Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts

Friday, October 24, 2014

Gay BDSM, sexual obsession and the church: The Beginning of Knowledge

There's an interview with me, plus a giveaway of gay BDSM erotic story The Beginning of Knowledge, over at On Top Down Under Book Reviews today.

Topics discussed include:

  • the inclusion (or otherwise) of LGBTQ people in the church
  • same-sex marriage
  • my reasons for leaving the Church of England
  • the attraction of BDSM literature for all
  • the pros and cons of sexual obsession.

So probably enough to be getting along with for now - enjoy! And good luck with the giveaway, which is definitely for over 18s.

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK
Biblical Fiction UK

Sunday, September 07, 2014

Book giveaway competition: The Origami Nun

From now until 27 September, you can win a copy of children's book The Origami Nun at the Booklikes giveaway

Seven-year-old Ruth can't speak, but that doesn't mean she can't think. She knows her birthday is going to be good as her beloved great-aunt has exciting plans for her. What she doesn't expect is a magical paper nun, an encounter with a bully who may not be what she seems, or a school day to remember. Because, before her special day is over, Ruth is in for some very big surprises.

Reviews:

"What a delightfully written book! This is one I plan to share with my daughter at some point because I think she would like it, too! I love the fact that the author featured a mute heroine, and magic is infused in such a wonderful way. In addition to that, it deals with a subject with which our youth are very familiar - bullying! … I connected with the character, the story, and I enjoyed the magical nature of the story … I hope the author writes several sequels!" [From a 5-star review at My Devotional Thoughts]

"I really enjoyed reading this shorter story. The author portrayed the characters well and had a great story line … This is a terrifically inspirational and uplifting story for children and adults alike." [From a review at The Cover Books]

"This is the most touching children's book I have read. I absolutely LOVED it … I highly recommend this book to children in the age range of 8+. However, I think adults would like this book too." [From a 5-star review at Goodreads]

"There is a wonderful life lesson in the story and I have read it to my own grandchildren with great enthusiasm. They adored it!" [From a 5-star review at Goodreads]

"Magic is in the air. Come see how Ruth and others learn the importance of respect for each other even though they are different and that each person has a different story or reason for being different. I recommend this book for ages 6 and up." [From a 4.5 star review at Fire and Ice Reviews]

Good luck!

Lori Olding Children's Author

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Giveaway competition: gay erotic romance

There are 3 copies of gay erotic romance, Entertaining the Delaneys, on offer in my latest Booklikes competition:

Since his initial encounter with the Delaney twins, Liam has found his thoughts turning back to them time and time again, and he can’t help hoping for another meeting. His chance happens one night when Mark Delaney rings, needing an evening's entertainment.

At the Delaney residence, Liam discovers that a business associate of the twins has agreed a deal with them, and part of that deal is Liam himself. How will the evening end and will Liam be able to handle the challenges thrown at him this time?

Reviews:

“This is a well written humorous small morsel of a story with convincing characters and scorching sex ... Anne Brooke has created an extremely arousing as well as especially enjoyable snippet. I adore the main characters and wish for a much longer version of them together.” [From a 5 star review at Literary Nymphs Reviews]

“What I’ve enjoyed most about both books in this series has been the cheeky humour of the first person narrator, Liam. He seems to have a knack of getting himself into awkward situations, whether it’s accidentally attacking the limo driver or being unable to stop opening his mouth and saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. He’s a likeable chap and I found myself cheering him on all the way ... I also enjoyed the fact that Liam is less frightened of the brothers in this book, and more comfortable with perhaps pushing their relationship and going after what he wants. It led to some tense drama amongst the light-hearted narration, but also added a great deal to the story in terms of the connection between the three men.” [From a review at Brief Encounters Reviews]

“This short story is pure erotic fantasy escape but what sets it apart from other similar stories is the overall writing, and in particular the writing of Liam ...Entertaining The Delaneys by Anne Brooke offers up another well written, witty and angst-free erotic romp, with a pinch of relatively light BDSM for spice, and is a good reading escape in particular if pressed for time.” [From a review at Three Dollar Bill Reviews]

So, head on over to Booklikes and good luck in the competition!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Trilogy (gay-themed)

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Giveaway competition: gay erotic romance

Three copies of gay menage romance The Delaneys and Me are up for grabs in the Booklikes competition

When Liam makes a scene in the middle of a restaurant after his boyfriend, Brandon, dumps him, he knows Brandon’s cousins, the Delaney twins, will be after him for retribution. The Delaneys head up the local gangster scene and are not to be messed with. Especially as, in the heat of the moment, Liam threatened to take what he knew (and, really, he doesn’t know much) to the police.

