Desires Entwined by Tempeste O'Riley Book Tour and Giveaway :)
Designs
of Desire
Desires
Entwined Book 1
by
Tempeste O'Riley
Genre:
Contemporary M/M Romance
Artist
James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun
to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint
splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a
man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by
painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of
anything, let alone love.
As
CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a
take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist
helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a
panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He
truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s
willing to put in the time and effort.
James
is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With
Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the
true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow
he won’t survive?
James
gestured to the chair across the conference table and hoped Seth
would sit. He hated to be stood over. Seth smiled and settled into
the chair indicated. “Now, what can I do for you, sir?” “We,
Carrington Enterprises, are beginning a new venture and hope you can
help with designs. Companies I can manage; design and draw, not so
much.”
James
nodded at Seth’s pause. “Let
me start by explaining the project you will brand. We’re opening a
new hotel chain. This will be a little different than your usual
hotel, though. Each site will be more like a large bed and breakfast,
but they will cater to the GLBT community. It’s often an issue when
a couple wants to vacation. They have to consider the area, the
hotel, the other patrons even if they want to do something as simple
as hold hands. That is, if they don’t want to be met with hate or
possible violence.” James
wasn’t sure which impressed him more, the wonderful idea behind the
hotel or the deep, commanding voice that instilled confidence in
everything he said.
Obviously
unaware of James’s internal dialog, Seth continued his spiel. “With
our liberal policies and views, we have decided to make a place where
judgment doesn’t exist. At least, that’s the theory.” God,
that voice! He shivered. “Also,
each site will have a club, bar, or restaurant attached. So, this
will be an ongoing project, not a one-shot deal.” When finished
with his little speech, Seth seemed inordinately pleased with the
idea. No
wonder Brian gave me the account. He didn’t realize he had
spoken aloud until Seth glowered at him. “Excuse
me?” Seth snapped. “I was assured you have no personal issues or
biases that might hinder your ability to provide the needed work. Was
I incorrectly informed?” “No.
No, sir. I apologize for my comment. It was out of line,” James
said in a rush, trying to smooth over the obvious irritation his
thoughtless words had caused. “Are
you able to do the branding or should I continue elsewhere?” Seth
demanded. “You
misunderstand, Mr. Burns. I had wondered why I was given your
account, considering I’m not one of the senior designers and your
account would normally be reserved for one of them. Now that I hear
what the project is, I understand why I was chosen.” He knew he was
babbling but he couldn’t help it. “You see, I’m the only openly
gay designer here and my family runs a small bed and breakfast. This
project is perfect. In fact, once we have the branding set up, I’m
sure I can point you in the right direction for some specialized
marketing. Magazines, newspapers, websites, etcetera. We will help
you with all of that, as well.” James tried to restrain the extent
of his excitement over the project, but was unsure how successful he
was. He didn’t want to seem flippant or inexperienced after
admitting he was a junior designer with Skye Designs. Seth
raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Excited, are we? Carl said you were
the man for the job. I guess he was right if enthusiasm counts. I
have a full write-up of what we need and what we do and do not want
to incorporate into the brand.” His smile fell and he became all
business again. “This is an upscale getaway, not a high-priced
bathhouse.” “Understood,
sir. I think the idea will work in areas with a large enough
population of GLBT and open-minded people.” His hands itched to
begin sketching and planning. “Good.
Once you’ve read over everything and start your designing, I want
you to visit the site we chose for the first hotel. It’s here in
Milwaukee, so it shouldn’t be too far for you. Would you be ready
by Friday?” At James’s accord, Seth opened his briefcase and
began pulling out folders and large manila envelopes and setting them
in front of James. He paused, peered up at James, and blinked hard.
“I should call someone to carry these things for you,” he
mumbled, glancing at the items and toward James’s crutches. “You
can’t fit all this in your bag.” James
pinched the bridge of his nose while counting to ten in his head. Why
do they always see the sticks instead of me? “Mr.
