August Roundup

Wow, where did August go?

So after a quiet few months, the end of July and into August saw three releases from me.

Firstly, Capture the Sun, the fifth book in the Sapphire cay series written with RJ Scott. It was nice to pick up the story of one of the characters who had a brief appearance in our very first story on the island, Follow the Sun. This series has been a joy to write, and we have one more book planned coming in 2015 that will kind of bring the story full circle and most likely bring the series to a close.

Then came Alter Ego in the middle of the month, overwhelmed by the response, getting on the ARe best sellers list and also some of the top 100 gay fiction lists on Amazon UK. I'm very proud of the story and happy to get back to a solid, contemporary drama/romance.

And then bringing up the rear so to speak, the rerelease of Dead Things with super new cover art by my friend Bittergrace. She did me a massive favour dusting off her retired copy of photoshop to make me the cover and I love it.

You can find links to all book pages here http://meredithrussell.blogspot.co.uk/p/books-by-meredith.html

I also got stuck into some cover art for Love Lane Books and some self-published authors - and as we move into September, a friendly reminder pricing has changed now :) You can catch up with Art by Meredith here or click the link above.

What's coming up?

I'm currently focusing on my Christmas/Winter story called Just Jack. It's a contemporary romance story with a supernatural twist and is currently penned in for a release date of December 5th with Love Lane Books.

Following on from there, I'm looking at writing the sequel to Dead Things, so far excitingly entitled Dead Things 2 and after that the third and final book in the Lone Wolf Trilogy with Extasy Books, and following The Good Wolf and The Bad Wolf, we will have The Ugly Wolf. It just had to be done really :)

UK Meet September 2015 Registration

The UK Meet is back for 2015 and registration is open http://ukglbtfictionmeet.co.uk/2015-registration/

I went this year and thoroughly enjoyed myself, even if I was a little shy (I really am very shy). But it was great to meet new people, hear from various speakers and have a look what other people were doing. I'm still pretty new to all this so it was scary and exciting all rolled up in one, throw in some naked butlers and well, it was actually a brilliant experience.

I never got round to posting any photos of the event, so here to celebrate the return to Bristol, are a few shots of the lovely people I met.

RJ Scott and Violet Joicey-Cowen

Liam Livings and RJ Scott

Sam Higson

Max Vos and KC Wells



Lisa Worrall

 

Me and Lauren Lewis

 

Me and KC Wells, Sue Brown and Max Vos

Me and TJ Masters, Lisa Worrall and Jay Northcote

 

Me and the entertainment: naked butlers and Eddie.

Capture the Sun (Sapphire Cay #5)

Blurb

Model, Isaac Bailey wants to break into the world of fashion design. Under his father’s company name, he is set to debut his new collection—summer wear.

He has the models, the clothes, what he needs is a location. Mitch Stone is a trouble shooter. His latest client needs an exotic location and he happens to know someone with the very thing—Sapphire Cay.

Having underestimated Isaac as nothing more than an airhead model, Mitch soon discovers there is much more to the young man than he first thought. 

As the fashion shoot gets underway, Mitch has to contend with his feelings for his old love, Dylan, and the very new and growing affections he has for Isaac. 

What starts as just another job, turns out to be more fruitful and exhilarating than winning any multi-million dollar contract.

Buy Links

Love Lane Books  |  Amazon (US)  |  Amazon (UK)  |  ARe  | Smashwords  |  B&N  |  iTunes

Reviews

Prism Book Alliance - 5/5 - "....I’ve been reading the Sapphire Cay stories since the very first book; they are like coming home and meeting old friends. My oasis of calm all rolled into one. It doesn’t matter how bad my day has been a trip to Sapphire Cay has the power to lower my blood pressure and relax me like nothing else...."

"....I loved this one so much, it’s by far my favourite of the series (and long may they continue). I don’t want to say anything more about the story except to say Mitch is perfect as the uptight businessman who’s forgotten how to unwind, he wants what he finds on the Cay but he’s scared to reach out and take it, thinking that you can’t build a future on a holiday fling. I loved Isaac too; he was very sweet and quite nervous of the fashion shoot for his first collection. One touch that I loved was how the pictures of Peter and Alfie, found in Christmas on the Cay, were mentioned, that’s the type of thing that’s wonderful about these stories, each one feeds into the next, and I can’t wait to hear their story too...."

