Spotlight & Excerpt: The Shackles That Hold Us + Giveaway

BANNER1 - The Shackles That Hold Us

The Shackles That Hold Us - Michele Notaro
Michele Notaro has a new MM urban fantasy out, The Magi Accounts book 2: The Shackles That Hold Us. And there’s a giveaway.

As if crushin’ on a shifter wasn’t bad enough, I had to go and date one.

A mage and a shifter walk into a bar… No, that’s the whole joke.

Magi and shifters don’t mix, and yet I find myself in a relationship with Cosmo, a lion shifter. And on top of that, Cosmo, and all his pride members, consider my brothers and me to be a part of their pride. Three magi in a shifter pride. Who would’ve ever thought?

Navigating our connection while trying to figure out what’s going on in the world isn’t easy. Trusting that Cosmo means forever when he says it? Even harder. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned since meeting the Ono-Nais, it’s that taking a risk with my heart will be worth it to be a part of their lives.

The Shackles That Hold Us is a 113K novel and the second book in the MM urban fantasy series, The Magi Accounts. It’s recommended to read the series in order because it has an ongoing storyline.

*Intended for adults only. Please read the trigger warnings at the beginning of this novel.

Amazon | Universal Buy Link | Goodreads


Giveaway

Michele is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card with this tour:

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Direct Link


Excerpt

The Shackles That Hold Us meme - Michele Notaro
Sure enough, a minute later, I heard Cosmo bounding up the stairs. I knew it was him because of the way the bond around my heart reacted. The door burst open with way more force than necessary, and Cos rushed to me, dropping to his knees beside the bed and pulling me into a hug.

His arms were around my neck—avoiding my sensitive back—so I wrapped mine around his waist and realized he was shaking.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I whispered.

He tucked his face into the side of my neck and shook his head.

“Talk to me, honey.” I made a disgusted face at the endearment that accidentally came out of my mouth. But I didn’t take it back—progress.

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“Sure doesn’t seem that way to me.”

He sighed, nuzzled into me, and breathed deeply. “I needed to see you.”

“Okay…”

“I’ve been… uh, worried.”

“Why? Did something happen at work?”

“No. I’ve just been worried… about you.”

“Oh.”

He waited a beat. “That all you have to say?”

“Uh, yeah. Not sure what else there is to say.” I shrugged against him, then winced from my skin. Goddess, how long was it going to be sore?

“You could try making me feel better.”

“How?”

“By admitting you missed me, too.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. I might’ve missed you a teeny tiny bit. Like so miniscule it was hardly noticeable.”

He snorted. “Prickhole.”

I smiled and rubbed his back, then turned my face toward him so I spoke for his ears only since I knew Jude and River were eavesdropping. “I did miss you, you know.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, Cos, really.” I waited a few seconds. “You make the best pillow, and you’re so warm that I’ve been freezing since you left.”

He barked out a small laugh. “I can always count on you to keep me humble.”

I snorted, then gripped him tighter and tucked my face farther into him. “I do miss you when we’re apart, kitty cat.”

A small rumble started vibrating his chest, and I smiled as I sighed. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw River and Jude walk out of the room, but I didn’t pay them any attention, not when I had a sweet and sexy lion in my arms.

Cos leaned back and captured my mouth with his, kissing me as tenderly as he held me, and I let him. Sometimes his gentleness was almost painful in its sweetness, but it was a hurt I wanted to feel.

His tongue caressed mine, taking its time and exploring my mouth like we had all the time in the world. It made my heart race and my chest warm and my belly fill with a thousand butterflies all at the same time.

When he broke the kiss, he nudged my nose with his, smiling when I opened my eyes, and he whispered, “Hi.”

I blinked a few times, staring at those golden eyes. “Hi.”

He pressed a lingering kiss to my lips before meeting my gaze again. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.”

“Really? Or is this one of those times when you’re acting like you’re okay even though you’re not?”

I scowled at him. “I said I’m fine, which means I’m fine.”

He gave me another peck.


Author Bio

Michele Notaro logo
Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, three-legged and four-legged fiends, and a little old man (aka their two sons, their two cats, and their senior dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

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Cover Reveal: The Vampyr’s Husband, by Jessamyn Kingley

the Vampyr’s Husband

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: The Vampyr’s Husband (D’Vaire, Book 25)

Author: Jessamyn Kingley

Publisher: Independently Published

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson, Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: September 16, 2021

Genre. M/M Urban Fantasy Romance

Trope: Fated Mates

Themes:  Fate, love

Heat Rating: 3 flames     

Length: 93 683 words

Check out the D’Vaire Series on Goodreads 

Check out the D’Vaire Series on Amazon 

 

the vapire's husband

For one vampire, finding his mate is far easier than convincing him Fate is real.

 

Blurb

A shrewd business owner, Vampyr Lord Nikolai Volkov has one of the most powerful companies on the planet. Besides success, Nikolai has a loving family that leads the vampires, but he aches to find his mate. Although Nikolai is proud to be a vampire, he begs Fate to bring him someone to adore—someone who can quench his need for blood. Nikolai believes his other half will be a human, and he’ll stop at nothing to find him.