Burns.” “Seth,
please,” he interrupted, giving James a soft smile. “Seth,
Chase acts as my assistant when needed. He will tend to anything I
can’t transfer up to my office personally. There is no need to be
concerned.” A
strange look flashed across Seth’s face, but his expression quickly
returned to his previous in-command smile. “Very good then.” They
chatted a bit about ideas and plans before Seth shifted his coat
sleeve back to check his watch. With a slight frown, he said, “Well,
I need to head back to the office. I will leave this all in your fine
hands, James. Please call me here.” He pulled out his business card
and wrote something on the back. “I look forward to our next
meeting.” Seth
held out his hand. James flexed his fingers and clasped the offering.
He knew this was for work, but somehow it felt different this time.
Warm and strong, the grip shot tingles up his arm. Seth seemed to
hold on a little longer than necessary for business needs. It had
been so long since a man touched him, at least without violence or
pain. James shook off the thought he might be interested. Beautiful
men like Seth didn’t waste their time on guys like him. Besides, he
wasn’t certain he wanted to go down such a painful road again. James stood in the doorway, watching Seth saunter out the main doors,
wishing for something, though not really sure what.
Bound
by Desire
Desires
Entwined Book 1.75
A
Spin-off of Designs of Desire
Desires Entwined: Book 1.75
Despite
his past abuse, James has come to terms with his relationship with
his Dom and lover Seth.Seth
treats James with all the trust and love his sub desires. There is
only one thing left to do to make it all complete: Seth needs to put
a collar on James.
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it FREE!!**
Desire's
Guardian
Desires
Entwined Book 2
Most
people see Chase Manning as the party-boy twink he seems on the
surface. Only James, Chase's BFF, knows the depth of his loyalty and
the extent of the wounds Chase carries inside. When Chase meets Rhys
Sayer, things don’t go well, but he can’t shake his attraction to
the huge, sexy man.
Rhys
is a man of contradictions and fear—a strange combination for a PI
and bodyguard. He's in a bad place emotionally when he sets eyes on
Chase for the first time. When Chase puts the moves on him, Rhys
insults him, thwarting any possibility of a relationship. Rhys
doesn’t see himself as a complicated man, but he dreads the very
kind of connection he desires.
Just
as they’re trying to overcome their uncertainties, Chase is put in
harm’s way. Luckily Rhys and their friends have all the right
talents to help Rhys save the man of his dreams.
PLEASE,
GOD,
make it stop.
The loud ringing next to his head had Chase debating between smashing
the phone and burying his head until the demonic thing went quiet on
its own. When the ringing stopped but immediately started up again,
he gave up on Option B. Why? Even mentally whining made his head hurt worse. Chase lay
sprawled across his bed on top of the covers. The only part of him
not exposed was his head; he’d burrowed under a pillow when the
sunshine pushed its way into his bedroom. Sitting up without moving
the pillow from over his head, Chase slowly scooped up his cell.
“’Lo,” he croaked. “Chase?” “Um, yeah. Who is—wait, James?” Chase’s thoughts refused to
clear as he fought his way past the alcohol struggling to drag him
back into unconsciousness. The taste of stale beer and liquor was
almost enough to make him puke. He vaguely wondered where his trash
can was and whether he could get there if needed. “You forgot, didn’t you?” The loud chuckle that followed the
question did not help with his headache. However, with everything
that had happened recently—the stalking and threats against his
best friend— he would have gladly suffered in silence to make James
happy. A soft moan escaped his dry lips. He tried to wet them with his
tongue, but it felt dry and thick. “Sorry, Jamie. What did I
forget?” “You went out to
the club again, didn’t you?” “Yes,” he whimpered. “Dale and Simon wanted to go out for some
fun. But I know you’re not calling to see if I went home with
anyone. So again I ask, why am I awake?” “My art show
tonight.” He was certain he could hear a smirk in James’s voice. “It’s”—
Chase paused to check his clock—“not even noon yet, Jamie.” He
loved his best friend dearly, but why did he have to be so damned
perky first thing in the morning? “Lunch.
Remember?” Lunch? Eating? He so didn’t want to think about food
right then. “Right. Let me get up and get dressed. I’ll swing by your place
soon.” “Go ahead and meet me at the restaurant, please. We have
reservations at Zarletti’s downtown. I’m out and about right now.
