Book Spotlight: A Secret Match by Kelli Wilkins

Spotlight on… A Secret Match
By Kelli A. Wilkins
www.KelliWilkins.com

Hi everyone,

Today I’m sharing an inside look at the making of my gay romance, A Secret Match.

It’s a sizzling contemporary novel set in the world of professional wrestling.

Before we get started, let me answer the question lots of folks may be asking: “Why do you write gay romances? You’re not a man or gay.” I generally respond with: “Why shouldn’t I? I wrote a vampire romance, and I’ve never been a vampire.”

But seriously, I’m a writer. And as a writer, I write whatever story comes to me, whether it’s a contemporary, historical, paranormal, or gay romance. My romances are about people who meet, fall in love, and overcome obstacles to be with each other. This basic philosophy applies whether the characters are same-sex, different sex, or space alien and earth girl. Love is love and romance is romance. I’m not married to one specific genre or heat level. I go where the story and the characters take me.

So, how did A Secret Match come about? I’ve been a wrestling fan my whole life and A Secret Match is a follow-up (of sorts) to my other wrestling romance, A Deceptive Match. That book is about a straight couple (Vin and Danni) and Everett (the main character from A Secret Match) is a secondary character (and Vin’s best friend).

I loved writing for Ev— he’s one of those characters who tries to run away with the book. I always thought that “one day” I’ll give him a story of his own, but I didn’t have a clue as to what the plot would be. I put thoughts of him aside and wrote other books. Then, one morning as I was driving to work, he popped into my head with a four-line book summary. Within an hour, I had the whole story in my head and I started writing the outline.

A big part of the storyline centers around Everett dealing (or rather, not dealing) with his sexuality and his (un)willingness to be open about who he really is. Ev’s longtime partner, Josh, is tired of being kept in his “walk-in closet” and wants Ev to come out (at least to his friends and family) but Everett is concerned about losing his job. Will fans accept a gay wrestler? How will his boss react? Part of him wants to keep everything just as it is because that’s safe. But another part of him longs to stop hiding the truth.

When I wrote the book, I focused on Ev’s anguish over being caught between two worlds: his job (where his wrestling persona is a horny womanizer) and his secret, private life with Josh. Everett can’t balance the two and worries about what the other wrestlers would think of him coming out.

As Ev tells Vin (while discussing the issue of gay athletes in sports): “… a gay baseball player doesn’t have the type of physical contact with other guys like we do. There are all sorts of issues—changing in the locker room, showering together… Can you imagine some of the things that would go through the guys’ heads when I tried to put a hold on them? You think they wouldn’t freak out when I touched them if they knew?”

Vin’s reply: “You won’t know if you never take the risk.”

And risk Ev does. After he comes out (twice, in fact—I loved writing those scenes!), he discovers a different side to himself, embraces who he is, and even faces down intolerant fans and homophobic coworkers.

I enjoyed showing Everett on his journey of self-acceptance. He’s a bit of a cocky wise-ass, and he’s definitely a fun character to write for. I was glad to give Ev and Josh the happy-ever-after ending they rightly deserve (and some hot love scenes!), because no matter what, love is love, and that’s all that matters.

I hope you’ll check it out. It’s a fun blend of drama, humor, romance, and action that M/M romance fans will love. The summary and a tame excerpt are below.

Happy Reading!
Kelli

A SECRET MATCH 

Everett Kinkade is a world-famous professional wrestler and the sexy heartthrob of millions of adoring female fans. But Ev has a secret he doesn’t dare share with anyone. He’s gay.

After years of being Ev’s secret lover, Josh is tired of hiding in the shadows and wants Ev to openly acknowledge their relationship. Coming out is the last thing Ev wants and fears it will ruin his career.

One night in a moment of truth, Everett outs himself on live TV. There’s no going back, and his announcement sparks a firestorm of problems—both personally and professionally. He’s forced to come to grips with who he really is while facing down a manipulative boss and a tag-team out to destroy him.

Torn between living a lie and losing the man he loves, Ev has risked everything… can he find a balance between his career and his heart?

An Excerpt:

Everett finished his beer and gazed around the living room. It was comforting to have someone to talk to, instead of constantly keeping everything bottled up inside. It had been years since he’d been alone with a guy, and he liked Josh, liked him a lot. But he was worried. What if something went wrong? What if Josh told someone?

Josh gave his shoulder a little shove. “Come on, out with it, Muscles. Either you really love staring at my bookcase, or you’re too shy to face me. I know you’re thinking about something behind those beautiful blue eyes.”

