Stable Hill

March 17, 2019 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne
Genre: , , , ,
Release Date: September 5, 2019
Pages: 215

Can three men from very different backgrounds find a home and a future together?

After losing his husband to cancer, Oscar Kennedy has his hands full with their four girls, the house, his job, and his mother-in-law. When he loses his father too, keeping Stable Hill, the old horse farm where he grew up, becomes impossible. Oscar hires Jeffrey Stokes, a slick-looking real estate broker with a roll-up-his-sleeves work ethic, to get it on the market.

Russell White manages the day-to-day at Stable Hill. Russ had loved Oscar’s dad like a father, and took on even more responsibility when the old man fell ill. He is shocked and saddened by Oscar’s decision to sell.

All three men have a stake in Stable Hill, and it’s not long before they start to invest in one another too. But their complicated relationship doesn’t make having to sell Stable Hill any easier. Will the fragile triad they’re building last when the farm that brought them together is gone?

Available to purchase, or to borrow with Kindle Unlimited.

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Barnes & Noble~~iBooks~~Publisher~~Kobo~~Smashwords~~Universal eBook Links

 

EXCERPT

Russ coughed, bringing him back to their conversation. “So… we’re meeting a real estate guy?”

“Yeah. His name is Stokes. Jeffrey Stokes. Have you heard of him? Bob Keller, you know him, Dad’s tractor guy? Stokes sold Keller’s farm about six months ago.”

Russ shook his head and squinted down the long driveway. “Nope, don’t know the name. Stokes, I mean. I know Keller, of course.”

“Keller is straight up. Should be a good recommendation.”

“Yeah.”

This time when the silence fell between them, Oscar tried to let it be, but Russ seemed way more comfortable with it than he was. He watched the waves of grass blowing in the hayfield and examined the porch railing, which Russ must have painted recently because it looked great. He did pretty much anything but look at Russ; if he were honest, he was a little intimidated. The guy knew the farm inside and out, as Oscar had once when he’d lived with Dad, but didn’t anymore. Russ also knew damn well that he hadn’t spent any real time out here in, well, years really, the last year especially. Russ and Dad had become friends, and sometimes he worried that Russ was closer to Dad than he was.

“I tried to get the girls to come out here with me today.”

“Yeah? Bet they’re getting big. Been a while since I seen ’em.”

“I know.” The last time they were here, the twins were fascinated by Russ’s tour of the barn, and Russ let them ride Lollipop, Dad’s ancient pony, walking them each around the ring on a lead. That had been a nice day for them.

They’d buried Dad that morning, so it wasn’t his best day, but it was great to see the girls enjoy the property.

“Car.”

He looked up. “Sure is.” It was a hell of a car too. A sleek black Mercedes coup. He’d never seen anything so shiny in his father’s driveway before. Stokes parked it alongside his incredibly not-sexy, seven-year-old minivan, and not far from Russ’s old dusty, rusty, red pickup.

Talk about out of place. And as it turned out, the Mercedes was second only to the man who got out of the car. Jeffrey Stokes was shiny himself—tall, dark-haired, embarrassingly well dressed.

And sexy as hell.

Russ whistled softly. “Oh. Damn.”

“Yeah,” he agreed quietly, just for Russ’s ears, pretending it wasn’t weird that they were both ogling the Realtor. He cleared his throat. “Welcome, Mr. Stokes.”

“Please call me Jeffrey,” Stokes said, climbing the stairs onto the front porch and going right to Russ first with a smile. “Well, hello.”

Russ’s return handshake was curt, and he pointed to Oscar. “Oscar over there is the owner. I’m Russ. I just manage the place.”

“Oh. Of course. I see.” Stokes gave Russ a nod. “Hello, Oscar.” The Realtor turned a breathtaking smile on him, giving him goose bumps and making him swallow.

Down, boy, he told himself, more amused than anything. That hadn’t happened to him in a very long time. Stokes’s hand hung between them for a moment and he blinked at it.

“Oh.” He shook with Stokes, forcing himself to smile back and think clearly. “Hi. Welcome.”

“So, this is a great piece of property you have here. Big, huh?”

Oscar raised an eyebrow. “Thank you.” No, I’m not interested in going commercial.

“You’re looking to sell it as a working farm, right? It’s a little off the beaten path, but it’s so beautifully situated, I don’t think you’ll have much trouble.”

Okay. He relaxed; this guy got it. Thank you, Bob. “It’s a working farm now. I’d like to see it go to someone that will keep it that way.”

“Great. I’m completely on board. I already have some thoughts, and I’m sure you do as well, but I want to work logically here and do a proper evaluation. If it’s all right with you, my preference would be not to discuss anything related to pricing or get too deep into any fix-up costs until I’ve seen the whole property and have a chance to sit down with the numbers.” While he was talking, Stokes took his jacket off, folded it in half and draped it over the back of one of Dad’s old porch rockers. Then he added his tie to it and rolled up his sleeves.

 

Title: Stable Hill
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B07XF83BKP
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-06-2

Find Jodi's full catalog with links to all your favorite formats at Queeromance Ink!

Cryptic: Puzzles, Book One

July 25, 2021 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Series: Puzzles #1
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: August 17, 2021
Pages: 190

Derek “Crash” Wheeler never really wanted to make detective. He was a good marine and a great beat cop, but now he has to deal with cases like the one he just got handed. Multiple deaths. Probably a serial killer. That’s all bad enough, but now he has a crazy ex-profiler calling and texting, acting like he knows exactly what’s going on. 

 

Matthew Herrera has more than one clue about Derek’s case. He worked on a serial murder case once that took everything away from him, and while the perpetrator went to jail, Matthew knows the case isn’t over. This murderer likes to play games, and he doesn’t work alone.

 

Racing against time, Derek and Matthew have to learn to work together to solve this case, and they find they have a chemistry they can’t deny, even if it feels selfish to indulge. People are dying out there, and it will take all their skills to work out this puzzle before it’s too late, or before one of them becomes the next victim.

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Universal eBook Links

 

Chapter One 

 

“Jesus, Crash. What the hell was that?” 

It was a rhetorical question, so Derek shook his head at the patrolwoman and got into his car. That, was a woman in her late sixties who’d been strangled to death. It wasn’t something anyone ever wanted to see, and he wasn’t surprised that Leslie was still putting it together in her head. He was too. 

Leslie had offered to drive, but he was glad he hadn’t let her; the steering wheel gave him something to do besides crack his knuckles and wring his goddamn fingers. She put on her seatbelt as he pulled away from the curb, and he rolled his eyes. Sure, it was the law, and maybe he hadn’t earned the nickname “Crash” for his pristine driving record, but it was only eight blocks to the precinct. What could possibly happen? 

Leslie looked over at him. “You’ve got to be tired of this.” 

He could feel her eyes on his face but didn’t look away from the road. “Tired isn’t the right word.” Angry. Worried. Baffled. Stressed. Nervous. Sleepless. Lots of words came to mind. Tired didn’t begin to cover it. This was murder number three in as many months, and he was livid. The problem was he had no idea what he was going to do about it yet. He had to do something, obviously. As the detective assigned to all three cases, everyone was looking to him for answers. 

But he didn’t have any. Not one. 

He wasn’t going to admit that because he wanted to keep his job long enough at least to get his one-year performance review. Plus, he was pretty sure half the precinct already thought he was an idiot, so he kept his cards close to his chest and hoped to hell someone on his team would find him something he could sink his teeth into this time. 

Something other than “this one was strangled too”. That was just terrifying. Three people, all strangled, but with nothing else in common? That was a nightmare. A serial killer shaped nightmare. 

His nightmare. 

His phone buzzed, and he resisted the urge—manfully, he thought—not to roll down the window and toss the fucking thing out into the street. 

His mind was racing, dealing with images of the swollen, black tongue and missing wedding ring of his latest vic and the inevitable horror that came with knowing he had to tell the family. He didn’t have the time or the capacity to deal with distracting emails or calls on his phone. 

Especially while he was driving. Leslie might have kittens. 

“You’ll call—” 

“I’ll contact the family. I’m on it. You want me to be there again?” 

“Please.” Hell, yes. He had to be the bearer of bad news, he accepted that, but Leslie would cover the awkward things like hugs and Kleenex. Somehow she always managed to find words, good things to say. Better things than, “I’m so sorry,” which was all he ever seemed to be able to muster. 

