Today I am so pleased to welcome Nora Phoenix to Joyfully Jay. Nora has come to talk to us about her latest release, Press (White House Men 1). She has also brought along an exclusive excerpt and a great giveaway. Please join me in giving her a big welcome!

 

I’ve always been fascinated by the White House. Those two words hold so much meaning. Power, tradition, elegance. They evoke images and memories we’ve come to treasures: little JFK jr. hiding under his father’s desk, Jackie Kennedy and her rose garden, lavish state dinners hosted by presidents and First Ladies, the little black kid touching President Obama’s hair. Almost magical, in a way.

The idea to write a series set in the White House is one I’ve had for a long time, but it was a daunting project. I wanted to get it right, so it would involve a ton of research. And then of course there was and is the negative association many of us have right now with politics, with the White House. It may seem like the worst timing ever to write a series in that world…and yet.

Books have the magical ability to transport us to a different world, a world where there’s no COVID, where there’s another government, and where there’s an openly bisexual vice president with a diverse group of advisors the media has dubbed the gay squad. That’s my White House, and it’s a positive place where people want to make changes for the good, where there’s inclusion and friendship…and a lot of romance. Kind of like The West Wing (my all-time favorite series), but gay. And with less politics and more romance. And steam, haha.

I’m crazy excited about this new series called the White House Men, and Press is the first book. It’s the story of the vice president’s press secretary, an ambitious, smart man named Levar, who has the hope of making it to the big podium one day and becoming the president’s press secretary. The last thing he needs is a distraction…but then there’s Henley.

Henley is a reporter who covers the White House, and needless to say, nothing can happen between those two. Hello, conflict of interest. They both know that as well, except it’s easier said than done when sparks fly high and fast and hot. They try, but they’re irresistibly drawn to each other.

Both carry their scars from surviving a terrorist attack five years before, and the last thing they expect is for that same terrorist group to strike again. When it does, they find comfort with each other…but what happens when they’re found out? If you’re a West Wing fan, it’s kind of the gay version of the romance between CJ and Danny…

Press is a fast-paced romantic suspense MM romance with lots of witty banter, stolen kisses, sexy lingerie, and two men who can’t stay away from each other. It’s the first book in what will be a continuing series where every book will have a new romantic relationship with a happy end but where the suspense plot stretches out over multiple books.

My White House is a bit of a magical place where these men will find love and happiness, as well as friendships and a found family that develops over the course of the series. I’m so stoked about this series, as it combines all the elements I love: three-dimensional characters with their struggles and emotional baggage, a romance with all the feels, banter and snark, plenty of steam, a dash of kink, and a suspense plot that will have you hooked from page one.

Welcome to my White House. Vice President Shafer and his gay squad are happy you’re here to hang out with them.


Excerpt

Levar raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been thinking about my underwear?”

“I know, right? I totally transitioned into the creep zone there, but sheesh, man, can you blame me when you tease me like that?”

Levar’s mouth curled up into a smile again, something that seemed to happen a lot when he was around Henley. “Thank you.”

“For being a creep?”

“For being sweet and affirming me the way I am.” Levar sounded probably much more serious than he’d meant, but the warmth spreading inside Henley was real, and it soothed some of the stings the careless remarks of others had caused.

“You know how you could thank me?” Henley wiggled his eyebrows.

“I have a sneaky suspicion which direction this will take, but bring it.”

Henley pointed at his mouth. “One kiss. That’s it. One kiss.”

“You know this has catastrophe written all over it.”

“Come on, Lev. We’re two grown men. Surely we can control ourselves… One kiss can’t hurt.”

Levar grinned. “I bet many a baby was conceived that way.”

“Well, that’s one worry we don’t have.”

“True, but there are enough potential issues left to make this a really bad idea.”

“The most fun things usually are a bad idea.”


Blurb

Henley is off-limits for Levar. So why can’t he stay away?

Five years ago, Levar survived a terrorist attack. The bombing left its scars, but he’s picked up his life. He loves working for the vice president—who is openly bisexual—as his press secretary.

Levar can’t afford a pesky attraction that proves to be frustratingly stubborn. Worse, those highly combustible sparks are with the very last person he should be falling for: Henley Platt, a well-known reporter covering the White House.

Henley may not be Levar’s enemy, but he’s definitely not his friend. He can’t be, not when their jobs put them on opposite sides. Henley is absolutely off-limits, even when he shows his appreciation for the sexy lingerie Levar loves to wear.

When the terrorists strike again with a devastating blow to the White House, Levar and Henley lean on each other for support. The sparks become a raging fire that won’t be doused, but what happens if they’re found out?

Press is the first book in the White House Men series, a romantic suspense gay romance series set in the White House. Think The West Wing but gay, and with less politics. Each book has a new love story with a happily ever after, but the suspense plot will continue throughout the books, so the series needs to be read in order. Press has 100k words. TW for terrorism and violence.


Giveaway

Nora has brought two copies of Press to give away to two lucky readers. Just leave a comment at the end of the post to enter. The contest ends on Saturday, September 26th 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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