Lickety Split

"Intensely erotic, Lickety Split is a rough-n-tumble cowboy romance as fierce as it is tender. Hot, hip DJ Patch Hastle has taken a rocky road since he ran away from Texas at sixteen, but he could never shake his yearning for Tucker Biggs, the cocky scoundrel he was never supposed to want...This blissful gem of a novel will crack your heart wide open and show you, page after searing page, that maybe, just maybe, you can go home again." Emily Jordan for Salon.com 

"Damon Suede writes explosively hot, hypnotically well-written gay romance. In Lickety Split, he once again takes an archetypal gay erotic fantasy and uses his formidable talents to cast it with two utterly real, unforgettable and deeply sympathetic heroes. Simply put, Damon Suede is one of the most talented and versatile writers of gay romance at work today, if not the most." Christopher Rice, NY Times Bestselling Author of A Density of Souls

"Once again Damon Suede delivers a poignant, thought-provoking love story. Lickety Split deals with life-altering misperceptions, second chances, and revisiting a dark past in hopes of forging a bright future. And who doesn’t swoon over a sexy, gruff, take-charge cowboy like Tucker? Do yourself a huge favor and BUY THIS!" Lorelei James, NY Times Bestselling author of the Rough Riders series

"Damon Suede's Lickety Split will leave you longing for a dip in a cool pond, the glow of fireflies, and forbidden nights with the lusty older cowboy of your dreams. Equal parts gritty, elegant and beautifully real, this emotional coming-home story is filled with breathtaking imagery, enticingly flawed characters and a generous helping of earthy, edgy kink. The unlikely romance kept me off balance in such a brilliant way that I didn't want the book to end. This author is always worth waiting for!"  R.G. Alexander, author of the bestselling Finn Factor series 

"MUST-READ ROMANCE! If you thought Damon Suede’s firefighters were hot, grab some ice before you read his cowboy! Lickety Split is raunchy, gritty and sweetened with sugar on top...Though the sex is hot, the emotional connection adds another layer. They become elemental to each other...Damon’s typical lush language and abundant humor make this book a must read. His way with words beautifully blends with his storytelling skills." Mary Grzesik​ for HEA/USA TODAY

"What if I told you Damon will deliver his most vexing yet hottest love tangle to date, would you buy it? Well, you should....Suede has a rare and remarkable ability to turn a moment into a force. A rope coils into a promise,  a sweet cup of coffee brews into a storm of emotions, and a two-step becomes a partnership. The power of the love between these two men is boundless and unrestrained...I thought my kindle was going to spontaneously combust. I know it’s the gorgeous setting sun on the cover but it might as well be flames because this was a scorcher... You best git on this one here right quick. Y’all don’t want to miss this cowboy and his pup." BookUnfunk

"I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting but this was the best kind of surprise. It was hot and heavy but it also had the kind of story that you want to sink your teeth into...A May-December romance that was raunchy and dirty and intoxicatingly addictive, I'm already putting this out there: it's one of my top 2017 favorites! ...goodness, these two were hot together. Like sizzling. And super filthy. And I couldn't get enough of them, so I couldn't believe it was over even after 265 pages. Let me reiterate that there's more to this book than the sex...This is the kind of book where you want them to have a happy ending because they both deserve it. It'll SO put you on the edge. *wink* Five-plus stars. ♥" Dog-Eared Reviews

"A Damon Suede novel never disappoints, and Licktey Split is a delicious treat not to be missed. It’s a sultry, sexy, slow-burn salted with kink and roasted with decadent indulgence that will curl your toes and rattle your spurs." Heidi Cullinan

"Damon Suede is an exceptional storyteller. Whether you’re hearing him speak at a conference or having a one on one chat with him, it’s clear he knows how to arouse emotion in his audience. He’s well-versed in the art of inspiring others, and his writing is no different. Lickety Split is a fantastically well-crafted story that resonates with the reader, evoking a spectrum of emotions from compassion to sizzling excitement, and everything in between...The intimate scenes between Tucker and Patch are as scorching as the Texas heat... Patch and Tucker move through life at different speeds, but when they come together it’s clear that together they set the perfect pace." Charlie Cochet, bestselling author of the Thirds series.

