Dreamspinner Press discussion

An excerpt from: Her Two Dads

Contest number 2

People always comment on the cover art from Dreamspinner Press's art department, so I thought we'd have the second contest focus on that. Browse my backlist at http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor... and tell me which one you think is the best cover!

Because Lena asked, , book two of the Exploring Limits series.


Devon Aldridge opened the door to his closet and ran his hand along the hangers, trying to decide what to pack for the weekend. Who was he kidding? He was trying to work up the nerve to pull out his leathers. For reasons he never fully explored, he kept them with him, just as he did his toys, even when he wasn’t in a relationship that needed them. He wondered now what that said about him.

It was far too early in his relationship with Jonathan and Kit for that dynamic. In fact, he wasn’t sure if they’d ever be ready for it. Surprisingly enough, it was Jonathan who’d shown signs of interest, though Devon wasn’t sure the older man would be satisfied as a sub for long. Jonathan reminded Devon of himself when he’d first been brought into the BDSM scene. That thought would lead him in a direction he didn’t want to go, and he forced it aside. Kit, now, had stated more than once his aversion to intentional pain, his unease at the idea of submission. Remembering the distress he and Jonathan had caused their younger lover once already sent a stab of guilt lancing through him. He couldn’t risk that again, wouldn’t risk anything that might threaten what was building between the three of them.

Devon hesitated to put a name to their relationship that had started on the set of Camelot, not when they hadn’t talked about anything more than the present. Sure, they’d gotten tested and gotten rid of the condoms—that memory brought a rakish smile back to his face—but that was more about the practicalities of now than it was about making long-term promises. While they were together, they’d be faithful, would protect each other by those choices, but they hadn’t talked about beyond filming. It was easy to forget, in the middle of such a long shoot, that it would end eventually, but Devon had been on enough sets, enough shoots, to know the illusion was just that.

His thoughts turned back to one film in particular and the aftermath of its ending…. No. No, he refused to relive it again or give it any more power over him. Pushing hangers aside roughly, he reached to the back of the closet and pulled out the supple black leather garments. Maybe it was time to associate them with more pleasant memories.

His hands shook as he stripped out of his jeans and sweater and replaced them with the soft leather. The last time he had worn them still haunted him, still colored so much of his perceptions about dominance, about submission. He was no longer that man, though. He had learned the true meaning of giving and taking since then, but not in that context. Things are different this time, he reminded himself. This time, I can control what happens. He glanced back at the toy box he had packed earlier, knowing what he had included and what he had deliberately left out. Restraints, yes. Whips, no. Not when Kit had said he didn’t want pain.

His skin prickled with goose bumps, each tiny individual golden hair standing upright as he smoothed the butter-soft leather over it. He reached for the fastenings of the trousers and realized how badly his hands were trembling.

“Bloody hell!” he cursed, drawing a deep breath. You can do this. You can control this. Knowing it was probably a mistake but needing something to numb the remembrance, he reached up to the closet shelf for the bottle of scotch he kept there. Not bothering with niceties like a glass, he unscrewed the cap and took a long pull, letting the fiery liquor burn down his throat.

Fortified with liquid courage, he tied the laces quickly, before he could think anymore, stuffed the bottle back in the closet, grabbed his gym bag with the toy box and some toiletries in it, and all but ran out the door. Anything to get away from the memories.

This one's for Lasha...


“Would… would it be all right if I saw the baby?” Srikkanth asked in a rush, the words out before he knew for sure he would request. “It might feel more real if I can see who I’m making these decisions for.”

“She’s your daughter,” Ms. Holmes reminded him. “You have every right to see her, although it may make it harder for you to sign the papers.”

“I just want to see her,” Srikkanth insisted. “I need to see if she looks like Jill.”

Ms. Holmes looked like she wanted to caution him again, but she didn’t, leading him down the hall to the nursery. “You’ll need to wash up and put a hospital gown on over your street clothes,” she explained. “Your baby’s healthy, but not all the babies are as fortunate, so they’re relatively strict about hygiene. Leave your jacket here. You’ll be more comfortable without it on.”

Srikkanth nodded, stripping off his jacket and hanging it over the arm of his chair, and followed Ms. Holmes down the hall to the entrance to the neonatal nursery. He stopped at the sink, scrubbing his hands and arms up to his elbows as directed by the placard above the basin. Ms. Holmes gestured to the hospital gowns hanging by the door as she began her own washing ritual. Srikkanth put one on over his shirt and tie and waited for her to finish up. She led him into the nursery and over to a bed marked simply “Peters, girl.”

