The mercury was in the mid-thirties yesterday, which for a lily-skinned Brit like me is definitely Too Hot. On the other hand, though, it did make me feel like I was in Italy, which is where the book I’m currently working on, the 6th Plumber’s Mate Mystery, is set.

So this week I’m snippetting from Heat Trap, my 3rd Plumber’s Mate Mystery, which is set during a very hot summer:

Making a slightly embarrassing contrast with my slobbing-around-the-house-in-a-heat-wave gear of shorts and a crumpled T-shirt, Phil was freshly shaved and wearing a crisply ironed short-sleeved shirt loose over a pair of chinos. The outfit did a very nice job of showing off his broad chest and shoulders and trim hips. You’d think a big bloke like him would feel the heat more—would show it, even, him being a blond and all—but he always managed to look cool whatever the weather. Maybe he kept ice cubes in his undies.

Nah, I’d have noticed. I mean, I don’t like to brag, but I reckon I was pretty well acquainted with the contents of Phil’s undies.

Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

Heat Trap – #3 in the Plumber’s Mate Mystery series

Old flames can leave a nasty burn.

It’s been six months since plumber Tom Paretski was hit by a shocking revelation about his family, and he’s been avoiding dealing with it ever since. His lover, PI Phil Morrison, wants Tom to dig deeper into his history and try to develop his psychic talent for finding things, but Tom’s not nearly so keen. Just as he decides to bite the bullet, though, worse problems crawl out of the woodwork.

Young Devil’s Dyke barmaid Marianne has an ex, Grant Carey, who won’t accept that things are over between them, and he’s ruthless in dealing with anyone who gets in his way.  When Carey threatens an old friend of theirs, Phil and Tom step in to help—but that makes them targets themselves.

What with his uncertainty about Phil’s motives, Tom’s family doing their best to drive a wedge between them, and the uncovering of an ugly incident in Phil’s past, Tom’s not sure who he can trust—and the body he finds in the pub cellar isn’t the only thing that stinks.

Amazon paperback | Kindle | Riptide 

I’m delighted to say that Counter Culture, my light-hearted rom-com starring a steampunk and a retail worker, is now out in audiobook. And to celebrate, I have FOUR Audible codes to give away!

To be in with a chance of winning a code for a free audiobook, just leave a comment on this post (wherever you see it) with your email address and stating whether you’d prefer a US or a UK code. I’ll make the draw on Sunday 26th July.

ETA: The draw is now closed and winners have been notified by email. Thanks to every one who played!

And here’s a snippet to whet your appetite – here, our heroes have, after many near-misses and mortifying mishaps, actually managed to get together for a cup of tea:

“You know, you’re a lot more normal than I thought you were,” Robin said as they carried the teas to the living room. “Um, that came out sounding wrong.”

Archie laughed and put on a posh voice. “How dare you, sir! Accusing me of normality—the very idea! This means teacups at dawn.”

“It does?”

“Er, that works better if you’ve actually heard of tea duelling.”

“People duel with tea?” Robin’s eyes widened. “I suppose a fresh pot could give you a nasty scalding.”

Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

Counter Culture

Customer service has never been this personal.

Robin Christopher, beleaguered retail worker, isn’t having an easy November. His boss is raising stress levels planning a Black Friday to end all Black Fridays, his family doesn’t understand him, and his best friend thinks his new crush is a hallucination brought on by watching too many episodes of Doctor Who.

Archie Levine dresses in Victorian style and divides his time between caring for his young son and creating weird and wacky steampunk gadgets from bits of old junk—when he’s not looking after his mum and trying to keep on good terms with his ex. The last thing he’s got time for is a relationship, but the flustered young man he met while disembowelling a fridge is proving very tempting.

When his mum’s social conscience is roused by a local store with a cavalier attitude to the homeless, former rough sleeper Archie shares her anger. Little does he know that Robin works for that same store. When Archie finds out he’s sleeping with the enemy, things could cut up very rough indeed.

Available in ebook, paperback and now audiobook: Riptide | Amazon

Happy tenth birthday to JMS Books!

To celebrate turning ten years old this month, JMS Books has brought out an anthology of readers’ favourite stories – one for each year of the decade. I’m delighted that my short story, Dead Shot, is one of the stories included.

And that’s not all! Why not check out the JMS Books Blog for author blog posts, daily sales and giveaways this month?

