Monday, May 14, 2012

Sold! is on the horizon

Some of you will no doubt remember downloading excerpts from a story tentatively titled The Prince's Slave Boy some months ago.  That story will be published in the near future under the title of Sold!

The cover art has been approved, and here is a first look at it:

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Grand Tour by Etienne - now available





Grand tour is now available in eBook format from Smashwords.Com

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/158947

Purchase by June 30th, 2012 and save 10%.

Use this coupon code at checkout (not case-sensitive):  RG69B

This code replaces a code that was in place earlier.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Good review for Tribulaton Four hearts from M/M Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/tribulation-by-etienne/


Review: Philip and Charles are building their lives together, but there are repercussions from the trial when supporters of those who tried to derail justice decide to serve out their own form of justice. Philip and Charles take stock of their lives and make life changing decisions and further plans for the future.

Another well-crafted story from Etienne. With this story we see the progression of Philip and Charles’s relationship as they make changes in their lives and try to find those who would harm them. Philip and Charles are still as close as ever when they are attacked. it makes them take stock of their lives and their future and so they set in motion plans to enrich their future. They are still a much loved up couple and at times they struggle to keep up their active sex life, as they recover from their injuries.

As always, the story is focused on the MCs relationship, with the hunt for the attackers going on in the background. In this one we also get to see that Richard’s and Bruce’s relationship has progressed and they make a very nice couple together. We meet Philip’s nephew, Steve, who will be prominent in the next book. So, we get some details on his background and his current fears.

The realistic relationship portrayal is fantastic and although there is danger it isn’t over done or down played too much. we just have two men who are just trying to live their lives the way they want without interference from others and they manage that with the support of family and friends old and new. The focus of Etienne’s books is always the relationships and the everyday life they lead and how they cope with the ups and downs that life throws at them and this one doesn’t let us down.

I have to recommend this to those who love solid relationships, slight danger, true love, well written stories and a happy ending. P.S. I am hoping that we might get Richard and Bruce’s full story one day.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Publication date for The Tenor Tuner announced

The Tenor Tuner has been tentatively scheduled for publication in late July.

This is only a tentative date at the moment.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Glowing words of praise for Trial

http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=15607#comment-8190



Etienne. “Trial: A Buckhead Tale”, Dreamspinner Press, 2012.


Hiding in Plain Sight



Amos Lassen



I am a great fan of Etienne and am so glad that he is starting a new trilogy. This is Book One in his “Appearances Trilogy” and take it from me; we are in for “some good reading”.



Here we meet Charles Barnett, an attorney who has reached the conclusion that the changes of finding love are over for him. His partner died some three years ago and Barnett has not been attracted to another man during that time. However, he gets a surprise when he receives a new assignment and a new client. Philip d’ Autremont (gay writers always choose such interesting names for their characters unlike what is said in “Steel Magnolias”), a recent widower and the two men have been in the same social circles but have never noticed each other. And what could happen better than that they fall for each other? Up to now everything seems too good to be true and indeed it is.



There are problems—Philip is on trial for murder and the district attorney is virulently homophobic as well as politically ambitious. He had made his mind up to convict Phillip while Charles must labor to defend him. I love the way the story shifts from client/attorney to two men who are totally attracted to each other.



Here is a novel that fits into several genres—it is a love story, a mystery and a romance and while this is not the best thing that Etienne has written, I particularly like being able to see what the characters were thinking. I also enjoyed that he chose to write about the “older” men and show that they too are capable of love and romance.



I read some of the reviews and was surprised how many people were quick to say they could not follow the plot and the characters were cardboard. To them, I say read it again, this time with an open mind. Sometimes (Sometimes?) I feel there is ageism in the LGBT community and those responsible forget that one day… Perhaps they did not like it because there was no hot sex but I say the story does not need sex. Here we are looking at love and doing so with style and elegance.



