Action? Check. Suspense? Check.
Romance? Check, check, CHECK!

June 12 (Friday) is release day for 24-Karat Conspiracy!

24-Karat Conspiracy is Book 4 in the Precious Gems Series, but I’ve been planning this book since I wrote Italian Ice in 2011. This installment in the series is truly Reed’s story. You’ll learn things about him I’ve had to keep under my hat for ages, and I’m thrilled and relieved to be able to share them with you now.

Excerpt

They had the weekend to settle into Fort Sam Houston before Reed had to report for duty Monday morning, as “Rex Atwater.” Since he couldn’t start snooping right away, this investigation could take a lot longer than Trent had realized. Tom White was pretty smart sending Trent along so Reed could take his time and not risk blowing his cover just to take shortcuts.

“Whoever is running this ring is in it for the long haul,” Reed had said before they left LA. “They’ve been sitting on the gold items for years before starting to move them again. They’re not in a huge hurry, and I’ll have to bide my time and observe without tipping anyone off.”

On Monday, Trent kissed Reed and waved as he left their little house to report to work.

It took less than a week for Trent to see that Army life—at least life as a supply unit grunt—didn’t suit Reed at all. He came home in the evenings frustrated, but they couldn’t risk talking openly about it. Instead they went for walks around the neighborhood when they needed to talk.

“I had forgotten how damn stupid most of the Army is.”

“Stupid how?”

“Don’t get me started. Sometimes it seems we’re supposed to move things around just for the sake of moving them and for no real purpose.”

“It’s not your real job. Don’t let it get to you so much.”

“I can’t help it.”

“If the job’s that easy, then you should have plenty of time to use looking at things that are out of place.”

“It’s harder than it sounds, because nothing makes a lick of sense. I can’t tell what’s wrong and what’s just fucked up the Army way.”

“You’ve only been there three days. Give it some time.”

“I may kill someone before the end of the week.”

“I guess it’s not a good time to mention that at some point I’ll have to host some of the spouses for coffee.”

“As long as I’m not home when it happens, I don’t care.”

“They’re very curious about you.” Trent grinned at Reed’s discomfort at the thought of being the center of attention of a bunch of Army wives.

“Well make something up so they aren’t curious.”

“I’ll tell them you’re gay.”

“That should do it.”

######

But wait, there’s more:

Win this gorgeous lapis lazuli pendant!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here’s more about 24-Karat Conspiracy by EM Lynley

Love is the only gold

Former Ranger turned FBI agent Reed Acton faces his biggest challenge yet: a Christmas visit from partner Trent Copeland’s parents. He’s less equipped to handle hugs and holidays than the Taliban or international art thieves. When he’s assigned to track down a set of gold Babylonian artifacts looted from the Iraqi National Museum after the fall of Baghdad, things start to look up.

This time, Trent’s part of the mission, which takes them to exotic Istanbul. The crowded streets and labyrinthine markets fascinate Trent, but soon murder is on their trail. The investigation continues as Reed goes undercover at a US Army base, with Trent masquerading as his spouse. Surprisingly, fastidious and ever-fashionable Trent fits into base life right away and soon takes one of the suspects’ wives under his wing when domestic abuse rears its head.

Their faux marriage leads Reed to appreciate Trent in ways he never expected, strengthening their bond—until Reed has to confront the worst demons from his past: his relationship with his estranged family.

You can (pre)order this book at Amazon, Dreamspinner Press and All Romance

Read an extended excerpt at my website.

Please check out the rest of the Precious Gems Series at Amazon, Dreamspinner, All Romance, or your favorite bookseller. (24-Karat Conspiracy may not be available at all distributors until release day, 12 June).

About EM Lynley

EM Lynley writes gay romance with a touch of mystery and suspense. She loves books where the hero gets the guy and the loving is 11 on a scale of 10. A Rainbow Award winner and EPIC finalist, EM has worked in high finance, high tech, and in the wine industry, though she’d rather be writing hot, romantic man-on-man action. She spent 10 years as an economist and financial analyst, including a year as a White House Staff Economist, but only because all the intern positions were filled. Tired of boring herself and others with dry business reports and articles, her creative muse is back and naughtier than ever. She has lived and worked in London, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., but the San Francisco Bay Area is home for now.

