Shira Anthony's Blog - Posts Tagged "m-m"

I had one of the most roller-coaster weeks of my life, but I feel very fortunate and thankful. My husband, Bob, was hit by a minivan on Tuesday night while on a five-mile run (he's been preparing for a triathlon this weekend). He was crossing the street with the light, and someone turned and hit him. Fortunately, he came away with just a concussion and some bruises. I don't even want to think about what might have happened had the driver been going even a few miles faster. So I have a huge "thank you" to send up to whatever diety or power was looking out for him that night, as well as the fire department and EMS. And thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers! Believe it or not, Bob will be competing in the tri as planned (and with the doctors' blessings!).

This week was also the beginning of the editing process for my next release, "The Trust," a gay spy thriller/mystery with a romantic twist, to be published in May or June by Dreamspinner Press. I can't wait to see the beautiful cover I know Dreamspinner's artists will work up for the book! So, as promised, I thought I'd share an excerpt of the prepublication version with you and give you a taste of the novel, which I co-authored with my good friend, Venona Keyes. You can read Chapter 1 in its entirety on my blog: http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.com/

Here's a short blurb for the story: Eight years ago, Trace Michelson recruited Jake Anders into "The Trust," whose "executives" are responsible for identifying and eliminating rogue biotechnology operations under the auspices of the CIA. After Trace is assassinated, Jake is given a "Sim" chip which contains all the memories and experiences of his former mentor. But when Sim becomes reality six years after Trace's death, Jake begins to wonder if Trace is alive.

Jake embarks upon a dangerous journey of self-discovery to learn the truth about Trace and the Sim chip with whom he shares his mind. But will Jake discover the truth before Trace's enemies kill him for the technology implanted in his body? And will Jake finally admit to himself that he is still in love with his long-dead teacher?

Enjoy! -Shira

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The power of dreams... "Blue Notes" and "The Dream of a Thousand Nights" on Dreamspinner Press

www.shiraanthony.com

Two days and counting to the Hop Against Homophobia blog hop! Come join me and several hundred (yes, really, several HUNDRED!) other writers, reviewers, sellers and publishers of M/M fiction as we talk about the genre we adore and raise awareness of the fight against homophobia. Each blogger is offering a M/M prize, so there'll be lots of great writing to go around.

I'll be posting excerpts from my upcoming releases, talking about my experiences living in North Carolina and homophobia (yes, the state that just outlawed gay marriage in the state constitution...sigh), and giving away an ebook copy of your choice of one of my Dreamspinner Press books: "The Dream of a Thousand Nights," "Blue Notes," or my soon to be released, "The Trust." (That last one is scheduled to be released on June 18, 2012, so you can be one of the first in line to receive a copy if you're patient.)

So check my blog (www.shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.com) on May 17th for the first of several posts, as well as links to blogs of all the other wonderful folks who are participating. I can't wait! -Shira

Today is the first day of the Hop Against Homophobia! Please stop by my blog, http://www.shiraanthonydotcom.wordpre.... You can read my rant about North Carolina's new constitutional amendment banning gay marriage) and enter to win a copy of your choice of my Dreamspinner Press titles in ebook format.

Be sure to check out all the other wonderful blogs participating -there are more than 200! -Shira

Day two of the Hop Against Homophobia! If you haven’t already, be sure to leave a comment below with an email address where I can contact you if you win the prize (your choice of one of my Dreamspinner Press titles, including the upcoming “The Trust“).

Today, I thought I’d share an amazing and heart-warming story I read in our Raleigh, North Carolina paper, The News and Observer. Diane Daniel was together with her husband, Wessel, for two years before they got married. But barely two months after they married, Wessell confided to Diane that he wanted to be Diane’s wife, not her husband.

How would you react to something like that? I’d love to say I would be completely fine with it, supportive, and not feel as though it was somehow my fault that my husband wanted to become a woman. But that’d be a lie. Diane, naturally, felt terrible. Sad, guilty, angry — all the things you might imagine. And then, as she describes it, she “opened her heart” to the man who would later become a woman.

Diane and Lina are still together, seven years later, now a same-sex couple. This story just amazed and touched me, and made me consider how, even though we may think we are open-minded and loving, it takes true strength to confront the hidden prejudices and fears that live within each of us.

Please check out the wonderful story from the N&O: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/02/1... And spread the word. Hearts can open, mindsets can be changed. It just takes one person to turn another person’s heart. -Shira

Day three of the Hop Against Homophobia! My new post is short and sweet - my favorite pro-gay marriage political cartoon. www.shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.com

I just got the final artwork from Dreamspinner Press for my upcoming release, “The Trust,” and it rocks! Cover design is by Catt Ford at Dreamspinner. Release date is set for June 18th, and I’ll be running some giveaways and posting excerpts over the next 3 weeks or so. You can also enter the Goodreads giveaway to win a paperback copy of the book here: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho....

