UPDATE: The winner is…Barbara Bettis!
*~*~*

My journey to writing gay romances was full of twists, turns, and switchbacks.  I wrote my first book in 2012, the same year I bought my first e-reader.  I had no notion of books beyond those being traditionally published and the indie world opened my eyes to the possibility of writing for more than just a major publisher.  The collision encouraged me to open myself up to what else was out there.

I read my first gay romance in 2013.  It was an Ava March story, Pleasures of Somerville Park.  It was revelatory, but not earth-moving.  I had gay friends.  I’d seen Tony Kushner’s Angels in America plays in Toronto.  I’d enjoyed the movies Peter’s Friends and Philadelphia.  I thought I was enlightened.  What I had yet to discover is there was a whole subgenre of romance called gay romance that was about to really break out.  And it did so mostly by word of mouth.

A good friend insisted I try books by Tara Lain, Marie Sexton, and Kaje Harper.  I was just moving into audiobooks so I tried Kaje’s Into Deep Water.  My mind was blown.  Here were two gay men in the navy during the Second World War in the Pacific Theater.  I had no notion.  And not only did their new love survive the war, they went on to live together and love together well into their eighties.  I was moved, realizing for the first time just how difficult things had been for gay men and lesbians back then.  I supported marriage equality, of course, and was pleased that Canada was one of the first countries to adopt the legislation, but I still was naïve.

From there I moved on to Tara Lain’s Knight of Ocean Avenue from her Love in Laguna series, and I was hooked.  I’ve never looked back.  My first dip into writing gay romance was when I saw a call from a publisher.  There were certain criteria and I hit all of them, quite pleased with myself.  Then I asked a Beta Reader – a gay man – and he had plenty of feedback, including that the story was incomplete.  He was right and eventually I did tackle the edits for that book.  The call from the publisher had long closed but I had something I really loved.  That being said, the book is way too long and still in need of work.  I will publish it one day, I promise.

Another call from a different publisher caught my attention.  This was a general call and there was no specific mention of gay romance, yet I knew I wanted to be part of this.  The series is set in a small fictional Vermont town with an inn at the center.  Every book had to have a visitor from the inn meeting someone in town.  I went way out of my wheelhouse and chose a black Civil War soldier’s ghost who haunts the local cemetery and a history professor from Scotland who is in America to research untold stories of the dead.  I had my story, I had my conflict (because one of them is dead, how are you supposed to get a happy ending?), and I was off to write a story I believed in.  My first paranormal as well, but that was secondary to the love story between the two men.  The book, My Past, Your Future, was my first book published and I earned some great reviews.

The next call from the publisher was for beach-read books.  The only criteria was there had to be ice cream and a beach.  I ruminated over that for months before one day knowing the story I had to tell.  I wanted the book set in my city, Vancouver, Canada, and I knew I wanted something to do with the film industry.  A story coalesced and the next thing I knew, I had a book.  The edits moved swiftly as the publisher wanted to get the book out in time for summer.  Catch a Tiger by the Tail was released last month and I have to say I’m happy with the project.  And if you’ve never heard of tiger tail ice cream (orange cream with ribbons of black licorice), here’s your chance.  I call this book my fake-boyfriend age-gap gay rom-com.

Catch a Tiger by the Tail

Thomas Walsh knows the number one rule in the film industry. Don’t get involved with the talent. But resisting the urge to take the big screen to the bedroom can be hell when the lead actor on the set looks good enough to eat…one slow lick at a time.

Peter Erickson’s latest role as a gay man hits a little too close to home. He’s still in the closet and secretly grieving the death of his lover. Then an enchanting production assistant catches his eye, and he’s surprised by the instant attraction that stirs more than his wounded soul.

When the two men are caught on camera in a very intimate pose, both Thomas and Peter are afraid they’ve caught a tiger by the tail.

Excerpt from Catch a Tiger by the Tail…

“The frown is back, Peter.”

Damn. “Just concentrating on the ice cream.”

“If you say so.”

I turned to him and stuck out my tongue.

His mouth gaped open. “Did you just stick your tongue out at me?”

Leaning over, I took another swipe at his ice cream. Little remained, only cone. Much the same as mine.

“You know, that licorice is growing on me.” The orange cream was becoming a favorite. “What’s it called?”

