RELEASE TOUR: Lampwick and the No Strings Friend by C.D. Rachels (Excerpt + Q&A with Author and Characters)

What if Pinocchio saved Lampwick from his dark fate? What if, years later, the two reunited and became more than best friends?

RELEASE TOUR – Lampwick and the No Strings Friend by CD Rachels

Length: 240 pages
Series: standalone
Prior Reading: n/a
Genre: fantasy
Tropes: fairy tale retelling; childhood best friends to lovers; mild magical elements
Trigger/Content Warnings: n/a
Publisher: Chill Discourse Books LLC

What if Pinocchio saved Lampwick from his dark fate? What if, years later, the two reunited and became more than best friends?

That puppet boy saved me from a life as an ass—literally.

And I swore I’d do anything to repay him, his Papa, and all the people I wronged. So now here I am, a decade later, back to work for Geppetto. I need to make up for the sins of my childhood. I’m not that obnoxious kid anymore, roaming the streets for fun.

But Pinocchio has grown up, too. He’s all man, no strings, no wood, and he’s welcomed me back into his life with open arms. Growing close to him is scary and thrilling, but could someone so loyal, brave, and true want to pursue a future with the likes of me?

My conscience is telling me the former puppet could do a lot better than a fool like me. But years ago, I got a second chance at a real life, and now, as a man, I know what my heart is wishing for. I’m falling for my childhood best friend, with all the strings attached, and I need to do what it takes to convince him I’m the real deal.

“Lampwick and the No Strings Friend” is a spicy sweet reinterpretation of a future where Lampwick and Pinocchio find each other again. It involves carpentry, sassy pet cats, first times, bathing in rivers, and hopefully not too many wood puns. In this adult M/M romance retelling of the classic fairytale, when you wish for a HEA, it’s guaranteed to come true.  

Lampwick and the No Strings Friend Q & A:

Interviewer: Welcome, introduce yourselves please.

CD: I’m CD, I’m the author of the M/M romance “Lampwick and the No Strings Friend”

P: I’m Pinocchio. I’m the main character of the book and I’m in my twenties now.

LW: I actually think I’m the main character. I’m Lampwick after all. *LW and P giggle and jostle each other*

Interviewer: Okay. So tell us quickly what your book is about.

CD: Well, it’s a male male light fantasy. I believed that Pinocchio’s best friend had a story to tell. And I wanted to give them their happily ever after. 

LW: And I’m glad you did. 

P: Super glad.

Interviewer: Well what do readers need to know about the fairy tale to get started in this book?

L: Well it starts with me when I was transformed as a donkey, but I fortunately don’t stay that way thanks to this guy. *LW and P giggle and jostle each other*

CD: Yes, it takes place right after the story of Pinocchio.

L: And I’m saved thanks to him.

P: Naturally. 

Interviewer: What vibes does your book bring?

P: Che cosa significa “vibes”? 

CD: It’s like…the feelings it evokes. 

P: Ah.

L: It’s a happily ever after. It should make you warm and content. It should fill your heart with happiness. With plenty of sexy scenes too.

P: Oh plenty of that. *LW and P giggle and jostle each other for the third time*

Interviewer: Well clearly you two are comfortable with each other.

P: You could say that. *winks at the camera*

LW: *stares at P like he personally raises the sun every day*

Interviewer: Last but not least: Tell us why we should pick up your book.

CD: If you like fairy tales and childhood best friends to lovers books, this one will make you smile, guaranteed.

LW: It made us smile a lot! All the lovey-dovey scenes… 

P: *laughs* Yeah, our story is a great one. We didn’t get enough rapport in the original fairy tale. 

LW: And now I get to shine like a star! 

CD: And he gets his redemption, too. So you’ll all fall in love with adult Lampo and Pinocchio, I have no doubt. 

Interview: Well thanks for talking with us! 

CD: Thank you for having us.

P: Go read our book!LW: It’s sexy and fun! *LW and P laugh and act like no one else exists*

https://geni.us/Lampwick-tours

about the author:

About the Author

CD Rachels has been coming up with stories since he was little. First it was superheroes and pocket monsters, and now it’s romance.
He believes there aren’t enough BIPOC MC’s in MM romance, and he’s on a mission to change that.
He lives in New York City with the love of his life and is a nurse by trade.


Be the first to hear about all his updates and new releases! Sign up for his newsletter “The Chill Discourse Report” by visiting his website: cdrachelsauthor.com
Get all the graphic teasers and wacky reels on Instagram: @cdrachels
Feel free to DM him on his Facebook group where he hosts polls where YOU can affect the story:

“CD Rachels’ Chill Discourse Room”.
And he’d love a friendly email: cdrachelsauthor@gmail.com .