Hello everyone! Today I am so excited to welcome back the fabulous J.P. Barnaby as she kicks off her blog tour for her new release, In the Absence of Monsters. She is going to chat with us about the book, and also share an amazing giveaway — a Kindle Fire and a $100 Wilde City Press gift certificate for one lucky winner! So be sure to check out detail at the end of the post. And please help me give J.P. a big welcome!
In the Absence of Monsters Behind the Scenes
Master Ethan, a study in childhood sexual trauma
A standard trope in romance, especially in the BDSM niche is: Doms are omniscient, perfect, and always in control. Subs get abused. Well, sometimes, Doms have their own issues to overcome. In the Absence of Monsters is a two-fold book. The first section, Jayden’s Story, chronicles one man’s entry into the world of BDSM. His journey challenges his relationships, his future, and everything he knows about himself as a man. In this viewpoint, we meet the Dom, Ethan Bryant, who we find later is far more complex than he first appears. In the second section, Ethan’s Story, we delve deeper into Ethan’s psychological damage. Abducted at age eight and held by a sexual predator for most of his formative years, Ethan has a far different view of sex, relationships, and love than he may have had otherwise.
So, what is In the Absence of Monsters really about? It’s about me. While I wasn’t abducted, I did spend several formative childhood years enduring sexual abuse. Those years, those experiences, made me question a lot of things about myself as I grew into the woman I would eventually become. It explores my own reasons for entering in to the world of BDSM, and how that role shaped me as a person. It follows one man’s journey through darkness, confusion, and pain to find a way through to the other side. The questions don’t disappear, but he finds them easier to answer with the help of his first true friends, friends he’d never had before in life, friends he’d never dreamed possible.
Master Ethan was my first character for novel length fiction, and arguably my best. He follows few of the rules set up by society of what a Dom should be. He’s shy and scared. He makes mistakes. He misreads his subs. He’s vulnerable. In short, he’s human. Throughout the second half of the book, once he’s shattered and trying to put the pieces of himself back together again, he uses journaling, much like I use writing, to explore those parts of himself that he doesn’t understand: his sexuality, his relationships, and his identity.
The epic 146,000 word novel, longer than any I’ve ever produced, is a rich canvas on which two beautiful men are drawn, refined, and shaped into the people they were meant to be. Over the course of the book, they shed their fears, and are stripped to their very essence as men. It’s a beautiful and frightening process, which requires the help of several secondary characters like Lexi, Gabriel, and Nicole.
I think one of the most understated characters in this novel is Ethan’s mother, Charity, who lived through the unimaginable. Her son left for school one morning as a beautiful, and charismatic eight-year-old boy and returned eight long years later as a violent teenager, destroyed by a monster. One of the most interesting stops on this tour will be with Kimi-Chan, and Charity’s own short story about seeing Ethan again after ten years, and her own heart-wrenching memories of his teenage years.
It’s a grueling ride, but one that will fundamentally alter you along the way.
Blurb
Jayden Carter knew the path he wanted his life to take. He wanted to get his Master’s Degree in History and teach. But, when he answered an ad for a roommate and met mysterious doctor, Ethan Bryant, he’s brought into a world he never knew existed and his path changes.
It changes again for Jayden and he leaves Ethan with their friend, Lexi, in tow. Ethan loses himself in a haze of self-destruction and pain. With the help of a childhood friend, Gabriel, Ethan battles the demons of his childhood and finds a way to survive. Gabriel and Jayden wage an epic war for Ethan, but in the end, they may all end up losing.
Adapted from The Forbidden Room and A House of Cards: Deconstructing Ethan
Bio
Award winning romance novelist, J. P. Barnaby has penned over a dozen books including the Working Boys series, the Little Boy Lost series, In the Absence of Monsters, and Aaron. As a bisexual woman, J.P. is a proud member of the GLBT community both online and in her small town on the outskirts of Chicago. A member of Mensa, she is described as brilliant but troubled, sweet but introverted, and talented but deviant. She spends her days writing software and her nights writing erotica, which is, of course, far more interesting. The spare time that she carves out between her career and her novels is spent reading about the concept of love, which, like some of her characters, she has never quite figured out for herself.
- Web site: http://www.JPBarnaby.com
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JPBarnaby
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JPBarnaby
Giveaway
J.P. has brought an amazing giveaway to share with everyone along her tour. She is giving away a Kindle Fire and a $100 Wilde City credit to one lucky winner on the tour. Be sure to follow the Rafflecopter link below for your chance to enter.
