Embracing James is Coming Soon, Plus a Visit to Desiree Holt’s Blog! #lovemedo #smalltownromance #friendstolovers @meganslayer

I’m visiting Desiree Holt’s blog and talking about the newest book in the Love Me Do series, coming September 13th from Pride Publishing….Embracing James. Today I’m visiting Desiree Holt’s blog and talking about the book. Right here on the blog, I’m having a contest, so keep reading!

Love Me Do follows the guys of Norville, Ohio, a small town with small town problems and lots of single gay men. The place to find a date is to go through James, the head stylist and owner of Dye Hard Style, located in the old movie theater. The guys have been successful in finding dates, but now it’s James’ turn to find the love of his life. Want to know more? Then read Embracing James and find out how he gets his HEA.

The right cut, the right style and a dash of love.

James Mason has everything he could ever want—his salon is the most famous in town, and he’s got his health and his best bud, his dog Doob. But he’s lonely. James has a knack for pairing everyone up, except himself. He’s been interested in Paul, the sweet man who helps at the salon, but will Paul be interested in him, too? Then there’s the elusive JP Henderson, the owner of the salon building. James has created an image in his mind that this man could be the one.

Jonathan Paul Henderson has lusted after James since the moment he met him. James acts unaffected by wealth and seems drawn to character. He’s adorable, funny and welcoming, too. He also doesn’t seem to mind that Paul wears makeup. Paul feels the connection and knows he wants this man, but will James still accept him after he finds out the truth—that Paul’s his landlord?

Two men, one truth and so much attraction they burn up the sheets. Is theirs a love for now or one meant to last?

General Release Date: 13th September 2022

available at First for Romance: https://www.firstforromance.com/book/embracing-james and On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B47QB7CJ/

While you’re here, you could win a necklace, made by me, that features a book page. Cool, eh? All you’ve got to do is comment. Contest runs through 8/8 and the winner will be announced here in the comments. You must leave a comment and your email address so I know how to contact you. *No purchase needed to enter.

At @MorganJames1202 blog today! Talking #cedarwoodpride @meganslayer

I got the chance to hang out with my dear friend, Morgan James this weekend and she’s featuring Scoring in Cedarwood on her blog. Go check it out!! https://www.authormorganjames.com/2019/09/28/author-feature-megan-slayer/ Click the link or the button below. 🙂

Author Feature – Megan Slayer

Here’s a little bit about Scoring in Cedarwood!

Scoring in Cedarwood by Megan Slayer

Cedarwood Pride, book 3

Contemporary LGBTQ Romance

M/M, Anal Sex, Masturbation

From Pride Publishing

Book three in the Cedarwood Pride series

Tanner Fox wasn’t sure being traded to the Cedarwood Wildcats was the right path for his life, but if Dr. Dane Bloom is part of the package, then he’ll play for keeps.

Tanner “Foxy” Fox knows he can do one thing—play baseball. His days in the outfield are numbered, but he’s a fan favorite. Everyone wants a piece of Foxy—almost everyone. The Anti-Gay Coalition wants nothing of a gay player on the town baseball team, but Tanner isn’t about to back down, especially when he lands sponsorship from the silver-fox doctor in town.

When Dr. Dane Bloom opts to sponsor the baseball team, he knows he’s going to be asked to sponsor a player. Having a younger man living in his home and invading his trust? Why not? Dane’s not wild about opening up, but when he sees Tanner, something in him shatters. He wants to get to know Tanner, beyond the Foxy façade to the man inside. Can he and the player find a way to score in Cedarwood, or will the coalition and self-doubts keep them apart?

#evernighties 4-25-2019 @meganslayer #favoritegenre #romance #iamwriting

Check out the other #evernighties posts on Twitter and Facebook!

This week’s prompt is kind of hard. I’m all over the place when it comes to reading and writing romance. When I started, I was told to write JUST in one genre. I thought it was too constricting, especially since the characters showed up and weren’t in one genre.  So I followed my heart and the characters and write what I want. Rather, I write what they tell me to write – they being the characters.