It’s a recipe for disaster. But when the Delaneys give Liam a choice between being shot or having sex with both of them, Liam finds that his evening might turn out to be rather more interesting than originally anticipated.

Reviews:

“Anne Brooke has penned a lovely short story that will have you in stitches with its funny dialogue and sex on demand, as our hero, Liam, tries to repay his debt and live another day.” [From a 4.25 star review at Jessewave Reviews]

"Liam's voice as the first-person narrator is pitch perfect for a dark comedy, veering between comic distress and absurd-but-somehow-you-buy-it-anyway arousal. This story and this plot could have easily veered very dark indeed, but Brooke keeps it madcap enough that the constant sense of danger titillates you …" [From a review at More Than This Reviews]

“The Delaneys and Me by Anne Brooke is a well written, slightly edgy and fun erotic romp that I enjoyed and believe others will as well. The manner in which the story ends leaves the door open to future possibilities for these three, and in particular in respect of the relationship between Johnny and Mark, which I’m sure will delight fans of this author should she decide to further explore their relationship.” [From a review at Three Dollar Bill Reviews]

Good luck in the competition!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy (gay-themed)

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Naughty publishers and happy pills

Book News:

Sigh. Here we go again. I'm having enormous trouble getting the Rights Recovery letter for my literary short story Painting from Life back from Eternal Press/Damnation Books. Last year they removed it from their website without telling me, and then when I asked for the return of copyright in October 2012, they either ignored me or emailed back saying they were "working on it". They've been "working on it" ever since and in March I actually received an email from Kim Richards, the CEO, saying she was planning to send me the RR letter in two weeks' time. Well, two weeks came and went, and still nothing.

So it gives me great and heartfelt pleasure to see that Eternal Press and Damnation Books are both mentioned on Preditors and Editors as a Publisher To Avoid. Heck, wish I'd known that a while back - might at least have saved myself all those emails I've been sending. Still, I've sent more information to Preditors and Editors so they can add my sorry tale to their information on this particular company. Are you out there, Kim? I quite understand your organisation is noted as being rather dodgy but if you need something to draft a letter on in the midst of your troubles, I'm happy to send you a typewriter ... Fellow writers out there - be warned!

Turning to more cheerful writing matters, I've found a review of gay science fiction story Tuluscan Six and the Time Circle at ARe Cafe Reviews. It included the following:

"Tuluscan Six and the Time Circle by Anne Brooke is a short story with a light comic touch that may appeal to many readers, even those who tend to avoid science-fiction. The fast pace, comical details, and the single viewpoint from an appealing hero make for an immediately engaging reading experience."

Also at ARe Cafe was a lovely 4-star review of gay thriller A Dangerous Man, which included the following:

A Dangerous Man is not a gay romance with a traditional happy ending, but it is a compelling work of gay fiction and a real page-turner. Things to praise include the flawless writing and the subtlety with which Michael's tragic past is revealed. The London setting is vivid and three-dimensional, and the author has a perfect ear for dialogue.


I'm also very happy to announce that my author page is now up at new gay fiction publisher Wilde City Press. While you're there, have a good look round the site, and I hope you enjoy the visit. My story with them will be published in May and I hope to let you know the details very soon.

Meanwhile, the FREE giveaway of fantasy novel Hallsfoot's Battle is still on over at Goodreads until 23 April, so don't miss out. As a reminder, here's the blurb for you:

"In the second book in The Gathandrian Trilogy, Gelahn the mind-executioner begins his campaign. His powers are sublime, unmatched – even without the mind-cane in his possession. Using fear and pain he enslaves his victims, but next he will break and possess the Lammas Overlord.

Recently appointed Acting Elder and left in sole charge of her people, Annyeke Hallsfoot draws on all her mind-skills and courage as the fight for Gathandria rages. The precious ancient Legends are her bedrock and she begins teaching their wisdom to the scribe, Simon Hartstongue, who must quickly learn to work with the mind-cane’s strange powers. But Simon is distracted by his own demons and only fears the artefact. Supported by Johan and Talus, her young charge, Annyeke plots a desperate strategy to defeat the enemy.

As the Gathandrians rally behind their new leader, Gelahn strikes at the heart of the city."

It includes one rather tricky gay couple, a feisty redhead and an obstinate raven, so what more can you want? Good luck with the competition.

On another writing tack, children's fantasy story The Origami Nun now has its own video on YouTube, so do pop along and enjoy at any time.


Life News:

This week, the reduction of my Happy Pills has hit home for the first time, and it's all proving harder than I thought. Felt very depressed mid-week and couldn't seem to do or think anything at my usual speeds. Possibly that may be a good thing, however, as I tend to live life at full throttle. So have spent a lot of spare time napping and am feeling a bit more normal now, phew.