“Tiger tail.” The omnipresent grin was back. “Created by a woman named Morgan Carr back in the 1950s, it is very popular in Canada, Southern Ontario in particular. It is almost impossible to find in the United States.”

He said the words with faux officiousness, and I burst out laughing. “I find the flavor oddly compelling.”

“Ah, but here’s the real test—would you pick it all on your own if you had the choice?”

“Over the other hundred flavors?” Good question. “I’m not sure. I love cookies and cream, adore chocolate chunk, and have even enjoyed spumoni.”

Thomas gagged. “That’s disgusting. You obviously have no taste.”

“Says the man who believes black licorice belongs in ice cream.”

“You enjoyed it.”

“Probably more than I should have.” There, the honest truth. I had enjoyed it. I enjoyed the company even more.

Book Links:
Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Catch-Tiger-Tail-One-Scoop-ebook/dp/B088QS34BX
KOBO:  https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/catch-a-tiger-by-the-tail-6
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/catch-a-tiger-by-the-tail-gabbi-grey/1137046121
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/catch-a-tiger-by-the-tail/id1517323369

About the Author

Gabbi lives surrounded by trees, raccoons, deer, and other woodland creatures, on a mountain in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin poo keeps her safe from nasty bears.

Working for the government by day, she spends her nights writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances…and while she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love.

Personal Links: 
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/gabbigreyauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GabbiGrey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M

Contest

Gabbi is happy to give away a $5 Amazon gift card. 
Just let her know what your favorite flavor of ice cream is (hers is pretty obvious…)!

UPDATE: The winner is…Debra Guyette!
*~*~*

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY starts TODAY!
If you want to be part of the tour for new release
NATHAN UNWRAPPED – by Susan Saxx,
please go here, to SILVER DAGGER TOURS!
July 25^th to August 25^th. Tons of chances to win!

I’m pretty excited. I’ve started writing in a new genre! And I’ve fallen in love with it!

Why did I choose to start a new genre, while still writing M/F, especially in the Real Men series?

I found I loved exploring the different power dynamics between 2 men. There’s something about the push and pull between two warriors, two characters with similar power bases figuring out how to come together.

And the intense vulnerability when they finally do…

It’s got me captivated.

What did some of my lovely advance readers, die-hard M/F fans say, of their first foray into M/M romance? 

“This is not usually a genre I read but I am so glad I made an exception this time. Even if M/M is not your thing I urge you to read this book. It is first and foremost an exceptionally beautiful book about love in all its magical and diverse forms.”

“Yep. Welcome to my first ever review for a M/M romance. No one is more shocked than I am since I land squarely in the box for liking hetero romances. This doesn’t mean I’m a hater, it’s just not my jam.

…But most of all, I was overwhelmed with the love that bound this house full of people that life had kicked to the curb. Not only did they have an outrageous, over-the-top love for each other, but they even had love for those on the outside who chose not to show love to them. Beautiful story. Fabulous depth. Pure joy.”

We all have our favorites, and that’s GOOD. However, if you love m/m, or just love love, and want to try something new (but not really…it’s still love…), here’s the series blurb.

THE MEN OF HOPE HOUSE

Refuge Bay spills into glorious Chesapeake Bay. It’s here Nathan Gentael has found his hope again, his mission…in the ancient century home that’s been in his family for generations.

To gather together gay men who have been shredded by life, to give them a chance. A second shot at life…

The men who come will not have it easy. Romance will be the last thing on their minds.

But love will find them…

A sensitive artist, frozen in time, but with a new mission…
An ex-military bulldozer of a man who doesn’t brook any opposition and has his own agenda…
And a derelict manse, in stunning, out of the way Refuge Bay,
that must be rebuilt…

Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * BoroughsPublishingGroup * Website ​* Smashwords

The FIRST MEETING

The cataclysmic drop in Nathan’s gut was all too familiar. If the pushy investor came in now and saw the disorder, everything would be lost.

His mission. The only thing he knew that could make his existence even remotely redeemable. It would all be gone. Again. And he didn’t know that he could recover from that kind of loss.

This was his last reboot. Absolutely the last.

And if that was gone…

Nathan ran to the back door, slammed it shut, turned the lock. Jumped to the kitchen window, hurriedly yanked the curtain closed.

“Dude. What are you doing?”

“Hiding.”

