight frown furrowed Gideon’s brow. “She knows what’s in there,” he said. “I showed her everything. And if there’s something she wants I don’t have…” He stopped and shook his head. “There’s nothing I don’t have.”

“Oh, no, it wasn’t that. She wanted us to use the leash on her. It sounded like she wanted to be bound by more than the collar, but I don’t know if she meant with the ropes, chains, cuffs, bars…I don’t think she knows either. She also said she wants us to do anything we want to her, which sounds great in theory, but I don’t think she means that. And I don’t think she knows she doesn’t mean it. And then she wanted to watch while we…she wanted to watch while I fucked you.”

“So…you’re waiting for her to come up with something a little more concrete on what she wants us to do to her?”

“What?”

“You want Emma to be a little more definitive about what she wants,” Gideon clarified. “That’s why her plan doesn’t work.”

“Yes, she needs something more concrete,” Jesse said slowly. “Did you hear the rest of what I said?”

“She wants to watch. So? I watch you all the time.”

Jesse stared at Gideon for several seconds, trying to read his face. Which was as open and calm as his voice. “It’s not that she wants to watch. I have no problem with her, or anybody really, watching. It’s what she wants to see us doing.”

This time, Gideon actually seemed to weigh his words. “Oh,” he finally said. “You don’t want to. Okay, I get it now. So no big deal. Just tell her that.”

“No,” Jesse said quickly. “I want to.” He stopped and frowned, surprised by his declaration. “I didn’t think…I never thought that you’d want to.”

“Because I’ve never let you put anything in my ass before?” His snort turned into a chuckle, and he rubbed his eyes as he rolled onto his back again. “Just because we’ve never done something, Jess, doesn’t mean I’ve never done it at all. You live a few centuries, you end up trying everything at least once. And sometimes, more than that.”

“I didn’t assume that you’ve never been fucked,” Jesse said defensively. “You never once gave me any indication that you would enjoy being fucked by me.”

“To be fair, you never gave any indication that you were interested in doing it.”

Jesse sighed and rolled onto his back. They lay side by side, their elbows and thighs touching. “It didn’t seem like I should. Be interested.”

The silence that fell between them lasted long enough for Jesse to wonder if Gideon had fallen back asleep. Then came a soft sigh, and hard fingertips began to stroke Jesse’s leg.

“I don’t want you to ever hold back if there’s something you want,” Gideon murmured. “You can’t spend all your time trying to secondguess me. Or anybody else. You lost six months with Emma because of that. And if you really want this, I don’t want you to lose this, too.”

“I don’t know why I didn’t see that coming,” Jesse said softly. “Since you’ve given me everything else I’ve ever wanted.”

“All part of your continuing charm.” Reaching across Jesse’s body, Gideon grasped his other hand to force him to roll into Gideon’s side, slipping his arm beneath Jesse’s shoulders to hold him close. “For whatever reason, you never expect anything but the worst. It makes it fun for me to surprise you with the best, then.”

“I don’t always expect the worst,” Jesse said, his arm draping over Gideon’s stomach. “You should go back to sleep. There’s still a few hours to dusk.”

“You do,” Gideon argued, but already, his eyes were closed. “But that’s okay. I love you anyway.”

Jesse didn’t need the reminder, but it warmed him anyway. He wasn’t tired himself, but he had no intention of moving from Gideon’s embrace. Instead, he let his mind drift to Emma’s fantasy, and mused on how soon they could make it a reality.

Purchase here!

Master of Obsidian Sales

Back when Amber Quill put up the coming soon page for Master of Obsidian, I was a bit concerned. There were warnings beneath the blurb. A lot of warnings. Don't believe me?

Heat Level: 3
Advisory: This book contains graphic violence, hardcore bondage and punishment, torture and blood play. May not be suitable for the more sensitive reader

I've never had a book with warnings like that, but to be fair, I've never had a book that featured violence, hardcore bondage and punishment or blood play. Or torture, come to think of it. But another part of me suspected that the more warnings we had, the better. I mean, if you're going to shell out five or six or seven dollars for a book, you want it to be worth your time and money, right?

Turns out that theory was correct. Trace posted the top ten best sellers for May, and Master of Obsidian is number 3!

I can't wait to see what sort of warnings we get for the sequels, Unveiled and Mosaic Moon.