Leta Blake

author. human. working hard to become stellar at life.

figure skating

TRAINING SEASON AUDIOBOOK! EXPERIENCE MATTY ALL OVER AGAIN! #gay #romance

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Whooooo!!! NOW AVAILABLE! Training Season on AUDIOBOOK! Buy it Amazon & Audible. And now at iTunes!

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“Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!” – Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews

Michael Ferraiuolo, known for narrating the Five Borough books by Santino Hassell, did a fantastic job. Check out the sample! Absolutely thrilled with how the audiobook turned out!

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Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don’t come cheap, and Matty can’t afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.

When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.

But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win—on and off the ice—during his training season?

This book contains BDSM elements.

"It had just the right amount of everything that I like in an M/M Romance book!" Review of Training Complex by Leta Blake

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“WOW did I really get into this book! It was everything I could have asked for in a sequel to Training Season. It was full of DRAMA and lots of kinky sex and fabulously flamboyant Matty and stern-but-kind-of-falling-apart-but-still-hot Rob and once again it’s like Leta Blake read my mind. Throughout all the highs and lows they always knew they loved each other and it was a beautiful thing to see.

Can I just mention how Leta B. always seems to manage to get the right amount of drama in a book without going over the top? Or maybe she did go over the top in this one, but it’s MATTY people! He’s supposed to be over the top. I love it!

I’m trying to remember if I disliked anything about this book, but I can honestly say that I can’t think of anything. It had just the right amount of everything that I like in an M/M Romance book, ESPECIALLY a Matty.”

via Goodreads | Erika ‘s review of Training Complex.

Amazon US

 

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at All Romance Ebooks

Buy at Smashwords

Rainbow Award Runner Up! Best Gay Erotic Romance 2015! Training Complex by Leta Blake #gay #yay

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I’m so honored and excited to announce that the Training Complex, the critically acclaimed sequel to fan favorite Training Season, was a runner-up for Best Erotic Romance in the 2015 Rainbow Awards hosted by the amazing Elisa Rolle.

This judged annual awards competition not only help to promote LGBT books across all genres, but help to raise funds for LGBT charitable organizations. In 2015 the Rainbow Awards raised over $17,000, going to a variety of LGBT charities worldwide. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with these awards and to have had Training Complex do so well overall.

Thank you, Elisa and judges, for your efforts in the LGBT literary community!

 

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"I don't think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob's] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!" - 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews "I just can't get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much." - Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews "These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!" - Diverse Reader Reviews "This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!" - Rainbow Gold Reviews

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“If you’ve read “Training Season”, you need to grab this sequel as quick as you can!” Review: Leta Blake – Training Complex – Hearts on Fire Reviews #gayromance

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If you’ve read “Training Season”, you need to grab this sequel as quick as you can, and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for??? Total awesomeness and highly recommended!!

via Review: Leta Blake – Training Complex – Hearts on Fire Reviews.

 

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Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at All Romance Ebooks

Buy at Smashwords

“The D/s gave their relationship a beauty and intimacy that was perfect to the story.” | Review of Training Season by Leta Blake

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“Rob was such a beautiful, inspiring character. He is the partner that most of us dream of having; caring, considerate, loyal, and steadfast. And although the story is based around Matty, Rob is the one I connected to. The kink and D/s was at a level I hadn’t expected, but very much appreciated. It was done very well, and I completely bought into the dynamic between Rob and Matty. The D/s gave their relationship a beauty and intimacy that was perfect to the story.”

via Amazon.com: BookAddict’s review of Training Season.

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A Montanan rancher and a flamboyant figure skater find lust, then love, but can they find a life together?

Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don’t come cheap, and Matty can’t afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.

When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.

But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win–on and off the ice–during his training season?

*This book contains BDSM elements

“I was grinning like an idiot when I finished — the outcome felt so very earned.” Review of Training Complex by Leta Blake

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“I think I liked this sequel more than Training Season, and that is saying something considering how much I loved that book! This sequel is just…man. Everything I could have wanted and more. It’s sexy and sweet and angsty. Matty and Rob make mistakes. (No cheating, don’t worry!) They love each other, but they aren’t perfect, and I really enjoy that this book explores challenges many couples face with communication and money woes. But it’s done with unique flair, and in the end their love sees them through with flying colours. (This is a romance novel, after all — HEAs are the name of the game.) It wasn’t always easy to see Rob and Matty hurting, but it was so worth it. I was grinning like an idiot when I finished — the outcome felt so very earned. I’m admittedly biased since I edited this book, but I really did love it to bits.”

via Goodreads | Keira Andrews (Toronto, ON, Canada)’s review of Training Complex.

