New Release! Hoaley War: Book 4 Hoale Construction Mysteries

Sometimes the past rises up to bite you in the butt, and you never see it coming!

Adam and the gang are rehabbing an old church when they come across a tunnel they believe might have been part of the historic underground railroad. The two corpses they find lying in the tunnel transform the event from one of historical significance to recent tragedy. The investigation for how the two recently murdered people got into that tunnel leads Adam and the gang through a hair-raising series of events that will affect them for a long time, in ways they could never have imagined. Will Adam’s nosiness finally cause irreparable harm to one of the gang? Or will they rise above the tragedies they uncover, and come together in love and forgiveness, becoming all the stronger for it?

###

The lantern formed dancing arcs on the walls, bringing every niche, every indentation into stark relief. Adam stopped a few feet away from the taped-off entrance to the tunnel and held the light up so that it illuminated the ragged opening and turned the velvet black of the area beyond the entrance to charcoal gray.

Nobody spoke for several beats. Each of them no doubt reconsidering his or her reasons for being there. Adam could almost hear the collective gulp at the eerie picture before them. “It’s not too late to back out.”

The brief silence gave him hope. Maybe Mink and Rosie had come to their senses. But then the sound of creaking rubber intruded on the silence and Mink stepped forward.

Adam glanced over and had to chew his lip to keep from laughing. “I can’t believe you’re wearing that getup, Mink.”

His friend’s head snapped around but the oversized fireman’s helmet he was wearing didn’t turn with it, so he was looking out of the side, his gaze dark pools in the low light. He looked like an eight year old wearing his father’s hat. “Why not? It’s perfect.” He knocked on the helmet with a small fist and the concussion made the thing roll slightly sideways, so that the light on top veered toward a spot just to the side of the tunnel opening but not quite where Mink was looking. “Bats can’t get to me…” He tugged on the oversized coat that nearly touched the ground. “—and if anything furry comes at me it will have to chew through the coat and the waders underneath.” He grinned. “Giving Delf time to ride to my rescue and twist their heads off.”

Behind him, Delf snorted. “More likely the furry things will take one look at you in that outfit and run screaming for their mommies.”

Mink shrugged, obviously thinking that was an acceptable outcome.

Sighing, Adam shook his head. “Just don’t pee into your waders again. It was nasty listening to you squish your way home.”

Mink’s hands found his hips and the helmet bobbled on his head. “I didn’t pee in my waders. That was sweat you were hearing.”

“Uh-huh.”

Rosie suddenly moved to the front of the pack and kept going. She reached the tape and grasped it, ripping it aside.

Adam opened his mouth to tell her not to tear the police tape but it was too late. He snapped his lips shut. CC was gonna kill him. He didn’t even try to deceive himself that the cop wouldn’t know it was them. CC would know.

“Sweetie, wait for us. You don’t have a light.” Maddy hurried forward with the flashlight from her purse, its glow hardly bigger than Maddy’s fist and just about as effective.

Mink stumbled after them, tripping over the toes of his oversized rubber waders.

Delf and Adam shared a look. “You know we’re going to regret this, right?” Delf muttered.

Sighing, Adam hurried forward as Rosie stepped through the hole. He knew. In fact he was sure of it.

The air near the entrance to the tunnel still carried the sickly sweet stench of decay. Adam’s nasal passages recognized the smell underneath the moldy scent of old, wet dirt. He scanned the light of his lantern over the place where the two bodies had been. The dirt was smoother there, surrounded by bootie-softened footprints and, next to the body closest to the entrance, two unmistakable knee prints where Father Paria had knelt.

“Is that where they were?” Mink asked in a hushed tone.

“Yeah.” Adam grimaced at the memory and skimmed his light away, running it over the moist walls of the tunnel. “So this is the underground railroad tunnel, Minks. Cool, huh?”

His friend’s head bobbled on his slender neck, the light on his fireman cap dancing over the slimy rock.

“Good.” Adam turned hopefully toward the opening. “You’ve seen the tunnel. Let’s go before CC’s men come back and catch us.” He scanned a look around and saw Rosie, who’d taken herself off to a spot several feet away and was staring into the inky darkness of the tunnel. She held herself stiffly, her arms down at her sides and her fingers twitching. She seemed upset.

Mink laughed. “Nice try, Ads.” He started forward, his rubbers slapping noisily against the ground. “Come on, Delf. Let’s see if there are any artifacts in this tunnel.”

The big man reached over and grabbed Mink’s hand before he could go far, pulling him gently backward. “If we’re doing this, I’m going first.” He reached beneath his tee shirt and pulled a gun from the waistband of his jeans.

Maddy’s eyes went wide. “Holy crap, Delf. Be careful where you point that thing.”

“That’s what he said,” Mink said with a grin.

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Tuesday Taste – Hoale Lang Syne

 

It’s HERE!

In with the new and out with the old? Sometimes new things come with old vendettas.

