Why I Write M/M?

Writing About Manlove

Sharita L

Women writing about men in love! Some people find it strange that females love creating stories about hot men having sex and getting emotional but really, these days, it’s no longer uncommon to find a great deal of m/m authors who are not gay males. With some of the best writers, you’d never know this unless you knew them personally or they made it public knowledge.

 

Since I have no secrets, I confess, I’m a woman. *shrug*

 

I, Michael Mandrake/Rawiya/Blmorticia, write m/m in addition to m/f, m/m/f, m/f/m, ménage, group sex, and everything in between. As much as I love a great hetero tale, I enjoy m/m erotica romance the best. There’s something more intriguing than the vanilla or as I call it “safe” kind of story. Even in this day and age when we should be more tolerant towards people’s sexual orientation, it’s still very much taboo to read or write about same sex copulation. It's really a shame but I won’t use this space as a soapbox.

 

What is it about men having sex that just gets me all hot and bothered? 

 

It is the thought of two rock hard bodies, sweaty, maybe a bit dirty, getting together. A kiss between two men when their tongues intertwining, their facial hair rubbing against each other’s cheeks? The vision of two beautiful specimens enjoying a shower or even more sexy, a ménage or foursome, pleasuring one another with a hot session of fellatio or mutual masturbation.

 

You’re not hot yet? Well, if you’re a quote “macho man” or woman who’s not into that, fine, but truly, nothing inspires me more than dreaming of scenarios I most likely won’t be able to witness in person. That's the reason I write about it because my imagination is chock full of ideas of what my ideal m/m relationship is. A hot and sweaty romp with some tension, emotion, and sometimes, even a happy ending.

Not only that, I just love writing romance and regardless of the genders of the stories main characters, creating stories about people falling in love Is what I enjoy doing.

 

So again, why do I write m/m stories? It’s arousing, it’s different, and right now, more people are interested in reading about the so called “left” side and as long as that happens, my-selves, along with my fellow male and femalecounterparts will be able to entertain the masses.

 

 

 

Only THAT Night Anthology is a collection of short m/m stories by the Triad of BLMorticia, Rawiya, and Michael Mandrake that will be converted to full sized novellas at a later date.

Overall Blurb: Fate has given you one night with someone from your past, giving you a chance at relationships, but as with everything else there is no guarantee of happiness.

Amazon      All Romance     Smashwords
 

Demon Be Mine Michael Mandrake

 

Blurb: Valios, the soul catcher demon, is searching for his longtime companion and meets him at his club that same evening. This someone isn’t a complete stranger. What will happen when he finds out who his newfound friend is

 Excerpt PG

One solitary light shone from the ceiling in an otherwise dark filled room in a fancy penthouse above a busy street. Cool breezes flowed through the window, making the space chilly but still comfortable on this late summer night in Chicago.

“Another night, another soul I’ve enjoyed draining the life from,” Valios smirked to himself, wiping his mouth of the excess spirit he’d drunk from this human he’d had his eyes on for the better part of a week. “You’ve been a good man, Marcus, very good. You tasted even better!” While he buttoned his black shirt, he enjoyed the sight of the human’s frail frame. Gone were the colorful tattooed muscles this young bodybuilder possessed; the very thing that attracted Valios to him in the first place. Instead, a pale, lifeless, torso lay on the bed, amidst blood red sheets strewn about the mattress. Marcus’s tight brown curls were plastered to his head from sweat after their wild romp. His blue eyes bulged out of his skull and his mouth gaped wide open. He appeared to have enjoyed his last kiss although it was one that ultimately cost him his life.

“Lovely.” In his mind, Valios believed his method of killing was a work of art, only to be appreciated by those who loved the darker sides of life. Death and sickness. They could be so beautiful, leaving behind a picture perfect sight of suffering only the demons of death could understand. Oh and those wretched humans who called themselves goths. Yes those, who embraced the seedier sides of human existence and embraced the ideals of pestilence, looking forward to their last days on earth. Such posers, who only wanted to be part of something when it was nothing more than pretending. True believers in the beauty of death didn’t wear all black clothing and visit graveyards for fun! Valios found these people to be most annoying and vowed to rid the earth of them when he received the ultimate gift from his maker.

For now, however, he’d go on enjoying the life his father Death had set out for him to do. Taking pleasure in his existence, doing the work of a vampire but with oh so much more flair. No melting in the sun for Valios and others like him. They combed the world, far and wide, seeking out humans whose souls begged to be taken. How could they tell? Soul catchers, the group that Valios belonged to, had the distinct power to recognize a crying soul of a human who wished for happiness on the other side. Perhaps something ailed them, they might’ve been terminally ill, or they had a deep secret that couldn’t be told to loved ones. Whatever it was, Valios and his companions found it. And when they did, they gave the human what they asked for. Death. In peace. Silence. Leaving them completely lifeless and without soul. For the most part, these individuals went to the maker to be eternal slaves in his army. In other cases, the soul catchers or other demons would take those men and or women for their own personal gratification.

