Guest Post – Anthem of the Sea by Thom Collins

I’m thrilled to have Thom Collins down on the blog today telling us a little more about his new release. Welcome Thom.

Thanks for having me here today to talk about Anthem of the Sea.

Tell us about your book.

Anthem of the Sea is the first book in what I’m calling The Anthem Trilogy. Essentially a contemporary romantic thriller set on a luxury cruise ship on its return journey to the UK after a Mediterranean voyage. Daniel and Elijah are two guest entertainers who meet when they join the ship for the last few days at sea. The attraction is instant for both of them and the timing seems perfect. What better way to get to know each other than with a few days at sea? But this being a thriller, it’s far from smooth sailing for their relationship as well the ship.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw as much from real life as possible. This book was inspired by my own love of ships and cruise holidays. For me there’s nothing better than heading out to sea, knowing you won’t see land again for a couple of days. It can be scary too. The rough weather the ship encounters in the second half of the story is drawn from experience. On my very first cruise, we hit enormous seas in the Bay of Biscay on our second day. It was terrifying. Nowadays the high seas don’t bother me, but that first voyage was a real trial by fire. But it hasn’t put me off. There is no part of flying that I enjoy, so travelling by ship will always be my preferred option.

Who is your favourite character from one of your stories and why?

My favourite characters are always the ones I’m writing about now. Daniel and Elijah from this book are my current top two. I love these guys. Maybe because I’ve spent more time writing about them than any other characters. I’ve already completed the second book in the Anthem Trilogy, which picks up their story a year after book one, and am currently writing the third. I feel like they’ve moved in with me. It’ll be hard to let them go at the end of book three. Thankfully I’m a slow writer, so they’ll be with me for a few months yet.

What’s the biggest writing challenge you’ve ever taken on?

Writing this trilogy. I’ve only ever written standalone stories until now, so planning a three book series was a huge challenge. I knew it was a trilogy from the start, rather than a connected series of standalone’s, and planned it as such. I knew when I started writing the first book, where they characters would be at the end of the third, but getting there has required a lot of stamina. It was important that each book have it’s own identity and pay off the readers efforts. I hate getting to the end of book that leaves everything hanging till the next one. I want readers to be totally satisfied by each volume in the trilogy but still wanting more.

An ocean of possibility. For love, revenge and murder.

Daniel Blake, a handsome young singer, boards the Atlantic Anthem in Portugal for the final voyage of her maiden season. The state-of-the-art ship is the jewel in the Royal Atlantic cruise fleet. For Daniel, a one-time boy band member and TV talent show winner, it’s an honor to perform aboard such a vessel. Daniel loves the freedom and adventure of the sea. He began his solo career as a cruise ship entertainer and returning to the ocean as a headline act brings him full circle. He isn’t looking for love.

Neither is comedian Elijah Mann. Working at sea has given Elijah’s career the boost it desperately needed. Often considered too good-looking and sexy to be funny, work has been hard to come by since his TV show was canceled. With a potential new career opening up, he must remain focused. But when Elijah meets Daniel the attraction is mutual and instant. As the ship sets sail for England they have three days to get to know each other. Elijah can’t let that opportunity pass.

The voyage home is far from smooth. Also on board is a figure from Daniel’s past. A man who’s been holding a grudge for years, waiting for his moment. As a storm builds in the North Atlantic, Daniel and Elijah discover that the trip of a lifetime could be their last.

General Release: 20^th June

LINKS:

Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/anthem-of-the-sea

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anthem-Sea-Thom-Collins-ebook/dp/B0725JDM29/

Amazon USA: https://www.amazon.com/Anthem-Sea-Thom-Collins-ebook/dp/B0725JDM29

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/anthem-of-the-sea

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anthem-of-the-sea-thom-collins/1126384702?ean=9781786515681

 

Thom Collins Bio

Thom Collins is the author of the novel Closer by Morning, with Pride Publishing. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and promptly confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels.

The novellas Gods of Vengeance and Silent Voices were published by Pride in early 2017, followed by the novel Anthem of the Sea, the first book in the Anthem Trilogy. He has recently finished writing the second book in a series and is working on the third.

Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age. Since taking his first cruise in 2013 he realized that sailing is the way to go.

Links:

Blog: www. thomcollinsauthor.blogspot.co.uk/

Twitter:   @thomwolf     and  @realthomcollins

Email: thomcollinsauthor@aol.com

 

 

 

SID LOVE – DETOUR BLOG TOUR

 

 TITLE: Detour

AUTHOR: Sid Love

PUBLISHER: Cool Dudes Publishing

LENGTH: 226 Pages

GENRE: M/M Romance Thriller

COVER ARTIST: Corneles Bronkhorst

BLURB: Austin Reyes works as a bartender to support his ailing mother in a small town called Eaton. But his life takes a horrible turn when his boss’ son, Caleb, arrives in town and forces himself upon Austin. There is no end to Caleb’s lustful intentions. Austin leaves Eaton and flees to Denver to start a new life when his mother commits suicide after succumbing to depression. There, he meets Dylan Carver.

Dylan is out and proud. He’s also a well-known actor in the porn industry. When haters damage his car, Austin, now homeless and destitute, is injured and Dylan helps him. In the immediate aftermath, Dylan develops more than a passing interest for Austin, and, though they part ways, chance meetings never stop.

Austin lets Dylan in on the secret about his past, but soon realizes that the man who looked so happy on the outside, has his own baggage. Unbeknownst to them, someone is plotting to get Austin killed.

Even while surrounded by danger, Austin and Dylan’s relationship takes a detour that was always meant to be. Will this detour be Dylan’s undoing? Will Austin finally come to terms with his mother’s suicide and follow his own truth? Or will their lives implode?

Trigger Warning: Content includes a rape scene.

My apartment building had seen better days. It was ancient and looked like it would fall apart any time. The color had worn out over the years and there were cracks here and there, but it was dearest to me anyway. It had been my home for as long as I could remember; well, it wasn’t exactly owned by us — we rented, to be specific — but I speak from the sense of belonging. The owner of the building — Mr. Marshall — had promised to repair it soon. It was a one-story building with four small apartments, two on each floor that faced each other. Our apartment was on the first floor, so, at three in the morning, I took the flight of stairs and walked up to my door soundlessly. I knew better than to wake up our neighbor. I slowly put the key into the lock and opened the door.

Hesitating for some time, I considered again whether to tell my mother about what had happened. I couldn’t hide anything from her, but the explanations would have to wait until morning. I was too tired and sad right now.

I closed the door silently behind me.

The house lights were dim but I could see the light in her bedroom. As always, she was waiting for me to return. She would be curled up in her bed, reading her favorite Nora Roberts novel. She did the same every night before going to sleep.

I headed for her room. Thankfully, I had stopped limping as the pain dissipated; she wouldn’t know anything was wrong right away.

The door was ajar.

I stepped into the room.

…And suddenly it was hard to breathe.

“Mom! Oh, dear God!”

Her lifeless body hung from the ceiling fan.

I rushed to support her feet. Although I knew the worst had happened, I hoped she was alive.

She didn’t move.

Her bare feet were cold.

Her skin, pale like never before.

I couldn’t understand why she would take such an extreme step. She was fine when I had left for work that evening.

My tears flowed freely this time.

That was when I noticed it. The letter on the nightstand.

Cool Dudes Publishing

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

Sid Love grew up in one of busiest cities in the world, Mumbai, listening to the excerpts of Indian epics as told by his father every night. While it served as an inspiration back, he has always had an ambitious mind.

In 2007, when he had just turned sixteen, he decided that he would make his lifelong dream come true—to become a well-known, respected author someday.

Ask him and he would refuse to accept that he is obsessed with books. Or movies. Or TV shows. Addicted may even be the right word.

He is a die-hard fan of Jane Austen’s romance novels and loves to reread them time and again.

Find him on –

Blog: https://sidlovewrites.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sid.love.16

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsidlove/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FatefulMercy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorSidLove/

Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7793040.Sid_Love

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner gets a paperback copy of DETOUR!

 

Unlikely in Love – Release Date 28 June

 

I have a little bunch of stories to release on the 28^th June. I’ll let you figure out what they’re like from the little snippets below. Oh, and this is the cover. Sweet, a little naughty and I think it fits the contents perfectly.

