What Are AmberPax™ Collections?

Simply put, AmberPax™ Collections are groups of five stories centered around a specific theme. Each story within an AmberPax™ is released individually, on the same day as the others, and can be purchased separately, but these five stories can also be purchased as a single unit (the full AmberPax™) at a discount, currently 25%. Generally, an AmberPax™ is similar to an "anthology" of stories, but instead of the titles being released in only a single volume (file), they are also available individually. These AmberPax™ Collections are sold exclusively through our website and only in electronic format.

THIS BLOG is for news about the Pax Collections - follow it to keep up with releases, find early news of the upcoming collections, and share Pax fun and chat with the authors!

All Amber Paxes can be bought at Amber Quill HERE.

Saturday 22 March 2014

Grease Monkeys Inc. Winner

What a great week! Since it's Saturday, that means it's time to pick the winner for the Grease Monkeys pax!

And the winner is...

hambelandjemima!

Expect to hear from us very soon!

Don't forget to check back with us in April for our next pax, Vive Le Difference. See you then!

Friday 21 March 2014

Getting Inspired for Grease Monkeys by Deirdre O'Dare

I was a very small kid –probably five or six years old--when I began to help my dad as a go-fer and such. I was the eldest child in the family and naturally became the step-n-fetchit for many efforts. What memories! Like a way of patching the tubes that went in old fashioned tires where you burned this stinky stuff to melt a blob of vulcanized rubber over the hole! Ugh, what a stench! And a trip from our home in north central Arizona to say Phoenix usually put holes in more than one. Oh, those were the “good” old days! 

We lived most of my early years in the “boonies”—very small towns and even more rural and remote places, so people did not have a friendly mechanic shop down the street. I learned what a lot of tools were called and where they should be found in the tool box. With that in my background, when the topic “it happened in a garage” came up as a possible PAX collection, I jumped right in. Feet first and look later—that’s me! 

When it turned out that all five stories were going to involve mechanics, the title officially became Grease Monkeys Inc and that was okay. Not real sexy—LOL—but I am sure all the stories are! And I know they will be very different as our collections always are. Our authors bring a lot of different background and baggage to their writing and it comes through in each writer’s voice, style and plots. I think that is one great factor about the PAX collections!

As with all of my tales, a character emerges from the tangled closets of my weird mind and starts to talk to me. That first character was Mal, my young mechanic, who has battled some major obstacles to reach his present expertise and level of security. I really got a liking for him, too. He’s the kind of guy I admire. With my background, at least in this current life, I don’t know a lot about city people so you won’t find too many in my stories. They seldom feel quite real to me nor does their world.

Mal was a farmer’s son and had a bad accident as a teenager. Despite that, he has worked to make something of himself and has a lot of pride and confidence, although only in the realm of his work. In the rest of his life, he’s pretty shy and a bit self-effacing. So who would he be drawn to? I soon learned it was a good looking, somewhat older guy who seems to have the world on a string.

In Mal’s own words, it was like having a crush on a sports figure or a rock star when he saw and secretly lusted after rancher Dan Winslow. Dan might be a little more of a stereotyped figure but he has his quirks and his troubles, too. Of course I set their tale in a region that I’m at home in, a fictitious place in southern New Mexico that could be around my current home town of Alamogordo or near Silver City where I lived briefly a few years back. There is a ranch, horses, mechanical issues and trouble involving illicit drugs… Well, you will have to read the story to learn what all happens. It is a romance so it will have a good ending but that’s all I am ready toreveal. No spoilers!

Of course there is a giveaway here. I’ll choose one person who comments on today’s post for a free download of Wrenching. If you have already bought the PAX after reading some of the excerpts and posts that preceded mine, you can have your pick of my Amber Allure backlist. There is a lot of variety there from more western and outdoor tales to some rural fantasy (like urban fantasy in a rural setting), a few historical tales, a Gothic, and even some futuristic space opera types. Yep, I’m one of those crazy authors who writes all over the map and thanks the Powers That Be for a publisher who lets me do it! I always did like to color outside the lines.

