Publisher Printing Preferences

Dear ePublishers,

We here at The Naughty Bits are all about the preferential treatment and since discussion has come up about certain well known and well loved ePublishers displaying this preference in regards to taking eBooks to print we wish to lend our support for this briiliant idea.

It so rocks in a “fuck your competitor up the ass with a big one” way. If anything I myself can understand just that very compulsion. But.. I must say that there are times when I sit here wondering if I am the only one seeing some hellaciously talented authors not getting the sweet sweet “print it now” lovin that they so richly deserve.

So without further ado let me show you some eBooks that the Pig would be so buying for his keeper shelf if you just got off your fat ass and put them on the fast track to paperback as soon as these writers have handed you the whack crack they do so well.

With Love, Teddypig

Tags: Amelia Elias, eAuthors, Ellora's Cave, ePublishers, J.L. Langley, Lauren Dane, Liquid Silver, Loose-Id, Morgan Hawke, Samantha Kane, Samhain Publishing, Shelly Laurenston, Sienna Black

A Regelence Christmas by J. L. Langley

Merry Christmas everyone! J. L. Langley let me post this Christmas Present to her readers. If you enjoyed My Fair Captain you should appreciate this glimpse into the life of Steven and Raleigh. You must be 18 years or over etc etc etc… Enjoy!

He shut the door, cutting off a loud wail, and debated with himself for the hundredth time in the last hour. The Christmas presents weren’t going to buy themselves, yet he couldn’t quite make his hand ungrip the doorknob. I’m a coward. The manly thing to do would be to ignore the possibility of utter destruction inside and go— he winced at a particularly loud crash sounding from behind the door.

“Raleigh!” Steven stuck his head out of the lift, nearly knocking off his top hat. “Let’s go. They’ll be fine.”

“They are going to destroy the entire castle.” And possibly one another. Why had he wanted more than two? Oh yes, he’d wanted Rexley and Payton to have more playmates. Galaxy, had he called that one wrong. Instead he’d given Rexley more self-inflicted responsibility and Payton more partners in crime. Raleigh huddled deeper into his great coat wondering if he should go back in for a scarf.

“Then let them. We’ll have another one built. Let’s go.” The last word was slightly whiny, then Steven disappeared back inside the lift.

Raleigh let go of the doorknob and prayed to whatever deity would listen. “Please just don’t let the kill each other.” Pains in the arses they may be, but he was rather attached to them.

A muffled feminine screech rent the air, followed by Rexley’s exasperated admonishment of “Muffin…”

“And don’t let them drive poor Rexley insane.” As Raleigh started down the steps toward the lift, the front door flew open behind him.

“Have fun shopping, Cony.” Tarren ran past, right down the front steps and into the snow, with no coat, no less.

Raleigh opened his mouth to hail his youngest but was jostled out of the way.

“Oh! I say, sorry, Cony.” Colton stopped, steading Raleigh with a hand on his shoulder. He was nearly as tall as Raleigh now. “Thought you and Father had already left.”

What are you—”

“Got to go Cony, have fun shopping.” Colton bolted down the steps out into the snow, also without a coat, after his younger brother. “You are a dead man, Tarren.”

Steven stuck his head out of the lift again, this time he did knock his hat off. He looked to the left towards the boys, now wrestling in the snow, and shook his head. He chuckled turning his gaze back to Raleigh. “They’ll be fine. Rexley, Christy and Thomas can handle it until Nate and Aiden arrive.”

“But—”

“Pick up my hat, will you?” Steven’s dark head disappeared out of view once more.

Raleigh groaned and stooped down to grab his spouse’s hat. He climbed into the lift and handed it to Steven as he sat down next to him.

“Close lift door and continue to our destination.” Steven said to the lift computer, before patting Raleigh’s thigh. Grabbing him by the chin Steven pulled him close and kissed his frown.

Raleigh tried to relax but—

Steven let out a long suffering sigh. “And send a message to Jeffers to make certain someone brings Tarren and Colton in out of the cold before they get frostbite.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” The lift door closed and it began moving…in the wrong direction.

