GUEST POST: Meet Lane Hayes & her Kindle Worlds story #gayromance @LaneHayes3

As you know, I have just released Finding His Place, a story that takes place in Felice Stevens’ Memories with The Breakfast Club world. I wanted to introduce you to some of the other authors who wrote stories for the world launch. Today, meet Lane Hayes. I asked her a few questions about the Kindle Worlds project and here’s what she had to say.

How did you get involved in this Kindle Worlds project?

Felice Stevens told me about her Kindle World project at GRL last year and asked if I might be interested in submitting a short story. I agreed on the spot. It sounded like such a fascinating idea. Fan-fic meets Amazon. LOL

What are the elements of Felice’s Memories and Breakfast Club worlds that you incorporated into your story?

My “elements” are very subtle. I decided from the beginning that my story would circle her world rather than delve too deeply inside it. Readers will recognize a couple of names without having to work hard to understand how my characters coexist with hers.

What did you enjoy most about ‘playing’ in Felice’s world?

Honestly, I enjoyed the challenge. It’s not easy for a control freak like me to take on someone else’s “world”.  I also loved writing a story set in my favorite place in the world…New York City! I’m visiting NYC later this month.  Maybe I’ll run into Tony and Remy from A Way with Words and perhaps a few of Felice’s guys too!

Tell me a little about your main characters?

Tony DeLuca is a deeply closeted gay man from a big, nosy family who meets a striking young man playing guitar in the park across the street from the construction site where he’s working. Tony is quiet, shy and known amongst his family and friends for being socially awkward. Remy, on the other hand, is outgoing and vivacious. He’s new to NYC but isn’t afraid to try something new. Remy’s been out and proud for years and Tony can’t help but admire his strength.

Now that you’ve contributed a story to someone else’s world, would you like to open up one of your own to other authors? If so, what one?

Absolutely! I’ve written three series and I’m currently working on my fourth. I love the concept of inviting authors I respect to write something within any one of my worlds. If I had to choose, I’d go with Better Than simply because it’s my first and after all these years, it’s still very special to me.

Blurb

Tony De Luca is a simple guy. He works for his uncle’s Brooklyn-based construction firm. And he knows from experience that keeping his head down and doing his job is the best way to deal with the meddlesome family members he sees daily. They think he’s quiet and maybe a little awkward but the truth is more complicated. Tony has a secret he isn’t ready or willing to share. He’s an expert at avoiding familial scrutiny. At least he was until the sexy guitar player showed up.

Remy Nelson is a small-town, free-spirited guy looking for a new life in the big city. He stays busy by playing his instrument on a busy Manhattan street corner during the day and bartending at night. Remy is more interested in finding steady employment than a mate, but he can’t deny his attraction to the dreamy construction worker with soulful eyes, a kind heart, and a unique way with words. Falling for Remy wasn’t what Tony expected, but he knows keeping him will require courage. And truth.

About the author

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in an almost empty nest.

Books by Lane Hayes:

Better Than Good, Better Than Chance, Better Than Friends, Better Than Safe, The Right Words, The Wrong Man & The Right Time, Leaning Into Love and Leaning Into the Fall, A Kind Of Truth, A Kind of Romance, A Kind of Honesty, A Kind of Home  AND A Way with Words

Contact Information:

Website: http://lanehayes.wordpress.com

Twitter:   @LaneHayes3

Facebook: LaneHayesauthor

Email:   lanehayes@ymail.com

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EXCERPT from Finding His Place

Have you read Finding His Place or any of the other Memories with The Breakfast Club series?

Here’s an excerpt from Finding His Place. This is part of the scene where Keiran and Darius meet for the first time.

Excerpt

The fluttering in his stomach, the rapid pulse and breathing, could all be put down to nerves. Although that didn’t really explain the frisson of excitement that accompanied the flock of butterflies that had taken flight in the pit of his stomach when they’d touched hands.

“Thanks for seeing me.” Kieran cleared his throat, embarrassed at the slight shake in his voice. “I was hoping to talk to someone. The manager?”

