( Read more... )
Since he is handling release news, publishing info, and posting the odd snippet or freebie, it would be redundant for me to do the same. Plus it would mean I really need to get on here and post more and that just isn’t going to happen, so I've decided to take on the more personal aspect of our blogging and be the chatterbug of the pair. Jaye would be nodding his head over there by the desk right now, agreeing that I am far more suited to be the social butterfly while he handles keeping the files straight and making sure my typos and grammatical goofs never reach your eyes.
- Music:Already Home
While you're at it, come by and see our brand new website! After months of saying I was going to do it, I took the plunge and designed www.macleodvalentine.com. News, purchase links, reviews, merchandise, it's all there! Come by, leave a message and the fiftieth visitor to comment using the link on the site will get a prize!
Updated: May 10, 2009
( Behind the flist-friendly cut because I am awesome like that. )
Now on sale at Torquere Press.
In the year 2039, the world is a better place, thanks to one man. Fresh from college, Malcolm Wilder engineered a cheap fix to fossil fuel dependence. The new energy-for-all economy brought on world peace, and as Earth and its people began to heal, creatures once thought to be the stuff of myth decided it was finally safe to reveal themselves. A decade later, Malcolm is a corporate giant living in exotic Dubai.
He's on the cover of every magazine and his name on everyone's lips. Malcolm's business partner and lifelong friend, Levi Tanner, is concerned that Malcolm isn't allowing himself to enjoy his fame and fortune. Levi finally takes Malcolm to Mortal Sins, a local hot spot that caters to those looking for something a little different in the way of adult recreation. Little does Malcolm know, but the world still has a few problems of Biblical proportion and all hell is about to break loose.
Authors' Note: Dark, futuristic urban fantasy. Discretion is advised for those sensitive to religious themes.
Yesterday my partner's long anticipated anthology, "Like Magnets, We Attract" was released. It has already had several great reviews and is #1 on All Romance e-books for best rated anthology, and #2 for best selling anthology. Neither Jaye or I have a story in the book, but Jaye handpicked some of the best short gay stories out there, and with names like Rob Rosen it's sure to please. The stories are widely varied, tied together by the consistency of quality.
Second, the third book in the StarCrossed series, "StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror", is now available on All Romance e-books. Click below for more info and where to buy both books!
( Read more... )
Now on sale at Torquere Press.
( Read more... ) *** EXCERPT *** Carole of Rainbow-Reviews.com writes: *** The StarCrossed Series:
What newcomers don't realize, however, is that witches are hardly the only usual people who might be living next door.
Jace and Konnor Barton are demon twins enjoying a much-improved life after narrowly escaping a very rough start. Given a second chance, they live in the protective care of their adoptive father, vampire Gennady Zaitsev. Trouble starts when local clergy are brutally murdered, and the Salem Special Council—of which Gennady is the president—is asked to rein in a potentially dangerous citizen.
Twenty years should have been enough to leave their past behind them, but it has come charging after the Barton twins with an unholy vengeance. When one brother falls under suspicion for the clergy murders, it shatters the heart of the other. Only an unlikely alliance of angels, vampires, were-creatures, and humans can help the brothers and keep the secret of supernatural beings living in Salem safe from the outside world.
The clock is ticking.
Jace took the lead as they entered the study, his gaze turning immediately to the detective. A crackle of tension streaked down his spine. Sam didn't look like she was there on a social call. He shifted his attention from her to his adoptive father.
"You wanted to see us?"
"Just you, actually," Gennady said from behind his desk. "You don't need Konnor here, do you, Samantha?"Sam shook her head. "No, only Jace."
Konnor's brow wrinkled. "What the--"
"Why don't you go see if you can entertain Fallon for a while, Konnor." Gennady looked up briefly at the beautiful portrait of Fallon that Jace had painted recently. He smiled at Jace then addressed Konnor. "Fallon seems bored, and I've got a busy day lined up. I'm sure he'll appreciate your company."
Konnor persisted. "Jace, what the hell is--"
"That wasn't a request, Konnor." Gennady jerked his head toward the door. "Go. Find Fallon. Now."
Konnor shot a concerned glance in Jace's direction, and then slipped out the door without further protest.
