series

A Case for Christmas (The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2) by J.A. Rock & Lisa Henry: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

August 5, 2021 by Denise

He loves no-one and never will.

Lord Christmas Gale is a genius and a misanthrope, and, quite to his disgust, adored by all of Society for his capacity to solve mysteries. When a man approaches him seeking help in locating a lost dog, Gale rebuffs him. But what begins with a missing dog ends in murder and intrigue–two of Gale’s favourite things, if it weren’t for the orphan that comes attached to them. Oh, and Benjamin Chant.

He has sworn to never love again.

The Honourable Mr. Benjamin Chant isn’t sure how he got swept up in Gale’s mad investigation, but there’s something intriguing about the man–a vulnerability that most of the world doesn’t notice, but which captures Chant’s interest, and his sympathy, from their first meeting. After a disastrous love affair in the past, Chant has sworn to never give his heart away again. Especially to a man who does not want it.

But it isn’t just their hearts at stake.

When their investigation takes a dangerous turn and their lives are threatened, both Gale and Chant are forced into the realisation that perhaps two imperfect men might fit perfectly together–that is, if they can outwit the killer who is intent on seeing them both dead.

A Case for Christmas is the second book in the Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance.

A Case for Christmas

The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2

By JA Rock and Lisa Henry

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

A Husband for Hartwell (The Lords of Bucknall Club Book 1)

A Rival for Rivingdon (The Lords of Bucknall Club Book 3) (Release Day 9/14/21)

Chant put an arm around Gale’s shoulders as comfortably as though they were the oldest and dearest of friends. They sat in silence for a moment. Then Chant’s hand drifted up, his fingers threading through Gale’s hair. Gale stiffened. Forced himself to take measured breaths. What on earth… ? Chant carded the strands gently, and Gale felt a strange but not unpleasant prickle go up his spine. Chant’s fingers brushed the hair at Gale’s temple, and then his nails dragged very lightly to the back of Gale’s scalp where they dug in just a little. This time, Gale’s whole body seemed to jump like a candle flame.

He swallowed hard. “What… what are you doing?”

“Shall I stop?”

“No. I—I just don’t understand what…” He trailed off.

“Have you truly never known the pleasure of having your hair stroked?” There was a smile in Chant’s voice, but a sadness in his tone that made Gale at once defensive.

“I… I’m sure I…” But he could think of no instance where anyone had run their fingers through his hair this way. The room grew completely still, until there was nothing but Chant’s gentle touch, and Gale’s awkward pattern of tensing, then letting go, and then tensing again as he tried to acclimatise himself to the sensations. “No,” he muttered finally as though conceding a great defeat.

“Do you dislike it?”

“The only thing I dislike about it is that I am perpetually dreading the moment you’ll cease,” Gale snapped.

“Well, then I shall never cease.”

Gale snorted in spite of himself.

“If you will indulge me, I’ll arrange you so that it is easier for both of us.”

“Chant…”

Chant seemed to be waiting for the rest of whatever Gale had to say. But Gale did not have more to say. He inhaled and then released his breath, trying to slacken his body but to little avail. “All right,” he whispered.

I absolutely love historicals, especially the Elizabethan era. And because m/m historicals are challenging to find, I usually gobble them up right away. (As an example, I was supposed to read three books before I received this arc…as soon as I received it, it jumped to the front without question). I also love stand-offish, snarky characters, and enjoyed Christmas Gale so much in book 1. He could never remember (wink wink) how many sisters he had, or their names. He just made me laugh. So, this was an instant read for me.

Gale is a reluctant hero, who once again gets caught up in mysteries and his detective work. And his banter with Chant was fantastic. It allowed their personalities to shine through, both the grumpy of one, and the sunshine of the other. However, they really seemed to be a great couple together, offsetting each others’ quirks.

The side characters were fantastic, and it just made the book that much more fun, but was still interwoven with a mystery to be solved.

