Christmas is just around the corner - and what better way to celebrate than to give away a free story?

A little about Leather and Newfound Land: When I grew up, we had very big dogs - and one of those was a brown Newfoundland. I must admit that we had no idea what we'd gotten ourselves into. Not about the size of the dog; we were used to that. But we had no idea what would happen the first time we let our pup out into the rain. We'd thought he would want to get back inside quickly or maybe spend some time in the dry area of the terrasse.

Instead, we went out to get him after half an hour - and found him down the biggest hole I've ever seen. He almost fit completely, and with the rain pouring down, it made a very nice pool. Especially since he was digging quicker than I'd ever thought a dog could, and then jumping up and down in the water at the bottom of the hole. God, he had fun.

This is where we made our big mistake. We saw a poor wet dog, felt immensely guilty, and immediately took him inside. Where he shook himself. In a room with white walls.

Well, let me just say that it took hours to clean. And that was after we'd finished cleaning the dog.

It made a lasting impression on me, though, and that's why you'll find that exact scene in Leather and Newfound Land. Enjoy!

Leather and Newfound Land used to be a Charity Sip. Torquere Press does a new charity each year, and after that year, the Sips are turned into free stories. You can find my story Leather and Newfound Land here - or you can go to Torquere Press to download it for your Kindle or other e-reader.

You can also find other free Torquere stories here; now that's what I call a nice little Christmas present:).


Here's the blurb:

About a couple cursed with literary names and a Newfoundland puppy. And a little about a poet who likes a lobster. Thanks to Kristi P. for the idea! (Well, the lobster part really isn't her fault).

Getting a puppy can cause major upheaval, mess, and distraction in your life. Much like getting a boyfriend, come to think about it. And Cliff has to think about it after Mischa (the adorable, but incredibly messy Newfoundland puppy) and Gerard (the equally adorable, but incredibly tidy man) come into his life on the very same day.

It's a case of opposites attracting -- and a puppy making it worse. The dog is wreaking havoc, and in the end, Cliff's doubting whether he's going to have a boyfriend for much longer. Then a puppy catastrophe leads to the discovery of Gerard's kinky secret, and Cliff realizes that they may be more compatible than he ever thought possible.