Cover Reveal--Scarred By Mia Kerick

Title: Scarred

Author: Mia Kerick

Release Date: March 1st 2017

Genre: New Adult, Gay Romance

BLURB

From bestselling author Mia Kerick comes a New Adult Gay Romance that will keep you up reading all night!

Matthew North waited ten years to heal from the devastating wounds inflicted by the man who abducted and abused him as a child. Living reclusively on a tropical island—with no company but his four cats—he merely avoids the lingering pain.

Wearing twisted ropes of mutilated skin on his back, Matt struggles with a profound hindrance—the scars that deaden his soul. However, on the night he meets lively Vedie Wilson, a local restaurant busboy who expresses his gender by wearing lipgloss and eyeliner along with his three-day beard, things change.

Gradually, Vedie and Mateo unite in friendship. Through a series of awkward encounters, the pair learns each other’s secrets. Vedie learns that an angelic face can front for a scarred soul. Matthew learns that the line between one’s masculine and feminine sides is blurred. Can they embrace the painful stories behind each other’s scars if they’re to find everlasting love? Or will surrendered love come to be yet another blemish on their souls?

Pre-Order: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Goodreads

EXCERPT

VEDIE

“Hot damn! Who be dat fine lady?” Joey knows I ain’t a lady, and I wish he’d shut his trap, but I don’t tell him so. I turn my head away and roll my eyes twice as I head past the bar. “Who’s the lucky guy who’s gonna get some of dat tonight?”

“Ain’t gonna be you, Joey.” And sure, maybe I say it out loud, but not loud enough for him to hear, ‘cause I don’t want to piss him off. Pissed-off dudes can be dangerous.

I only been working here a week-and-a-day now, but I’m pretty sure my coworkers are cool with the way I dress. At work, I gotta wear my green Tiki Hut T-shirt and tan shorts, just like everybody else. But I don’t hide my lady side down here on Placida Island, and I ain’t never gonna hide her again. The sad fact is, the way I show the world who I am is all fucked-up. But it is what it is, and that’s why I ain’t never goin’ back to Boston—I can’t go back up there and be me. Not if I wanna live to see another day, and shit.

“Ain’t you people never seen a boy dressed up nice and pretty before?” I shout it back over my shoulder, flashing a big grin, knowing that my lips look good, all shiny and red.

“Vedie, have yourself a good evening!” one of the ladies calls out. I smile inside ‘cause I think my coworkers like really me. I ain’t used to being liked just the way I am. Maybe anything goes on this tropical island in the middle of freakin’ nowhere.

I look around to see if Crazy Matt is lurking around the bar. Crazy Matt—that’s the name all of the waiters at The Only Tiki Hut gave to this gorgeous, but pissed-off-looking customer I made a play for earlier tonight. I actually leaned down and whispered into his ear, “Take me home tonight, Mateo.” I like how Mateo sounds way better than Crazy Matt, and it’s pretty much the same damn name, at least it is in my neck of the woods.

I didn’t stop and wait for his answer ‘cause I know it don’t work that way with guys like him. If Mateo wants to hook up with me, he’ll make it happen. If he don’t want it, there ain’t nothin’ on God’s green earth that I can do to make him change his mind. But I reminded him real clear that I was one of his options, and then I’d moved on.

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  About the Author

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—one in law school, another in dance school, a third in school at Mia’s alma mater, Boston College, and her lone son still in high school. (Mia is a major fan of the learning process!) She writes LGBTQ romance when not editing National Honor Society essays, offering opinions on college and law school applications, helping to create dance bios, and reviewing English papers. Her husband of twenty-three years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about this, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young people and their relationships. She has a great affinity for the tortured hero. There is, at minimum, one of these in each book. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with tales of said tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to CoolDudes Publishing, Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink Press, and Evernight Publishing for providing her with alternate places to stash her stories.

A social liberal, Mia cheers for each and every victory made in the name of human rights. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

New Pre-Release-- Ardent By Heloise West

Ardent from Manifold Press

Historical M/M Romantic Suspense

Renaissance Florence

Blurb:

In the village of Torrenta, master painter Morello has created a color that mimics the most expensive pigment of all, the crimson red. Master Zeno, from strife-ridden Medici Florence, tells him the color gives him a competitive advantage – but Morello must be careful. Fraud is ever-present in the dye and pigment markets.