She is the author of Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells, the Precious Gems series from Dreamspinner Press, and the Rewriting History series starring a sexy jewel thief, among others.

Visit her online Website – Blog – Free Reads — Facebook – Twitter – Newsletter — Pinterest

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Chances are you like at least three! Treat yourself to something hot and sweet this holiday season. And if you’ve already read Gingerbread Palace, please pick up a copy of “An Extra Helping” to support LGBT foster kids.

Sparks fly when a sexy chef meets a firefighter with a secret

Who wouldn’t fall for Alex Bancroft, a chef who creates an amazing gingerbread house each year to auction off for an organization that helps LGBT foster kids? When Alex’s bakery burns down right before Christmas, the firefighters of Station 7 offer to help. For firefighter Kevin Flint, Alex sets off all his sensors and the result is combustible.

A week before Christmas, Alex Bancroft’s bakery goes up in flames. When he runs back inside after a dog, firefighter Kevin Flint has to rescue Alex—and Quincy—from the smoldering building, endangering them and inflaming Kevin’s resentment.

Now Alex can’t create the elaborate gingerbread house he donates to a foster-kids charity each year. Fire Station 7 again comes to his rescue, offering their kitchen and their manpower.

Everyone but Kevin Flint, that is. A third-generation firefighter, he’s fearful of stepping too far out of the closet. So when his powerful physical attraction for Alex ends in a sizzling secret encounter in the firehouse, Kevin can’t push Alex far enough away, and Alex returns the cold shoulder.

After a change of heart, Kevin risks his life to prove he’s worthy of Alex’s affection, but without a Christmas miracle, their chances at sweet romance might go up in smoke.

Amazon     All Romance     B&N     Dreamspinner Press

Supporting Family Builders with An Extra Helping of Gingerbread

If you loved the story of firefighter Kevin Flint and bakery owner Alex Bancroft in Gingerbread Palace, the story continues in An Extra Helping of Gingerbread, another 60 pages of fire and spice between these two that may still leave you craving more.

During my research for Gingerbread Palace, I discovered the startling statistics about how many LGBT foster kids end up on the street or in unsafe, abusive homes. I made up an organization called “Home Sweet Home” for the book, but I later found out that a very real organization called Family Builders exists to do exactly the same thing.

I wrote An Extra Helping to continue the story of Alex and Kevin, and decided to donate the proceeds from sales of this story to Family Builders. I hope you’ll pick up a copy of that story too, and support this wonderful organization!

Please pick up a copy of An Extra Helping of Gingerbread and help support LGBT foster kids find permanent accepting families.

Amazon          All Romance

More about Family Builders:

Family Builders believes that every child has the right to grow up in a permanent, nurturing family regardless of that child’s age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or medical, physical or emotional condition. Family Builders educates the community about the needs of waiting children, advocates on their behalf, and places children with permanent, secure families through adoption, and other forms of permanence. Family Builders’ goal is that no child will leave the foster care system without a permanent, loving and caring parent.

Word Counts – Today: 0 | December: 0 | 2014: 0

It just released on Wednesday, and Spaghetti Western is already getting some wonderful reviews and comments from readers! I wanted to share a few choice snippets here. You know I’ll be going back to read these when the snarky ones start to appear.

We’ve also hit the top of ARe’s Cowboy category, the Dreamspinner bestseller list, and Amazon gay romance lists in every country! Thank you to everyone who has already got your copy. If you liked it, please tell a friend or leave a review.

★★★★★ I absolutely loved this story. I found their romance breath-taking and hot. I loved the recipes at the end and can’t wait to make some!—Cat, MM Good Book Reviews 

★★★★⋆ (4.25 stars) This gem: a sweet, moderately angsty novel full of smex, cowboys, and sunsets. The writing was fabulous. I got totally lost in the story and may have cursed up a storm. –Dani, My Fiction Nook

★★★★★ This story grabbed me from page one and I could not wait to find out what happens next. These characters get under your skin, and you root for them the whole way! Go grab a copy and settle in for an awesome read. Whatever EM Lynley puts out next, you can believe I will be first in line to read. – Heidi, Goodreads

★★★★ Yeah, I adored this book, in case you couldn’t tell. Excellent writing, great flow, no lulls in the action, fun moments with a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef on the open range feeding a bunch of weathered and ravenous ranch hands salad and fruit – it was glorious.—Sandra, My Fiction Nook

★★★★★ I have been in love with EM Lynley’s books for a while, and this one is a particularly great story. I love the characters, especially the plethora of good ol’ boys on the ranch (I grew up on a farm, so there were a lot of characters that I felt particularly close to). –KT Hicks, Amazon review

Don’t forget the Rafflecopter giveaway! Grand prize is this gorgeous pendant. I love it so much, I got one to keep for myself.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spaghetti Western

A Novel in the Delectable Series

Cordon Bleu-trained chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position at the Rocking Z guest ranch, though he expects nature up close and personal won’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.

