Charmed by Destiny (Arcane Havoc, Book 2) by Jessamyn Kingley

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Charmed by Destiny (Arcane Havoc, Book 2)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length:  87 435 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Neither Richard nor Lucas want a relationship despite their attraction, 

but destiny already has them in her sights.

Blurb

Richard Marwood has no interest in relationships. After a few awful brushes with intimacy, he refuses to try again. Sex is required for a necromancer to find their soulmate, but Richard doesn’t care. He won’t be disappointed by one more handsome creep. 

In the ten years since Lucas Wynnter was summoned from the dead as an inspirit, he has aided his necromancer. Together, they have traveled across the country and stayed in countless rundown motels. But they are out of money. Lucas’s summoner learns that the Marwoods assist abandoned inspirits, and he convinces Lucas to apply for a job.

Although Lucas doesn’t want to be discarded, he does want to help. He shows up at a Marwood casino and, on his first day, meets Richard. Lucas is attracted to Richard, but he works for him. Plus, Lucas won’t be staying. He is building his savings and plans to reunite with his necromancer.

Richard shouldn’t be fascinated by Lucas, but he can’t stop thinking about him. For months they ignore the electricity arcing between them—until Richard’s cousin dares him to take another chance. Should Richard risk humiliation and ask Lucas to spend the night with him? 

Lucas is charmed by the awkward invitation, but neither man is prepared for destiny to intervene. Once their souls touch, nothing in their lives will ever be the same.

Excerpt 

Richard straightened, and with his pulse pounding in his ears, he headed for Lucas. 

Am I really doing this?

Richard swallowed thickly as Lucas turned and smiled at him. How embarrassing would it be if Lucas told him no?

“Hey,” Richard said in an attempt at casualness when he was a few feet from Lucas.

“Hey, are you okay?” Lucas asked, his eyebrows furrowing with concern.

“Yeah, why?”

“I don’t know, your eyes look a little wild and your face is flushed.”

“Oh, how weird,” Richard managed and tried not to wince at how his voice cracked on the words. “So, I…um, well, I had a question.”

Richard had never propositioned anyone, and he was apparently abysmal at it. Lucas’s expression was a mixture of concern and bemusement. The stupid card was still in Richard’s hand, and he wasn’t sure if he should give it to Lucas or run for his life.

“What do you need help with?”

“I don’t need help. Okay, maybe that’s not correct. It’s sort of helping, but more like a team thing. I don’t know how to explain it without making it creepy, really. At least not without everyone around us figuring it out, and I’d like to keep things private.”

“Okay,” Lucas replied slowly.

Richard’s face was on fire, but he’d made it this far. He wasn’t being smooth, and it was definitely awkward. Score two points for my lack of game, he mused distractedly. 

“I have a card. Um. It’s to my room. Here at the hotel. I was thinking maybe you could use it. I can’t leave yet, but I could meet you up there later.”

“Meet you later? I don’t understand.”

Humiliation filled Richard, and he shook his head. “Sorry, I should go.”

He turned on his heel, and his jaw flexed. But before he could take a step, Lucas said his name.

“Richard, please don’t leave.”

Forcing himself to face Lucas, Richard looked up at the inspirit. “It’s okay, I was asking you to do something highly inappropriate for two coworkers anyway.”

Lucas’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes widened painfully. To Richard’s shock, he tugged the key from the necromancer’s fingers and quickly pocketed it. “No, I’m a fucking idiot. How the hell didn’t I figure out what you were…anyway, yeah. I’d love to meet you later.”

Richard grinned like a fool, and Lucas returned his smile. His dimple deepened, and Richard nearly swooned. It was either because of Lucas’s attractiveness—which was growing with every second—or the adrenalize zipping through Richard at lightning speed.

“Okay. I guess I’ll see you then.”

“Yeah, I can leave like whenever, right?”

“Sure. I have to do some family stuff or whatever, but um, yeah, whatever. It shouldn’t be too messy. You could watch TV. Maybe play on your phone. There’s a bathroom. Well, of course there’s a fucking bathroom. I’m babbling, so I’m gonna go.”

Lucas winked. “Okay.”

“Okay,” Richard replied. He raced away from the inspirit as if his ass were on fire. Now he had to figure out how to calm down enough to have a normal conversation so no one was clued in to the fact that he’d invited a sexy inspirit to his hotel room. And survive whatever awaited him with Lucas upstairs later. Richard didn’t know if he’d made a smart decision, but it was far from his normal controlled evenings at home.

Would he survive his recklessness with his heart and dignity intact?

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's

 Facebook Profile  |   Pinterest  

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The Party Plot by Emily Spady

COMING SOON - PRE-ORDER NOW!