Also in the week, I watched my recording of Maggie Thatcher's funeral, which made me both rather sad and also immensely pleased at how well done it was. It was also good to see so many people out supporting and sending her on her last great journey - rather than the national bitchiness and downright misogyny that's been taking over our social networking and media for the last week or so. I have to say that hearing so many times about how Maggie was so terrible because she was so divisive has made me smile though. Um, isn't being divisive what good leadership is all about?? It was that terrible consensus and trying to agree with everyone that got us into the s**t in 1979 anyway, for those of us who remember those dreadful days prior to Maggie turning up and sorting out the mess. She was simply the right woman for the right time, and I'll not forget it.

This weekend, spring has also really sprung, hurrah. We heard our first cuckoo of the year, and our apple blossom and dwarf tulips are now in all their full glory.

I've also made Double Chocolate Mint Sponge cake, which was terribly easy and tastes divine. Will definitely be making this one again.

And yesterday we had a glorious day at Petworth House, followed by a trip to Rake Garden Centre - which is always worth a visit and where they had a sale of tulips so we went a bit mad really. But you can never have too many tulips, to my mind. So a lot of planting has been done in the glorious sunshine we've had.

Meanwhile, over at The Angry Anglican, I put the case to you, folks, that despite what the Church of England would have us believe, gay marriage is actually God's great plan after all. Is the CofE listening though? Hmm, I doubt it ...

So, because of the fact that K and I are fed up to the back teeth with Anglican Leadership Homophobia World, we took a week off from battling the beast, albeit quietly, and attended our local United Reformed Church service instead. Very nice it was too - we'll be going again for sure.

Anne Brooke
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy
Biblical Fiction UK
Lori Olding Children's Author



Monday, April 01, 2013

Blog hops and bestsellers

Book News:

Just a quick reminder that I am taking part in the Scorching Blog Hop until 6 April, and there are loads of giveaways, as well as a grand prize. Leave a comment at my below blog and you'll be in with a chance to win a FREE ebook of gay romance Who Moved My Holepunch? Don't forget to visit all the other participants too. Good luck!

Indeed, already Who Moved My Holepunch? has received a lovely review from On Top Down Under Reviews, which included the following:

"I find Anne Brooke writes a mean short story … If you are looking for a witty, sexy, M/M office romp, then I highly recommend Who Moved My Holepunch? It is a great title and the content matches the cover, sexy and interesting." 

Thank you, Karen! Another review, this time a 4-star one, can also be found at MM Good Book Reviews, and this includes:

"It was a fascinating read. I laughed. I gasped. And I felt the exquisite chemistry this author achieved between her characters. The world they were put into was not something I anticipated, but even college administrative jobs can be fascinating with a creative mind. A lovely novella not to be missed."

Other reviews can be found at Goodreads, including a 4 star one and a 4.5 star one. Many thanks to all readers there for your comments. You can also now find this book at All Romance Ebooks, if that's your preferred shopping venue.

In addition, another prize giveaway that's running at the moment is for fantasy novel, Hallsfoot's Battle, the second in my critically acclaimed Gathandrian series.

At Goodreads, you have the chance to win one FREE paperback of this novel if you add your name to the list by 23 April. Whilst at LibraryThing, there are two FREE ebooks up for grabs (scroll down to view) if you request it by 7 April. Good luck to all!

I'm also happy to note that I was the No 5 bestselling author at Untreed Reads for 2012, well gosh. A BIG thank you to everyone who has bought a copy of my books there and put me in those charts.

Finally in this section, I'm thrilled to be included in an interview about gay romance and religion over at the Lambda Literary magazine. It's a pleasure to be there.


Life News:

Last week, I spent three fascinating days in snowy Edinburgh at a work conference, and got a heck of a lot out of it, I must say. Some very thought-provoking seminars indeed. The only down side was the pesky weather, but Edinburgh is of course still a beautiful city.

K and I also spent a day with Mother on Good Friday, accompanying her to the Hour of Remembrance as usual. And the Easter Service was of course packed and very enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the champagne and chocolate eggs after the service, but fear we're possibly not getting those every week, alas.

Over the last couple of days, K and I have visited Clandon Park, along with their lovely garden centre, where I succumbed to two gorgeous Senetti plants. And today we've visited Hatchlands, and come away with two very reasonably priced lupins. Sadly, though, both K and I are battling with a cold/flu-type thing, so haven't done as much gardening as we'd have liked. That said, I took out most of the wretched ground elder yesterday - a weed which I'm sure will survive a nuclear winter, should it ever come upon us. Hey ho.

Hope you're all having a glorious Easter week!

