Pride Publishing

The Captain’s Snowbound Christmas by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead: New Release Review

January 18, 2021 by Denise

A Captivating Captains story

Will Reuben be unwrapping a captain this Christmas?

Reuben’s a makeup artist who’s much in demand in the business, from making the beautiful even more gorgeous, to creating an alluring love-scene glow. All of his Christmas wishes come true at once when he’s hired to work on the set of his favorite TV show. And not only that, but on the swoony Christopher Manners.

Bunny is lusted after by millions as the brooding hero of television’s Captain Firth adventures. His manly swash and handsome buckle have earned him a legion of fans and when he strides onto the screen and commands, “draw your sword, sir”, it’s time to get down to business.

When Reuben and Bunny’s first date turns into a disaster, it looks as though the show’s over before it’s begun, but a blizzard, a mysterious bearded man in a red coat and a hot winter night combine to give them a second chance.

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Holiday romances are my favorite. And there were so many to choose from this year! I only was able to read a few of them, but this one was a must read, because I love when these authors co-write. It is seamless to me, and that isn’t always the case with books that are co-authored.

I have to start with poor Rueben. We’ve all been in the situation he was in (well maybe not that exact situation), when you open your mouth, and the wrong thing comes out…despite all your best intentions. That was bound to happen…poor Rueben…and it did. It almost waylaid the budding romance with Bunny (which by the way, this was just a bit of an odd nickname for the MC, it threw me a big). However, thanks to a little bit of car trouble, and a little bit of the old Christmas magic, they were able to find their way to each other.

This novella was all kinds of gooey, and fluffy, and happy, and that’s exactly what we need during the holidays, and really all the time right now. I will probably re-read this in July, when it’s sweltering outside, and I can fall into the joy of a little Christmas love.

4 pieces of eye candy

In the Heat of the Dungeon (Rules of Summer) by Samantha Cayto: Quick Review

September 4, 2020 by Denise

The Rules of Summer

The hardest part of being a sub is giving your heart and body to the right Dom.

Master Ford is a consummate Dom, always focused on giving a sub the most important gift of all—safety. When a friend leaves a sub in a dangerous situation, it is up to Ford to both rescue and care for the boy. What starts as duty swiftly turns to personal desire.

Cody is new to the lifestyle, trusting and in need of protection and control. When his Master puts him in danger, he can only hope that the Dom sent to save him is worthy of it.

Ford has rules, and one of them is no poaching on another Dom’s sub. But Cody is different. This boy needs to learn what it really means to put oneself under another’s control. Teaching him that valuable lesson, while bringing them both indescribable pleasure, becomes a temptation he cannot resist.

Reader advisory: This book contains mention of verbal and emotional abuse of a sub and a scene where a sub is left alone.

General Release Date: 14th July 2020

Genre:

BONDAGE AND BDSM
CONTEMPORARY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI

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This novella was tough to read, really tough. The fact that a sub was left as he was, was really hard to read. It was in the warnings, but still.

I also didn’t feel like there was enough time to address how Cody could or should deal with it. Honestly, with this topic, it would have been better to almost write a longer story to ensure Cody, who I felt so bad for, received in full the care he needed, not just for the few days that it happened to be, but for the long term.

I did enjoy how much trust he put in Ford, but I couldn’t see how that was possible under the circumstances.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Molten (Rules of Summer) by Pelaam: Quick Review

September 2, 2020 by Denise

The Rules of Summer

When it comes to fun in the sun, Steve and Jeff are burning hot.

Steve Anderson is a sommelier and the owner of a successful restaurant, although he prefers to keep that titbit to himself and a select circle of close friends. His orthopaedic surgeon husband Jeff is equally successful in his chosen profession. However, they play as hard as they work, and not only is Jeff a beloved husband, but he’s also a precious sub.

When they’re invited to a summer barbeque aboard a friend’s yacht, they don’t hesitate to accept. The theme is ‘a life on the ocean wave’, but Steve has very particular ideas about costumes…and the kind of fun they’ll have. For the couple, a pirate captain and his naïve captive will take on a whole new dimension for playing out a scene.

However, when someone tries to come between the Dom and his sub, they quickly learn their mistake, leaving Steve to show Jeff just who he belongs to.