“Sophie,” he said immediately, unable to ignore the pang at seeing that the baby didn’t even have a name. “Her name is supposed to be Sophie.”

“I’ll make a note of it in her file,” Ms. Holmes offered, “but ultimately, her name will be up to her adoptive parents, although we encourage them to take the birth parents’ wishes into account. Often, they’ll use the birth name as a middle name.”

Srikkanth stroked the smooth beige skin, noticing how much darker she was than any of the other babies in the room, all of whom had about the same coloration as the white blankets swaddling them. She squirmed under his touch, her little hand lifting to brush his fingers as her eyelashes fluttered softly. “She’s a darling baby,” one of the nurses said, coming over to Srikkanth’s side. “She eats like a horse and never fusses.”

Srikkanth smiled. “She sounds just like her mother, then.”

“Here,” the nurse said, scooping the baby up with the ease of years of practice. “Have a seat there and you can hold her.”

Srikkanth knew that was a bad idea even before he saw the frown on Ms. Holmes’s face, but he couldn’t resist. Just once, he told himself. He’d hold her this once and then he’d go back and sign the papers and be done with it. He took the seat the nurse indicated and tried to position his arms the way hers were so they formed a cradle for the baby. “Just support her head and she’ll be fine,” the nurse assured him, placing the baby gently in his embrace.

Her eyes opened as she went from confident hands to more hesitant ones, blinking owlishly up at Srikkanth. “Hi,” he said softly, vaguely remembering his mother telling a young friend that she should talk to her baby all the time as if he could understand her. “How are you, Sophie? I’m Srikkanth. I’m a friend of your mama’s.”

His voice caught, but he swallowed around the lump in his throat and went on. “We’ve known each other since middle school. She was the only person who didn’t make fun of the kid with the funny accent, and she had words with anyone who dared say anything about it where she could hear them. She loved Indian food, you see,” he confided, “and since I was from India, she figured becoming my friend was the perfect way to steal all my mother’s recipes. She could cook even then. My mother loved her. Every time Jill would come to visit, she’d follow Mā into the kitchen and watch her cook. It didn’t matter to her that Mā didn’t follow a recipe. Your mama just watched and learned, and then the next time I’d go over to her house, she’d prepare the recipe she’d learned from Mā. She was my first friend here in the States, my best friend.”

The baby watched him with that serious expression all newborns have, the one that says they’re trying to make sense of this strange new world and not quite succeeding. Srikkanth bent and placed a tender kiss on her forehead as he continued to reminisce. “Everybody thought we were dating, but Jill never pressured me that way. I think she knew I was gay before I did, and when I finally came out, she supported me one hundred percent. We got an apartment together in college, and I think my parents kept expecting me to announce our engagement or something. They don’t know about me, you see. I don’t think they’d understand. Jill did, though. We’d go out together and agree on the cutest guys in the club. Then we’d figure out if they were gay or straight so we could decide who got to hit on them.”

He laughed softly. “I guess I shouldn’t be telling you these things, but you deserve to know who your mama was before you go to another family and a different mama and daddy who can take care of you now that your mama’s gone. You look just like her, you know. Sure, you got my coloring, but the shape of your eyes and mouth, they’re exactly like hers. And I’ll bet you’ll have the same curly hair she had too. It’ll be brown, probably, since her red hair is a recessive trait, but you’ll get her curls. You have to. You’re too much like her not to get that too.”

He lifted the baby so he could rub his cheek over her smooth scalp, taking in the fragrance of lotion and soap and baby. His eyes teared up as he rocked her. “She wanted a baby so much,” he whispered, “but she couldn’t find a man she loved enough to marry. We’d always joked we’d be perfect for each other if it weren’t for the whole gay thing, so when she got tired of waiting for the right man and decided to have a baby on her own, I was the logical person to approach. I didn’t say yes right away. I was actually a little freaked out by the whole idea at first. I mean, what did I know about being a father, but she assured me over and over that she wasn’t asking me to do anything except provide the genetic material. She’d take care of you on her own. She’d raise you and love you enough for two parents and four grandparents and a whole slew of aunts and uncles. And she would have. When she found out she was pregnant, she was over the moon. I’ve never seen her as happy as she was while she was pregnant with you. She never complained, not about the morning sickness or the clothes that didn’t fit or about the swollen ankles or anything else. She spent weeks poring over paint swatches and border patterns to get everything picked out for your nursery, and then she inveigled all her friends to help her get it all set up. Everything was going to be perfect for her little angel. Only now she’s not here to make it that way, and I can’t take her place. I don’t know how.”