So which one is my favorite to write? All of them, but mostly paranormal romance and contemporary –LGBTQ, straight or menage all possibilities within those genres.

Then what’s my favorite to read? The same ones I write in. I know. I’m boring in that respect. The thing is, I like to read biographies, old Hollywood and rock-n-roll are my go-tos. I’d list my favorite authors, but the list is too long. Grin.

What about you? What are your favorite genres to read?

Authors Dish: @MeganSlayer ’s Keeper Shelf #books #rereads #lovebooks

Coffee Time Romance asked me: Which book is at the top of your keeper shelf, the book you like to re-read over and over? And why?

Here’s my answer:

There aren’t many books I have on my keeper shelf. I’m kind of picky, I guess. If I had to pick a particular book, though, it would be Regularly Scheduled Life by KA Mitchell. [Editor’s Note: Currently out of print title.] I’ve read this one over and over and it breaks my heart each time.

Sean and Kyle have a great relationship and things seem perfect. Then something happens to tear that happiness apart. It’s heartbreaking and tough, but the end is worth the read.

There are many things I like about this book, but one of the biggest has to be that the characters are already in a relationship. They’ve happy, but things happen that make them not so happy. I like seeing the ups and downs in relationships. It made the characters more real. People don’t always have such wonderful lives. Things happen. The garbage hits the fan.

Another thing I liked about this book was how the emotions are real. Sean and Kyle are faced with a crisis that might have ripped other couples apart. But they find a way to work it out. So many books seem to have stories where there’s something difficult, but not too difficult. Overcoming it is hard, but not that hard. This one isn’t one of those books. I like the complication in the story.

I have to admit the thing I enjoyed the most about this book has to be the love between Kyle and Sean. Okay, so they’re not perfect. Who is? But the love they have for each other is deep. It’s the kind of love most people want to have. It’s the kind of love authors want for their characters in their romance books. I know I strive to have that kind of connection for my characters.

The sex in the book is hot and the pair is hotter. I know the ending will be worth the pain in the middle. If you’re wanting a book for your keeper shelf, then this might be the one you’re looking for.

 

NOTE: You can also find this post on the Coffee Time Romance site: https://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoughts/admar2019-megan-slayer/

#Evernighties Post 3-14-2019 @meganslayer #blogchallenge #thingsIneverwanttodoagain #meganslayer #evernightpub

Look for the other Evernighties posts under the hashtag #evernighties!

This post is both easy and hard to write. I know it sounds odd. First, for the easy. The one thing I never want to do again is laundry. I really dislike laundry. Why? I hate having to break up what I’m doing to switch, fold and put it all away. I know, first world problems. Still doesn’t mean I like laundry.

The hard answer would be letting go of loved ones or getting closure. What do I mean? I don’t like having to bury my loved ones. My beloved dog passed back in October and I’m still hurting over it. I have a wonderful pup now and she’s helped heal my heart, but I think they’d have been pals had they been able to meet. I miss my dog. I do. I miss my grandfather, too. I don’t think we had enough time with him. He’d finally started coming around and being a grandfather. We didn’t have enough time.

The other thing I’d like to never have to do again would have to be letting go. By that I mean letting go of the people I love, but also the friends, too. I’ve had friends who due to whatever reason, have moved out of my life. It makes me sad because I’ve since found out some had cancer, some passed away and others…I don’t know why we drifted. I’d love closure to know what happened, but also to say goodbye and tell them I love them before it’s too late.

Maybe that makes me too sentimental and too steeped in my darn first world problems. What about you? What do you want to never have to do again?

 

Wednesday Blogging Challenge 3/13/2019 @MeganSlayer #longandshortreviews #blogging #dayinthelife #meganslayer

This week’s challenge topic involves a day in my life. I don’t know if it’s that exciting but I’ll give it a stab. While you’re here, check out the other posts. You can find them here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/miscellaneous-musings/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-for-march-13-2019/

A day in my life tends to look like this:

Get up way earlier than I’d like because I’m the taxi to take the tot to school. Tot gets up on his own and takes care of himself in the morning, but since tot can’t drive…

While waiting for tot to  get ready for school, I do part of the EDJ, which isn’t as evil as it might seem. I rather like the EDJ, but I’d also rather be sleeping instead. I also try to make sure the emails have been read/addressed and I’ve done a cursory check of social media. It’s not nearly as glamorous as it looks.