Valios found himself in this predicament right now; wanting a soul, a human he could call his very own. His time on earth for the past three centuries proved to be most taxing on him. A bore. He needed someone to give him the zest and the inspiration he’d once had. 

Continuing to dress, he recalled the last few prospects he’d entertained to be his eternal mate. One man was a gay CEO of a large company with everything to hide, all the money in the world, but too full of himself. Valios figured only one man in this relationship would be able to carry on in that manner. So instead of making him his eternal lover, he enjoyed the night with him and took his soul with no remorse.

Another one was a painter, someone Valios just knew he could appreciate but the man was too moody and even though Valios had powers, he wouldn’t be able to change the attitude of the man he decided to settle down with.

I’m a demon not a miracle worker!

“Pah!” After finishing his task, he slipped his bare feet into his loafers and slid his jacket over his shoulders. To admire himself, he turned to the mirror just across from the human’s bed, noticing his own reflection in the glass. Another thing he could do that vampires couldn’t. Seeing himself through the cut clear glass and venerate the being looking back. Valios did this on a regular basis, enjoying his long brown curls, his muscular body which everyone held in high regard and desired to covet.

Remembering the past war between heaven and hell, he ran his fingertip lightly across the scar beneath his eye and scowled at the memory knowing it was the only blemish on his otherwise perfect flesh. While adjusting the lapels on his jacket, his lips curled into a wry smile. “You are still lovely, Valios. Any man or woman would want to have you regardless.” He blew a kiss at his reflection and then to the lifeless body he’d leave behind. With a wave of his hands, he turned the scene in Marcus’s room into something less gruesome to the human eye. When the authorities found Marcus Light, he’d be dead, giving off the notion he’d died in his sleep.

Only soul catchers could appreciate the true beauty of a blood-drained frame. Most humans wouldn’t accept that as a work of art for it was against the very laws of sensibility the Creator instilled in his followers.

“Farewell, Marcus Light. It was my distinct pleasure knowing you and owning you for these past few days. I shall see you on the other side as I promised before you took your last breath!” After plopping the black top hat onto the messy mop on top of his head, he winked and waved goodbye to his latest victim. And in a flash, he disappeared into the dark night air.

Michael Mandrake pens complex characters already comfortable with their sexuality. Thorough these, he builds worlds not centered on erotica but rather the mainstream plots we might encounter in everyday life through personal experiences or the media. To find out more please visit http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com.

 

Author Sharita Lira: In one word, crazy. Just crazy enough to have 3 different muses running around in her head, driving her to sheer exhaustion with new plot bunnies and complex characters.

 

This happily married mother of two beautiful children loves music, computers, reading, and still enjoys reading and writing fanfiction. She’s a proud member of the Erotica Readers & Writers Association, as well as an advocate for rights of LGBT citizens.  She’s also a contributor to the heavy metal ezine Fourteeng.net.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.thelitriad.com as well as her Facebook fanpage, The Literary Triad.

 

 

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Writing Fluff!

Writing Fluff

Author Sharita Lira

Today I wanted to speak about writing fluff. What’s fluff? Well, coming from the word fluffy it means soft and comfortable right? So when writing something considered fluff in my opinion it means the same. What’s wrong with this? In my world nothing at all.

I’ve read plenty of authors who’ve written some fluffy stories that have little tension and they’ve been some of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read. To me, it matters what the characters say. What do they want and when do they want to get together? At times when I sit down to write out the character outlines and a list of details in chronological order, I already know how quickly my two people will get together for their happy ever after. Sometimes it happens within 30k, other times a lot longer.

In the book I’m editing now, I Like Em Pretty, the characters don’t have sex until around 50k. Its’ filled with tension, a murder, and some suspense along the way. This is one of the few books I’ve written where this occurs but in my mind this isn’t an issue. Whatever an author feels comfortable writing they should do it. To me, being multifaceted is the key. Do I want to write only fluff? No but I won’t be opposed to it. I allow my characters to guide me when I sit down to write. Whatever Nathan and Bryant or even Kajika and Frankie say should be done is usually the way I go. This works for me and I hope the readers appreciate it too. If not, I totally understand. The great thing about fiction is there’s plenty to choose from.