Book Title: The Party Plot

Author and Publisher: Emily Spady

Cover Artist: Morganically_Sourced

Release Date: May 7, 2025

Tense/POV: third person past tense, alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance

Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, small town romance, forced proximity, second chance, no third-act breakup

Themes: Self-acceptance, friendship, party planning

Heat Rating: 3-4 flames

Length: 75 569 words/323 pages

It is a standalone story, but takes place in the same universe as my other books. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available for Pre-Order

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK

A chaotic good boy and a sexy con man clash in this m/m romantic comedy about small-town drama, Southern manners, and being true to oneself. 

Blurb

When Laurel Van Marcke comes home for the summer, he’s immediately thrown back into all the scandals, grudges, and petty gossip he wanted to avoid. But he was expecting that. What he wasn’t expecting was Casey Bright, his mom’s new party planner, who also happens to be the mystery man he spent an unforgettable night with three months ago. But something about Casey, and the whole situation, seems off, and Laurel needs this party to go off without a hitch.

Casey has his own agenda for the upcoming Halloween ball, one that doesn’t include Laurel.  He wants nothing to do with the spoiled little rich boy, and definitely doesn’t want to get entangled with him again. But Laurel is persistent, and soon, he’s involved himself not only in the party planning, but in all the most intimate aspects of Casey’s life. And Casey absolutely despises him for it… right?

One thing is for sure, the first annual Halloween Ball will be the event of the year—one way or another. 

The Party Plot is an m/m enemies-to-lovers romance featuring elaborate schemes, a few raccoons, several cheesy Halloween props, and a HEA. 

Excerpt 

They were passing the Belmont Hotel now, and Mr. Petrowski was telling them about its resident ghost, a phantom dog that would press up against the legs of people it liked. Pretty adorable as far as hauntings went. Laurel tried again to get Casey’s attention.

“Do you like dogs, Casey?”

  Casey shrugged, an irritated frown on his face. “They’re fine, I guess.”

“Wow, what an enthusiastic endorsement. Not exactly what a dog lover would say.”

“My grandmother had birds when I was a kid.”

“Birds?” Laurel hadn’t been expecting that. He sat up, curious about what else Casey might reveal.

“Parakeets. And love birds. They were—” Laurel might have been mistaken, but his face seemed to soften for a moment. Then the frown was back. “Loud. They were really loud.”

“God. I don’t know how I feel about you being a bird person.”

“Says the guy who gives off big Horse Girl Energy.” Casey crossed his arms. “And it was my grandma, not me. I just had to put up with them. Like I’m having to put up with you. Why are you so obsessed with me, anyway?”

Because it was hard not to be. Because Casey had been starring in his dreams for the last three months, had been a constant in the back of his mind. Every shock of bleach-blond hair he’d seen across the room, in clubs, in airport lounges, had made his stomach drop and his skin feel hot all over. Every time he put on a tie, he could feel it wrapped around his wrists, could close his eyes and inhale Casey’s scent, the salty, intimate scent of his skin beneath the cologne.

Laurel swallowed, feeling desperate and pathetic, feeling like a dog ghost plastering itself to Casey’s leg. “I just want to get to know you.”

“Well, I don’t.” Casey looked at him for a long moment. Outside were the footsteps of the horse, slow and deliberate. The sounds of the city waking up. Mr. Petrowski was telling another story, but all Laurel could hear was static, his heart pounding, his tongue heavy in his mouth. Casey held his gaze as he slid across the seat toward him, and then his hand was on Laurel’s thigh, his breath against Laurel’s ear, and Laurel barely kept himself from gasping. His skin was on fire, his scalp tingling and his dick stirring to life as Casey whispered, “I already know everything I want to know about you, Laurel Van Marcke. I know that you’re spoiled, and useless, and not as smart as you think you are. I know that you’re used to getting what you want. But this time, you’re not going to, because it’s run its course. I’m not interested. And when this party is over, I’m looking forward to never having to think of you again.”

“Ouch,” Laurel said, not sure why excitement was bubbling in his chest, not sure why—God—he was still hard. Somehow his hand had found its way onto Casey’s collar, and he could smell the coffee on him, feel the quickness of his breath.

“Are we clear?” Casey asked.

“Sure.” Laurel struggled out. “So clear. Crystal.” Casey’s lips were so close, and he knew how he would taste. Bitter, then sweet and familiar. 

“Good,” said Casey, and moved away, going back to looking out the window.

Laurel’s ears were ringing, moths fluttering in his stomach, his thigh throbbing where Casey’s hand had been. So this was it, then. Casey wasn’t interested in playing nice; he’d said it himself. If there was no hope of being friends (or more, so much more), then there was no reason not to go scorched earth. Figure out what he was hiding once and for all. Laurel cleared his throat. He could still feel the roughness of Casey’s collar between his fingers. “I actually am very smart, you know. Despite evidence to the contrary.”

