Tag: author anthony avina

PRESS RELEASE: HEART OF NEW YORK BY EMIL REM

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Heart Of New York

New York is the backdrop for a family Christmas full of complicated memories and new perspectives from critically acclaimed author, Emil Rem

The book is published by EICA Press and is available worldwide in print and e-book format

Books by Emil Rem

Another passage refers to “the obligatory winter mix of snow-laden grey sky and face-slapping ocean wind.” But the author’s wry, sharp-eyed humor is always as warm as the weather is cold. Whether he’s fondly reflecting on the nicknames he’s given his sons or on his wife’s nature, he relates his tales and misadventures with wonderful care and relish. Even when these episodes verge on being grim (a long story about a serious legal battle with the Canada Revenue Agency, for instance, is in many ways the highlight of the book), Rem’s gimlet-eyed raconteur spirit is irrepressible.

And the balance of the volume’s antic, detailed escapades in New York reads like the most inviting kind of travelogue. An outsiders-in-New York story with plenty of chuckles and a lot of heart. ~ Kirkus Indie Review

More From Emil Rem:

The adventure continues… In his third novel—using his signature blend of personal memories interwoven with history and depictions of his ongoing travels, the author takes us through Spain and Gibraltar—creating an insightful narrative around a vivid host of characters and experiences on this journey to rediscover the ‘vanished’ landscapes of his culture and his childhood.
…“Sitting cross-legged in his tent, Prince Feisal laments, “But you know Lieutenant, in the Arab city of Cordova were two miles of public lighting in the streets when London was a village?”
“Yes, you were great,” Lawrence admitted. “Nine centuries ago.”
“Time to be great again, my lord.”
“My father is old and I…I long for the vanished gardens of Cordova.”
Cordova. The name hung over him like rich, intoxicating Arab perfume. He had longed to visit her since a child. What would she be like? Were her gardens still abloom? …”
The Vanished Gardens of Cordova eBook : Rem, Emil, Miller Hansen, Lorie: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS ON THE TIN

Join Emil on his adventures around the world in a series of beautifully written and illustrated stories—heartfelt, and uniquely insightful this book will take you from England to Africa, from Canada to Cyprus—all through the author’s skillful storytelling lens…

…“As he gazed out at the revellers on the beach, he was transported to a beach in Africa, where a native boy peered at him from behind a sand dune, much as he had spent his life peering at the alien world around him, trying in vain to understand it, to make it more manageable.

And so he oscillated between the past and the present—the past so dangerously more real…”

“Pure gold.” —Tom Dixon—

Chasing Aphrodite: Stories of Life, Love & Travel eBook : Rem, Emil: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

About Emil Rem:

Emil Rem—an eccentric accountant, has become a writer of eccentric characters in exotic locales—using his stories to take us on a trip into his fascinating twisted world. Born to a close-knit, Muslim, East Indian family in Dar-es-Salam in the 50’s, he then moved to Maidenhead, England at the age of five. The next twenty years were spent shuttling between England and East Africa—attending Christian church wearing a St. Christopher’s Cross one minute, to wearing a green armband at Muslim religious classes in Africa the next. These days, Emil and his wife (originally from the Philippines) live in Calgary, Canada. They have two sons.

More information can be found at:  Meet Emil Rem | Author

PRESS RELEASE: SILENCERS BY JENNA GREENE

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SILENCERS

A Young Dystopian novel by Award-Winning author

Jenna Greene

Published by Foundations Books and available worldwide in e-format

Despite warnings from family and friends, Scona Tinay enrolls in Silencers Academy.

Someone she is being trained to kill.

