Lady Hawkeye

Friday, February 5, 2021

Book Tour & Giveaway ~ The Q by Rick R. Reed

The Q

by Rick R. Reed

Genre: LGBTQ Romance

Step out for a Saturday night at The Q—the small town gay bar in Appalachia where the locals congregate. Whose secret love is revealed? What long-term relationship comes to a crossroad? What revelations come to light? The DJ mixes a soundtrack to inspire dancing, drinking, singing, and falling in (or out) of love.

This pivotal Saturday night at The Q is one its regulars will never forget. Lives irrevocably change. Laugh, shed a tear, and root for folks you’ll come to love and remember long after the last page.

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Chapter 14

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

It was getting on toward ten o’clock when Winslow Birkel got out of his car near the Q. The parking lot was packed so much that Winslow ended up having to grab a spot along the side of the road. It was Saturday night, after all. Winslow could feel as much as hear the vibration of the bass from the dance music playing inside. People drifted in and out of the bar’s entrance at the back, chattering to one another. Wisps of cigarette smoke and maybe even a little weed floated toward him. Winslow paused to breathe in.

He stood, hidden in the shadows, uncertain if he wanted to venture inside. He knew what he’d find— people having fun, dancing, drinking, playing pool and darts, and flirting. Normal stuff. Stuff he should have felt a part of, given his age. And yet, and yet... he couldn’t shake the feeling of separation and isolation that refused to leave him, even when the melody of the anthem, “Everybody Dance Now” reached his ears. Despite being at a gathering spot that had the expressed purpose of bringing people together, Winslow was apart, isolated.

He was only twenty seven, but he felt like he had fifty years on all of those carefree folks, as though he’d left his youth behind when he’d taken up with Chad. He’d surrendered body and soul to the man. And what had he gotten in return? Bruises? Scrapes? Cowering when someone raised a voice?

Someone spoke from behind him. The voice was deep with a velvety quality. “First time?”

He turned to see a gorgeous black man, about the same age as Winslow, a lopsided grin lighting up his face. His hair was twisted into dreadlocks that fell over his shoulders. He wore a simple white tank top and a pair of dark jeans. Even in the dark, there was a twinkle in his eyes, as though the irises had captured the moon’s pale luminescence above them. He’d shoved his hands into his front pockets.

“Hardly.” Winslow smiled. “Just not sure I’m in the mood.”

The grin widened. “I thought maybe we were kindred spirits.”

And that caused Winslow to smile at last. “So?” He cocked his head. “Your first time?”

He nodded. “First time at a gay bar, anyway.” He whispered the words gay and bar even though there

was no one nearby. There was no one within a mile’s radius who would even care for that matter. The guy’s naivete was kind of sweet.

Neither made a move to go inside. “There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Winslow said. “I haven’t been to the Q in a while, but when I did used to come here a bit more often, the crowd was always nice, welcoming. A lot of friendly faces. Little attitude. Mary Louise, the bartender, is especially sweet. She’s like someone’s mom. But don’t tell her I said that.” Winslow tried to let his posture, his demeanor and, most of all, his smile, convey that this guy had nothing to fear. “I’m Winslow, by the way.”

They shook hands. “That’s a nice name. I’m Darryn.”

“You live in Hopewell?”

Darryn nodded. “Just up the road, honestly. With my ma. She’s a god-fearing Christian woman—her

words, not mine—and has been cursing this place as long as I can remember. Her Baptist roots tell her it’s a hotbed of sin, a place where perverts and sodomites gather.” He wiggled his eyebrows in a way that was both disarming and charming.

Winslow laughed. “If you’re lucky.”

Winslow moved the toe of his tennis shoe around in the gravel and then looked up and said

something uncharacteristic for his shy self. “Tell you what, come inside with me and I’ll buy you your first drink in a gay bar. You’ll always remember me for that.”

Darryn didn’t seem to need to ponder. “Okay.”

And Winslow started toward the door. Just as he was about to open it, Darryn said, “Wait.” Winslow turned.

“I’m not ready.”

“What do you mean? You look fine.” And he did—there was something unaware in this guy, as

though he was oblivious to his good bone structure, his broad shoulders, flat stomach, and endearing smile.

And his lack of awareness made him all the more attractive.

“I didn’t mean how I look. I just don’t know if I’m ready for this step.”

