Hop Against Homophobia

Visit other authors in the blog hop here.

Freedom of Expression

Hello. For this blog hop against homophobia, I wanted to talk about why I write GLBT romance and offer an opinion on freedom of expression, not only in fiction but in everyday life.

I write GLBT romances for the same reason I write paranormal, historical, sci-fi and just about every other type of story I’ve written—because it’s what I enjoy reading. Over two decades ago, when I first started reading romance novels, I had no problem finding stories focusing on heterosexual relationships. While I enjoyed them, I generally didn’t relate to the characters, in particular the heroines. I looked for romantic GLBT fiction, but most of the offerings were exclusively erotica. Though I enjoy erotica, I wanted to read stories that dealt with actual romance, not just sex. Nowadays there’s a variety of GLBT stories that focus on more well rounded relationships.

For me romance has always been about people in a loving relationship who are respectful of and dedicated to each other. I’ve never placed much emphasis on gender and was raised to believe people shouldn’t have to fit into certain categories. I write and read all types of romance because I don’t believe in any particular set of rules regarding gender. That in itself offends or confuses some people.

Growing up, being honest with my family about my sexuality was never an issue for me. I was very lucky because they loved me as I am and weren’t surprised, upset or in any sort of denial about having a child who didn’t fit into the “norm.” Any issues with homophobia or exclusion I had or have come from outside my immediate family, whether it’s deliberate or unintentional comments, misconceptions or “jokes” from others. Despite being raised in a supportive family environment, it took years for me to fully accept and understand myself.

Finally I’ve reached the point where I can say I don’t care what others think about my sexuality or my viewpoints on gender, meaning their fears, skepticism and misconceptions have no influence on how I feel. If they don’t understand or appreciate my perspective or my work, that’s fine.

What isn’t fine is people trying to prevent other people from being themselves.

The problem isn’t that everyone needs to be exactly like everyone else. That won’t ever happen. The problem is that some believe everyone should be the same and if you happen to be different and express it, you shouldn’t enjoy the same basic rights and privileges as the majority.

People have various ways of channeling their creativity. My outlet is writing stories with characters I can relate to, regardless of whether or not other people approve. Someone else might have another way of expressing themselves.

The bottom line is people are individuals and have the right to express themselves personally, professionally, artistically and spiritually.

Kate

Giveaway:

If you would like to enter for the chance to win a rainbow bracelet and button, send an email to katehill@sprintmail.com with HAH Giveaway in the subject line and your name and country in the body of the email. You don’t need to include an address. When the winner is selected, I’ll email and ask where to ship the prizes. Deadline to enter is midnight May 20, 2012. On May 21, 2012, a winner will be chosen at random from the entries. The prizes will be mailed to the winner and the winner’s first name only will be announced on this blog on May 21st.

Links/Resources to Check Out:

BiNet USA

FTM Resource Guide

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Health Access Project

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition

National Center for Transgender Equality

Pansexual Pride

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Rainbow Resources

International Day Against Homophobia

Embrace the Rainbow

For details on how to enter for the chance to win a download of Mystery Stallion, visit
http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/contestdetails.php?contestid=468

Contest ends on May 12, 2012 11:59pm (EST).

Thank you!

Kate

Thirteen Supernatural Creatures

1. Werewolf

2. Ghost

3. Vampire

4. Zombie

5. Griffin

6. Manticore

7. Mermaid

8. Elf

9. Dragon

10. Centaur

11. Genie

12. Incubus

13. Satyr

Can You Relate? http://therainbowstudio.blogspot.com/

If you have a chance, please stop by.

Thank you,

Kate

Thirteen Unisex Names

1. Stacy

2. Tracy

3. Lynn

4. Bobby

5. Charlie

6. Max

7. Carol

8. Hunter

9. Frances

10. Taylor

11. Geri

12. Robin

13. Alex

Whisper 1: Dragon’s Bar by Kate Hill
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-whisperdragon039sbar-786885-142.html
Format(s): Ebook
Heat Level: Erotic
Pairing(s): Transgender M/F
Genre/Themes: Paranormal
Length: Novella
Publisher: Changeling Press
Cover art: Renee George

 
Blurb:

Shunned by her family because of her sexual magic, Max leaves home and finds herself in a small New England town called Whisper. Feeding off sexual energy but having no hope of finding true love, Max considers her magic more a curse than a gift. Then she meets Cal.

