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Book Review: A Fighting Man by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

May 20, 2014 by Denise

Blurb:
Army Ranger Slater Cassidy has a very special – very sexy – target in his sights. Meeting gorgeous, smart, uber-snarky Casper Kennedy was the highlight of Slater’s last trip home to New York. The soldier in him carefully plans his conquest. Unfortunately, Casper’s wearing some seriously strong armor and Slater’s charm offensives bounce right off. Casper’s refusal to fall for him is puzzling – not to mention incredibly annoying. When Slater gets leave again after grueling back-to-back tours in Afghanistan, all he wants is another shot at wooing Casper. He jumps right into the battle for the other man’s heart, but Casper does not intend to entertain the troops. A heartbreaking revelation changes the rules of romantic warfare, and Slater suddenly realizes he doesn’t just want Casper. He wants to capture his heart, too.

Casper Kennedy is fighting a losing battle. A certain outrageously demonstrative Army Ranger has been a thorn in his side since his last trip home – and the main character in his steamiest dreams. Now he’s back. He launches an all-out sensual assault and no matter how hard Casper pushes Slater away, the man somehow manages to inch closer. So close, in fact, that Casper’s once-impenetrable defenses are in danger of collapsing. Should he throw up the white flag and take a chance at love? Or start firing back and keep his heart protected? When the handsome Ranger shows his true colors, Casper just might have to surrender the fight.

Denise’s Review:
Before I began this book, I hadn’t heard of this series, so I went and grabbed Books 1 and 2, A Betting Man and A Marrying Man (they are available together here: Amazon ) to make sure I had background before I started A Fighting Man.
Books 1 and 2 together are just past novella length, totally about 220 pages together. A Fighting Man seemed to be a bit longer, at about 125 pages.
I definitely enjoyed Books 1 and 2, and would have likely been confused at a few things when it came to Book 3, but you could still read A Fighting Man as a stand alone book.
A Fighting Man brought back Spenser’s brother Slater, a man on leave after back to back tours of Afghanistan. Slater had noticed Casper Kennedy on a previous trip to visit his family, and proceeded to woo him from afar. Slater DOES NOT take no for an answer, and how Casper held out as long as he did is a mystery.
When Slater does come home, he puts the full court press on Casper, and when they end up having to work together, Casper finally gives in, but not without serious reservations, and all those reservations are completely justified. My heart still breaks thinking about the scene where Casper falls asleep in a very heartbreaking location, only to wake up to ridicule and censure.
Although the storyline had a few predictable elements to it, I was surprised at the levels that the author went to for realism towards the end of the book, really honing in on the horrific aspects of war, and how someone can take something bad, and turn it into a way to help others.
Slater was funny and exactly what Casper needed in his life, after three years of being closed off. What a great team they made together. I’ll be happy to see them back together when Book 4 comes out.
This book was a solid 4 pieces of eye candy for me. I am definitely looking forward to the next in this series.

Val’s Review:
I have to start off by saying that I absolutely love this series. This book is #3 in Sandrine’s Men of Manhattan Series and, focuses on the hot and sexy Army Ranger Slater Cassidy and the sexy adorable snarky Casper Kennedy. We get to meet these characters in the previous books, A Betting Man, and A Marrying Man, and witness how Slater whom lets just say is the absolute poster boy for Playboy of the year , well that is until he meets Casper, and then all bets are off.
I love that this Author is able to mix Humor that will have you laughing so hard then also you get to witness some very emotional feelings which will have you in tears but it’s done in such a beautiful way that you fall so much more in love with these two characters. Slater stops at nothing and I mean nothing to win over Casper’s affection and let me tell you I was laughing so hard during these stunts.
We learn the reason behind why Casper keeps turning down Slaters conquests and yes “You Will Need Tissues here” but in the end this story is such a beautiful learning experience . I highly recommend you read Books 1&2 first so you get the full impact of the story , and you meet all the secondary characters from the book.
Don’t miss out on this great series I can’t wait to read more and hope book 4 comes out fast
I rate this 5 pieces of eye candy.

Amazon Purchase Links:

A Betting Man (Book 1)

A Marrying Man (Book 2)

A Fighting Man (Book 3)

A Quickie: Book Review: Stay With Me S.E. Harmon

May 19, 2014 by Denise

Book Blurb:

Private investigator Mackenzie Williams’s newest client is everything he’s looking for in a guy—charming, beautiful, intelligent, and successful. There’s only one itty bitty problem—the guy’s not exactly gay. In fact, Jordan Channing is looking for a PI to follow his fiancée. The smart thing would be to thank Jordan for his time, turn Mr. Perfect away (don’t let the door hit you on the rump, thank you very much), and forget he exists.

