I enjoyed reading Kelley Heckart’s article published on this blog on Saturday. Christmas is not always a happy time of the year. However, everyone seems intent on keeping up the myth of family closeness, warmth and cheer. Some years ago, I was a volunteer on a suicide telephone line, and the weeks around Christmas we were certainly needed. In my upcoming release, Words for Patty Jo, one of my main characters, David, expresses what his feelings are about Christmas cheer. 

 The repetitious jangling Yuletide ditties exasperate him; he is disheartened by the sight of wretched, unemployed older men who, disguised in long white beards and jaunty red costumes, dispense false joy to tots. Cheer isn’t what you see in their eyes, or in the faces of frantic buyers, or women confronted by a mountain of cleaning and cooking, or those negotiating sad marriages and unpleasant families. To help others cope with the dangerous holiday jollity, he mans the telephone line at the local suicide prevention group, listens to the abandoned, the widowed, the divorced, the desperate, the ill, the forgotten, the lonely elderly. Victims of this noisy commercial fakery, they have been duped into believing they are inferior, that they haven’t made the grade, climbed the right ladder, chosen the winning card.

 Words for Patty Jo

The villain of our own stories

Sometimes we’re the villains of our stories, not the office bully, or the queen bee from highschool, or the megalomaniac billionaire trying to sink half the city in the ocean so he can build his waterfront development.

Without any outside help, we tell ourselves we’re ugly when we look in the mirror; we’re unrelenting to ourselves when we struggle; we’re cruel to ourselves when we’re less than perfect. Sometimes we’re the ones holding the bloody knife, the smoking gun… and the broken heart.

When I wrote It Starts With A Kiss, I didn’t want to rehash a Mean Girls trope in a sci-fi office setting. I wanted to explore the villainy in my heroine as well as the heroism in my villain.

Despite their comically catastrophic differences, Celeste and Eleanor both embody similar qualities that they use to navigate the complex environment of a business run by small-minded people—finding satisfaction at last when they push through their inner struggle, and finally appreciate themselves (and each other) for who they really are.

We are all complex and curious creatures. If you’re in a place to handle it, try to do this one thing today: be kind to yourself ❤️

First published in Discover… by Brenda Whiteside.

It Starts with a Kiss by JL Peridot

Celeste is a talented engineer who doesn’t realize her job’s going nowhere fast. She’s a little naïve. She’ll cut code and solder cables forever as long as Owen’s around. Owen, on the other hand, knows exactly how badly things suck—he just doesn’t care. Sure, his skills aren’t what they used to be, but they’re still better than what Halcyon Aries deserves.

Then it happens. The company’s toxic management team finally cross the line. As both techies race to upgrade the station and to free the team from their oppressive contracts, they come to learn that life—and love—can only ever be what you make it.

Strap in for a steamy office romance in space, because sometimes It Starts With a Kiss!

💞 Available at a bunch of ebook retailers 💞

OR

😍 Get it directly from my shop 😍

---

JL Peridot writes love letters to the future on devices from the past. Her latest book, Until We Met Again is a time travel love story filled with longing, existential quandary, and sci-fi unreality. Visit jlperidot.com for the full catalogue of her work or subscribe to Dot Club for a collection of her tiny stories.

Christmas—not always a joyful time of year

Christmas is about colored lights, decorated trees, and gift giving, but it’s also a time for deep reflection and sadness, for some.

While most people are celebrating Christmas with their families, others might be alone and feeling miserable. It’s especially hard if you just lost a loved one to be reminded of that loss.

I’m fortunate to still have my family, but our holiday get-togethers now have changed. We used to have huge Christmas Eve gatherings and exchange tons of presents. It was exciting and a little overwhelming. Now, we have quieter get-togethers with less presents. We’re all older now and pretty much have everything we need anyway, and it gets harder to decide what to buy people, even ones you know well. That was a stressor for me every year at Christmas.

The unfortunate part of our Christmas gatherings in recent years is that they aren’t always happy occasions. Yelling at each other is a new addition. Those sweet, innocent times are long gone now with the rise of lies and fake posts spreading on social media and cable news, the latter of which really isn’t news. Those so-called news channels are meant to anger people. And the trolls on social media are intentionally trying to cause rage. It’s sad, but a part of our lives now.

