While Working on Snowboards & Tuxes

I've decided to take a page from one of my absolute favorite authors: A. D. Truax, author of Tenebrism.

In the last update he made to Tenebrism, A. stated that he had joined Patreon. Curious, I investigated and was pleased to discover a land of extra features and first-access. While my pledge is sometimes constricted by other expenses, I adore the idea of supporting an author whose work I hold in such high regard.

However, sometimes I find that I'm the author in need of a little extra. To that end, I created a Patreon content-creator account for myself. Supporters will receive first-access to character profiles before their official release here on my blog and whatever other content I create on Patreon.

Funny, I had wanted to explain this better; but it seems I have failed slightly. Anywho, here's the link to my Patreon page: http://www.patreon.com/AvaPenn

GIVEAWAY! (Who doesn't love the chance to win something free?)

Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology is scheduled for release on November 21st. It's already available for pre-order from Beaten Track Publishing, and in honor of the company's very FIRST anthology, they're having a Book Shower!

What's a Book Shower, you may ask. It's like a Bridal Shower, or a Baby Shower; but for a book. We're announcing the arrival of this glorious event with a raffle for 1 digital copy of the anthology to be awarded when complete and 10 copies of a compilation of excerpts from some of the stories in the anthology.

Don't miss out on this FIRST from Beaten Track Publishing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It ISN'T Duchesne Orange, but...

I'm hoping this might satisfy your curiosity for the moment. It is a delightful detour I made in finding the perfect recipe for Duchesne Orange.

1 c whole milk
1/4 c Ghirardelli White Chocolate Chips
1/4 tsp. Watkins Orange Extract

Heat milk in top pan of a double boiler on low - medium-low heat. Do not bring to boil or overheat. Add white chocolate chips, stir in until melted completely. Add orange extract, stir well. Let heat to desired temperature without boiling or simmering, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Makes two 5 oz servings or 1 10 oz serving. If desired top with whipped cream (French Vanilla flavor recommended).

Bon Breuvage! (Enjoy your beverage)

Finally!!!

Chapter 8 of Snowboards & Tuxes is LIVE!

It's been a looooooooong time coming, I know. For that I apologize (again), but I hope you enjoy it.

News Most Excellent!

There will be a NEW Snowboards & Tuxes chapter up by Sunday! (If all goes as planned, it may go up as early as tonight...)

I know it has been a REALLY, REALLY long time since I posted a new chapter; and for that I apologize. I can only write with what time I have and I don't have much with a full time job, a toddler, and a house to keep. Also, Corbin and Ewan were...reluctant to come to terms with their issues so that we could move on... *glares at the boys* I swear, neither one must have ever learned conflict resolution in Head Start or preschool. SMDH!

The Adventure Resumes

Today I am once again experimenting with cocoa recipes for Duchesne Orange. I'm getting closer. I can feel it in my mouth! (Hush your laughing, I'm talking about my tastebuds here.)

As I'm sure you noticed in my first blog post about this, my chocolate selection runs the gamut from the everyday milk chocolate, sweetness at its most perfect state, to pure cacao, chocolate with no additives - not even sugar - to blunt/dampen the flavor.

Well, the milk chocolate was superb. The semi-sweet chips that I tried today were decadent, and I have a feeling that the pure cacao will be absolutely DIVINE!

Oh, dark chocolate, how I do love thee. Let me count the ways...

Adventures on Hold

So, I have had to put a hold on my search for the perfect recipe for Duchesne Orange, because you see I still have to write the story. I'm about an hour away from submitting the manuscript, so I'll make this short.

I've noticed that when I'm on a good writing spree, there's a certain food combination I eat at least once a day but up to three times. I will one day serve it as a menu item and it shall be called "The Ava Penn Special."

Large Eggs, 1-2 depending on appetite
Oscar Meyer's Bacon Hot Dog
Hash Brown Patty
Hoagie, Tortilla or your choice of grain
Cheese (I prefer American for this, but feel free to experiment. Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Colby...)

Either grill, bake/broil, or fry the hot dog according to your personal taste. Cook eggs according to taste (scramble, over medium, etc.). Fry or bake hash brown patty. Proceed to either combine items whole inside/on top of tortilla, hoagie, etc. or cut all items into pieces, mix thoroughly and roll in a tortilla.

A perfectly protein- and carbohydrate-rich meal for extended satisfaction of hunger and energy production for maximum word output (barring external interruptions of course). I do admit this might be better suited to a pre-/post-workout meal, but brain power requires sustenance too!

MIS-Adventures in Kitchen Experimentation...

So this afternoon, before work, I decided to test run another recipe combination. This particular one uses Hershey's Cocoa Powder 100% Cacao Natural Unsweetened.

I thought, how bad could unsweetened cacao be? Turns out it can be rather unappetizing in beverage form. I hastily added the requisite tablespoon of sugar the egregious oversight I made and took another sip. It was...exactly like the hot chocolate one would make from a pouch, which is to say: bland and watery (even though I used whole milk). Thus I immediately commenced test run two, replacing half of the milk with heavy cream.

Success! The cocoa was still mild but no longer bland, and it was much creamier, just the way homemade hot cocoa should be.