“Could you stop talking?” Casey pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Ooh, I’m not good at that. Not good at stopping in general.” He felt a smile sliding across his face.

“You’re going to have to be.”

“We’ll see,” Laurel said, tapping his fingers on the seat. “We’ll see.”

About the Author 

When she is not writing, Emily Spady likes to paint, hike, and, of course, read books. This is her third full-length novel. She lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States with her husband and cat.

Social Media Links

Website   |  Bluesky  |   Instagram

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Late Bloomer Baby Boomer: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way by Steve Milliken

BLOG TOUR

Book Title: Late Bloomer Baby Boomer: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way

Author and Publisher: Steve Milliken

Release Date: December 2022

Genres: Memoir/Biography

Tropes: Self-discovery through humor, finding identity, acceptance, and resilience by laughing through life’s absurdities.

Themes: Finding humor as a gay Baby Boomer – Because the coming-out process never really ends, and it’s best to laugh along the way. 

Heat Rating: 2 flames   

Length: 66 000 words/228 pages

It is a standalone non-fiction book.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US   |  Amazon UK

Laugh-out-loud stories about coming out, coming of age, and coming to terms with myself—finally!

Blurb

What happens when the class clown embraces his truth, becomes a teacher, and takes on the absurdities of life? Hilarity ensues.

In LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way, Steve Milliken delivers a laugh-out-loud memoir packed with sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and occasional bursts of wisdom. With the observational humor of David Sedaris and the candid charm of Augusten Burroughs, these essays explore self-discovery, urban teaching misadventures, and the hilarity of navigating adulthood as a gay baby boomer.

Spoiler: It’s a parade of pitfalls, pratfalls, and punchlines.

Review Quote:
"Delivers great sendups of the gay dating scene... impressive comedic timing. Each essay is short and snappy... A wide-ranging collection driven by humor and insight." — Kirkus Reviews

Excerpt 1: From "Introduction"

“Some people ask me, ‘Steve, who's the target audience for your book?’

And I tell them:

‘My book is for anyone who is gay, knows someone who's gay, or someone who is NOT gay but would like to be! Or… a straight guy who’s had a gay experience—like wearing a belt that matches his shoes.’”

“Back in my distant youth, I pursued a career as an actor, but the problem with acting for me was that I was a comic character actor trapped in a leading man's body. If Rodney Dangerfield and Grace Kelly had a baby, that would have been me.

But to be honest, I never wanted to be rich and famous… and so far, that’s working out great! Not really…”

Excerpt 2: From "Epistolary Possibilities for a New Year"

“After not working out for a month, I arrived at the gym only to realize my gym bag had turned into a mildew science project thanks to a rogue water bottle. Unfortunately, I discovered this catastrophe only after I'd stripped down in the locker room. I panicked, naturally, but I was too far gone to turn back. I had no choice but to wear my stinky clothes.”

“Now, I’m not religious, but in moments like these, I consider a higher power. I clutched my hands together and said a novena to the patron saint of putrid smells: ‘Our Lady of Sacred Stench, please help me now.’”

“Once on the gym floor, I tried to keep a safe distance from everyone. But when someone got too close, I’d suddenly dash to another part of the gym for no apparent reason. I’d seen my cat do this, so it seemed worth a try…”

Excerpt 3: From "Bitch Ass Snitch"

“One day, I ‘snitched’ to the Dean about a student of mine who had tagged his desk with a box cutter blade. The next day, when he came back, in front of the whole class, he called me a ‘bitch ass snitch’ and ran out of the classroom.

Later that day, in the staff parking lot, I discovered someone had vandalized my car.”

‘Gee, I wonder who that could have been?’

Of course, I came to one conclusion… ‘Karma's a bitch… for a bitch ass snitch!’”

Excerpt 4: From "Changing Closets"

“Originally, I was in the closet for being gay… but now I'm in the closet about my age.

To counter the effects of aging, I’ve reluctantly adhered to diet and exercise mandates. I even tried becoming a vegetarian… although not a strict one.

Occasionally, I’d eat chicken, fish, and ass. I’m kidding, I kid. I didn’t eat chicken…”

About the Author

Steve Milliken, a native Californian who never left—thanks to a rent-controlled Santa Monica apartment—is a writer, humorist, and recovering class clown who has spent a lifetime finding the comedy in life’s quirks and curveballs. A gay baby boomer with a knack for self-deprecating wit, he’s been an inner-city teacher, a reluctant adult, and an expert in the fine art of laughing at himself.

In LATE BLOOMER BABY BOOMER: A Collection of Humorous Essays About Being Gay Back in the Day and Finally Finding My Way, Steve shares sharp, heartfelt, and laugh-out-loud stories about coming out, inner-city teaching, and navigating life one misadventure at a time. His writing has been compared to the observational humor of David Sedaris and the candid storytelling of Augusten Burroughs.

