Astrid Amara

Hanukkah Humor! Plus Gay Sex!

2009-12-07T19:36:35Z

Oh, me.

Why must I combine the loving, innocent values of a time-honored holiday tradition with, as one of my ESL students once said, "the intercourses"?

I don't know, but I sure as hell enjoy doing it. I get concerned looks from the dogs when I maniacally giggle as I tear my characters asunder and then fling them back together so they may "proceed with caution." The cheerful clacking of my computer keys accompanies a the low mumble of me talking to myself like a madwoman, cackling demented as I dangerously combine blintzes with blizzards and jerky ex-boyfriends with icy staircases and - worse - a theatre director. I may have gone too far this time. I don't care. Hanukkah is almost here and I feel the holiday joy upon me.

So here to kick off the week in which Hanukkah will begin (this Friday at sundown), I thought I'd share my new banner for The Carol of the Bellskis, which is coming next Tuesday, December 15! And every day of Hanukkah, starting Friday night, I'll be sharing an excerpt here on the website. Another way to keep warm through the night. :) Happy near-holidays, everyone!

Celebrate Chanukah the right way - ROMANCE STYLE!

2009-11-18T15:22:42Z

The Holiday Season is upon us! At least it feels like it, weather-wise.

And since no one writes de hot m/m Jewish romance no mo, it's up to me!

The Carol of the Bellskis is my newest title, and will be available from Loose Id on December 15, smack dab in the middle of Chanukah!
So pull up a chair, light a candle, eat a latke, and get ready for some light-hearted holiday romance.

Here's the unofficial blurb:

Paralegal Seth Bellski is tired of being the secret lover of his boss, Lars Varga, founding partner of Finch, Varga & Vale Law. So when he asks Lars to spend Chanukah with Seth's family at their kosher B&B in Whistler, B.C., and Lars refuses, Seth realizes he will never get his self-conscious boss out of the closet.

So Seth prepares to spend his Chanukah holiday alone in the B&B. Instead he finds himself running the place, as his aunt and uncle are missing, and nine demanding, peculiar, and danger-prone guests have arrived. To make matters worse, Lars shows up, begging forgiveness. Lars's touches remind Seth of why he put up with his boss's behavior in the first place. If only the words that came out of that beautiful mouth were as sweet as his kisses.

But how can Seth find time to fix his broken relationship when the guests are demanding kosher, gluten-free diets, losing their pet terriers, and hitting their heads on the ice?

Seth and Lars find themselves put through the paces of being a married couple, all while still broken up. But then again, if they can survive this Chanukah, surely their relationship can withstand anything?

More info coming soon.

Happy pre-holidays, everyone!

Back from Yaoi-con!

2009-11-05T19:27:58Z

Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Blind Eye Books table at Yaoi-con this last weekend! Ginn Hale, Nicole Kimberling, and I had a blast. All in all, a good trip despite the fact that I ruined my computer by getting water on it, and after the glory that is California weather, returning to THIS:

Honestly, who cares if its "showers" or "rain"???

California-bound

2009-10-28T22:21:13Z

Hey all!

Just wanted to let people know I will be at the Blind Eye Books booth in the dealers room at Yaoi-con this weekend! Woo! So if you are in the San Mateo area and swing by the convention, make sure to stop by and say hello to me and fellow Hell Cop author Ginn Hale. We'll be busy doing what we usually do... reading, writing, doodling, and making inappropriate jokes.

See you there!

Hello, rainy writing season!

2009-10-17T18:06:52Z

Well, it's torrential rain-time here in the Pacific Northwest, but I can't complain. We had an amazing summer. And I had a lovely summer goofing around in that sun, playing outside, and not writing.

But now that the weather has turned, it's time to return to Babs (my laptop) and get to work on a new novel!

I have a Hanukah story coming out this December from Loose Id. At the moment it's called The Carol of the Bellskis. It's a fun story to write, although hard to visualize snow when there's nothing but rain outside.

I also read a great book this weekend, The City & the City by China Mieville. No, not m/m romance (although two pretty awesome detectives I really enjoyed), but a great example of how speculative fiction and mystery can merge in a creative, enveloping way. Yess! I love reading!

As soon as I have some excerpts and more materials on Carol of the Bellskis, I'll share. Until then, I wish you all a lovely autumn and the start of a great Writing Season!

It's October! That means it's Yaoi-Con Season!

2009-10-01T20:42:34Z

I'm excited! October has always been my favorite month, and I have so many reasons to already love it....

October = a new website for one of my publishers, Blind Eye Books, that has a beautiful illustration of my character Keshan from The Archer's Heart. Hooray! check it out at www.blindeyebooks.com.

Also,

October = Astrid trying to write two books at once! I'm forcing myself to be excited about this, because otherwise I might cry! But it will be good. Both stories have a lot of potential. More soon about them...