"Have a seat, Jace," Gennady said.
Jace didn't move. Instincts died hard and, for him, some of those primal urges had never fully diminished. He sensed the low level of hostility in the room growing, and without Konnor at his side he felt vulnerable.
"Jace," Gennady said in a soft, hushed tone. "Please, sit down. It'll be all right."
Sam moved from her spot against the wall to sit on one corner of Gennady's large desk, facing the two guest chairs positioned a few feet away. She nodded her head subtly toward the seats.
Jace ticked his eyes from Sam to Gennady and back again. He wrinkled his upper lip slightly, sitting gingerly as if expecting the chair to be electrified, and he kept his gaze glued on Sam. "Why the inquisition?"
"Nice to see you again, too, Jace," said Sam with a smirk. "I won't waste your time. Corny as it sounds, where were you last night between the hours of midnight and four a.m.?"
Jace felt his jaw clench. "Out. Why?" The tight feeling in his chest spread outward. "It was Konnor's turn to run Tailz last night. I left him at the bar then I took a drive over to Cambridge for some dancing and drinks. Found some twenty-year-old man-pussy and went home with him. Last I checked, that's not a crime in Massachusetts."
Sam's eyes rolled. "Charming. Does your friend have a name? Maybe a phone number?"
Jace smirked. "He's not interested in women, sweetheart, but if you're in need I might be able to give you what--"
A sharp look from Gennady cut the insult short, and Jace turned his remaining words into a sharp snort. He dropped his head back against the chair and found a place on the ceiling to stare at as he spoke. "I don't get their phone numbers, Detective. It's usually never more than a one-night fuck. I think this one's name was Mark, but I'm not really sure."
Sam plucked the manila folder from the edge of Gennady's desk. She tossed it onto Jace's lap. "Take a look. According to the forensics report, it happened last night sometime between the hours of midnight and four. Tell me what you see."
Jace opened the folder and pulled out the photos. A natural-born hunter himself, gruesome scenes weren't something that upset him. He looked through the five glossies with a careful and critical eye. "Someone doesn't like priests. Might be one of those little boys from thirty years ago come to bring justice to his abuser."
"Nah, this man was spotless." Sam yawned and scrubbed a hand down her face. "Sorry, I've been up all night, and I'm about half a pot low in the caffeine department. Anyway, it looks to me like the killer is someone who hates religion in general, not simply this individual priest. Putting the body on display like that, pinned up crucifixion-style to his own church door? That's definitely sending a message. And the way the guy's head is twisted around one-eighty tells me that our perp is incredibly strong. As in possibly-not-human strong."
Gennady picked up the phone on his desk. He pressed a single button, said, "Coffee, please, and maybe some snacks," and then hung up again. "Caffeine is on its way. I apologize for the interruption."
Sam nodded, her eyes fixed on Jace.
"You think I did this?" Jace shuffled through the photos again, this time paying more attention to the gory details. The broken neck had almost certainly been how death had finally come to the priest, but it certainly wasn't the only injury. Something had torn the man's belly open, and even to the untrained eye it looked as if something had feasted on the man's innards. "I'll give you that it looks like something supernatural did this, but I swear it wasn't me." Jace shrugged, a whisper of a smile on his lips. "I wouldn't have left the body. Waste of good meat. Besides, I have no need to leave some cryptic bullshit symbolism behind regarding my distaste for religious assholes. That's no big secret, and everyone knows that if I have something to say about it, I'll just fucking say it."
Gennady visibly winced.
"I'm going to do you a favor, Jace, and pretend like I didn't hear any of that." Sam pushed away from the desk. She glanced over her shoulder at Gennady and gave him a shrugging oh well look before turning back to Jace. "I need you to come down to the station for questioning. You can ride with me, or I can meet you there." She shot Gennady a glance on her way out. "I suggest you get on the phone, my friend. I'm afraid your boy is in need of a lawyer."
"It's a fantasy, a totally-believable otherworld, that rings true, that touches your senses, visually and emotionally. It appeals because it fires your imagination; there's never a wrong note to drag you back into real life. That's the joy of reading anything by these authors. They are secure in their premise, they know where they've been and they know where they are going, and they will carry you along for the ride in an exciting fantasy world that will rock you back on your heels."