Now, if you're getting impatient waiting for the big reveal of the secret recipe, fear not! I have a solution. Make way to the nearest gas station/convenience store with a cappuccino machine. Serve yourself some of their instant hot cocoa, buy a bottle of orange juice from the cooler, mix et voila!
... Seriously. ... Okay, okay. I jest. Especially since the gas station attendant might look at you funny (I know I would if someone did that in my gas station).

No reward/bonus tonight, sorry... Don't give me that look.

...

Okay, fine. An excerpt from Coming in from the Cold.

There was a steady trickle of customers for the next hour, until suddenly it seemed that customers were pouring through the door. They were coming in twos, threes, fours, and fives. Halfway through the rush Declan finally asked Chelley, "Is it always this busy around this time?"

"Only when we have a homegrown music showcase. Tonight the local band Jay's Jamz is going to play until a half hour before close. As a matter of fact, that's them." She pointed to a group of four men and one woman that walked through the door laden with cases of equipment and instruments.

"Oh. So does this happen every Friday?"

"Just once a month. One Tuesday night out of the month is the poetry showcase. One Wednesday out of every month is the art and photography showcase. And one Thursday out of every month is the storytelling showcase."

Declan nodded mutely. What an interesting concept. A coffee shop devoted not just to one type of art but many. He grabbed a rag and started cleaning the counters while Chelley worked on making the orders for the band.

Adventures in Kitchen Experiments (or Trying to Create a Recipe for What Was Supposed to be a Fictional Beverage)

So, I made a brief mention of the Holiday Anthology I'll be submitting to in this post. I haven't said much about it since, but now would be a good time to do so.

The title is Boughs of Evergreen: A Holiday Anthology. With 20+ stories in the works, authors include (to the best of my knowledge): Alexis Woods, Amelia Mann, Amy Spector, Ava Penn, Claire Davis, Debbie McGowan, Hans M Hirschi, Hunter Frost, J P Walker, Jonathan Penn, K.C. Faelan, Kathleen Hayes, L.L. Bucknor, L.M. Steel, Larry Benjamin, Laura Susan Johnson, Matthias Williamson, Ofelia Gränd, Raine O'Tierney, Rick Bettencourt, S.H. Allan, and  Shayla Mist. This collection of winter holiday stories ranges from Thanksgiving to New Year's and more.

Needless to say, with so many stories about holidays, there was bound to be mentions of food. All holidays have foods associated with their celebration, some more so than others (especially the winter ones it seems). Thus, our brilliant publisher/editor/co-author had the most wondrously fantastic gem of an idea - a bonus recipe/cook book with featured food and beverage items from various stories. This (to my understanding) is a completely optional participation on the part of each anthology author, but I - overachiever, work-aholic, volunteer extraordinaire that I am - decided that I was definitely going to contribute to this most excellent of compilations.

Now, I know those of you who have read Moonlight & Stained Glass have an idea of just how much importance I place on food - the description of the cooking process, the flavor, the origin of each recipe, etc. So I'm sure you'll be prepared for the blog posts in the days to follow.

Down to the real meat of this post (and the inspiration behind the title). The recipe I selected to contribute is for a delightful concoction known in Coming in from the Cold as Duchesne Orange, which is simply orange flavored hot cocoa. I'm a strange breed of woman, for, you see, I dislike chocolate. I rarely crave it, and the only chocolate item I can NEVER turn down is chocolate-raspberry anything. The exception to this quirk of mine are the chocolate oranges sold around Christmas time. I love them. I've tried the lime, raspberry, and blueberry flavored chocolate "oranges" (which is to say, orange-shaped and physically textured), but even the raspberry one could not compare to the perfection of the original chocolate orange. So when casting about my brain for a beverage that isn't a café cliché, I wondered what orange flavored hot chocolate would taste like and decided that it would be absolutely decadent, robust ambrosia.

My testing ingredients include: Watkin's Orange Extract, orange syrup (recipe available at bottom of post), orange zest, Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips, Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips, Ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate chips, Ghirardelli 100% cacao unsweetened chocolate bar, Baker's German's sweet chocolate baking bar, Hershey's cocoa powder 100% cacao natural unsweetened, Ghirardelli premium baking cocoa sweet ground cocoa, and Abuela's chocolate.

Tonight was the first round of experimenting. I am officially declaring it a monumental success and also eliminating the use of orange zest for further rounds of experiments. While it provides a fresh, delicate orange flavor to the hot chocolate - it is ultimately too difficult/impractical a process to continue for the remaining combinations of ingredients. Since you've been so patiently (maybe?) reading what could possible be the longest blog post I have ever made (with the exception of the ones regarding royalties and the LL call for volunteers), here is a treat in the form of my very first recipe in this kitchen experimentation adventure!

Orange Syrup
© Ava Penn 2014 (I'm sure there are other similar recipes out on the net but this came from my brain on a whim so :P)

1/2 bottle/jug 100% pure orange juice

1 c sugar

Stir in 1/2 c sugar at medium heat. When simmers, stir in the remaining sugar. Bring to boil. Reduce to 1/3 volume. If syrup is too thick, add cold water on medium heat while stirring until desired consistency is reached.