Zach shook his head. “Buddy. He had to have seen the curtains open.”

“Pfft. Guys don’t look at curtains.”

“But the noise… the commotion in here…”

“That souped-up rod he’s driving would have drowned out the waves on a Nor’easter.” Nathan catapulted to the basement entrance, yanked out the extension cord connected to the fans downstairs, and tossed it down the wooden stairs. Then he hurriedly flipped the light in the corner off. “We’ll be super quiet. Wait him out. He won’t know any different.”

He slid down against the wall, tucked himself into the corner, looped his arm around Molly, who’d finally trotted back to his side, grinning her slobbery grin, and held her close. He motioned to Zach to join him.

None of this made sense. But hell. He was acting on instinct. “When he’s gone, we’ll contact the agent. Reschedule. Clean up. Then…”

Zach looked wild. “Nate, he’s not stupid. Even if he’s an investor with way more money than those great big balls he’s supposed to have, he’ll know. You can’t just…”

And then, as if to be the proverbial cherry on the top — in tandem with the fact that there were cherries everywhere — a loud voice filled the air, coming from the far end of the kitchen, by the hallway.

There, wrapped in a distressed brown leather jacket and knife-edged khaki pants, stood a man. Shoulders spanning, well, way more than they would on an everyday mortal. Dark hair, curling around the nape of his neck. An open-throated shirt, brown leather boots. Staring at the two of them and definitely not amused.

Contest

For a chance to win a copy of Nathan Unwrapped, please let me know in the comments:
Are you reading more, in these times of Covid-19? And/or…what new genre are you hankering to try out?

About Susan

Amazon Bestselling Author Susan Saxx has a passion for the small towns of North America. She sets her compelling stories in the north country (Jack’s Bay), mountain country (Terrence Point, Dawson Ridges, Golden) and Chesapeake Bay area (Refuge Bay), replete with quirky yet big-hearted neighbours always willing to lend a hand—and an opinion, whether requested or not.

Susan also deeply loves Christmas, with numerous Christmas stories in her series, and adds more holiday books (including Valentine’s and Halloween), annually.

As she continues to write the beloved Real Men series, she is applying her passion for love without boundaries to the m/m genre.

Ready for the next great Hot SEAL story? Parker Kincade’s Hot SEAL, Best Man is here! Get your copy today, and then sit back and enjoy! I’ve read this one! It’s hot as hell and funny! All Wedding Edition book links are below!

Hot SEAL, Best Man

What does a Navy SEAL do in his downtime? Plan a wedding with his ex-girlfriend.

As a Navy SEAL, Evan “Cowboy” Lancaster can handle any task, any disaster. Until he gets roped into planning his best friend’s wedding and discovers just who will be helping him. But the high school sweetheart who stole and broke his heart isn’t a young girl anymore. She’s a stunningly beautiful woman, and it’s all Evan can do to keep his hands off her delicious curves.

Presley’s high school boyfriend reappears the same way he’d left—without warning. Now, all she wants is to plan her friend’s wedding and get back to her life without Evan. The last thing she needs to do is fall for a sexy, larger-than-life, blast from the past who has a history of leaving her in the dust.

They agree to put the past behind them for the sake of the wedding, but that doesn’t stop their chemistry from reigniting, burning hotter than ever. As they navigate their way through cake tastings, musical trio’s, and an unlikely wedding venue, Evan keeps a secret. One that could ruin everything.

When Evan and Presley come face-to-face after all these years, will they finally find happiness, or will old demons destroy their second chance?

More Hot SEALS on the way! Pre-order now!

Hot SEAL, Bachelor Party by Elle James
Available Now!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPAMZ
iBooks: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPAPPLE
Nook: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPNOOK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPKOBO

Hot SEAL, Decoy Bride by Delilah Devlin
Available Now!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/36Ks291
APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1497210586
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-decoy-bride-delilah-devlin/1136286286
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-decoy-bride

Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride by Cat Johnson
Available Now!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-SEAL-Runaway-Bride-Romantic-ebook/dp/B07XB3J3QJ/
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-runaway-bride/id1462469622
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-runaway-bride-cat-johnson/1132250756?ean=2940161402375
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-runaway-bride

