I’m excited to share the journey of writing my second novel, ‘Serve,’ which holds a special place in my heart. As a huge tennis fan, drawing inspiration from my favorite players, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz, was a dream come true. ‘Serve’ was a labor of love, born from my passion for the sport and my desire to tell a compelling MM romance story. Let’s dive into how this book came to life!
The Inspiration Behind ‘Serve’
‘Serve’ was my second novel, and it was a bit of a struggle to write as I was still learning the craft. Now, with over two dozen novels published, writing has become much easier. The main character, Tyler Florman, was inspired by none other than the legendary Roger Federer. His grace, talent, and poise on the court were qualities I wanted to imbue in Tyler. And, I have always had a huge crush on him.
The Blurb
Here’s a little taste of ‘Serve’:
No More Secrets
Everything Tennis champion Tyler Florman touches turns to gold. Winning is easy, but fame comes with a price. Living in the closet in exchange for riches and honors was second nature, until he met the younger man who conquered his heart.
Chip Carter has turned a childhood trauma into a career saving lives. As an EMT, he’s never found time for love, but all of that could be about to change when he rescues the famous, older athlete who steals his heart for the very first time.
Avoiding love is second nature for both men, until they meet that special someone worth fighting for. The odds against Chip and Tyler look insurmountable. But can Tyler leave the safety of the closet, and win Chip’s love at the same time?
Welcome to Hidden Creek, Texas, where the heart knows what it wants, and where true love lives happily ever after. Every Men of Hidden Creek novel can be read on its own, but keep an eye out for familiar faces around town! This book contains an eccentric blue-haired aunt, a spurned blackmailer, and a whole lot of balls.
The Struggle and Triumph
Writing ‘Serve’ was a challenging yet rewarding experience. I was still honing my skills as a writer, and every page felt like a new learning opportunity. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but my love for the characters and their story kept me going. Tyler and Chip’s journey from avoiding love to finding it in each other was a powerful narrative that I was determined to tell.
Learning the Craft
Over the years, with each novel I’ve written, my process has evolved. Writing has become more intuitive, and I’ve gained confidence in my storytelling abilities. ‘Serve’ was a pivotal moment in my career, teaching me the importance of perseverance and passion.
What’s Next?
I’m excited to continue exploring new stories and characters. Each book is a new adventure, and I can’t wait to share more with you all. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! I’m currently working on the second book in the Burning Hearts series, Electric.
Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes looks into my upcoming projects. Your support and enthusiasm mean the world to me. To preorder Electric, click here and you’ll be taken to your favorite online bookstore.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the novel Serve has a unique book cover on Amazon, since it was originally part of an exclusive Amazon series. To read Serve, you can purchase it from Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Amazon.
If you’re a fan of classic romantic comedies, you might remember the delightful 1941 film “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Yes, you read that right—Hitchcock, the master of suspense, took a surprising detour into the world of screwball comedy with this gem starring Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery. The story of a couple who discover their marriage isn’t legally valid struck a chord with me and inspired my novel, “Suddenly Single.”
In “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” the comedic chaos that ensues after the couple learns their marriage certificate is a dud provides the perfect blend of humor and heart. The movie’s playful take on love, commitment, and the trials of marital life got me thinking about the concept of sudden singleness and its impact on relationships.
That’s where the idea for “Suddenly Single” came from. I wanted to explore what happens when life throws an unexpected curveball at a seemingly stable couple. The novel delves into the lives of Asher Bartholomew Yates and Carter Camden Yates, who must navigate the emotional rollercoaster of discovering they aren’t legally married and the personal growth that comes from such a revelation.
Asher comes from one of the first families of Virginia and has just made partner in the family law firm. He went to the right schools, belongs to the right clubs, and like his peers, is happily married—most of the time. The love of his life, Carter, is a handful on the best of days, but Carter’s unwavering devotion and unpredictable antics ensure he will always have Asher’s heart.
Carter is the most successful interior designer in Richmond and is married to an up-and-coming lawyer who looks perfect on his arm. His talents are as colorful as his personality, and he’s the star of any room he enters. He loves Asher more than life itself and hasn’t once regretted getting married.
