Blog Tour, Interview by Laura Lascarso & Giveaway
Multi-Author Dark MM Anthology:These Deviant Ties
What is These Deviant Ties?
These Deviant Ties is the brainchild of MM author Jessica Ames, who wanted to put together an anthology of mafia types using the enemies-to-lover trope. I immediately signed up, though once I got into the project, I discovered it’s a lot harder than I initially thought.
Why’s that?
I underestimated just how many words it takes to get enemies to become lovers. With my story, Nightingale, I decided the only way to get them there was to give them a long, complicated history. One is an assassin, the other is an accountant, both working for the same mafia syndicate. They’re also childhood friends and sometimes lovers with a lot of unresolved trauma between them.
Sounds intriguing. What was the hardest part about writing a story about an assassin?
Probably having to make him seem utterly human and relatable in addition to a monstrous killer. For me, I needed to make the people he’s killing the bad guys (no innocents). Otherwise, it wouldn’t land right for me.
How many words did it take you to get there?
About 13K words, but I plan on expanding Nightingale into novel-length in 2022 as part of a multi-author collection called Virtuous Sinners where we all take on a different virtue. Mine will be patience, as in revenge is a dish best served cold.
What can we expect from your full-length novel?
There will be many more murders and Julian will tell several more bad jokes before he and Kahlil find their HEA.
Was it hard limiting yourself to a short story?
Yes, I realized I’m much better at the novel format than the short story one, but I did appreciate having to stretch outside my comfort zone.
What are some of your favorite themes to explore in fiction?
So many! But with Nightingale, I plan to explore the corruption of power, which is embodied by Father Aubert, the priest who runs the Catholic orphanage where my two characters grew up. I also explore how childhood trauma can make monsters out of men, and how those same angry men, or at least this one in particular, may go on to seek revenge against those who sinned against him. So, yeah, pretty dark. But there are also themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption. And there is a deep and abiding love between my two main characters that borders on codependency at times.
Sounds like a revenge story.
Yeah, pretty much. A lot of my books deal with seeking justice (or revenge) outside of the law. I think that might be my schtick.
What else can we expect from you in 2022?
Well, I plan to round out my Giovanni duet with a third story as told from Silvio’s perspective, and I’m currently drafting an MM retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray but set in modern times. That’s been super fun to dip my toes into horror. I may also knock out Jay’s story, who was a side character in my sinfully sweet contemporary, A Soft Touch. And that pretty much rounds out my 2022!
You’re going to be busy! A remake of Dorian Gray sounds terrifying.
Yes, it will be 
Thanks so much for joining us today, Laura, please feel free to drop your links here!
Find These Deviant Ties on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097CNLMW2
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Deviants and delinquents…
These men exist outside the law. They walk in the shadows and thrive in the dark.
Bad to the bone, they take what they want.
What happens when what they want is you?
What happens when the anger that burns through their veins is now directed at you?
Can enemies really become lovers or is it just a losing game?
These Deviant Ties follows eleven authors who bring you steamy, dark MM stories that will make your toes curl and your heart pound.
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To celebrate the release of These Deviant Ties, the authors are giving away a $25 Amazon Voucher for sharing about this release on blog sites and social media!
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!
The Authors Involved include:
Andi Rhodes
Andréa Joy
Amy Thorn
René Van Dalen
CP Harris
Amy Davies
Emma Jaye
Nero Seal
Laura Lascarso
Kamisa Cole
Alice La Roux