And

October = Thrill the World! The Guiness Book of Record's record for largest spontaneous dance across the world is happening Oct 24, and I've got all my Michael Jackson's Thriller moves memorized! I'm SO zombie. Zombie romance? Hm...

And of course,

October = Yaoi-con! I'll be at the convention in San Mateo, CA at the end of October, hanging around the Blind Eye Books table, trying to pick up anyone looking like Yuki Eiri from Gravitation. Stop by and say hello if you're in the area!

So yay October! Screw you, September! You brought me nothing but procrastinating writing schedules, an overabundance of plums, and the resurgence of the skinny jean!

Some new reviews of Hell Cop

2009-08-26T22:22:04Z

valkovalin has posted two wonderful new reviews of Hell Cop and Hell Cop 2. Read them on her website Obsidian Bookshelf:

Hell Cop Review

Hell Cop 2 Review

Thanks so much!

My turn at bat!

2009-08-25T15:19:36Z

Hey, it's August 25! That means I'm blogging over at Rainbow Reviews today, and giving away a free book to whoever can answer my *extremely tricky* question!

Here's the link: http://rainbow-reviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/author-extravaganza-astrid-amara.html?zx=75b7bdf704dbb0bf

Hope you can join us!

Wonderful Ways to Waste One's Time

2009-08-05T22:13:15Z

TIME WASTER #1:

Blog reading, prezzie competition entering!

Just a reminder, Rainbow Reviews is having it's author extravaganza this month, and giving away prezzies left and right. Plus some pretty interesting interviews with a whole bunch of great gay fiction authors. Check them out!

http://rainbow-reviews.com/?page_id=1542

TIME WASTER #2:

Pygmy goats.

I don't have them yet. But I really. Really. REALLY. Want two pygmy goats.

I mean, seriously. How can I NOT have them already? They hit you with their tiny lil heads and will eat your blackberries! Damn, I need to write more books... soon I'll be supporting more than just myself, my geriatric dogs, and a sadistic pony. Pygmy Goat Future Now!

Review round-up for Hell Cop 2

2009-07-13T01:35:34Z

I'd like to pass on my appreciation to those who have read and reviewed Hell Cop 2! A few new ones to report:

Rain on the Roof review -- thank you Sarah!

Literary Nymphs review -- thank you Scandalous Minx!

Rainbow Reviews -- thanks to Nikki!

Despite staging our scenes in the bellies of large animals, on waterbeds in sleazy rock band RVs, and near nests of exotic, stinky birds, we have managed to so far get positive reviews. Hooray!

We interrupt this blog for a public screeching announcement.

2009-07-11T05:33:04Z

GODDAMN YOU WRITERS OF TORCHWOOD! GODDAMN YOU!!!!

That's all.

Love,

Astrid.

Rainbow Reviews 2009 Author Extravaganza

2009-07-03T22:38:08Z

Hey all!
Check out Rainbow Review's 2009 Author Extravaganza if you're interested in getting some free books in August! There will be a competition every day, and the month features a wide range of authors writing LGBT stories (including me on August 25). More info is on their site:
http://rainbow-reviews.com/?page_id=1542

Free books! Wee!

First review of Hell Cop 2 in!

2009-06-25T16:57:03Z

Kris has a review of Hell Cop 2 over at Reviews by Jessewave. Read the full review here:

http://reviewsbyjessewave.blogspot.com/2009/06/hell-cop-2.html

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, Kris!

Hell Cop 2 now available!

2009-06-23T04:56:59Z

Hooray! Hell Cop 2, the sequel to Hell Cop, is now for sale at Loose Id! This anthology contains three novellas.

Title: Hell Cop 2
Authors: Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling, and Ginn Hale
Price: $7.99
Buy now link: http://www.loose-id.com/detail.aspx?ID=966

Read the blurbs below!

Trust Me, by Astrid Amara
Brian Day's no longer the naïve country boy Jay Yervant fell in love with. A hardened hell cop with dangerous powers, Brian's osmotic abilities are growing out of control. When two men are found dead, killed by an osmotic, Jay wants to clear Brian's name. But Brian's erratic powers threaten even Jay's survival, and he's left wondering if his lover is as innocent as he claims.

Dark Waters, by Nicole Kimberling
After a year of seeing Detective Argent, Michael Gold is uncertain about the future of their relationship. Can a liberal university professor and a Hell Cop find a happily ever after? When Michael invites Argent on an anthropological study, he thinks they're performing an experiment in domesticity. But when a dead body appears, Michael and Argent end up playing detective instead of playing house.

Such Heights, by Ginn Hale
Photojournalist James Sparks fled to the exotic Storm Palace to escape his relationship troubles. But soon he's witness to a murder, and the man he least wants to deal with -- his lover, Detective Ben Moran -- is on the case.

