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Guest Post: Cover Reveal of Wide Open Spaces by Renee Stevens

7/31/2016

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Fellow Dreamspinner Press author Renee Stevens is visiting today with the cover reveal for Wide Open Spaces. Welcome, Renee!
​
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BUY NOW
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Maria Fanning
Pre-order Release Date: 7/28/2016
Official Release Date: 8/31/2016
Genre: Contemporary
Series: States of Love
Length: 35,659 Words
Rating: Adult/Mature
​
Devon fled Wyoming as soon as he turned eighteen, leaving behind his high school love, Levi. After six years in the big city, Devon returns to his hometown. Not much has changed, except that Levi is no longer in the closet. He’s also single and living his dream—managing the local wild horse population. Both of them are very interested in picking up where they left off, but Devon is no more ready to reveal his orientation than he was as a teenager.

No one is going to shove Levi back in the closet—not even Devon. For a relationship to work, they’ll have to put the past behind them and find the courage to face the future as who they really are—a couple in love. But Devon doesn’t know if he’s strong enough. Maybe Levi would be better off without him—and his hang-ups.  

​
States of Love: Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
​

Excerpt

Devon sank down on his couch as exhaustion swamped him. Most of it was from moving in, but the change in elevation didn’t help. He’d gotten used to being closer to sea level, so going back to the dry air at over six thousand feet was going to take some getting used to.

​Bloody noses had become the norm while he stayed with Blake. Devon didn’t want to deal with them repeatedly and considered getting a humidifier until he managed to acclimate.

He looked around his living room. Boxes were scattered everywhere, and he should be unpacking, but he was too tired. At least he hadn’t had to carry everything in himself. Blake, Travis, and Seth were waiting for him when he pulled into the apartment complex. They shrugged off his objections and insisted they had nothing better to do. Devon appreciated it, but he wasn’t comfortable around them anymore. He managed to be a proper host, but damn, he was glad they left after a couple beers each. They made noise about getting together again soon, but Devon had used getting settled in as an excuse to keep from committing to anything.

He stood and wandered into his small kitchen. He didn’t bother opening the fridge or any of the cupboards. He knew they were empty. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn’t eaten for a while. Devon dug his keys out of his pocket and headed for the door. He’d get something to eat and then maybe stop at the store to pick up a few staples. Paper plates, sandwich fixings, some chips, and he’d be good for a couple of days. At least it would give him time to get a few things—like pots and pans—unpacked. Then he could do a full grocery shop.

An hour later he was comfortably full from a greasy burger, fries, and a shake. He’d never eaten a lot of fast food, but he had few other options. He headed to Walmart, determined to stick to his list of sandwich stuff and maybe some eggs. Surely he could dig out some pans before the food expired. He headed to the chips first and scanned for the familiar bag of Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffles. They were his all-time favorite, though he also knew he’d want something else after a day or two. So he grabbed a couple of other bags and headed for the eggs and then the freezer aisle.

Sandwiches and chips would get old fast. He found some frozen breakfast sandwiches he could microwave, tossed them in the cart, and moved on. Frozen lasagna quickly joined the few other items in his cart, followed by some potpies, a few TV dinners, and a bag of chimichangas. So what if he wasn’t sticking to his mental list?

He was more focused on getting groceries for the next few days than on the people around him.

“Devon.”

He froze when a familiar voice spoke his name. He closed his eyes briefly, ducked his head, and steeled himself. He knew it would happen eventually, when he found out Levi still lived there. He thought he’d have more time to prepare. He swallowed—hard—and turned to face the man who had at one time meant everything to him. The man he’d risked being found out for. He lifted his head and gazed into the moss-colored eyes.

“Levi.”
​

About the Author

Renee Stevens first started writing in her teens but didn’t get serious about being an author until her mid-twenties. Since then she’s written a number of contemporary stories, as well as delved into the paranormal. When not writing, or spending time in the outdoors, Renee can usually be found working on GayAuthors.org in her capacity of Admin, Blog Coordinator, and Anthology Coordinator.

​Renee resides in Wyoming with her wonderfully supportive husband and a menagerie of four-legged critters. Making the most of the nearly constant negative temperatures and mounds of snow, Renee spends much of the winter months in hibernation with her laptop, the voices in her head keeping her company while her husband works.