James Chase swore off love, marriage, and any romantic entanglements at twenty-two when he discovered his boyfriend cheating on him. His father tried to dictate his future, so James left him behind too. Over a decade later, James is a hard-working and successful man who allows no one to impact his feelings. Like every human he knows, James prefers to ignore the Council of Sorcery and Shifters.

At a party James attends to satisfy his sister, he meets a vampire who insists they are mates. James knows little and cares nothing about the people in the Council. Despite Nikolai’s best efforts, James refuses to be swept off his feet. Torn between their two vastly different worlds, Nikolai must convince James that Fate is real if they are to honor her. But first, the vampire will need to persuade the other half of his soul to give their relationship a chance.

 

 

Excerpt 

A strange excitement coursed through him that James couldn’t explain. Lifting his head, his gaze locked with the most handsome man James had ever seen. His raven hair fell in loose layers nearly to his collar, and his face was a study of elegance with high cheekbones and a firm jaw. The smile he was wearing was almost intimate, as if they were lovers, but James didn’t even know his name.

When Vivian wrapped herself around his arm, James had an overwhelming urge to push her off the man. His sister was chatting, but the stranger never stopping staring at James. As he drew closer, James saw warmth in his pale blue gaze and nearly returned his grin. Then, James noticed the fangs. 

Disappointment coursed through him, and he wanted to dismiss the man completely. Although it was technically against the law for a vampire to be on human land, James was like everyone else he knew and didn’t bother alerting the authorities on the extremely rare occasions when he encountered one. 

Perhaps the vampire understood no one would dare cross a woman like Vivian, who was so connected in DC circles, by phoning the police when he showed up, or maybe the man was arrogant enough to flaunt his rebellion of the treaty.

“Vampyr Lord Nikolai Volkov, this is my brother, James Chase,” Vivian said, stopping a few feet from James with a vampire at her side.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Chase,” Nikolai remarked, holding out his hand.

Although there was a war going on inside him over whether it was smart to touch the vampire, James greeted him with a handshake. “The pleasure is mine, Vampyr Lord.”

“Please, call me Nikolai.”

Something about the Vampyr Lord made James want to smile at him, but he clenched his jaw instead and yanked his hand away. The vampire was stunningly gorgeous, and while James’s hormones were screaming at him to ogle the man, he refused to give in to his baser instincts. James also refused to be enticed by him, no matter how badly he might yearn to touch and taste him.

“Play nice, gentlemen,” Vivian murmured. “The caterer needs me. I’ll be right back.”

The second Vivian scurried off, James scowled and took a gulp of his wine while he willed his errant body to get itself under control. There weren’t even any roses in sight, so James had no clue why the scent wouldn’t leave, but at least his cock was no longer tenting his trousers to the same extent.

“There are plenty of people eager to meet you, Vampyr Lord,” James said. “I won’t keep you.”

“I suppose I must mingle,” Nikolai mused. “Will you give me your phone number?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary, Vampyr Lord.”

“I disagree. I would like to see you again in a more private setting. I’d like to get to know you.”

The vampire’s arrogance was no longer in question, and James lifted a brow at his audacity. “You run a large company and are probably used to getting what you want, Vampyr Lord, but I’m not interested.”

“Are you sure?”

“What kind of question is that?”

“At least you stopped called me Vampyr Lord,” Nikolai muttered. “I can explain everything, but it’s rather difficult to do it at a party.”

“I can’t decide if you’re overconfident or so used to bending people to your will that you think if you repeat yourself enough, I’ll comply. This is my sister’s party. I’m here under duress. The last thing I’m looking for is to hook up with a vampire. My blood is not for sale, Vampyr Lord.” 

It irritated James that Nikolai’s confidence was infinitely attractive. Why arrogance was suddenly a trait that appealed was a mystery to James, but he gave nothing away.

Nikolai’s sensuous mouth pursed, but he offered no other outward clue that James’s rudeness perturbed him. “Mr. Chase, I beg you not to ignore the odd feelings you’re experiencing. I know it must be overwhelming and strange. I’m not trying to bend you to my will. On the contrary, I want to make you happy.”

“Make me happy? You don’t even know me, Vampyr Lord,” James said with a laugh. “I want nothing to do with you. Enjoy the party.”

 

About the Author 

 

Jessamyn Kingley lives in Nevada where she begs the men in her head to tell her their amazing stories which she dutifully writes it all down in what has become a small mountain of notebooks. She falls in love with each couple and swears whatever book she wrote last is her absolute favorite.