As a reader I look at a wide variety of stories. Sure more tension and angst makes the getting together part if there is one a lot hotter but at times, I want to sit down with “Roger” (my kindle) and read a romance that takes me away from the world. Perhaps it’s a fantasy paranormal or even just a contemporary romance where the characters are together within 20k. Am I mad when this happens? No. I’ve read plenty of romances, some of the het, where I felt the characters story was complete in 100 pages or less. It’s all in the mindset and in my opinion, the same applies to writing.

So in conclusion, do I love the fluff? Yes. Do I love the angsty and tension filled? Still yes. In my opinion, everyone should be able to write and read what they like. If fluff isn’t your thing, then you have the right to move on. If you don’t like a lot of tension, you can skip it. Me, I like it both ways! *smiles*

My fluffy romance Candyman is available now from NNP. Book 5 of the Something New on the Menu Series.43

Blurb: Alain Roux is the new President of the world famous Diamond Candies chocolate factory on the South Side of Chicago. His father, Demi Roux lost his battle with cancer and has left it in his care despite Demi’s brother’s advice to leave it to him. Alain has no interest in the company but to fulfill his father’s last wish, he takes on the day to day of it anyway.Ty Washington is a born and raised Southsider who’s working there to put him through college. Recently, his father threw him out because he confessed he might be gay. When he and Alain talk, his heart soars and as badly as he tries to fight it, the two connect and eventually they decide to give their relationship a try.

In BL’s own humorous way, she’ll tell the tale of a man and his subordinate as they overcome the struggles to build a long lasting commitment.

NNP  ARe   Amazon

Alain tossed and turned until the alarm went off at five-fifty, signaling time for a shower. “Shit!” He pulled the pillow over his head, not even bothering to shut the annoying thing off. “Oh God, who signed me up for this again?” Alain finally reached over and hit the top of it, making the noise stop. Still yawning, he removed the blindfold and rubbed his eyes. “Still fuckin’ dark outside. No one should hafta wake up when there’s no sun out!” Would he ever adjust to these early mornings? Who knew, but he’d have to do it soon.

Slowly, he slid his feet from under the cover, attempting to put them into the slippers that sat at the side of the bed. “Coffee, I need coffee!” Tossing the eye covering, he raked his locks with his hand. “Damn, hair a bit long much?”

The moment he did manage to get his toes into those warm shoes, the door opened and Lucas came strolling in with a big mug and a tray of what looked to be food.

Alain smiled and raised an eyebrow. “Now this might be a good reason to wake up early.” Damn, stop flirting! He knew it was wrong to be making suggestive comments to his deceased father’s lover, but he couldn’t help himself. The man was just too delicious to ignore.

Lucas rolled his eyes. “Cut that out! Sit up and eat this small breakfast that Marisol made for you and get ready to go. I told the staff we’d be there between seven and seven thirty.” Lucas made a production of checking his Rolex.

Still not wanting to move, Alain ate a piece of toast and sighed. “Ack! I hate getting up at this hour!”

“Well, too bad. You need to be at your best Alain, if you wanna beat your uncle.” Lucas sat on the end of the bed and stared at him some more, then he grinned. “God, you look more like Demi every day!”

Alain nodded. His smug grin replaced the grimace. He took a sip of the coffee, then slid closer to Lucas and peered into his grey eyes. “Do you wanna find out how much I’m just like Dad?” Alain couldn’t help but flirt with Lucas. The attorney was hot, hands down one of the hottest men he’d ever come in contact with. Plus, he knew it riled Lucas up.

“Hey, no; you stop that! I told you, never in a million years! Now eat your breakfast!”

Alain glanced at the ceiling and went back to eating. “Sorry Lucas, you’re just so handsome, ya know? I’ve gotta get me a man and quick! I’ve been way too lonely!”

Lucas cocked an eyebrow and drew up his lips. “Obviously!” He got up from the bed and looked at his timepiece once more. “Just hurry up and meet me downstairs. Don’t make me come back up here after you, ya hear?”

“Yes sir!” Alain saluted. He allowed his eyes to follow the hot counselor as he left his bedroom. “Dayum, baby. Dad? Why’d our lawyer have to be so hot? You cursed me!”

 After eating his breakfast, Alain got dressed and finally Lucas got him out the door and on the way to the Diamond Candies building. As soon as he arrived many of the employees stood, as if they were in the military, saluting and greeting him as he walked the floors.

“Morning!” When he went to the management floor; a crowd of workers stood along the narrow halls, stepping outside their offices to say hi to their new boss. Alain nodded and spoke to each one, tightly gripping his cup of coffee.

Behind him was Lucas, doing the same while holding a stack of files – one for each of the employees. Alain had asked for them so he’d know all by name and a little about each of the top workers.

He sipped from his tall mocha latte and removed his glasses from the bridge of his nose. Now I’m awake. He used to only wake up this early when Demi wanted to take him out golfing or if they were on holiday, otherwise he never even opened his eyes before ten. Alain would have to get used to these early starts.

