A widower trying to start his life again finds an unexpected connection to a man trying to enjoy a bit of fun while on a cruise ship which puts both of their hearts on a journey full of heartbreak and healing. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Storm Warning by Thom Collins, while hearing from the author about why he thinks readers are drawn to the m/m romance genre, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this emotionally intense romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $20 bookstore GC too!
What do you think draws readers to MM romances? -- Wow. When I looked at that question I really didn’t know where to start. If I knew the answer I’d be delivering it with every book. I think like all genres MM attracts readers for a variety of reasons and one size doesn’t fit all. Some people like historical, while others read nothing but contemporary. A lot of people adore high angst novels while others are exclusively into cute romances. And then there’s a whole lot of folk who like all of that and more, depending on their mood.
If pressed, I would say MM readers are attracted by the appeal of two hot guys and the beauty of them falling in love/having sex. MF romances are limited to just one hunk, but here we’re immediately doubling the fun. It’s a dynamic that can’t be replicated in MF romances and it’s usually obvious when you read a book where the author has tried to retro-fit a MF story into what they think is MM.
There’s still something taboo about gay relationships. While most people these days have lots of openly gay friends, it’s still hard for gay couples to be open with each other in public. Unless it’s at a safe event like a Pride celebration, you don’t see two guys holding hands or being intimate with each other on dates, in the same way boy/girl couples are. At lot of gay relationships are kept more private. I’ve been with my husband for twenty-five years and we are still pretty cautious when out in public. A lot has changed in the time we’ve been together, but homophobia has not gone away. We are always on guard for it. MM romance offers the reader a glimpse inside a private world they rarely get to see.
As a male writer of MM, I know I’m in a minority, but I strive to bring my own voice and perspective to my stories. Although I’m working within the tropes and rules and the genre, I aim to create convincing characters within that. All my books are grounded in reality and personal experiences. For example, Storm Warning is drawn heavily from a cruise I went to Iceland in the summer of 2019. The ship and locations are all real, and I find it easy to use them as the background for a hot romance. I hope that personal aspect is what will draw readers to my books.
Jamie Johnson is going to sea for the first time in his life. Atlantic Star is one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, and a two-week trip to Iceland offers Jamie the perfect escape. His life has been on hold since the death of his husband and a working holiday onboard a state-of-the-art ship is an opportunity to explore the world he’s been hiding from. A chance to think about his future and decide what he wants to do with the rest of his life.
When Dexter Fordyce steps onboard, all he wants is a good time. The cruise is his first holiday in years, and workaholic Dexter is ready to relax and enjoy himself. If he can manage a little fun with someone like Jamie, even better. Jamie is flattered by the attention. Dexter is handsome, charming and great fun and proves impossible to resist.
Jamie’s hopes of romance died with his husband. The prospect of a shipboard passion is attractive, but Jamie’s heart has been broken for too long and he can’t take the risk of falling in love. With stormy weather ahead, the two men are set for a voyage they will never forget.
EXCERPT:
Jamie gazed at Dexter again. From his expression, bemused embarrassment, he appeared to share Jamie’s feelings on the matter. Their eyes locked, lingering for a long moment. Jamie looked away before any of the others noticed the exchange.
Maybe Dexter wasn’t as young as he first thought. There were lines around his eyes, suggesting maturity, which put his age in his thirties rather than twenties. Was there just a hint of grey at the temples of his otherwise jet-black hair? Jamie couldn’t be sure in the soft light of the restaurant. There were seductive shades of hazel and amber in his eyes, very like his mother. He didn’t know what his father looked like, but Rachel was right about Dexter inheriting some of Davina’s striking looks.
Whatever his background, Dexter didn’t share Davina’s accent. There was no trace of America in his voice. The soft, southern delivery suggested an upbringing exclusive to England, most likely a posh area of London.
It was impossible for Jamie to keep his eyes off him. Dexter was the most attractive man he’d met in years.
AUTHOR INFO:
Thom Collins is the author of Closer by Morning, Gods of Vengeance and Silent Voices with Pride Publishing. The Anthem Trilogy is out now from Pride Publishing. His love of page turning thrillers began at an early age when his mother caught him reading the latest Jackie Collins book and promptly confiscated it, sparking a life-long love of raunchy novels.
He is currently working on a new series.
Thom has lived in the North East of England his whole life. He grew up in Northumberland and now lives in County Durham with his husband and two cats. He loves all kinds of genre fiction, especially bonk-busters, thrillers, romance and horror. He is also a cookery book addict with far too many titles cluttering his shelves. When not writing he can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes. He’s a keen traveler but with a fear of flying that gets worse with age, but since taking his first cruise in 2013 he realized that sailing is the way to go.
Check out his website for news updates and a free ebook The Night.
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteGreat hearing about your book. Thanks for sharing and for this giveaway also.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt, sounds like a book I’ll enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book.
ReplyDeleteI loved your guest post.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt and I can't wait to read your book! Thanks for sharing with me! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
ReplyDeleteSounds like this will be a very good book.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover. Sounds like a good book! Love the title too!
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