A deadly game of cat and mouse has made Adam realize someone sees him as the cheese. And that same someone is setting a trap that could put an end to Adam’s love life issues…once and for all.

~~*~~

“Stalked? From one box on your porch you jump right to stalked?” He stepped closer and Adam’s body tilted incrementally toward his, reveling in his delicious heat. “Tell me the rest.”

“It isn’t…”

“Adam!”

“Good god, you’re pushy,” Adam groused.

For the first time since he’d arrived on Dirk’s doorstep, his ex-lover appeared on the verge of a smile. “Just tell me the whole story and I won’t have to keep insisting.”

Sighing, Adam lifted his hands in surrender. “Somebody kissed me on New Year’s eve…”

The tender beginnings of Dirk’s smile vanished. “Is that why you broke it off with me?”

“No. Oh god, no. I’m sorry, Dirk. It’s just not that simple.”

“Please! Stop telling me you’re sorry. We’re both sorry.” He flung a hand toward Maddy. “She’s sorry. Walter’s sorry. The whole fucking world is fucking sorry that we broke up. But that doesn’t change the fact that I feel like I’ve been hit by a fucking train, Adam. It doesn’t change the fact that my stomach is so twisted in knots that I can’t eat, I can barely swallow, and forget sleep…” He stopped, his whole body trembling.

Adam lifted a hand in Dirk’s direction and then let it fall, unwilling to touch him for fear if he did there’d be no going back. He’d just pull Dirk into his arms and never let him go again. “I’m so…”

“Oh god, Adam!”

 

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#MySexySaturday Hoale Lang Syne – January 23, 2015!

In with the new and out with the old? Sometimes new things come with old vendettas.

A deadly game of cat and mouse has made Adam realize someone sees him as the cheese. And that same someone is setting a trap that could put an end to Adam’s love life issues…once and for all.

~~*~~

Music throbbed on the air like an audible sex act…no doubt tightening the sexual core of every living being in the place. A giant disco ball spun in dizzying circles high above the dance floor, sending fractured silver light around the room like elusive confetti.

It was a night filled with the promise of tomorrow. An evening taut with sensual innuendo. And as midnight pounded nearer with each bass beat of the music, lovers pressed ever closer, their lips a breath away in readiness for the intersection of one year with another. The moments sparkled with expectation…throbbed with promise.

And he was outside it all…lonely…immensely sad…and feeling aggressive in his aloneness. Still, he anticipated the new year like everybody else, determined to make the changes necessary to get what he wanted…needed…in his life. He viewed it as his pivot point. It was the moment when he got his life in order. And he was willing to do whatever it took to make the pivot happen.

Anything at all.

His gaze slipped toward the long, padded benches along the wall. To the figure standing just beyond the spray of silver light. He watched as the lean, muscular form straightened away from the wall, the dark head lifting to observe the swirling silver globe in anticipation of its descent.

He stared, licking suddenly dry lips. He was so close to happiness. All he needed to do was reach for it. And he was determined that he would make that reach. He was thirty seconds from embracing his destiny.

With that thought pulsing inside his mind, he pushed away from the bar and stalked toward the lone figure on the edges of the festivities, shoving a path through the mindless masses to get to him. The man he loved more than life itself.

His future.

Have a SEXY Saturday, at the Hop!

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Christmas Wonder Hop

Celebrate the Wonder of the Season! Visit all of the blogs to see what they love most about the season and which books have made their Christmas wish lists! There’s a giveaway at each stop so be sure to visit them all!

To try for the Rafflecopter Grand Prize:  Entry-Form

I started a new tradition a few years ago, when I began hosting Christmas at my house the weekend before the actual day. For one or two nights, my family gathers together at our little cabin in the woods and we play, eat, laugh, eat again, open gifts, eat some more, and enjoy being together. #:0) We play basketball or broom ball on the frozen pond, put together a jigsaw puzzle (a family tradition), watch cheesy Christmas movies, and laugh together. For a couple of precious days, we have the time to unwind, visit, take long walks and play together. Although this event represents a significant amount of work to prepare for, I really look forward to spending quality time with my family that we don’t really have any other time of the year and I cherish the memories we’re building.

When I’m not hosting family during the holidays, I love to snuggle up in front of the fire with a great book. There are always so many great books to choose from, but I have my favorite authors. This year I’m looking forward to reading books from two of them: Josh Lanyon’s, I Spy Something Christmas and L.B. Gregg’s Mistletoe at Midnight.

Giveaway

What are your favorite Holiday traditions? Post your response here for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. I’ll select a winner after the hop and announce him/her here!  (Don’t forget to leave an email or I won’t be able to add you to the drawing)

 

Sometimes going home is clarifying. Sometimes it’s just plain deadly!

