🌟 Please join me in welcoming author Tempeste O’Riley to Stories That Make You Smile. Tempeste is here today sharing information on her fabulous M/M series, Desires Entwined, and has let us borrow MC James to tell us the top five places he loves to go in Milwaukee. 🌟
Desires Entwined Series by Tempeste O’Riley
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Pairing / Genre(s) / Keyword(s): M/M Contemporary Romance
Designs of Desire (book 1)
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?
Bound by Desire (book 1.75)
A Spin-off of Designs of Desire
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.
**Get it FREE!!**
Desire’s Guardian (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.
Desire’s Pride (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.
**Get it FREE!!**
Temptations of Desire (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.
Truth in Lace (book 3.5)
A spin-off of Temptations of Desire
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
**Get it FREE!!**
Signs of Desire (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.
Excerpt
Temptations of Desire (book 3)
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.
☆ Guest Post ☆
Top Five Places James Loves To Go In Milwaukee
When I sat down to write Designs of Desire I started with the characters and story, but I quickly ran into the problem of needing places in “town” for things like dates or meetings. I didn’t want everything to be “real” but did want some reality for my guys, so where did I pick to set DoD? Milwaukee, WI, of course!
So here are James’s top 5 favorite (inspirational to simply look at…) places in Milwaukee that are real (but in no particular order):
Milwaukee Art Museum
Highlights of the building are the magnificent cathedral-like space of Windhover Hall, with a vaulted a 90-foot-high glass ceiling; the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that unfolds and folds twice daily; and the Reiman Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge that connects the Museum to the city. Seriously, what’s not to love? Just watching it from outside is awe inspiring, much less the great works inside!
Milwaukee City Hall
The German Renaissance Revival styled building, with a soaring clock tower, held the tallest building title until 1899. It was among the opening scenes of the television sitcom “Laverne and Shirley.” The Milwaukee City Hall is now a National Historic Landmark and was used as the symbol Milwaukee.
Allen-Bradley Clock Tower
It has the distinction of being the world’s largest four-faced clock according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The tower made an appearance on the NASCAR Busch Series race car of Mike Bliss in 2004.
Miller Park
Miller Park is a baseball park that is home to the Milwaukee Brewers and features a fan-shaped convertible roof that can be opened or closed as conditions dictate. It’s fascinating to view as you pass by on I-94.
Basilica of St. Josaphat
The Basilica of St. Josaphat is an opulent minor basilica located in the Lincoln Village section of Milwaukee. The church has one of the largest copper domes in the world.
Sadly, none of these sites made it into the story, but they still inspire and make proud those that live there.
Meet the Author
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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Giveaway
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I love the covers and the blurbs. After a year of too little reading and alot of downs I’m finally settled and I can start reading regularly again and this series will be going on top of the TBR 🙂
I enjoyed the excerpt and blurbs, I love the covers they are so beautiful done. Congratulations on your tour Tempeste.
Thanks so much for hosting me. James and Milwaukee have special spots in my heart, always. I love seeing the covers all posted together!
You’re welcome. I’m happy to do it. Your covers are lovely! 💞
On my very long TBR!
Love this series! I re-read this every few months 🙂 Always looking forward to your new books.
OMG!! I am so in love with this series. I reread it every few months. Congrats on the book tour Tempeste.
I have read almost all of these and loved each one. The covers are each beautiful in the way there were done.
I think the covers are lovely. The one I like the best is Signs of Desire.
They all look great and have lovely color schemes. I don’t have one I like best since I like them all.
Milwaukee sounds very cool!
I’ve read the first book in this series. It was a long time ago, but I remember that I liked it. I might have to check out the other ones 🙂
I haven’t yet, but they look good!
Thanks for the freebies and good luck with the tour! That is stunning architecture, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing it was interesting 🙂