A.D. Ellis 

Over fall break I logged 14,888 words on Zach's story. Yes, it really bugs me that I didn't add it up then and figure out how close I was to 15,000. This week back to school has meant very little writing time, but I got 3304 words in today, hoping for more tomorrow. I've sent a good chunk of Zach's story to beta readers for feedback as I work toward finishing the story. I'm not 'blocked', but I will say I'm dreading some things that are coming. But, that's all I can say.....so instead, I'll share little bit from Zach...... It's a standalone coming soon, but you can read the first 6 books (or any combo of the books!) at bit.ly/AmazonADEllis

If you subscribe to my newsletter, you got this exclusive sneak peek on Tuesday. If not, here's a sneak peek at Zach. (At the end, there's a giveaway you can enter).

Zach, Torey Hope: The Later Years

Of course, time didn’t stand still.

His cousin Decker and his new girlfriend, who used to be his twin’s girlfriend, lived through a chaotic few months with a dangerous, creepy stalker issue.

His cousin Sawyer came out to the whole family, got the crap beat out of him when three homophobic bigots jumped him, and fell in love with Luke, the new martial arts instructor at The Center+.

Zach enjoyed hanging out with Zoey and her brother, Asher. His youngest cousin was right at that stage where he wanted to do everything the older guys were doing, but didn’t want to appear like he was a tag-along.

“Hey, are you coming over later to work in the garden with Zoey?” Asher asked, trying to appear nonchalant.

“Yeah, I told her I’d help her out. You going to be there to help me share in the misery?” Zach asked. Zoey loved to garden. She still had the great little plot he’d helped her build in her parents’ backyard where she could often be found on her knees, elbow-deep in the soil. Zach didn’t love gardening, but he knew it made her happy. Plus, she looked adorable in her floppy hat and cute little shorts.

“Sure, I got nothin’ better to do so I’ll be here.” Asher shrugged.

Zach, Zoey, and Asher spent many hours tending her garden and working on projects Asher needed to complete for school.

“You guys want to come over tonight? We’ll get pizza and a movie. Invite Aly too.” Zach really wanted to spend the evening alone with Zoey, but he knew Asher wanted to come over, and his own sister, Aly, would be bent out of shape if she wasn’t invited.

**********

“Come on, Asher, let’s go get the pizza. The girls can stay here and gossip or whatever it is they like to do when we’re not around.” Zach grabbed his keys and winked at Zoey over Asher’s head as they headed toward the door.

Once in the car, Zach could tell Asher was nervous about something.

“What’s up, man? You got something on your mind?” Zach tried to be nonchalant.

“I don’t know, man. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about, but I don’t want to cause problems.” Asher blushed.

“Well, we can keep it just between the two of us if you’d rather. But, you can tell me what’s on your mind. In fact, I want you to know that you can always tell or ask me things. The only time I may have to break confidentiality is if you’re involved in something dangerous.” Zach knew he could get himself stuck right in the middle of some teen/parent issues, but he also wanted Asher to know he had a friend he could talk to.

“It’s just that…I mean…,” Asher stuttered around a bit before blurting out, “You like my sister! And I’m having a real hard time getting my head around it.”

Zach had often wondered what Asher’s take on their relationship was, so he wasn’t too caught off guard at the kid’s outburst.

“I do like your sister, very much. Just like I like all of my family. But, I’m not going to try to pad my answer around you, you’re too smart for that. First, I need you to know something. Do you know that your mom, dad, you, and Zoey are in no way blood-related to my mom, dad, Aly, and me?” Zach figured the cousin thing was weighing on Asher the most.

Asher wrinkled his brow as he thought over the information Zach had just presented.

“What do you mean we’re not related? I’ve known everyone in our family as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins my whole life.” Asher obviously doubted Zach.

Pulling over to the side of the road, Zach popped the glove compartment and pulled out a napkin and a pen. He drew a very crude family tree and began labeling it. He knew seeing it doodled out in his notebooks for years had helped him to understand there was no blood relation.

When he finished he handed it to Asher and let the kid do some deducing on his own.

“So, Zoey and I are like second cousins to Decker, Sawyer, Abby, Megan, and Kendrick. But there’s no relation between us and you and Aly? Wow, I guess I’d never really thought about it, but you’re right.”

Asher sat back against the seat and sighed in relief.

“So, you’re good with me liking your sister now?” Zach was hopeful.