 

Meet Elliot and Dan in ‘Benchpressed’

City planner Elliot meets personal trainer Dan and between them, they whip the gym into shape…

“I happen to think you have a very nice belly,” Dan murmured. “It makes a change from the usual devotion to keeping a six pack.” His tone went dreamy. “I like a man with a bit of meat on him.”

Oh, fuck me. That sounded a bit awkward, even to me. My body flushed with heat and I cleared my throat. 

Meet Davey and Gus in ‘Dear Davey’

Agony Aunt columnist Davey has an unfortunate habit of causing mayhem for fellow worker Gus.  He also has no filter. Remind you of someone?

“Oh, and I’m sorry I set fire to your waste bin yesterday,” I muttered.

“Who else would it have been?” he said. “Do I need to take out company hazard pay when I go out with you?”

I huffed, flicking my hair back from my forehead. “Puhleaze. It’d be worth every penny, I promise.”

Behind me, Gus’s cologne invaded my nostrils and I closed my eyes, inhaling his scent.

Meet Cooper and Robbie in ‘Banana Appeal’

An errant gecko brings Graphic artist Cooper meets neighbour Robbie together.  There may also be a banana involved.

I took a step forward, brandishing the banana toward him as if entreating him to eat it. Robbie took a step back, a wary look crossing his face. I wondered whether he’d expected me to ask him to fellate it. Because that would have been a complete waste when my dick was willing to be wrapped between those full lips. The banana didn’t stand a fucking chance if I got in there first.

BUY LINKS/PRE ORDER

http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/unlikely-love-trilogy

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071X7G7PG
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/729922
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unlikely-in-love

Swagging along, singin’ a song…

This is something authors both love and hate. Love because it gives us an opportunity to be creative. Like a narcissus flower on the river, watching its own reflection, we gaze at our images and sigh in happiness as we emblazon our brand on various pieces of promotional gifts designed for giveaways or Author meets.

We hate it because yes, of course it costs us money, even though well spent, and also —bigger issue—what the hell do you do that’s different from what everyone else is doing? I’ve done tee-shirts, mugs, pens, postcards, all the usual, and I’d love to find something a little different. I did do the whole Tenga Egg thing, that’s true, but at almost £10 an egg, it’s not something I can envisage me doing again soon. It’s damn expensive. My own branded condoms were fun but again, not cheap. Book charms on necklaces worked well, and aren’t too expensive if you get them from Etsy. I also bought two Kindle Fires when they were very well priced. One is in my cupboard, and I’m not too sure what to do with it, the other has been promised as a Grand Prize to the wonderful shiMMer event coming up in July.

 (Talking about shiMMer, if you haven’t pre-ordered my books yet for signing, DO IT NOW!! There’s a great prize up for grabs for one of the people who do, a positively pleasurable cornucopia of treasures. This will be drawn after the pre-order window closes on May 24th).

I think I still have a signed Alfredo Roagui 2016 calendar somewhere as well. That was ordered from him via Etsy and took a long time coming from Mexico. I could see the dust settling on the gulch, as I thirsted away, waiting for them to arrive…and some Men of London magnets. I bought the wrong size, and they ended up being big enough to fit as an advertising billboard on the side of your car door.

I did however come across a fabulous site doing a great range of promotional flash drives. To me, this is an item that always comes in handy in today’s digital world. I purchased these from them and I’m thrilled at the way they came out. They aren’t the traditional USB; they’re much more compact and easy to pop in a wallet. These little beauties will be coming with me to shiMMer as well.

I still have more swag to order, and I’ll be visiting ye olde faithful Vistaprint or Etsy for some economical ideas. I’m thinking pens, notepads, smaller fridge magnets this time, and mousepads.

What’s your favourite form of swag, as an author or a reader/blogger? And if you have any great suggestions for anything you might have done and where to get it, please feel free to leave it right here….