JMS Books began in 2010 as a way of getting a few friends into print. Ten years later, we’ve published more than 2,000 books celebrating LGBTQ+ romance from over 200 authors. A Decade of Gay Romance is a collection of our ten best-selling short stories, one for each year (to date).

From first love to true love, from submission to sensual, from heat to sweet and everything in between, the couples in these stories are sure to keep you turning the pages as you fall in love with them.

With stories by J.M. Snyder, Drew Hunt, JL Merrow, Wayne Mansfield, Terry O’Reilly, Edward Kendrick, Shawn Lane, J.D. Walker, Nell Iris, and Elizabeth Noble, this head-over-heels collection goes beyond bedtime reading. Whether happily ever after or happy for now, there’s an ending for everyone in here!

Contains the stories: My Best Friend’s Dad by J.M. Snyder, Twelve Hours I by Drew Hunt, Dead Shot by JL Merrow, The King’s Prize by Wayne Mansfield, My Beagle, the Yenta by Terry O’Reilly, Let Go of Loneliness by Edward Kendrick, Accidentally His by Shawn Lane, A-dork-able by J.D. Walker, Unexpected Christmas by Nell Iris, and Home Coming by Elizabeth Noble.

Available in ebook: Amazon | JMS Books

My short story about young men messing about on the water, Stroke to His Cox, is out now in second edition with a lovely new cover – and if you buy from the JMS site, it’s on sale at 20% off for a limited time only.

Here’s a little snippet to whet (wet?) your appetite, with cox Dave giving a pep talk to the rowers just before they start a race:

We rowed out to our allotted starting position, halfway down from Bait’s Bite Lock.

“Right, lads,” I said. “This time we’re having them. We’ve got everything to row for today, and we’re bloody well going to get our oars. I know you can do it, and so do you, so let’s show those Clare bastards what’s what.”

“He may have the body of a weak and feeble woman—” Tariq broke off as Archie turned round and threatened to thump him. “Sorry. How about this, then? Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more; or close the wall up with our English dead!”

Bloody arts students.

Check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

Stroke to His Cox

Pint-sized Dave Tanaka, coxswain of his Cambridge college’s rowing team, loves having eight strapping athletes hanging on his every word, their strength at his command. But there’s one in particular whose attention he craves: Archie, who rows stroke for the side.

Six-foot-six Archie acts like he’s just one of the lads—although the way he calls out some of the other rowers on their thoughtless comments makes Dave’s heart beat harder for him. But is there anything personal in it?

Tensions rise as they compete in the inter-college races, the Bumps—and as they prepare for their final race, the one that will determine if they win their oars, Dave still doesn’t know if Archie is in the same boat as him in more ways than one!

Also includes Firm Pressure, a mini-sequel to Stroke to His Cox

Note: this short story has been previously published.

Available in ebook: Amazon | JMS Books

I thought it would be appropriate this week to snippet from one of my stories that has a POC as MC, so here’s a few lines from Belling the Kat, featuring the rather appositely-named Kat who’s been nursing a seemingly hopeless crush on her best mate Belle:

“Don’t look at me!” I wailed, because who wants the girl of their dreams to see them all hairy? Not to mention the… other thing. Even sensible cotton underwear can only hide so much. But she just kept coming, and then I felt her stroke my hair, again and again, and it was so soothing I just forgot myself and leant into her.

“Oh, Kat,” Belle said softly, cuddling me. “I wish…” She scratched my chin, and I nuzzled into her touch even though it tickled my whiskers, and tried to summon the nerve to put my arms around her. Then again, it’d be a shame if I snagged any of that pretty lace.

“Wish what?” I wanted to say, but it came out as, “Mraow?”

Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

Belling the Kat and Other Stories

Office worker Kat didn’t think the statuesque Belle was her type—until she saw her friend rocking a slinky satin bridesmaid’s dress. Now Kat can’t get the gorgeous image out of her head, but dare she risk losing Belle’s friendship by trying for something more?

To add to her woes, ever since a close encounter of the feline kind, Kat’s had an embarrassing little problem that keeps recurring. Surely someone as beautiful as Belle won’t fall for a woman who occasionally sprouts whiskers—and a tail!

This mini-collection also includes three more super-quick reads featuring women loving women: contemporary romance Little Bit of Ivory; Japanese fairy tale Ice Maiden; and the haunting Dance With Me.