Follow this link for the Rafflecopter giveaway
* By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
* Giveaway is only available to residents of the US
* Winners will be selected by random number. No purchase necessary to win. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
* If you win, you must respond to my email within 48 hours or another winner may be chosen.
* Winners may be announced on JP Barnaby’s blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner.
* In the event of technical problems with the blog during the contest, every effort will be made to extend the contest deadline to allow for additional entries.
* Void where prohibited by law.
I had only just found m/m romance when I read a sample of The Forbidden Room and wasn’t quite ready for it then but I guess I am now. Everything I’ve read so far by JP has been fantastic. Often heartbreaking but so well written I didn’t hesitate today to get my copy of In the Absence of Monsters.
Can’t enter the giveaway since I live in Europe but am definitely going to follow the blog tour.
Yvonne – Thank you so much! I really hope you enjoy Monsters. Ethan is probably my best, most complex character. <3 JP
I’ve been waiting for the Forbidden Room to come back out. Looking forward to reading it. 🙂
Debra – There is no additional content, most of it is lessening Lexi’s involvement and sharpening the interaction between Jayden and Ethan. However, I moved the series to Wilde City so that I could develop the next two books in the series without having to self-publish. Thank you so much! 🙂 JP
This book sounds so good! Thanks for the giveaway!
Jill – Thank you!! I hope you like it.
Even though I know it will be intense, JP always does a beautiful job!
Trix – Thank you so much. Ethan is very intense, especially when you move into the second half of the book where it’s in Ethan’s POV.
Love JP Barnaby’s writing! Thanks for the contest!
Jen – Thank you SO much! I’m definitely going to post with Jay more often. You guys have been so sweet! 🙂
Can’t wait to read this one. Always an emotional journey taken when you read JP, but oh so satisfying too.
Laurie – Thank you. If you’ve read Aaron – it’s a milder form of Aaron with wickedly hot BDSM elements. While Aaron’s trauma was more acute causing his aversion to sex – Ethan’s happened over the period of 8 years, desensitizing him to sex, so he doesn’t have the same kinds of problems.
I’m so excited to read this! I’ve read Forbidden room probably 5 times, so I’m really anxious to see what’s changed. It came as a recommendation to me, very early in my m/m reading adventure. I’m pretty sure that was the book that hooked me . I though the series had been almost perfect before. This will feel like coming home. Thanks for the contest!
Hi Kristie! Thank you so much, what an amazing compliment. I think you’ll actually be pleasantly surprised with the changes. Lexi’s involvement is scaled back, and the professional edit brings Ethan and Jayden into sharper focus. Plus, with this move to Wilde City, I’ll be able to develop the next books in the series without having to self-publish. Make sure you check out Mrs. Condit’s post on 2/4 – she has a great excerpt involving Ryan (Nicole’s sub, who is in love with Ethan). It’s chilling and sets up the next book.
Your strength amazes me and makes your books mean even more. Thank you for sharing all that you do with us. I am very much looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the giveaway.
Allison – Thank you. I draw strength from you guys, actually. Channeling my psychological issues into my books has allowed me to analyze them and put them into perspective. Also, along the way, I’ve gotten emails from people with some of the same issues, the same traumas, who have told me how much Ethan helped them, how he gave them hope. That, more than sales, more than best seller list, allows me to put some kind of reasoning to the things in my life that have happened to me. It helps. So, thank you. <3
For Jay and her readers – thank you for making me feel so welcome and so loved on this, the first day of Ethan’s blog tour. Since the book is an edited re-release, I was nervous about how it would be received. So, thank you for taking Ethan into your hearts. He’s a good man, even if he does get it wrong sometimes. Doms are human, and Ethan demonstrates that….masterfully. 😉
I’ve read most, if not all, of the Little Boy Lost series & LOVED them. This sounds like a fascinating read!
Courtney – It’s a completely different kind of journey than the Little Boy Lost series, but if BDSM doesn’t bug you- I think you’ll like it. It has the same kind of intensity, angst, and triumph.
This sounds like a tough book to read, but definitely one I want to give a try. I tend to be wary of BDSM, because I’ve been burned (and not in a good way) before, but In the Absence of Monsters sounds like one I could enjoy the journey of. I’ll be keeping an eye on this one!
Ashley – It depends on how you’ve been burned. I’ll tell you that I’ve been a lifestyle player for 15 years, so if you’re worried about authenticity – it’s one of the few things in life I can speak on as an authority. 🙂 If you’re worried about a harsh Dom or one who uses implements that will scare you – Ethan has a small set of implements that he sticks with. The most you’ll see is suspension bondage, and wax play. He doesn’t do breath play, sharps, or any kind of eletrostim. The harsher elements are in Painting Fire on the air (fire play, electrostim, etc.)