Hot SEAL, Cold Feet by Becca Jameson
Available Now!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084D76SXM/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i31
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-cold-feet
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-cold-feet-becca-jameson/1136295939?ean=2940163059751
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-cold-feet/id1497397358

Hot SEAL, Best Man by Parker Kincade
Available Now!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uTjL5m
Apple: https://smarturl.it/HSBMAPPLE
Nook: https://smarturl.it/HSBMBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/HSBMKOBO

Hot SEAL, Confirmed Bachelor by Cynthia D’Alba
Amazon: https://amzn.to/37L3U7B
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-confirmed-bachelor
books2read.com: https://books2read.com/u/bpOKgk (THIS ONE LINKS TO ALL OF THEM)
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940163031887
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-confirmed-bachelor/id1497356729

Hot SEAL, Taking the Plunge by Teresa Reasor
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3b0zv7i
Apple: https://apple.co/2UiSZxV
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2UgX0TR
Nook: https://bit.ly/2RPwteo

Hot SEAL, Undercover Groom by MaryAnn Jordan
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSAmazon
Apple: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSApple
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSKobo
Nook: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSNook

Contest

Take a Selfie, Win a Prize
From now through July 31, Books 2-6 in The Phoenix Agency are ON SALE for just 99 cents.
ALL LINKS FOUND HERE (https://desireeholt.com/phoenix-agency/)
Buy a book,  take a selfie (print or cover on tablet)
Hop on over to Desiree’s Darlings to enter for a $25 GC

The Books

#2 EXTRASENSORY

Mia Fleming’s precognitive her visions about Carpenter Techtronics are so vivid, she resorts to sending anonymous emails to the company. She’s also having visions of a gorgeous man who arouses her to the point she’s satisfying herself just to get some relief. She’s shocked when the man shows up in her office, demanding to know what she knows about Carpenter. Dan Romeo is just helping his friend track down the person threatening his company when he meets Mia. One look at her and he has a hard time thinking about anything but indulging in off-the-charts sex with the intriguing woman—until bodies begin falling. As Mia’s visions escalate, so does the explosive sex between her and Dan, as well as an unexpected emotional connection. When Mia is almost killed, Dan and his team must race to find the culprits before they can strike again—or put Mia down for good.

#3 SCENT OF DANGER

Kelly Monroe was shocked when her dog, Xena, a Caucasian Ovcharka seemed to bond at once with Rick Latrobe, a partner in the high profile Phoenix Agency. Ovcharkas are known for linking with only their owners. But Xena is picking up Rick’s wave length, very much aware when an attempt is made on Rick’s life and sensing all kinds of danger signals related to Rick’s current project: ferrying a shipment of arms to a private security cadre in Iraq. Rick is nearly killed when the shipment is stolen by terrorists who are hot on his trail. Only Kelly and Xena—coached by members of The Lotus Circle to expand the psychic link between the three of them—can keep him safe. As Rick scrambles to learn who’s behind the whole mess, the relationship he and Kelly have deepens. But Xena is the real star, not only signaling when danger is at hand but “sniffing” out the killers.

#4 FREEZE FRAME

Katherine “Kat” Culhane was a highly sought after remote viewer, but her gift was beginning to splinter, and just at a time when she needed it the most. Her sister Mari, along with Mari’s employer and his family, have been kidnapped. But Mike D’Antoni, a partner in the shadowy Phoenix Agency, is suddenly back in her life and could be the only person to help find the hostages. The chemistry between them is just as hot as it ever was, but they parted on very bad terms. Can they put the past behind them as they race to find and rescue the hostages? And what will happen when it’s time to say goodbye again?

#5 FEEL THE HEAT

Summer Cahill lives as quietly as she can, protecting her ability as a psychic healer. But danger brings former SEAL and Phoenix partner Troy Arsenault into her life—along with scorching nights and intense emotions. Resisting him isn’t even a question, in or out of the bedroom. He protects her from the evil stalking her even as he takes her beyond the physical boundaries of anything she’s ever experienced. When Summer is kidnapped, Troy’s world is turned upside down and he employs all the resources of The Phoenix Agency to rescue her. He won’t rest until she’s back safely in his life—and in his bed— for the rest of their lives.