When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer being pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he rushes in, throws the guy over his shoulder, and rescues him. Sober, Riley Emerson is sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand. Still, Colby’s over the moon when Riley later arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch.

But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to seek a cash infusion from outside investor Fitz Wellington. Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just that desperate, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.

Buy Links

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

All Romance eBooks

Word Counts – Today: 0 | September: 0 | 2014: 0

Spaghetti Western, Book 5 in the Delectable series will be out Sept 17! I’m so excited about this book, and I want to share that with you!

As an extra thank you when you order before release date, I’ll be again offering a special bonus freebie starring Riley Emerson and Colby Zane, of Spaghetti Western. This was such a huge and popular success with Gingerbread Palace, I am really excited to offer it again.

How to Claim Your Free Story

1. Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press or All-Romance (where it counts towards your 1 free for 10 purchases)
2. Email me a screenshot or cut/paste of your receipt showing the book title and date. PLEASE remove any personal information and credit card numbers if they appear. Email address: emlynley AT gmail.com
3. You’ll get an email pointing you to a download page during October.
4. Questions? Leave a comment below.

More about Spaghetti Western

A hunky, honorable cowboy and a sweet but hesitant chef heat up a Colorado ranch.

Cordon-Blue trained pastry chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer season at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his summer plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position as chef at a guest ranch, the Rocking Z. The scenery is gorgeous, but he expects that nature up close and personal can’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.

When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer letting himself be pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he doesn’t think twice before rushing in, throwing the guy over his shoulder, and rescuing him from the volatile situation. Sober, Riley Emerson turns out to be sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand with Colby. Initially disdainful of the guest ranch side of the business, Colby’s over the moon when Riley late arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch

But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to rely on a cash infusion from an outside investor, Fitz Wellington. Only Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just desperate enough to go along, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.

**This book also contains recipes mentioned in the story**

Read a NSFW excerpt

Read a SFW excerpt

Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press
or All Romance eBooks

Grand prize in the Spaghetti Western Release Party Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spaghetti Western, Book 5 in the Delectable series will be out Sept 17! I’m so excited about this book, and I want to share that with you!

As an extra thank you when you order before release date, I’ll be again offering a special bonus freebie starring Riley Emerson and Colby Zane, of Spaghetti Western. This was such a huge and popular success with Gingerbread Palace, I am really excited to offer it again.

How to Claim Your Free Story

1. Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Dreamspinner Press or All-Romance (where it counts towards your 1 free for 10 purchases)
2. Email me a screenshot or cut/paste of your receipt showing the book title and date. PLEASE remove any personal information and credit card numbers if they appear. Email address: emlynley AT gmail.com
3. You’ll get an email pointing you to a download page during October.
4. Questions? Leave a comment below.

More about Spaghetti Western

A hunky, honorable cowboy and a sweet but hesitant chef heat up a Colorado ranch.

Cordon-Blue trained pastry chef Riley Emerson arrives in Aspen, Colorado for a summer season at the best restaurant in town, only to discover his jerk of a boyfriend has dumped him, leaving his heart and his summer plans in tatters. Doubting himself and longing for a change of pace, he takes a low-paying position as chef at a guest ranch, the Rocking Z. The scenery is gorgeous, but he expects that nature up close and personal can’t hold a candle to his exciting Paris lifestyle.

When born-and-bred cattle rancher Colby Zane spots a newcomer letting himself be pawed at by a passel of horny cowboys at Aspen’s Club Rawhide, he doesn’t think twice before rushing in, throwing the guy over his shoulder, and rescuing him from the volatile situation. Sober, Riley Emerson turns out to be sweet and sexy, but not interested in more than a one-night stand with Colby. Initially disdainful of the guest ranch side of the business, Colby’s over the moon when Riley late arrives as the new cook on his family’s ranch

But all’s not well at the Rocking Z. Unsurmountable financial problems force them to rely on a cash infusion from an outside investor, Fitz Wellington. Only Fitz is hot for Colby, and he won’t sign on the dotted line without some very personal incentives. The future of the ranch is at stake, and Colby’s just desperate enough to go along, but saving the Z might mean losing Riley.

**This book also contains recipes mentioned in the story**

Read a NSFW excerpt

Read a SFW excerpt

Pre-order Spaghetti Western from Dreamspinner Press
or All Romance eBooks

Grand prize in the Spaghetti Western Release Party Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Out of the Gate released on Monday and it’s already a bestseller at Dreamspinner Press and in five different countries on Amazon.

Thank you so much to everyone who has purchased the book! This has been one of my all-time favorite books to research and write. It’s the story of a British actor in Hollywood who buys a racehorse with some of his friends, then falls for the horse trainer. I was lucky enough to spend a month shadowing a local trainer at nearby Golden Gate Fields for my research. I think it brings a real taste of authenticity to the story.

Here’s more about the book and an excerpt to whet your appetite:

BLURB: British actor Wesley Tremayne thinks he’s close to hitting the big time—a film career—with his role as a hunky explorer on a popular American TV show. Success should be just around the corner, as long as he keeps his sexual orientation a secret. Wes’s best friend and beard, Julia Compton, forms the other half of a glamorous Hollywood couple that’s merely a façade.

Evan Taylor left his acting career behind five years ago without looking back. He’s always been more comfortable around horses than people—especially Hollywood types. His new life training racehorses is a dream come true, but increasing financial problems and an abusive boyfriend have him doubting himself and his choices.

Then Wes and his friends buy a third-rate racehorse—partially for publicity—and send him to Evan’s stable. Wes’s friendship with Evan soon develops into an overpowering attraction he can’t act on. He’s never met a man like Evan, but if there’s any chance for a future together, Wes must choose between a career he loves and the man he adores.

Excerpt

photo by EM Lynley

“I see exactly what you’re doing.”

Wesley Tremayne put down his binoculars and turned around to see Vanessa Vandermere wagging a long pink-and-black fingernail at him. Best not to reply. He willed his heart—beating like a jackhammer—to slow as he pasted the perfect, innocent grin on his face. Years of acting—onstage and off—had taught him to dissemble.

“Think you can spot the winners before they even get to the ring?” Vanessa continued, her tone teasing, cheerful, not accusatory. “Or were you checking out the shapely blonde leading the third horse?”

He inhaled slowly when he really wanted to gulp in much-needed oxygen. He’d overreacted. No, he’d responded just in time to what could have been a disaster. As much as he was enjoying the day out at the racetrack with his friends, he was restless. He’d been the center of too much attention, and he was fraying at the edges.

“You caught me,” Wes replied, playing up his right dimple.

“Oh, Jules, good thing you’re here.” Vanessa grabbed onto Julia Compton’s arm. “You need to keep Wes on a shorter leash. He’s got a wandering eye.”

Julia gave Wes an appraising look, then turned back to Vanessa. “Vee, I’m not worried Wes will run off with another woman. I trust him completely.” She slid an arm around Wes’s waist and he gave her a suitably adoring look. “Only we’re not a couple. How many times—”

“You can fool some people, but not me. You two are the worst-kept secret in Hollywood, honeybuns.” Vanessa gestured as she spoke, and Wes wondered how she didn’t poke her own eye out with her outrageously long fingernails.

“Think what you like.” Julia let go of Wes and took the binoculars from him. She held them to her face and trained them on the track.

“I’m heading down to watch them saddle the horses so I can decide which one to bet on.” Vanessa gave them a dangerous wave of her talons and left them alone in the private grandstand box.

Julia gave the glasses back to Wes. “He’s gorgeous.” She winked.

“Which one do you like?” Wes asked, again looking through the binoculars.

“I thought we were talking about which one you like?”

“Number four.” Wes glanced down at Julia’s head. She was a good six inches shorter, and it was the view he often had to settle for.

