Category Archives: Uncategorized

So I read a lot of books because it’s part of my job. Recently I purchased the audiobook of “I’m Glad My Mom Died” to listen to while working out. It’s hard to listen to, because I identify so much with her story.

I’d never heard of this actress before, mostly because I’m older, and wasn’t watching Nickleodeon when her show iCarly was a hit. I purchased this audiobook solely because of the title. I’m not going to tell you her story because I think you should read/listen to it yourself. For me, it was a revelation to hear someone speak their truth about such a sensitive topic. Abuse isn’t an easy matter to open up about, but after hearing her story I totally understand why she titled her book the way she did.

My mother is still alive, and no, I don’t wish she was dead. But I’ve divorced her from my life because the abuse Jennette McCurdy lived with is so similar to what I dealt with. This isn’t going to be a post about my life beyond pointing out a few similarities. My intention is to write my memoirs once my mother has passed away.

As a small child, my parents were like Gods to me, benevolent and kind. But as I grew older I realized things were very different in my house compared to other kids. When I was eight, my father caught the house on fire while drunk. And as I grew older the punishments became worse. I had scars on my ass and thighs that didn’t fade until I was in my late twenties. My mother was vicious with a leather belt. When they discovered I was gay by spying on a phone call with my future sister-in-law, things grew even worse. My parents kicked me out of the house when I was 17 for being gay. Before that, they kept me locked in the house for months at a time so I wouldn’t hang out with gay friends, not that I had many of them as a teenager. And the abuse didn’t stop when I was an adult. My niece was instructed by my mother to stay away from me, that I was evil.

My mother thinks I’m evil.

That’s just the tip of the iceburg. I’ve suffered with depression and eating disorders for decades now. Thankfully, the depression is mostly in the past. What I really identify with in her book is using humor to cope with darkness. There’s a reason I’ve made the decision only to write light-hearted rom-coms, so I can laugh instead of crying. Did enough of that already, and like Jennette, I like to think of myself moving forward, and not wallowing in the past.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has suffered at the hands of abusive family members. You can purchase the audiobook/ebook/print book on Amazon, Apple Books, and Google Play.

I love Guadalajara, and this bench is just one of dozens of book benches located throughout the city. This place celebrates books like no other city I’ve lived in. While they do have so-called normal bookstores, my favorites are the creepy ones the size of a closet. Those wonderfully spooky bookstores are dotted throughout the city.

So, I’ve recently become more self-aware about my writing, specifically my voice, or style. Three years ago I started a series known as The Balcony Boys. The first book in the series was called Situationship, and I love the book and the characters, specifically the landlady, Dotty. She is a wise soul who counsels the tenants who live in her apartment building, and teaches at a ballet school in her basement. But, it was a difficult book to write and I couldn’t figure out why. Now, I know.

My typical novel is lighthearted, and fun, with both comedic elements and romance. Situationship is not that kind of book, and neither was the second book in the series, Max. They were so difficult to write, but at the time I believed I was stretching myself creatively. I was, but I’ve decided not to write such serious books in the future. It’s just not my style. I know many people who love serious dramas, but I’m not one of them, and I’m no longer forcing myself to write books I don’t enjoy writing. Let’s put it this way, if I’m not giggling during the editing process, the writing is off, and needs to be fixed.

Because of this self-realization I’ve decided to leave the series as is, and I’m not writing any more books in that world. So it’s a duet, not a full-fledged series. I worked my ass off writing them, and I love them. But from now on I’m staying true to my voice. You can purchase The Balcony Boys Duet in one volume at my personal bookstore, Apple, Kobo, Amazon, Nook, Google Play, and Smashwords.

Yesterday was exciting, but not in the fun, friendly way. An earthquake struck 90 km south of where I live, and trust me, I could feel it. The entire building I reside in shook, and scared the hell out of me! What’s odd is I was just sitting down to begin writing the latest novel in the Southern Discomfort series, which for now is called Suddenly Single. I can’t wait to tell ya’ll more about the novel, but since I’ve only written the prologue, give me a couple of weeks and I’ll tell you more about it. Stay safe readers!

