Contemporary m/m
Now available: Slam! (novel)
Limericks, lies and puppy-dog eyes
Jude Biggerstaff is all the way out and loving it—mostly. The Anglo-Japanese university graduate is a carnivore working in a vegan café, an amateur poet with only one man in his life. His dog, Bubbles.
Then there’s “Karate Crumpet,” a man who regularly runs past the café with a martial arts class. Jude can only yearn from afar, until the object of his affection rescues him from muggers. And he learns that not only does this calm, competent hunk of muscle have a name—David—but that he’s gay.
Jude should have known the universe wouldn’t simply let love fall into place. First, David has only one foot out of the closet. Then there’s Jude’s mother, who lies about her age to the point Jude could be mistaken for jailbait.
With a maze of stories to keep straight, a potential stepfather in the picture, ex-boyfriends who keep spoiling his dates with David, and a friend with a dangerous secret, Jude is beginning to wonder if his and David’s lives will ever start to rhyme.
Warnings: contains a tangled web of little white lies, a smorgasbord of cheesy limericks, a violin called Vanessa, some boots that mean business, and the most adorable little dog ever. Poetry, it's not...
Jude is abso-freaking-lutely adorable….I loved this book! It had me wanting to move to their town and be part of their inner circle. The characters were fun and entertaining, but with enough depth for me to feel their pain when things took a turn for the worse. I really loved the humor. I was smiling and laughing the entire time I was reading. I definitely recommend it – 4.25 stars, Andrea at Reviews by Jessewave
Incorporating strong secondary characters, Merrow’s comedic tale offers the inevitable tropes of younger/older men who are in/out of the closet but in dynamically humorous ways. Instead of bogging down the narrative, these typical issues are turned inside out by Jude’s cheeky outlook on life and his poetry - Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal Reviews
Read more
Samhain | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
Jude Biggerstaff is all the way out and loving it—mostly. The Anglo-Japanese university graduate is a carnivore working in a vegan café, an amateur poet with only one man in his life. His dog, Bubbles.
Then there’s “Karate Crumpet,” a man who regularly runs past the café with a martial arts class. Jude can only yearn from afar, until the object of his affection rescues him from muggers. And he learns that not only does this calm, competent hunk of muscle have a name—David—but that he’s gay.
Jude should have known the universe wouldn’t simply let love fall into place. First, David has only one foot out of the closet. Then there’s Jude’s mother, who lies about her age to the point Jude could be mistaken for jailbait.
With a maze of stories to keep straight, a potential stepfather in the picture, ex-boyfriends who keep spoiling his dates with David, and a friend with a dangerous secret, Jude is beginning to wonder if his and David’s lives will ever start to rhyme.
Warnings: contains a tangled web of little white lies, a smorgasbord of cheesy limericks, a violin called Vanessa, some boots that mean business, and the most adorable little dog ever. Poetry, it's not...
Jude is abso-freaking-lutely adorable….I loved this book! It had me wanting to move to their town and be part of their inner circle. The characters were fun and entertaining, but with enough depth for me to feel their pain when things took a turn for the worse. I really loved the humor. I was smiling and laughing the entire time I was reading. I definitely recommend it – 4.25 stars, Andrea at Reviews by Jessewave
Incorporating strong secondary characters, Merrow’s comedic tale offers the inevitable tropes of younger/older men who are in/out of the closet but in dynamically humorous ways. Instead of bogging down the narrative, these typical issues are turned inside out by Jude’s cheeky outlook on life and his poetry - Kristi Chadwick, Library Journal Reviews
Read more
Samhain | Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
Pressure Head - novel
Some secrets are better left hidden.
To most of the world, Tom Paretski is just a plumber with a cheeky attitude and a dodgy hip, souvenir of a schoolboy accident. The local police keep his number on file for a different reason—his sixth sense for finding hidden things.
When he’s called in to help locate the body of a missing woman up on Nomansland Common, he unexpectedly encounters someone who resurrects a host of complicated emotions. Phil Morrison, Tom’s old school crush, now a private investigator working the same case. And the former bully partly responsible for Tom’s injury.
