#manlovesunday Blog hop--Ballon Fiesta

Jeff was asleep in the camp chair when Cindy and Danny returned from their flight. Cindy slapped him on the back of the head and said, “Wake up, sleepy head.”

He jumped out of his chair and immediately looked at his watch. It was nearing eight thirty, and Alex was nowhere in sight. He turned a three sixty to try to find Alex in the crowd, before he sat back down with a frown on his face. “Damn, I hope I didn’t miss him,” he muttered.

“What’s that?” Cindy asked. “You look disappointed about something.”

“It’s nothing.” He tried to sound cheerful, but it only came out sounding sad. “So how was your flight?” He tried to change the topic.

Cindy and Danny both started describing their morning flight, and Jeff had a hard time keeping up with them. Suddenly they both stopped talking at once and looked at something behind Jeff. He heard the rushed footsteps and the winded voice. “Sorry I’m late, we need to hurry to make the performance. I got a little caught up with my last interview.”

Alex was back! He hadn’t forgotten him after all. He couldn’t hide the smile on his face as he rose and turned to greet Alex. “Well let’s get going then.”

He didn’t even say good-bye to his sister as he took off with Alex. They rushed to the concert area and just managed to get there as the performance started.

They found an open spot on the grass, and Alex slipped his backpack off and unzipped a compartment. He handed the backpack to Jeff as he pulled out a vibrant, rainbow-colored Mexican style blanket. “Wow, a boy scout,” Jeff teased as Alex spread the blanket out on the grass.

“Nope, just been to tons of concerts here. One of the perks of the job really.” Alex smiled at him.

Alex sat down and motioned for Jeff to join him. The day was warming up nicely as they listened to the concert. At first they sat and watched the performance, but kept looking up toward the balloons in the sky.

 “Do you mind if I make notes for work?” Alex asked as he opened his pack again. “This is one of the downsides of the job.” He grimaced as he looked over at Jeff.

“No, go right a head. I understand.” Jeff watched as Alex occasionally made notes in a little note pad he kept with him. Jeff was the first to recline back on his elbows, using the position to check out Alex. “It’s easier to see the balloons this way.” Jeff said. “This is pretty cool. Watching the balloons and listening to music. You’re lucky that you get paid to do this.”

Alex still sat with a little note book in his lap. “I know. I love my job some times.

“Just sometimes? If I got to go to concerts just to report on them Not long after, he lay back as well, and they quietly watched the bright colors drifting above them.

An InLinkz Link-up

Fundraiser for Eric Arvin

Fellow author Eric Arvin is still struggling after his brain surgery and his family is looking to purchase some exercise equipment that may help him recover a little bit more. 

A GofundMe campaign has been set up for people to donate if they'd like. If you are in a position to give a little bit, then please think about it. 

If you aren't interested in just giving money, we still have the Kickass Anthology of short stories available for sale in both Paperback and Kindle formats. The money is still being donated to Eric's Medical Fund so here is your chance to buy a book and help at the same time.

 

#manlovesunday blog hop--Balloon Fiesta

People blanketed the field as they all waited to see the morning glow and mass ascension. The green of the grass became invisible under the sea of blue, brown, and red patches as the crowds wandered about. Safely off the field, Jeff sat in one of the folding camp chairs, watching the people scurry around the billowing fabric like ants. The colors of their jackets muted by the vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds seen on so many of the balloons. The phewooo sound of the propane burners drowned out the sounds of thousands of people talking as the giant pillows of nylon in every imaginable color and pattern started to inflate.

He jumped when a voice behind him said, “Pretty isn’t it? I love this time of year when all the balloons show up.”

“Yeah, it’s nice,” Jeff replied, his eyes still on the kaleidoscope of colors inflating in front of him.
 
“I’m Alex Mullen, I work for one of the local radio stations in town. During the Fiesta, we play interviews from participants and visitors to the event. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

 Jeff couldn’t see the man standing behind him, but the voice intrigued him so he said, “Hi, Alex. Have a seat, and watch the display with me.” He gestured to the extra camp chairs around him, and watched as the man grabbed the chair to Jeff’s left. He swung a backpack off his back and pulled out a few items. Jeff had only gotten a glimpse of the man’s face before his shoulder-length blond hair fell forward when he reached out to set a recording device on the small table in front of them. Then he set up a wireless microphone.