My next PAX tale is already in but not yet edited and will be out later in the summer. It’s about cat shifters and takes place in and around a fictitious southwestern US zoo. I had a blast writing it and hope my readers will enjoy it equally well. The title is Catastrophe. You can learn more about it, about Wrenching and of course other past and future projects with a visit to my blog: www.deirdredares.blogspot.com  BTW I really love the cover for Wrenching! Nothing like a guy with a big tool and the know-how to use it with skill. ;-) 

*_*_*

Wrenching by Deirdre O'Dare is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

Wednesday 19 March 2014

Another excerpt from Normal Enough by Marie Sexton

The rain was still falling, although not hard. The Cougar’s wipers dashed the water from the glass in a hypnotically rhythmic pattern. Even the mysterious eroticism of driving Brandon's car couldn’t distract Kasey from his nervous musing as he drove home. He knew Brandon’s name, but not his phone number or where he lived. It struck Kasey as ridiculous that he was so impatient to see a man he knew so little about.

He got a surprise as he turned into the parking space in front of his trailer. His Civic was already there, and Brandon sat on the doorstep, heedless of the rain. Bandit sat on the step below him, his head in Brandon’s lap.

The last thing he’d expected was for Brandon to come here, to his single-wide in a less-than-pristine mobile home park. He cleared his throat nervously, jangling his keys in his hand as he mounted the first step.

“You shouldn’t leave your door unlocked,” Brandon said, by way of greeting.

“You went inside?” Kasey asked, more alarmed than ever.

“No. But your dog was barking up a storm with me waiting out here, so I tried the knob. Guess I’m lucky he’s not much of an attack dog.”

“Guess so.” Kasey looked down at his feet. “How’d you find me?”

“Why? Were you hiding?”

“No, I just…”

Brandon stood, dislodging Bandit’s head from his lap. He took one step down toward Kasey, leaving them within inches of each other, although Kasey had to crane his neck upward to meet his eyes. Cold raindrops landed on his cheeks. Brandon’s hair was soaked. “How long have you been waiting?”

Brandon shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe fifteen minutes? I thought about going to the garage, but there was a chance I’d miss you there. Seemed simpler to come here.”

“How’d you know where I live?”

Brandon gestured toward Kasey’s car. “It was on the title in the glove compartment.”

“Oh.” Kasey felt stupid for not having thought of that.

Brandon smiled, wiping water from his eyes. “Are you going to invite me in, or shall I jump you here in the rain?”

Heat spread up the back of Kasey’s neck, rising to his cheeks. A pleasant glow bloomed in his chest. A smile broke unbidden across his face. “Inside would probably be better.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Still, Kasey was self-conscious as he led Brandon inside. He glanced around, trying to see it through Brandon’s eyes. It was clean—Kasey wasn’t a slob—but the couch was worn and saggy, and his TV was ancient. The walls were covered with movie posters. His kitchen table had only one clear spot on it. The rest was littered with mail and books and car magazines.

“I like it,” Brandon said, looking around. “It suits you.”

Kasey stared at the floor, pulling awkwardly at the side seam of his jeans. His first thought was, Dumpy and cheap? “Suits me how?”

“It’s unassuming. What you see is what you get. Comfortable, without being pretentious.”

He sounded earnest, too, which made Kasey feel a bit better. He watched Brandon take off his coat and drape it over a kitchen chair. He wore jeans and a T-shirt, but he still managed to look clean and tailored, despite his wet hair.

“I was embarrassed for you to see it.”

“Don’t be. Please.”

Kasey nodded, unsure what to say. Outside, the rain was still falling, pattering merrily against his roof. Water ran from his wet hair down the back of his neck, causing him to shiver. He still had his work jacket on. Brandon seemed to fill the room, bright and warm and alluring, and Kasey had no idea how they were supposed to proceed from here.

“How was your trip?” he asked.

Brandon smiled at him, a flirty, sexy smile that made Kasey’s heart miss a beat.

“Lonely.” He took a step toward Kasey and then another, as if stalking him. “I thought about you every night. I would’ve called, but I’m an idiot and I forgot to get your number.” The room was small, and he backed Kasey up against the front door. “I tried looking you up, but—”

“I’m unlisted.”

“Uh-huh.” Brandon nodded, reaching up to brush his fingers down Kasey’s wet cheek. “I really wish I’d left you my iPad again. Tell me you thought about me, too.”

