Guest Blog: Tempeste O’Riley’s Designs of Desire

Tempeste O’Riley first novel, Designs of Desire, released on Monday from Dreamspinner Press. She’s here today to share a little about her main character, James, and his favorite spots in his city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She’s also having a contest to win a copy of Designs of Desire, so after you’re done reading, go HERE to enter!

Top Five Places James Loves To Go In Milwaukee

When I sat down to write Designs of Desire I started with the characters and story, but I quickly ran into the problem of needing places in “town” for things like dates or meetings. I didn’t want everything to be “real” but did want some reality for my guys, so where did I pick to set DoD? Milwaukee, WI, of course!

So here are James’s top 5 favorite (inspirational to simply look at…) places in Milwaukee that are real (but in no particular order):

Milwaukee Art Museum
Highlights of the building are the magnificent cathedral-like space of Windhover Hall, with a vaulted a 90-foot-high glass ceiling; the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that unfolds and folds twice daily; and the Reiman Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge that connects the Museum to the city. Seriously, what’s not to love? Just watching it from outside is awe inspiring, much less the great works inside!

Milwaukee Art Museum. Image by Cburnett from Wikipeida Commons.

Milwaukee City Hall
The German Renaissance Revival styled building, with a soaring clock tower, held the tallest building title until 1899. It was among the opening scenes of the television sitcom “Laverne and Shirley.” The Milwaukee City Hall is now a National Historic Landmark and was used as the symbol Milwaukee.

Allen-Bradley Clock Tower
It has the distinction of being the world’s largest four-faced clock according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The tower made an appearance on the NASCAR Busch Series race car of Mike Bliss in 2004.

Miller Park
Miller Park is a baseball park that is home to the Milwaukee Brewers and features a fan-shaped convertible roof that can be opened or closed as conditions dictate. It’s fascinating to view as you pass by on I-94.

Miller Park. Image by Greg Hume from Wikipedia Commons.

Basilica of St. Josaphat
The Basilica of St. Josaphat is an opulent minor basilica located in the Lincoln Village section of Milwaukee. The church has one of the largest copper domes in the world.

Basilica of St. Josaphat. Image from Wikipedia Commons.

Sadly, none of these sites made it into the story, but they still inspire and make proud those that live there.

Book Details

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

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?

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.