Gunmetal Gods
by Zamil Akhtar
Series: Gunmetal Gods (#1)
Published: October 15, 2020
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 500
CW: Graphic Violence, Gore, Torture, Rape
POSSIBLE ULTIMATE TOUR EXPERIENCE TICKETS: It’s all about the journey, An unforgettable sidekick, The more the merrier, The wings of change, That ship has sailed, Love actually, A villain you love to hate, I’m not crying, you are crying, Valhalla awaits, Bring on the magic, Bring on the magic
They took his daughter, so Micah comes to take their kingdom. Fifty thousand gun-toting paladins march behind him, all baptized in angel blood, thirsty to burn unbelievers.
Only the janissaries can stand against them. Their living legend, Kevah, once beheaded a magus amid a hail of ice daggers. But ever since his wife disappeared, he spends his days in a haze of hashish and poetry.
To save the kingdom, Kevah must conquer his grief and become the legend he once was. But Micah writes his own legend in blood, and his righteous conquest will stop at nothing.
When the gods choose sides, a legend will be etched upon the stars.
When Zamil was fourteen, he moved from the dry, dune-spotted Arabian peninsula to the hilly, arctic wasteland that is Western Massachusetts. He despises the cold, isn’t very fond of the sun, and prefers spending all day indoors mashing the keyboard in the hopes something great will come of it. When not dreaming up dark and fantastical journeys, he enjoys binging horror movies, wasting precious time arguing about international relations on Reddit, and occasionally traveling somewhere exotic. He currently lives in Dubai with his loving wife and his badly-behaved pet rabbit.
Join us for this tour from July 6 to July 26, 2021!
Book Title: Road to the Breaking Category: Adult Fiction (18 +) , 345 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: CPB Publishing, LLC Release date: January 2021 Content Rating: PG-13. Cursing, violence and war scenes, etc. Book Description:
Nothing survived “The Breaking” unchanged; lives and fortunes, love and hate, freedom and slavery …
It’s early 1860, and war hero Captain Nathaniel Chambers, commander U.S. Army Fort Davis in the west Texas wilderness, has received shocking news – his father is dead. He must return home to Virginia and claim his inheritance before a maniacal neighbor can murder his widowed mother and seize the family plantation.
But he’s torn by a terrible dilemma – to stay in the army and turn his back on his fortune, his mother and his beloved childhood home, or become the thing he despises; a slave master! Is there no other choice?
An epic journey across a young nation seething with debauchery, brutality, corruption, and political intrigue, unwittingly on the brink of an unimaginable disaster; the American Civil War. Nathan Chambers has left the violent army life behind in Texas, never imaging he’s on the very Road to The Breaking.
Book Title: Enigma (Road to the Breaking Book 2) by Chris Bennett Category: Adult Fiction (18 +) , 514 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: CPB Publishing, LLC Release date: February 2021 Format available for review: print – softback, e-book ( mobi file (for Kindle), ePub, PDF) Will send print books out: USA Content Rating: PG-13. Cursing, violence and war scenes, etc.
Book Description:
“How can I call myself a man of good conscience, when I myself am no better than a slaver?”
It’s summer 1860, and former army Captain Nathan Chambers has returned home to Virginia to claim his inheritance: a large plantation with more than one hundred slaves. Nathan wants no part of slavery and intends to sell the farm and all its slaves. But even as he arrives home, enduring fearful and downcast stares from despondent black faces, he knows what he must do … and the price he must pay for doing it.
As Nathan works to carry out his ambitious plans, he is troubled by
rumors of succession and war, even as a villainous neighbor plots a
violent end to their decades-long family feud.
And then Evelyn arrives … strikingly beautiful, spirited, and
intriguing, she is the daughter of an old family friend. But the more
Nathan is drawn in by her charms, the harder she pushes him away …
The Road to the Breaking Series is an epic tale of a young nation seething with debauchery, brutality, corruption, and political intrigue, unwittingly on the brink of a deadly precipice: the American Civil War. In Book 2 of the series, Nathan Chambers has returned from the
violent army life out West, only to face a heart wrenching Enigma at home.
Author Interview:
How did you do research for your book?
When I was in college (a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …) you had to go to the library and dig through the microfiche files or card catalogs trying to find the source materials you were looking for. If you wanted to get down to first-hand, original materials you might even have to travel to the places where events took place, hoping someone had preserved those nuggets of information you needed. We are fortunate in that regard to live in the Internet age. If I dig hard enough, I can usually find original source materials that have been scanned into searchable digital files that are publicly accessible in government or university archives. A great example of this is I was able to find a scanned image of the official minutes of the Virginia Senate meetings in which they were first discussing secession, including who voted for and against each specific resolution. In the past I would’ve had to fly from the West Coast to Richmond, Virginia and hope that a librarian in the government archives would be able and willing to assist me in finding this information. I can also go online and purchase an electronic version of a book on a given topic, download it to my Kindle, and have it read in one day. I’m very grateful I don’t have to do it the old-fashioned way!
