My series of introducing my fellow GRL Supporting Authors continues. It’s been great learning a bit about them and their stories – I’ve added quite a few books to my TBR! But I’m really looking forward to meeting in person. That day is getting closer 🙂

Today we meet author Tempeste O’Riley. I hope you enjoy!

Meet Tempeste O’Riley

Welcome! Thanks for agreeing to answer a couple of questions. Hopefully you won’t find then too difficult. 🙂

Thanks so much, Nic! This is my 2nd year as a Supporting Author, so congratulations and welcome aboard 🙂

Is this your first GRL? If not, do you have any advice for authors and/or readers who are attending? If it’s your first, what made you sign up this year?

As I just mentioned, no, this is my second year at GRL. I was so beyond nervous last year that had it not been for the likes of Dom (Andrew Grey’s adorable and totally yummy hubby) and Andrew, I would have spent a large portion of the event in the corner hiding.

As for advice, don’t be afraid to get out there. We aren’t as scarry as we seem, I promise. And we don’t bite (unless you ask us to 😉 ). Even the “biggest name” author is just a person, so get out there and say hi. It’s not as bad as your worries will make you think it will be.

What are you most looking forward to about GRL this year?

Seeing the faces I made friends with last year. I met so many new people and some I still visit with, connect with, and am friends with. But, talking in person is a whole other thing 🙂 right?

What inspired you to start writing in the gay romance genre?

LOL. That’s a strange, to me, story. I told it when my debut novel came out, but I can tell it here again. My first m/m romance story began when I was talking with a couple of friends, pissed at the way I had been treated—again—over my mobility and pain issues. I was still hurting from the loss of my marriage (part of which centered around the same theme, btw). One of my friends suggested that I take that pain and all the crap I go through, create a character and give him (no clue why she said him, but I went with it as I am more comfortable writing male characters) my health issues, but then give the character the happily ever after that I wish I had. Thus, “Designs of Desire” was born. The thing is, I never intended to publish it, much less make it into a series. You can blame that on Andrew Grey and Dianne Hartsock :* as it was at their nudging that I submitted DoD and then wrote book 2 (Chase just *had* to have his story, you see, lol).

What was the first m/m romance book you wrote? Can you share a little about the story?

See above 🙂 As far as about the story…

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?

What book are you currently reading or have just finished reading? Tell us a little about it.

“Turning His Life Around” by Grace R Duncan. It’s the story of Ian and Kane, well of how Kane is so out of touch with himself that he almost loses his bestfriend and Dom out of blindness and stupidity. But hey, when you don’t think youself capable of love, how do you learn to recognize when you’ve fallen?

When Kane Harris’s world turns upside down, his lifelong best friend is the only one to catch him.

Years ago, Ian Kelly accepted Kane would never return his love, since he knows Kane believes he’s incapable of it. Ian is willing to settle for what he can get—a best friend, sometimes casual lover, and occasional submissive. He’s learned he can’t live without Kane, but he can’t let Kane know. Because when, not if, Kane confirms that Ian’s love will never be returned, Ian won’t be able to take it. But when Kane loses his job and asks Ian to step up their play to help him deal, Ian’s ability to hide his feelings falters. Then Kane starts his own computer security firm and asks Ian to join him, and Ian struggles further.

It’s not until they visit the exclusive BDSM club the Iron Door that things come to a head. Kane screws up big time, and he’s afraid he can’t fix it. He’s sure he’ll lose his best friend, his Dom, his everything… forever.e R. Duncan. It’s a great story.

Please share an interesting fact your readers may not know about you?

Answer: Hmmm…. I don’t know as I try to be pretty open, even though my RL is kept so separate, lol. How about the fact that I’ve joined the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence? That’s a more recent descision and event in my life. I’ve found great friend, a ton of fun, and an outlet for my desire to help others.

Thanks for the opportunity to host you.

Thank you for the opportunity to stop by. I can’t wait to meet you in October!

You too. I can’t believe it’s just around the corner!

About Tempeste

 

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud pansexual genderfluid whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what they couldn’t—defy the hate and come out. He has been their hero ever since.

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

Tempe is also a proud PAN member of Romance Writers of America^®, WisRWA, and Rainbow Romance Writers. Tempe’s preferred pronouns are they/them/their/theirs/themselves. To learn more about Tempeste and their writing, visit http://tempesteoriley.com.

Social media:

 

Website – http://tempesteoriley.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/TempesteO

Tempeste’s Temptations (Facebook) – https://www.facebook.com/groups/TempestesTemptations/

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/TempesteORiley.author/

Google + – http://plus.google.com/104428518946858208082/posts

DSP – http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_894

Blog – http://tempesteoriley.com/blog/

Featured book from Tempeste O’Riley

Blurb

Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn’t have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.

Keith Skyler is a shifter in a world where his kind is known to only a few, but they don’t often mix and they never mate. Keith has been hoping for a mate since before he can remember, but gay lynx don’t have true mates. As far as he knows, they don’t have mates at all. However, while moving his little family across Seattle—and away from their tribe—his reality tips and spins more than he thought possible.

When these two men meet over a dish of five-cheese broccoli-noodle casserole, sparks fly. Who knew a welcome to the neighborhood gift could give both of them their chance at love?

Buy Link

Whiskers of a Chance releases on 30th September 2015