Love's Landscapes September 14-20, 2014

September 14, 2014
Only To You by Gabrielle Bhlack
BDSM and K-Pop in this steamy read.

September 15, 2014
In Your Veins by S.J. Eller
A little bit of hurt/comfort, a little dark, and a lot of creep-into-your-heart emotion.

Zippadacious by AR Noble
When everything is going wrong, is it possible for just one thing to go right?

September 16, 2014
Starlight and Constellation: Gemini by Alexis Woods
Twincest. May not be for everyone, but it sure is for me! I find this to be tastefully done, though some may disagree. (And I'm not just saying that because this is another one I beta'd. Miss Woods has quite some skill weaving a tale.)

September 17, 2014
Science and Fiction by Ray Van Fox and Jordan S. Brock
This is wow. Just wow. Parallel dimensions/universe and supernatural abilities combined with advanced technology. Yes, you should most definitely read this.

September 18, 2014
Until the Bitter End by L.L. Bucknor
One simple action can lead to a lifetime of friendship and love.

William’s Whimsy by Susan Beck
Double gay-for-you. Done well? Read and decide for yourself (I haven't gotten to this one yet, but come on...DOUBLE GFY...!).

September 19, 2014
The Rake, the Rogue and the Roué by Eric Alan Westfall
THIS! OMG, THIS! First, some disclaimers. I don't like historicals. I don't care much fore menage. I decidedly don't like historical menages. BUT, I LOVE THIS STORY!!! EAW is just that good.


This brings the Love's Landscapes event to a close. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and I can't wait for next year!!!

Love's Landscapes September 7-13, 2014

September 7, 2014
Mad Passion by Naaju Rorrete
Enemies to lovers with a yummy amount of angst.

September 8, 2014
Before You Go by Vicktor Alexander
Tags include hardcore BDSM, so I won't be reading this one; but it's about two k-pop stars.

Randy’s Ghost by William Tate
What if you felt things you couldn't explain? Getting sad just from looking at a picture? Feeling like someone is missing, even though you've always been alone? What if...

September 9, 2014
Posting has been paused until September 14.

Love's Landscapes September 1-6, 2014

September 1, 2014
Raising Cade by Jonathan Penn
Can time really heal all wounds? Maybe with help from the right person...

September 2, 2014
Taking a Risk on Love by K. Mason
Historical student/tutor... Y-U-M-M-Y

Fly Like an Eagle by Cherie Noel
Surprise story here! From reading the prompt to reading the tags, I sat here scratching my head in confusion for a full minute before diving in head-first. So worth it!

September 3, 2014
Missing Piece by Riina Y.T.
Sometimes everything seems like it's falling apart, when it's really falling into place.

September 4, 2104
Assassin’s Love by Sammy Goode
Fictional historical with a mute assassin. Quite intriguing.

Meridian by Gabbo de la Parra
Post-apocalyptic future in which humans are second-class citizens. Two men set out to find their freedom.

September 5, 2014
The Blood Legion: Oracle by Ashlyn Daube
A sweet (no-sex) YA fantasy with a reformed thief who suddenly finds himself with a new purpose in life.

September 6, 2014
Accidental Karma by Katies Crewman
A very sweet story with some minor angst about a young man who is forced by fate to let someone else help him.

Bromance to Romance by Elizabeth Daniels
Just as the title implies, this is a friends-to-lovers tale. Cute and with non-explicit sex.

Coffee...

Yesterday I was reminded to never attempt anything requiring even the minimal use of my brain before having consumed at least one cup of coffee.
This reminder came in the form of sending the wrong file to the five winner's of an ebook copy of Moonlight & Stained Glass from the M/M Romance Group's Anniversary Celebration. So they now have a bonus story The Gallant Stranger. I also offer that as a free download here on my blog (I haven't been told the download doesn't work, so that's good!).
Snowboards & Tuxes is still in progress. I haven't given up on story/series. As a matter of fact, I now have titles and more fleshed out plots for all 3 (yes THREE) works to follow S&T, for a grand total of 5 books in the P&A series. I give fair warning since now, the fifth book will NOT be M/M. It won't even be a romance. The fifth book will be Tammy's story and her account of the events that take place in the first 4 books.

So with all of the above being said, I'm proud to announce that I'll be published in a holiday anthology brought to you by Beaten Track Publishing sometime this winter (for those in the northern hemisphere, in the south I do suppose it would be summer). The story I'm submitting is titled Coming in from the Cold and is a standalone sequel to The Gallant Stranger.

*muse smacks my hand* "Back to writing!"

Love's Landscapes August 25-31, 2014

August 25, 2014
Charon’s Dilemma by Eloreen Moon
A sweet (no sex) tale of a crown prince and a griffon shifter.

This Too by Isla James
Friends to lovers and... jealousy? Ooooh, yum.

Wrecking Ball by Elin Austen
Oh, sweet angst. Closets, choices, and consequences.

August 26, 2014
Cenotaph by Gabbo de la Parra
No HEA/HFN in this sci-fi enemies to lovers story, but omWOW what a story!

A Heart of Klondike Gold by E. Davies
A historical as sweet as the title implies.

The Other Side by MA Jackson
Ah, the sweetness of love's first.