Multitaskingmommas Reviews - 4/5 - "....This was such a sweet romance, especially when Mitch kissed Isaac's worries away. The two men had their own issues to deal with and they did deal with them - together - and that just made me smile happily for them both. This does have a fairy tale feel to it though, so is kind of dreamy. Then again, I think dreamy is good, especially when I fall in love with two men I knew nothing about and made me curious enough to pick up the rest of the series...."

Excerpt


Chapter 1

Mitch Stone sipped at very weak whiskey and water and people-watched. He’d done the rounds twice already, flirted with the women, talked sports with the men, and every other cliché under the sun. Now he was hiding to give himself some time to think and staying as sober as he could while having a drink permanently in his hand.

It’s Christmas Eve, live a little.

“Why are you hiding over here?” his senior manager asked with a frown. She was looking a little glassy-eyed, and the champagne glass in her hand was nearly empty.

Mitch lifted his glass in a toast and smiled easily. He liked Doris, with all her power suits and her impossibly high heels. Tonight she appeared relaxed, and it was a good look on her. “I’m just taking a breather.” He wasn’t going to lie to her. She was uncannily quick to see through anyone’s bullshit.

“Don’t stay here,” she admonished. She grabbed a new champagne flute from one of the waiters and sipped at it. “I’m going out to find some fun. I’ll find you some while I’m at it.”

“Don’t—“ She’d gone before he could say what he wanted to say. Mitch watched her weave expertly through the groups forming around the small tables and toward a particularly gorgeous young man who had caught Mitch’s eye more than once tonight.

He must be a party favor, young guys and girls brought in to add glitter and romance, slim young girls with short dresses and scarlet lipstick who pandered to any man at a loose end in the crowd, escorts who were available if you needed them. That was how it worked at big seasonal parties like this one. Since there were women who might need that little something, this particular party also included a whole team of cute men who sashayed and mingled, with alcohol they didn’t drink and promise in their expressions. They were all included in with the party, no cost involved.

This young guy, all bright-eyed with soft spiky hair, was so slim it almost seemed unnatural, but he had a good ass, a nice handful, and he was just as happy casting glances back at Mitch. Doris chatted to him, placing a hand on the young guy’s shoulder and leaning in to say something into his ear. He laughed at whatever Doris was saying and looked over at Mitch.

Oh shit, no. Is Doris setting me up with one of the party favors? Like hell that’s happening.

The young man, who must be in his early twenties, nodded his head and spoke to Doris, all the while looking at Mitch, and Mitch ducked away before the man decided he needed an escort tonight. He was here on business, and the last thing he needed was sex.

Dead Things (Rerelease)

Dead Things is back. Out today with Love Lane Books.

Blurb

When Devin Reid returned home from his final tour in Afghanistan he thought he’d seen the worst of what people could do to other people. It turned out he was wrong.

The life Devin knew is gone. A deadly virus has infected the world’s population, leaving in its wake two types of people—survivors and monsters. Devin is a survivor, a man almost as broken as the world he struggles to survive in. Devin is part of a group who have found refuge in a high security penitentiary in Kansas State. Resources for the group are limited, but outside the safety of the prison walls, the newly-made undead monsters are hungry and hunting. It's down to a handful of people like Devin to risk their lives scavenging the cities and highways to meet the demands on food and supplies.

On one fateful venture, Devin finds someone with the potential to change a dark future, destined for blood and heartbreak, into one of hope and second chances. He finds Noah Weber.

Together, Devin and Noah work to keep the monsters at bay, but do they have the strength to overcome the hurt and loss they’ve both suffered in the fight for survival? And find love in this harsh, unloving world?

Buy Links:  Love Lane  |  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK  |  ARe  | Smashwords ...


Excerpt

Chapter 1

“You’re kidding, right?”

Devin Reid tapped his thumbs thoughtfully against the steering wheel of the dark Mercedes-Benz SUV. No, he wasn’t kidding. In fact, he was deadly serious. He guided the vehicle to the side of the road, and left the engine running as he considered the surrounding area. Through the SUV’s dark-tinted windows he saw the old diner set back from the highway. The place wouldn’t have seen a dime or a customer in almost nine months. The outer door hung crookedly on only one of its hinges, and the windows were filthy, covered in dirt kicked up from the highway and the strong wind that blew through the valley. Despite the few cars sitting out front in the parking lot, there was no one around. There were no lights on inside the diner or the adjoining gas station, and both buildings had an eerie stillness about them.