When he’s not finding the humor in everyday life, Steve creates and shares short comedy videos online based on excerpts from his book, proving that some stories are best told with a punchline… and good lighting.

Author Links

Website  |   Facebook  |  Instagram  |  TikTok

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Charmed by Destiny (Arcane Havoc, Book 2) by Jessamyn Kingley

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Charmed by Destiny (Arcane Havoc, Book 2)

Author and Publisher: Jessamyn Kingley

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson of Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: May 15, 2025

Genre: MM Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Trope: Fated mates

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length:  87 435 words

It is not a standalone story, but does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads Series Page

Book One available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  | Amazon UK

Neither Richard nor Lucas want a relationship despite their attraction, 

but destiny already has them in her sights.

Blurb

Richard Marwood has no interest in relationships. After a few awful brushes with intimacy, he refuses to try again. Sex is required for a necromancer to find their soulmate, but Richard doesn’t care. He won’t be disappointed by one more handsome creep. 

In the ten years since Lucas Wynnter was summoned from the dead as an inspirit, he has aided his necromancer. Together, they have traveled across the country and stayed in countless rundown motels. But they are out of money. Lucas’s summoner learns that the Marwoods assist abandoned inspirits, and he convinces Lucas to apply for a job.

Although Lucas doesn’t want to be discarded, he does want to help. He shows up at a Marwood casino and, on his first day, meets Richard. Lucas is attracted to Richard, but he works for him. Plus, Lucas won’t be staying. He is building his savings and plans to reunite with his necromancer.

Richard shouldn’t be fascinated by Lucas, but he can’t stop thinking about him. For months they ignore the electricity arcing between them—until Richard’s cousin dares him to take another chance. Should Richard risk humiliation and ask Lucas to spend the night with him? 

Lucas is charmed by the awkward invitation, but neither man is prepared for destiny to intervene. Once their souls touch, nothing in their lives will ever be the same.

Excerpt

“Huh?”

Richard lifted one perfectly arched brow, and the corner of his mouth quirked. “Did you forget that we’re getting coffee?”

“I guess I did for a second.”

“More like an hour. I didn’t intend to stay that long. Hopefully you aren’t having caffeine withdrawal?”

With a quick glance, Luke ensured no humans were close. “Can inspirits get that?”

“I doubt it, but I don’t know you that well. Maybe you’re a drama queen who’ll pretend to have a raging migraine so you can leave work early.”

“No, I fear stuff like that.”

“Drama queens?”

“No, I can appreciate someone who is good at their chosen craft, even those with a penchant for drama. I’m scared of pretending to have something. What if I accidentally manifest it into existence? I’ve never had a migraine, but they sound horrific. I don’t want one.”

“Me either,” Richard replied. “Best thing about what I am is the lack of pain and suffering. Sorry, that was insensitive. No one ever explained to me whether it’s the same for an inspirit, and by the time the issue presents itself, I’ve been too embarrassed to ask an inspirit directly.”

It took Luke a moment to figure out what Richard was talking about, but when it registered, he sobered swiftly. Unlike necromancers, inspirits died. The real shit part was that no one had any clue how long their lifespan was until they had the first hint that the end was nearing. An inspirit slowly turned to a skeleton before their life ended. One day, Luke would wake with bony toes, and he’d have to figure out how to hide himself until his existence was over.

“Yeah, I don’t know if it hurts. I guess I’d rather be surprised than know beforehand. I’m not usually into mysteries, but I make an exception for that.”

Richard nodded. “Shit, I shouldn’t have brought it up. Please forgive me, that was unprofessional and none of my business. If it was up to me, no inspirit would face death.”

“It’s okay. It’s a part of life. I’d rather have lived than the alternative, you know?”

“Since I’ve already crossed the line, can I ask you a personal question?”

“Sure,” Luke replied. He’d answer whatever Richard asked. 

“Have you heard from your friend? Are they okay?”

Luke smiled. “Yes. Thanks to my first paycheck, I was able to send him some money. I need to check in with him again tonight, but hopefully, he’s saving it like me.”

“You splurged a little. Those are new shoes.”

“You really notice everything, don’t you?”

“It’s a gift. What’s your friend’s name?”

“Foxe.”

“I hope Foxe is doing well.”

“Thanks,” Luke said. “Now, should we decide what we’re going to drink to give us a sugar rush this morning?”

“I’m adding a cookie. I deserve it.”

“No doubt,” Luke replied with a chuckle. “If you’re still paying, I may get a cookie too.”

“What do you mean, if I’m still paying? What about me screams, not a man of his word?”

“I don’t know you like that,” Luke countered, his grin growing wider. “Maybe you’ll dart off and pretend like we’ve never met.”

“It’s ten in the morning. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the casino is pretty empty. People are going to notice if I’m sprinting through the resort.”