General Release Date: 21st July 2020

Genre:

BONDAGE AND BDSM
CONTEMPORARY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI

Amazon

This is a short novella, with an established couple who are definitely lifestyle Dom/sub.

Steve takes great care to ensure his sub (and husband) is loved and cherished. I like how inventive he is with the scenes that they have for their home life, and the fun ones they weren’t afraid to show (some people!) in their fun evening away.

I didn’t quite understand the need to introduce the issue with Jeff. It seemed out of place, and really didn’t carry the story along, in my opinion.

However, with the rest of the story, I really enjoyed it.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

A Granted Wish by Lily Michaels: Quick Review

January 6, 2020 by Denise

A workplace romance can melt the heart of a real estate mogul Scrooge.

Over the three years Adam Meade has worked for Grant Alexander, his crush has steadily grown, until the annual holiday party, where he finally musters the courage—both actual and a touch of the liquid variety—to dare push their professional relationship in a vastly different direction. A tentative kiss ignites a blazing inferno and begins a stream of steamy hook-ups that the men soon recognize may extend into something much more than just physical.

However, nothing worth keeping is easy, and Adam will need a hefty dose of trust to avoid falling into the trap a scheming co-worker has created to destroy their new bond and allow him to salvage the Christmas of his dreams.

Reader advisory: This book contains very light threads of BDSM and reference to homophobia.

General Release Date: 19th November 2019

Genre:

CONTEMPORARY
EROTIC ROMANCE
GAY
GLBTQI
MULTICULTURAL

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Pride Publishing

I love office romances. The generally low angst, the power struggle, the hiding and secrets, and I really like the naughtiness in the office. All of those things. I need more office romance in my life!

This was a sexy little holiday novella that took the office romance and tipped it on it’s ear a bit. The boss was the one needing to be bossed around, and the PA was just the man to give it to him.

What I loved, though…it really was a romance, sweet and caring. It really wasn’t just about the office naughtiness. These two men genuinely cared about each other, and it showed in all they did.

I really liked this one! 4 pieces of eye candy

Third Time’s The Charm by K. Evan Coles: Exclusive Guest Post, Blog Tour, Release Day Review and Giveaway

May 29, 2019 by Denise

Sometimes you have to start over to get love right.

Luke Ryan’s life is too chaotic for romance, what with running his business and being the legal guardian to his ten-year-old niece, but he’s hopeful he’ll find the right man.

Trauma surgeon Finn Thomason recently relocated from Chicago to Boston, where his focus on medicine leaves him little space for a personal life. Making a commitment to find a better work-life balance, Finn hopes he’ll also find a relationship.

Caught in an evening rainstorm, Luke shelters under a sidewalk awning…and encounters a handsome stranger. The two strike up a conversation and Finn offers to walk Luke under his oversized umbrella. Charmed, Luke accepts and asks Finn out for coffee in thanks.

Luke and Finn quickly grow close, but, as the summer draws to an end, Luke struggles to keep his connection with Finn while Finn tries to come to terms with caring for a man whose attention is pulled in many directions. Both men are scrambling to get it right, but only time will tell if they’ll learn there is more than enough room in their hearts to go around.

Reader Advisory: This book contains references to child abandonment.

Book Title: Third Time’s The Charm (Boston Seasons, Book 1)

Author: K. Evan Coles

Publisher: Pride Publishing/Totally Entwined Group

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance, Erotic Romance

Trope/s: Hurt/Comfort, KidFic, True Love, Meet Cute

Themes: Family/Parenting. Friendship, Child Abandonment

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 68,000 words

Release Date: May 28, 2019

This is book number one in a series. It can also stand as its own story.

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When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing when I was in middle school and did on and off over the years, purely for own enjoyment. Around ten years ago, I started writing steadily and putting words out there through writing contests and fanfic. I started co-writing with Brigham Vaughn and we decided we’d team up on a novel-length work and get it published for real. By the time the publishing happened, one novel had become two and I was fully immersed in the world we’d built.

How many books have you written?

As of this post, I’ve written six novels and published five, and published one novella and three short stories.

How long does it usually take you to write a book?

A novel is usually six to twelve months in the making, depending on its length and whether I’m writing alone or collaborating. Shorter works take less time, typically a month or so.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I enjoy imagining how characters meet because there’s a lot of romance in the way the stars align to enable such connections. I decided to write a story where the two mains literally bump into each other on a city sidewalk and went from there.

