a Pulp Friction 2014 series
A MelanieM Review: Final Blow (Whispering Winds #5) (Pulp Friction 2014 #19) by Havan Fellows
Ratings: 5 Stars out of 5
Rowen Smithe fought his demons, in this case the people who turned a 14 year old boy into a warped nightmare of a man. But Rowen escaped them but never the darkness they created inside him. Now, with the events of the past weeks behind them, Rowen is finally prepared to start living again, this time with Mick, the man who helped free his soul and stole his heart. But in the aftermath of the horror and killing, things have changed and now its Mick that the darkness has swallowed and Rowen is uncertain how to help the man he loves regain what he has lost.
Mick Rutger was a happy-go-lucky type of guy, a feeling he liked. But his encounters up close with Rowen's past and the events that followed have left Mick with feelings of hatred and rage, feelings he is unprepared to deal with. Drowning under his fears, nightmares, and anger, Mick closes himself off to the outside world in a drastic measure of protection. Just when Rowe has finally opened up to him and Mick had hopes for their future together.
Both men will have to battle the darkness one more time if they hope for that HEA and trust that their sanity won't be lost forever.
Final Blow is the penultimate story in Havan Fellows' Whispering Winds (PF2014) series. I have loved both of her characters, but especially the damaged Rowen Smithe from the very start. Mick Rutger was Rowe's opposite, always he seemed to be that affable and lighthearted golden bouncing after the haunted, dark soul that was Rowe. It was Mick who drew Rowen out of the cabin, or down from his tree, ever so slowly out of the silence and isolation that Rowen had wrapped himself in. It was a beautiful balance between the sun and the night, a twilight journey the reader was thrilled to be on along with Mick and Rowen. For every heartbreaking reveal from Rowen, Fellows gifted us with an endearing scene of Mick beckoning Rowen further out of his shell. Remember this scene from Blown Kisses?
Rowen sat quiet for a second, wondering where the extra noise came from when it happened again, and he looked up to the right.
"Shit…" he muttered under his breath. Someone was knocking on his door.
He turned his body, slowly moved the curtain out of the way, and with only his right eye, peered out the window. He couldn't see the front door from this window, but he wondered if a certain.
Two clear pale blue eyes stared back at him, crinkled around the edges undoubtedly because of the smile Rowen couldn't see from this close. Mick moved back enough to lift up Filigree—no, the stray cat—and wave her paw at Rowen.
I laughed about that scene all the way through the terrors that followed, and the glimpses of hope for a future together that the author allowed us to see. Consistently, just when things were at their worst, Fellows incorporated lighter elements to alleviate the heaviness and strain that has been a major factor in this series. And always it was Mick who was the bearer of light tidings.
But in Blown Chance, there was a major reversal of roles between Mick and Rowen, the dynamics of which are just being felt here in Final Blow. Now we see the trauma and rage those acts have visited upon Mick as well an uncertain Rowen trying to reach out and save the man he finally acknowledges that he loves. It's an unsettling turnabout for all and it heightens the vulnerabilities and frailties of both characters like we have never seen them before.
Havan Fellows reveals Mick as a character far more complex and layered then he originally appeared to be. It makes the relationship we have seen develop between the tortured Rowe and Mick more authentic and believable. If there is to be a yin to his yang, then it also needs to be on equal ground with matching complexities and overtones. The author accomplishes that hard-won balance in Final Blow. Here her characters find themselves in situations that require them to achieve a certain amount of emotional growth and healing in order to move forward, hopefully together. It was painful and wonderful and immensely satisfying to see characters we have come to love reach out for each other and more, much, much more.
I love Final Blow as I have all the preceeding stories in this series. But there is one last story to come. There are still monsters at play and demons to vanquish. Who and what they are is still to be revealed. I can't wait for December to come.
But until then, grab up this marvelous series if you haven't already. Make the acquaintances of Rowen Smithe (who definitely give Wicked Templeton a run for the money as favorite Fellows character) and Mick Rutger. Start at the beginning, enjoy the journey to love and HEA. Its one of the top series of the year, along with its interconnected Pulp Friction 2014 series, all of which are listed below.
Cover artist: Laura Harner consistently delivers a great branding job with the series and the PulpFriction 2014 logo.
Sales Links: All Romance eBook (ARe) amazon Final Blow
Kindle Edition, 50 pages
Published October 14th 2014 by Appleton Publishing Avenue
original titleFinal Blow (Whispering Winds #5) (Pulp Friction 2014 #20)
ASINB00OII4ZRE
seriesPulp Friction 2014 #19, Whispering Winds
About Pulp Friction 2014
Pulp Friction 2014 Authors: Laura Harner ~ Lee Brazil ~ Havan Fellows ~ T.A. Webb
The Pulp Friction 2014 Collection. Four authors. Four Series. Twenty books. One fiery finale. Spend a year with an eclectic group of strangers brought together through circumstances, as they are tested by life, and emerge as more than friends.
The strongest bonds are forged by fire, cooled in air, smoothed by water, grounded in earth.
