From Loneliness to Love: Daily Meditations from The Book of Ruth

I'm happy to say I have a new book out, especially for women. Because we're worth it!...

From Loneliness to Love: Daily Meditations from The Book of Ruth: a series of daily meditations from the Book of Ruth, written especially for women.

Each day focuses on a section of this incredibly moving story, highlights the main themes arising from the passage and ends with a prayer to help you grow closer to God.

Subjects for meditation and prayer include grief, hope, trust and love.

Buy the ebook at Amazon

It costs 99p as an ebook.

Buy the paperback at Amazon

It costs £2.99 as a paperback.

Happy reading!

Anne Brooke: Biblical Fiction

Romantic comedy How To Marry Your Husband

Romantic comedy How To Marry Your Husband is now available as an ebook at Amazon for only £1.99!

Most romantic novels end with a kiss. This one starts with one. When Olivia asks Kieran to marry her on Leap Year Day, the answer isn't quite what she's expecting. Still, even reluctant fiancés will eventually understand what's best for them, and Olivia is plunged into a summer of scary dress shops, mad mothers and bad hair days. VERY bad hair days. 

Will Olivia be able to negotiate her way through the marriage minefield whilst keeping her sanity almost intact, and can she ever be truly prepared for the perfect day of her dreams?

It will shortly also be available as a paperback. I hope you enjoy the read!

Anne Brooke Books

Gay romance Where You Hurt The Most

Gay romance Where You Hurt The Most is now available at Amazon for only 99p!

Adrian is more than happy as high-class escort for a number of regular clients. When his boss and dear friend asks him to entertain his nephew, Adrian readily agrees, but meeting Dan challenges him in ways he'd never imagined. Dan is scarred inside and out from an accident that destroyed a promising future. Despite Adrian's loveless lifestyle and Dan's withdrawal and anger, the two men forge a deep - if unnerving - connection. Soon they find themselves questioning the choices they've made and the futures they've mapped out for themselves. 

Yet even bright young men like Adrian and Dan fear the unknown and take comfort in the familiar. Neither may be strong enough to step away from the life they know and toward the one they dare not hope for. But while it's true that love can't heal all wounds, it is the surest balm for where you hurt the most. 

Reviews: 

"A story of seeing and sensing the pain and the promise that lies beneath the surface of the fragile and imperfect skin, of going beyond the physical and delving into places where the strength of the man, the truth of him, resides, until, finally, he is changed for the better. This is a short but truly gorgeous story, rich with the hope found in something new." [From a 5-star review at The Novel Approach] 

"Where You Hurt The Most demonstrates perfectly the harmony that emotional impact and intimate detail can have in well-done erotica … This is the type of writing I love, simple and sparse yet used to tenderly convey a connection of spirit that defies logic or explanation." [From a 5-cup review at A Book and a Short Latte Reviews] 

"Where You Hurt The Most is a beautifully written novelette from the first-person viewpoint of a British man who is an exclusive and highly paid escort … I am always glad to snap up the latest fiction from Anne Brooke because the writing is flawless - clean, crisp, minimalist, and elegant - and her insight into the interactions between people is profound. This story fulfills both expectations." [From a review at ARe Cafe Reviews]

I hope you enjoy the read!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK

Gay romance A Seasonal Reunion

Gay romance A Seasonal Reunion is now available at Amazon for only 99p!

Danny Brigson makes a serious mistake when he sleeps with Marty, an old boyfriend at an ill-advised reunion. He tries to cover it up, but Marty tells all, and the love of Danny's life, Jake, throws him out. 

Over the next year, Danny tries to sort his life out, determined to stop relying on drugs and drink to get him through. Can he even dare to hope that one day Jake might give him the chance to put things right? 

Reviews: 

"If you have the ability to enjoy a story where one person has done the wrong thing but sets about bettering themselves. And if you can understand why someone might just love a person enough to give them a second chance, then this is a nice Christmas short about the power of love and forgiveness." (From a review at On Top Down Under Reviews) 

"If you're looking for a quickie to tide you over during your afternoon cuppa, then you don't need to look further. As the blurb states, there is cheating involved and Danny is a bit of an ass. He makes good though and over the course of a year gets his act together. He wants his man back. That's something I can get behind." [From a 4-star review at Because Two Men Are Better Than One Reviews] 

"What can happen when one is unfaithful is succinctly explored in A Seasonal Reunion. I was along for the journey from beginning to the particularly suitable end. Put this one on your to read list soon." [From a review at The Romance Studio Reviews]

I hope you enjoy the read!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK

Gay Romance The Paranormal Detection Agency

Gay romance The Paranormal Detection Agency is now available from Amazon for only 99p!

