Manga and Romance Blog Hop

Hi to everyone! Hope the weekend treats you well. 

Now on to business. I'm participating in a blog hop titled Manga and Romance. Manga is a form of Japanese comics that involves gay relationships. And Romance is the genre I write within, M/M fiction. I'm not familiar with Manga but after today that will most definitely change.  This blog was designed to bring the two together and introduce something new to readers. I for one am always looking for new material to read.

Like I stated above, I write in the M/M genre. This is also the genre I typically read but I read everything and anything I can get my hands on, but when it comes to putting words to paper its the love between two men that sparks my creative writing flow. 

I do get asked on occasion what qualifies me to write about a male-male relationship when I'm a woman. Simple, love is love and a little research never hurts. (wink*wink)

But seriously the dynamics between man-man, woman-woman, man-woman all have the same foundation, at least for me and how I view relationships. Love is the center of it all. Sex is just an added bonus. And as a I writer it doesn't matter what genre you write in its all about the creative way of describing your thoughts clearly to the reader. To be able to paint the perfect picture so the reader feels apart of the scene. 

On a personal note on why I love this genre so much is that its something different than I've ever read before. Growing up I read a lot and my mind was always thirsting for more and still is. When I came across a story involving two male characters it touched me in a way that had me seeking out more books of this nature. I love the pairing of two men. Its a love that is different yet the same from a traditional socially accepted relationship. I'm married and I love men and in my mind there is nothing sexier than when two men come together and fall in love. 

Thank you so much for stopping by. This is a blog hop and my giveaway will be one of my books, winners choice. I'll pick two winners in this hop. All you have to do is leave a comment and a valid email address so you can be contacted it you are the winner. Also if you want feel free to click the follow button to the right. I'm caught in the middle of two works in progress and preparing for edits on a release in September, but I'm doing my darnedest to keep my blog updated. 

Also there is a grand prize giveaway. When you leave a comment and valid email address on participating blogs you are entered! Haley B. James is in charge of that giveaway.

Here is the link to the page with more information: 

http://www.hayleybjames.com/2012/06/manga-and-romance-grand-prize_21.html

Blog runs from Friday June 22 until Sunday June 24. I'll pick my winners on Monday morning.

Thanks for stopping by and good luck. Click on the above picture and it'll take you to the main blog hop page and to a list of all the participants. Stop by their blogs for a chance to when some awesome prizes!!!

AJ Jarrett

Warriors of the Light Book 3: Logan's Rattler

After rewriting the ending, Siren accepted book three in the Warriors of the Light series. Scheduled to release in September. I'm beyond happy. Getting that acceptance email never gets old.

Logan's Rattler will revolve around a young man name Logan, obviously, that literally runs into his mate Finn. Finn just so happens to be a rattlesnake shifter and couldn't control his instincts to bite the poor guy. If you read Mile's Awakening I made a reference to Finn and the man he was carrying through the woods after the the warriors rescued Miles. Well this is that guy and their story.

I've gotten some emails in regards to when Quinn and Trevor will get their book. All I can say is they will, but some other stories need to be told before they get theirs. Frustrating I know but after you read Logan's Rattler you might see where I'm going with the duo. I will say this, I did make references about Quinn and Trevor in this book that I hope satisfies the readers for now.

I'm in the process of working on book four of the Warriors of the Light and I'm also working on an untitled story as well. This is a busy time for me with my kiddos being out of school, so I haven't gotten as much writing done as I'd like but I'm sneaking in time here and there to hit the laptop.

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and happy reading!!!

AJ 

My Review of The Delaneys at Home

I've been absent from my blog for far too long. Writing and my kids summer vacation is taking up all my free time. But I must say I'm sporting a nice golden tan and I'm working on my next two books. So all in all busy but having fun too!

Before I started to write books I wrote reviews for the Long and Short Review Website. Don't ask me what my flower name was because I'll never tell! I never gave a bad review because, I, unlike some people, always saw the good in every book. Granted I didn't fall in love with every book I read but I'm a believer in just because I didn't like it, doesn’t mean the next person won't love it. Everyone is different and have different taste. Bashing a book someone worked hard on isn't my style. As a book reviewer you need to look at the book objectively and be fair and honest with what you have to say. For the most part I think I did that.

With as much as I read I thought it only fitting to review some of these works of reading art. I love to read probably more than I love chocolate and that is saying a lot right there. Something I've learned as a writer is how important book reviews are. People like to get opinions on the product before they buy it, so reviews and ratings go a long way. I'm guilty of reading a book then forgetting to go back and review it. We all get busy but if we can set aside a bit of time for these authors they will more than appreciate it.