The good news is my husband and I have our own intimate Christmas celebration and traditions that help me through this time of the year. I think, no matter what, you need to find your happy place.

Hopefully, we as a nation can get past all of this anger, and I hope my family can too.

Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, and Happy Winter Solstice to everyone.

Enter a world of enchantment and passion.

www.kelleyheckart.com

TARGET - The Valesky Crime Family - Kill or Be Killed - Dark Erotic Romance - Mafia - on AUDIBLE - Tina Donahue Monthly Newsmagazine #TinaDonahueBooks #DarkEroticRomance #Mafia #Lies #ImpossibleChoices #Giveaways #EyeCandy

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NOW ON AUDIBLE

A Russian Kingpin Wants Her Dead...

The Only One Who Can Stop It

Is The Man Sent To Murder Her

Dark Erotic Romance

Mafia

Lies

Impossible Choices

Kill or be Killed

 

Toni Flores loved her dream job working for a respected US senator until he raped her. She’s determined to bring him to justice, no matter the cost.

For years, Dimitri Valesky, head of a Russian crime family in America, has bought off those in government. Just like the senator responsible for Toni’s assault. When she won’t keep quiet about it and risks Dimitri’s business, he orders his stepson Michael to kill her.

Michael’s a lobbyist not a mafia enforcer. He refuses the insane demand, but Dimitri insists. The power he holds over Michael and his brothers is absolute… or so he believes.

Rather than murder Toni, Michael intends to romance her. Once he convinces her to keep quiet about the Senator, she won’t be a target any longer and Dimitri will back off on the hit. The plan falls apart and now they are dodging mafia enforcers, bullets, and Dimitri’s outrage.

Michael and Toni fight to stay alive and save those dearest to them as they also fall hopelessly in love.

This is book one in the Valesky Crime Family series and has an HEA.

Publisher’s Note: This contemporary dark mafia romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, action, adventure, adult themes, and possible triggers for some readers.

PRAISE FOR TARGET

FIVE STARS

"I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read." Sue B

"Fantastic read" - Vic

"Real Page Turner" - Kazza

"Not your average Mafia adventure/romance" - Caprica

"Awesome read" - Westie Dog

"Politics and Mafia" - Kindle Customer

"Suspenseful and sizzling" - Sheryl M

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The ‘tween time—Thanksgiving to New Year

I love this time of year, where every street shines and every TV commercial sparkles and shimmers. Christmas tree lights twinkle and the eyes of children widen and gleam with anticipation.

And then, on January 2, it seems to all go away at once. Whoosh! No more lights, no more sparkle. Snow turns brown and there’re long, dark days ahead before the next bright, fun time—for some, Memorial Day in May. Sigh.

So lucky for me, this book takes place in that bright time of year…

The Goodman series, Book Two: One Woman Only

Blurb:
As one of a set of triplets, Jonah Goodman has always stood out as the least academic—and the last one to take the world, or commitment, seriously. Thing is, that’s not really who he is. But who can he convince of that? Not his family, who see him as they always have. And maybe not his one love, the sweetheart he left behind in high school but with whom he is now sharing an erotic holiday. Will he get his second chance to prove to Kelly that he is a loving man who wants more than a sensual few days, but a real relationship with the woman he lost once and doesn’t want to lose again? With that chance and Kelly's love, Jonah knows that a "good man" can become even better.

Buy link:
Amazon KU: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZYSV5L9

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48705086

Excerpt:
Jonah pulled in the driveway behind Daniel's old Volvo. Man, that thing had seen better days, but Daniel seemed to love it. At least with Daniel living close, Jonah could help keep the thing in tune and running.

 "Speak of the devil," Jonah said, as Daniel exited the house with his son, Timmy.

 "Jonah!" Timmy screamed his name and came running for him. Jonah scooped the boy into his arms, laughing.

 "What has you so excited, huh?"

 The boy’s dark eyes sparkled and his mouth held a wide smile. "My dad got the job you told him about and the school is really cool and we're going up next week to look for a new house for all of us and I might even get a dog."

