Category Archives: Fantasy

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ A Remote and Unlikely Location

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Welcome to another exciting episode of  Weekend Writing Warriors, where writers share in ten lines or less a scene from their work.  I’m continuing to share from my soon-to-be-released m/m fantasy, Gryffon Hall.  Wyler is seated next to the mysterious and somewhat barbaric Lord Rouchet at a state dinner. He’s discovered Rouchet owns a vast library, Wryler’s idea of heaven.

***

“I’d like to see this library someday,” Wryler said and immediately regretted it. Such an admission might lead to an invitation that would be awkward to decline. He couldn’t for the life of him imagine traveling to the edge of the civilized world to the gloomy and haunted Gryffon Hall, looming as it did at the edge of the monster-infested Black Forest. How odd that a wondrous collection of books sat hidden in such a remote and unlikely location.

“Perhaps you will,” Rouchet said, and swilled his wine. “So what else do you do besides read?”

“Well, I’m currently attempting to find a cure for the Trembles, otherwise known as Chillbanes. I’ve discovered a connection between—”

“I mean, what do you do for entertainment?”

“You may not think so, but study and deep thought are entertaining,” Wryler said, then felt his cheeks heat as he heard his words and suspected they might be construed as insulting, as if the lord didn’t partake in deep thought himself.

***

Gryffon Hall ~ coming in Summer 2016!

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the barbarian he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

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Meersburg in Germany- appropriately forbidding but the sky is too blue.

***

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or perhaps their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or use the address: http://www.wewriwa.com

My Sexy Saturday ~ Acceptable Behavior

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Welcome to My Sexy Saturday.  This week’s theme is Sexy in Time and let me tell you, I thought I had nothin’. But then it occurred to me that my m/m fairy tale, Gryffon Hall, happens outside of time, in ye olde fairy tale realm of knights, castles and dark, uncharted forests full of magical beasts. So that counts, right?  Anyway, here are seven paragraphs from my soon-to-be-released novel, Gryffon Hall.

***

Rouchet swooped in for a kiss, his wine moistened lips covering and consuming Wryler’s. He was surprisingly gentle, this barbarian, his tongue easing into Wryler’s mouth slowly but firmly.

What’s happening? What’s going on here, exactly? Men other than Lennox had kissed Wryler. Large rough men. Stable hands. Traveling knights. Many had attempted to steal more than a kiss and while pleasant, Wryler wasn’t often tempted for more. But now, now he sensed Rouchet hesitating, waiting for a sign from Wryler, for permission to unleash the lust he obviously held back.

This really isn’t acceptable behavior. But Rouchet would soon be gone and they’d never see each other again. What harm could come of a little kiss?

Wryler responded, pushing back with his tongue, his body arching against Rouchet’s.

Rouchet growled and plunged in harder, driving Wryler against the wall. A cascade of tiny explosions fired beneath Wryler’s skin and he was instantly and embarrassingly hard. It had never been like this with Lennox. Wryler always required coaxing and coercing. Now he felt as if he could be the one in charge, tearing at Rouchet’s clothing and demanding to taste every inch of the lord’s enormous body.

Wryler kept his hands by his sides and balled into fists, not trusting himself to touch Rouchet with more than lips.

Rouchet had no such restraint and ran one large hand down Wryler’s back all the way to his buttocks, which he squeezed hard. Wryler gasped as Rouchet seized him with both hands and pulled him in tight, crushing Wryler’s poor swollen cock against his unyielding thigh. The pressure felt too good. Wryler wanted to climb Rouchet, to mount this monster of a man and ride him like….like…words fled him as he cried out for this unexpected delight.

***

Gryffon Hall ~ coming in Summer 2016!

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the barbarian he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

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Don’t forget to continue the hop at My Sexy Saturday for more sexy snippets!

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ Unlocked Treasure

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Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors and another round of fun, exciting, scary, sexy, mysterious and otherwise entertaining snippets as writers share in ten lines or less scenes from their novels, stories and musings.  I’m continuing to share from my m/m fairy tale, Gryffon Hall, inspired by Beauty and the Beast.  In this scene Wryler is sitting next to the mysterious Lord Rouchet at a state dinner. Last week, Rouchet revealed that he owns a vast library, the shelves filled with volumes taken as plunder.