Amazon.com: Silencers: A Young Adult Dystopian eBook : Greene, Jenna: Kindle Store

Other Books by Jenna:

“The writing is solid and definitely directed toward the younger set, but that is yet another reason why the book works well. If authors can conjure books that attract youngsters to read, then we must bow to them in thanks. Reading Jenna Greene results in that old urge to sit on a park bench and just gaze and chat about all the possible variations of ‘world’ there are/can be!” _ Grady Harp, Top 100 Amazon Reviewer

“Yet it’s the evolution of Lexil as she showcases a well-rounded and thrilling journey of a young woman surviving after escaping enslavement to becoming a leader and heroine who must risk everything she has fought for in order to save others. This novel cements her heroic journey and highlights the shifting landscape of this dystopian world that blends realism with sci-fi and fantasy elements. Anthony Avina, Book Sirens Reviewer

“The stakes are raised, it’s a life-or-death gamble. The odds? Surely not in their favor. Our characters find themselves in a gruesome and Jenna Greene does not shy away from showing it. Bound by the author’s narrative, as the author resumes the story without funfair, while giving us precious content, reflections, thoughts and a grim reality of what it’s like to be considered less than a living being.  In “Restore” by Jenna Greene good intentions do not count, and practicality isn’t always possible. There are many swift thriller scenes that will grip your attention for four or five pages as they run from either retrievers, prisons, camps and fires they provoked one way or the other. Restore by Jenna Greene is a worthy continuation from the previous book Renew, and an interesting stepping stone to the final book of the Reborn Marks Series to which the epilogue hints to. We are eager to read the next book as there’s still much more for us to discover.” The Avid Reader

  About Jenna:

Jenna Greene is a YA/ Children’s writer. She is also a teacher … as well as a clumsy dancer, enthusiastic dragon boat paddler, and a semi-professional napper.

More information about Jenna can be found at:  Jenna Greene – Author

PRESS RELEASE: THE SORCERER’S SONG FANTASY SERIES BY BRIAN D. ANDERSON

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The Sorcerers Song

A three book epic series by Award-winning and critically acclaimed author, Brian D. Anderson 

The Bard’s Blade is the start of the new Sorcerer’s Song fantasy adventure series from Brian D. Anderson, bestselling author of The Godling Chronicles and Dragonvein.

A Chorus of Fire is the second installment of the Sorcerer’s Song fantasy adventure series from Brian D. Anderson, bestselling author of The Godling Chronicles and Dragonvein.

Lem continues his descent into darkness, serving a man he does not trust in the name of a faith which is not his own. Only Shemi keeps his heart from succumbing to despair, along with the knowledge that he has finally found Mariyah. But Lem is convinced she is being held against her will, and compelled to do the bidding of her captors. He is determined to free her, regardless the cost.

Their separate roads are leading them to the same destination. And once they arrive they will have to confront more than the power of Belkar. They will have to face themselves and what Lamoria has forced them to become.

At the Publisher’s request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Sword’s Elegy is the third book in a new epic fantasy trilogy from successful self-published author Brian D. Anderson, perfect for fans of The Wheel of Time and The Sword of Truth

“Magic, music, assassinations, and betrayal . . . a successful mix of some of the finest elements of James Islington’s The Shadow of What Was Lost, Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind, and Anderson’s own Behind the Vale . . . everything fans of epic fantasy will be looking for on their next big adventure. Highly recommended.” _ Grimdark Magazine

“Damn entertaining and engrossing . . . The alluring song that Anderson orchestrated with his words enchanted me, and I absolutely loved every second of reading The Bard’s Blade.” _ Novel Notions

“Filled with twists and turns, likable characters, and rich worldbuilding. Natural pacing provides an equal mix of colorful descriptions, character development, and exciting action scenes.” _ Library Journal

“Ambitious, enjoyable . . . surprising twists [and] plenty to be explored in further installments.” _ Publishers Weekly

“Fantasy tale with magic, music, and a looming evil starts a new series that fans of Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind will enjoy.” _ Booklist

Author of over 25 novels, Brian D. Anderson gained massive popularity right out of the gate with his debut series, The Godling Chronicles. His follow-up series, Dragonvein, was just as popular, Book One becoming a Top Five Finalist on Audible.com for Fantasy Book of the Year in 2015 – becoming the very first independent to reach the finals. But Anderson was far from finished.