Although each series can stand alone, we believe reading the books in the order they are released will increase your enjoyment. All stories have been read and reviewed at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
The Pulp Friction 2014 series in the order they were written and should be read to understand the characters, events and plot:
Round One:
Firestorm (Fighting Fire: 1)by Laura Harner
Cold Snap (In From the Cold: 1) by Lee Brazil
Blown Away (Whispering Winds: 1) by Havan Fellows
Higher Ground (Earthquake: 1) by TA Webb
Round Two:
Controlled Burn (Fighting Fire #2) by Laura Harner
Cold Comfort (In From the Cold #2) by Lee Brazil
Blown Kisses (Whispering Winds #2) by Havan Fellows
Moving Earth (Earthquake #2) by TA Webb
Round Three:
Backburn (Fighting Fire #3) by Laura Harner
Cold Feet (In From the Cold #3) by Lee Brazil
Blown Hard (Whispering Winds #3) by Havan Fellows
Tremors (Earthquake #3) by T.A. Webb
Round Four:
Flare-up (Fighting Fire #4) by Laura Harner
Out In The Cold (In From the Cold #4) by Lee Brazil
Blown Chance (Whispering Winds #4) by Havan Fellows
Aftershocks (Earthquake #4) by T.A. Webb
Round Five:
Radiant Burn (Fighting Fire #5) by Laura Harner
Cold Day in Hell (In From the Cold #5) by Lee Brazil
Final Blow (Whispering Winds #5) by Havan Fellows
Terra Firma (Earthquake #5) by T.A. Webb
Sixth Book Series Finale Written by all the Authors coming in December.
Side Stories or Interludes:
Taking Chances by Lee Brazil (a In From the Cold story)
Wicked Winds (Whispering Winds 3.5) by Havan Fellows – bonus book, Whispering Winds
Frankie's Knight (Elemental Connections: IV) (Earthquake #3.5)
Kismet & Cartwheels – bonus book, Fighting Fire
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, Uncategorized and tagged A MelanieM Review: Final Blow (Whispering Winds #5) (Pulp Friction 2014 #19) by Havan Fellows, A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, An Elemental Connections interconnected series story, Final Blow (Whispering Winds #5) (Pulp Friction 2014 #19) by Havan Fellows, penultimate series story, Whispering Winds series by Havan Fellows.
A MelanieM Review: Terra Firma (Earthquake #5) (Pulp Friction 2014 #20) by T.A. Webb
With everything that has gone down in the past months, Charlie Turner would rather take a bullet than hurt the man he loves, Amos Greene . But Charlie is in possession of some knowledge that he's not sure Amos wants to know about. And the indecision and secrecy is killing him.
Amos Greene grew up in a series of foster homes that left him abused, hardened, and closed off. Meeting Charlie Turner changed his life. Now Amos is part of a family. But there's still a little bit of him that wonders who he really is. Little does he know that Charlie has a file in his possession that will change everything for both of them.
Now all Charlie and Amos need is a little more courage and trust to see them through to the ending they both deserve and desire.
Terra Firma by T.A. Webb has settled into my heart like the warm glow of a crackling fire on a cold winter's night. The warmth and light draws you in after leaving the cold and dark behind. You appreciate it so much more because of the past surroundings and the journey you took to hearth and home. Terra Firma feels like that. It feels like coming home.
Through a remarkable four stories we have watched Charlie Turner and Amos Greene struggle with commitment, trust issues, bigotry, horrific abuse, and a family in tatters. And cheered as each man faced the obstacle in front of them and survived, as individuals and, finally as a couple we have learned to love. Along the way, Charlie and Amos became a family, along with Charlie's younger brother, Damon. Still there always seems to be one more barrier to overcome, one more secret to surface before things can become sane and happy once more.
T.A. Webb drops us into Charlie and Amos' life just as another wave of change approaches. And while Charlie sees this one coming, what it will leave in its aftermath is anyone's guess. All three of the main characters that make up this complex family have been wounded by life, yet Webb meshes their damaged natures and needs into a whole that feels real and intimate. Terra Firma is that place Charlie, Amos and Damon have been looking for, emotionally and physically and now it seems that another barriers has to be faced, although this time they do it together.
Earthquake has always been a series played out on a smaller stage, with the cast of players decreasing story by story until this last installment is almost a cast of three. It's a warm, close knit group that now feels as familiar as old friends. The last hurdle? A file folder containing information about Amos' background and history, something that has caused him profound pain and determined his life path towards Flagstaff and Charlie. As the scene plays out, the dynamics between Amos and Charlie, Charlie and Damon, and Damon and Amos, step onto the stage, each unfolding with believable interchanges and loving dialog. And as the men grapple with the information, the cloak of family falls over all of them, and makes it possible for them all to move forward.
As I said, Terra Firma, the solid foundation Charlie, Amos and Damon have been seeking, has arrived and it is my favorite story of them all. It's comforting, warm, and embracing. Its love, family, and the future you always wanted rolled into one. How amazing that T.A. Webb accomplished so much in only 40 pages. That's the power of succinct storytelling and a depth of characterization that continues to pull you in line after line. That's a beautifully constructed and well written narrative doing the job it is supposed to do and then some. That's Terra Firma by T.A. Webb, short story writing at its best. Dont miss out on this amazing book. But start at the beginning, enjoy the journey. It will make this happy ending so much more satisfying as well as one to remember.
Cover art by Laura Harner. Another great cover in a series of covers. The branding is especially effective.
Sales Links: All Romance eBooks amazon Terra Firma
ebook, 40 pages
Published October 31st 2014 by A Bear on Books
seriesPulp Friction 2014 #2
Although each series can stand alone, we believe reading the books in the order they are released will increase your enjoyment. The Pulp Friction 2014 series in the order they were written and should be read to understand the characters, events and plot:
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Books, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, STRWC, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged A Bear On Books Press, A MelanieM Review: Terra Firma by T.A. Webb, A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended, Terra Firma (Earthquake #5) by T.A. Webb.
A MelanieM Review: Cold Day in Hell (In From the Cold #5) (Pulp Friction 2014 #18) by Lee Brazil
You've got to kiss a lot of frogs…
Cannon Malloy has been through hell and back, from the horrific events in Atlanta to the loss of his career as a surgeon in that aftermath. But moving to Arizona has changed him. Mountain Shadows campground has given Cannon not only a new family of friends, but a man he has come to love like no other, Finn Lorensson. But recently Finn has been acting remote and secretive. Just when Cannon is ready for the final commitment for them both.