The sexy owner of Dragon’s Bar has supernatural secrets of his own. As an outcast shapeshifter female who has chosen to live as a human male, Cal has found a home in Whisper. He knows Max is his soulmate but can these two unlikely partners learn to trust each other completely?

The following excerpt from DRAGON’S BAR is for readers 18 and over.

Max stood and slung her bag over her shoulder. She paused in front of the painting. “I like this.”

“Thanks. It’s mine.”

Raising an eyebrow she turned to him. “You’re talented.”

“I don’t know about that, but painting helps me relax.” He stood so close behind her that she felt the warmth of his body and the buzz of his sexual energy. She aroused him too. She sensed it.

A moment later, he confirmed her suspicions by brushing her hair aside and whispering in her ear, “Why are you really here, Max?”

She closed her eyes and leaned toward him. Cal’s hand settled on her waist. Some women might be afraid of their big, leather-clad, soon-to-be boss making a move on them. Others might try to sue him for sexual harassment.

Did he do this to all his staff members? Pressure them for sex? Is that why Amber had seemed so uneasy when she heard Cal had hired her?

If that was the kind of game he played, then he deserved the consequences of messing with a woman whose pussy could literally pleasure him to death.

“Like I said. I want a new start.” She turned and faced him, moistening her lips.

His hands settled on her waist, warming her. She slid her arms around his neck and cupped the back of his smooth head. He had a strong neck. She liked that.

“Are you coming on to me?” she whispered against his lips.

“If you want me to.”

“And if I say no am I fired before I start?”

“Of course not.”

Whether she believed him or not no longer mattered. Her hunger flared. If she didn’t fuck right now, she’d have to find someone else. Why look for another victim when this guy was obviously willing?

“I’ve never seen a woman look this hot,” he admitted, staring at her. “Your eyes are almost glowing. They look amazing.”

“I was thinking the same thing about you,” she whispered, running her hands over his chest.

His mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss. He tasted like mint, felt hot and hard and carried the scent of fresh, manly cologne.

Max closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of his body against hers. She opened her mouth to his tongue and hers met it, matching him in hunger.

When the kiss broke, she breathed, “Do you have condoms? Never mind. I’ve got ‘em.” She tugged away from him and unzipped her backpack. She removed a condom but didn’t bother with lube. He turned her on so much that she was already soaked and ready for him.

Even with her magical hunger, she usually took more time than this to warm up, but she’d never met anyone like Cal.

Bronzed

In 1652, Sara travels to Whisper where she meets the ruggedly handsome leader of the local werewolf pack. Nathaniel recognizes the curious young vampire as his mate and pursues her in a way only a werewolf can. After a brief but passionate courtship, she accepts his proposal, despite her family’s dislike of his kind. Sara and Nathaniel’s marriage is destroyed when her manipulative parents place them under a curse. Sara has no memory of Nathaniel, who has been turned into a statue in the town square. Every night he comes alive, but cannot leave the area in search of his love who has been taken back to England by her family.

Centuries later, after a life of intense study and travel, Sara is drawn back to the small New England town. Ignoring protests from her family, she returns to Whisper where she takes a job at the library. After hours, the statue in the lobby of a handsome man in colonial dress comes alive and claims that Sara belongs to him. In spite of her terror, she is aroused by the man and inexplicably drawn to him.

If Sara’s love is true, she can break the curse. If it’s not, Nathaniel will spend eternity imprisoned by magic, betrayed by the woman who stole his heart.
The following excerpt from BRONZED is for readers 18 and over.

Vampires weren’t easily frightened, but seeing a statue come to life would scare the hell out of anyone.

Sara could scarcely believe her eyes. The bronze statue, now in human form, stood in the carved archway leading to the new wing. Instead of colonial American clothes, he wore black pants and a snug T-shirt that accentuated his strong physique. His hair was a bit disheveled and he wore neither shoes nor socks.

A feeling of déjà vu struck her. Why shouldn’t it? This was her dream man, except now that dream had become a nightmare.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. The emotion glistening in his wide set blue eyes was the only thing that kept her from screaming.

“Who the hell are you?” she demanded, glad she sounded braver than she felt.