When paranormal investigator Jack Atkinson meets new client Aaron Riley, he doesn't expect the attraction he feels for the man. Neither does he expect the haunting Aaron describes and which Jack is determined to solve. 

After their first meeting, the two men begin a passionate affair, which Jack is keen to continue. However, Aaron's attentions are focused on the need to rid himself of his ghosts and soon Jack discovers family secrets can run deeper than even he imagined. Will the truth destroy Jack and Aaron's budding relationship, or are they strong enough to survive it? 

Reviews: 

"The characters are fun. They are well developed, and you get to like them. They are as believable as a paranormal investigator and the man who falls for him can be. And I have to say the suspense of the book, the drama, finding the answers to the questions the haunting brings about is fun, and well done in the tradition of some of the mystery writers of our time. I really enjoyed The Paranormal Detection Agency, and recommend it for a quick, fun read that is not just like everything else. You will like it!" (From a review at GGR Reviews) 

"Anne Brooke created an amazing cast of characters for The Paranormal Detection Agency. Each had their own particular brand of snark. At the same time, they were each quite capable when the going got tough. The ending was unexpected but the finale was glorious. Take in The Paranormal Detection Agency by Anne Brooke and see for yourself." (From a review at Sensual Reads) 

"The Paranormal Detection Agency is an entertaining read. Ghost, crazy family, and handsome men; what paranormal fan could pass it up? … I love the relationship between Jack and Aaron. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Brooke." (From a review at Coffee Time Romance)

Happy reading!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK

The Old Bags' Sex Club: Erotic Romance

Erotic romance, The Old Bags' Sex Club, is now available on the Kindle for only 99p!

Four Old Bags and four Old Bag Problems: Annabel lost her husband two years ago and is looking for another man. Jackie is recovering from her husband Alan's infidelity and wants to have sex with someone else. Karen is a career woman and doesn't want a relationship, or does she? Finally there's me, Terri: I'm between men right now but I'm going to spice up my life, and that of my three good friends or beat myself to a pulp with the nearest whip if I fail. My idea is this: we all have to have an affair in the next month or forfeit our right to be part of The Old Bags' Sex Club. Let the fun begin!

You can find out more about The Old Bags' Sex Club at Amazon. Happy reading!

Anne Brooke Books

The Heart's Greater Silence: Gay Erotic Romance

Gay erotic romance The Heart's Greater Silence is now available on Kindle for only 99p or FREE with Kindle Unlimited. Here's the blurb:

Mark isn't sure he believes in love, especially when he's torn between two very different men: his reliable boyfriend, Craig, and his illicit lover and priest, Richard. Mark knows what he should do, but he can't bring himself to give Richard up. The sex with Richard is unlike anything he's ever known with Craig, and he hungers for it as much as - if not more than - the truer intimacy he finds in his boyfriend's arms. 

When Craig discovers his betrayal, Mark is forced to look at his life more closely, but the path to self-knowledge is never an easy one. Richard seeks the way back to God, but Mark finds no solace there. Can he ever discover the truth of his own soul, or is he too afraid of what he will - or won't - find inside his heart? 

Reviews: 

"Anne Brooke has written a somber and beautiful story of a man who had everything and lost it all because he coveted two very different men. It is dark and solemn and resonates with a sense of conflict and despair that wove the ideal atmosphere. It was moving and played beautifully against the knowledge that sometimes free will and human nature simply don't leave room for happy endings." (The Novel Approach) 

"This was an intense and moving story that caught me up from the very start … it does a wonderful job of poking at that line between love and lust as Mark gets caught up in his two different needs and sadly finds they can only be satisfied by two different people." (Joyfully Jay Reviews) 

"Anne Brooke is one of my favourites. I love the picture she always paints in her books - of a town, the people, the streets, the body language of the characters. Body language is an integral part of communication and not every writer can do this well, if at all. I like the fact that her writing is quirky, realistic and (I believe) comes from someone with keen observational skills … Short, realistic, terrific read." (On Top Down Under Book Reviews)

Find out more here. Happy reading!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK

New Story: Kat Carruthers Doesn't Get Married

Comic romance Kat Carruthers Doesn't Get Married is now available on the Kindle for only 99p!

Kat Carruthers is preparing for her wedding day when her fiancé Brian rings her to say that the wedding is off. As an unhappy and furious Kat tries to come to terms with this shock news, there’s a knock on the door and it’s the boilerman, Mike, come to service the boiler a full month early. 