As they work together in Torrenta, Morello falls hard for Zeno’s assistant, Benedetto Tagliaferro, a young man of uncommon beauty and intelligence. Benedetto is still fixed on his old lover, the master painter Leo Guisculo, and cannot return Morello’s affections.

But when Leo dies in a terrible accident, it’s to Morello that Zeno and Benedetto turn for help. And Morello soon finds that in Florence, every surface hides layers of intrigue.

75,600 words

Publication February 1, 2017

Preorder links:

Barnes and Noble

Manifold Press

Kobo

Excerpt:

     The village of Torrenta, Tuscany, June 1475

     Morello

The sun thrust warm fingers into the ancient Tuscan earth. The gray-green leaves of the olive trees shimmered, and the woods beyond beckoned Morello to abandon the painters’ workshop for their cool refuge.

In the growing heat the apprentices inside settled into an afternoon nap, curled on benches in dark corners behind him. The harsh fumes of linseed oil and varnish had irritated Morello all morning, and he was unable to sleep in the miasma. Perhaps before their visitors from Florence arrived, he might escape the heat. A long tramp in the woods pulled at his bones.

He reached for the walking stick behind the door, but a horse’s whinny stopped him, and a man’s voice called out. When no one stirred within to answer, he cursed the sleepers and stomped back through the shop, thwarted. In the lane in front of the workshop, two men removed packs from their horses.

“Good day, Master Zeno!” From the doorway, Morello called to the older of the two. “You made good time!”

At the sound of Morello’s voice, the apprentices roused themselves from sleep and peered around him.

The gray-haired master raised his hand and smiled. “Good day, Master Morello.”

Master Zeno’s companion, a tall young man with flowing golden hair, took the older man’s pack for him and shouldered the straps of both.

“Take their horses to the stable and fetch Master Franco,” Morello ordered the apprentices, and they hurried to obey.

Master Zeno’s journeyman brushed dust from the sleeve of his sweat-stained linen shirt, slapped more dust from his long thighs, and ran a forearm across his brow. His smile was uncertain as his glance met Morello’s.

Donato stood at the window yawning and scratching his stomach. He shaded his eyes for a better look into the misty glare of the afternoon. “Who’s the beauty with the master?”

Donato’s fellow journeyman Primo jumped to his feet and crowded against Morello in the doorway. “Can it be? He’s brought Tagliaferro?”

Donato groaned. “The man you’ve been mooning about since you last went to Florence, Primo? You’ve only just finally shut up about him.”

Morello ignored them. His irritation over his interrupted walk had vanished. Primo’s garlic- and onion-laden breath on his neck registered only remotely. He gazed out at the man from Florence, who, in Morello’s memory, had once been a long-legged boy with a head of yellow fluff too big for his skinny body. Morello stepped out into the sunlight that appeared to pour itself over the grown man, and stretched out his hand in greeting. Maintaining frank eye contact, Benedetto Tagliaferro adjusted the packs and took his hand.

When flesh met flesh, Morello stumbled – at least, his heart did. As if the wind from the beating wings of the love-inspiring putti he had painted just that morning pushed them toward each other.

“Do you remember me?” Benedetto asked with the shadow of that boy’s grin.

About Heloise West:

Heloise West, when not hunched over the keyboard plotting love and mayhem, dreams about moving to a villa in Tuscany. She loves history, mysteries, and romance of all flavors. She travels and gardens with her partner of thirteen years, and their home overflows with books, cats, art, and red wine.

Where to find Heloise:

Blog
Website 
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GoodReads

Soaring Hearts--Release

Soaring Hearts will also be available at All Romance E-books for those of you who prefer that seller. 

It went live today for pre-order, and will be released the same day as on Amazon and Smashwords. 

If you pre-order, it will hit the e-reader of your choice on September 25th. 

Enjoy.

ARe link

Soaring Hearts--By A.L. Boyd--Available NOW for Pre-order

Soaring Hearts 

By A.L. Boyd 

Release 9/25/2016 

Just in time for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta! Soaring Hearts is a fictional story that takes place at one of the world’s largest ballooning events. 