Finn Lorensson is in trouble. His big heart and concern for Cannon allowed him to make some poor judgements that have put himself and his relationship in danger. But what is he to do? All he wants is a future with Cannon but now that seems to be in jeopardy. One thing Finn realizes is that it will be a cold day in hell when he lets the man he loves walk away. Now if only he had a solution for their problems…
Here we are, Cold Day in Hell – Story 5 (or 18 depending upon how you are counting), and the stakes have never been higher for both of our remarkable main characters. It has taken two series, with more heartache and pain than any character should go through, to get Cannon Malloy to this point in his life. Lee Brazil has taken us on a journey that saw the reader disliking Cannon because of his treatment of Chance (PF2013) of Chance's Are, then slowly bring about this character's evolution. Cannon has grown from a self centered story irritant to a complex man finally coming out of the closet and into his personality. It has been a rough and tumble sort of metamorphosis that involved a psychotic killer, a Dom, a lot of regret and finally a move to Flagstaff, AZ. And every painful step forward that this complex, intelligent man has taken moved the reader closer to him as an individual and a part of the Cannon/Finn coupledom,
If you had told me I would end up loving Cannon Mallow after my initial impressions, well, let's just say my disbelief would have been huge! But Lee Brazil has skillfully made this progression of feelings towards Cannon resolve itself into one of compassion for and understanding of a man in transition at a later point in his life. We now "get" Cannon, his issues and the road he had to travel to become the man that Finn Lorensson loves today. And that was partially made possible by the marvelous character of Finn Lorensson himself. What a noble (overly so), self sacrificing (yes too much), hugely brilliant Viking of a man! Brazil has constructed a man you want to jump because of his brain and body, and then smack upside the head because of his actions. Is Finn believable? Absolutely, which makes it both hilariouis and frustrating when the actions run counter to those the readers want to happen. And sometimes that behavior turns the story dark and scary.
Pulling the pieces of their various pasts back into the picture and their relationship is a large element of this story. Cannon's children, Finn's past actions…it all needs to come out and coalesce for Cannon and Finn to have a future together. How Lee Brazil does that is both the charm and the terror of this story. What a dichotomy! Cannon's grown children need to see the man their father has become and the life he has made for himself in Arizona. Finn needs to resolve the mounting problems he created, out of the best intentions of course, that now threaten everything he loves and has worked for. Family and threat to family, loving relationships balanced by those that were never meant to happen. And while we (and our heartstrings) are zigging and zagging along the many plot twists Brazil has in store for us, the siren song of Cannon and Finn's love has never been stronger. It is that ocean swell that carries us and the men along to that final story and, hopefully, their HEA.
Yes, one more group story to go. Just one. One to tie up all the loose ends (and there are many). Bring all the lovers, their famlies together for a resolution we can cheer for because we have so much invested in these characters and their stories. So look forward to December and in the meantime, if you are already along on this journey, get prepared by reading Cold Day in Hell by Lee Brazil. It's a heartgrabber, just like the men it revolves around. If you are new to the series, back, back, I say! Go to the beginning and start there with this series and all the rest. Don't miss out on a story, not one.
Cold Day in Hell takes it's place among the top stories/series of the year for Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words. See you back here in December for the finale! Happy Reading.
Cover art by Laura Harner. These covers are wonderful. The artist does a great job branding the series with the logo and the model works for the character.
Sales Links: All Romance eBooks amazon Cold Day in Hell
Published October 1st 2014 by Lime Time Press (first published September 30th 2014)
ISBN13LBRZL0201441
seriesPulp Friction 2014 #18, In From
Laura Harner ~ Lee Brazil ~ Havan Fellows ~ T.A. Webb
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Book Reviews, Books, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, STRWC, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged A MelanieM Review: Cold Day in Hell by Lee Brazil, A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, An Elemental Connections interconnected series story, Cold Day in Hell (In from the Cold #5) by Lee Brazil, Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended.
A MelanieM Review: Aftershocks (Earthquake #4) (Pulp Friction 2014 #16) by T.A. Webb
Charlie Turner's life has never been easy. From the moment his father died, Charlie has tried to fill the void his father left with his family while dialing down his own expectations for his future. He stepped into his father's business, supporting his mother and younger brother letting his own personal dreams and relationships suffer. Troubles and turmoils came, exploded and where dealt with. Charlie's life started to move forward when he met Amos Greene and moved into Mountain Shadows. And just when his relationship with Amos Greene had stabilized and his brother, Damon, looked to be on the right track with his life, a monster in their midst shattered their calm and progress with one horrific event.
Now Charlie and all around him are trying to find a way to pick up the pieces of their lives and move forward once more. But how to do that when you feel like you have been broken into pieces? It will take everyone to help Charlie and his brother to deal with all the pain and fear to move past the recent events, even if it means dealing with their own secrets and past histories.
Aftershocks. What a perfect name for this story. Why? Because sometimes its not the earthquake itself that causes the most damage, but the aftershocks, the reverberations from that seismic event that continues to riffle the landscape in wave after wave. That metaphor is perfect for dealing with the emotional consequences and impact of a horrific act upon a close-knit group of individuals, including family members. In this case its Charlie Turner, his boyfriend Amos Greene and Charlie's family that consists of his mother and his younger brother, Damon.