#6 FORMULA FOR DANGER

Running back to Texas after an emotional disaster in San Francisco, J. L. Mitchell, microbiologist, is throwing herself into the development of a new, drought-resistant grain. Little did she expect to reconnect with Cole Martin, who rings al her bells, or to discover that her formula was at risk of being highjacked. As her work progresses, so does her relationship with Cole. When she is kidnapped, he brings all the recourse of The Phoenix Agency, where he has just become a partner, into play, hoping they will be in time.

I have a TV addiction – Shh…

It’s Lone Star Law! Animal Planet’s show about Texas Game Wardens. Men and women wardens…  Married Wardens… and so many awesome moments… Alligator snapping turtles, Alligators, deer of all sorts… and people do NOT lie to these wardens for long. Sometimes it’s just a stern look or catching someone on Social Media being ‘stupid’ and then taking no lies.

So yes… I love writing about these amazing folks…

In Justice for Blyss, Blyss Hardy is the Game Warden and Owen Mercier is her old friend and often irritatingly hot nuisance alligator man.  He’s got the charm to woo women right out of their panties… except for Blyss. She’s laughed off his attempts to get closer to her, but he’s finally wearing her down.

Not with the same old sweet words that he’s offered up before. Now, he’s cutting to the chase and getting real with his lady. It doesn’t hurt that he’s the one who literally pulls her out of a deadly situation. Owen is willing to do what it takes to show her is that his interest isn’t lip service…

Although his lips do get involved.

Very, involved.

Releasing August 18, 2020 – Find out what it’s like for a hero and heroine face the world at each other’s side and come out of it alive and in love.

Pre-Order your copy here!

Ready for the next great Hot SEAL story? Me, too! Becca Jameson’s Hot SEAL, Cold Feet is here! Get your copy today, and then settle in for the ride. All book links are below!

Hot SEAL, Cold Feet

He’s a former Navy SEAL in financial straits.
She’s a bar owner in need of a bouncer.
Perfect, right? Hardly.

When Jodi finds out her new bouncer is none other than Tucker, the man currently starring on a reality television show, she isn’t happy. She doesn’t want the publicity. Plus, she thinks he’s a fool. Who marries a stranger on television for money?

Tucker isn’t happy either. He’s in over his head in a farce of a marriage, but he needs the money the network is paying him. It’s nobody’s business why he’s working a night job in a bar at the same time.

Too bad the heat between them is incendiary. Hooking up is a huge mistake for them both, but some risks are worth it…

Order links below!

More Hot SEALS on the way! Pre-order now!

Hot SEAL, Bachelor Party by Elle James
Available Now!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPAMZ
iBooks: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPAPPLE
Nook: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPNOOK
Kobo: https://bit.ly/BPHSBPKOBO

Hot SEAL, Decoy Bride by Delilah Devlin
Available Now!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/36Ks291
APPLE: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1497210586
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-decoy-bride-delilah-devlin/1136286286
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-decoy-bride

Hot SEAL, Runaway Bride by Cat Johnson
Available Now!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-SEAL-Runaway-Bride-Romantic-ebook/dp/B07XB3J3QJ/
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-runaway-bride/id1462469622
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-runaway-bride-cat-johnson/1132250756?ean=2940161402375
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-runaway-bride

Hot SEAL, Cold Feet by Becca Jameson
Available Now!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084D76SXM/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i31
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-cold-feet
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hot-seal-cold-feet-becca-jameson/1136295939?ean=2940163059751
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-cold-feet/id1497397358

Hot SEAL, Best Man by Parker Kincade
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uTjL5m
Apple: https://smarturl.it/HSBMAPPLE
Nook: https://smarturl.it/HSBMBN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/HSBMKOBO

Hot SEAL, Confirmed Bachelor by Cynthia D’Alba
Amazon: https://amzn.to/37L3U7B
KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/hot-seal-confirmed-bachelor
books2read.com: https://books2read.com/u/bpOKgk (THIS ONE LINKS TO ALL OF THEM)
Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940163031887
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/hot-seal-confirmed-bachelor/id1497356729

Hot SEAL, Taking the Plunge by Teresa Reasor
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3b0zv7i
Apple: https://apple.co/2UiSZxV
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2UgX0TR
Nook: https://bit.ly/2RPwteo

Hot SEAL, Undercover Groom by MaryAnn Jordan
Amazon: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSAmazon
Apple: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSApple
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSKobo
Nook: https://smarturl.it/MaJGroomSSNook