“Rees told me you were coming back, but I didn’t believe him. It’s been…” He paused and swallowed hard, as if holding back overwhelming emotion. When he spoke again, his voice was huskier than before. “It’s been so long. At least to me.”

“Who are you?”

“Nathaniel.” He stepped toward her and she backed away. “You were never afraid of me before.”

“I don’t know who you are.”

“You must. That’s why you’re here.” He reached toward her, but she eluded his touch and ran out of the room to the main lobby.

On the verge of hysteria, she stared at the empty stand where the statue had been.

“Sara, please.” Nathaniel walked to her.

She edged toward the reference desk and picked up an oversized stapler. “Stay away from me.”

He slowed his pace, but didn’t stop his approach. “Think. You know me.”

“I’m losing my mind. I said back off.” She raised the stapler like a weapon.

A sad smile tugged at his lips. “Really? You’re going to attack me with a stapler?”

Starting at 11 o’clock today (04/26/2012), Mystery Stallion is the deal of the day at eBook Eros. It’s 10 copies of Mystery Stallion (Horsemen, Book Seven) for $1.50 each Thursday, 11:00 AM EST. 1st come 1st serve at

http://www.ebook-eros.com/

A blurb and excerpt from Mystery Stallion can be found at

http://www.kate-hill.com/mysterystallion.html

Also today the second story in the Whisper series was released by Changeling Press. If you’d like to know more, I’ve pasted the blurb and excerpt from Bronzed below.

Thank you for looking!

Kate

Whisper: Bronzed
by Kate Hill
From Changeling Press
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1817
Cover art: Reneé George
BIN: 05672-01817
Genre(s): Paranormal
Theme(s): Vampires, Werewolves
Series: Whisper (#2)
Length: Novella
Page Count: 69

In 1652, Sara travels to Whisper where she meets the ruggedly handsome leader of the local werewolf pack. Nathaniel recognizes the curious young vampire as his mate and pursues her in a way only a werewolf can. After a brief but passionate courtship, she accepts his proposal, despite her family’s dislike of his kind. Sara and Nathaniel’s marriage is destroyed when her manipulative parents place them under a curse. Sara has no memory of Nathaniel, who has been turned into a statue in the town square. Every night he comes alive, but cannot leave the area in search of his love who has been taken back to England by her family.

Centuries later, after a life of intense study and travel, Sara is drawn back to the small New England town. Ignoring protests from her family, she returns to Whisper where she takes a job at the library. After hours, the statue in the lobby of a handsome man in colonial dress comes alive and claims that Sara belongs to him. In spite of her terror, she is aroused by the man and inexplicably drawn to him.

If Sara’s love is true, she can break the curse. If it’s not, Nathaniel will spend eternity imprisoned by magic, betrayed by the woman who stole his heart.

The following excerpt from BRONZED is for readers 18 and over.

She waited nearly an hour before peeking out her bedroom door. Seeing that her uncle had finally retired, she silently left the house and walked to the back of it. Standing in the moonlight, she glanced around. Her Uncle’s home stood on the hill overlooking the town square. Everything was still and most of the houses were dark, but for a few with firelight visible through the windows.

Drawing a deep breath, she smiled, the thrill of adventure coursing through her. She had walked just a short distance from the house when Nathaniel stepped from behind a thick tree trunk. Sara’s heartbeat fluttered and her stomach clenched. The handsome werewolf was stark naked. His long, dark hair clung to his shoulders. He blew a random curl from his face and smiled.

“Miss Chancellor,” he said and nodded. “Out for a midnight stroll? Or perhaps you’re on the prowl. I know vampires enjoy a hunt almost as much as wolves.”

“Mr. Pritchard, what are you doing here?”

“My wolf warriors keep the town safe. I’ve joined them on the night watch.”

“Do you usually take your watch unclothed?”

“I was in my beast form,” he said, stepping closer.

Sara inhaled deeply, her keen nose detected his fresh, natural aroma and it heightened her arousal. She was hungry and Nathaniel appealed to her. No, it was more than that. She’d never been this attracted to anyone before.

Though people thought vampires lustful by nature, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes they had mastered the art of seduction, but usually when they took blood it was for sustenance alone. They rarely felt for their victims. Most considered non-vampires little more than animals, existing only to satisfy their hunger.