Blurb:

Will hearts soar when pigs fly? 

 Alex’s job working for his family-owned radio station once took him all over the city reporting on major events—until the accident. His scars, both physical and emotional, cause him to withdraw into a self-imposed, semi-reclusive lifestyle. When his dad requests that he go to the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, he has to find the courage to break his isolation. Now he needs to find the courage to trust and love again. 

Jeff had already been planning a move to Albuquerque when he lost his home, parents, and dog to a wildfire in California. To begin his new life, he agrees to help his sister and brother-in-law with their balloon at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Now he’s seen pigs fly and bees kissing, but will he find the love he’s been searching for?

Excerpt: 

CHAPTER 3 

 People blanketed the field, waiting to see the mass ascension. The green of the grass became invisible under the sea of blue, brown, and red patches of cloth as the crowds wandered about.

Safely off the field, Jeff sat in one of the chairs, pouring the coffee into his cup. People were scurrying around the billowing fabric like ants. The colors of their jackets were 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 inflated.

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

 Startled, he jumped at the unexpected disturbance, nearly spilling his coffee down the front of his shirt. He tried hard not to growl at the intrusion. He didn’t want to make enemies on his first full day in town.

“Yeah, it’s nice,” Jeff replied. He kept his eyes 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 didn’t turn to watch the man standing behind him, but the soft tenor of the voice intrigued him, so he answered.

 “Hi, Alex. Have a seat, and watch the display with me.” He gestured to the extra chair next to him, and the thin young man stepped into his view, swinging a backpack off his back. Before he sat down, he pulled out a few items. Jeff had only gotten a glimpse of the man’s handsome face and smooth jaw line before his long blond hair fell forward, when his rainbow-gloved hands set a recording device on the small table and set up a wireless microphone.

 That quick glance was all it took to spark Jeff’s interest. “I’m Jeff. This is my first year here with my sister and brother-in-law’s balloon.” He scanned the sky to see if he could spot Danny’s balloon, then he pointed to one with a yellow and green geometric design. “That’s it right there.”

 Alex looked up where Jeff was pointing. “Oh, isn’t that one of the Gibson brothers’ balloons?”

 “Yep. How did you know?” “I’ve interviewed most of the family over the years.”

 “Yeah, you probably would have met some of them, considering someone from the family comes every year. Danny made sure to tell me all about that this morning.”

As he set up his equipment, Alex asked, “Do you mind if I use your last name in the interview?”

 “No, I don’t mind, but I guess that means I’ll have to tell you, huh?” He chuckled. “One of these days I’ll get introductions right.” He reached out his hand as if to shake it. “Hi, Alex. I’m Jeff Bowen. It’s nice to meet you.” He cocked his head a little toward Jeff, and took his hand. “Nice to meet you, too, Jeff.”

 Jeff held on to Alex’s hand a moment longer and examined the gloves. “Nice gloves. Are they handmade?”

Alex stared up at him for an instant before his cheeks reddened, and he stammered as he pulled his hand away. “T-thanks. My sister made them.” Jeff wanted to see more of those beautiful blue eyes, but Alex kept his gaze lowered and continued on as if he hadn’t felt the same spark that had caused Jeff’s hand to tingle.

When Alex sat down, he pulled out a small note pad and pen. “Usually I like to ask a few questions before I start the recording, to get people relaxed about the interview process. Once I turn it on, I may ask some of the same questions you already answered. Is that okay with you?”

Jeff flashed him a smile. “That’s fine with me. I don’t mind at all.”

Alex responded with a relaxed and beautiful smile. Jeff shivered, but not from the cold this time. It had been a while since he’d been with anyone, and Alex’s smile made him think lusty thoughts that he needed to keep under wraps for now. “When you introduced yourself, you said this was your first visit here?” Alex fidgeted with his note pad and pen.

 “Yes, I came with my sister and her husband. You saw them up there.” He gestured skyward. “They were one of the first to go up. Usually they go up earlier when the conditions are right.”