Adam travels to Candlelight, Indiana to visit his parents for Christmas. When he arrives he discovers somebody has killed a man and dumped him in the manger of the living crèche at the local church. Unfortunately, all signs lead back to Adam’s father as the murderer. A Sheriff with a grudge and a small town more interested in gossip than reality, convince Adam that it will be up to him and the gang to clear his father’s name.

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GTMQEKS

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THE AUTHOR: Declan Sands writes romantic paranormal/fantasy and mystery/suspense, creating stories that celebrate the joy of love in all its forms. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Declan is the award-winning author of 50+ books and has been writing for over a decade under several noms de plume.

Now on with the Hop!

My Sexy Saturday – Declan Sands

Sometimes going home is clarifying. Sometimes it’s just plain deadly!

Adam travels to Candlelight, Indiana to visit his parents for Christmas. When he arrives he discovers somebody has killed a man and dumped him in the manger of the living crèche at the local church. Unfortunately, all signs lead back to Adam’s father as the murderer. A Sheriff with a grudge and a small town more interested in gossip than reality, convince Adam that it will be up to him and the gang to clear his father’s name.

Tina, The Novel Approach: “…these are some of the funniest, most colorful and sexy characters around. If this was what Declan Sands could do with them in 75 pages, I can’t imagine how great a whole novel would be.”

“I love this series! This book was incredibly sweet sexy and fun. There are some laugh out loud moments as well as some sigh and swoon.” ~ Donna, Goodreads Reviewer

~~*~~

“What was the sheriff doing here?”

Adam turned to find Dirk standing inside the garage, wearing only a rumpled t-shirt and a pair of baggy sweats. He was drinking a cup of coffee and looking delicious. “He was searching for the murder weapon.”

Dirk frowned. “He’s not giving up on the idea that your dad’s the murderer is he?”

Shaking his head, Adam said, “He has his reasons. I’ll tell you later, when we’re alone.”

He jerked his head toward the door into the house. Reaching up with a grin, Adam very deliberately hit the button to lower the door and then, as soon as they were hidden from view of the street, leaned in and captured Dirk’s soft, coffee-flavored lips. He moaned as their tongues touched…tangled, and pressed himself full-length against Dirk, enjoying the heavy fullness beneath Dirk’s sweats. When Adam broke the kiss he took Dirk’s coffee cup and sipped from it. Then he smiled. “Is Mink still terrifying the neighbor?”

Dirk laughed. “The woman was paper white when I came into the kitchen. She was so upset she didn’t even recognize me.”

Adam wrapped an arm around Dirk’s waist and started toward the door. “Let’s go say hello and then get out of here. We need to talk to Father Ignatius’ secretary before she leaves for the day. It’s Christmas Eve and I’m sure she won’t put in a full day.”

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Other books in the series:

A Hoale Lot of Trouble
Hoaley Ill-Manored
Hoaley Inexplicable 

 

 Now Back to My Sexy Saturday!

Tuesday Taste – Hoaley Ill-Manored

 

Now in PRINT!

A 200 year old manor house, a questionable death, and a cache of stolen jewelry. Who will kill to keep their secrets?

The gang flips a 200 year old manor house in the beautiful, rolling hills of Brown County, Indiana. Unfortunately the house is the site of a suicide, the result of a broken romance, and is rumored to be haunted. Adam and Maddy get caught up in the story of the young couple who were torn apart by family, local events, and something sinister that still seems to be stalking the house. It might not be a ghost, but whatever it is, it has the potential to be deadly.

 The Romance Reviews: “…a very enjoyable and rollicking story of wannabe detectives meeting villains who would rather their secrets stay hidden. Supported by some well-drawn characters and an intriguing plot line of interracial prejudice, murder and lost love, this story draws the reader in and provides a wonderful distraction to the realities of the real world.”

The Novel Approach: “As you read each novel, the characters become more alive to you, and more real. I found myself cringing and shutting my eyes and laughing, and sometimes scoffing along with the crew.”

~~*~~

“I knew the recent family of course. The last Bilsworth lived in this house up until ten years ago. They finally gave up on trying to keep the grand old lady running and sold out to a rich young man with no sense at all.” Edgar shook his head. “That was my last day at the house. I couldn’t stay on and watch the silliness that ensued.” He sighed. “But the original Bilsworths I learned about from my great-granddad. He worked for Mathew Bilsworth himself, but that was probably ten or fifteen years after.”

Adam lifted an eyebrow, tipping his water bottle for another drink. “After what?”

“After the first murder,” Edgar told him stoically.

Adam sprayed his water, showering Walter, who had been sprawled at his feet. Walter jumped up, wagging his tail. He thought they were playing spray the dog ’cause he’s hot. It was Walter’s favorite summer game. Adam sputtered, “first murder! There was more than one?”

At the screech in Adam’s voice Walter slunk out of the kitchen. He had a delicate psyche and generally went to great lengths to avoid negativity.

“Well, technically the second one was declared a suicide. But I never believed it.”