Once they’d made their way to the large office at the end of the hall, Lucas opened the door and Alain stepped in. “Wow! A lot’s changed a lot since I was last here.”

“Demi didn’t tell you he redecorated? After he found out about his uh, illness, he had it totally rehabbed to something he thought you might like more. He wanted to make sure you’d be totally comfortable.”

Dear old Dad!

That last statement brought a small tear in his eye as he glanced at the large space that was now his working area. The picture windows gave a great view of the outside. White walls, mostly bare; one modern abstract painting hug above the mantel of the fireplace. On the other side, a file cabinet with a stereo system on top, and in the middle, the long desk made from fine wood with rounded corners on which sat only a vase full of white roses and a pen set with a nameplate that read Alain Roux, President.

“Ah Lucas, are those from you?”

He blushed, “Yes, I thought you’d like them on your first day. It’ll motivate you to see the title even though it isn’t official. Go on – go sit at the desk and try it on for size.”

Alain returned the smile and did as Lucas suggested. Taking a seat in the leather chair, he breathed a sigh of relief when his buttocks sank into the cushion. “Oh… this chair is fabulous.”

“Gives good massages too,” Lucas added and pulled up another chair from the corner of the room.

Alain cocked an eyebrow. “Does it give hand jobs? I might need that after a frustrating day at the office.”

“Alain, will you stop?” He laughed. “Is that all you think about?”

“Yep. You know that old song by Korn, A.D.I.D.A.S? Shit, that’s what makes the world go ’round, Lucas.”

“Not the business world Alain. Here it’s all about the cash and the power.”

“You couldn’t be more right my dear Lucas!”

Alain’s smile turned immediately upside down. That wretched voice! Jakob had come to pay him a visit on his first day.

Spotlight on the Something New on the Menu Series

Good morning. I’m happy to be here to talk about the series from Naughty Nights Press my two muses have worked on as a team. Yes, I know, two sides of me working on different books. I’m sure that makes you wonder just how crazy I am but for me this is an everyday thing.

Back to the series! It’s a collection of manlove romances surrounding food and or beverages. Each book has different settings, characters, and situations but all have a common theme. Men involved in the food industry falling in love.

In my first book under BLMorticia, my protagonist Jimmy works at a burger joint in Chicago and is a homophobe. However, when his boss offers his position to someone else, the new owner and manager Alex teaches him some very valuable lessons.

Next up is Time to Make the Donuts under Rawiya. Christopher spends a lot of time running his uncles donut shop and has no time for romance. That all changes when Andre walks in the door with his winning smile and hot body. Christopher falls for him immediately but Andre has a secret that might get in the way. Will it keep them apart?

Third is Smooth Like Latte, also under Rawiya. Brendan Walsh is the CEO of his dad’s financial company and is in the closet. When he visits the coffee shop in his building, he meets Latte, a smooth talking barista who woos him from the start. Still, he’s afraid to come out to his father but desperately wants to know Latte better. Will he let go his fears for a chance at love?

Fourth is Sugar Daddy, the latest by Rawiya. The setting shifts to Britain where Matthew Davidson wants to be in a relationship. He wants a lover who takes care of him as well. While on the computer, he finds a man who he’d like to get to know better but this hot man holds secrets of his own. What are they and will they prevent them from being a couple?

Finally, the fifth book under BLMorticia is Candyman, due out Jan 2013. Alain has been given the task to take care of his father’s company Diamond Candies. He has no interest until he meets one of the workers, Ty Washington. They hit it off almost immediately but Ty has hang-ups about being gay. Will they overcome these to become lovers?

There are sequels planned for Latte, Sugar Daddy, and Candyman for the exterior characters as well in 2013. Whew, a lot but I’m very proud how all the stories turned out. If you haven’t checked out my manlove romance series with food, laughs, and hot sex by now, I hope I got you interested!

Thanks for listening.

Something Fresh Served Hot from Something New on the Menu Series Book One

A gay contemporary comedy which features a Chicago homophobe by the name of Jimmy LaCosta who works at a diner called the Greasy Spoon on the Northside of Chicago near Boys Town. While working, Jimmy meets the incoming manager, Alex Seidling, a young British man who his present boss is hiring to take his place as he retires.

After the initial meeting in which Jimmy feels uncomfortable with Alex's stares, Jimmy cultivates a friendship with Alex which develops into something totally different than he himself expects. This shocks him and he tries to fight it but because of his growing feelings he decides to pursue it despite all of what he has been taught.

Will he do what his body wants? Will Alex accept his advances even though he will soon become Jimmy’s boss?

