Love Bytes is happy to welcome author B.G Thomas today to talk about new release “Somethimes the Best Presents can’t be Wrapped”
Well the Blurb Sounds Interesting…But Is It Romance??
It is said that man’s best friend is his dog. And Marilyn Monroe has been quoted with the words, “Dogs never bite me. Only humans.” I’ve known couples that decided to split on good terms and even divided their accumulated possessions quite amicably… until it came to the dog. They fought less over children than they did the canines! But you know, I understand in a way. If my ex had expressed one inkling that he was going to take our Sheltie, Ramses, he would have found me finally ready to raise my fists and defend myself after years of taking abuse. And is there any wonder?
No matter how bad your day might have been—how upsetting, how infuriating—when you get home to your dog and are met with complete and utter joy, tail wagging so hard and fast his entire back end is thrashing back and forth, his eyes nearly rolling up in pure, unadulterated joy…that day is suddenly a whole lot better. Dogs seem to understand our hearts, and for those of us who have had dogs in our lives, we know they understand. Those who tell us we are simply anthropomorphizing (ascribing human form or attributes to an animal, plant, material object, etc)? They can take a flying leap at a rolling doughnut. I feel sorry for them. They have never known the unconditional love of a dog.
Did you know that archaeological records have found the first undisputed dog remains buried beside humans 14,700 years ago? There are remains occurring 36,000 years ago! Thirty-six thousand years! Wolves and their dog descendants and humans have been companions since before we became an agricultural people! Both humans and dogs benefited hugely from this relationship. “Dogs” were safer, had more reliable food, fewer needs, and a better opportunity to breed. Humans benefitted because dogs improved sanitary conditions by cleaning up food scraps, provided warmth, and alerted them to the presence of strangers and predators. Anthropologists think that the domestication of dogs may have been one of the key forces that led to human success. Some say even more important than the discovery of how to make fire!
Is it a surprise we love dogs? They have been with us for eons. They are practically in our DNA, and we are certainly in theirs.
It is with this thought, this idea, that I wrote my Christmas story for this year. For what greater love is there than between a boy and his dog?
But then I hear you say, “But…. But Ben! How is there a romance in that? I mean, that could get downright icky! You’re not going to squick me out are you?”
I am laughing! Because, OMGosh yes, that could be gross! But it is not what you are thinking at all. Because I think you will love this story of a dog of a different color and the young man who adopts him. It is filled with lots and lots of love (especially from me to you). And I dare you not to tear up before it’s all over.
Here is the cover blurb to explain….
SOMETIMES THE BEST PRESENTS CAN’T BE WRAPPED
Ned Balding used to be a decent man—until the stress of seemingly countless responsibilities changes him, and he becomes cold and driven—the kind of man who considers firing an employee days before Christmas. The kind of man who kicks a dog…. But Ned’s transgressions haven’t gone unseen. A Salvation Army Santa witnesses his misdeeds and decides Ned needs to be taught a lesson.
When Ned wakes up the next morning, he’s stunned to discover he’s been transformed into a dog.
In the past year, Jake Carrara has lost his mother, a lover… even his dog. His boss came close to firing him just before the holidays. He isn’t sure he’s ready for another pet when he’s asked to foster a dog, but Jake’s good heart won’t let him refuse. Little does he know, this isn’t just any dog.
Through a twist of fate, two people with little reason to be friends might teach each other to rediscover the good—and the love—in life.in life.
Yes, one of my two main characters wakes up to find that he has been transformed into a black Labrador retriever! And now, as a dog, Ned must find his humanity again, learn to love, and to put others first… or according to Father Christmas, he will remain forever a dog. Does he stand a chance…?
Well through the kindness and caring nature of a certain young man, Ned’s eyes very well might be opened to the love inside him that has waited all his life to be wakened and set free.
Readers who have received ARCs have told me it’s my best holiday story ever, even better than Grumble Monkey and the Department Store Elf. Are they right?
Only you can say for sure!
Happy Holidays, no matter what your beliefs!
And may you have a blessed New Year!
Love, B.G. “Ben” Thomas
BUY LINKS:
B.G. Thomas lives in Kansas City with his husband of more than a decade and their fabulous dogs Sarah Jane and Oliver. He is blessed to have a lovely daughter as well as many extraordinary friends. He has a great passion for life.
B.G. loves romance, comedies, fantasy, science fiction, and even horror—as far as he is concerned, as long as the stories are character driven and entertaining, it doesn’t matter the genre. He has gone to literature conventions his entire adult life where he’s been lucky enough to meet many of his favorite writers. He has made up stories since he was a child; it is where he finds his joy.
In the nineties, he wrote for gay adult magazines but stopped because the editors wanted all sex without plot. “The sex is never as important as the characters,” he says. “Who cares what they are doing if we don’t care about them?” Excited about the growing male/male romance market, he began writing again. He submitted a novella and was thrilled when it was accepted in four days. Since then the romantic tales have poured out of him. “It’s like I’m somehow making up for a lifetime’s worth of story-telling!”
In 2015 he made an entry every day in his blog “365 Days of Silver,” where he found something every day to be grateful for. You can find it right here: https://365daysofsilver.wordpress.com/
“Leap, and the net will appear” is his personal philosophy and his message. “It is never too late,” he testifies. “Pursue your dreams. They will come true!”
Website/blog: bthomaswriter.wordpress.com
Such a beautiful cover! Congratulations!