Angela S. Stone

Living a Dream, One Word At a Time

Quick Guide to the W-7 US Tax form

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Originally Posted December 8th 2010 on my old blog. All information should be accurate, any changes please let me know!

Hi Everyone.

I just spent an hour on the phone with a very nice IRS agent/tax lawyer Who was very helpful in helping me get the forms completed.

They offer phone help for these forms to anyone who needs it, the information is found on this page:

http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/0,,id=101292,00.html

If you talk to someone on the phone they always give you their name AND their ID# WRITE THIS NUMBER DOWN! Do no be afraid of asking them to repeat this. Keep the number because if they tell you do so something and you do and you get in trouble knowing this number so the IRS can pull the call will save your butt in the long run!

This started as a quick note but it turned into a guide to the W-7 form! So I hope it’s helpful!

—Non-US Citizens, those who do not file a US Tax Return—

Here are a few tips/Hints that he pointed out to me while filling out this form : http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw7.pdf

Instructions for the form are here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf

This is for us authors who are royalty based only FYI, if you make a salary from the company then the process maybe slightly different!

“Reason you are submitting Form W-7”

Select “A” AND!! “H”

Under H “Other (see instructions)” Write “Exception 1(d)”

Exception 1(d): 1(d) Individuals who are receiving distributions during the current tax year of income such as pensions, annuities, royalties, dividends, etc. and are required to provide an ITIN to the withholding agent (for example, an investment company, insurance company, or financial institution, etc.) for the purposes of tax withholding and reporting requirements.

Translation: If you’re being paid royalties you fall into this category.

Also Under H, “Additional information for a and f” You must fill out the country you live in/file taxes in. (For me I live in Canada, There for I fill in Canada under “Enter treaty country“)

Now for “and treaty article number” you must fill in the article number for your specific country. For Canada it’s Article XII (Royalties). While for the UK it’s Article 12. I encourage you to go here: http://www.irs.gov/businesses/international/article/0,,id=96739,00.html and look up your country. Ensure you read the first treaty AND the amendments to make sure they haven’t changed any.

ALSO: if you call and speak with an IRS Agent/Tax Lawyer. They are not allowed to tell you which article you fall under (*rolls eyes*) but they will confirm that you have the correct one if you already know the article number.

Section 1a & 1b: is your name. Put your current legal name in 1a, then your name at birth (IE maiden name) in 1b. If your current legal name is the same as your name at birth, Put “N/A” in ALL BOXES (the IRS loves to reject forms if they don’t have N/A’s in the right place).

Section 2: is your address. If you have a PO box it MUST be listed in your LEGAL name. It cannot be listed under your pen name OR a company.  Otherwise Enter your address as usual.

Section 3: Is your address again! If you have a PO box enter in your physical address (IE: 1234 Highway 1) It says “if different than above” but as we are all applying outside of the US the agent I spoke with said put the address down again on both lines. As if you are applying for a “Tax Treaty Benefit” then your country MUST! be in section 3. Just put your address again to save a returned tax form!

Section 4. Date of birth, Country of birth, Where it says “City and state or province (optional)” if you know it, Put it down, will save possible paper work later on. If you don’t know put “unknown”. Try and avoid using N/A here.

Section 5: Male or Female. (Side note, if you’re transgender it’s the sex listed on your record of birth).

Section 6a: Your country of Citizenship. Enter ALL that apply.

Section 6b: This is your number used by your country to track things like Taxes. In Canada it’s your Social Insurance Number, if you have one you’re required to provide it.

Section 6c: If you have a US Visa enter the information in, if not use “N/A”

Section 6d: What type of Identification document(s) are you submitting? You must submit two pieces of ID, One for Foreign status and one for Identity. OR! A Passport. (for a full list see the instructions on page two here: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iw7.pdf  )

You can submit the original document HOWEVER, they HIGHLY suggest you submit certified copies. This process can take as long as 10 weeks!! You don’t want to be without your documents for that long!

Also the IRS is VERY picky as to who can make a certified copy. They will NOT accept a copy notarized by a Canadian Notary Public for example.

The following from the main page ( http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96690,00.html) states who they will accept copies from:

“The IRS will accept copies of original documents, if the copies have been properly certified or notarized by:

 

1-the government agency (foreign or domestic) which issued the documents,

2-employees of the U.S. State Department located in U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, or

3-a U.S. notary public who is allowed under U.S. state law to notarize foreign documents. “

As I live in Ottawa the fastest thing for me to do is to go to the US embassies and have them make a copy. You will have to inquire at your local embassies to see how they make copies if you are not able to present yourself in person.