Instead of being appalled, or even surprised Adam noted, Maddy seemed even more excited by Edgar’s revelation. “Tell us! I knew about the more recent suicide. I didn’t realize there had been a murder in the house too!” She all but clapped her hands with delight.

Adam wanted to throttle her. Just once he wished they could buy and rehab a house that didn’t have skeletons in its closet…literally.

Edgar patted her hand and smiled. “Oh yes, dear, It was quite the scandal at the time. Young Mister Bilsworth was apparently a different sort…” Glancing uncomfortably at Maddy, Edgar cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed by young Mister Bilsworth’s differences.

Adam nearly smiled. “You mean he was gay?”

Edgar nodded, his pale gaze determinedly avoiding Maddy’s. “Yes. That was the story anyway. By all accounts he became…close…with a slightly older man he met in London and asked the young man, Jenks I think his name was, to come and stay at Bilsworth Manor for the summer. You can imagine how that went over with his father.”

Maddy nodded. “I’m guessing daddy Bilsworth wasn’t happy.”

“No indeed. Especially since old Mr. Bilsworth had been hoping to marry young Patrick off to the daughter of a wealthy landowner out East.”

Maddy leaned closer, clearly enchanted by the tale. “So what happened?”

Edgar shook his head. “I’m afraid Mr. Jenks was quite the scandalous fellow. Old Bilsworth asked around about him and discovered that things tended to disappear when Jenks was around. Expensive things, such as jewelry and gold. Nothing had been proved yet but there was considerable speculation that Jenks had forged a relationship with young Patrick so he’d have a way out of Dodge, so to speak, before he was arrested and hanged for his crimes in England.”

“Poor Patrick,” Maddy murmured.

Adam couldn’t help thinking Patrick must have been a unique kind of dope to fall for Jenks’s bullshit. “So despite the rumors that Jenks was a thief, Patrick Bilsworth fell for him and believed Jenks fell back?”

Edgar nodded, “It appears so. An unfortunate state of affairs to be sure.”

“So Jenks travelled to Bilsworth Manor from London,” Maddy prompted.

“Just ahead of the law apparently.” Edgar agreed. “From all accounts, Young Patrick insisted they throw a ball in his friend’s honor when Jenks arrived at Bilsworth. So old Mr. Bilsworth did the only thing he could. He invited every eligible female in the area to the ball, in the desperate hopes that young Patrick would come to his senses and throw Mr. Jenks over. Alas, it wasn’t to be. Apparently, young Patrick ignored all the pretty ladies and sat in a corner fuming as Mr. Jenks, who was by all accounts a very handsome fellow, flirted and danced quite happily with the ladies. In fact, the way my great-granddad told the story, Mr. Jenks fairly ignored young Patrick all night in favor of all the pretty flowers at the ball.” Edgar shook his head. “Love, thy touch is a fickle thing.”

“Amen and amen,” Adam added. “So I’m assuming Jenks’s behavior put a crimp in Patrick’s love?”

“Yes. Young Patrick and Jenks fought, quite loudly it seems, on the veranda that very night. Mr. Patrick threw Mr. Jenks off the premises and Jenks stormed away. Neither gentleman returned to the ball. It was later discovered that several very expensive pieces of jewelry disappeared from the necks and wrists of the ladies that night.”

Maddy shook her head. “How sad. But what about the murder?”

“The next morning, young Patrick came down to breakfast very upset. It seemed he’d had a change of heart about Mr. Jenks and demanded that his father help him find the man so that Patrick could apologize. I don’t have to tell you that Mr. Bilsworth was reluctant at best. But to that good gentleman’s credit, he did engage a search party. Mr. Jenks was finally found, but it was too late. He was hanging from the rafters of one of the slave cabins.”

Adam jerked upright, the bottle of water nearly slipping from his fingers. “Slave cabins!”

Edgar’s pale gaze slid to Adam, filled with surprise. “Why yes. You didn’t know about the cabins?”

Maddy gave an exclamation of excitement. “Are they still here? The cabins?”

“Only one I’m afraid.”

She stood up, apparently forgetting they were talking to a ninety-year-old man. “Can you show us where it is?”

“Mads…” Adam warned.

Edgar shook his head. “I’m sorry. I’m afraid these tired old legs wouldn’t carry me there. But I can tell you where it is. It shouldn’t be hard to find, despite the fact that the trees have quite grown up around it.”

“Did they ever discover who killed Mr. Jenks?” Adam’s mind was still stuck in the past.

“No. And the stolen jewelry was never discovered either. Many believe he hid them right here in Bilsworth Manor. But no one’s ever found them, though many have tried. The police have had their hands full, what with the treasure hunters and all those ghost people.”

Adam felt his eyes go wide. “Ghost people?”

“Yes, because of the hauntings of course.”

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Print

 

Other books in the series:

A Hoale Lot of Trouble

Hoaley Inexplicable

Oh! Hoaley Night!