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Sight Unseen’ by Susan Mac Nicol #LGBT #Review #Romance

Source: ‘Sight Unseen’ by Susan Mac Nicol #LGBT #Review #Romance

 

Wow. I’m floored myself, it’s not just the reviewer. What a fabulous review, really insightful and so heartening  to see. I’m so thankful someone appreciated this story like they did, and the efforts that went into it. I can’t claim all the credit on the fact this was a book set in the US and needed to be carefully researched in terms of the speech, slang,  geography etc. My wonderful writing partner, Nicola Downs, himself an LA resident, was a goldmine on this one. As was my brilliant editor, Michelle Klayman, who’s also a Cali gal. So thanks needs to go to them both for me getting this right. And my friend Lynsey – my teacher in all things blind – had s lot to do with the research, as well as me spending hours watching videos, reading articles and blog posts and talking to people in the blind community. I’m glad it worked. My job is done. I love this result.

Fascinating article about flash fiction

Explore the flash fiction and stylized featured images at Just Punch the Clock.

via The Art of Featured Images: Visualizing the Flash Fiction at Just Punch the Clock — Discover

Latest update from the Novel Approach on what’s happening.

Cheers, friends, and welcome to a look at what we have coming up for you in the week ahead. It’s shaping up to be a great week, so here’s a […]

via Here’s a Sneak Peek at the Coming Week — The Novel Approach Reviews

What am I up to right now?

I thought it was about time I did an update on what’s going on in my life right now. You might not give a fig (LOL) but it’s nice to get it out there anyway. I’m told authors need to keep their profile fresh and ‘vibey’ so maybe this will help rekindle the love for my books and make me that million I’ve always wanted.

First on my list of bucket things to do was my recent trip to LA to meet my publisher, Boroughs Publishing Group, and writing partner, actor Nicholas Downs. I’m not going to say too much about it here because you can read all about here

https://www.divinemagazine.biz/my-la-experience-the-trip-of-a-lifetime/

Suffice it to say it was the best trip of my life and I intend having more of them. Hence the need to make that million.

I came away from that adventure with contracts for six books from now until the end of 2018. I hope to get back to publishing a new book every 3-4 months. I’ve slacked off with writing due to other pressures I’d had but now’s the time to pull up my big girl pants, stope eating and sleeping, forget I have a family and a day job, and get those words written.

Those books are the ninth Men of London book, ‘Survival Games’ featuring Kyle Tripper, Vegas croupier and nightclub manager, and Eric Kirby, paramedic, from Hard Climate. It’s the story of two survivors -one of spousal abuse, the other of losing a lover he couldn’t save.

Then there’s the eagerly anticipated ‘Living on Air’ (oh, is that just me? Right then…) This is a stand -alone novel depicting a psychotic paedophile priest (try saying that three times quickly), an abused youth turned man who finds solace in self-harming, and hides away as an aerialist in a circus, and a world-weary war photographer who wants to find the beauty in life again instead of cruelty and death. Bring these last two together and it’s a little like the witches’ boiling pot in Macbeth-

‘Double, double, toil and trouble, fire burn and cauldron bubble.’ Sparks will fly, blood will spill, emotions will run at fever point – oh and did I mention there’s clowns? Sorry to all you coulrophobics out there. I can give you some solace though -it isn’t IT.

Lastly for now, I’m writing a new spin off series from the Men of London book, ‘Feat of Clay’ featuring Clay Mortimer, former SAS operative, and Tate Williams, undercover DEA cop. Personally, I think this was one of my most under rated books. I adore this cover out of all my MOL covers, and the fact this was a story based on an existing relationship made it special to me. The chaps are coming back in a new series called Fetish Alley. It’s going to be sassy, funny, tongue in cheek madness with a mystery spin and of course, two hot men and their relationship. And yes, the word ‘fetish’ is exactly what it means. But you’ll have to stick around to find exactly what it’s all about. Tate’s education in weird is about to get very intense.

I’m also toying with the idea of a short Leslie and Oliver story, if I can stop breathing long enough to write it. (My take on this is that I’ve given up everything else and this is all I have left.) I want to write about Leslie and his new corset range with Debussy Fashion and how he makes Oliver his muse and model. Imagine Oliver in a corset and high heels. Teamed with the feisty Leslie, this would be one spectacular sight.