I would HIGHLY suggest that you get AT LEAST two copies of your documents certified or notarized as if your application is lost/rejected you’ll have to pay to have them done again!

Section 6e: If you have had  a U.S. temporary taxpayer identification number (TIN) or employer identification number (EIN) Select Yes and enter the numbers in Section 6f. If you select No/Don’t Know SKIP!!! Section 6f (DO NOT ENTER IN N/A here!!)

Section 6f: See above

Section 6g: This section only applies if you are going to university OR!! If you are temporarily in the United States for business purposes. Put “N/A” here unless you are living in the US and working for Mundane Press.

Next is the signature. Sign, Date and put your phone number as you would dial from the US. So From Canada I would put (1-123-456-7890) where from the UK you would use (011-44-11-22-3456). So 011-country code-area code-phone number.

Right. Now they do have people who can help you fill this out and get all the correct paper work in. You can find them here: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96304,00.html. They usually charge a fee to do this paper work, but it does save time and hassel. It’s really up to you to use them or not. If you choose not to the ONLY FEE! required is the one to have your documents notarized!

Also if you live in China, the UK, Germany or France the embassies in Beijing, Frankfurt, London, or Paris can help you process these forms Contact info for them is located here:http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/article/0,,id=101292,00.html

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:

As we are applying under Exception 1(d). We are required to submit:

1(d) A signed letter or document from the withholding agent on official letterhead, showing your name and evidencing that an ITIN is required to make distributions to you during the current tax year that are subject to IRS information reporting or federal tax withholding.

Translation: We require a recent Book contract OR!! A letter from Mundane Press detailing this. (Would Skyla mind advising us on how to go about obtaining this letter if needed, thanks).

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

1. Your completed Form W-7.

2. A copy of a contract or a Letter from Mundane Press

3. The original documents, or certified or notarized copies of Supporting Documentation of foreign status and Identity. (AKA Passport or other.)

WHERE TO APPLY:

There are several options to apply. Since I live very close to the US border I’ll be applying in person, however here are all the options listed:

BY MAIL:

Internal Revenue Service

ITIN Operation

P.O. Box 149342

Austin, TX 78714-9342

Private delivery services:

Internal Revenue Service

ITIN Operation

Mail Stop 6090-AUSC

3651 S. Interregional, Hwy 35

Austin, TX 78741-0000

IN PERSON:

You can apply for an ITIN by bringing your completed forms and documentation to any IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the United States or IRS office abroad.

*** Ensure any mail you send is sent Registered Mail/Registered Letter so you can confirm it arrives***

The Christmas Basket

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My mom has told us this story from the time we were little. I thought I would share it here.