“A gazelle cloaked in black. Yeah, that won’t go unnoticed.”

Richard snorted. “A gazelle? Not with these short legs.”

Luke plucked his cellphone out of his pocket and did a quick internet search. “Gazelles reach a height of forty-three inches. So, my statement stands. A tall gazelle dressed in black, bounding through the casino floor.”

The way Richard’s gaze lit up made Luke’s dick twitch. So did his throaty laugh. “Okay, well, this little gazelle promised to pay, and she will.”

“Good, I’ll get two cookies.”

That statement only made Richard chuckle harder. “Don’t ruin your lunch.”

“Thanks for the advice, Dad. But I can pretty much eat constantly.”

“I’m the same. Just ate a bowl of chips? That’s okay, I’ll plow through an entire pizza. My brother is the same way. Once, he went on a date and ate two entire sharing-size servings of mashed potatoes. Plus his steak.”

“I guess Gabe wasn’t any less attracted to him after their date.”

The way Richard’s lips curved would forever be etched in Luke’s memory. It was pure malice and sexy as hell. “Oh, the date wasn’t with Gabriel. But he was there. I made Eric go out on a bunch of dates with random beautiful men to make Gabriel jealous since he was tasked with guarding my pretty brother.”

“That’s diabolical.”

“Worked, didn’t it?”

“But aren’t you the one who warned me it was your mother who’d be matchmaking?”

“Oh, Eric was my one exception,” Richard said. “He’s been in love with Gabriel since he was twelve. I was counting on them being soulmates. Thankfully, we were right. My brother deserves the world.”

Luke didn’t doubt it, but he had to pretend like he didn’t know Eric was destiny-touched. The last thing he wanted to explain was the gift Foxe had given him or how he should’ve run from the Marwoods as soon as he’d sensed Eric’s uniqueness. Leaving was out of the question, and Luke wasn’t foolish enough to pretend that had nothing to do with the growing fascination he had for the man at his side.

About the Author

Jessamyn Kingley has published over forty titles and refuses to pick a favorite among them. With an extraordinary passion for her characters, Jessamyn eagerly crafts new tales and avidly re-reads them whenever her schedule allows. Jessamyn shares a home in Nevada with her husband and their three spoiled cats. When she is not writing or adding new ideas to her thick stack of beloved notebooks, she is gaming with family and friends.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn's Ruffian's

 Facebook Profile  |   Pinterest  

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Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans series by R. Roderick Rowe

SERIES TOUR

Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans series by R. Roderick Rowe

“In Jamari’s time, the Knight Shamans were the glue that held the Elk Creek Tribe together.

In the beginning, the Knight Shaman was mystic, prophet, and wise man. Someone who could heal with a touch.

Before the beginning, there was a boy working to become a man and becoming legend in the process.”

The stories can stand alone, but will be better followed if read in order.

Overall Heat Rating for the series: 2 flames

BOOK DETAILS

BOOK 1

Book Title: The First Knight Shaman

 Part One of the Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans Series

Publisher: RWCollins Publishing

Length: 103 pages 

Release Date: November 2024

Tense/POV: third person, present tense /alternating POV

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Post-apocalyptic

Tropes: Found Family, Post-Apocalypse survival

Themes: Coming out, forgiveness, fate, coming of age angst

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links  - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

When his people are attacked by other villages, Rodney Knight uses his ability to interact with dead people’s spirits to help his community survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Blurb 

Rodney suffers through his earliest years in angst and rebellion when his father constantly rejects him. He enters young adulthood still bitter over how his father has treated him. Even so, his tribe needs the intervention of their only shaman in the Other Worlds for their very survival. As he acts out his anger, he accepts his duties and learns how to master them from a trusted mentor. Then he discovers that family isn’t limited to the blood ties, but can be so much more.

The San Francisco Book Review gave a nice summary:

“After the Great Quake of 2040, the forested lands and the lives of those in the Pacific Northwest are shaken. With both civil and social unrest still prevailing from the ideas of the 47th president, much of southwestern Oregon has been divided into tribal communities. Rodney Knight, the son of the founder of the Elk Creek Tribe, comes to age and into his own powers during this tumultuous time. At seven, he recognized his first spirits. First, a childhood friend was slain in an attack, and next, a beloved mentor lost during a battle. At seventeen, while on patrol with his unit, Rodney once again encounters a spirit that warns him of an ambush. Knowing that war is inevitable, the Elk Creek Tribe recognizes Rodney as their first Shaman. With advice from his Spirit Guide, Rodney helps lead his community through troubled times and towards the ideals that the founder had envisioned.”