Sara had never agreed with that viewpoint. She had met many humans she liked, which was probably why the thought of killing disgusted her.

“I didn’t want to frighten you,” Nathaniel continued. “Those who aren’t accustomed to wolves are sometimes upset when we appear as beasts.”

She lifted her chin. “I’m not easily ruffled.”

“But you know little about wolves.”

“Why do you say that?”

He snorted. “From the very short time I spent with your parents, I can see they have little knowledge of my kind, and I’m sure they didn’t encourage you to learn about races outside your own.”

She sighed. “Your observation is correct, however I don’t share my father’s prejudices.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“It’s true,” she said. “I actually find werewolves fascinating. I’d like to know more about you. . .I mean your kind.”

Another smile tugged at the corners of his full lips. He offered her his hand. “It will be my honor to teach you.”

Drawing a deep breath, she hesitated before accepting his hand. His warm grip closed around her and she fell into step beside him as they headed toward the woods.

“You’re still naked,” she said.

http://www.kate-hill.com

Long ago a striped Horseman lost his heart to the only Horsewoman ever born. Feared and rejected, he allowed his bitterness to destroy them both. Since then, no striped Horseman has ever known love. . .until now.

Sold into slavery by his father, Grigori de Forest arrives home twenty years later to reclaim his birthright. Now lord of a land where superstitious villagers despise and fear him because he bears “the marks”, he intends to live alone in his family’s ancestral castle.

Since childhood, Violeta has been fascinated by the mysterious Grigori, whose striped coat sets him apart from other Horsemen. Desperate for work and knowing he has run off all his servants, she requests he hire her to cook and clean. She doesn’t realize that he remembers her for an act of kindness toward him years ago.

Lust spurred on by shared dreams hurls them into a storm of passion, but their love and lives are endangered by the villagers and a plague that threatens to destroy the mighty race of Horsemen.

The following excerpt from MYSTERY STALLION is for readers 18 and over.
Grigori reached for her hand and she tried to tug away but he held her fast.

“I have dirt on them,” she said.

Still holding her gaze, he stroked her inner wrist with his thumb. “I apologize if I was abrupt this morning.”

“It doesn’t matter. Maybe I made too many demands of you too soon. However either we agree to act on the dreams or we don’t. It’s not in me to be a clinging female, but I won’t be your plaything either.”

He narrowed his eyes and a look of irritation, or perhaps guilt, flashed across his face. She thought he’d let go of her hand, but instead he continued stroking her, distracting her, making her wish he’d sweep her into his arms and carry her to bed, despite what she’d just told him.

“I don’t consider you a plaything and I didn’t mean to make you feel like one.” He closed his eyes briefly and shook his head. When he met her gaze again, his expression revealed an inner struggle that struck at her heart, yet she had to remain strong, to let him know that he needed to trust her before she surrendered to him. “Violeta, I’ve been alone most of my life. Until I went into slavery and met Jian, I belonged nowhere.”

“Who’s Jian?”

“My mentor. The healer and warrior I told you about.”

“The man you visited today?”

“Yes. After we were freed, Jian and I along with several other slaves, both Horseman and human, settled in Salvation Valley. A few years ago it was an uninhabited section of land. Now it’s a thriving village. Many of the gladiators have families—wives and children. I lived on the outskirts in a nearby forest.”

“Of course.” She sighed. “You would. Grigori, I know the villagers are ignorant and cruel and I can’t imagine what you went through in slavery, but you have to give some people a chance.”

“That’s easy for you to say. You have no idea what it’s like to be…” He shook his head again. “Violeta, I don’t want to argue.”

“All I’m trying to tell you is I’m not like them. You don’t have to stay on the outskirts with me. Even if you don’t want to be my lover, you may still be my friend.”

His expression took her aback. She swore that for a few seconds his eyes misted over. The hand holding hers tightened a bit and he tugged her so close that her breasts pressed against his chest.

Cupping her face he said in a husky voice, “That means more to me than you can ever know, but I couldn’t be simply your friend. Not when I want you this badly.”

Violeta’s heartbeat quickened and she resisted the urge to kiss him. The first move had to be his and she tried to tell him this with her eyes.

His head dipped toward hers and he covered her mouth in a possessive kiss.