Of course, Mackenzie has never been accused of doing the smart thing. Being a smart aleck is more his MO. Relationships aren’t up his alley, never have been. So why’s he so inexplicably drawn to his new client?

Jordan has always been the high achiever, a man who lives in a focused, controlled, and carefully constructed manner. But for the first time in his life, he has to admit the impossible—another man is getting his engine running on all cylinders. Despite Jordan’s denial, it’s not long before he can no longer resist the strong undercurrents pulling them together. Now Jordan must decide if he can go against everything he’s ever known to have the only love he’s ever wanted.

Denise’s Review:

I will start this off by saying sarcasm is a second language to me, I love it, I appreciate it, and I love and appreciate it in others. And private investigator Mackenzie Williams had plenty of it to spare. He thought in sarcasm which I loved even more! This book was in first person POV, which I generally am not a huge fan of, but completely worked in this book. First, it allowed Jordan Channing’s secrets to play out without the reader quite knowing what was going on. And second, it allowed the reader to see that Mackenzie was as snarky in his head, as he was when he opened his mouth. Now, his level of snark will not be for everybody. Many people may find it to be “too much”, but for this reader it was just right! I laughed for much of the book, which was just perfect, as I had a book hangover from another book (made the price point of $6.99 a bit more tolerable).

This is a GFY book, so be aware of that going in, in case that is of concern for you. And honestly Mackenzie knows it is a bad idea to get involved with a self confessed straight man, but pretty soon, that doesn’t matter. Jordan meanwhile is trying to figure out what he wants, but he knows that his body wants Mackenzie, without a doubt.

My one problem with this book was some of the gaps that I felt didn’t close completely. The biggest was that you didn’t ever “hear” that Jordan broke off with his fiancée. Since Jordan was engaged, even after meeting Mac, you assume you would know when he broke it off…you don’t, it is just an aside in the book that “Jordan broke up with her”. I was surprised at that, and there were a couple other things that I thought perhaps needed to be closed more succinctly, but not enough to deter my enjoyment of the book.

All in all, a 4 pieces of eye candy read for me, and I would recommend to those that don’t mind a little snark in their books.

Favorite Excerpts:

“Dude, is that like your boyfriend or something?”

I gave Dominic a glare. “Yeah. So?”

“Gross. You don’t fight like a queer.”

“You don’t look like you’d enjoy another black eye. And yet here we are.”

I peered at the alarm clock. Six thirty on a Saturday. Sweet baby Jesus. Some sadist was whipping up a feast in my kitchen at an ungodly hour, and now I was so hungry, I had to join him and his religion.

Purchase Link:

Amazon: Stay With Me

Good Reads page

Book Review: A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House) by Jaime Reese

May 19, 2014 by Denise

Blurb: Matthew Doner is starting over. After a five-year prison term that alters every aspect of his life, he receives a bequest from his aunt with the stipulation that he use the money to make things right. Breaking free of the long-standing role he’s played and inspired by the few who support him, he decides to create a safe place where people like him can find purpose and start a new life.

Julian Capeletti likes challenges. He is confident, brash, stubborn, and just what Matt needs. Desperate for work after a downturn of luck, he accepts the job to renovate Matt’s crumbling building.

Over the course of a year, romance simmers between them as they restore the house. But there’s a bigger renovation that must take place in their hearts. To become better men, they need to learn to trust each other even with secrets and painful memories they fear may rip them apart.

Denise’s Review:

Ms. Reese’s first book, A Better Man was published in April 2014, and I immediately soaked it up. What a beautiful piece of work! So intricate, so well done, I could go on and on, but you can read the original review below and get a feel for what Val and I loved about the first book.

Jaime’s second book, A Hunted Man, is as good, if not better that book one.

First, I have to commend her covers. Her cover artist is just amazing (snicker!), and puts so much thought and preciseness (is that a word?) into the beauty of these covers. There is so much definition and detail in the covers, that you find yourself referring back to it as you are reading to see if yes, that item is there too. The facial hair, the tattoo, and even the latte art up in the corner of the cover are all prominent in the book, and it just amazes me that all that can come together to make such an incredible cover!

