Dead Fall (Dead Things 2) Available Now

Blurb

Since the events in Chicago, Devin and Noah dare to believe that a future is possible, and there is hope. For them and humanity.

Noah struggles to find his place at Devin’s side. Stricken with survivor’s guilt and a driving need to make a difference, Noah leaves his lover to investigate the only lead he has to end the undead. Himself.

Devin has fought to stay sane in a world of horror for too long and his one shining light is Noah. When Noah heads off on some misguided venture to search for answers, Devin knows he can’t bear to be the one left behind again.

They are two men who have nothing, and everything, to lose.

Available at: Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK)  |
Smashwords  |  B&N  |  Kobo  |  iTunes  |  & others

 

Excerpt

 

Chapter 1

 

“Finger off the trigger,” Devin Reid instructed.

Noah rested his index finger on the side of the trigger guard, and stared down the makeshift gun range. He lowered his head, frustrated by his failure to hit all the targets set out for him.

“You just need to relax a little.”

Noah glanced at Devin. “You said to grip it tightly.”

With a nod, Devin said, “I know. But not so hard your hand shakes.” He pushed away from the front of the car, and came to stand beside Noah. “Grip. Ease off slightly.” He squeezed his hand around Noah’s, then relaxed it as he gave his instructions.

Devin’s hand was warm and clammy but Noah didn’t care. A small smile curled the corner of his mouth at Devin’s touch.

Devin’s breath was shaky as he lowered his head.

Things had been strange between the two of them over the last seven weeks. Both of them were figuring out where they fit in the world, and in each other’s lives. They had spent more time together, though Devin remained somewhat distant, not that Noah blamed him. Devin had lost the man he’d loved at the start of the monster-filled nightmare they found themselves in. He understood that Devin struggled with the lack of closure he still felt, despite knowing there was no coming back for Connor. The man Devin had known was dead. But it was about more than Connor. It was about Devin not thinking himself strong enough to go through that kind of loss all over again. To leave himself open to such grief and despair if he got close to Noah only to lose him as well.

Noah closed his eyes as he felt the warmth of Devin’s breath on his neck. His heart ached as he longed to have Devin close. He remembered the warmth of Devin’s touch, the lines of his body, and the feel of Devin’s skin on his during the night they’d spent together in Chicago.

Chicago. He wondered what had become of the people they’d left behind. Were they safe? Was Chicago still able to offer them protection?

Sometimes he felt guilty that he didn’t care more. It wasn’t as if he knew them, not really. He wasn’t sure he remembered their faces anymore. Them or the people who had died on the journey there.

The journey for a cure. Had anything come from the blood sample they’d taken from him, of the vaccine or biological weapon against the undead they hoped to create?

His blood had saved Devin, had created a serum that could battle the infection, but it wasn’t a true solution. It could happen again, to Devin, to everybody.

Silence fell between them and Noah opened his eyes. Devin was looking at him through his shades, one crooked eyebrow raised above the frames.

“It helps if you keep your eyes open.” Devin smirked and reached down, taking Noah’s other hand in his. “Support your grip with your left.”

“Like this?” Noah waited as Devin checked his hold. He shifted his footing, steadying himself as he battled the frustration over only being able to hit the target two times out of five. “I don’t get why I’m doing this. I managed perfectly fine without a gun before you showed up.”

Has it really only been seven weeks? It feels like longer. A lot had happened since the day Devin had turned up at the Weber family’s farm. Noah remembered the shouting and gunfire, of coming across Devin and his partner, Kerry, desperately fighting off a small group of the undead monsters created by some twisted virus. He hadn’t hesitated when Devin was attacked. Noah had run headlong into the fray, determined he wasn’t going to see anyone die that day.

Making Progress

I can't believe I let two weeks slip by without making a post. I've been busy finishing up some art work for people and also started back writing.