I’m not sure I could have enjoyed this book more, and I’m ready for book 3.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

About JA Rock:

J.A. Rock is the author of over twenty LGBTQ romance, suspense, and horror novels, as well as an occasional contributor to HuffPo Queer Voices. J.A.’s books have received Lambda Literary, INDIEFAB, and EPIC Award nominations, and The Subs Club received the 2016 National Leather Association-International Novel Award. 24/7 was named one of the best books of 2016 by Kirkus Reviews. J.A. lives in Chicago with an extremely judgmental dog, Professor Anne Studebaker.

https://jarockauthor.com

About Lisa:

Lisa likes to tell stories, mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters.

Lisa lives in tropical North Queensland, Australia. She doesn’t know why, because she hates the heat, but she suspects she’s too lazy to move. She spends half her time slaving away as a government minion, and the other half plotting her escape.

She attended university at sixteen, not because she was a child prodigy or anything, but because of a mix-up between international school systems early in life. She studied History and English, neither of them very thoroughly.

She shares her house with too many cats, a dog, a green tree frog that swims in the toilet, and as many possums as can break in every night. This is not how she imagined life as a grown-up.

Lisa has been published since 2012, and was a LAMBDA finalist for her quirky, awkward coming-of-age romance Adulting 101, and a Rainbow Awards finalist for 2019’s Anhaga.

To connect with Lisa on social media, you can find her here:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Bookbub
Twitter

She also has a Facebook group where you’ll be kept in the loop with updates on releases, have a chance to win prizes, and probably see lots of lots of pictures of her dog and cats. You can find it here: Lisa Henry’s Hangout.

Keeping Kellan (Keeping Him Book 2) by Amy Aislin: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

June 10, 2021 by Denise

Brant Harkrader is done living by other peoples’ rules. He may not know exactly what he wants out of life, but he’s perfectly happy letting that question figure itself out while starting a new job as a tour guide.

Too bad the one thing he does want—his sister’s BFF—only sees him as a little brother.

Or so he thinks…

Kellan Shelby-Briggs has never shied away from going after what he wants. And what he wants is the important contract that will put his brand new company on the map—and Brant.

Too bad Kellan’s career keeps yanking him away just as things heat up between them.

Now that Brant is back in town—up close and personal in Kell’s living space—can they finally get the timing right to go after the love that has eluded them both for too long?

Keeping Kellan
By Amy Aislin

Keeping Him, Book 2

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Kell was staring at him. “You baked?”

“Uh-huh.” The look Kell was giving him made his stomach do backflips. He leaned a hip casually against the counter. “Don’t get too excited, though. Like I said, I don’t know if I did it right. They might be gross.”

“You baked?” Kell repeated. He crept in closer to Brant, slowly, as though he thought Brant would flee at the slightest provocation.

But, today, Brant’s stupid desire to run was nowhere to be found.

Because this was Kell. Kellan Shelby-Briggs, who used to babysit him when he was little, and instead of sitting Brant in front of the television so Kell could spend all night talking on the phone with his friends like most teenagers would do, Kell had played board games with him until it was time for bed. Kell, who saw the world as one giant playground on which he could get shit done and show everyone how goddamn capable he was. Kell, who’d never treated Brant like an annoying kid. Kell, who’d often wandered over from next door to visit Wendy, but who had always brought a little something for Brant—an action figure, a new baseball, a well-loved board game he no longer played, his mom’s freshly baked cookies, hockey cards.

He was literally the boy next door, and he was looking at Brant with a cocky half-smile that was way sexier than it should’ve been.

It made sense in the grand scheme of things, though. Brant had always been attracted to competence and confidence. And here was his dream man in the flesh, coming toward him until he stopped less than half a foot away.

“You baked,” Kell said again, though it didn’t sound like a question this time. More like an acknowledgement.

“Mm-hmm.” Brant straightened, bringing them that much closer. Kell’s eyes slipped to his mouth. “As a thank you for letting me stay here. And for dessert for tonight’s date.”

