To celebrate the release of her newest contemporary (military) M/M romance, TIGHT QUARTERS, I have Annabeth Albert on the blog today sharing the playlist inspiration for Bacon and Spencer's romance!
P.S: There might also be an excerpt AND a giveaway at the end. ;)
Exclusive Look at the Tight Quarters Playlist
Hi! I’m so thrilled to be here on one of my favorite blogs! I’m here celebrating the release of TIGHT QUARTERS which is sixth in my Out of Uniform series, but stands alone fine. It features Bacon, a freewheeling SEAL sniper, and Spencer, a silver fox journalist who embeds with Bacon’s team. Music is a huge part of all of my books in this series, from the angsty playlist for AT ATTENTION to the country-versus-pop battle for WHEELS UP to the 80s hits cluttered SQUARED AWAY playlist. Thus, I was super curious to see what my TIGHT QUARTERS guys would toss my way.
First, Bacon is a fan of metal, but I quickly found that I couldn’t write to straight up metal. However, stripped down versions of metal classics were perfect for his scenes. Spencer has more eclectic tastes and was content to let Bacon drive much of the soundtrack, but his contributions tended to be sexier, more soulful songs that really resonated with the book’s emotional scenes, particularly the second half of the book. You can check out the full, huge playlist at Spotify HERE. But I wanted to share with you some of my favorite songs from their playlist and talk about why they were so key to me.
- “Whataya Want from Me” by Adam Lambert. As soon as Bacon told me he’d be donning eyeliner and leather pants in a particular scene, I knew this song would make it onto the playlist, and indeed, it’s one of the first songs on it. This particular Lambert song is really perfect for Bacon who is unapologetically who he is and who really doesn’t want to have to deal with Spencer’s intrusion into his life or his SEAL team.
- “Snuff” by Slipknot. This is sort of the Bacon theme song. I toyed with the idea of him having lyrics from this song in a tattoo, and I think it really embodies who he is when the story opens and who he’s been in the past, how he’s loved and lost.
- “Best Part of Me” by St. Leonards. Spencer’s theme song that is really about his journey to discover that Bacon is totally the best part of him, the missing piece, the thing he needs more than anything.
- “Use Somebody” cover by Jake Coco. I’ve got several versions of this song on the playlist because it speaks to how deeply they need each other and how much they don’t want to need each other like that. They come to really care about each other and take care of each other as the story progresses and to me, this song really speaks to their journey together.
- “Take on Me” Unplugged version from a-ha. Another song that totally speaks to the journey of this couple. They’re not perfect. They know that. They have scarred hearts and they don’t always make the best choices. This song was the one I chose for the last part of the book as they really work towards the HEA and Spencer in particular must do some soul searching.
- “Don’t Give Up on Us” by The Maine. This was another song that really spoke to the last third of the book or so and both men discovering what it means to be in a relationship, what it will take to stay together.
- “I Can’t Make You Love Me” cover by Dave Thomas Junior. One of the most haunting songs I’ve heard in recent memory, this cover was on repeat as I wrote the black moment, trying to type through my tears.
- “Lay It On Me” by Vance Joy. The song of the book. The one I listened to so many times it’s a wonder I didn’t break Spotify. This IS this couple, their sensual connection, what they mean to each other, what they can give each other, and ultimately, what they take from each other.
“Lay It On Me” is probably the song that this book ruined for me in the best possible way—it will always be Bacon and Spencer’s song, the one that sticks with me for years whenever I think of this book. But assembling their playlist as I wrote was a true labor of love.
How about you? Do you enjoy listening to music as you write or create? Read? Are there certain songs you associate more with particular books or movies?
Thank you so much for having me!
~ Annabeth Albert
Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert
Publisher: Carina Press (July 1, 2018)
Series: Out of Uniform, 6
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Military) -- M/M
Publisher: Carina Press (July 1, 2018)
Series: Out of Uniform, 6
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Military) -- M/M
Petty Officer Bacon, a navy SEAL and ace sharpshooter, has been on the front lines of more than his fair share of dangerous ops. Yet when a minor injury relegates him to the beta team, he’s tasked with what may be his riskiest assignment yet: the silver fox journalist he’s babysitting is the hottest, most charismatic man he’s ever encountered.