Kasey’s heart pounded and his head spun with a mixture of nerves and eagerness. “I did.”

“Did you enjoy the car?”

He blushed again. “I did.”

Brandon made a low noise, almost a growl, and pushed closer to Kasey, pinning him, kissing him with a sudden ferocity that made Kasey’s knees weak. He pushed Kasey’s jacket off his shoulders and let it fall to the floor as he kissed his neck. “I couldn’t wait to see you. All I could think about doing after landing was finding you. And touching you. And making love to you.” He tipped Kasey’s head back to meet his gaze. “Tell me I can spend the night. Tell me I can finally take you to bed.”

The thought of it made Kasey flush. It raised pleasant goose bumps along his spine and sparked an erotic warmth in his groin. “Of course.”

“Good.” Brandon kissed him again and began unbuttoning his dirty work shirt.

“Wait,” Kasey said, pushing him gently away. “Let me shower first. I’ve been at the garage all day. I’m filthy—“

“I kind of like the idea of getting dirty.”

*_*_*

Normal Enough by Marie Sexton is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

Tuesday 18 March 2014

What It's All About by D.J. Manly

When I wrote Mechanics of Love, I wanted to create two realistic characters, each with ‘colorful’ pasts. I really didn’t want to create polar opposites.

Jesse fell in love with the wrong guy and what started as a means to an end turned into something else. There were specific circumstances in his life that led him to that place.

Patrick completely changed his life from being someone on the wrong side of the law to the respectability of a business owner in a small town where he integrated with the locals. He too came from a place which helped to shape his past.

Jesse and Patrick have been seduced and wronged by love but both learn from it. That’s what the story Mechanics of Love is really about.

I see so many people in miserable relationships. Whatever they felt for each other at one time is no longer there but still they stay. They stay in loveless relationships, take abuse and go through the motions. Or they wait for those they love to give them something, anything to show they care.

I wanted to write a story where two men are able eventually to recognize what love really is. That to me is inspiration. 

*_*_*

Mechanics of Love by D.J. Manly is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

Monday 17 March 2014

A Tidbit from Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted by KC Kendricks


...Logan stared at me for the longest ten seconds of my life. He slumped against the Camaro and banged his head on the edge of the hood.

The man had a truly extensive knowledge of all words profane in the English language. I put my hands on my hips.

“You want me to see if you’re bleeding?”

He glared at me, so I shrugged and went back to removing the battery I’d loaned him. I sensed him watching me, but I didn’t say anything. I hoped he would speak and he finally did.

“I’m sorry, Mick.”

I set the battery on the cart and picked up the new one. “You said that already.”

“I meant it both times, okay?”

What did he expect me to say? What should I say? I tightened down the battery cables. “Start the car so we can check this out.”

The Camaro started with a roar. The lights flashed, then the turn signals. I closed the hood and made a swiping motion across my throat and the powerful engine stilled. He sat in the car, head down. I climbed into the passenger seat and slid it back to get comfortable. Logan glanced at me.

“Wanna go get a beer?”

“Maybe later after we talk. What kind of money do you want to spend on this car?”

“The money isn’t the problem. It’s me and people.”

I should have pounced on that, but I let it go in the hope it would drive him nuts if I didn’t. I’d allow him to think himself in circles until he had to explain what he meant to keep his brain from overheating. Maybe it was time to test the water with him. I put my hand on his knee. The corner of his mouth twitched.

“Is that hand how you’re gonna come on to me?”

My heart beat faster. He hadn’t brushed me away. “It’s less of a start than I’d like.”

He sighed. “I’m not a good risk, Mick. I might wake up tomorrow and decide Warren County is no longer my home.”

Who hadn’t thought of chucking it all and walking away? I had, many times. No one was immune to the lure of a fresh start free of the baggage of family, ex-lovers and mountains of mistakes. It was more difficult to stay put and re-invent oneself, and some people didn’t have the strength for it. Some had been beaten down too much by circumstances. I couldn’t say that to him for fear he’d realize I knew about him, and judged him, which I didn’t.

“So sell me the car today. I’ll pay cash.”

Very slowly, Logan turned his head and looked at me, one eyebrow raised. “Seriously? You really need to learn how to cruise a guy because, friend, you suck at it.”