Those eyes, clear pools of blue, snapped back to his. “Date.”

“Wasn’t that what the steak and shrimp kabobs were for? Not to mention the salad, the veggies, the potatoes, the dip, and the lava cakes. A date.” It had been too much for one person, so he’d brought the leftovers to Wendy’s last night. Except for the lava cakes. Those he’d kept.

“A clandestine one,” Kell admitted. “In case it wasn’t something you wanted.”

Brant wanted so much that he was tempted to let the pizza burn and drag Kell upstairs. Hell, he was kicking himself for not staying for the “movie” the other night. When had he ever backed away when he was interested in someone? The last time he’d seen someone he wanted to know, he’d walked right up to him in the bar and had taken him home two hours later.

Just that things were different with Kell. Everything that pulled Brant toward him—the friendship, the familiarity, Kell’s steady presence—also threatened to push Brant away. Because they were entering dangerous territory and neither of them would remain unscathed if they fucked this up, and it would forever alter their relationship, whatever that turned out to be.

Right now, though, with Kell looking at him with heat in his eyes? None of that seemed to matter.

The oven timer went off, an incessant beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep. Neither of them moved.

“Going to get that?” Kell asked, voice dropping to a husky rumble that had goosebumps climbing up Brant’s arm.

“In a minute,” he murmured and, hand to Kell’s chest, pushed him back against the counter, slotted himself between his thighs, and kissed him.

Book 2 in a series, but stands alone.

This story was sweet. Crush on his sister’s best friend since he was a kid. But now everyone is grown up. And the crush works both ways.

Kellan and Brant so easily just slipped into a relationship. Brant was staying with Kellan until he found a place of his own having moved back to his home town. And even without a sexual relationship at all, they just fell in to that groove. They were so comfortable with each other, with mutual crushes, so it was completely natural. Even Brant’s sister- Kellan’s best friend- really had no issue with it at all.

Poor Brant is trying to figure his life out. He played junior hockey as dictated by his step father. He went to college. He got the job in the cube in the city. But he wasn’t happy. So he went back home, back to the small town life and mountains he loves. And Kellan.

Brant has a really strained relationship with his mother and step father. Proving that words can do as much damage, if not more, than fists. Brant’s sister was just old enough to have moved out to college and didn’t know how bad it was. But Brant just kept it in.

Kellan validated Brant. Listened to him, loved him, supported him. Things he was severely lacking from his mother and step father.

It was a fun book that had a little bit of angst with the parental situation, but not the romance situation.

Great book to read at the beach or sitting in the back yard this summer. Most of the sex scenes are very fade to black with some details. You’ll love Kellan and Brant and their dog Ollie.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Amy‘s lived with her head in the clouds since she first picked up a book as a child, and being fluent in two languages means she’s read a lot of books! She first picked up a pen on a rainy day in fourth grade when her class had to stay inside for recess. Tales of treasure hunts with her classmates eventually morphed into love stories between men, and she’s been writing ever since. She writes evenings and weekends—or whenever she isn’t at her full-time day job saving the planet at Canada’s largest environmental non-profit.

An unapologetic introvert, Amy reads too much and socializes too little, with no regrets. She loves connecting with readers. Join her Facebook Group, Amy Aislin’s Readers, to stay up-to-date on upcoming releases and for access to early teasers, find her on Instagram and Twitter, or sign up for her newsletter.

Connect with Amy:
Website: amyaislin.com
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Finn’s Fantasy (Maine Men Series, Book 1) by K.C. Wells: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

April 28, 2021 by Denise

It’s been twenty years since Joel was with a man, and he doesn’t want to screw this up.
Especially with Finn.

A secret desire
By day, Finn builds houses on the coastline of Maine. Afterhours, Finn dreams of the hot older guy who walks his chocolate lab on Goose Rocks Beach. The man of his dreams ticks all his boxes. Salt and pepper hair. Strong jawline. Blue eyes.
His dream man is perfect fantasy material. As for actually speaking to him?
As if. Their paths won’t ever cross, and the guy is probably straight.

A new chapter
Recently divorced Joel is finally living as a gay man, but he’s not sure he’s ready to jump into a relationship. That doesn’t stop him from noticing his new contractor’s muscular build, hewn from hard, physical work, or his storm-colored eyes. Or the way he wears his tool belt slung low on his hips. The icing on the cake? There’s more to Finn than good looks. Maybe he’s the perfect guy to share long walks on the beach and warm nights in front of a fire.
But it’s been twenty years since Joel was with a man. While he’s not forgotten how to flirt, he’s nervous about making a move.
Especially with Finn.

Title: Finn’s Fantasy (Maine Men Series, Book 1)
Author: K.C. Wells

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

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Joel closed the front door behind him before unfastening Bramble’s leash. “You had to go running off, didn’t you? You had to go talk to your doggy pals.” Bramble gazed at him with those liquid brown eyes, his tail thumping on the floor, and Joel realized he was fighting a losing battle. He could never stay mad at this dog for long. He rubbed Bramble’s ears. “Just don’t do it again, okay?”

Bramble’s soft woof might have been Okay, but Joel would lay even money it was more a case of hey, why are you complaining? You got to meet a hot guy, didn’t you?

There was no denying it—Finn was hot, from the sweep of his hair off his brow, to those gunmetal eyes, the color of the ocean during a storm, to that scruffy beard and barely-there mustache. And then there was his build: the heavy coat might have hidden his frame, but it was obvious Finn was not a slight man, capable of being blown away by a stiff breeze.

It was no surprise to Joel that the word stiff came to mind. And now that he knew where Finn lived, Joel would keep an eye out for him when he took Bramble for a walk.

Down boy. You don’t know anything about him—except that he’s hot.

This was my first K.C. Wells book that wasn’t kink. And it was…nice.

Look, this is book one of a planned series and there is a lot of world building and character development to happen. And we met all of the guys pretty much at once at the wedding of a friend- the bride. I don’t know where exactly she fits in because after the wedding, she doesn’t come up a lot.

The book is set on the coast in Maine with both main characters renting what we call beach bungalows. I swear I could almost smell the inside of those places. I grew up in a beach town and those bungalows are iconic. And a bit of a dying breed. Anyway.

Joel is renting his place after he and his wife split up. Because…gay. I hate how true it is that gay men are still hiding who they are, marrying and having families while carrying that secret. But I digress.

Finn is out and proud. Working construction, he sees Joel walking his dog and becomes intrigued. They meet, Joel hires him to build a deck, etc, etc.

Joel’s ex wife is his best friend and his daughter seems fine with the whole situation, but he has the angty teen son. Always scary.

Everything is very civilized for the most part, Joel and Finn definitely have chemistry, but of course Finn feels like it will end when the project does. Joel worries that Finn is too young and experienced. The usual.

There was nothing earth shattering. No big plot twists. No big misunderstandings before a tearful reunion. Just a nice, sweet, sometimes hot, romance.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

K.C. Wells lives on an island off the south coast of the UK, surrounded by natural beauty. She writes about men who love men, and can’t even contemplate a life that doesn’t include writing.
The rainbow rose tattoo on her back with the words ‘Love is Love’ and ‘Love Wins’ is her way of hoisting a flag. She plans to be writing about men in love – be it sweet or slow, hot or kinky – for a long while to come.