Out of the blue, a legal mixup jeopardizes everything. After three years of ups and downs, the couple discovers they’re not legally wed. Will this bombshell tear them apart, or will true love win once and for all?
Adding to the chaos is their crazy family: an alcoholic mother, a deranged maid, and a stoner old lady, who all bring their own flavor of drama and humor to the mix. Carter’s theatrical reactions and Asher’s attempts to maintain sanity create a whirlwind of laughs and touching moments.
“Suddenly Single” is the third book in the Southern Discomfort series. It is a gay romantic comedy filled with sweet tea and sour words, served alongside men discovering their deepest desires. This novel has it all: a couple on the rocks, a second chance at happiness, and a love that refuses to die. So relax on your porch swing with a mint julep and a slice of pecan pie, and enjoy the journey to true love.
Enjoy a spicy sneak peak into Finn and Alex’s love story! To set the stage, Finn is on a “Bearacruz” in the middle of the Gulf Of Mexico. He’s met a stunning man who is going by an assumed name, Knox. (Yeah, a little mystery!) The following is chapter four, and it’s told from Finn’s POV.
“I want more than a kiss,” Knox murmured. “You are the sexiest man on this ship.”
I stepped into his arms, and a moment later, his lips crashed into mine.
Our kiss deepened while Knox’s hands roamed over my body, sending shivers down my spine. The surrounding ship seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of us lost in the heat of the moment. His touch was electric, igniting a fire within me that threatened to consume everything in its path. I felt his arms tighten around me, and for a split second, I wondered if this was all just a dream. But when his hand slipped into my pants and he gripped my ass, I knew it was real.
Knox broke the kiss, and I gasped for air. My cock was painfully hard, and I pressed it against his, and felt his thick shaft through his slacks.
“I’ve never done this before,” Knox breathed. “I mean, normally I prefer to get to know a guy better first. But I feel like this is right.”
“We’ve only got a few days together here on the ship.” I locked my gaze with his, and at that very moment, the light of the moon hit his face in just the right way. It was as if he’d transformed into a smoldering silent film star, with his hair slicked back and gleaming, and every angle of his face sharpened. “Let’s make the most of it, Knox. Because I want as much of you as I can get before it all ends.”
As Knox’s lips crashed into mine once again, I moaned, loving the rough feel of his beard against my skin. It was a sensation I couldn’t get enough of, and I never wanted this night to end.
But suddenly, a loud wolf whistle pierced through the air, causing me to jump and step away from Knox. Heat surged up my cheeks as I caught sight of a group of burly men leering at us from across the deck.
“Christ! This is way better than porn,” one remarked crudely while gripping his crotch.
The man next to him chimed in with a lascivious grin.”Bet the bearded hunk’s gotta huge cock.”
Knox sensed my discomfort and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder before casting those dudes an icy stare. “Let’s find some privacy…my cabin?” His voice was low and seductive, making promises that his eyes echoed with equal fervor.
“Yes, please,” I murmured, then took his hand. “You know, normally I’d think it was kind of hot doing it in front of a bunch of strangers, but…”
“I’m selfish,” Knox interrupted, then as he led me away, he mumbled, “I don’t like to share.”
When we got to the elevators, I reached for the down button, but Knox hit the up button first.
“My suite is on the upper deck,” He murmured, and I realized he was still holding my hand. When the elevator doors opened, a group of drunk guys in skimpy swimsuits tumbled out, their intoxicated laughter echoing around us. We stepped inside, and as soon as the doors shut, the heat between us ignited. He pressed me against the cold steel wall, trapping me within the cage of his muscular arms.
Knox leaned down, his hot breath fanning across my face as he paused for a moment that lingered with delicious tension. His intense blue eyes locked onto mine, heavy with desire.
“God, I’ve never wanted anyone like this before,” he whispered, then he claimed my lips in a searing kiss that left no room for resistance. His mouth moved against mine with determined accuracy, each stroke of his tongue sending waves of desire pooling in my lower belly. There was nothing gentle in this kiss – it was raw and passionate, filled with pent-up lust and a simmering need that matched my own.