He was sorry, though. Genuinely. He was drowning in regret that he hadn’t found the asshole responsible for the first murder, let alone the second, and now there was a third. He had no intention of giving bad news to a fourth family. 

He pulled into the garage and parked in his reserved spot. “You’ll—” 

“I’ll text you when they’ve arrived.” Leslie never let him finish a sentence. Just as well, he didn’t much feel like talking. He needed to think. 

His phone buzzed in his pocket as they got on the elevator, reminding him he had messages waiting. Who the hell emailed anymore? His team would have texted. His friends texted. Oh. Maybe it was his Verizon bill. 

When he clicked the button, though, it was a familiar name. 

Matthew Herrera. 

Asshole. 

The son of a bitch had worked a couple of high-profile cases ten years ago, had a breakdown, and had disappeared into the desert. Until now. Now the bastard was crawling up his dick like a Brazilian fish. 

Back when Herrera was relevant, Crash might have had more interest in whatever the profiler had to say. But ten years later, after radio silence, after the country had forgotten Herrera even existed, he just skimmed the emails, humoring the guy and pretending to have patience like he did with Mrs. Rosen down the hall when she told him about everyone that came and went in the building while he was gone all day. 

He’d nod and smile, say thank you, and disappear into his apartment before his takeout Chinese got cold. 

This time he didn’t even skim. He hit delete. He had more important things to do than to give time to a desert-dwelling, nosy hobbyist. The asshole was crazy, and when he found out which joker in the department gave out his email, he was going to hit someone. 

Hell, maybe he’d just start socking pricks in the mouth until someone confessed. 

Good idea, idiot. Maybe one of them will knock some sense into you. 

“I’ll text you in a bit, detective. Get some coffee. You look like shit.” 

Derek blinked at Leslie, only just realizing they’d stepped off the elevator. Wow. “I’m fine. Thanks, Leslie.” 

Fine. Just another body to deal with. No big deal, right? 

Coffee was the right answer though, or part of it, and he got himself a cup and took it back to his office. Then he pulled a pack of Camels from his top drawer, flipped open the lid and inhaled, deep. The tangy scent of the tobacco was just enough to make his hands stop shaking but not enough to make him not want to smoke. 

Dammit. 

He tossed the pack back in the drawer and shut it tight. 

His email beeped again, Herrera’s name popping up. 

Delete. 

Fucker. 

He was going to have to block the bastard. 

He could solve this mess on his own. He and his team would figure this out. He sure as shit didn’t need some has-been playing armchair quarterback. Right? 

Right. 

Maybe. 

He glared at his phone as the familiar voice of doubt rattled him, made his fingers itch. 

Maybe you can do this. Or maybe you’ll fuck it up in spectacular fashion. 

He told that voice to shut up and was rewarded with a you’re a hack and you know it headache. 

Oh, fuck it. 

He reached for his phone. He’d just read this last one. One more just to prove to that bitch of a voice that he didn’t need the help of a lunatic recluse. 

He took her wedding ring, didn’t he? Did he choke her with Gene Harris’s tie’? The text shocked the shit out of him. Who was feeding this fuck information? and STOP IGNORING ME! 

What the actual fuck? The names of the victims were given to the press after he’d notified the family but the details—like the wedding rings—were not. His thumbs hovered over the screen for a millisecond as he debated whether to respond. 

When I find out who is leaking shit to you, I’m going to have their ass arrested. And yours. You know, I might just have your harassing ass arrested on principle. Go the fuck away. 

He hit send without thinking about it. He did a lot of shit without thinking about it, impulsivity was his greatest weakness, and also his greatest strength. Some people called him stupid, some people called him brave. That was cool; he’d understood from a young age that they were the same thing. 

He was so over this New Mexican hermit, but that doubting voice told him to text the ME next, so, also impulsively, he did. 

Angie, was there a wedding ring in Mrs. Cohen’s throat? Was it Gene Harris’ ring? 

Before Angie answered, his phone beeped, the New Mexico number popping up again. I’d love to see you try, detective. I’m helping. 

Motherfucker. 

He got three-quarters through with a scathing answer when Angie answered him. Ring yes. How the fuck would I know whose it is? Man’s. Big. 

He stared at Angie’s text, then sent her a thank you, followed by kissy lips and a middle finger. 

The simplest answer was usually correct. But what was the simplest answer? Herrera had hacked something? Herrera was in on it? Herrera had made a lucky guess? 

He tapped Herrera’s last text and dialed the number, waiting for the asshole to pick up. Helping, his ass. 

“Menos mal.” Deep and growly, obviously pissed—Herrera had a voice meant to be listened to. “I’ve been waiting for your call.” 

Waiting for…for fuck’s sake. It was like he’d been summoned. Arrogant prick. Derek didn’t bother trying to keep the frustration out of his voice. “What do you want, Mr. Herrera?” 

“I assumed it was what you wanted, no? To find this asshole.” 

“I want to know where you’re getting your information so I can plug the leak, and then I want you to stop contacting me.” 

“Fine. I’ll speak to Detective O’Reilly. I assumed as you were trying so desperately to fill Martin’s shoes, you might be willing to listen.” 

“Desperately—who the hell do you think you are?” Oh, this guy was lucky New Mexico was a longer reach than his arm. “There’s nothing to listen to. You’ve been driving me batshit with your lunatic emails.” 

But… 

“I’m not fucking desperate.” 

But Herrera knew about the ring. 

He took a deep breath, swallowed his pride and lowered his voice. “The ME found the ring, but we don’t know who it belongs to yet. Tell me how you know about it.” 

“Because I pay attention. Case number 259313. Vivica Reyes. Found dead from manual strangulation with Andy Lipinski’s ring in her throat.” 

259313… 259313… 

Derek pulled out a pen and scribbled the number on his palm. 

259313 Reyes Lipinski 

“I’ll look into it.” That case was forever ago, and wasn’t the killer still in prison? “Are we done?” 

“Until you find a young woman dead in a laundromat strangled with one of Mrs. Cohen’s scarves. Absolutely.” A dark chuckle sounded. “Good evening, detective.” 

There was no way Herrera could know that. The scarf was an educated guess he could have made if he thought about it and the laundromat? A total fabrication meant to try to impress him. It was a load of insane bullshit. 

He noted, however, that neither of them had hung up the phone. 

Bottom line, he didn’t want to find another dead body at all. Anywhere. Woman, scarf, in the laundromat, in the billiard room with the candlestick, whatever. Right or wrong, he didn’t give a shit. He couldn’t afford to. It just needed it to not happen again. 

“How long do we have?” 

“Six days, if he stays to type. It’ll be close. Six block radius. Did you find any threats at the other scenes?” 

Fuck, he wasn’t going to sleep at all. “Nothing obvious, but we’re still sifting through things. Some personal items and their cell phones are missing. Six days. Six days? Are you sure?” 

“Cell phones… All smart phones?” He heard mad typing, faster than he could think, for fuck’s sake. 

“Yes. None of them have been powered up since they disappeared; we’ve been watching them.” 

Six fucking days. Six days and he hadn’t even been able to put together an MO yet. He needed to get the team together. 

“So he’s younger, I’ll bet. He’s found a younger one…” 

“He who? What? Younger than who?” 

“If I knew that, Rick Adonai’s fucking partner would be in jail, don’t you think?” Oh, that hit a nerve, didn’t it? 

Adonai had a partner? He didn’t recall reading there was anyone still on the loose. “Partner? I thought that case was closed. No one ever talked about a partner.” 

“I thought so too, until Denise Lewis. Note I’ve been emailing since then.” 

Denise was the first. A young nurse, newlywed, nothing tying her to the other two but the missing cell phone. 

“Noted. But your emails are long and rambling, and I couldn’t manage to retain anything. I gave up reading them. You come off like a lunatic. You know that, right? If you had something direct to say, why didn’t you just say it?” 

I think Adonai had a partner. How hard would that have been? 

The laughter that rang out was shocking. “I said what I meant.” 

“Well, I found it esoteric and disorganized. I couldn’t follow it at all. You do much better in conversation.” The emails were insane. Long and rambling, circling around a point—if there was a point at all. 

“Things have become infinitely clearer over the last few days. Infinitely.” 