When she needs a break from writing, Renee takes to the sewing machine to design, and make, beautiful quilts. When the snow finally disappears, usually around May or June, Renee can be found in the great-outdoors. She spends her time on the mountain, at the lake, and just anywhere that she can do some camping, take some photos, and ride the four-wheelers with her hubby. Once back at home, it’s back to writing.

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Rainbow Snippet July 30-31

7/30/2016

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It's weekend and time for more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your tbr. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character will identify as LGBTQ+.

I've just turned in the second round of edits on The Sorcerer's Guardian, the fourth book in the Tournai series, which will be out later this year, and I thought I would give you a little preview of it this weekend. Here are the first six sentences of The Sorcerer's Guardian:

As afternoon waned into evening, Loriot approached his house on Dove Lane. Weariness dragged at him with each step. He hadn’t slept more than a few minutes in the last few days, and now that the crisis had passed, he felt the fatigue down to his bones. But the lack of sleep was worth it for the good outcome of the situation.

He trudged up the few steps to his front door, its rich blue color recently freshened, and let himself in. The key turned smoothly in the lock, and the magical protections on the house recognized him as belonging, allowing him inside. He shivered even though he didn’t feel anything as he crossed the threshold; perhaps someone with a Talent would, but he had neither Talent nor any sensitivity to magic.


And here is the description in case you'd like to know a little more about the story:

Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, has honed his Talent through years of study and made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, and arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings, which is how Savarin prefers it. Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack. They are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. To his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompanies him.

Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain and takes pride in his service. He must obey the princes’ orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere. And despite his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, he has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. Loriot and Savarin clash during their journey, but there’s another reason for the tension between them, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still fortify Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution endangers both him and the royal family.


Hope you all have a lovely weekend!
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The Scholar's Heart Giveaway on Goodreads

7/25/2016

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​I'm giving away a signed copy of The Scholar's Heart on Goodreads. The giveaway starts today, and you can enter here:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Scholar's Heart by Antonia Aquilante

The Scholar's Heart

by Antonia Aquilante

Giveaway ends August 08, 2016.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway
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Rainbow Snippet July 23-24

7/23/2016

8 Comments

 
It's weekend and time for more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your tbr. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character will identify as LGBTQ+.

I said last time that I thought I might switch to something other than The Scholar's Heart this week, and then I ended up picking another snippet from The Scholar's Heart. Apparently I'm a bit indecisive. This snippet takes place not long after last week's on the same night.
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​Etan took one last look out to the garden and then followed the last few stragglers toward the doors. Before Etan reached them, Tristan stretched out a hand and snagged Etan’s arm, using it to pull Etan into the shadows and push him against the wall, the way Etan had Tristan that day in the secret corridor, a memory that still delighted Tristan. He swallowed Etan’s surprised gasp in a kiss. 

Tristan poured everything he had into the kiss, everything he’d felt over these last few weeks. His frustration and confusion, his attraction and longing for more after the taste he’d had of being with Etan. He willed Etan to feel all of it in the kiss.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone! (I'll be over here trying not to melt in the hot weather...)
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Summer Lovin' Sale at DSP

7/18/2016

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Dreamspinner Press is having a sale - 25% off everything in the store through the 20th. Sounds like a great time to stock up on some summer reading! You can find my books here.
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Rainbow Snippet July 16-17

7/16/2016

11 Comments

 
​It's weekend and time from more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your tbr. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character will identify as LGBTQ+.

My snippet comes from The Scholar's Heart again this weekend. This takes place at Etan's birthday party. Tristan is dancing with Etan's younger sister Meriall.
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But he had to look like a dark cloud among the dancers. The traditional gray he wore for Dariela’s death stood out among the bright gowns the ladies wore and the myriad colors of the men’s clothing. Meriall’s gown was a confection of rose-pink silk and ivory lace that stood out next to his stormy gray. Etan would too—he looked edible in rich ruby red with the stark white of his shirt peeking out from beneath. The bold color suited Etan, highlighting the lines of his body and heightening his dramatic coloring. Tristan liked the way he looked in it, but he thought he’d like to strip it off him even more and see what was beneath.

​He glanced back, toward where they left Etan, and found him still standing there. Watching. Watching Meriall. There was a fondness in Etan’s eyes he reserved only for her. But then Etan shifted his attention and met Tristan’s eyes again. Etan’s were still too full of emotions for Tristan to understand what was happening, but the intensity of Etan’s gaze... that he could see, could feel. He shivered from the feeling of that intense gaze on him. 