Click here to read an excerpt

Buylinks - Amazon ARe Smashwords NNP

Time to Make the Donuts Something New on the Menu Series Book Two

Blurb: Andre, a customer, comes in and pays him a visit. The two lock eyes and immediately connect on a personal level. Because of this, Christopher decides to pursue when Andre passes him his card. He wonders what the young man does for a living however, he’s so smitten by him, Chris doesn’t give it much thought.

Little does the shop owner know, Andre actually works for his biggest competitor as a secret shopper and has been told to use any method necessary to find out the secrets of the shop as well as convince him to sell his shop and become part of the national chain.

When Christopher finds out, he has a surprise for Andre and deals with him in a rather humorous way. Will he trust Andre once he finds out this fact? Will he give up his shop under the pressure the well known franchise?

Buylinks ARe Smashwords Amazon NNP

Click here to read excerpt

Smooth Like Latte Something New on the Menu Series Book Three

Blurb: Brendan Walsh is an uptight business executive working for his father and missing out on real life due to his relentless drive for success. Fearing his homophobic father’s wrath - and the potential to destroy his financial future - Brendan hides is true orientation and lives a life of boring celibacy.

Upon meeting Davori Jenkins when the hunky barista serves him a latte just the way he likes it, Brendan takes a chance, leaving his number with the tip in the hopes of changing his future love life.

Will Brendan be able to come clean with his father - risking his fortune - or will he take a chance at losing a man who he wants as his future?

Warning: This is an m/m interracial romance. Real romance. Some sappiness is ahead with two very good looking men who are searching for that happy ever after ending.

Amazon, Smashwords, ARe NNP

Click here to read an excerpt

Sugar Daddy Something New on the Menu Series Book Four

Blurb: Matthew Davidson wants a MAN! The setting shifts away from the America’s to Britain where Matthew and his childhood friend, Devon Peartly attend a cooking school to obtain their cooking certificates. The young man wants a partner so badly, he decides he’ll try an online dating service in hopes of finding a black man that can take care of and satisfy him romantically.

He finds that man, Antwon Bantu on an online dating site and is instantly intrigued. Little does Matthew know that Antwon is involved in a “convenient” marriage and is seeking a younger partner so he can finally get on with his life. Instead of confessing the truth, he decides to hide it, fearing he’ll lose the chance with Matthew if he informs him. To complicate things, Antwon’s wife claims to be in love with him. Antwon must choose what’s more important; loving Matthew or saving his impeccable reputation as a top barrister in the London courts?

Which will he choose?

Click here to read an excerpt

Amazon, Are, Smashwords NNP

Candyman Something New on the Menu Series Book Five

Blurb: Alain Roux is the new President of the world famous Diamond Candies chocolate factory on the South Side of Chicago. His father, Demi Roux lost his battle with cancer and has left it in his care despite Demi’s brother’s advice to leave it to him. Alain has no interest in the company but to fulfill his father’s last wish, he takes on the day to day of it anyway.

Ty Washington is a born and raised Southsider who’s working there to put him through college. Recently, his father threw him out because he confessed he might be gay. When he and Alain talk, his heart soars and as badly as he tries to fight it, the two connect and eventually they decide to give their relationship a try.

In BL’s own humorous way, she’ll tell the tale of a man and his subordinate as they overcome the struggles to build a long lasting commitment.

Read an excerpt here

Available January 8, 2013 at Amazon, Smashwords, Are, and NNP

BLMorticia is currently a published writer with Naughty Nights Press and Rebel Ink Press. She entertains her readers with hot and smexy sex, humor, and lots of swear words. She attempts to incorporate metal music or the military in most of her works. Nothin’ sexier than metalheads or military servicemen and women! She also writes a biweekly column on Blak Rayne Books and blogs on the First Thursday of the month at NNP Blog. For more info, please visit, Erotica With Snark


RAWIYA is the more sensual erotica writer in the BLRawiya duo. Rawiya's first sole author book, “Time to Make the Donuts” is now available in multiple digital formats through online vendors and her first MMF Living In The Now was released in April from Naughty Nights Press.

Rawiya loves multiracial characters who overcome obstacles other than race. Sweet, sassy, and spicy would be the best way to describe her work. Happily married mother of two, loves music, computers, and travel. She blogs regularly at Wicked Sexy Writers. For more please visit the Rawiya’s blog on Wordpress.

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Another Full Year of Writing!

Second Full Year of Writing

Author Sharita Lira

Wow! Where the heck did the year go, huh? Can you believe it’s already December of 2012? I know I can’t. *raises eyebrow* Seems like it was just yesterday I mentioned my goals of 2012 which I already read through before doing this post. And now, I have goals for 2013.