Aware of his partner, Lee, fidgeting in the passenger seat beside him, Devin made a decision and cut the engine. “Come on,” he said and pulled at the door handle. The door swung open and he stepped out of the car. Pushing his shades higher, he stepped back from the SUV and closed the heavy door, his hand lingering around one of the metal strips welded across the dark glass of the driver’s side window. He twisted his hand around the metal and checked the car up and down. Several similar bars secured the SUV’s radiator and wheel arches.

“Omelet?”

Devin looked across the hood of the car and frowned, silently disapproving of his young companion’s attempt to lighten the mood.

“Get it?” Lee continued, quirking his head and smirking as he nodded toward the specials board beside the door. The writing was faint, bleached by the sun, but the offer of any omelet and fries for under three dollars could be made out beneath the layer of old dirt.

Devin pressed his mouth into a thin line as his partner raised his automatic weapon and scanned it across the front of the diner. With a sigh he pushed his own gun into the holster he wore on his thigh.

“I get it,” he said flatly and turned from the diner toward the horizon. He found it comforting as he looked across the large empty plain. There was nothing but miles of dry, sandy dirt spattered with tufts of tall grass reaching out in all directions from the diner. With a crooked smile, he walked to the back of the vehicle then opened and closed the trunk quickly, appearing with two gas cans in his hands. “Let’s make this quick,” he said and started toward the gas station. “Head up to the diner. See if they’ve got any canned food in the back.”

“The diner?” There was fear in his young companion’s voice.

Looking back over his shoulder, Devin gave a heavy sigh. He lowered the gas cans and folded his arms across his chest as he turned to Lee. He watched the teenager shift nervously from one foot to the other and run a shaky hand through his short, auburn hair. The spatter of freckles across his youthful cheeks was darker than usual as his face paled.

“Lee, stop being a pussy and get over there,” Devin said firmly, and nodded toward the diner. They didn’t have time to mess around. He waited, watching Lee as he eyed the dilapidated building, the idea seemingly daunting to the teenager. He hadn’t wanted to bring the kid with him, but as he had been told, everyone needed to pull their weight. There was no easy ride in this world. Not anymore.

Alter Ego (Knowles Brook 1) - Out Today

The first book in my Knowles Brook series is out. I'm so excited and hope you will enjoy the book as much as I did writing it.

Blurb

Jay James is the confident, outgoing, flirtatious, lead guitarist of a 70s tribute band. But appearances can be deceiving. Jay James isn’t real. ‘Jay’ was born out of necessity and a way for James Hall to deal with life at home after coming out. James is shy and awkward, and can’t escape the shadow of his strained relationship with his mother. As ‘Jay’, James feels indestructible, like nothing can touch him, and he can have any man he wants. But is that really enough?

When ‘Jay’ meets Danny, he views him as just another potential conquest. Danny, however, has other ideas. The barman has no intention of being just another one night stand and leaves James surprised when he rebuffs his advances.

Danny Ashton is stuck, or at least that’s how he feels sometimes. Five years ago, he dropped out of university to look after his sick mother. He was never prepared for the hand he was dealt—a house to run, bills to pay, and a teenage brother to support. Wanting more than part time bar work, Danny applies for a job at the family run hotel in the village. When he’s called for an interview, he isn’t expecting to see James there but the chance encounter gives him the unexpected opportunity to get to know the real James.

Together, Danny and James realise ignoring their problems will solve nothing, and if they are to stand any chance of happiness and living as the men they want to be, then they need to move forward. Can the two men face their demons? Or will they end up pushing one another away?

Buy links:  Amazon US  | Amazon UK  |  Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Apple iStore


Excerpt

Chapter 1

James Hall strummed the air as a moody David Essex track hit its chorus. The lyrics paused for a powerful chord, and James curled his fingers in the air, playing his invisible guitar.

He heard a short outburst outside the bathroom and lowered his volume. Whatever they were doing out there, it didn’t seem to involve him. He was glad for the few moments of peace before slapping on a smile and going out on the stage.