"A story that was off the charts in the HEAT FACTOR. Characters who were immensely likable in some ways — and ways they weren’t....WIN, WIN, WIN. This is off the charts nuclear...the right balance of emotion and hot-as-hell eroticism. Damon crafted some messy, flawed, mostly unapologetic characters and took them through the wringer to a hard-won HEA. That, for me, is always a win. A rollicking good read — enthusiastically recommended." Katie for Back Porch Reader

"FIVE STARS! I have a lot to say about this book, but first, I just need to get this out of my system: I loved this book. Like, for reals. Truly, madly, deeply. I wanna marry it. It’s just so dreamy!... This book is full of cool literary devices and I want to read and read again until I find them all. I have it in me to gush about this book a little more. It doesn’t read like literature, even though I just used a bunch of words talking about its literary qualities. This is a romance in contrast to itself, it’s a Dylan song, it’s dancing under the stars, it’s getting to love the person you always wanted, and it’s… beautiful. I sound sappy AF but I don’t care because I loved this book! I don’t even resent the days of book hangover I got. There are a lot of kinky cowboy romances, but there aren’t a lot of books so beautifully in contrast and opposition to themselves. This book balanced the two." Faye for It's About the Book

"(FIVE STARS) Good goddamn!!!...the slow fucken burn. And the sweet fucken kink. Just the right amount. No cheesy ‘Daddy’ script. No formal ‘scenes.’ Just two guys who like to get down in the same beautiful and dirty and marvelous way. No bullshit angst or miscommunications, although that certainly don’t mean it was easy (and yes, I’m writing in a drawl, I can’t not!) I’m honestly kinda in awe. And it was sooooooo fucken HOT! I’ve been know to get bored and skim a sex scene or twelve, but despite the edging going on for dozens of pages, I could not get enough." Sandra for Hearts on Fire Reviews

"I always know going into a Damon Suede book that it’s going to be packed full of emotion and it’s going to be hot as hell. Even so, I was shocked by the things LICKETY SPLIT made me feel... The emotions hit me unexpectedly. I wasn’t prepared for how they snuck up on me at the weirdest times...LICKETY SPLIT is sexually raw and emotionally gritty. It was a fun and consuming ride with these two broken men. So satisfying to see them make each other whole in the end." Fran for Under the Covers

"Lickety Split is the most remarkable story I have read this year...Tucker and Patch are both very real, very complex characters with natural flaws and many layers... Their feelings are real, and their chemistry is over the top... the sex scenes are masterfully written and very sensual. The writing is truly exceptional. The slow flow, the detailed portrayal of the forming relationship between Tucker and Patch give an amazing depth to the story...This is not your everyday romance. It is raw and brutally honest with gritty feelings and pure sexuality... If you like reading raw, passionate stories, this is a perfect read for you. Highly recommended." Cinnamon for Love Bytes

"Utterly satisfying... This book has to be read slowly, and savored. There's so much between the lines that it's easy to miss a point or five the author is trying to make if you're rushing through it...This book is truly a character study. It's fascinating to watch the interactions between Patch and Tucker, and both of them changing before your eyes. Slowly, carefully, Damon Suede peels back the layers of his characters, showing his readers time and again that he has mastered his craft, creating and exploring two exquisite and completely oppositional characters with depth and heart and determination. There are moments that are utterly breathtaking, and they sneak up on you so unexpectedly that you can't help but sit there with your gaping maw, wondering what just happened.  Read this, savor this. It's masterfully done."   My Fiction Nook

"FIVE STARS! I was really excited to read this book. Let me tell you, it hit all my expectations...There are so many elements to this story, I really don’t know where to start... Well, let me tell you—barns and rope. I’ll let your imagination figure out the rest. Damon Suede can knock it out of the park. Sensual, spicy hot sex...I really liked how the author played these characters out. It wasn’t slow; it wasn’t fast and furious; it was real time...This is without a doubt a true love story. The writing, the emotions, the storyline, I loved it all. Heartwarming moments and regretful realizations make this story memorable. The choices we have, the opportunities we’re given, and the decisions we make are all our own. And the sex, don’t forget about the sex!! I encourage everyone to read this one." Lynn for The Novel Approach