August 27, 2014
Of Gods and Monsters: Menoetius by Wulf F Godgluck
A very dark BDSM clocking in at over 80k.

August 28, 2014
Adam’s Flight by Penny Wilder
An interesting blend of ideas in this story involving dragons and more.

His, No Matter What by S.J. Lenox
*fans self* More of my favorite taboo kink...

August 29, 2014
In the Flesh by Jae T. Jaggart
A dark, paranormal romance with light BDSM. Yum!

Overkill by Elizabeth Daniels
Being close to what you want and not being able to have it can be sweet torture.

August 30, 2014
Cup of Tea and a Few Broken Rules by C.C. Jaz
A nicely done enemies to lovers.

August 31, 2014
Billie Jean by Al Stewart and Claire Davis
Exchanging keys before telling your boyfriend you're an occasional cross-dresser? Maybe not so smart... or maybe...

Not Just a Kiss by Jennah Scott
Bonded snow leopard mates. Enough said. *squeal*

My Apologies...

For not posting today's game links for the MMR 5th Anniversary Celebration. The day rather got away from me, but not necessarily in a bad way.

Catch you later and will have an update for S&T soon.

M/M Romance Group's 5th Anniversary Celebration Day 2

Day two!

Guess the Title
M/M Word Search
How Well Do You Know Your M/M? – Morning Edition
Daily Cryptogram Challenge
Memory Game
Book Cover Sudoku
Poetry Contest
Group Scavenger Hunt
Jumble/Match Puzzle
Morphed Covers
Love's Landscapes Turbo Bingo!
What's Missing? Game NSFW
How Well Do You Know Your M/M? -- Evening Edition
Crossword Puzzle

Should you feel like trying your hand at writing take a peek at the Celebration Flash Fiction thread.

And if you belong the M/M Romance Group consider thanking members with whom you have formed a special bond in this thread: You Made My M/M Romance Group Experience Better.

M/M Romance Group's 5th Anniversary Celebration Day 1

Check out the awesomeness that is the collection of games and such for the week-long anniversary celebration!

Word Wheel Puzzle
Guess the Title
M/M Word Search
How Well Do You Know Your M/M? – Morning Edition
Daily Cryptogram Challenge
Memory Game
Book Cover Sudoku
Poetry Contest
Group Scavenger Hunt
Jumble/Match Puzzle
Morphed Covers
Love's Landscapes Turbo Bingo!
What's Missing? Game NSFW
How Well Do You Know Your M/M? -- Evening Edition
Crossword Puzzle

Should you feel like trying your hand at writing take a peek at the Celebration Flash Fiction thread.

And if you belong the M/M Romance Group consider thanking members with whom you have formed a special bond in this thread: You Made My M/M Romance Group Experience Better.

Love's Landscapes August 10-16, 2014

August 10, 2014
It’s You, Then Breathing by Vicktor Alexander
A celebration of victories on the field and in love.

Time Trials by Jay D. Clark
A sweet coming of age story with a hint of intrigue.

August 11, 2014
Bird Meets Cage by Anyta Sunday
A little bit of a bittersweet circus historical.

The Fourth Act by LE Franks
A young man is embroiled in the drama of theatre on his first day of a new job.

August 12, 2014
Game On by Olley White
Two gamers and a dual case of mistaken gender.

Woven by Lor Rose
One couple, one rent boy, and one major dilemma.

August 13, 2014
Into the Wastelands by Gwynn Marssen
A dystopian, post-apocalyptic novel of gods, men, and magic.

August 14, 2014
Blood in the Water by Tami Veldura
Mysterious, sexy, page-turning adventure on the high seas. A Must-Read!

Fleece, Fleas, and Flirtation by ME! (Ava Penn)
My second (and last for this year) Love's Landscapes story. A satyr and a clueless human with a fascination for his tail.

August 15, 2014
Omissions by Taylor Law
Deceit, distrust, hopelessness. Can it be erased? Can a clean start be found?

One Step at a Time by S.N. Kat
A sweet (no sex) story about an established couple.

August 16, 2014

The 5th Anniversary Celebration of the M/M Romance Group begins today and posting of the LL stories is suspended for the period of this event.

WOOOOOOHOOOOO!

It's HERE! Fleece, Fleas, and Flirtation was released today! You can read it here or wait for the download to be released 5 -6 days from now.

Also, check out Tami Veldura's Blood in the Water. So much awesomesauce-topped WIN!

Love's Landscapes August 3-9, 2014

August 3, 2014
Dogwatch by Kiernan Kelly
The life of a sailor...

Elevation by Jenna Jones
Frustrated that his flirting attempts are going nowhere, a man does a daring striptease in an elevator to catch the night guard's attention. What happens after?

Exposed by Bette Browne
Cross-dressing fetish gone awry!

August 4, 2014
The Arroyo by M. Caspian
Slavery and medical kink... *shivers* I'll try anything once, so I guess I'll be reading this at some point.

Blaze of Glory by Jeff Erno
A veteran in need of a canine companion to mitigate his PTSD meets the perfect dog and her trainer.

Love the Little Guys by M.E. Sanford
An effeminate top seeks a pixie-faced bottom in this sweet tale.

August 5, 2014
Jaden’s Honor by Sassy Lane
Fantasy m-preg and royalty.