“Who says I’m cruising you?”

“That hand sneaking up my thigh.”

I stopped and patted his leg. “I notice you didn’t tell me to quit.”

His troubled blue gaze held mine. “Ever done something you know is a mistake before you did it?”

“Yep.”

Logan leaned toward me as his right hand slid behind me to grasp the back of my neck. Surprise snapped through me followed by a jolt of electricity as his soft lips touched mine in the sweetest kiss I’d ever been given...

*_*_*

Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted by KC Kendricks is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

Sunday 16 March 2014

LATEST PAX RELEASE - Grease Monkeys Inc.

Visit the links to take advantage of our

Special Price

Grease Monkeys Inc.

An AmberPax™ Collection of
Erotic Romance 
by Various Authors 
Genre: Gay (M/M) Erotic Romance 
Cover Copyright ©2012 by Trace Edward Zaber
Included in this collection of erotic romance...
(For more information on each title, or to purchase separately, click on the book covers below!)

Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted
Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted
by K.C. Kendricks
Novella
(Gay)
Mechanics of Love
Mechanics of Love
by D.J. Manly
Novella
(Gay)
Normal Enough
Normal Enough
by Marie Sexton
Novella
(Gay)
Wrenches, Regrets and Reality Checks
Wrenches, Regrets and Reality Checks
by L.A. Witt
Novella
(Gay)
Wrenching
Wrenching
by Deirdre O'Dare
Novella
(Gay)

 
In conjunction with our newest release, we will be having a giveaway! Any comment made from today throughout the week (3/16-3/21) will be eligible to win the entire pax collection. A winner will be picked at random on Saturday from all comments received.

Friday 14 March 2014

Wrenching by Deirdre O'Dare

Malachi Dunbar has not had an easy life. He’s struggled to overcome numerous roadblocks and hardships as he built himself a life as a mechanic, despite a serious handicap. He’s admired rancher Daniel Winslow from afar but never dreamed events would play out to land him in the amazing spot of being able to do a real service for his secret hero. Can Mal maintain his cool and a safe distance from Dan when they’re sharing a house and working to resolve a dangerous mystery?

Daniel Winslow says he does not have employees but friends who help him run the ranch he inherited from his father. Challenged by his younger stepbrother and facing perilous sabotage to his truck, he enlists a young mechanic to help solve the puzzle. He’d always wanted a real brother or a partner he could trust, but his stepbrother is not the right guy to fill that role. How about Mal, who brings some fine but rare qualities to the Flying W Ranch? 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary/Cowboys/Western (Modern Day)/Action/Adventure/Mystery/Detective
Heat Level: 1
Length: Novella (21k words) 


Read a short excerpt...


...Dan took one step into the room, then paused to make sure he wasn’t crowding Mal. “Before supper, when we were talking, I put a hand on your shoulder and you went stiff as a fencepost. I wasn’t making a pass at you. I hope you didn’t think I was and take offense.”

“I—er—I wouldn’t mind if you did. It would be okay. I mean…” The other man stumbled to a verbal halt, his face going red beneath his tan. “I didn’t take it that way,” he continued. “But it would be all right. I—I’d take it as a compliment.”

“Are you saying you’re gay, too?”

Mal lifted his gaze from the floor to meet Dan’s, moving as slowly as if a massive weight held his head down.

“Er—yeah. I am. Darrel said you were, and he figured I was your new boyfriend or something. I thought he was just being ugly.”

Dan found himself laughing. “Oh, he would. It’s true, though. I don’t try to hide it. I’ve never been in the closet, but I don’t let it interfere with how I treat my people here and what they can expect from me. Business and pleasure never get mixed up.”

“That’s good,” Mal said. Although he still blushed, his tense posture eased. “I—I thought you were way too far above me. Like having a crush on a sports figure or a rock star or something. I was trying to be Mister Cool until you touched me. That’s when it got really hard not to do something stupid.”

At that, Dan closed the distance between them and reached to catch Mal by the upper arms. “Well, I can’t see anything stupid about it—attraction, a desire for someone is natural, can even be good.”