Winslow had to resist the urge to tell him how adorable his reluctance was. He could remember being

seventeen—with his badly-faked ID—coming to the Q for the first time, ten years ago. He was shocked they’d let him in. That night, he’d gotten drunk on sloe gin fizzes and had his first—and worst ever— hangover the next day. Much of that night was still a blank in his memory. For example, he was ashamed and embarrassed that he had no idea to this day how he managed to get home and between his own sheets that night. At least he hadn’t wound up in some stranger’s bed.

He realized he might have made a mistake when sizing Darryn up. “How old are you, anyway?”

“I’m old enough to get in,” Darryn answered, sounding defensive. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t even know how to get a fake ID, even if I wanted one.”

“I didn’t mean that. I just assumed you were about the same age as I am, twenty seven, but maybe I guessed wrong?”

Darryn chuckled. “I just turned twenty-one.”

Winslow cocked his head, “Oh? When?”

Darryn cast his gaze downward, smiling shyly. “Today.”

Winslow sucked in a breath. “Oh my god. It’s your birthday! Your twenty-first! Happy birthday!” He

laughed out of sheer delight. “Now, you have to let me buy you that drink.”

Darryn stood still, as though frozen to the ground.

“Come on,” Winslow coaxed. “We can go in, have a cocktail or a beer, and check things out. And if

you don’t like it? We can leave. No problem, no pressure.” He quickly corrected himself. “Or, rather, you can leave.” Winslow smiled. “The we was awfully presumptive on my part.” Winslow realized, without warning, that he wanted there to be a we, even if it was only as something to hold on to, a life preserver against a dark rising tide. Even if it was only for an hour or two.

“Well, okay. But just one. I’m not much of a drinker.”

Winslow opened the door for Darryn and watched him go in first. Once the bouncer checked their IDs, they headed toward the bar.

Winslow asked, “What are we drinking, birthday boy?” He’s almost forgotten Chad and that was actually wonderful. Oblivion could be a very effective pain medication. But like all pain medications, it was important that one not overdo it.

Darryn didn’t looked embarrassed in the least as he wondered, “Do you think this Mary Louise can whip up a sloe gin fizz?”

Winslow smiled broader to conceal the rumbling in his tummy.

Real Men. True Love.

Rick R. Reed draws inspiration from the lives of gay men to craft stories that quicken the heartbeat, engage emotions, and keep the pages turning. Although he dabbles in horror, dark suspense, and comedy, his attention always returns to the power of love. He’s the award-winning and bestselling author of more than fifty works of published fiction and is forever at work on yet another book. Lambda Literary has called him: “A writer that doesn’t disappoint...” You can find him at www.rickrreedreality.blogspot.com . Rick lives in Palm Springs, CA with his beloved husband.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon giftcard,

My Lambda Literary Award 2020 Finalist, BLUE UMBRELLA SKY in ebook

- 1 winner each

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Book Blitz & Giveaway ~ Prince by Cambria Hebert

Prince
Cambria Hebert
(A House of Misfits novel)
Publication date: February 5th 2021
Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, LGBTQ+, Romance

Once upon a time…

A baby is born in privilege, blooming under the warmth of his parents’ love. Jealousy sprouts and brings with it malevolent intentions. A king and queen cursed with an empty kingdom. A child abandoned in revenge.

A misfit, the boy should turn hard and cold among the thorns he grows in. Despite lifelong attempts to destroy him, this child does not wither. Underneath his insecurity, he maintains a heart with the tenderest center.

A heart that plays the most beautiful music.

Not far from this misfit but in a whole different world, a dashing prince lives with a crown of expectations adorning his golden head.

A prince raised with honor and duty. A prince expected to marry.

Alas, during a simple walk in the forest, he is enchanted by a different song.

And so a fairy tale is woven, two worlds colliding, secrets revealed, love everlasting…

And a realization that not all fairy tales require a princess.

*Prince is a modern fairy tale forgoing heteronormativity to boldly state that fairy tales are for everyone, no matter who you love (or don’t).

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Head bowed toward the violin, his hair looked like spun golden thread as it swayed with every note he played. Familiarity rippled through me, but I didn’t think it through. I couldn’t think about anything just then. All I could do was feel.

The tune moved me. It felt as if actual pieces inside my chest were being rearranged and adjusted according to this melody. As if this boy who played this song knew exactly where pieces of me belonged and he would arrange them so I wouldn’t have to.

Emotion so stark and overwhelming punched me. I actually bent a little at the waist. Tears sprang to the corners of my eyes, but I held them at bay.

Absolutely entranced. Absolutely owned.