“I… nah…”

“What? Anything. Say it.”

He sneaked a glance at Josh out of the corner of his eye. “I was wondering what it would feel like to”—he bowed his head—“kiss you.”

“Why don’t we find out?” Josh took Ev’s empty beer bottle and set it down on the marble end table. “Come here.”

He let Josh draw him into his arms. Ev closed his eyes and waited, his heart hammering out of control.

A second later, Josh’s lips gently pressed against his. Ev gasped and kissed him back gingerly. Josh increased the pressure, and their mouths moved in unison. The scent of Josh’s spicy vanilla cologne washed over him and he lost himself in the tender embrace. Josh’s beard grazed his cheek, sending an electric tingle racing up his spine. God, this was good.

He clutched Josh tighter, holding on to him for dear life, not daring to let go. Josh groaned and slid his tongue into his mouth. An adrenaline rush of excitement flooded through him, and his cock sprang to life.

Dear God, he wasn’t supposed to have these kinds of feelings, this hunger, for another man, but it felt right. The wet heat of Josh’s tongue swirling around his drove him into a frenzy, and he kissed Josh deeper, praying this would never end.

After a few minutes, Josh eased away. “You are amazing. That was hot.”

Ev smiled. “It’s been so long. I forgot how good this could be. I feel safe with you. I really do.”

Josh rested his head on Ev’s chest. “You should, because you are. And don’t worry, we’ll take this slow. You set the pace, Muscles. Whatever you’re comfortable with works for me.”

Order your copy of A SECRET MATCH here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FERW65A

Don’t miss the book that introduced readers to Ev and Vin, A Deceptive Match. 

Order your copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F18X3XQ


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has published more than 95 short stories, 19 romance novels, and 5 non-fiction books. Her romances span many genres and heat levels.

In 2016 Kelli is re-releasing her romances previously published by Amber Quill Press. Visit her website and blog for a full title list, book summaries, and other information as it becomes available.

Her writing book, You Can Write—Really! A Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction is a fun and informative non-fiction guide based on her 15 years of experience as a writer. It’s filled with writing exercises and helpful tips all authors can use.

If you like to be scared, check out Kelli’s horror ebooks: Dead Til Dawn and Kropsy’s Curse.

Kelli posts on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor. She also writes a weekly blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/.

Visit her website, www.KelliWilkins.com to learn more about all of her writings, read book excerpts, reviews, and more. Readers can sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb.


CATCH UP WITH KELLI

Here are a few links to find Kelli & her writings on the web

Website: www.KelliWilkins.com

Blog: http://kelliwilkinsauthor.blogspot.com/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/kelliwilkins

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/HVQqb

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/KWilkinsauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1123678.Kelli_A_Wilkins

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KWilkinsAuthor/

Cover Reveal & Book Trailer: A Trust to Follow by Diana Waters

Synopsis

Prince Daymon is an Evoker—possessor of rare and feared magical powers.
When he is captured by bandits who plan to use his gifts for their own benefit he must depend upon his lover to come to his rescue.

Rhyder is captain of Daymon’s personal guard and the legendary ‘Lion of the West’, but can he reach the man he loves before it’s too late?

Release Date: May 26, 2016

Pre-order Links

Take advantage of the discount pre-order price on all retailer websites:
WIP: http://www.waywardinkpublishing.com/product/a-trust-to-follow-by-diana-waters/
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-atrusttofollow-2041089-143.html
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Follow-Diana-Waters-ebook/dp/B01FUHLSZ8
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trust-Follow-Diana-Waters-ebook/dp/B01FUHLSZ8
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Trust-Follow-Diana-Waters-ebook/dp/B01FUHLSZ8
Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/Trust-Follow-Diana-Waters-ebook/dp/B01FUHLSZ8

Excerpt

PRINCE DAYMON CAME to with a stifled moan, pain dragging him back to unwelcome awareness. His entire body throbbed, but he kept his eyes closed, not wanting to be greeted with the sight of a bare cell or the bruises where he had been struck. The cold had numbed him to some of the damage, but he could tell without looking that several fingers were likely broken. Instead, he fixed his mind on what he had been dreaming of only moments ago. 