After co-authoring the Akiri series with Steven Savile (Warhammer, Pathfinder, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes) Anderson became the first independent author in history to secure a six-figure audio only deal for his highly anticipated two-book sequel of The Godling Chronicles.

Still, Anderson felt there was more to accomplish. So he secured a three-book deal with Tor Books for The Sorcerer’s Song series and is currently writing short fiction for the Conan the Barbarian Franchise.

When not writing, Brian D. Anderson divides his time enjoying his friends and family at home in the sleepy little southern town of Fairhope, Alabama or astride his Harley Davidson, traveling the country from convention to convention, meeting fans and signing books. Information on the Sorcerers Song series can be found here:   The Sorcerer's Song (3 book series) Audible Audiobook Edition

PRESS RELEASE: THE DREAM BY BURKEY & BREAKFIELD

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The Dream

The Award-Winning and critically acclaimed writing duo, Burkey and Breakfield begin a new adventure inspired with hope!

How is it that the dreamers among us always know which way to go? The irrational path often appears brilliant in hindsight. When one takes a leap of faith, there can be challenging obstacles.

More from Rox and Charles!

First Place Gold Award at 2024 BookFest in Fiction – Short Stories Category

Amazon.com: Trusted Friends and Lovers eBook : Breakfield, Charles, Burkey, Rox: Kindle Store

Trusted Friends and Lovers eBook : Breakfield, Charles, Burkey, Rox: Amazon.ca: Kindle Store

About Rox and Charles

Charles Breakfield is a technology expert in security, networking, voice, and anything digital. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles is a fan of wine tastings, winemaking, Harley riding, cooking extravaganzas, and woodworking. 

Together these Texas authors create award-winning stories that resonate with males and females and young and experienced adults. They bring a fresh new view to technology possibilities today in exciting stories. Visit their website for more information and free stuff. Https://www.EnigmaSeries.com

Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters by Michael Swerdloff Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A powerful and moving story of the impact toxic masculinity has on those growing up and the way it drives others to become what they fought so hard not to drive author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters”

The Synopsis

This is a story about a boy who wanted to be kind and loving but was raised by wolves and monsters who taught him to choose violence and aggression. As the boy grew to be a man, he wanted to be a protector of women but ended up being what girls and women needed protection from. He lied, cheated, and scammed his way through life until he couldn’t.

This memoir is his moving account of discovering healthy masculinity from the inside out. His journey has been sensational at times and unbelievable at others, but for many readers, it has been absolutely inspiring. Will the hungry wolves outlast the desire to be loving and beautiful? Can men truly change?

There is hope in witnessing the depth and commitment of a person willing to try to be better without knowing exactly how. This memoir captures one man’s struggle to transcend his past and imagine an entirely new future for himself premised on compassion, care, and advocacy.

We do not have to be what they did to us, but it’s our responsibility to do something about it.

The Review

The author’s story’s raw honesty and emotional impact were refreshing and memorable. The way the author can honestly depict and write out the painful experiences of his childhood, as well as the actions he himself took to continuously perpetuate this harmful lifestyle and the transformative experience of bettering himself, made this such a phenomenal memoir. The imagery found in his writing style and the importance of his ability to hone in on the conversational aspect of his writing, allowing readers to feel as if they have been having a true heart-to-heart with the author, made this an engaging read.

The true heart of this story is both the author’s transformative journey and the theme of toxic masculinity, and the impact toxicity can have on child development as a whole. The heartbreak of the author’s experiences in childhood, primarily his father’s actions, and the role addiction and toxicity played in his life were so poignant. The author never shies away rom the challenging moments, from his lying and cheating to his hospitalization in a mental hospital and the reformative path he found afterward in healing energy and Reiki as a whole. 