 “So they’re part of the Dawn Patrol?” Alex asked excitedly. “That’s wonderful. Few people can meet the requirements for Dawn Patrol. I wasn’t aware that anyone in the Gibson family met the qualifications.”

“Yes. Danny’s excited; this is the first year he’s qualified. He has a lot of experience. I know he’s a second or third generation pilot.”

 “That’s great. Is this your sister’s first time at the event also?”

 “No. My sister’s come with him the last couple of years since they got married. And this year, they finally dragged me along as well.” He chuckled a little at that.

Where to find Soaring Hearts: 

Currently Available for Pre-order at: 

Amazon 
Smashwords 

AUTHOR BIO: 

A cartographer by day, A. L. Boyd spends most of her free time with her horses, gardening, or reading. She never intended to be a writer, but stories like this one sometimes just pop into her head. The writing came about as a way to get the stories out.

CONTACT & MEDIA INFO: 

EMAIL:

GOODREADS:

FACEBOOK: 

ALSO BY THE AUTHOR 

Crest Ridge - It was supposed to be their big night! The opening of their movie premier. Robert Owens boyfriend abandoned him, and brought another date. Humiliated, Rob left Los Angeles, and moved to a quiet ranch in rural New Mexico only to face his high school bully Dane Johnson.

Rob never expected his high school tormentor to show up at his new home, but there the man was ordering him to evacuate from an oncoming wildfire. After Rob returned to his ranch, Dane offered an apology, and an explanation of his past actions. Rob has to decide if the bully he once knew has changed his ways. Will they overcome their past and find a new start?

Kickass Anthology - Authors donate stories to raise funds for Eric Arvin's medical recovery - come be part of the effort! Even a kickass hero needs a hand from a secondary character, and Eric needs that extra power boost right now. This anthology is a volunteer effort organized by Eric’s fans and fellow writers in order to raise funds and help cover the cost of his high-tech recovery. His wicked sense of humor is intact, but his body needs a bit of assistance. These stories are meant to inspire. They’re a warm hug, a wave from afar, a wink and a nod. Discover new authors and graphic artists as you, too, get revved up to slay whatever ails you!

The Dawn of Darkness - Contemporary short story written for the 2015 Goodreads M/M Romance Group 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

Cover Reveal-- Balancing Act--By K. Vale

Balancing Act 

Shooting Stars Book 4 

By K. Vale 

Release: June 27, 2016 

Publisher: Liquid Silver Books 

Blurb

Greg Dwyer and Kyrie Li are living the glorious couple life in New York City. Or are they? When struggling actor Kyrie lands a modeling job, he’s ecstatic to have extra cash to spend on his best-friend-turned-boyfriend. 

Of course, Greg is suspicious Anders Berglund, the gorgeous and androgynous Swedish cover model the designers love to pair with Kyrie, is after his man. And maybe Kyrie encourages a growing closeness with the guy? 

Greg is probably to blame if Kyrie is drawn to the openly gay and seriously beautiful Andy. With Andy, Kyrie can be himself, as loud and proud as he’s always been. But Greg’s sexuality stays firmly locked in the closest except when he’s with Kyrie’s supportive family or alone with the man he loves. 

To make matters worse, Greg’s out-of-touch mom meets with financial ruin and moves in with the couple, forcing him into the closet in his own home. 

Can Greg find a way to stand up to Mommy Dearest and win back a love he fought so hard to reach? He discovers the road to pride begins at home and with accepting oneself first. Otherwise, it’s just a dead-end street.

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

Kyrie’s amazing day was about to get a cherry on top. He opened the apartment door to the rattle of keys on the other side. 

Greg’s mouth dropped open, eyes widening comically, but he spared a nervous glance for the empty hallway behind him before stepping swiftly over the threshold. 

He shut the door and locked it with a snap of the deadbolt. 

“Is it my birthday already?” Easing his work computer to the floor, Greg allowed the suit jacket draped over one arm to follow unceremoniously. As he loosened his tie, yanking the knot from side to side, his mahogany gaze did a similar zigzag down Kyrie’s exposed body. 

“This, my love, is just one of the outfits I was given today when I went for my Spectrum Spectacular callback.” 