My mother’s family was dirt floor poor-literally. My grandfather was unable to work due to heart problems (Second person in the world to undergo a quatriple-bypass and it was done over the phone as the Doctor was stuck in Montreal by a snow storm). What little help (If any?) from the government left them just scraping by. They fished out of Halifax harbour, had their own garden. They pickled canned and froze what ever they could. My mother vivdly remembers being sent up to the Firefighting school to collect empties off of the grounds so they could get the deposit so my grandmother could buy flour or oats. She also remembers going to the butcher to ask for a “Bone for the dog” so my grandmother could boil it to make soup.
It’s December 1968(ish).My Mother and her Twin sister both have to have their tonsils out. This is before socialized Medicine was universal across Canada, my grandmother used all of the money she was saving for Christmas to pay for the surgeries.
She had a very small amount left so at least they could have Christmas dinner even if gifts would be far and few between that year.
Then disaster struck. A small piece of metal was left in my mother’s throat she had to have another surgery and expensive antibiotics to battle the infection. It took what little money my grandmother had to pay for that. In those days Doctors still made house calls when he was at their house he saw the Christmas tree, decorated but with only a handful of gifts under the tree for a family of 9 people and no Christmas dinner to be heard of. The doctor told my grandmother not to worry about paying him, they could work out a plan for payments after the holidays.
My grandmother was grateful for the Doctor’s kindness but it was still too late. There would be no real Christmas and no Christmas dinner that year.
My Mother was 9 (along with her twin sister) she remembers it was the worst feeling in the world that there would be no Christmas that year and it was all her fault.
Then on Christmas Eve there was a loud booming knock at the door.
When my Grandfather opened the door there was no one to be seen (Which was highly unusual as my grandparents lived in a house at the top of a very steep hill, with only one way up it. Also it had been snowing but there were no foot prints in the snow.)
In front of the door was the most beautiful basket my mother had ever seen. Inside there was a turkey and all of the fixings. Gifts perfectly wrapped at least one for everybody!
It was a miracle they would have Christmas after all!
My grandmother never knew who left them the Christmas basket nor how they did so. Neither did my mother, but she never forgot the kindness as soon as she was able to my Mother always spent Christmas helping others. Through official charities or just through word of mouth of someone in need.
At my grandmother’s funeral a lady well into her 80’s came up to my mother. She said she remember her from when she as just a little girl. She asked my Mother if she remembered the Christmas Basket from so many years before. My mother did. She reveled that she was the Wife of the Doctor who had seen my mother while she had the throat infection. When her husband came home and mentioned how sad it was that the family wouldn’t be able to have Christmas she sprang into action (Unbeknown to her husband) she put the basket together with the help of the ladies from the church. On Christmas eve after Mass she “Stayed late” to help clean up afterwards. One of the ladies drove to the Road that was above the hill and above my grandparents home. She walked down through the snow and the woods, carrying the Christmas Basket then edged along the wall where the snow hadn’t fallen yet to leave the Basket at the door. Thus leaving no foot prints.
She was nearly caught when someone answered the door well before she was expecting them to!
She never forgot my Mother’s Family and often thought about them she knew that my grandmother was too proud to ask for Charity but was very very grateful for the Basket left of her doorstep so many years ago.
Growing up we didn’t always have a lot. When I was younger there were a lot of Lean years. I remember that we would get 4 or 5 boxes from my Grandfather (on my dad’s side) and that was almost always out entire Christmas. My mother always bought us practical things like Socks and Underwear (still does to this day!!). She instilled in us how Christmas was not a time for “Getting” but a time for giving and being grateful for what you have and sharing that with friends and those you love and occasionally those you do not.
This year a friend of mine is struggling. Trying to figure out how she was going to buy a (some-what but not overly so) expensive gift for her son. One that he wants more than anything. They are struggling to get by. Her and her husband were both unemployed for a good part of the year. She’s now has a job but both of their salaries together (which are hovering at the poverty line) barely cover their cost of living. This is almost nothing left over for “extras” like Christmas. Her original plan was to use “gift vouchers” that she had earned through a points program to buy this present. Only to find out that she couldn’t use them for this item.
She was heart broken. She made a post on her blog about this. Not asking for help but asking for ideas where could could trim her (very tight) food budget and others so she could come up with enough money to buy this present. The one thing her son really really wants.
I’ve met this lady in person. She is so kind and would give you the shirt off her back, even if she didn’t have another. She is one of those people that you meet and you just know that you will be friends with her for the rest of your life.
I looked at the cost of the gift and I weighted my options. Work is tough for me right now. I’m barely making 20hours/week. I’m doing ok but my budget is also tight. A few unexpected costs are really pushing it for me. My Christmas Budget was set, but I had already bought most of my gifts. I decided there was enough wiggle room in there. Ideally I would have just bought the gift and shipped it to her. Never telling her who did it.
Alsa I couldn’t do that. I didn’t want to risk her scraping up the money to buy it only to discover someone sent her one. Or the worry and stress that I could see her going through.
I told her not to worry I would pick up the gift for her. (Thank god for Amazon!).
She tried to tell me no but I wouldn’t listen. I sent her the gift anyway.
I guess it’s my way of “Paying it forward” for the Christmas Basket that my mother received so many years ago. One kind act from someone continues on today.
I think she would have liked that.
Originally posted Christmas 2010

Boots on the Ground-Released!!!

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A big thank you to everyone who has put up with me the last few months! It’s been a long haul! Here it is!!! Boots on the Ground!

Boots on the Ground-Book 2
Boots on the Ground-Book 2, Canada’s Finest Series

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Boots-On-The-Ground-ebook/dp/B00AAODH6K

ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-bootsontheground-1006044-145.html

Direct from Publisher: http://phaze.com/book.php?title=Boots+on+the+Ground

 

Blurb:

Ash Cooper and Jason McCarty know they need to do one thing, and one thing alone: stay alive.

An IED attack destroyed their convoy and left them both injured in the high desert of Afghanistan and running from insurgents. They take refuge with a group of Afghan civilians, and their only hope of rescue is two satellite phones that might be damaged beyond repair.

Ash and Jason join forces with a British army nurse to survive the harsh living conditions. As days to turn to weeks, they think of home, the husbands they left behind, and the lives they want to return to.

But with food rations running short, the elders angry at them, and the hope of rescue lost, Ash and Jason start to give up, and in the end turn to each other in their struggle for survival.