 "A dog? Wow! No wonder you're so excited."

 "I know. And right now, we're going to get ice cream for dessert because gramma is making supper and she said she wanted some ice cream. What kind do you like, Jonah?"

 "Vanilla for me."

 Timmy scrunched his face into a scowl. “Vanilla?"

 "Well, with lots of chocolate sauce on it."

 The boy smiled again. "That's okay, then." Then he twisted to throw a disparaging look at Ginger. "Except Dad says your heap is in the way. What's a heap? I thought you drove a car."

 Jonah looked to Daniel who stood laughing softly at Tim's rant. He raised his brows and said meaningfully, "I don't drive a car, Tim. I drive a classic, original 1965 GTO. It's very special. Her name is Ginger. Wanna go for ice cream in Ginger?"

 Tim twisted toward Daniel so fast, Jonah almost dropped him. "Can we Dad? Can we take Ginger?"

 With a wry smile, Daniel took Tim from Jonah. "Not this time. We have your car seat in our car. But later we can go out if your Uncle Jonah says it's okay."

 If possible, Tim's eyes grew even larger. "You're my uncle? I've never had an uncle before."

 "Now you have two of them. Me and Mark. Remember Mark from the wedding?"

 "Is that the man who kept talking about math and stuff?" Tim asked Daniel.

 "That’s him." Daniel held out his hand to shake and Jonah took it firmly. "What brings you home this weekend?"

 "Wanted to see Mom and Dad now that all the hoopla is over. Zeb said to tell you hi and that he'll be up with me for Christmas to meet everybody."

 "It'll be good to see him."

 "So I guess congratulations are due for the new job? When do you start? I thought you had to finish the year up in New Hampshire."

 Timmy squirmed to get down, so Daniel set him on his feet. "Don't go near the street."

 "Okay, Dad," Tim shouted as he took off across the front yard, arms spread wide like an airplane.

 "It seems that while we were here over Thanksgiving, the headmaster filled my spot. They don't acknowledge that Eve and I created a scandal, and they aren't accusing us of creating a scandal—"

 "But they want any possible scandal gone far, far away."

 "You got it." Daniel shrugged. "Once I spoke with the president of the school down here, I was ready to make the move. We went down to Asheville to meet her and look over the campus the day after we got back, and they offered me the job later that afternoon. We're ready to start our new lives. I have enough money to tide us over, and it’s only a few weeks before I start in Asheville, in the new year."

 "Asheville is a good place to live. I'm glad things are working out for you."

 "Eve and I will be going after the weekend to find a temporary place to live while we look for a house, and to get Tim enrolled in school. Then we'll be there, getting used to the town and getting a feel for the school."

 "You'll do great, Daniel. They're lucky to have you."

 "Thanks." Daniel stole a glance over Jonah's left shoulder. "Looks like you might be lucky, too."

 Jonah turned to see what Daniel was talking about, just in time to see Kelly's RAV4 turn the corner. His heart rate skipped with that little bit of contact. Damn it. She didn’t even see him. Didn't wave or honk the horn. And still his heart knew her. And wanted her.

 Just like other parts of his anatomy.

 Reviews:

“This story truly had me hooked from the first page, and I'm very much enjoying my time with the Goodman brothers!"

 "I loved this beautifully written second chance romance.”

 "A great read. Five stars!”

 A little about me:
A few years ago, Dee S. Knight began writing, making getting up in the morning fun. During the day, her characters killed people, fell in love, became drunk with power, or sober with responsibility. And they had sex, lots of sex.

 After a while, Dee split her personality into thirds. She writes as Anne Krist for sweeter romances, and Jenna Stewart for ménage and shifter stories. All three of her personas are found on the Nomad Authors website. And all three offer some of the best romance you can find! Also, once a month, look for Dee’s Charity Sunday blog posts, where your comment can support a selected charity. Sign up for my newsletter and have access to free reads.