Greg took in the full extent of Kyrie’s ensemble, what little there was of it, and his auburn brows lowered. Kyrie spun around to give him the complete picture, peeking back over his shoulder with a salacious lick of the lips. The white micro trunks and matching fishnet tank were his favorite parts of the ample cache he’d received. He’d been beyond excited for Greg to get home and see them. 

“Why would they...? You got the job?” A grin broke across Greg’s face, but the disapproval was still evident as he continued to eye Kyrie’s appearance. 

“I got the job! I got the job!” He grabbed Greg’s hands and pumped them up and down. “I’m modeling with Anders Berglund! Anders. Berglund! The Swedish supermodel! We’re partners for the No Black, No White shoot!” 

He clasped his hands together while the rest of his body vibrated with pent-up energy. Anders Berglund was gargantuan, his gorgeous face on nearly every magazine cover in the grocery store checkout aisle. Kyrie’s fairy godmother had waved a magic wand over him, and Greg just stood there with his forehead puckered. 

“Well?” 

Greg slid his arms around Kyrie, rubbing his back as if he were cold. “So…this is what you’re gonna be wearing?” 

“Maybe. Who knows? They gave us a few outfits to try on for size.” 

“This is not an outfit.” Greg rubbed the holey fabric between his fingers.

Kyrie canted his head, eyebrows lifting as he delivered his best You’re kidding, right? stare. “This is only a sample. There will be all kinds of clothes at the shoot. I’m sure they’ll pick the best of the best after we’re done.” 

“Won’t posing half-naked hurt your acting career?” 

Kyrie scoffed, rolling his eyes. “No! Watch how many doors this opens. Just you wait.”

“And this is for what? Gay rights or…something?”

Kyrie ramped up the baleful expression. “Have you been listening to anything I’ve said for the past month? It’s not just gay. It’s everything. A campaign to call attention to all shades of the sexual identity spectrum. We gays are pretty widely accepted these days, you might be surprised to know.” 

Greg’s arms stiffened around him, and Kyrie bit down on a sigh. Yes, we gays. Including you. Or maybe bi sits better, but you’ve been sticking it to a dude for almost a year and a half now. Time to officially join the not-so-straight club. 

Kyrie expelled a frustrated breath after all. “It’s a phenomenal thing to be part of, never mind the sweet paycheck I’ll be pullin’ in. Never mind that I’ll be working with Anders Fucking Berglund and how much visibility I’ll get out of it.” He squeaked, elation bubbling from him despite Greg’s muted response.

“And I thought his first name was bad,” Greg groused, even as his fingers tested the thin mesh over Kyrie’s back and traveled lower. 

Kyrie freely admitted he was damned stunning in the getup. All the white clothing they’d given him popped against the brown skin he’d inherited from his mother. Conversely, Anders was the fairest lad in all the land. He had pale blond hair and porcelain skin, fractured only by startlingly dark eyebrows and a couple of highly fortuitous moles rumored to have launched his career. He’d be dressed in black and guaranteed to look amazing. Together…this was going to be fucking epic. 

“I thought you’d be proud of me.” Kyrie pouted, simultaneously arching his ass into Greg’s touch like a cat begging for attention. 

“Of course I’m proud of you. I just worry about…well—” 

“Everything?” Kyrie reached up to stroke Greg’s cheek, loving the feel of his trimmed beard and mustache combo. It could be soft, skimming over Kyrie’s nipples while Greg flicked a tongue and lit them on fire, or it could be coarse, bordering on harsh, as Greg went savage licking Kyrie’s ass and balls. Sure, that sort of thing was usually reserved for the times Greg had a few drinks on board and abandoned his inhibitions fully. But, oh God, when it happened…

Kyrie’s dick swelled thinking about Greg’s tongue swirling over his asshole. “Want me to pour you a little whiskey to help you wind down after your hard—” he squeezed Greg’s cock through his suit pants, “—day, sexy?” 

Greg grunted and rocked his hips into Kyrie’s hand. “I can always use a little tension release.” His eyes, hooded, stared at Kyrie’s lips. 

He parted them slowly and dragged his tongue tip across his top teeth. “I think I have one of those stress balls around here somewhere.” 