If you are familiar with Etienne’s Avondale Series, you will recognize Phillip and Charles and I love the way that Etienne tells us just enough about them so that we know who they are but by and large we do not get to now a great deal about them. Knowing too much about someone colors the way we react to them so I am grateful that we know just what we are given. Set in Atlanta, Etienne gives wonderful description of the city and if you have ever been there, you will recognize a lot.



Even though the men fell in love at first sight, their romance is treated as a love story which makes the story all the more creditable and I am anxiously awaiting the next two books.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Contract signed for The Performers

Love Turns the Page will have a Sequel sometime this year.  I've just signed a contract for The Performers. 

Friday, January 6, 2012

Sexy Man Award

Canadian actor David Paetkau has a certain je ne sais quoi about him that absolutely does it for me. This is unusual, because I don’t usual give blonds a second look, and he doesn’t have a particularly great body. He’s currently on television as a member of the ensemble cast of  Flashpoint, which I believe is going into its fifth season.

And no, it’s not that big gun he’s always carrying. I’ll admit that big guns are mpressive, but up close and personal, I much prefer weapons of manageable proportions.

The camera operators, or perhaps it's the film editors, seem to love to show lingering ass-shots of him striding off to do battle with the bad guys, laden down with his gear.



Tuesday, January 3, 2012

There's a new author on the horizon

This is to introduce you to Antonio, a new writer, whose other function in life is that of my partner of 16 years.  He's just begun to write, and has a couple of short stories on the Nifty archive, as well as a free story on his blog.

http://www.antoniosworlds.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Flamingos as reindeer

Like many lifelong residents of Florida, I tend to view statues of Flamingos in the yard as sort of tacky.

However, on a recent visit to Jacksonville, I spotted this clever display in my old Avondale neighborhood.

The little sombrero on the head of the lead Flamingo is a neat touch.


Friday, November 4, 2011

Good review for The Burdens of Truth - 4.5 kisses

Review:


The Burdens of Truth review was a difficult one for me to write. Should I just write about the things I liked, or should I also talk about the points that other readers may have issue with? If I just discussed the story and what I liked about it that would be simple. The characters were very entertaining, pulling me into their story from the beginning. The connection between the Ian and Randy is strong and I loved the flashbacks that allowed me to see how they came to be as a couple. The love they have for each other, as well as their sons, comes through clearly. The suspense that is woven through the story kept my attention and many times left me wondering about who the ‘bad guys’ could be. Although this is part of the Avondale series, the Florida locations almost became just another secondary character stopping by to make a quick appearance. For me this gave the series a breath of fresh air, keeping it from becoming predictable.

As for the points that readers may find issue with, one sticks out the most. Both Ian and Randy work for the government, at times in a secretive capacity, yet neither they nor their sons have a problem making that point known. As I found The Burdens of Truth to be a very entertaining story, this was something that I was able to overlook. At the same time, however, it was easy to see how this could become an issue for others.

The Burdens of Truth is an excellent addition to a very entertaining series and should not be missed. The characters and mystery surrounding them are sure to hold the readers attention. The author’s ability to keep this ongoing series appear fresh is sure to bring him new fans.

Reviewed By: Lydia


http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/the-burdens-of-truth-by-etienne/

Monday, October 17, 2011

River City Pride Festival - 16 October 2011

Dreamspinner Press shared a space with Rainbow eBooks yesterday in Jacksonville




Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Kind words for The Burdens of Truth

Etienne. “The Burdens of Truth: An Avondale Story, Dreamspinner Press, 2011.



A Case of Blackmail


Amos Lassen


Since I read Etienne’s first book I have become a diehard fan and what I love about him is that when I criticized him (which I have only done once) he agreed with me. I always find his characters interesting and his plots are dynamic and no matter what, I will read what he writes. In this one we look at blackmail.



Ian Sanderson is both a professor and a government analyst. When he comes home from work one day, he finds a photograph of him in a very incriminating position and soon more follow. However, he is not alone in this and his partner, Randy who is working on a top-secret project for the Pentagon, is in the same situation. It is obvious that there is something going on but we do not know who is responsible and the reasons. A bit later Randy receives a call demanding that he give information on his project and of course, he refuses. The men’s two sons are then kidnapped but they were able to escape but they ended up alone somewhere in the wilderness. Randy and Ian set off to find the blackmailers… (And that is all I will say about the plot).