I've settled on working on the sequel to Dead Things. I had to put the story aside for a long time as my head was in a dark place for quite a while. The darkness of a zombie apocalypse and Devin and Noah's world sadly wasn't where I wanted or needed to be. But I'm feeling stronger and more positive right now, so ready to try tackling the story again. I've already added just over 3000 words taking the story up to 51K and I've made myself a rough plan of where the story needs to go and covers about 6 more chapters.

This book has been a long time coming and I hope for people who enjoyed the first Dead Things story, once I'm finally done they don't feel disappointed. I love Devin and Noah so hope I do justice to the next stage in their story.

I'm excited to be writing again and am grateful for everyone's support these last few years. Thank you.

The Rd to Frosty Hollow in print & Knowles Brook #2 snippet

You're not imagining it, this is another post. That's two in one year. I should be careful not to over do it :)

So what's new?

As of this past week The Road to Frosty Hollow is available in paperback.

 

Main post to links and stuff here

We've had some great reviews for the story so thank you to every one who has read Frosty Hollow. I'm particularly proud of the story, which was my one and only release in 2016. It was a tough year and some days it was hard to get in Nick and Cameron's heads, so it means a lot, the positive reactions I've seen to the book.

I've been working on various cover art this last week, including pieces for AE Ryecart, RJ Jones, Amber Kell, RJ Scott and KC Wells (phew), but did manage to jot down an outline of my characters and what their story is going to be for the next book in the Knowles Brook series. I made a brief start (before getting distracted by art again) on the first chapter and look forward to finding more time in the coming weeks.

Here is the very short, rough and unedited start of Knowles Brook 2.

****

“Mikey, you’ve ten minutes.”

Mikey glanced at the back of the bathroom door. He parted his lips, but didn’t call back to his brother who he knew would be standing on the other side, waiting, wondering if he was okay. Eventually, there was the dull sound of Jeremy heading downstairs and Mikey released a breath. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror above the sink. Doubt gripped him.

Just Jack News

I just wanted to share a few bits and bobs about Just Jack.

Join Jack and Leo for a one-off special

This was a short piece (about 500 words) written for Amber Kell's Birthday Bash. It was fun to go back and visit them as Jack talks about celebrating his kind-of-birth-day. You can find this and a small giveaway (running until Sunday) at Amber's blog here.

~*~

Just Jack is now available in print
I love this cover so much and I'm so excited to see it released as a paperback.

Blurb

Can two broken men find love in the chill of Winter?

Leo is having a bad day. Finding his boyfriend in bed with another man was one thing, being the subject of office gossip another, but falling on his ass in the snow in front of a gorgeous man was the final straw.

Jack has existed in a solitary life of ice and bitterness after betrayal. He swore no one would ever break his heart again, gave up on love, and became something else; Jack Frost.

As Jack and Leo get closer, Jack is left torn and confused. Jack yearns for anything that reminds him of his humanity, but the truth is, he feels nothing, not warmth, not love, and he knows he might never be able to love Leo the way he deserves to be loved.

When the line between fairy tales and magic, and the real world become blurred, can love conquer everything?


My copy came just this morning and I am so incredibly pleased with it. Bittergrace is a good friend and I appreciate the time and hard work she put into doing it for me.

Buy links:  Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

 

~*~

 

E-book on sale

Between the 27th November and 27th December Love Lane Books is offering the e-book with 25% off. If me as an author and Just Jack is new to you and you're looking for something sweet and warming, but also all about the chilly winter days, now is your chance to pick it up at a reduced price.

 

 

For more details on the book including excerpts, reviews and buy links visit Just Jack's page at Love Lane Books here

 

~*~

 

Future plans

Just Jack had been intended as a one off, but after a few lovely readers planted the seed about further books, well, my mind just keeps going there. I have plans for, certainly, 2 further books. They aren't direct sequels, they will be more about expanding the Jack Frost world and focusing on two other Jack's, so a series. I hope to write the first of those ideas in 2016 *crosses fingers*

 

That's all for this edition of Just Jack news. Watch this space for more updates on future books in the series.