“That’d be me.”

That surprised Kieran. “I thought Marcus Feldman was the owner and manager.”

“Marcus is the owner but he’s stepped back a bit now that he has other commitments. I’m in charge of the day-to-day running of the place.”

“Oh.”

Blond eyebrows raised. “You look disappointed. Do you know Marcus?”

“God no. I’ve just read about him in the media, that’s all. I’ve never met him.” That much was true. Marcus was his brother and he’d never even met the man.

“Anyway, what can I do for you? Brad said you were looking for work?”

Kieran fidgeted uncomfortably. “Yeah. I was hoping you had a position behind the bar.”

“You have experience?”

“I’ve been slinging drinks at Blue Horizon for about a year.”

“So what happened? Why aren’t you working there anymore? Why here?”

An image of Marcus flashed into Kieran’s mind, not that he’d tell Darius about his interest. “I tried to pick up some more hours at Blue Horizon but they can’t give me any more shifts than I already have. They’re happy to keep me on, and I’ve got references.” At least that much was true.

Darius studied him for a moment, giving Kieran the once-over, as if trying to gauge how genuine he was. Internally Kieran squirmed under the scrutiny, but suddenly his thoughts took an entirely new direction when he saw the look of approval in Darius’s eyes. Darius really was a striking-looking man. Broad shouldered, in a dark suit with a black shirt. The open collar showed a glimpse of golden skin with a smattering of fair hair. His short blond hair and piercing blue eyes contrasted with the dark tones of the suit. The heat crept up Kieran’s throat and he knew he was flushing, but he couldn’t stop the blush or the sudden rush of desire. Holy shit! He hadn’t had such an intense reaction to someone in a long time—if ever—and it was unexpected in the middle of a job interview. He swallowed heavily, desperate to get some moisture back into his dry mouth. Darius’s gaze followed the movement of his throat before landing on his face again, his attention making Kieran squirm further.

Then something clattered over at the bar area and Darius looked away. The moment was broken, leaving Kieran wondering what had just happened. Surely Darius felt it too? The attraction, the connection?

“Well.” Darius cleared his throat before continuing. “We don’t often employ people who wander in off the street, but this must be your lucky day. I can’t offer you anything full-time, but I am looking for someone to work the bar Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and the tips are good.”

“That’d be awesome. When can I start?”

Darius laughed, the sound deep and rich. “Hold your horses. Let’s see what you can do first and then we’ll give you a trial shift.”

“Sure,” Kieran mumbled, embarrassed that he had made assumptions. “Sounds good.”

“Head over to the bar. Brad can give you a quick rundown of the layout, then I want you to make two drinks. Make a cosmo, that’s one of our best sellers so you need to be able to turn those over real quick, and a cocktail of your choice.”

“Okay.”

Darius rose and Kieran scrambled to his feet. Standing next to Darius reminded him of just how solid Darius was. Over six feet tall, he had a few inches on Kieran’s five eleven, and he was definitely wider—not too beefy or overly muscled, rather strong and clearly defined. He obviously worked out if those thighs were anything to go by, and that ass. Jesus. Kieran jerked his eyes up when he realized he was following Darius across the room with his eyes glued to Darius’s backside. It didn’t help when he saw Brad’s smirking face.

“Kieran is going to show us his skills,” Darius announced when they got to the bar.

“Oh, I just bet he is.” Brad’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he winked at Kieran and gave him access to behind the bar.

“His bartending skills, Brad.” Darius’s voice was stern but there was a touch of humor there.

“Well, damn.” Brad stamped his foot in mock disappointment. “And here I was hoping you were one of the new dancers. You sure look like you could move that body.” Brad looked him up and down then turned to face his boss. “Right, Darius?”

“Brad.” Narrowed eyes accompanied Darius’s warning, and Kieran looked back and forth between the two men.

Brad picked up a tea towel. “Okay, okay. Just having a bit of fun. Come on, kiddo. I’ll give you the grand tour.”