 Author links:

Website: https://nomadauthors.com

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeeSKnight

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeSKnight2018

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/265222.Dee_S_Knight

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B079BGZNDN

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/dee-s-knight-0500749

Sweet ‘n Sassy Divas: http://bit.ly/1ChWN3K

 

Out Now - Christmas to Remember by @meganslayer #christmas #lgbtqia #romance #holiday #christmasread

 

 

Christmas to Remember by Megan Slayer

from Evernight Publishing

Contemporary LGBTQIA Erotic Holiday Romance

Christmas is the time to come together. What if it’s also the time to come clean and find lasting love?

Perry Felder knows how to play music. He wows audiences with his renditions of standards and knows how to work a room. He’s not only the son of wealth, but he’s created his own way in the music business. He’s at the top of his game in his career, but there’s something wrong and this Christmas, he’s determined to make his life right. But that involves more than snowflakes, stockings and Santa.

He’ll have to come clean about his sexuality. He’ll also have to let his overbearing socialite of a mother know he’s breaking out on his own.

He’s kept his true self under wraps, except to his assistant and best friend, Michael Hartsgrove. Michael knows the truth and if it takes everything he’s got, he’ll make the holiday season one to remember. He’ll show Perry that being his own man in every way will set him free. It’ll make his Christmas the best.

Can these two men, who seem to have little in common, make love last beyond the holidays? Only time will tell.

Grab a copy here: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4BK1Y4F/

https://www.evernightpublishing.com/christmas-to-remember-by-megan-slayer/

In Defense of Hallmark Movies

You would probably think I’m not the biggest fan of hallmark movies. As a super spicy writer, you’d probably think I have no interest in the squeaky clean hallmark channel. And you’re not completely wrong.

I don’t spend a lot of time watching hallmark movies. Especially with everything I have going on in my life these days. If I have a little free time, I’d much rather read a spicy book. Or enjoy some good old-fashioned reality tv, like Real Housewives or Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. I do have issues with the paper thin characters they create, and lack of character growth. I can’t stand the romances that end with an engagement, when they’ve only known each other for one week and only had one kiss. I’m not saying they need to get down and dirty like my books, but a little more time together before committing their life together feels necessary to me.

But regardless of all these complaints about hallmark movies, I will happily defend them. I’ll battle to the end of the earth for people to give them their due. Because Hallmark movies are no different than the entire romance industry. They are media created by women, for women’s enjoyment, and should be taken seriously as that. 

It’s so easy to mock media for women. To make fun of hallmark movies for their sappiness, romance novels for their spice, reality tv for its constructed pretenses. But how is that any different than any other media. How is The Kardashian any more produced than Survivor or The Amazing Race. They both have producers that decided where they story should go, that encourage the participants to speak out or act a certain way. The only difference I see is that the Kardashian’s is almost entirely about women, where these other shows are not. How are hallmark movies any more tropey or over the top than wrestling, with their staged fights and over the top characters. Once again, it’s the viewers that are different. The participants that change.

And it is for that reason that I will defend hallmark movies every day, even though I don’t watch them much myself. Because media focused on women, and their desires deserves to be valued. To be seen as much a part of the landscape of our television as any other programming. 

So this season, if you want to watch some Hallmark to enjoy the magic of the season, go for it. Embrace what you enjoy. Don’t feel shame. Don’t degrade it. Don’t justify it. Just savor it. Because media developed for and enjoyed by women is rare, and that alone deserves to be celebrated. 

And if you’re looking for something a little spicier than a Hallmark movie, but still filled with all that Christmas cheer, take a look at my Frostbite Falls Christmas Ball series. It’s filled with all the same joy and a whole bunch of the hijinks—only every one of my ladies gets to take two men home for the holidays.

The forest of chances #amwriting #paranormalromance #love

The first snow of the season hit my little area of the world a few days ago. Everything looks so different, magical even. At first glance, the forest beyond all the cultivated lawns and car-lined streets looks like a winter wonderland, beckoning everyone to enter and explore. But is it safe? Is anything?

Things aren’t always what they seem. The seemingly picture-perfect cottage by an ice ensconced stream is not always, or even usually, inhabited by a sweet old lady baking apple cinnamon cake to share with weary travelers. Sometimes, the house is full of hungry, nightmarish things. An empty house off the beaten path might be waiting to steal an unsuspecting hiker who lost their way when the snow obscured the safety of the trail, or maybe the house is lonely and waiting for a found family to come inside, hang up their coats, and start a fire in the fireplace. There’s no way to know what the house wants without opening the door.