He rocked the baby a little closer and wept against her tiny shoulder for the loss of his best friend, soft sobs escaping his throat as they sat there. Her little hand patted the side of his face, and his heart skipped a beat, a sudden, unexpected, overwhelming wave of love stealing his breath. He lifted his head and stared down at her trusting, open face and knew he was lost.

I love Alliance in Blood - which I haven't read. The cover let you know exactly what the novel is about without reading a blurb, which is what I want from a cover. It should tell a story just like the book.

Who did the cover for that?

Contest 2

Lasha wrote: "I love Alliance in Blood - which I haven't read. The cover let you know exactly what the novel is about without reading a blurb, which is what I want from a cover. It should tell a story just like ..."

Dan Skinner did the covers of all the Partnership in Blood books.

“Would… would it be all right if I saw the baby?” Srikkanth asked in a rush, the words out before he knew for sure he would request. “It m..."

Thank you. It sounds like a wonderful story. I must get it. :)

So I only just noticed that the chat was now :P I loved reading all the excerpts :) And I'm a fan of covers, it can really make me want to buy a book. I like the cover of your book the most, such beautiful light&dark contrast!

Lasha wrote: "“Would… would it be all right if I saw the baby?” Srikkanth asked in a rush, the words out before he knew for sure he would request. “It m..."

Thank you. It sounds like a wonderful story. I must g..."

Thanks, Lasha. It was inspired by my experiences with my daughter, who is adopted. And 5% of the profits are donated to two organizations that work with non-traditional families.

Lucia wrote: "So I only just noticed that the chat was now :P I loved reading all the excerpts :) And I'm a fan of covers, it can really make me want to buy a book. I like the cover of your book [bookcover:All F..."

Welcome, Lucia! Anne Cain did that cover. She does amazing paintings. I have a copy of the book that she signed.

Any requests for specific excerpts?

Ariel wrote: "Contest number 2

People always comment on the cover art from Dreamspinner Press's art department, so I thought we'd have the second contest focus on that. Browse my backlist at http://www.dreamsp..."

'Healing in his Wings' is my favorite cover.

I would love to read an excerpt from the book All for One, not only the cover is great, but the story sounds great too ;)

Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Contest number 2

People always comment on the cover art from Dreamspinner Press's art department, so I thought we'd have the second contest focus on that. Browse my backlist at http..."

That's another Anne Cain cover, only one of her photo-realistic ones. She's multi-talented!

Ariel wrote: "This one's for Lasha...


“Would… would it be all right if I saw the baby?” Srikkanth asked in a rush, the words out before he knew for sure he would request. “It m..."

Ok I'm in tears now...I need to read this one.

All For One excerpt for Lucia!


“When did Aristide say he got off duty?” Perrin asked languidly, running his hand down Léandre’s naked back. “It’s been too long since we last fucked him.”

“Sundown, I think,” Léandre answered, shifting slightly where he lay between his bedmate’s legs. He cupped the dark-haired man’s buttocks, tweaking a muscular cheek as he pulled him closer. “Getting ambitious, aren’t you? What makes you think Aristide’s suddenly going to change his tastes? You should know him by now, Perrin—he’ll suck you any time you like, but he’ll not give his arse to anyone.”

“Fine,” Perrin huffed, thrusting up against the blond. “I’ll just have to settle for your arse while he fucks mine.”

“Lucky for you, I’m much more flexible than he is,” Léandre agreed, wrapping a long leg around his partner’s hips. Reaching down, he took the heavy shaft in hand, stroking it just the way he knew Perrin liked best. “Though I ought to make you take care of yourself for implying that fucking me is ‘settling’ for anything. This is the finest piece of arse you’ll ever sink your cock into, boy, and don’t ever forget it.”

Perrin smacked Léandre’s buttocks lightly, barely enough to sting. “Only because I can’t have Aristide’s,” he retorted, nuzzling Léandre’s neck gently to dispel any heat in his words, and rolled the blond beneath him. “And you won’t make me take care of myself because then you’d have to take care of yourself and you hate to do that.”

“Damn right, it’s the only reason I put up with you,” the older man asserted. “Now shut up and fuck me,” he growled, stopping any further conversation by dragging Perrin’s mouth to his and kissing him ruthlessly.