“Yeah, well. I’m out of infinite. If you’re right, I’ve got six days.” 

He had a strong team and top forensic experts on the job, but they were almost nowhere on this. If Herrera was right, he was going to have to ask for help. He was going to have to get into the killer’s head. The accomplice’s head. One more murder, and his next step would have to be the FBI and then he’d really look like an idiot. He would prefer to see this case solved in-house. 

At this point, even a lunatic’s help was preferable to none. “When can you get out here? What time is it there? Can you get on a flight tonight?” 

“That’s not an option. Sorry.” 

He blinked. What? “I’m sorry? Not an option?” Surely there was a late flight out, but…right. He was working with a nut job. Oh. Maybe it was money. “So…first thing in the morning, then? It’s on my dime.” 

“No. You do your job there. I—don’t travel well.” 

Oh. That wasn’t going to work. People here were already looking for reasons to discount him, and he wasn’t making it very difficult on them. The last thing he needed was to say he had a source in New-Fucking-Mexico that was profiling for him. He’s brilliant, but he’s lost it, and he won’t get on an airplane so… 

Nope. 

“Listen, Herrera—Matthew. Or Matty. Can I call you Matty? Listen, Matty. You need to appreciate something, okay? I’m the newest detective on the block. And the youngest. And I’m—” He sighed. He was fucking desperate, wasn’t he? “I have questions. I have to understand how you know what you know. I have to see the profile. If you’re telling me we really only have six days…” 

“I’ll send you a profile. You’ll have it tonight. Goodbye, detective.” 

Click. Well, okay then. 

Crash stared at his phone and shook his head as the dust settled. What the hell was he doing? This was no way to go about an investigation. He needed something concrete. A real starting point. Not some disjointed babble. He needed to get off the bus to crazy town. 

He picked up his phone and texted Angie again. 

Tell me you have something. 

The knock at his door interrupted him, and Leslie poked her head in. “They’re here.” 

“Thank you. I’ll be—no, I’m coming.” 

No answer from Angie. Okay. He had a job to do. God, he hated this part. 

He took a deep breath and followed Leslie.

Title: Cryptic, Puzzles Book One
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B09BKB3DX5
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-55-0

Wrecked

July 5, 2019 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
Series: East Meets Western #1
Genre: , , , ,
Release Date: July 23, 2019
Pages: 276

Wrecked

An East Meets Western M/M Romance

The call comes when Beckett Adler least expects it. He’s made a new life for himself in Vermont and has a law practice of his own. After four years he’s even stopped wearing his wedding ring. So when he finds out his husband, bull rider Skyler Paulson, has been seriously injured at an event, he isn’t sure what he wants to do. He knows what’s right though, so he heads down to Baltimore to bring his man home. 

Sky knows his injuries are a career-ender, and he can’t believe Beck has come for him after all this time. He’s not a hundred percent sure what went wrong with their marriage and he has no idea how to be anything but a bull rider. But he wants this second chance, so he grabs at it with both hands. 

There’s a lot Sky has to learn, from how to walk again to how to settle down with the man he loves. Beck needs to learn to open up and how to be more trusting. For their marriage to work again, both men will have to find a way to meet in the middle. Because neither of them wants to be wrecked anymore.

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Universal eBook Links

Also in this series:
Cover for Cowboy for Sale, featuring a man in a cowboy hat wearing a checkered shirt.

Chapter One 

The offices of Walker and Adler, LLP closed closed early on Fridays. That was one of the perks of practicing law in Vermont; weekends were sacred. There were other perks--it was perfectly acceptable to show up late because there was fresh powder on the mountain, you could bring your dog to the office, and you only had to wear a suit on court days.

Of course, the rules, such as they were, didn’t concern Beckett Adler too much since he was the boss.

Beckett locked up and stepped out into the brisk afternoon, but the chill in the air didn’t keep him from stopping by the hardware store for varnish and a couple of foam brushes. In a month or so he’d get his boat back to Lake Champlain. His weekend plans included refinishing the tiller and the cleats, and maybe starting on the companionway.

He stopped by the co-op and picked up a few groceries to make his Friday night pizza, and he was nearly home when the rain started.

Rain was good. He liked snow, he loved to ski, but his mind was on the lake now; the water, the sunshine and the wind.

His phone buzzed, but the number that came up on the console was nothing he recognized, so he ignored it. He wasn’t at work; he didn’t have to answer.

He turned off Route 7 and onto Church Hill, stopping by the post office for his mail before heading home. He pulled his Jeep Wrangler into the garage and parked it next to his ancient pickup just as it started to really pour. Good timing.

The house was cold, so he stoked up the wood stove before starting dinner.

His phone rang again -- same number of course, damn telemarketers -- and he ignored it, but this time someone left a voicemail at least.

It made him nuts to have that stupid little red notification badge sitting there, like it was one more thing on his to-do list. He stuck his pizza in the oven, then listened to the voicemail on speaker.

“Uh. Hey. Hi. This is Parker Stephens. You probably don’t remember, but...shit. Shit, can you call me back on this number, man? I don’t know how to say on the phone, but I need to you call. Soon. I’ll call back in ten. It’s important, about Sky.”

He dropped the phone on the kitchen counter like it had burned him.

Sky.

He definitely remembered Parker. Parker was Skyler’s rodeo buddy. Rodeo buddy, best friend, fuck buddy. Whatever. If Parker was calling him in a panic, if the guy couldn’t just leave a message, it sure wasn’t good news.

Beckett didn’t even wear his wedding ring anymore. Did he really need to know? Did he want to?

He paced the kitchen, eyes still glued to his phone. What would happen if he called? What did that mean for tomorrow?

What would it say about him if he didn’t?

He scooped up the phone and dialed before he lost his nerve.

“Dude. Beckett, that you?” That lazy drawl was anything but. No, this was total panic. Fuck.

He closed his eyes and took a breath. “What is it, Parker?”

Is he dead? just tell me.

“Sky’s been hurt, buddy. Bad. He’s in a medically induced coma, but the docs don’t think-- I mean, if you want to say goodbye, you should come. Now.”

If I want to…?

He braced a hand on the sink and swallowed hard, working to keep it to together. He’d known in his heart he’d get this call one day. Now he needed to get through it.

Godammit, Sky. Four years since you left, and this is still harder than I thought.

He steadied his voice and focused on Parker. “Where are you? Where is he?”

“Mercy Medical in Baltimore. He was riding good, but…” Always the riding. Always.

Baltimore. Same time zone. Maybe even a direct flight. Might be faster to drive. But first he had to get Parker off the phone.

“You listen to me Parker. No decisions get made until I get there, am I clear? Unless it’s something life-saving it can wait. I’m coming.”

“You’re his next of kin and his medical power of attorney. I got no choice.”

Good.

This was Parker’s fault anyway. At least partly.

“If I can’t find a flight I’ll drive. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” He hung up the phone.

He didn’t want to know what had happened; that wasn’t important right now. And whatever was going on, he didn’t want to hear another word from that guy about it.

Jesus, Sky.

He pushed away from the counter surprised to find that despite the aching dread in his chest his knees were managing to hold him up. He rushed up the stairs to pack a bag. Jeans, a couple of shirts. He didn’t need much.

As soon as he’d closed his laptop and given up on flights, the smoke alarm went off downstairs. He raced back down with the laptop and his duffel in his arms, dropped everything and opened the sliding back doors to clear the smoke from the kitchen.

“Shit.”

He was able to yank his charred pizza out, toss it in the sink, and turn on the tap before his vision clouded.

Jesus Fucking Christ, Skyler. I swear to God if you don’t die I might wring your neck myself.

He hurried around the downstairs and muted the smoke alarm, then shut the dampers to cut off oxygen to the fire in the wood stove, closed and locked the sliding doors, and grabbed his keys.

He’d get dinner on the road.

And a huge coffee.

Title: Wrecked
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B07TWK3Y8C
ISBN13: 978-1-733076-0-3

 

Find Jodi's full catalog with links to all your favorite formats at Queeromance Ink!

Not Over You

August 20, 2021 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne
Genre: , , , ,
Release Date: September 14, 2021

Five years ago, Scott Borden finally shook the sand off his feet and left his Cape Cod hometown for a dream job in Silicon Valley. Scott barely gave Falmouth a second thought once he was in California, but he’s never been able to get Jarlath completely out of his mind.