When Kat’s mother rings to say Brian has arrived at the church, got into a fight and the police have been called, Kat is faced with several interesting choices. What in the end will she decide?

Buy the ebook here!

Anne Brooke

New gay romance: Angels and Airheads!

Gay comic romance Angels and Airheads is published at Amazon today!

Ricky has been secretly in love with his best friend Jez forever, but he's never dared confess his feelings because he thinks Jez is too high-class for him. One evening, while sharing a quiet evening with Jez, a mysterious angel, Madred, appears and tries to persuade Ricky to take a chance on love.

Too bad Ricky doesn't believe in angels. Madred is forced to take desperate measures in an attempt to show the reluctant Ricky the truth. When the angel leaves, can Ricky find the courage to declare himself to Jez, and what will happen to their friendship if he does? 





Reviews: 

"I really liked how romantic this story was. We don't get long with the men together on the page, but what is there is quite delightful. Their long friendship reflected the emotions and feelings but there was the fresh newness of the physical which added to that friendship and showed they were in for the long haul." [From an A-rated review at Brief Encounter Reviews] 

"There are none so blind as those who will not see. And sometimes it takes nothing less than a gigantic nudge from your guardian angel to get you to open your eyes and see the miracle that's been right in front of you all along … Angels and Airheads is a story of perfect love in an imperfect world, and what could be more sweet than that?" [From a 4-star review at The Novel Approach] 

"This is such a sweet short about taking chances; Ricky has been gently nudged quite a few times to put his heart out there to Jez. But he always thinks of something that always holds him back. This time Heaven means business and Madred is given the task of convincing him … I recommend this to those who love angel intervention, conflicted men, a sweet short story and a happy ending." [From a 4-star review at MM Good Book Reviews] 

"Angels and Airheads is a short, endearing story of faith, hope, and love. I love how Anne Brooke incorporates faith in her stories and yes, I can do a happy dance. This is my first time reading a strong HEA from this author." [From a 4-star review at TWLIB Reviews] 

"I'm not much for divine interventions when it comes to books, but in this particular one I very much enjoyed it. I've found that Anne Brooke's style with her short stories suits me and romance is certainly her thing." [From a review at The Romance Reviews]

Happy reading!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK
Dryathlon 2015: Please give generously to Cancer Research UK!

HALF-PRICE Christmas romance!

Put the love back into YOUR Christmas with gay romance A Seasonal Reunion! Plus it's HALF-PRICE from now until 27 December so don't miss out!

Danny Brigson makes a serious mistake when he sleeps with Marty, an old boyfriend, at an ill-advised Christmas reunion. He tries to cover it up, but Marty tells all, and the love of Danny's life, Jake, throws him out.

Over the next year, with the help of his boss at work, Danny tries to sort out his life. He is at last determined to stop relying on drugs and drink to get him through. However, can he even dare to hope that one day Jake might give him the chance to put things right?

Reviews:

"If you have the ability to enjoy a story where one person has done the wrong thing but sets about bettering themselves. And if you can understand why someone might just love a person enough to give them a second chance, then this is a nice Christmas short about the power of love and forgiveness. I think it's a great little Christmas read." (From a review at On Top Down Under Reviews)

“This is my top pick of the week. A fantastic story with such sympathetic, flawed characters. I was engrossed right through this short story. Grade: Excellent.” [From a review at the Well Read Bookblog]

"This was done well, and showed a way to redemption that wasn't overly easy on either of them and actually showed the damage caused. I also liked that Danny's boss, Robert, was an upstanding man with faith in Danny." [From a 4-star review at Hearts on Fire Reviews]

Find out more at Amber Quill Press!

Happy reading, and Happy Christmas!

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy

The Singing Road and Other Stories: of love, loss and journeys

Literary short story collection, The Singing Road and Other Stories, is now available on the Kindle. Here's the blurb:

A woman listens to the song of the road and wonders if she has the strength to stay with her husband, this time. A journalist visits the opera and discovers a bitter history of failure alongside the music. An angry young boy finds the beach is not always a place of healing, and two lovers face their last day together with something like courage. 

In this collection of twelve thought-provoking stories, a variety of very different characters confront the brokenness and despair of their lives, and begin a tentative journey towards the possibility of hope. Can they ever find their way back to the people they used to be? 

You can buy direct at Amazon UK or Amazon US. I hope you enjoy the read.