Steven slid closer, his leg nestling up against Raleigh’s as he tossed his top hat on the bench opposite them. His hand slid up Raleigh’s thigh, fumbling with his coat and his hot breath teased Raleigh’s ear. “Bloody hell, Raleigh. How many layers of clothes do you have on?”

“We’re going the wrong way. Classige is north of us, not south. I thought we were going shopping.”

Steven finally managed to get his hand under Raleigh’s coat. “We are, but we’re making a stop first.”

“Where—”

Steven pulled at the placket of Raleigh’s trousers, unhooking it, as his tongue swept into Raleigh’s ear.

Willing his errant prick to stop getting hard, Raleigh closed his eyes. Galaxy, he hated not being in control of everything. He should have never allowed Steven to plan this outing. There was no time to fool around. “Steven, if we’re going to get all the…” A warm hand pushed his short drawers out of the way and gripped his cock, squeezing it into a full blown erection. Goose bumps rose up on his skin from the wicked tongue teasing him.

Steven licked along the shell of his ear before nipping the lobe. “Mmm.. That’s my Cony, body is willing, but your mind is still ticking away at what all we have to accomplish.” His voice was low and seductive and his hot breath fanned across where his tongue had been seconds ago, making it cool.

Raleigh shivered, trying to fight his body’s reaction. They had several presents to—.

Steven’s hand slid up his cock and back down as his other hand tugged at Raleigh’s cravat.

Rallying one last effort, Raleigh put his hand over his consort’s, trying to stop the continuous caress on his prick. “We’ve got so much to—”

The cravat came loose and Steven sank his teeth into Raleigh’s neck.

He was a goner. Resisting Steven had never been one of his strong points. He was smart enough to know when he was beat. Thrusting up into Steven’s hand, he reached for Steven’s coat. The man had entirely too many clothes on. Where the hell is my dagger? He’d cut the damned things off.

Steven chuckled and kissed down his neck. When he got as far as Raleigh’s shirt would allow him to reach bare skin, he growled.

“I still say we don’t have time for this.” Of course, he no longer cared. He released Steven long enough to get his great coat and waist coat off.

Steven didn’t let go of his cock. He continued to stroke, at a firm and steady pace, sure to drive Raleigh out of his mind.

As soon as Raleigh’s outer wear was disposed of, he went back to his consort’s coat, trying to get it out of his way. It was still a little chilly in the lift making his nipples peek and the hair raise on his arms, but Steven was warming him up fast.

His fingers finally managed work loose one of the buttons of the soft brocade waistcoat. “And you accuse me of wearing too much.” Oh yes, nice soft cotton and— if he pushed his hand inside—skin. He never got tired of running his hands over Steven’s wide shoulders and hairy, sculpted chest.

Steven merely grunted and pulled Raleigh into his lap.

Having been tugged by the prick, Raleigh had no choice but to stop fumbling with Steven’s clothing and straddle his thighs. Galaxy, he loved it when Steven was beyond speech. Those little grunts and groans were like music to Raleigh’s ears. He lowered his head, capturing Steven’s lips as Steven jerked his lawn shirt down his arms.

Buttons flew all over the lift, pinging off the walls. Raleigh shut out the part of his brain that asked what he was going to wear while they were out shopping later.

Steven sighed into his mouth and ripped his own shirt open. He pulled Raleigh close, mashing their skin together.

Mmm, he was no longer cold. The hair on Steven’s chest tickled, making his nipples even harder. He moved his hips a little reminding Steven his cock was out and quite ready to play with.

“Aahh.” Steven took over the kiss, thrusting his tongue inside Raleigh’s mouth. He fed from Raleigh’s mouth, tracing his teeth and nipping at his lips. Grabbing Raleigh’s cock in one hand and his arse in the other, Steven leaned back studying the skin he’d revealed before pulling Raleigh closer and kissing his neck. “So bloody beautiful, Raleigh.”