The Verdict

A remarkable testament to the power of forgiveness and transformation as one man shares his journey to overcome the toxic traits that defined his early life, author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters” is a must-read nonfiction memoir. The way the author can creatively paint an image of each and every experience he shares and can find a way of bridging the gap between the lessons he grew up with and the path to better-helping others, especially women, after the way he acted in his youth, made this a stunning message of hope and the path of change that hope can provide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

MICHAEL SWERDLOFF is an Ordained Minister of Natural Healing from The Seminary Training Program and a Reiki Master. His work is Brief Holistic Counseling/Coaching. Michael has received training from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Gottman Institute, and other revered teachers and healers. He has been a counselor, coach, social worker, community organizer, educator, writer, and DJ for more than twenty-five years. Along with his private practice, Michael is the Program Manager at Dance New England, a volunteer-centered non-profit that hosts dance events that cultivate a vibrant multi-generational community. Michael facilitates retreats in New England and globally. He lives by the water in Rhode Island, which is not an island.

MedEvac by Andrew LaFleche Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and poet Andrew LaFlechce shares a heartfelt and honest poetry collection in the book “MedEvac.” 

The Synopsis

From award-winning author and veteran Andrew Lafleche, MedEvac is a raw and reflective poetry collection. It delves into the harrowing realities of combat in Afghanistan, the anguish of divorce, the loss of a child, and the destructive force of alcoholism. With brutal honesty and unflinching introspection, Lafleche captures the weight of grief and the search for meaning, both in life and in faith. In MedEvac, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-examination and spiritual reflection, making it a powerful read for those familiar with trauma.

“I will not cry here, at least

I cannot let him see me cry in this place, even

though I’ve come to learn that being a man

isn’t the ability to hold back tears, rather,

understanding the things in life which matter

most when lost will make you weep. Still,

brave for him, faking it for me. “I knew you’d

come, daddy. They told me you might not

make it in time, whatever that meant. But

I knew you’d come.”

—MedEvac

Written with heartsick honesty, the collection concludes in collision with an acceptance that will break your heart. It offers refuge for those who wish to find peace:

The Review

The wellspring of emotion that this collection inspires is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, speaking with an intensity and honesty that is truly impactful. Each poem’s imagery paints an emotional picture in the reader’s mind, allowing these haunting themes to give beautiful life on the page.

The Themes, of course, are this collection’s driving force, covering everything from grief, war, alcoholism, divorce, and so much more. The personal and honest nature of the poems allows these themes to rise and delve into the heart of what it means to be human, never once shying away from the messy side of these painful memories yet using an artist’s mind to find beauty in the chaos. Through that chaos and beauty, the writer finds a universally beloved voice everyone can relate to, naturally connecting the author’s experiences to the reader.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and emotionally driven, author Andrew LaFleche’s “MedEvac” is a must-read poetry collection. The heartfelt delivery of each poem, the relatability of the poems and their powerful themes, and the way the author has given life to the buried pain and grief so many share in life made this a remarkable collection that is not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Andrew LaFleche is the award-winning poet and novelist from St. Catharines, Ontario. He served under Operation Enduring Freedom during the Afghanistan War. Following his duty as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lafleche received an M.A. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire. He is inspired by the philosophy that when young men become readers, they become better men.

Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan by Sharon Curcio Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young autistic teen must navigate and stop a Shogun in power in author Sharon Curcio’s “Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan.”

The Synopsis

There’s harrowing tension in being Asayi. But join Asayi’s circle to oppose a punitive regime. Court intrigues swirl, underbelly characters from different levels of society emerge, deceptions reign, yet truth emerges at the end.

Layers of nuance unfold: the vulnerability of an autistic young woman in a merciless time period; political unrest, physical survival, secret identities, and finding one’s tribe and love while facing injustices and revolts that are just as real as today’s inequities and discontents.

The underdogs prevail in this remarkable medieval Japanese saga replete with true to life characters, political and personal sagas, and the enduring Asian cultural icon: the ghost.