2. If you could go back in time, where would you go?
I suppose that depends on if you are talking about the real (dirty, gritty, brutal, short-life spans) version of the past, or the romanticized (chivalrous knights in shining armor) version of the past. I think in the romanticized version, the time before gunpowder, with swords and spears and one’s own strength and courage against ones enemies, has a lot of appeal. If you are talking reality, I think being around during WWII, part of the “greatest generation” would be my preference; they had heroic things worth fighting for that brought them together as a nation, but the lifestyle (hygiene, medical science, longevity, etc.) was very similar to today.
3. Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
The most challenging for me was writing female characters. In book 2 of my series there’s an entire chapter devoted to the female lead Evelyn picking out dresses and trying on makeup in preparation for her meeting with her prospective future husband. I definitely had to do a lot of research for that one! The easiest for me was my main protagonist, Nathan Chambers. Although he’s definitely not autobiographical, he still sees things and reacts to things in much the same way I would (or at least I would like to think I), so it’s fairly easy to write about what he would do or say in a given situation.
4. What is your next project?
I’m currently working on Book 6 of Road to the Breaking, and it’s looking like, according to the timeline, it’s going to be a ten-book series to get it to the end of the Civil War. After that I have a few things in mind:
Continuing with Nathan’s descendants through time, with a tradition of attending West Point and being involved in the nation’s major conflicts
Writing one of the WWII plots I had originally considered
A Road to the Breaking prequel (Nathan’s childhood?)
Or a standalone, spinoff novel focusing one or more of the interesting side characters of the original series.
I’m thinking I may ask my readers for input on what they’d like to see next (maybe do a poll?)
5. What genre do you write and why?
When I was a teenager I became a huge Lord of the Rings fan and went on to read all kinds of fantasy books and series. At the same time, I also really loved reading about and studying history, as well as reading historical fiction. When I decided to write a book, the first thing I thought about was something Tolkienesque. But the thought of having to invent an entire new world, with its geography, culture, races, languages, history, etc. was daunting. Much better to pick a genre that already had a pre-built “container” in which to insert fictional characters. And within historical fiction, so far I’ve been focused on American history (because it’s the most familiar) and I do enjoy the action and drama of a wartime scenario, though I don’t necessarily want to write a book that is only about fighting a war. I’m more interested in the characters involved, and how the war is impacting their lives, even their personal home lives.
6. What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
I guess continuing to play high school football after suffering multiple concussions. At the time nobody realized just how dangerous that was. But I was young, strong, and fearless and wasn’t going to let a little thing like “getting my bell rung” stop me. Looking back on it now, it’s amazing I can still hold a story in my head!
7. Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.
I like gardening; there’s something very satisfying and calming about it. I also enjoy something more adventurous: going fishing in Alaska with some of my long-time friends. There nothing like going out and getting wet and dirty in a wild part of the country with a group of fun, rugged guys.
8. If there is one thing you want readers to remember about you, what would it be?
I think I would have them remember that I like to create really memorable and relatable characters. People that may be totally different from you, but you still understand and care about; that seem real and become a part of your life while you are reading the books. I am regularly getting emails from readers who say, “I really love Stan,” or “Billy,” or “Harry the Dog,” which they usually follow with “please don’t kill them off in the series!” I think that means I’ve done my job well.
Chris A. Bennett grew up on the shores of Klamath Lake in southeastern Oregon. For a young boy it was a dream world of water, hills, forests, and abundant wildlife. His love for action and adventure morphed into a lifelong love for books when his Mom read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to the family on a long road trip.
Chris’s thirst for adventure never faded and he began to live out his love of history onto the pages of his first book, Road to the Breaking. Once he started writing he just couldn’t stop and the result is The Road to the Breaking series; an epic journey across a young nation seething with debauchery, brutality, corruption, and political intrigue, unwittingly on the brink of an unimaginable disaster: the American Civil
War.
Chris currently lives near Seattle with his wife Patricia. His three adult children Nick, Rachel, and Josh also live in the Puget Sound area.