Second, I need to commend Ms. Reese on the in depth research that obviously went into this book. The laws that were pulled out of the woodworks with regards to the particular area of the country took some serious dedication to research. This was not an off the cuff choice of work. The intricacy of taking all those pieces and putting them together should not be lost on the reader.

Third, I just have to say…the villain, just as in book one…did NOT see that coming! I enjoy that in a book!

And fourth, saving the best for last….the writing of these two incredible characters was so well done, its hard to believe that Ms. Reese hasn’t been writing for years. This was love at first sight, for sure, but still a slow burn, in that Cam and Hunter did not instantly fall into bed together. They took their time, got to know each other (much of that was by circumstance, not by choice), and were able to bring their concerns to each other as their trust levels increased.

Although there were “secrets” between the two, they didn’t seem like forced secrets. They were not the “I won’t tell that person because…” type of secrets. These secrets were more the “I will tell him once I am more comfortable with him. He doesn’t need to know everything all at once”. I loved that aspect. So often, secrets are the weapon that an author uses to break a couple up. That was not the case at all. It was merely a by product of learning to trust one another.

The ending…although it was a bit painful to see put into play, it was completely appropriate for the couple, and the situation they were in. I read somewhere that Ms. Reese initially did not put an epilogue into the book, then quite a bit after the book was done, decided that she really needed to add it in. Thank goodness! We really, really, needed to see where the characters ended up to feel that it was a HEA and not just a HFN. We had way too much invested in Cam and Hunter to not receive that HEA.

It was great to catch up with Matt and Julian, as well. Some of the funniest parts of the book were Julian protecting Matt, like a bulldog. I loved seeing that side of Julian. 🙂

There is no question that this was a 5 pieces of eye candy for me, and I cannot wait for Ms. Reese to bring us book 3!!!

Val’s Review:

A Hunted Man is book #2 in Jaime Reese’s The Men Of Halfway House.
This book has me from page one, it was such an emotional book ranging from humor, love, angst and a mix of mystery. What I loved about this book is that it picks up basically where book one, A Better Man leaves off. We get to revisit the beautiful Matt and Julian who both built this wonderful Halfway House to give ex Cons a chance to survive in the real world. We get to meet Cameron (Cam) Pierce and Hunter Donovan in this book. Cam who was just released after a torturous 10 year jail term, and first resident of the new Halfway House .
Cameron has learned in his jail stay to build up iron clad Walls to protect himself , that is until he meets Hunter a high profile attorney, then all nets are off. I won’t go into too much detail because I think that everyone should experience the true depths of all the emotions that these two men endure to be together.
It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read the first book of this amazing series, A Better Man, to experience the full experience of this beautiful story.
I give this a 5 pieces of eye candy rating.

Favorite Quotes:

“How about we make a deal?” Hunter said.

“A deal?”

Hunter stroked Cameron’s cheeks with his thumbs. “I’ll wait to tell you how I feel until you’re ready to hear it. But whenever you tell me you’re ready, you’re stuck with me. I don’t come with a return policy. So you need to be sure you want me for the long haul. Deal?”

“What if I’m never ready to hear it?”

“I’m a patient man.”

He needed to keep himself I check, control this intense level of want that threatened to take over. Want for Hunter, closeness, affection, for everything and anything he cared to offer him.

It felt perfect.

Original Review of A Better Man (The Men of Halfway House):
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8520826805117411442#editor/target=post;postID=4787222261471484492;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=10;src=postname

A Hunted Man (The Men of Halfway House) [Book 2]
Amazon

A Better Man (The Men of Halfway House) [Book 1]
Amazon

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Make You Mine by Ann Lister

May 13, 2014 by Denise

Synopsis:

Cooper Rand is the high-energy drummer for his band Ivory
Tower. Everyone is drawn to Cooper; which makes him the go-to party guy for
those lucky enough to call him friend. He loves the lifestyle that comes along
with being a rock star and feels perfectly suited for the role. He is also a
professional when it comes to the hook-up, unwilling to stick around long
enough to allow emotions to enter into what he’s doing. He’s lived his entire
life ‘in the moment’ and it isn’t until he meets Jayson that he begins to
question the direction of his life and if he’s been missing out on something
truly special all this time.

Jayson Keller has spent most of his life living on the
island of Martha’s Vineyard working as a builder. Living on a small island also
has Jayson working overtime to keep his sexual orientation secret. He has
mastered the art of hiding in the closet, but he doesn’t want it to be a
forever thing. Jayson always said if the right man came along he’d happily
leave the safety of his closet and live openly as a gay man. The problem is,
living where he does limits his partner options and finding someone worth
coming out of that closet for seems an unlikely prospect.