Anne Brooke
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy
Biblical Fiction UK
Lori Olding Children's Author



Scorching Book Reviews: LGBT Blog Hop 1-6 April



I'm really thrilled to be part of the Scorching Book Reviews LGBT Blog Hop which starts now and lasts until 6 April. There's a lot of fun and giveaways, so do be sure to visit the rest of the blog hoppers. You won't regret it!

On this post, I'm giving away a FREE e-copy of gay office romance Who Moved My Holepunch? to one lucky commenter.  Here's the blurb:


Darren Fording works as a Senior Timetabling Officer for his local college. When Max Sheldon arrives to take over as Acting Registrar, Darren finds himself consumed by lust for his new boss and making the kind of decisions he as a stuck-in-his-ways administrator has never made before.

When Darren initiates a full-on kiss during a meeting with Max, the enthusiasm of the Registrar's response takes him by surprise. Max is reluctant to pursue a relationship with an employee, but Darren is equally determined not to take no for an answer. Can he prove his worth to the man he's beginning to love and show him he's a dab hand at educational politics as well?


And here's an extract to warm up your day:


Max looked pretty darn good. Darren hadn’t seen him all day, as he’d been neck-deep in last-minute inspection preparation, whilst Max had been out sweet-talking local schools and parents. He wore a dark blue suit matched with a soft cream shirt, his jacket slung over his arm. No tie, but Darren imagined he’d taken that off for tonight. Who wore ties on a date? He’d ditched his in the drawer a couple of hours ago.
If he’d expected Max to say something, he didn’t. Instead, he simply gazed at Darren, his eyes wide and unblinking. It wasn’t the look of a man who planned a few drinks with a colleague before making his way home unaccompanied.
Darren rose to his feet, not even bothering to put his trusty holepunch in its usual position. For once, it could fend for itself.
“You’re the sexiest sight I’ve seen all day,” he said, and watched as Max’s eyelashes flickered.
“I hope so,” said Max. “Bearing in mind where you work.”
They both laughed, but then the laughter faded as they continued to look at each other.
“Take your shirt off,” Darren said, as he strolled round his desk to half-perch on the front.
“Not even a drink first, as we agreed?”
“Later. Not now.” Darren walked right up to Max and stroked one finger down his face. “I want to see your chest.”
He didn’t know where this new demanding person came from. He didn’t know why taking the lead felt so natural when it came to Max. The man was his boss, for heaven’s sake. He really shouldn’t be ordering him to strip. It certainly wouldn’t look great at his next review, but Darren couldn’t help himself. Neither was Max objecting. He nodded, as if what Darren had asked was the most logical instruction possible.
Then he stepped back, dropped his jacket onto the desk and began to unbutton his shirt.
Darren couldn’t have stopped gazing if the whole of the international catering contingent had charged in, waving a variety of freshly baked baguettes and a dozen bags of bagels. Thank goodness they didn’t because the sight of Max’s chest, slowly revealed, required all his attention. He was smooth-skinned and lightly tanned in a way that spoke of outdoor life rather than the demands of the gym. His nipples were dark, with a slight framing of hair, which Darren longed to run his fingers across.
Not yet, though, not yet.
When he’d fully unbuttoned his shirt, Max shrugged it off, not even bothering to glance backward at where it lay crumpled on the lino.
Darren smiled. “That’s nice. Very nice. I like your body. I knew I would. Thank you.”
Max opened his mouth to speak, but Darren laid one finger on his lips, feeling the soft hush of his breath against his skin.
“Please,” Darren said. “We’re not in our office roles tonight. I don’t want you to speak at the moment. I just want to admire you.”
He did so, walking around Max as he stood, panting a little and with the light from the window making his shoulder muscles gleam. Darren leant forward and puffed a hot breath over the nape of Max’s neck. A small groan and a shiver rewarded him. “I think I’ll close the blinds. I don’t want people looking in and seeing us. This is private.”
After he’d shut the blinds, Darren locked the office door. The security teams were on site and, although they’d never bothered him when he’d worked late before, he didn’t want to take any chances. It would be Max’s career as well as his own on the line here if he weren’t careful. He didn’t want that kind of guilt.
“We’re safe,” he said. “I’d love it if you took off the rest of your clothes.”
Max swallowed and closed his eyes briefly. Darren could almost see the struggle written on his face between professional pride and personal need. He stepped closer and touched his arm.
“Whatever happens,” he whispered, “it doesn’t go anywhere other than between the two of us. And it won’t affect how we are at work. I’m not that kind of a man.”
Max glanced at him, and half-smiled. “I know you’re not,” he whispered. “I know.”
The way Max looked at him almost made Darren lose control and kiss him for a second time, deeply and with feeling, but that wasn’t what he'd come here for. Whether Max had known it or not when he strolled into the office a few minutes ago, he hadn’t been searching for someone indecisive, but someone with control.
Darren hoped he could provide it. “I’m waiting,” he said.
Max licked his lips. He hunkered down and unlaced his shoes, drawing them off and placing them side-by-side next to him. Next his socks and then the trousers. He took more care of these than he had with his shirt, folding them before laying them on the floor. Finally, he stood, catching Darren’s gaze again. He could see the outline of Max’s cock through his Calvin Klein’s and the very fact of the label made him smile. Darren was happily a Marks and Spencer man himself.
“Take them off,” he said, but already Max was slipping his briefs down his legs and pushing them away.
At last, he was fully naked.