Daymon did not remember his mother well, but he knew what she looked like from the portraits his older brother, Daylor, had kept. From his mother, Daymon had inherited hair as fine and dark as ink and eyes a deep blue, when both his father and his brother were golden-haired with eyes close to amber in color. Where they were tall, broad-shouldered, and olive-skinned like most of his ancestors, Daymon stood several inches shorter than nearly every other grown male he could name, his slight build and pale complexion further marking him as more his mother’s child than his father’s—as though anyone needed reminding. And yet, despite being too young to recall his mother’s voice, or so he thought, Daymon could have sworn he had heard her whisper to him.Just a little longer, the words had tickled past his ear. Just a little longer, and he will come for you. How could he not? But the sensation of his head being held, the fingers brushing softly through his hair, had vanished as soon as Daymon had woken, and although he had never really known her, he felt her absence now as keenly as though she had truly been with him.

Book Trailer

About the Author

DIANA WATERS is a New Zealander currently living in rural Japan. She has no idea where in the world she’ll be this time next year and is pretty okay with that. Other than reading and writing, her main passions include travel, Japanese pop culture, and competitive swimming.
DIANA WATERS can be found at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010664493155
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diana__waters

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Only Option by Megan Derr

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The Only Option
Megan Derr
Genre: Gay Fantasy Shifter Romance, Dragons
Publisher: All Romance eBooks
Date of Publication:  May 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-943576-78-4
Word Count: 30k
Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Book Description:

A desperate dragon. A lonely necromancer. A marriage neither wants.

When he is summoned to the royal castle, Rochus anticipates nothing more than a particularly difficult assignment. The bothersome journey is almost made worthwhile when he is propositioned by a young, beautiful dragon, Tilo, who seems untroubled by the fact that Rochus is a necromancer.

When Rochus arrives at the castle he is ordered to marry the very same dragon he spent the night with. Though Rochus would rather sign papers and return home, he is helpless against Tilo's pleas for help, even if it means spending more time around a man he is desperately drawn to but who doesn’t seem to want him.

ARe | Amazon

***

About the Author:

Megan Derr is a long time writer of LGBTQ romance and keeps herself busy reading, writing, and publishing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers, and can be found all over the internet. For more information on other books by Megan, visit her website: www.maderr.com.

http://maderr.com/

https://twitter.com/amasour

http://meganderr.blogspot.com/

http://maderr.tumblr.com/

***

Giveaway:

3 ebook copies of Jumping In by Cardeno C

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Rghtfully His Omega by Angelique Voisen

Rightfully His Omega

ARe Dubious

Angelique Voisen

Genre: Gay Wolf Shifter,

with MPREG

Publisher: All Romance eBooks

Date of Publication:  May 1, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-943576-75-3

Word Count: 18k

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Book Description:

Werewolves mate for life.

A rare omega, Charlie has experienced and tasted Hell’s finest. When Charlie was twelve, he died and saw his home burned down, his pack rendered extinct, and his fated mate, Caleb, taken. When Caleb returns ten years later, he intends to claim what he lost.

Caleb’s link to Charlie is unbreakable, stronger than any marriage bond. Harder now, scarred, and a reputed killer, Caleb is the kind of dominant werewolf who doesn’t understand the word no. Caleb isn’t the only one who’s changed. Charlie’s all grown up now.

If Caleb thinks Charlie’s going to bend before he breaks, he has another thing coming.

ARe    Amazon

Excerpt:

Charlie Foster finished off his set with a final twirl around the pole onstage. The crowd went wild as the music died. Since Charlie’s leather thong was stuffed full of bills, he scooped up the remaining twenties tossed near the pole before strutting backstage.

He passed by Mark, his roommate and best friend. Dressed in his favorite fireman’s outfit, Mark was ready to go next. “Sounds like a great crowd.”

“Not a bad sweep. A couple of seedy characters hanging by the bar,” Charlie admitted. “Good luck out there, bro.”

Once in the tiny dressing room, Charlie shrugged on a robe. He lit a stick while he counted the bills. Charlie’s fingers trembled with the simple gesture. Although he’d been clean for years, he felt anxious and jittery. God, would he kill for a fix. Charlie hadn’t had a craving for so long, but he supposed anyone in their right mind would go crazy, especially after seeing a ghost from the past. Under the lights, the only accessory he bothered to wear over the years gleamed gold, taunting him.

Around him, other male dancers bitched and bickered. Usually, Charlie would join in because the boys at the Tight Asses strip club have been his family for nearly two years.

Charlie began stripping to pay for his college tuition and bills, but he figured he’d make more taking off clothes than being stuck in a dead-end office job. Working here also had its perks. Some customers asked for extra services, but, for Charlie, it was all in good fun, especially since they played by his rules. Charlie also told his manager Leslie, a fierce scarred werebear, that he got to pick his customers.

