April 2011 Newsletter

Twelve Hours I by Drew Hunt
E-book: $2.99

High school quarterback Zack Pierce’s life is spiralling out of control. To hide from his growing attraction to Sam, his best friend and team mate, Zack drinks, smokes dope, and has sex with any girl who will have him. Things reach a crisis point when Zack’s girlfriend dumps him after she finds out he’s got another girl pregnant. Not knowing what else to do, Zack breaks out his father’s bourbon and calls Sam for help.

The call in the middle of the night scares Sam, who rushes to his friend’s side. Dare he risk everything by confessing what he feels for Zack? The next twelve hours will either make or break them.

Dreaming Sparta by Richard Fazio
E-book: $2.99

In ancient Greece, Demetrios trains to become a Spartan soldier but grows depressed over the loss of his mentor, Andreas. His desire for them to retain their monogamous relationship is overcome by Lysandra’s devious attempts to have Andreas fulfill his duty as her betrothed.

In present day New York, Andrew's life is in shambles when his father threatens to evict him for being gay.

When, Andrew stumbles into Demetrios' world through a dream portal, their encounters provide each with the incentive to confront their demons ... together.

Between States Book 1: Under a Confederate Moon
by J.M. Snyder
E-book: $3.99

Book 1 in the Between States trilogy

Bitten as a teen, Caleb now suffers through a painful transformation from human to bobcat a few days each month. As a bobcat, he leaves behind his camp and fellow soldiers to explore the night. But a gunshot and the bright scent of fresh blood draws him to a clearing where he learns that he isn't the only one of his kind.

Wounded and hurt, Brance is a loner by nature, gruff and grumbling, who doesn't want anything to do with Caleb ... at first. The younger bobcat prevails, and starts to win Brance over, until they turn human again and find themselves on opposite sides of the American Civil War.

Zerendipity by Kris Howard
E-book: FREE!

Kai and Liza, law school roommates in Oregon, go to Liza's home town for the holidays. In Schenectady, Kai meets Liza's frosty mother and frostbitten father, and makes love to Liza as often as possible.

After Christmas, Liza takes Kai to the city. In a Times Square hotel, she explores her newfound orientation and her insatiable appetite for Kai.

NOTE: Zerendipity is an extended scene from Kris Howard's published novel Zen and Tonic.

Sam's Silver Lining by Hilary C.T. Walker
E-book: 99¢

In this humorous tale, Sam the devout Catholic somehow gets into bad scrapes without meaning to. Now he’s done something which threatens to destroy not only his career but also his chances with a particularly lovely coworker. His only hope is to confess to his understanding priest and place himself in God’s hands.

But God works in mysterious ways. With the priest’s help, He’s looking out for the hapless Sam.

Beautiful Disaster by J.M. Snyder
E-book: $4.99
Print: TBD (available April 30)

Twenty year old Corey Evans is one-half of 2ICE, the biggest duo on the radio at the moment. Pronounced twice, they're number one on the Billboard charts this week with their latest single. And number one in download sales, with two albums that have already gone platinum, to hear their manager tell it. And currently on their second U.S. tour, which has sold out stadiums across the nation.

Despite this, there's an emptiness inside him which Corey can't seem to fill, no matter how many groupies he takes to his bed. He sees this same emptiness mirrored in the eyes of his band-mate, Ian Coltraine, who drowns his evenings after each show with a bottle of whiskey. Ian's the one Corey turns to when he wakes beside an unknown fan, still asleep in his bed and needs help evicting her. He's Corey best friend, the only person on the tour he can confide in, who he really trusts ...

The one, Corey finally realizes, with whom he is madly, deeply, terribly in love. And he suspects Ian might feel the same.

But his recent string of one-night stands makes Ian cautious about Corey's true feelings. He's wanted Corey for so long, and has watched him go through countless fans in search of ... what? Ian doesn't know. And he doesn't yet believe Corey when he says Ian might be it. Ian hopes so, but can't bring himself to believe Corey's fickle desire won't be gone in the morning.

Can these two young men somehow move beyond Corey's past and Ian's pain to embrace a love they both so desperately desire?

NOTE: The paperback also contains the short stories Encore and Render.

Between States Book 2: Beneath a Yankee Sky by J.M. Snyder
E-book: $3.99

Book 2 in the Between States trilogy

Brance Brenneman is used to harsh conditions -- the eldest son of a stern Amish preacher, Brance was bit by a werecat as a young boy, and managed to keep his secret from his family until he was old enough to leave them and their religion behind. Years later, when the nation is divided by the American Civil War, Brance finds himself enlisted in the Union army. By sheer chance, he meets Caleb Chilson, a Confederate soldier who bears his same shapeshifting burden.

Together they leave the war behind to forge a new life in the wilderness of Pennsylvania. But trappers near their camp are hunting bobcats, and they don't much care if Brance and Caleb are only in the fur part of the time. Brance finds his peaceful existence shattered, and he has to fight to defend the life -- and the bobcat, the man -- he's come to love.

Something in Their Eyes by Belea T. Keeney
E-book: $1.99

Frank Hazelton is an ex-con who has managed to create a nice life for himself on a Tampa thoroughbred rescue farm. He has his horses that he heals and boys that he teaches to do the same. Until one day, a rap star with an attitude creates havoc on the farm. Frank went into prison because of his violent side; can he control it at a time that's so important to the operation?