 

Release Day: Forever In The Sun

The final book in the Sapphire Cay series.

Blurb

Feuding families, unearthed secrets, and a violent storm threatens the Cay. Will the idyllic island with her cast of characters make it through unscathed? It’s time for the circle to close on the story of Sapphire Cay, and on the men who have lived and found love on her beaches.

Join characters old and new as we celebrate Dylan and Lucas’s wedding and delve into the history of Sapphire Cay.

Connor and Shaun are directly related to Peter and Alfie, a couple whose clandestine lover affair was overshadowed by old prejudices and a world war. Shaun Jamieson is a writer, a romantic and needs to pen the story of the affair’s final secrets; Connor French’s family wants to stop Shaun.

When the two men step onto the sands of Sapphire Cay, they find more than just the secrets of an old love. They find hope and comfort in each other. But with the past hanging over them, can they ever have what Peter and Alfie could not? Or are they just as ill-fated as their ancestors?

Buy links

Amazon UK  |  Amazon US  |  ARe  | ...

Excerpt

Chapter 3

“Don’t show us up. You got that?” Dylan stood under the shade of the trees at the edge of the beach and looked down at Mutt. The dog looked back up at him, before twisting his head from side to side in an attempt to snag the blue ribbon, which held the small pale gray doggy waistcoat in place.

Dylan watched Mutt for a moment. He imagined the dog felt as overdressed and out of place as he did. Dylan didn’t do suits and ties, not like this anyway. He stood tall and smoothed his hand over the material of the gray suit he wore, a similar shade to what Mutt was wearing. Why had he let Edward talk him into this?

We could always dress Adam, Scott, and Jamie in bridesmaid dresses and have them follow you down the aisle, Edward had said far too seriously.

Mutt had seemed the lesser of two evils. Besides, the dog was family now. Their boy, their baby.

With a smile, Dylan affectionately stroked Mutt’s head. He stopped when he heard music echoing from the beach. “Looks like it’s time.” He patted Mutt on the back and encouraged him forward with a pull on his leash.

Emerging from the trees, Dylan stopped where tufts of long grass made way for hot white sand. He glanced along the aisle. Guests were standing in front of their seats, waiting for him to make his way to the front. The lady registrar stood on a platform, beneath an arch of blue and white flowers. He wrapped the leash around his hand, keeping Mutt at his heel, as they made their way to the stage.

Dylan glanced from side to side, remembering to smile whenever he met anyone’s eyes. He was relieved when he reached the front. Focusing on the area to his right, he aimed to where Scott was waiting. He handed Mutt’s leash over to Scott, then took his place in front of the registrar.

Anticipation turned over his stomach and he stared back toward the trees. He wanted nothing more than to see Lucas, to touch him, to kiss him, to catch the slightest of glimpses of the man he would call husband from today. This morning had been close to torturous. He had never been one for traditions or following the rules, but Tasha had insisted they shouldn’t see each other until the ceremony. He might have missed waking up with Lucas but it meant each touch and every kiss, when he did see him would be all the better for it.

The music faded into a second piece. As the instrumental recording rose in volume, so did the swell of emotions within him. He didn’t think he’d ever felt so happy, nor had he ever loved someone as much as he did Lucas. He looked at his lover and couldn’t help but smile.

Lucas was wearing a pale blue suit, set off with a dark tie that matched the one Dylan wore. He looked incredible, and Dylan thought back to their first nights together, right here on the beach. Lucas had been a different man back then, they both had. Together they had grown and moved on from what their lives had been. Lucas had found a sense of peace and happiness and realized that sometimes you have to stop, take a breath, and enjoy life. And Dylan? He finally stopped running. For years he thought, if he didn’t stay too long in one place, all the bad stuff and his broken relationship with his dad would get left behind and lost. The thing was, it didn’t work like that. Those things he carried with him always, but with Lucas, he’d taken steps to forgive both himself and his father.