“It’s Kieran,” Kieran responded automatically. For God’s sake, he wasn’t much younger than Brad if Brad’s appearance was anything to go by, and he found himself not wanting Darius to think he was a kid.

Blurb

Sometimes finding your place in the world can lead to love.

Kieran Walters is the illegitimate son of a successful businessman. Despite striving to win his father’s affection, a confrontation that has been years in the making leaves Kieran devastated to realize he will never be good enough. Jealous of the half brother he’s never met, and who most likely doesn’t know of his existence, Kieran vows to find out what makes his brother so special in their father’s eyes.

Darius Jensen manages a nightclub. He loves his job, but is reluctant to commit when given the opportunity to become a partner. His previous foray into business ownership with a boyfriend had disastrous results, and Darius is still paying the price, both financially and emotionally.

When Kieran starts working with Darius at Sparks, Darius shows him it’s not too late for Kieran to realize his dreams—the fulfilling career, a loving family, and someone who loves him for who he is. If only Kieran can convince Darius of the same thing. But before Kieran’s and Darius’s dreams can come true, Kieran needs to come clean with his brother and deal with the resulting fallout… which threatens his relationship with Darius.

Part of the Memories with the Breakfast Club Kindle World

What are readers saying?

“Finding His Place is a gem of a story that is not to be missed.” ~ Top2Bottom Reviews

“This book was an incredible read.” ~ Gay Book Reviews

“Nic did a wonderful job of capturing the feel of Felice’s world whilst giving this story a heart that is totally hers. And in typical Nic Starr fashion, the love is tangible, the story lovely and the HEA totally sweet and deserved. A wonderful addition to this Kindle World.” ~ Reader on Goodreads

“WOW, this was wonderful, loved it and didn’t put it down. There were sad parts (so get out those kleenex), great story lots of romantic moments, that will keep you turning those pages.” ~ Reader on Amazon

 

Buy Link

Because this book is part of Kindle Worlds, it is only available on the US site. Hopefully they will expand their program soon.

Amazon US

This book was written as part of the Memories with the Breakfast Club Kindle Worlds. This ‘world’ brings together two of Felice Stevens much-loved series and a number of m/m authors have contributed a story.

The books are:

Anticipation by Talia Carmichael

Remember Love by Silvia Violet

Hot Date by Felice Stevens

A Way with Words by Lane Hayes

Finding His Place by Nic Starr

Memories Follow by S.C. Wynne

Uncommon Ground by Kelly Jensen

Happy reading!

Nic xx

 

 

GUEST POST: Meet Silvia Violet & her Kindle Worlds story

Today Silvia Violet is joining me to talk about her experience with the Memories with The Breakfast Club series. Like me, Silvia wrote a story in Felice Stevens’ world, and she also chose to set her story in Sparks nightclub.

What were the key challenges of writing in someone else’s world?

I was nervous about writing scenes with characters that Felice Stevens had created for her Breakfast Club series. I wanted the characters to feel authentic for readers so they were drawn right back into Felice’s world.

What are the elements of Felice’s Memories and Breakfast Club worlds that you incorporated into your story?

One of my main characters, Antonio is a bartender at Sparks who appears in Second to None. He makes a pass at Marcus who turns him down because he wants to pursue Tyler. Marcus appears in the story as Antonio’s boss, his protector, and his reluctant relationship consultant. Tyler makes a small appearance as well.

Do you have a background in fan fiction, as a reader or a writer?

Unlike many writers of gay romance, I had never written fan fiction (or even read much) before I started writing in this genre. I have now written a few short fan fiction pieces in the Hamilton fandom. My love of Hamilton led me to want to write a story set during the American Revolution, and I thought some Hamilton fan fic would be a great warm up exercise.

Now that you’ve contributed a story to someone else’s world, would you like to open up one of your own to other authors? If so, what one?