Connect with K.C.:
If you want to follow her exploits, you can sign up for her monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cNKHlT
Got a favourite trope? Then check out this page: https://www.kcwellswrites.com/tropes

You can stalk – er, find – her in the following places:
ALL my links: https://smart.bio/k.c.wellsauthor
Email: k.c.wells@btinternet.com
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KC’s men In Love (my readers group): http://bit.ly/2hXL6wJ
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/K-C-Wells/e/B00AECQ1LQ
Twitter: @K_C_Wells
Website: www.kcwellswrites.com
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/k-c-wells
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/KCWellsAuthor/my-books/

To celebrate the release of Finn’s Fantasy, K.C. is giving away some awesome prizes:

$30 Amazon Voucher
US or UK Audible Code of Finn’s Fantasy by K.C. Wells
A chance to win 1 of 5 ebooks from K.C. Wells backlist

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The Sorcerer’s Guardian (Chronicles of Tournai Book 4) by Antonia Aquilante: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

September 14, 2020 by Denise

Savarin honed his Talent through years of study, and to achieve his goal of becoming the most powerful and accomplished sorcerer in Tournai, he made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings—which is how Savarin prefers it. He wants to be seen only as the man he’s made himself. When Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack, he is more than happy to do so. The spells are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. But to his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompany him on his journey.

Second son of a minor noble family, Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain with single-minded determination and takes pride in his service to the crown. He must obey the prince’s orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere and his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, Loriot has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. He still believes it’s best to avoid most magic entirely, which is difficult when he’s tasked with playing guard to a powerful sorcerer.

Loriot and Savarin clash repeatedly during their journey, but the simmering tension between them doesn’t only stem from their work, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still secure Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution will endanger both him and the royal family.

Title: The Sorcerer’s Guardian

Series: Chronicles of Tournai, Book Four

Author: Antonia Aquilante

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: September 14, 2020

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 111400

Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Fantasy, romance, family-drama, gay, cisgender, magic, cat shifters, magician, captain of the guards, storm, antagonists to lovers, court intrigue

Goodreads

Amazon

Nine Star Press

As afternoon waned into evening, Loriot approached his house on Dove Lane. Weariness dragged at him with each step. He hadn’t slept more than a few minutes in the last few days, and now that the crisis had passed, he felt the fatigue down to his bones. But the lack of sleep was worth it for the good outcome of the situation.

He trudged up the few steps to his front door, its rich blue color recently freshened, and let himself in. The key turned smoothly in the lock, and the magical protections on the house recognized him as belonging, allowing him inside. He shivered, even though he didn’t feel anything as he crossed the threshold; perhaps someone with a Talent would, but he had neither Talent nor any sensitivity to magic.

Inside, the house was quiet. The formal parlor was empty, which was unsurprising as they rarely used it—only when Joceline and Oriana chose to entertain. He wanted more than anything to go up to his bedchamber and collapse into his bed for the next few days, but he couldn’t. Couldn’t even collapse for a few hours without checking on his family. But he knew where at least one of them was likely to be at this time of day

The sitting room at the back of the house was quiet, too, so quiet he could hear the scratch of his sister’s pen on paper as he stepped into the doorway. Joceline sat at her writing desk, papers spread around her, pen flying across the page. Despite the silence, she didn’t notice him. A good writing day, then. He hated to disturb her, but she’d want to know he was home.

“Story going well?” he asked, keeping his voice quiet so he wouldn’t startle her. He’d learned it was better to have to repeat himself than to scare her when she was absorbed in a world of her own creation.

But he didn’t have to repeat himself today. She glanced up immediately, her gaze hazy and then sharpening. “There you are! I was wondering if you were ever coming home.”

He hadn’t been gone so long—only a couple of days—but he did try not to let a day go by without returning for at least a little while. He stepped farther into the room and sank down into a comfortable chair. “It was unavoidable. You got my notes?”

“Of course. You know I was just teasing.” Joceline narrowed her eyes and studied him with an intensity he could almost feel. “Is everything all right? You look exhausted, and I heard yesterday the guard was searching everyone leaving the city.”

He scrubbed a hand over his face. Sitting had been a mistake. His eyelids wanted to droop; his body wanted to melt into the cushions. “There was a kidnapping.”

“Not Prince Julien?”

“No, no. And it’s fine now,” he reassured her, trying to keep her from coming out of her chair in her alarm at a threat to the heir to Tournai’s throne. “It wasn’t a member of the royal family at all.”