Once tot has been delivered to school, the dogs get fed and usually attempt to trip me. They like to run crazy through the house. Once they’re settled, I get my 2-3 mile walk in for the day. I’ve tried to walk every day and am up to over 180 miles walked for the year (my goal is actually 1000). I’m behind on my goal, but I’ll get there.

After a shower and clothes change, I tend to try to write. But Dh is home and there are chores to do, so until lunch I’m either attending to chores or whatever DH has in mind.

After lunch is writing time. I wish I could say I get to do this every day, but I don’t. Sometimes it’s impeded by vet visits, dentist visits or time spent with the Friends of the Library. Right now I’m spending a lot of time working on our upcoming author event.

I retrieve the tot from school, then once we’re home that’s about the time DH leaves. My afternoons are there to feed the dogs, meal prep, ensuring tot gets homework done, listening to drum/guitar practice (I don’t actively listen…it’s more like it’s thundering through the ceiling, so I have no choice), feed cats or they being to conspire my downfall, laundry and once the tot settles for the night, more writing. I’m a night owl, so I like to write later. I’d also like to sleep later in the morning, but one wish at a time… I carry the dog upstairs because that’s what she thinks I should do and crash.

So that’s my day.

What about yours? I’ll bet yours is much more exciting. Grin.

Long and Short Reviews is Looking for Short Stories to PUBLISH on their site!

Long and Short Reviews is looking for Short Stories! Look here: http://www.longandshortreviews.com/short-story-submissions/

Go to their site for more information, but here’s a snapshot of what they’re looking for:

Authors! Want a great opportunity to have your flash fiction published and get some great exposure for you and your other releases?

We are publishing short stories each Saturday on our site. They can be in any fiction genre (except erotic romance): mainstream fiction, romance, young adult or other kid lit, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thriller … you get the idea! They need to be a complete story told in 1000 – 1200 words.

Wednesday Blogging Challenge 2/20/2019 @MeganSlayer #longandshortreviews #blogging #romance #research

Find the other blog challenge posts on Long and Short Reviews! 

This week, the topic involves research. I’m a naughty girl. I love my research. I do. So this week, the topic is where do I go to research….whatever.

Well, it depends on what I’m researching or learning about. If I want to learn about teachers, I was one, so that helps. But I also go to my friends who happen to still be teachers. They’re great resources.

If I want to know about hairdressers, of course I look up information online, but I also go to my hairdresser and ask questions.

I’ve never written about an astrophysicist because I don’t really know what they do, but I’d go to the library first, then try to talk to someone in that field. But since I don’t have characters that are astrophysicists…I’m good.

But I have to add, I’m a biography junkie. I am. If there’s an old Hollywood biography, I’ve either read it, or I want to read it. Same goes for rock and roll biographies. I love them. So when I’ve written about rock stars, I’ve used those biographies as resources.

Where do you go when you want to learn things? What do you want to learn about? I’d love to know. 🙂

Don’t forget to check out the other posts. You’ll be glad you did.

#evernighties Thursday Blog Challenge 2/7/19 @meganslayer #evernightpub #romance #influence #books

Find the other #evernighties by searching our hashtag on twitter. #evernighties

This week is all about five authors I’d like to meet. Five. Just five. Boy, oh boy.

This is a tough list. Really is. Let me think. Oh, and it’s not in any particular order.

Truman Capote – The guy was weird, but fascinating. It’d be interesting to talk to him and get inside his head. I don’t know if it would be safe to crawl in and out of his mind, but might be fun for a little while.