Excerpts are available on the Loose Id website.

Hope you enjoy!

The Archer's Heart Book Reading - Village Books, June 26

2009-05-26T02:36:14Z

Hello all!
Well, it's another gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest! And if you live in the area please join Nicole Kimberling and I for an evening at Village Books in Bellingham, Washington on June 26. More details on the bookstore website. Mark your calendars!

I have no idea what I'm going to read from it. Maybe I should read one of the sex scenes. Just to see what happens.

Do NOT turn your back on a Hell Cop!

2009-05-20T18:14:22Z

Ha! Check out the new Hell Cop 2 cover! Baby's got burning back!

And while I'm posting things on the internet tubes, I thought I'd also post the blurb for the new anthology written by myself, Nicole Kimberling, and Ginn Hale. Read and... weep? Cheer? It's your call!

Hell Cops have to do more than just serve and protect the humans, sorcerers, and demons of Parmas City. They also have to fight to keep their romances alive.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara
Brian Day is no longer the naïve country boy Jay Yervant fell in love with. A hardened hell cop with dangerous powers, Brian's osmotic abilities are growing out of control. When two men are found dead, killed by an osmotic, Jay wants to clear Brian's name. But Brian's erratic powers threaten even Jay's survival, and he's left wondering if his lover is as innocent as he claims.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
After a year of seeing Detective Argent, Michael Gold is uncertain about the future of their relationship. Can a liberal university professor and a Hell Cop find a happily ever after? When Michael invites Argent on an anthropological study, he thinks they're performing an experiment in domesticity. But when a dead body appears, Michael and Argent end up playing detective instead of playing house.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
Photojournalist James Sparks fled to the exotic Storm Palace to escape his relationship troubles. But soon he's witness to a murder, and the man he least wants to deal with -- his lover, Detective Ben Moran -- is on the case.

More details will be posted shortly on my website.

Now I'm going to go off and secretly count the days until that new Sherlock Holmes movies comes out....

What the Hell Cop is going on around here?

2009-05-07T19:20:14Z

Hell Cop 2 is done. DONE!

So get your demon-loving / demon-beating pants on and be ready to rumble Parmas City-style June 23 from Loose Id! I'll share some blurbs and excerpts in the next few weeks. And maybe the subway system map I made for the city (no. NO. NERD!)

Stay tuned....

Reviews, Not Watered Down

2009-04-30T17:58:30Z

Initial reviews for The Valde: Water are in, and it’s been interesting – a real mix of “heck yeah!” and “…what?” which, despite the fact that it isn’t 100% glowing, is actually quite helpful for me. This book was a challenge, coming up with a completely new mythology as it were, and so I am grateful for the reviews, both good and bad, to help me understand what is working and what isn’t as I craft the rest of the series.

Being still somewhat new to the world of publishing and romance, I must say that I find the fact that a lot of official reviews sites give nothing BUT rave reviews a little surprising. Not that I don’t grin and stand a little taller when I get positive feedback… but when everyone gets the same review, it has a tendency to make me feel like… hey… maybe they didn’t mean it when they said they loved it!

Which is one reason why I really enjoy reviews on individuals’ blogs so much. Because I trust they’re going to give me the “real scoop,” for better or for worse.

So, to all those out there who not only voraciously read yum-yum gay sci-fi/fantasy, but take the time to share your thoughts with others… THANK YOU! :)

Anyway, here’s the round up of The Valde: Water reviews so far!

Literary Nymphs – Thank you Scandalous Minx!

Emmyjag –Thanks for reading and honestly reviewing!

Rain on the Roof – Hey, where are the accompanying nekked man pictures, Sarah? :) Thanks!

Elisa Rolle’s Review – Thanks so much… your description is far more eloquent than the book itself! :)

Well-Read – Thank you Jenre! I appreciate honest feedback.

Madame Butterfly – MB (Leah) … heh… “commando” rating cracks me up…

More info on The Valde: Water is at Loose Id

I'M INSANE ON A DESERT ISLAND

2009-04-27T16:00:43Z

The fine ladies over at the Desert Island Keepers site have me trapped with a menacing robot who is forcing me to reveal things I don't feel comfortable revealing! Evil, evil robots!

Come join me, Nicole Kimberling, and Ginn Hale this week as we guest blog on DIK! We'll be sharing excerpts, prizes, and the unrevealing interview responses only a mechanoid can generate.

http://dikladiesrule.blogspot.com/2009/04/interview-with-astrid-amara.html

And thanks for the invitation, Sarah!

WATER Now for Sale! Not Re-bottled!

2009-04-21T06:22:18Z

Oh, look how the dude in my icon is pining!

He is so sad, floating in that water with that red right hand! He is waiting!

What is he waiting for?

