Tempe O’Riley: Designs of Desire


Romance and the MC with a Disability

Hello and thank you Michael for hosting Designs of Desire, and me, the author, lol. Today I’m going to tackle an oft ignored topic… the disabled MC. It’s a topic that many don’t think about or concern themselves with—almost like if someone has a disability they aren’t a whole sexual being… Seriously_ Everyone can have a fully enriching life despite physical or mental limitations. That said though, when I sat down to wrote DoD I didn’t say “Oh, I want to write a story where a disabled guy finds love.” No, what I thought about was how frustrated I get about how others perceive me and often treat me because I use forearm crutches and can’t walk much—or stand long without serious pain. The pity, anger, or out right dismissal of my existence. And so, James Bryant was born!

For James part of his disability is genetic (same as mine) and part is thanks to an ex and the damage done by him, but where a disability comes from has nothing to do with who the person is inside. Too often, in my opinion, the person that isn’t “perfect” gets passed over and ignored both in real life and in romance. I wanted James to find his “prince” and get his HEA, despite what the hate and/or pity of others had taught him about himself and his possibilities for love.

I’m not the only one to think this way, though maybe not always from a personal view point. Books such as Andrew Grey’s A Helping of Love or Love Comes Silently; Play It Again, Charlie, by R. Cooper; or Fix This, Sir, by Jaime Samms, do a wonderful job of depicting various disabilities and showing how, even when they don’t fit the masses “ideal of perfection” so many strive for, love and HEA’s are obtainable. And yes, these are fiction, but believe me; it’s just as possible in the real world, if only you open your eyes to the blessing and beauty within others and not just their wrappings.

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Designs of Desire

by Tempeste O’Riley

M/M Erotic BDSM/Kink Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Release Date: July 29th 2013

Length: Novel / 200 pages

 

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 Description:

Artist James Bryant has forearm crutches in every color from rainbow for fun to sleek black for business. He even has a pair with more paint splatters than metal. After his family’s rejection and abuse from a man he thought loved him, James only just gets through the day by painting. He lives in constant fear that he’s not worthy of anything, let alone love.

As CEO of his company, Carrington Enterprises, Seth Burns is a take-charge kind of guy, and he is instantly smitten by the artist helping with his newest project. When he witnesses James suffer a panic attack, a protective instinct he never knew he had kicks in. He truly believes nothing is unobtainable—including James—if he’s willing to put in the time and effort.

James is shy and confused by Seth’s interest in him as a person. With Seth’s support, can he work through his fears to finally find the true love he deserves, or will someone finally land the crushing blow he won’t survive?

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About the Author:

Tempeste O’Riley is an out and proud omnisexual / bi-woman whose best friend growing up had the courage to do what she couldn’t–defy the hate and come out. He has been her hero ever since.

Tempe is a hopeless romantic that loves strong relationships and happily-ever-afters. Though new to writing M/M, she has done many things in her life, though writing has always drawn her back–no matter what else life has thrown her way. She counts her friends, family, and Muse as her greatest blessings in life. She lives in Wisconsin with her children, reading, writing, and enjoying life.

Tempe is also a proud member of Romance Writers of America® and Rainbow Romance Writers. Learn more about Tempeste and her writing at https://tempesteoriley.com.

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2 responses to “Tempe O’Riley: Designs of Desire”

  1. Hi, Tempe! I’m always concerned when books with a disabled MC, an abused MC, etc are released because they can turn into “issue” books, or what my partner likes to call “gay after school specials.” I think authors (and not just in the M/M genre) tend to treat these characters like either cautionary tales/punching bags or self-edifying saints. Just going from you wrote about where your MC came from and your intentions with writing this book, it sounds like you steered away from all these problems. I look forward to reading!

  2. Ms. O’Riley…Thank you for helping your audience see how people ARE bigger than their disabilities which need not define them. Creating believable characters who struggle just like the rest of us–gives authenticity to the story. Here’s to conquering our limiting beliefs!