The Delaneys At Home
by Anne Brooke
5 Stars

The latest book I've read is The Delaneys at Home. It’s the fifth book in the Delaneys series and I for one absolutely love this series.  They're short stories that are fast passed reads that leave me wanting more. The characters are well thought out and have both likeable and not so likable character traits to them.

In this installment Liam has moved in with Johnny and Mark Delaney. The twins may look alike but have completely different personalities. The one thing they more than agree on is their love for Liam, the lover they share between them. Liam is that quirky easy to like character who you want to see good things happen too. Johnny is the more laid back twin and gives his affection without hesitation. He shows mercy when his brother might not. Now Mark he's that character I'm always debating if I like him or not and the same thing went for this book as well. He’s a very direct man who allows no room for error. He demands respect. But as I follow this series I realized it’s what helped make up the dynamic between the threesome. Mark is the leader where Liam and Johnny are the followers. Their unconventional relationship works for them and sets my senses reeling with every flip of the page, or in my case, every click of the mouse.

Liam has kept a secret from the twins and the Delaneys feel like it’s their responsibility to make Liam see the error of his ways. His punishment was definitely interesting and quite inventive. Every book pushes Liam’s boundaries but in a good way.

The chemistry between these three men leaps off the pages. The love scenes are deliciously written with no detail left out. But more than that is the love and respect they feel toward one another that keeps me coming back for more. With short stories it’s an achievement to write an engrossing storyline that will capture your attention and Mrs. Brooke has covered all her bases with her latest addition.

If you’re a reader looking for a different kind of love story with a pinch of angst, than the Delaneys series is one for you. I recommend reading all the books in the series. The timeline between each book is only a matter of days. I think maybe in one there is a leap in months but all pretty current. It’s a group of books that captured my attention and leaves me on pins and needles until the next one is released.

 Buy Link: Amber Allure

Contacts: Website~Twitter~Facebook

Wednesday Briefs: And The Race Is On

It feels like forever since I've participated in the Wednesday Brief but I had some inspiration  this past weekend and got my writing hat on, so to speak.

Here's this weeks prompts:

use a safe word in your story 

  

The alternate prompts are:  cherry, innocence, scarf or

"I thought you were .... but you really aren't, you're.... "

or use any Beatle title in your story or

use: independence, master, control

or make a 50 Shades of Grey reference

As always I'll leave the links to my fellow briefers. Nothing better than a free read to brighten up your day. 

Have and excellent week and happy reading!!!

And The Race Is On Part 1

“So, Andrew, are you packed and ready to go?”

Andy turned to look at his boss, Leon Walsh aka editor and chief of Sports Craze magazine, standing in the doorway to his office. Leon was the only person who used his given name.  Andy thought it annoying that the man just couldn’t call him by the name he liked. Andrew seemed so official, like when his mother would yell at him when he was in trouble. Andy was more laid back, a likeable person’s name.

“Yes, sir,” Andy said as he finished typing an email, then closed his laptop and stood up. “This time tomorrow I’ll be sitting in the stands in Charlotte watching some NASCAR.”

Andy was a journalist for a sports magazine. He travelled to several different locations writing about what current sporting event was all the rage. And that was the reason he was heading to Charlotte, North Carolina for a sporting profession he just couldn’t grasp the purpose of. Men driving cars at high rates of speed around a circle track over and over again. It reminded Andy of a hamster on a wheel. In constant motion but never going anywhere.

“Good, good, good. This race car driving has really gained popularity so I trust you’ll bring me back a great story,” Leon said with a smile.

“You bet.” Andy gritted out as he stood from his chair. “Well I better be off so I don’t miss my flight.”

“Yeah, right you better get a move on it. Traffic this time of day can be a bear.” Leon followed him out. “Have a safe flight Andrew.”

Andy nodded his thanks and headed toward the elevator. When the door dinged and opened wide he stepped inside the decorative metal box. He pushed P for the parking garage and leaned back against the cool reflective wall at his back.

Being a sports journalist wasn’t his dream job but it was a start and if he had to admit he wasn’t half bad at it. Especially for a man who couldn’t catch let alone throw a ball to save his life.

His dream was to write meaningful news articles for Time magazine or Newsweek. To write about stories that would change people’s lives, maybe even make a difference. But getting his foot in those doors took experience and time. So that left Andy writing about organized sporting events. He wasn’t bitter about that. It was a start after all.

