International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - Blog Hop & Giveaway

Welcome!

Homophobic discrimination is a serious issue in every single country on this planet, no matter how big or small. Some countries are more advanced in GLBTQ rights, while in some countries the penalty for being a GLBTQ person is death. All over the world, GLBTQ people are shunned by society, beat up, tortured, raped, and stripped of human rights in various ways. What makes people believe that they have the right to strip someone of their human rights is beyond us.

The Hop Against Homophobia is an attempt by over 170  m/m authors, reviewers and publishers to stand together and create awareness of homophobia. Each participating blog will feature a message on homophobic discrimination in its various forms. The date, May 17th, was chosen in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia and we're hoping to get people more involved with this day by inviting them to our blogs, where the visitors have a chance to win prizes.  

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Fact and Figures

78 countries criminalise same-sex relationships

In 9 countries, sanctions can go as high as the death sentence

Source www.ilga.org

The total number of people who live in these countries is 1,5 billion

An estimated 6 million LGBT students worldwide are dropping out of school because of harassment by peers and by staff.

Source : Gay and Lesbian Alliance for Education. www.gale.org

In the UK, 90% of secondary schoolteachers said that pupils in their schools are bullied, harassed or

called names for being, or for being perceived to be, homosexual.

Source : Stonewall UK, “Homophobic Bullying in Britain’s Schools – The Teachers’ Report”,  2009.

According to a 2011 survey by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, 8 out of 10 US students who identify as LGBT were harassed at school in the past year due to their sexual orientation, 64 percent felt unsafe at school, and 30 percent skipped an entire day of school in the past month because of safety concerns.

In the USA, youth who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are four times more likely to attempt suicide, and youth who are questioning their sexual orientation are three times more likely to attempt suicide, as compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

41 percent of Americans who identify as transgender have attempted suicide.

According to a recent study across 15 countries, transgender women were nearly 50 times more likely to have HIV, and there were 1,123 reported killings of transgender people in 57 countries between 2008 and 2012

http://dayagainsthomophobia.org/      

contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org

Now here is your chance to win one of they 3 great books I am giving away on my blog to promote International Day Against Homophobia

To Win a copy of one of these 3 great books enter the rafflecopter giveaway.   

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Over 170 blogs participating in the International Day Against Homophobia Blog Hop

Stop by and check them out!

Dark Edge of Honor by Aleksandr Voinov and Rhi Etzweiler

Dark Edge of Honor by Aleksandr Voinov and Rhi Etzweiler

 

This is a m/m sci fiction romance novel (Rated NC-17)

 

 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Shooting Hearts)

 

Book Summary

 

Sergei Stolkov is a faithful officer, though his deepest desires go against the Doctrine. A captain with the invading Coalition forces, he believes that self-sacrifice is the most heroic act and his own needs are only valid if they serve the state.

Mike, an operative planted within Cirokko's rebels, has been ordered to seduce Sergei and pry from him the Coalition's military secrets. His mission is a success, but as he captures Sergei's heart, Mike is tempted by his own charade and falls in love.

When the hostile natives of the planet Cirokko make their move, all seems lost. Can Mike and Sergei survive when the Coalition's internal affairs division takes an interest in what happened in the dusty mountains of Zasidka Pass...?

 

My Review ~ Terri @mybookboyfriend

What a book. It was well written from the start. I can really appreciate that.

This book has many elements that I love. First romance. Well, at to that m/m romance and it’s like the cherry on the top. Then, there are military elements. I’m a big fan of police procedure books. So this was down my alley. Then the icing on the cake was the sci fi element. I was in book heaven.

For me this book drew many parallels between here and now with the military and religious belief against gay relationships and transformed it off planet to this science fiction place. It made it easier I think to state the problems of today without stepping on anyone’s toes.

There are a lot of taboo types of subjects handled in this one and very well I might say. From rape, discrimination, treatment of captured soldiers and wounded military. There is just so much self reflection in the book through the characters eyes. They have to deal with so much in this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Audio Review

Jack LeFleu did an excellent job with narration. It preformed all the accents with perfection. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this one.

My book boyfriend is Sergei. But honestly, I loved them both.

 

View all my reviews

*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

Lover At Last (Black Dagger Brotherhood #11) by J.R. Ward

 

This is an adult paranormal romance/urban fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)

 

♥♥♥♥

(Four Huge Hearts)

 

Book Summary

 

Qhuinn, son of no one, is used to being on his own. Disavowed from his bloodline, shunned by the aristocracy, he has finally found an identity as one of the most brutal fighters in the war against the Lessening Society. But his life is not complete. Even as the prospect of having a family of his own seems to be within reach, he is empty on the inside, his heart given to another....

Blay, after years of unrequited love, has moved on from his feelings for Qhuinn. And it’s about time: The male has found his perfect match in a Chosen female, and they are going to have a young—just as Qhuinn has always wanted for himself. It’s hard to see the new couple together, but building your life around a pipe dream is just a heartbreak waiting to happen. As he’s learned firsthand.