The shocks keep coming. Phil is now openly gay, and shows unmistakable signs of interest. Tom’s attraction to the big, blond investigator hasn’t changed—in fact, he’s even more desirable all grown up. But is Phil’s interest genuine, or does he only want to use Tom’s talent?
As the pile of complicated evidence surrounding the woman’s murder grows higher, so does the heat between Tom and Phil. But opening himself to this degree exposes Tom’s heart in a way he’s not sure he’s ready for…while the murderer’s trigger finger is getting increasingly twitchy.
Warning: Contains a flirtatious plumber with hidden talents, a cashmere-clad private investigator with hidden depths, and an English village chock full of colourful characters with plenty to hide.
More details here.
Now out in ebook: Samhain Publishing | Amazon.com |Amazon.co.uk.
Due out in paperback August 6th, 2013, and available to pre-order on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
To most of the world, Tom Paretski is just a plumber with a cheeky attitude and a dodgy hip, souvenir of a schoolboy accident. The local police keep his number on file for a different reason—his sixth sense for finding hidden things.
When he’s called in to help locate the body of a missing woman up on Nomansland Common, he unexpectedly encounters someone who resurrects a host of complicated emotions. Phil Morrison, Tom’s old school crush, now a private investigator working the same case. And the former bully partly responsible for Tom’s injury.
The shocks keep coming. Phil is now openly gay, and shows unmistakable signs of interest. Tom’s attraction to the big, blond investigator hasn’t changed—in fact, he’s even more desirable all grown up. But is Phil’s interest genuine, or does he only want to use Tom’s talent?
As the pile of complicated evidence surrounding the woman’s murder grows higher, so does the heat between Tom and Phil. But opening himself to this degree exposes Tom’s heart in a way he’s not sure he’s ready for…while the murderer’s trigger finger is getting increasingly twitchy.
Warning: Contains a flirtatious plumber with hidden talents, a cashmere-clad private investigator with hidden depths, and an English village chock full of colourful characters with plenty to hide.
More details here.
Now out in ebook: Samhain Publishing | Amazon.com |Amazon.co.uk.
Due out in paperback August 6th, 2013, and available to pre-order on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Pressure Head was also nominated for the following categories:
Best Cover
Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel Best Enemies to Lovers Story
Best Story with a Mystery/Whodunit Theme
Best Cover
Best Story that Should/Must have a Sequel Best Enemies to Lovers Story
Best Story with a Mystery/Whodunit Theme
Hard Tail (novel)
Finding love can be a bumpy ride.
His job: downsized out of existence. His marriage: dead in the water. It doesn’t take a lot of arm twisting for Tim Knight to agree to get out of London and take over his injured brother’s mountain bike shop for a while. A few weeks in Southampton is a welcome break from the wreck his life has become, even though he feels like a fish out of water in this brave new world of outdoor sports and unfamiliar technical jargon.
The young man who falls—literally—through the door of the shop brings everything into sharp, unexpected focus. Tim barely accepts he’s even in the closet until his attraction to Matt Berridge pulls him close enough to touch the doorknob.
There’s only one problem with the loveable klutz: his bullying boyfriend. Tim is convinced Steve is the cause of the bruises that Matt blows off as part of his risky sport. But rising to the defense of the man he’s beginning to love, means coming to terms with who he is—in public—in a battle not even his black belt prepared him to fight. Until now.
Warning: Contains an out-and-proud klutz, a closeted, karate-loving accountant—and a cat who thinks it’s all about him. Watch for a cameo appearance from the Pricks and Pragmatism lovers. May inspire yearnings for fresh air, exercise, and a fit, tanned bike mechanic of your very own.
More details here.
Wight Mischief (novel)
A stranger could light up his world...or drive him deeper into darkness.