I may switch to snippets from something else next time. I wouldn't want you to get bored. Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!
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What I've Been Reading - June

7/14/2016

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I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately (or maybe more than a bit, considering how long it's lasted). One of those times when you just don't know what to read or what you feel like reading and you start reading a book, then put it down, then do the same to a couple more. I hate when that happens. I ended up rereading some favorites, and I've continued listening to Jordan L Hawk's Whyborne & Griffen series in audio (which is a favorite series). I did read a few new books that I enjoyed in June:

How to Wish Upon a Star by Eli Easton - This is the third book in this paranormal series, but it stands on its own just fine if you want to start here. It's light and cute and funny and just what I needed at the time.

THIRDS Beyond the Books: Volume 1 by Charlie Cochet - This absolutely does not stand alone. The book is a compilation of flash fiction extra scenes within the THIRDS series. The series is great though, so start at the beginning with Hell & High Water.

Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts - This is the second book in Nora Roberts's newest paranormal trilogy (start with the first, Stars of Fortune, or it won't make any sense). It's excellent summer reading. I enjoy the characters, and it takes place on Capri, which I visited years ago and fell in love with.

Wallflower by Heidi Belleau - A contemporary new adult romance with a gender questioning main character. I really enjoyed the character's development and the romance. It's also part of a series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other books in the series, but I will.

Absinthe of Malice by Rhys Ford - The latest in the Sinners series, which is one of my favorites. I'd read the other books in the series before this one, since it builds on the characters and relationships in previous books. I loved catching up with these guys (my only complaint is that I wanted more of my favorite characters!), and the book sets up the next story well.

​So what have you been reading lately?
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Rainbow Snippet July 9-10

7/9/2016

7 Comments

 
It's weekend and time from more Rainbow Snippets. The Rainbow Snippets group on Facebook asks its members to share six sentence snippets from their work each weekend. Check out the group's Facebook page to read all the snippets and add lots of great books to your tbr. You'll find all sorts of books with the common thread that the main character will identify as LGBTQ+.

My snippet comes from The Scholar's Heart again this weekend. Last weekend we saw Etan ending an argument with a kiss. But of course nothing can really be that simple. Now Etan's thinking he made a mistake and Tristan is very confused. (And yes, it's longer than six sentences. I didn't follow the rules again! I'm sorry!)
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“But, Etan, I don’t understand. You kissed me.”

“I did, yes. It was a mistake. I apologize.”

Tristan grabbed his wrist as he reached for a sheet of paper that had 
slid farther away on the polished floor. “I don’t want your apologies. I want to know why you did it.” 

The demand, the edge in Tristan’s voice, made Etan inexplicably angry. “Why I kissed you? Why do you think?” 

Tristan blinked bright blue eyes once, then again, at his harshly spoken question. Etan had loved those eyes, loved how bright everything about Tristan seemed to be. Now, looking at them just hurt. He turned away, back to collecting the scattered papers while Tristan stared silently. 

“You wanted to kiss me? Since when? How long have you wanted to....” 

How long had he wanted to kiss Tristan? How long since he’d had to put aside his hope for anything, even a kiss? “Kiss you? Since the moment we met.”

Hope you all have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
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Writing Updates (and how is it July already?)

7/7/2016

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Somehow half of 2016 is gone, and I'm not really sure how that happened. But I promised you updates, not complaining how fast the year is going by. First off, the first round of edits for The Sorcerer's Guardian landed in my inbox late last week, and I've spent the time since working on them. I'm excited to work on these, and looking forward to sharing the story with you. As I get a little farther into the editing process, I'll share a few snippets with you. For now, you can find some info about the book here.

I had to take a little break from writing while I worked through the biggest part of the edits, but I'm diving back into that now. I'm over 30,000 words in on the fifth Tournai book (no title yet!). I'd hoped for more by now, but as always seems to happen, getting into the story took me longer than I thought it would. Time to push to get more words down! 
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Flash Sale at DSP

7/4/2016

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Happy 4th of July to all my US readers! If you'd like to celebrate the 4th with books (or to just treat yourself to some summer reading), Dreamspinner is having a fantastic sale today. All novels (including my Tournai books!) are only $4 in ebook.

Or if you prefer shopping at All Romance ebooks, they're having a 50% rebate on lots of books (again including mine!) today.

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    Antonia is a writer and a reader and a copy editor/proofreader. She loves books, travel, art, photography, baking, pasta, and shoes.

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