I heard a bell, then the doors opened and a drunk guy staggered onto the elevator. Knox and I stepped away from each other, and the drunk guy asked, “Did I interrupt something?”
Neither of us replied, and the man pushed three different floor buttons and leaned against the metal wall. “Which deck is the mixer on?”
Knox pushed the button for the main deck and glared at the guy. “Main deck, but are you sure you need anymore to drink?”
Drunk dude’s smile flatlined. “Sorry, but I…”
Knox held his hand up, and a moment later, the doors opened. He took my hand, and we got off, then he led me down a hallway. There were only four doors, which I thought was weird since the deck my cabin was on had many more than that. Upon reaching his door, he opened it, and upon entering, I was taken aback by the spaciousness of the room. Damn, this dude must’ve won the lottery or something, because you could fit at least ten of my cabin in just the living area.
“Wow, your suite is enormous,” I slowly turned around, taking it all in.
Knox chuckled, his deep voice vibrating through my body. “No one’s complimented me on the size of my suite before.”
My cheeks flushed as I realized how that could be interpreted. “Oh God, no, I meant the suite is big, not…”
He cut me off with another laugh. “Relax, Finn. I was just messing with you.”
I exhaled in relief and took a better look around the room. The living area had elegant decorations, including a plush white couch and chairs, a polished wood coffee table, and a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The windows were floor-to-ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean.
“You have your own balcony, too?” I asked in awe.
“Yep,” Knox replied with a smirk. “Just wait till you see the rest of the place.”
He led me through a door to what appeared to be his bedroom. It was just as luxurious as the living area, with a king-sized bed draped in silky white sheets and fluffy pillows. A chandelier hung from the ceiling above it, giving off soft light.
“My goodness,” I breathed out.
Knox chuckled and stepped closer to me. “You can say that again.”
I rolled my eyes playfully and turned to explore the room further. There was another door that led to an en-suite bathroom, which was just as extravagant as everything else. Marble tiled floors, golden fixtures, and a massive bathtub caught my attention immediately.
“This is insane,” I said as I walked over to run my hand along the edge of the tub.
Knox wrapped his arms around my waist and nuzzled my neck. I leaned back into him and sighed. This whole situation still felt unreal to me—being on this cruise with someone like Knox, who seemed so out of my league.
“Let’s get naked and wet,” Knox whispered in my ear, and he reached around me and squeezed my erection through my pants. Then he backed away, so I turned around and saw him turn on the faucets in the bathtub. “Do you like champagne?” Knox cocked an eyebrow, waiting for my response. “I ordered some before I left to meet you. It should be ice cold by now.”
Jesus, champagne? Had I died and gone to a gay billionaire heaven?
“Normally I’m a beer kind of guy, but yeah, a little bubbly would be great.”
Knox put his hand under the running water, adjusted the temperature, then got to his feet. “Get in. I’ll be back in a minute.”
As I undressed and slipped into the warm water, my mind raced. Knox was so out of my league it was unreal, and I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. My heart pounded with desire as I squeezed my hard cock, thinking about what we were about to do, and all the nasty ways we could do it.
But I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by Knox’s extravagant lifestyle. The thought crossed my mind that maybe I didn’t belong here, that I wasn’t good enough for him. But I pushed those thoughts aside as Knox walked into the bathroom completely nude, carrying an ornate champagne bucket and two glasses.
I couldn’t take my eyes off of him as he poured us each a glass of champagne and got into the tub with me. His muscular body glistened under the soft light and his dark hair was no longer slicked back. Now it was perfectly mussy, and I realized his hair had a natural wave to it. He handed me a glass and raised his own in a toast.
“To being naked and wet,” he said with a devilish grin.
I clinked my glass against his.. Jesus, this entire experience felt like something out of a dream -too perfect to be real.
Knox leaned in closer to me, his chest almost touching mine as he took a sip of champagne. The bubbles tickled my nose as they went down, and I couldn’t resist reaching out to touch Knox’s smooth skin.