Tidewater by Les Joseph
Another story of a smaller top and bigger bottom featuring an established couple.

August 6, 2014
On Edge by T.C. Blue
A very nicely done enemies-to-lovers.

August 7, 2014
Dancing for Diamond by K-lee Klein
A sweet (no-sex) story about overcoming the past.

Never Cry Wolf by Phoebe Sean
From pest control to sudden savior.

August 8, 2014
Budding Love by Adara O’Hare
Tentacles and aliens, but not what you might think. Delightful.

Dare by Matthias Williamson
I had the joy of beta reading this. A sweet story.

Indian Summer by D.C. Williams
A simple hunting trip is one man's chance to his friend how he feels.

August 10, 2014
Going Home by Kris Ripper
A master and slave separated by a new law making sex slaves illegal find their way back to each other in this 60k+ tale.

Love's Landscapes August 1-2, 2014

August 1, 2014
All or Nothing by C. J. Anthony
Two bears overcoming an age gap.

Taken From Him by Jackie Nacht
Oh, gods. So. Much. WIN!

Touching Narcissus by Jamie Fessenden
If a man falls for someone that looks like himself, do you call narcissism?

August 2, 2014
Tutti Fruitti Rudi by S.M. Franklin
I haven't read this. I'm not sure I'm going to. So, I'll give you the story info and let you decide if it's up your alley or not.
STORY INFO:
Genre: contemporary
Tags: sex industry, masturbation, frottage, public activity
Content Warnings: dubious consent, child abuse, drug use
Word Count: 61,929

Love's Landscapes July 27-31, 2014

July 27, 2014
Displaced by Sofia Grey
An exiled guardian, man by day and monster by night. Can he find someone to dull the edge of loneliness?

The Raven’s Luck by Laylah Hunter
Cyberpunk, assassins, and elves... Intriguing!

Window by Ali MacLagan
Oh, sweet angst...

July 28, 2014
Consorting with Dragons by Sera Trevor
Dragons. End of conversation. Read this. Seriously. Like now.

A Dark Love Story by Jonathan Treadway
A dark and graphic tale of two men whose friends all say they should just call it quits.

July 29, 2014
Dreaming of Fire by J.J. Cassidy
Fantasy, an orphan, and a religious order. I've yet to read this one but as soon as I get the free time...(damned RL getting in the way of my writing and reading time :P)

Guarding Dizzy by Casey K. Cox
Such a teasing story!

Love’s First Kiss by Jambrea Jo Jones
A short and sweet tidbit.

July 30, 2014
Count Your Blessings by Amelia Mann
An established couple deal with their struggles.

July 31, 2014
Ashes of Life by Andrew Q. Gordon
I'm seriously loving all the fantasy stories that are a result of this awesome event! This is one of my faves.

A Second Chance for Three by Christa Tomlinson
Choices. Past, present, and future. They all are a product of the choices we make.

Love's Landscapes July 20-26, 2014

July 20, 2014
Geeking Out on 11C by L.L. Bucknor
We've all heard the saying opposites attract...

Half Past Forever by A. Morell
Bonded mates and strippers, woo!

No Enemy But Time by Angel Martinez
The son of Hades and the angel Michael share a love worth Michael losing his wings...

July 21, 2014
High Five Dive by Adrian Fridge
A mechanic and a scientist. Can they go from sniping, snarking, and insulting each other to tender words and caresses?

Under Pretenses by Jessa Ryan
A secret admirer send a young man some women's lingerie items after he watches Stage Beauty in his theater class.

July 22, 2014
The Archers of Kynthos by KM Harty
WARNING: No HEA (though could be HFN depending on how you see it). A rather dark m-preg story.

Gravitational Force by C.M. Walker
Attraction explained in physics? I think yes.

The Hate Game by Hennessee Andrews
There's a fine line between love and hate...

July 23, 2014
Stranded by Lies by Finn Marlowe
Run, even if if your friends and family think you're crazy. Run, and keep running. If you're caught it can only end badly, right...?

July 24, 2014
The Shopping Mall Massacre by Erica Pike
Coming out during the zombie apocalypse, this is one way it could play out.

Marketing Beef by Rick Bettencourt
Double-entendre ads are directed at marketing accountant at an ad agency. Is it just his imagination?

We the Calari of Calar III by Wart Hill
One tentacled creature reshapes his young mate's preconceived notions with much patience.

July 25, 2014
Five Dates by Amy Jo Cousins
Lose a bet with your sister and get forced to go on five dates, what could possibly go wrong (or right ;) )?

My African Prince by Vona Logan
Two different races, two different shifters. Can they come together and remain unscathed?

To the End by Kathleen Hayes
Assassins must be emotionless, perfect killing machines. Right? Maybe not...

July 26, 2014
Jagged Rock by Willow Scarlett
The cruelty of fate that bound a werewolf to a human as mates could be merciful after all.

Love's Landscapes July 13-19, 2014

July 13, 2014
The Scent of Hope by Summer Devon
A case of mistaken identity ends better than expected for two men.

A Thoreau Affair by Hunter Frost
A teacher turned writer is unexpectedly discovered by a former student. This is their story.