Tour Schedule:
July 6 –Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight / giveaway July 6 – Working Mommy journal – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / giveaway July 7 – The Momma Spot – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / giveaway July 8 – Books for Books – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) July 12 – Books for Books – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) July 13 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / giveaway July 13 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / giveaway July 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – books spotlight / guest post / giveaway July 16 – The Momma Spot – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) / giveaway July 19 – Splashes of Joy – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / author interview / giveaway July 19 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / giveaway July 20 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) / giveaway July 20 – Bound 4 Escape – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) / giveaway July 20 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) / giveaway July 20 – fundinmental – books spotlight / giveaway July 21 – @twilight_reader – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) July 21 – Literary Flits – books spotlight / giveaway July 22 – @twilight_reader – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) July 22 – Character Madness and Musings – book review of ROAD TO THE BREAKING (Book 1) / guest post / giveaway July 23 – Splashes of Joy – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) / giveaway July 23 – Character Madness and Musings – book review of ENIGMA (ROAD TO THE BREAKING, Book 2) / giveaway July 26 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Adrian “Bolt” Hall doesn’t give a shit about anything….except music.
His goal? Rock stardom.
In 1981, he is on his way. He has the look, the attitude, and a band that kicks ass.
The last thing he needs is a distraction. And that’s just what SHE is.
From the moment he sees Melody wiggling her ass across the high school parking lot, he can think of nothing else. He vows to make Melody his.
There’s just one problem. She can’t stand the sight of him.
Melody Stewart grew up in a life of privilege, with wealthy parents who shipped her off to boarding school when she was younger. As she returns to public school for her senior year, there’s only one thing on her mind…fitting in.
She’s not trying to attract anyone’s attention, least of all that of an angry punk rocker intent on taking her virginity. A guy who will use her, then discard her as he has done to countless others.
Melody’s determined to resist Bolt’s advances…even it if means denying her own attraction to the spike haired, rockstar wannabe.
♥♥♥ Start the Fire is a rockstar romance about falling in love and making love for the first time. If you love opposites attract, enemies to lovers, bully, new adult romance, Start the Fire will be a great addition to your library. ♥♥♥
Author’s Note: This book contains a scene of sexual violence that some might find upsetting. Another character will step up to stop it. (This scene is further discussed in future books as these characters grow and mature) Other content matter includes child abuse and the deaths of loved ones.
“Be back in a minute,” Adrian shouted to the guys. Then he escorted Annette to her car. “Make it quick. What about Melody?”
“Don’t act as if you don’t have a clue. You tell me you like her, then you write some stupid song about her and get her upset. What’s going on with you two?”
“Calm down. Everything’s fine. I talked to her after school and I promise everything is great between us.”
“You must think I’m an idiot. Why don’t you leave her alone? Forget about her first day at school and let her live without your vengeance. She’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had and she’s very sweet.” Annette tossed a glance to the girl waiting on Adrian. “She’s not like the trash you’re used to.”
“You think I don’t know that?” Adrian leaned on Annette’s car. Hell, that’s what I like about her—and hate about her.
“Then leave her alone. She’s not your type.”
He winced. Did Annette think he wasn’t good enough for Melody? That all he deserved were the chicks that hung out at the club—the ones who so easily spread their legs for him?
“Will you please stop bothering Melody? For me? You’re family, and I care about you. I care about her, too. I don’t want to see my own cousin hurt my best friend.”
“I don’t want to hurt her,” he admitted, admiring his cousin’s loyalty to her new friend. “I do like her. A whole lot, in fact. But, she doesn’t exactly fit my image, and I have a reputation to uphold.”
“Oh? And is the reputation you’re protecting more important than Melody’s feelings?”
“I don’t know.” Adrian shifted his feet as he grew uneasy with his cousin’s questioning. There were too many unresolved issues with Melody. How could he even put into words the way Melody made him feel? “I like her at times, but sometimes I’d like to slit her throat.”
“Adrian!” Annette gasped as her hands flew to her mouth.
“Come on, you know I’d never do something like that.”
Annette turned away clearly mortified by his words.
He hugged her tightly and kissed the top of her head. “Sorry, I was joking.”
She turned back to him and smacked his chest. “It wasn’t funny.”
“Forgive me?” He stared down at her, pushing his bottom lip into a pout.
“Look, I believe you’re telling the truth about liking Melody.” Annette pulled from his embrace. “I think she likes you, too.”
Annette turned to the girl who was still waiting for Adrian’s return. She was staring at the two of them, arms crossed, rolling her eyes and tapping her foot.
“Be careful with Melody. I’m serious. She’s not like these girls. She went to an all-girls private school. She doesn’t know much about guys and dating.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Adrian scoffed. “She’s always talking like she’s been around. After the scene with her today, I almost believe it.”
“What scene?”