I’ve enjoyed this experience a lot, and I would love to open up one of my worlds to other authors. I think my Thorne and Dash series could make a fun world. Authors would have an interesting array of settings and character types who could interact with my characters—rent boys, pastry chefs, tailors or fashion designers, business consultants, caterers, and lots of others.

If you ever do open your world to other authors, I’d love to take part. I love Thorne and Dash! What can your readers (and that includes me) expect from you next?

On July 10, I’m releasing Down on the Farm, the first book in a new small town romance series, Ames Bridge. Here’s the blurb:

After quitting his teaching job on the heels of a scandal, Beck Davis moves to the house his grandmother left him in Ames Bridge. He finds the town stifling, but it’s a quiet place to hide while he regroups. Or so he thought.

His neighbor Cal McMurtry shows up, demanding to buy Beck’s land. Cal is as infuriatingly sexy as he was ten years ago when he and his jock friends spent their summers taunting Beck.

Beck expects to hate Cal as he did back then, but Cal isn’t who Beck thought he was: he’s hardworking, passionate about revamping and diversifying his family’s farm, and—far more shocking—he’s gay, and interested in Beck.

But as much as they want each other, Beck has no intention of staying in Ames Bridge, and while Cal is technically out, he refuses to date openly. A real relationship seems doomed from the beginning, but love can be a powerful motivator for those willing to take a chance.

Blurb

The last person Antonio expected to see sitting at the bar in Sparks was Scott, the only man he’d ever truly cared about, the only man who ever broke his heart. As memories of the painful end of their relationship come flooding back, all Antonio can do is run.

Scott’s number-one regret is believing Antonio would hurt him. He’s never forgotten the look on Antonio’s face the night they broke up. If there’s any chance he can repair the damage he’d done, he’s going to take it.

Though they care deeply for each other, Antonio and Scott will need to forgive and trust again if they’re to find their way around the obstacles in their path.

Buy Link

Amazon US

About the author

Silvia Violet writes erotic romance in a variety of genres including paranormal, contemporary, and historical. She can be found haunting coffee shops looking for the darkest, strongest cup of coffee she can find. Once equipped with the needed fuel, she can happily sit for hours pounding away at her laptop. Silvia typically leaves home disguised as a suburban stay-at-home-mom, and other coffee shop patrons tend to ask her hilarious questions like “Do you write children’s books?” She loves watching the looks on their faces when they learn what she’s actually up to. When not writing, Silvia enjoys baking sinfully delicious treats, exploring new styles of cooking, and reading to her incorrigible offspring.

Newsletter: http://silviaviolet.com/newsletter

Website: http://silviaviolet.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/silvia.violet

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Silvia_Violet

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/silviaviolet/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvia.violet/

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GUEST POST: Meet Kelly Jensen & her Kindle Worlds story

As you know, I have just released Finding His Place, a story that takes place in Felice Stevens’ Memories with The Breakfast Club world. I wanted to introduce you to some of the other authors who wrote stories for the world launch. Today, meet Kelly Jensen. I asked her a few questions about the Kindle Worlds project and here’s what she had to say.

What were the key challenges of writing in someone else’s world?

Felice writes really sexy books. I write really fluffy books—and some of my stories have aliens in them. So my biggest challenge was trying to think of a way to combine these two (or three) elements in a way that would satisfy everyone. I didn’t want Felice’s readers (if they should decide to take a walk on the alien side) to be lost, but I also wanted Uncommon Ground to be a story only I could have written.

I love the result. Uncommon Ground is contemporary romance with science fiction elements. It’s set here and now, in Felice’s New York, with my characters. There are a few aliens wandering around. They’re mostly harmless—until later in the story. There are no tentacles. (Damn.)

My favourite part is the relationship between Dillon and Lang. The chemistry between them is smoking. I had a great time writing lots of sexiness, and seeing just how close these two could get in so short a span of time.

What are the elements of Felice’s Memories and Breakfast Club worlds that you incorporated into your story?