My stories are about walking through a forest of chances. One of the reasons I love writing paranormal romance is because I can create characters with abilities far beyond the ordinary, and yet, their journey is the same as it is for most— to find the courage to take a chance on life and in love.

 

What I’m currently working on:

These past couple of weeks, I’ve been writing the last few chapters of steamy, paranormal romance, Hawk’s Heart. This will be Jordan and Luke’s story, and the very last book in my Stranger Creatures series. Each book in the series features a different couple in their fight for a happily-ever-after. I’ve also been working on a couple of romantasy novellas featuring women in their forties navigating unexpected new paths in life, as well as writing poetry and learning the how to write flash fiction.

You can visit my amazon author page for buy links and to learn more about the books in my Stranger Creatures series and my Haven Forest Resort series (also available at other e-book sellers like Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, Google Books, and Kobo).

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Lynn-Lambert/e/B01MCYK0K7

If you’d like to follow me on social media for my latest book information and excerpts, poems, contest info, book recommendations, and other fun stuff, you can find me at:

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christina-lynn-lambert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinalynnlambert

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15900423.Christina_Lynn_Lambert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnlambert

Wordpress: https://christinalynnlambertwordpress.com

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cllambauthor.bsky.social

A Warm Christmas

 

Just in time for the holidays, I’d like to highlight a couple of my Stocking Stuffer romances, set in the Florida Keys. “Mistletoe and Palm Trees” was the first in a two-part series, and was followed by a sequel, “Snowflakes and Palm Trees,” which completed the story arc between the two characters.  

“Christmas in Key Largo, Florida—palm trees, bright blue waters, tropical temperatures, and two people feeling the sting of a bad break-up. When Tom McCoy fled there to forget his latest romantic debacle, the last person he expected to meet was beautiful Brooke Devlin, who is trying to heal from a mishap of her own. Their mutual attraction is strong, but is it real or just rebound? Will their holiday affair last beyond check-out time, or become the stuff Spring breaks are made of?”

The genesis for this story was an actual incident that happened to yours truly. I had planned a trip to Florida with my sig other for a working vacation that included some book signings. Shortly before we were to leave, she had an accident and was unable to travel. The reservations were non-refundable and publicity had gone out for my appearances, so it was decided that I would go solo. I thought “What if this guy traveled to the Keys alone because he’d broken up with someone, and he meets a woman who is there under similar circumstances?” It was a fun story to write because of the will-they-or-won’t-they aspect. Here’s a sample:

Brooke’s eyes took on a sultry look accompanied by a small smile. “So what’s a lonely girl supposed to do for a week in a tropical paradise by herself?”

“Find an equally lonely guy to bum around with,” Tom answered.

“Where would I find such a guy?”

“They’re all over the place.”

“Maybe I should run an ad.” She placed her hand over his on the table. “Unless you’d like to apply for the job.”

“I’d be happy to provide references.”

She gave him a playful look, one that made her green eyes sparkle. “What are your qualifications?”

“I’m here, I have no plans, and I find you very attractive.”

“What’s your availability?”

“At your service, twenty-four-seven.”

Her look turned sly. “Does that include nights?”

“Of course.”

She laughed. “You’re hired. How soon can you start?”

Tom squeezed her hand. “I just gave notice on my last job.”

 

Since this story had my usual happy-for-now ending, I decided that the natural thing to do was supply a sequel that picked up a year later. I called it “Snowflakes and Palm Trees.”

“When Tom McCoy fled to the Florida Keys a yar ago to get over a bad break-up, he never dreamed he’d meet beautiful Brooke Devlin, who was recovering from her own romantic mishap. They’ve returned to celebrate a magical year together—but when a former lover unexpectedly appears, there’s trouble on the horizon. Will Tom and Brooke get around this unwanted intrusion and have a happy holiday? What other surprises will they find under the Christmas tree?”