Arm in arm, Lucas and Tasha walked toward the front. Tasha was in a lightweight sapphire blue dress, tailored to fit her growing belly. Lucas lifted his head, meeting Dylan’s eyes. The smile he had on his face warmed Dylan’s heart and he was sure he had never felt anything like this before—pure bliss, perfect happiness, as he had everything he could ever want.

Reaching the edge of the platform, Tasha kissed her brother on the cheek and took her place on the left beside Liam. In her hands, she clutched a small posy of white flowers. The stems were wrapped tightly in blue ribbon and a small fabric purse hung from her wrist. She already seemed misty-eyed, and she leaned in close to her husband as she watched her brother with love and pride in her eyes.

Lucas stepped up to stand beside Dylan. He gently took Dylan’s hands in his, then leaned forward. “I know,” he whispered and pressed a kiss to Dylan’s jaw.

Dylan looked at his fiancé and narrowed his eyes. “What?” he mouthed.

“Cake,” Lucas mouthed in return.

There was no chance to reply as the music faded and the registrar welcomed them and their guests. He half-listened to her words, all the time his attention firmly on his soon-to-be husband. If Lucas was upset about the cake, he wasn’t showing it. He looked happy. Briefly, their gaze met and Lucas reassuringly squeezed Dylan’s hands. The cake didn’t matter. What mattered was they were here, they were together, and they were about to seal their happy ever after with vows and the exchanging of rings.

And that was everything to Dylan.

Fallout (HA1710 #4), available for pre-order

The last few weeks you have been treated to releases from RJ Scott (Retrograde), Sara York (Velocity) and Clare London (Flashbulb), the first three books in the series Flight HA1710.

The series has 6 books, and though the stories themselves are standalone, they are linked by the events surrounding a plane crash, and how that affects the various people involved.

Fallout is the 4th book to be released, and is now available for pre-order at Amazon, AmazonUK, and ARe, and due on general sale at the end of the week.

****

Blurb

Can missing a fatal flight be the wake up call Harrison needs?

When Harrison Kelley is banned from getting on Flight HA1710, it seems to be the perfect ending to a crappy couple of days. Not only did he wreck a wedding, but he’s drunk way too much and been on the receiving end of the groom’s brother’s fists. Being escorted out of the airport by security was just the icing on the wedding cake.

Elijah Pettifer has lusted after Harrison from afar for years but Harrison never sees him as anything more than a friend. If he ever saw him at all. While attempting to defend what little honor Harrison has left, Elijah gets caught up in the wave of chaos surrounding his teenage crush. But missing his flight home because of Harrison’s mess might just be the luckiest thing to ever happen to him.
With a 24-hour ban imposed by the airport, and having only each other for company, the two men grow closer. But will the fate of the airplane they should have been on be the push Harrison needs to walk away from the toxic relationship of his past? And can Elijah make Harrison see exactly what he’s been missing out on because of it?

****

Reviews

5/5 stars ~ "Sweet, rough, stupid, romantic. These are the words that come to mind when thinking Elijah and Harrison. Thing is, I realize I want more of them so want more of their story in the future. That need to know more is what makes them my fave couple so far...." ~ Multitaskingmomma

New Release - Just Jack

Released today, Just Jack.

Can two broken men find love in the chill of Winter?

Leo is having a bad day. Finding his boyfriend in bed with another man was one thing, being the subject of office gossip another, but falling on his ass in the snow in front of a gorgeous man was the final straw.

Jack has existed in a solitary life of ice and bitterness after betrayal. He swore no one would ever break his heart again, gave up on love, and became something else; Jack Frost.

As Jack and Leo get closer, Jack is left torn and confused. Jack yearns for anything that reminds him of his humanity, but the truth is, he feels nothing, not warmth, not love, and he knows he might never be able to love Leo the way he deserves to be loved.

