What's the 4-1-1 on Free Reads

As I slowly work my way through various technological resources to connect with other readers and writers, I find myself learning that there are certain norms and expectations for each type of communication. Facebook, Myspace, Yahoo Groups, Crit groups, websites, blogs. I'll be the first one to admit that I haven't the foggiest on how to manage or keep on top of those resources to keep connected. At least I use Facebook daily so I feel like I've established a bit of a presence there.

All of this has nothing to do with the title of this post. What's the 4-1-1 on Free reads. As I search websites of authors, I've noticed that most have a tab for free reads and I'm curious. Why do author's post free reads and what do readers think of them? Do you want to see free reads of books we have already published (I guess the proper terms for that would be "excerpt").

As readers, what's the draw of a free read? Does it make you more likely to decide that you like an author's style? Does it whet an appetite that blurbs and excerpts do not?

In this world of cyber-promotion and communication, I truly want to know how to best meet the needs of my readers.

You can check out my newest free read at my website http://www.dhstarr.com/. Let me know if this is something that appeals to you.

Contest to Win Wrestling With Love

For the Grand Opening at The Romance Reviews, I'm giving away one free copy of each of my three published books.  To win a book, you must leave a comment under the post of the book you would like. Winners will be drawn at random on March 7. I'll announce the winner on the blog site, but will need a way to reach you if you are the winner. If you want to leave an email in your comment, that's fine, or, if you want to send me a message with your email, you can use my author email at dhstarr@dhstarr.com

Blurb

Derek Thompson and Scott Thayer met in high school. Facing challenges and overcoming obstacles that would make lesser young men fold, they now have the chance to forge a life together. As they enter college, they finally have the time and space to discover each other sexually and give their virginity to each other. However, in spite of the erotic thrill of exploration, there are still challenges ahead, challenges that will test their love and devotion…

While Derek wants to live as an openly gay man, Scott wishes to maintain a degree of privacy. Not only that, but another freshman, Tyrell Jackson, becomes infatuated with Derek and wants Derek for his own. In the face of these threats to their burgeoning relationship, Derek and Scott are forced to look within themselves and make difficult decisions which will change both of their lives forever.

Is their relationship strong enough to bear the strain of balancing their needs as individuals and as a couple? The only way Derek and Scott will attain their ultimate reward is by finding the courage to face their fears. Will they rise to the challenge?

Excerpt

Scott’s expression softened and his crooked grin appeared on his face. Without fail, that grin turned Derek on and decimated his ability to think coherently. “Shut up and come over here.”

Derek sat next to him, sinking into Scott’s embrace. As Scott cradled him, Derek was pulled close so their faces were a mere inch apart. “You’re lucky I love you so much,” Scott said, white teeth gleaming behind full lips. “Otherwise, I would have quit this thankless job after our first try.” He closed the gap between their mouths, locking Derek in a rugged kiss. Melting into Scott’s strong arms, Derek reveled in the way warm hands gently stroked up and down his back, lingering at the base of his spine, fingers dipping inside the waistband of his pants before he began the slow journey back up Derek’s back. Their tongues wrestled and a mild taste of salt entered his mouth as sweat mixed with saliva. That, and the hint of Scott’s musky scent which surrounded the two of them, caused his cock to become rigid.

The heat in the attic was pronounced, even with the window open. As they kissed, their bodies slipped against each other. Derek used the slickness to glide his hands along Scott’s hairless chest which had broadened over the course of the summer due to his incessant workouts. He hadn’t complained about all the time Scott spent in the gym because the effect was not only visually pleasing, but gave him new mounds of muscle to grab onto during their make-out sessions. He hoped Scott would be able to make the varsity wrestling team at his new weight class, since he would never weigh in at his high school weight of one hundred sixty seven. If he watched his diet, he might be able to make the one hundred seventy nine pound weight class. Jesus, I didn’t realize he’s gained twelve pounds of muscle in the past six months since we won the division championship.

“Hmm,” Derek sighed. “This is nice. Why did you establish the rule that we can’t do more than kissing and beating off until we get to college? I’d be happy to just leave the couch right here, get down on my knees in front of you and—”

Scott laughed. “As nice as that sounds, don’t you remember the last time we decided to spend quality time up here? Your mom almost caught us in this position. She pops up here unannounced all the time. I don’t want to worry about who’s going to walk in on us as we finally start to experience that level of intimacy together. It’s only two weeks. We agreed to this months ago. Besides, you’re the one who said you had to move the couch to the other side of the room so you could set up your mixing equipment and all of your music by the window. Now that this piece of shit is in the middle of the room, we’re gonna to finish the job.” He released Derek and pulled out of the embrace, glancing toward the door.

Derek reflexively followed his gaze and listened to hear if his mother was coming. His thoughts were interrupted by Scott’s question. “Explain to me one more time why we can’t just slide it across the room.”

Derek looked at Scott in horror. “Do you see this floor? Look at it.”

Scott complied. “Yes, it is made of wood. It’s shiny. Very nice.”

Derek shoved him, a smile spreading across his face. “Don’t be a wise ass. If we slide the couch it will scrape deep grooves across the room with its metal legs. My dad told me he intends to turn the attic into an office once I go to college so he can do taxes from home, instead of spending the ridiculous hours he does at work. If he finds the floor all scratched up, he’s not going to be happy with me.”

“Okay, fine. We’ll do it your way. But you realize you owe me after this, right?” Scott gave Derek’s shoulder a squeeze then looked at him with a wickedly seductive gleam in his eyes.

Derek flushed. “Oh, I’ll reward you. Don’t worry about that. Remember, my parents are going out to dinner tonight. How often has mom actually left us alone in the house since she found out we’re together?”
Scott leaned back, stretching his arms, a dreamy look crossing his face. “That’s right. I forgot. They’re going to be gone all night. I can’t wait to get my hands on you.”

Derek became quiet and Scott turned to face him. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. It’s just hard to want you the way I do and have to control myself. I know it’s only a couple of weeks until college, but then you say things like that and it makes it so much harder for me.”

Scott’s expression became serious. After a few seconds, the corners of his mouth began to tremble and pull up into a smile. After another moment, he burst out laughing.

“What the hell are you laughing at?”

Scott became serious once again. “Just your choice of words. I’m sure that I make things hard for you several times a day.”

Contest to win Meant For Each Other

For the Grand Opening at The Romance Reviews, I'm giving away one free copy of each of my three published books.  To win a book, you must leave a comment under the post of the book you would like. Winners will be drawn at random on March 7. I'll announce the winner on the blog site, but will need a way to reach you if you are the winner. If you want to leave an email in your comment, that's fine, or, if you want to send me a message with your email, you can use my author email at dhstarr@dhstarr.com

Blurb:

Sometimes your first love is the one that was meant to be.

Craig Harper and Jeremy Finn were best friends growing up. They attended the same school, spent all of their time together, and hung out with the same group of people. It wasn’t until the day before Jeremy and his family moved across the country that they discovered their attraction to one another.

Fifteen years later, they reunite by chance in New York City. Both are in relationships and have established a routine in their lives. But routines and relationships are shaken as they begin to spend time together once again. Old feelings and connections are still strong and the passion that pulls them together is a powerful, soul-searing call neither man can deny.

As each deals with the issues in their own relationships, they begin to question whether the comfort of what they know is more powerful than the pull of what they could have been…and what they might become. Struggling to find the answer, only their hearts can reveal if they are meant for each other.Excerpt:

Craig spent the rest of the day walking around the room, helping kids with their work. Finally, at dismissal, when the last kid had been picked up, Jeremy took Craig back inside. “You have a natural way with the kids. They adore you.”

Happiness flooded Craig at the compliment. “Well, they’re kind of hard not to love. They’re so cute and damn if they aren’t smart as hell too.” I can’t believe how a simple compliment from him causes my heart to race. “So, we have a couple of hours to kill before we’re supposed to meet the boys downtown at The Bulls and Bears.”

Jeremy walked over to the far corner of the room and stood in front of a bulletin board covered with student work. Craig followed him. “Are these the stories your kids wrote?”

“Yeah. I’ve left spaces next to each one for their pictures.” Jeremy kept his eyes focused on the board as he spoke. “I’ve never had anyone take an interest in my class before. No one. I mean my parents ask about school and Andrew listens to my stories, but you really care about the kids.”

Craig watched Jeremy as he continued to inspect the wall, surprised to find the flush had moved from his neck to his cheeks. When Jeremy turned to face him, two smoldering eyes caught him in a lust-filled gaze.
Before he had a chance to speak, Jeremy grabbed him and gave him a fierce kiss. Unable to resist, not wanting to, Craig wrapped his arms around Jeremy and kissed him back, opening his mouth to Jeremy’s invading tongue.

They remained together for several minutes, gripping each other as the intensity of their kiss increased and their straining erections pressed against each other through the fabric of their pants.

The wall connected with Craig’s back and Jeremy leaned his body even tighter, to create more pressure and friction. Craig allowed him to take charge, his own hands carelessly running along lateral muscles and resting on Jeremy’s waist.

Jeremy’s hands were far from gentle. He wrapped one hand behind Craig’s neck and pulled him close, sealing their lips together in a fervent kiss. His other hand worked its way inside Craig’s shirt, lightly pinching the sensitive nipple, rolling the nub of flesh between his thumb and forefinger and leaving Craig helpless to do anything but enjoy.

When Jeremy ended the kiss, they both stood panting for a moment, simply staring at each other.
Craig was the first to speak. “Jesus, Jeremy. What if someone saw us?”

Jeremy laughed. “They couldn’t. See, the door is on this wall and we’re standing in the corner here. They would have to come into the room to catch us and no one ever comes in once school lets out.”

“But—”

“I know. I’m sorry. I just can’t help myself when I’m around you. And watching you interact with my kids and the way you understand me and what I do…it’s a huge turn on. You have no idea how good it makes me feel to know you appreciate what I do.” Jeremy’s lips were red and swollen from their kisses, making them appear even more pouty and kissable. Since it was obvious that his cock was tenting his pants, Craig didn’t bother hiding as he reached into the front and readjusted himself. Jeremy laughed and did the same.
“Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy kissing you, but you’re with Andrew and I’m with Robert.”

Jeremy finished tucking his shirt back into his pants, his skin returning to a normal pallor. “I know. We’re going to have to work harder at controlling ourselves. Let’s say we’re even. You pulled me into a kiss the other day. I initiated this one.”

Craig had to work to suppress a laugh, the thought of them competing to see who could trap the other in the most compromising kiss caused all his work at readjusting himself to be undone. “This isn’t a competition, Jeremy.”

Jeremy shuffled from foot to foot. “I like kissing you.”

Four words, four very dangerous words which could make the difference between a lasting friendship, or losing one forever. Craig held Jeremy’s gaze. “Maybe we should grab a bite to eat before meeting the guys.”

Jeremy nodded, grabbed his things, and led Craig outside. The fresh air helped to dissipate the heat between them and made regular conversation easier. “Do you like Thai food?” Jeremy’s voice had returned to its normal cheerful tone.

Contest to win Wrestling With Desire

For the Grand Opening at The Romance Reviews, I'm giving away one free copy of each of my three published books.  To win a book, you must leave a comment under the post of the book you would like. Winners will be drawn at random on March 7. I'll announce the winner on the blog site, but will need a way to reach you if you are the winner. If you want to leave an email in your comment, that's fine, or, if you want to send me a message with your email, you can use my author email at dhstarr@dhstarr.com

Blurb:

Derek Thompson is a senior, a wrestler, and has a secret. He’s gay. Scott Thayer is a new student who has just moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts from Iowa. On the first day of school Derek and Scott meet and their lives change in an instant.

As Derek and Scott discover the things they have in common, they enter into one of the closest and most loving relationships either of them has ever experienced. When unexpected circumstances threaten their relationship, they both have to make a decision. Do they protect their secret and separate? Or fight for what they want…each other?