Here's an excerpt to get you into the Keys mood, and provide a sample of their next adventure:

 

Tom and Brooke walked hand in hand along the brick walkway by the channel after sunset. Multi-colored lights reflected off the calm waters and a warm evening breeze rustled the palms. They found their way to the Tiki bar outside their resort then took seats at a vacant table. After their Mojitos arrived, Tom raised his glass in a toast.

“To a beautiful vacation.”

Brooke touched her glass to his then took a sip. “Mmm, very good. Why can’t anyone at home make these as good as they do down here?”

“Probably the same reason they don’t serve seafood as good as what we get here--location, location, location. Atmosphere is everything.”

Brooke emitted a contented sigh. “This is nice. The sunset was beautiful, the weather’s perfect, and the flowers are gorgeous.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

She took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes. “How could I not be enjoying it since I’m here with you?”

He returned her dreamy gaze. “I was thinking the same thing.”

Brooke closed her eyes then slowly rotated her head and flexed her shoulders. “I’m still tight from the plane trip. Think I could talk you into giving me a back rub later?”

“Honey, I’ll rub anything you want.”

She gave him a playful look and grin. “Anything?”

“Anything.” He exhaled a slow deep breath. “I’m finally starting to unwind. Why is it that the week before I go away is busier than the other fifty-one?”

Brooke groaned. “Tell me about it. I swear my boss was getting even with me in advance for daring to take time off.”

Tom sipped his drink. “Then you should rub it in. Send her the most scenic postcard you can find and write the temperature on the back in big numbers.”

Brooke laughed. “I love it!”

 

If you’re in the mood for a fun holiday romance, reminiscent of what they show on Lifetime this time of year, check out “Mistletoe and Palm Trees” and the sequel, “Snowflakes and Palm Trees.” You can find them at the links below. Happy holiday reading!

Mistletoe and Palm Trees (Amazon)  

Snowflakes and Palm Trees (Amazon)

 

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary rom/coms. His author site is Tim Smith, AllAuthor 

Baking secrets during the Apocalypse!

 Good Morning to you! I trust you are doing well and enjoying the prelude to the holiday season. I wish you nothing but the very best for the holidays and the brand new year ahead!

I thought today I thought a little humour might be called for!

Here's a video I made you might enjoy! Happy December to you and yours!

Hugs, January Bain

Storyteller

                                                        

Read Rising Son by Steven A Coulter #MMRomance #SciFi #SpeculativeFiction #Free

  

Rising Son

Chronicles of Spartak Book 1

Key Words: 

SciFi, LGBTQ, Speculative Fiction, Sex Off Page, Fade to Black, Action, Love Story

Synopsis:

The ruling elite see Spartak as a trophy; the people see him as their best hope. By the year 2115, twelve families control all wealth in America, the middle class is a myth, democracy a con game, and the Supreme Court has just legalized a new entertainment option for the bored elite. Spartak Jones is kidnapped and forced to become the first legal slave since the Civil War, a trophy birthday present for the eldest son of the richest family. Handsome, seductive, and athletic, he is not shy about using his talents to survive and protect those he loves.


When war erupts within the ruling class, he proves to be a lethal warrior, fearless, resourceful, and photogenic. His swashbuckling exploits awaken a long-dormant liberal underground hungry to restore democracy.

In a world both familiar and horribly twisted, Spartak becomes a symbol of hope, a flesh and blood icon for an America that used to be and might be again, if he can survive.

Dark, twisted, dystopian, uplifting, and romantic—The Chronicles of Spartak delivers a 22nd-century LGBT action hero who will make you cheer.

A riveting tale with a powerful political undercurrent.

Get It Now:

Download for Free

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/xmbem4h2tp

Excerpt:

June 27, 2115

Ronald Reagan Arena

San Diego, California

Being shot out of a cannon is not how I expected to spend my sixteenth birthday. “The audience will love it,” gushed adults who didn’t have to climb inside. This seemed like something ancient Romans might have wished to use on Christians when the lions weren’t hungry. The vertical black cylinder, forty feet at the muzzle, nine feet in diameter, has a tiny door on the side, just above the breech, giving access through the chamber and into the round projectile inside.

This is supposed to be a showy and theatrical arrival for the awards ceremony. I grin and rush toward the door, looking thrilled for this new experience. Drama is one of my best high school classes. Downer boys like me know how to survive in this America.

