Secrets? - Book Tour and Giveaway

Secrets?
By A.L. Simpson
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Meet Kyle, a sexy, level-headed cowboy who also happens to be gay.

Luke is a police officer who was once the school football jock. He’s also gay.

After fifteen years apart, these men are set to meet again, but all is not as it seems.

Wires cross and misunderstanding has Luke running away, but Kyle has no intention of waiting another fifteen years for the man of his dreams.

Will these friends become lovers?

What is it that puts, Wendy, Kyle’s foreman in danger?

Why are the people Kyle cares about keeping Secrets?


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​I gathered the reins on Grifter, my majestic black gelding and scanned the horizon one last time before turning toward home. I hoped I'd done enough to prevent the feral cats and foxes from taking down any more of the cattle. Electrifying the boundary fence had been costly and time consuming but, I couldn't keep Dufus in the barn for the rest of his days and couldn't risk losing my prized bull. The randy bull produced high quality calves which sold for a small fortune and it was what kept us making good money rather than just scraping by.
I galloped my mount across the open paddocks and felt the strength between my thighs as his muscles rippled and flexed. The horse's strides were lengthy, he loved to gallop flat out and he ate up the ground in no time. When I slowed to approach the barn, I noticed my foreman, Wendy, talking with someone. Someone who caused my groin to tighten and heart to beat faster. Even with his back to me, I knew who the curly blonde locks belonged to.
His shoulders were much broader than the last time I'd seen him, his hair longer and it lifted in the slight breeze. The jeans he wore were molded over one helluva sexy ass.
Wendy waved when she saw me approach and the man spun around to face me. My heart missed a few beats when he smiled, pressure mounted behind the zipper of the jeans as my cock thickened with interest.
"Luke Kelly." I barely whispered the words. It had been fifteen years since I'd last seen the man who'd haunted my dreams for more than half of my life. He'd gone off to university in the big smoke to study law and his family had moved away shortly after. I'd assumed Luke would be working in his father's legal practice in Brisbane. So, what was he doing here? It wasn't as if we'd ever been friends.
Wendy took the reins I held out and I dismounted. Luke took two long strides toward me, his hand outstretched. I knew it was a mistake the moment our fingers touched. A shudder cannoned through me and I fought to keep my composure as we shook.
"Kyle Walker, been a long time."
"Luke Kelly. It has been a long time. I guess you're working with your father, how's the legal business going? What brings you back here to Clearlea?" More specifically, my ranch.
"Didn't much like the business of being a lawyer so I joined the police force, worked out of the Gold Coast. I tired of being in the city though, missed being here in the country. I got a promotion to Detective Senior Sargent and requested a transfer here to take charge of your town."
"Congratulations, but why my place?"
"I heard your dad left the property to you and wanted to come by and say hi. I know we weren't friends or anything in school but, I always admired your ability to ignore those around you and get on with what you wanted to do."
"It wasn't hard to melt into the background when you're a country geek surrounded by football studs and cheerleaders."
"We never purposely ignored you, we…."
I waved my hand in the air. "Long time ago, Luke, water under the bridge. You still haven't answered me though, I find it hard to believe you only came out here to say hello. Was there something you needed?" Me? Please say me. Get your fucking head on the right way, Walker. Football Player. Cop. Straight!
I caught the glance he shot in Wendy's direction and it hit me. Straight guy remember and Wendy is one gorgeous woman. One very single, straight, gorgeous woman.
"Oh, sorry, you're here to see Wendy, I'll leave you to it."
I stepped away but was stopped in my tracks when Luke's large hand gripped the top of my arm.
"No, it's you I need to speak with. I kind of need a favor."

I write a variety of stories including Male/Male, Menage and Shapeshifter.
Each book has a strong focus on story line with romantic interest building throughout.
I explore real life issues from kids on the streets to motorcyle war and put my own twist on each one.
I hope you take the opportunity to check out my offerings.


Website * Facebook * Facebook Group * Amazon * Goodreads

What is something unique/quirky about you?
I always tap my foot on the ground before putting jeans on. Have no idea why.

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I danced with Ginger Rogers and Gene Kelly when I was 12 years old.

What are some of your pet peeves?
I detest when people are late with no good reason.

Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born in Manly on Sydney, Australia’s Northern Beaches and grew up just down the road in Narrabeen

If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
No idea

What kind of world ruler would you be?
Dictator hehehe

What are you passionate about these days?
I am passionate about my Husband of 44 years, Grandchildren, Children, Writing and Travel

What do you do to unwind and relax?
Read

How to find time to write as a parent?
I’m retired and have grown up children.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Honest, Reliable, Short, Pedantic

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I loved to write in school and used to make up stories as young as 8 years old or so. It wasn’t until I retired from Nursing I had the time to become a writer

Do you have a favorite movie?
Gone With The Wind – both movie and book.

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Broken Bitch – it’s fast paced with a lot of real life drama

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A Donkey for the stubbornness. Once I set my mind to something, I don’t give up.

What inspired you to write this book?
My books are inspired by real life experiences with ‘embellishments’ and ‘drama’ added. I love to put my characters through the wringer.

What can we expect from you in the future?
In the near future I have a book called – Snake and the third in the Broken Series called Broken Bum.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Not really, I tend to put everything in the books.

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in your books?

In Broken Bastard – Tyler is a young man with a bright future before him. But, after his father’s death, everything he’s ever known, comes crashing down around him. Falsely accused, he ends up in prison and it’s here he meets Bailey. Bailey is serving a sentence for beating a man almost to death for beating a child into a coma. Their lives become intertwined and love grows between the two gay men. Add in brutal beatings, an inmate who will stop at nothing to get at Tyler and a corrupt brother and you have drama in spades.

In Broken Bitch – Callie McKenzie has been dealt about as bad a deck of cards in life as you can imagine. A drug addict mother and a cousin who treats her as a punching bag. For years she suffers until she can take no more and finds a way to escape the remote property. Jake Prentiss is President of a Motorcycle Club which is at war. He picks Callie up on a dark deserted road late one night and comes to care for the young girl. So, how does Callie end up in Prison and why is she convinced Jake is dead?

These books are tied together by a center to help prisoners which the men set up.

Secrets? Is a recent release. Kyle is a cowboy with a large spread in central Queensland Australia. Luke is a Police Officer who moved away from town 15 years earlier. Circumstances bring Luke back and onto Kyle’s ranch, that’s when the drama begins. Both men and Kyle’s foreman, Wendy, are all keeping secrets, but, will they all eventually come clean and will it be too late for one of them?

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
A dose of life experience, help from my sister – a Prison Guard and help from very close gay friends whose real life story of how they met features in another of my books – Destined to Shatter – in the book they are criminals, in real life they most certainly are not. I can’t thank these two men enough, they make my male/male books realistic and believable.

Where did you come up with the names in the story?
I usually do a search on the computer for names and pick what I think suits what I have in mind.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoy the development of my characters in every book I write. Causing them all sorts of heartache but eventually giving them their Happily Ever After.

How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
My first book in this, my pen name was Born to Sin and it just suited the circumstances and background of Hamish.

Who designed your book covers?
I do as well as Charlene Raddon from Cover-Ops

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No. I go over and over my books with my Editor and Mentor – Margaret Tanner – an exceptionally talented writer, to ensure the story is well developed, the timeline is correct and the words flow. I also use Word Pro-Writer to make sure grammar and punctuation is correct.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
For Broken Bitch – Chris Hemsworth and Emma Watson

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I love to hear from my readers. I love to hear their ideas on what they would like from me. I am incredibly grateful that they take the time to read what I have written.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?
I would spend time with Kyle and Luke from Secrets?. I live in the country and love it. I would spend the day horse riding and wrangling cattle.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Most of my characters are based on real people I have encountered throughout my life. I just ‘drama’ both them and the events up to add interest and suspense.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
Haha, my characters definitely have the upper hand but I like to confuse them (and the readers) with twists.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
My regular readers say they consider my books ‘must reads’ because they never know what to expect, they are all very different. I push boundaries and in one actually killed off the heroine.

Have you written any other books that are not published?
Started a couple for future consideration but not fully written.

