January Spotlight: 5 Authors, 5 Questions, 5 Prizes #LGBT #Interview #RGRGiveaway

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It’s a new year and so we have decided to try something new. Every month we will spotlight 5 authors, ask them 5 questions and you will have the opportunity to win one of 5 prizes by commenting on the post. We hope you will enjoy getting to know the spotlighted authors and wish you good luck for the giveaways, if you choose to participate. 

This month, Eden Winters, Felice Stevens, Lane Hayes, Nora Phoenix and Renae Kaye have agreed to be our first guniea pi… err… our very first esteemed guests. 🙂 Check out our interview with all 5 authors below and don’t forget to leave a comment to enter the big giveaway. 

Giveaway Details are below, but while each author brought one giveaway, there will actually be 9!!! winners (for wonderful eBooks and 3 Amazon Gift Cards) chosen randomly from all commenters of this post. 🙂

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[Question 1] RAINBOW GOLD REVIEWS: 

What was the best thing that happened to you in 2017?

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Eden Winters: 

The writer of happy-ever-afters achieved one for herself. On January 6, 2017 I married a kilted Stormtrooper, surrounded by Star Wars cosplaying friends. Darth Vader gave me away! My husband is supportive of me and my work, and even listened to one of my audiobooks, as he’s not a reader.

Felice Stevens: 

Hmm. Work wise? I think it was launching the first Gay Romance Kindle World for Amazon. It was so much fun writing my own story and reading all the other wonderful stories the authors wrote for the world. I’m excited to see the future for it.

Lane Hayes:

2017 was a great year of travel for me. One of my standout trips was last April when my husband and I took our daughter to London and Paris. She hadn’t been since she was a baby and it was so fun to see some of my favorite sights in Europe through new eyes. And professionally, 2017 marks my first foray into self-publishing!

Nora Phoenix: 

The best thing was definitely releasing my first MM romance, No Filter. What a rush that was! I was truly proud of myself that day for realizing a dream I’d had since I was a teen. I released two more books in 2017 (two more books in that same series), but that first release was special to me.

Renae Kaye: 

Strength – and the fact that same-sex marriage passed in Australia!
2017 was a bad year all round. Politically there was global unrest. In the author world there were more and more reports of pirating and scam artists taking money away from hard working authors. My family’s health wasn’t very good for most of the year. Here in Australia we had a vicious and ugly political argument over same sex marriage. So what good came from all that? I survived and came out stronger the other end… and we got the law passed so that Australia is no longer behind the eight-ball with gay marriage.

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[Question 2] RAINBOW GOLD REVIEWS: 

Did you make a new year’s resolution and if yes, what was it?

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Eden Winters: 

Yes. I always choose something simple each year, like learning to eat with chopsticks. This year I’m going to try a cuisine I’ve never experienced before.

Felice Stevens: 

Haha. I try not to make resolutions BUT I am determined to use my new planner, so please wish me luck!

Lane Hayes: 

I never make resolutions! Why set yourself up for failure? LOL. I do, however, set goals and do my best to achieve them. Usually my goals have something to do with writing, travel and health. Write more, travel more and be healthier!

Nora Phoenix: 

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I do make goals for each new year. I jokingly call them my plans for world domination. For my writing, my plan is release a bunch of books and attend three conferences: Euro Pride Con, the UK Meet, and GRL. I went to GRL last year and it was a lot of fun connecting with readers and other writers. For my personal life, I hope to make an epic summer trip with my son this year. We haven’t figured out where we’re gonna go, but I want to show him something of the world and enjoy his company before he’s too cool to hang out with me anymore!

Renae Kaye: 

I always seem to make the same sort of resolutions regarding being healthier and happier for the coming year. This year I made a resolution that should help me in both of those regards – I’ve resolved not to click on news articles about the US president, and not read Facebook posts about it. They just make me so sad that nothing seems to be able to be done to help people that are hurting and persecuted since the change of president. So I’m going to be happier because I’m not caught up in the drama that surrounds the president, and I’m going to be healthier because for me, mental health is everything.

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[Question 3] RAINBOW GOLD REVIEWS: 

Which book by another author are you most looking forward to reading this year?

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Eden Winters: 

There are too many to mention, and as surely as I name one, I’ll find out another favorite author has a new book coming out this year. So many words, so little time.

Felice Stevens: 

Oh hands down, The Magician Murders by Josh Lanyon. I’m in love with that whole Art of Murder series.

Lane Hayes: 

The first book that pops to mind is Gillibran Brown’s Revelations. I love his snarky sense of humor!