Harper Lee – I’ve always liked the book To Kill a Mockingbird and wondered what spurred her to write it. I’m sure I could find info if I looked her up, but I’d rather have a chat with her instead. I know she was very private, so if I would’ve been able to talk to her, it would have been a treat.

KA Mitchell – I’ve loved all of her books and I’d just love to fan girl for a moment. I like the real life circumstances in her stories.

Ella Quinn  – She’s another author I’d love to talk with, but I’ve already met her. Still, I love chatting with her and would love to see her again, so she’s high on my list. She’s funny and sweet. Plus I love her books.

I’m sure a lot of authors would have Stephen King on their list. I do, too, but because I think he’s original and I’d love to know how he works out his stories. I’ve read On Writing, but I’d still love the chance to chat with him in person.

What about you? Who would you love to chat with? I’d love to know and chat with you, too.

In the meantime, here’s a little bit about my latest, award-winning, novella from Evernight Publishing, Soft Clay!

Soft Clay by Megan Slayer

book 4 in the Celestial Mates series

#paranormal #romance #kindle

Celestial Mates, 4

Two souls trapped—can they find freedom in each other’s arms?

Nike, the goddess of speed, can’t move. She’s the goddess of strength and she can’t shatter her curse. The goddess of victory has lost her weapons—her shield and spear. She put her faith in a human, only to be cursed. Can another human be the key to her salvation and freedom from the clay?

Charlie needs someone who can understand him. A person to cherish him. Male or female, he doesn’t care. He’s intrigued by Nike’s statue. Call him infatuated. But she’s a statue and they don’t come to life from true love’s kiss, do they?

Get your copy at any of these locations:

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/soft-clay-by-megan-slayer/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HZ4RKFC/

https://books2read.com/u/mvKVO2

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/soft-clay/id1437983747?mt=11

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/soft-clay

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soft-clay-megan-slayer/1129679363?ean=2940155832409

 

Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge @meganslayer #longandshortreviews 1-30-2019

Find the rest of the challenge posts right here:

So which of my characters would I name a baby after? I have a funny story or two to go with this and none have anything to do with my tot’s name.

When I was pregnant with tot, I had a student who swore the tot would be a girl. He wasn’t. But she swore he’d be a she. So since I had a niggling thought the tot would be a boy, and the rescue pup we’d adopted was a girl, I told the student I’d name the pup after her. We did. JoJo was one of the best pups. I miss her.

Then there’s the story of Darlington. I’d written a story, Ever Fallen in Love, where the heroine had a pair of dogs, a German Shepard named Fontana and a Basset Hound named Darlington. I said if I ever got a Basset, I’d name it Darlington. Oddly enough, I was sent to the pound to find a ‘white dog’ DH had seen right after a thunderstorm. Don’t ask me for any other details about the white dog. He never gave me any. But I went to the pound and when I turned the corner, there was the Basset I wanted…Darlington. I adopted her the day she was available for adoption. She was another one of the best pups. I helped her through her gaggy period (don’t ask, it was gross), her macular degeneration (yep, dogs get it) and unfortunately when the tumor in her brain got to be too much. I loved her and she was my dog.

So maybe I didn’t name a baby after a book character, but I did name a pup after one. What about you? Is there a character you’d name a baby after?

While you’re here, my latest release Bound By Desire, released yesterday! Check it out!

Bound by Desire by Wendi Zwaduk

Novella

Contemporary

BDSM, Younger Man/Older Woman, Anal Sex, Bondage, Toys, Sensory Play

From Totally Bound

 

Stella wants her groove back after her divorce, but she never figured a younger man would be the answer to her prayer. He’s determined to do more than bind her wrists. He wants her heart, too.

Stella Barnes isn’t looking for love. She’s convinced it’s not in her cards. The guys she’s met seem to want her money and greeting card business. When her sister throws a freedom party at the local dance club, Stella meets a man who makes her think twice about giving up on love. Can the young buck command her body and soul in the sensual ways she needs or will her desire to be spanked send him packing?