Raleigh let his head fall back, pushing his hips up. The firm tug on his cock wrung a moan from him. Bloody hell, it had been days since they’d had time to themselves without interruptions. The last few days had been filled with Christmas planning. At night they’d fallen into bed exhausted.

“We’re here.” Steven mumbled against Raleigh’s throat.

What? Raleigh raised his head. The lift had stopped. “Where are we?” He’d thought they were merely going to indulge themselves on the way to town.

Steven nipped his jaw, then let go of his prick. “You’ll see. Put your coat on and gather you clothes.” He tapped Raleigh’s hip. “Come on.”

“I can’t get out of the lift in nothing but a coat and my trousers.” Raleigh slid off Steven’s lap, tucked himself back in his trousers and buttoned them up. He reached for his shirt, but Steven leaned forward and caught his wrist.

“Leave it, just get your coat. We’re not going far and there is no one else around. I’ve made certain there’d be a fire going inside.”

Raleigh frowned, his erection dwindling. He really did not want to get out of the vehicle nearly naked. Forget the scandal, what if someone attacked them or—

“Raleigh.” Steven pulled his own coat closed and grabbed Raleigh’s chin, forcing him to look at him. “Trust me.”

He did trust Steven, more than anyone in the galaxy, but it was his job to protect Steven. If someone— He reached down toward his boot, for the knife hidden there.

Steven chuckled. “We’re not going to be attacked. Let’s go.”

Raleigh groaned. “You know me too well.” He stood, deciding to trust his spouse and put his coat on and buttoned it up while Steven gathered the rest of his clothing. Besides, he was nearly as lethal without a weapon. “Steven where are we?”

“You’ll see.” Steven looked him over with a fond smile on his face. “Open lift and extend steps.”

The door opened.

Silence was the first thing Raleigh noticed. There was no electrical hum, no children running amuck. It felt like they were alone in the world. A feeling of peace washed over him, followed quickly by caution.

The second thing he noticed was the glare of moonlight coming off the snow. It was beautiful, blue and silvery. Little crystals of ice shimmered on the ground below. The snow was absent of any foot prints. Where are we? It was like a winter wonderland with trees and— Raleigh sniffed. Is that chimney smoke?

Steven climbed down the lift steps and out into the snow, before Raleigh could insist he go first.

Raleigh hurried after him, “Stev—” He stopped dead in his tracks.

Steven stood just outside the lift, Raleigh’s clothes gathered in his arms, smiling and staring at something to their right. His silhouette was set off by a background of snow dusted trees. The moonlight highlighted the silver at his temples. Whatever he was staring at pleased him.

Raleigh turned his head. “Oh.” It was a winter wonderland. Raleigh took a step forward, his boots crunching on the snow. They were on the very south side of their property, approximately three miles from the castle.

The log hunting cabin sat in a clearing of tall pine trees. A billow of dark smoke rose from the stone chimney. Raleigh felt something in his chest tighten. His knees felt weak. He hadn’t been here in some time. It looked exactly the same as it had the night of their nuptials.

“Come on, Cony. There’s a fire inside and a warm bed.” The snow crunched as Steven made his way to the cabin.

Raleigh smiled. The memories came back to him and his prick hardened again almost immediately. This was the first place he and Steven had made love. He’d stormed out of the castle on his wedding night after the “plug tradition” daring anyone to follow him. No one had. No one but Steven that is. Steven had knocked on the door, not fifteen minutes after Raleigh had arrived at the cabin, cursing the cold. They’d warmed one another up while waiting for the fire to heat the one room cabin.

There was no electricity in the small lodge, it was—in a word—primitive with a water closet and small shower as it’s only modern conveniences. But then that had been part of the charm, Raleigh supposed. Just the two of them out in the middle of the woods. It had been—he decided—the perfect start to a wonderful marriage.