That was all it took to spark Jeff’s interest as he introduced himself. “I’m Jeff. This is my first year here with my sister and brother-in-law’s balloon.”

Alex was still setting up his recording device, but he cocked his head a little toward Jeff and said, “Nice to meet you, Jeff.” After Alex finished setting up his devices, he sat back down and pulled out a small note pad and pen.
 ***
Follow the link below for more authors and stories on #manlovesunday:

An InLinkz Link-up

Stranger in the Wizard’s Tower--Book Review

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review through DBML. 

 

Stranger in the Wizard’s Tower very much reminds me of a Stargate SG1 meets Harry Potter. 

On one side of the portal we have the human world of the USA. The descriptions of the mountain facility remind me of the Cheyenne Mountain Facility. Although their air craft and items transported to their off world base are ordinary human objects, it’s just a reminder of Stargate’s off world safe base.

The other world is full of magical creatures, plants and people. Wizards, warriors, and non-magical humans live together in sort of a peace, but the warriors aren’t happy with the wizards. Plus “There be Dragons!”

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It pinged on all my favorites. I thought the writing could have been a bit less repetitive in certain areas, but overall it was an enjoyable read. For the strict M/M fans, there is a bit of M/F relations, but nothing is explicit. There is romance, but it’s a pretty subdued romance. More like an action/adventure where some of the MC’s find love be they a straight couple or a gay couple. As an M/M romance it's falls to about 2.5 stars out of 5, but as a fantasy adventure with a gay romance subplot, it's more of a 4 out of 5 stars.

Happy Halloween and Crest Ridge Coupon

I'm still working on the hot air ballooning story, but I haven't been able to think up a good title as of yet. I'm also thinking about what I want to do for a cover. The story is at almost 9,000 words so far and only a few chapters in. 

As a treat for Halloween, I've created a coupon for Crest Ridge over at Smashwords. If you are interested, go here and use the coupon code below

Promotional price: $0.99 Coupon Code: MK79C Expires: October 31, 2015

Hot Air Balloons

 Some of the photos that are inspiring my new story. This writing prompt is what I'm working on expanding into a full novella or novel.  I still don't have a title in mind, but I'm busy working away at the draft. Still working on a blurb as well, and trying to come up with a cool cover.
 

 

I love this photo in particular because Alex brings the blanket to lay down on the ground during the musical performances. Jeff joins him and and they watch the balloons fly and listen to the music as they start their life together.

Malrith's Shield --Book Review

 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the fantasy world building of this book. The dragon summoner aspect was very interesting.

Sawyer has been ordered to kill all of the dragon summoners, but when he sees Kohaku, he just can't kill him. Kohaku goes into hiding, and hasn't been able to summon his dragon Malrith for more than a year when he meets Sawyer again.

Sawyer and Kohaku embark on a quest to find out what happened to Malrith. Along the way they fall in love.  

I give it a 4 stars out of 5. It was a very enjoyable read and interesting enough. The Goodreads and Amazon listing show it to the be the first book in a series (Dreamtide Book 1). I wasn't aware when I started reading this book that it was going to be a part of a series, and it is a complete story in itself so you don't have a cliff hanger ending. I don't know if the author intends to continue the same to characters over another adventure, but I hope so. I liked them together, but so much happened in the first book that I think they need more time together. I'd be willing to read a second book in this series.

Flash Fiction Writing Prompt

This prompt was a first and last line prompt. The very first and last seemingly unrelated lines were given and the author has to fill in the blanks. I was given the following lines: He woke up in the dark, his feet were cold. &  The hot air balloons were still visible in the distance.

Below is the short: (and be warned, this one might be continued. I'm liking how this one is panning out.)


He woke up in the dark, his feet were cold. The tapping on his camper door sounded again, and he realized that was what had woken him up. Then he heard his sister’s voice, “Jeff, you awake yet? We need to get the balloon ready for the dawn patrol.”


He groaned as he climbed out of his bed and opened the camper door. Cindy stepped in carrying two large, steaming, cups. “Please tell me that’s coffee,” he finally managed as he reached for one.


“Hot and black, just like you like it,” she replied. “Hurry up and get ready, it’s four thirty now, and we need the balloon ready for inflation by about five thirty. After the morning events, we will have a break until the evening events start up again.”