Absolutely besotted by the sound of this boy.

I didn’t even know a person had a sound. A song unique to only them. But now that I’d heard, it seemed to be so obvious because no one else could possibly ever sound like him.

This went far beyond the sound of a voice or even a whisper against your ear.

This was… This was the sound of someone’s heart.

In my chest, my heart pounded, thumping heavily and slow but so powerful that breath was hard to draw.

I stood there listening, not really breathing. Not really seeing. But totally alive and aware with senses I’d never used before.

When the last note was played, it hovered thick like the air after a heavy rainstorm. It caressed my nerves with small aftershocks, stroking them as if they were trying to build a memory.

As if I could ever forget.

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest

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Official Blog Tour & Giveaway ~ WILD OPEN FACES by Jennifer G. Edelson

Publisher : Bad Apple Books (December 17, 2020)
Language: : English
Paperback : 351 pages
ISBN-10 : 1733514015
ISBN-13 : 978-1733514019

Praise for WILD OPEN FACES

“A powerful book which both stands nicely alone and compliments Between Wild and Ruin . . . absolutely enthralling reading.” —Midwest Book Review

Praise for BETWEEN WILD & RUIN

“What could be a corny premise turns into an exhilarating, fun ride in Edelson’s adept hands. Her characters are smartly drawn, and readers will easily identify with Ruby, a strong yet insecure young artist on the verge of adulthood, who is still recovering from her tragic past . . . Fans of Twilight and modern fairy tales will fall in love with Ruby and root for her eventual romance.” —Blue Ink Review (Starred Review)

“Between Wild and Ruin is a stunning story of legends, romance, and destiny with themes of starting over, small towns, beauty, and community . . . Edelson perfectly breathes new life in mythology by honoring the oral tradition of a small community and the ruins that bring to life Ruby's destiny.” —Manhattan Book Review

“Highly recommended to mature teens through new adult and adult audiences, this is a story that lingers in the mind long after its final revelation.” —Midwest Book Review

“A great addition to young adult urban fantasy.” —Seattle Book Review

“Descriptions of the New Mexico landscape are rich and atmospheric, arousing the senses with references to the scent of smoke and juniper, the predatory roar of mountain lions, and the brilliant dazzle of stars in the desert sky . . . The writing conveys a sense of timelessness, making it easy to believe Ruby’s sense that the land is spirit-haunted and that Leo, the handsome young man she encounters near the ruins, is somehow connected to it all.” —Clarion Forward

“An intriguing historical tale and an over-the-top love-quadrangle romance.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The paranormal aspects of the tale are credible and richly steeped in traditional lore, and the plot is finely crafted . . . Between Wild and Ruin is most highly recommended.” —Reader’s Favorite (5-Star Review)

** First Place Winner — Young Adult Fiction: 2020 Arizona/New Mexico Book Awards

** First Place Winner - Young Adult Fiction: 2020 National Federation Press Women

** Gold Medal Winner (First Place) - Young Adult Mythology/Folklore; 2020 Reader's Choice International

** First Place Winner - Young Adult Fiction: 2020 New Mexico Women's Press

Surfaces are deceiving . . .

After falling for Ezra and discovering a gateway to the Otherworld, it’s a truism Ruby knows to take to heart. But La Luna finally feels like home, and with graduation just weeks away and a cushy internship on a nearby archeological dig in her pocket, it’s easy to downplay the strange new events taking place in the Glorieta Pass. Even when Angel’s deadbeat father reappears after twenty years, stirring up questions about Angel, the ruin, and Ruby’s mother.

~ EXCERPT ~

Holding hands, Ezra and I dunk under the water, swimming farther toward the center of the contained lake. When we come up, he grabs me and pulls me against him. “Thanks for this,” I tell him. I wrap my arms around his neck and lever up, twisting my legs around his muscled back so he has to support me. “I’m just going to pretend we’re all fine for a few hours if that’s okay.”

“You are fine.” He smirks.

I run a hand through his wet hair, slicking it back off his forehead. His face glows under the late afternoon sun, as alive as his burning eyes while I search them. I know he’s putting on a happy face for me; there’s no way the picture I showed him of Mick isn’t eating away at his sharp mind.

“None of that,” he tells me.

“Are you poking around my head?”

“No. You’re radiating anxiety.”

“You have a better idea?” I tease.

He lifts a single eyebrow, and damn, anxious or otherwise, it’s all I can do to keep my hands off him.