Will thinks a camping trip with his friend-with-benefits Baz will be a fun break from his usual job as a personal trainer. But the trip turns into a rollercoaster ride as he meets author Marcus - and Marcus' mysterious guardian Leif.
Journalist Baz is supposed to be researching a book on ghosts, yet he seems curiously interested in secrets lying in the reclusive Marcus' past. But these are secrets that someone's determined they should let lie - and if they're not careful, Will and Baz could end up adding to the Island's ghostly population... Read more
Will thinks a camping trip with his friend-with-benefits Baz will be a fun break from his usual job as a personal trainer. But the trip turns into a rollercoaster ride as he meets author Marcus - and Marcus' mysterious guardian Leif.
Journalist Baz is supposed to be researching a book on ghosts, yet he seems curiously interested in secrets lying in the reclusive Marcus' past. But these are secrets that someone's determined they should let lie - and if they're not careful, Will and Baz could end up adding to the Island's ghostly population... Read more
Muscling Through (novella)
The bigger they come, the harder they fall... in love.
Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.
Larry's intrigued to find there's more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry's class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.
Is it physical? Oh, yes, it’s deliciously physical, and so much more—which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al. Read more
Cambridge art professor Larry Morton takes one, alcohol-glazed look at the huge, tattooed man looming in a dark alley, and assumes he’s done for. Moments later he finds himself disarmed—literally and figuratively. And, the next morning, he can’t rest until he offers an apology to the man who turned out to be more gentle than giant.
Larry's intrigued to find there's more to Al Fletcher than meets the eye; he possesses a natural artistic talent that shines through untutored technique. Unfortunately, no one else seems to see the sensitive soul beneath Al’s imposing, scarred, undeniably sexy exterior. Least of all Larry's class-conscious family, who would like nothing better than to split up this mismatched pair.
Is it physical? Oh, yes, it’s deliciously physical, and so much more—which makes Larry’s next task so daunting. Not just convincing his colleagues, friends and family that their relationship is more than skin deep. It’s convincing Al. Read more
Pricks and Pragmatism (novella)
Easy come, easy go…until the heart gets involved.
English student and aspiring journalist Luke Corbin should be studying. Instead he’s facing homelessness, thanks to the lover who’s just kicking him out of their posh digs. It’s not his first rejection—his father tossed him out at age sixteen—but Luke has no problem trading his favors for a home and security. Especially with rich, powerful, handsome men.
Except now, with finals bearing down, there’s no time to be choosy. He needs a roof over his head and he needs it now. Even if it means settling temporarily for a geeky, less-than-well-off chemical engineer called Russell.
Luke’s fully prepared to put out for the guy—because after all, in this world no one gets something for nothing. But Russell isn’t just a nerd; he’s an honourable nerd who wants to save himself for someone special.
At first Luke is annoyed, but the more time he spends with Russell, the closer he comes to a devastating realization. He wants to be that someone special. Except he’s fallen for the one man he can’t seem to charm…
Read more
English student and aspiring journalist Luke Corbin should be studying. Instead he’s facing homelessness, thanks to the lover who’s just kicking him out of their posh digs. It’s not his first rejection—his father tossed him out at age sixteen—but Luke has no problem trading his favors for a home and security. Especially with rich, powerful, handsome men.
Except now, with finals bearing down, there’s no time to be choosy. He needs a roof over his head and he needs it now. Even if it means settling temporarily for a geeky, less-than-well-off chemical engineer called Russell.
Luke’s fully prepared to put out for the guy—because after all, in this world no one gets something for nothing. But Russell isn’t just a nerd; he’s an honourable nerd who wants to save himself for someone special.
At first Luke is annoyed, but the more time he spends with Russell, the closer he comes to a devastating realization. He wants to be that someone special. Except he’s fallen for the one man he can’t seem to charm…
Read more
Sex, Lies and Edelweiss (novella)
On holiday in the Austrian Lakes, Simon Lavoisier, an attorney from Britain, tells himself he's just looking for a little holiday fling to spice up his apple strudel. But he's never been good at keeping things casual, and it's not long before he finds himself falling for Matt, the handsome waiter at the Königshof Hotel with whom he's been passionately dallying. Matt, on the other hand, has learned the hard way the dangers of getting in too deep.