 Jarlath O’Connolly now owns his late father’s pub in Falmouth Heights. O’Connolly’s pub is part of the heartbeat of his hometown and its walls hold the memories of everything he’s ever loved. Everything except his best friend, Scott. Scott was easy to replace with a new bartender, but there was no replacing Scott in Jarlath’s heart.

The summer is ending, there’s a hurricane in the forecast, and Scott’s finally come home, but Jarlath isn’t sure he’s ready for the reunion. A lot has changed, including Jarlath’s understanding of who Scott really was to him. Will they still find each other hard to get over once they’re face to face?

 

 

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Barnes & Noble~~Publisher~~Universal eBook Links

 

Chapter One 

 

 

“Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Boston’s Logan Airport. On behalf of your handsome pilots and the charming and witty flight crew, I’d like to thank you folks for flying with us today. The next time you have the urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you’ll think of us. Remember to take all of your belongings, but if you do decide to leave something behind, just make sure it’s something we’d like to have. Enjoy your day.” 

There was a round of laughter, muted in that weird way everything was while your ears were still adjusting after landing. Scott turned off Airplane Mode on his phone, so it would update from California time to Eastern, and checked his texts. He didn’t expect any, but he did have a couple from his sister.  

Have a safe flight! 

Can’t wait to see you, it’s been so long. 

Have you landed yet? 

He looked up from his phone to find the aisle still full and moving slowly. Everyone was always in a hurry to get off an airplane, so there was nowhere for him to go yet. He was too damn tall to stand up and wait the way some people did, stooping slightly under the overhead luggage compartment, so he sat there in his window seat and waited for the plane to clear out enough for him to get up.  

It wasn’t like he was in a hurry. He didn’t have any plans, didn’t have anywhere to be. He was just…headed home. 

Just landed, he texted back.  

Yay! See you soon! 

Well, at least Kate would be glad to see him. And Ma. Ma would be too, in her stoic New England way. He told himself that after an awkward moment where they’d all acknowledge that he hadn’t been home to visit his family on Cape Cod in years, things would relax and be more normal. Whatever normal was.  

He’d hide behind Kate if he had to. 

By the time he’d visited the men’s room, grabbed a very necessary cup of coffee, and found the baggage carousel, the luggage was coming up. He didn’t have to wait too long; his black suitcase arrived on the conveyor belt and right into his hands as if it had seen him first.  

He got a little turned around trying to find the rental cars, but eventually he and his coffee were in the driver’s seat of a shiny black SUV, and he was on his way.  

The drive out of Boston wasn’t so bad, even with it being rush hour, but it took him almost two hours to finally roll over the Sagamore Bridge. He knew the route well, but he’d made one slight miscalculation in his planning: two hours in traffic was a long time to be alone with your thoughts. He played with the radio and figured out how to Bluetooth his phone to the car so he could dig up a playlist. He sang along, drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, and marveled at the vacationers with their bike racks and box carriers, paddleboards, kayaks, and coolers. Vehicles so packed to the gills you couldn’t see out the rear window. So many people trying to make the most of this last week of a lazy summer before schools started up again and the reality of fall set in.  

His had never been one of those families. Scott was a townie, born and raised in East Falmouth, graduate of Falmouth High.  

Go Clippers.  

He’d been one of the local kids that watched those cars full of tourists come and go every weekend all summer long, hoping one of them would bring him a friend, a summer fling, or even just someone different and interesting to hang out on the beach with. He’d made new friends every summer and said good-bye to them every September. 

His coffee ran out long before he crossed the bridge, but he made it onto the Cape and hit the drive-through at McDonald’s. There was a long line, but he got in it. He was all in now, right?  

Headed home for good. 

Title: Not Over Your
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B09D7FC7TW
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-57-4

First Rodeo

August 17, 2019 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
Series: The Cowboy and the Dom Series #1
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: October 15, 2019
Pages: 303

First Rodeo: The Cowboy and the Dom Trilogy, Book One

When a killer strikes, Texan and former rodeo cowboy, Sam O’Reilly, loses his older brother. Unbeknownst to Sam, James was also the lover and sub of a sophisticated New York City Dom named Thomas Ward. Sam comes to the city determined to stay until he can bring the murderer to his own brand of justice, while Thomas’ more ordered mind is hoping for a legal solution. Neither man expects their connection to the other, but having each lost someone irreplaceable, their hearts are crying out for comfort almost as loudly as their bodies are screaming for each other.

Some yearnings refuse to be ignored, but transcending their differences to explore the fragile connection between them will prove to be a steep a hill to climb--the first of many. As Sam and Thomas take the first tentative steps on the rocky path that might lead to a relationship, the killer steps out of the shadows...

And this time, his sights are set on Sam.

*Note: Each of the books in The Cowboy and the Dom Trilogy have fully realized romantic HEAs. However, the overarching suspense element leaves readers on a cliffhanger after books one and two, to be resolved in book three.

Available to purchase, or to borrow with Kindle Unlimited.

 

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Barnes & Noble~~iBooks~~Publisher~~Kobo~~Smashwords~~Universal eBook Links

Also in this series:

Chapter One

“What the fuck are you going to do, baby brother?” Bowie stood at the gravesite, staring down at him like Bowie always had. Gigantic prick. “Do you think you’re going to fucking fix this? James is dead.”

Like Sam didn’t know that.

Fury flashed inside him, hot and fueled by an agony he’d never expected, and he turned, his fist shooting out and catching Bowie right in the uniformed gut.

Rule number two: never monologue.

That surprised Bowie enough that it doubled him over, and Sam got an uppercut in. He had to get his shots in while he could. His big brother outweighed him by sixty pounds and towered over him by damn near a foot and, he had to be honest, had ten years of being a Ranger behind him.

“Motherfucker!” Bowie reached for him, and he danced out of range.

“You kiss my momma with that mouth, grunt?” He went for Bowie’s trick knee, thankful he had his shitkickers on. That pointed toe was useful, and he had a chance to fell the giant.

Rule number three: once you get them down, keep them down.

Used to be that him and James would work together to take Bowie down. That was never going to happen again.

Never.

The thought of that closed casket, that slashed-up face he’d had the misfortune to identify hidden under the oiled wood, made him gag and stumble, and Bowie took advantage, the fists on the back of his neck enough to face-plant him in grave dirt.

“Rule number one, baby brother. Don’t start shit you don’t have the strength to finish.” The hands around his throat were strong, the tremble in them only noticeable because they were so tight.

The sound of a pistol cocking was sharp and clear, and the fuzzy image of Aunt Linda wavered in his sight. “Boys, if you upset your momma and daddy, I will be put out. Get your skanky asses off the ground. Y’all are in your Sunday clothes.”

“Seriously, Aunt Linda?” Bowie muttered. “Even I didn’t come to the gravesite armed.”

“I know you boys. Can’t trust you as far as I can throw you. Get your asses up. Now.”

Bowie stood up and hauled him alongside, just as easy as pie.

“Now apologize,” she demanded.

“He started it.” Bowie was still a suck-up.

“Jim Bowie O’Reilly! You apologize to your baby brother for putting your hands on him right now!” God, she was a harpy—broad as a barn and fierce as any woman who had raised her own siblings had to have been.

“Sorry, asshole.”

“Yeah. Me too. I just…” Sam waved one hand toward the grave. This wasn’t right. James was supposed to be in New York, living this amazing life with lights and a zillion friends. Bowie had the adventure, James had the city, and he was supposed to stay home here and…hold down the fort or something. He was the baby, and… “It should have been you, Bowie.”

Everyone expected that awful phone call. Every time Bowie was deployed, they lived with that quiet fear.

James was a motherfucking school teacher. An elementary school teacher who didn’t get tattoos or take drugs or—

“Sam!” Aunt Linda sounded horrified.

“What? It’s true!”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” Suddenly Bowie looked…diminished. Gray and tired and older than the seven years that separated them. “Fuck you, Sammy. I know. So what the fuck are you going to do about James? I have to report back to work.”

“I’m going to go clean out his place.” He was between jobs. Hell, he was between lives—college was pretty much done with him, he’d educated himself into obscurity in ranching, and God knew, no one needed a broke-dick cowboy with a master’s in art history, a shattered leg from bronc riding, and a temper that tended to flare at inappropriate-at-best times. He would go clean things out and see if he could encourage the detectives to find out…anything.