Don't forget - to be in with a chance of winning a copy, just leave a comment on this post, together with how I can get hold of you, and the winner will be chosen on 7 April. Good luck!

Sorry that I can't make my special links work, but here are the rest of the Easter Hoppers, with loads more chances to win, plus a Grand Prize!

Happy Easter!

Anne Brooke
Gay Reads UK

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Book tours and honey cake

Children's fantasy book The Origami Nun has been on tour this week and there's a giveaway which lasts until 30 September, so there's still lots of time to leave a comment on the tour and be in with a chance of winning. Here is a list of the tour stops for you:

An excerpt at Reading A Little Bit of Everything

A review at The Cover Reviews

A post about Lori's favourite children's authors at Reading Away The Days

A promotion at My Devotional Thoughts

A 5-star review at My Devotional Thoughts

A post about the background story behind the Nun and my own bullying experiences (together with some really lovely and thoughtful comments)

A review at Fire and Ice Reviews


Do feel free to pop in and leave a comment, and I'd like to say a VERY big thank you to the lovely Megan at Reading Away the Days for arranging the blog tour, and to all tour hosts and participants. It's very much appreciated.

Keeping to the subject of giveaways, though of a more adult nature in this case, you have until tomorrow (23 September) to enter the giveaway at Hearts On Fire Reviews. Good luck to all entrants there!

Other items of book news this week include:

Lesbian paranormal story The Girl in The Painting is at No 17 in the Amazon UK Lesbian stories chart.

My Sunday Haiku collection made it to No 8 in the Amazon UK Haiku charts, well gosh.

And gay BDSM story Give and Take gained a lovely review at KazzaK Book Reviews and Therapy (many thanks, Karen).

Meanwhile, over at Vulpes Libris, I revisited that long hot UK summer of 1976 with a review of Judith Allnatt's A Mile of River. A book that was flawed, in my opinion, but with heartening moments of genius. If she could hang on to the genius moments, I'd certainly be interested in reading more.

For the rest of this week, I've been falling asleep in front of the TV more times than I care to remember - though in my defence, I've apparently been working up to the bad cold I currently have (groan) - and which I'm desperately trying to kick into touch before I need to go in to the University tomorrow to help with Move In Weekend. Plus it's Freshers' Week next week and I really do need to be in for that!

Speaking of work, I've managed to take on more hours, which will be great for the household budget, so I'll be working 3.5 days (or 4 shorter days depending on work schedules) from the start of October, rather than the standard 3 days. Many thanks to the boss for letting me do that.

Oh, and I've really enjoyed the latest episode on TV of the documentary Vikings. At last - I've found my people ... I always knew we'd only come across for the shopping and social life. All that pillage stuff is just bad PR, hey ho.

And today I've made Devonshire Honey Cake, and I'm really rather pleased with it. I think that's about as energetic as it gets today as I need to conserve my strength (such as it is) for tomorrow and the rest of the week. Wish me luck.

Anne Brooke
Lori Olding Children's Author
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy
Gay Reads UK
Biblical Fiction UK












Friday, September 07, 2012

The Gifting Book Tour Final Day: Feisty Redheads 'R' Us

Today is the last day of the book tour for fantasy novel The Gifting, and I'm very happy indeed to be at the Fighting Monkey Press website, interviewing the irrepressible Annyeke Hallsfoot. It's a case of one redhead interviewing another, so absolutely anything could happen, and probably will ...

Don't say I didn't warn you!

While you're there, don't forget that a comment on the post or indeed any of the posts of this book tour, gives you a chance to win my THREE ebook giveaway, and there's also still just about time to enter the competition to win a Kindle ereader.

Good luck, and many thanks for accompanying me on this tour. I've had a great time!

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy

Thursday, September 06, 2012

The Gifting Book Tour Day Nine: writing about writers

It had to happen one day, didn't it? When I started writing over twelve years ago now, I promised myself I'd never write about writers, as that was just odd and somehow incestuous, and I've been rather snooty about those who do ... Those of you who've read The Gifting will know that my main character, Simon Hartstongue, is a scribe, so with the Gathandrian Trilogy, I've had to eat my own words, along with a huge slice of humble pie. I'd best keep my big mouth shut and my preconceived ideas to myself next time, eh ...