When secrets and lies from both men's pasts come to the fore, it's anyone's guess as to whether this fledgling romance will hit the peaks—or sink without trace beneath the icy waters of Lake Wolfgang... Read more
When secrets and lies from both men's pasts come to the fore, it's anyone's guess as to whether this fledgling romance will hit the peaks—or sink without trace beneath the icy waters of Lake Wolfgang... Read more
Light the Fire (short story)
Learning to live—and love—again
Two years after the death of his lover at the hands of bigots, Kurt’s still not looking for another relationship, even though the big old house he bought with Raoul seems cold and empty these days. But there’s a perky kid at his gym who just won't take no for an answer.
Matt can tell there’s more to Kurt than just a great set of pecs. He’s drawn to the big guy’s caring, protective attitude as much as to his muscles. But when push comes to shove, can Matt show Kurt he’s not just a big mouth in a small package?
Available in ebook from JMS Books.
More details here.
Two years after the death of his lover at the hands of bigots, Kurt’s still not looking for another relationship, even though the big old house he bought with Raoul seems cold and empty these days. But there’s a perky kid at his gym who just won't take no for an answer.
Matt can tell there’s more to Kurt than just a great set of pecs. He’s drawn to the big guy’s caring, protective attitude as much as to his muscles. But when push comes to shove, can Matt show Kurt he’s not just a big mouth in a small package?
Available in ebook from JMS Books.
More details here.
Good Breeding - FREE short story
Adopted as a baby, Giles Frobisher has grown up with every privilege. Encouraged by his best friend—and secret crush—Oz to seek out his birth mother, he’s appalled to discover she’s loud, lower-class, and insists on calling him Wayne!
Giles’ snobbier-than-thou, none-too-faithful boyfriend Hugh is equally horrified, and Oz, who’s always been secretive about his own family, starts acting very strangely.
It seems Giles is about to learn that good breeding has nothing to do with who your parents are!
Available now from JMS Books - an early Christmas present for you!
(This story was previously published in the Tea & Crumpet anthology)
Giles’ snobbier-than-thou, none-too-faithful boyfriend Hugh is equally horrified, and Oz, who’s always been secretive about his own family, starts acting very strangely.
It seems Giles is about to learn that good breeding has nothing to do with who your parents are!
Available now from JMS Books - an early Christmas present for you!
(This story was previously published in the Tea & Crumpet anthology)
Dead Shot - short story
Sometimes Cupid has his own agenda
Carpenter Peter takes his hyperactive ten-year-old nephew to play in the park with his home-made bow and arrows—but makes the mistake of closing his eyes for a minute. Alerted by a yell of pain, he’s mortified to find that Kevin has shot a tall, handsome stranger in the rear end. Especially when Kevin suggests Peter should kiss it better!
But cultured lawyer Edward doesn’t seem to mind. An embarrassing encounter leads to a hot date—but Peter's guilty secret about Kevin’s father could undo all Cupid’s good work, and Edward’s flair for the dramatic isn’t exactly helping!
Available in ebook from JMS Books.
More details here.
Carpenter Peter takes his hyperactive ten-year-old nephew to play in the park with his home-made bow and arrows—but makes the mistake of closing his eyes for a minute. Alerted by a yell of pain, he’s mortified to find that Kevin has shot a tall, handsome stranger in the rear end. Especially when Kevin suggests Peter should kiss it better!
But cultured lawyer Edward doesn’t seem to mind. An embarrassing encounter leads to a hot date—but Peter's guilty secret about Kevin’s father could undo all Cupid’s good work, and Edward’s flair for the dramatic isn’t exactly helping!
Available in ebook from JMS Books.
More details here.