 

Excerpt:

“We are gathered here today to join Jason and David, two people who love each other, in the union of marriage.” The ceremony went on, and Jason barely heard the words of the Justice. He felt too nervous for the part where they said their vows to pay attention.

“Jason and David have prepared their vows. Jason, would you like to go first?” the Justice said.

Jason nodded. They had practiced this. Jason would say the vows first, but David would do the rings first. That way there would be no question as to the equality of their relationship.

He fumbled to get the paper out of his pocket. David smiled as he did so. He read the words he had written there, but what he had written just days after David had proposed didn’t seem to work anymore. He took a deep breath, capturing David’s hands in his. “I wrote these vows the day after David asked me to marry him,” he started. “I thought they were exactly what I wanted to say, but now—” Jason shook his head. Instead of reading the words on the page he spoke from the heart. “I love you, David Henri Richard. I fell in love with you when I was lost and so broken. You were my best friend. You were a light in a very dark tunnel when I thought I would never see the end of my grief. Every day I wake up next to you, I thank God I have you. Every time you kiss me, I feel my knees go weak because I am so lucky to have you.” Jason stopped and swallowed. More tears threatened to spill over. “I know life hasn’t been easy on us. I know we have a long road ahead in the future, but I promise to love you for now and for always, David, in sickness and in health and for richer and for poorer and all of that other TV stuff.” David chuckled in response. His own tears shone in his eyes. “I love you,” Jason finished simply.

“I love you too,” David mouthed.

“David, go ahead,” the Justice prompted.

David cleared his throat. He gripped both Jason’s hands in his. “If you had of told me two years ago that I would be standing here today marrying my best friend, I would have laughed at you,” he started. His voice started off soft but got stronger as he spoke, “but here I am. I am marrying my best friend, my confidante and my soul mate. I love you, Jason Christopher McCarthy.” He paused to clear his throat again. “I am so grateful that I have you. Every day when I look at you I think it was some miracle, some gift of fate that brought us together. I have no idea what my life would be like without you, and I pray I will never have to find out.” David smiled broadly. “So I, David, promise to love you, Jason, in sickness and in health and for richer and for poorer and all of that other TV stuff.”

Everyone in attendance laughed, as did Jason, which he was grateful for because otherwise he was on the edge of bursting into tears.

They took a moment to compose themselves. The Justice of the Peace remembered they were supposed to sign the wedding registry next otherwise he would have totally forgotten. The brief task of signing the certificate of marriage gave him the reprieve he needed until he realized that together their names were neatly typed and signed, officially marrying them in the eyes of the law.

They held hands as they went to stand back in front of their friends and family.

“Do you have the rings?”

Kevin stepped forward with the rings on a pillow. David took them from him, patting his youngest child on his shoulder. He handed the slightly smaller ring to Jason to give to him.

“All right, David, repeat after me. With this ring, I, David Henri Richard, wed thee, Jason Christopher McCarthy,” she said.

David replied, “With this ring I, David Henri Richard, wed thee, Jason Christopher McCarthy.” David slipped the ring on to his finger.

“Jason, repeat after me. With this ring I, Jason Christopher McCarthy, wed thee, David Henri Richard.”

“With this ring I, Jason Christopher McCarthy, wed thee, David Henri Richard,” Jason repeated. He tried to get the ring on. It got stuck on David’s knuckle before he gave it a small push and it slid into place.

David smiled shyly at him and Jason returned it. The justice beamed. “You may now seal this union with a kiss.”

Jason leaned in. He licked his lips. Suddenly he felt nervous again. David pulled him in. He tilted his head up enough so that their hats wouldn’t bump. Jason lowered his lips to David’s. They kissed softly at first but neither pulled away.

They deepened the kiss for an instant before they broke apart. The room erupted in a loud cheer. “I now pronounce Constables Jason McCarthy and David Richard officially married.”

Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour- Giving it Up, By Amber Lin

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BLURB:

Allie prowls the club for a man who will use her hard and then ditch her. Hey, it’s not rape if she wants it. Instead she finds Colin, who looks tough but treats her tenderly, despite her protests.

He tempts her, but kindness and a few mindblowing orgasms aren’t enough to put her back together again. Allie has no hope for a real relationship. Two years ago her best friend betrayed her in the worst possible way – she’d be stupid to trust a man again. Besides, she has her daughter to think of, the only good thing to have come from that dark night.

But when her rapist returns, threatening her sanity and custody of her daughter, Allie turns to Colin. Under his protection and patient touch, Allie begins to heal and learns to hope. Colin’s no saint, though, and his criminal past draws danger of its own. Allie must fight to protect her child and the man she loves, hoping her newfound power will be enough to save them all.

Excerpt: (Warning! R rating)

We stripped at the same time, both eager. I wanted to see his body, to witness what he offered me, but it was dark in the room. Then he kissed me back onto the bed, and there was no more time to wonder. The cheap bedspread was rough and cool against my skin. His hands stroked over my breasts and then played gently with my nipples.

My body responded, turning liquid, but something was wrong.

I’d had this problem before. Not everyone wanted to play rough, but I was surprised that I’d misread him. His muscles were hard, the pads of his fingers were calloused. I didn’t know how he could touch me so softly. Everything about him screamed that he could hurt me, so why didn’t he?

I wanted him to have his nasty way with me, but every sweet caress destroyed the illusion. My fantasy was to let him do whatever he wanted with me, but not this.

“Harder,” I said. “I need it harder.”

Instead his hands gentled. The one that had been holding my breast traced the curve around and under.

I groaned in frustration. “What’s wrong?”

He reached down, still breathing heavily, and pressed a finger lightly to my cunt, then stroked upward through the moisture. I gasped, rocking my hips to follow his finger.

“You like this,” he said.

Yes, I liked it. I was undeniably aroused but too aware. I needed the emptiness of being taken. “I like it better rough.”

Colin frowned. My eyes widened at the ferocity of his expression.

In one smooth motion he flipped me onto my stomach. I lost my breath from the surprise and impact. His left hand slid under my body between my legs and cupped me. His right hand fisted in my hair, pulling my head back. His erection throbbed beside my ass in promise. I wanted to beg him to fuck me, but all I could do was gasp. He didn’t need to be told, though, and ground against me, using my hair as a handle.

That small pain on my scalp was perfection, sharp and sweet. Numbness spread through me, as did relief.

The pain dimmed. My arousal did too, but that was okay. I was only vaguely aware of him continuing to work my body from behind.

I went somewhere else in my mind. I’d stay that way all night.

At least that’s what usually happened.

Review:

I have to tell you. I started reading this book and I immediately hated it.  I didn’t like the prose, the plot was loose at best, and I honestly wanted to toss it in the “done” pile.  I took a few days break and went back to it. If I hadn’t promised a review I wouldn’t have kept reading, but I am so glad I did.

The first chapter is slow, by the second chapter Amber starts to pick up steam and when the third chapter rolls around I was completely and utterly hooked.

Allie is such a complex character, I feel like after an entire book, we still haven’t scratched the surface to her true self. There is so much more to this book than the blurb. This book isn’t about sex, it’s about trust. Allie wants someone to hurt her because she doesn’t trust them. When Colin doesn’t hurt her, she’s forced with the truth of what she really wants.

As Allie gets deeper and deeper involved with Colin and his not-so-perfect life, she finds herself alone and unsure of who to trust. She’s got to rely on herself and her own gut instinct to get her out of an impossible situation.

Amber Lin creates a world that sucks you in and gets you to stand up an pay attention. It’s not the perfect fairy tale we’ve come to expect from most books, but it’s raw and it’s real and once I got over the first few chapters, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

4/5 Stars.

Prizes:

  • One randomly drawn winner from each blog will receive a Giving It Up Swag Pack, which includes romance trading cards, a signed cover flat, a signature soap bar for showers together handcrafted by AnaBanana Creations and a $10 Amazon gift card.
  • One randomly drawn commenter on the tour will win an erotic romance prize pack, including paperback copies of Bared to You by Sylvia Day, Simply Carnal by Kate Pearce, Lessons in Letting Go by Cara McKenna (print combo of Willing Victim and Curio), Comfort Object by Annabel Joseph, a collection of signed Giving It Up swag AND a $50 Amazon Gift Card (BN.com or All Romance may be substituted)

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amber Lin loves to read angsty romance with plenty of sex, so it was no surprise that her debut book turned out to be erotic romance set against a dark urban landscape. She writes with one rule in mind: it has to get worse before it can get better. She lives with her husband, son and passel of puppy dogs in the great state of Texas.

Website: http://authoramberlin.com/

 

 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/authoramberlin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827158.Amber_Lin

Book Video link: http://youtu.be/5NQ7NTuzFFI

1NS Blog Hop!