Who are your favorite authors?

Outside of the MM genre, my favorites include Margaret Atwood and William Gibson. Within the MM genre, my favorites include RJ Scott, Annabeth Albert, and Marie Sexton, but I read a lot and I’m always adding to that list.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finding time is my biggest challenge—I work a demanding day job and that leaves writing time for evenings and weekends.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Anywhere I can set up shop undisturbed is my favorite place—I bring a tablet with me almost everywhere and I’ve been known to throw down words in the car or at a café over lunch. That said, I get a lot done at my kitchen table.

When you develop characters do you already know who they are before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go?

Usually, I have a pretty good idea of who the characters are by the time I start writing. There’s a long time where they’re still very fluid, however, and that means they can change as I go. This is especially true when I make a deep connection with a character.

Do you aim for a set number of words/pages per day?

I don’t set word counts by day but instead by chapter. Typically, I try for 3-4K words per chapter (but usually fail and go over).

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Writing can be lonely because so much of it is happening inside your own head. As an extrovert, I like to direct my energies outward and that’s hard to do when the characters are literally in your brain.

What is the easiest thing about writing?

World building is something that comes very naturally to me. Once I’ve got an idea, my brain starts running on its own, even when I’m not writing.

Do you use images to develop your character’s looks?

Yes. I find face casts helpful for giving me a general method of describing facial features but often the characters are amalgams of multiple people.

Are your characters based on people you know?

Some characters have things in common with people I know or even myself—their sense of humor, or family/relationship drama—but none of them are strictly based on a real-life person.

Do you use your experiences in your books?

I have used some real-life experiences in my books, yes. As a person of mixed race, I sometimes draw on my background when writing characters who are persons of color.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

Not typically, no. But if I feel “stuck” on a story, I try to switch to a different project and that often straightens out the tangles in my head. Reading is also a restorative exercise for me.

What do you think makes a good story?

I want to really care about the characters and their happiness. I like for them to connect and, at some point, for that connection to be threatened. A little uncertainty about whether the relationship work or not makes the eventual outcome of the story satisfying.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Generally, I find writing energizing—it gets my creative juices flowing and my brain hums along. The exceptions are when scenes wring me out emotionally and leave me physically tired, too.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?

Connecting with people—readers, writers, bloggers—through a shared passion for words and more has been a truly wonderful experience.

What do your friends and family think about you being a writer?

My family are supportive as are the friends who’ve watched me write over the years.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

Outside of the day job, I like to read, honestly. I’m also fond of baking and photography, and I like to do needlework. And go outside! Fresh air is my friend.

Do you like music or silence when your write?

I can do either but if I’m listening to music it needs to be mostly lyric-less … otherwise, I start singing and no one wants that.

Do you outline or do you just write?

I get a rough timeline down with a general story arc before I start. This can be a full spreadsheet with notes for every chapter or just a quick paragraph. Then, I adjust as I go because the story changes as I go along.

Do you prefer pen and paper or computer?

I’m a computer/tablet person. Typing is faster for me and my handwriting is a nightmare.

Do you write as routine or do you write when you feel like it?

I try to stick to a routine when I can, both the keep on track and because the amount of time I have to write time is influenced by my day job. I take advantage of hours when I can!

What do you love best about your current book?

I’m a not-so-secret total sap and I really enjoyed indulging that side of myself and turning on the romance in “Third Time’s the Charm.” Also, there are a lot of dark things happening in the world right now—writing “Third Time’s the Charm” made me feel light and I hope some of that comes across in the story to readers, too.

What is your next project?

Currently, I’m working on two collab projects with Brigham Vaughn – we’re releasing Book #3 of The Speakeasy series this summer and writing Book #4 right now. My current solo works include Boston Season’s #2, the follow-up to “Third Time’s the Charm,” and a novella-length work I’m hoping to release in the fall.

This is my first read by this author, but any time I see a hot dad, or in this case, a hot uncle, I can’t help but get suckered in.

In this one, we have Luke, who is taking care of his niece, Ella while her daddy (Luke’s brother) is deployed, or stationed in a different state. Its been a few years and the routine is working for them, even if it does put a damper on Luke’s social life. I mean, not many single men want a ready-made family. Dating is hard when you’re a single parent… I remember!
And Luke’s life revolves around her, she’s his first priority….. as she should be.