The Review

This was a compelling blend of historical fiction and paranormal suspense. Readers’ unique perspective when dealing with this genre, namely from the perspective of an autistic protagonist, as they face a powerful and ruthless regime, added depth to the story that very few historical fiction tales have. The exploration of life at court in the Shogun life and the political intrigue of this culture was so fascinating to behold. 

What stood out from other historical fiction reads was how the author presented many aspects of hardship and struggle through the protagonist’s character growth. The character was not only a woman but an autistic woman who drew more rage and wrath from those around her than sympathy and understanding. Her steadfast journey of staying mute in the face of abuse due to her being autistic helped amplify her story. Going from a very timid and submissive person in the face of great injustice to a strong and dignified spirit who underwent a remarkable transformation was a brilliant way of showcasing the unique Japanese culture of that era and highlighting the protagonist’s evolution as a whole. 

The Verdict

A story of resilience, hope, and finding one’s place in the world was a powerful way of introducing readers to Sharon Curcio’s “Asayi,” a powerful historical fiction meets paranormal suspense thriller exploring Japanese culture and a powerful autistic protagonist. The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt and emotional pull of Asayi’s journey, especially when connecting with her lost parents and beyond, made this memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Sharon Curcio graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a B.A. in Humanities and from Washington University (STL) with an MBA. Sharon worked in marketing for major corporations in the New York area, and even landed her dream job as copywriter for a Madison Avenue Ad Agency (Benton & Bowles). Next Sharon moved to Miami, where she taught as an adjunct professor for several universities (Florida International University and the University of Miami), earned her Florida Teaching Credential, taught high school English and joined the USAR as an Intelligence Analyst. 

Sharon lived in Miami for a decade before moving to California in 1992. 

In California Sharon served as a project officer for the Army Reserves for six years and then returned to high school teaching. From 2003-2004 active duty called Sharon to Guantanamo Bay to conduct intelligence analysis. Sharon retired from the USAR as a CW-4 in 2012, then retired from teaching in 2018. In retirement Sharon wrote five screenplays, two with co-writer, Diana Saenz, and in October of 2022 heard her libretto for the oratorio “Contemplating Fire” onstage in Michigan. In 2024 she published the Asian novel “Asayi.”

In August, 2024 “Asayi” won a Gold Star from Literary Titans.

The Drau River Flows to Siberia: The Victims of Victory by Marina Osipova Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two people affected by the horrors of WWII must return to a post-Soviet Union Russia and see if they can find peace from the past in author Marina Osipova’s “The Drau River Flows To Siberia: The Victims of Victory”.

The Synopsis

February 4–11, 1945. Yalta, a resort town on the Crimean Peninsula, Soviet Union. The Big Three are posing for a camera. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. All smiling. Stalin, his head is half a turn away from the other two. A shrewd smirk is hiding behind his walrus mustache. He seems to be pleased. Why wouldn’t he be? The Big Three signed the agreement that will shape the fate of Europe and . . .

In 1941, Anna is sixteen, almost an adult yet still a child, craving independence and keen to become an operetta actress. Her rosy aspirations are disrupted by the war. When Krasnodar is taken by the Wehrmacht, she is one of the populace who are ordered to repair roads for the occupants’ trucks and cars and, in fall, to toil in the fields for the sake of sending the harvest to the enemy’s land. A dire event coerces her to go to Germany where she is auctioned as a slave worker.

Born in Berlin into an émigré Cossack family, young Zakhary is more interested in books and archeology than in the war that is raging through Europe, even less in the cause of his parents and their friends, which is to overthrow the Bolshevik regime in the Soviet Union and revert to Imperial Russia. He just doesn’t want to be a part of it. That is, until he finds himself among the Cossacks fighting alongside the Germans against the Allies.