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Hello Everyone! Thanks for stopping by on my little spot on the web. Welcome to the first 1NS blog hop! Today I have for you an offering from my first 1NS story “Goalie Interference”

 

Goalie Interference- A 1NS story

Blurb:

Hockey goalie Tarah ‘TJ’ Elliot is too busy stopping pucks to go looking for love. When her friend Natalie sets her up through Madame Eve’s 1 Night Stand service, she grudgingly agrees to go. Her ultimate fantasy comes true when Scott Alarid, one of the top scorers in the league, shows up at her hotel room. Hockey player TJ can’t possibly spend a night with him, but Tarah certainly can.

Scott’s tired of dealing with women who only like him for his all-star status. After his teammates arrange a date for him using the 1NS website, he’s delighted to find a woman who doesn’t know a thing about the sport. But, will the truth force them to put their relationship on ice?

Recent Review:

“This is the first book I have read about a female hockey player. I thought it was a great twist and added a lot of realism to what it’s like to play professional sports.

For such a short story I was amazed by the detail in the plot line. You get a scorching sexual tale and a hero and heroine you just want to cheer for.” Review by Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews on Amazon

Sneak Peak:

He stood and he scooped her into his arms.

She shrieked “Hey, not funny.”

“What? I bench twice your weight.” He carried her the short distance between
the sitting area and the bedroom and settled her on the bed. He took a moment to
admire her, perfect and petite, lying there wanting him. She made a small noise
and he joined her in bed. Kissing her as he pressed the weight of his body over
hers.

“I might be tiny, but, trust me, I could take you.” Tarah responded belatedly,
but as proof, she hooked her legs over his and flipped their bodies so he lay on his
back with her straddling his waist. She grabbed his wrists and held them above
his head. “See?”

His cock strained against the front of his pants. She knew how to take what she
wanted. Most women expected him to do all the work. He grew harder in the
confines of his pants, turned on by her attitude. “Why don’t you show me some
more of those moves?”

Don’t forget!!!!!! Everyone who comments will be entered into win a $20 Amazon gift card!!

Check out the other 1NS blogs here!!!

Hop Against Homophobia

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Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the web.

I decided to participate with the Hop for Homophobia as I wanted to bring awareness and rights to those who are horribly discriminated against.

I live inCanadaand I’ve had the opportunity to live in a society where you’re not judged based on who you love. I grew up in a free a loving household, Black, White, Gay, Straight, Trans, heck you never knew who was going to be at my house at any given day. I was brought up to accept everyone, for who they were.

I as a child I never knew how lucky I was. As an adult I strive to carry forth the values I had instilled in me.

Canadahas had equal marriage rights since 2006, what has happened to us? Nothing. The world has gone on the same as before.  We’ve actually had civil partnerships since the early 90’s

I’m a M/M author, and my book “Sometimes It’s Fate” just went to print. It’s about two police officers Jason and David, who fall in love.

Here is the cover art and Blurb

Sometimes it’s Fate- Book 1

 

Jason McCarthy is gay. He’s also a police officer living in a small-minded northern New Brunswick town where being gay could spell the end of his career. When an impending snowstorm threatens to strand his best friend and policing partner, David, Jason offers up his spare room for the night- a move that reveals Jason’s secret, and changes their friendship and lives forever.

David Richard isn’t gay- at least he doesn’t think he is. He knows he loves his best friend, and he admits to feelings that had started after a tragic accident almost a year before. When David acts on these feelings, it doesn’t go well, leaving both men alone and hurt. Jason, however, doesn’t think twice about stepping in and rescuing David’s children when their mother abandons them. The move brings David and Jason back together, but Jason’s past rears its ugly head and they both have to make difficult decisions that are sometimes best left up to fate.

 

You can pick Sometimes It’s Fate up: Here from the Publisher, Here from Amazon, and Here in print! 

 

The Second book in the Canada’s Finest series is “Boots on the Ground”.

 

Boots on the Ground-Book 2
Boots on the Ground-Book 2, Canada’s Finest Series

Ash Cooper knows him and, his Civilian Police partner, Jason McCarty need to do one thing- Stay Alive. An IED attack leaves both men stranded in the high desert of Afghanistan and running from insurgents. With damaged satellite phones and Ash being injured their only hope is to take refuge with a group of civilians until then can be rescued. But rescuers don’t come and as the days turn to weeks Ash and Jason think about home, the partners they left behind, and when all hope is lost they turn to each other in a struggle for survival. 

 

Just before Jason gets deployed to Afghanistan, Jason marries his partner David. Here is an EXCLUSIVE SNEEK PEAK at Boots on the Ground which is coming out from Phaze Books in July!

