Today I am so pleased to welcome Sloan Parker to Joyfully Jay. Sloan has come to share an exclusive excerpt from her latest release, More Than Most (More Book 2). She has also brought along a copy of both books in the series to give away. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!
Excerpt
Matthew sat up and asked, “What happens in the nightmares?”
The side of Luke’s jaw twitched as he clenched his mouth shut. With agitated strides he crossed to the window opposite our bed. He stared out at the city lights for a minute, his hands shoved into the front pockets of his jeans, the muscles in his defined back and shoulders tight.
Without facing us, he said, “He’s hurting one of you guys, and I can’t get to you. I’m right there. I can see what he’s doing to you, but I can’t move. I can’t stop it.” He removed his hands from his pockets and scrubbed the top of his head in a frustrated move. “Fuck.” He slapped the wall on each side of the narrow window, then kept his palms pinned to the surface like he had to hold up the wall or his entire world would come crumbling down. “I hate that I can’t let this go.”
I got off the bed and went to him. “He fucked with your head for a lot of years.” I pulled him backward to lean against my chest, and he reluctantly dropped his hands from the wall. “It’s not going to disappear overnight. Just because he pleaded guilty to the charges and is in prison does not make the worry and fear and betrayal simply disappear.”
Matthew swept a hand over my back as he slipped past me to stand between the window and Luke. He searched Luke’s face, and I knew Matthew wanted to do anything he could to wash away the pain. I held back on telling him that there were things that could never truly be erased. A man just had to learn to live with them, and Luke would.
“Your mom mentioned therapy,” Matthew finally said.
I was glad he’d brought it up. Although talking about Luke’s mom was probably not the best way to have this discussion. He was still reluctant to do things how she suggested.
“Maybe it’s worth a try,” I offered. “The therapist might know how to make the dreams stop.”
At that, Luke tensed again.
“Just give it some thought,” I added. “It’s an option. That’s the point. Your dad’s not in control. You are. You have choices.”
He didn’t respond, but he seemed to be considering that. Then slowly, like he might decide to take it back at any moment, he nodded.
I asked, “Has he called again since those two messages?”
“No. If he had, I’d have gone to the cops. I’m not letting him harass me again.”
“Good. See? You’re in charge.” I kissed his bare shoulder. “If he does call, I want to know right away. None of this keeping things to yourself. You call me at work or whatever. If I’m in a meeting, tell them they need to get me.”
He shook his head. “Don’t do your overreacting thing.”
That had Matthew laughing.
Luke leaned in and kissed him, then faced me. The corners of his mouth were turned up in what was almost a smile. “Thanks. I’ll think about what you said.” His gaze dropped like he was giving it more consideration right then, but then he lifted a hand and traced the scar across my chest, starting at my right nipple and moving to my left underarm. He’d been fascinated by that old scar since we met, and even more since I’d told him how some homophobic assholes had given it to me one night at a college frat party.
I was fairly sure Luke still didn’t understand why he’d always been drawn to it, but I knew. It amazed him that I held a physical reminder of a trauma that hadn’t tainted who I’d become.
Or had it?
Had that night changed me?
Like that day I’d hurt Anne.
She was right. There was a part of me that was still fucked up about that.
Luke kept tracing the scar with his forefinger. Then all his fingers ran over my pecs, his attention no longer on the scar but on all of me. He met my stare as he reached up and gripped the sides of my neck in both hands. It was a tense, controlling grip, but I had no fear he would hurt me. This wasn’t about me, but about what he was feeling—the frustration and lack of control where his father was concerned.
He pressed our foreheads together. “God, I’ve missed you.” The words were barely a whisper against my lips.
So maybe this was about me.
“Come here.” I pulled him to me.
Blurb
Richard, Luke, and Matthew return in this sequel to MORE, a Rainbow Award winner for Best Gay Contemporary Romance.
Investment manager and always-in-control Richard Marshall has just landed a historic estate he’s waited years to acquire. Gone a lot for his work, he’s seriously craving his men. Yet it’s more than just the sex he’s missing. Emotionally-traumatized Luke is still dealing with the aftereffects of his father’s attempt to kill him, and Matthew’s trying to find his way as part of a menage relationship.
When Luke and Matthew come clean with Richard about what they’ve been feeling, he knows there’s only one way to solve all his problems: keep them close by accepting their help to investigate why someone wants to destroy the mansion he’s trying to save. When it becomes clear he’s put his family in danger, Richard has to choose between giving up control and pushing away the men he loves right when they’ve started to heal and have rekindled the explosive chemistry that brought them all together.
A menage relationship is hard enough. Add in danger, intrigue, a haunted mansion, and three sexually frustrated men, and it’s not a typical love story. It’s much more.
Bio
Award-winning author Sloan Parker writes passionate, dramatic stories about two men (or more) falling in love. She enjoys writing in the fictional world because in fiction you can be anything, do anything—even fall in love for the first time over and over again. Sloan lives in Ohio with her partner and their neurotic cats. Her greatest moments in life are spent with her family, her friends, and her characters.
To contact Sloan, find out about her books that are available for purchase, and read free stories, visit: www.sloanparker.com. If you’d like to be notified of new releases and get exclusive sneak peeks, be sure to sign up to receive Sloan Parker’s newsletter via her website.
Giveaway
Sloan has brought a copy of both More and More Than Most to give away to one lucky reader (or choice of two books from her backlist). Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Friday, May 22nd at 11:59 pm EST.
- By entering the giveaway, you’re confirming that you are at least 18 years old.
- 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. Please make sure that your spam filter allows email from Joyfully Jay.