In Italy, he meets Marishka, a young woman of Cossack heritage who fled the Soviet Union with other anti-Soviet Cossacks and departing German troops under the push of the Red Army. They fall in love and marry. And then, on June 1, 1945, Lienz happened.

After the war, a ghastly fate propels each of them to the merciless land where skies are leaden gray, frosts plunge below -60°C in winter, and the woods are impenetrable and so vast, there is no escape from there.

Anna and Zakhary carry with them their personal wounds, at the same time haunted by unbearable guilt, which they can’t undo or fix. In 1955, fate brings them together on an isolated peninsula of the Ob River, connected to one another in inextricably entangled ways they do not yet realize. More than a decade later, can they bury the cruel past and build a future for themselves in the country without Stalin but sealed behind the Iron Curtain?

This is their story, relived in one day.

The Review

This was such a compelling and heartfelt read. The author did an incredible job of drawing attention to a crucial yet rarely discussed part of WWII history: the impact of the war on the former Soviet Union and its citizens. The amount of detail the author can pour into this narrative and the emotional impact these characters and their journey have on the reader will leave a lasting impression on them.

The haunting realities the author painted with the imagery in their writing brought the horrors of war and the challenges many faced during this time. The savage nature of humanity during this time and how people were forced to endure and embrace resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors is a central theme of this story and the heart of these characters overall. The exploration of history as a whole was also remarkable, from the role and development of the Russian Gulag to the role that the Russian Cossacks played in the war and so much more. 

The Verdict

Author Marina Osipova’s “The Drau River Flows to Siberia: The Victims of Victory” is a must-read novel, a genuinely harrowing, emotional, yet vital piece of historical fiction. The heartbreaking connection the two protagonists share and the honest style of writing that the author deploys will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”

To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com.

You can find her also on 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-osipova-65b81418/

BLOG TOUR: A Unique Request (Basque Trilogy Book One) by Mickie B. Ashling

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book EventsLeave a comment
A Unique Request - Micke B. Ashling

Mickie B. Ashling has a new MMM contemporary romance out, The Basque Trilogy book one: A Unique Request. And there’s a giveaway!

Mickie has reduced the price of A Unique Request to $1.99 while the book is on tour.

Seven years have passed since Paul Alcott and Mick Henley separated, but hearing the familiar voice reinforces what Paul has known all along―he still loves Mick and wants him back.

Hope flares upon receiving a dinner invitation, but his dream evaporates when he learns that Mick is in a relationship with Basque jai alai player, Tono Garat.

To make matters worse, Paul’s services as a book editor are solicited to help Tono through the final revision of a love story he’s written.

Paul refuses until Mick reveals he’s been diagnosed with a fatal disease, and the novel is Tono’s only means of coping.

Paul and Tono resent each other, but they can’t deny the strong sexual attraction between them. Will they overcome their differences to provide the loving support necessary to sustain the man they love or will their animosity destroy Mick’s final days?

Warnings: Second chances, bittersweet, fatal disease

Get It On Amazon | QueeRomance Ink | Goodreads

Giveaway

Mickie is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47320/

Excerpt

A Unique request meme - Mickie B. Ashling/

A Unique Request

Mickie B. Ashling © 2024

All Rights Reserved

Paul stood outside the door, debating his decision to show up. He had a bottle of red wine in one hand and a bunch of colorful wildflowers in the other. He’d given in to a moment of sentimental weakness, and now he wondered what the hell he was doing. He turned to leave when the door was yanked open by a fractious brunet with a scowl on his face. “¿Sí?”

“Hi. I’m Paul Alcott.”

The stranger scowled and scrutinized him from the top of his shining head down his designer-clad body.

Paul was unfazed. He was just as curious about the man who’d replaced him in Mick’s life. He inspected him like he would any rival, noting the chestnut-colored hair curling around his neckline. His upper body was hidden behind a loose T-shirt, but the corded muscles of his forearms were a clear indication of what was underneath. He was striking, no doubt about it. The heated gaze was bad enough, but it was his luscious mouth that sent Paul’s mind straight to the gutter. He was shocked by his body’s quick response to this stranger, despite the obvious antagonism. He brought his hand down, covering the evidence of his growing interest with the flowers.