Nora Phoenix: 

That’s a tough one! I’ll have to say Reunion, by Lynn Van Dorn. Her first book Damage Control was epic, and I cannot wait to read more from her. She’s shared little snippets of Reunion in her reader’s group, and the book just sounds amazing—which I’m sure it is. Plus, it should come out soon, so that helps build my anticipation, lol.

Renae Kaye: 

I’ve actually just seen it. It’s called “His Personal Assistant” by LJ Harris. She’s been talking
about writing it and editing it for so long, I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.

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[Question 4] RAINBOW GOLD REVIEWS: 

Which of your books would you recommend most to a reader, who is new to your work?

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Eden Winters: If they like contemporary, I’d suggest the Diversion series, starting with book one, Diversion. If they’re into paranormal and/or historical, Duet might be a better fit.

Felice Stevens: I guess it’s what someone likes to read. People still love my debut, Rescued, because Ryder and Jason are so sweet and sexy together. If you want something with a bit more heat, there’s The Arrangement. For angst, there’s A Walk through Fire. My personal favorite is probably One Call Away.

Lane Hayes: I would recommend a new reader start at the beginning of one of my series with book one and make their way through. Better Than Good, The Right Words, A Kind of Truth, or my newest series Leaning Into Love.

Nora Phoenix: Well, right now I have three books out that are all part of a series and not stand-alones, so my first book No Filter is the logical choice. The last book in that series will be released on the 26th of this month, so now is the perfect time to start reading it.

Renae Kaye: “Loving Jay.”
This book radiates happiness – which I love. I’m known for writing humour, Australian and blue-collar workers. My most humorous book is “Shawn’s Law,” my most Australian book is “The Shearing Gun,” and my most blue-collar/down- to-earth/regular guys feel is “Safe in His Arms.” But if you want all three – go for “Loving Jay.”

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[Question 5] RAINBOW GOLD REVIEWS: 

What have you planned for us in 2018? Any exciting new releases or other news you want to share with us?

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Eden Winters: While I’m not sure I’ll have a new release in 2018, I’m hard at work on Suspicion (Diversion 7). I’m also auditioning narrators to bring Lucky and Bo to life, sort of, via audiobook.

Felice Stevens: Oh lots and lots!! I just had a short story release called I Do, I Do – which showcases the weddings of Gideon and Jonah and Adam and Rico. They are two of my most popular couples and I had a lot of fun writing it. I have the next book in my Soulmates series coming called Perfect. After that I have a series planned about a group of guys who dance at a club called Man Up. I haven’t forgotten the Landmark series either and that will be coming this summer. And so many other things!

Lane Hayes: I’m very excited about 2018! I plan to publish two full-length novels in my Leaning Into series before I start a new one. Next up is Leaning Into the Look! It should be out by February/March.

Nora Phoenix: I’m really excited about the new series Ballsy Boys I’m co-authoring with K.M. Neuhold. Ballsy Boys will be a series about gay porn stars in LA. They’re so sexy and confident on the outside, but underneath they’re vulnerable men looking for real love, just like everyone else. The first book, Rebel, will be released on the 31st of this month—yes, I have two books coming out in January! If readers want to experience a first glimpse, they van check out our free intro to the series, Ballsy, available on Instafreebie. We hope to release at least three books in the Ballsy Boys series this year. Other than that, I have at least two solo books planned, with a whole lot more percolating in my head. It’ll be an awesome year, I can feel it…

Renae Kaye: Yes! Please! I’ve just released a short story called, Hard Feelings at the beginning of the month (because everyone needs to read about a man who has a pet bull), and it’s just a preview of lots of Renae Kaye work that is coming out this year.

But, my exciting news is that Sean Kennedy and I have teamed up to write a series called “On a Night Like This.” I’m not sure if you know, but Sean and I both live in the isolated city of Perth. Perth is separated from the rest of Australia by a pretty big desert that is populated with kangaroos and not much else. So we have a reputation as a backwater town. But we like it like that. Sean and I both love our Aussie stories – and share a very Aussie humour – so we’ve been talking about writing together for ages. Well, we finally sat down and did it. But we wanted something that was quintessential Australian. Who is our lovely gay icon from Australia – none other than our beautiful Kylie Minogue? So as a tribute to her, we’ve built a series around worshipping Kylie and participating in the Pride parade we have here in Perth each November. The series features seven couples who all end up at the same Pride parade. Each have their own little story as to why and how they ended up there. So, releasing on the 16 th of January, we have Book #1 – “Wow!” by Sean Kennedy. It will be followed in a fortnight by a story by me, and then more releases fortnightly until you have the whole series.