None of these people are able to deal intellectually or emotionally with the guilt, pain, and fear that recent events have inflicted upon them. Charlie is especially vulnerable. He sees himself as a standin for his deceased father and feels that he has failed them all. Damon too has been unable to deal with the consequences of those events as he was the target and victim. Amos? Has his own pain and fears stemming from his past. Even Charlie and Damon's mother seems helpless to move out of the stasis she seems frozen in. And all this feels absolutely real, as necessary a reaction to the devastating events as any we could expect. These people and their burdens feel authentic because we have gotten to know them intimately as the series progressed. And we are emotionally with them now as they try to get past their combined pain so any future might be possible. But how?
T.A. Webb acknowledges the emotional quagmire his characters are stuck in and then quietly and assuredly moves them forward through their pain and issues into some form of recognition and acceptance. The method Webb chooses is believable and grounded in what would be a logical and realistic solution to this mountain of emotional turmoil these people find themselves in. I admire T.A. Webb for choosing to go down this path and making it come across as the brave thing to do as well as letting the reader into the type of self reflection and questioning needed to make it work. It's quietly stunning and hugely effective in bringing yet more depth to already full realized characters. It will also bring a few shocking revelations of its own into play as well.
We are almost there. T.A. Webb has one more story to go before the series finale. The aftershocks continue to shake the ground under the feet of all of Webb's characters and we begin to wonder if they will ever achieve a firm foundation for themselves and each other. It's a startling achievement for this author that we are asking ourselves that question so close to the end and still so unsure of where T.A. Webb is taking us all. What a journey its been. I can hold off on reaching the end a little longer.
I consider Aftershocks so remarkable in its tone and character. But to do it justice, pick up the series from the beginning and work your way through it and all the connecting series. This is one you shouldn't miss out on. No surprise here to find its on ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Best of 2014 list. I highly recommend this to one and all.
Cover art by Laura Harner. Lovely and perfect for this story and series. That's Charley to a T.
Sales Links: All Romance eBooks (ARe) Amazon Aftershocks
Published August 31st 2014 by A Bear on Books (first published August 30th 2014)
seriesPulp Friction 2014 #16, Earthquake
Round Five: to be released
Sixth Book Series Finale Written by all the Authors
charactersFinn Lorensso
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Book Reviews, Books, eBooks, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Self Published, STRWC, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged A Bear On Books Press, A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, Aftershock by T.A. Webb, Earthquakes series by T.A. Webb, Elemental Connections series by TA Webb, STRWPF2014.
A MelanieM Review: Blown Chance (Whispering Winds, #4) (Pulp Friction 2014 #15) by Havan Fellows
Rowen Smithe had been anticipating the worst when his past came calling in the form of his former partner. Once through the initial explosions (and when all first aide supplies were put away), the truth about Rowen, the warped nature of his childhood, previous profession, everything came to light. And his Mountain Shadow family didn't abandon him. In fact it brought them all closer together.
But not everyone in Rowen's past is willing to let Rowen off so easily. An old acquaintance arrives quietly in Mountain Shadows and his target is Rowen Smithe. Recovering from the turmoil of the recent events, none of Mountain Shadows campground are prepared for what is to come, the least of which is Mick Rutger.
Mick Rutgers is in love with Rowen Smithe and has been working hard to break down the barriers Rowen has raised to protect himself. But when Rowen's former partner appears and their history together comes out, Mick thinks the time has finally come for them to have a future together. It seems that Fate has one last hurdle for the pair to overcome. One more dangerous element from Rowen's past. Is this the one that brings them closer together? Or is it the one to break Mick's resolve and destroy their chance at happiness forever?
Blown Chance is guaranteed to break your heart in more ways than you might think possible. The previous 3.5 (yes, .5) stories have been setting us up for this emotional rollercoaster. The scrabbled together family of Mountain Shadows has just undergone an emotional tsunami resulting from the revelations about Rowen's past, including childhood and dubious profession. Still once the shocks have worn off and the wounds patched up (ok part of that was deadly funny), all the characters we have come to love over this series (and some from last year's) pull together once more in love and support. Its has been emotionally draining for all, and yes, I am including the reader here too. But peace is such a fragile thing, especially when the people involved are such explosive individuals with past histories that refuse to stay in the past.
I have to admit I laughed out loud at portions of Wicked Winds (Whispering Winds 3.5). But humor has little place here. Rowen's past is one of horrific events of which sometimes he has been the cause. And that past refuses to let him go. It returns silently and swiftly just when you think Rowen and Mick are settling down enough to talk about a relationship. Havan Fellows lulls us into temporary complacency and then smacks us down with a tide of events and people that we really should have seen coming. She builds us up and then brings us down but not so far at first that we think we're safe. Because no one is.
I love the suspense and anticipation Fellows builds into her plot. It's crazy white knuckle ride of action, stealth, and surprise! Still, amongst all the shocks and tremors here, Havan Fellows never forgets the complicated men at the center and their strained journey towards love and acceptance. Rowen quickly became a favorite of mine with his tortured demeanor and his ability to become a part of the woodland environment around him. Rowen is such an interesting, quixotic personality that he just draws you to him. So we can understand Mick Rutger's fascination with Rowen and ultimately his love for him as well. Their tentative bonds have been constantly under stress, but the worst is about to confront them all. How is all plays out is wildly inventive, crazily satisfying, and totally frustrating.
I get the ending, I really do. It makes absolute sense. But now I need book 5. I need to see what happens next. I care for these characters and want them to have their happily ever after. They deserve it and so do the readers. I know its coming but waiting is get harder by the minute. How I love the anticipation!
This is an outstanding series. The fact that it gets intertwined with the Pulp Friction 2013 series is just the icing on the cake. Loved that series, love this series too. Whispering Winds and all the other Elemental Connections series are easily at the top of Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Best of 2014. If you have started reading them yet, (perhaps there is a binge reading fest ahead), start at the first story and work your way through. It's the best way to understand the characters and to watch the relationships change and grow. Pick them up today.