Stronger where it counts (short story)
IT guy Michael figures he's in for an awkward evening when a client takes him to a girlie bar. When he gets talking to big, blond Kyle, it seems like it's his lucky night after all. But they have a shared past Michael's managed to forget and Kyle is hoping he won't remember.
Kyle's deeply ashamed of his weakness back in high school, when he stood by and watched as Michael became the victim of a gay-bashing -- by new boy Kyle's group of friends. He's going to have his work cut out to persuade Michael to take a chance at trusting him now.
Previously published in the Torquere Cherry anthology under the title Different Strengths, and now available as a standalone ebook from JMS Books. Also available on Kindle.
More details here.
Kyle's deeply ashamed of his weakness back in high school, when he stood by and watched as Michael became the victim of a gay-bashing -- by new boy Kyle's group of friends. He's going to have his work cut out to persuade Michael to take a chance at trusting him now.
Previously published in the Torquere Cherry anthology under the title Different Strengths, and now available as a standalone ebook from JMS Books. Also available on Kindle.
More details here.
Permanently Legless (short story)
Only half the man he used to be—but maybe that's enough
The Taliban may have taken both Chris's legs, but he came back from Afghanistan with his sense of humour and his lust for life firmly intact. The one thing that can shake his confidence is meeting Josh, the one-night stand from before his tour of duty he hasn't been able to forget.
It turns out Josh hasn't forgotten Chris, either. But with Chris such a changed man, can they still have a future?
Out now in ebook from Amber Allure. Also available on Kindle.
More details here.
The Taliban may have taken both Chris's legs, but he came back from Afghanistan with his sense of humour and his lust for life firmly intact. The one thing that can shake his confidence is meeting Josh, the one-night stand from before his tour of duty he hasn't been able to forget.
It turns out Josh hasn't forgotten Chris, either. But with Chris such a changed man, can they still have a future?
Out now in ebook from Amber Allure. Also available on Kindle.
More details here.
Stroke to His Cox (short story)
As coxswain of a Cambridge college rowing team, pint-sized Dave Tanaka has eight strapping athletes hanging on his every word, their strength at his command. Leading his crew to win their oars might be easier if Dave didn’t have to hide his crush on Archie, the stroke rower – but as they prepare for their final race, Dave doesn’t suspect that Archie is in the same boat as him in more ways than one! (available in ebook)
More details here.
Firm Pressure, a mini-sequel to Stroke to His Cox
Inspired by this picture posted by Cryselle on her blog, there is now a mini-sequel to Dave and Archie's story, which you can read for FREE here.
Good Company
Aidan is just hoping for a ride when John stops to give him a lift. When night falls, Aidan would do John a 'favor' to say thanks, just like he would any guy who seemed interested, but finds himself in a bit of a bind: he might be getting fond of the man. Can a stranger who's good company become more than that in one short day? Available in ebook. (Read an excerpt)
"It was a marvellous study in how to make a story interesting through character interaction...This story gets a rating of 'Excellent' "- Jenre.
Aidan and John are delightful. The comedy, and camaraderie, flow effortlessly...I absolutely adored this story, and it spoke to me on so many different levels. 5 stars from Rainbow Reviews
Free micro-sequel here.
"It was a marvellous study in how to make a story interesting through character interaction...This story gets a rating of 'Excellent' "- Jenre.
Aidan and John are delightful. The comedy, and camaraderie, flow effortlessly...I absolutely adored this story, and it spoke to me on so many different levels. 5 stars from Rainbow Reviews
Free micro-sequel here.
Epiphany
When Vinnie spots a young British man, Gray, looking lost on a New York street, he thinks he's never seen anyone so beautiful. He can hardly believe his luck when it seems that Gray feels the same way.
One steamy afternoon later, Vinnie is on top of the world. But are there things that Gray just hasn't been telling him?
Available in ebook. Read an excerpt.
Read reviews on Goodreads.
One steamy afternoon later, Vinnie is on top of the world. But are there things that Gray just hasn't been telling him?
Available in ebook. Read an excerpt.
Read reviews on Goodreads.