Available in ebook: JMS Books | Amazon

These stories are also collected in A Feminine Flirty Dozen:

A Feminine Flirty Dozen

Together for the first time, twelve short stories of women loving women from award-winning author JL Merrow. Some are funny, some are sweet, some are steamy—and some are haunting, with genres ranging from steampunk through paranormal to fairy tale, and from contemporary erotic romance to historical.

Meet shapeshifters and spirits of the forest, enjoy a lovers’ reunion and watch friends become something more. Encounter strange creatures, automata, and women on both sides of the law. See two of Jane Austen’s minor characters find love together, and others find hope amid the ruins, as JL Merrow explores the feminine side of life—and love.

Contains the stories: London Lark; First Time; Nine Days and Seven Tears; Capture the Moon; A Particular Friend; Wild Flowers of Berlin; Trolling for Cupcakes; Little Bit of Ivory; Ice Maiden; Dance With Me; Belling the Kat; Blazing June

Available in ebook and paperback: JMS Books | Amazon

I’m delighted to say that my collection of f/f romantic short stories, A Feminine Flirty Dozen, is now available in paperback as well as ebook:

A Feminine Flirty Dozen

Together for the first time, twelve short stories of women loving women from award-winning author JL Merrow. Some are funny, some are sweet, some are steamy—and some are haunting, with genres ranging from steampunk through paranormal to fairy tale, and from contemporary erotic romance to historical.

Meet shapeshifters and spirits of the forest, enjoy a lovers’ reunion and watch friends become something more. Encounter strange creatures, automata, and women on both sides of the law. See two of Jane Austen’s minor characters find love together, and others find hope amid the ruins, as JL Merrow explores the feminine side of life—and love.

Contains the stories: London Lark; First Time; Nine Days and Seven Tears; Capture the Moon; A Particular Friend; Wild Flowers of Berlin; Trolling for Cupcakes; Little Bit of Ivory; Ice Maiden; Dance With Me; Belling the Kat; Blazing June

Available in ebook and paperback: JMS Books | Amazon

And if you buy direct from the JMS Books site, it’s on sale at a reduced price for a limited time only. 🙂

Way back in 2011, I first found out about the existence of that cuddly cryptid, the jackalope, which for the uninitiated is a North American bunny with horns or antlers. (I’d add an image, but non-copyright photos of these elusive critters are hard to find for some reason.)

So of course I had to write a story about it.

Hairy, Horny and Over Here has been out of print for a little while, but it’s back on the virtual shelves now in a brand new cover.

So if you’re looking for a quick, light, paranormal read, why not check it out? And if you buy from the JMS website, it’s at 20% off for a limited time only. Here’s a (rainbow) snippet to whet your appetite:

“Be vewwy, vewwy quiet, we’re hunting—” Ethan broke off as a shotgun, held in a pair of unusually beefy hands, swung toward him and took up position about 3 inches from his left nostril. “Joke, okay?” He swallowed, and tried to ignore the chill tap-dancing down his spine. “Sense of humour failure, much?”

Logan, his heavy black brows casting his dark eyes in even darker shadow, very noticeably didn’t move the gun away.

Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

Local news photographer Ethan is pretty sure there’s no such thing as a jackalope. Every bunny he’s ever seen has been a cute little furry creature, not a dangerous, horned beastie.  But somehow he lets big, tough American hunter Logan drag him into Parkhurst Forest on the Isle of Wight on what Ethan’s convinced is a wild goose chase.

Logan’s on a mission to wipe out the jackalope colony he’s convinced has been brought to the island by a madman. He’s got a healthy respect for the vicious critters, which is more than he seems to have for the less physically imposing Ethan.

But when an escaped convict from a nearby prison bursts into the mix, all their plans are thrown awry. Seeing Ethan at the mercy of the violent criminal brings Logan’s true feelings for the smaller guy out into the open—and what happens next could lead to a change of heart about the jackalopes as well!

Available in ebook : JMS Books | Amazon

Well, not really, although I have been appreciating the joys of Spring on my government-approved exercise walks around the countryside where I live. Tree blossom has come and largely gone, and the bluebells are on the wane, bringing summer ever nearer.

As yesterday was May Day, it seems appropriate this week to share a snippet from my May-themed historical short story, Jack in the Green:

Here, my nervous (and necessarily closeted) protagonist Arthur is a fish out of water in a country village in the 1920s:

“Builds firm muscles, pulling pints,” a voice observed in Arthur’s ear.

“I, ah, really? I hadn’t noticed,” Arthur babbled, discovering to his discomfort that Bob Goodman was standing so close behind him he could feel the heat from the man’s skin.