Not being one to argue with the voice of authority when he heard it, Perrin slid a hand between them to make sure Léandre was well enough stretched and lubricated for the reaming he wanted. Deciding all was in order, he lined his cock up and pushed in all the way with one solid thrust, enjoying the deep groan that escaped through the torrid kiss.

Léandre could never decide which he preferred more—sinking into Perrin’s tight arse or being split wide by the younger man’s long, thick cock. Aristide might be a more experienced lover, but Perrin more than made up for his lack of finesse with sheer exuberance. Grabbing on with both hands, Léandre hitched his lover a little higher, so that each stroke rubbed firmly over his sweet spot. Once he had Perrin exactly where he wanted him, Léandre let his fingers wander the valley between his cheeks, teasing at the puckered entrance.

Perrin reared back when he felt Léandre’s fingers on him. As much as he loved fucking the man beneath him, he also loved someone playing with his hole, a fact his partner knew well. His pace increased as Léandre probed more firmly, driving him wild with lust.

Earning a moan from his partner when he withdrew, Léandre spat on his fingers and rubbed them together before pushing back inside with two digits, stretching and searching at the same time. When Perrin’s entire body—and a magnificent body it was, all hard, toned muscle—seized with pleasure, he pulled the dark head down to his and bit at his lover’s lips. Clenching his internal muscles around the invasive rod, he arched his hips upward to meet Perrin’s thrust, using every trick at his command to prove the truth of his boast.

“Fuck, Léandre,” Perrin groaned as Léandre teased him without mercy, leaving him gasping and aching for release. He thrust his tongue hard and deep into the blond’s mouth, ravishing it as he ravished the body beneath him. “So tight.” And Léandre was. No matter how often they did this, Léandre was as tight as the first time, and it drove Perrin crazy.

Rocking in counterpoint as Perrin did his best to fuck him through the mattress, Léandre fought the impulse to reach for himself, not that there was a pouce of space between their bodies anyway. Instead he worked a third finger into Perrin’s arse, stretching him nearly as wide as the brunet was stretching him. His fingers might be a poor substitute for Aristide filling Perrin from behind, but Léandre was determined to bring his partner to nearly as hard a climax before he came himself. He still had hopes of burying himself in that firm—and now well prepared—arse when he did so. “C’mon, Perrin,” he rasped, tearing his lips away to suck air into his heaving lungs. “Give it up. You know you can’t outlast me.”

With a frustrated roar, Perrin climaxed. One day, he’d manage to stay in control long enough to fuck Léandre to orgasm, but until then, he’d get him off some other way. Pulling back as soon as the tremors wracking his muscles eased enough for him to move, he rocked onto his knees, intending to take Léandre in his mouth and ease the heavy erection.

Not that Perrin didn’t have a supremely talented mouth, but Léandre had another target in mind for his cock. Taking advantage of the younger man’s still-relaxed state, he lunged forward, driving the brunet onto his back and locking his arms under Perrin’s knees, pulling his legs up and back and opening him completely. With a deep, satisfied groan, he drove into his partner’s well-stretched hole, hissing when the walls closed around him in a hot velvet sheath.

Perrin howled his pleasure as he felt Léandre’s cock pierce him, his hips rocking into the thrust mindlessly. “Feel like a real man now instead of my pansy?” he taunted, knowing he’d get a more enthusiastic reaming if he pricked the blond’s temper. And since he liked it the harder the better, pricking Léandre’s temper was essential.

“If Aristide was here... he could stuff something... in your mouth... to shut you up,” Léandre panted, hitching Perrin’s hips higher and pounding into him with all his considerable strength. His pulse roared in his ears, and though he vaguely heard a bang he assumed was Perrin’s skull hitting the headboard, he was too consumed by his impending climax to care. Throwing back his head, he shouted in triumph as his release surged through him, sparking every nerve in his body with pleasure.

Hearing his name, the third member of the trio paused in the doorway, taking in the sight of golden buttocks driving between widespread thighs dusted with darker hair. Léandre fucking Perrin, then. He’d made a mental wager with himself which man would be topping the other when he returned from patrol to the small townhouse the three of them shared near the musketeer headquarters in Paris. Grinning as his assumption proved correct, he kicked the door closed and leaned against the frame, pulling off his riding gloves. “Starting without me again?” he drawled.

“He was too impatient to wait,” Perrin gasped, back arching as Léandre’s hips stuttered against his in release. He turned to look at the tall figure in the door, imposing in his black uniform, and he was horny all over again. “He’s got me all worked up again. Come finish me off.”

