UPDATE: The winner is…flchen1!
*~*~*

Just a quick note before we play!

Next Tuesday, I have a new release—the first in the Montana Bounty Hunters: Dead Horse, MT series! If you loved my hunters in Bear Lodge, with their intrepid/accident-prone warrior-leader Reaper, I think you’re going to love Cage, too! Be sure to pre-order your copy!

A former SEAL and MMA fighter, and now, newly minted bounty hunter, has to hunt down his first skip…his ex-wife.

Pre-order here!

Puzzle-Contest!

Solve the puzzle then tell me if your favorite hobby is anything like mine for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winner is…Mary Preston!
*~*~*

It wasn’t until recently I realized I was always a writer. I grew up as an only child in rural Indiana. I have always been curious, which fed my active imagination. It served me well as I was growing up, making otherwise mundane chores exciting.

I was writing stories before I fell in love with reading. That came much later. I had a stutter, so for years, I tied reading to the dreaded moments in class when we had to read aloud.

Then one day, my parents told me my pony was lonely. He was the only pony on a farm full of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses (plus one wayward Donkey named Jethro). They thought it would be a good idea to read to him. So I did, and without the stress of a class full of people listening, the stutter mattered less.

I haven’t stopped reading since I fell in love with it. As I got older, especially in law school, when I didn’t have the time to read, I would collect books and spend my breaks devouring everything I could. Anytime my stress level was high or I struggled with something in everyday life, reading was an escape. Writing was cathartic.

I took a gap year between graduating college and going to law school. I continued to work in a legal department for corporate compliance and spent any downtime writing my first complete story as my dad continued to encourage me to publish. What he didn’t know is that I had been looking for an agent or publisher. I have a stack of rejections to prove it. I had always written for me. I had no idea what it meant to publish a book or if I should.

It became obvious in law school that the career I had always thought I wanted wasn’t going to make me happy. Remember that fear I had of reading aloud? Totally forgotten as I would be in class, writing the sequel to the story I had written the year before. Getting called on was an annoyance that interrupted my writing. Around this time, I got my first e-reader and started to read Indie authors. It was life-changing.

As I left law school, it was like diving into unknown waters and life threw me a few curveballs. I met my future husband during my final year of law school. Then my dad got sick. When he died, my muse went with him. Grief is fickle, at a time when I needed a story to get lost in, I couldn’t find the words to create one. I was raw, and reading helped me cope.

Very slowly, the muse returned. Almost cautiously, like she was unsure if I was ready. I attended my first book convention and standing in line, waiting to meet Penny Reid, it hit me full force that I wanted to be on the other side of the table. I went to two more book conventions that year and would self-publish my first book that fall.

When my muse came back, she was stronger and more resilient. The doubts and fears were gone. Suddenly, it didn’t seem so scary to share the worlds I create. Loss had created a new perspective, and I jumped in headfirst to the unknown.

August 8th will be the third anniversary of publishing my debut book, When You Were Mine. It took almost two years, but the sequel, Mine For Now, released this June. I have met so many amazing people along the way. I know that I still have a lot to learn, mistakes to make, books to write, incredible books to read, and readers to meet, and I’m looking forward to it all.

Contest

For a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card comment, let me know what you love about reading.

My Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cindy-Tanner/e/B0746RHQ9N
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecindytanner/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcindytanner/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/CindyTannerAuthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cindy-tanner
Website: https://www.cindytanner.com

Just a quick note! I’m still hoping my scheduled guest sends me something to post but in the meantime…

Enter these contests before they end!

1. Storytime — A Puzzle Contest — This offer ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
2. Gabbi Grey: Why gay romance? (Contest) — This offer ends soon! Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Last day of July! Open contests! NEW PUZZLE-CONTEST! — Win an Amazon gift card!
4. Binge-TV Question (Contest — 2 Winners!) — Win a FREE book!

UPDATE: The winner is…Elaine Mulder!
*~*~*

I checked the calendar this morning and had to do a double-take. We’re at July 31st! July 31st! Has this year flown by for you like it has me? Sure, it’s been a very strange year. One for the history books in so many ways. A year where we’re living from one disaster to another. Plus, we’re stuck at home.

I had to think back to my childhood where we stayed glued to the TV through JFK’s assassination, the moon landing, the Viet Nam war. (An aside, one of my most vivid memories was watching a reporter get shot and having a South Vietnamese medic wrapping his leg with a tourniquet—while he continued his report!) Now, we (maybe just I?) can watch news 24/7. I’m listening to the news while I’m typing this! It’s crazy. Not healthy, I’m sure, but I feel like I have to know the second when the zombie apocalypse starts! Because that’s next, right?

In the meantime, it’s the end of July. I did plenty of work this month but don’t yet have a new book to share. That happens in August.  Check out Cage, if you’re ready for another sexy bounty hunter. I did a s*$t-ton of editing for other folks. I painted my ass off. I spent a lot of pool time with the kids. So, I wasn’t lazy. I just wasn’t writing fast enough. I realize I’ve been using my family’s self-isolation as an excuse to…watch more movies with the family, participate in meal preparation, playing with the little ones, playing with a new hobby that provides me joy… Maybe that makes me a bad writer, but I’m not caring. 🙂

These contests are still open!

1. Susan Saxx: Nathan Unwrapped (Contest) — Win a FREE book!
2. Storytime — A Puzzle Contest — Win an Amazon gift card!
3. Gabbi Grey: Why gay romance? (Contest) — Win an Amazon gift card!

The Puzzle-Contest

For a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card, tell me the story that goes along with this picture! 

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…Eileen Airey!
*~*~*

Does it feel as though the days are just blending together? I had to check the calendar to figure out what day of the week it was. There’s a sameness that’s just a bit numbing to my days now.

There are bright spots. The 7-year-old has decided that my bed is the softest, so she comes toodling in at bedtime with a smug smile. She knows I’ll flip back the covers and let her join me. Then we’ll lie side-by-side in the dark and talk about what’s happening with her favorite YouTube personality. The pool is another highlight. I mostly bob around on a noodle, enjoying the giant bathtub (the pool’s temp is right around 90 degrees!). It’s so relaxing if I stick to the side opposite of where the 7-year-old and 11-year-old are trying to drown each other in “sea battles.”

I have a book to finish and two sets of edits to work on. Plenty to keep me busy. And I’m trying to slowly get control over my craft room/office sprawl. So, yes, plenty to do.

The fall will look a lot like the summer, minus pool time. Our school district is offering an online option for students, so we’re opting for that. Gah!

The Puzzle-Contest

Enter these contests while you can!

1. Poll Results! And Tell Me a Story! (Contest–2 winners!) — Win a FREE cowboy book!
2. Susan Saxx: Nathan Unwrapped (Contest) — Win a FREE book!

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.