Title: Apple Bites: A Romance Anthology
Editors: Julie Lynn Hayes and Denise L. Wyant
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Genre: Contemporary Romance (both M/M and M/F)
Heat Levels: Gala to Red Delicious (sweet to spicy)
Blurb: Back to school takes on new meaning in this collection of eight mini-stories which run the gamut from sweet to spicy! No children in these tales, they’re for adults only! And each one features an apple in some way.
In this mixed bag of apple bites, you’ll find seasoned authors as well as newcomers. Teachers and students. M/M as well as M/F. There’s something for everyone’s taste.
Going back to school has never been so naughty!
M/M STORIES
JC Wallace – An Officer and a Gentleman (and an Apple)
Holden isn’t sure how much longer he can survive without the man he loves, whose return from a six month deployment has been delayed. On the first day of classes, Professor Holden finds a shiny, red apple on his desk, mocking him. A cruel joke? Or something much more shocking…
Carol Pedroso – Have a Break, Have a…
Kevin is acting principal of another troubled school filled with idiotic teachers. His new husband had been sent half way round the world. Kevin is lonely, hungry, horny, and pissed off at life.
A surprise visitor at lunch time offers Kevin the break he so desperately needs…
Rivals – Julie Lynn Hayes
John and Bryce are heads of competing fraternities at upscale Westover College, as well as fierce rivals. On rush night, John finds Bryce has crashed his soiree, seeking recruits. Verbal swords are thrust. When Bryce pushes John’s buttons, the challenge is on—and winner takes all.
Nephy Hart – Apple for the Teacher
Going back to school is difficult for Rage. He has no reason to think this year won’t be filled with more marginalization and abuse. When his boyfriend gives him an apple for the teacher, Rage has no idea what difference an art project will make, or who will get the apple.
Perry’s Cherry – Avery Dawes
An unfortunate earthquake shakes Perry from a freshman room to sharing with a grumpy senior. Too bad Nick is so sexy… and sullen. Labor Day finds them both on campus. Nick suggests a trip to a private club. Perry is about to get a college education of another kind…
M/F STORIES
Elyzabeth M. VaLey – Good Teacher, pet
Ready to start the new school year, Anais’ boyfriend and Dom, Ian, plants the seeds of doubt in her mind. He tells her she’s forgetting something that only the best teachers receive. Ian gives her a lesson and shows how to earn herself a juicy treat.
Cynthia Dawn Griffin – Gatekeeper
Kate loves her job as Head Secretary. The students adore her, calling her Gatekeeper. Kate’s job may be in jeopardy because of her passionate affair with one of the staff, who acts as though it never happened.
Will she be able to focus on her job and win her man back?
Renee Rose – Hot for Teacher
Lucy’s nerves have her wound up for her first Biochemistry 101 lecture. Fiancé Dr. Todd gives his T.A. a wicked distraction. While he tortures Lucy with edging and public arousal, she must somehow get through her class without losing all control.
Amazon Buy Links: Amazon US
Excerpt from An Officer and a Gentleman (and an Apple) by JC Wallace
“Welcome back everyone,” I said, laying my papers on the table.
When I looked up, the room was empty. I frowned and checked my watch. Nine AM on the dot. I pulled out my phone to check my schedule. That’s when something red caught my eye.
An apple.
A red apple on the center desk in the front row.
My vision narrowed on the fruit, my pulse raced, my palms sweated, and I couldn’t draw in any air. Was this some kind of sick joke? Most everyone I worked with knew about the “apple story”, as did many of the ROTC soldiers from Jeremy’s base who were currently taking my class. Jeremy would tell that story to anyone who would listen. Could someone from one of my classes have left the apple on purpose?
Who would be so cruel?
A bitter taste filled my mouth as I approached the red symbol of our relationship. From the start, Jeremy had been the consummate future officer, and nothing short of a gentleman. He’d insisted on wooing me properly, and shit if we hadn’t followed the rules of dating step by step. On our first date, we did nothing more than hold hands, the night ending with a brief goodnight kiss. On our second date, we made out on the beach, his hands never straying below my waist—much to my frustration. On our third date, we lay on a blanket beneath the stars, hands exploring, our groins rubbing through our clothes. On our fourth date, we made out on my couch during a hockey game. Shirts removed, shorts shucked to the knees, the blissful heat of my soldier’s mouth had gotten me off within minutes. By the time we’d consummated our relationship (after two whole months!), I’d fallen hopelessly in love with him.
Tears threatened my eyes as the anger drained away. I was overreacting. The apple could have been accidentally left behind by a student in the class before mine. I realized just how tired I was. The excitement of seeing my man at the six month mark had turned to frustration and want and loneliness when his return had been delayed. My hand just wasn’t cutting it anymore. Closing my eyes, I fought to recall the whisper of Jeremy’s fingers over my skin, his breath across my neck, his whispers in my ear, but only my sadness came through.
About the Author: JC Wallace started writing from a young age, but took a break for marriage, kids, and college (in that order). He recently rediscovered his passion and ventured out into the brave new world of publishing with his short, Waiting for Snow, and his first novel,Curiosity Killed Shaney. At night and on the weekends, JC writes about all things men, believing there is nothing hotter than two men finding and loving one another, whether for a night or forever. An avid reader of M/M romance, JC loves a good twist of a plot, HEA, HFN, or tragic ending. He also writes what his bestie calls HUNK (Happy Until the Next Kidnapping).
In his daytime hours, JC works with individuals with autism and behavior problems. He is owned by a beautiful partner, Speed Demon, three kids, two grandchildren, two dogs and one cat. He lives in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in Northern NY.
Thanks so much for hosting us! I hope everyone enjoyed the excerpt :)