Cover art by Laura Harner. These covers are tremendous, great for branding the series and the characters.
Sales links: All Romance eBooks Amazon Blown Chances
Here are the books in the Elemental Connections series to date:
Firestorm (Fighting Fire: 1) by Laura Harner
Higher Ground (Earthquake: 1) by T.A. Webb
Controlled Burn by Laura Harner
Cold Comfort by Lee Brazil
Blown Kisses by Havan Fellows
Moving Earth by T.A. Webb
Backburn by Laura Harner
Cold Feet by Lee Brazil
Blow Hard by Havan Fellows
Tremors by T.A. Webb
Taking Chances by Lee Brazil– bonus book, In From the Cold
Flare-up by Laura Harner
Out In The Cold by Lee Brazil
Wicked Winds by Havan Fellows – bonus book, Whispering Winds
Blown Chance by Havan Fellows
Aftershocks by T.A. Webb
Published August 15th 2014 by Appleton Publishing Avenue (first published August 14th 2014)
seriesPulp Friction 2014 #15, Whispering Winds #4
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Books, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Self Published, STRWC, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, Blown Chance by Havan Fellows (Whispering Winds #4), m/m action adventure series, Pulp Friction 2014 Elemental Connections, Scattered Thoughts Highly Recommended.
In the Author Spotlight: Interview with Havan Fellows on her Hard, Sexy Men! (contest)
Meet Havan Fellows!
Up Close and In the Author's Interview Chair!
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Contest: Havan Fellows has stopped by for interview and brought a contest with her as well. To enter to win, visit this rafflecopter link for the entry form and additional contest details. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
Meet Havan Fellows! Creator of Wick, Rowen and so many other memorable characters and one of the authors of the Pulp Friction Author Group:
Oooooh…thank you for having me again, Melanie. You know I love visiting you and the cutie pie puppies! *sneaks puppies treats* What? Oh nothing is in my hands…um…now. 🙂 So you had some questions you wanted to ask me? *clears throat*
First maybe I should introduce myself…my name is Havan Fellows…I'm an author. I've written in different genres—het and M/M romance…but I've only so far published M/M romance (it's my pleasure…guilty or otherwise hehe). I'm published with Breathless Press, Totally Bound, and self-published…and I also write with two terrific groups; Story Orgy (SO) and Pulp Friction (PF). I'll be the first to admit that I'm a lucky lucky person…the amazing authors at Story Orgy and Pulp Friction have taught me more than any workshop or class could've…I owe a lot to them…especially my best friend—the multi-talented Lee Brazil (who writes for SO and PF also), Lee's the one that kicked my assets into drive when I explained I wanted to write but was afraid to put myself out there. Did I mention really really lucky?
Now, a bad habit I have is the gift of babble…my father once said that I kinda just throw words out there and the listener has to collect them and put them into proper order to understand anything I say (maybe that explains my love of em-dashes and ellipses? lol)…and since I don't want to prove him right…um…let's get on with the questions, shall we?
STRW: Where did you get your inspiration for Rowen?
Havan Fellows: Well, back in September or October of 2013 the PF group (Laura Harner, Tom Webb, Lee Brazil and myself) were having another one of our get-togethers…the wine was flowing, the laughter was contagious and the sexy pictures were stimulating…oh crap, TMI? Anyway, we were talking about next year…and if there would be a next year. Of course we all wanted to give PF another go…and Flagstaff seemed like a terrific idea for the backdrop…but I was faced with my normal fears. I always worry that I'll just recycle characters—and Wick is an epic character in my opinion…but not one I want to take on for another year (he's very high maintenance, let me tell you! lol). So I was wondering what would be the opposite of Wick? What about a quiet recluse? That had merit, and would work well in a cabin in a campground in the middle of almost nowhere. So Rowen was born…and grew in my mind very quickly.
STRW: Sometimes characters are too big for one series. Wick is like that. Is Rowen another?
Havan Fellows: I think that goes back to my Wick is epic comment, huh? Guess I jumped the gun…lol. I don't know if Rowen is, yet. I don't plan stuff like that out ahead—and I'm very grateful when others think that way toward my characters. In fact, even though Rowen wormed his way into my heart before I finished writing the first book, I didn't think others would take to him like I did. He doesn't make it easy for people to understand or like him, but the feedback I'm getting about Rowen is amazing and really makes me smile. Thanks to all the Rowen lovers – you have spurred me on throughout all the books. 🙂
STRW: How many stories are you working on at one time?
Havan Fellows: Well I always have a PF book going it seems (already started on Final Blow – you should see the opening for it *blinks*)…and I have my Monday prompt story with Story Orgy (free reads every Monday yay!!!)…and sometimes (like now) I have a third book I'm trying to get to a publishable state of mind.
STRW: Will there be a Pulp Friction 2015?
Havan Fellows: Ahhh…now that is the question…and soon we might actually have an answer to it.
STRW: Favorite character of yours?
Havan Fellows: Now now now…I love all of my main characters equally (eyes the trouble makers—Wick & Shan). Now that I've given the PC answer…there is something about an imperfect person finding redemption and becoming someone they never thought they could be…and having others see the good in them they don't feel is there. I believe I hit that mark with Jude from Judging Jude. Even though he thought he was trash, a select few always saw the good he didn't even realize he did.
STRW: Do you listen to music as you write and if so, is there a type of music?
Havan Fellows: Nope…I may listen to a song before I write to get me in the mood, but during writing I kinda need quiet. I like to sing and move when I hear music…and my hands don't stay on the keyboard…lol.
STRW: Favorite book you read as a child. What impact did it have on you.