Mal nodded, swallowed and then gave a tentative smile. “If it’s mutual, anyway.” Still, he stood quietly, not reaching, but also not shying away. Then he went on, “Whatever you want to do about it is fine with me, including not a damn thing.”

Dan gave him a quick hug and then stepped back. “Right now is probably not a good time to start exploring what we could have. Once this other situation’s under control, I think we should, though. See if we work as a couple, if things are good between us. For now, you’re kind of an employee, and I don’t do employees, at least I never have.”

“That’s smart,” Mal agreed. “I know a lot of people are put off by my bad hand, maybe by the fact I’m kind of standoffish. I’m not really, more shy than anything. I’ve been in awe of you ever since I got here and went to work for Ben. So I wasn’t going to make any moves, not even think about it, or at least try not to.”

Dan studied the younger man for a few seconds. “You’ve got nothing to be ashamed or afraid of, Mal. From all I’ve learned of you, you’re a good man. You’ve overcome that handicap and learned how to compensate for it.” He reached then and took Mal’s twisted hand in both of his. “Tell me about it. I’m pretty sure you weren’t born this way, were you?”

Mal shook his head. “No. It was an accident when I was fifteen. Got my hand caught in a baler. My folks didn’t hold with doctors and medical stuff. They prayed over it, but God didn’t see fit to fix things. Maybe because I didn’t believe.”

Dan shook his head, stunned for a beat by the pang of anguish that swept through him. That’s so fucking wrong. How could someone do that to their kid? He sucked in a slow breath to steady himself.

“It might not be too late to fix it. There’s a good orthopedic doctor in Los Mercados. If you’d let me, I’ll make an appointment and go with you to see him. Soon…as soon as we get the truck issues wrapped up.”

“I never could afford to have it looked at after I left home. I still don’t have any insurance,” Mal said. “Ben can’t manage it just for one employee, and I make a little too much to get the state-funded help.”

“That’s the least of my concerns. It would be worth it to know if someone can make this better for you.” He rubbed his thumb gently over the scars and knots of mis-knit bone. “Think about it, anyway. No strings attached, just friend to friend with a desire to help.”

“I will. And thanks.”

Dan wanted to say and do more, even though he knew it was too soon. He sensed the raw emotions Mal was feeling and recognized his own were pretty close to the surface right now, too... 

Thursday 13 March 2014

Wrenches, Regrets and Reality Checks by L.A. Witt

Ever since Reggie’s garage became part of a popular reality show, business has been booming. As much as he hates playing games with the network, at least he doesn’t have to worry about his bottom line anymore.

As the show’s lowest-ranking producer, Wes is tasked with proposing a new spinoff show to Reggie. He has a hard enough time looking the sexy mechanic in the eye on a normal day, but this time, he’s holding cards he can’t show. With execs breathing down his neck, he’s there to pitch a show he knows Reggie will never agree to do, even if his refusal puts his existing show on the line.

The network is counting on Reggie refusing to sign. But they’re not counting on their messenger falling for the man they’re trying to fire... 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (18k words) 


Read a short excerpt...


...How the guys in this garage functioned with the swarm of cameras and crew hovering around, Wes would never know. Then again, after four and a half seasons of Wrench Wars, he supposed they were used to it.

Wes didn’t like being in front of a camera—thank God he was just a producer—so he hung back and watched from the sidelines. Fortunately for him, there was a section of the shop that was off limits to the cameras. It was separated from that portion of the garage by a wall, and the windows had long since been tinted to prevent the cameras from catching anything on this side. Wes watched through the darkened glass, waiting for the shop’s owner to take a break.

“You’re gonna be waiting a while.” Kasey, one of the mechanics who never went over to the other side—to the red zone, as they call called it—stopped beside Wes and gestured at the window with a wrench. “They’ve got a good six, eight hours of work left on that thing.”

Wes glanced at his watch, then at Kasey. “It’s almost five o’clock.”

“Yeah.” Kasey nodded toward the window. “And they’ve got a good six or eight hours of work left on that thing.” He chuckled. “You might want to come by tomorrow.”

Wes pursed his lips. “They still take breaks, though, don’t they?”

Kasey responded with a snort of derision and shook his head. Without a word, he walked away.