When the line between fairy tales and magic, and the real world become blurred, can love conquer everything?



Excerpt

Chapter 1

“Not again.” The man gritted his teeth and pulled on the handle of his car door. The door wouldn’t budge, and the man, looking to be in his fifties and carrying a little weight, grew red in the face and wiped at his brow with the back of his gloved hand. “Denise,” he called toward the house and then walked, far more delicately than a man of his build should, down his driveway.

Winter in Maine was gloriously frosty. A layer of snow had settled on the tops of houses and cars, the trees looked magical coated in white, and it was easy to imagine them shivering in the chilly morning air. Every warm breath taken that cold morning caused a white mist to hang in the air.

Jack leaned against the lamppost on the opposite side of the street and enjoyed his new game. He didn’t know who the man was, what he did for a living, or care who Denise was to him. For Jack, the man was entertainment on yet another wintry January morning. This was the third morning in a row Jack had walked the street before sunrise, tormenting the man by freezing the door of his seventy-plus-thousand-dollar car. Another day or two and Jack would get bored with his mischief and search out new acts of trickery to see him through the day. Every day so far, the man’s reaction had been priceless and something to call on when Jack’s day needed brightening. But today Jack was left disappointed when the man made his way to the house and back unscathed.

Yesterday had been far more fun. The man had ended up flat on his back, having slipped on the ice. He had lain on the ground like some up-ended turtle, rocking around in his thick winter coat, unable to bend his limbs in such a way to get himself the right way up.

Jack grew tired of waiting for something comical to happen. “Maybe tomorrow,” Jack said in a low voice. He pushed off the streetlight, eyed the icy handprint he had left, and then carried on his way.

It was seven in the morning, barely light. The early risers heading for work were up and out in their driveways, complaining about the cold as they defrosted their cars. The sidewalk was covered in fresh snow, which glistened beneath the man-made lights and was, as yet, undisturbed by human feet, just a spattering of prints from birds and what was possibly a cat. Jack loved the cold, and he smiled as a chilling breeze circled him, carrying with it the fresh scent of the day and the crisp brown leaves that had fallen from the trees. The prickle of cold against his skin was one of his favorite feelings, like a thousand icy fingers pinching at his arms and face. God, how he loved it.

Opening the top button of his jacket, he savored the cold against his chest and gently traced his fingertips over his chilled skin. He breathed deeply, content with his icy touch and the feel of the cool air whipping up around him. What he wouldn’t give to be wrapped up in a blanket of cold. To slip inside the deliciously chilled wind and zip it up as if it were a sleeping bag made just for him.

Holding out his hand in front of him, Jack encouraged the breeze into a spiral that wrapped around his arm and caused a delightful shiver to pass through him. The air glowed the most beautiful shade of blue as it danced around Jack, and his chest ached from the knowledge this beauty was only for him—and those like him—to see. Anyone watching would think he was mad. They wouldn’t see the dance of blue and silver, nor would they hear the wind’s angelic song reverberating in the air.

Jack stroked the breeze as it snaked through his fingers, gently drawing moisture from it and into the palm of his hand. He rotated his fingers, spinning the moisture into a sphere, and then gently teased it with his icy breath until the sphere hardened. The size of a tennis ball, the sphere became a ball of ice, and Jack flicked it into the air and caught it.

“Perfect,” he said.

The ball was smooth, flawless, and transparent. He reached out his other hand and dragged his fingers over the hedge he passed. The leaves of the hedge crackled and curled in on themselves beneath his touch, which left them coated in wintry white frost. All he needed now was someone to have a little fun with. He grinned at the thought.

A dog barked, and Jack looked ahead. “Perfect,” he said again and teased the ball between his finger and thumb.

Cover reveal and blurb ~ Just Jack

Coming January 2015, Just Jack with Love Lane Books.