“Just... taking the edge off,” Léandre managed to rasp, rolling to his side and patting the mattress between them in invitation. “I’ll last longer with you this way,” he added, green eyes gleaming lasciviously.

“I was on duty all day, not lounging in bed,” Aristide observed wryly, pulling his surcoat over his head and hanging it carefully before bending to pull off his boots. “I don’t have the energy to deal with both of you at once.”

“Then let us deal with you,” Perrin proposed, sitting up and reaching for Aristide. “Lie back and let us do all the work.” Aristide never agreed to that proposition, but hope sprang eternal. Perrin figured if he didn’t ask, the answer was always no.

“I’ve got Perrin’s arse all nice and slick for you,” Léandre smirked, stroking a hand over the come still coating his cock. He might have just climaxed, but watching Aristide slowly reveal his magnificent body as he removed his uniform was a sight that never failed to rouse him, however tired or sated he might be. “Or we can let him suck you for a bit, and then you can fuck a real man.”

“Oh, have you got one hidden somewhere?” Aristide taunted, smiling as he tossed the last of his clothing over a chair and stretched mightily. “Putain, I’m looking forward to some time off,” he groaned, sliding into the wide bed between his fellow swordsmen. “This latest batch of recruits is trying even my patience.”

“Salaud,” Perrin retorted in response to the insult even as he slid a roving hand up Aristide’s thigh. “All the more reason to let us help you relieve some stress.” He bent his head and nipped sharply at one pink nipple, hidden in its mat of hair. “We have a week to do whatever we want. And tonight, I want to do you.”

Aristide and Léandre snorted together as the blond lowered his head to mouth at the other rosy nub. “Told him to keep dreaming,” Léandre muttered around a hardening mouthful.

Ariel wrote: "Because Lena asked, , book two of the Exploring Limits series.


Devon Aldridge opened the door to his closet and ran his hand along the hangers, trying to deci..."

It sounds interesting, but I have issues with the BSDM thing. It scares me so I am not so sure if I'd be comfortable with this one.

Ariel wrote: "All For One excerpt for Lucia!


“When did Aristide say he got off duty?” Perrin asked languidly, running his hand down Léandre’s naked back. “It’s been too long since we last fucked..."


“Oh, have you got one hidden somewhere?” ROFL This one I'd like.

Very hot excerpt! Can you already tell about who All for Love will be?

Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "All For One excerpt for Lucia!


“When did Aristide say he got off duty?” Perrin asked languidly, running his hand down Léandre’s naked back. “It’s been too long since ..."

Musketeers are almost as sexy as pirates IMHO

Hello!
Really enjoying the excerpts!

Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Because Lena asked, , book two of the Exploring Limits series.


Devon Aldridge opened the door to his closet and ran his hand along the hangers, ..."

The Limits series isn't true BDSM. It's often kinky, but rarely does it cross into hard-core submission. That said, you shouldn't read it if it will make you uncomfortable.

Phoenix wrote: "Hello!
Really enjoying the excerpts!"

Hi Phoenix! ::waves::

Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "All For One excerpt for Lucia!


“When did Aristide say he got off duty?” Perrin asked languidly, running his hand down Léandre’s naked back. “It’s been too long since ..."

Thanks, Lena. Perrin and Leandre were so much fun to write. The whole book was, but those two especially.

Lucia wrote: "Very hot excerpt! Can you already tell about who All for Love will be?"

Thanks, Lucia! Yes, All for Love will tell the story of Raúl and Gerrard, who have secondary roles in both Checkmate and All for One.

Phoenix wrote: "Hello!
Really enjoying the excerpts!"

Hi, Phoenix. Thanks!

Ariel wrote: "Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Because Lena asked, , book two of the Exploring Limits series.


Devon Aldridge opened the door to his closet and ran his hand along ..."

Ariel wrote: "Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Because Lena asked, , book two of the Exploring Limits series.


Devon Aldridge opened the door to his closet and ran his hand along ..."

Thanks Ariel. I can handle kinky but it's the submission thing that upsets me. That's why I commented because it's hard to tell from an excerpt but since you have the 'whole' picture, you are able to comment. I know I am a wuss sometimes...

Not a wuss, Lena, aware of your own limits. And there are a couple of places where one of them ends up in a submissive mindset, but it only lasts for the duration of a scene. It's definitely not a lifestyle thing, and in fact, they all switch roles over the course of the series, so there's not one clear "dom" and two clear "subs" all the time.

Ariel wrote: "Not a wuss, Lena, aware of your own limits. And there are a couple of places where one of them ends up in a submissive mindset, but it only lasts for the duration of a scene. It's definitely not ..."