Read the entire review here and an interview with the authors here . 
StarCrossed 1: Demon Tailz
Short Story Available for Purchase At:
</div>
Torquere Press
FictionWise
All Romance eBooks
StarCrossed 2: Opposite Ends of the Spectrum
Novella
Available for Purchase At:
Torquere Press
All Romance eBooks
StarCrossed 2 1/2: Sangria and Seraphim
Short Story
Available for Purchase At:
eXcessica Publishing
FictionWise
All Romance eBooks
BooksOnBoard
The Book Gap
CyberRead
Libre.de (Germany)
Libresco (UK)
StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror
Novel
Available for Purchase At:
Torquere Press
More StarCrossed Coming Soon to eXcessica Publishing:
StarCrossed 3 1/2: Angel Tears (short story)
StarCrossed 4: In the Blink of An Eye (novel)
For more information on the StarCrossed series and other work by the authors, please visit Jaye Valentine's LiveJournal.
He does have a brand new Twitter here: http://twitter.com/Jack_Osprey
GIFT EXCHANGE
By Jack Osprey
www.excessica.com
Length: Short (4078)
Category: Lesbian, erotic horror, romance
Heat Level: eXcess 3
Price: $1.99
BUY IT!
The holiday season to many means warmth and sharing, but not everyone’s life goes quite as they planned. Rich or poor, life has a way of spinning hopes and expectations out of control. Those tossed to the icy curb by society still long to be loved, and when fate crosses the path of two desperate people, there might just be enough holiday magic left in the winter to make one more dream come true.
Love you, Jaye
I wonder if I can sell this on EBay.
Too bad one of the legs is broke. *snort*
I just can't bring myself to eat them! Poor things!
Updated: March 11, 2009
( Behind the flist-friendly cut because I am awesome like that. )
In other news:
I am a huge fan of all anime, and I have to admit that some of that probably creeps into my characters. Certainly the long-haired men come from anime and growing up in the 80s. It will show more in the next week or so when I debut the art I've been working on...a portrait of Jace and Konnor.
Don't forget! This Wednesday, March 11th is the release day for StarCrossed 3: Objects in the Mirror. This is the longest book to date and is the first book to feature the full cast in Salem. Jace and Konnor return, but you'll also have a chance to meet their 'family' and friends, including vampires, werewolves, and other demons and angels. You'll also learn more about how they came to be who they are. As always, this book is dark and there is violence and brother incest, so be warned!
Jaye and I will be hosting the Torquere Social on Friday the 13th, so get your questions ready!
| You Should Be a Film Writer |
 You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life. Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling. And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen! |
You Are 60% Massachusetts |
 You're likely a Massachusetts transplant. Big rotaries still scare you, and you probably live outside of 495. |
Actually I am. I was born one state over in Rhode Island. LOL
You beat me to it, but Happy 2nd Anniversary, Jaye. I can't imagine my life without you.
Most importantly, I don't ever want to.
It came! It came!
I can now hold Soft Focus in my warm hands and see it as a true book. CreateSpace does a wonderful job. We're extremely happy with the quality of paper and the printing. I'll be adjusting the cover ever so slightly for the regular release (to get rid of the purple strip at the top of the book cover), and Jaye and I will read the book before we give the green light for mass production, but
Eventually we're planning on doing the StarCrossed series in print form too. We're waiting to see if Torquere will want to turn SC3 into print, but if they don't we will. We're also planning on bundling SC1-2.5 into one book at some point. At this rate, I'll need to dedicate a whole shelf in the livingroom to them. And that's a good thing!
Hard to believe we're halfway through the month of February and that StarCrossed 3 will be out in just twenty-three days. I've been keeping busy though, completing two more covers. One for Jaye's anthology, "Like Magnets, We Attract", and the other for a client and his book that will be out April 6th.
Jaye and I have recently joined the new forum, The Phade. It's quite an interesting and friendly place. Well worth checking out.
We've also gotten a wonderful 4.5 star review for StarCrossed 2: Opposite Ends of the Spectrum, from Carole at Rainbow Reviews.
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