Anyway, it's Day Nine of my book tour, and if you visit Christine Young's site, you can find out more about why I didn't follow my own writerly advice and exactly how that's changed the way I write. Don't forget to leave a comment to enter the free ebook giveaway, and there's a Kindle to be won too. Good luck!

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy

The Gifting Book Tour Day Eight: the artistry of canes

Day Eight of the book tour for The Gifting and you can find me at Long and Short Reviews talking about the quirkiness and art of canes. It may well be just me, but I think walking canes are fascinating and I'm always interested by the type people choose. It definitely says a lot about them - and is no doubt a large part of the reason why I chose a magical cane to be a key aspect of The Gathandrian Trilogy.

There's a walking cane for everyone! So click onto the post and let me know which you'd choose ... And don't forget any comments throughout the whole of the tour means you're automatically entered into the three ebooks giveaway competition - and there's a competition to win a Kindle too.

Happy reading!

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

The Gifting Book Tour Day Seven: The Thrill of Flight

I've always been fascinated by birds and often dream of flying - which is odd as I really hate air travel. But if I was to have one superpower granted to me, I'd definitely opt for the ability to fly. It must be truly exciting.

So on Day 7 of the book tour for fantasy novel, The Gifting, I'm looking at the thrill of flight and the use of birds - particularly my magical snow-raven - in the first of my trilogy. And you can read an exclusive excerpt to whet your appetite, so pop along to Bunny's Book Reviews and let me know what your superpower might be!

Don't forget a comment gives you entry into a competition to win THREE of my ebook backlist, and you can also try your hand at the Free Kindle contest as well. Good luck!

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy

Monday, September 03, 2012

The Gifting Book Tour Day Six: Gazing at the stars

Today, the book tour for The Gifting is at It's Raining Books and I'm looking at the star signs and astrology system of the people of the Lammas Lands. For someone like me who doesn't even believe in astrology, it's really quite detailed, and you get the added bonus of an excerpt involving a rather scared little boy, a dangerous Horseman and my scribe in reassuring mode ...

While you're there, don't forget to leave a comment in order to enter the three ebooks giveaway, and try your hand at the Win a Kindle competition also.

Happy reading!


Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy

Saturday, September 01, 2012

The Gifting Book Tour Day Five: the joys of Thomas Covenant

The latest stop on my book tour for The Gifting find me reliving happy memories of reading Stephen Donaldson's marvellous Earth Wars series, starring the wonderful leper and embittered writer Thomas Covenant. These books utterly gripped me through my teenage years, and were a very strong influence in my creation of murderous scribe Simon Hartstongue in the Gathandrian Trilogy.

So come along and pay a visit to the Fantasy Friday blog (albeit a little late) and see if you agree with me! Don't forget to leave a comment to enter the giveaway and to try your luck in the free Kindle competition.

Have a great and bookish weekend and the book tour recommences on Monday!

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Gifting Book Tour Day Four: Secret betrayals ...

Day Four of The Gifting book tour and I'm at the Talisman Books site, discussing the whys and wherefores of secret betrayals. Something we've surely all done, even on a very minor scale, and something my characters in The Gifting know rather too much about ...

So come along and join in - don't forget that every comment during the tour means you're in with a chance to win three books from my backlist, plus there's a competition to win a Kindle ereader - just for you!

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Garden and giveaways

Book News:

The Celebrating Independence Blog Hop has started today and lasts till 4 July. You can find my post here, and if you leave a comment on it, you're in with a chance of winning one of THREE ebooks from my backlist - good luck! You can find all the other participants and their competitions at the Celebrating Independence website. Happy browsing.

Yesterday, we had a great session at Elstead Writers, as ever, with lots of inspiration and advice. And it was even sunny enough to sit outside with our coffee & papers, so that was great. Can't wait till the next meeting.

In terms of current writing projects, I've just started an office-based gay romance for Amber Allure Press, which I'm tentatively calling Who Moved My Holepunch? I think I've fairly safe in assuming the title hasn't been used before ...

The Sunday haiku is:

Held within my throat
all the words I couldn't say:
woman's destiny.


Life News:

Had a good time at golf on Friday, despite the wind which I'm sure was invariably against me. All was going swimmingly until the last hole when I lost my ball in a ditch and had to take a shovel in order to retrieve it, metaphorically speaking. Ah well.