Tuesday Taste – A Hoale Lot of Trouble

 

 

Sexy gay construction company owner,  Adam Hoale, sometimes gets more than he bargained for when he flips a house!

Adam Hoale owns a construction company called, predictably, Hoale Construction. When he finds an eye opening surprise in the walls of a house he’s flipping, and a libido flaring surprise standing on the lawn, he’s willing to do the right thing with the surprise in the wall while entertaining dirty thoughts about the surprise on the lawn.

But as the world finds out what he discovered, and his new boy toy seems to be keeping too many secrets to make a relationship a reality, Adam soon realizes he may just get flipped himself if he’s not careful.

 

The Novel Approach “Strongly Recommends” the Hoale Construction Mystery series! “I really enjoyed these books. They are light, fun, the sex is really hot…”

5 Stars from The Romance Studio: “This is a very good story from beginning to end and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The author has written this one so well I could have sworn I was part of the story as the characters felt like old friends. They are well drawn in a clever, solid plot that is very inviting. The romantic aspect is charming and realistically written with some mysterious elements also. I really loved this book. The author took a simple theme and made it into something grand. A Hoale Lot of Trouble is the first in a new mystery series. I can’t wait to read what’s coming next.”

4 Stars from The Romance Reviews: “I really enjoyed this quirky, fast paced, mystery story from Declan Sands. … a wonderful well written romp of detective like proportions, steamy in the bedroom/out the bedroom interludes between Adam and Dirk and a seething tide of emotional baggage and secrets that threaten to spill out and endanger everyone involved. I definitely want to read the rest in the series.”

~~*~~

By the time Adam finally got home that night, Walter was sitting cross legged in front of the door and almost ran him over trying to get to the grass to pee. Exhausted, with his mind roiling under the load of worries and problems, Adam just wanted to grab a beer and a hot shower, and hit the sheets.

The beer was easy enough. But as he tipped it and took the first, big swallow of the icy brew, Walter started barking. Walter only barked at people. Mostly people who were in places they shouldn’t be.

Adam hurried to his office and quickly unlocked the bottom drawer of his desk, pulling out his 38 special. He checked the chamber as he moved quickly to the front door of the office, but by the time he pulled the door open, Walter had stopped barking.

He flung the door open, holding the 38 down by his side, and gasped.

“Hey!”  Dirk stood with one foot on the threshold and one hand resting against the brick of the building’s exterior. He was dressed in fashionably tattered jeans and an oversized Colts sweatshirt. His big feet were covered in loafers, a golden line of skin showing below the hem told Adam he was sans socks.

Dirk had always hated footwear. He liked to tell Adam he had hot feet. Adam completely agreed, in a non foot-fetish kind of way. Everything about Dirk was hot.

“How’d you find me?”

“I went to your old place first and found out you’d sold it.” Dirk lifted an eyebrow in question but didn’t ask.  “I thought I’d just give the office a shot.”

“Yeah. It was stupid to pay rent on two places.” Adam placed the gun on a small table by the door and peered around the frame. “Where’s Walter?”

“Pooping on the plumber’s lawn.”

Adam grinned, giving Dirk a high five. He hated the plumber who owned the business next door.

“So…what did you do with the woman who’s named after a popular, upscale department store?”

Dirk frowned for a moment, then grinned as he realized Adam was referring to Macy, his date from earlier in the evening. “She’s at home, I think. Her home. Though I’m pretty sure she was making plans to go clubbing with friends.”

“Ah. So she knew she was just ‘Distract-o-Date’?”

Dirk laughed easily, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms over his chest. “Macy’s an old friend. She and I have never dated romantically.”

As if romance was really even an option for Dirk when it came to the boob and clitoris set.

“Ah.” Adam peered around the door again. “What’s taking Walter so long?”

“I think he’s harassing a squirrel.”

“Walter!” A moment later the big dog loped over, slavered a long, tender lick up the denim covering Dirk’s well muscled thigh, and slipped past Adam. The ruffled arch of his long tail slammed against the door frame as he passed.

An awkward moment ensued, during which Adam tried really hard to think of a way to just close the door and not invite Dirk inside.

“Can I come inside?”

Adam caught Dirk’s gaze and held it, terror thumping against his ribs. He knew only too well what would happen if he let Dirk in. “Um. I…ah…I was just going to take a shower…” Oh good lord!

Dirk’s expression brightened. “Perfect. I’m feeling a little dirty myself.” He took a step closer, trying to push Adam backward into the room.

Adam held his position, but Dirk’s chest was so close a deep inhalation would have them touching. His breath danced across Adam’s face, smelling of minty freshness and heated memories. Adam gulped, swayed, his hand came out to touch the doorframe, steadying himself.

Dirk leaned in and swiped his tongue across Adam’s bottom lip. “Mmm, beer.  I could get drunk just kissing you.”