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Diversion (Diversion #1) by  Eden Winters is about 238 pgs long. An audiobook version of book one is currently in the works.

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There are good guys, bad guys, and then there’s Lucky.

Former drug trafficker Richmond “Lucky” Lucklighter flaunts his past like a badge of honor. He speaks his mind, doesn’t play nice, and flirts with disaster while working off his sentence with the Southeastern Narcotics Bureau. If he can keep out of trouble a while longer he’ll be a free man–after he trains his replacement.

Textbook-quoting, by the book Bo Schollenberger is everything Lucky isn’t. Lucky slurps coffee, Bo lives caffeine free. Lucky worships bacon, Bo eats tofu. Lucky trusts no one, Bo calls suspects by first name. Yet when the chips are down on their shared case of breaking up a drug diversion ring, they may have more in common than they believe.

Two men. Close quarters. Friction results in heat. But Lucky scoffs at partnerships, no matter how thrilling the roller-coaster. Bo has two months to break down Lucky’s defenses… and seconds are ticking by

Buy Links: Amazon | Add to Goodreads

 

 

 

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One Call Away (Soulmates #2) by Felice Stevens is about 383 pgs long. The audiobook, narrated by Seth Clayton, is 10 hrs and 54 min long.

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When a brutal attack from a jealous competitor leaves Noah Strauss, darling of the modeling world, physically scarred and emotionally damaged, he quits the runway to become a psychologist. Using his contacts from his time in the spotlight, he creates One Call Away, a radio show dedicated to gay men looking for love, advice or someone to talk to. But with secrets of his own and a mother who refuses to understand the career path he’s chosen, the one person Noah can’t seem to help is himself.

On a drunken dare from the senior partner’s grandson, Oren Leavitt calls Noah’s radio show, pretending to be gay. Only Oren isn’t certain if he’s pretending. He’s left his strict Orthodox Jewish upbringing behind, but the guilt remains. Guilt that his actions have prevented his sister from finding a husband and guilt that he’s failed his parents. Talking to “Dr. Noah” helps, and as he finds himself calling the man again and again, he knows he must be honest. But Oren is unsure if he’s lying to Noah or himself.

For Noah, trust is paramount; he’s been deceived in his personal and professional life and while he desperately wants to help Oren, he also finds himself falling for the sweet and tortured man. Oren is trapped: he risks losing his job and more importantly the love and security of his family but knows he can’t hide if he wants to be with Noah. When unresolved heartaches from the past rise up to control the present, Noah and Oren discover that love often comes from the most unexpected places, and sometimes a call for help not only saves a life, it can be a new and beautiful beginning.

Buy Links: Amazon | Audible | Add to Goodreads

 

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Leaning Into Touch (Leaning Into #4) by Lane Hayes is about 268 pgs long. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited!

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Josh Sheehan is unlucky in love and now… newly unemployed. He’s not sure what to do next, but he’s sure he should give up on romance. Especially after last time. His friends warned him that falling for the hunky Irishman was a bad idea. Josh can’t help feeling torn even though he knows it’s best to move on. But when an unexpected dose of family drama blindsides him, Josh finds himself leaning on the one man he’s supposed to forget. 

Finn Gallagher is driven by success. He makes no secret that building a name for his tech company is his number one goal. Finn left home a decade ago with a ton of regret, a heavy heart, and a vow to never repeat the same mistake twice. However, there is something undeniably appealing about the self-deprecating man with the silly sense of humor that makes it difficult for Finn to remember why falling for Josh is a bad idea. It soon becomes clear they’re both in deeper than they intended. There is no way to remain untouched. And there is so much to gain, if they’re brave enough to lean in. 

Buy Links: Amazon | Add to Goodreads

 

 

 

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No Fear (No Shame #3) by Nora Phoenix is about 325 pgs long. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited!

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Aaron is drowning. After coming out as gay, he lost his parents’ approval, his job, and his sense of identity. He feels like a freak who doesn’t fit in anywhere. His last hope was his brother Josh, but Josh can’t seem to forgive him for how Aaron treated him when they were teens. Not that Aaron can blame him, because he did treat Josh like crap. 

All Aaron wants is for someone to accept him, guide him, because he doesn’t have a clue. When sexy jiujitsu teacher Blake takes him in and starts mentoring him, Aaron has hope for the first time, even though he can’t understand what Blake sees in him.