The elevator doors pulled apart and opened into the parking garage. He walked over to his little black  Jetta and popped the lock. Carefully he stowed his bag in the backseat and climb into the driver’s side and turned on the car.

The drive to the airport was pretty uneventful. No accidents or road construction causing him to run late. He took the exit for the San Francisco Airport and followed the signs to the long term parking. Andy grabbed his laptop case and his one carryon. He learned to pack efficiently from past experiences. The trip was only to last about a week but he never knew when he would be called to another location to cover a different story.

After checking in and getting situated at the gate for his flight, with an hour and half left until take off, Andy pulled out his laptop and took another look at the material he had gathered. NASCAR was a popular sport that had really picked up steam in the last few years. People had their favorite drivers they rooted for and followed the circuit around in RVs. Some serious die hard fan’s even tattooed their bodies with their favorite driver’s race car numbers. Now that was some serious commitment.

Andy pulled up the email that had all the info on the racing team he was being sent to interview. A new driver by the name of Luc Royston was having a really good year. His points standings were high for a newbie, or so the information the guys team manger sent him.

The research Andy had done so far pulled up nothing negative pertaining to Luc. The guy seemed squeaky clean almost too much so. It wasn’t that Andy was looking for the bad in him but most people had either skeletons in their closets they wanted to hide or a flurry of good stuff going on like charity work or some shit people liked to brag about. But this guy had nothing, zilch. All it did confirm was that Luc was having an amazing year behind the wheel.

Scrolling down the email there was picture of Luc from the last race he had won. Andy’s heart did a flutter at the photo.  Luc’s high cheek bones were flushed from excitement of the win and his squared masculine jaw line was less harsh from the huge smile Luc wore across his face. He looked to be of average height with brown hair and bright blue eyes. Luc’s hair was messy from the helmet he had to wear while racing. Andy wished he could reach his hand through the computer screen and straighten the mused locks.

Luc wore his racing suit in the picture so Andy couldn’t get a good visual on the man’s body but assumed it was like the rest of the package, perfect. He understood the Beatles meaning for the song Drive My Car, because he would let Luc drive anything he wanted.

One of the perks of Andy’s job was being around hot, sweaty, and sexy as sin men the majority of the time. He was a gay man invited into the locker rooms of some of the most well sought after, prime specimens, men in the world.  

Yep, sometimes life was good.

To Be Continued

MA Church    m/m

Sara York     m/m

Michael Mandrake   m/m

Nephylim     m/m

Tali      m/m

Julie Lynn Hayes m/m

My Thoughts on Fate's Second Chance

I have to admit I’m a much better talker than writer when it comes to expressing my thoughts on certain issues so hopefully this makes sense to everyone who reads this.

I've read some recent reviews that have stated what they didn’t like about Fate's Second Chance was that it was hard for them to separate Marie from Marc. I can see where that could happen, after all I did write the story. But my intentions were not to separate the two because Marie was always Marc and Marc will always be Marie. A little confusing? Let me explain.

I’m one of those people who hate when people say she acts like a man or he comes off just a little too feminine. Who is the judge of this? Who has the right to say that about another individual?

What I’m getting at is that most of us are conditioned at an early age to think men should act a certain way and same for women. But why? As people are minds are forever growing and changing and putting labels on people is just constricting. I believe people act the way they want and there isn’t a set mold we should have to try and fit into. So I didn’t make Marc over masculine but he was still a man. I wonder if I never wrote Marc as being a woman to begin with if readers would have looked at the story differently. If I had Marc characterized as just being a sensitive guy who’s emotions got the best of him at times would that have made a difference?  Would it have changed the way the reader viewed Marc?  

I wanted Marc to be seen as a man, who just so happens use to be a woman, going through the ups and downs of falling in love. Men and women experience the same down falls on the road to their happy ever after but is it that much different from one another? I don’t think it is. We’re all a bunch of people living in this huge world just trying to get through the days and hopefully find that one special person who makes all the hard work worth it at the end of the day.

Fate's Second Chance was my first published work and I would be the first to agree that there were things I wish I could have changed or added. I'm sure every writer has that should of, could of, would of crap run through their mind. But if you change to much stuff during edits your editor would probably want to strangle you. LOL!

I welcome all comments be it good or bad. Some constructive criticism never hurt anyone. My goal as a writer is to write material that others find entertaining and hopefully I'm accomplishing that particular goal. Without readers where would us writers be?

I hope everyone enjoys the start to their week and happy reading!!!