Trying Not to Love You by N.J. Nielsen
When two people are so close that they share everything, that everyone knows you'll find one where the other is - how could they possibly deny their feelings for each other?

July 14, 2014
The Book & the Rose by Douglas Glen
Some loves grow stronger when they must be reunited after separation.

A Sonnet for His Vaquero by N.D. Wylders
A May/December cowboy romance.

Sugar and Sawdust by Debbie McGowan
Sweet youth meets jaded age in this delightful tale.

July 15, 2014
Achievement: Tentacle Lust by NK Layne
A little hard to follow, but lots of tentacle-y action.

The Court of Lightning by Amy Rae Durreson
Be still my heart! Amy Rae Durreson not only captured the spirit of this prompt perfectly, she wove such a moving tale that I had book hangover for THREE DAYS after reading this... *le sigh*

Foxes Over Flowers by J. Colby
Can one man woo a fox-shifter into his arms?

July 16, 2014
Spring, Bax & Butterflies by Riina Y.T.
Two young men navigated the last of their high school years together.

July 17, 2014
Kiss of Truth by Ash Jay
I'm having a hard time summing this one up, so here's the tags.
Tags: kidnapping, musicians/rock stars, nightclub, kink, bondage, friends to lovers, secret love

Triskelion by Jana Denardo
A poly, prophecy-based, paranormal story. (Try saying that three times fast!)

July 18, 2014
 Meant to Be by Rawiya
If this African-American man's mother used to tell him “don’t bring no white girl up in my house”, then how will she feel about a white man?

To You I am Bound by Cam Kennedy
Law enforcement in an alternate universe and men with kids. Sounds like my cup of tea.

Waiting, Hoping, Wishing by Nic Starr
Oh the human fault of assuming - of creating a misunderstanding out of anything. Can it be mended?

July 19, 2014
Agile Moves by JC Shelby
It's human nature to want what we're not supposed to, to like what's bad for us. Sometimes though, it's not as bad as we thought.

Love's Landscapes July 6-12, 2014

July 6, 2014
Making It Work by Cari Z. (OMG I met her in person at the Denver Pridefest!!!)
Oh, my, my, my. I do so love obtuse people sometimes. This is one of them.

Strange Charm by A. Phallus Si
I couldn't quite make sense of this story, but I did enjoy it. :3

Watching Elijah Fall by Amy Spector
Emotions are stronger than most of us realize, and grief may be the strongest of all. It can wear us down, build us up, and even ultimately gift us with a second chance.

July 7, 2014
The Heartbeat Under a White Coat by CR Guiliano
Insta-attraction does not necessarily equal insta-love. Follow the story of a doctor and the nurse to whom he is introduced by well-meaning friends.

In A Whole New Light by Marie L. Nickett
*whispers* I beta read this one too! *normal voice* Delightfully sweet with a perfect touch of saucy! (or is that sassy? ;) )

Prancer and Gruff by Jade Crystal
A sweet (no-sex) story set on a ranch. A cowboy posts an ad for a housekeeper and gets more than he bargained for.

July 8, 2014
Bright Water, Dark Sky by Augusta Li
TENTACLES! *ahem* Any species would protect their home planet against an invading threat, but what if one of the invaders is your destined mate?

Dance with Me by Suzanne Simon
One pamphlet becomes one month of dance lessons paid for by an unknown benefactor who finally decides to make himself known.

A Million Truths by MC Houle
Another (slightly) obtuse couple *hums happily*

July 9, 2014
Where Willows Won’t Grow by Lia Black
Tentacles?! Here??? Yep. Hmmmm. *dives in headfirst*

July 10, 2014
Cataclysmic Evolution by Alicia Nordwell
An interesting post-apocalyptic tale.

Gravitational Pull by Jill Prand
Friends to lovers *sigh* <3

What Family Is For by T.T. Kove
An established couple deals with the death of a family member, though it means going somewhere they might not be welcome.

July 11, 2014
Because of You by Penny Brandon
Friends to lovers, gay for you, AND office romance! *squee*

Clicking by Alex Gale
A rockstar and a photographer make a connection while on tour.

Mating Balance by Gina A. Rogers and Kyle Adams
A shifter story with the following tags: men with pets, steamy, playful, funny, dark, mates, armpit, sex outside, explicit. Make of it what you will :)

July 12, 2014
Laser Visions by Kaje Harper
I have yet to read this (need to set aside the time to savor each of the 79,293 words), but oh dear gods... Slow burn, friends to lovers, suspense, abduction, law enforcement *faints* (quick, someone bring the smelling salts so I can pounce on this morsel!)

Sorry

For being a little behind on putting up my blog post on the stories from July 6-12. I still need summaries/blurbs for a couple of them, and I'm headed out of town today.

I'll be celebrating my son's birthday today and tomorrow, but I will be back tomorrow night. Posting and updates will resume either tomorrow night or Tuesday sometime.

Love's Landscapes July 1-5, 2014

July 1, 2014
Soaring Past Death by Morticia Knight
A dark, futuristic tale with military men, slaves, and BDSM.

Wet Dreams and Adult Revelations by Tara Spears
Waiting can be torture, but the end result is sometimes worth the wait.