"Once I read the description for 'Lickety Split', I was all in and ready to have the time of my life. I was not disappointed...I was surprised and pleased at the amount of character study the author wrote. This is no simple story. Far from it. Patch and Tucker are both very complex men with insecurities, vulnerabilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and both still trying to find their path in the world, albeit in different ways... Lickety Split was way more than I expected it to be. It moved me and made me really think about life, and love. A truly beautiful story about going home and finding what you never knew you'd lost." Christy Duke for Rainbow Book Reviews

"I was introduced to Damon Suede’s unique voice in Hot Head, his bestselling novel featuring firefighters in NYC shortly after the 9/11 attack... Westerns have never been a favorite genre but this was Damon’s version and I couldn’t resist. This May/December romance is set in a nothing town in the middle of nowhere Texas. The main characters aren’t very likable on their own, but as a unit they work for me. Shockingly honest on so many levels—and I’m not talking about the sex which is kinky and deliciously erotic—Lickety Split is an emotional bull ride. The pain of being misunderstood is heartfelt, the realization that things were never as they seemed, and the glimmer of hope for a happy ending left me holding my breath throughout the second half of the book. This is storytelling at its finest. Highly recommended!" Mickie Ashling

"Lickety Split by Damon Suede is, at its simplest, a feel good revelation… Patch and Tucker, in Suede’s capable hands suffer realistic, well-crafted stumbles, moments of bone-crushing self-doubt, difficult realizations born of sincere and heart-wrenching reflection... We see growth and maturity, regret and pure joy, resignation and acceptance... Hear this world! Damon Suede has eclipsed Hot Head. With the right amount of angst and indecision, this is a tale of two men who not only find each other, but more importantly, themselves. You will cheer and curse, grin and marvel at Damon’s clever turn of phrase. But more, you will think about all you should have done in your life... Quick-quick. Slow, Slow." Brita Addams

"A hot, lusty, often cantankerous book that I loved...Suede does an amazing job creating friction between Patch and Tucker... The hate/love cycles between them are peppered with bouts of explosive hate, intense sexual release, truly tender moments and times of confusion. It’s all mixed into a package that’s hard to put down. I’ve never read a book that uses sex like Suede does here... In Lickety Split, though, the sex scenes are epic in nature and provide a lot of insight into Patch and Tucker. They learn a lot about each other through the sex and the reader learns even more. It’s sex that goes far beyond just being hot. This was a hot page-turner and I’ll definitely pluck Suede’s other books off our shelf in the near future." Jeff & Will’s Big Gay Fiction Podcast

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(1000 words) Patch & Tucker's first face-to-face in 7 years

In this excerpt from Chapter One, Patch Hastle has just arrived home for a reading of the will and discovered that his parents have named Tucker Biggs, his mortal enemy and worst fantasy, executor of the estate.

 

The lawyer frowned. “Mr. Biggs had no idea you were en route today. I believe he planned to meet you home.” His home, she meant, because Tucker lived on the farm and Patch did not. What did she know? Everything. Hell, she’d written the will. She opened her mouth to say something, but Patch laughed again.

“Tucker Biggs can’t pay his water bill. He’s a….” Bigot. Fraud. Sleaze. Loser. Prick. Bully. He didn’t bother to shield his distaste. And they put him in charge. “Mess. Hell, he lives in a trailer he stole from an ex-girlfriend in Lake Charles. On our land.”

She blinked, no longer charmed. “Unfortunately, we’re not authorized to take any kind of action without the executor. Do you know if he’s willing to sell?”

Shrug. His mind raced. “What can you tell me?”

She sounded distraught. “I assumed you knew.”

Head shake. “My parents and I had a falling-out.”

“There’s insurance, but your daddy might be deemed at fault because of the signals. I can file the paperwork, if you….” She turned toward the door. “…want.”

Boots on gravel, a tread he knew better than he’d ever admit out loud. He hated his heart for beating faster, his skin for prickling. A dull roar in his ears as the door flapped open and all the oxygen escaped.

“Patch?” A low rumbling drawl he remembered too well.

Patch braced himself before he looked up.

Sure enough, Tucker filled the doorway in a chambray shirt and a straw work hat that he took off as he stepped inside, likely because the lawyer was a lady.