He smiled wickedly. “In her car. She may not know much about guys, but someone taught her a thing or two. She kisses like a pro.”
Annette’s emerald eyes widened. “You kissed her?”
Adrian’s grin stretched wider as he thought about it. “Yeah, and it was fucking amazing.”
“Well, don’t go teaching her anything else.” Annette poked a finger into his chest. “I know you. You’ll have sex with her once, and ditch her.”
“Maybe if I did, I could get her out of my system.”
“If that’s the case, let her stay in your system.”
Adrian laughed, then playfully punched Annette in the arm.
“Hey, if I’m not mistaken—” he said, ducking the punches she began returning in his direction— “you said something about Melody liking me.”
Annette stopped the childish play and opened her car door. “She said she loved your blue eyes, and that you were good looking…in a perverted kind of way.”
“She said that? Cool!” He smiled as he strutted around like a peacock.
“I knew you’d be thrilled.” Annette rolled her eyes. “Look, I’ve got to get home. I’ll see you in school tomorrow.”
“You’ll see me.” He winked. “But I’ll have my eye on Melody.”
Annette shook her head as she eased into her car. “You’re crazy, Adrian.”
“It’s Bolt, remember?”
“Bolt? Adrian? Doesn’t matter. You’re still crazy!”
Adrian watched his cousin drive away. Melody likes me! He pumped his fist in the air, feeling victorious.
He headed back to the van, and saw that the girl was no longer waiting on him. For some reason, he didn’t care. He wasn’t in the mood for another girl tonight. It seemed wrong for him to be with someone else after the kisses he and Melody had shared.
Shit! What am I thinking? He smacked himself in the forehead. When have I ever not wanted sex? Melody is making me lose my fucking mind!
But the kisses they’d shared were hotter than anything he’d ever experienced before. He realized he needed to get his ass in gear and put the wheels in motion. No matter what Annette said, he needed to fuck Melody and be done with her—get her out of his head so he could go back to thinking straight and being his normal self again.
Burned By the Fire
Love On Fire Book 2
Five years. Five long years without HER.
Melody. The only woman to ever break down Adrian’s icy walls and capture his heart.
And not just Melody. But Adrianna, too. His child. A daughter he never knew existed.
Until now. And now, they can begin planning a future together.
But, Adrian’s plans to spend time with his family are thwarted by a contractual agreement.
With his band, Lightning, forced to hit the road again, Adrian’s world spirals out of control.
Melody becomes the object of desire for one of Adrian’s longtime friends.
Adding fuel to the fire, is Adrian’s former lover, who will stop at nothing to get into his bed once again.
And when Adrian’s long lost mother reenters his life, the situation becomes even more explosive.
As the tour moves from city to city, the doubts and mistrust build. Suspicion turns into arguments. Arguments turn into fights. Fights become a separation.
Adrian and Melody’s relationship will be tested in the cruelest of ways.
Is their fiery love destined to turn into ash?
♥♥♥ Burned by the Fire is a rockstar, new adult, erotic romance filled with drama. It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions as Adrian and Melody navigate (sometimes successfully and sometimes not) the most heartbreaking situations.♥♥♥
Author’s Note: This book contains sex without consent and deaths that some readers will find upsetting. Other content subject matter includes parental abandonment, romantic obsession, suicide, violence, drug abuse, anger and jealousy. The events of this book will change the characters in profound ways that will resonate and become important in future books of the series.
It’s been five years since Adrian “Bolt” Hall was given a second chance at life and he’s made the most of it.
The anger and bitterness of his youth…vanished.
The drama and heartache of the past…gone.
Together with his gorgeous wife, Melody, Adrian has created a loving home and surrounded himself with loyal friends. And just when he thinks life can’t get any better, his former band, Lightning is offered an opportunity to make a comeback
There’s only one thing missing from this idyllic life, and it’s something Melody desperately wants again….a child. But, no matter how many times Adrian makes love to her, his wife can’t seem to get pregnant.
With his virility called into question, Adrian’s perfect world begins to crumble.
A tragic death reopens old wounds from his childhood.
The band’s search for a new drummer leads them to an excellent candidate—one with a very close connection to the man who raped Melody.
Long held secrets are revealed that not only break the hearts of his loved ones, but even puts the life of his best friend in danger.
And when Melody begins receiving myserious threats…it’s all Adrian can do to keep it together.
With each new challenge, Adrian’s resolve to remain the good man he has become is challenged. He struggles with the temptation to slip back into his old ways of jealousy, mistrust, and anger…the old ways that destroyed his band, took his children from him, and nearly ended his relationship with Melody.