Okay?” “Uh, sure, hun.” After a few more pleasantries, he hung up and
slowly dragged his groggy self out of bed, stopping to down a couple
of Tylenol and a full bottle of water before taking his shower. Chase took his time getting dressed, and not simply because his head
still hurt, the dull ache grating but livable. He never went out
without dressing for the occasion, though it was nothing compared to
how he would look later that night when he accompanied his best
friend to his first gallery show. It would be James’s debut as the
featured artist. God, means I’ll have to deal with Rhys too. He
knew Rhys wouldn’t miss the show. He rolled his eyes for thinking
about the damn man. Rhys was sex on legs, but his attitude was crap!
Still, dressing to kill might not be a bad idea … Chase finished buttoning the deep green silk shirt over his slight
frame as he walked to the fridge in his small but well-appointed
kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of Mountain Dew, he took a gulp before he
put the cap back on, grabbed his backpack, and headed out the front
door. He was usually a cappuccino kind of guy, but sometimes one
needed an extra kick of sugar and caffeine, fast. Yawning, Chase got into his car and started over to James’s before
he remembered they were meeting at the restaurant instead. At some
point, he knew he would have to change his thinking and acknowledge
that the little cottage was James and Seth’s now, especially since
they were not only living together but would be married in just over
a month. Chase turned the corner to pull up in front of Zarletti’s. A moment
later, a motorcycle passed him. He paused a moment to take in the eye
candy: the black and chrome Harley Softail and the tall,
wide-shouldered man atop it. When he parked, he realized to whom the
bike belonged and groaned, cursing his luck and his reaction. There Rhys stood, peering at him from beside the motorcycle. Too
bad the bike and those looks belong to such an ass hat. Since the
man was staring at him so blatantly, Chase decided to return the
favor. He took a moment to let his gaze wander from the man’s deep
auburn hair and perpetual five o’clock shadow to his delicious
athletic build, wide shoulders, and the defined pecs his black
T-shirt served to accentuate, not hide, even with the leather coat
half covering him. Rhys was huge at close to six and a half feet. He
continued his perusal down Rhys to his thick, muscled legs and his
chunky black leather boots. Chase allowed himself a soft sigh. He
took just as long on the return trip, making a true production of it.
When his gaze finally landed on Rhys’s deep green eyes again, he
smirked, turned, and made sure to put a little extra swish into his
hips as he sauntered up the sidewalk to the front doors.
He reached to open one but paused when he heard the crunching of
boots on the path behind him. He groaned to himself quietly and then
stepped inside, hoping Rhys was there to meet someone else, not
James. Please let it not be us! Chase had managed to avoid
Rhys for the last few months, ever since James’s first gallery
show. It was a lot harder to stay away from him than he had expected.
He hated how Rhys had befriended James, making avoiding him all the
more complicated. “Good afternoon, welcome to Zarletti’s. Table for two?” the
brighteyed hostess asked as Chase approached her stand. “No. I’m meeting someone. James Bryant? He should be here already.” “Very good, sir. And you?” the hostess asked, gazing past Chase
to Rhys. “The same, thank you.” Rhys’s
deep, rumbling voice sent a jolt through his system, as always.
Desire's
Pride
Desires
Entwined Book 2.5
A
Companion to Desires' Guardian
When
Chase Manning wakes up on the first morning of PrideFest, the last
thing he expects to find is his lover and life partner, Rhys Sayer,
on bended knee. But the news that marriage has been legalized in the
state is a game changer for both of them.
After
a mad dash to the courts, all they want is to find their friends at
PrideFest to celebrate. However, what happens when they arrive will
bond them together forever—if their friends don’t have a
collective meltdown about their sudden disappearance first.
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Temptations
of Desire
Desires
Entwined Book 3
Alexander
James Noble is a gender fluid gay man who gave up on finding Mister
Right a long time ago. He’s not asking for much, though. He just
wants a guy who loves all of him and appreciates his feminine form
too.
At
the local LGBTQ center where Alex regularly volunteers, he meets Dal
Sayer, an officer of the Milwaukee PD. Because he’s been rejected
one too many times, Alex doesn’t trust the huge cop and the
interest he shows in him, but once Dal sets his mind on something, he
goes all out. Pushing aside his preconceived notions, Alex opens up
just a little and soon caves.
