Giveaway, Guest Post, and Review of Design's of Desire by Tempeste O'Reily

Today at Close I have a very special author with me that has wrote an amazingly enchanting book.  I truly can't believe this is her first work!!  I had to know:  What makes M/M so hot?  Because it is, hands down.  This is what Temp had to say:
What Makes M/M Hot?
So the lovely Nikki here at Close Encounters of the Night Kind, asked me a question and I’m going to share my answer with you all. She asked, “What do you think makes M/M so hot?” 
Now, me, I had to stop and think about that as there are so many things that make M/M hot to me. The sensuality of a sexy and powerful man, the strength that men can use with men that they usually don’t with women, personal preference, and a million other things to boot. Most of my favorite romances, especially erotic romances, are between two men, even though I’m a bisexual woman. Weirdly, I don’t think there’s anything much hotter than two men expressing their love and passion for one another—whether it’s a night cuddled up on the couch together or screaming, clawing, biting, and cuming together! 
For some it’s also a fantasy, a wish to join in or to be one of the guys in the story. I can admit to wishing that more than once, depending on the story and the heat/passion involved (yes, I have no problem visualizing myself as the horny, screaming bottom in the story, lol). 
Part of what made me want to write Designs of Desire and for me to click with James is that his story is in some ways, mine. I wasn’t abused in the same ways he was and I’ve never suffered physically like he has, but we share the same disability/disorder, both walk with forearm crutches, etc. and both love art. Seth is the man I would create for myself if I were a gay man. Needless to say, I got very into writing the sex scenes in the book, :c)
I hope you find my guys to be as HOT and “inspiring” as I do!

I must admit, I really loved this story!  Let's take a look at the book details:

Designs of Desire 

by Tempeste O’Riley 

M/M Erotic BDSM/Kink Contemporary Romance 

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press 

Release Date: July 29th 2013 

Length: Novel / 200 pages 

 Order: Dreamspinner Press

Description: 

Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love. 

As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort. 

James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?

Excerpt :

James gestured to the chair across the conference table and hoped Seth would sit. He hated to be stood over. Seth smiled and settled into the chair indicated. “Now, what can I do for you, sir?”

“We, Carrington Enterprises, are beginning a new venture and hope you can help with designs. Companies I can manage; design and draw, not so much.”

James nodded at Seth’s pause.

“Let me start by explaining the project you will brand. We’re opening a new hotel chain. This will be a little different than your usual hotel, though. Each site will be more like a large bed and breakfast, but they will cater to the GLBT community. It’s often an issue when a couple wants to vacation. They have to consider the area, the hotel, the other patrons even if they want to do something as simple as hold hands. That is, if they don’t want to be met with hate or possible violence.”

James wasn’t sure which impressed him more, the wonderful idea behind the hotel or the deep, commanding voice that instilled confidence in everything he said.

Obviously unaware of James’s internal dialog, Seth continued his spiel. “With our liberal policies and views, we have decided to make a place where judgment doesn’t exist. At least, that’s the theory.”

God, that voice! He shivered.

“Also, each site will have a club, bar, or restaurant attached. So, this will be an ongoing project, not a one-shot deal.” When finished with his little speech, Seth seemed inordinately pleased with the idea.

No wonder Brian gave me the account. He didn’t realize he had spoken aloud until Seth glowered at him.

“Excuse me?” Seth snapped. “I was assured you have no personal issues or biases that might hinder your ability to provide the needed work. Was I incorrectly informed?”

“No. No, sir. I apologize for my comment. It was out of line,” James said in a rush, trying to smooth over the obvious irritation his thoughtless words had caused.

“Are you able to do the branding or should I continue elsewhere?” Seth demanded.

“You misunderstand, Mr. Burns. I had wondered why I was given your account, considering I’m not one of the senior designers and your account would normally be reserved for one of them. Now that I hear what the project is, I understand why I was chosen.” He knew he was babbling but he couldn’t help it. “You see, I’m the only openly gay designer here and my family runs a small bed and breakfast. This project is perfect. In fact, once we have the branding set up, I’m sure I can point you in the right direction for some specialized marketing. Magazines, newspapers, websites, etcetera. We will help you with all of that, as well.” James tried to restrain the extent of his excitement over the project, but was unsure how successful he was. He didn’t want to seem flippant or inexperienced after admitting he was a junior designer with Skye Designs.

