Andrew Q. Gordon

Welcome, Tempe. Why don’t you start by telling everyone a bit about yourself.

I’m a mom and author, but first and foremost, I’m a mom. I spend my days writing and helping my kids with school work, their hair, and to be happy. I’m one of those weird mom’s that thinks my job is to help them become healthy, happy, and productive members of society, lol. I don’t dictate their education goals though. I have one that wants to be a chef, one a vet, one a princess, lol… And that’s just my boys.

I love to read all kinds of books and am a proponent of Bi/Pan/Omnisexuality. I am always disheartened when I see how few stories in the M/M catalog are bi (or where a seemingly bi character enters a gay relationship and suddenly all his m/f time was false. 🙁  ) In fact, my release in September has a bi main character. I won’t get on my soapbox, promise. But mainly, I’m a supporter of love and a lover of all.

I understand you’re going to GRL this October in Chicago. Talk a bit about how it felt to get a slot?

Yes, I’ll be there! I’m so excited to be able to attend GRL this year. I sat on the site, refreshing every couple of seconds, lol. When it went through and said ‘confirmed’ I squealed like a 5 year old—making my children, especially the 5 yo at home, look at me like I was nuts. But, that’s ok. I was so thrilled to get a slot. 😀

Truly though, I’m honored to be amongst such great authors and can’t wait to go!

Desires Entwined is a series of books – you’ve created. Take us through the four books you’ve written in the series so far?

Designs of Desire, Simple Desires, Bound by Desire, and Desires’ Guardian are the current stories in the Desires Entwined series. Actually, I’ve written one more, Temptations of Desire, that comes out in September.

Designs of Desire is the story of James and Seth. James is an artist but he’s been so hurt in his past that he’s repressed most of his art, choosing to do corporate branding instead, and doesn’t date anymore. Seth is a sensual Dom and the CEO of a company that hires James for the branding of a new hotel project. Seth sets his eyes on the sexy, quiet artist, and no never even enters his mind.

Simple Desires is a short within the Grand Adventures Anthology (for Eric and TJ). James helps Seth with one of his projects, an auction to help a new gay sports program.

Bound by Desire is also a short (free). When Seth whisks James off for a weekend alone, he has more than just a bit of play planned… He has a question that he wants to ask, but for once, he’s not certain of the answer James will give him.

Desires’ Guardian is my newest release and is the story of Chase and Rhys—whom you met in Designs of Desire.

Desires Guardian is the latest chapter in Desires Entwined, and Dreamspinner Press released it on June 6^th. Talk a bit about this installment in the series.

DG was both fun and painful to write.

When Chase and Rhys met, there were sparks but that’s not enough to overcome the anger and pain of their meeting and their pasts. As they work out how to work together and coexist, they grow closer, but then Chase’s past comes back to visit and Rhys is put to the test as he tries to help the man he’s falling for, and then has to race the clock and a murderer to save the love he hopes to keep.

Are there more books in the series on the way?

Yes, there are. As I said earlier, there’s another due out in September. There are also four more planned. Each is centered on one of James and Chase’s friends, whom you meet throughout the first three books.

Tell us something(s) interesting that is not in the blurb?

That looks can be deceiving. Chase may seem like a total party-boy and a bottom, maybe even a little bit into kink, but he’s a lot stronger than most give him credit for… and he’s a total top! 😉 Makes for some interesting issues later, lol.

What’s your favorite part of the writing process?

Oh, that would be doing the rereading where you get to sit back and watch your story unfold.

What’s your least favorite?

Editing! It is the bane of authors everywhere!

Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?

A couple of things actually. One was originally written as a short for an anthology, but has taken on a life of its own. It will be a novella when done, I think. It’s about your typical quiet IT guy who crushes on his new neighbor. The problems come in when said neighbors true nature is revealed and more than sex or their relationship is put on the line.

The other is also a novella and features one sweet but scrappy pastry chef and a closeted lawyer, lol. I won’t say much yet, as it’s still early, but both men are a lot of fun to write!

What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?

I’m a voracious reader, so I’m not certain how to answer this, lol. Grace R. Duncan, Andrew Grey, and Vicktor Alexander have held much of my reading attention lately. But, if you want a book to read… Choices by Grace R. Duncan

If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Only one? Hmm… Can we go with a top 3, maybe? Dr. Seuss, Shakespeare, Andrew Grey… All three are inspirations and kickass authors!

Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?