Despite the bad movie line, Adam’s cock pressed against his pants, his balls tightened. Pain throbbed in his chest. He’d been holding his breath. Releasing it slowly, he tried to step away, but Dirk’s hand grabbed his wrist. His arm snaked around Adam’s waist, and suddenly their bodies were pressed tightly and Dirk’s lips crushed his. God help him, Adam’s mouth opened as his hands wrapped around the other man’s shoulders.

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Oh! Hoaley Night! Meet Dirk and Adam

Sometimes going home is clarifying. Sometimes it’s just plain deadly!

Adam travels to Candlelight, Indiana to visit his parents for Christmas. When he arrives he discovers somebody has killed a man and dumped him in the manger of the living crèche at the local church. Unfortunately, all signs lead back to Adam’s father as the murderer. A Sheriff with a grudge and a small town more interested in gossip than reality, convince Adam that it will be up to him and the gang to clear his father’s name.

 Tina, The Novel Approach: “…these are some of the funniest, most colorful and sexy characters around. If this was what Declan Sands could do with them in 75 pages, I can’t imagine how great a whole novel would be.”

~~*~~

Walter met them at the door when they got back. He snuffled their hands looking for goodies and then turned back around when he discovered they didn’t have anything and headed back out of the kitchen. The house was dark and quiet but Adam found a note on the kitchen table from his mom.

Gone back to the station. You and Dirk can share the bunks right? Mink’s in the guest room. Love, Mom.

Adam thought about going to the station too, but Dirk seemed to read his mind and took the note out of his hands, settling it onto the table. “She’s doing what she needs to do, Ads. Let her be.”

Adam briefly considered arguing but weariness got the better of him. “Yeah. I’ll get a couple of hours of sleep and spell her in the morning.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Dirk told him, pulling him out of the kitchen. “Was your mom actually talking about the bunk beds?”

Heat suffused Adam’s face and he wasn’t sure if it was because of memories engendered by Dirk’s question, or embarrassment that his mom hadn’t changed his room a whit since he was twelve. “I’m afraid so,” Adam admitted.

They hit the stairs and started to climb. “Yum,” Dirk said, leaning in to nibble Adam’s jaw. “I still have wet dreams about those beds.”

Adam laughed, feeling his own wet dream coming up. “It was probably the Astronaut Eddie comforters.”

“Nope,” Dirk shook his head. “I’m pretty sure it was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle posters on the walls.”

Adam laughed. “I totally wanted to do Donatello.”

Dirk snorted against his neck. “I was a Raphael guy myself. Punch first and ask questions later always made me hard.”

They stopped laughing as they passed the guest room door and heard a high-pitched whistling noise.

“Good god, what is that?” Dirk asked.

The whistling was quickly followed by the sound of whinnying and Adam suddenly grinned, realizing what they were hearing. “Oh, that’s Mink. He snores like a girl.”

“Or a horse.”

The door to Adam’s room was open and there was an entirely different kind of snoring coming from inside. A quick look around located the source. That was when they realized that Walter had commandeered the bottom bunk.

Adam tried to move him off the bed but he was like a lead-filled pillow with slippery covering. When Walter slept he was pretty much in a coma state.

“I guess we’re sharing the top bunk.” Dirk lifted an eyebrow and Adam’s stomach did a little flip. In a blink, the weariness that had been dogging him slid away. He stepped closer and Dirk’s arms were suddenly around him, pulling him into a full-body press that stole his breath.

Their lips touched and heat flared between them as it always had, from the earliest days fumbling and exploring in the dark. As Dirk’s lips parted and his tongue slipped into Adam’s mouth, memories slid over him like melted chocolate—sweet, dark and addictive.

The years sloughed away under the power of their mutual attraction, just as strong in that moment as it had been fifteen years earlier.

Buy eBook  Apple iStore  Buy Nook  Buy Kobo  Buy ARe  Buy Kindle  Amazon.uk  Amazon.ca

Other books in the series:

A Hoale Lot of Trouble
Hoaley Ill-Manored
Hoaley Inexplicable 

Monday Musings – Book Trailers

I’m thinking a lot about this subject right now because I recently started updating and creating new trailers. I’ve been in a creative frenzy and having a ton of fun. I use Nero to create my book trailers because it’s not so complex that there’s a five year learning curve but it has a lot of fun effects and offerings. The last time I designed trailers for my books was about 4 years ago. At that time I believed trailers would help sell books by making the stories visual and fun. At some point over the last several years I fell away from the notion that trailers did much good in selling a book so I stopped making them and concentrated my time in other areas.

Looking back, I think that was a mistake. The real value of a book trailer is not to immediately sell books, but to create excitement about the story behind the book. There can be a connection between the two. But there doesn’t have to be.