Jeffers had known where they were—he knows everything that happens on the grounds—but no one had bothered them until morning, when Thomas had brought them breakfast. They’d ended up staying in the cabin for four whole days.

“Raleigh. Come on.” Steven stood in the open doorway of the hunting lodge, grinning at him. Apparently, Raleigh wasn’t the only one remembering their nuptial night.

The grin ratcheted up Raleigh’s arousal a notch. He hurried to the cabin, shutting himself and Steven inside.

He shrugged out of his coat, looking around. Steven had obviously sent someone to clean the place up and lay a fire. The inside was just as he remembered.

It was rustic, yet cozy. A large bed covered in navy flannel sheets turned down over heavy dark green blankets set adjacent to the large natural stone fireplace. The stone was native to Regelence, charcoal, brown and red lanite stone with glittering glass like veins. The firelight shone of the stone, making it shimmer. Fire from the fireplace was the only light in the room, just as it had been that first night.

Raleigh shivered remembering the way the firelight had played across Steven’s bare skin. There was a fireplace across from their bed in the castle, but something about that first time. Raleigh went up behind Steven as he lay Raleigh’s clothes out on a chair next to the water closet door. Raleigh ran his hands over the wide back, then tugged the coat off Steven’s shoulders.

After he removed Steven’s coat, he stepped close, making sure their bodies touched. He rubbed his hard cock against Steven’s lower back as he reached around and began parting Steven’s shirt.

Steven laid his head back against Raleigh’ chest and turned his head sideways to kiss Raleigh’s neck. Groaning low in his throat, he allowed Raleigh to take off his waistcoat and shirt before he turned in Raleigh’s arms. He kissed Raleigh breathless, backing him toward the bed.

Moaning into his spouse’s mouth, Raleigh let himself be swept away and led to the bed. There was no place he’d rather be. When his legs hit the back of the bed, he broke the kiss and sat, reaching for Steven’s trousers.

Steven’s thick hard prick strained at the placket of his black pants, making Raleigh’s mouth water. He loved the taste of Steven. Loved the soft tip of Steven’s cock tracing his lips. He unhooked Steven’s pants, freeing his cock.

Steven groaned and gripped the hard flesh, holding it towards Raleigh’s mouth. “Suck me.”

Raleigh groaned, his cock throbbing. He licked up his husband’s shaft and then back down before shoving the trousers lower. Tracing the prominent vein, he laved his way to the balls. He pressed his face forward feeling the soft sacks caress the bridge of his nose, before making his way back up and engulfing Steven’s cock.

The familiar taste and feel exploded in his mouth, jolting his senses. He lost himself in the task of sucking. He knew exactly how to drive Steven crazy and set about doing so, using his spit slick hand to follow his mouth. In no time, Steven was pushing him back.

“Stop. Get your boots and trousers off.” Steven stepped back and began freeing himself from the rest of his clothing.

Raleigh watched the play of muscles rippling across his abdomen for a second before turning to his own garments. When he was naked, he pulled the dagger out of his boot and lay it on the nightstand, then lay back on the bed. Without Steven so near, the warm air played over his bare skin making the hair on his legs stand up. It was exhilarating and exciting.

Steven climbed onto the mattress joining him.

“Did you bring lube?”

The grin Steven gave him was downright wicked. He lay down beside Raleigh and turned toward the nightstand, giving Raleigh a view of a firm bitable arse.

As Steven retrieved the lube, Raleigh gave into temptation, scooted down and sank his teeth in to one round globe.

Steven jerked forward. “Bloody hell.” He laughed and turned over. Tossing the bottle of lube onto the pillow, he grabbed Raleigh and rolled him onto his back. He straddled Raleigh, his fingers digging in, tickling Raleigh’s ribs.

They ended up rolling around the big bed, laughing and wrestling. Raleigh finally managed to get on top. He stared down into Sherry colored smiling eyes. Steven was the one and only person Raleigh could play with and cut loose. It was refreshing and relaxing to be able to do so. He always looked forward to his time alone with his husband.