The Drum and Monkey pub wasn’t huge, and it was a tight squeeze to get all five members of the band and their equipment up on stage. The last time they played they had gone down well with the punters, and so here they were again. Being asked back had instilled James and his bandmates with a sense of pride and confidence. He didn’t know about everyone else, but James had needed that.

He turned the volume back up and focused on his reflection in the mirror above the washbasin. With great care, he tucked the last few strands of his own dark blond hair beneath the net of the platinum blond wig he wore. He flicked the straight, layered locks out of his eyes, and brushed the wig with his fingers as he fixed the style. He then checked over his makeup. His eyes were framed in purple, and he wore pale pink lipstick. James leaned forward, tilting his face as he wiped at the corners of his mouth and checked his teeth. He’d do. He was lead guitarist in a seventies glam cover band, not some elaborate drag act. He liked subtle, just enough of a difference to make him feel like someone else.

There was a bang on the door and a muffled call. James sighed and pulled out his earphones, turning off the music and pocketing his phone in his hoodie.

“What are you doing in there? Writing your will?”

Cover Reveal: Dead Things

Dead Things is back. Two years after its first release in August 2012, the book is back for its rerelease with Love Lane Books. Due for release on the 29th August, and with a brand new cover by the awesome Bittergrace Art who popped out of retirement from the cover art business to do me a massive favour. The zombies are back.

 

Blurb

 

When Devin Reid returned home from his final tour in Afghanistan he thought he’d seen the worst of what people could do to other people. It turned out he was wrong.

The life Devin knew is gone. A deadly virus has infected the world’s population, leaving in its wake two types of people—survivors and monsters. Devin is a survivor, a man almost as broken as the world he struggles to survive in. Devin is part of a group who have found refuge in a high security penitentiary in Kansas State. Resources for the group are limited, but outside the safety of the prison walls, the newly-made undead monsters are hungry and hunting. It's down to a handful of people like Devin to risk their lives scavenging the cities and highways to meet the demands on food and supplies.

On one fateful venture, Devin finds someone with the potential to change a dark future, destined for blood and heartbreak, into one of hope and second chances. He finds Noah Weber.

Together, Devin and Noah work to keep the monsters at bay, but do they have the strength to overcome the hurt and loss they’ve both suffered in the fight for survival? And find love in this harsh, unloving world?

Alter Ego (Knowles Brook 1)

I am excited to announce my new release, Alter Ego, will be available from this Friday with Love Lane Books.

Alter Ego is the first story in a new series from me based around a fictional village in the Midlands called Knowles Brooks. Though the stories will pretty much be standalone, the lives of the villagers will intertwine much in a similar way to the Sapphire Cay series written with RJ Scott.

Book 1 focuses on James and Danny. Both men have their own baggage, which they need to deal with if they're to stand a chance of their mutual attraction becoming anything more than the series of chance encounters they find themselves meeting in.

I hope you will enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Over the next week or so on my blog, I hope to look at the inspiration behind the characters and the music in Alter Ego, as well as looking at the real village Knowles Brook is based on and what my hopes are for the series, which in note form, currently stands at five books.

Check back for an excerpt at the end of the week.


Blurb

Jay James is the confident, outgoing, flirtatious, lead guitarist of a 70s tribute band. But appearances can be deceiving. Jay James isn’t real. ‘Jay’ was born out of necessity and a way for James Hall to deal with life at home after coming out. James is shy and awkward, and can’t escape the shadow of his strained relationship with his mother. As ‘Jay’, James feels indestructible, like nothing can touch him, and he can have any man he wants. But is that really enough?

When ‘Jay’ meets Danny, he views him as just another potential conquest. Danny, however, has other ideas. The barman has no intention of being just another one night stand and leaves James surprised when he rebuffs his advances.

Danny Ashton is stuck, or at least that’s how he feels sometimes. Five years ago, he dropped out of university to look after his sick mother. He was never prepared for the hand he was dealt—a house to run, bills to pay, and a teenage brother to support. Wanting more than part time bar work, Danny applies for a job at the family run hotel in the village. When he’s called for an interview, he isn’t expecting to see James there but the chance encounter gives him the unexpected opportunity to get to know the real James.

Together, Danny and James realise ignoring their problems will solve nothing, and if they are to stand any chance of happiness and living as the men they want to be, then they need to move forward. Can the two men face their demons? Or will they end up pushing one another away?