I love movie trailers. A movie trailer hopefully gives me a firm idea about the movie, so I can decide if I want to see it. Sometimes trailers lie, presenting a dark drama as something comedic, or portraying a dramatic piece as a romance. When that happens it’s very irritating. We don’t watch trailers purely for entertainment, though they can be very entertaining, we watch them for information, to determine tone and object of the story line, or to learn if the subject matter is something we’re interested in pursuing.  The result of watching a trailer we like is not necessarily to go immediately and watch the movie or read the book, but the trailer should leave you with a lingering taste that, hopefully, will entice you to pursue more information.

Book trailers are one piece of a writer’s marketing portfolio. They can be powerful, or they can just be meh. But one thing is inescapable, they must be true to the book. Otherwise the author is lying to her readers.

And that’s just not acceptable.

Happy viewing, Everybody!

 

If you’re interested, here’s the brand new trailer for my Hoale Construction Mysteries. I hope it sticks with you enough to encourage you to pursue more information about the books.  #:0)

Character Interview Blog Hop – Rabb (Shifter) from Bright City Lights

Today I’m thrilled to be speaking with Rabb Miller, alpha of the City of Lights pack, a rare breed of city-dwelling shifters. I absolutely LOVE this series and I’m so excited to be talking to one of my favorite (hottest!) alphas. So find a fan and grab some ice water. Here we go!

Reporter:  Hello, Rabb. Thanks for stopping by to answer a few questions. I hope you don’t mind if they get a bit personal. (smiles coyly)

Rabb: (shrugs) As long as you don’t mind if I tell you it’s none of your business.

Reporter: Deal. What do you do for a living?

Rabb: I own a bar called Bright City Lights. It’s a shifter bar with a surprise room in the back that only shifters can fully appreciate.

Reporter:  Come on, tell me what’s in the room, Rabb.

Rabb: I can’t tell you that, because if you ever decided to get curious and sneak in there…well…let’s just say there’d be extra protein on the menu for my pack that night.

Reporter:  (blinks) You wouldn’t!

Rabb: I probably wouldn’t…  But I can’t promise that all the members of my pack would resist a gift horse in the mouth.

Reporter: Okay, well, anyway…on to safer topics. Boxers, briefs, or commando?

Rabb: (lifts eyebrow) You have to ask? I have a wolf living under my skin. You think wolves do boxers? (laughs) Only if there isn’t a poodle available.  That’s a little shifter humor.

Reporter: (glares at him) Yeah. Very little. I have a poodle.

Rabb: They’re very tasty.

Reporter: Oh my god!

Rabb: That was a joke. Lighten up.

Reporter: (giving him the stink eye) So, Rabb,  give it up, what is it about sexy Brant South that makes you crazy in a good way?

Rabb: He’s very intense and brooding. I find that sexy in a man. He also has a damn fine ass.

Reporter: (fans self) Ooh, I know exactly what you mean. But what about Brant makes you crazy in a bad way?

Rabb: He’s very intense and brooding.  And he’s all about denying himself stuff.

Reporter: What kind of stuff?

Rabb: Me mostly. (frowns) But there’s other stuff too.

Reporter: Come on, tell us.

Rabb: Nope. You’ll have to read the book.

Reporter: Dangit! (smiles) okay, now for some fun questions. In your shifted form, have you ever gotten flees?

Rabb: Har, de, har, har. Like I haven’t heard that one before.

Reporter: (chuckling) Are you more comfortable in fur or skin?

Rabb: Define, in.

Reporter: Hooboy! Okay, that’s all the time we have for today. Rabb, thanks again for stopping by. I hope next time you’ll bring that sexy, brooding lover of yours along with?

Rabb: (shrugs) I’ll see what I can do.

Rabb Miller, readers. Isn’t he something? Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss him and the sexy Brant in Bright City Lights. What’s that? You’ve never heard of the book? OMG! Okay, here’s a little taste. Enjoy!

Sometimes it’s harder to be together than it is to be apart.

Rabb is an alpha shifter, a werewolf, who likes to defy both the odds and authority. He prefers the city lights over the open spaces most shifters enjoy.

Brant is a politician with a secret that’s becoming harder and harder to contain. As mayor of Bright City, he’s determined to keep the city free of shifters to protect his secret.

The two men share a fair amount of distrust, along with a smoldering history that threatens to drag them under again. But when shifters begin to die in Bright City, Rabb and Brant need to find a way to work together again. Especially when one of them inadvertently steps right into the murderer’s deadly path.

Redz World Reviews gave Bright City Lights 5 Shooting Stars!  “The wonderful story telling and heat between Brant and Rabb made this a book I just couldn’t put down. This is my first book I have read by Declan Sands, but I look forward to reading many more in the future. If they are anything like Bright City Lights, I know they will be stories to remember.” 

4.5 Stars from Sensualreads.com! “Exciting and passionate, Bright City Lights will capture your imagination and have you dreaming of two very sexy alphas.”