Fate seems to have taken these vampire soldiers in different directions... but as the battle over the race’s throne intensifies, and new players on the scene in Caldwell create mortal danger for the Brotherhood, Qhuinn finally learns the true definition of courage, and two hearts who are meant to be together... finally become one.

 

 

My Review ~ Terri @mybookboyfriend

 

Please note, I listened to this one. So if I botched the spellings, that’s why.

I waited on this series. And for the most part I was pleased. I have to say it was an interesting story. My problem largely lay in the misunderstanding as basis for conflict which seems to be a running theme. I barely could get through Rhages book because of it. Anyway, at least they didn’t wait to the end to say what the meant. Although neither were listening. L

And I really hate when a book gives you a HEA in the last pages and we get nothing of the couples happy togetherness.

There was a lot of set up for future books. And I have to say it annoyed me in the beginning. I just wasn’t interested in anyone other than Qhuinn  and Blay. Well, maybe Layla story. But by the end, I’m eager to see how these stories will play out.

SPOILERS.

I will say that I believe that....

Tres story will be much like Phurry.

Xcor story will be much like Zhadist.

The drug dealer guy (sorry, I listened. I don’t have all their names) his story will be much like Revenge. And I say to myself, will she think of something else??

END OF SPOILERS

So, I give it four stars. It should probably be 3.5, but I give her credit for trying to give us what we wanted.

Audio Review

Jim Frangione did an good job. He kept with the characters voices for the most part. However, there were times I had trouble differentiating between Qhuinn and Blay, the two main characters. That can be a problem. But overall, I enjoyed. 

My book boyfriend Qhuinn.

 

View all my reviews

*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

The Vampire's Partner by Benjamin Cole

Book Description:

Tom and Jeremy are young and in love. Their future is bright. Until Tom is changed into a vampire. Then all he has come to value in life along with his relationship with his partner is thrown into doubt. As he begins to lose the ties to his former human self, he explores new urges, trying to come to terms with life as a vampire. For Jeremy's sake, Tom struggles to retain his human capacity for love in the face of a desire to hurt the person he loves most.

My Review

This is a short story about Tom who has been turned into a vampire and has to learn how to live with his long term partner Jeremy without killing him.  Being a vampire isn't easy when Jeremy smells so good.  This is a short romance novel, can love really conquer all?  You have to read to find out. 

Benjamin Cole's writing was easy to read, story flowed well, I would like to read more of his writing, so I look forward to his next book.  

I've rated The Vampire's Partner a 3.5 stars.

Where to Buy

MLR Press

Amazon

Velocity (Impulse #3) by Amelia C. Gormley

Velocity (Impulse #3) by Amelia C. Gormley

 

This is a m/m contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)

 

 ♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Tender Hearts)

 

Book Summary

 

REACHING OPTIMUM SPEED

For Detroit handyman Derrick Chance and his lover, Gavin Hayes, the holiday season is filled with the promise of new beginnings. Gavin’s officially moving in, and after the New Year, they’ll begin house hunting. But they both know all the talk of gift exchange, whose holiday ornaments go where, and what repairs and remodels will be needed to put Derrick’s house on the market is only a smoke screen.

Before the month is over, Gavin will have the final verdict on whether or not his dangerously delusional ex, Lukas, infected him with HIV. No matter how good Gavin’s chances appear with the three-month hurdle already passed, neither he nor Derrick knows what the future holds for them.

The holidays have always been a time of loss and mourning for Derrick, but now he has to stay strong as Gavin’s own fears and doubts assail him relentlessly. And when Lukas returns, unexpectedly penitent amid troubling revelations, Gavin has to ask himself whether he can offer Derrick the future he deserves, or whether these first few months of happiness are the best they will ever get.

 

 

My Review ~ Terri @mybookboyfriend

 

First can I say, How can this journey be over?  I just absolutely loved these two. The beautiful thing about this series is you have a couple dealing with a hard issue many face, yet they are so polar opposites to add another layer of fascination to the story.

I love the title of the book. If you dissect it, it tells a story.  Velocity gives both how fast and in what direction the object is moving. In this case, it’s Gavin and Derrick. Not to give a whole lot away, but their relationship was moving at Derrick pace for the most part in books one and two. Now, they are moving at Gavin pace.

The direction of their relationship is uncertain for a number of reasons. But all is revealed between the cover of this book. It unfolds in a way that brings light to a hard topic in a amazing way. This story is the struggle for love to conquer all even for those that feel they may not deserve it. It’s about not caring what others think. That love isn’t defined by gender (we could say the same about race and religion). It’s about not giving into the haters. N0H8!

