Today I am so pleased to welcome Lane Hayes to Joyfully Jay. Lane has come to share an exclusive excerpt from her latest release, Stick to the Script. She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!

 

Excerpt

James was one of those good-looking guys who became model handsome when he relaxed. His gorgeous smile highlighted his full lips and brought a spark of mischief to his pretty blue eyes. He seemed to visibly open up. He spread his knees a little farther apart as he rested his elbow on the back of his stool. I caught the hint of a tattoo on his forearm when he unbuttoned his cuff to roll up his sleeves. I almost asked if he was too warm, but I didn’t want to interrupt him and pull him out of the moment. Thunder rattled the windows at least twice more, but he didn’t seem bothered or nervous now. I wanted to keep it that way.

When I segued into my recent Netflix binges, I accidentally sparked a whole new round of conversation. I gathered our bowls and didn’t argue when James insisted on helping me clean up. Standing side-by-side at the kitchen sink while he broke down his favorite cooking shows, dramas, and comedies as we washed and dried our dishes was surprisingly nice. He was easier company than I imagined, and I wasn’t in a hurry to part ways for the night.

Thankfully, the storm was on my side.

Crack. Boom!

“Jesus Christ!” he yelped, flattening his hand to his chest. “I have a feeling I won’t be getting much sleep tonight.”

“You’ll be just fine,” I assured him. “There’s a big flat-screen in the family room if you want to watch TV. I’ll just see to the fire in the living room and—”

“I’ll come with you. I’m a little too jumpy to watch anything. Unless…shoot. Sorry. Were you ready to go to bed? ’Cause if you are, that’s totally cool. I’ll be fine. I should probably read the script anyway. Just tell me where my room is and—”

“Hey, relax. I’m not going anywhere, and you don’t have to watch TV. Why don’t you join me by the fire? Bring your script. I can help you study your lines.”

He rolled his eyes. “Thanks, but the photographer doesn’t have lines. I can read later.”

“Do it. It’ll be fun.” I hooked my arm over his shoulders companionably, then led the way back to the formal living area.

James paused to grab his bag while I headed to the bar to open a new bottle of Pinot. I refilled our glasses before adding another log to the fire. I dusted my hands on my jeans, turning as he settled into the chair he’d vacated earlier.

He held up a sheath of papers with a crooked grin. “Thank God for wine. This could be ridiculously embarrassing.”

I sat next to him and let out a sarcastic huff. “If you ask me, admitting you haven’t seen A Christmas Story is a hell of a lot more embarrassing than reading about two guys who have the hots for each other. That is what this is about, right?”

“No idea, but it looks like Clay included a synopsis,” he replied, turning over the first page. He cleared his throat dramatically and began to read. “Damien and Mark are madly in love, but when Mark’s spending habits threaten their relationship, Damien proposes an unconventional fix to get them back on track. Note to Jamie…black-and-white film, three proposed settings with three props. Living room, bedroom, woodshed. Collar, bondage rope, belt.”

I whistled as I rolled up the sleeves on my sweater. “Damn, Jamie.”

“Uh…maybe a movie would be a better idea,” he said in a raspy voice.

I held up my palm. “How about if I read it?”

He hesitated for a moment, then handed the script over. “I might need a safe word.”

“Hell, I might need a safe word. All righty, let’s see what kind of smutty things kids are into these days.” I folded back the first page, glancing up at him briefly before continuing in a low theatric voice. “It was a dark and stormy night…”



Blurb

Jamie is a wedding photographer in need of a break, and a sexy freelance assignment on the East Coast sounds like an intriguing getaway. He makes his flight to Vintage Ridge just before an epic storm wreaks havoc on holiday travel. But when his friend is delayed, Jamie finds himself alone at the bed-and-breakfast for the night with the owners’ son…a hunky contractor with a wicked smile and a commanding presence. Not a problem. Jamie can handle light conversation with a ruggedly handsome man for a few hours. Maybe. If all else fails, he can read the script.

Wyatt loves remodeling old homes like his parents’ B and B. Spending an evening entertaining their guest while he finishes up his project doesn’t seem like a big deal, but Wyatt can tell there’s something special about the nervous younger man. He suggests reading the racy script that accompanies Jamie’s assignment to get his mind off the weather, but neither is prepared for what happens next. Their explosive attraction encourages them to bend the rules and stick to their own script…together.

* * *

PLEASE NOTE: For the first 90 days of this title’s publication, all sales and page reads will be donated to PFLAG. PFLAG was founded in 1973 by a mother who wished to support her gay son by marching beside him in New York’s Christopher Street Liberation Day March, the precursor to today’s Pride parade. PFLAG’s mission is to build on a foundation of loving families united with LGBTQ people and allies who support one another, and to educate communities to speak up as advocates. As the mother of a gay son, PFLAG has a special place in my heart. I firmly believe change begins at home with love, support, and acceptance.

Stick to the Script is part of a multi-author series of books that take place in the same fictional town. Each story can be read in any order. The connecting element in the Ace’s Wild series is an adult store owned by Ace and Wilder. The main characters from each book will make at least one visit to Ace’s Wild, where they’ll buy a toy to use in their story! The only characters who crossover to each book are Ace and Wilder. And with various heat and kink levels, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Thanks for giving the series a chance. We hope you enjoy the books.

https://amzn.to/35b3Ht0


Bio

Lane Hayes is grateful to finally be doing what she loves best. Writing full-time! It’s no secret Lane loves a good romance novel. An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. These days she prefers the leading roles to both be men. Lane discovered the M/M genre a few years ago and was instantly hooked. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, and 2018-2019 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a newly empty nest.


Giveaway

Lane has brought a $10 Amazon gift card to give away to one lucky reader. Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Sunday, December 22nd at 11:59 pm ET.


  • 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.
  • All book prizes are in electronic format unless otherwise specified.
  • 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.
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