“I don’t know, the guys at school have been giving me a rough time about my kissing cousins, but now that I know we’re not officially related maybe I can shut them up.” Asher shrugged.

“Well, if that doesn’t shut them up, you and I can just happen by the ball courts sometime and be sure they all have a complete understanding of the matter. Not that it’s really any of their business, but I know what it’s like to have guys messing with you.” Zach glanced at Asher, and noticed the teen wasn’t completely relaxed.

“What else is on your mind?” Zach eased the truck back onto the road as he spoke.

“I don’t know, I guess I just wonder what happens if you and Zoey don’t work out. I mean, she’s my sister, so I sort of have to stick by her side, right? But, does that mean I lose you as a friend?” Asher mumbled in embarrassment.

Zach’s heart swelled with pride and love for the kid. He’d missed a lot of Asher’s growing up years, but he appeared to have turned into a good kid.

“Well, first, I’m glad to hear you say you’d stick by Zoey’s side like any good brother should do. Even when Aly is being a pain in the ass, I love her and stand by her. Although, as I’m standing there, I have to be honest that a lot of the times I’m wanting to kick her ass too.” Zach chuckled.

“I hear ya, man. Not so much about my sister, but your sister truly is a bit of a pain. No offense.” Asher added quickly.

“None taken, you speak the truth.”

They pulled into the pizza place. Zach handed Asher some money and told him to go pick up the order. Knowing how he used to think it was cool to be trusted to do the same when he was younger he hoped the young man would too.

As they pulled back onto the road, Zach picked up the conversation where they’d ended it earlier.

“On the topic of me and Zoey not working out, I have to tell you I don’t think that will be an issue. I’ve loved that girl since the moment she was born. I know it’s hard to understand, and Zoey and I can’t even completely explain our connection, but I’ve known she’s the girl for me since before I knew about boy/girl relationships.”

He took a deep breath, not wanting to think about a time when he and Zoey weren’t together.

“But, if something ever happened to split us up, I need you to know a couple things. One, I would never give up on Zoey without a damn hard fight. Two, even if she didn’t want to be with me, I would always be here for you. Even though it’s not blood-related, we’re family and we stick together through thick and thin.”

When he looked at Asher he caught the glint of tears in the boy’s eyes. As they pulled into the driveway and the truck came to a stop, Zach held a fist out.

“We’re cool, no matter what. You got me?”

Asher nodded, swallowing thickly, and bumped his fist against Zach’s. “I got you.”

GIVEAWAY:

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So, I'm working hard on Zach's story. Today wasn't a day when words were flowing, but I managed to get 1190 words down. I thought I'd share just a snippet of what I wrote, since it contains the ever-lovable (until he's not!) Kendrick, as well as Zach and Sawyer. It's not much, but I thought it was a good look at the Kendrick we know and love

“Wait, is any of this a surprise? Does Zoey know these plans?” Sawyer questioned.

“Do you actually think a surprise can be kept secret in this family?” Zach retorted.

“I don’t know, Sawyer kept his ‘I like cock’ surprise secret for quite a while.” Kendrick pointed out.

~*~*~*~*~*~ RELEASE DAY!! ~*~*~*~*~*~

It's release day! A.D. Ellis is thrilled to share her newest contemporary romance in Torey Hope: The Later Years.

The reviews are in! Betas and ARC readers LOVED Sawyer!

(see reviews of Sawyer HERE on Goodreads!)

Grab it today at the special low preorder price before it goes up to regular $ (SOON!) bit.ly/SawyerAmazon1

Here's a snippet from one ARC reader:

"Author A.D. Ellis weaves a magical tale of love, family, small towns and big dreams and it makes the reader instantly fall in love with it all."

Blurb:

Sawyer Morgan has a secret. Revealing his true feelings to his family could bring devastation and destruction, so he keeps the burden firmly on his own shoulders. When he moves back to Torey Hope to help with the family business, Sawyer’s hidden truth becomes too much to bear.

Luke Hamilton has a past overflowing with emotional and physical scars. A promise to his dying mother prevents him from seeking the love and acceptance he longs for. Taking a job in Torey Hope brings Luke face-to-face with taboo desires he thought long extinguished.

Secrets, lies, hatred, and fear threaten to destroy their lives. But, love has the power to overcome and lay claim to victory.

Will Sawyer succeed in proving to Luke some connections are worth fighting for?

A poignant tale of two hearts valiantly fighting to stay true and find love.

**This is a male/male romance. It has adult themes, language, and situations. Readers sensitive to homosexual relationships, abuse, hate crimes, and derogatory terms should take note. This story is meant only for readers age 18+.**

So, my sweet Sawyer will be releasing in less than a week (August 6!). He's on special pre-order price right now, so grab him if you want the best deal! You can grab Sawyer and be ready to read on August 6 at bit.ly/SawyerAmazon1 or visit my Amazon page and find all of my books at www.amazon.com/author/adellis If you'd like to sign up for my newsletter so you get the latest news on sales, giveaways, contests, etc. you can do that HERE!

I am thrilled with the reviews Sawyer is getting. I wanted to share a couple of them with you. Below the reviews you will find the blurb and some teasers.

Review 1:

I was given this book for an honest review for Through the Booking Glass!!

WOW!! This is only my 2nd M/M book & I'm blown away!! It's more than I ever expected & I had very high expectations because author AD Ellis is so brilliant! She truly out-done herself on Sawyer!

This book is emotional, heartbreaking at times, hilarious when the cousins get together, heart-warming with the support of the family & friends, infuriating when stupidity runs rapid & loving! I knew I would love Sawyer just from meeting him in Decker's book! This made me love him even more!!

Don't let me get started on Luke!! Gahhhhh!! The stuff this man endured is like nothing I've ever read!! My heart bled for him!!

This book was perfect! I would highly recommend it! Love all things AD Ellis!

Review 2:

AD Ellis has once again succeeded in writing a moving story regarding such a complex subject. Sawyer’s tale about both his internal and external struggles he faced when coming out was written beautifully and realistic. AD Ellis does not gloss over the subject and write a fairy tale, she includes the love of those that accept who Sawyer immediately, the anger and/or disappointment of those who don’t, and the hatred and fear of the bigots. Although this book does include derogatory terms and hate crimes, it is very obvious that they are included for realisms (because unfortunately this stuff really happens, even today) and not intended to promote hate and discrimination. This is the first MM I have read and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to read this outstanding book. I would recommend this 5+ star book to everybody.

BLURB:

Sawyer, Torey Hope: The Later Years

by A.D. Ellis

Sawyer Morgan has a secret. Revealing his true feelings to his family could bring devastation and destruction, so he keeps the burden firmly on his own shoulders. When he moves back to Torey Hope to help with the family business, Sawyer’s hidden truth becomes too much to bear.

Luke Hamilton has a past overflowing with emotional and physical scars. A promise to his dying mother prevents him from seeking the love and acceptance he longs for. Taking a job in Torey Hope brings Luke face-to-face with taboo desires he thought long extinguished.

Secrets, lies, hatred, and fear threaten to destroy their lives. But, love has the power to overcome and lay claim to victory.

Will Sawyer succeed in proving to Luke some connections are worth fighting for?

A poignant tale of two hearts valiantly fighting to stay true and find love.

**This is a male/male romance. It has adult themes, language, and situations. Readers sensitive to homosexual relationships, abuse, hate crimes, and derogatory terms should take note. This story is meant only for readers age 18+.**

I am so excited to share the cover and blurb with you!! 

Sawyer, Torey Hope: The Later Years

by A.D. Ellis

COMING AUGUST 6! Add Sawyer to you TBR!! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25830311-sawyer-torey-hope" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25830311-sawyer-torey-hope

BLURB:

Sawyer Morgan has a secret. Revealing his true feelings to his family could bring devastation and destruction, so he keeps the burden firmly on his own shoulders. When he moves back to Torey Hope to help with the family business, Sawyer’s hidden truth becomes too much to bear.

Luke Hamilton has a past overflowing with emotional and physical scars. A promise to his dying mother prevents him from seeking the love and acceptance he longs for. Taking a job in Torey Hope brings Luke face-to-face with taboo desires he thought long extinguished.

Secrets, lies, hatred, and fear threaten to destroy their lives. But, love has the power to overcome and lay claim to victory.

Will Sawyer succeed in proving to Luke some connections are worth fighting for?

A poignant tale of two hearts valiantly fighting to stay true and find love.