Firm and fast, Greg hauled him flush against his chest and stole Kyrie’s breath. His fingers explored Kyrie’s ass crack—crude, demanding, bunching the satiny material between his cheeks before dragging lower to feather behind his nuts. 

“Think I found my two favorite stress balls right here.” Greg wore a wicked grin. “Trying to hide ’em on me?” 

He gathered the back of Kyrie’s tiny tight boxers, taking the wedgie to another level. He gasped and lifted on his toes. His sac was trapped, kinked up on one side of the seam almost painfully tight. Greg cupped Kyrie’s slung nuts, the touch so gentle it reminded him of ice over fire. Cool, crisp sheets after a day from hell. 

Kyrie loved being the seductive bottom, igniting Greg with his teasing and flirting, backing off while he simmered. Then Kyrie would stoke him higher, feeding the inferno until Greg eventually crumbled and became the domineering top. Usually they made the game last, pushing each other’s buttons in their own drawn-out version of foreplay. 

The sliver of pain slicing down Kyrie’s crack paired succulently with the throbbing wood pressed against his lower belly. All signs told him they were going straight to sudden death—no warm-up, no scrimmage, just hot, fast action. Game on.

Bio: 

K. Vale writes erotic romance of all stripes, from hot hetero to mouthwatering manlove. Find her M/F work published under Kimber Vale. Stalk Kimber on Facebook and Twitter, check http://authorkimbervale.com for updates, new releases, and freebies, and sign up for her newsletter to receive an exclusive free story. Come for the sex. Stay for the story. 

Links:

Liquid Silver Books 
Amazon 
Barnes & Noble 
All Romance eBooks 
Kobo 
iTunes 
Google Play 
Pinterest 
Goodreads

Available for Pre-order--Murder Once Seen-- By J. T. Hall

 

Title: Murder Once Seen  

Author: JT Hall 

Publisher: Riptide  

Cover Artist: Kanaxa  

Genre: Gay Fiction, Mystery/Thriller, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy  

Release Date: 09/26/2016

Blurb:

In the city of Nis, things often aren’t what they seem. 


Derwin is a bounty hunter gifted with the Oddity of superhuman strength and agility—perfect for hunting down fugitives and demons who roam the streets. One killed his boyfriend two years ago, and Derwin won’t stop until he finds out who. Police suspect it was someone he sent to prison, but he can’t shake the idea that they’re missing something. 

Elliot is a rentboy who’s been living on the streets since his parents disowned him. He mistrusts everyone and, given his uncontrolled ability to Read Objects and a client list that includes a major gang boss, despairs of ever having a normal life. 

Derwin and Elliot meet in a storm of lust. Derwin’s Oddity is fed by the pain of others, but he only wants what’s freely given. Elliot loves pain, but needs safety and a way off the streets before he can allow it. They may be able to solve each other’s problems . . . if they can survive long enough to work together. 

About the Author:

J.T. Hall has been writing for many years under this name and others, and has appeared in magazines, anthologies, and online books. She earned her BA in creative writing from the University of Arizona, her master’s in education from Argosy University, and works as an independent technical writer for state and federal programs. In her free time, she volunteers for the LGBT community and is active in the leather scene. She has a teenage daughter and a partner of over ten years. They live in sunny Arizona with three adorably cute dogs, three black cats, and a hamster who loves peanuts.

In the city of Nis, things often aren’t what they seem.
Derwin is a bounty hunter gifted with the Oddity of superhuman strength and agility—perfect for hunting down fugitives and demons who roam the streets. One killed his boyfriend two years ago, and Derwin won’t stop until he finds out who. Police suspect it was someone he sent to prison, but he can’t shake the idea that they’re missing something.
Elliot is a rentboy who’s been living on the streets since his parents disowned him. He mistrusts everyone and, given his uncontrolled ability to Read Objects and a client list that includes a major gang boss, despairs of ever having a normal life.
Derwin and Elliot meet in a storm of lust. Derwin’s Oddity is fed by the pain of others, but he only wants what’s freely given. Elliot loves pain, but needs safety and a way off the streets before he can allow it. They may be able to solve each other’s problems . . . if they can survive long enough to work together.