That is a better way to put it than wuss, thanks Ariel. LOL I've tried reading some of those where the lifestyle was dom and slave and was upset for days. Serena won't let me, or at least strongly suggests, that I don't even try to review books with a BSDM theme. Bless her! She's trying to help me protect myself.

Lena wrote: "Ariel wrote: "Not a wuss, Lena, aware of your own limits. And there are a couple of places where one of them ends up in a submissive mindset, but it only lasts for the duration of a scene. It's d..."

Yeah, you'd have a hard time with something like my book Out of the Fire, but I think you'd probably be okay with this series. Nothing lifestyle about it.

I can't help it but BDSM reduces me to giggles.

REAL sadism is horror novel stuff.

John wrote: "I can't help it but BDSM reduces me to giggles.

REAL sadism is horror novel stuff."

Which is why the Exploring Limits characters are more about sex with a bit of kink than about any kind of real sadism.

Hello
i haven't read yet Out of the fire but i read the first limit book. The bdsm is light, i think.
I want to know if you write this book because the bdsm theme interest you or the editors and the public like this?

John wrote: "I can't help it but BDSM reduces me to giggles.

REAL sadism is horror novel stuff."

Obviously I'm in the minority John...each to his own

Hello
i haven't read yet Out of the fire but i read the first limit book. The bdsm is light, i think.
I want to know if you write this book because the bdsm theme interest you or the editors and the public like this?

I loved Out of the Fire and your series Exploring Limits!!! I confess to having a thing for BDSM, especially in m/m books;)

Contest 2 - I think my favorite cover is Healing in His Wings (and that was a great book too)!

Jessica wrote: "Hello
i haven't read yet Out of the fire but i read the first limit book. The bdsm is light, i think.
I want to know if you write this book because the bdsm theme interest you or the editors and ..."

Hi, Jessica,

It is a theme that interests me in that everything about human sexuality interests me. What would it do to a relationship to have three instead of two? What would it do to relationship to have different comfort levels where kink is concerned, different preferences and experiences?

That said, the sales figures have certainly suggested that the public has an interest in it as well.

Hi Ariel.
Will have to catch up and see if my question has already been asked and answered.

Wendy wrote: "I loved Out of the Fire and your series Exploring Limits!!! I confess to having a thing for BDSM, especially in m/m books;)

Contest 2 - I think my favorite cover is [book:Heali..."

Thanks, Wendy! I love the cover for it too. When I saw what Anne had done, I was amazed. I didn't think anyone would be able to capture my vision of Juo (because of the wings) but she absolutely did. She also knocked it out of the park with the third book in that universe, Something About Harry.

Beth wrote: "Hi Ariel.
Will have to catch up and see if my question has already been asked and answered."

Hi, Beth!

If it hasn't, make sure you ask it! I don't want anyone to leave without all their questions answered.

What about Sutcliffe Cove. Any chance of revisiting this universe?

thanks Ariel .it's a question i would like have the answer .
It's true this situation open a lot of door

if it's not indiscreet : do you speak french?

for Lasha. As for revisiting the universe, I can't make promises, but I won't say no either.


The paved road led from the minor highway back into the trees, leaving the city behind. It was a pocket of quiet surrounded by bustling civilization, somehow untouched yet maintained. The road wound through the trees, eventually leading into the wide green spaces of the horse farm named Sutcliffe Cove.

Gerald Saunders steered his car down the lane, enjoying the difference in scenery, surprised at how nice it was here. He’d have never thought a place could remain so unspoiled here in the heart of Connecticut.

A black-painted split wood fence lined the road up to the cluster of buildings: a couple barns, a long line of stables, a big old farmhouse, and some smaller outbuildings. He could see the road led beyond the parking area back behind the stables and figured that must be for horse trailers. He pulled up beside a sedan and parked.

Brett Sutcliffe looked up at the sound of a car pulling into the gravel parking lot. His father had resisted paving it, saying asphalt was harder to maintain, and Brett kept it gravel because he liked the warning he was about to have visitors. He leaned on the pitchfork he was using to muck out stalls and watched the long, lanky form climb out of the car. The automatic appreciation of a well-built body brought a smile to his face. The man moved with the same controlled grace as the thoroughbreds Brett loved to watch but would never have the money to own. And there was never any harm in looking. As the man drew closer, he took automatic note of the dark hair and eyes and the surprisingly light complexion—the man must spend most of his time indoors.