Trunk'd by Tam Ames
Another gem I had the delight of beta-reading. An accountant somehow ends up with a dead body in the trunk of his car, and the most disturbing thing about it (to him) is the detective on the case.

July 2, 2014
Undiluted by Dayton Idoni
An AU new adult, action story (non-explicit). Mythical creatures, magic users, and mystery abound!

July 3, 2014
Knight Owl by C. Dallas Floyd
A mix of sweet and suspense that will leave you wanting to know what comes after.

The Novice Dom by Clancy Nacht
A new dom's first solo experience with his first real sub.

Too Pretty by Ren Stjerne
A double GFY, friends-to-lovers with a paranormal aspect.

July 4, 2014
After the Ride by Siôn O’Tierney
Kidnapping gone wrong doesn't always end badly (not Stockholm).

Until Death Do Us Part by Janel White
A tearjerker suspense. How can this victim convince the cop he isn't a suspect?

Wand-Losing & Other Things You Shouldn’t Be Doing by Gabbo de la Parra
Where to begin... Steampunk-ish fantasy where two men, each powerful/important in his own right, are brought together by circumstance. Can they come to trust not only each other but also the attraction between them?

July 5, 2014
See You Smile by Dawn Sister
A widower falls for (*cough* stalks *cough*) his new neighbor.

Love's Landscapes June 29-30, 2014

June 29, 2014

A Pale Shadow by Eon de Beaumont
A sweet (no-sex) fantasy involving a prince, a thief, and magic users.

For Want of a Nail by MA Ford
A job as a model for a photo shoot leads to an unexpected coming out.

Pink Lace and Stolen Hearts by JC Wallace
An underwear fetish is the spark that turns friends to lovers in this GFY story.

June 30, 2014

The Bigger They Are by Kim Alan
Oh dear lord... If I can stop drooling over the prompt picture long enough to read the story, I'll tell you what it's about. >.> For now I'll just give you the story info...
STORY INFO:
Genre: contemporary
Tags: BDSM, spanking, discipline, Daddy kink, age difference, size difference, first time, multiple partners, multiple orgasms, rimming, cum play
Word Count: 33,892

Don’t Name the Puppy by R.D. Hero
THIS! Such an adorable, heart-warming little story. *le sigh* <3

Until Next Time by Xara X. Xanakas
Cat and mouse, predator and prey. Sometimes the prey is another predator though and the roles end up reversed...

Love's Landscapes June 22-28, 2014

June 22, 2014
A Point of Honour by K. Mason
Knights, outlaws, and virgins in the Middle Ages. Come on, you know you wanna read this one. ;)

Falling for You by Joe Petty
A sweet (no-sex) story about a veterinarian and the ailing athlete he comes to care for.

Sorry is the Magic Word by MA Jackson
Another one that I had the pleasure of beta reading. :) A misunderstanding between a lifestyle Dom and sub.

June 23, 2014
From the Ashes by Leah Miranda
Are you one of those people that just seems to have shit luck with relationships, and then someone comes along that is too good to be true? Sometimes they are true, and it's our own anxieties we need to work through to see it.

I Spy Pecan Pie by Anna Birmingham
Cowboys, pie, and a handful of misunderstandings. (Yum!)

Torn by Angela Maye
First loves can be bittersweet but are all the more so when homophobia is an issue. Can these two boys find their happy ending?

June 24, 2014
The Assassin of Laurentium by Clodia Metelli
A slow-burn fantasy involving a courtesan and his body guard.

He Didn’t Have To Be by Tracey Michael
One young man has his world shaken up when his best friend stick up for him by kissing him in public.

That Day in Spring by BJ Sheppard
I understand this one is a tear-jerker so have a box of tissues handy.

June 25, 2014
The Case of the Insufferable Slave by Gillian St. Kevern
In a time and place where detectives are awarded slaves with their titles, one newly-made detective doesn't want his. See how their story plays out...

June 26, 2014
A Chance to Fight by Lila Leigh Hunter
Two alpha-males reunited after 5 years apart.

Dance of Memory by R.L. Robinson
A sweet (no-sex) alternate historical where Frederick and Hans get a second chance.

His Heart Belongs To Daddy by Harry K. Malone
BDSM story about an older man with a younger Daddy.

June 27, 2014
Faire Play by Chris Cox
An undercover agent, a Renaissance fair, and kilts! *swoon* Be still my heart!

More Than He Can See by Nicole Forcine
This is a sweet little read about a (slightly) insecure shorter man and the shy redhead he falls for.

Yarulf’s Duty by Vicktor Alexander
An arranged marriage to unite two races in an alternate universe. Could it possibly end happily? Read and see.

June 28, 2014
Honesty and Artifice by S.H. Allan
A man's quiet, hidden existence is disturbed by a stranger washing up on the shore of the island which he now calls home.

Love's Landscapes June 15-21, 2014

June 15, 2014
It Takes Two by Alexa Milne
There are times a person is faced with two choices. One safe and predictable, the other crazy and risky. Who knew learning to dance could lead to something so life-changing?

The Layover by Megan Erickson
What do a dead guy, two tourists, and a parrot have in common?

Playing with Two-Edged Swords by Roger Grace
A story of two mages set in an alternate Victorian London.