BOOK 2

Book Title: The Second Book of the Knight Shamans

Part Two of the Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans Series

Publisher: RWCollins Publishing

Length: 118 pages

Release Date: March 2025

Genres:  Fantasy, Paranormal, Dystopian, Post-apocalyptic

Tropes: Coming of Age, First Love

It is not a standalone story, but can still be read on its own.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |  Amazon UK 

Peter Williams faces a deadly world where the Trumpian government has abandoned the west after a series of massive earthquakes has devastated the land.

Blurb

The great quakes of 2040 led to the downfall of civilization in the Pacific Northwest. Here is a tale of the days of destruction and the survival of one small family that then shaped the future for a thousand years after.

Peter is just one year old when his family is stranded in the wilderness after the quakes destroyed roads, bridges, buildings, and civility. His father and mother struggle to bring him home to their city of Sutherlin through a nine-year odyssey.

Then, at the very gates of their home, they find themselves under attack by the townsmen they counted on for refuge.

Follow Peter, and Wayne and Carrie Williams as they struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world, meeting friends and foes all of whom set the path ahead for young Peter to either survive or perish.

The Apocrypha of the Knight Shamans is an entire series devoted to explore methods to break people out of the deep programming that civilization and culture impose on them. In short, when nearly half the people in the United States have been convinced that “Woke” is evil and anyone who is “Woke” should be severely dealt with, this series will not only show how to escape the mind-prison of our culture, but will also offer some ideas of what the human spirit gains in being truly “Woke” as opposed to what the ignorant masses have been indoctrinated to believe.

The works of Don Miguel Ruiz, Elaine Pagels, and references to the Gnostic Gospels are intertwined in this work of fiction to create a new culture, with new values, and new paradigms, thus leaving the old views of the far right behind them and becoming Paradigm Lost.

To be even more clear: MAGA's this stuff ain’t for you!

Do you dare to look at the alternatives a new paradigm can bring into existence?

Excerpt

The Second Knight Shaman

“The President of the United States,” the announcer read in a somber tone, “has said that the West is on their own. Here’s a recording of his statement.”

“We don’t have any resources to bail out the blue states over there,” the Trump Heir said. “If they had any sense and were willing to support my rule, I’m sure we could come up with some support, but knowing how opposed they are to my rule, there’s just no point. God speed and thoughts and prayers to those godless heathens.”

“And that’s the position of the United States government on the western states,” the announcer said. “We’ll pause now for station identification.”

“Be sure to stop by your local Toyota dealer for the extended and extended again Toyotathon event!” an enthusiastic spokesman said as Wayne shut down the auxiliary power.

“What are we going to do?” his wife Carrie asked him while rocking their one-year-old son Peter.

“I don’t know, honey,” Wayne said. “We’ll have to figure out what’s next when we get more information. For now, I think we should get clear of the Jeep in case another round of quakes hits. We don’t want to be in here if it sinks any further.

About the Author 

Roderick Rowe studied writing in college for several years, working as assistant editor and then editor for his school’s literary magazine. He also spent a term as copy editor for the campus newspaper. He is a gay man and uses this “affliction” to build characters and situations in his fictional work. Rowe has published several short stories and an occasional poem. After ending a twenty-year career unexpectedly in 2015, Rowe decided to write his first novel. “Jamari and the Manhood Rites, Part I” was completed in two months, then he settled in to conduct editing – complete new landscape design with a new Koi pond, a new library built into the spare room in his home, the cleanest his house had ever been – but the editing eventually got completed.

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Force Majeure: A Pain and Pleasure Story

RECENT RELEASE

Book Title: Force Majeure: A Pain and Pleasure Story

Author: Elizabeth Noble

Publisher: Howling Corgi Press

Cover Artist: TL Bland

Release Date: March 18, 2025

Pairing: MM and MMM

Tense/POV: third person, past tense, alternating POV

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance, BDSM, Menage, Mystery/suspense

Tropes: Established couple, threesome, lover turned stalker, D/s lifestyle, kidnapped, protector

Themes: Forgiveness and redemption, spicy marriage, loyalty, perseverance 

Heat Rating: 5 flames

Length: 26 000 words/110 pages

It is a standalone story. 

It is a continuation of a series of shorter stories, the Pain and Pleasure series. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads 

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited  

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One simple act could change your life.

Blurb

One simple act could change your life.

Ian Groden and Taren Murdoch have a good life. Their marriage is solid, and their Dom/sub lifestyle makes for an amazing and extra spicy sex life. Meeting with another man, Kevin, on occasion adds another level of excitement to their marriage.

For Ian, the only thing better than one Dom is two!

Taren loves watching Ian being dominated by Kevin. Ian craves complete submission to Taren when they’re alone again.

Problems arise when Kevin decides he doesn’t want to remain the casual third man. He puts in motion a plan to drive a wedge through Taren and Ian’s relationship, forcing them to fight for each other and their marriage. Can they put their life back together and regain what could be lost?