They stayed there for several seconds just staring into the others eyes. The laughter faded.

“I love you.” Steven reached for him.

“And I you.” He bent down, offering his lips to his king.

Steven seized his mouth, his tongue pushing inside and tracing the depths of Raleigh’s. All the while his hands roamed over Raleigh’s back, hips and arse. “Get the lube, Raleigh.”

He retrieved the bottle from the half underneath a pillow where it had ended up while they tussled on the bed. Before he could offer it to Steven, he found himself on his back, with Steven on his knees between Raleigh’s spread thighs.

“Mmm…” Steven bent forward and licked a line down Raleigh’s belly then captured his cock in his mouth. He hummed his pleasure, sending vibrations along Raleigh’s prick.

It tickled and felt good at the same time. It made Raleigh’s balls draw tighter. He lifted his hips, pushing himself further into his spouse’s hot mouth. “Oh galaxy, Steven.”

He was barely aware of Steven taking the lube from his hand or him opening the bottle, but the warm slick finger probing at his hole gained his undivided attention. It dragged a moan from his throat and a wiggle from his hips.

The finger slipped in and out as Steven swallowed his cock. A tingle started at the base of Raleigh’s spine and radiated upward. He pushed down, trying to make Steven go deeper. He wanted Steven inside of him, not just a finger. “Steven, please.”

Another finger joined the first, working in and out, stretching him. The sting was wonderful, reminding him of that first night and how the feeling had actually frightened him. He’d been weary of the pain. Galaxy, he’d come along way from that naive seventeen year old he used to be…they both had.

When Steven added a third finger and let Raleigh’s cock slip from his mouth, Raleigh was damned near babbling incoherently. Steven was the only man in the entire universe who could make him beg…for anything.

Steven retrieved the lube again and drizzled it onto his cock, still working his fingers in and out of Raleigh. His gazed, however, was fixed on Raleigh’s bobbing prick.

Raleigh glanced down and noticed the wet spot on his lower abdomen where the head of his cock had made contact. The shaft was still shiny from Steven’s saliva.

“Are you ready for me?” Steven asked, withdrawing his fingers.

Raleigh whimpered at the loss and jerked his head in some semblance of a nod. “Yes, oh yes, now.”

Pushing Raleigh’s legs back, Steven lined himself up and glanced down at Raleigh making eye contact as he slid slowly in.

It was heaven and hell at the same time. Raleigh wanted to close his eyes and just feel, but the look of sheer love and bliss on Steven’s face, kept his attention riveted to his love’s eyes. The look said as clearly as a shout, “I love you.”

Raleigh smiled, then gave in and closed his eyes. Funny how over the years they’d learned to read one another so well.

Steven’s hips rested against Raleigh’s arse for only a brief second before he pulled back and thrust forward again. He was obviously past going slow. He wanted as badly as Raleigh. Steven jabbed forward with his hips, over and over. The sound of skin slapping together drowned out the fire crackling in the hearth. Their breaths became panting groan as Steven moved faster and faster, fucking him with deep hard strokes.

Raleigh thrashed his head back and forth on the bed, reveling in the lovely friction in his hole. Steven was so bloody thick, that it always made him feel like he was filled to capacity. Raleigh loved that burning sensation. He felt as though his balls were going to crawl right up into his body. Opening his eyes, he watched pearly drop glisten on the tip of his prick as it bobbed up and down, nearly slapping his belly with each of Steven’s forward thrusts.

Pushing Raleigh’s legs up further, Steven changed the angle. His cock hit Raleigh’s prostate and he saw stars. “Oh bloody hell, there! Right there.”

“Yes.”

Raleigh fisted his prick and began stroking.

Sweat trickled down Steven’s face, wetting the salt and pepper hair at his temples. More ran down his chest. It was an amazing sight, with his skin glowing golden in the firelight. Steven had alway been simply stunning, but Raleigh knew he’d remember him like this for a long time to come.