The Trust is an M/M suspense/romance, featuring a pair of sexy secret agents, Trace Michelson and Jake Anders. And yes, in case you were wondering after reading the blurb, it DOES have a happily-ever-after (that’s a requirement for any of my books!). You can link to an excerpt from the book here: http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.c....

I hope you enjoy the excerpt. Here’s the blurb:

Eight years ago, Jake Anders was a college kid from the wrong side of the tracks. Then Trace Michelson recruited him into The Trust, a CIA-backed agency whose “executives” eliminate rogue biotechnology operations. Trace was everything Jake ever wanted in a man: powerful, brilliant, and gorgeous. But Jake never admitted his attraction to his mentor, and Trace always kept Jake at arm’s length.

Now Trace is dead and Jake is one of The Trust’s best operatives, highly skilled and loyal to the organization. But the secret agent has his own secret: six years ago, before he was assassinated, Trace designed a Sim chip containing his memories and experiences—and now that chip is part of Jake. It’s just data, designed to augment Jake’s knowledge, but when Sim becomes reality, Jake wonders if Trace is still alive or if Jake really is going crazy like everyone claims. He doesn’t know if he can trust himself, let alone anyone else.

To learn the truth about Trace and the chip, Jake embarks on a dangerous mission—except he’s not the only one looking for the information. Some of the answers are locked in his head, and unless he finds the key, he’ll be killed for the technology that’s become a part of him.

Now, more than ever, Jake wishes Trace were here to guide him. Too bad he’s dead… right?

I've just posted a second excerpt of my upcoming release, The Trust, which I co-authored with Venona Keyes. "The Trust" is a gay spy romance/suspense thriller with a sci fi twist (and yes, it does have a HEA, in case you were wondering).

This excerpt's a bit hotter than the first! http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.c...

Don't forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway: http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho... to win a paperback copy.

Enjoy! -Shira

Just a little over a week until The Trust is released from Dreamspinner Press! You can win an ebook copy (your choice of format) of the novel by leaving a message here on my blog (WordPress or Goodreads) anytime until midnight EST on 6/18! Be sure to leave an email so I can let you know if you're the winner. You can also enter to win a paperback copy on Goodreads (ends 6/19).

The Trust is a gay romance/suspense thriller with bit of a sci fi twist (think gay James Bond with some really cool gizmos!). Oh, and a HEA, of course! And if you're looking to read an excerpt from the book, I have two on my blog, www.shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.com (the first is an action scene, and the second is a bit hotter). I can't wait! -Shira

Here's the summary:

Eight years ago, Jake Anders was a college kid from the wrong side of the tracks. Then Trace Michelson recruited him into The Trust, a CIA-backed agency whose “executives” eliminate rogue biotechnology operations. Trace was everything Jake ever wanted in a man: powerful, brilliant, and gorgeous. But Jake never admitted his attraction to his mentor, and Trace always kept Jake at arm’s length.

Now Trace is dead and Jake is one of The Trust’s best operatives, highly skilled and loyal to the organization. But the secret agent has his own secret: six years ago, before he was assassinated, Trace designed a Sim chip containing his memories and experiences—and now that chip is part of Jake. It’s just data, designed to augment Jake’s knowledge, but when Sim becomes reality, Jake wonders if Trace is still alive or if Jake really is going crazy like everyone claims. He doesn’t know if he can trust himself, let alone anyone else.

To learn the truth about Trace and the chip, Jake embarks on a dangerous mission—except he’s not the only one looking for the information. Some of the answers are locked in his head, and unless he finds the key, he’ll be killed for the technology that’s become a part of him.

Now, more than ever, Jake wishes Trace were here to guide him. Too bad he’s dead... right?

Today, Monday June 18th, is release day for my latest Dreamspinner Press book, The Trust! You can enter here on Goodreads for a chance to win a paperback copy of the book - just go to the book page and scroll down.

I'm also running two more contests for ebook copies: comment on the Dreamspinner Press blog, http://dreamspinnerpress.com/blog/ and on my blog, http://shiraanthonydotcom.wordpress.com/ or website, http://shiraanthony.com, to win one of two ebook copies (yes, you can enter on both the DSP blog and my blog or website for two chances to win).

Join me throughout the day today on the Dreamspinner Press blog for excerpts and some background about the story! -Shira

The winners of the two ebook copies of “The Trust” are: msculp01 and Flicker! I’ll be emailing you both to let you know how to claim your books. The winner of the Goodreads giveaway paperback copy is Daniel H. I’ll also be in touch with you, Daniel!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered the contests! And thanks for all the well-wishes and words of encouragement for release day. It was really a pleasure to hear from all of you. Oh, and of course, if you want to buy an ebook or paperback copy of the book, it’s now available at Dreamspinner Press, AllRomanceEbooks, and Amazon. “The Trust” is already ranked in the top 50 bestsellers on Amazon in three gay/lesbian categories, and on the ARe bestseller list! Thanks again, everyone! -Shira