Submissions! My biggest goal is to submit 10 full length novels to new pubs this year and hopefully have all 10 accepted. I also plan to push the writing goal this year to 500k. How am I doing on the 40k per month? Not bad. I’m just under 400k  so it’s safe to say I might not make it but that’s okay. I won Nano, doing 50k last month and a little extra, all the books I spoke about last year came out except for one, I did the self-pub last month and will do 3 more this month. And the results have gotten better a well which is a plus.

I believe I’m one of those people that’s goal driven. If I’ve got something to focus on, it pushes me harder to achieve that goal. Without any set standards in mind, I’m sure I’ll slack off but the love to write is still there so it makes it easier to achieve those goals. Actually it’s stronger with the self-publishing as another notch in my writer’s career. Knowing that I can release my own books and build my backlist in other ways is quite satisfying. My editor was always right about building a strong back catalogue so I’m working on that now.

All in all, I’d say this has been a fabulous year and I look to make the goals I’ve set in 2013. It is just right around the corner. *wink*

Okay authors chime in if you’re reading. What goals do YOU have for 2013? Let me know your thoughts and I’ll comment on them! Thanks for listening.

* * * *

One of my last releases this year is under my wicked gal pseudonym who also has a full rock and roll series planned for 2013. BLMorticia presents the sequel to her successful debut m/m novella My Lieutenant, My Lieutenant 2: In His Arms. To be released Monday 12/3 from Rebel Ink Press!

Nathan Ellerby and Lt. Bryant Duncan are at it again. This time, the narration shifts from Nathan to Bryant who’s looking to solidify his relationship with his favorite artist. The Lieutenant wants to take Nathan to visit his naval friends, his parents who still aren’t happy about his decision to come out, as well as his best friend’s bachelor party. Bryant refuses to hide his man from the masses and despite his man’s insistence on the unimportance of the matter, Bryant pushes on.

I dressed for the occasion, in my uniform of black fitted slacks, a white shirt with black jacket, my few medals on my right breast. When I plopped my hat on top of my newly shaven head, Nathan grabbed me from behind and wrapped his arms around my waist. The scent of his Drakkar Noir infiltrated my nostrils and instantly I had an erection poking in my trousers.

“Oh God, I love when you dress up.,” Nathan beamed.

“Mhmm… I like the reaction you give when I do.” Quickly I shifted and picked him up by his buttocks. I pressed my lips against his cheek before going further down to nuzzle the crook of his neck. Damn, he looked so good tonight, wearing his tight black jeans and crewneck sweater that showed just enough skin for me to ogle and lick when I felt the need.

Nathan laughed and those hazel eyes met my gaze. “You know I love the uniform. I’m gonna hafta control myself around ya. I know your naval buds don’t need to see us being affectionate.”

“Well, maybe not overly, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be keepin’ my hands off ya.” I put him back down but continued my affections, licking and sucking on the spot above his collarbone. He swore up and down that was one of his erogenous zones.

“Ooh, baby. Don’t, please. We’ll be late if you keep this up. Then what will you tell them?”

After taking his lips inside mine, I grabbed his ass and pinched it hard. “That I was with my man and we had some, um, business to take care of? Why should I lie to them? I’m a gay man, for God’s sake, and just like they might get sidetracked, I might, too.”

Nathan giggled and reciprocated the kiss. “Ah, I love you. Let’s go on and get outta here, though. The quicker we leave and get there to socialize, the quicker we can come back and enjoy the rest of our Saturday night alone.”

“Agreed.” Despite the feelings of desire that swarmed my brain, I smacked his ass and turned back around to straighten my tie.

I had to admit, I’d been missing the brotherhood of being around my friends from the Navy. A few of us, including Bart and Pete, started in basic together and went to training school as well. Thank goodness it seemed they still wanted to be friends with me and wouldn’t hold a grudge because I was doing something they hadn’t expected. After enjoying about a half hour of kisses and gropes, we rushed out of the house to the bar and arrived about three minutes late. As soon as I went in, Bart chided me about this being the first time I was tardy.

“I had good reason!” Tightly, I gripped Nathan’s hand and winked at him.

Bart nodded. “Good to see ya again, man. You been takin’ care of our boy?”

“That I have, or should I say it’s the other way around? He thinks just because he was in the armed forces that he’s in control all the time.”

“I am…” I removed my pea coat and removed Nathan’s jacket from his shoulders. I walked them over to the coat room and, as I turned to walk out, my old friend Sergeant Miller stood in the doorway with a smile.

“Heya, how’s it goin’?” He extended his hand.

“Real good, man. Lots of recruits comin’ into the center ready to serve their country.”

“Yeah, that’s great news.”

“Means they won’t have to go back to the days of the draft.” I chuckled. “It got a lil’ shaky there for a while.”