Whether it was the cock hitting his prostate, the delicious drag of his hand on his prick or Steven’s sweat soaked body, Raleigh couldn’t say, but lightening raced up his back and pleasure rushed over him. His vision whited out for a few seconds and his entire body clenched as he came. The hot splash of cum on hit his stomach, just as Steven stiffened and shouted out above him.

Warmth filled his ass, and then Steven let go of Raleigh’s legs and collapsed forward onto his hands. When he opened his eyes, he stared at Raleigh for several seconds, his sherry gaze full of love.

Raleigh managed to lift his head off the bed just enough to brush a kiss across his king’s lips before letting his head fall back to the mattress. “Merry Christmas, Steven.”

The bed began to shake along with Steven’s shoulders. A chuckle escaped his mouth.

“What?”

“Merry Christmas?”

“Yes. Merry Christmas, I imagine it’s past midnight now.”

“I suppose you’re right, but I was really hoping for something a little more—” He shrugged and rolled his eyes up like he was thinking. “A little more appropriate.”

Raleigh frowned. “Like what?”

Steven’s eyes danced. “Oh like, Steven you’re a God, or Steven you—”

Raleigh groaned and grabbed his husband behind the neck and kissed him to shut him up. One thing hadn’t changed in twenty-five years…Steven’s enormous ego.

When Raleigh let him go, Steven smiled and rolled to Raleigh’s side making him hiss at the lovely feel of Steven’s cock slipping out of him.

Steven chuckled and nodded. “That’s a little more like it. Merry Christmas, dear.”

Tags: Gay, J.L. Langley, Regency Romance, Sci-fi Romance

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing an eBook author do something amazing.

J.L. Langley just got two positions on the Gay and Lesbian top ten bestsellers list on Amazon.com with these two books.

That is so cool!

Tags: J.L. Langley

New from J.L. Langley

With or Without: With Caution by J.L. Langley
From: Samhain Coming November 20th!
Read An Excerpt

A brother’s vow. A lover’s promise. Both could put them all at deadly risk.

Remington Lassiter is trying his best to stay out of trouble while he learns the ropes of being a werewolf. When his little brother turns up covered in bruises, he is driven to finally bring their abusive father to justice. To do it, he must face a past he hides behind his cocky, trouble-making attitude. A past so dark it haunts him only in dreams.

Jake Romero, a crack private investigator with a bad-boy biker image, realizes he has his work cut out for him when Remi asks for his help. From the first moment he turned Remi into a werewolf in order to save his life, Jake has been fighting to keep his inner demons at bay. He’s torn between the desire to tell Remi they are destined to be mates, and the need to first let Remi get used to the werewolf life.

Jake will do anything to protect Remi and help him break the cycle of abuse he has endured all his life, but his investigation is about to uncover something far more sinister and deadly than they ever imagined.

A past that could put all their lives at risk.

Cascadia Wolves: Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane
From: Samhain Coming January 1st!
Read An Excerpt

Tegan Warden has lost her heart and her mate. It’s a devastating thing for anyone, but for a werewolf, the consequences are even harsher without her anchor. She’s spent the last four years alone, putting all her energy into her job and protecting the Cascadia Pack.

Ben Stoner is a hard edged cop with a taste for sexual dominance but a need for a woman who’ll be his match.

Through happenstance, the two come into contact and the universe of the Cascadia wolves unites, challenges and threatens them both - as a couple and as individuals.

Tags: J.L. Langley, Lauren Dane, Samhain Publishing, Werewolf Romance

J.L. Langley & Loose-Id Going Strong!

I am a very good friend to J.L. Langley and I just wanted to congratulate her.

Not only has J.L. Langley maintained a top ten position on Amazon.com in the overall Gay & Lesbian Bestseller List with The Tin Star for pretty much the whole year but now she has hit number one and number two Bestsellers for Loose ID with the new sequel The Broken H going into print.

Then recently I was walking down Castro Street in San Francisco and what do I see in A Different Light’s front window display?