The main thing I find that bugs me, way more than any style or things used, is inequality. I can hardly stand to read Master/slave or lifestyle relationships, because I have a very hard time comprehending allowing someone that kind of control without the option to really discuss without resorting to a stop or slow word, and I’ve actually read one instance where a safe word was essentially run over because the dom “knew best”. I realize that that’s not how things are done, and most books display that pretty accurately, but sometimes things sneak up on me. 🙂 Also, spanking is just so meh for me, and I swear it crops up in the most vanilla books. Seriously?
Ah yes, the omniscient Dom. Yeah, I can tell you that Doms are very human. LOL But, Ethan and Jayden do switch roles a few times in this book – so you won’t find the all domineering “I know what’s better for you than you do” Dom. Ethan makes mistakes, and he recognizes it.
In the Absence of Monsters is about a power exchange. Yes, it’s about giving up control, but not to the point where Jayden has no self-image. He’s still Jayden, he just likes to be tied up and f*cked while he’s being Jayden. 😉
While I do want to read Ghoul’s Gym, I can’t wait to read more of JP’s work, definitely one of the best M/M writers out there.
Emily – Oh my goodness, thank you so much! That’s such a kind thing to say. I’m really glad that you enjoy the books. The boys tell me their stories, I just write them down. 🙂
This book sounds like an emotional, incredibly complex tale. It owuld be fascinating to read.
Debra – it is that. I’ve actually been told that people are afraid to read my books because of the angst and emotional elements. I hope you’ll give Ethan a shot. He’s a great guy and deserves the love. 🙂
Books are one way I learn what I don’t know, and BDSM is something I don’t know. I’ve read a handful of BDSM books but was left wanting , mostly because BDSM was not the characters’ lifestyle; rather, it was amateur play restricted only to the bedroom. This book sounds different and I’m intrigued to read a book written with an authentic voice. (About Ghouls’ Gym…sorry, Zombie stories just aren’t my thing.)
Hi Peaches – I’m a lifestyle player, though my play is generally restricted to the bedroom – but only because I haven’t found someone that can transcend their role with an emotional bridge outside of sexual play. I’m not interested in 24/7 D/s, but more like a Dom who loves me. 🙂
The back story sounds heartbreaking as does the hint of your own story. This sounds like one of those books I have to be in the right frame of mind to read. There have been books that I have started and put down several times before it clicks and I enjoy the heck out of them. As for the rafflecopter question, boy that came out of left field, I’m up for trying it.
Nancy – Hi! I have heard that about some of my books, especially Aaron, and I can see where that’s necessary. Ethan doesn’t have the same emotional damage as Aaron, so take a look and see. It’s intense, but incredibly hot. 🙂
Sounds like a great boo!!! Please count me in. Thanks!
Gigi – To enter the giveaway, you need to use the Rafflecopter link above. We’ll be drawing for one lucky winner to receive a Kindle Fire HD and $100 Wilde City download code to fill it with.
This book looks so good! And it’s nice and long and meaty – my favorite kind of book!
Master Ethan intrigues me, as a person with submissive qualities. I find it interesting that he is not perfect. It’s comforting to know that a Dom is only human and not a robot, but it could also be a little disconcerting since you are so dependent on that person. So I can’t wait to see how the relationship between Master Ethan and Jayden develops and is portrayed.
The Rafflecopter question – I haven’t read Ghoul’s Gym yet but I want to read it. I do love zombies and gay romance, so bring it on!
Jade –
As a submissive, I have to say that I’m not trusting my Dom to always get it right. I’m trusting him not to physically or psychologically injure me. I’m trusting him to care enough to have my best interests at heart. The Doms I have submitted to are guys – just like any other, they just have a kinky side. That’s how Ethan is portrayed. If you want to try before you buy – there is a free short story on Wilde City called The Perfect Tree with Ethan and Jayden playing. Check that out first.
Oh. JP…my heart…I had to take a break…this book…I’m not sure I have words for the rollercoaster I’m on when I read it…I just…it’s so good…And Ethan…I’m not sure complex is a strong enough word…wow! Seriously, I love it.
Crissy – Thank you so much. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the book! Yes, and there will be more eventually. Hopefully, I’ll be working on the next book in the series in 2014
I agree with one of the early commenters, I would have to be in good frame of mind for this book. It sounds excellent. Your rafflecopter asked the question if I am looking forward to Ghoul’s Gym. I already have one story from the anthology.