Blake doesn’t do relationships. At all. He’s more than willing to help Aaron find solid ground under his feet, but that’s it. Until insecure, vulnerable, and surprisingly sexy Aaron gets under his skin, triggering all kinds of protective instincts that make Blake long for more. He wants to take care of Aaron, give him what he needs, but how can he convince Aaron of that?

When Josh’s friend-with-benefits Indy’s past finally catches up with him, it endangers them all—and leads to heartbreaking decisions for everyone involved. 

Buy Links: Amazon | Add to Goodreads

 

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Hard Feelings by Renae Kaye is about 55 pgs long. This book is available on Kindle Unlimited!

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Joe “Moe” Mitchell spends his days surfing and working with his grandfather breeding stud bulls. Sam Carstairs is a photographer who hires Moe as a model. The two guys hit it off. But Moe is all about casual relationships with no hard feelings.

But what if those feelings change?

**This short story originally appeared in Queermance II as an anthology submission. It has been extended for publication as a standalone**

Buy Links: Amazon | Add to Goodreads

 

 

 

 

 

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Comment on this post for the chance to win one of the following prizes:

1| One e-copy of any book in the Diversion series, A Bear Walks Into a Bar, Settling the Score, The Angel of 13th Street, or Fallen Angel by Eden Winters.

2| One $5 Amazon GC by Felice Stevens.

3| One $10 Amazon GC by Lane Hayes.

4| One 5€ or $5 Amazon GC by Nora Phoenix.

5| Five e-copies of either Hard Feelings, Bear Chasing or Out of the Rain by Renae Kaye.

You need to be 18 years or older to participate in this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Etc.

Winners will be randomly drawn from all commenters on this post via random.org

This Giveaway will end on January 31st, 2018 at 11:59 PM CST

GOOD LUCK!!! ❤

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EDEN WINTERS | Website | FB | Twitter: @EdenWinters1

You will know Eden Winters by her distinctive white plumage and exuberant cry of “Hey, y’all!” in a Southern US drawl so thick it renders even the simplest of words unrecognizable. Watch out, she hugs!

Driven by insatiable curiosity, she possibly holds the world’s record for curriculum changes to the point that she’s never quite earned a degree but is a force to be reckoned with at Trivial Pursuit.

She’s trudged down hallways with police detectives, learned to disarm knife-wielding bad guys, and witnessed the correct way to blow doors off buildings. Her e-mail contains various snippets of forensic wisdom, such as “What would a dead body left in a Mexican drug tunnel look like after six months?” In the process of her adventures she has written fourteen m/m romance novels, has won several Rainbow Awards, was a Lambda Awards Finalist, and lives in terror of authorities showing up at her door to question her Internet searches.

When not putting characters in dangerous situations she’s a mild-mannered business executive, mother, grandmother, vegetarian, and PFLAG activist.

Her natural habitats are airports, coffee shops, and on the backs of motorcycles.

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FELICE STEVENS | Website | FB | Twitter: @FeliceStevens1 | Felice’s Fierce Fans

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, My characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there are bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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LANE HAYES | Website | FB | Twitter: @LaneHayes3 | Email: lanehayes@ymail.com

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 stories 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 receivedHonorable Mentions, and won first prize in the 2016 and 2017 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.

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NORA PHOENIX | Website | FB | Twitter: @NoraFromBHR | Nora’s Nook

When she was a little tot, Nora’s mom got a library subscription for her. That, as they say, was that, and a lifelong love for books was born. Nora never stopped reading and doesn’t exaggerate when she says she devours books, rather than plain reads them. She started writing stories as soon as she could hold a pen, and wrote her first full book as a teen (on a typewriter!). It took her waaaay too long to follow her dream to become a romance author. 

Nora writes M/M romance, because hello, sexy boys, and likes her men flawed, strong, and a tad broken. She appreciates a little kink, but insists on a happy ever after.

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RENAE KAYE | Website | FB | Twitter: @renaekkaye | Email: renaekaye@iinet.net.au

Renae Kaye is a lover and hoarder of books who thinks libraries are devilish places, because they make you give the books back. She consumed her first adult romance book at the tender age of thirteen and hasn’t stopped since. After years – and thousands of stories! – of not having book characters do what she wants, she decided she would write her own novel and found the characters still didn’t do what she wanted. It hasn’t stopped her though. She believes that maybe one day the world will create a perfect couple – and it will be the most boring story ever. So until then she is stuck with quirky, snarky and imperfect characters who just want their story told. 

Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia and writes in five minute snatches between the demands of two kids, a forbearing husband, too many pets, too much housework and her beloved veggie garden. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything.