Rainbow Snippets - Valraven

The raven flew above the battlefield amidst a bickering horde of his blue-winged brethren, waiting for victory to signal their turn below. Soon they would feast on the vanquished.

One of the others, too impatient to wait for the men to quit the field of war, landed at the edge of the struggle and hopped forward. A warrior sprawled on the ground stained red with his spilt blood. But when the gluttonous bird would have feasted, a drengr stumbled back and nearly trod upon the foolish creature.

The man brought his shield up to block an ax strike aimed at his undefended neck. He moved slowly and the blade bit into the wooden round, catching on the rim. While the ax-welder ripped the shield from his hands, he seized the opportunity to sink his sword into his opponent's gut.

The hot scent of blood followed by the sour stench of bowels filled the air. Not the last to feed war's followers this day.

Drawn off balance by his shield, another's spear point breached the hollow of his shoulder. He fell forward and clipped his head against the haft before it shattered under his weight.

The battle raged on without the warrior. The man would be his.

Valraven from valravn/valrafn. Val means the dead fallen in battle. Valravn is a raven who feasts on the war-fallen. In some versions of the mythos, if a valravn eats the heart of a king, he becomes a knight. For the vikings, this was not as distasteful as it sounds to modern readers. Ravens were revered because this is a culture built on war and glorious death.

The above is a snippet from the prologue of my newest story Valraven, a viking age paranormal story of war and betrayal.
For more snippets check out the Facebook group Rainbow Snippets.

Rainbow Snippets - Currently Untitled Ice Age Story

Wall painting of Megaloceros

My current WIP is set during the Ice Age approximately 11,000 years ago. Once again, I am creating a culture based on a few scattered facts and the cultures descended from them. I am filling in a lot of blanks.

I feel fairly comfortable stating that any individual "fact" was likely contemporaneous to the existing cultures of that vast time period. But did they all co-exist in one group of people? There's no way of knowing.

I am having nearly as much fun researching all the prehistoric techniques for fine starting, shelter building, stone knapping, basket weaving, hunting, fishing, preparing food and anything else like this wall painting I run across.

I hope to provide a colorful background on which to base my story of heartache, loss, and learning to live again.

So here is my snippet. I hope you enjoy it.

Kantu slipped his spare snowshoes on and slung his pack onto his back. Behind him, The People rested once more in their home with all their possessions. Black smoke boiled into the sky, alerting their enemies that one still lived.

Turning to stare up at the cave mouth, Kantu let the old words slip from his lips. Words as ancient as The People themselves, words that only the now-dead shaman had understood. His clan was gone. Once he died, no one would sing the sacred words to calm the spirits and guide him back to his lover's side. Without the clan to remember them, the ancestors' fires would go out one by one.

For more snippets join the Facebook group Rainbow Snippets.

Rainbow Awards Gay Historical Runner Up

I'm proud and honored to say that A Shared Love is the runner up in the Rainbow Awards Gay Historical category.

The other stories in the series, A Spartan Love and A Tested Love, have received Honorable Mentions.

All three books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iTunes, Kobo and several others.

Find out why the judges love this series.

Once a warrior, now a fugitive.

Spartan fighter Theron has done the unthinkable—he’s disobeyed orders and fled Sparta. All for his helot lover, Andreas. They can run, or they can die.

They’ve sworn oaths to Apollo; now their future lies in the god’s sacred city. The road to Delphi runs through treacherous wilderness, filled with vengeful warriors, greedy bandits, and savage creatures. Nor are the cities safe for strangers wearing the red cloaks of the Spartan military.

Once slated for execution at Theron’s hand, Andreas finds it hard to trust the man who betrayed him. Forgiving Theron grows easier for Andreas with every step they take. He isn't ready to trust Theron with his heart again—but remembering why is getting harder and harder.

