Guest Post and Contest: Romancing in Rome, by E.M. Lynley

My guest today is E.M. Lynley, who has a new release from Dreamspinner Press in the Precious Gems Series.  I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Rarer than Rubies, so I was particularly thrilled when E.M. asked me to beta read the second, Italian Ice.  I loved it even more than the first, and now that I’ve fallen hard for Reed and Trent, I’m going to make sure E.M. writes another book in the series!

Precious Gems is a mixture of adventure, mystery, and romance featuring an ex-FBI agent and a gay romance writer.  Each story takes the reader to an exotic locale, all of which E.M. has either visited or lived in (not that I’m jealous or anything!).  This latest installment is set in one of the most romantic places on the planet – Italy.  But I’ll let E.M. tell you all about that.  And when you’re done reading, comment for a chance to win your choice of Italian Ice or the first book in the series, Rarer Than Rubies in ebook format.   One winner will be chosen on Saturday, August 4th.

Welcome, E.M.!  -Shira

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Italian Ice by EM Lynley (Precious Gems Book 2)

A nice relaxing and romantic vacation in Italy. That’s what gay-romance writer Trent Copeland expected when he and former FBI-agent Reed Acton set off from Los Angeles after living together for six months after the events of Rarer Than Rubies (Precious Gems Book 1). But Reed’s past caught up with them from halfway around the world and threw their plans right out the window.

While this book is part mystery and part adventure, it’s one hundred percent romance. And that was part of the challenge—and the fun—of writing about this newly established couple who are still getting to know each other. Both Reed and Trent have preconceived notions about the other one, and both are wrong. In the end they surprise each other—and themselves in just how far they’ll go to protect their relationship.

With Trent and Reed I created a couple who at first seem to be polar opposites: Trent likes fancy restaurants, classic films and won’t go anywhere without his creature comforts—including his favorite body wash. Reed is used to fighting for survival and he’d be able to kill or catch his own dinner if necessary, because before he met Trent, it used to be. Now they’re figuring out how to live with each other. Throw them in the path of a deadly international smuggling ring and no amount of body wash can clean things up enough to forget a murdered FBI agent.  Add in Reed’s unfinished business with his old partner—in every sense of the word—and Trent and Reed have their work cut out for them just to stay alive, much less keep their romance alive.

I didn’t want the trip to be too rough, so I set the story in one of the most amazing places in the world: a chain of volcanic islands off the coast of Sicily. In a rare chance for some free time they even spend the night at the crater of the most active volcano in Europe: Stromboli.

But in the end, it’s Trent and Reed’s feelings for each other that drive their actions and after a few weeks in Italy, neither will ever doubt the other’s commitment. Now that’s what I call a happily ever after.

Read an excerpt

Buy from Dreamspinner, Amazon or ARe.

 

EM Lynley writes for Dreamspinner, Silver and Torquere and edits for several other publishers. She has worked in finance, the wine industry, and high tech, though she’d rather be writing hot, sexy 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.
Email: em@emlynley.com
Website: http://www.emlynley.com

12 comments

  1. Shira - Reply

    I absolutely LOVE the photo of the volcano – I wish I could hop a plane right now and explore those islands. Of course, I’d expect Reed and Trent to be there. XD

    Thanks for sharing, E.M.!

  2. Christopher Hammel - Reply

    The series sounds really cool and I am extremely jealous that you’ve been to these places. Grrr. I wish I had more money. LOL! Please enter me into the drawing.

    • EM Lynley - Reply

      Hi Christopher,
      I am so lucky to have been able to travel. It was back when I didn’t mind backpacking, so I didn’t stay in the same places Trent and Reed do! I’m thrilled to finally share my own favorite places in the world with readers. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.

  3. Jess1 - Reply

    Sounds like an interesting series. Liked the fact that it’s part mystery and part adventure, but one hundred percent romance. Beautiful cover. Thanks for the contest.

    • EM Lynley - Reply

      Hi Jess,
      I’ve always loved mystery and adventure stories and films, so it’s even more fun getting the chance to write them. But the story is still about Trent and Reed. They have a rather unusual progression to their love story, and nothing happens the way either of them expect!

      Thanks for commenting.

    • EM Lynley - Reply

      Hi Laurie,
      Thanks for commenting. It’s such fun to write. The hard part is deciding where to send the guys next. I have ideas for the next two novels, with a possible holiday novella or freebie. Where should they spend the holidays?

  4. Shira - Reply

    Congratulations, Laurie P.! You’re the winner of the ebook copy of book 1 or 2 of the Precious Gems Series. I’ve sent you an email. -Shira

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