June 16, 2014
Contrary Instincts by Ava Penn
MY STORY! *ahem* Two brothers deal with the clash of their instincts vs. their feelings for one another.

The Dreams You Made in the Dirt by Lisa Henry
*dreamy sigh* This may not be everyone's cup of tea but it sure was mine. If references to abuse are a no-go or trigger for you, this may be one to avoid; but fear not for there is a HFN.

If at First You Don't Succeed by K.C. Faelan
Two men with a rather vanilla love life try to spice things up a little. Hilarity and more ensues.

June 17, 2014
An Old-Fashioned Love Song by Michelle K Grant
A little bit of BDSM between a twink and a blue collar working man. Can the younger man convince his lover that age doesn't matter? (both characters are over 18)

Expect the Unexpected by Lou Sylvre
GFY friends-to-lovers with a mess of a misunderstanding. It's really cute ^_^

Fighting Dirty by Olley White
A peasant fights his way to a position of honor, but is it at the cost of possibly losing out on love?

June 18, 2014
Silver Embers by Becca Finn
Magic, humor, and enemies-to-lovers.... Yes, please!

June 19, 2014
The Anchor Tattoo and the Pistachio Dream by Paula Coots
Not everyone goes to the gym to get ripped. Some go to balance out their eating habits. See what happens when an ice cream addict meets a tattooed gym go-er in this delightful read.

Coming Out of the Storm by Laura Mathews
One man in love with his best friend deals with the heartbreak of his friend struggling to recover from the physical and mental/emotional trauma of becoming a double amputee.

The Laws of Physics by Claire Davis
Some first-time, humorous BDSM.

June 20, 2014
eXtreme Homecoming by Jennah Scott
"Don't look back, Don't back down." One man's motto to survive a heartbreak and thrive in his chosen career. When a piece of past turns up and forces him to look back, what follows is nothing short of a beautiful example of forgiveness.

Only You by Shayla Mist
I had the pleasure of beta reading this one. A sweet friends-to-lovers where one MC deals with homophobia from his roommate and the other deals with his feelings for his best friend who he knows is straight.

Un/Common Ground by Arielle Pierce
Is it possible for a man whose culture, family, and past is filled with homophobia to find happiness?

June 21, 2014
Measuring the Rein by Jae Moran
A cowboy comes out of the closet, confessing to his best friend that he loves him.

Don't forget, a directory of the stories so far can be here along with their download links!

Entitlement is the Eighth Deadly Sin (IMO)

en·ti·tle

 verb \in-ˈtī-t^əl, en-\

: to give a title to (something, such as a book)

: to give a right to (someone)

en·ti·tleden·ti·tling 

Full Definition of ENTITLE

transitive verb

1

:  to give a title to :  designate

2

:  to furnish with proper grounds for seeking or claiming something <this ticket entitles the bearer to free admission>

"Entitle." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 16 June 2014. <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitle>.

en·ti·tle·ment

 noun \-ˈtī-t^əl-mənt\

: the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something

: the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something (such as special privileges)

: a type of financial help provided by the government for members of a particular group

Full Definition of ENTITLEMENT

1

a :  the state or condition of being entitled :  right

b :  a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract

2

:  a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also :  funds supporting or distributed by such a program

3

:  belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entitlement

Entitlement

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An entitlement is a guarantee of access to something, such as to welfare benefits, based on established rights or by legislation.^[1][2] The term may also reflect a pejorative connotation, as in a "sense of entitlement". A "right" is itself an entitlement associated with a moral or social principle, such that an "entitlement" is a provision made in accordance with a legal framework of a society. Typically, entitlements are based on concepts of principle ("rights") which are themselves based in concepts of social equality or enfranchisement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entitlement

Principle

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Principal. For other uses, see Principle (disambiguation).

Examples of principles:A principle is a law or rule that has to be, or usually is to be followed, or can be desirably followed, or is an inevitable consequence of something, such as the laws observed in nature or the way that a system is constructed. The principles of such a system are understood by its users as the essential characteristics of the system, or reflecting system's designed purpose, and the effective operation or use of which would be impossible if any one of the principles was to be ignored.^[1]

• Descriptive comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption
• Normative rule or code of conduct
• Law or fact of nature underlying the working of an artificial device

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle

Now, before you all start thinking I'm just posting random definitions, there is a reason for this blog post. Given in the title. The one definition that is missing from all of these concerning entitlement is: "the feeling that everyone, every where, and the world itself owes you something."

Just because you have to right to be a [heartless, mean-spirited, high-and-mighty, pompous, self-important, righteous, soapbox toting, bandwagon jumping, shit-pot stirring, everything-I-say/do/believe-is-right-and-anything-I-disagree-with-is-WRONG (despite the fact that it is somebody else's opinion to which they also have a right)] hate-monger doesn't mean you should be.

Once upon a time, in an era long forgotten, there was this concept known as respect/courtesy/graciousness. It is so endangered that most don't have any hope it still exists anywhere in this world until they come across a fleeting instance of it, clinging to it like a life preserver in a freezing ocean with no rescue in sight.

So for those people who feel the need to be assholes (pardon my language), just because they CAN: Bless your heart.