We know that Ian has intelligence—he teaches at Georgetown but the pressure from the blackmailer is great and it certainly seems that whoever is responsible has found out a lot about Ian and Randy and has some connection to the secret project. At first the threats are ignored but telephone calls are threatening and then the kidnapping in Charleston of their sons forces them to act. And it is not enough that the boys are taken but they have been injected with something. Their escape puts them in a shed somewhere and they can only see another cabin nearby.



I will not spoil any more of the story but I will say it is a compelling tale and it is best to clear your calendar before you sit down to read. The book again proves that Etienne really knows how to tell a story.


http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=10202#comment-2919

Friday, July 29, 2011

Four Cups of Coffee for Sleuth, LLC

Coffee Time Romance has just reviewed Sleuth, LLC, and given it four cups out of five:

http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/birdsofafeatherbook4byetienne.html

The comings and goings of a private investigator does not leave much time for a personal life, but Quentin Quasar tries to keep an open mind, literally. His ability to read the thoughts of others is a tremendous help in his line of work, and he hopes to one day find someone who shares his gift.

He has always known his mother was a weak person, and yet Nate Braddock could never have guessed she would go so far as to have her own son kidnapped. The cult she and his stepfather are involved with has completely warped her mind, and it has put Nate in grave danger.

Casual encounters are really the only thing Quentin has ever had, but as busy as he is that may be a good thing. However, he still reaches out with his thoughts every time he comes to a small town, and for the first time ever he gets a response. Nate and Quentin find something in each other that they have sought for years, and their bond is immediate and intense. Quentin pulls out all the stops to make sure Nate is safe from his family, and if everything works out the way he hopes, he will be keeping Nate close for a very, very long time.

Quentin and Nate have what it takes to make a fantastic addition to the Avondale series. They are loving, considerate, and have a subtly sexy vibe that cannot be beat. The telepathic abilities they share keep things interesting, and it ramps up their adventures to a whole new level. Their story is just beginning, and I cannot wait to read more of Quentin and Nate, as well as the rest of the guys in this series.

Lototy

Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Praise for Sleuth

Here's what Amos Lassen has to say about Sleuth, LLC

Telling the Difference


Amos Lassen


It is always good news when there is a new book by Etienne and I have become quite a fan. The beauty of his writing that comes together with a good storyline makes reading him a pleasure. I have since later that Etienne came to writing late and only recently began publishing which makes him all the more special to me.



Quentin Quasar has telepathic abilities and he discovers that these can be both harmful and helpful especially when he can see what his partner is thinking about when they are having sex and it is not about him. Of course not knowing any other telepaths can be very lonely so every night, Quentin would send thoughts out hoping to find someone like him and thereby make his life easier. He is lucky enough to find Nick Braddock but he soon learned that the man was in serious trouble. He has been kidnapped and the kidnappers plan to take care of him. Quentin is able to help him and Nate whose mother religiously indoctrinated him stands up for himself.



I love Etienne’s characters and even when they possess telepathic powers, they are very real. Good characters make for a good story and that is what you always get here.

http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=7095

Friday, June 24, 2011

Drag and Drop now a 'Top Pick' at Night Owl Reviews

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Reviews/Tigger9-reviews-Drag-And-Drop-by-Etienne.aspx

Score: 4.50 / 5 - Reviewer Top Pick




Review:

I really enjoy the characters in Drag and Drop. George and Mike are just really great. They are well developed and stay consistent. They are deeply in love and it shows in the way they act. George is on another case that is very important and pretty high profile. Mike, of course, shares some great insights that help George out. The plot line of this story follows right along with no inconsistencies. It fits into the series with no problems. It keeps you guessing and interested the entire time. I loved the emotion that is shown and demonstrated between George and Mike. The secondary characters in this story are also well developed and interesting. I can't wait to read more about George and Mike.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Photos of Rocky Waters Motel - featured in Bodies of Work


This is a view of one end of the little porch/balcony at the rear of rooms 24, 25, and 26.  The stream is really, really noisy, and the sounds lull you right to sleep.