Finn is a trauma surgeon and doesn’t have a whole lot of time for much. What with crazy work hours and really pushy friends to boss him around. I do have to mention that I didn’t like any of the friends in this entire story… Maybe, Mick, or Mack, I don’t even remember his name, but he’s one of the friends’ husbands…. He seemed alright, but everyone else was so bossy and pushy and seemed jealous or possessive. I just didn’t like any of them.

When Luke and Finn catch each other’s eyes at Starbucks, a phone call interrupts either man from saying hi. Luckily, they run into each other a few days later and that starts the “courting.”…. This goes on for a really long time. I felt like there was so much dialogue and explaining things, I found myself skimming a good half of the book. I’m sorry, I know that’s rude….but nothing important happened as far as I could tell. I didn’t feel like I missed anything and it was sooooo much of the same thing.

I liked how they took their time getting to know one another before introducing Finn to Ella. Finn wasn’t sure he was ready for such a big step and Luke wanted to be sure that Finn was going to be around before he started introducing him to family.

Ella, I was confused about. She seemed older for her age, and the cussing was kind of something that put me off. I mean, she’s 10, but swears in front of adults?? Not in my neck of the woods, her behind woulda been eating a bar of soap. And hey, I’m no prude… I live with 4 guys… I’ve heard it all, seen it all and have likely seen it all and said it all, myself…. But let one of my kids be that disrespectful and swear in front of anyone….. Wouldn’t happen more than once, I’ll say that.

Eventually, though, we get to the good stuff and these two fall for each other. There is somewhat of a misunderstanding… poor communication and again, the friends, or one in particular, gets in the way… but other than that, once the two talk about what they want with each other, the last third of the book is cute and doesn’t drag on so much.

It had a cute ending, so I can’t be too disappointed, but it’s not one I’d revisit or probably even recommend.

3 Pieces of Eye Candy

K. Evan Coles is a mother and tech pirate by day and a writer by night. She is a dreamer who, with a little hard work and a lot of good coffee, coaxes words out of her head and onto paper.

K. lives in the northeast United States, where she complains bitterly about the winters, but truly loves the region and its diverse, tenacious and deceptively compassionate people. You’ll usually find K. nerding out over books, movies and television with friends and family. She’s especially proud to be raising her son as part of a new generation of unabashed geeks.

K.’s books explore LGBTQ+ romance in contemporary settings.

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Trusting Him (The Retreat #2) by L.M. Somerton: Blog Tour, Excerpt and Review

April 9, 2019 by Denise

Luke Redding’s military background is an asset when it comes to managing The Retreat, but it hasn’t helped him find the submissive he longs for. A secluded life in the New Forest, witnessing a stream of happy couples playing out their fantasies, doesn’t provide much opportunity to develop a relationship either. When a friend’s manipulations lead to him taking on silver-haired Skye as a trainee sub, Luke finds it hard to trust in his own ability to provide the guidance Skye needs.

Skye Ingham wants to explore his submissive nature but the noise and crowds at The Underground are overwhelming. He can’t believe his luck to be taken under Luke’s wing and offered a job at The Retreat. As Luke tests his boundaries, Skye trusts him implicitly, but how can he convince his new Dominant to have faith in himself?

Amid the bustle and excitement of a big house party at The Retreat, Luke and Skye edge their way towards a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and desires. But it will take a final leap of faith to secure their future and open a path to love.

Trusting Him (The Retreat #2) by L M Somerton from April 9 – 13.

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Trusting Him (The Retreat #2)

Author: L M Somerton

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Release Date: April 9, 2019

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M BDSM

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 59 495 words

It is a standalone story within The Retreat series.

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It wasn’t dignified, but Luke twisted around in his seat to take a look at his potential employee as he wound his way between the tables. He hadn’t formed an impression of what Skye might look like, but the reality was better than anything Luke’s imagination could have conjured. Skye was slight, delicate, maybe five feet six or seven, no more. His skin was lightly tan, a coloring that Luke guessed came from his heritage rather than the sun. He had no tattoos that Luke could see and considering that all he wore was a short leather kilt, that didn’t leave much room to hide any. The wavy hair Luke had assumed was pale blond was in fact silver-gray, though the boy’s eyelashes and brows were a much darker shade, which made Luke wonder if the silver was natural.