Seth raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Excited, are we? Carl said you were the man for the job. I guess he was right if enthusiasm counts. I have a full write-up of what we need and what we do and do not want to incorporate into the brand.” His smile fell and he became all business again. “This is an upscale getaway, not a high-priced bathhouse.”

“Understood, sir. I think the idea will work in areas with a large enough population of GLBT and open-minded people.” His hands itched to begin sketching and planning.

“Good. Once you’ve read over everything and start your designing, I want you to visit the site we chose for the first hotel. It’s here in Milwaukee, so it shouldn’t be too far for you. Would you be ready by Friday?” At James’s accord, Seth opened his briefcase and began pulling out folders and large manila envelopes and setting them in front of James. He paused, peered up at James, and blinked hard. “I should call someone to carry these things for you,” he mumbled, glancing at the items and toward James’s crutches. “You can’t fit all this in your bag.”

James pinched the bridge of his nose while counting to ten in his head. Why do they always see the sticks instead of me? “Mr. Burns.”

“Seth, please,” he interrupted, giving James a soft smile.

“Seth, Chase acts as my assistant when needed. He will tend to anything I can’t transfer up to my office personally. There is no need to be concerned.”

A strange look flashed across Seth’s face, but his expression quickly returned to his previous in-command smile. “Very good then.”

They chatted a bit about ideas and plans before Seth shifted his coat sleeve back to check his watch. With a slight frown, he said, “Well, I need to head back to the office. I will leave this all in your fine hands, James. Please call me here.” He pulled out his business card and wrote something on the back. “I look forward to our next meeting.”

Seth held out his hand. James flexed his fingers and clasped the offering. He knew this was for work, but somehow it felt different this time. Warm and strong, the grip shot tingles up his arm. Seth seemed to hold on a little longer than necessary for business needs. It had been so long since a man touched him, at least without violence or pain. James shook off the thought he might be interested. Beautiful men like Seth didn’t waste their time on guys like him. Besides, he wasn’t certain he wanted to go down such a painful road again.

James stood in the doorway, watching Seth saunter out the main doors, wishing for something, though not really sure what.

Buy Links:
Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4038
Rainbow eBooks: http://www.rainbowebooks.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=11440
All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-designsofdesire-1252097-147.html?referrer=509aa4509d2f
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Designs-of-Desire-ebook/dp/B00E7K7YY4/
Barnes & Noble:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18139107-designs-of-desire

About the Author:

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since. 

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life. 

Tempe is also a proud member of Romance Writers of America® and Rainbow Romance Writers. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at http://tempesteoriley.com. 

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I was truly blown away by the emotion that is so prevalent and expressed throughout this book.   I found myself tearing up several times during this book, and finally at the end just having a good happy cry.  James was such a tormented character, that I really couldn't believe he was still able to cope with life.  This book hot home on so many real issues that are still going on today.  I hate the fact that people tend to be ruled their ignorance and that bigotry and prejudice are still so prevalent in this society.  James grew up in an unsupported household that actually encouraged abuse.  How many other children have grown up that same way due to other circumstances?  I'm a firm believer that good and bad are found within the person, not in their lifestyle choices or skin color.

Seth on the other hand was raised in a hate-free environment,  with a family that supported his choices and stood by him.  How wonderful would our society be if we all were nurtured in this same environment? I'm actually glad Seth was able to show James that not everyone had the narrow minded views of his family.  It helped heal him as a person.

This book will definitely take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.  I would love to read another book by this author!  It is definitely a top pick.  My only regret is that I cannot give this book more than 5 spiders!! I do hope the author returns to write about Chase.  I see a swarthy bodyguard in his possible future..lol!!

Giveaway!!!!  You need to enter this!  This book will definitely blow you away!!

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