Havan Fellows: I think all of Christopher Pike's books hit me hard. I remember dragging my mama to the bookstore and picking out two of his books each time…from him I worked my way up to Stephen King and Dean Koontz (OMG Lightning by Dean Koontz will stick with you forever!) If you are looking for a specific classic book, I'm not sure I could name one. I was awful at keeping my concentration on books I was forced to read…but the ones I chose to read—now they were something else!
STRW: If Wick could have super powers, what would they be?
Havan Fellows: HA! Dangerous. Probably nothing that would make him invincible…taking away the threat of defeat or death would lesson his fun in a situation. No x-ray vision or anything like that either…he doesn't go where he isn't openly invited, it's half the fun to make something beg him for it, lol. Oh wait! He does have super powers…he's named them Banyu…lmao.
STRW: What's next up for Havan Fellows?
HF: Hopefully something brilliant and quirky and funny, with a side of steamy and interesting? Am I aiming too high? How about settling for Final Blow from PF and maybe the first book in a trilogy I'm working on unofficially titled Chance at Trust – the trilogy itself isn't named yet, darn that always gets me. 🙂
Once again, thank you Melanie for having me and thanks to all that stayed long enough to read these thanks…lol. I would love it if you left a comment—perhaps telling us what type of character worms their way into your hearts most often? That would be interesting (and I might take notes for a future book! lol) But seriously, play with the Rafflecopter (he's loves being manhandled)—there are two prizes up for grabs for two different winners…a $10 gift card to All Romance e-books and a complete set of my Pulp Friction 2014 books (including Final Blow, which will be whisked to you when it is available!)
Thanks, Havan, for stopping by and all the wonderful stories offered up as part of the contest. I can't wait for Final Blow to come out!
Follow Havan Fellows at:
StoryOrgy (its a cool thing, check out the stories)
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Book Giveaways, Book Reviews, Book Tours and Contests, eBooks, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, STRWC, STRWCS and tagged A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series.
In Our Author Spotlight: Lee Brazil on Writing, Pulp Friction and Growing Up! (contest)
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Lee Brazil's In from the Cold Series – Pulp Friction 2014 Elemental Connections!
Lee Brazil stopped by today to talk about Pulp Friction, his series In from the Cold and writing. He also brought along a terrific contest for you all to enter. Look out for the details Lee has supplied towards the end of his guest blog. Good morning, Lee!
Good morning all! Thank you, Melanie, for letting me steal your blog for the day. *sips coffee* For those who don't know me, I'm Lee Brazil, author of m/m Romance with Breathless Press, Evernight Publishing, Totally Bound and Pulp Friction. It's Pulp Friction that brings me here today. I'm getting ready to start working on my fifth In From the Cold book of the year, the final single title in the series.
So I thought I'd take a short break and begged Melanie to let me do a giveaway on her blog. She very kindly said yes, and then I realized…That meant I'd have to write a blog post of some sort to go along with the giveaway. Instantly, every idea deserted me. I could almost see the little buggers out the corner of my eye, like will-o-th'-wisps vanishing in droves, sparks dying out and leaving me in darkness, wondering why I do this to myself.
Then a review caught my eye…and reminded me of something. In the Out in the Cold series, Finn has always fancied himself as something of a Prince Charming, a knight in shining armor out to save the downtrodden and rescue the prince. And I thought, what about you?
What did you always want to be? What did you picture yourself as when you were ten?
That's a kind of complicated question, because I wasn't very steadfast at the time. I'd watch a great movie and picture myself as a character in it…Say Star Wars. I'm pretty sure that Finn would have been Luke Sky walker. Other people would choose Han Solo. I'm pretty sure that some even wanted to be Darth Vader.
Me? I wanted to be Obi Wan Kenobi.
Watch Star Trek, and people were clamoring to be Kirk, Spock, McCoy even. Not I. Hero of the galaxy? Saving the universe from Klingon oppression through sheer bravado, courage or heart? (Did you ever notice the similarities between Star Trek and the Wizard of Oz? But that's a different post) I had a slew of favorites from Star Trek…but if you made me choose, and I could be only one? I wanted to be Scotty. Screw the universe, save my ship!
So as an adult, I have been several things. I was a student for what seemed like forever, at the whim of red tape and bureaucracy. I worked retail, and fast food, and even did a stint as a phone operator updating directories. Then I was a teacher, and I learned that Obi Wan hid a lot of his real feelings from us. Teaching is a grand profession, and it was full of moments of sheer exhilaration and joy. BUT… It is also one of THE most frustrating and wearing of professions. So yes, I did sort of fulfill my childhood ambitions to teach, but after fifteen years I retired, somewhat dis-spirited.
Today? I write. I have a hard time sometimes curbing the instinct to "teach" – i.e. write blogs on correct grammar and word usage etc. But I enjoy writing immensely and I think that I wouldn't have made it here without that fifteen year stop in America's classrooms.
As for Scotty? Well, my ship is a hundred year old farmhouse and sometimes it seems like keeping it standing is a full time labor of love.
What about you? Who did you think you would be when you grew up?
Leave me a comment here and tell me what you wanted to be when you were ten, and you'll be entered to win a random drawing for a $10 ARE gift card.
*Contest begins Friday Aug. 15th and ends Friday August 22. One entry per person, winner selected by random number designation and notified via email. (Must provide valid email with comment). Winner will be selected Saturday-Sunday Aug. 23/24 and notified/announced Monday Aug. 25th.
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Author Name: Lee Brazil
Somewhere in a small town in up-state New York are a librarian and a second grade teacher to whom I owe my life. That might be a touch dramatic, but it's nevertheless one hundred percent true.
Because they taught me the joy of reading, of escaping into worlds crafted of words.
Have you ever been nine years old and sure of nothing so much as that you don't belong? Looked at the world from behind glasses, and wondered why you don't fit?