More importantly it’s about just love.  Their love begins with Derrick’s resistance to change, inertia. It accelerates into something more with Gavin and Derrick’s tenderness and understanding. The velocity in which they move now will all seemingly depend on Gavin.

This has to be one of my favorite m/m romance series. It’s beautifully written in told in a way that is respectful to individuals and the disease. It is heartwarming and touching. I will forever be changed by reading this story. It’s opened my heart.

I look forward to more great things from this author. If you haven’t yet read this series, it’s one to check out right away.

My book boyfriend is Derrick.

 
Want to buy the book. Check out these retailers below.

Kobo

Itunes

SmashWords

Amazon

B&N

ARe

Rainbow Ebooks

View all my reviews

*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

His Undoing by Aria Grace

His Undoing by Aria Grace

Book Summary

Best Selling Gay/Lesbian Erotica Author brings you...


When Mike found out he would be sharing a dorm with a former football star, he was terrified. He'd been bullied by jocks all his life for being scrawny and weak and didn't have high expectations of how it would go. To his surprise, Brett was a great guy that was easy to get along with and seemed to enjoy his company. When Mike learned that Brett was gay, it was a shock but it also explained the threatening letters that Mike had been receiving. Was Mike really at risk because of a jealous ex? Was there even anything to be jealous of?

*** Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of gay sex ***


My Review

This story is sweet. That’s the best way to describe it. Mike gets caught up in the middle of some jealousy and his roommate Brett always seems to be there to help him out.

There is one thing true in this world, the heart wants what the heart wants. I’m not convinced that Mike is a born again gay guy. I’m thinking he’s more of a hetro flexible or bi, but that’s just me. I just didn't seem that repulsed by women.

It is a touching, sweet, cute story that I will think about over and over again. It’s a quick read and well worth your time.

I love them both, but my book boyfriend is Mike.

 
View all my reviews

*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Fighting Addiction by BA Tortuga - Blog Tour & Giveaway

Fighting Addiction

BA Tortuga

Genre: contemporary, m/m

Publisher: Torquere Press

ISBN: 978-1-61040-377-1

Number of pages: 250

Word Count: 64000

Cover Artist: BSClay

Book Description

Longchamps almost lost their careers to the fact that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

Sebastian is a country-fried Cajun rocker, and he’s been missing Markus ever since they broke up all those years ago. His label thinks he and Markus are a match made in ticket-sales heaven, but Seb knows better. He knows that it won’t take even the tiniest effort for Markus to break his heart all over again, and this time around he has way more to lose.

Time has changed both men, though, and while Markus and Seb try to fight their addictions, the big music industry machine has plans for them that don’t include the quiet life. Can Markus convince Sebastian that there are things more important in life than adrenaline and control? And can Sebastian make Markus understand that all he really wants is his music and his man?

My Review:

Fighting Addiction by B.A. Tortuga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First I have to say is B.A. Tortuga is one fantastic author, this m/m romance story is written so well you can’t stop reading, the character feel so real that you only want them to be together. This is one of the better romance novels I have read in a long time. There are times when you feel so strongly for Sebastian and Marcus it breaks your heart and tears were shed.

This is a story of two men Sebastian and Marcus both musicians in the Country Music Industry, they know they have to keep their feelings and friendship a secret and because who has ever heard of gay country music artists. They make fantastic music together and getting caught in a situation they are basically forced apart. They know they have to choose their music above love or a relationship with each other.

Of course this is not easy for them, both end up struggling and fighting their own demons. Years later when Marcus cleans up his act he calls Sebastian who has buried himself so deep in his work, ends up taking pills and becomes OCD, they discuss working together again.
With the chance of being reunited and making music together again and seeing the only man either has only loved Sebastian and Marcus jump at the chance.

This story is full of music, love, struggles, heartache and secrets, it is a must read.
I have to say that I have given Fighting Addiction by B.A. Tortuga a 5 star rating, because the story is fantastic, the writing is superb it makes you feel so much for Seb and Marcus and you want a happy ever after ending.

Guest Post

Howdy!

One of the biggest challenges of writing a musician is getting inside their heads and discovering what their favorite songs are.

Sebastian Longchamps is a little bit of an enigma, much more than his compatriot, Markus. Sebastian loves R&B, Zydeco, Southern Fried Rock, and the periodic 1980 power ballad. 

Have you ever tried to sleep with a character in your head belting out “More than Words”?

No?

Lucky. ;-)

Here are Sebastian’s all-time favorites. I’d love to know y’all’s.

:D

BA Tortuga

Sebastian’s Top Ten Favorite Songs

Jambalaya by Hank Williams

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

More than Words by Extreme

Adalida by George Strait

While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles

Low by Flo Rida

She’s So Mean by Matchbox Twenty

Three Steps by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Silent Love by Markus Kane

About the Author:

Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing porn sites in the name of research. BA's personal saviors include her partner, Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but is feeling the Colorado mountains calling. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

BA Tortuga Website

BA Tortuga Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway