We’re so pleased to have author Z. Allora joining us today to celebrate their latest release from Dreamspinner Press, The Librarian’s Rake. This is such a fun post, complete with some adorable artwork, so enjoy and then be sure to leave a comment answering Z.’s prompt question for the chance to win an eCopy of the book.

Welcome, Z. Allora!

Talking Caterpillars and Unicorns

Greetings! I want to thank The Novel Approach for allowing me to share an excerpt from The Librarian’s Rake, a giveaway, and my silly drawings.

To celebrate the release of The Librarian’s Rake I’ll be giving away 3 e-books of Secured and Free, (Book #2 of Entwined Dreams) and a $20 gift card to Dreamspinner Press. Details below. 

This excerpt involves Phillip (the rake) spying/stalking on Tristan (the librarian) while he’s doing Sleepy Time Reads. Keep in mind Phillip’s happy endings usually require a swallow. But seeing Tristan read about a magical unicorn and a talking caterpillar starts to change his mind.

I was curious about this fictional children’s book that Tristan is reading so I decided to figure out what Carlos Sirus Broominschmeckle and Sierra looked like. Here’s my best attempt:

About the Book

Opposites might attract, but is acting on that attraction wise?

Librarian Tristan Cooper can’t steer clear of sexy, motorcycle-riding bad boy Phillip—the man is hot—but Phillip is bound to and quiet, bookish Tristan boring, like all Tristan’s boyfriends. Tristan yearns to explore his wild side, the part of himself he’s only allowed into his fantasies, and maybe rakish Phillip is just what he needs to feel free.

Sexperienced hairdresser Phillip is more of a believer in happy endings than happily ever afters. Experience has taught him not to hope for more— until he meets sweet, vulnerable Tristan, who seems genuinely interested in his heart. But Phillip can’t trust enough to see himself as a man Tristan might want for more than a night.

With the help of a pair of matchmaking grandfathers, Tristan and Phillip might and the courage to step beyond their comfort zones and discover what has been missing from their lives….

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The Excerpt

Tristan sat on a small stool, reading a book to twelve little library patrons who sat on the floor, leaning forward on their cushions with their mouths open.

“Mr. Cooper, please read that again. Mica was talking.” A little girl in a pink jean jacket frowned at the chatterbox next to her.

“Okay, Melody.” Tristan flipped one page back and whinnied like a horse. “Sierra. That’s a funny name for a talking caterpillar.”

Tristan did his best caterpillar glare until the kids all giggled and attempted the expression too. “Hmphf! As if Carlos Sirus Broominschmeckle is a good name for a magical unicorn.”

Tristan’s delivery was absolutely charming. The kids roared with laughter.

Phillip swallowed hard. Love was just a way to dress up lust. But as the story continued and the man did voices of talking caterpillars and magical unicorns, Phillip decided he wanted to have Tristan’s babies. He saw their fictional children. Three of them playing in the front yard, each one perfect little replicas of Tristan and—

Whispers from the parents, guardians, and probably some singles hot for the librarian ringing the perimeter of the group told him he wasn’t the only one to notice Tristan’s charisma. Several adults were casting hungry looks with pervy intentions in his librarian’s direction. There were a couple of men. Yeah, well, Jimmy might have two daddies, but he didn’t need a third. Nor did Jimmy’s two daddies need a private librarian to shelve things.

“And that’s why you’re my best friend, Carlos Sirus Broominschmeckle!” The story’s exciting climax caused a mayhem of clapping and chattering little ones. Several of them hugged Tristan and had a lot to discuss about the plot twists during the saga the magical caterpillars and unicorns took.

Phillip wanted to talk to Tristan, but a quick schedule check showed he had one last appointment. He needed to book it back to the salon.

The Giveaway Prompt

To enter the giveaway comment on which team you are on. Team Carlos or Team Sierra. Winners will be contacted Nov 8th.

About the Author

Z. Allora believes in happily ever afters for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing rainbow romance allows her the opportunity to open hearts and change minds.

To contact Z. Allora: E-mail || Facebook || Blog ||  Website || Dreamspinner Press || Queer Romance Ink