A god’s scheming places a fellow exile in their path, Theron’s shield-brother Coridan. Still reeling from his own tragedy, Coridan could be the force that tears them apart forever, or who brings them together in Apollo’s service.

Three different men, three different pasts, who must unite in a common destiny.

If they can survive.

Swords and Introspection

Today my Spartans are on Joyfully Jay's blog for a little down time and introspection. Please join them as they take some down time--Spartan style.

A Shared Love

A Shared Love - the final book in the Spartan arc

Once a warrior, now a fugitive.

Spartan fighter Theron has done the unthinkable—he's disobeyed orders and fled Sparta. All for his helot lover, Andreas. They can run, or they can die.

They’ve sworn oaths to Apollo; now their future lies in the god’s sacred city. The road to Delphi runs through treacherous wilderness, filled with vengeful warriors, greedy bandits, and savage creatures. Nor are the cities safe for strangers wearing the red cloaks of the Spartan military.

Once slated for execution at Theron’s hand, Andreas finds it hard to trust the man who betrayed him. Forgiving Theron grows easier for Andreas with every step they take. He isn't ready to trust Theron with his heart again—but remembering why is getting harder and harder.

A god’s scheming places a fellow exile in their path, Theron’s shield-brother Coridan. Still reeling from his own tragedy, Coridan could be the force that tears them apart forever, or who brings them together in Apollo’s service.

Three different men, three different pasts, who must unite in a common destiny.

If they can survive.

The ebook will be available from Amazon in a few days. Distribution will be more widespread in a few days as well.

A Shared Love is Subbed!

I've finished this incarnation of A Shared Love and have finally subbed it. Now I just have to sit back and wait to hear from the publisher.

I wish I didn't hate waiting so much.

I guess I can start work on other projects. Wish me luck!

Rainbow Snippet - A Shared Love

A dream from A Shared Love.

A wolf paced toward them. Frantic to protect his lover from the creature, Coridan pulled Lysander's slack body into his lap and wrapped himself around him. "You can't have him!"

The she-wolf whined and crept slowly closer. She sniffed Lysander's outflung hand. Then pointed her nose skyward and gave voice to his grief and fear. All the emptiness and pain in his heart rushing out with their anguished cry.

For more snippets, visit Rainbow Snippets on Facebook.

Rainbow Snippets - A Shared Love

This snippet is from A Shared Love, the final book in the Spartan Love arc.

A dark whirlwind swept around him, snapping at his legs. Theron barely swung in time to drive the creature off, sadly without doing any damage of his own. His heart thumped harshly. He'd almost been hamstrung. If he'd been any slower, he would have provided the beast with dinner, or at the very least been crippled for life.

Small branches crashed, giving way under its solid bulk. A low snarl reverberated through the night-dark air, allowing Theron to track the creature's return path. He turned with it, every sense bent on keeping him alive.

For more Rainbow Snippets go to the Facebook group.

Rainbow Snippet - Homecoming, A Tested Love Bonus Scene

Homecoming is an A Tested Love bonus scene featuring Apollo x Halys. You can read it in it's entirety on Charley Descoteaux's blog. Warning: NSFW

Halys knelt on the cool marble of the antrum, awaiting his lord's return.  The doorkeeper had kept watch and informed him when his lord Apollo's chariot was seen approaching. Halys had hurried to the bench next to the door with a pile of soft cloths and a bronze bowl of warm water.

The torches guttered, throwing wild shadows on the walls. Smoke filled his nostrils and spoke of secret things, passions best shared in the dark. Had the goddess of lust and sex exerted her wiles on his lord?

For additional Rainbow Snippets check out the Facebook group.

A Tested Love Release Party and Giveaway

A Tested Love, Spartan Love #2, Release Party

Blogs, Reviews, Excerpt, and a Rafflecopter Giveaway March 10-17

Books'n Cozy Spots
The Novel Approach
Harper Kingsley
Charley Descoteaux
Deanna Wadsworth
PD Singer
Bike Book Reviews
Molly Lolly
MM Good Book Reviews
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
On Top Down Under
Crystals Many Reviewers
Kate Pavelle
Lynn Lorenz
Princess and Terry

Blurb: Lured by seductive promises, Andreas risked his life to be with Theron, only to find himself betrayed. Abandoned and alone, Andreas resigns all hope of seeing his fierce warrior again and resumes his life as a helot.

All too aware of the harsh punishment Sparta demands of men who love other men, Theron reluctantly surrenders Andreas in hopes of keeping him safe. The warrior returns to Sparta to embrace his destiny in place of the helot he has grown to see as a man, not just a slave. Cold but honorable duty will be his new lover.

Duty proves to be a jealous lover when Sparta demands the final test of Theron's loyalty. Sent to kill Andreas, Theron must find a way to come to terms with his burning desire for his handsome helot before their forbidden love destroys them both.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Body Language Is FREE

Not sure ancient historicals are your thing? Give Body Language a try. It's a prequel to my Apollo's Men series. And as it's free, a good way to get your feet wet.

Travelling with Narses through conquered Lydia, Lykos hides his identity as a prince of Aenus.  He intends to take the measure of the encroaching Persian Empire. But before they reach Sardis, he hears cries for help and charges into battle with mountain bandits. Unable to save the beleaguered merchant, he rescues Kas, a young Persian man.

Now his protector is dead, Kas would like nothing better than to remain with the handsome warrior who came to his aid. But how can he explain that to a man who speaks little but Greek?

Body Language is now available at Amazon.

Rainbow Snippet - A Shared Love

This snippet is from my current WIP, A Shared Love, the final book in the Spartan Love arc of the epics of Apollo's Men.

The wolf stretched out alongside the reclining youth with a wolfish sigh.

"Your warmth is appreciated, my lady. You are the first woman to share my blanket."

The she-wolf seemed to have taken an interest in the young man she guarded. The rest of her pack kept their distance from the warrior, but not her. She curled up next to him with the air of a companion.

If you'd like to read more Rainbow Snippets, go to the Facebook group.

A Tested Love Is Available for Preorder

Lured by seductive promises, Andreas risked his life to be with Theron, only to find himself betrayed. Abandoned and alone, Andreas resigns all hope of seeing his fierce warrior again and resumes his life as a helot.

All too aware of the harsh punishment Sparta demands of men who love other men, Theron reluctantly surrenders Andreas in hopes of keeping him safe. The warrior returns to Sparta to embrace his destiny in place of the helot he has grown to see as a man, not just a slave. Cold but honorable duty will be his new lover.

Duty proves to be a jealous lover when Sparta demands the final test of Theron’s loyalty. Sent to kill Andreas, Theron must find a way to come to terms with his burning desire for his handsome helot before their forbidden love destroys them both.

A Tested Love, the sequel to A Spartan Love, is available for preorder at Dreamspinner Press.

Alone, Andreas toils on a remote farmstead for a Spartan overlord. When a kryptes enters his world, Andreas fears for his life. The dread warriors stalk and kill helots—like Andreas' father—as part of their training.

Andreas sees only one way to save himself: he must tame the fearsome warrior.

But what began as self-preservation develops into attraction. Yearning for the company of someone other than his ferret Ictis, Andreas decides to trust the Spartan warrior and risk the fate that claimed his father.

Born to rule by the sword, Theron sees the world as his and acts accordingly, taking everything Andreas offers and reaching for more. However, love between men in Sparta is considered shameful and requires either exile or suicide to redeem Sparta’s honor. Now, only the gods can save them from the terrible price Sparta extracts from men who desire other men.

Rainbow Snippet - A Shared Love

Kyria, one of Apollo's sacred wolves

This snippet is from my current WIP, A Shared Love, the final book in the Spartan Love arc of the epics of Apollo's Men.