Award-winning journalist Spencer Bryant may have been named one of Pride magazine’s most eligible bachelors of the year, but he’s not looking to change his relationship status. He’s a consummate professional who won’t risk his ethics or impeccable reputation by getting involved with a source. Even a sexy-as-hell military man. But while Spencer can resist his physical attraction to Bacon, he has less control over his emotions—especially when the mission goes sideways and the two men are trapped alone.
Getting out of the jungle alive turns out to be easy compared to facing the truth about their feelings for one another back in the real world. And whether or not they can build a future is a different story altogether.
Award-winning journalist Spencer Bryant may have been named one of Pride magazine’s most eligible bachelors of the year, but he’s not looking to change his relationship status. He’s a consummate professional who won’t risk his ethics or impeccable reputation by getting involved with a source. Even a sexy-as-hell military man. But while Spencer can resist his physical attraction to Bacon, he has less control over his emotions—especially when the mission goes sideways and the two men are trapped alone.
Getting out of the jungle alive turns out to be easy compared to facing the truth about their feelings for one another back in the real world. And whether or not they can build a future is a different story altogether.
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Tight Quarters Excerpt
“Came because I didn’t have anywhere else I’d rather be.” Bacon’s voice lowered, became more mournful. “And trust me, I’m every bit as pissed about that too. Fuck you for getting under my skin. Everything on base is too damn quiet right now. And I’m too…itchy. You make me itchy, Spencer, and I hate it.”
“I’m—”
“Don’t you dare say sorry.” Bacon’s mouth was millimeters from Spencer’s when he paused. Held. Gave him a chance to escape, but even though it was the height of stupidity, Spencer wasn’t going anywhere.
“I hate it too,” he whispered, right against Bacon’s mouth a split second before Bacon claimed his mouth in a punishing kiss. Spencer was used to being the aggressor with kissing. It was just how he was wired—he’d always been the one to take the lead in bed. But Bacon left no space for him to take over. In fact, all he could do was cling to Bacon and hope they didn’t burn the damn hotel down with the force of their passion.
It was like they’d been longing for this for years, not days, and like they were both longtime lovers reuniting and mortal enemies enraged at their attraction. Bacon kissed like he operated in the field—with deadly intent and utter precision as he systematically took Spencer apart, lick by lick, nip by nip, breath by breath. But really, who needed air with kisses like these? Bacon kept up the aggressive assault, body pushing him against the wall, mouth ensuring his compliance.
Finally, Bacon proved himself mortal after all and pulled away to gasp for air. “Fuck.”
“Still mad?” Why Spencer was goading him, he really couldn’t say, other than he wanted more of this wild, unleashed, more-than-a-little unhinged man.
“Very.” Bacon bit at Spencer’s ear, which made him shiver like a teenager in a backseat for the first time. God, he was putty for this man, absolute wet clay for him to mold and use. “So damn pissed.”
But he belied his words by sinking to his knees, as graceful as any dancer Spencer had worked with. He went straight for Spencer’s waistband.
“Wait.” Spencer had to regain a little control here, assert himself, not simply get caught up in the Bacon express train of lust and anger. “Still don’t know your name.”
Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series.
To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.
Where to Find Annabeth:
Thanks for stopping by, Annabeth, and for sharing the great playlist!
Don't forget Annabeth's question for you: "How about you? Do you enjoy listening to music as you write or create? Read? Are there certain songs you associate more with particular books or movies?"
Don't forget to enter the giveaway for this blog tour.
I love this series, and Annabeth's books in general. So trust me when I say you should just head on over to Amazon and one-click TIGHT QUARTERS now! Especially after the hot tease of a kiss (and more...). Damn!
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
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