Seductive Studs ~ Face to Face

June 5, 2016 by Alexis Duran

What better way to start out the week than with some Seductive Studs? I’m celebrating the acceptance of Matthias, my contribution to the Order of the Black Knights m/m romantic suspense series from DreamSpinner Press, so this week I thought I’d share the scene when Dylan Connelly first talks to Matthias, which happened back they were both at the University of Washington and Dylan was crushing hard on the sexy senior.

***

Dylan found out Matthias took a martial arts class off campus three mornings a week and actually got up early enough to almost cross paths with his quarry. At least once a week, Dylan crossed the street in front of the dojo to a nonexistent appointment, nodding or even lifting a hand in half-greeting as Matthias emerged from his workout, attractively flushed and sweaty in designer workout gear.

Then there came the day Dylan mistimed his street crossing and realized he was going to come face to face with Matthias on the sidewalk.

Say something intelligent like “good morning” and keep walking. Don’t stumble. Don’t stutter and for Christ’s sake, don’t blush.

Of course he had no say over what his body decided to do and his face instantly heated when Matthias spotted him and smiled. A slow, easy, bedroom sexy smile. White teeth bright against creamy coffee toned skin.

“What brings you out so early, Connelly?” Matthias asked after the usual friendly exchange of nods. He stopped walking and shouldered his gym bag, forcing Dylan to stop walking and face him.

He knows my name.

“Coffee. Coffee with a friend. At Mocha Joe’s.” Funny, his first word to Matthias was coffee. Who would’ve guessed? At least it came out without as stutter or nervous laugh.

Matthias shifted his wrist to check the time on a black and gold watch that probably cost more than most students’ cars.

“I could use a jolt. Mind of I join you?”

Ho-ly crap.

“Of course not. I mean, sure.” Dylan managed a casual smile and then remembered his friend didn’t exist. Well, shit. Guess he was going to get stood up today.

They fell in side by side. Matthias stood a shade taller than Dylan, his body lean and compact. Although similar in size, Dylan guessed Matthias outweighed him by thirty or forty pounds. Dylan was a swimmer and practiced yoga, whereas Matthias lifted weights in addition to his martial arts training. The slick material of his workout clothes accentuated the taut lines of his muscular chest and ass. Dylan’s brain ceased to function. Small talk had never been his forte.

***

Matthias ~ coming Nov/Dec 2016 ~ unofficial blurb

Matthias agreed to become a killer in order to rise from poverty and desperation, but in the process, he signed away his soul. To overcome the curse and the break the cycle, Matthias must forgive his enemy—the one man who can save him from an eternity of violence and hatred. The one man Matthias fears most of all.

From Louisiana swamp rat to revivalist huckster to skilled con artist, Matthias Krall has spent his life clawing his way out of poverty, using his natural gifts of grift and manipulation to become the leader of an exclusive retreat center. Exploiting the guise of spiritual guru extraordinaire, Matthias seduces the rich and powerful into turning over their lives and fortunes to his control. But wealth and a small cadre of loyal followers can’t protect Matthias from the betrayal he knows is imminent. Everyone wants what Matthias has, except for one man who wants to destroy it. Dylan Connelly is a reporter who’s got Matthias’ number and is determined to prove the charismatic recluse is not only a fraud, but a murderer.

Irresistibly drawn to Dylan despite the warnings in his gut telling him the man is a threat, Matthias lures Dylan to his island retreat, determined to destroy the power his enemy holds over him once and for all.

For information on the series, check out the website OBKBooks.com

***

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 ~ Unlocked Treasure

June 5, 2016 by Alexis Duran

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.

***

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

May 15, 2016 by Alexis Duran

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.

~~~

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

May 15, 2016 by Alexis Duran

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

Weekend Writing Warriors ~ He Really Ought to Pay More Attention

May 8, 2016 by Alexis Duran

Welcome to another edition of Weekend Writing Warriors. I have valiantly torn myself away from the rewarding task of pulling weeds to come inside and post this snippet, so I hope you enjoy it. I’m continuing to share from Gryffon Hall, an m/m fantasy inspired by Beaty and the Beast. I’ve skipped ahead a bit from last time. The party has moved into the great feast hall and Wryler is surprised to find himself seated at the head table.

***

Wryler looked at the place cards and blanched when he saw he was seated next to Aeric Rouchet. On his other side sat the frail Duke of Middlestone, who fell asleep soon after Lord Glimmerveen finished his official welcome to the assembled host.

Rouchet nodded at Wryler, then set upon his meal with the ferociousness of a bear just out of hibernation. The overly large man couldn’t be contained by his chair and his bulk encroached on Wryler’s place setting. Rouchet didn’t notice this as he planted his elbows and tore into a goose leg with fierce, tearing bites.

Wryler picked at his food, nibbling at cheese and bread. His stomach roiled with excitement and anxiety. Would his father announce the betrothal after the meal or was he too preoccupied with trade and politics? Was that the real reason the merchant Arsburry was there, to meet with Rouchet? Wryler thought, not for the first time, that he really ought to pay more attention to what was going on around him.

***

81conan-the-barbarian

Barbarians aren’t all bad.

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

My Sexy Saturday ~ Long Gone

April 30, 2016 by Alexis Duran

Hello and welcome to another My Sexy Saturday. Today I’m celebrating vanquishing yet another deadline (they just keep coming, though). This week’s theme is My Sexy Love and the novel I just completed happens to be all about falling in love (and monsters, curses, and such, but mostly love). Gryffon Hall is m/m fantasy; a revisited fairy tale inspired by Beauty and the Beast. Wyler and Aeric have an arranged marriage. This snippet is from their wedding night. They’re not quite in love yet, but things are looking up.

***

“I’ll try not to hurt you, but there will be pain,” Aeric said.

“Don’t hold back.” Wryler wrapped his arms around his husband’s back. It was like hugging a tree. A supple, sweat-slicked tree. “I welcome it.”

Aeric pushed back to his knees, dragging Wryler’s tattered shirt from his arms and flinging it away. He did the same with Wryler’s trousers and crouched over him, doing exactly what Wryler had hoped he wouldn’t; he inspected every inch of Wryler with both eyes and hands.

“Goddess, what perfection,” Aeric sighed.

“I told you, you don’t need to butter me up with false compliments,” Wryler pouted. “I’m perfectly aware of my limitations.”

Aeric cupped Wryler’s cheek in his palm. “Lovely Wryler, how is it you’re so blind? I must return to Glimmerveen first chance and slap your father and brothers across their silly faces.”

Wryler clucked sternly but in fact he warmed inside hearing Aeric’s words. Only Lennox and a few sly knights had complimented Wryler in such a fashion, and that was because they were trying to get into Wryler’s trousers. Aeric didn’t need to try. They were married, and the trousers were long gone.

***

Here’s my first stab at a 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.

***

Don’t forget to continue the hop to discover a wonderful array of sweet and steamy romance at My Sexy Saturday.