Then turn the page and see… there you are, running from Injun Joe in a dark graveyard; there you are fencing with Athos; there you are…beneath the deep blue sea- marveling at exotic creatures with Captain Nemo.
I found myself between the pages of books, and that is why I write now, it's why I taught English and literature for so many years, and it's why my house contains more pounds of books than furniture.
If I'd had my way, I'd have been a fencer…or a starship captain, or a lawyer, or a detective solving crimes. But instead, I am a writer, and that's the best thing in the world to be if you ask me, because as a writer, I can be all those things and more.
If I hadn't learned to value the stories between the pages, who knows what would have happened? Certainly not college…teaching…or writing.
Twitter: @leebrazil
Blog: Lee's Musings
This entry was posted in Book Giveaways, Book Reviews, Book Tours and Contests, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Romance, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, Author Spotlight: Lee Brazil, Lee Brazil Guest Blog and contest, STRWPF2014.
Review: Wicked Winds (3.5 Elemental Elements Pulp Friction 2014) by Havan Fellows
Wick Templeton and Ned Harris have begun to settle into their relationship after the traumatic events of the past year. So when Ned decides to go west to Arizona to check on an old friend, Wick goes with him. That each man's past is about to collide in Mountain Shadows, Arizona, is something neither saw coming.
Can Ned's past break the men apart when Wick's past pulled them together? What waits for them and their relationship on top of the mountains of Arizona, and what surprises lie in store for Wick and Ned that will change the way they look at each other forever?
Wick, Wick, Wick. How I love that man! I became addicted to him in Havan Fellows' Wicked Ways series from Pulp Friction 2013 and now he's back and I couldn't be happier. But this time, it's Wick who is along for the ride and its Ned's mission they are on. Quite a switch up. And that strange change about of roles continues throughout this story. What an astonishing group of surprises, no shocks, really, that are in store for us all, characters included.
Ned is there to find an old friend. Wick is there to figure out how that friend fits into their newly established relationship. That and check up on Cannon and the problems he has been hearing about from Chance and Rory. Mountain Shadows is just one violent episode away from a complete meltdown on many fronts and Wick and Ned are there to add flame to the fire.
This is a short story and almost anything I can say about the plot falls into spoiler territory as the shocks start immediately when we find out just who Ned's friend and partner was. Didn't see that one coming. The implications are huge for all and the guns and knives are out the minute Wick's opens the doors on his and Ned's rental car.
Wick and Ned are never good at talking about their relationship, what it means to them and where it's going. But that will have to change and it does in an astonishing manner. The emotional confrontations here are intimate, painful, angry and no amount of scared. But who comes apart is just as unexpected as the rest of the story. Fellows' plot eddies and swirls, with elements from last year's series intermixing with those of this year's Elemental Connections. It works and the mixture proves as explosive and addicting as all the rest.
Will we see them all again? Not sure because no one is sure what happens next. Not the characters nor the readers. And that's the way I like my mysteries…and my men, uh characters that is. Rowen and Wicked, what a fabulous duo! I can't wait to see what Havan Fellows has in store for them next. Stay tuned.
Cover art by Laura Harner. Love it.
Buy Links: All Romance ebooks (ARe) Amazon Wicked Winds
Published August 6th 2014 by Appleton Publishing Avenue
ASINB00MHVFDPM
Round 3 and 4 Side Stories:
Wicked Winds by Havan Fellows (PF2014 3.5)
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Books, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged a Pulp Friction 2014 series, A Pulp Friction 2014 short story, m/m interconnected series, STRWPF2014, Wicked Templeton, Wicked Winds by Havan Fellows.
Review: Out in the Cold (In From the Cold #4) (Pulp Friction 2014 #14) by Lee Brazil
The summer is coming to an end and with it, Dr. Cannon Malloy's temporary job at the hospital and his stay at Mountain Shadows. And now that Cannon should be preparing to say his goodbyes to Flaggstaff and the people he has gotten to know so well, he finds that's the last thing he wants to do. His reluctance to leave especially applies to the relationship that has grown up between himself and Prof.Finn Lorensson. Cannon has figured out that he loves Finn but what does Finn feel about Cannon? That Cannon sets out to explore. He wants to wine and dine and plain romance the heck out of Finn before its too late.
But Finn Lorensson has other things on the mind, huge problems that are getting bigger and bigger. His brother Siggy is due in court on the trumped up rape charge, And someone is out to get Finn at all costs. Finn is beginning to think that Cannon is safer far away from him and Mountain Shadows even as the thought of Cannon leaving seems unbearable.
What happens when romance and danger collide? Will the evil hunting Finn keep the men apart just when love has found them both?
This story and series (like its companions) is getting harder and harder to review. Why? Because the reviewer ends up saying the same things repeatedly. The standards here are so high for excellence in character, plots, and writing that its hard to find something new to say. But I'll give it a whirl.
Out In The Cold is the penultimate story in Lee Brazil's In From The Cold Pulp Friction 2014 group series. There are five stories individually and then one sixth story written by all four authors for a finale. So as you can imagine, things are getting ready to explode for all the characters living in Mountain Shadows. The past is returning in multiple ways to each and every one. Old friends are showing up. So are old enemies and lovers. And you can feel the mountain air crackle with suspense.
Lee Brazil's Cannon Malloy is a character that has found himself in Mountain Shadows. He's come into his own skin and sexuality over the course of the stories. And that solidification of character has made him someone the readers can love. What a redemption for a man who almost single handedly destroyed Chance Dumont (from the PF2013 series). Then Cannon was a figure of contempt and pity. Now? Lee Brazil has painstakingly turned this persona around until we believe in him as much as he has begun to. What a tremendous journey we have been on with him.