Wes faced the window again. He didn’t have to ask about Kasey’s reaction. The shop’s collective contempt toward the network, especially the producers, was well-known. And given the tight deadlines the men worked under in order to maintain the “realistic” tension and suspense on the show, he shouldn’t have been surprised that state-mandated breaks weren’t exactly enforced.

Thanks to the tinted glass and the task he was currently focused on, Reggie couldn’t know that Wes was watching him. Even if he felt like he was being watched, he’d probably blame it on the camera that was just inches away from his head.

Wes, however, was acutely aware of Reggie’s presence. In spite of the glass and the wall, he felt him as if the man were standing right there in his face instead of arguing animatedly with Ray or whatever his name was about something relating to a muscle car’s undercarriage. His presence hummed on the ends of Wes’s nerves just like it always did. They’d only met a handful of times—when the network had pitched the show, during a few visits to assure the network things were going swimmingly, a couple of meetings via Skype—and Wes was still as off balance as he’d been the first time, when the tattooed, stubbled mechanic had caught him completely off guard. He’d expected a grizzled old dude like the ones who ran the other shops, the one they competed against in the “war” aspect of their show, but Reggie had been the polar opposite. He wasn’t more than a year or two older than Wes himself, but had that weathered edge of a man who’d spent his life doing manual labor. That edge that fucked with Wes’s ability to form a coherent thought...

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Normal Enough by Marie Sexton

When Brandon Kenner shows up at Kasey Ralston’s garage with a 1970 Chevelle SS 454, Kasey is smitten by both the man and his car. But Kasey is a mechanic with a shameful secret. He has a fondness for old muscle cars, a fondness that goes far beyond what most people would consider normal. So between what Kasey considers a disgraceful fetish and his long estrangement from his family, he finds it easiest to be alone, even distancing himself from his coworkers.

But it doesn’t take Brandon long to guess Kasey’s secret, and he doesn’t think the sexy mechanic’s fetish is weird. In fact, he likes it, and he makes no secret of his intentions to seduce the man.

Kasey doesn’t know how to resist someone as charming as Brandon, and he’s more than willing to be seduced. But what are Brandon’s long-term intentions? Kasey is afraid of hoping too much, but equally afraid that when all is said and done, Brandon will leave, and Kasey will be left alone once again. Can Kasey be normal enough for a relationship with Brandon, despite his fetish? 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (24k words) 


Read a short excerpt...


...They stopped at a red light, waiting to turn. They’d barely left the garage, and even though it was a short trip around the block, it was torture. Kasey rolled down his window and tried to concentrate on the cool breeze blowing by, on the people walking down the street, but he couldn’t ignore the car. The slickness of the leather. The dark seductiveness of the dashboard. He shifted in his seat as they rounded the back of the block, hoping to hide his growing erection. It was ridiculous. It was a car, for fuck sake, but old cars like this always turned him on.

He sighed in relief when the ride ended. He pulled his shirt down over his groin and wiped a hint of sweat from his upper lip. He practically held his breath, anticipating his freedom as Brandon parked the Chevy.

“So,” Brandon said, turning to Kasey, “what time should I—” He stopped short, staring at Kasey, clearly amused, and Kasey had the distinct impression the man knew exactly what was going on in his passenger seat. “You okay?” he asked in a teasing voice.

Kasey’s cheeks burned. “Fine. We open at ten tomorrow. It’ll be ready then.”

He reached for the handle, desperate to escape the car and the laughter in Brandon’s eyes, but Brandon said, “Wait.”

Kasey kept his fingers on the handle and eyes on empty space between his knees and the dashboard. He imagined himself shrinking in the seat, turning small and ugly, his perversity somehow stamped on his forehead. At least his erection was gone. “What?”

“You like the car, huh?” There was laughter in Brandon’s voice, but somehow, no ridicule. Only curiosity. “I mean, it seems like you really like the car, if you know what I mean.”

Kasey ducked his head even farther. This was his worst nightmare come true. “I’m sorry. I’ll tell Reggie I didn’t know what was wrong with it. You can find somebody else—”

“Why would I want to do that?”

Was he serious? Kasey risked a glance at him and was surprised to find that Brandon didn’t look disgusted. If anything, he seemed intrigued.

“So, you find cars attractive? Is it like object sexualization?”