Anne Brooke Books
Gay Reads UK
The Gathandrian Fantasy Trilogy

Daffodils, coconuts and literary comparisons

Book News:

Some nice news about my fantasy novel The Gifting this week. First of all, for a couple of days, it was my bestselling ebook at Amazon UK, and then the lovely Nithu gave it a 4-star review at Goodreads, and even compared my hero Simon Hartstongue to the quite magnificent Thomas Covenant from the bestselling Unbeliever Chronicles series by Stephen Donaldson. Well, gosh, excellent company indeed! And even more heartening as in my teens and twenties I was a huge fan of Thomas Covenant and I like to think my Simon is in some way the next development of that kind of character.

To add to my successes with Bluewood Publishing, I'm equally pleased to note that today my most popular Amazon UK ebook is historical short story Dido's Tale. Hurrah, you go, gal!

Also today, you can find me at TWLIB Reviews with an article taking a look at the concepts of love and obsession in fiction - all visitors welcome and let me know what you think! Love certainly makes the world go round, for better or for worse ...

At Vulpes Libris Reviews, you can find my review of Simon Van Booy's literary novel, Everything Beautiful Began After. It's certainly a beautiful beginning but I fear the finish is rather disappointing, sad to say. I suspect he's more a short story writer than a novelist, but that's only my personal take on the book.

And I'm very happy that my money from the ALCS author funds has come through for this year, so that's a nice little boost to the bank balance, hurrah, and thank you.

Oh, and this week the Surrey Advertiser has interviewed me about the Guildford setting in gay short story The Heart's Greater Silence, and sent a photographer to take a shot too, so I'm looking forward to seeing that article in print at some point. I only hope they understood me as I could barely understand myself, with all the coughing, snuffling and sneezing ...

Life News:


For most of this week, I've continued to be ill, though I did make it into work on Monday (probably a mistake, as it then took Tuesday to recover ...). I'm feeling a lot more normal (ha!) now though, and heartfelt thanks to some very helpful Facebook friends who've suggested some high-quality catarrh/vomiting remedies. A BIG thank you to you all, as I really seriously needed some help! I'm definitely stockpiling everything I can think of ready for the next nasty bout of the wretched beast.

Also this week, Lent has begun. I was toying with the idea of giving up teasing my husband for Lent, but he is still laughing hysterically at the notion that I might last more than 30 seconds in the attempt (such marital confidence, eh!) so I've decided, along the lines of last year, to give up worrying instead. Much healthier, in my opinion.

Recent Nature News has been that the blue tits finished the coconut bird food we'd hung from the apple tree in the front garden - and then very cunningly angled the empty shell towards us so we could see that they needed more, and soon. Clever, clever birds ... Thankfully, K rushed to replace it so we are no longer in danger of being dive-bombed by half-starved birds when we leave the house. Phew. And today, we have our very first daffodil in bloom in the garden. Double hurrahs and hang out the bunting! I hope some daffodil friends come and join it very soon, but in the meantime we are both still hugely excited by the delights of nature.

Tonight, K and I are off to Woking Theatre to see Yes Prime Minister, so we're looking forward to a few laughs and some political irony in order to round the day off nicely.

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy
Gay Reads UK
Biblical Fiction UK

Blog Tour Day 9: of love, romance and angels

Happy Valentine's Day to you all. Today on my blog tour for The Heart's Greater Silence, I'm at Joyfully Jay's site spilling the beans on my own real-life romance and a very special marriage proposal (or two!). Plus don't forget the free giveaways if you leave a comment on the post.

As a Valentine treat, there's even a 25% discount on the book directly from Riptide for TODAY only - so hurry across and don't miss out! As an incentive, there's a lovely 5-star review at Goodreads today as well, hurrah.

Other good writing news is that my gay romantic short story Angels and Airheads is being republished by Musa Publishing in March, and you can see the cover art on that page. I love it.

In addition, don't forget that Untreed Reads are holding a Valentine sale this month, and you can get a copy of my literary lesbian romance A Woman Like The Sea at a 30% discount, so a bargain to be had indeed. Happy shopping.

Anyway, back in the non-book world for a moment, I'm having a very lovely Valentine's Day with my equally lovely husband - except for the fact that I'm actually not very well. I've developed a rather nasty cold today, groan, so I fear I'll not get much sleep (and for totally the wrong reasons, ho hum ...) tonight as I'll be too busy snorting and coughing like an old horse on the sofa (though why there should be an old horse on our sofa is a mystery) whilst swigging Lemsips and Lucozades in my usual fashion. However, the good thing is that the really lovely red roses K sent me today do at least match my nose. Ah well, the champagne will have to be on ice for the weekend ...

Anne Brooke
The Gathandrian Trilogy
Gay Reads UK
Biblical Fiction UK