The Spaniard blinked and rewarded Paul with a tentative smile. “I’m Tono Garat,” he announced in a heavily accented voice.

“Nice to meet you.” Paul nodded. “Is Mick around?”

“Yes, of course. Come in, please.”

Tono spun around, and Paul zeroed in on the rounded ass covered in tight white shorts. No garter lines meant he was naked underneath, and Paul couldn’t help but notice.

“Paul!” Mick called out, rushing forward and hugging Paul tightly. “God, it’s been too long.”

“I know,” Paul said, falling under Mick’s spell within seconds. It had always been so good between them, and despite the years and the distance, the sentiment remained the same. “You’re still as gorgeous as ever.

“Oh, stop. You always were good for my ego.”

“The years have been kind to you, my friend,” Paul continued, taking in every part of Mick. He did look great, trim and fit, clean-shaven. His hair was a little longer than Paul remembered, but the dark curls framed Mick’s tanned face, making the violet-tinged eyes pop.

“You don’t look half-bad either.” Mick’s voice shifted, and the words came out like a soft caress. He toyed with a lock of Paul’s silky hair, curling it around his finger. “When did you let your hair grow?”

“After my father died; no more memos about looking professional.” Paul smirked as he recalled Paul Senior’s edicts.

“Shall I take the bottle?” Tono interrupted, looking uncomfortable. Perhaps he was aware of their long history, but seeing the chemistry was a different matter altogether.

“Sure,” Paul replied, handing over the wine.

“I made a pitcher of sangria. Would you like a glass?” Tono asked, never taking his eyes off Paul.

“Sounds good. I’m assuming it’s authentic.”

“I made it from scratch,” Tono huffed.

“Come on,” Mick stepped in, trying to diffuse the situation. He took Paul by the arm and led him out to the tiny patio that had a wrought iron table for four and several wooden planters filled with assorted vegetables. The tomatoes were almost ripe and hanging from branches held up with green sticks. The Weber grill was off to one side―a tribute to summer and warm evenings.

“This is nice, Mick. I had no idea this was out here.”

“Not too many people do. I guess the owners were into gardening, so I benefit. It’s what attracted me to this unit in the first place.”

Paul sat down and stretched out, loving the sight of Mick after so long. “So, what have you been up to?”

“Living La Vida Loca.” Mick smiled. “I’ve been writing, of course, but mostly enjoying my life.”

“Sounds great. Are you still working on your sequel?”

“Yes, as well as something new.”

“Oh?”

“I’m helping Tono with his book.”

Paul gave Tono a frosty look. “You’re a writer?”

“I’m not,” Tono replied, placing a large wineglass with chunks of fruit in front of Paul. “I’m a professional jai alai player, but I’ve written a romance, based on my relationship with Mick.”

“A romance?” Paul turned to Mick for the answer. “Why?”

“Because I’m dying.”

Author Bio

Mickie B. Ashling

MICKIE B. ASHLING is the pseudonym of a multi-published author who resides in a suburb outside Chicago. She is a product of her upbringing in various cultures, having lived in Japan, the Philippines, Spain, and the Middle East. Fluent in three languages, she’s a citizen of the world and an interesting mixture of East and West. A little bit of this and a lot of that have brought a unique touch to her literary voice she could never learn from textbooks.

Since 2009, Mickie has written several dozen novels in the LGBTQ+ genre—which have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Audiobooks and foreign translations are available at Amazon and Audible. Her award-winning novels have been described as “gut- wrenching, daring, and thought-provoking.”

Author Website: https://www.mickieashling.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/mickie.ashling

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickieashling

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217416171-a-unique-request

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/mickie-b-ashling/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mickie-B.-Ashling/author/B004QSCN3E

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