Excerpt 

Taren Murdoch was kind, soft-spoken, and incredibly capable, with broad shoulders and a quick smile. He’d stayed with Ian until his parents arrived, despite Ian’s protests that it wasn’t necessary. Not wanting to let on how frightened he’d been waiting in the cold and dark for help to arrive, Ian tried to brush off the experience. Taren would have none of it and stayed with Ian for the hours it took his parents to make their way to the hospital.

Taren made Ian feel safe. He was darn nice on the eyes, too. They’d started dating not long after and had been married for nearly eight years. Ian loved Taren, heart and soul. Never once did Ian doubt Taren felt the same way.

“You know it’s your choice. You’re in control of this situation. I’m happy either way. Kevin is…a nice distraction from reality. But I love you. I married you. No one, and I mean no one, comes before that.” Taren swept up both cards and tore them up. “It’s great to help you experience something I was able to, but Christ, Ian, if this is going to cause you so much anxiety, I’ll tell him never to contact us again.”

“It’s not making me anxious,” Ian retorted. 

Taren laughed and cocked his head to one side. “Boy, please!”

As when he was on the phone, Taren uttering the word, boy, immediately sent Ian into sub role.

Ian’s gaze dropped to the floor, and he studied his toes. “I’ve laid out some choices for you, Sir.”

“Do you want dinner first?”

Ian shook his head. “No, Sir.” 

If Taren wanted to eat first, Ian was obligated by their Dom/sub agreement to accommodate his wishes. For Taren, Ian’s needs always came first. Ian had such admiration and respect for Taren in part because he was an amazing protector. Taren always seemed to know exactly what to do for Ian in any circumstance.

“Did you prep, or should I do that?”

“I prepped, Sir, but if you want to inspect for yourself,” Ian offered.

Taren smiled softly. “No need. I was simply checking, boy. Go wait for me at the cross.”

Ian nodded. He wouldn’t speak unless asked a question. Hurrying to their bedroom, Ian stood on the low platform holding the cross. He hung his wrists over the ‘arms’ of the cross and leaned his forehead against the longer vertical piece.

A few minutes later he heard Taren enter the bedroom. Ian turned his head far enough to watch as Taren shed his work clothes and pulled on a pair of lightweight, black linen pants.

Taren sat on the bed and sorted through the toys and equipment Ian had laid out. Ian had to shift his weight and turn his head the other way when Taren moved to their storage area. Taren added a wooden paddle, wrist and ankle restraints, and plastic nipple clamps. All those items joined Ian’s picks on the bed. Taren cleared his throat, and Ian turned back to the cross, leaning his forehead against it and standing straighter.

The first thing Taren did was fit the hood over Ian’s head, sinking him into darkness. The hood was made of thick rubber with openings for his mouth and nostrils. Ian’s sight was completely blacked out, and his hearing was dampened, everything but the loudest noises were muffled. He’d have little or no warning for Taren’s actions. 

Taren pulled gently on the rubber, making sure it was positioned properly. He used two fingers under the hood to make sure Ian’s skin wasn’t pinched or his hair pulled. The purpose of the hood was sensory deprivation, not discomfort or pain.

Ian shuddered and gasped when the nipple clamps were snapped into place. Next, Taren crisscrossed the leather straps of Ian’s harness across his chest and back and buckled it securely. The wide, leather wrist and ankle cuffs were positioned and tightened into place. 

The only way Ian knew Taren had moved away was the loss of heat from his body against Ian’s back. He felt Taren return, then jumped when Taren used his hands over Ian’s to have him curl his fingers around the cross and hold on. The vibration against Ian’s back when Taren chuckled added to his overall mood of expectation. Taren ran one hand over Ian’s back before reaching around to put pressure on his belly, getting him to take a step back and extend his arms. He gripped Ian’s hips and pulled back, positioning him, so Ian’s legs were slightly spread, and his ass jutted out.

Ian took a few deep breaths, bracing himself for what he knew was coming next.

About the Author

Mystery, action, chills, and thrills spiced with romance and desire. ELIZABETH NOBLE lives by the adage "I can't not write." She doesn't remember a time when she didn’t make up stories and eventually she learned how to put words on a page. Those words turned into books and fan fiction that turned into a genuine love of M/M fiction. A part of every day is spent living in worlds she created that are filled with intrigue and espionage. She has a real love for a good mystery complete with murder and twisty plots as well as all things sci-fi, futuristic, and supernatural.

When she's not chronicling the adventures of her many characters, Elizabeth is a veterinary nurse living in her native Cleveland, Ohio. She has three grown children and now happily shares her little, brick house with two spunky Cardigan Welsh Corgis and their feline sidekicks. Elizabeth is a fan of baseball, basketball (go Cavs and Guardians) and gardening. She can often be found working in her 'outside office' listening to classic rock and plotting her next novel waiting for it to be dark enough to gaze at the stars.