Skye stopped in front of the table facing Luke and Carey. He clasped his hands behind his back and ducked his head. “Gordy said you wanted to see me, Mr. Hoffman.” Skye’s voice was so soft Luke had to concentrate to catch his words.

“I did, Skye. You remember I spoke to you about a job at The Retreat in Hampshire?”

Nodding, Skye darted a quick look at Luke. Luke caught a glimpse of violet-blue eyes before Skye focused his gaze on the carpet once more.

“Well, this is Mr. Redding. He’s in charge of The Retreat. I want you to wait on us over lunchtime and show him what you can do.”

“Hello, Skye,” Luke said, keeping his voice low and trying to project reassurance. “I hear you’ve had excellent training. We have a mixture of guests staying at The Retreat, but they all have something in common. They love their food. We have a dedicated chef and customers can pick their own menus and eat as much as they want. That means a lot of serving both at table and in the guests’ rooms. Do you think you can handle that?”

Skye scuffed his bare toes into the carpet. “Yes, Sir.”

“And you understand that The Retreat caters for men who are in the BDSM lifestyle, just like here at the club?” Skye nodded and a light pink flush bloomed on his cheekbones. “Sometimes, you might be required to wear very little or nothing at all. Does that worry you?”

“No, Sir.” Skye’s response was barely audible.

Luke wanted to make eye contact with the shy young man but Skye kept his gaze lowered.

“Remove your kilt, Skye,” Carey ordered.

Luke tightened his grip on his drink. He expected Skye to bolt but instead he undid the buckle at his hip, let the leather garment drop to the floor then stepped out of it.

“Hands behind your back,” Carey instructed.

Luke glanced around the restaurant. Almost every man in the place had turned to watch. Skye stood absolutely still, clad only in the mesh thong that was issued to all the serving staff at The Underground to wear under their kilts.

“Fetch two menus, please.”

Luke watched, entranced, as Skye walked away, hips swaying. He might as well have been naked for all the coverage his underwear gave him. He had natural grace and if it weren’t for the slight tension in his shoulders, Luke might have believed he was entirely comfortable following Carey’s orders.

“You’re testing him. Why?” Luke didn’t take his eyes away from Skye as he collected two menus and returned to the table.

“Because you need to be confident that he will do as you ask, when he’d prefer to run and hide.”

“He’s attracting a lot of attention.”

“Are you surprised?”

“Not at all. He’s stunning.”

Carey’s smile turned into a smirk. “Then you can handle him from now on.”

I really do enjoy this author’s writing, and this book was no exception. One thing that the author always shows within her books is character growth and change.

Skye, at the beginning of the book, was very shy and seemed to stay away from most people, and throughout the book, although his shyness seemed to dissipate some, he became a friend to everyone at The Retreat. He was able to find himself as the sub he wanted to be, even discovering kinks that worked for him that he had no idea would be a kink for him.

Luke, who seemed to not want any sort of relationship, until his eyes landed on Skye, immediately found the man he wanted. Becoming the Dom for Skye seemed to come naturally to him.

One thing I liked is that the age difference between the two men was never a factor. Sometimes, age differences become a large part of the issues in a book like this. It was not. It was mentioned, with a couple of nods to the refractory period of youth 🙂 and then they moved on.

I’ve been enjoying this series, and am hoping to see more of the characters on my kindle very soon.

4 pieces of eye candy

LM lives in a small village in the English countryside, surrounded by rolling hills, cows and sheep. She started writing to fill time between jobs and is now firmly and unashamedly addicted.

She loves the English weather, especially the rain, and adores a thunderstorm. She loves good food, warm company and a crackling fire. She’s fascinated by the psychology of relationships, especially between men, and her stories contain some subtle (and some not so subtle) leanings towards BDSM.

LM is winner of the National Leather Association’s Pauline Reage Award for best novel and the 2016 and 2018 Golden Flogger Awards for best BDSM novel in the LGBT category. She has received multiple Honorable Mentions in the Rainbow Awards and won the Action and Adventure category of Divine Magazine’s Book Awards.

You can track her down online here:

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