Jessamyn is married and working toward remembering to start the dishwasher without being distracted by the scent of the magical detergent. For personal enjoyment, she aids in cat rescue while slashing and gashing her way through mobs in various MMORPGs. Caffeine is her very best friend and is only cast aside briefly for the sin better known as BBQ potato chips.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn’s Ruffian’s

 

Social Media Links

  Facebook |   Twitter  |   Pinterest  |  Facebook 

 

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Cover Reveal: Lockmage Legacy, by Jessamyn Kingley

COVER REVEAL BANNER

COVER REVEAL

Book Title: Lockmage Legacy (D’Vaire, Book 24)

Author: Jessamyn Kingley

Publisher: Independently Published

Cover Artist: LJ Anderson, Mayhem Cover Creations

Release Date: July 29, 2021

Genre: M/M Urban Fantasy Romance

Trope:  Fated Mates

Themes: Fate, love

Heat Rating:  3 flames   

Length: 88 690 words

Check out the series on Goodreads

US Author Page on Amazon  |   UK Author Page on Amazon 

 

Lockmage Legacy

Defining a legacy is never easy.

 

Blurb

Beta Donnell Ursus Arctos devotes his life to protecting his leader and defending every bear in his clan. Some call him overprotective, but Donnell prioritizes safety. When he’s not working, Donnell has simple hobbies that others consider boring. Although Donnell is surrounded by family, wealth, and prestige, the bear shifter pines for Fate to pair him with the other half of his soul.

For Joshua Brenton, little is going right. On the same day, Josh loses his job and his run-down apartment. But there is a bright light on the horizon—the annual retreat for mages. As an aqua mage, Josh has been disrespected since birth, but Fate has recently selected new leaders. After sweeping changes are made, Josh is randomly selected to prove his worth in the newly instituted mage testing.

Josh is stunned when he meets the mage rulers and is invited to their home. Upon ringing the doorbell to the mansion, Josh meets Donnell, and they discover that they are mates. Although the pair are instantly drawn to each other, Josh learns he is more than a mage and must unravel a past he’d prefer to forget. It will be up to Josh and Donnell to chart a future while dealing with the surprises they encounter along the way.

 

 Excerpt 

Instead of knocking, Josh strode backward to take in the giant house done in brick and wood. It was lovely—too nice for someone like Josh—which had him wondering for the millionth time what the hell he’d done to himself by agreeing to venture there.

Sucking in a deep breath, Josh stalked over and rang the bell. There was no need to continue repeating the same nonsense. Josh had made a promise. He might not have shit, but that didn’t mean he lacked honor. Within seconds, the door whipped open, and Josh gaped. The blood rushed to his groin and his dick hardened as the smell of the beach hit Josh’s nose. A ridiculously handsome man with dark hair and light brown eyes stared at him with as much shock as Josh felt. 

All his eagerness to leave deserted him, and although the bear gawking at him was far above his level, Josh was keeping him. The shifter was Josh’s gift from Fate, and even if he didn’t deserve him, they were meant to be. Or perhaps the goddess wanted to make up for some of the shit he’d endured. While Josh didn’t have a clue how to handle a relationship, he was excited to learn. Collecting his scattered thoughts, Josh grinned up at him. 

“Hey there, Handsome, I’m Josh.”

“Joshua Brenton?”

“Yep, that’s me. Your mate.”

Some of the astonishment left his face, and Josh cataloged the strong jaw, straight nose, and masculine beauty. Josh decided it was a countenance he’d never tire of appreciating. 

“Believe it or not, I figured out the mate thing,” the man replied.

“Yeah, your dick is probably as hard as mine. What do I smell like?”

The bear cocked his head. “Like the seashells on your temple.”

“You smell like the beach too. Cool,” Josh said, his hand coming up to trace the tiny tattoos that went up his temple and over part of his forehead. “So, what’s your name?”

“Donnell.”

“Can I call you Donnie?”

“Absolutely not. Come inside.”

“Come inside where?” Josh asked cheekily. “I mean, we just met, so maybe it’s a bit early to discuss preferences or whatever, but I’m down if you are.”

“Get in the house,” Donnell demanded with a chuckle.

“I’m happy to follow you anywhere.”

“You probably just want to check out my ass.”

Duh,” Josh said.

With a shrug, Donnell turned and walked away. Josh wasn’t the least bit offended, because the man’s backside was perfect. At nearly a foot taller than Josh, the shifter had a muscular build that was showcased beautifully in his tailored shirt and trousers. 

“Enjoying the view?” Donnell asked.

“Absolutely.”

“Are you ready to get in here, or are you going to stand on the porch gawking all night?”

“Yeah, I guess I could come in,” Josh muttered. The moment Josh stepped in the house, his gaze was ripped from Donnell long enough to appreciate the glorious fountain that represented the four elements that comprised the Circle of Mages. “That’s fanfuckulous.”

 

About the Author 

 

Jessamyn Kingley lives in Nevada where she begs the men in her head to tell her their amazing stories which she dutifully writes it all down in what has become a small mountain of notebooks. She falls in love with each couple and swears whatever book she wrote last is her absolute favorite.

Jessamyn is married and working toward remembering to start the dishwasher without being distracted by the scent of the magical detergent. For personal enjoyment, she aids in cat rescue while slashing and gashing her way through mobs in various MMORPGs. Caffeine is her very best friend and is only cast aside briefly for the sin better known as BBQ potato chips.

Visit her website 

Join her Facebook group, Jessamyn’s Ruffian’s

 

Social Media Links

  Facebook |   Twitter  |   Pinterest  |  Facebook 

 

 

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

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