Rainbow Book Reviews gives Bright City Lights 4 Stars!  “This was a very exciting story that I enjoyed immensely! The love story between Rabb and Brant was mysterious, sexy and very, very hot.”

~~*~~

Brant slammed the hard, rubber ball against the wall and flipped around to hit it with his other hand, sending it slamming back. Sweat dripped from his head and he swiped at it with the band around his wrist. The rubber ball hit the corner and skewed off course, sailing past him toward the back of the room.

He turned to catch it when it came sailing back.

It never hit the wall.

Rabb Miller stood just inside the door of the court, his big body seeming to fill the small, glass-enclosed room. Brant’s first thought was that the man looked characteristically delicious. He wore tight, well-worn jeans and a pecs-hugging, round-necked t-shirt. His chin-length wavy, dark brown hair was combed back, away from his face, showcasing his strong features.  Rabb’s hostile gaze was locked on Brant, his eyes glowing with golden lights. His wide, sensual lips pressed together, the big shifter’s jaw was tight with anger. Without a word, Rabb lifted his hand and opened his fingers, dropping the ball to the floor, where it dribbled a few feet and bumped up against Brant’s sneaker.

Unable to stop himself, Brant’s gaze slipped upward, to the row of windows along the top of the court.

“They won’t get here in time,” Rabb told him in a voice that was mostly growl. His hands clenched in fists at his sides, the werewolf vibrated with rage.

“What’s wrong?”

Rabb’s eyes glowed with unmistakable magic. “You dare to ask me that?”

The pain in Rabb’s gaze was palpable and fear for the other man made Brant lose his temper. “I have to ask you that because I don’t know, dammit!”

Rabb’s gaze lost some of its unearthly power and his stance softened slightly. “You expect me to believe that you had nothing to do with Mica?”

Brant stared at Rabb, squaring his shoulders to show he wasn’t intimidated, though he’d be an idiot not to be. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Rabb. What’s happened to Mica?”

Rabb’s mouth twisted as if he’d bitten into a lemon. “He’s dead. Along with a young pup who’d been brutalized before she was killed. Is this your way of running us out of Bright City, mayor? Because if you want a war we’ll be happy to indulge you. What we won’t do is back down or leave. You’ll have to kill every last one of us if you want us gone.”

Brant felt sick. His pulse picked up and his mouth watered from the nausea roiling in his gut. “Oh my god.” His legs weakened and he let his knees bend, crouching on the floor and supporting himself with one hand. He’d gone too long without eating and the strenuous workout hadn’t helped. But the picture Rabb’s words played across his mind was the last straw on his already weakened system.

Rabb didn’t say anything, but he moved closer. As usual, Brant was amazed at how silently the big man could move. He didn’t look up but jerked a little when Rabb’s hand landed on his shoulder, heavy and so deliciously warm. “Are you okay?”

The words were spoken in the husky murmur Brant remembered all too well. His eyes closed under the pain engendered by the memory. “Yeah. I’m fine. I just need to eat.”

Rabb’s hand lifted and he took a step back, making Brant see red. “I see your compassion is still limited by your capacity for self protection.” He pushed himself off the floor, his anger helping him ride out the dizziness that followed.

Rabb’s impossibly handsome face turned hard again. “Someone’s killing my people, Brant. If it isn’t you then we have an even bigger problem. You have as much to lose as I do.”

Brant scraped a hand over his face, the dizziness turning to something far more troublesome as Rabb’s delightful scent infused the air he breathed. “I agree.” He frowned, realizing where they were headed and terrified. “You’ll keep me apprised?”

Rabb laughed but there was no humor in it. “Nice try cowardly lion. We’ll need to work together on this one. I don’t trust you and you don’t trust me. So we’ll have to keep each other close.”

Brant closed his eyes, despair washing through him. Finally he sighed, nodding. “You’re right. Okay, how do you want to do this?”

Rabb’s sexy mouth turned up in a tight smile. “I don’t think you’d pass for my new bartender, so I guess I’m gonna have to play on your field for a while.”

Brant blinked at him, unwilling to understand what he’d just been told. Finally he opened his mouth, not sure how he was going to say no, hell no without getting about three hundred pounds of werewolf down his throat.

The visual his traitorous mind played at the thought brought sudden heat to his face—and other places. “Oh hell no, Rabb.”

Rabb’s smile widened. “Mr. Mayor, meet your new assistant.”

“God help me,” Brant murmured weakly.

Rabb turned away. “I’ll start on Monday. Tomorrow we need to put our fallen pack members to rest…” His voice shuddered and trailed off, telling Brant more than words how much Mica’s loss meant to the big shifter.

“Can I do anything? Where will the funeral be?”

Rabb grasped the door handle. “No funeral. We’ll take them to the running grounds. I’ll see you on Monday, fang.” He opened the door and walked out, leaving behind an aura of pain so thick Brant suddenly found it hard to breathe.

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Now back to the Character Interview Blog Hop!