Karl – LOL We used the same rafflecopter for a tour for Eric & TJ. I”ll have to go and change that. I wondered where you guys were getting Ghoul’s Gym from since that’s not even my book. 🙂 It isn’t as intense as Aaron when it comes to the sexual abuse. That happened years before, and mostly he’s just trying to figure out why he’s attracted to Jayden.
I’m really excited for this one. It looks so good!
Hi Sophie! Thank you! It was a labor of love trust me – more for Kris Jacen than myself. She got to go back and edit my very first body of work. Not exactly an enviable task. 😉
Master Ethan has long held a spot in my heart. His story is one I constantly come back too. I was scared to death to read In the Absence of Monsters, fearful of what might have changed. Knowing that you are going to create more stories in this amazing family has me doing a happy dance in my chair. Truly an amazing book.
Sheri – You gave me the courage to take this series to a larger stage. <3 Don't you worry – Ethan lost none of his hope or resilience in the new book. Only Lexi's character was scaled back to bring Ethan and Jayden more into focus and gear it toward an M/M audience.
I have to admit I haven’t read a book by you yet JP. I’ve been meaning to give the Lost Boy series a go but never found the time to do so. I’ve heard many good things about you and have read some of the guest blog appearances over the last couple of years. Thank you for the post today and allowing us to understand more about Ethan and where he’s coming from.
Hi HB! Actually, you can try before you buy – Wilde City has a short Ethan and Jayden story called The Perfect Tree which is a free download. At only 21-ish pages, it’s less of a commitment to read and see if you like my style. The Little Boy Lost series is quite a bit more to commit to because once you start, you can’t stop. If you’re looking for something more substantial, you could also try Charlie, Rentboy (lighter) or Aaron (darker). But thank you for stopping by to check out the post! 🙂
SO EXCITED to read all about Damon Suede’s sexcapades, he looks so dreamy on the cover! Just kidding! 😉
Excited to read this! After meeting you at GRL; I must admit, I had never read any of your books before, but your boldness and wonderful sense of self has absolutely inspired me and I am happy to call myself a fan.
🙂
MJ – OMG – that was so funny. I’m not sure Damon would have appreciated me slapping him onto the cover of a BDSM novel. 😉 Trust me – Jake Driver, definitely the right one for the job. If you want to check something out by me that’s not too much of a time commitment, Wilde City has a free short with Ethan and Jayden called The Perfect Tree available for free download. Check it out. It’s hot and sweet and fun. 🙂
To say that by reading the book’s description my heart felt tight, that feeling you get when you’re on your way down in a fast r0llercoaster is an understatement. But then again, those few stories I’ve read written by you have always taken me through the same adventure only to bring me back knowing at the end there’ll be true satisfaction. I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts on FB and appreciate the kind of woman you are. Strong, caring, funny, loving and above all, a woman who has a strong head over her shoulders. I wish you much success in every adventure, every road you travel through.
Zeoanne
Zeoanne – Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you to say. I’m glad my books take you on such a rollercoaster ride, because I love books that stick with me, characters that I dream about even months after reading them. It’s such a fun journey.
One of the things that draws me to the books are the covers. I still can’t get the cover of ‘Aaron’ out of my head, it’s amazing.
I often get the impression in the BDSM scene that people expect Dominants to be perfect and if they aren’t they aren’t ‘twue’ Dominants. I think it sets someone up to fail and to feel like a failure. Unless a person is an enlightened Master, then they aren’t going to be perfect. Unless of course the person is perfect through their imperfection.
Hi Penumbra! I hope you like the cover of Monsters – Jake Driver is just amazing as Master Ethan. And you’re right – Doms are supposed to be gorgeous, and rich, and perfect. It doesn’t always happen that way. In fact, it never happens that way. LOL
I love the cover of In The Absence of Monsters and The Perfect Tree. I can’t wait to see what has changed from the previous version!!
I just love Jayden and Ethan. They fit together so well. I remember talking to you, JP, at Chicago Pride in 2012 about this series and what you had planned. So glad that it is finally happening 😀
In the Absence of Monsters is now available on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/In-Absence-Monsters-JP-Barnaby-ebook/dp/B00I0VPQLE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1390589476&sr=8-5&keywords=In+the+Absence+of+Monsters
Thank you so much for the giveaway! A friend of mine loves your books and she has recommended me several ones. She is also lookinf forward this book so I will read it as soon as I can. =)