A party at Alex Metcalf’s island estate brings Cooper and
Jayson face-to-face. Lightning strikes hot and fast and suddenly their lives
take a whole new path. Has Jayson finally met a man worth leaving his
self-imposed closet? Have a couple of hours spent alone with Jayson opened
Cooper to the idea there is a deeper meaning to life beyond the stage and the
value of a committed relationship? But, a bigoted family and the rock star
lifestyle could ruin everything and keep both men searching for what was
standing right in front of them: a soul mate

Denise’s Review:

I will start off this review by saying that I had not read books 1 and 2 in The Rock Gods series. This did lead to some confusion, for me, on the substory of this book. I realized about two thirds of the way through the book that it primarily takes place at the same time as book 2, the book about the ménage of Alex, Danni and Chase. Once I made that realization it made reading this book quite a bit easier for me. It is a standalone book although I think having the back story of Alex, Danni and Chase would be very helpful. It also made me want to go back and read books 1 and 2.

All that being said this was the story of Jayson, a builder, and Cooper, the band Ivory Tower’s drummer. This was a slow burn love story. They got together immediately upon meeting, but it was initially only as a one night stand. Then that one night began turning into additional times together. Jayson and Cooper lived on opposite coasts, making it challenging for them to find time together, but they managed to fit in phone calls, texts and one very hot and funny Skype session. Once they realized their affections for each other and settled those differences, there were a few small issues that came up that they needed to deal with. These were dealt with quickly as they seem to have a very good rapport, and although initially they found it difficult to communicate, they were able to resolve those issues.

Initially I had a hard time connecting with Cooper probably due to my ideas of the rockstar thing. Then I had a hard time understanding Jason’s confidence and communication issues. I realized quickly though, that they just needed to learn. That in the end, they were just learning how to be in a relationship. But when they were together I really felt the connection between the two, it was instant and strong. And once they were able to accept support from the other person that connection just grow stronger.

However all that being said I found that the connection between the two continued to grow, and although much of their focus was on themselves and their relationships they were able to support other people important to them.

They were truly sweet together, and one of the things I really liked was that they made spending time together a priority. That was so important in a relationship where insecurities and mistrust could easily destroy them especially with Cooper being a rock star, and all the potential situations that can be created from there.

My final determination, 4 pieces of eye candy, and a mental note to grab books 1 and 2. 🙂

Val’s Review:

This book starts off on how Cooper Rand drummer for Ivory Tower and Jayson Keller a contractor living on Martha’s Vineyard met in Book #2 Take What You Want.

I was taken in from page one with this book. Ann Lister took us on a journey that was so beautiful, you get to feel the emotions from these two men from the minute they met. Their attraction to each other were immediate, although both these men never before had done more than casual “Hook Ups” the more they saw of each other they both realized this was way more than a fling.

Feelings became almost to much for them to handle, we do meet a very hateful character Ron who is Jayson’s step dad.

I can’t stress enough how beautiful this story is, taking us through everything Cooper and Jayson went through to get to a place that made them both comfortable in their relationship together. I recommend that you read Book #1 Fall For Me and Book #2 Take What You Want first so you get a better picture if all the characters leading Up to Cooper and Jayson’s story. This is definitely a 5 piece of eye candy read for me.

Hurry and get your copy today

About The Author:

Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living on the
island of Martha’s Vineyard with her husband. She has pulled details from her
years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks
in her novels.

After graduating art school and raising two daughters, she
established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in
video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted
Telly Award. It was this ‘behind-the-scenes’ exposure to the music world that
inspired many of her novels.

In 2013 she released Book One of her new rock star series: The
Rock Gods. Book One is titled, Fall For Me. This novel is her first full-length
gay, erotic romance and it is also a Finalist novel for the 2013 Rainbow Award.

Book Two in the Rock Gods series is titled, Take What You Want.
This story is a m/m/f menage and released in early November 2013. Book Three,
titled: Make You Mine, is expected to release in Spring of 2014.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, creating stained glass, and
traveling.

