Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. Readers have the chance to jump from one author to another who share hooks from their current WIP (work in progress) or any previously published books.
For this week’s edition of Book Hooks, I give you a teaser from Back Where You Belong, a m/m contemporary romance.
He rejected love the first time. Now he wants a second chance.
Blurb: After having his love tossed back in his face, Hudson Suggashie has eliminated the word trust from his dictionary. Since his return to his Ojibway community, his suspicions are running high, all because one man is hinting at a second chance—the too-gorgeous and sexy ball-crusher who turned Hudson’s world to black fifteen years ago.
Stephen Brandt knows he screwed up big time when he rejected Hudson’s love, and he’ll do anything to win him back, even if it means being a mere bed buddy to the man whose love he aches to reclaim.
The longer the former best friends engage in their no-strings affair, they want something more—what they lost as teenagers. But Hudson isn’t about to open his heart again, leaving a desperate Stephen searching for a way to earn back the trust he broke, or for the second time, they’ll lose the greatest love either has ever experienced.
Genre(s): LGBTQ+, M/M Contemporary Romance, First Nations Romance
Heat Rating: Level 3
Publication Date: October 14, 2022
Publisher: eXtasy Books
PURCHASE A COPY AT EXTASY BOOKS
Hudson’s cell phone lay silent on top of the table. He reached over and typed in a message.
I have a request. I’d like to hear Take Me Through the Night.
Maybe Stephen would find the underlying meaning within the lyrics. The song was about a lonely man who’d ended a relationship with much regret, and was still full of regret, wishing for the love he’d lost to get him through the night.
His finger hovered above the send button. He grimaced and hit send.
Nothing appeared in response to his text. He reached for his spoon and slid the stew into his mouth. After eating a few spoonfuls, he glanced at his phone, but nothing still showed on the screen. He shoveled more stew between his teeth. The screen continued to remain blank.
Pathetic. He came close to knocking his forehead against the table in disgust.
To make matters worse, the screen on his phone went black.
Just as he spooned up another helping of stew, his phone dinged.
He tossed aside his spoon and greedily reached for his cell. If the black piece of equipment was food, he would’ve wolfed it down in one bite. He slid the locked screen open to the message.
Not a problem. You do know friends always take one another through a rough night, don’t you?
Hudson almost choked on the piece of carrot he continued to chew. He quickly typed in…
Yeah, they do. But my friends are home with their wives or girlfriends. What about you?
He wiped his mouth and reached for his milk to wash away the last of the broth.
Going home to Mom once I finish here. I meant to text you after I was done.
Hudson hiccupped and typed…
Yeah? What about?
He drummed his fingers on the table, but no response came. Maybe Stephen was doing something for the show which was why he’d gone silent.
Hudson rose and set his bowl and plate in the sink full of soapy water. While he washed the dishes, he kept sneaking peeks at his phone. The darn thing finally dinged.
He wiped off his hands and scooped up the cell.
About why you’re asking me to play Take Me Through the Night.
His mouth went dry.
What do you mean?
I was thinking last night, and we need to talk.
Hudson’s heartbeat kicked into overdrive.
Talk about what?
How about dinner on Saturday night? That’s when Mom goes to the senior center to play bingo.
Okay. I’ll cook. Is Jesse filling in?
Yes.
Then have a good trip tomorrow. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.
I’m not doing anything. Once we see the specialist, I’m taking Mom shopping, out for dinner, and then back to the hotel.
Any fears Hudson had about Stephen sneaking off to a gay bar to get laid vanished.
Then I’ll see you Saturday night.
CHECK OUT OTHER BOOK HOOKS FROM PARTICIPATING AUTHORS
Maggie Blackbird 