Brush with Catastrophe
A boy who thinks he’s a crappy witch saves the world
Brush with Catastrophe
Sammy Raphael is a crappy witch, and on top of that, he can’t seem to get a boyfriend. Where other supernaturals can bring down lightning and manifest wealth, Sammy can paint. Granted, the “prophetic” paintings he creates at night always come true, but they never predict anything important. Sammy feels like a total loser with a worthless ability.
One night he paints a gorgeous guy who turns out to be his secret crush, the human Ryder, but Ryder’s changed so much he’s almost unrecognizably beautiful. Then Sammy paints an angel who turns out to be a witch. But is that witch also a devil—a devil who can bring down Sammy’s whole community and everyone he loves? And why the hell does Ryder keep changing? Aloysius, the black cat familiar, always backs a winner. So why is he backing Sammy?
3nd edition
Tara Lain Books
June 23, 2020
235 pages
Also Available in Audiobook Format
Listen to an excerpt
Length 7 hours and 19 minutes
Read by Kirt Graves
What People Are Saying About Brush with Catastrophe
5 Stars!
Both stories have their own unique charm, but, for me, this book shines even brighter than the first. That’s because it presents us with an alternative hero. Sammy reminds us that everyone is special in their own way, and what might not seem like a big deal at the time, may be the biggest deal of all. I recommend this story to anyone with a romantic soul like mine, who believes that quiet strength is just as powerful as is overt strength. Thanks, Tara, for presenting us with such an inspiring story.
This is a wonderful blend of a m/m romance and a paranormal. I’m not sure where this series is going but I plan on following where ever it leads!
5 Kisses
Brush with Catastrophe is a fun and adventurous romance filled with many sexy and intriguing characters that live and breathe off of the written page. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the first book and hope there will be more books written for this series. Highly Recommended!
Other Books in the Aloysius Tales Series
Excerpt from Brush with Catastrophe
Ryder cocked his head. “You’re so talented.”
Gods, Sammy’s heart had to slow down, or he’d pass out. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
Ryder looked up with a soft expression. “You mean coming from a dumb historian who doesn’t know a palette knife from a fork?”
“No, I mean coming from you. My friend.”
“Don’t go out with Lucien, Sammy.”
What the fuck? “Why? Come on, Ryder. Sure, I don’t have a background check on him, but I probably know as much about him as I do you.”
Ryder looked at his feet. “Point taken.” The green eyes flashed up. “But I think he’s cheating on you.”
“What?”
Ryder walked over to the kitchen counter, picked up a glass, filled it from the faucet, and drank.
Sammy wanted to beat him over the head. “Come on. Tell me what you mean. Stop stalling.”
“I can’t prove it, but I’ve talked to a couple of people who seem to have a relationship with him and seem to think they are somehow special to him.”
Sammy couldn’t catch his breath. “Well, we’re not exclusive or anything. I don’t have any claims on him.”
Ryder scratched Al, who was purring so loudly that Sammy could hear it clearly. “Is that true? Or has he implied that you’re his boyfriend?”
“Not exactly.”
“I think you deserve better, Sams. I think you can do better.”
Well, shit! Sammy threw up his hands. “That’s real easy to say when you have an unlimited supply of tits to drool over.” Sammy crossed his arms. Maybe they’d protect his heart. “I haven’t had a real boyfriend in over a year, and even that one wasn’t serious. I’m lonely, damn it. I want to be with someone, and Lucien is smart and funny and charming, and he seems to like me a lot.” He spread his arms wide. “Is that so unbelievable? That a gorgeous guy like that could actually go for a skinny scarecrow like me?” He could feel his ears getting hot, and hurt stored over years poured out of him. “Maybe that’s why you think he’s cheating. You can’t believe he could want me!”
Ryder stared at him, his eyes shiny. “That’s not true. I’d never feel that way. I think anyone with a brain would want you.”
“Then there must be a lot of dumb people!” Sammy’s breath came hard. Shit, he was attacking his best friend. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I know you don’t think that.” He ran a hand through his hair. He probably really looked like that scarecrow now. “Look, he’s going to be here soon. I promise I’ll ask him. I will. Okay?”
Ryder frowned. “I’m worried about you.”
“I know. I don’t understand why, but I know you are. I’ll talk to him.”
“Okay.”
“You better go unless you want to ask him yourself.”
“No, I’ll go.” Ryder walked to the door and turned. He extricated Al from his neck and handed him to Sammy. “I care what happens to you. I care…. I wish…. Hell, be careful.” He opened the door and walked out, then closed the door behind him.
Sammy collapsed onto the couch, still holding Al against his chest, and threw his head back. “Why the fuck does this have to be so hard? Why can’t I just have a boyfriend?”
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