Hop Against Homophobia

Hello to everyone and welcome to the Hop Against Homophobia. This the first time I’ve written a blog posting like this and I really didn’t know what I should discuss. Over 250 authors are participating in this hop and you’ll probably read a variety of postings. I just hope my can compare.

ho·mo·pho·bia noun \ˌhō-mə-ˈfō-bē-ə\

Definition of HOMOPHOBIA:

Irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals

I felt it was important to put the definition as defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary at the beginning of my post. Some people aren’t aware of the extent of the definition and a small reminder never hurt. I’m sure at one point or another we ourselves or someone we know has displayed homophobic behavior and it was probably unwittingly done. But today is a new day and a fresh start. We as a whole can spread the word and put an end to this irrational fear, aversion, discrimination against homosexuality. The GLBT community cant to it alone. We’re all a part of the human race and should be treated as such.

I’m a strong believer in everything starts at home. How we we’re raised and how we raise are children are a big factor on the adults our children will turn out to be. I’m the proud mother four very energetic children who I’ve been raising to not look at others differences. Be it the color of their skin, if they wear glasses, have a speech problem, brown hair versus blond hair, learning disability, and even who a person chooses to love. My response to my children when they question another individual for being different is always the same. If we were all the same the world would be an extremely boring place.

Here’s a little story about my ten year old daughter Tatum. My little girl is very perceptive and as she gets older her father and I encourage her to ask questions if she doesn’t understand something and it led to this discussion at our local movie theater. I took my two oldest to see the Bully documentary and when it was over as we walked back to our car Tatum asked why the girl in the documentary was being bullied. I had to stop and explain to her that the young lady featured in the film was a lesbian. She told me she understood that but couldn't comprehended why the young lady was being picked on for that reason alone. Tatum told me the girl was just being herself and why should that bother anyone else. Part of me was proud that it didn't faze Tatum to even think for a second that someone should be treated differently for something like that. But with that came the heartbreak that I had to tell her that these are the hard truths of the world we live in. Discrimination is everywhere and we can’t protect our children from it all the time but we can teach them how to overcome it and to stand up to the bigots of the world who try to shove those hateful beliefs in our faces.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a woman and no, I’m not gay. So I can’t possibly understand the daily struggles the GLBT community goes through. And as a writer in the M/M genre I’ve been asked how can I possibly know what I’m talking about? Simple answer to that is love is love. Be between a man and a woman, man and a man, or woman and a woman. Being gay doesn’t make a person any different than a straight person. We’re all people in this big world just trying to live our lives and find love along the way without judgment from others.

I don’t have a solution for this problem but I wished I did. Compassion and understanding is what this world needs more of and I truly do believe each and every person can make a difference. There are organizations out there to give support and help to those in need. I do believe it all does get better and as a parent I wholeheartedly stand by that belief. Never give up hope!

This is a blog hop so I will be having a giveaway. All you have to do is leave a comment with a valid email address so I can contact you. I’ll be selecting three winners and they can have their pick of any of my books. The hop runs from May 17th-20th. Now run off and read my fellow authors postings. Understanding and knowledge is what will make us stronger as a community!

The TREVOR Project

Special Guest Camile Carson

Camile Carson was kind enough to visit my blog today and without further ado here she is!

I’d like to thank AJ for inviting me to her blog. As a fan of her writing, I’m honored to be in such illustrious company.

I love mysteries, suspense and thrillers. Romance is a new genre for me. Adding spice and a lot of hot flesh to a gripping plot is quite easy. Romance enhances the novel and elevates it to new, orgasmic heights (pun intended.)

I allow the characters to develop themselves. I have grown to love them as if they were real. Letting the cast dictate the direction they want to travel is a unique style. I never use an outline and am quite surprised when I find out “who did it.” On “Lovers and Saints” my latest book published by Siren, I had no idea who the murderer was until the second draft. Combining a cast of suspects and creating a plot utilizing codes, religious icons, and sinister villains is a craft I love. If I don’t know “who did it” the reader might be surprised as well.

I hope you will enjoy “Lovers and Saints” as much as I adored writing it.

http://www.bookstrand.com/lovers-and-saints

STORY EXCERPT

Sam loved being a journalist. As a child she always carried a notebook and pencil. Constantly jotting down events at school, Timmy falls off bike, Cindy scratches knee, Mr. Robbins stinks. It was the beginning of her life. She savored the words and flow of graphite over paper. Now, it was the flurry of fingertips on keyboards, tape recordings, and texting. The technology had changed, but not the words. Words wound threads of thought in her creative head, twisting and turning until the perfect tapestry of thought was produced.