From
their first date—while dealing with his father’s failing health
and his parents’ demands for him to settle down and have
children—Dal never takes his eyes off his goal of making Alex his.
But proving to Alex he isn’t like all the men who couldn’t see
him for who he truly was and only wanted to hide him away is harder
than he thought.
“DAMMIT, DAL, what’s up with you today?” Rhys
snapped at him. “You’ve lost count. Again.” They were at the gym, and
he knew he was supposed to be counting his reps while his big brother
spotted him, but the most beautiful amber—flecked with small chips
of gold and green—eyes he’d ever seen kept floating in front of
him. Dal had always liked guys that were shorter, though he didn’t
usually go for the more waif-like twinks like his brother. But then,
he liked the delicate curves of a woman too—something his brother
had never been interested in. Still, he needed to concentrate! “Sorry. Maybe we should
move on. I’m just not feeling it today.” Rhys stared at him for a
long moment. Dal knew he was being examined, but there was no way, he
hoped, Rhys could know who had his mind and libido so distracted. “How ’bout we call it
a day and go grab a couple a beers?” “Sure.” He flashed a
grin as he sat up, grabbed his towel, and began wiping down the bench
before standing and heading to clean up and change. “Then you can tell me
who’s got you all in a twist,” Rhys added once they were in the
shower area, smirking as he dodged the towel Dal snapped at him. “You know, you’re
worse than mom with the gossip and busybody routine.” Dal grabbed
his shower kit and walked off before Rhys could retaliate, as he was
apt to do. Once both men were clean
and dressed, they headed to where their bikes were parked. Rhys’s
black and chrome Harley Softail and his red Ducati Diavel stood out
in a sea of generic cars and trucks in the parking lot. “Meet me at
Flanagan’s?” Dal knew this was going
to be unpleasant, but nodded and dutifully straddled his bike before
heading out to their favorite pub on this side of town—probably in
the entire metro area if he were honest. By the time he arrived
and got up the courage to go inside, Rhys had already grabbed two
mugs of beer—Guinness for himself and a Murphy’s Stout for
Dal—and snagged a corner booth. The grin he flashed told Dal just
how serious his brother was about him spilling what was on his mind.
He rolled his eyes, making sure Rhys saw him, and huffed as he
flopped down on the other side of the booth. “So dignified, Dal,”
Rhys grumbled but smiled. “Now, take a couple a good pulls on your
beer and tell me what’s got you so out of sorts. I haven’t seen
you like this since….” Rhys bit the cuticle of his right thumb,
seemingly lost in thought. Taking a hearty gulp of
his stout, Dal tried to think of a way to distract Rhys. “Ha, you
just want to play yenta since your love life is so wonky right now.
How is Chase, anyhow?” Rhys’s green slit-eyed
stare landed on him with a near-physical push. “I have no idea how
Chase is. He works for me. Period.” Flexing his left hand
repeatedly, Rhys stared down at his drink with what Dal knew was
confusion and hurt. He shouldn’t have asked
that. He knew better. “Sorry, Rhys. That was low, even for me.” Rhys looked up. His eyes
seemed to clear as a small smile tugged at his lips. “It’s okay.