He is waiting for YOU to buy the book he is suffering tetanus on!

That's right, it's midnight(ish) on April 21, which means The Valde: Water is for sale today!

For a mere $4.99 you too may know the great mysteries of the deep blue ocean. Okay, that's a lie. For a mere $4.99 you too may read my latest urban fantasy romance! (much more like it).

An excerpt is now available on Loose Id's website. And if you read the book, come back here and tell me what you think. Drowning boy and I want to know!

All the best,

Astrid.

Excerpt Available for Water: Does Not Include Nazi Mermen.

2009-03-27T20:23:42Z

I've got the cover art for my new novel, Water, which will be released by Loose Id sometime next month. See the banner below. Despite its appearance, I promise you, my novel does not contain Mermen. That's a commitment I've made as an author:

I, Astrid Amara, promise you, the reader:

No Mermen;
No Nazis;
And no Nazi Mermen.

To prove it, I've gone ahead and uploaded an excerpt! You can view it on my website. Give it a read and let me know what you think!

So what's it about, if it isn't about fascist aqua sapiens? Well.....

On Joel Passaro's birthday, he watched his lover Charlie drown while saving Joel's life. Since then, no other man has been able to match the erotic chemistry the two of them once shared.

But a year later Joel is shocked to discover Charlie alive and well, looking as mysterious and attractive as ever.

However Charlie is different. He has new, arcane superpowers. He doesn't seem to remember Joel at all.

And he murders people with his bare hands.

Suddenly Joel finds himself on the run from both his lover, and a frightening group of dangerous individuals who can wield the elements at will, and who are determined to kill him to keep their secret safe.

But the smoldering looks Charlie gives Joel remind him of their former, heated passion, and even with Charlie's new homicidal tendencies, they discover that their bodies remember what their minds may have forgotten....

And now for my next trick...

2009-03-22T00:58:07Z

Okay, I have something to confess.

I have an attention span problem. Ergo….

I get bored easily.

What does that mean in the context of my novels?

It means I try never to write the same thing twice. Every story has to be different, either in tone, setting, or style, because otherwise I may start crying tears of boredom.

Depending on your point of view, that is either a good or bad thing. Good because you’ll get variety. Bad because you may have loved the way I wrote contemporary romance, but will hate the way I write angsty futuristic cyborg war.

I guess some authors create pen names for different styles. I’m too lazy to reinvent myself that much.

So what am I saying? A warning. Expect something different every time. It’s why I went from an epic high-fantasy with swords to a futuristic prison of brooding interrogators to a glossy planet with sexy doctors to burning cops to a modern romance set in a quiet suburban neighborhood.

The only consistency I can promise you is that there will be two men falling in love, and there will be a happy ending. Every other variable is up for grabs.

That said, I have a new novel coming in April from Loose Id, called Water. This is not going to be anything like Holiday Outing.

It’s more like… supernatural chase scenes with lots of sex involved. :)

I'm really excited about the series it is part of, and will share more shortly. A blurb is currently up at my website.

So I hope you are like me, and enjoy variety in your romance!

Lambdalicious!

2009-03-15T19:05:31Z

Yay! The Archer's Heart is a Lambda Literary finalist!

And congratulations also to Nicole Kimberling, whose amazing book Turnskin also made the shortlist!

And another congratulations to Josh Lanyon whose romance Mexican Heat is a finalist as well.

I'm off to celebrate with a yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.

Astrid Amara can help YOU stop the Vampiric Insanity!

2009-02-24T18:30:32Z

Do you read?

Are you sick of vampires yet?

Are you really, really, sick of vampires yet?

In your efforts to avoid vampires, did you get suckered into reading werewolves?

Do you find it somewhat unappealing to imagine having sex with a dog?

Do you sit back and think to yourself, “why is werewolf sexy? It’s a guy whose skin splits open and grows hair?”

Do you wonder if werewolves get older and their back hair becomes such a problem that when you spoon them, you are actually 8 inches from them?

Do you see this when you think of werewolves?

Now are you sick of werewolves too?

Do you wish oh wish oh wish someone would invent their own kind of superhero with a dark past? Something original?

Me too.

That’s where the Valde come in. My new superheroes.

The first book will come out next month.

Details coming soon.

Wanna Free Book?

2009-01-20T20:41:35Z

Blind Eye Books wants YOU for an amazon.com reviewer!

In exchange for posting your honest review of The Archer's Heart on amazon.com, Blind Eye Books will provide five free review copies to five lucky lucky ladies or gentlemen.

Email the editor at Blind Eye Books to receive your copy.... editor @ blindeyebooks.com (no spaces of course)

And for those of you who live outside the U.S., I will cover the cost of shipping for the first 3 international requests!

Cool, huh?

So read something long and sexy, write an honest review, and good luck!

- Astrid.