Speaking of their manager, Leslie poked his head into the room. “Charlie, a customer wants a private dance.”

Charlie expected the request after spotting the stranger completely cloaked in shadows at the back. He took deep breaths.

I’m no longer the scared little runt who couldn’t defend himself. I’m a fucking grown-up.

“So, who’s the asshole, Les? You know my rules. I don’t do strangers.”

Leslie paused, looking deep in thought. Leslie Meyers might be a business-minded greedy bastard, but he took care of all his boys. Something had scared Leslie, and not a lot of things could do that to the former MMA fighter.

“I can ask security to escort this shifter out, but I can tell he came here looking for a fight. Discrete won’t work with this kind of fucker.”

“So you’re afraid he’ll scare off the other customers?” Charlie asked sarcastically.

How predictable.

About the Author:

Angelique Voisen is a bisexual, twenty-something, type-2 diabetic and multi-pubbed writer who favors LGBT and ménage pairings. She likes experimenting with different sub-genres and her stories may include cogs, fangs, space battles, kinky magic systems and happily-ever-afters. When Angel’s not writing, she’s gaming, watching B-rated action movies, or enjoying teatime with friends while enviously eyeing their cake.

For more information on other books by Angelique, visit her website: www.angelvoisen.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/angelique.voisen

http://twitter.com/frances_ac

http://www.pinterest.com/angelvoisen/

http://angelvoisen.blogspot.com/

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Prey Mate by Bailey Bradford

Prey Mate

Bailey Bradford

Genre: Gay Shifter romance, wolves

Publisher: All Romance eBooks

Date of Publication: May 1, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-943576-82-1

Word Count: 27500

Cover Artist: Erin Dameron Hill

Book Description:

Predator and prey...one reluctant mate.

Cody Sanderson wasn't looking for a life on the run, but one mistake has cost him his freedom. If he gets caught, it might cost him his life. The man he hooked up with for a night wasn't a man after all, but a beast intent on owning Cody.

But Cody isn't anyone's to keep. He will evade capture and die before he lets himself be caged by a monster. When he's finally caught, he thinks he's about to be taken to the one man he doesn't want to see ever again. Instead, he's offered protection and a solution that will keep him safe.

The only thing is, he'd have to be mated to one of the very things he feared most—a wolf shifter. Cody's not so sure the risk is worth taking.

ARe    Amazon

Excerpt:

It was happening again. Cody Sanderson fought against the instinct to turn and look behind him. The uncomfortable sensation of being watched made his spine itch. He finished the last of his beer and set the bottle on the grungy table. The bar he’d stopped in at was a few steps below a dive, not the kind of place he’d hung out at in Texas at all. He’d hoped that would throw Ansel off his trail. Maybe it had, and whoever watched Cody had nothing to do with Ansel at all.

Or maybe Ansel had found him. Again.

Cody wiped his mouth and pushed to his feet. The legs of the chair scraped noisily on the uneven floor, timed, much to his displeasure, with a pause in the country music that had been blaring from an ancient-looking jukebox a half dozen feet away. Cody hadn’t been listening to the song—it’d been a background noise to his own chaotic thoughts—and he didn’t know if the song had ended naturally or if someone had stopped the music. Perhaps he was being paranoid, but paranoia was all that had kept him alive thus far.

He kept his head down as he pushed the chair back in, a ridiculous thing to do in a bar like this one. Old habits and ingrained manners made him do it, though, and he felt like it marked him as the outsider he was. It was definitely past time for him to get out of there.

The jukebox didn’t start up again as he made his way toward the exit. Cody’s skin prickled with goosebumps as he walked. The utter lack of conversations made him want to run screaming from the place. He felt like everyone watched him, and if they were, it couldn’t mean anything good for him at all.

He tried to think, to pinpoint if he’d done anything that might have made him a target there. Nothing came to mind. He hadn’t done more than order a beer and a burger, had been careful not to smile or stare anyone in the eyes for longer than necessary. Keeping his gaze averted would have marked him as prey as surely as staring too long would have.

What a crazy, unbelievable world to live in. And he’d had no idea just how crazy and unbelievable until he’d stumbled upon Ansel’s secret. For that bit of stupidity, he’d have to spend the rest of his life on the run, on the lookout.

If he survived tonight. His footsteps seemed abnormally loud as he strode toward the door. The scents of stale beer and cigarette smoke paled against the rancid sweat odor that clung to him. If Cody could smell his own fear, then so could any predators.