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Definitely not vanilla.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

Margaret Mitchell – Gone With The Wind
C.J. Bishop – Any of her Phoenix Club Books
Sloane Kennedy – Everything she has written
Kindle Alexander – Love all of them but especially Always
Di Morrissey - All
Judy Nunn - All
Maeve Binchy – All
Monica McInerney – All
Agatha Christie – Murder at the Vicarage
Jodi Picoult – My Sister’s Keeper

What book do you think everyone should read?
Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell has a gift for description and making the words leap off the page.

How long have you been writing?
Since I was about 8 years old but published since 2015

Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
I usually visit the place I want to write about in my stories although I rarely use real place names. I normally use features of the region but give it a fictional name. I also speak to dozens of people.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read a great deal. I love M/M and Gritty M/F.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
Background noise, not music but hubby watches television while I write and I can shut it off.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
One. I would absolutely mix them up otherwise.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
Gone With The Wind – Seeing a theme here? We actually visited a few southern estates when we visited the US.

Pen or type writer or computer?
I hand write in a notebook and then type – usually something totally different to what I have written down hahaha

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.
I love Hamish (as does everyone else, many internet arguments over whose he was when the book came out) from Born to Sin. He’s hard. Been dragged up in the ‘hood. Trusts no-one and has no respect for anyone or anything including himself. It takes a woman and little boy, along with his co-worker, to eventually turn him into the man which was always there.

What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
I have so many stories to tell and it absolutely was the right decision.

A day in the life of the author?
Non-stop and hectic

Advice they would give new authors?
Stick with it. Talk to other authors until you find one who is willing to mentor you.

Describe your writing style.
Mostly first person, I write Western Historicals under my real name in third person. It’s fast paced and I like to think the reader has no idea what is coming next.

What makes a good story?
A good story is one which captures and holds the reader’s interest and isn’t predictable.

What are they currently reading?
I am reading the Barretti books by Sloane Kennedy – again!

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
I write as it comes. The only outline I do is the characters descriptions. My editor edits chapter by chapter and once finished, in its entirety.

What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Not using an editor and being too impatient to get their book out.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I am always original. I don’t write to trends, would probably sell more if I did. Hahaha

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Start earlier

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
I don’t have a problem as I have male friends who I can turn to. Often get TMI but they are extremely helpful.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Anywhere from 2-3 months but if I don’t have an edit for the young girls I mentor, I can get one written in around 6 weeks. I write from 25k to 70k

Do you believe in writer’s block?
Absolutely. Every. Single. Time. I hit 10k. ​

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Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
​
Apr 19
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Mythical Books

Apr 20
The Readdicts
Lock That Door

Apr 21
Romance Novel Giveaways
The Book Town

Apr 22
Cloe Michael's Reads Blog – GUEST POST
Readeropolis – GUEST POST

Apr 23
2 Girls & A Book
Bound 2 Escape

Apr 24
Blog of Author Jacey Holbrand
Book Lover in Florida

Apr 25
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Book Review Virignia Lee

Apr 26
A Mama's Corner of the World
Books all things paranormal and romance

Apr 27
Fantasticando sui libri
Happy Ever After Romance Book Reviews

Apr 28
Deal Sharing Aunt

Apr 29
Brianna Remus Books

Apr 30
Inside the Insanity
Little Ray Of Sunshine

May 1
Cali Book Reviews - REVIEW
BookwormBridgette's World

May 2
Book-Lover
Girl with Pen

May 3
Millsy Loves Books
Rabid Readers Book Blog

May 4
Book Lovers 4Ever
Lisa-Queen of Random

May 5
Luv Saving Money

May 6
Loves Great Reads Blog
The Pen and Muse Book Reviews

May 7
the bookworm lodge
eBook Addicts

May 8
Maiden of the Pages
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read

May 9
Pick a Genre Already
All Things Bookaholic

May 10
a small girl, her man and her books
Ms. Cat's Honest World

May 11
Jazzy Book Reviews
nanasbookreviews

May 12
Nicole's Book Musings
Yearwood La Novela

May 13
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

May 14
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Sylv.net

May 15
T's Stuff
Tales of A Wanna-Be SuperHero Mom

May 16
Indie Wish List
Teatime and Books

May 17
books are love- REVIEW
Home for Book Lovers

May 18
The lives and loves of a book nerd - REVIEW
The Authors Blog

May 19
Bayou Book Junkie - REVIEW
ChallaFletcher.com – GUEST POST
MI Bookshelf - REVIEW

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