- Winners may be announced on the blog following the contest. By entering the contest you are agreeing to allow your name to be posted and promoted as the contest winner by Joyfully Jay.
- Prizes will be distributed following the giveaway either by Joyfully Jay or the person/organization donating the prize.
- By entering you are agreeing to hold Joyfully Jay harmless if the prize or giveaway in some way negatively impacts the winner.
- Readers may only enter once for each contest. Duplicate entries for the same giveaway will be ignored. 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.
Great excerpt! Another addition to my TBR list! So many good books, so little time!
Thanks, Susana. I hear you on the TBR. You should see mine. It’s a bit nuts. So many new authors whose work I want to try.
Sounds like te next paragraph is going to be steamy
Thanks for checking out the excerpt, Mary. There are definitely some steamy parts in this book.
Book 1 was awesome! It was one of the best menage books I’ve read. It looks like this one will pick right up with the guys.
Totally agree! More is one of my all times faves so I am really excited for this one!
Thanks, Jay. Hope you enjoy the sequel. And thanks again for sharing the excerpt and hosting the giveaway. Appreciate all you do for the genre!
Thanks so much, Ezinwanyi. I’m honored you consider More one of the best menages you’ve read. I’ve been working on a third book with the guys too.
Yay! Third book!
This sounds like it’s a fantastic book! I’ve had More on my wishlist for a long time. Clearly I need to bump it to the top!
Thanks, Ashley. Glad you think so. Hope you enjoy More if you get a chance to check it out.
LOVED More! Can’t wait to read this one too!
Yay. So glad to hear that, Sabrina. I love writing about these guys. Thanks for checking out the excerpt to the sequel.
More is one of my favorites books and it has a sequel? Ugh, yes please!
Thank you, Kenny. So lovely to hear you liked More enough to consider it a fave. There’s a third book in the works too.
Oh wow, I need to read these books. Loved the excerpt and the blurb. TBR list!
Glad you like the sound of them, Laurie. Thanks for checking out the excerpt.
Great excerpt and such beautiful covers. Thanks
Brina
Thanks so much, Brina. It’s fun to see the series with new covers.
Loved the excerpt
Thank you, Ree. Appreciate you taking a look.
Your books have been on my wish list and I hope to read them soon. Thanks for the chance!
You’re welcome, Jennifer. Hope you enjoy the More books if you get a chance to check them out.
I loved your novel Breathe, it is such an emotional story. Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
That’s so nice to hear, Angela. I still get the best reader feedback on that book, and it always means a lot. Thank you!
Congratulations on your new release it sound fabulous I’m adding the book to my wish list.
Thanks, Shirley Ann. Very kind of you to say. Appreciate you putting it on your list.
Great excerpt – I love this series – can’t wait for Matthew’s book 🙂 Thanks for a chance at winning one of your other stories.
Thanks so much, Lisa! Love hearing that. I’m having a great time with Matthew’s story. Can’t wait to share it with everyone.
More has been on my wishlist for awhile & now I’ll be adding More than Most as well. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for adding it to your list, Lisa. And for stopping by to check out the excerpt.
Both books sound great. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you, Alexandra.
Absolutely loved More & can’t wait to get a chance to read More Than Most.
Thanks, Jenny. It always means a lot to hear that readers are excited to read more of my stories. Thanks for sharing!
Congratulations on the new release! Looking forward to reading it!
Thanks, Julie. I absolutely loved working on this sequel. Hope you enjoy it.
Really enjoyed More when I read it back in 2012!! Thank you for the chance!
Thanks, Kassandra. It’s been quite exciting to finally have a chance to share more of their story.
Please count me in. Thanks.
Hi, Karl. Thanks for entering the giveaway and checking out the post.
Love Sloan’s books! Thanks so much for sharing the excerpt.
Very kind of you to say, kek219. Thank you!
Excited for this book! Thanks for the excerpt!
Love hearing that. Thanks, Antonia.
I cannot wait to read the rest!
Thanks, Helen. Hope you enjoy the rest of MORE THAN MOST if you get a chance to read it.
Thanks for the great excerpt. Nothing better than one to help you decide. Adding to my list.
Hi, DebraG. Thanks for checking out the excerpt and adding MTM to your list.
The first book has been on my wishlist for an embarrassing long time. So many people have recommended it. I love M/M/M books, so I’m not sure why I haven’t gotten the first one yet. Now that there is a sequel, I’m moving these books up to buy sooner assuming I’m not lucky enough to win copies. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Thanks, Jen. Hope you enjoy Richard, Luke, and Matthew’s story if you get a chance to check it out.
Congrats on the new book release! It sounds fantastic. I’ve added it to my wishlist =)
Thanks for adding MTM to your list, HB. Really glad to hear you like the sound of it.
Thanks for the excerpt! I want to read both books. I have really enjoyed this author’s other books!
Love hearing that. Thanks for sharing, Tracy!
A great new novel, from a great author!
How nice of you to say, Lee. Thanks so much!
*sqeee* YESSSS!!
That made me smile. Thanks, Neene!
Please count me in. Thanks!
Hi Gigi. Thanks for stopping by and entering the giveaway.
Yay, thank you for the chance to win a copy of More Than Most. as I enjoyed the first More book and I like the idea of each book in the series being told in the perspective of either Luke, Richard and finally Matthew (More Than Ever), soon please 🙂
You’re welcome, Little Bear. So glad you like the idea of the different points of view per story. I’m loving working on Matthew’s book. In some ways he’s the most complex character of the three, and his story has some intense moments.
Ooh, these sound divine!
Awesome. So glad you think so. Thanks, Trix.