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

Derek Thompson pulled his Honda Civic into the parking lot reserved for seniors at Brampton High School. Yeah, that’s right, he thought. I’m a senior. Just that was enough to make this the first day of a very good year. He hopped out and ambled toward the main entrance where the jocks always hung out until the final bell, and where the guys on his wrestling team were screwing around, patting Josh Dibbling on the back like he was some kind of hero. Probably screwed another cheerleader or something.

“Hey, Thompson! C’mon over man, you gotta hear ‘bout J’s summer fun.”

Derek pasted on his fake smile and headed over. Like he wanted to hear about Dibbling screwing another girl. He was just about to join the group when he was stopped in his tracks by a loud shriek from behind him.

“Derek, you rotten bastard! Where the hell have you been for the past week? I swear, I ought to kick you straight in the nuts right here and now.” Derek’s mouth pulled up at both sides into a wide, sincere grin as he faced his best friend Rebecca Stoltz. Rebecca was short with brown hair styled in a bob and a body as robust as her personality. As part of the drama club, she tended to bring her flare for drawing attention with her wherever she went.

Mentally clapping Beck a high five for saving him from having to suffer though listening to Josh’s bragging, he simply gave the guys a knowing shrug and turned to walk over to Beck. “Hon, um, did you forget that you were in California for the past week? I called you every other day but you didn’t call me back. Shouldn’t I be threatening to kick you in the nuts right now?”

Rebecca dismissed Derek’s explanation with a wave of her hand and began monologuing about the classes they would be sharing, the teachers they were fated to suffer, and worse of all, the fact that her arch nemesis, Malinda Bines, had called her the previous night telling her about the audition piece that she had been rehearsing for the winter musical. “I know that bitch doesn’t think she is going to ruin my senior year by stealing the best roles.” Allowing Beck to grab him by his arm, he was half dragged into the school where kids were greeting each other excitedly.

When they got to their lockers, they shoved their stuff in, only taking enough time to grab what they needed for first period English. If they didn’t get to class early, they ran the risk of sitting in the front. For the past three years, they had always secured two seats together in the back of the class so they could keep out of the eye-line of the teacher and more importantly, served as perfect vantage points for watching the rest of the students in the class. After the first bell rang, students started to filter into the room. By the time the second bell rang, most of the seats were taken, except for a few in the back row. The seats on either side of them were empty, which suited Derek just fine.

Once seated, Beck took a moment so look at Derek. He was wearing a new pair of blue Levi 501’s, a form fitting white t-shirt, and squeaky clean new white Adidas sneakers. Beck shook her head. “Stand up for me.” Derek simply stared at her. “Stand up and turn around.”

“Uh, why?” Derek hated drawing attention t himself and did everything he could to fade into the background. He had lots of friends and was popular, but he preferred being the good guy who everyone could talk to.

“Just do it.” Beck’s voice was dripping with annoyance.

With a glare pasted on his face, Derek obeyed, stood, turned once, then sat down as quickly as he could. Only a few kids had turned to watch him and had already returned to the conversations they were having. “Ok. Satisfied. Now you want to tell me what that was all about?”

Beck shook her head and sighed. “You have such a great body, I don’t know why you have to hide it by making yourself so generic.” She ruffled his neatly cropped brown hair. “Like this. It’s perfectly boring. Standard cookie cutter hair. And your clothes. You’re wearing the standard first-day-of-school outfit that all American boys are probably wearing today. At least the jeans and shirt fit your body well. Your ass is still a huge attraction and you show it off beautifully in those jeans.”

Derek felt his cheeks warm and was sure that he was beginning to blush. Although he worked hard to blend in, he did love his butt. It was the perfect bubble butt. Nicely toned mounds of muscle pushed his jeans out in perfect proportion to his tapered waist and broad shoulders. “Alright, enough!”

Beck shook her head, then moved on to a new subject. She leaned in close to Derek so only he could hear her. “So, dish, did you find any hot man meat to play with this summer? I have to know.”

“Beck, you know that I didn’t. I spent practically every day with you this summer and you travelling with your parents for the past week hardly gave me enough time to…”

“Oh. My. God.” Rebecca’s mouth dropped open and she grabbed Derek’s wrist digging her nails into the soft under-skin. “I can not believe that she is in this class. It’s bad enough that I have to deal with Malinda during drama, but to have to suffer that primping little tart’s face in class is too much for me to….”

Derek sighed with relief. He knew it would only be a matter of time before Beck became the center of her own universe once again. He nodded and made the appropriate sounds of listening, but his attention had suddenly been diverted to a student who he had never seen before. Derek’s pulse quickened as he tried to stare at the newcomer without being noticed. He had unkempt blonde hair which made him look sexy and defiant. His legs were covered by bulky cargo pants, but his upper body caused Derek to gasp. He was wearing a worn, long-sleeved, white cotton shirt with a faded picture of the Tasmanian Devil on the front. It fit him tightly around his chest and Derek immediately noticed the outline of firm pecs and just a hint of nipple pushing at the fabric. The rest of the shirt fell along his body, creating folds which suggested a long, trim frame, but leaving to imagination whether his abdomen was smooth or cut. Derek wished that he had x-ray vision to get a glimpse of the hidden legs and butt, but he could tell that the guys had long legs.

Derek took in a deep breath and then remembered to nod and make a sound of affirmation at whatever Rebecca was saying, then continued his surveillance. He noticed that the boy’s shoulders were square and that he stood with confidence. Slender muscles rose from the neck of his shirt leading to a sharp jaw line. His lips were pink and his bottom lip was plump and extremely kissable. And his eyes. They were ocean blue. Not the kind of ocean blue like you see along most of the eastern or western coast, but more of a bluish-green like what you would see in the Caribbean.

He walked over to the teacher, Mr. Carlton, and handed him his slip, indicating that he was a new student and was assigned to this class. The teacher nodded and then introduced him to the class.

“Class, first of all, I would like to welcome you to Senior English. We will, I am sure, be having many wonderful discussions about topics of great interest to you. Please know that I am trusting that you can handle the many themes that we will be discussing this year, which are of particular interest and pertinence to your age group, with maturity. I would also like to introduce you to a new student here at Brampton.” Mr. Carlton looked at the slip again and then continued. “Scott Thayer is joining the senior class having moved here from Monroe, Iowa. I am sure you will all make him feel welcome and at home. Is there anyone who would be willing to help Scott through his first day at Brampton? I am sure he will need directions to classes and someone to have lunch with today.” Scott looked towards his feet at this request and Derek was sure he could see his cheeks flush slightly. What the heck was wrong with Mr. Carlton anyways? Didn’t he realize that being a new senior was bad enough without singling him out on his first day?

From where he was sitting, Derek could tell that most of the girls in the class were staring bug-eyed at Scott and, most likely, longing to be his appointed buddy but terrified of the rumor mill should they actually volunteer. Most of the boys seemed oblivious or uninterested about the new arrival, likely more interested in what was being served for lunch. It didn’t hurt that the only empty seats were in the back row either. Derek raised his hand, “Uh, Mr. Carlton, there are some empty seats back here.”

“Great Derek.” Turning to Scott, Mr. Carlton continued, “You can take a seat with Derek and welcome to Brampton.” Scott looked up and glanced at Derek. As he worked his way to the back of the room, he maintained eye contact and Derek swore that those sea-blue eyes were saying thanks for getting me out of this embarrassing situation. Through his peripheral vision, he could see Rebecca staring at him with a huge grin on her face. Quietly, so that only he could hear, she said, “Careful baby, you might fall in love.” He reached into his pocket and took out his cell. Deftly selecting Beck’s name from his call list he texted four simple words in response. Shut the fuck up.

Scott took his seat next to Derek. “Thanks man. I swear, being the new kid sucks”.

Derek felt a thrill of heat run through his body as Scott addressed him. “No problem. I wouldn’t want to be standing up there any longer than I had to.” He then motioned to Beck. “This is my friend Rebecca,” Derek said, leaning back in his chair and allowing Beck to extend her hand across his chest to shake Scott’s hand. As she did, she gave Derek a meaningful glance which said you’ve got the hots for this one. Derek returned the look with a penetrating stare which said if you don’t cut the shit, I’m gonna kill you.