2014 Rainbow Awards Submissions
Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Loved and Lost by Stephanie Kusiak
Paperback: 566 pages
Publisher: Sapphire Books Publishing (July 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939062586
ISBN-13: 978-1939062581
Amazon: Loved and Lost
Amazon Kindle: Loved and Lost
Blake Fortnier and Rachel Kaplan are the perfect couple. Fifteen years into a marriage that will seemingly last forever, a tragic accident tears them apart. After reaching the end of her rope, Blake is blessed with the chance to relive her life. She can right her wrongs, live life to the fullest and change the course of fate, or so she hopes.
Lesbian Erotic Romance
Switching Gears by Rhavensfyre
Paperback: 498 pages
Publisher: Sapphire Books Publishing (December 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939062306
ISBN-13: 978-1939062307
Amazon: Switching Gears
Amazon Kindle: Switching Gears
Micah Connolly had spent most of her life trying to please others, starting with her family, and ending with Olivia Holden. When she found out that her beloved grandmother had passed away, she was bereft and sought solace with the only person she thought might offer her comfort. Olivia Holden was full of mixed messages, none of them clear, but most of them leaning towards a keen interest in Micah. Their first kiss was a disaster. Overwrought with emotion, she had meant to tell Olivia she had to go home and get her grandmother's affairs in order, but instead, the night ended in a volatile exchange of words that sent Micah running. Well over a year had passed since that fateful night, and Olivia still regretted her strict adherence to a set of rules that made her lose the one woman she felt she could love. Chance and fate changes everything when she recognizes Micah weaving her bike wildly through the busy streets of New York. When Micah and Olivia finally meet again, it isn't your standard happy reunion. Micah had changed, a lot. She was now darker, edgier, and carried a secret blacker than the leathers she prefers to wear. This new Micah also wasn't the sort who would accept Olivia taking charge of their budding relationship. Micah had come to terms with a part of herself she had kept hidden, including some things that she wasn't so sure the high-powered attorney would be game for. A subtle and erotic game of power play ensues, one that both surprises and delights Micah, but also leaves her with a difficult choice. The past still haunts her, a past requiring an explanation that could tear down all of her carefully constructed walls. Every risk has its own rewards, but what Micah is risking could destroy her.
Lesbian Fantasy Romance
Ladysmith by Rhavensfyre
Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: Sapphire Books Publishing (June 1, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939062608
ISBN-13: 978-1939062604
Amazon: Ladysmith
Amazon Kindle: Ladysmith
There is a saying among the old ones, "If you dream of a mare, a MacLeod is sure to be near." Rohanna MacLeod grew up listening to her grandmother's stories of her family and the old country, the myths and legends of the Fae becoming dearer to her with each loss in her young life. True to her family name, Rohanna carries the MacLeod gift with horses. With single minded determination, she denies herself everything else that life offers in order to keep what is hers, to keep and preserve the family farm from an abusive stepmother she abhors. Everything changes when she runs into trouble on the way to a horse show. Her prize gelding throws a shoe and risks laming if she can't find a farrier on short notice. A chance offer and a plain business card sends her to the Ladysmith, a farrier and blacksmith with a mysterious past. Alexandria Strider is drawn into Rohanna's world. Caught between new bonds and old oaths, Alex holds the key to Rohanna's past and an unrealized destiny, if she can find the strength to do what is necessary. Sometimes stories are more than myth and legend. What has been forgotten cannot be suppressed, and nightmares can come alive in your dreams. Rohanna has lived her entire life trying to escape her nightmares, now one has become her closest ally and lover, and just possibly, the only thing that can save her.
Gay Mystery / Thriller
Death By Order of the Queen (Zachary Gagewood Mysteries 2) by Lee Pulaski
Series: Zachary Gagewood Mysteries
Paperback: 260 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 26, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1500755575
ISBN-13: 978-1500755577
Amazon: Death By Order of the Queen (Zachary Gagewood Mysteries 2)
Amazon Kindle: Death By Order of the Queen (Zachary Gagewood Mysteries 2)
The Lonesome Pine Ballroom was once a grand fixture in the village of Gresham, but the jewel of the community has since decayed, prompting its resurrection and renovation. To accomplish that, one hundred thousand dollars needs to be raised. Although a controversial notion, local bookstore owner Zachary Gagewood thought of bringing into the normally strait-laced community a pack of drag queens to entertain, amuse and pick up a few coins for the renovations. It seemed like a good idea in the beginning-until one of the most outspoken critics in the community is found dead, the heel of a stiletto embedded in his forehead. With the future of the Lonesome Pine in jeopardy, Zachary knows he must find out who the killer is, knowing full well that anyone capable of killing once could strike again, and in the process, assassinate any hope of restoring Gresham’s pride and joy. The question is, to which dress-wearing man does the shoe fit?