Social Links:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/ann.macconnelllister?fref=ts

Twitter: @AnnListerAuthor

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/519355.Ann_Lister?from_search=true

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out this video Val did for the book:
http://animoto.com/play/CPCRK1tQyF7Y4CTB1bLLaw

Purchase Links:

Book 1: Fall for Me:
Amazon: Fall for Me

Book 2: Take What You Want:
Amazon: Take What You Want

Book 3: Make You Mine
Amazon: Make You Mine
Lulu (epub version)

Until Next Time:

~D~

Book Review: Salvation by Alexa Land

May 6, 2014 by Denise

Blurb:

Can two men from wildly different worlds prove to be each other’s salvation?

Trevor isn’t surprised that he’s a twenty-year-old virgin. He sees himself as skinny, clumsy, and shy, and is sure no one could possibly want him. Vincent Dombruso is about to prove him wrong.

Mysterious and troubled, Vincent masks a lot of secrets behind his handsome exterior. As the spark between them ignites, both men are surprised to find a kindred spirit in such an unexpected place. But Vincent’s Mafia ties and whatever he’s not telling Trevor could destroy their chances of a happily ever after.

Salvation is the fifth book in Alexa Land’s best-selling Firsts and Forever series, but each book is written to stand alone, so jump in anywhere.

Denise’s Review:

Back when I just had started to read M/M erotic romance, I asked the ever helpful Kindle Alexander for some suggestions on books similar to theirs, and immediately was pointed in the direction of Alexa Land. I immediately purchased Way Off Plan (because I can’t read out of order [seriously it hurts me to do it!]…can you say OCD?). Anyway, I read it in one sitting, and then purchased the rest of the books in this series. (These are ALL re-read books). So, I was out of the loop when Salvation came out, I had no idea! But I snatched it up right away, and read it in about a day, amongst all the other things I had to do over the weekend.

This story is about the sweet Trevor, who would help anyone, and the mysterious man, Vincent Dombruso, one of Nana’s grandsons. First question…what is in the water over at the Dombruso household that there are that many gay and bisexual brothers in that family? 🙂 Ah well, better for us, I say!

Trevor is just 21 years old, and a shy virgin, who when he sees Vincent at a party, rambles on, and just can’t seem to get himself together. Fortunately, though, circumstances allow them to find their way together, and they are an awesome couple together. You find that Vincent, aka Vinnie, is actually a very sweet man, who was really turned inside out when his parents and sister were killed as a young boy. Growing up in a Mafia family could not have been easy, yet he found his salvation in Trevor–and a Big Sur mansion.

Now, I have to digress and tell you a little story here. I purchased this book and started reading it as I was waiting for my husband to arrive on his bus, for us to head home. At about 9% into the book is THE CLOCK SCENE, as I will call it. (And it absolutely needed to be in capital letters!) As I was reading THE CLOCK SCENE, I started laughing so hard, that when my husband got to the car, he asked me what was wrong, why was I crying? I literally laughed so hard and was crying and hiccuping so much, that I couldn’t drive away right away. I had to wait and calm down. Literally one of the funniest scenes I have read in a book in quite a long, long time. Seriously, if you don’t laugh hysterically during THE CLOCK SCENE, you have got to be one step above a serial killer. I’m not sure how Ms. Land was able to type through that scene. And the best part is, having spent a lot of time in San Francisco, I could totally see that scene playing out. So, if nothing else gets you to go purchase this book, THE CLOCK SCENE should.

Anyway, back to my review…Nana is her crazy, nutty self, and continues to mix herself up with all the “gay homosexuals”, and they love her all the more. You will enjoy her “cooking lessons” for Trevor and River, another funny scene.

Trevor and Vincent are great together. They really connect well. They have fun and laugh together. And Ms. Land does a great job with the highs and lows of the book. Trevor has a period where he hits an all time low, breaking your heart as the reader. All you can do is hope that he is able to come out of it stronger and learning something about himself, and see a future that he might not have considered before. I also really loved catching up with all the previous couples!

The only thing I would ask is that Ms. Land get back to writing, because I loved the excerpt from Skye Blue and am super anxious for Skye’s story!!!

My final words: If I was going to reduce my rating on this book, it is only because I wanted it to go on and on. I just absolutely loved this one!!! (By far, this is my favorite, if you didn’t know!!!). So, Salvation gets a full 5 pieces of eye candy from this reader, and sends out a “hurry up” to Alexa Land. 🙂

Favorite Quote:

“Oh no, sister, that ain’t happening. You got white-boy-bisque there with that powder and while that’s fine for my pasty-faced friend here, that does not go with my already flawless part-Mexican mochaccino skin tone.”
“It’s translucent,” she insisted, “it works for everyone. It’s just to keep the shine down on camera.”
“Step away from the Latino,” he told her.