I’ve also been extremely busy with Divine Magazine well. Being Editorial Manager is a lot of hard work. I can say though that I‘ve been privileged to meet, speak to and interview some wonderful people like David Booher, whom I had the pleasure of having dinner with in LA,  and Scott McGlynn, who has the most lovely Welsh accent. I’m also talking to Guillaume Sanchez who’s a fascinating character. All of these interviews will be featured soon.

As for The Being Me Campaign, of which I’m a Board Trustee, we’ve been busy behind the scenes building up what’s needed for 2017. I’m co-ordinating a wonderful charity anthology with Louis Harris from CoolDudes Publishing where sales of this book will benefit the charity. My story, ‘Strawberry Kisses’ has been submitted. I’d like to thank all the authors who are working with us on this for contributing their time and effort to help out the charity.

Jack L Pyke                          Heather C Leigh

Duncan Swallow                 Melissa Costa

J P Bilbao                             Amelia Faulkner

Louisa Mae                          Jennifer Slusher

Valynda King                      Violet Joicey-Cowan

Susan Mac Nicol                Rhys Christoper Ethan

Melissa Costa                     Alex Jane

Sherri Jordan Asble         Lane Swift

Heather C Leigh                Dilo Keith

On a non-writing note, I’m off to South Africa with my husband and daughter to see family from 1-14^th May. I’ll be in Cape Town and the West Cape so it’s going to be epic. Sun, sea, sand, wine, beer and family.

I’m at shiMMer in July, Brighton Pride in August, going to Dublin with a friend in September and hopefully then the travelling stops for a bit.

And I think I’ve said enough. I will leave you with this picture……I’m sure you’ll fit right in.

 

I’m tired of being generalised about…

---

I might ruffle a few feathers with this one. But I’ve had enough. This is intended as a post of respect for both you and for me, so please treat it as such. No disrespect is intended towards anyone, I think I kept this fairly heartfelt.

Certain members of the LGBT community- I implore you – please don’t lump ‘M/M authors’ into one category. I have great respect for what you are all saying and agree with you 100% – but I get twitchy when M/M romance writers seem to be in danger of being demonised as a whole by the recent KA debacle. Generalising – as you well know- is dangerous. Since this whole fiasco, I’ve seen a lot of off colour comments from people about ‘straight women writing M/M romance’ (not gay or queer romance because apparently we don’t get to call it that -although I prefer those terms myself) , loads of blog posts about M/M authors only being in it for the money, (believe me I don’t make that much- I do it because I enjoy it) how  some of us have street teams who bully everyone else into agreeing with us (yes some do) and how being an ‘ally’ doesn’t really mean much to some in the community ‘because allies haven’t experienced what we have’. I agree with you on that one wholeheartedly. We don’t get to play in your sandbox simply because we write about gay men falling in love. However, I don’t use the word ‘ally’ when it comes to my support of the LGBT community. I use the word ‘human being’. Because that’s what I am and I have a sense of justice and fairness that plays out in many ways. That’s it. I’m not here to make a big name as an ‘ally’, or preen in my rainbow feathers because I move around in this community, which I adore by the way. I’m not here to grandstand, or marginalise anything the community does in its ever-constant battle to stay safe and be allowed acceptance, and to live life like any other member of the human race. I’m here to support where I can, help, learn – and educate myself every day. I share posts I think are valid, tweet things I think need saying, post things I think are important to say. I want people to know where I stand in this struggle of yours and in fairness, I think about that there can be no doubt. My daughter is bisexual so I do actually have some personal standing in this, I assure you.

It hurts my soul to see that whatever support I feel I’m giving is not worth it out there and being under-mined by unthinking, even if well-meant, comments by certain individuals. Please think twice before you make a blanket statement about people who have nothing but admiration and affection for you and only wish to do what’s right. And honestly – like you, I shouldn’t feel I have to defend the M/M author community. (This is purely my view, no other M/M authors were consulted in this post) Because we have a community too and in general, it’s a damn good one, full of people who care and who try to support and do good. It’s not all arseholes who blatantly don’t.

Thanks for listening to me. ♥♥

Theresa Oliver’s Fae Wish Blog Tour – March 20th through until March 24th

★ Tiny or tall, brave or small—it is the size of our hearts that matter at all … ★