***

“No one knows what all is there. My librarian works day and night to catalogue the damn things, but he hasn’t gotten very far.”

“Sounds fascinating,” Wryler said. His mind’s eye filled with the image of a vast, unlocked treasure trove of knowledge—rows upon rows of leather bound volumes. Who knew what lost wisdom sat untouched?

“I’ve attempted to read a few, but they tend toward historic and scientific twaddle and are as dull as the night is long,” Rouchet continued.  “I prefer a rousing adventure myself.”

Wryler attempted to picture Rouchet sitting in an armchair with a book in his lap, contentedly reading by candlelight, but became stalled upon the idea of the lord in a silk dressing gown, partially open to reveal what must be a finely sculpted chest.

Wryler blinked rapidly and turned to face the room. He must have had too much to drink.

***

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Gryffon Hall ~ coming in Summer 2016!

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the barbarian he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

***

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or perhaps their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or use the address: http://www.wewriwa.com

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ Plunder

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Greetings and welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors.  I hope you’re having a safe and serene Memorial Day Weekend (if serene is what you’re in to).  My idea of a good time is a “free” day in which I can stay in my PJs and slippers all day and write, write, write without having to watch the clock. So you know where I’ll be come Monday.

This week I’m continuing to share from my m/m fairy tale, Gryffon Hall, inspired by Beauty and the Beast.  I’ve skipped ahead a bit from last time.  Despite his sensible fear of the barbarian from the hinterlands, Wryler finds himself being drawn into conversation with the infamous Lord Rouchet.

***

“I heard you like books,” Rouchet said, evidently determined to make conversation.

“I do enjoy reading, yes. My specialties are alchemy, astrology and herbal medicine.” Wryler forced himself to meet Rouchet’s gaze. The Lord didn’t look like someone who read much, if at all. Too busy smiting enemies with a broad sword and hunting stags with bow and arrow.

“I have a huge number of books at Gryffon Hall,” Rouchet said, not in a boastful way but as if he revealed a great burden.

“So you are a scholar?” Wryler asked, surprised.

Rouchet chuckled,  shook his head and said, “When my great-grandfather conquered the Baron Gryff in battle and claimed the Hall, it came with a vast but quite empty library. He and all the lords of Gryffon Hall since have felt compelled to fill the shelves; most of the books are plunder, taken from great estates far and wide.”

***

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Wyler’s idea of paradise

Gryffon Hall ~ coming in Summer 2016!

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the barbarian he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

***

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or perhaps their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or use the address: http://www.wewriwa.com

 

Seductive Studs ~ A Very Logical Impulse

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What better way to kick off the week than a little juicy m/m goodness? Welcome to Seductive Studs and our new Monday launch time.  I received the contract for Gryffon Hall this morning, so I thought I’d celebrate with a snippet.  Gryffon Hall is a fantasy inspired by the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.  In this scene, Wryler has married his beast and is suffering through the wedding feast on pins and needles, anticipating the night to come.

~~~

Wryler mostly ignored the conversation and jokes. His mind was consumed by what awaited him that evening. Every nerve was so tightly wound he couldn’t tell if he was terrified or stirred by a level of lust he’d never experienced before. He hadn’t been jesting about wanting to tear his clothes off and found himself desperately anxious to see Rouchet undressed.

He told himself this was a very logical impulse to put everything into its proper perspective, to put to rest the ridiculous stories he’d been told, and get the whole thing over with. He drank too much too fast, which unfortunately fueled his impatient flames and made his hand want to creep along Rouchet’s thigh. He was in a fight against this impulse when Rouchet leaned against him and whispered, “Time for us to depart.”

Wryler hiccupped. “So soon?” He looked around and noticed many of the candles had burned down more than half way, but the servants were too drunk to change them out. Several guests slumped over their plates, snoozing loudly. Here and there cousins had simply stretched out on the floor. Dancers stepped over them most incautiously, laughing as they kicked or stepped on their insensible relatives.

Rouchet chuckled and helped, or rather, lifted Wryler to his feet and led him away toward the side door the servants used. “Let’s depart without fanfare,” Rouchet said after the deed was done.

“Yes, let’s.” Wryler struggled to walk steadily and match Rouchet’s stride. He tried not to cling too tightly to his husband’s muscular arm or lean on him too noticeably. Determined to keep his dignity, he met the long curving staircase with stern resolve.

“Would you like me to carry you?” Rouchet asked, an annoyingly sober twinkle in his forest green eyes.

“What? No!” Wryler released Rouchet’s arm, took two steps up and fell forward onto his hands and knees. He barely had time to curse before Rouchet wrapped an arm around his waist, pulled him to his feet and then lifted Wryler into his arms.