 

"I don't think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob's] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!" - 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews "I just can't get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much." - Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews "These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!" - Diverse Reader Reviews "This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!" - Rainbow Gold Reviews

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at All Romance Ebooks

Buy at Smashwords

“This story was fantastic! Leta Blake didn’t give us a fluff piece!” Review of Training Complex #gayromance

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“This story was fantastic! I so appreciate that Leta Blake did not just give us a fluff piece!”

via Goodreads | Michele (York, PA)’s review of Training Complex.

 

 

"I don't think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob's] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!" - 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews "I just can't get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much." - Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews "These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!" - Diverse Reader Reviews "This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!" - Rainbow Gold Reviews
“I don’t think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob’s] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!” – 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews
“I just can’t get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much.” – Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews
“These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!” – Diverse Reader Reviews
“This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!” – Rainbow Gold Reviews

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at All Romance Ebooks

Buy at Smashwords

Training Complex NOW AVAILABLE at Nook, ARe, Coming Soon to iTunes, Kobo!

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I’m so pleased to announce that the Kindle Unlimited enrollment for Training Complex has expired! The sequel to Training Season is now available on Nook, ARe, and Smashwords. It will soon be available at iTunes and Kobo, as well. Those of you who have been waiting for its availability on non-Amazon platforms, the time has finally come! 😀

“I don’t think any fans of Training Season will be disappointed in [Matty & Rob’s] continued journey. Leta Blake is a story goddess!” – 3 Chicks After Dark Reviews
“I just can’t get enough of Matty and Rob and love them so much.” – Jay, Joyfully Jay Reivews
“These two love like no others. Leta brings that all consuming, old fashioned, From Here to Eternity feel to the love they have. Of course on a hotness scale it just explodes. SO HOT!” – Diverse Reader Reviews
“This sequel gave me a book hangover of the best kind!” – Rainbow Gold Reviews

Buckle up – Matty’s back!

Figure skater Matty Marcus didn’t capture Olympic gold, but he won rancher Rob Lovely’s heart.

After Rob sold his ranch and Matty hung up his skates, they started a new life together in New York City. Now Matty has taken on a fresh challenge as a figure skating coach, and Rob’s second career as a physical therapist should be everything he’s dreamed of. But in the brutal heat of their third summer in the city, Rob yearns for the wide-open country, and the intensity of city life awakens Matty’s demons.

Matty asks for increasingly intense BDSM scenes, and his disordered eating and erratic behavior ramp up the stakes. Rob struggles to stay in control, and after a well-intentioned anniversary gift goes awry, he still thinks he can handle the fallout. But the concrete jungle is closing in and his coping skills are unraveling.

Their love is deep, but Rob will have to admit the truth about what he really wants before they both tumble into chaos.

Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
Buy at Amazon

Buy at Barnes & Noble

Buy at All Romance Ebooks

Buy at Smashwords

“Training Complex is literally everything I wanted from a sequel!” Review of Training Complex by Leta Blake #gay #bdsm

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“*insert all the flails*

If Training Season was a roller coaster of feelings for you–as it was for me–you’re not going to want to wait before you jump onto this ride. Training Complex is literally everything I wanted from a sequel. It also has my favorite trope ever ever everrrr. (I won’t give it away here BUT IT GAVE ME ALL THE FEELINGS. ALL OF THEM.)

Also, I heart Rob. A lot. I want one.

ETA: OH, and Elliot needs a book. Right now.”

via Goodreads | Indra Vaughn’s review of Training Complex.

Available at:

Amazon

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“Thank you Leta Blake for yet another amazing read!!!” Review of Training Complex #gayromance

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Some reviews make me laugh! 😀 And, boy, can I relate to this one!

“Be still my heart. More Matty and Rob!!! I loved every second of this book. Even when I wanted to punch Matty in the face. o_O

Thank you Leta Blake for yet another amazing read!!!”

via Goodreads | Amanda Barnes’s review of Training Complex.

 

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Click to buy on Amazon!

 

ARe|Amazon|Smashwords|Barnes & Noble|iTunes.

“Incredibly Satisfying Sequel!” review of Training Complex by Leta Blake #mmromance #gay

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“Matty and Rob are back! Matty and Rob are back!!” I literally said that out loud when I heard there was a sequel in the works favorite book of 2014, Training Season. I just could not love these characters any more than I already do. Even more now that I’ve read the sequel Training Complex.