Can Adrian and Melody keep their fiery love raging? Or are they destined to be haunted by the ghosts of the past?
♥♥♥ Raging Fire is a rockstar, erotic romance filled with drama. The friendship that binds this band together is rock solid and their loyalty to one another is what keeps them going even in the worst of times. Be prepared for highs, lows, and a lot of sexiness from our main characters, Adrian and Melody.♥♥♥
Author’s note: This book contains a scene of sexual violence that some readers may find upsetting. Other subject matter includes infedelity, parental abandonment, gun violence, domestic abuse, infertility, jealousy, and anger.
Keith “Kat” Williams is the best friend everyone wants.
As bassist for the rock band, Lightning, Kat’s level head and cool composure were the glue that held the band together, even in the worst of times.
His fierce loyalty to his best friend, Adrian, kept the band’s lead singer on a path that eventually led him to marital bliss with his wife, Melody. Kat has always envied the love that Adrian and Melody share because it’s something he’s been unable to find….until now.
Kat believes he has found the love of his life with Annette, a woman he’s had a crush on since high school.
Annette has left her unfaithful husband and is building a new life for herself and her three sons. In Kat, she sees a gorgeous man with a good heart. One who has always been there for her, even when her husband was not.
As Kat and Annette begin to look beyond the boundaries of friendship, they begin to see the possibility of a relationship that could last a lifetime.
There’s just one problem…her husband wants her back.
Despite all his failures as a husband and father, Adam Bryant promises Annette they can pick up the pieces and put their family back together. But when his wife repeatedly refuses him, something snaps, and a dark, sinister side of Adam emerges—one willing to destroy every relationship Annette has ever had, and hurt everyone she loves.
Including their sons.
Can Kat and Annette make it through the fire?
♥♥♥ Through the Fire is a rockstar, erotic romance. There’s lots of drama, a hallmark of my books. If you find yourself laughing one minute, and then in tears the next, I’ve done my job. Kat and Annette will face many obstacles to get to their happy ever after, but with their loyal friends always there for them, they just might make it.♥♥♥
Author’s note: This book’s content matter includes the subjects of alcoholism, divorce, infidelity, the outing of a gay character, rape, suicide, jealousy, and anger.
John “Buzzy” Thomas, keyboardist for the band, Lightning, has been called all these things. What he’s never been called is someone’s boyfriend. Or a man in love.
While his bandmates have settled or slowed down from their promiscuous days, Buzzy still enjoys the sexual perks of being a world-famous musician.
Then he meets Danielle, a young woman fleeing from an abusive marriage, and unfamiliar feelings begin to stir in his heart. He longs to protect Danielle and make certain she never hurts again.
Danielle Jones has had her share of disappointments. From a young age, life dealt her a difficult hand. But, with the help of Melody Hall and Douglas “Dagger” Meyers, she and her young son, Tyler, escape their house of horrors and begin again. For the first time, Danielle feels in control of her life. She has a job she loves and plans to continue her education. Even though she loves Buzzy, she sometimes feels smothered. And because of her disasterous past, she keeps him at arm’s length, not able to fully commit.
With determination, love, and a healthy dose humor, Buzzy breaks down Danielle’s protective wall. But, as soon as she gives him her heart AND body, a friend of Buzzy’s comes forward with an announcement that alters all their lives.
Devastated, Danielle runs away from the pain of another broken heart while Buzzy sinks into despair as he struggles to do the right thing.
The band family rallies around the couple, trying to help them find a way back together. But only Buzzy and Danielle know if their hearts can heal and find their way back to one another.
♥♥♥ Hearts Ignited is a rockstar, erotic romance about two people touched by tragic events coming together and finding love, only to lose it. This single mom, second chance romance is sweet, funny, AND sexy.♥♥♥
Author’s Note: This book contains a death readers may find upsetting. It also contains the subject matter of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
As a child, Cherié Summers, dreamed of being a writer. And it’s in her dreams that Ms. Summers finds inspiration. At age eighteen, a dream she had about her favorite rock star, Billy Idol, turned into her first novel, A Melody for Adrian. But, Ms. Summers didn’t get serious about publishing that novel until she turned fifty. Six years later, she has seven published books to her name.
Writing is only one of Ms. Summers’ creative passions. She is also an avid photographer, specializing in portrait photography of animals, nature, and people. Another creative outlet she revels in is belly dancing. She teaches the art of Middle Eastern dance through her local community education program. She also enjoys traveling to music concerts and pop culture conventions with her daughter, Kayla. Atlanta is a favorite destination, and Ms. Summers’ dream is to move there when she retires from her day job.