Wes Chase has known he wanted Stella since the moment he saw her–at the club and two years before when she was still with her husband. Her plan to use him for her date to attend her ex-husband’s second wedding makes him cringe. He’d rather be with her out of love and kinky devotion, not as a dodge. Will he convince her they belong together and he can set her spirt free or will her fear keep them apart?

 

Available from:

Totally Bound: https://www.totallybound.com/book/bound-by-desire

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mBPaLZ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

Amazon FR: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B07LFGB4QJ/

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bound-by-desire-wendi-zwaduk/1130025290?ean=9781786864185

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bound-by-desire-8

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bound-by-desire/id1447267498?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=mn-ADwAAQBAJ

EXCERPT:

“Oh shit. I’m late.”

She opened her eyes and a tall man with dirty-blond hair ran up to her. He gripped a binder and his brown eyes blazed.

“Hi, I’m supposed to meet a guy,” he said. He puffed and doubled over for a second. “Sorry. I ran down the block.”

“I can see that. You’re a mess.” She drew her legs up and folded them beneath her. He’d piqued her interest. She guessed he was there to meet with James. The poor guy. So young and handsome…he’d get shot down by James, no doubt. Still, she wanted to keep speaking with him. “What, again, are you here for?”

“I want to open a business.” He offered his hand. “I’m Wes Chase.”

“Stella.” She shook hands with him. The moment she touched his skin, hers tingled. She fought the urge to pull away from him. She hadn’t felt such a reaction in a long time—probably not since she’d met James back in college.

“Stella.” He smiled. “That’s a pretty name.” He tucked the binder under his arm. “So, see, I’m envisioning a record store. Think lots of neon—besides what’s already here—lots of couches, turntables, vintage…listening areas and lots of vinyl.”

“Sounds interesting.” She tucked her hands under her butt to keep from touching him again. “What’s your plan?”

“Oh!” He tugged the binder free and opened it, then placed it on the counter beside her. “I’ve got half of the capital and connections secured. I’ve met with people in the record sales and trade business. This area doesn’t have any specialty shops and needs one. I believe once there’s one started, then others will follow. You’ve got a thriving downtown scene and it should be utilized.”

She laughed. He knew how to say the right words anyway. She glanced down at his charts. He had the correct information, too. “I agree. I miss the unique shops we used to have.”

“With the right marketing—which I’ve laid out here—this can be a reality. I’m hoping Mr. Barnes will allow me to rent the building.” Wes nodded. “Are you looking into renting this place?”

“Oh no.” She shook her head. “I’m not in any position to rent anything.” Truth be told, she wasn’t financially independent of James at the moment. But until now she hadn’t needed to be. Looking at her situation, she realized she needed to have a plan for herself.

“Good. I don’t want competition.” He paused and his eyes widened. “I mean…sorry.” He frowned, then bowed his head. “I know his penchant for pretty girls.”

She suppressed a snort. Pretty girl? She had to be at least ten years older than him, but she’d accept the compliment. Besides, she wasn’t on James’ radar. She was his friend and the person who lived at the house with him.

“Do you know him? You’re his girlfriend, right?” Wes leaned in close. “Wait…I know you. Have we met before? Maybe another professional setting? You look familiar but I swear I can’t place you.”

“I know him.” She nodded to hide her disgust—not with Wes, although his pushy nature grated a bit on her nerves—but at James for cutting her out…already. “Well, why don’t we ask him? If your plan is up to snuff, then I don’t see why he’d turn you down.” Except that he’d already decided to demolish the building. If nothing else, Wes would get a great lesson in not getting his hopes up.

“I’m afraid to ask him because he’s notoriously tough to work with and cranky. He kills deals because he doesn’t like a person’s tie or whatever.” Wes adjusted his crooked necktie. His collar was askew.

She waggled her fingers. “Come here.” She fixed his collar and smoothed out his tie. Then she swept his hair off his forehead. “Better. Less messy.” She sat back and looked him over. “If you’ve done your homework, then you’ve done your part and you won’t know what he’ll say until you ask.” She turned her attention to her husband, who’d just returned to the room. “James? This gentleman wants to rent the building.”