“Thanks, Cindy. I’ll be right out.” He smiled at her over the rim of his cup. “Just let me get some more clothes on. You didn’t tell me it would be this cold here. I might have to see if the heater in this thing works at all.” He shivered a little in the cool morning air. “I didn’t think New Mexico would really be this cold.”


“Well you didn’t have to bring it, Danny would have paid for your motel room if you’d wanted it,” she replied. “I don’t know why you towed this thing all the way out here anyway.”


Well crap, might as well tell her now. “Well I was going to save this until the end, but I’m not going back home. I’ve got a job offer here in Albuquerque, and I’m staying after the end of the Fiesta. I brought the trailer so I’d have a place to stay until my house sells back home.”


“What!” Cindy almost screamed. “And you’re just telling me now? How could you!”


“Cindy, calm down. I was going to wait until the last day of the Fiesta and just not go home with you. I knew you’d react like this. Let me finish getting dressed and we can talk as we get the balloon ready.” He almost pushed her out the door before grabbing a jacket from the tiny closet.


Jeff realized that he would need to buy some warmer clothes. His southern California clothing just wasn’t going to work in high desert of New Mexico.


He’d agreed to help his sister and her husband with their hot air balloon during the Albuquerque Fiesta because he’d already planned to move here after the betrayal of his ex-boyfriend. He wanted a fresh start and a new state to put distance between himself and Mike. 

****

The dawn patrol was the early bird set of balloons to launch. The main group would launch later in the morning after sunrise. Jeff never understood why Danny loved to be a part of the dawn patrol when it was only about an hour or so later that the rest of the balloons would launch. But here he was in the almost freezing cold—well freezing to a southern California beach lover—helping launch a balloon in the dark.


After they launched the balloons, he didn’t have anything to do except wait near their on ground equipment for the balloon’s return. He wasn’t and official member of their chase crew, just an extra ground hand.


As he was sitting in one of the folding camp chair watching the sun rise and the balloons all around prepare for the main lift off he heard a voice behind him.


“Pretty isn’t it? I love this time of year when all the balloons show up.”


“Yeah, it’s nice,” Jeff replied while trying to stifle his yawn.


“I’m Alex, I work for one of the local radio stations here. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?”

"Hi, Alex. Have a seat, and watch the morning show with me." Jeff gestured to the extra camp chairs around him, and watched as the handsome man grabbed the chair beside him."I'm Jeff, this is my first year here with my sister and brother-in-law's balloon."

"Nice to meet you, Jeff."

As they chatted, the hot air balloons were still visible in the distance.

(to be continued)

Anyway I'll have to add more to this one. I really like the way the ideas are flowing through my head on this one.

 I do have a favor to ask though. If anyone is interested in participating, feel free to post two unrelated sentences, and I'll try and connect the dots into a story. 

A Little Flash Fiction

Every once in a while I find a good writing prompt that stirs my imagination. I have a program that randomly chooses characters and goals. This one came out as:

Character 1: Norberto Barker

Goal: To marry Prince Charming

Character 2: Emmett Keck

So I wrote the following short story in the fifteen minute time set by the program. 

Norberto had been trying to obtain an invitation to the annual All Hallows eve ball for several weeks now. The Ball was in less then three days and he still hadn’t been able to gain an invitation. Rumor was that Prince Jondal was going to use the ball in his search for a husband. 

“Emmett, Why can’t you get an invitation? Did you tell the Duke who I was? I’m sure the nephew of the King of Barundal should merit an invitation.”

 “Yes, Sir Barker, I’ve tried, but apparently the list is full, and there isn’t any more room available.” 

Norberto was sure that Emmett had not talked to the proper person so he asked, “Who did you speak with? I’ve come all this way, and I need to get into that ball!”

 “I spoke directly to the Duke of Northing. There really is nothing more to be done.”

 “Thank you, Emmett. I’ve some work to do, you don’t mind seeing yourself out do you?”

 “No, of course not, sir. Let me know if you have further need of my services.” As soon as Emmett left the study, Norberto rang for his secretary.

 “Yes sir?”

 “Jessen, I have been unable to obtain an invitation to the All Hallows ball this year. I believe Mr. Keck is withholding information. Please send Salen to follow him and report his activities.” 

“Right away, sir.”

 “And one more thing, Jessen. Contact the Duke of Northing and see if Mr. Keck is correct that the list is full and no more invites are being issued.” 

“Yes sir.” Jessen left quickly to attend to his duties.

 **** 

“Sir, a message has arrived from the Duke of Northing.” 