Despite the mildness of the evening, there was a roaring fire in the grate, and the atmosphere in the tap room was hot and oppressive. Arthur felt a strong urge to mop his brow. Goodman grinned, giving his dark features a disturbingly devilish cast. “Course you had, sir. No sin in looking, that’s what I always say.”

Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

Stranded in a remote country village in 1920s England by his car breaking down, shy young Arthur finds himself drawn to the rough mechanic who comes to his aid, Bob Goodman. Forced to stay until the May Day holiday is over, Arthur makes the best of it, enjoying the village procession and fete.

But the villagers seem to know more about him than they should, and there’s a second, darker, May celebration that starts when the sun’s gone down. In the drunken revelry that follows, Arthur is whisked off in a wild dance by Goodman, who plays the part of Jack in the Green, the spirit of the greenwood.

Dancing turns to loving, but is everything what it seems? And is one night all Arthur can have?

 JMS Books  | Amazon 

My tongue- (and fangs-?) in-cheek vampire short story, Bloodlust and Bylines (previously published as Becoming the Spoils), is out today from JMS Books – and if you buy from the publisher’s site, there’s a 20% discount for a limited time only.

Here’s a snippet to whet your appetite:

It seemed like such a good idea at the time, when Art told me about the club. Said he reckoned I’d find what I was looking for there. Well, viewed objectively, he wasn’t wrong, was he? Good old Art. Must remember to thank him. Of course, I’ll have to go and haunt a friendly medium first.

***

Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors

***

Bloodlust and Bylines

Investigative journalist Frank would do anything for the next big scoop, and a chance to break the news to the world that vampires really exist is too good to pass up. But his fact-finding mission to an undead hangout takes a terrifying turn when he’s locked in a cellar with a starving—if sexy—bloodsucker and no escape in sight.

Forlorn vampire Viktor hasn’t had a bite in months, ever since falling foul of über-vamp The Mistress and being imprisoned for his sins. Delivered to his cell like Meals on Wheels, Frank’s the tastiest morsel he’s seen in a long time. Viktor can’t wait to get his fangs into him—and there’s something about Frank that makes Viktor lust for more than just his blood.

To escape the mysterious Mistress’s prison, predator and prey will have to work together—if, that is, they can manage to rein in their baser appetites for long enough!

Available in ebook: JMS Books | Amazon

Autism Fact: About 1% of the world population has autism.

I’m delighted to be taking part in RJ Scott’s Autism Awareness blog hop once more, and this year’s theme is food.

I was brought up eating strictly seasonal vegetables. My father’s always been a keen grower of fruit and veg—he grew up during the Second World War with its Dig For Victory campaign, which may have something to do with it! Consequently, when I was a child, when it was broad bean season, we ate broad beans fresh from their blankety beds. When the peas were ready, podding them for dinner was a regular afternoon chore for me and my brother. Other crops included runner beans, lettuces, corn on the cob, fresh mint, and when the greenhouse was built, tomatoes, peppers and courgettes.

We had an apple tree (great for climbing!) that supplied the filling for pies and crumbles, and underneath it, gooseberry bushes, which is where I was told babies came from! Blackcurrants for homemade Ribena, and raspberries and loganberries (when did you last see a loganberry in a shop?)

And strawberries! My birthday is in early June, and I always hoped there’d be a strawberry or two ready to eat for it. Once the season was in full swing, we occasionally ate strawberries for three meals a day. Thought you couldn’t ever get (temporarily) sick of strawberries? You probably didn’t open your packed lunch at school to find strawberry sandwiches!  

These days, few of us are limited to fruit and vegetables that are in season locally. In normal times at least, we can buy anything we want all year round. It makes for a more varied diet on a daily basis—but wouldn’t it be nice if supermarkets could have a seasonal produce section to encourage us to eat locally-grown food, and stop all those food miles adding up?

GIVEAWAY: I’m offering an ebook of winner’s choice from my backlist to a randomly chosen commenter on this post. I’d love to hear about your own food-related childhood memories!

I’ll make the draw after the end of the tour, on May 8^th, which is my dad’s birthday, as well as VE Day. Good luck!

Don’t forget to check out all the other posts on the blog hop for more autism facts, food-related posts, and giveaways – you can find the master list here: http://rjscott.co.uk/autism-awareness-blog-hop-links-posts

Image used is by Congerdesign from Pixabay