Yesterday afternoon, K and I had a trip out to Nymans to admire their rose garden amongst other splendours and very lovely it was too. The smell was gorgeous. Once back home, I flung myself into baking cupcakes from my new cake book, Marian Keyes' Saved by Cake. Hmm, she seems to have an extremely sweet tooth judging by the amount of icing I had for my cakes, yikes. Even K queried it. Plus, bearing in mind the fact that my icing equipment broke halfway through, and there was more of the actual icing on the kitchen work surfaces and in my hair than on the cake anyway, I think her book should be renamed Traumatised by Cake. I wonder if I should suggest it ... Or maybe just write one of my own.

Beyond that, we've done a fair amount of gardening, and popped into church today, so are single-handedly keeping suburbia going. Lordy, I'll be joining the Women's Institute next, God preserve them.

And, finally, K is now looking for another Accountancy role, so if anyone knows of any finance-type jobs out there, don't hesitate to let us know - many thanks indeed.

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy
Gay Reads UK
Biblical Fiction UK
Lori Olding - Children's Author

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop

It's the start of the all-singing all-dancing Independence Blog Hop today, which continues to 4 July, so don't miss out. There are loads of free giveaways to be won!

Independence Day is a great celebration for our cousins across the water, and also fun for me on a more personal level too as it's the birthday of one of my oldest friends (happy birthday, Jane M!). Independence means a lot of different things to a lot of people, but I can remember my own first taste of it very clearly indeed. It sounds strange, I know, but when I passed my driving test when I was 17, I felt hugely grown-up indeed, and very excited about being able to get into a car and drive to see my friends rather than wait for a bus. That to me was real independence!
Do you remember your first experience of independence? Leave a comment and THREE lucky winners are in with a chance of winning one ebook each from my backlist - good luck!

In the meantime, here's the blurb and an excerpt from my latest book in the gay menage Delaneys series, The Delaneys at Home:


Liam is ready for a whole new life with the dangerous Delaney twins, and dives into it with great enthusiasm. But when the men reveal they know he's not been entirely honest with them about his previous art career, the scene is set for a rather different experience of punishment. Can Liam rise to the occasion this time around? More than that, Liam's gallery boss appears to be in cahoots with the Delaneys about the talents Liam's convinced he simply doesn't have. Will he find the twins' commitment to his profession rather more than even he can handle?


Excerpt:


No sooner had the Delaneys expressed a desire than the act was done. I'd certainly found out how true that was in bed, to my immense satisfaction, and now I was in the middle of finding out how similar they were when it came to domestic arrangements, too.
Only forty-eight hours after they'd made their proposition about living with them, I was outside their front door, my suitcase in one hand and an enormous bouquet of flowers in the other. Behind me, Pedro, the chauffeur I'd already met, was hovering, as if afraid I might do something unexpected. As he'd thought I was attacking him the first time I'd visited the twins, he probably had good reason.
I wondered if “something unexpected” might include bursting into the “confidence” song from The Sound of Music, but thought this might be too much even for me, let alone Pedro. However, to be honest, it's what my arrival here felt like. I only needed a habit and a high soprano and I'd be Maria in the flesh. Thank the Lord the Delaneys didn't have any children.
Before I could ring the bell, the door opened. I'd expected Johnny, but I got Mark.
“You're late,” he said with a growl before pulling me inside and slamming me back into the wall. My suitcase landed with a thud on their tiled floor and the flowers skittered away.
“I needed to fix my hair,” I managed to say before he kissed me.
Though probably devoured would be the better word. His tongue went straight into my mouth, claiming me without any doubt for his own, and I held on and sucked for all I was worth. Always play to your strengths is what I say. The next moment, I felt warm breath in my ear as Johnny made his presence known, licking and nibbling my earlobe. God, I loved being with them, and gave myself up to their attentions as I gripped Mark with one arm and hugged Johnny with the other.
I had no idea what Pedro might be doing, but frankly, as they say, I didn't give a damn.
When the twins finally let me go, I felt as if I'd really arrived. Mark reached out and pushed the front door shut. I think Pedro had already left, but the gesture made me feel safe. Well, almost safe. With the Delaneys, there was always an essential little frisson of danger, which I was well into enjoying by now.
“Good,” Mark said, one hand pinning me to the wall. Not that I was intending to go anywhere. I was having too good a time right here. “It's just the three of us at last. And I've got plans. Liam, go upstairs, turn right and then take the second door on the left. It's my bedroom. Strip yourself and get on the bed. Johnny and I will join you as soon as we're ready.”
“Yes, sir,” I said, unable to stop the smile threatening to make my jaw break. Domestic bliss looked pretty exciting so far ...


Hope you enjoy the rest of the Independence Hop, and don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win one of the THREE ebook prizes!