To get into the giant sphere—giant being a relative term for a cannonball—I squat and waddle, not very dignified, four of us in a space that shouldn’t hold one. I plop my gluteus maximus on the designated indent on a shelf that circles the inside.

“Keep arms at your sides,” a mechanical female voice orders. A dozen wooly steel fingers thrust out from each side and wrap around my biceps, chest and thighs, python tight. A furry helmet, attached to the end of a metal column and wriggling like it’s alive, drops from the ceiling and swallows the top of my head before it stretches to my ears, pushing scratchy fingers inside. The seat begins to heat and vibrate before contouring intimately into my butt. A metal arm unfolds from the wall and swings a horseshoe-shaped, undulating, disgusting white pad to my lips. “Open your mouth wide,” the voice demands.

It pushes against my lips with increasing intensity before I surrender and it invades, enveloping my teeth. The arm detaches and folds back into its hiding place. I feel like meat in an enchilada. I close my eyes, waiting for liftoff, the least of my worries.

Being “the hope of my people” and “a hero” isn’t easy—more like a joke. Neither is acting dignified when I’m strapped to a bench that’s feeling up my tail end or in public when teenagers are screaming for me to take off my clothes. Not that it happens all the time, but Coach Johanson says people in my social strata believe in me, that I’m a symbol and need to make them proud, not act like a kid. A strange thing to say; acting like a kid isn’t a luxury most kids have anymore but I still have my breakout moments.

“Att-en-tion boys!” the pilot bellows, inches from my face, “lean into your harness, bite your bit and enjoy the ride!” Our luminous silver aero-pod begins to vibrate and twirl inside the launch chamber. Everything goes black except a floating control panel. We stare straight ahead, not that there’s an alternative, as the centrifugal force pins us back and whips our cheeks sideways.

An explosion below and we are airborne, my guts in my butt, eardrums squealing, a thousand feet over Reagan Arena, the pod glittering to those below like a mirrored dance ball. Before we lose our lunch, the spinning slows and we descend, circling the field twice, our faces red and slobbery but otherwise normal as we hover over the winner’s platform. An odd hyena shriek from the pilot as his restraints withdraw; the man never offered his name, his brown head shaved except for a massive kinked topknot and a zigzag gelled beard.

We all yawn until our ears pop and stare into individual floating Z-ether screens to see what’s happening below. It’s a circus, twenty thousand teenagers, frenzied, howling and jumping up and down. The San Diego Youth Orchestra looks near exhaustion blasting out our welcome, pounding drums, endless violin tremolos, a female chorus reaching celestial peaks. It’s both ridiculous and a total snort. In the lower stands I see hundreds of hand-lettered signs with my name and assorted suggestions on what I should do, mostly about displaying my anatomy, some more graphic than others.

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More in the Series

Rebel. Athlete. Lover. Slave.
A young man finds love in the midst of a revolution.
Fighting to restore the America of legend, Spartak Jones becomes one. By 2116, the war between the ruling elites is now full frontal and the seventeen-year-old has become its celebrity warrior and icon for an America that used to be.
Kidnapped and taken as a trophy slave just a year ago, he remains his own man, willing to use his looks and other talents to survive and triumph. The liberal underground promotes his wholesome yet swashbuckling image to build support for democracy even while others plot for his destruction. Love may be his greatest weapon.
Is he a pawn or hero? How much evil is acceptable if you believe your cause is just?
From the Space Elevator, 22,000 miles above the earth, Spartak and Zinc McClain, scion of the nation’s richest family, launch an audacious scheme to thwart a religious war and a military coup.

Amazon

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Who am I?

Steve writes speculative fiction. He explores issues of consequence embedded in fast-paced adventure, exotic settings, nasty bad guys, reluctant heroes, and the audacity of love. His work is enriched by his varied careers – soldier, teacher, journalist, state legislator, corporate executive, and library commissioner. He has a BA and MA in Journalism and was a Lambda Literary Fellow in 2008 and 2013, later spending two years on the Board. He lives in San Francisco with his husband, Greg. They favor bittersweet chocolate.

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