If you liked the first book, you owe it to yourself to read this sequel to see how the boys make it to their HEA. If you loved the first book, you’re probably already reading/read it. I HIGHLY recommend this one and am deliriously happy!”

via Amazon.com: Jen “Gigi”‘s review of Training Complex (Training Season Series B….

 

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Click for reviews and praise for Training Complex!
ARe|Amazon|Smashwords|Barnes & Noble|iTunes.

NEW RELEASE: Training Complex by Leta Blake! Buckle Up! Matty’s Back! #mmromance #gay

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Almost a year ago, Matty Marcus showed up in my head again looking pretty and saying, “Hey, I have a really fun idea for a novella! Wanna write it for me? It’ll be easy, fast, hilarious and you’ll have no regrets! I promise!”

Matty Marcus? He’s a little bit of a liar, guys.

The book turned out to be pretty intense and it required a lot of work. Not to mention it’s 121,000 words long! Far from a novella! More like a longish novel! But the good news is that I persevered and I’m pleased to report that Matty Marcus got his book! Yep! It’s officially released into the world!

It’s a little big thing called TRAINING COMPLEX and you can buy it now!

Amazon
B&N
ARe
Smashwords

Coming soon to iTunes and other outlets.

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Fan Favorite Training Season by Leta Blake is 50% Off For May! #mmromance #gay

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50% off for May!
50% off at Amazon for May! Click to purchase!

In advance of the release of Training Complex (Training Season #2), I’ve decided to put the first book up for 50% off! The sale price is available on Amazon or with the following code on Smashwords.

Training Season on Smashwords
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Training Season on Amazon

The story of figure skater Matty Marcus and rancher Rob Lovely has been a fan favorite for several years now.

  • “Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!” – Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews
  • “A tale told with such flair and tenderness, and with such insight into the two main characters that I will read it over and over again.” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site
  • “If you are looking something real with passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed.” – Mama Kitty Reviews
  • “I am stunned. I am shocked. What did I just read? A wonderful story? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness? All of the above? You bet your sweet ass.” – The Risque Redhead Reviews
  • “I loved it in pretty much every way it’s possible to love a book and its characters.” – Lisa, The Novel Approach
  • “I’m emotionally drained after finishing Training Season by Leta Blake! Nothing better than a story that keeps you thinking of the characters when you aren’t reading. And now that I’ve finished, I want to go back and reread it.”- Lady McNeill, Ms. Condit and Friends Read Books
  • “Highly recommended with 5+ glittery hearts and one unforgettable North Star!” – Wendy, Hearts On Fire Reviews
  • “I feel like I could talk about this book forever. It took me on an emotional journey that was really wonderful and I highly recommend it.” – Joyfully Jay, M/M Romance Reviews And More
  • “This book is the epitomy of perfection.” – Yuki, Read Me to The End of the World
  • “A memorable story so sweetly told that it’s a real hardship when the story ends and you realise that even though Rob and Matty have their Happily Ever After, you don’t because you want to keep on reading!” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site

Training Season on Smashwords
SW25E

Training Season on Amazon

99 cents in November! Fan Fave Training Season by Leta Blake. #sale #99cents #gay

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Just a reminder that Training Season is available for 99 cents through the end of November! Only at Amazon!

“Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!” – Breann, Boy Meets Boy Reviews

“A tale told with such flair and tenderness, and with such insight into the two main characters that I will read it over and over again.” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site

“If you are looking something real with passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed.” – Mama Kitty Reviews

“I am stunned. I am shocked. What did I just read? A wonderful story? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness? All of the above? You bet your sweet ass.” – The Risque Redhead Reviews

“I loved it in pretty much every way it’s possible to love a book and its characters.” – Lisa, The Novel Approach

“I’m emotionally drained after finishing Training Season by Leta Blake! Nothing better than a story that keeps you thinking of the characters when you aren’t reading. And now that I’ve finished, I want to go back and reread it.”- Lady McNeill, Ms. Condit and Friends Read Books

“Highly recommended with 5+ glittery hearts and one unforgettable North Star!” – Wendy, Hearts On Fire Reviews

“I feel like I could talk about this book forever. It took me on an emotional journey that was really wonderful and I highly recommend it.” – Joyfully Jay, M/M Romance Reviews And More

“This book is the epitome of perfection.” – Yuki, Read Me to The End of the World

“A memorable story so sweetly told that it’s a real hardship when the story ends and you realise that even though Rob and Matty have their Happily Ever After, you don’t because you want to keep on reading!” – Susan Mac Nicol, The Romance Review Site

via Training Season – Kindle edition by Leta Blake. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com..