 

A contemporary romance with a supernatural twist.

Cover art by Bittergrace Art

Blurb

Can two broken men find love in the chill of Winter?

Leo is having a bad day. Finding his boyfriend in bed with another man was one thing, being the subject of office gossip another, but falling on his ass in the snow in front of a gorgeous man was the final straw.

Jack has existed in a solitary life of ice and bitterness after betrayal. He swore no one would ever break his heart again, gave up on love, and became something else; Jack Frost.

As Jack and Leo get closer, Jack is left torn and confused. Jack yearns for anything that reminds him of his humanity, but the truth is, he feels nothing, not warmth, not love, and he knows he might never be able to love Leo the way he deserves to be loved.

When the line between fairy tales and magic, and the real world become blurred, can love conquer everything?

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 :)

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?

July Update

So what have I been up to?

Alter Ego is finally finished and is now with Love Lane books awaiting edits. The book came in at an initial 51K and is the story of James and Danny (Danny at the front, James at the back)

Also, Love Lane Books has taken on a couple of new authors, so somehow I've been given the title of Art Director by RJ Scott (Sounds proper posh). I completed a cover for Sue Brown, currently in the final stages of a mock for Kay Berrisford and sent out an initial contact email to Liam Livings. RJ Scott has also sent requests for her 6th Texas book and 3rd Bodyguard book that I'm sure her fans will be pleased to hear about.

Other art at the moment includes work for Nic Starr, Beany Sparks, Amber Kell and Sue Brown.

***

In terms of writing, my next focus is to work on my chapters for the 5th Sapphire Cay book, Capture the Sun (stay tuned for a special giveaway over at Amber Kell's blog later this month).

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.

The book is expected to be released mid-August.

***

My next solo focus will be getting Dead Things ready for rerelease and planning the sequel. New cover art is being made by my friend Bittergrace, who is dusting herself off and popping out of retirement this one time. I appreciate her doing so and this will give me the time to focus on writing the book.

That's it for this update. You can keep up with day to day news on my facebook and twitter accounts.

William's Heart

The Book

Jude is confident, happy, and views his world through the lens of a camera.

Brody is a writer, haunted and searching for inspiration in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In Jude, Brody finds something his heart longed for—strength, acceptance, and the love and warmth of a man.

Buy Links

Love Lane Books | All Romance E Books | Amazon (UK) | Amazon (US)

Excerpt 

Chapter 1

"Nana, come and see!" The young child tugged at the sleeve of her grandmother's coat and shifted impatiently from one foot to the other. She waved toward the river, excited to see two large swans standing at the water's edge. One of the swans stood to its full height and spread its wings out wide. The elegant bird let out a throaty noise as it flapped its wings, causing a plume of soft, white feathers to fall away and float to the ground.

Jude Jennings pointed his Nikon camera at the girl and digitally captured the moment. The young girl was wide-eyed in awe of the oversized birds, and he admired her innocent fascination. Briefly, he dipped the camera and smiled. The world was a magical place when viewed through the eyes of a child.

Looking through the viewer, he slowly adjusted the focus and zoomed in so her face filled the shot. He guessed she was maybe three or four years old as she was out in the middle of a school day. Short blonde curls hung from beneath her pink sunhat and framed her face. Her blue eyes were bright as she laughed excitedly. She was a sweet little thing.

Taking the shot, Jude lowered his camera and looked down at the screen. He took a moment to examine the half-dozen images of the swans, the girl, and her grandmother. The mid-April sunshine provided unique lighting and the warmth of the day radiated from the people within the pictures. April was a strange month for weather and lighting. It was unpredictable at best. In a single month the UK had seen snow, rain, and sunshine. He looked around the park he was sitting in. Today was a brilliant, almost summer-like day, and the weather had brought out an eclectic mix of people.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

It certainly is and something else wonderful is the free Christmas anthology being offered by RJ Scott and Love Lane Books.