Lesbiam Contemporary General Fiction
Better Together by Pat Cronin
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC (May 13, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1619291541
ISBN-13: 978-1619291546
Amazon: Better Together
Amazon Kindle: Better Together
Mac Bradenton has never been south of the Mason Dixon Line or across a body of water wider than the Ohio River. But her best friend, Kristy, is sick and on a quest to complete her bucket list. First stop is Paris, France. Mac goes along expecting to enjoy the trip, never anticipating just how much her life will change. They meet up with Kristy's friend, Lenie, who has promised to give them a guided tour of Paris and the three women form a tight bond that extends across the globe. Once home, life takes some major turns for Mac. As she struggles to deal with the challenges thrown at her, will everything fall apart? Or will she be able to lean on her friends knowing that, no matter what happens, they are all better together?
Gay Paranormal Romance
Monsters Under the Bed (Lifting the Veil) by Susan Laine
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press; 1 edition (October 22, 2013)
Amazon Kindle: Monsters Under the Bed (Lifting the Veil)
A Lifting the Veil Story
When PI Sam Garrett is hired by eccentric billionaire toy maker and child genius Mozart "Mo" Chance-after his apparent suicide in the hills of San Francisco-Sam takes the case out of sheer curiosity. In a world where the Veil lifted a decade ago and exposed mythical beings living among humans, Sam faces a big challenge as the mystery surrounding the case deepens.
The inheritors of Mo’s fortune-the uncle, the butler, the nanny, and the bodyguard-all possess secrets, and some are willing to protect them at any cost. The trouble is that Sam’s partner and lover, Rex Ford, is suddenly under suspicion as well.
Clouded by doubt, Sam continues to search for answers as tapestries of crimes begin to unravel and powers beyond his imagination are unleashed. If Mo endured horrific nightmares about monsters under his bed, there’s no telling what dangers await a nosy PI. What dangers lurk in this darkness? Sam is about to find out.
Gay Fantasy Romance
Wishing Wings (Isleshire Chronicles Book 2) by Susan Laine
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press; 1 edition (August 27, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Wishing Wings (Isleshire Chronicles Book 2)
Sequel to Lofty Dreams of Earthbound Men
Isleshire Chronicles: Book Two
Two weeks after their encounter with a ripper, engineering sage Jules Sterling and Earth mage Obadai Bashim are surprised to learn Aelfric Fairburn, a bureaucrat from the Divine Theocracy, has arrived in County Isleshire to reward Jules for his courageous defeat of the ripper.
Fairburn’s visit couldn’t come at a worse time, as Jules is in the field-testing phase of his dream project-flying. But the Virtuist Church of the Spirit Gods views man’s pursuit of flight as heresy and a contemptuous abomination of the ultimate ambition of the faithful-ascension.
But Fairburn’s judgment is the least of Jules’s problems. While he struggles to work out the kinks of his flying apparatus, a mysterious figure operates behind the scenes toward an unknown end. Once again, Jules and Obadai face a lethal foe.
Gay Contemporary Romance
Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1 by Cate Ashwood
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (November 8, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627980822
ISBN-13: 978-1627980821
Amazon: Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1
Amazon Kindle: Brokenhearted: Hope Cove Book 1
Hope Cove: Book One
Oliver Parrish has been alone in the world since he was born. So when Sheriff Owen “Mack” Macklin shows up on his doorstep to deliver the news that Oliver’s sister has died, he’s beyond surprised. Still, Oliver returns with Mack to Hope Cove, Maine, hoping to get to know the sister he never knew he had. As he tries to snap these new elements into his solitary life, he’s not sure how they might fit.
His life is shaken up further as he falls in love with the irresistible town of Hope Cove, and with Mack, its equally irresistible sheriff. But when he receives devastating news about his sister's cause of death, Oliver doesn't know whether to stay and fight for love and a good life, or cut his losses and run.
Gay Contemporary Romance
Wholehearted: Hope Cove Book 2 by Cate Ashwood
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (December 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627982388
ISBN-13: 978-1627982382
Amazon: Wholehearted: Hope Cove Book 2
Amazon Kindle: Wholehearted: Hope Cove Book 2
Hope Cove: Book Two
Officer Declan Grant responds to a call at the Hope Cove docks to find Lucas Hale barely alive after being beaten and tossed off his fishing boat. The violent crime rocks this tranquil community where everyone knows each other and doors are rarely locked. Despite Declan being new to Hope Cove, he wants to keep his new home and Lucas safe. He starts by volunteering to care for Lucas after he’s released from the hospital.