You go Jenn! You go Loose-Id!
This is honestly the first time I have ever seen a eBook author get such notice for a book from an eBook Publisher.

Tags: Gay, J.L. Langley, Loose-Id, Western Romance

What I Am Reading ~ J. L. Langley: My Fair Captain

My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley
From: Samhain

Aiden stared out over the crowd of military uniforms, his fingers itching to draw. The ball was being held in honor of veterans and most men in attendance were Regelence Naval officers. There were also a few Regelence Marines and three or four IN officers, including Nate.

Aiden hadn’t realized Nate was attending in the capacity of an IN officer, but before leaving the castle Cony had informed them Father and Nate had gone to the ball early for The Fallen Warriors ceremony. Since then, Aiden had been dying to see Nate in uniform.

All day Aiden’s mind played over the scene this afternoon and Nate’s flirting with him. He didn’t quite know what to make of it, but he was excited nonetheless.

“Lord Aiden, how are you this evening?”

Aiden turned to find the Duke of Keithman’s second son, Christian Morris, standing next to him, all decked out in his black and silver dress uniform. Aiden bowed. “Lieutenant Commander Lord Christian.”

Christian smiled and gripped Aiden’s hand. “I’m sorry to disturb you.” He wasn’t conventionally handsome, but he was attractive in a rugged way—the IN uniform only enhanced that. He brought to mind an avid outdoorsman, with his tanned skin and reddish-brown hair.

“You didn’t. I was only watching the dancers while I wait for the next dance.”

“Were you stood up?” Christian frowned. “I’d love to dance with you. It’s such a shame you should have to sit out. Whoever your dance partner is, they must not be very smart giving up the chance to dance with such a fine young man.”

“I’ve no partner for this set, but thank you for the offer. I’m catching my breath, waiting for the next one.” Aiden spotted his friends Rupert and Bannon heading toward himself and Christian. Dipping his head in greeting, he realized Lord Christian was doing the same.

After pleasantries were exchanged, Bannon turned to Aiden. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“No, of course not.” He may not have seen Bannon for a few days, but they were friends. Like Aiden and Rupert, Bannon was a fellow artist.

“The gentleman staying at the castle, Lord Deverell? What is his given name?”

Aiden had no right to feel pride, but he did. “Lord Deverell’s name is Nathaniel Hawkins.”

The lieutenant commander smiled. “I met Captain Hawkins during my service with the IN. Surprising to find out he’s an earl. The man is practically a legend. His war record is phenomenal.”

“Oh yes, I’ve been meaning to ask you…” Rupert’s grin should have warned Aiden what was to come. “What happened on Platt Street today? I’ve heard everything from fisticuffs to a marriage proposal.”

Aiden’s eyes widened. They were saying he and Nate were engaged?

Lord Casey, one of Christian’s acquaintances, stepped up beside the lieutenant and answered before Aiden got the chance. “My brother says he saw you and Lord Deverell walking together this afternoon. He said Deverell called Lord Braxton out for trying to kiss you.”

Good Galaxy, the gossip had made the rounds already. Aiden shook his head. “No, that wasn’t it at all. It was a misunderstanding. Braxton was trying to rescue me thinking I’d lost my chaperone. And then Na—Lord Deverell rescued me from Braxton.” At least according to Braxton that was the story. Aiden wasn’t convinced. Braxton had seemed…different today, threatening.

“Speaking of rescues. I heard Lord Deverell rescued a Regelence ship that was under attack and in flames,” Bannon stated.

“My father told me he’s a mustang captain, that he was promoted the first time every time. He was one of the youngest men to make captain in IN history,” Lord Casey said.

Christian nodded. “Yes, he got his commission while he was enlisted, worked his way up the ranks.”

“Amazing considering he’s an earl, surely his family could have easily bought him an officer’s commission.” Rupert touched his chest dramatically.