“Welcome to Sutcliffe Cove,” he called, drawing the man’s attention to him. “Can I help you?”

Gerald turned when he heard the voice and raised a hand halfway in greeting. “I found your web site when looking for riding lessons,” he said. “Am I in the right place?”

“You are indeed,” Brett agreed, mentally sizing up a new client. “Have you ever ridden before?”

“Once, and I wouldn’t call it riding. On a trail up at the state park,” Gerald said reluctantly, looking a bit abashed. “But I loved it and thought I might try some lessons.”

“I’m glad it piqued your interest,” Brett replied easily. “Although trail riding in the state parks isn’t quite the same as riding on your own. Those horses could do the trail rides on their own, they’ve done it so many times. Were you thinking group lessons or private lessons? We offer both at various times and with a variety of instructors.”

Gerald shrugged one shoulder, a gesture Brett found quite endearing. “Don’t know enough to have an opinion, really. What would you suggest?” Gerald studied the other man as he spoke, noting how laid back and friendly he was. He seemed really comfortable in his own skin. His cowboy hat hid most of his hair, but the reddish scruff on the other man's face made Gerald envious of the freedom not to have to shave everyday.

“It’s a question of how fast you want to learn and how much you’re willing to pay,” Brett replied honestly. “You’ll make progress much more quickly in private lessons because they’ll be tailored specifically to your ability instead of to the level of the entire class, but they’re also more expensive.” He glanced over the obviously fit body. “You’ll also get a better workout in a private lesson because you’ll be actively riding the whole time instead of spending part of your time waiting for the other people in the class to do each exercise.”

“Sounds like the way to go then. At least until I decide whether I want to stick with it,” Gerald said agreeably. Money wasn’t a problem; he was comfortable enough to indulge in something like this, and he didn’t have any other plans for the time being.

Always the entrepreneur, Brett started calculating income while he looked forward to the opportunity to ogle the brunet under the guise of helping him improve his form. “So when would you like to start?”

“I don’t have any other commitments beside work right now. I finish up about four most days,” Gerald said, thinking about how long it would take him to get here after leaving the office. “I could be here five-ish during the week and any time on weekends.”

“Then the next question is how often you want to ride,” Brett said, mentally examining his schedule. “I have openings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at six, and several different times on Saturdays and Sundays. Just a warning, though. It’s a lot harder workout than it looks, so you may want to start slow and build up. Beginner riders often find once a week is all their legs can handle for the first few months.”

“I don’t want to ruin it right off,” Gerald admitted. “I’m in pretty good shape. How about Tuesdays and Thursdays?”

“Sounds good to me. We generally ask for the month’s payment up front, but we’ll give you the first lesson free so you can decide if it’s really what you want to do before you commit to the full month.”

“Thanks, that’s really great,” Gerald said, smiling. “I’m Gerald Saunders.”

“Brett Sutcliffe,” Brett replied, pulling off his glove and extending his hand. “It’s Tuesday. Do you want to start tonight or wait until Thursday?”

“Now’s good,” Gerald said, peering at the man who must be the farm's owner. He looked to be about the same age as himself and tanned from working outside so much. “I’m here.” He shook Brett’s hand with a firm grip. “You look busy, though. I can go walk around awhile.”

“Mucking stalls is a never-ending process,” Brett admitted. “I’ve got some kids who volunteer on the weekends in exchange for free lessons, but during the week, I’m not as lucky.” He stood the pitchfork against the manure cart. “Shah’s out in the pasture. He won’t care how long it takes me to finish up. He’d rather be out there than cooped up in his stall anyway. Let me give you the fifty cent tour.”

“Sure. Is Shah one of the horses for lessons?” Gerald asked as he followed Brett along the outside of the building.

“No, he’s my pride and joy,” Brett replied. “He’s a purebred Arabian, the only stallion in the barn. I got him when he was a foal and helped train him myself. There he is, along the back fence. The one with his tail high. He’s a proud old man.”

Gerald looked where indicated to see the obviously spirited stallion. Even with his untrained eyes, the horse was gorgeous. “I bet he’s popular with the ladies,” he joked.

“Very,” Brett agreed. “He’s sired about a dozen colts since we started breeding him. We have about fifty horses here on the property. Most of them are privately owned, but about twenty of them belong to the stables, and those are the ones we use for lessons unless the owners are taking lessons. Then they ride their own animals, of course. The farm’s about a hundred acres. Most of it’s pastureland for the horses when they aren’t being used, plus the buildings you see here.”