Lucas just wants to put the whole incident behind him and move on, but the more he gets to know Declan, the harder he finds it to push Declan and his do-right attitude away. The investigation into the assault continues, but Declan will soon face a moral dilemma, a choice that may topple his tidy life and force him to choose between Lucas and the law.
Gay Contemporary Romance
Ironhearted: Hope Cove Book 3 by Cate Ashwood
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (January 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627982914
ISBN-13: 978-1627982917
Amazon: Ironhearted: Hope Cove Book 3
Amazon Kindle: Ironhearted: Hope Cove Book 3
Hope Cove: Book Three
Haydn Prescott stood by and watched his friends fall in love, something he hopes never happens to him. It’s too much drama, thankyouverymuch. He just wants a hot guy to roll around with every once in a while. No muss, no fuss. Out for a night of dancing, he meets Trevor Ryan and the two are explosive together. The next morning, Haydn wakes up alone.
Trevor is gone and Haydn thinks he’s seen the last of him… until months later when Trevor walks into Haydn’s bakery in Hope Cove. Entanglements and complications ooze from Trevor, but Haydn can’t ignore him-Trevor won’t let him. Haydn always believed he wanted to be free and single forever, but now he’s torn: does he want to be with Trevor or should he play it safe and stick to what’s worked?
Charities Donation program progress:
458$ Albert Kennedy Trust: http://www.akt.org.uk/
1215$ Ali Forney Center: www.aliforneycenter.org/
85$ Australian Marriage Equality: www.australianmarriageequality.org/
95$ Audre Lorde Project: http://alp.org/
312$ BiNet US: http://www.binetusa.org/
150$ CARE: careprogram.org/
125$ The Center Colorado: http://www.glbtcolorado.org/
50$ LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland: http://www.lgbtcleveland.org/
599$ COLORS: www.colorsyouth.org/
155$ Covenant: www.covenanthouseno.org/
75$ Diversity Role Models: http://www.diversityrolemodels.org/
300$ The Diversity Center: http://diversitycenter.org/
10$ Gay and Lesbian Foundation of Australia: www.galfa.org.au/
392$ Galop: www.galop.org.uk/
150$ GLYS: http://www.glyswny.org/
275$ Human Rights Campaign: http://www.hrc.org/
75$ Huntsville GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services: http://www.glbtays.org/
250$ It Gets Better: http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
100$ Inland Northwest LGBT Center: www.thelgbtcenter.org/
53$ In Other Words: inotherwords.org/
40$ Los Angeles LGBT Center: www.lalgbtcenter.org/
545$ Lambda Legal: www.lambdalegal.org/
50$ Lambert House: www.lamberthouse.org/
50$ Lancaster LGBT Center: http://www.centralpalgbtcenter.org/
75$ LEAP: http://www.glbtleap.org/
540$ Lost-n-Found Youth: www.lost-n-found.org/
50$ MKE LGBT Center: www.mkelgbt.org/
155$ Moveable Feast: http://www.mfeast.org/
25$ Odyssey Youth Center: www.odysseyyouth.org/
25$ Out Youth: outyouth.org/
50$ Pathfinders: pathfindersmke.org/
385$ PFLAG: community.pflag.org/
175$ Point Foundation: www.pointfoundation.org/
130$ Ruth Ellis Center: http://www.ruthelliscenter.org/
954$ SAGE: giveto.sageusa.org/
25$ Seta: seta.fi/seta-in-english/
50$ Terrence Higgins Trust: www.tht.org.uk/
880$ The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/
185$ UCAN: www.ucanchicago.org/
25$ WayGay: http://www.waygay.org/
225$ You Can Play: http://youcanplayproject.org/
125$ YouthCare: www.youthcare.org/
25$ You Will Rise Project: youwillriseproject.blogspot.com/p/our-mission.html
1585$ Other Funds
TOTAL: 11298$*
* more than 150$ is a direct donation from a supporter of the Rainbow Awards who isn't submitting; while some authors were more than generous, arriving to donate 5 times the suggested amount, being the submission fee a non mandatory and voluntary direct donation, we were struggling to raise the same amount as last year and there is who decided to cover part of it. I thank you for all you are doing, and if you wish to donate to the above links, please drop me a note with your donation and I will update the total.
2014 Rainbow Awards Guidelines: reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/4162490.html
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