“Finally. Let me see please.” Norberto reached for the letter and began reading. “Well it looks like the Duke had been misinformed. It seems that Mr. Keck told him that I wouldn’t be available for the ball as I would be going home to Berendal. He’s corrected the mistake and included an invitation to the ball. Jessen, make sure my clothing for the ball is all in order.” 

“Yes sir.” 

**** 

The night of the ball was dark and blustery, but Norberto decided to walk to the duke’s home as it was only a block from his own residence. As he walked down the path in front of the homes, he noticed a movement in the shadows. 

Suddenly Emmett Keck stood in front of him. “I see you’ve managed to gain an invitation to the ball,” Emmett snarled. “I can’t let you go. You can’t be seen by the Prince. He’s for me, not you. I will win his favor and become his husband.” Emmett advanced on Norberto and at the last moment, Norberto noticed the large tree branch in Emmett’s hands. He lifted and swung the branch but just before it came crashing down, a large man tackled Emmett to the ground. 

“Guards! Come quickly!” The large man shouted. As the guards rushed in, he said, “Take this man into custody for assault.” He gestured towards Emmett. “He tried to kill this man with the tree branch.” Then he turned to Norberto and said, “Hello, I’m Prince Jondal. And you are?” 

“Thank you for saving me. I’m Sir Norberto Barker, nephew to King Bartholom of Berendal. I’m honored to meet you, Your Highness.”

Help make it free

Thank you to everyone who's reported The Dawn of Darkness as "free" in the UK.  The story is now listed as free on the UK website, but I still need a bit of help getting it reported as free on the US website. If you get a chance, please drop by the story page The Dawn of Darkness and report the lower price. 

It is also still available for free at All Romance e-books and Smashwords.

In other news, Crest Ridge will be available free for reviews through the M/M Romance Group's Don't Buy My Love Program. 

I'm still working on a couple more stories, but mostly I'm working with the M/M Romance Group helping to edit and proof read the stories for this year's event. I hope everyone has a chance to participate and read the interesting stories that come out of the event. 

The Dawn of Darkness

For those of you who like e-books and don't want to read a story on the computer. I've uploaded The Dawn of Darkness to Amazon, All Romance E-books and Smashwords. It's supposed to be free, but Amazon has the rule that you have to put in a price in order to get it listed. However, If people report the free price from the other websites, Amazon will do a price match and also make it free. If you happen to see The Dawn of Darkness and it's still at .99 cents on Amazon, feel free to report a lower price so it can be free there also. 

Hope you all enjoy it.

Crest Ridge Book Tour

I'll be doing a series of guest blogs this week for a promotion of my book Crest Ridge. The schedule is all set, so look for me at the following places this week.

 Monday July 6th:   Bayou Book Junkie

Tuesday July 7th:  My Fiction Nook 

Wednesday July 8th: Nessa's Book Reviews 

Thursday July 9th: The Novel Approach 

Friday July 10th: MM Good Book Reviews

There will be a little giveway was well so be on the look out and enter for a gift certificate. 

 

The Dawn of Darkness

This short story was written for the  Goodreads M/M Romance Group annual writing event.

Weston Abbott dreads his future as a genetic condition slowly robs him of his sight. Withdrawing from society, he makes his peace with living a dark and solitary life, spending his time riding his stallion, Darkness. He never expected to find hope and happiness in his future until his mother hired Christopher Finnegan to work at the family stable.

Chris has heard barn gossip that accuses Wes Abbott of being useless as a rider and wasting the potential of his well-bred stallion. Watching them in secret, he discovers that Wes has been hiding his skills, and that Darkness is even better than the rumors suggest. Aided by Wes’s mother, Chris begins a campaign to encourage Wes to show off his skills as a horseman, and come out of his isolation. Chris’s vibrant, outgoing personality is hard to resist, and Wes begins to believe that there may still be hope and light in his coming darkness.

You can find a copy free for download at M/M Romance Group and it will be included in the group's anthology at the end of the year. 

What a crazy week

I uploaded Crest Ridge to the All Romance ebooks website on June 22nd and then went on vacation. On June 25th, I got an email that it had hit their best seller list.

I'm so excited to see this especially while on vacation. I hadn't expected it, but it's great to see.

The book is also available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.

In other news, there will be several upcoming blog postings in a blog tour for Crest Ridge, so be on the look out for postings and a giveaway.