“Naw, I don’t think that ever woulda happened, Lieutenant.”

“Good to know Miller, good to know. Hey so how’s the wife?”  I quickly changed the subject so we could talk about other things besides my orientation and why I came out.

Some things were just better left unsaid.

Miller patted me on the shoulder and walked me out of the room.

Once our conversation ended, we stayed for a little longer, ate then said our goodbyes. I think the boys really took a liking to Nathan since he knew everything there was to know about sports, especially college football, which was always a hot topic in our naval circle. Miller even invited Nathan to be in his fantasy football league for next year. Nathan said he’d give it some thought because he really wasn’t into that sort of thing. Seemingly, he’d shown himself to be very knowledgeable and my pals enjoyed talking with him.

“Well…” I gripped his thigh tightly while we drove back to the apartment. “You were a hit tonight and get this…My friend Sergeant Miller told me my appearance at the bar three months ago helped his own brother. How cool is that?”

“Hmm? How did it?” Nathan turned his attention to me.

“Apparently, he told his brother what I did and that encouraged him to come out, too. Miller told me in the coatroom.”

“Oh, while Bart was chastising me?”

I darted my eyes at him. “What d’ya mean, babe?”

“He was just askin’ me all kinds of questions, like how we met, do we go out a lot, and are we gettin’ a lot of flack.”

“Wow, he really wanted to know, huh?” I wondered why Bart inquired so much about us. I’d need to ask him next time.

“Mhmm, like he was asking for his own reference or somethin’. Right when I was about to find out, you came over and distracted us.”

“Hmm, and he shut up real quick, huh? Well babe, I dunno, maybe he’s got somethin’ he needs to say as well.”

“Maybe. No straight guy would ask a gay man all those questions. There has to be another reason besides just wanting to know.”

“Perhaps so, lover. I’ll need to try gettin’ it outta him next time.”

”Maybe so.”

Amazon

All Romance

Bookstrand

B&N

Also check out the free read with this couple

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/261401

Read first chapter here

http://thelittriad.wordpress.com/blmorticia/blmorticias-published-works/free-chapter-my-lieutenant-in-his-arms/

A New Journey For Me!

Good morning! Recently I did something I was very afraid to do but at the urging from my close friends, fellow authors, as well as one of my publishers, I decided to self publish my own book.

Not because I have a problem with any of my publishers, all of them have been fantastic but it’s something I wanted to try on my own to see how I'd fare.

So far so good. Nah, it’s not a best seller but in two weeks, my little book has done pretty well in sales. Better on Amazon than any of my other books, except one, A Second Chance by Michael Mandrake but otherwise, its performing about where I expected it to.

You may ask why I did it if I am totally happy with my pubs. Well it’s a journey, a test if you will to see how a work I put together myself could be successful as my other books. Sure my pseudonym Rawiya has done the best but Michael and BL aren’t too far behind. I want them all to have self published works in the near future. Besides that, I hope to get these stories I’ve been wanting to get out of my head published for sometime. 

With self pub, you only wait for the edits back from your editor and or beta. The cover you pay for, in my case especially since I’m not skilled in that department. I learned how to upload with the help of my editor and beta as well as Smashwords and got helpful advice from fellow authors.

The do it yourself is definitely an avenue so that the books and or stories you’re itching to get out can be released in a fraction of the time as opposed to waiting sometimes 8-10 weeks on a submission. Then a rejection. Gah! Haven’t had a load of them but I've had my share.

Of course, with a self pub comes more work besides the book itself. Your own promo which I’m pretty used to doing anyway. Sending out the book for reviews, maybe doing a book trailer. Buying ads if you can or organizing blogtours. This you do all yourself unless you hire a promo person. I’d rather do it myself.

You tweet, Facebook about the book, go on the Yahoo Loops, make announcements, etc and whew I'm beat just thinking about it but I think It’s also good to pace your promo regardless of whether it’s your self pub or a book through a publishing company. Too much promo is overkill in my opinion. Maybe tweet once a day, FB it 3 times a week instead of every single day. Do a giveaway or two.  I plan on doing a free day for the book on Amazon in a couple of weeks. Anything to get people interested in reading. Then you hope they recommend it so the book can be a success.

No, I’m not trying to be EL James, even though I’d like to be. *laughs* Still I try to keep my expectations at a moderate level which is why the book is doing just as I suspected. I’ve only been writing about two years so I’m still fairly new to readers which is fine. Hopefully they’ll know me a little better if they read my romances.

That's what you strive for in self pub as well as books through your publishers. To gain readers and fans in hopes they’ll appreciate your efforts.

So, I can say the journey has been a success so far. I look forward to doing more books and or stories. Some will be freebies, 99 cents and so forth. In my mind, this all helps to build a better body of work. And as all my editors have said, the more you practice your craft the better you'll be!