Aiden was fascinated. He’d already surmised that Nate was an honorable, noble man, but he had no clue that Nate had such a well-known reputation here on Regelence. Nate may not be an earl, but his rank and status as an IN captain made him more than acceptable consort material. Keeping quiet, Aiden soaked it all in. A man like Nate would never leave his career as an IN captain for marriage. It made Aiden’s spirits drop a little—which was ridiculous, Aiden didn’t want a consort—but he could not help but admire the man even more.

Bannon grabbed a drink off a passing tray. “Captain Fitzgerald said it was his ship Captain Hawkins saved.”

Leaning close to Aiden’s ear, Rupert whispered, “He’s so handsome.”

Aiden was about to agree when an opening formed directly in front of him, and through a chasm of people, a vision appeared.

Nate. Aiden’s heart began beating so hard he was certain it could be seen through his waistcoat and evening coat. Like tunnel vision, his entire focus centered on the man walking toward him. Whispers and gasps sounded all around him, but Aiden barely heard.

Nate was covered head to toe in brilliant almost blinding white. The uniform hugged his body as he strode forward. It accentuated his powerful frame, making him seem even bigger somehow. Which was something, because Nate was a very big man. He wore gold cords over his shoulder and under his arm proclaiming him an Admiral’s aide, likely the Admiral in command of Aries Fleet, the fleet in charge of protecting Regelence’s system. That and the colorful ribbon bars on his chest marked him as the highest decorated officer at the ball, out of IN and Regelence officers. He was the most beautiful and masculine thing Aiden had ever seen.

Aiden would have given almost anything to have had his sketchscreen at that moment. He had to capture Nate like this. This was Nate. He was the embodiment of military authority and strength. He took Aiden’s breath away.

When Nate finally stopped in front of him, Aiden just stared. He wanted to touch Nate, yet at the same time he was afraid to. Nate was so…perfect.

Looking up into the chestnut eyes, Aiden caught Nate’s gaze. It was like the entire assembly disappeared and the two of them were alone. They stood there for several seconds, neither of them saying a word—they didn’t have to. It was then that Aiden knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted Nate.

The side of Nate’s mouth turned up, as if he knew, then he offered Aiden his hand.

Aiden got the distinct feeling if he grasped it he was accepting much more than a dance. Which was fine by him. He inhaled deeply and took what he wanted, seizing Nate’s hand.

Arching his right brow, Nate gave Aiden a full-fledged smile. “You promised to waltz with me.”

“I did indeed.”

Aiden’s group of friends began murmuring at once.

Bending over Aiden’s hand, Nate kissed the knuckles. “Forgive me, but after seeing you tonight, I must command all three.”

Tags: Gay, J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing, Sci-fi Romance

New From J.L. Langley

J.L. Langley: My Fair Captain
From: Samhain

Publication Date: June 12th 2007

Talk about a compromising situation!

A storm of political intrigue, murderous mayhem and sexual hungers is brewing on planet Regelence.

Swarthy Intergalactic Navy Captain Nathaniel Hawkins ran from a past he had no intention of ever reliving. But when his Admiral asks him to use his peerage, as an earl and the heir to a dukedom, to investigate a missing weapons stash, he’s forced to do just that. As if being undercover on a Regency planet where the young men are supposed to remain pure until marriage isn’t bad enough, Nate finds himself attracted to the king’s unmarried son.

All Prince Aiden Townsend has ever wanted was to be an artist. He has no interest in a marriage of political fortune or becoming a societal paragon. Until he lands in the arms of the mysterious Earl of Deverell. One look at Nate’s handsome face has Aiden reconsidering his future. Not only does Nate make a virile subject for Aiden’s art, but the great war hero awakens feelings in Aiden he has never felt, feelings he can’t ignore.

After a momentous dance at a season ball, Aiden and Nate find themselves exchanging important information and working closely together. They have to fight their growing attraction long enough to find out who stole the weapons and keep themselves from a compromising situation and certain scandal.

YES! YES! YES! Sci-Regency! Just get it!

Tags: BDSM, Gay, J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing, Sci-fi Romance