There he stood, larger than life, with the same square sandpaper chin and twinkle in his wink that got him a free piece of pie anywhere he ordered iced tea. “Well, hell, son! Look at you all growed up.” He wiped at his chiseled mouth.

Just the same.

Patch frowned. He couldn’t believe Tucker looked so good, even now. He had to be midforties but his body looked— “Hey, Mr. Biggs.” He straightened but didn’t trust himself to stand.

Tucker hesitated just inside the threshold, letting the last of the cool air escape before bringing the heat inside with him. He blinked, squinted, and turned slightly as he entered, as if his shoulders were too broad to fit through. “Tucker, huh? Boy, it’s good to have ya home.”

It is?

He rolled the brim of his hat and rocked on his worn boots. Tough. “I ain’t seen you since… man, look atcha! I wouldn’ta known you.” The greeting seemed almost real. Tucker grinned as if he were glad to see Patch. “Lord, I ain’t seen you in five years.”

The calluses scraped his smooth palm. “Seven.” He shook the rough hand, squeezing it hard to make the point.

Tucker didn’t react. “Whenever you took off. Right thing, you did there.” Without letting go, he pulled Patch to his feet for a thumping hug that pressed their bodies together. “You’re a big un, huh?” He smelled like sawdust, machine oil, and sunburned skin.

Patch stepped away and took his seat again. “I’m almost twenty-three.” And now you’re old, mofo. Put out to pasture, only he didn’t look so worn out.

“Smart kid.” He sat down and squeezed Patch’s leg. “Lord, it’s good to see you.”

Baffled and overwhelmed, Patch nodded in reply, his entire attention focused on the firm pressure. A wet swallow.

Before today, Tucker had been friendly to him exactly twice, both times drunk. Patch’s sophomore year, the big cowboy had shaken his hand when he made the football team. The next year, he’d smiled and thumped Patch on the back at the Orange County rodeo. Ten total seconds of humanity in twenty-two-plus years. “Uh, same.”

Were they supposed to pretend that they’d been buddies? His dad’s best friend had been frank about his dislike from the time Patch was four and spent twelve years treating him like something you scrape off your boots.

Tucker rubbed his chin with his ridiculously thick fingers, dropping his gaze. “Son, I’m sorry for your folks. They sure loved you.” Except, on his lips the word became shore and the bullshit sounded plausible. His charm greased the lie.

Patch grunted acknowledgment but kept his mouth shut. Today was not a day for truth about how narrow and spiteful his parents had been.

Now he’d never get to make peace, no matter how much he’d wrestled with his devils these seven years. Tucker and the lawyer probably took his silence for grief, not regret. Ballad of the Small-Town Queer.

By junior year, Patch had become an unwelcome boarder in his parents’ house, paying his rent with chores and humiliation. He could talk to his dad a little, but his mama was a sad ghost who prayed for nothing and knitted booties for other people’s grandkids.

For ten sorry seconds his freshman year, he’d tried to make friends, play sports, anything to keep him away from the farm.

Coach Biggs killed that hope in the cradle.

Even before high school, Tucker had avoided Patch.

Freshman year, Tucker alternated between ignoring and insulting him, harassing him in front of the team and teachers, smacking him around to toughen him up. No one had blinked. Friend of the family. Later, when they’d been nothing more to each other than benchwarmer and bigot, they hadn’t exchanged two polite words.

Ms. Landry took a seat behind her desk, facing the two of them, mistaking the silence for affection and proximity for a reunion.

“Well….” Tucker broke the tense silence. Obviously he planned to pretend the past hadn’t happened. “Good you’re home. We’ll take care of ya.”

Patch sighed and looked at the linoleum. Long fucking day. He looked at his watch. “Ms. Landry?”

The lawyer opened a file and riffled through the pages. “Mr. Biggs?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry for the hour. I got the messages. Phone works fine, I just gotta be there to answer. We had a situation with a well.” The word came out sitch-ation and Tucker capped it with that crooked smile that turned panties into pussy willows.

She looked back, pink and fidgety. Great. Now she, like everyone else in this shithole county, thought Tucker was wonderful.

Excerpted from Lickety Split by Damon Suede