Amazon

Smashwords

All Romance

Blurb: Over fifty doesn’t mean too old to find love

London Davies desires a man to take care of and despite the advances of his former lover and partner James, he pushes on to search for another to make him turn in his bachelor badge.

Brandon McFerry has been abused and scarred for the duration of his life. His only saving grace is his talent with the paintbrush. Although he hasn’t made his big break in the industry, he pushes on in hopes that one of his paintings will capture the attention of his obsession: London Davies

This is a romance. The kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside with some hot smexy sex thrown in. An emotional story between two men of different backgrounds searching for the same happy ever after ending!

Here is an Excerpt!

Brandon and London sat on the couch together as the artist spoke at length about the methods he’d used during the creation of the painting. To Brandon, the object of his desire seemed very interested in everything he’d said. He hoped he didn’t bore him with his babbling. The last thing he wanted to do was make the man tire of him too quickly.

London poured some more of the Cristal into both glasses. He handed the flute back to Brandon. They’d finished half the bottle but for whatever reason, Brandon still felt nervous. He took it and tried his best not to spill it, his hand trembling slightly. “Um thank you.” He sipped a little from the glass.

“You’re welcome.” London lightly smacked Brandon on his kneecap. “Love, chill out, yeah? We’re here just having drinks. Relax.”

Brandon nodded and lay back against the cushions. How could he relax knowing he sat beside the man of his dreams? He took a whiff of London’s manly scent. A mixture of cologne and after-shave, as strong as he’d expected. When it infiltrated his nostrils, he felt himself hardening under the slacks. The goose bumps became rocks on his flesh. He was perspiring a little; he hoped his desired one wouldn’t notice. “I’m tryin’, it’s just...” Brandon bit his lip and set the glass on the coffee table in front of him. “Well, I’ve admired you for such a long time, London, and I... This is really a thrill for me.”

London chuckled and moved closer to Brandon. He took the artist’s palm into his. “I get that, but I’m just a man, like any other. I don’t walk on water. No second coming here, love.”

To Brandon McFerry, he did. London had captivated him for years and now his dreams about being on this sofa with him in private had come true. Deep down he wished he could take London into his arms and kiss him feverishly. He’d envisioned a moment like that too, but he refrained. They had just met. “I know,” he sighed and placed a hand on top of London’s. “Tell me. You really like the painting?”

“I do.” London placed an arm around the younger man’s shoulder. “In fact, it resembles a work of art I have at home. I’d love to take you there to see it tonight.”

Brandon looked at the owner with widened eyes.

Did he just say...?

Brandon thought he just heard London say he wanted him to see a painting he had back at his house.

Could it be? Could the man he’d seemingly desired forever be in possession of a work of art that belonged to him? “I… um.” He swallowed hard. “You want me to accompany you home, tonight?”

London held onto him a little tighter. “Yes, I, I hope that isn’t too forward, it’s just... I really do like you and I’d love to see if that painting is yours. Forgive me for moving too quickly but...”

“No, no, not at all I’m just a bit taken aback by this. I’d love to go, though.”

“Good. Then, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to be my date for the rest of the evening. If it weren’t opening night, I’d certainly just ask James to take over but, since it’s a big event…”

“Yes, yes, I understand. I have no issue with staying here late with you.”

He really didn’t. There was nowhere he’d rather be than here with London and to him, the owner wasn’t moving too fast at all. Just right in his eyes.

“Great, now.” London poured the last two glasses of the expensive beverage. “Let’s finish this off, shall we? Then we’ll go out amongst the people.”

Damn.

Seeing London pour yet another glass of the champagne made Brandon wince. Truthfully, he’d already felt the effects after two glasses coming on quickly and he wished he didn’t have to drink anymore. However, he wondered if he refused London would that upset him. He took the glass. “Thank you very much.”

“And thank you again for the painting as well as your presence this night.” London toasted with Brandon, clinking their glasses together, before he drank the contents.

The painter nodded and did the same, hoping he’d be able to stay up for the duration of this evening.

I have to make a good impression on him if I want a chance at being part of his life.

Once they’d finished drinking the expensive bubbly, London led Brandon by the hand, back out to the main area. The hold London had on Brandon made his head swim, along with the wine.

He just couldn’t believe this. Him, Brandon McFerry, on the arm of London Davies, powerful businessman and owner of the new club, Fantasia. Many of his friends, especially Tyler, had told him to not get so wrapped up in this man, but how could he not? Even though he didn’t know much about the man, he’d long ago fallen in love with him from afar, and the fact that London expressed some interest in him made him happier that he’d never given up his dream of meeting him.