 Elizabeth has received a number of amateur writing awards. Since being published, several of her novels have received Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards. Jewel Cave was a runner-up in the Gay Mystery/Thriller category in the 2015 Rainbow Awards. Ringed Love was a winner in the Gay Fantasy Romance category of the 2016 Rainbow Awards. Code Name Jack Rabbit and The Vampire Guard series placed third in The Paranormal Romance Guild 2022 Reviewer Awards in the LGBT/ROMANCE/ACTION ADVENTURE/MILITARY individual book and series categories.

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Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts Book 2) by Thom Collins

NEW RELEASE

Book Title: Nothing but the Night (Basic Instincts Book 2)

Author: Thom Collins

Publisher: Entwined Publishing

Cover Artist: Kelly Martin

Release Date: April 8, 2025

POV/Tense: third person/past tense

Genres: Contemporary MM Romance, mystery/suspense/thriller

Tropes: detective, murder mystery, crime, erotic romance, suspense 

Themes: family, secrets, sex work

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length: 64 958 words/253 pages

It is a standalone story that is part of a wider series. 

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links

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Be careful what you look for in the night.

Blurb

Three months after the death of his brother, Marc Glass faces a whole new dilemma. A tabloid journalist has made a connection between Theo and a prominent politician. Theo’s death might not be all it seems. Marc knew all about his brother’s secret sex work, but it’s a scandal that would destroy his family, who have already suffered enough.

Private Detective Jason Durham might be the answer. Marc enlists Jason’s agency to look into Theo’s unsolved murder. The police investigation is dead, but if they can solve the case on their own, they could head off the potentially damaging story. Marc isn’t sure who he can trust with the details of Theo’s life, but Jason seems like the man.

As secrets are uncovered, Marc and Jason must fight their attraction to each other, but when their prime witness is murdered, they are suddenly caught in a web of mystery and increasing danger.

As the nights grow darker, will either of them make it until morning?

Excerpt

Marc saw him fully for the first time and was startled. At forty-four, it had been a long time since he’d been instantly affected by the physical appearance of a man, but Jason was stunning. It was his large, expressive eyes that first drew him in. They were a pale shade, somewhere between green and blue, and they gave a boyish quality to his masculine face. His dark-blond hair was swept to the right, short at the back and sides with a little length on top. He had a well-trimmed beard, brown and seasoned with flecks of grey. His mouth was wide. Marc had the most insane urge to kiss it. When he smiled, he revealed a small gap between his two front teeth, which only made him even sexier.

The body beneath his clothes was fit. More athletic than muscled, and there was an almost military bearing about his posture, with his shoulders back and his chest held proudly.

Jason sat and leaned across the file on his desk, looking at the notes, granting Marc a peek down the open neck of his shirt, and a tantalising hint of chest hair.

Get hold of yourself. Remember the reason you are here.

“So, this is about your brother?” Jason said, reading the file. Marc had given the briefest summary of his case to Olivia when he’d called to make the appointment yesterday.

“Yes, but it’s probably not what you’re thinking. My brother isn’t missing or anything like what you’re used to dealing with.”

Jason looked at him with wide, reassuring eyes. “There’s no such thing as a usual case in this business. Why don’t you start at the beginning and tell me what the problem is.”

Marc sighed. The beginning. He didn’t even know where that was. “Theo died in December. Down on the waterfront by the Vermont Hotel? You probably heard about it. He was killed by a car as he crossed the road in front of the hotel. Some of the witnesses say the car drove straight at him, but the police were never convinced.”

Jason pushed the file to one side. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Yes, I remember it. There must have been CCTV coverage. There are cameras all along the waterfront. And at the hotel too.”

“There are, but it’s inconclusive whether the car changed course to hit him or not. The resolution of the images isn’t great. I must have watched it a million times and even I can’t decide on what I’m seeing.”

“I take it the driver was never caught. Do you want me to investigate further? See if I can track them down?”

Marc shook his head. “That’s not why I’m here. It’s more…complicated than that. The car was discovered burned out a few miles away. It was stolen and they never found the driver. Have you heard of Nadine Smythe? The journalist.”

Was that a tiny twitch at the corner of Jason’s mouth?

Jason nodded. “Of course. Blyham’s finest.” There was no mistaking the sarcasm in his tone.

“She came to visit me yesterday. She’s conducting her own investigation into Theo’s death… Theo’s murder.”

About the Author 

Thom Collins is the author of the Jagged Shores series and the Anthem Trilogy as well as numerous standalone novels and novellas. 

His new series Basic Instincts launches in spring 2025 with the novel Now Comes the Dark.

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

Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night.

Social Media Links

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one of 5 ebook copies of the series so far:

Now Comes the Dark

Nothing But the Night

Night Crimes (a standalone short story prequel)

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