“You’re stunning,” I blurted out before even realizing what I was saying.
Knox bit his lower lip and set his glass down on the edge of the tub before taking mine from me as well. “As are you,” he whispered, leaning in for a kiss.
Knox’s lips were soft yet forceful against mine, and desire coursed through my body. My hands roamed all over his hard chest, feeling the definition of his muscles under the water. It was like touching a living, breathing work of art.
I pulled away from the kiss, needing to catch my breath and take in the sight in front of me. Intricate tattoos covered Knox’s pecs, seeming to tell a story. I traced my fingertips over them, mesmerized by their beauty.
“You’re so sexy,” I blurted out, unable to contain my admiration any longer.
Knox’s eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and desire as he pulled me back into another intense kiss. Our bodies pressed against each other in the warm water, creating electric friction between us.
As we continued to kiss, our hands explored every inch of each other’s bodies. Then, with a splash, Knox flipped me in the water so I was covering his body with mine. My cock pressed against his girth, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe, because all I wanted was to taste him. I finally broke the kiss to catch my breath again, resting my forehead against Knox’s.
“Damn,” I whispered, feeling overwhelmed by everything that was happening between us. Never before in my life had I felt such intense lust for anyone. It was like Knox had cast a spell over me, forcing me to crave his touch, his words, his everything.
Knox combed his fingers through my wet hair. “You’re incredible,” he murmured, “and now I want more.” He placed his hands on my waist and physically turned me over again, then he scooted back and pulled me against him. I felt his hard cock against my lower back, throbbing, and one of his hands wrapped around my shaft.
“Oh my God,” I breathed, my eyes snapping shut. He squeezed it, then he slowly moved his fist up and down. “Am I dead? This can’t be real.”
“It’s real, baby,” Knox whispered, and I felt his lips on the back of my neck. “At least it better be, because there’s nowhere else I want to be than right here with you.”
Knox’s hand stroked up and down my shaft, sending waves of pleasure through my body. His lips were on my neck, whispering dirty words that made me squirm against him.
“You like that, baby?” Knox asked, his voice low and husky. “You like how I touch you?”
I could barely form coherent words as his hand continued to work me towards the edge. All I could do was nod and whimper in response.
“Tell me what you want,” he demanded, his breath hot against my skin. “You’re my slut, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Knox, I’m your fucking slut, and I’ll do anything you want.” My voice trembled, and I felt my cock grow even harder.
“You want, no baby, you fucking need my cock inside you.” Knox’s hand moved faster on my shaft. “When I make you come, and trust me, it will be more than once, you’ll scream my name. Now tell me what you truly desire, Finn.”
“I… I want to come,” I gasped.
Knox chuckled darkly. “Oh, you’ll come alright. But not yet.”
Before I could protest, Knox released his grip on me, and I groaned in frustration.
“Please,” I pleaded, arching my back towards him. “I’m a whore for you, Knox. Please, I…”
“Don’t worry, baby,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the nape of my neck. “We’re just getting started.”
Today, I’m sharing something deeply personal with you all, something that I’ve carried with me for quite some time but never found the courage to express openly. My name is Ian O. Lewis, and I am Tessa Vidal.
For years, I’ve been writing under the pen name Tessa Vidal, crafting stories of love, passion, and connection within the sapphic romance genre. But what many of you may not know is that I am not a woman—I am a gay man.
The decision to write under a female pseudonym was not one made lightly. In fact, it was born out of fear—fear that readers of lesbian fiction would reject my work if they knew the truth about my identity. As a member of the LGBTQ community myself, I felt a deep responsibility to contribute to the representation of queer love in literature. However, I also felt the weight of societal expectations and preconceptions about who should be telling these stories.
I want to make it unequivocally clear that I never intended to exploit readers of lesbian fiction. My decision to write under the name Tessa Vidal was driven by a desire to continue writing and producing fiction for the LGBTQ community, even if it meant doing so under a guise.
Initially, Tessa Vidal was a collaborative effort with other authors, but for the past two years, I’ve been the sole writer behind the name. It has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I am immensely proud of the work I’ve created as Tessa Vidal.
