By Tempeste O'Riley (Guest Blogger)
Good
Morning, everyone. I’m thrilled to be here at Lisabet’s blog.
Today I’m going to talk a little about the ring splints you see on
the books cover and the crutches from the blurb (see below, :c) ).
You see, my knowledge of EDS, the genetic disorder James has, is not
just from internet research. Nor is my knowledge of forearm crutch. I
too have EDS, use crutches to walk, and honestly should have the
splints on a couple of fingers—similar to what you see on the
cover. Did I mention how much I love the cover Reese Dante
created for my guys?
Anyway,
the point is that I know what it’s like to be seen for your
assistive aids instead of for whom you are and that is one of James’s
biggest problems. He hates that people see his “sticks” instead
of him. He’s given up on finding his prince and on love for himself
in general.
Seth
Burns however is not a man that cares about such trivialities. If he
sees something in you he likes, then that’s it. Period. The catch
is convincing James that he’s serious and that he’ll not turn
into another monster... like his previous partners have.
So
what do ring splints and forearm crutches have to do with romance?
Everything! We all have hurts and fears, James’s are just a little
more noticeable than most. Besides, why can’t this physically
challenged but wonderful man get his HEA? In Designs of Desire
you get to travel along with James as he learns that his disabilities
are not what define him... his heart is.
I hope
I’ve interested you in my first story with Dreamspinner Press.
James and Seth can’t wait to share their story with you (warning,
they love the readers to visit their bedroom too, lol)!
by Tempeste O’Riley
M/M
Erotic BDSM/Kink Contemporary Romance
Publisher:
Dreamspinner
Press
Release
Date: July
29th 2013
Length:
Novel
/ 200 pages
Order:
Blurb
Artist
James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun
to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint
splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a
man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by
painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of
anything, let alone love.
As
CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a
take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist
helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a
panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He
truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s
willing to put in the time and effort.
James
is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With
Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the
true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow
he won’t survive?
Excerpt
James gestured to the chair across the
conference table and hoped Seth would sit. He hated to be stood over.
Seth smiled and settled into the chair indicated. “Now, what can I
do for you, sir?”
“We, Carrington Enterprises, are
beginning a new venture and hope you can help with designs. Companies
I can manage; design and draw, not so much.”
James nodded at Seth’s pause.
“Let me start by explaining the
project you will brand. We’re opening a new hotel chain. This will
be a little different than your usual hotel, though. Each site will
be more like a large bed and breakfast, but they will cater to the
GLBT community. It’s often an issue when a couple wants to
vacation. They have to consider the area, the hotel, the other
patrons even if they want to do something as simple as hold hands.
That is, if they don’t want to be met with hate or possible
violence.”
James wasn’t sure which impressed him
more, the wonderful idea behind the hotel or the deep, commanding
voice that instilled confidence in everything he said.
Obviously unaware of James’s internal
dialog, Seth continued his spiel. “With our liberal policies and
views, we have decided to make a place where judgment doesn’t
exist. At least, that’s the theory.”
God, that voice! He shivered.
“Also, each site will have a club,
bar, or restaurant attached. So, this will be an ongoing project, not
a one-shot deal.” When finished with his little speech, Seth seemed
inordinately pleased with the idea.
No wonder Brian gave me the account.
He didn’t realize he had spoken aloud until Seth glowered at him.
“Excuse me?” Seth snapped. “I was
assured you have no personal issues or biases that might hinder your
ability to provide the needed work. Was I incorrectly informed?”
“No. No, sir. I apologize for my
comment. It was out of line,” James said in a rush, trying to
smooth over the obvious irritation his thoughtless words had caused.
“Are you able to do the branding or
should I continue elsewhere?” Seth demanded.
“You misunderstand, Mr. Burns. I had
wondered why I was given your account, considering I’m not one of
the senior designers and your account would normally be reserved for
one of them. Now that I hear what the project is, I understand why I
was chosen.” He knew he was babbling but he couldn’t help it.
“You see, I’m the only openly gay designer here and my family
runs a small bed and breakfast. This project is perfect. In fact,
once we have the branding set up, I’m sure I can point you in the
right direction for some specialized marketing. Magazines,
newspapers, websites, etcetera. We will help you with all of that, as
well.” James tried to restrain the extent of his excitement over
the project, but was unsure how successful he was. He didn’t want
to seem flippant or inexperienced after admitting he was a junior
designer with Skye Designs.
Seth raised an eyebrow and smiled.
“Excited, are we? Carl said you were the man for the job. I guess
he was right if enthusiasm counts. I have a full write-up of what we
need and what we do and do not want to incorporate into the brand.”
His smile fell and he became all business again. “This is an
upscale getaway, not a high-priced bathhouse.”
“Understood, sir. I think the idea
will work in areas with a large enough population of GLBT and
open-minded people.” His hands itched to begin sketching and
planning.
“Good. Once you’ve read over
everything and start your designing, I want you to visit the site we
chose for the first hotel. It’s here in Milwaukee, so it shouldn’t
be too far for you. Would you be ready by Friday?” At James’s
accord, Seth opened his briefcase and began pulling out folders and
large manila envelopes and setting them in front of James. He paused,
peered up at James, and blinked hard. “I should call someone to
carry these things for you,” he mumbled, glancing at the items and
toward James’s crutches. “You can’t fit all this in your bag.”
James pinched the
bridge of his nose while counting to ten in his head. Why
do they always see the sticks instead of me? “Mr.