What began as a filthy fantasy ended a few days ago when I wrote "The End." Like most of my stories, I couldn't stop writing about them, and of course, they fell in love.

This ven diagram says it all, lol. So, most of you are well aware that I’m a slow burn author. For my readers who aren’t hardcore into romance, what that means is I typically only have one sex scene per novel. It’s my preference to have a slow buildup, so when the main characters finally do the deed, it’s because of love. With The Confessions series, the opposite took place. Justin and Mateo were scorching the sheets from the get go. This is why the author of this book is my alter ego, Luke Jameson. He’s kinda filthy, KWIM? But the ending, which I’m not sharing, is different than my usual books. They do have a happy ever after, so don’t fear that.

Currently I’m outlining the final book in the Southern Discomfort series. I never ask for people’s help plotting my work. But, if you have a favorite trope you’d like me to write, leave a comment. And what I mean is, do you love May/December romance, or opposites attract? Whatever it is you love to read, let me know. FYI- my favorite trope is second chances.

Justin’s latest book and the boxset of the entire collection are exclusively available at my personal bookstore until September 20, 2022. Afterward, it will be available at all major online booksellers. Remember, when you buy directly from me I get a higher royalty, which allows me to keep writing full-time, and buys me the occasional beer. Love you guys!

For some reason this year I’ve been binging on old movies, which is how I came up with the name Cary Lancaster. Two of my favorite actors are Burt Lancaster and Cary Grant, so I put the two names together. The other character, Thatcher Atticus Fuller, is loosely based on yours truly. The name came about after rereading To Kill A Mockingbird, one of my favorite books.

I love romance, or I wouldn’t write it. But, I was tired of most romance novels being about young guys in their 20s and 30s. You may not believe it, but guys my age also date, fall in love, and well, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. The reason for writing The Cad & Dad was so I could read about men my age falling in love. I must say, it’s one of my favorites.

Since the novel is set in the American South, I binged on the 80s series Designing Women. My favorite character on the show was Charlene, played by the wonderful actress Jean Smart. She’s the inspiration for Thatch’s smart ass sister Celia Mae. When Celia Mae speaks, it’s Charlene’s voice I hear.

I hope everyone who reads it laughs out loud, because I certainly did. Currently I’m outlining the third and final book in the Southern Discomfort series. Plus, I already know what the next series is about. I’ll give you a hint- It’s set on the west coast of the USA, where magic is made. You can purchase The Cad & Dad at your favorite store here, or buy it directly from me at my bookstore. Love you readers! Talk to your soon.

I’m currently working on the final installment of the Confessions series, Justin’s Ecstasy. I was recently asked about my inspiration for the series, because I normally write romance. Yes, there are romantic elements to the series, and Father Mateo and Justin will have a happy ever after, but what provoked me to write about these two is different than usual.

First, I’m surrounded by catholicism. There are several enormous cathedrals within walking distance, and shrines like the one pictured above are all over the city. I see members of the clergy and nuns strolling around daily, and last year I saw a handsome priest who took my breath away. He had dark, curly hair, and a smile so brilliant it made my heart skip a beat. Within hours I knew I had to write about him, and Father Mateo emerged from my psyche.

This provoked memories of an affair I had with a priest many years ago. I rarely speak of it, but perhaps it left me with a fetish for clergy? Anyhow, on September 20, 2022 Justin’s Ecstasy will be published, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the journey of writing about these two. You can preorder Justin’s ecstasy from the bookstore of your choice by clicking here. My books are available at all major bookstores, plus my personal bookstore.

It’s been years in the making, but I finally have my website up and running. I aim to post once a week or so, and look forward to getting to know my readers better. Mostly I will post about my life here in Mexico, and about my writing. Be sure to check out the My Books page to see all of my work, plus I now have my own personal bookstore. Can’t wait to chat with ya’ll soon, but I have to get back to work. I’m currently writing the final installment of the Confessions series, which is the tale of two men of the cloth falling in love. Where I live in Guadalajara is surrounded by massive cathedrals, and I routinely see nuns and priests on a daily basis. Why do I find priests so sexy? Probably because they are unattainable. Sigh.