“You sure you’re not going to short out, Sammy?”

“Fuck you. I’ve been to Dallas, Austin. Hell, I went with James to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I ain’t a kid!”

“You’re my kid brother, Sammy, and I only have one left now.” An expression of pure agony crossed Bowie’s face, and Sam turned his back so he didn’t have to see it.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve got the time, and Momma’s got to take care of Daddy.”

Things hadn’t been good, but the news of James’s murder had made the little baby strokes turn into a real one, and while Daddy wasn’t crippled or nothing, no one was going to let him fly. Not yet.

“Come on. They’re waiting for y’all down to the big house. You know there’s food and all the Ladies Auxiliary waiting to make a fuss.” Aunt Linda didn’t so much as let a tear go, but she did slip her Saturday Night Special into her pocketbook. “Brother Martin will want to bless you both and lay hands.”

“That son of a bitch touches me and I’ll rip out his spleen,” Bowie growled, and Sam had to smile. That was his big brother.

He could hear James, right now, echoing in his head.

Be good, Jim, honey. You’re teaching Sammy bad habits.

God, it was never going to be right. Never.

“Come on. Let’s go.”

He turned and headed for his truck. James wasn’t here. That was a grave, a body, a stone. He was going to go find James where he’d lived.

 

Chapter Two

Thank God this was New York City, the only town he knew of, except maybe LA, where yellow police tape didn’t slow anyone down. Aside from the cops, he was the only one there, the only one who cared. Thomas had about as much privacy as he was going to get.

He leaned against the side of the building as the NYPD took the tape down, balled it up, and stuffed it into a nearby garbage can. The evidence markers had been gone for a couple of days, the chalk lines were gone now too, and even the bloodstains in the concrete were already fading. Another day or two and there wouldn’t be any evidence left that James had died here.

But Thomas wouldn’t forget. He couldn’t get away from it. He lived here, worked here, walked the same goddamn streets as whoever was responsible. He still carried around memories of his time with James that he’d never share with anyone. He carried around the plans they’d made and a future that could never happen now.

He hadn’t received an invitation to James’s funeral. This would have to be his closure, watching the investigation into his lover’s murder become routine, move on to the next “phase.” Watching all the evidence disappear.

That was perhaps the most awful addition to his grief. He understood that James couldn’t be wholly out to his family back home in…well, somewhere in East Texas, but understanding it while James was alive and in his arms was one thing. Coming to grips with his exile now was something else entirely. He was bitter; he was angry. Not at James, not at anyone in particular, just at a world that made them hide. He felt humiliated, and that wasn’t a pill he could swallow without choking on it.

Everything about his life was deliberate, yet at the moment, he was experiencing a lack of control he’d never imagined possible.

One of the cops walked over and offered him a smoke. Colletti was his name. “Wouldn’t you rather be home?”

“This is as close as I want to get right now.” God, listen to him. He refused the cigarette, but just barely. Vices sounded like such a good idea.

“Dobson is going to call you, routine stuff. Did they ask you not to leave town?”

“Yeah. It wasn’t an imperative, but it was strongly suggested.” Insult to injury.

Officer Colletti gave him a nod. “We’re done here. Take care, Mister Ward.”

“Thanks.”

The squad car drove off, and New York seemed impossibly quiet all of a sudden.

A man with a duffel and a cowboy hat walked up to the stoop, and for a second, Thomas’s heart stopped. He closed his eyes until he could breathe again.

Fuck, tourists were everywhere in this city. He just hadn’t been prepared for one in a cowboy hat. He took a breath and headed down the steps. He needed a coffee.

They passed each other, the man meeting his eyes and nodding. “Afternoon.”

“Where are you going?” He knew those eyes intimately. He reached out and grabbed the man by the arm, that hazel making his heart pound. “Who are you?”

“Who the fuck is asking, motherfucker?” The little guy just popped right up into his face, those eyes flashing.

Christ, the cowboy sounded just like James too. Only James would have known better than to meet his eyes.

He stood his ground, inches away, instinct and training helping him stare the kid down. “You’re an O’Reilly. Which one? Sam, right? The bronc rider? You’re too small to be Jim.”

“Bowie,” the kid corrected immediately, even as he nodded. “Who are you?”

Nobody you’d know.

“Right. Bowie.” He let go of Sam’s arm. He knew he should back down, but it took real effort. “I’m Thomas Ward. I…knew your brother.”

Fuck. I loved him.

“Knew him? Y’all worked together?”

What was he going to do? He wasn’t going to out James now. What would be the point? It hurt, though, denying James and jumping back into a closet he’d slammed the door on as soon as he’d stepped foot in this city years ago. “No. We are…were really good friends. He told me all about you guys.”

“Oh. I’m here to…clean up, I guess. Stuff.” Sam tilted his head. “Is this your building too?”

“Uh.” Well, fuck. James had always said Sam was bright. “No.” He’d asked about moving in together. James had been thinking about it. “I was just missing him.”

“Oh. I—come on up, huh?”

 

Title: First Rodeo: The Cowboy and the Dom Trilogy, Book One
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B07YM1QNK4
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-02-4

Find Jodi's full catalog with links to all your favorite formats at Queeromance Ink!

A Whole Latke Love

November 5, 2019 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne
Genre: , ,
Release Date: November 25, 2019
Pages: 46

A Hanukkah Short Story.

Have you ever been to an office holiday party? Well, Matthew Kaplan has been to plenty, and he’s not impressed. In fact, he hates attending the annual gathering at his office. This year, though, he’s trying to make partner in his small law firm and does his best to look like he’s enjoying himself, even though he knows the event is really a Christmas party with just the barest hint of a nod toward his own winter holiday, Hanukkah.

Ethan Becker works for a busy caterer, and although all the Christmas music at these holiday office parties used to make his head ache, he’s learned to tolerate it so he doesn’t lose his mind. Sometimes he even sings along. There aren’t enough toe-tapping Hanukkah songs for a party anyway, right?

Matthew is pleased to find latkes on the buffet and escapes the crowd to eat them peacefully in the kitchen, where Ethan recognizes his hunky one-night-stand immediately. Matthew remembers their night together fondly, but certainly hadn’t expected to run into the hottie with the sweet blue eyes again. When Ethan offers to make more latkes for Matthew another day, Matthew jumps to accept the invitation. But will their date be delicious or disastrous?

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Publisher

 

EXCERPT

Another December, another office holiday party, and another opportunity for Jenny Lambert to get drunk and dance on the reception desk.  

Yay. 

Matt was glad she at least had pants on this year. Last year Jenny had worn this amazing skirt and half the guys in the office had instantly turned into gawking, horny teenagers. Someone must have warned her. 

That said, though, wouldn’t it be nice if someone he could get into hopped up there and started working it a little? Maybe Nick or... ooh, William. William would look great up there. Then Matt could turn into a horny teenager for once. That would make this party way more fun. More interesting too. 

Great, now he was thinking like a pig. That didn’t make this party any better. 

He fought the urge to just leave now, reminding himself that he attended this ridiculous party because he was trying to make partner and, following the laws of office politics, he had to at least show his face until people were drunk enough not to miss him when he left. On the bright side, the food was usually pretty good. 

For the record, and just to add to his cynicism, it wasn’t really a “holiday” party. It was a Christmas party and everyone knew it. There was a big, Christmas tree lit up in the corner for one thing, and tons of red and white poinsettias were scattered around the big reception area that was currently being used as a dance floor. There were fake evergreens running across the top of every doorway and a giant wreath hung over the reception desk. There were silver bells over the elevator doors for crying out loud. Nothing actually said “Merry Christmas,” but the halls were definitely decked. 

Oh, and the DJ was playing “All I Want for Christmas is You” for Drunken Jenny Lambert to dance to.  

Christmas. 

Yes, there was a little table-top sized electric menorah on the other side of the room, but Hanukkah didn’t start until December twenty-second this year and someone had lit all the little orange, flickery candles anyway.  

He tried to appreciate the gesture, but really it just pissed him off. When he made partner, he’d make sure it was done right. 

Matt watched Jenny dance and tried to pretend like she was William, but it was useless. He looked at his watch, wondering again if he could casually walk by, pretend he was going to the restroom, and just get on the elevator instead and go home. Everyone was focused on the reception desk after all. 

