What A Week!

     While I’m humping away at this story for Goodreads, which has definitely taking on a life of its own, as I think I've mentioned previously. This week, however, has been stupendous for me. I was sent a contract for a story I wrote for Cleiss Press, then another one for a BDSM Vampire story for Ravenous Romance. I was thrilled. I was doing a happy, happy, joy, joy dance, feeling all inspired. Then…then I got a call from Kris Jacen, Executive Editor for Man Love Romance offering me a contract for a story that I never thought would be published, POW. 

     I was doing back-flips at that point, well in my head at any rate. This will be my very first standalone book! What really blew me away is that she actually took the time out of what I know to be a very hectic schedule to personally call me. Wow, is all I can say. To be published by such a power house as MLR is even more mind blowing to me. 

     For those of you who have read my work, you will know that I tend to be a little in-your-face, hard hitting and even a little gritty at times. Hey, it’s just who I am. This particular story is especially that. The inspiration came from a CNN news story about forced male rape. Needless to say my mind went in all kinds of directions with this one.  

For those of you who are not familiar with
Michael Stokes, check him out.
He makes men look so damned sexy.

     Marines: Who doesn't like a big hunky-the few-the proud- the Marine? So, of course I went there. This story deals with a group of Marines who were captured by a Taliban Warlord and his Grandson. There is physical violence. Graphic sexual situations, and yes that does include several rape scenes, but the real thrust of the story is about survival, love and healing. I want to make a point here, if you will allow: It is the love, the healing and the human spirit that makes this work. The rape scenes are harsh and even brutal at times, but that is not the focus here. For those who are turned on by rape scenes, then I think you are going to be disappointed, so look elsewhere. 

     We men are strange creatures, and gay men are, or can be, even more peculiar. I think that this book brings all that and a lot more to the surface. The facets of what a gay man goes through, how he feels, and it is this that I wanted to show within this work. The difference between love and lust, the many types of love and the realization and understanding of how those feelings are interwoven into friendships. (By the way, it does have a very happy ending.) 

     I cannot thank Ms. Jacen enough for giving me the opportunity to push the envelope here. 

     Okay, I’m back to doing back-flips! (Mentally of course!) 
     
     Till next week,    
     
     Max

     As always, please feel free to make a comment, good, bad or indifferent!