“Oh, really? I thought you’d go for one. Or at least his trainer.” She gave a silvery laugh and put her arm around his waist again.

photo by EM Lynley

Wes kept the glasses focused on runner number one’s trainer as he reached up to adjust the horse’s bridle. His navy sport coat rode up, giving Wes—and anyone else looking—a nice view of his arse in well-fitting dark-blue jeans. Wes held in the smile the sight induced and resigned himself to admiring the good-looking man from a distance. His light-brown hair fell in wavy curves and the full-lipped smile made Wes want to lick his own lips. Something about the chiseled chin and the shape of the man’s nose twigged a hazy memory Wes couldn’t quite bring to the surface.

“Let’s go down to the saddling ring so you can get a closer look, Wes.” Julia tugged his hand, then gave an encouraging squeeze.

He didn’t know what he’d do without Julia Compton. She’d gone from costar to friend to lifesaver in the space of a year. He followed her down the steps and into the sunshine as the runners for the third race at Santa Alamita were saddled up. Wes pulled the baseball cap out of his back pocket and settled it onto his head, a moment too late.

“Look, is that Wes Tremayne?”

“Wes! Hi Wes!”

“Go ask him for his autograph.”

“He’s with Julia Compton. I told you they’re dating!”

Wes smiled and waved, but didn’t stop for autographs. By the time they reached the paddock, the hot horse trainer was gone. Probably just as well; someone might have noticed if Wes paid him too much attention. There was a limit to his acting abilities, but so far he’d fooled everyone. Some days he fooled himself, but during lonely nights he wished away the talent and fame he’d achieved.

If he hadn’t upped sticks and made his way from the London stage to Broadway and then to Hollywood, he might be living a boring, settled life with a man he adored. He’d chosen a career he loved over a private life.

But Julia was tiring of her role as Wes’s love interest. When she quit the production, he’d have some tough decisions to make. For now, he replaced his mask and took Julia’s hand and kissed it.

The audience should love that performance.

I was surprised and thrilled when a reader told me that my Precious Gems series with Dreamspinner Press was nominated for Best Series of 2013. If you’ve read and enjoyed it, I would appreciate your vote. If you haven’t read any of the books, it’s best described as Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone–only gayer. It’s a fun adventure/mystery/romantic suspense series.

The poll is on the LRC Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe/surveys?id=2487856

More about the Precious Gems Series Rarer Than Rubies, Italian Ice and Jaded. Available from Amazon, Dreamspinner Press and other distributors.

I was also lucky enough to also be nominated in the YA/New Adult Category for my holiday novella SNOW JOB, my very first Loose Id title. So if you don’t already have a favorite in that category, please consider voting for my book. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe/surveys?id=2487839

Here’s the blurb: Two weeks in a remote mountain cabin with his hunk of a jock college roommate Monty Jameson has Zack Gregory hot under the collar in all the wrong ways. Truth is, Zack would rather be almost anywhere else, but it’s his only option if he’s to finish a project he needs to graduate from the University of Washington. Even worse, the nearest town is a faux-Bavarian village that looks like someone poured a snowglobe out on the eastern Cascades.

Late-night fantasies aside, Zack’s no fan of manslut Monty, preferring his men with virtues that are more than skin-deep. A few days into their retreat, Monty’s raw sexuality and flirtatiousness has Zack questioning his resolve. The idyllic setting is Zack’s Christmas fantasy come true, and even the splashy village eventually works its charm on him. Then when the cabin’s power goes out and Monty lays himself bare–in every way imaginable and then some–Zack sees a whole new set of possibilities. But will falling for Monty make the best Christmas ever, or is Zack just getting snowed?

Buy at Loose Id or All Romance or Amazon.

Thank you very much for your support.

Cover by LC Chase

Gingerbread Palace is already a Dreamspinner and Amazon bestseller!

As a special thank you to readers who buy my new Christmas novella Gingerbread Palace during release week I am offering you a special additional BONUS story featuring Alex and Kevin at New Year’s.

(Read a sexy excerpt of Gingerbread Palace)

How to claim your Bonus:

1. Purchase Gingerbread Palace by December 13, 2013 (Pre-orders are eligible).

You can purchase at the publisher or any distributors, as long as the receipt is dated on or before December 13. The only exception is a time-zone issue and I will take that into account.

2. Forward the email with your purchase confirmation to em@emlynley.com

3. Wait for the email at the end of December with how to download your Bonus story.