“Quite a set up,” Gerald commented, turning in a slow circle to look around. “And since you’re pretty much inside the city, it’s convenient. Although to look around, I would think we were miles and miles out of town.”

“When my great-great-great-grandparents bought the land, it was miles out of town,” Brett replied with a laugh. “It was great in high school when I still thought I wanted to pick up girls. They’d come out to see the horses, and it wasn’t so far away that their parents would have a problem with it.”

Gerald chuckled and grinned. “Possibility of rolling in the hay, huh?” He looked Brett up and down, and his lips twitched into a smile. He could see the appeal, though it didn’t register any more than that thought. “Girls go for the rugged cowboy look.”

“I don’t pay much attention to what they go for these days.” Brett chuckled. “I don’t have time for their drama anymore. I did get a few good tumbles out of it, though.”

“Women aren’t the only ones who do the drama,” Gerald murmured, looking back out into the pasture. “But I steer clear anyway. My work gives me enough of that as it is.”

Brett laughed, glad once again to have escaped the drudgery of office life. “No, the horses are pretty damn good at it too. Come on, let me introduce you to Tiny. He’ll be a good start for you, I think.”

“Tiny, huh? That sounds reassuring.” Gerald said, shoving a hand into a jeans pocket. “Maybe,” he tacked on.

Brett snickered and led the other man to a stall at the end of the stable block. A black head poked out through the door at their approach, whickering softly. Brett stroked the velvet nose, batting it away when the horse lipped at his shirt pocket in search of a treat. “After lessons, Tiny,” he scolded affectionately. “You have to earn that carrot first.”

He grabbed a halter and lead rope and stepped inside the stall to fasten them and walk the animal out into the breezeway. Tiny followed docilely, perfectly content to be tied to the hitching post. “Tiny, this is Gerald. Gerald, meet Tiny.”

Gerald sighed and nodded, looking up at the huge animal. “How did I know?” he said drolly. The horse’s back was above the level of his shoulders, and he was just over six foot tall. “You pick him on purpose, don’t you?” he accused Brett. “If a beginner can get over the scary thought of riding him, then they’re good to go?”

“No,” Brett disagreed with a firm pat to Tiny’s flank. “I pick him because he’s the gentlest animal in the stable. He’d rather fall over himself than have a rider fall off. And on the rare occasion when he can’t stop someone from falling, he’s more upset than they are. I swear he cries when someone falls off. His eyes get all sad and his lower lip quivers just like a baby about to start bawling.”

Amused, Gerald patted Tiny’s shoulder, and the horse snuffled and nudged Gerald back with his head, drawing a laugh. “I think we’ll get along fine, Tiny,” he said.

Jessica wrote: "if it's not indiscreet : do you speak french?"

Hi, Jessica,

It isn't indiscreet at all. And yes, I speak French. I'm functionally bilingual, lived in France for almost two years, taught French for 16 years, and only speak French with my children.

Ariel: You've written a number of books in combination with another author. How do you do that (ex: do you each write separate chapters?) and what part of it do you find most challenging? Thanks!

Hi Ariel,

I almost forgot about this chat, loving the exerts and looking forward to reading overdrive...and her two dads.

Contest One - (non entry)

I already have this book but I would love to read a story about a carer.... i think they are often over looked... i share responsibility for caring for my elderly grandmother and its emotionally draining time consuming and eats away at you social life this nothing else.

Contest Two..



I love covers like these... where the colours and images blend together really well.

Ariel, how did you get involved in writing m/m romances?

Wendy wrote: "Ariel: You've written a number of books in combination with another author. How do you do that (ex: do you each write separate chapters?) and what part of it do you find most challenging? Thanks!"

Great question, Wendy. We tend to do character-based writing, so I will "be" one of the main characters and Nicki will "be" the other. Then it's a question of agreeing on the setting for their interaction (and usually a goal) and going from there. It can be challenging to find the time to be online together, but the actual process of writing is usually faster with Nicki because she spurs me on and vice versa.

Sarah wrote: "Hi Ariel,

I almost forgot about this chat, loving the exerts and looking forward to reading overdrive...and her two dads.

Contest One - (non entry)

I already have this book but I would love to..."

Hi, Sarah! Another Anne Cain cover! She's racking up points today.

Lasha wrote: "Ariel, how did you get involved in writing m/m romances?"

I started writing romance when I was 12, but not m/m romance. That started about seven years ago when I got sucked into reading Lord of the Rings fanfiction and the beauty that is Aragorn and Legolas. I found so much to explore in the m/m dynamic that I haven't looked back.