 

Lets show those who don’t support MARRIAGE EQUALITY (I refuse to call it “gay” marriage”) how beautiful it can be!!

*~*

Jason kept pacing and rubbing his sweaty hands on his pants. He hadn’t been this nervous in his entire life.

“Relax Jason you’re going to be fine,” Steve said.

“I know, I just—” Jason shook his head he couldn’t put his finger on what he was feeling.

“You’re happy and excited and terrified and sad and mad and glad and you have no idea all rolled into one giant ball of energy,” Steve supplied.

Jason nodded. “How did you know?”

“Dude, I got married in June. It’s not a feeling you forget any time soon,” Steve replied. He slugged Jason’s arm playfully. “I think you’re worse than I was.”

“You were puking your guts out in the bathroom of the rectory because you were so hung over from the night before,” Jason pointed out.

“Yeah that’s true.” Steve laughed. “Don’t tell Nancy that.”

“You’re kidding right?” Jason said. He grinned at his older brother. “You drunk called her at three a.m. to say that you loved her so you didn’t sleep with the stripper that your buddy hired.”

Steve’s eyes went wide. “I did not,” he protested, but he turned bright red anyway.

“You so did. Nancy knew you had a killer hangover. Why do you think she dragged you out of bed at eight a.m. to do wedding stuff?” Jason laughed as Steve sputtered. “That is why I would not let you have a bachelor party for me.”

“That and only you and Craig would like the strippers that Craig wanted to hire,” Steve teased.

“That too,” Jason admitted. The conversation with Steve lasted long enough that when he stuck his head out the seats in the court room were filled. He glanced out and saw Craig making his way towards him. They had decided that neither of them was going to walk down the aisle. Instead they would send Mandy and Kevin up the aisle as the flower girl and ring bearer. The groomsmen would follow and they would walk in from the wings.

“Two minutes,” Craig said stepping into the anti-room. “No peeking.” He stuck his tongue out at Jason. “I already yelled at David for it.”

Jason hugged his best friend tightly. He owed a lot of his relationship with David to Craig and his pointed interventions when needed.  “Thank you,” he whispered to Craig.

“For what?”

“For being there and for kicking my ass when I needed it,” Jason replied.

Craig shook his head. “I owe you thanks, for—” he glanced at Steve. He clearly didn’t want to reveal the history between them regarding his HIV status. “Thank you for all of the support you’ve given me. I couldn’t do this without you.”

Jason hugged the smaller man. They broke apart as the music started for Mandy and Kevin to go up the aisle then Steve followed by Craig went out. He waited for his cue and then he walked out. He caught David’s eye as they walked out of the wings together.

David looked as handsome as he ever did. His red serge seemed to shine. The whole place gave off a glow, a hum of excitement.

The met in the middle of the room, both smiling nervously at each other. Jason reached out and grasped David’s hand tightly. Neither was wearing their gloves. Instead they were safely in his pocket. David’s hand was a sweaty as his felt. That made him feel a tiny bit better. 

They turned to the Justice of the Peace. She smiled and began to speak. “We are gathered here today to join Jason and David, two people who love each other, in the union of marriage.”  The ceremony went on and Jason honestly barely heard the words of the justice. He was nervous for the part where they said their vows.

“Jason and David have prepared their vows. Jason would you like to go first?” the Justice said.

Jason nodded. They had practiced this. Jason would say the vows first but David would do the rings first. That way there would be no question as to the equality of their relationship.

He fumbled to get the paper out of his pocket. David smiled as he did so. He read the words he had written there, but what he had written just days after David had proposed didn’t seem to work anymore. He took a deep breath, capturing David’s hands in his. “I wrote these vows the day after David asked me to marry him,” he started. “I thought they were exactly what I wanted to say but now—” Jason shook his head. Instead of reading the words on the page he spoke from the heart. “I love you David Henri Richard. I fell in love with you when I was lost and so broken. You were my best friend. You were a light in a very dark tunnel when I thought I would never see the end of my grief. Every day I wake up next to you I thank God that I have you. Every time you kiss me, I feel my knees go weak like I’m going to faint because I am so lucky to have you.” Jason stopped and swallowed. More tears threatened to spill over. “I know that life hasn’t been easy to us. I know that we have a long road ahead in the future, but I promise to love you for now and for always David, in sickness and in health and for richer and for poorer and all of that other TV stuff.” David laughed slightly. His own tears shone in his eyes. “I love you,” he finished simply.

“I love you too,” David mouthed.

“David, go ahead,” the justice prompted.