The title of Uncommon Ground is a play on the name of the coffee shop, Uncommon Grounds, which is the place Josh and Micah meet in Memories of the Heart. Dillon and Lang also meet in Uncommon Grounds! Josh and Micah appear in the story. They catch up with the guys at the Central Park Zoo. Zach and Sam (Betting on Forever) also appear in the story, though not in person. Lang calls Zach to help with some security issues. I’ve assumed Zach and Sam have branched out into home security, with Zach writing the phone app used to access it all, of course!

What did you enjoy most about ‘playing’ in Felice’s world?

Can I say again how much I liked writing the sexy times in this story? My guys don’t usually kiss until about the 40% mark, so this was a fun ride.

Tell me a little about your main characters?

Dillon was supposed to be broody and a bit of an ass—not that I’d stereotype everyone with purple hair and multiple piercings as a broody ass. I just wanted to write someone different. He turned out really sweet, though, and I can’t say I’m disappointed. He loves his mom, he’s passionate about creating a safe space for his students to be themselves, and though he feels underprepared for some aspects of life, he has this steadiness to him that I really admire. He’s also just fun.

Lang feels like Dillon’s opposite in every way. He’s quiet and studious. He’s shy. He has no parents. He’s a billionaire. And from a different planet—and this is sort of what they have in common? Lang gets being different, and being “alone.” He is also a giver. His dedication to his clan and his mission is admirable. His compassion is heartbreaking. What I love most about him is his strength. He’s quiet, but he knows exactly what he wants. He’s definitely a “still waters run deep” kinda guy.

What can your readers expect from you next?

I’ve already plotted a sequel to Uncommon Ground. I had so much fun writing these guys, that I want to do it again. A new adventure, higher stakes, a happier ever after. I’m also plotting more science fiction romance, which I can’t really talk about right now because I’m superstitious.

I have the first novel of a new contemporary romance series (super fluffy and quite sexy) nearly ready to go. Widowed single dad falls for his hot new neighbour. 😀  Before I get that organized, I’ve got edits to work on for Counting on You, which is the third and final novella in my Counting series. That should be out late November this year!

Blurb

Dillon Lee’s grandfather was a conspiracy theorist. Every summer he’d take Dillon on a tour of New York City while entertaining him with tales of aliens. Fifteen years later, after a phone call from a lawyer, Dillon is carrying his grandfather’s ashes from landmark to landmark, paying a sort of tribute, and trying to figure out what to do with his unexpected legacy. When someone tries to steal the ashes, a guy Dillon has barely met leaps to the rescue, saving the urn and the day.

Steilang Skovgaard is a reclusive billionaire—and not human. He’s been living in Manhattan for over twenty years, working on a long-term plan to establish a safe haven for his people. For seven years, his reports have gone unanswered, however, and he is the only surviving member of his interstellar team. The connection he forms with Dillon soon after meeting him is something he’s missed, something he craves.

But after someone keeps trying to steal the ashes, it looks as though Dillon’s grandfather was involved in more than theories—and might not have been exactly who everyone thought he was. Steilang doesn’t know how close he can get to the truth without revealing himself, and Dillon is running out of people to trust. Can these two work out what’s going on before the thieves set their sights higher?

Buy Link

Amazon US

About the author

If aliens ever do land on Earth, Kelly will not be prepared, despite having read over a hundred stories of the apocalypse. Still, she will pack her precious books into a box and carry them with her as she strives to survive. It’s what bibliophiles do.

Kelly is the author of a number of novels, novellas and short stories, including the Chaos Station series, co-written with Jenn Burke. Some of what she writes is speculative in nature, but mostly it’s just about a guy losing his socks and/or burning dinner. Because life isn’t all conquering aliens and mountain peaks. Sometimes finding a happy ever after is all the adventure we need.

Connect with Kelly: Twitter | Facebook | Website

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Finding His Place is NOW AVAILABLE on Amazon!

I’m so excited to announce that Finding His Place is now live!

Blurb

Sometimes finding your place in the world can lead to love.