~~~

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Unofficial blurb:

Gryffon Hall

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the barbarian he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

***

Seductive Studs offers a range of m/m fiction, ranging from sweet to smexy and everything in between. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the hop at www.seductivestuds.blogspot.com

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ Up Close

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Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors.  Well, last week I suffered a brain glitch and after dutifully setting up my post, forgot to sign up for the hop! So if you’re following the story, you can read what happened last week here.  (You might notice the title of that post is somewhat ironic.) I’ve been sharing from my m/m fantasy, Gryffon Hall, which is now languishing in my editor’s inbox. (I’ve gotten spoiled; two weeks without a response seems like a really, really long time. Remember traditional publishers, who often take a year to respond, if at all?)

But I digress.  As we rejoin our hero Wryler, he’s sitting next to the notorious Aeric Rouchet at an official state dinner, but for the moment he’s more worried about the man he expected to become engaged to- Lennox Arsburry, who is otherwise occupied.

***

To Wryler’s irritation, the dratted MacFarlane lad sat beside Lennox and they chatted and laughed merrily. Lennox never once looked Wryler’s way. Wryler gulped another goblet of wine and his dismay distilled into anger. He decided to stop obsessing over Lennox and his childish games, and tore his attention away with difficulty.

The Duke of Middlestone slept soundly, chin to chest. Wryler turned to Rouchet who, having sated his ravenous hunger, now chewed more methodically, grunts and growls subsiding into slurps and quiet belches.

Up close, he wasn’t as horrible as he first appeared. His dark, thick mass of red hair was clean and although tangled, not matted. His trim beard lined a strong jaw and accentuated the hollow beneath his prominent cheekbones. Rouchet intently scanned the room while he ate and Wryler got the impression he didn’t miss a single thing, not a snicker, a spoon drop, nor a beneath-the-table grope, such as the one Lennox was performing right at that moment with the blushing Branson MacFarlane.

***

Gryffon Hall ~

Useless fourth son of the Lord of Glimmerveen, Wryler dreams of getting married and escaping the rustic confines of his father’s castle. A wealthy merchant’s son seems to hold the key to Wryler’s safe if somewhat dreary future. However, the arrival of a mysterious stranger on the eve of Wryler’s betrothal sends his plans into disarray and Wryler finds himself traded off in marriage to one of the most notorious rogues in the land.

Is Lord Aeric Rouchet the barbarian he appears to be, or is he something much worse? Separated from his family and thrust into a strange and dangerous new life at the foreboding Gryffon Hall, Wryler must unravel the secret of his husband’s shadowed life and defeat the curse which threatens not only his growing affection for the barbarian in his bed, but the lives of everyone the Lord of Gryffon Hall is sworn to protect.

***

This post is part of an ongoing blog hop hosted by Weekend Writing Warriors. Every Sunday, participating authors post eight to ten sentences from a published work or perhaps their current work in progress. Then we hop to our fellow warriors’ blogs and check out all the fabulous fiction that’s happening! I heartily invite you to participate as a reader, writer, or both. It’s a great way to discover your next favorite book. Click here or use the address: http://www.wewriwa.com