“Do you think she is going to remember this in the morning this year?” 

“Last year there was pictorial evidence.” He grinned at Nick. “Didn’t you provide them?” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Matt. They just appeared in the lunchroom.” Nick held up a glass. “You need to look less bored. Get a drink.” 

“I have a drink.” 

“Matthew Kaplan.” Nick shook his head. “That is a Diet Coke, not a drink.” 

“You know I never drink at these things, Nick.” 

“Why not? Are you afraid you’ll end up on the desk with Jenny?” 

“Not really,” he lied. It was a definite possibility. “Anyway, it looks like Greg beat me to it.” He pointed, and he and Nick laughed as the managing partner did the shimmy with Jenny. 

“We should get her a Lyft.” 

Nick snorted. “Matt, my friend, you are boring. Stay here. I’m getting you a drink.” Nick took off for the board room, where they’d set up the bar, and Matt decided not to be standing here when Nick got back. He didn’t need alcohol to make this event even worse than it already was. He headed past the makeshift dance floor and the scent of holiday dinner drifted over him.  

Oh, yum. He could eat. 

Title: A Whole Latke Love
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B081QN85ZR
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-05-5

Window Dressing

November 24, 2019 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
Series: Merry Everything Series #1
Genre: , , , , , ,
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Pages: 189

When bull rider Sterling Kingsolver wins a national rodeo championship in a stunning upset, he becomes the public face of the rodeo league. But the big bosses had other plans, and Sterling knows he’s in trouble. Worst of all, though, he’s headed to New York City to do a publicity junket. Sterling is a quiet cowboy from New Mexico, and all the fancy trappings of his new title don’t sit so well with him.

Jonas Burke is an experienced public relations assistant. He’s been hired by the rodeo league to get a hick cowboy from the middle of nowhere cleaned up and presentable by New York standards, and he’s been told to cancel his week-long Christmas vacation to do it.

The two men square off a couple of times, but as they get to know each other, Jonas begins to understand what makes a real cowboy tick, and Sterling starts to realize there’s more to Jonas than a flashy smile. While taking in the sparkle and joy that is Christmas in New York City, their friendship slowly becomes more. But when trouble catches up with them, Sterling’s days in the city come to an end and Jonas nearly loses his job. Facing that infamous midnight hour, Sterling and Jonas have to decide what their New Year will bring.

Window Dressing is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance featuring a rodeo cowboy, a city boy in a suit, and the magic of New York City at the holidays.

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Barnes & Noble~~iBooks~~Publisher~~Kobo~~Smashwords~~Universal eBook Links

Also in this series:

Prologue

Sterling Kingsolver was fixin’ to ruin his goddamn career for stupid pride, and he gave less than no shits.

He stood there, staring at Clint Masterson, the buzz of fury zipping between his ears like killer bees.

“Listen to me, boy. Cody Ball has been promised this year. You’re a baby. You’re a rookie. You throw this ride and we’ll make it worth your while.”

“I ain’t a cheat.” He might be a piece-of-shit caliche farmer, a desert baby balls to bones, but he wasn’t about to take a dive. He had Rookie of the Year in the bag, sure—but if he rode his last bull? Shit marthy, he would take the event win and the championship.

“We aren’t asking you to cheat, son. I’m telling you to make a smart career move, hmm?” Masterson had been one of the First Five, and he was the face of the league, the big boss. Shit, this man could ruin him. Shit.

“Fine. I think it’s bullshit, man. Total bullshit.” God. God help him. Was he considering this?

“This isn’t some little ranch rodeo, Kingsolver. This is the big time. Sometimes you have to lose a little. You got the Rookie of the Year money. Take it and run. Next year it will be yours.”

Right. Assuming he stayed healthy next year. Assuming he rode. Assuming he had another magic year. “Yessir.”

Fucker.

“Good boy. Go on. You need to strap in. Don’t make it obvious.”

Good boy?

Good fucking boy?

He stormed across the chutes, his boots rattling.

“Bit! Bit, come on! Tie on your damn glove! This is it.” Jack waved and bounced, his eyes as big as saucers. “What did Masterson want?”

“Nothing. Just to keep my ass on the bull.”

“Ah. Okay. Grab your bull rope. I’ll pull. Chance can hold your vest.”

“Right.” He went through the motions, acidic hatred burning in his belly. Motherfuckers, with their politics and shit. He could see Cody Ball and his long-assed ugly nose and sparse pussy-tickler mustache just staring him down with a bullshit smirk, knowing what they’d asked.

Just because Ball hadn’t fucking managed quite to keep himself centered, just because no one had thought Sterling was a goddamn threat until it was too late.

Now he was one ride away from taking the whole thing.

One ride.

His daddy was sitting there in the stands, the day sheet crumpled in his fingers. Daddy would know. He would know and judge, even if he never said a word about it.

“Focus, asshole!” Chance shook him. “Blue Belly isn’t going to thank you for woolgathering.” His old friend leaned close, peppermint on his breath. “Don’t do it. Ride this son of a bitch. Ride him into the motherfucking ground and make them all scream.”

“They said—”

“Don’t. Just hold on, cowboy. You ain’t a rodeo athlete; you’re a goddamn cowboy.”

Sterling nodded and got his legs set, slamming his glove shut over his rope. Blue Belly bucked in the chute, tossing his head, slamming Sterling’s leg against the gate. He didn’t nod, but the gate swung open, and he kept his mind in the middle.

Just hold on. You’re a goddamn cowboy.

That was right. He was. He was a goddamn cowboy, and he didn’t throw rides. This wasn’t a job; this was who he was.

By the time he finished telling himself that, the buzzer sounded, the arena going wild.

Well, okay then.

Time to hit the dirt and take his lumps.

Title: Window Dressing
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B0827D3CM2
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-04-8

 

Find Jodi's full catalog with links to all your favorite formats at Queeromance Ink!

The Barn: Zeke and Wesley

May 12, 2025 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne, BA Tortuga
Series: The Barn #1
Genre: , , , , , ,
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Pages: 270

Zeke and Wesley is an opposites attract romance set in Alaska at a resort for queer men. It features a professional songwriter who is haunted by a past relationship and a fundraiser/event planner who is looking for an adventure.

Wesley Dugan raises money for other people for a living, has finally decided he needs to spend a little on himself for a change. He wants an adventure, somewhere that he can indulge his appetites without making promises to anyone. The Barn is an exclusive Alaskan resort that is highly regarded in the scene and promises kinky delights, assuming Wesley can brave his fear of flying to get there.

Zeke Burrell is about to celebrate a major anniversary. At nearly a thousand days, he imagines he’s spent more time at the Barn than anyone but the owners. To Zeke, the resort is his home and his sanctuary, where he can write music and find peace in his routine.

When they meet, Zeke is surprised to be so curious about the resort’s newest guest. Wesley doesn’t expect to become so infatuated on the first day of his vacation. While their desires brought them to the resort for the same reasons, the rest of their lives couldn’t be any different. Zeke prefers quiet and solitude, while Wesley enjoys the company of others and a good party. Zeke has a complicated history, but Wesley’s couldn’t be more straightforward.

Is it possible for them to find the balance they crave both in-scene and out?

Buy the Book: Amazon

Chapter 1

 

Wesley was still feeling wobbly when he stepped off the plane. The Xanax he’d taken before he left Sacramento ought to have worn off long ago, so he assumed what he was feeling now was the gin.

He hoisted his backpack higher up on his shoulder and took a few more steps, following the signs for the baggage claim. He didn’t remember taking off, or the stop in Seattle where he fortunately didn’t have to get off the plane. He did remember ordering a drink, though he couldn’t say whether it had been his first, and he remembered the incredible scenery as they approached Juneau.

He’d never seen anything like it. Huge blue and white glaciers lined with black sediment cutting through rocky, snow-capped mountains and spilling into smooth, green water. And all within clear view of the airport.

He was relieved to be on the ground, though, and the unfamiliar surroundings, the strange airport, and what was left of his buzz reminded him that he was finally on vacation in a place where he could be himself, away from the eyes that judged his every move.

“Mr. Dugan, sir?” A blond man in a canvas field coat and hiking boots gave him a wave. “Are you Mr. Dugan?”