Kieran Walters is the illegitimate son of a successful businessman. Despite striving to win his father’s affection, a confrontation that has been years in the making leaves Kieran devastated to realize he will never be good enough. Jealous of the half brother he’s never met, and who most likely doesn’t know of his existence, Kieran vows to find out what makes his brother so special in their father’s eyes.

Darius Jensen manages a nightclub. He loves his job, but is reluctant to commit when given the opportunity to become a partner. His previous foray into business ownership with a boyfriend had disastrous results, and Darius is still paying the price, both financially and emotionally.

When Kieran starts working with Darius at Sparks, Darius shows him it’s not too late for Kieran to realize his dreams—the fulfilling career, a loving family, and someone who loves him for who he is. If only Kieran can convince Darius of the same thing. But before Kieran’s and Darius’s dreams can come true, Kieran needs to come clean with his brother and deal with the resulting fallout… which threatens his relationship with Darius.

Part of the Memories with the Breakfast Club Kindle World

Buy Link

Because this book is part of Kindle Worlds, it is only available on the US site. Hopefully they will expand their program soon.

Amazon US

This book was written as part of the Memories with the Breakfast Club Kindle Worlds. This ‘world’ brings together two of Felice Stevens much-loved series and a number of m/m authors have contributed a story.

The books are:

Anticipation by Talia Carmichael

Remember Love by Silvia Violet

Hot Date by Felice Stevens

A Way with Words by Lane Hayes

Finding His Place by Nic Starr

Memories Follow by S.C. Wynne

Uncommon Ground by Kelly Jensen

On and Off by Jenna Kendrick

Happy reading!

Nic xx

Want to share the good news about the release? Here’s a ready-made tweet.

Click to Tweet: 👬 📕🏳‍🌈 Memories with The Breakfast Club Kindle World #gayromance #mmromance 🏳‍🌈📕👬

COVER REVEAL: Finding His Place

I’m thrilled to be able to share the cover of my upcoming release, Finding His Place, with you. The cover artist is Meredith Russell who’s done a brilliant job!

For those of you who don’t know, Kindle Worlds is a publication platform where authors can choose a licensed World and write their own story in that world. The world I am writing in is Felice Stevens’, Memories with the Breakfast Club. It brings together two of her very popular series. I was honoured to be asked to write a story for the launch.

World Description

New York City is known as the city that never sleeps. A city where anything is possible. And with over 8 million people, you never know where love might happen, and to whom. It could be in Sparks, the hottest gay nightclub, or in the bustling hallways of one of New York’s busiest hospitals. But whether it is veterinary clinic or the streets of Brooklyn, these high powered men want to live their lives as proud gay men, find love and a Happily Ever After. But there is always room for another story. It could be a dance instructor. A bartender … maybe a vampire? The choice is yours!

Finding His Place Blurb

Sometimes finding your place in the world can lead to love.

Kieran Walters is the illegitimate son of a successful businessman. Despite striving to win his father’s affection, a confrontation that has been years in the making leaves Kieran devastated to realize he will never be good enough. Jealous of the half brother he’s never met, and who most likely doesn’t know of his existence, Kieran vows to find out what makes his brother so special in their father’s eyes.

Darius Jensen manages a nightclub. He loves his job, but is reluctant to commit when given the opportunity to become a partner. His previous foray into business ownership with a boyfriend had disastrous results, and Darius is still paying the price, both financially and emotionally.

When Kieran starts working with Darius at Sparks, Darius shows him it’s not too late for Kieran to realize his dreams—the fulfilling career, a loving family, and someone who loves him for who he is. If only Kieran can convince Darius of the same thing. But before Kieran’s and Darius’s dreams can come true, Kieran needs to come clean with his brother and deal with the resulting fallout… which threatens his relationship with Darius.

Finding His Place, along with the other books that have been written for the launch, will be released on 22nd June 2017 and will be available from Amazon. Finding His Place is a novella of approximately 33k words.

Happy reading,

Nic xx