Burns.”
“Seth, please,” he interrupted,
giving James a soft smile.
“Seth, Chase acts as my assistant
when needed. He will tend to anything I can’t transfer up to my
office personally. There is no need to be concerned.”
A strange look flashed across Seth’s
face, but his expression quickly returned to his previous in-command
smile. “Very good then.”
They chatted a bit about ideas and
plans before Seth shifted his coat sleeve back to check his watch.
With a slight frown, he said, “Well, I need to head back to the
office. I will leave this all in your fine hands, James. Please call
me here.” He pulled out his business card and wrote something on
the back. “I look forward to our next meeting.”
Seth held out his hand. James flexed
his fingers and clasped the offering. He knew this was for work, but
somehow it felt different this time. Warm and strong, the grip shot
tingles up his arm. Seth seemed to hold on a little longer than
necessary for business needs. It had been so long since a man touched
him, at least without violence or pain. James shook off the thought
he might be interested. Beautiful men like Seth didn’t waste their
time on guys like him. Besides, he wasn’t certain he wanted to go
down such a painful road again.
James stood in the doorway, watching
Seth saunter out the main doors, wishing for something, though not
really sure what.
****
Tempeste is giving away several copies of Designs of Desire as part of her promo tour. Just use the Rafflecopter link below to enter.
About
the Author:
Tempe
is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and
happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many
things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no
matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends,
family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in
Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.
Tempe is also a
proud member of Romance
Writers of America®
and Rainbow
Romance Writers.
Learn more about Tempeste and her writing
at http://tempesteoriley.com.
15 comments:
I was intrigued by this blurb when I first read it and it only seems to improve with additional exposure. Nice excerpt. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway and good luck with the release!
elewkf1 at yahoo dot com
Hello, Tempeste,
I'm delighted to welcome you to Beyond Romance. Designs of Desire sounds intense, maybe even addictive. I admire your courage in writing about something that hits so close to home.
Thanks for being my guest, and best of luck with the tour and the series!
I applaud you for writing about a "less than perfect" character. I'm very interested in reading the book. My boyfriend has a degenerative disease that affects his muscles and joints and I have seen many times how people judge him by the way he looks and not the person that he is.
lringel(at)Comcast(dot)net
It sounds like a wonderful story. I really enjoy reading about imperfect hero's who find love.
ShirleyAnn@speakman40.freeserve.co.uk
I look forward to reading about James and Seth - always like some extra barriers/mind sets to change. Good luck!
Suze
Littlesuze at hotmail.com
Thank you so much for having me over, Lisabet. This is a topic close to my heart as is James. So glad you enjoyed the post and excerpt. Good luck everyone!
I love seeing everyone have their chance at happiness! Thanks for sharing with us today Tempeste. James and Seth's story sounds like one I would enjoy. Also thanks for the chance to win!
greenshamrock AT cox DOT net
I have to use a walking stick when I take the dog out and for longer distances I use a mobility scooter. My husband uses a power wheelchair. We have only needed these aids for a decade or so and the change we noticed in people's attitude towards us gave us quite a shock. Luckily I am more blind than most when it comes to aids - they just don't matter to me and never have done. I personally see them in the same light as spectacles for reading or something. I am so glad that more authors are writing books that show that it's the person that counts and not the disability. Thank you for your contribution to this enlightenment and for the giveaway.
ilona
felinewyvern at googlemail dot com
As a quadriplegic for 38 of my 42 years I'm thrilled to find more books featuring disabled characters, particularly when they're portrayed in realistic ways allowing them to have a HEA. With so many of us out in the world I would've hoped that people would be more comfortable when seeing us but I'm still frustrated by those few people who talk past me to the people I'm with thinking I'm unable to communicate. There was also the vile letter that hit the Internet earlier this week about the autistic child in Canada who was talked about by a mother in the neighborhood in horrendously negative terms. Getting us in the spotlight therefore can only be good for those of us with disabilities proving to people that we're just like them. Thanks for putting us in the spotlight. I'm putting this on my wish list now....
The Scarf Princess
Ack.....forgot my contact info.... joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
It's been such an interesting and informative tour. Even though I love m/m, it definitely falls into the "physically perfect guys having sex" theme a lot of the time, which is boring and dangerous!
Trix, vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
What is perfection? I have nothing that you would consider in the realms of what is mentioned here but i do have problems. The minute you don't fit in with what people see as the norm you are branded as imperfect. It's interesting to see a story where there are such obvious manifestations of what may well be seen as his imperfections as most of the stories I read have people who have belmishes in their pasts or in things that have happened to them physically or mentally and have left scars of the soul. I cant wait to read this and to see how the author has written James.
flubber2kool@gmail.com
sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Hello again,
Thanks to all of you for sharing your own experiences. I've been lucky enough to be blessed with very good health, but about a year ago I tripped and broke my leg. I was on crutches or in a wheel chair for more than two months, and that really opened my eyes to the daily difficulties faced by people with limited mobility. The snippet in the excerpt above, where Seth realizes (belatedly) that someone using crutches can't carry very much... that's so real.
Something as simple as going to the bathroom or taking a shower becomes an ordeal.
I truly admire those of you who have to live a long-term disability. And I'm so glad to see authors like Tempeste writing stories about characters who aren't physically perfect.
Great story...
Michelle B. aka koshkalady
purrpurrkoshkamb(at)aol(dot)com
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