Autumn Sale! .99 for Training Season by Leta Blake – November at Amazon ONLY! #mmromance #gay

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Head on over to Amazon to get fan favorite, Training Season, for only 99 cents!

Only .99 at Amazon for the month of November. (Starts October 30, though, because I'm jumping the gun for fun.)
Only .99 at Amazon for the month of November. (Starts October 30, though, because I’m jumping the gun for fun.)

Book Hangovers by Brandilyn with #Giveaway | Prism Book Alliance™ #mmromance #gay

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My book Training Season was listed as one of the books to give Brandilyn of Prism Book Alliance a book hangover! Is there better praise in the world? 😀

Read more about book hang overs and see others on Brandilyn’s list:  Book Hangovers ~ Sunday Spotlight by Brandilyn with Giveaway | Prism Book Alliance™.

 

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“If you read only one M/M Romance this spring, Training Season would be an excellent choice.” 5 stars | Queer Town Abbey

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“If you read only one M/M Romance this spring, Training Season would be an excellent choice.

If Training Season author, Leta Blake, is predisposed to a swollen head, then I am about to add to her cranial inflation by awarding Training Season five stars. Quite simply, Blake’s complex, compelling saga of an emotionally and physically injured ice skating star seeking redemption and Olympic Gold, is a completely realized and entertaining work.”

via Training Season By Leta Blake | Queer Town Abbey.

 

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Click the picture to buy at Amazon. Also available at Kobo, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and many other ebook retailers!

Homophobia’s Root – The Frozen Closet – Newsweek #gay #homophobia #effeminate

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“Today, there is more room for gay men but almost no room for effeminacy,” says Adams.

via The Frozen Closet – Newsweek.

This quote just speaks volumes, doesn’t it? It reeks of misogyny. Read the whole article. It’s worth it.

I’m with this guy. Go fuck yourselves, homophobic misogynists.
cover-web-copy
Training Season can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, ARe, and Smashwords. And also on iBooks.
Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don’t come cheap, and Matty can’t afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.
When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.
But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win—on and off the ice—during his training season?

Homophobia on Ice? What’s the problem? The judges. #figureskating #gay The Frozen Closet – #lgbt

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“The issue with figure skating is the judge/athlete environment and relationship is completely uncontrolled and chaotic… There is no other sport where the judge holds so much power outside of the arena, and the relationship with the athletes and coaches can seemingly affect the overall outcome of the competition. Figure skating judges offer input on costumes, personal life, hair and makeup, music choice. With so much interaction, impartiality becomes increasingly challenging.”

via The Frozen Closet – Newsweek.

Truthfully, this is a great article that sums up so many issues with the male figure skating world. I liked another similar article slightly better, and I’ll be posting about it over the next few weeks, too, with pulled quotes. But, in the meantime, I think this article is a good place to start.

All of these issues played into the figure skating storyline of my novel, Training Season. It’s sad how these problems play out in real life, too.

cover-web-copy
Training Season can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, ARe, and Smashwords. And also on iBooks.
Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don’t come cheap, and Matty can’t afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.
When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.
But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win—on and off the ice—during his training season?

Romance Lives Forever: Character Interview: Matty Marcus from Training Season @LetaBlake #RLFblog #LGBT

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Romance Lives Forever: Character Interview: Matty Marcus from Training Season @LetaBlake #RLFblog #LGBT.

Today I’m over at Romance Lives Forever doing a character interview with Matty. He was in a subdued mood when answering the questions, apparently, but hopefully he’s still interesting! 😛 Click the link above to read the interview!

cover-web-copy
Training Season can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, ARe, and Smashwords. And also on iBooks.
Unquestionably talented figure skater Matty Marcus is willing to sacrifice everything for his Olympic dream, but his lack of discipline cost him the gold once before. Now the pressure’s on. He needs a coach who can keep him in line, but top coaches don’t come cheap, and Matty can’t afford to stay in the game no matter how badly he wants to win.
When a lucrative house-sitting gig brings him to rural Montana, Matty does his best to maintain his training regimen. Local residents turn out to be surprisingly tolerant of his flamboyant style, especially handsome young rancher Rob Lovely, who proves to be much more than a cowboy stereotype. Just as Matty requires a firm hand to perform his best on the ice, Rob shows him how strong he can be when he relinquishes control in the bedroom. With new-found self-assurance, he drives himself harder to go straight to the top.
But competition has a timetable, and to achieve his Olympic dream, Matty will have to join his new coach in New York City, leaving Rob behind. Now he must face the ultimate test. Has he truly learned how to win—on and off the ice—during his training season?