He nodded, realizing that this must be the driver he was promised. “I am.”

“Was your flight okay? How are you feeling?”

“I don’t remember much of it to be honest, and I'm still a little…” Drunk, most likely.

“Not to worry; we have an hour or so to go.”

“Let’s hope that does it.” And if not, he’d check in and take a nap.

“No stress, Sir. No one will expect you to be on as soon as you check in. This is a wild trip to Juneau. Everyone needs time to adjust.” He got a warm smile. “I’m Caleb, by the way, and I’m happy to help you out.”

“Thank you, Caleb. I appreciate the help, especially at the moment.” It had been rude of him not to ask the young man’s name, but he’d put his issues with flying in his personal statement, and Caleb seemed to understand that he wasn’t at his best.

He pointed out his suitcase, and Caleb retrieved it, then led him out into the beautiful, cool spring day. There was a luxury Jeep waiting for them, and he was already feeling like he might live.

No stodgy black car, no city traffic to wade through, and when Caleb called him “sir” it wasn’t because Caleb didn’t know his name or because he was the boy's employer. It wasn't even because he had money. Caleb was deferring to his status as a Dominant. Just like his reference to “boy” was about Caleb clearly being a sub.

So fucking refreshing.

He climbed into the front seat and pulled out his phone, intending to check his texts now that he’d landed, but instead, he thought better of it and shut the thing off.

He wasn’t that man here. Not entirely anyway. He took a deep breath to shake off the remaining cobwebs, glanced at the sub in the driver’s seat and smiled. “I am so ready for this.”

“Yes, Sir. I can tell you the Barn is a lovely place to unwind.”

“So, do you work for the management as a driver, or were you instructed to pick me up today? I have to admit, I’m not clear on all the details. I’m here on a recommendation from a friend.”

“I work for management, and I asked to come. I love driving, and it’s a glorious day. There are a couple of other boys who pick up guests, but one has the day off, and I won at Roshambo.”

He gave Caleb a nod and a smile. “Congratulations. And I think you made the right choice. It’s a perfect day to be out in all of this scenery. The view from the plane was stunning.” Even if it had made him anxious. He’d left his window slightly open for the fresh air, though, and was just about clearheaded now. “Thank you for the ride.”

“It’s absolutely my pleasure. Is there any place you’d like to stop in town before we head up into the resort?”

He went with his first instinct. While it was true that he’d slept most of the trip, he was still pretty beat. “I don’t know anything about Juneau, but I assume I’ll have the opportunity to come back and explore at some point. I think I’d like to go get settled in.”

“Yes, Sir. Just lean back and relax. It’s about an hour and a half out, maybe less.”

“Thank you.” As long as they were on solid ground, he didn’t care how long the drive was. He was in fucking Alaska. Everything his eyes landed on was something he’d never seen before.

Title: Zeke & Wesley
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B0F7N1TRY3

Deviations: Submission

April 11, 2017 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne and Chris Owen
Series: Deviations #1
Genre: , , , , ,
Release Date: December 30, 2019 (Third Edition)
Pages: 338

Tobias Vincent is a big animal vet, and also skilled and seasoned Dom. City beat cop, and sub Noah desperately needs to find a man to help him work through a block but has yet to find someone who can take him where he needs to go.

Through a series of encounters in the world of bondage and discipline, Noah reveals why he has trouble trusting, and why he needs such a firm, steady hand. Tobias is confident he can help Noah, but he has trouble letting himself love. Still, Tobias can't resist Noah's charms, and the two of them set about making a scene for themselves, one that works for them and their unique set of challenges.

They learn to love, but how will they stay together while they explore each other’s secrets, in an environment where all is laid bare and emotions run high?

Buy the Book: Amazon~~iBooks~~Publisher~~Kobo~~Smashwords~~Universal eBook Links

Also in this series:

 

EXCERPT FROM SUBMISSION

There were many truths in this life, Tobias decided as he knotted his tie for the evening. Death comes to all, taxes must be paid, and fortieth birthdays were a reason for one's friends to buy nice wine, make lavish cakes, and throw dinner parties. Forty-first birthdays, on the other hand, went unremarked upon by all but one's nearest and dearest. As he had cards from a few friends and a message from Phan, he thought he'd just about exhausted the expected well wishes.

But turning forty-one did not mean he was dead or unable to make his own fun. He'd made his arrangements for the evening, planning with as much detail as he could—which, admittedly, wasn't much. He knew what to wear for his mood; he knew where he'd go and what he'd eat; he knew what he wanted. But there were an amazing number of variables at play, more than he usually allowed.

He was thinking about that as he straightened his dinner jacket and pocketed his keys. It was a highly planned evening of spontaneity that lay ahead of him, the novelty of which made him smile. Perhaps letting the fates blow once in a while was a good thing. In any case, he'd find out shortly; the worst he could do was have an evening of fine dining and a bottle of wine. The best would be far, far better, but it was rare to find exactly what he sought.

Tobias ran a comb through his hair one last time as he waited for his car, the light in the entry to his condo making the few stray silver hairs shine among the darker brown. Forty-one wasn't too old, he decided. It was a fine age to be, the height of his success and skill. He lacked for nothing, really.

Only someone to share his birthday with.

The phone rang and he pushed the thought away, startled to realize it wasn't the house phone signaling his car, but his landline. ''Dr. Vincent,'' he said as he answered. God, he hoped it wasn't an emergency—he really wasn't dressed to have a lamb be born, or to nurse a horse through colic.

''Good evening, Doctor, I'm sorry to call like this. I'm sure you have plans,'' came the smooth and cheerful voice of his elderly housekeeper.

''Oh, Mrs. Miller, hello. I do, yes—I'm just on my way out, but I have a few minutes.'' He smiled to himself ruefully; he would talk for as long as the lady decided, and he knew it. No matter how successful he got or how many birthdays he had, there would always be Mrs. Miller to defer to.

''I'm merely calling to wish you a happy birthday,'' she said, ''and to ask if you'll be out to the farm this weekend.''

Tobias’ smile grew. ''Thank you, Mrs. Miller, that's really very kind of you. And yes, I'm planning to drive out tomorrow afternoon until Monday.''

''Should I tell Peter not to come then, or would you like him to exercise the horses?''

''No, I'll do it,'' he decided. It was one of the best things about going to the country, and he wouldn't happily pay someone to do it for him when he was there. The house phone buzzed at him, two shorts. ''Thank you again, Mrs. Miller.''

''I'll see you tomorrow, Doctor,'' she said, and he could picture her grinning. ''Enjoy your evening.''

''I hope to,'' he said with a smile. He hung up, buzzed the front desk, and headed to his club.

* * *

The car pulled up in front of the building and Tobias lowered his window for the security guard. ''Good evening, Tobias,'' the man said with a smile that was entirely professional, despite his use of Tobias' first name. It was a club rule that all members were to be treated equally until there was an agreement in place between individuals, and as last names were not used at all in order to preserve anonymity, given names were expected.

''Timothy,'' Tobias said with a warm smile. ''When did you start out here?'' The last time Tobias had been to the club Timothy had been inside.

''About five months ago. I like it, though I'm called back inside if needed.'' Timothy made a note of the number on Tobias' membership card and smiled at him again. ''Have a nice evening, Tobias. And welcome back.''

The car moved slowly ahead and stopped at the wide front steps; by the time Tobias had opened his door the driver was there, and the front door was opening.

''Tobias! Timothy said you were here.''

Tobias shook his head and smiled again. ''I trust you don't mind me appearing again after all this time?'' he asked Bradford.

Bradford met him on the steps and shook his hand. Tobias' friendship with Bradford went back far too many years to count anymore, and even after Tobias’ long absence from the club, the man’s firm handshake felt as familiar and comforting as a favorite sweater. ''The day we turn you from here, my friend,'' Bradford told him with a warm smile, ''is the day I close the old place up. Now, come in! Eat. Enjoy your birthday. I have a room reserved for you, as you requested. You're not meeting anyone are you?''

The club had a small, exclusive membership made up of carefully screened Dominant and submissive men. These men had been screened not just for their level of training but also style and personality, thereby keeping the membership diverse and varied. It wasn’t a BDSM club in the common sense; it was more a place for men to meet, socialize and fulfill each others’ needs and fantasies in a safe and monitored environment. Bradford had taken over management of the club a number of years ago, and eventually assumed ownership as well when his mentor, a smooth, confident Dom who had also been a mentor of Tobias’, was ready to retire. Bradford was a natural host; he knew his membership well, and he had a knack for making everyone feel right at home.