One of my favorite books that I’ve written under this pseudonym is “Jody, A Dark Lesbian Romance.” This novel holds a special place in my heart as it tells the tale of two women, both navigating the complexities of their lives as criminals, who find solace and love in each other’s arms.
Moving forward, I want to assure you all that I will continue to write books under both my own name, Ian O. Lewis, and Tessa Vidal. My commitment to telling stories that resonate with the LGBTQ community remains unwavering.
Thank you for your support and understanding as I embrace my truth and continue to share my words with the world. Tessa’s books are available exclusively on Amazon, and can be read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.
With love and gratitude, Ian O. Lewis (aka Tessa Vidal)
One of the ways I get to know my characters is to interview them, and for the first time I’m going to share it with you! Growing up in the 1980s, I was addicted to Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. They always used celebrity interviewers, and while I’m not a celebrity, I will interview Finn McKenna in the same style as the magazine.
Oh, and one more thing. I’m reluctant to attach a picture to this interview, because I prefer readers being able to picture the character in their minds. But, for the sake of beefy manchest, I will attach a picture of what Finn might look like. Now for the interview.
Ian- Finn, thanks so much for agreeing to this interview. I hope you are well today.
Finn- Actually, you forced me into this. I had no choice but to answer your questions. Be that as it may, I’m doing great, except for a tiny headache. I brewed a new batch of beer last night called Moonlit Sonata Stout, and I might have taste tested it a little too much.
Ian- Oh, well you know I love a good beer.
Finn- This stout tastes amazing! Midnight Sonata Stout is a masterful composition of roasted malt, layered with hints of bittersweet cocoa and velvety espresso. Each sip is a crescendo of flavor, building in intensity and depth with every moment.
Ian- If you had to sum yourself up in a tweet-length bio, what would it say?
Finn- Hey there, folks! I’m Finn McKenna, owner of Fireside Forge Brewery in Scott’s Addition. Rugged brewmaster with a passion for crafting extraordinary beers and building community one pint at a time. 🍻 #BrewingWithHeart #CommunityOverEverything
Ian- What’s your big, audacious dream, and what’s fueling your journey towards it?
Finn- Ah, my big dream? Picture this: Fireside Forge Brewery becoming the go-to spot for beer lovers far and wide. I’m talking about creating a haven where folks gather not just for the brews, but for the sense of belonging and camaraderie. Every pint poured here is a step closer to turning that dream into a reality. It’s all about crafting an experience that leaves a lasting impression and brings people together over a shared love of finely brewed beer. That’s the fuel that keeps the fire burning, my friend.
Ian- In the novel Ignited, you go on a bear cruise. I’m assuming you have a thing for burly bear like guys?
Finn- (Laughs) Well, I wouldn’t say no to a burly bear of a guy, that’s for sure! The bear cruise was more about embracing new experiences and stepping out of my comfort zone. But hey, if a handsome, rugged fellow happens to catch my eye along the way, who am I to resist a little adventure? Life’s too short to limit yourself to just one type, don’t you think?
Ian- A hot bear did catch your eye, and his name is Alex.
Finn- I don’t kiss and tell. You’ll have to wait for the story to publish.
Ian- Oh come one, they say love is in the air… any juicy romance rumors you care to confirm or deny?
Finn- (Smiles mysteriously, raising an eyebrow) Well, you know what they say about rumors… Some things are best left to the imagination until the story unfolds. But let’s just say, there may be a few surprises in store when it comes to matters of the heart. You’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you?
Ian- Last question. When readers close the book, what’s the one thing you hope they take away from your journey?
Finn- Ah, when it comes down to it, I guess what I hope readers take away is that love truly does conquer all. Whether it’s love for brewing the perfect beer, love for building a community, or love for someone special, it’s that unwavering passion and connection that drives us forward, even in the face of challenges. So, here’s to raising a glass to love, in all its forms, and the incredible journey it takes us on. Cheers, my friends!
Preorder your copy of Ignited, the first novel in the burning hearts series at your favorite bookstore by clicking here.
Ian O. Lewis and Luke Jameson 