“I do.” Ezra’s arms tighten around my waist. He splays his hands out flat against my lower back and pulls me in, locking our bodies together. When I gulp, he grins. Tilting his forehead forward, he finds my mouth, pressing his lips against mine, inciting anarchy inside my heart.

“Better?” he whispers against my mouth.

“So much better.”

Spinning in slow circles while I embrace him, Ezra gives me a panoramic tour of the Cochiti Basin, pointing out the different mountain ranges that spread in an arc from the west to the south around the bowl-shaped basin the lake carved out when the state dammed the Rio Grande. He points out extinct volcanos off in the distance nearer to the Jemez mountains to the north, and gorgeous gold and russet hoodoos perched on the mesa tops encircling the lake. We’re surrounded by a fairytale backdrop of desert plants, and errant, majestic trees and unreal geology, and it makes it hard to reconcile the fact that there’s a whole other world I don’t understand waiting for me back in La Luna. It makes me wonder if that’s how Ezra feels whenever he leaves—knowing he can never leave for good.

“You know what I do when I can’t stop thinking about something?” he asks, when we come full circle.

“What?”

“I run into the wilderness and yell. Loud as I freaking can. Until my throat hurts.”

“Really?” I suppress a smile. Trying to imagine Ezra out in the middle of nowhere yelling at the sky sort of trashes the usually stoic picture I have of him.

“Try it.”

“Here?” I look around the mostly empty lake and shoreline.

“Why not?”

He looks amused, like he’s sure I won’t do it. Which is probably why I tilt my head back and let loose an ear-shattering scream. I hold onto him tightly, digging my nails into his strong shoulders until every last bit of breath in my lungs leaves my body. After a few seconds I deflate, finishing with a whistling sigh as I let my chin drop against my chest. “You’re right, that was amazing.”

Uncertainty is bad enough, but when Ruby starts having inexplicable visions, and the archeological dig unearths mysterious artifacts connected to both a fabled Aztec city and the Pecos Pueblo, Ruby faces more than an uncertain future — she’s forced to accept the role of True of Heart. Will Ezra and her friends stand by her as she confronts the Otherworld? Love is enigmatic, especially in the heart of New Mexico, but the Otherworld may be the biggest mystery of them all.

You can purchase Wild Open Faces at the following links below:

Photo Credit: Shoshanna Bettencourt

Jennifer G. Edelson is a writer, artist, former attorney, pizza lover, and hard-core Bollywood fan. She has a BFA in Sculpture and a J.D. in law and has taught both creative writing and legal research and writing at several fine institutions, including the University of Minnesota. Originally a California native, she currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico with her husband, kids, and dog, Hubble after surviving twenty-plus years in the Minnesota tundra (but still considers Los Angeles, the Twin Cities, and Santa Fe all home).

WEEK ONE

FEBRUARY 1st MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

FEBRUARY 2nd TUESDAY BookHounds YA INTERVIEW

FEBRUARY 3rd WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 4th THURSDAY Living in a Bookworld EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 4th THURSDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST

FEBRUARY 5th FRIDAY Kelly P's Blog EXCERPT

FEBRUARY 6th SATURDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST

FEBRUARY 7th SUNDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

WEEK TWO

FEBRUARY 8th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

FEBRUARY 9th TUESDAY A Bronx Latina Reads REVIEW

FEBRUARY 10th WEDNESDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW

FEBRUARY 11th THURSDAY Books and Zebras REVIEW

FEBRUARY 12th FRIDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW

FEBRUARY 13th SATURDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

FEBRUARY 14th SUNDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

Giveaway ends FEBRUARY 21st

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

Sale Blitz ~ The One by Kimberly Knight

Title: The One
Author: Kimberly Knight
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb:

From USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Knight, comes book two in her heartfelt and sexy Halo series.

Life isn’t always fairy tales and rainbows …

Avery Scott is a hopeless romantic, the complete opposite of his best friend, Easton. For most of his life, he’s been searching for that someone special to spend the rest of his life with. The problem is, he’s had nothing but bad first dates with crazy women he’s met online or at his bar, Halo. When he hears about a singles cruise, his plan is to meet a lot of single women, to test the waters, but when a blonde consumes his every thought, he throws that plan overboard.

Nicole Chambers has had her fair share of heartbreaks. She’s tired of being single or dating guys with girlfriends. She wants to find The One. So she convinces her best friend, Brooke, to go on a singles cruise with her. What she doesn’t expect is to fall head over heels with the first guy she meets.

But what happens once the cruise ends?