The person who has not only witnessed that turn about but caused most of it is Prof. Finn Lorensson. An intelligent, Thor lookalike, Finn has layers upon layers to him. And all those layers are in love with Cannon Malloy. Finn is deeply connected to his town and the people there, including his brother, Siggy. Siggy is in trouble and it points back to Finn. Finn has had problems at the college he teaches at, and they inadvertently involved Cannon as well. Brazil has taken great care to make Finn as vulnerable, and fallible as possible to offset the image of a Nordic god made human. Finn needs his human frailties in order for the readers to connect with him and for Cannon to believably fall in love with him. Give us someone too perfect and it just wouldn't work amidst this oh so human cast of characters. How I love Finn too with his sense of honor and loyalty.
Someone is out to get Finn, no matter the cost to him and those around him. With Out in the Cold, Lee Brazil's narrative turns the proverbial corner as the race is on to the finish. The plot set up is done. The suspense has been building as has the mystery. Now as Cannon's opens himself up to the pain of rejection in his quest for love from Finn, the stakes are heartbreakingly high for each man. How high becomes apparent by the end of the story. Danger is everywhere. It"s personal, it will get physical, and the anticipation is nigh killing me here.
What a magnificent series, what a fantastic set of characters and mysteries to boot! Will Cannon and Finn make it to their HEA? I can't wait to find out! Neither will you. I hope you have been following along with me with this series (and their connected series). But if this is a new story, or author, then make haste and check out the list of the Pulp Friction 2014 authors and series at the bottom of the review. Read them in order. They are like the best bonbons in the world. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. These are fictional delights for the soul and all of them will have their special place on ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Best of 2014!
Buy Links: All Romance (ARe) Amazon Out in the Cold
Cover art by Laura Harner. Everything about these covers works wonderfully. The PF2014 logo with the mountains at the top, the models, and the landscape at the bottom. Perfect for the story and for branding the series!
Published July 31st 2014 by Lime Time Press
seriesPulp Friction 2014 #14,
Round 4.5 Side Stories:
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Contemporary Fiction, M/M Fiction, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, STRWCS, Uncategorized and tagged a Elemental Connections interlude from the Pulp Friction 2014 interconnected series, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, a Pulp Friction author, In From The Cold series by Lee Brazil, STRWPF2014.
Review: Flare-up (Fighting Fire #4) by Laura Harner (Pulp Friction 2014 Series)
Following his recent meltdown during a fire on Mountain Shadows and the increasing frequency of his nightmares, Scott McGregor is unsure of everything…his home, his future, and his relationship with Robby Hammond. Scott is buried under the guilt he feels about the accident that caused his disability and another's injury. And now that he knows about Robby's children and previous marriage, he wonders how he will fit into the new family dynamics, if at all.
Rob Hammond has gone to bring his children home from his mother-in-law's house where they have been staying. He wants to introduce them to Scott and their new home on Mountain Shadows. He loves Scott and hopes that with his children in their home, it will send a message about how serious Rob is about their relationship and their future together.
But a new danger to Mountain Shadows campground grows bolder and soon events start to escalate out of control. When the fires flare up around them, can Rob and Scott keep each other and Rob's family safe from harm?
With Flare-up, Laura Harner starts the journey towards the end of the series and the resolution to the Elemental Connections series finale. Events are on a collision course as more acts of vandalism and arson increase and the personal problems of Scott McGregor soar.
Laura Harner brings Rob's adorable family into the picture at the beginning of the story. His children are endearing and it shows yet another element in Robby's personality, that of a loving father and family man. We are given a few more hints of Rob and Scott's background and a temporary reprieve from the suspense and dangers present at the Mountain Shadows campground these days. I just love this segment and wanted it to go on much longer. So will you.
Scott's inability to deal with his disability and departure from the profession of firefighter is given forward movement out of the present stasis here. The author uses a wonderfully realistic method to shock Scott into looking at his current abilities and future in a pragmatic and raw way. I thought this was a necessary and authentic moment for the reader and Scott. It brought some of the dangers of being a wildfire firefighter into play and the vivid descriptions of the heat, smoke and agility needed to handle the equipment and quickness of the fires brought such a hazard and tragedy to life.
This is not a story or series you can get comfortable in. As soon as you settle in to a certain mind frame, Laura Harner is just as quick to jerk you out of it with some new aspect of her plot or new revelation about the problems and events occurring on Mountain Shadows campground and this couples relationship. It's all about building up to some gargantuan disclosure and overwhelming event that will happen in the last stories. Laura Harner is an expert at building an atmosphere of suspense and anticipation needed to sustain the necessary momentum. And with Flare-up both the title and the plot start us running towards the fire.
I loved this. It makes me want to go back and reread all the stories that preceeded it. I want to savor the buildup and the events that Laura Harner is using as the ingredients for her series finale. This is a highly recommended story and series. Put it on your must read lists now. But make sure you start at the beginning. That's absolutely necessary in order to understand, enjoy, and yes, savor, the full intensity and layers to this plot. Book No. 5 here I come!!!!!
Cover art by Laura Harner. Love the covers, love the branding for the series.
Buy Links: All Romance eBooks (ARe) Amazon Flare-up
Published July 14th 2014 by Hot Corner Press
ASINB00LTED5H6
This entry was posted in 5 star Rating, Contemporary fiction, eBooks, LGBTQ Book Reviews, M/M Book Reviews, M/M Romance, Scattered Thoughts Best of 2014, Self Published, Uncategorized and tagged A Fighting Fire series short story, A Pulp Friction 2014 author, a Pulp Friction 2014 series, Flare-up by Laura Harner, Hot Corner Press, Pulp Friction 2014 Elemental Connections, STRWCSPF2014.