But seriously. What’s really going on with you? Who is she? Or is
it a he?” The last question came out so softly Dal barely heard it
over the noise of the other patrons. Dal looked his brother
over a moment but decided that fighting with him over it wasn’t
worth the headache, and well, he could use some advice. Maybe. Dal lowered his gaze to
the tabletop and breathed a deep sigh before he met Rhys’s eyes
again. “His name is Alex. We’ve had roughly five minutes worth of
conversation, most of which was about the upcoming dance you and I
offered to bounce for. He’s, well, I don’t know what he is to the
center. He was cooking when I was there, so I guess a cook or chef of
some kind.” “And by the soft tone
of your voice and the glassy eyes, I’d say you’re smitten with
him.” Rhys waited until Dal gave one tight nod to continue. “So,
do you know anything about him? What’s he like? Do you want me to
check him out?” Dal’s head snapped up,
glowering, or he hoped it was a death glare anyway. “You have
enough man trouble, don’t you dare go hitting on Alex.” Dal could
hear the growl in his voice but couldn’t care less. “He’s sweet
and shy and has the most captivating amber eyes I’ve ever seen. His
skin is so smooth it begs to be touched and is the most beautiful
creamy cappuccino-like color.” One side of Rhys’s lips
turned up into a smirk. “So, he’s a pretty boy?” “Yes. No. Ugh! Yes,
he’s pretty, almost feminine in a way, yet all man at the same
time. He’s the kind of person who would be beautiful and sexy
either way, but he’s not like the kind of guys you usually go for
and, just, you leave him alone.” At that, Rhys let out a
belly laugh the likes of which Dal hadn’t heard from his brother in
a while. Not in a year or more, probably. “Don’t worry, I would
never try to poach. You know better than that, little brother. But,
what are you going to do about this Alex of yours?” Dal couldn’t tell
whether Rhys’s tone or the Cheshire cat grin plastered across his
face annoyed him more, but he had no freakin’ clue what to do, so
he settled for scowling at his brother. Not that it seemed to have
any effect. Criminals, troubled teens, guys sitting in
interrogation…. Sure, his “look” worked fine on them, but his
brother? Nope! Besides, he hated the self-righteous look he was
getting right then. Finally, Rhys stopped
grinning at him. “Fine, Dal, but I haven’t seen you interested in
much of anyone in a long time. Not girl or guy, so yeah, if this guy
is able to bring out your protective side like this after only five
minutes, I’m going to say ‘hell yeah,’ go for it!” “Rhys, I know nothing
about him. I don’t think he likes cops much, considering he was
initially hostile. I think that was more fear than anything, though,
really, but no—” he grabbed Rhys’s free hand “—I do notwant
you to investigate him. Promise me, Rhys.” Rhys waited a moment
before grumbling but nodded his agreement.
Truth
in Lace
Desires
Entwined Book 3.5
A
spin-off of Temptations of Desire
Desires Entwined: Book 3.5
When
Alexander James Noble looks in the mirror, he sees a freak looking
back at him. Despite his high grades and plans for culinary arts
school after graduation, his parents would hate him if they really
knew him.
Forced
on a shopping trip with his twin sister, Lyric, and her friends, Alex
eyes the girls jealously, longing to be able to dress like them—to
be them. The constant struggle of being “gender fluid,” wrestling
with an identity that seems to change daily, begins to wear on Alex.
But all those questions and fears seem more manageable when his
sister gives him his first skirt and lace panties
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Signs
of Desire
Desires
Entwined Book 4
Simon
Tyler knows his job as a gay romance author makes his lack of faith
in love more than a little ironic, but he’s tired of being used for
his wallet. When a night out turns into a matchmaking scheme
orchestrated by his best friends, Simon’s not thrilled, but since
he’s not the target and he’s sworn off happily-ever-after anyway,
he goes along with it… until he meets Adrian, the object of their
efforts, and finds perhaps he hasn’t given up on love after
all.
Professor
Adrian Keys has tried to date Hearing men before, but being Deaf
himself, he’s never had any success at making a connection. After
his friends con him into going out and Adrian realizes it’s all an
elaborate plan to set him up, he braces for yet another failure, only
to discover there is a spark—except it’s not with the man his
friends had in mind, but with Simon Tyler instead.
Not
all their friends have found a way past their romantic failures, but
Simon and Adrian might be on the path to happily-ever-after.
Tempeste
O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend
growing up had the courage to do what they couldn’t—defy the hate
and come out. He has been their hero ever since.
Tempe
is a hopeless romantic who loves strong relationships and
happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, they has done many
things in their life, yet writing has always drawn them back—no
matter what else life has thrown their way. They counts her friends,
family, and Muse as their greatest blessings in life. They live in
Wisconsin with their children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.
Tempe
is also a proud PAN member of Romance
Writers of America®,
WisRWA,
and Rainbow
Romance Writers.
Tempe’s preferred pronouns are they/them/their/theirs/themselves.
To learn more about Tempeste and their writing, visit
http://tempesteoriley.com.
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