Samantha drove to the gas station and picked up two paper cups of black coffee and a half dozen packets of sugar for Carl. Loving his sweets, Sam felt a twinge of pity for the man and picked up a pack of donuts as well. His stomach was bulging and his hairline receding, but that’s not what bothered Sam. Carl always found a way to touch her, whether it be a pat on the arm, a friendly embrace, or a seemingly innocent brush against her thigh. Sensations of nausea would pang Sam as her skin crawled when he invaded her space.

Briar’s park loomed in front of her. The iron gates stood open. Rust prevented the closure of the security barrier. She could see dew dripping from the birch trees. A small current of breath blew each tender leaf. The park was beautiful this time of day. In a few hours, mothers with their children in tow would invade the serenity and stillness that enveloped her.

Briar’s park was close to Sam’s home and work. Actually, everything in Crompton was intimate. It wasn’t a small town like Mayberry, yet far from New York City. As much as she loved the familiarity, Sam yearned to be a reporter in a big city. One day, she would uncover a huge story that would make her byline known globally. Smiling at this thought, she pulled her Honda into the park and replaced her thoughts of fame with the crime scene ahead.

Yellow tape was being set around the pond, the adjacent playground, and the picnic area. Carl had come through for her again. There was no sign of the press. Once again, he had got Sam to the forefront of a big headline.

“Hey, Copperton, what songbird sang for you this morning?” Detective Grant Wilson yelled across the lawn. She waved and gave him a flashing smile.

“Just felt like taking a walk in the park. What’s going on here? Are you decorating for a birthday party?” Samantha liked Grant. He was sturdy in build, tendrils neglected to lay flat against his slightly graying hair. No matter how neatly dressed he was, she was always drawn to his unkempt coif.

Despite Carl’s objections, Grant had introduced Sam to Paul. There was symmetry that attracted the pair immediately. Grant used to tease Sam that he hand-picked Paul just for her. Like Carl, Grant and Paul had been lifelong pals in Crompton. The three played baseball, football, and skinny-dipped in the stream outside of town. They were brothers. There was another musketeer in the group, one that Sam detested. Andre was nothing like Carl the simpleton, Grant the wise, and Paul the delicious.

“And, you brought coffee. That was sweet.” Grant reached out and grabbed Carl’s coffee.

“Hey that’s for…the birds. Go ahead, enjoy.” Sam felt like one of the family around Grant. Her acceptance into the group was smooth and flowing. Sam thought this must be what having brothers was like.

“Where’s my—oh, you have it. A guy can’t even get a cup of coffee anymore.” Carl joined the two. He started to put his arm around Sam, but she moved slightly closer to Grant. Winking, Grant appeared to catch on.

“Sorry”—Samantha smiled—“Detective Wilson thought the cup was his.”

“Grant thinks everything is his.” There was a bit of sting to the sentence.

The three headed toward the crime scene. Samantha could see a platform sandal in the grass. The closer Sam got to the body, she saw pieces of clothing strewn about. Samantha turned sharply when a hand was placed roughly on her shoulder.

“What the hell are you doing here? The press hasn’t been called. Get back to your little office and write an article on the new supermarket opening.”

It was Andre Carson. Samantha cringed at his stark attitude. She hoped he would be playing cops and robbers elsewhere. Andre’s breath was hot against her neck as he moved in closer. Sam could feel her heart beating against her chest. Anger and a bit of sexual tension seemed to mount whenever Andre was near.

“I was taking an early-morning walk and saw the police cars. I’m nosy, remember?” Samantha shook his hand off of her. Glaring into his sienna eyes, she shuddered under his gaze. Scowling at her, the lines around his mouth touched the faint hint of a mustache. Andre always made Sam a bit agitated and out of control. The aroma of his cologne stopped her, jasmine with a bit of spice, she thought. He should be wearing garlic. Sam began to chuckle at her own inside joke.

“You have no business here. Leave so the police can do their work.” His intense voice penetrated her ears and made Sam’s knees wobble. His black linen jacket brushed against her arm as it flapped in the breeze. Chills ran down her back.

“Come on, Andre,” Carl chided in. “You know she is one of the best investigative reporters around. She even broke the Franco murder case last month. If it wasn’t for her, we never would have found the weapon in the wheel well of Arthur Franco’s car.” Samantha was grateful for Carl’s gracious interruption. It seemed that Carl was particularly protective of her when it came to Andre.

Visit me at:

http://camilecarsonromance.blogspot.com/

http://www.bookstrand.com/camile-carson

www.camilecarsonromancenovels.com

camilecarson@yahoo.com