Playing with my kids, listening to music, working for my temple, and just visiting with friends. I’m not into parties or going out, so it’s a pretty quiet time—though I do love to crank up the tunes. 😉

Last question is all yours – feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.

One of the issues in DG is self-acceptance, though it may not seem so on the surface. In that vein, I thought I’d share the dedication…

This is for those who have come back from the edge, for those who still search for their heart, and for all who struggle with who they are.

Never give up!

Thanks for being my guest, now it’s time to plug your work.

Thanks so much for having me over!

 

Desires’ Guardian
by Tempeste O’Riley

Desires Entwined series book #2

M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Release Date: June 6th, 2014 (ebook/print)

Length: Novel / 200 pages

 

Order: ♥ Dreamspinner Press ♥ All Romance ♥ ♥ Amazon ♥ B & N ♥

Add to: Goodreads

 

Description:

Most people see Chase Manning as the party-boy twink he seems on the surface. Only James, Chase’s BFF, knows the depth of his loyalty and the extent of the wounds Chase carries inside. When Chase meets Rhys Sayer things don’t go well, but he can’t shake his attraction to the huge, sexy man.

Rhys is a man of contradictions and fear—a strange combination for a PI and bodyguard. He’s in a bad place emotionally when he sets eyes on Chase for the first time. When Chase puts the moves on him, Rhys insults him, thwarting any possibility of a relationship. Rhys doesn’t see himself as a complicated man, but he dreads the very kind of connection he desires.

Just as they’re trying to overcome their uncertainties, Chase is put in harm’s way. Luckily Rhys and their friends have all the right talents to help Rhys save the man of his dreams.

Excerpt:

Chase was thankful for the light traffic on his way to The Coiled Dragon Agency, the PI and bodyguard company Rhys and Mark owned. His mind wandered as he drove, reflecting on the changes in his life since he’d left Skye Designs. He’d only stayed so long in the first place to be there for James, but now that James only worked for them on a consulting basis and had dedicated himself to his art career, there was nothing to keep Chase there anymore. Starting his own consulting firm had terrified him at first, but he loved the freedom. Besides, it allowed him to still act as James’s assistant when needed.

He made it to the site right on time. He hoped his annoyance and exhaustion wouldn’t be too visible.

Shoving his keys into his pocket, Chase stepped out of his light blue Cruze, tilted his head back, and welcomed the crisp cool air and bright morning sun as it beat down on him. He knew he needed to wake up more and stop scowling before he met with Rhys, but his nerves had been on edge ever since he’d said yes two days ago.

He took a deep breath, then turned and headed toward the office. Chase’s phone rang as he reached for the door. “Manning,” he answered, no longer hiding the lilt he normally spoke with. He was his own boss now, and he refused to tone down or hide who he was ever again.

“Chase Manning?”

“Yes, this is Chase.”

“Good. I have the right number.” He recognized the voice but couldn’t put his finger on who it was, not with the loud, rumbling background noise.

“Yes, you have my number. Now, do I get to know who you are, or should I hang up?” he teased. 

It kind of sounded like Dal, but the chuckle that came through the phone went straight to his gut. “I had you pegged for the studious type that always checks the screen before answering.” He knew that voice now: Rhys.

“What can I do for you, Sayer?”

“You can stop right where you are and not go in that door.”

Chase’s head popped up. He looked around the driveway and the street quickly, not amused when he noticed nothing around him but normal morning traffic. The office was in a converted house; the first floor was the agency. He knew the two floors above were living quarters, though he didn’t know who lived up there.

“Why?” he ground out. “I’m here as a favor to you because James wants us to work together. For now.” He needed more caffeine and sleep if the man was getting to him this fast.

“Mark was called away on another job. I’m on my way back now, so if you go in, you’ll be breaking in, as no one’s in the office.”

Chase ground his teeth as he counted to ten in his head.

“You could have—Whatever, just hurry up or I’m going back home. Even empty, my bed is more enjoyable than you.” Chase snapped his cell shut and slipped it back into his pocket, but immediately drew it back out again and sent a short text to James.

»I SO hate you right now! XOXO«

Right after he hit send, he heard the unmistakable sound of Rhys’s Softail.

His cell chimed.

»LOL« was all James replied.

Desires Entwined Series:

 

  

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America®, Rainbow Romance Writers, and WisRWA. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com.

Website ♥ Goodreads ♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ Google + ♥ DSP ♥ Blog