Anne Brooke
The Independence Blog Hop
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Book Tour Extravaganza and the Grateful Author

Book News:

Well, gosh. This week has certainly been astonishing. Literary gay short story Where You Hurt The Most was published on Monday, and since then the party hasn't stopped. I've never had so many people buy so many copies of one of my books and be so generally very enthusiastic about it. Thank you very much indeed - I'm utterly gobsmacked by it all, and very appreciative. I'm so glad you seem to be enjoying the read.

To put all this amazement and gratitude into some kind of order, I'd like to acknowledge the following with a great deal of thanks:

Seven official reviews have been received, including:

4.5 stars from Joyfully Jay Reviews
4 stars from Hearts on Fire
4 stars from Pants Off Reviews
4 stars at Amara's Place
5 stars from The Novel Approach
A-/B+ from Words of Wisdom Reviews
5 stars from Top 2 Bottom Reviews

Not only that but the book has also gained the following:

26 reviews/ratings at Goodreads, mostly 4 or 5 star

* Reviews at Amazon US where it reached No 48 in the charts, and at Amazon UK where it reached the dizzy heights of No 20 in the charts.

* Additionally, it's already a bestseller at All Romance Ebooks and even has a rating there too, goodness me.

Honestly, I swear it must be something in the water as never, at any time in my writing life, have I had a book be so popular in so short a space of time, if indeed at all. The only thing I can say is thank you hugely.

Meanwhile, the book tour for Where You Hurt The Most is in full swing, with a competition at each stop for you to win THREE ebooks of your choice from my backlist, so definitely worth having a go. Here are the stops and themes so far:

1. An interview with high-class escort Adrian at All I Want And More blog
2. An article about the pleasures of art at Words of Wisdom
3. An interview about my writing life at Long and Short Reviews
4. An interview and extract at Top 2 Bottom Reviews
5. A feature on the Meet An Author Tuesday slot at Pembroke Sinclair's blog
6. An article on change and how to survive it at Tracy's Place
7. An interview with facially disfigured Dan at Pants Off Reviews
8. An article about the healing power of parks at Joyfully Jay Reviews.

So there should be something there for everyone and I hope you enjoy the reads, and don't forget to enter the competition! Good luck.

Other writing news this week is as follows (goodness, there's been more? What fun!...):

* Lesbian paranormal short story The Girl in The Painting reached No 7 in the Amazon UK charts which, after two years of being on the market, is pretty damn amazing. Again, I hope people are enjoying the book.

* Gay romantic comedy The Hit List is still on sale at a 25% discount direct from Amber Allure Press

* Lesbian paranormal short story The Gift of The Snow has just been accepted by Untreed Reads and should be published sometime this month. Further news to follow ...

* At Vulpes Libris, my review of Madeleine Wickham's wonderful romantic comedy Sleeping Arrangements is now available - definitely a book I can recommend to you, and perfect summer holiday reading.

This week's meditation poems are:




Meditation 652
Some discoveries
lie waiting
for years until
we turn and see them

for in the richness
of our secret life
we must be strong enough
to free them.




Meditation 653
Words spoken aloud
change the shape
of the air
into something
rich and rare

for the fact
of them lasts forever
carved in your skin
in the silent place
where your memories begin.


Life News:

On Bank Holiday Monday, K and I braved the metropolis of Kingston (no, it's not improved much in the years since we've been, and if anything I think it's got worse ...) for the joys of John Lewis. They're quite magnificent and how I wish they had an outlet in Guildford, sigh ... Anyway, we ordered a double futon for the Reading Room, and if that works out we'll get one for the Music Room as well. Hey ho, there's a pretentious sentence if ever I wrote one, but what the heck, eh. Live dangerously. We also bought a tea-strainer, a jumper (him), a cardigan (me) and a swiss roll tin in preparation for this weekend's cake. How very suburban we are.

Back home, one of our three rhododendrons is suddenly and delightfully coming into flower and it's going to be a wonderful rich dark pink. Bliss. Perhaps its two friends will follow suit soon. We can but hope. K and I were also thrilled to see a barn owl on the hunt earlier in the week - our first sighting of one at Elstead, and in full view of the house too.

Meanwhile, I'm delighted to see that Barack Obama has come out on a personal level in full support of same-sex marriage. Good for him, and let's hope it can become law as soon as possible in as many countries as possible. It's a matter of justice and equality, after all, so please do consider signing the Thank You form if you're able to. I have. With this in mind, I'm also very happy to say I'm now a member of the Lesbian & Gay Christian Movement. Because, to my mind, there should be no divide at all between being GLBTQ and being Christian if you want to be. God includes everyone (and occasionally even straight redheads with a mouthy attitude, if my luck's in and the wind's in the right direction ...), and so should we.

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy
Gay Reads UK
Biblical Fiction UK