Christmas Delights comprises of 21 short stories based around Christmas and the winter season written by a mix of new and established authors.

My story is Spiced Apple and Cinnamon, a brief snapshot set on Christmas Day morning.

Blurb: It's Christmas morning but Keegan can't bring himself to enjoy the day. Not just yet. Not until Alex is home and safe and in his arms and they can celebrate the day together.

The story was inspired by a scene from a commercial I saw on TV. I don't remember what it was selling, but was of a woman sitting on a window seat and she is wrapped in a large woollen jumpy, the sleeves over her hands. I just thought it was sweet and from there Keegan was born, sitting in the window waiting for his lover to return home.

Download Christmas Delights now from - Love Lane Books | All Romance ebooks
Also head over to RJ's blog to take part in today's competition.

Merry Christmas xx

Release: William's Heart with Love Lane Books

Thank you to Love Lane Books for the opportunity to publish with them.

William's Heart

NOTE: This short story was previously part of the Hearts of England Anthology.

Now available from Love Lane Books, Amazon,
ARe, and Smashwords

Blurb
Jude is confident, happy, and views his world through the lens of a camera.

Brody is a writer, haunted and searching for inspiration in Stratford-upon-Avon.

In Jude, Brody finds something his heart longed for—strength, acceptance, and the love and warmth of a man.

Chapter 1

"Nana, come and see!" The young child tugged at the sleeve of her grandmother's coat and shifted impatiently from one foot to the other. She waved toward the river, excited to see two large swans standing at the water's edge. One of the swans stood to its full height and spread its wings out wide. The elegant bird let out a throaty noise as it flapped its wings, causing a plume of soft, white feathers to fall away and float to the ground.

Jude Jennings pointed his Nikon camera at the girl and digitally captured the moment. The young girl was wide-eyed in awe of the oversized birds, and he admired her innocent fascination. Briefly, he dipped the camera and smiled. The world was a magical place when viewed through the eyes of a child.

Looking through the viewer, he slowly adjusted the focus and zoomed in so her face filled the shot. He guessed she was maybe three or four years old as she was out in the middle of a school day. Short blonde curls hung from beneath her pink sunhat and framed her face. Her blue eyes were bright as she laughed excitedly. She was a sweet little thing.

Taking the shot, Jude lowered his camera and looked down at the screen. He took a moment to examine the half-dozen images of the swans, the girl, and her grandmother. The mid-April sunshine provided unique lighting and the warmth of the day radiated from the people within the pictures. April was a strange month for weather and lighting. It was unpredictable at best. In a single month the UK had seen snow, rain, and sunshine. He looked around the park he was sitting in. Today was a brilliant, almost summer-like day, and the weather had brought out an eclectic mix of people.

Both locals and visitors filled the large open space adjacent to the River Avon. Scanning the river bank, he tried to guess a little about his subjects. On the grass, lying on two huge blankets was a group of five scantily-dressed teenagers. He figured, like him, they were from the college. Two of the girls in the group were making notes from an oversized textbook, a third was trying to angle an electronic tablet to read in the sunlight, and the two guys they were with seemed far more interested in getting themselves a tan.

There were teenagers in school uniforms playing football, an elderly couple walking hand-in-hand through the park, each seasoned line on their faces creasing as they stopped and smiled at each other before sharing a kiss.

Jude then spotted a solitary man on a park bench staring out across the water. Against the backdrop of greenery and the reflective surface of the water, the image was stunning. Jude raised his camera and zoomed in, watching the man and grabbing a few shots.

There was a quiet stillness about the way he was just sitting there, staring across the water with clear, green eyes. He was stunning. An open journal lay across his lap. A pen was in his hand, though he didn't seem to be writing anything. He seemed lost, deep in thought, and surrounded by an air of sadness that made Jude's heart ache for him. What was the guy looking at?