Bruised by Vincent Diamond
E-book: $2.99

It's the last semester of vet school for David Livingston, and he's loving his job at a Thoroughbred farm. He loves the mares, he loves the foals, he loves the stallions, and, uh oh, he's starting to fall for the farm's charismatic owner, Marcus too. It's all very confusing for a guy who's never been interested in another man before.

When Marcus takes a tumble from a horse, it's up to David to help him out, but it's almost too much for David to handle. Stitching up Marcus's wound is challenging enough, but can David control his feelings too? Find out who gets Bruised.

This story appears in the author's print collection, Holding the Reins and Other Stories.

Between States Book 3: A More Perfect Union by J.M. Snyder
E-book: $3.99

Book 3 in the Between States trilogy

Once a Yankee soldier, Brance Brenneman has left the War Between the States behind and gone into hiding with his lover, former Confederate Caleb Chilson. Deserters intent on keeping to themselves, they find a nice, sparse acre of land where they can finally settle down. Life falls into domesticated routine for both the brooding Yank and the excitable Rebel. Together they struggle to create a more perfect union forged of love and their shared shapeshifting secret.

But the discovery of another bobcat encroaching on their territory brings out the possessive alley cat in Caleb, eager to defend his home and his mate. Will the newcomer destroy what they've worked so hard to attain? Or is there room enough for the three of them deep in the wilderness of Pennsylvania?

Encore by J.M. Snyder
E-book: $2.99

BRAND NEW FICTION FROM J.M. SNYDER!

In Beautiful Disaster, pop superstar Corey Evans realizes how hollow he feels until he discovers he's in love with his best friend and band mate, Ian Coltraine. Together they form the successful pop duo 2ICE, and this story picks up where the first left off.

A couple not only onstage but in the bedroom now, Ian and Corey have managed to hide their newfound relationship from the fans, the press, and -- most importantly -- their management. But when manager Dean Summers stumbles upon the two of them together, he's determined to put an end to what he sees as a destructive course which can only end up tearing the band apart.

Is the budding love Ian and Corey share strong enough to stand up to the pressures they face?

If you haven't read Beautiful Disaster, this story may not make much sense. So pick up the first story before diving into this short, satisfying sequel!

The Obsidian Man by Jon Wilson
E-book: $6.99
Print: $14.50 (available April 30)

All his life, Holt has dreamed of leaving his life of drudgery to join the legendary Danann, a mysterious race of rangers and magicians. When trolls threaten his village, he sees his chance in the arrival of Kawika, a handsome ranger sent for protection. But things take a deadly turn when a demon appears, leading an army of horrible creatures. The village goes up in flames, Kawika vanishes, and Holt finds himself wandering lost and alone in the wilderness.

Rescued by the Danann, Holt suffers both physical and psychic scars. However, Kawika’s lover, Keone, hopes to use that connection to track and destroy the demon responsible for the attack.

Unfortunately, the link works both ways -- Keone can track through it, and the demon can use it to invade Holt’s mind. As the pursuit continues, Holt’s sanity begins to slip away. Gradually the realization dawns that instead of helping Keone defeat the demon, he may be leading them both into the demon’s deadly trap.

Back in the Saddle by Vincent Diamond
E-book: $1.99

For Marcus Denton, life on his Thoroughbred farm is blurred from his grief and the loss of his previous lover, Philip. When a group of interns work at the farm, one in particular stands out -- David, with his sunny smile and sunnier disposition. There's something about the golden boy that stir Marcus once more. After three years alone and in pain, is it time to try again?

This story appears in the author's print collection, Holding the Reins and Other Stories.

Eating Ice Cream on the Subway by Steve Nugent
E-book: FREE!

"To sin by silence when we should protest makes cowards out of men." Most people know what they'd like to do when confronted with violence, but what really happens when they come face to face with the worst society has to offer? In this short, powerful story, when a man witnesses a hateful, homophobic bashing on the subway, his response might hit a little too close to home for some of us.

This story was first published online at Velvet Mafia and appears in the print collection, Attractions. It is offered here as an example of Steve Nugent's vibrant storytelling at its best.

Between States by J.M. Snyder
Print: $13.50

The year is 1863. Caleb Chilson is a private in the Confederate Army, currently camped in the Virginian woods. Most of his time is spent on picket duty, on the lookout for a Yankee attack. But when the moon is full, he manages to slip away from the encampment and into the woods to become something a little less than human ...

Imagine his surprise when he meets another werecat like himself. The only difference? Brance Brenneman wears a Yankee uniform.

Contains the stories:

• Book 1: Under a Confederate Moon
• Book 2: Beneath a Yankee Sky
• Book 3: A More Perfect Union

Hard at Work by J.M. Snyder
Print: $13.50

Four stories by best-selling gay erotica author J.M. Snyder about men who find love and lust while "hard" at work. From a hotel employee putting in overtime during a comic book convention, to a pair of co-workers who finally hook up while on a business trip, to a supervisor who hired a new salesman in the hopes of taking their working relationship beyond its professional level, to a tattoo aficionado whose crush on his tattoo artist keeps him returning to the parlor for more ink, each story explores the dynamics between men in the workplace.

Contains the stories:

• Carey'd Away
• Double Standard
• On Company Time
• The Tattooed Heart