David cleared his throat. He gripped Jason’s hands tightly in his. “If you had of told me two years ago, that I would be standing here today marrying my best friend, I would have laughed at you,” he started. His voice started off soft but got stronger as he spoke, “but here I am. I am marrying my best friend, my confidante and my soul mate. I love you Jason Christopher McCarthy.” David stopped to clear his throat. “I am so grateful that I have you. Every day when I look at you I think it was some miracle, some gift of fate that brought us together.  I have no idea what my life would be like without you and I pray I will never have to find out.” David smiled broadly. “So I David, promise to love you, Jason, in sickness and in health and for richer and for poorer and all of that other TV stuff.”

 Everyone in the audience laughed softly, as did Jason, which he was grateful for because otherwise he was on the edge of bursting into tears.

They took a moment to compose themselves. He was grateful the Justice of the Peace remembered that they were supposed to sign the wedding registry next otherwise he would have totally forgotten. The brief task of signing the certificate of marriage gave him the reprieve he needed until he realized that together their names were neatly typed and signed, officially marrying them in the eyes of the law.

They held hands as they went to stand back in front of their friends and family. “Do you have the rings?”

Kevin stepped forward with the rings on a pillow. David took them from him, patting his youngest son on his shoulder. He handed the slightly smaller ring to Jason to give to him.

“Alright David repeat after me. With this ring, I, David Henri Richard, wed thee, Jason Christopher McCarthy,” she said.

David replied, “With this ring I, David Henri Richard, wed thee, Jason Christopher McCarthy.” David slipped the ring on to his finger.

“Jason, repeat after me. With this ring I, Jason Christopher McCarty, wed thee David Henri Richard.” 

“With this ring I, Jason Christopher McCarty, wed thee David Henri Richard,” Jason repeated he tried to get the ring on. It got stuck on David’s knuckle before he gave it a small push and it slid into place.

David smiled shyly at him and Jason returned it. The justice smiled broadly. “You may now seal this union with a kiss.”

Jason leaned in. He licked his lips wetting them slightly. Suddenly he felt nervous again. David pulled him in closely. He tilted his head up enough so that their hats wouldn’t bump. Jason lowered his lips to David’s. They kissed softly at first but neither pulled away. They deepened the kiss briefly before they broke apart. The room erupted in a loud cheer.

“I now pronounce Constables Jason McCarthy and David Richard officially married,” the justice said in her last official act.

Again the room cheered.  Jason held David’s hand tightly. They walked out of the court room to applause, cheers and even the occasional pat on the back. Outside of the court their friends and family quickly spilled out all congratulating them on their marriage.

Jason stood there, his hand tightly clasping David’s when Mandy ran over to them. She attached herself to Jason’s legs. “Uncle Jason,” she said sweetly hold her arms up. Jason scooped her up into his arms. “Do you know what?”

“What?” Jason asked smiling at her.

“Now you can be my Daddy too,” she announced proudly. “I have two daddies.”

Jason hugged his step-daughter close to him. “Yes you do,” he agreed while David smiled at them a tear tracking down his face. “Yes you do.”

*~*

Talk about adorable!

Now THE PRIZES

You have THREE ways to win!

1-“Like” my facebook page! Everyone who “likes” my page is automatically entered into win. (Handy “Like” button on the side bar –>)

2-Comment on this blog post with your email address

3- Follow me on twitter and send me an “@”! (Follow button also on the side bar —>)

 

The BIG prize pack I’m giving away

1-A very awesome PRIDE FLAG from Ottawa, Canada along with various other “PRIDE” items from here in the Capital of Canada

2-1 Copy of Sometimes It’s Fate (Print or Digital!)

3-1 digital ARC of “Boots on the Ground”(when available)

4- 2 M/M romance books from RT 2012!

5-1 Toy from my GIANT BOX of sex toys! (Your choice)

 

WOW! All winners are chosen by random.org. The BIG prize pack will be shipped out to you from Canada. Contest closes in ONE week. I’ll ship ANYWHERE in the world!

 

Thanks! And happy hopping. Stop by my other blog Sex Scheming Geniuses, for more prizes!

Don’t forget to go back to Hop Against Homophobia for more blogs

*~*

Oh and if you’re still listening… I’m doing a TOUR for Sometimes It’s Fate! You can win MORE Prizes by check out the blog stops by clicking on the Banner!

 

 

Latest Events

Romancing the Capital 2016

It’s done it’s over! my first book signing was a rocking success (I’ve sold out of my books and have to order more!) and had an amazing time! I’m so excited! Here are two shots from the signing!!! I may have had a 10 foot sign!

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