Giveaway and Guest Post from Michael Mandrake

Inspiration for Under the Gun

by Michael Mandrake

Thanks for having me. So, my latest novella, Under the Gun from No Boundaries is an interracial m/m romance about a two men who come from different paths but find out just how much they have in common. Malik Day is a discharged soldier under the now defunct DADT policy while Camdyn Hardy is private investigator who just lost his lover when he decided homosexuality wasn’t for him.

The novel idea came from a sub call I answered and wasn’t successful at getting published. However, that seemed to be a blessing in disguise. I’d get to rewrite this novella and give the characters a much longer story.

Surely, other than Binding Justice, it’s different than my other books. I add a touch of snark from BL, tap into the kink as she would and add some more sensuality as Rawiya; all because my characters ask for it.

Now onto the music. This story is a romance with two very interesting characters, both of headstrong, stubborn, proud, and alpha. I’m choosing some metal in this case since both characters are faced with difficult situations. Some Sevendust and Ministry for the angst, maybe even some Nine Inch Nails. For the calmer and more tension filled moments, Depeche Mode. When the characters finally realize what they have is worth giving it a try, smooth R&B like Sade but there’s one scene in particular where the characters are having sex but, ahem, a little different than you’d expect. For this, I like to pull out NIN again and one song I’m thinking of is the song Sanctified. The tone of the song, seductive with an edge, gives off the feel I’m looking for in this particular part.

I love when a song helps me write a story! Thanks so much for listening.

**Today I’m giving away a copy of my hot new M/M book from No Boundaries to on lucky commenter.

Under the Gun
by Michael Mandrake
No Boundaries Press
Contemporary M/M Erotic Romance

Blurb:
Camdyn Hardy is a former cop who has his own private investigator business. Due to a misunderstanding from a client, he gets into an argument with his lover Tay. Right after, they breakup Camdyn is left alone to think about his future as a PI and his love life.

Malik Day was recently discharged under the DADT policy and is looking to get his life on track The main reason he joined was because he dreamed of being a ranking officer. Now that it’s been taken away, he desires to start his life anew and find someone to share it with.

After two weeks the men meet at a shooting range and find out they have a lot in common. Once they engage in a one on one match, they proceed to a bar to have drinks and get to know one another better. They both discover their affinity for guns as well as Camdyn’s need for a new partner at Camdyn & Associates. Malik is intrigued but afraid to ask him and decides to wait till they are closer. Camdyn is excited about this prospect as well but waits for Malik to say the word. Finally, in an erotic encounter, true feelings are revealed.

The story continues where the twosome began their work and love relationship. Together they’ll take on cases investigating cheating husbands or wives, companies with defector employees all the while trying to maintain their newfound commitment to one another as well as having a little fun in the process.

Excerpt:
When he made it to the office, he signed the necessary papers and waited as the man finished his transaction. Lazily, he leaned on the counter and nonchalantly glanced at a hot looking man that stood less than twenty feet away. Malik grinned and moistened his lips in the gorgeous stranger’s direction.

Damn.

The attractive guy gave him more than an eye and winked. Obviously, he plays on my team. His lush brown-and-blond hair barely kissed his shoulders. Beautiful azure eyes the same color as the Pacific. Lips so slim and kissable, Malik knew he could enjoy them for hours. Wicked visions crossed his mind as he eyed the scruff on the man’s cheeks. He liked a little roughness when making love.

The snug, black shirt fit well, hugging his bulging muscles. Malik eyed the ink that peeked from under one sleeve and salivated. His skinny, black jeans clung to his taut buttocks; Malik’s own trousers felt a little tight in the crotch. “Mhmmm.” Malik tried to keep his stares from being obvious to the clerk.

Would the hot man like to play with him a little? Malik sure hoped so.

It had been a long while since his last fuck. He’d spent the time searching for employment, going to job fairs, and not getting any call backs. Malik had remained so focused on getting a job; he’d ignored the signals of his groin needing a release from other than his own hand. Too long. He headed for the door and wished the handsome man would follow.

Maybe it’s time to stop looking for work and attempt to find a man.

Just when he stepped out, a voice stopped him.

“Hey.”

Malik slowly turned around. It was indeed him, the hottie he’d been eyeing. It shocked Malik to see the guy was actually speaking to him. “Hello.” Malik was taken aback by the guy speaking to him, but he guessed he warranted a greeting when they exchanged more than a passing glance.

The man stepped closer to him and held out his hand. “Name’s Camdyn. And you are?”

“Malik.” He accepted the handshake and returned it firmly. “Nice to meet you.” He raised an eyebrow.

“Same here.” Malik noticed Camdyn continued to hold on to his palm. Of course he didn’t mind; it felt unexpectedly soft and warm. “Um, you been comin’ here a while?”

“Yeah, I um…” Malik stopped short and bit his lip. He tried not to sound too excited. This was the last place he’d expected to be picked up at. The shooting range? Malik would’ve never thought of this place to meet other gay men.

“I been around, but I just got back in town.”

“Yeah? I’m guessin’ from the getup you served in the Army.”

“Uh huh… I um… yeah, let’s go outside.” Quickly, he pulled his hands away, even though he didn’t want to. Surely, he wanted to talk with Camdyn some more, but away from others coming in and out of the shop. He felt a little uncomfortable being picked up at some place so manly, but in a way, he liked it.

Available at:
No Boundaries | ARe | Amazon | B&N

About the Author:
Michael Mandrake is the author of several novellas including his latest, Vertigo from Sizzler Editions. His next books, True Meaning 2: The Complete Portrait from XOXO and Under the Gun from No Boundaries Press are due out in 2012. To find out more please visit http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com.

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