Tobias shook his head again and allowed himself to be led inside. The solid doors closed behind him and he took a deep breath, immediately relaxing. There was just something about the dark interior, the plush fabrics and deep wingback chairs that called to him. Or perhaps it was the crossed whips decorating the walls.

''I don't have a guest, if that's what you mean,'' he told Bradford as they made their way to the small bar. ''But I'm open to possibilities.''

''I was hoping you would say that.'' Bradford suddenly looked speculative. ''In which case...''

''Wait,'' Tobias said, laughing. ''I'm not saying I want you to find me a date. I'm just saying I want to have a pleasant evening—a nice meal, people I like around me—''

''And it's been eight months since you've been here, Tobias. I know you spend your weekends on the farm and your weeknights in town. I'd certainly have heard if you had someone new.'' He shook his head sadly, making Tobias grin. ''No, my friend, you deserve to play. And I might just have the right someone for you.''

Tobias tilted his head and considered his friend. Bradford had been running the club for a number of years, had been an integral part of Tobias' own training. There was perhaps no one more capable of knowing the type of partner Tobias needed, liked... desired.

''Tell me,'' Tobias invited, accepting a glass of ice water from the bartender.

Bradford beamed at him, delighted. ''I can, and will do you one better. Come.''

Tobias had little choice but to follow as Bradford crossed the room with purpose to a small table. Tobias, being behind, could see little other than a man sitting alone. He rose quickly as Bradford made a direct path to him.

''Tobias,'' Bradford said grandly, ''I would like you to meet Noah. Noah, this is Tobias. It is my opinion that the two of you are well suited. Of course, you may decide otherwise, but I encourage you to at least discuss the matter.'' He then bowed his head and stepped back, wishing them good evening with a knowing grin before turning and walking away, leaving Tobias to face this stranger alone, knowing no more than his name.

Title: Submission
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B083BKLWDJ
ISBN13: 978-1-951011-17-8

Submission is available in AUDIO!
Purchase it at Audible, iTunes & Amazon!

 


 

Submission est disponible en FRANÇAIS !
Achetez-le directement auprès de  Juno Publishing,
ou sur Amazon, 7switch, ou Kobo!

Find Jodi's full catalog with links to all your favorite formats at Queeromance Ink!

Cowboy Protection

November 2, 2022 by
Contributors: Jodi Payne & BA Tortuga
Series: Merry Everything Series #2
Genre: , , , , , ,
Release Date: 11/22/22
Pages: 256

Maverick “Mackey” Keyes keeps the rodeo cowboys safe on his watch and he knows how to make his bullfighting team walk the line. He might be starting to feel his years, but he’s a pro, and he’s not afraid of anything that might happen on the arena floor.

Sidney Scott knows how to go with the flow, so when his dream job passes him by, he grabs the chance to work the bull riding circuit as a TV producer. He’s going to do the job right, traveling with the show, even if he hears some rumbling from the riders.

Mackey and Sid butt heads more than once, but when it really counts, they manage to get on the same page. When Mackey is injured, Sid steps up to help, and things take a far more personal turn. They might have been able to ignore the growing attraction between them at work, but a long road trip over the Christmas holiday and time away from the other cowboys lets them find something together that neither of them expect, but both of them need.

Cowboy Protection is an opposites attract, rodeo romance featuring a bullfighter and a corporate suit, with a side of holiday magic.

Buy the Book: Amazon~~Barnes & Noble~~iBooks~~Publisher~~Kobo~~Smashwords~~Universal eBook Links

Also in this series:

 

Chapter 1 

“Don’t flatter yourself, cowboy! I was staring at your truck.” Maverick Keyes leaned against his wheel well and grinned as Grainger and Hayden tumbled out of their shiny new Dodge, the twins all arms and legs and goofy grins. “Lord have mercy, y’all. You two have a good July break?” 

“Yes, sir!” Grainger said, giving him a wide grin. “Me and Hayden are ready to work, though. Momma was fixin’ to toss our happy asses out the damn door.” 

“She sent you some chow chow, says to say thank you for raising us, Mackey.” 

“Shee-it. I’m just trying to get you boys killed.” He’d been worried about taking them on if he was honest, which he was, if only to himself. Twenty was a wild time, and two twenties somehow worked out to the smarts of a single eighteen. Still, him and Tommy had talked on it, and the twins were strong, fearless, and focused on the dirt, so he’d hired them. Now they had a solid team, with Fabiano there to work as an alternate. It had only taken about a year. 

“Promises, promises.” Jack Boers wandered up, smacking one of the boys on the shoulder. “Lord have mercy, ain’t it fixin’ to come up a cloud?” 

Lord love a duck, Jack was a hot bastard with his silver hair and his deep eye lines. They’d knocked boots more than once, but Jack was a horndog that needed something Mackey wasn’t, so they’d decided ten some odd years ago to be the hand job type of friends. Still, he was the best buddy a man could have, and one hell of a safety man to boot. 

“It’s gonna pour, and my knees say it’s gonna be a gullywhomper.” He’d been enjoying the summer, but even in the south, September was whispering about autumn. “You seen Tommy?” 

“No, sir. I seen y’all and Ollie when I unloaded the horses. That’s it.” 

Mackey stuck his tongue out at Jack. “Grab your gear, boyos. Warm-up is in an hour. Don’t be late.” 

The twins saluted him and ran off, spending more energy than he had in his whole self. 

Mackey shook his head. “It’s hell getting old.” 

“No shit on that, cowboy. We having steaks after the show? I’m starving.” 

“Yessir.” First though, he needed to call Tommy and find out where the Aussie was. “You staying at the host hotel tonight?” 

“Shit yes. I love casino hotels. They suit me to the ground. I’ll see you in the arena, Mack-Daddy.” Jack patted his butt and wandered off. 

He grabbed his phone, punching the second number on his favorites, after Jack and before the twins’ momma, and waited for the son of a bitch to answer. 

“Oi, I’m coming. You’re such a mother hen.” 

“Uh-huh. You’re late.” He always told Tommy to be somewhere an hour before he was supposed to show. 

“Now, Mother. You and I both know I’m not. I’ll be there. I was having a lick of fun.” 

“Don’t.” He didn’t want to hear about whatever Tommy was doing or with who. That bastard just had to grin and twinkle those blue eyes and men and women alike opened their legs like they had a button. “Just come on.” 

“You want a cherry limeade? I’ll fix you up, Mother.” 

Oh lord have mercy, Tommy knew how to make him happy. “Make it a big one. Extra cherries.” 

“For you, mate, always.” 

Mackey hung up the phone without saying goodbye. Sorry son of a bitch. 

“Mackey, everything good?” 

God, but he hated that voice. Cody Roberts was the president of the league, voted in by the cowboys running shit, and his direct line to God, from what he understood. “Right as rain.” 

“Don’t talk about rain, buddy. It’s going to pour.” 

“Bulls don’t mind mud, and the arena’s covered. We’re good.” Only one he stressed was Jack, and his mare Princess was sure-footed as fuck. 

“Still, crowds don’t like it. They want sunshine.” 

Shit, they wanted wrecks, cowboy butts, and at least one great ride. The fans gave no shits about the other. “Yes, sir.” 

“Your team all present?” 

“Yes, sir. All checked in.” Mostly. In theory. 

“Good man. Have a good show. You ready for your TV spot?” 

“Yup.” Not even a bit. He’d just ramble on about how Sparkle Night always turned right and make faces at Danny behind the lens. “You putting Stock on live?” 

He made sure not to smile a bit. Stockard Manning was the clown, was in contract negotiations, and was possibly the meanest motherfucker on earth. They got along like a house afire. 

Stock and live TV? Not so much. 

“Fuck you, Mackey.” Cody did chuckle though. “Get to work, bud.” 

“Always working, sir.” 

Always. And his body knew it. Still, he had his team, new sneakers, good pain pills, and a cherry limeade on the way. 

It was fixin’ to be a good day.

Title: Cowboy Protection
Published by: Tygerseye Publishing, LLC
ASIN: B0BG3DZCHC