Motel sign.



Overview of the main part of the motel from across the road.  The cabins on the creek are behind, and to the left of the row of rooms.

George and Mike stay here on their first visit to Maggie Valley, NC, in Bodies of Work.
(The photos were taken in late May of 2011)

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Good Review for Drag and Drop

http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/drag-and-drop-by-etienne/


Review:  (5 kisses)


George’s career with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is going stronger than ever. His actions bring him to the attention of his superiors, resulting in a promotion that makes him the youngest captain ever in the department. Through it all his partner and best friend, Mike, is there to lend his support.

Drag and Drop is the second story in Etienne’s Avondale series. From the start the author pulls you right back into the men’s world. The connection between George and Mike is just as strong, if not stronger, than before. Even without any overly sexual scenes the author is able to clearly show the passion that exists between these two men. Their romance is wonderfully mixed with the mystery that makes up George’s current case.

Once again George finds himself investigating a serial killer. This time the case evolves into something much more and will take the reader on a wild ride as it goes places George isn’t expecting. Some of the areas this case touches on, however, may be uncomfortable for some readers. The secondary characters that helped make up the first story are back again to lend the men a hand, and a few new characters are added to keep the story feeling fresh.

Drag and Drop is a very entertaining story that will keep the reader turning the page till the very end.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Gay Days Expo 2011 - Orlando

This picture shows the Dreamspinner Press booth in the Expo hall.

The event was a lot of fun, as was personalizing all three George and Mike books for the guy who bought them at the booth.








Monday, May 9, 2011

Two new reviews of Bodies of Work on Amazon.com

Thank you, one and all for these:




5.0 out of 5 stars FRIENDS TO LOVERS THRILLER, May 8, 2011


By Venus Junkie (Kansas City, Mo) - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Bodies of Work (Paperback)


Bodies of Work


George Martin is trying to recover from a bad relationship with a live-in boyfriend. Mike Foster, George's best friend since childhood, moves in to help George recuperate and move on with his life. The problem is Mike is secretly in love with George. When Mike steps in front of a bullet meant for George, suddenly George recognizes he is truly in love with Mike.

Bodies of Work is a well-written plot illustrating how crime-solving affects the daily routine of George and Mike, as well as the investigative process employed to apprehend murder suspects. The setting is Jacksonville, Florida in an area with a large gay population. The characters are believable. George is the only openly gay, as well as, youngest lieutenant ever to be in the Jacksonville Sheriff's office. Mike owns a computer network service. George and Mike are very much alike in physical size, in addition to other traits. Both men have caring personalities, as well as, high intelligence levels which accounts for the individual success exhibited in their chosen professions.

Although George and Mike live together, they did not share a bedroom before Mike was shot. The only display of intimacy between them was an act they put on for the benefit of a stalker obsessed with George. Etienne has created an intriguing murder mystery that I enjoyed a great deal. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews



5.0 out of 5 stars Bodies of Work, May 7, 2011


By Doc "Doc" - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Bodies of Work (Paperback)


The author has a crisp and snappy writing style. The book is alive and does not bog down as some books do. It held my interest from beginning to end, and I am pleased with how the story flows smoothly, transitioning into many moods and sub plots.


The author manages to link hard work, romance, mystery, and intrigue into a solid story line, staying historically accurate in the area around Jacksonville, Florida.


His main character, George, manages to juggle his love life, his police work, and track a killer, while showing true emotion in each scenario. The ending is spectacular. You won't want to put the book down.


This is a highly intelligent author who shows a clear desire to please the reader. I see many more successes coming from him in the near future. This book is highly recommended.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Notice of online story removal

Effective today, 9 April 2011, all of my stories have been removed from the Nifty Archive at my request.

They will remain on the Tickie story site and on Crvboy.