“No!” Kasey said, then immediately felt he’d reacted too forcefully. He shook his head, keeping his gaze on his feet. “No. It’s not like that. I don’t want to fuck the car. Or marry it, for God’s sake.”

“But there’s obviously something going on.”

Kasey’s cheeks burned in embarrassment. He nodded, hoping that would be the end of it.

No such luck.

“Well, what is it then?” Brandon prompted.

Kasey blushed more. Maybe it would be better to lie. Maybe he could convince Brandon it wasn’t about the car at all. Somehow, though, he knew it wouldn’t work. The man was too perceptive, and Kasey’d never been good at deception. So he took a deep breath and blurted out his darkest secret. “Being inside of certain cars turns me on. A lot. To the point where all I can think about is sex.”

A moment of silence, then Brandon said in a low voice, “That’s kind of hot, actually.”

Was he serious? “It’s not normal.”

Brandon laughed. It was such a sweet, open sound that Kasey found his embarrassment waning.

“Define normal...”

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Mechanics of Love by D.J. Manly

Jesse is trying to get back home. The car he took from his dangerous ex-boyfriend, however, is not going to make it. When he becomes stranded with very little money, he has no choice but to look for the nearest garage and hope for the best. What he finds is a hunky mechanic with a past, one that just might be useful in freeing Jesse once and for all from his exploitive ex-lover.

Patrick has his own garage and lives the quiet life. He offers to help a young man in peril when his fancy car stalls outside of town. He suspects that he probably won’t ever get paid for his work, but something compels him to help Jesse anyway. What Patrick soon discovers is that he may have more in common with Jesse than he originally believed. And both men have no idea where some grease and a wrench will take them... 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (21k words) 


Read a short excerpt...


...When he opened his eyes again, Jesse wasn’t quite sure where he was at first. Across the room, standing at the kitchen counter, was a vision—a shirtless hunk with long hair, and a red bandana tied around his head. Jesse wondered if he might be dreaming as he allowed his gaze to travel over the incredible masterpiece of flesh and muscle. Swollen biceps, the delicious curve of pecs and a fascinating wave of abdominals all moved together in a smooth fluidity of mouth-watering Patrick.

Patrick took a break from fiddling with the coffee maker and looked up. He grinned. “Good morning, sleepy head.”

Jesse struggled up on his elbows. “What time is it?”

“Seven-thirty. Coffee?”

“Oh, ah yes,” Jesse groaned.

Patrick came around the counter, a mug of coffee in his hand. Jesse was momentarily disappointed that the rest of the man was covered up. Patrick wore a pair of green work pants, the kind mechanics usually wear, but Jesse couldn’t recall any mechanic looking that good. They were worn low on his slim hips and fit him perfectly. They profiled what appeared to be a very generous endowment between his thighs, a place that held Jesse’s attention for a little too long.

Jesse’s gaze moved up from that magical place between Patrick’s well-muscled thighs and settled on the coffee mug. “What’s your last name?”

Patrick handed him the steaming mug. “McMahan.”

Jesse took it between his hands and inhaled the wonderful aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. “It’s a nice name.” Jesse took a sip of the coffee.

“Thanks. Now, you tell me yours.” He folded his arms across his chest.

Jesse took another sip of the coffee. “Really good.”

“Jesse Reallygood? That’s an odd name. Are you sure about that?”

Jesse laughed. “It’s Osmond, Jessie Osmond.”

“That’s better. So, I’ve got a few minutes, care to tell me whose car I’m about to look at?”

Jesse sighed. “It belongs to my…well…my ex.”

“And does he happen to know you have this car?”

“I’m sure he does.”

“Why do I get the feeling he wouldn’t be okay with that?”

Jesse drank some more of his coffee. “You have good instincts.”

Patrick took the empty mug. “So, they say. If you want something to eat, help yourself. I’ve got a lot of work today so I’m opening early.”

Jesse was going to reply but Patrick turned around to go back to the kitchen, and Jesse’s words stuck in his throat. Patrick’s back was covered with a colorful tattoo. It was one easily recognized, a red-faced demon breathing fire, surrounded by switchblades and handguns.

“Irish Rule,” Jesse gasped.

Patrick turned to look at him.