Apollo is checking in on the young Spartan warrior Coridan. After the death of his lover, Coridan wandered off to die. Apollo found him and commanded Coridan to serve him. Apollo set his wolves to guide Coridan to Delphi.


"How much farther do you think until we reach Tegea, Kyria?"

The wolf that the warrior named "Lady" grumbled a response.

"Not much for geography? You should have paid better attention to your tutors." The mortal chuckled. "Maybe I should have as well. Then I wouldn't have to ask you such things."

If you'd like to read more Rainbow Snippets, go to the Facebook group.

Rainbow Snippet - Body Language

"Are you all right, you son of Seth?"

"Narses?" Lykos drew a deep breath, one he hadn't expected to lay claim to. The wound in his side twinged in protest. He would have to take care not to repeat that mistake. "The bandits?"

"All dead."


To read more about prince Lykos and the young man he rescued, you can download Body Language for free at Smashwords.

If you are looking for more Rainbow Snippets, drop by the Facebook group.

Rainbow Snippets - From the Ashes

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella set roughly in 16th century France, taking us back to the origins of the popular fairy tale. One should not expect historical accuracy in any tale that includes a fairy godmother.

This is not my typical historical. But efforts have been made to at least keep the feel of the era and make sure all elements are contemporaneous.

While Cinder digested her claim to be his fairy godmother, she pulled out a wand and waved the slender rod at him. His dress grew suddenly weightier. Cinder glanced down and gasped. He was now encased in a frothy, airy confection of blue satin, lace and pearls. When he took a step back in shock, Cinder almost fell, owing to the glass slippers on his feet. Glass? Whose crazy idea was that?


For more Rainbow Snippets drop by the Facebook group.
From the Ashes on Amazon.
The playlist for From the Ashes.

Rainbow Snippet - A Tested Love Follow-Up

Ahead, some women chatted while filling clay vessels with water. Their children ran about the small open square, laughing and shrieking in delight. Theron’s lip curled. These children were too old to be playing games. They would have been part of the agōgē by now had they been born Spartan, learning how to be adults.

Previous snippet was in Andreas' POV. This one is Theron's POV.

Rainbow Snippet - A Tested Love

Coridan and Lysander had been together from the time they were seven years old. So young. Even now they'd barely left their childhood behind. What childhood? They were born for war, did nothing but train for war. Andreas didn't know Lysander or Coridan, but that didn't prevent his grief at their fate from taking deep hold.

For more Rainbow Snippets drop by the Facebook group.

Rainbow Snippet - A Spartan Love

A Spartan Love is set in ancient Sparta and features Andreas, a helot, and Theron, a kryptes--natural enemies. It is part of my Apollo's Men series and the first in a three book arc about Andreas and Theron. Their story is continued in A Tested Love, available mid-March.

Andreas! Get in here right now. How many times do I have to tell you that the kryptes will kill you if they catch you outside after dark?” He could hear his mother’s voice as if she were still alive, calling to him from the safety of their house.

“I’m trying, Mother!” he muttered to her shade. He would never forget that one of the Spartan warriors had slain his father for nothing more than being a helot.

A Spartan Love is available at Dreamspinner Press and Amazon.

For more Rainbow Snippets check out the FaceBook group.

Rainbow Snippet - From the Ashes

From the Ashes is a Cinderfella that I intend to rerelease after the New Year.

Cinder never thought that he could rise from the ashes of his life, but an unexpected encounter with a woman claiming to be be his fairy godmother may be just what he needs. Finding himself flung into his own fairy tale, she sends him off to meet his Prince Charming. But was the gown really necessary?

Midnight? What was so special about midnight? He had no intention of going, much less staying that late.

A soft hand at the small of his back coaxed him into motion, urging him toward the front of the manor. Every time Cinder opened his mouth to protest, she prattled right over him without even pausing for breath.

"But I don't want to go. I don't need a prince. I am a man!"