He struggled to keep from running, to keep his steps even. Showing fear would be a mistake he might not survive. His palms were slick as he reached for the door handle, but he didn’t lose his grip on it. Cody opened the door, and the crisp, cold air that greeted him chilled him to the bone.

He stepped outside. The sound of the door closing behind him didn’t ease his fears any. Every one of his senses was on alert; Cody had learned to listen to his instincts in the past few months. He held himself still, barely daring to breathe as he waited. When music blared suddenly from inside the bar, Cody bit back a yelp but couldn’t repress his body’s reaction otherwise. He jolted as if he’d been jabbed with a cattle prod, and it broke his reserve, sending him running to his motorcycle.

Stop running.

Cody told himself that over and over again, but he knew he’d never be safe, and he’d only be able to stop running when he was captured by Ansel or dead. Given those two choices, he knew which one he’d prefer.

About the Author:

Bailey Bradford is a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. She loves to write as much as she loves to read. Baily is generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off rather than stick and irritate her. Although like many authors, she finds it a challenge to talk about herself, but she does answer emails and invites readers to leave comments on her blog if there’s something specific they’d like to know.

For more information about other books by Bailey, visit her website: www.baileybradford.com

https://twitter.com/BaileyBFun4Me

https://www.facebook.com/Author-Bailey-Bradford-111498888728/

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Book Review: Lab Rat by Nephy Hart

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Lab Rat
by Nephy Hart
M/M Sci-fi/Paranormal/New Adult
Wayward Ink Publishing
Buy Links: Allromance | iTunes | Wayward Ink
Lab Rat will be on sale from May 4th to 7th with 30% off list price at Wayward Ink.
5 Stars

Blurb:

At thirteen, Gabriel was subjected to experimentation designed to awaken latent psychic abilities.

He’s been locked in a downward spiral of self-destruction ever since.

Then one night he meets Laurie, who is the antithesis of everything Gabriel’s become: cheerful, optimistic, and comfortable in his own skin.

Laurie pursues Gabriel. But Gabriel no longer believes in love. With a dark past and a history of disastrous relationships, he’s promised himself ‘no more’. Laurie, however, won’t let go, no matter how many obstacles Gabriel places in his way.

When Gabriel starts hearing voices in his head, he realizes they belong to the scientists who experimented on him. Worse, they’re trying to track him down.

With the past nipping at his heels, Gabriel and Laurie flee together.

Can they outrun the enemy? Can they save Gabriel before either his life or his sanity are forfeit?

And is Gabriel as helpless as he, or Laurie, thinks he is?

***

Review 5 Stars:

Art student Gabriel is in pain, both physical and mental. He suffers from debilitating migraines, pain so bad that he can hardly move. Sometimes he blacks out with no warning. He's been to various doctors, being passed from one department to another but the doctors don't know what's wrong with him. He has fits, but he doesn't have epilepsy, he hears voices, but he isn't schizophrenic. Gabriel is convinced the doctors don't believe him and think that it's all in his head and no medication seems to work.

He's already been in a mental hospital and he doesn't want to go back, so he doesn't go back to the doctors to tell them the medications aren't working. After losing two lovers, Gabriel is convinced that he himself is toxic and that no one should come anywhere near him and he pushes everyone away, fearing he'll hurt them or worse when he has one of his episodes. He feels he doesn't deserve to be loved.

And then he meets Laurie. Laurie with bright blue eyes and the face of an angel who keeps coming back no matter how many times Gabriel pushes him away. And it's Laurie who has to make him see that he is worth something.

I made the mistake of starting this book late at night when I was in bed. A few hours later, eyes gritty, I had to put it down, but only because I was so tired.

It was gripping from the very first page. The reader knows something has happened to Gabriel in the past, but we don't find out what until later in the book and it makes you keep reading. The plot is excellent, well-paced and the writing flows well.

Gabriel is so damaged, but I really related to him in this book. I too had spent years being sent from one doctor to another to try and find out what was wrong with me, at times half-convinced I was mad too, but finally I got the right specialist, the right diagnosis and treatment. I have migraine associated vertigo and like Gabriel when I have an attack I can barely move.

Laurie, oh Laurie, I think I am a little in love with him. Laurie is the light to Gabriel's darkness, he is a knight in shining armour, which may be dented in places, but hasn't lost any of its lustre.

I'm not normally a fan of present tense for novels, but it's a testament to the author's skill that after I while I didn't even notice what tense it was, the story was so engrossing.

I love angst, and this book has angst by the bucketload, but it has hope and love too. In a word, perfect.