Jesse now realized he’d spoken aloud. He jumped off the sofa. Was this a trap? Had Jonathan hired this guy to kill him? Jonathan had used bikers before to strong-arm people.

“What’s wrong with you?” Patrick asked. He reached over to the chair and picked up a T-shirt. “Scared of a tattoo?”

“You’re going to kill me, aren’t you?...” 

Monday 10 March 2014

Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted by KC Kendricks

As a boy, Mick Ambrose fell in love with cars. Now he owns and operates an auto restoration shop specializing in all things American Muscle. When the black 1969 Camaro Z28 he years ago dubbed Onyx pulls into his garage, Mick forgets his first love in favor of her driver, Logan Gregg. Mick’s interested and cruises Logan at a speed worthy of the car he drives.

Logan Gregg’s plan to avoid entanglements in his life drives away when he stops at American Muscle to ask a few questions about restoring the Z28 he inherited from his uncle. The owner of the shop is smooth as a well-tuned V-8 engine and twice as hot. Logan is quick to shift gears and take a closer look at Mick Ambrose and the road ahead. When Mick wants to get too close, too fast, Logan backs off. His past holds painful memories he can’t escape and the tattoos on his arms aren’t just for decoration.

Working on the Z28 brings the men closer, but Mick makes a mistake when he confesses his knowledge of the past Logan wants to keep buried. Mick knows a man has to settle his past to step into his future, but Logan’s unconvinced. To slay his personal demon, he’ll first have to look it in the eye. 

Genres: Gay/Contemporary/Exhibitionism/Public Places
Heat Level: 3
Length: Novella (28k words) 


Read a short excerpt...


...Logan stared at me for the longest ten seconds of my life. He slumped against the Camaro and banged his head on the edge of the hood.

The man had a truly extensive knowledge of all words profane in the English language. I put my hands on my hips.

“You want me to see if you’re bleeding?”

He glared at me, so I shrugged and went back to removing the battery I’d loaned him. I sensed him watching me, but I didn’t say anything. I hoped he would speak and he finally did.

“I’m sorry, Mick.”

I set the battery on the cart and picked up the new one. “You said that already.”

“I meant it both times, okay?”

What did he expect me to say? What should I say? I tightened down the battery cables. “Start the car so we can check this out.”

The Camaro started with a roar. The lights flashed, then the turn signals. I closed the hood and made a swiping motion across my throat and the powerful engine stilled. He sat in the car, head down. I climbed into the passenger seat and slid it back to get comfortable. Logan glanced at me.

“Wanna go get a beer?”

“Maybe later after we talk. What kind of money do you want to spend on this car?”

“The money isn’t the problem. It’s me and people.”

I should have pounced on that, but I let it go in the hope it would drive him nuts if I didn’t. I’d allow him to think himself in circles until he had to explain what he meant to keep his brain from overheating. Maybe it was time to test the water with him. I put my hand on his knee. The corner of his mouth twitched.

“Is that hand how you’re gonna come on to me?”

My heart beat faster. He hadn’t brushed me away. “It’s less of a start than I’d like.”

He sighed. “I’m not a good risk, Mick. I might wake up tomorrow and decide Warren County is no longer my home.”

Who hadn’t thought of chucking it all and walking away? I had, many times. No one was immune to the lure of a fresh start free of the baggage of family, ex-lovers and mountains of mistakes. It was more difficult to stay put and re-invent oneself, and some people didn’t have the strength for it. Some had been beaten down too much by circumstances. I couldn’t say that to him for fear he’d realize I knew about him, and judged him, which I didn’t.

“So sell me the car today. I’ll pay cash.”

Very slowly, Logan turned his head and looked at me, one eyebrow raised. “Seriously? You really need to learn how to cruise a guy because, friend, you suck at it.”

“Who says I’m cruising you?”

“That hand sneaking up my thigh.”

I stopped and patted his leg. “I notice you didn’t tell me to quit.”

His troubled blue gaze held mine. “Ever done something you know is a mistake before you did it?”

“Yep.”

Logan leaned toward me as his right hand slid behind me to grasp the back of my neck. Surprise snapped through me followed by a jolt of electricity as his soft lips touched mine in the sweetest kiss I’d ever been given...