**This is a male/male romance. It has adult themes, language, and situations. Readers sensitive to homosexual relationships, abuse, hate crimes, and derogatory terms should take note. This story is meant only for readers age 18+.**

Sawyer's story is coming along nicely. I got 3662 words written today, bringing the story total to 30,268 for now. Here's a little teaser of Sawyer's story. You can meet him in Decker's story first while you wait for this one to publish (bit.ly/DeckerAmazon)

*~*~*~* HUGE SALE *~*~*~*

A Torey Hope Novel Series by A.D. Ellis

is available in a 4-book box set and is on a

Kindle Countdown Sale from April 16-23!

All four books would regularly cost a total of $10,

but the box set is just $5.99.

BUT WAIT!

The sale has this 4-book set down to JUST 99¢!!

The price will slowly increase back to

$5.99 so GRAB IT NOW!!!

bit.ly/ToreyHopeAmazon

Find A.D. Ellis on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/adellis

and Facebook at www.facebook.com/adellisauthor

~~**RELEASE DAY! RELEASE DAY! RELEASE DAY!**~~

Decker is available on all major platforms!!

This is a standalone in Torey Hope: The Later Years by A.D. Ellis

BUY LINKS WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE FROM PLATFORMS

Find A.D. Ellis on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/adellis

and Facebook at www.facebook.com/adellisauthor

The night had been filled with laughter and memories and rebuilding friendships, but the five of them knew they had work in the morning so they finished their drinks and prepared to leave.

“We should definitely do this again, maybe make it a weekly thing? What do you guys think?” Zach had a sparkle in his eyes and dimples to die for, who could say no to the man?

“I’m up for it! I don’t have much going on outside of work and spending time with my mom and grandma.” Katie raised her eyebrows expectantly at the other men, hoping they’d want to make this a regular thing.

“That and burning cookies, huh?” Decker spoke with a wink and Katie groaned at the memory.

“Mmm, that sounds like a story for next time. Be ready, Katie, I think Decker has a good tale to share from the looks of that smirk on his face.” Sawyer put his arm around her as he teased her.

“I think a group thing once a week is a great idea, let’s make it happen. But, what about you two? Are you two going to rekindle that romance from high school?” Kendrick asked innocently enough, but Decker saw the gleam in his cousin’s eyes as he threw a glance his way; Kendrick was purposely trying to rattle him.

Sawyer shuffled his feet and mumbled a bit as he grasped at an answer. “Um, yeah, that sounds great. What do you say, Katie-girl? Want to set up a date?” The other men either missed or chose to ignore the strange look she gave to Sawyer and the sheepish, desperate look he returned to her.

With an understanding and comforting hand on his arm, Katie replied, “Yeah, Sawyer, that sounds great. How about you call me and we’ll set something up.”

As they paid their bills and left the bar, hugs were given all around with promises to see each other next week.

Decker gave her an awkward hug and then glanced between her and his brother as they stood together on the sidewalk. “Well, I’ll let you two have some privacy. Really good to have you back home, Kate. I’ll see you first thing in the morning. Get your coffee good and strong in the morning and come to my office first thing. We’ve got some things to go over.” He’d break it down for her tomorrow, first thing, so they could move past this, and he could get his head on straight again.

Sawyer and Katie watched Decker walk to his sleek, black car. He waved as he drove away and Katie turned expectant, worried eyes toward the man who had been her best friend all those years ago.

Hanging his head, Sawyer sighed deeply. “Don’t Katie, just don’t. It’s not that easy; please don’t give me that look.”

“How do they not know, Sawyer? Surely I’m not the only one who knows?” Katie’s words implored and she felt tears rise again as she realized what her best friend had been living with for so many years. Reaching for him, she pulled him into a hug and rubbed his back. “Sawyer Morgan, you’re lucky your best friend is back in town. We’ll get you through this; there may be some storm clouds ahead, but a cleansing rain may be just what you need so you can face brighter days.” They chuckled together and she held his hand as they walked to her car. He kissed her cheek as she climbed in and he watched her back out of the parking space before he headed to his Honda S2000. A movement to his right caught his eye; if he didn’t know better he’d swear Decker was circling the parking lot. Why would his brother have come back here?

**********

He should have just driven home but he was obviously a glutton for punishment. The tiny bit of hope he’d felt when he sensed Sawyer’s awkwardness over the suggestion of a date with Katie was dashed as he watched her pull Sawyer into a hug and rub his back. The kiss at her car had been the final nail in the coffin of his hope. Katie and Sawyer had something between them and he’d respect it. Tomorrow, he’d lay it all out so there was no awkwardness, and they’d move on as colleagues. He’d also talk to Sawyer just so there were no secrets between them.