Until next time, read and enjoy some m/m lovin!

~D~

Purchase Links for the Firsts and Forever Series:

Way Off Plan (Book 1)

All In (Book 2)

In Pieces (Book 3)

Gathering Storm (Book 4)

Salvation (Book 5)

Skye Blue (Book 6-coming later in 2014)

Book Review: Stay by Riley Hart

May 5, 2014 by Denise

Today, Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy is profiling STAY by Riley Hart.

This is the second book in the Blackcreek series, following Collide which was released last year.

Blurb:
Wes Jensen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’s life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn’t great at getting close anyway.

Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after. From the start, Wes intrigues him, and Braden isn’t one to deny himself something he wants. And he wants Wes. The more time he spends with Wes and the little girl who constantly keeps them on their toes, the more Braden realizes this isn’t just about getting the guy who walked away.

As their lives intertwine more and more, Wes discovers Braden isn’t as shallow as he thought. But after everything Wes lost in his life, he isn’t sure he can risk his heart, and truly want Braden to stay—and if he did, would Wes’s quiet life be enough for Braden?

Denise’s Review:

I found Riley Hart’s books when I came across Collide. I went on to read Broken Pieces after delaying it for a while (not sure why, and boy was I wrong to wait!!!). So, I waited ever so impatiently for Stay to come out.

We got to see the Wes and Braden’s first interaction, a one night stand, during Collide. And they both expected that that would be the extent of their interactions. At the time, Wes was losing his beloved sister Chelle, and dealing with the fact that he would be taking over custody of her four year old child, Jessie. And Braden? Well, Braden was always out just for a good time.

When Stay begins, Wes has lost his sister, and is now coping with how to make this transition to becoming Jessie’s full time caregiver, find a job, and work through the grief over losing Chelle. What he did NOT want was a relationship with Braden. Neither was looking for a relationship.

However, Wes needed some help with Jessie, and Braden was able to provide that help. Assisting with daycare for Jessie, and taking care of some of the little things. Braden really fell in love with Jessie before he fell in love with Wes.

What I enjoyed most was the slow burn. Although, they picked up in the same place, with their previous interactions, their emotional interactions really took time. It was not instantaneous that they were able to make the emotional connections. It was the little things that came together to make that happen. Yes, of course, there were issues to overcome, but the biggest issue was Wes realizing that it was okay to not only love someone outside the family, but also to need and want that person.

“I haven’t let myself give a shit about anyone besides my family for a
long time, Braden, but you’re here…pushing your way in.”

What a beautiful love story this was. This book was not just about a story between two men. This book was a story about two men finding a way to make themselves a family in every sense of the word.

My final rating was 4.5 pieces of eye candy. I would have loved so much more of Wes and Braden (Braden’s cocky attitude and smart mouth were awesome!!!).

Val’s Review:

What can I say: I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it .
We start off with Wes who has been left custody of his feisty four year of niece Jessie after his older sister Chelle died. Wes is very closed off feels he’s not worthy of anyone’s love and afraid to give his heart after losing so many people in his life he’s loved .

In comes Braden. Braden is fun-loving, takes life as it is and very quick witted (sometimes putting his foot in his mouth).

Wes and Braden had a one night drunken fling which for Wes was just a release from his pain of losing his sister. Braden on the other hand could not get Wes out of his head, always pushing Wes’s buttons trying to reach him. Jessie plays a great part in reuniting these two. I won’t say more you will have to read to find out if Braden’s persistent attitude finally breaks the thick walls Wes has built around his heart.

This is a beautiful story in which you get to hear from previous characters Cooper and Noah and meet Mason who will be highlighted in the next book . Take the journey through this story. It definitely earned a full 5 pieces of eye candy.

Favorite Quotes:

“You’re thinking too hard over there. What’s up?” he put a hand on Wes’s leg.
Wes didn’t pause, just opened his mouth and said one word. “Stay.”

“You’re the guy who’s good as hell with my niece. The guy who would help out a friend because it’s the right thing to do. And I’ll admit you’re right. You’re the guy who’s good at both f**king me and making me laugh.”

“Who said I’d want to have sex with you in the shower?”
“Me. I even wanted to have sex with myself when I took one this morning. I’m irresistible like that.”

Bonus Scene (don’t read until you have read Stay!!!):
http://shhmomsreading.com/review-bonus-scene-and-giveaway-stay-blackcreek-2-by-riley-hart/