“But you were involved?”

As captain of the royal guard, Loriot normally wouldn’t be directly involved in such a situation. “The baby taken was the daughter of Prince Amory’s friend, Master Tristan. The merchant. Though if what I saw means anything, he’ll likely be a member of the royal family soon.”

“Really?” Joceline leaned forward, her interest of a different kind now. “There’s going to be a marriage? To whom? The princess?”

He shook his head. He didn’t need to tell her what he said should go no further. He didn’t ever tell her anything truly secret, but Loriot didn’t see the harm in a little meaningless court gossip now and then, especially since she wouldn’t spread it. “No. Lord Etan.”

She sat back with a huff. “Well, they really are bucking tradition, aren’t they?”

He let out a short laugh. But what she said wasn’t untrue. Both Tournai’s prince and his cousin, a royal duke, had married men in the last couple of years, and now it seemed Lord Etan, another cousin of Prince Philip’s, would do the same. Loriot couldn’t think of a time when such a thing had happened, as the royal family and nobility tended to marry those who could provide bloodline heirs for their titles—and some families were even more conservative, only marrying women.

“Good for them,” Joceline said. “I hope they’re happy.”

“Now that Tristan’s daughter is back with them, I believe they are.”

Concern flooded back into her pretty face. “You found her? And the person who took her?”

“Yes, with Master Savarin’s help.” He’d gotten over any resentment he might have had that he needed the help of magic long before today and was happy to use any tool he had access to. Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, was not someone whose help should be turned away, and Savarin never withheld it, serving Tournai whenever he was called upon.

“The sorcerer? How did he help?” Joceline sat forward, a gleam in her eyes he recognized well. She wasn’t simply curious; she wanted to know because she might use the information in a story.

“Joceline.”

“What?”

He sighed and shook his head. “He used his magic to try to track the kidnappers and then to try to find the baby directly. He pointed us in the right direction, let us know where to search for them.” Loriot didn’t bother mentioning the help they’d received from someone else, a scholar at the university. If he read Savarin right, Savarin would be finding Master Corentin at the university soon and asking him about the magic he used, because it also sounded as if Savarin hadn’t heard of anything like it.

“Interesting.”

“Let me guess, your new story has a sorcerer character.” He arched an eyebrow at her, his mildly disapproving tone mostly put on. Which she would know, as she was aware how proud he was of her accomplishments.

“I have an idea that would call for one. What’s Master Savarin like?”

“I don’t know him very well.” He tried to think of anything he knew about Savarin beyond the surface. “He’s powerful and arrogant with it.”

She shrugged. “I’d be surprised if he wasn’t. Aren’t all powerful sorcerers arrogant about their power?”

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t know any others.” He resolutely pushed his newly acquired knowledge of the royal family’s secret Talent from his mind. He didn’t need Joceline seeing a hint in his expression and trying to badger the information out of him. He would never tell, but life would be easier if he didn’t have to fight Joceline about it.

“All the ones I’ve read about in stories are. Especially the evil ones.”

“Tell me you’re not going to base a character on Master Savarin and make him evil.” Making the most powerful sorcerer in the country an evil character in a book sounded like a horrible idea.

Another shrug. “Powerful sorcerers always seem to be evil characters. Or self-sacrificing ones who save the day.”

Loriot shook his head and heaved himself to his feet. If he didn’t move, he’d end up sleeping right there. “Alain is upstairs?”

“Yes. But wait,” she called after him as he walked toward the door. “You must know something else about Master Savarin.”

“I really don’t.” He didn’t turn.

“Is he handsome?”

Savarin’s image filled his mind—his height and broad shoulders, perfectly carved features, blond hair he thought would be soft under his hands. His stride hitched, but he shook the image away and ignored Joceline calling after him. Perhaps she would forget the idea entirely if he didn’t encourage her.

He doubted it, but he could hope. The idea of Savarin as a character in a book on the shelf of a bookshop made him cringe.

Trudging up the stairs took the last of his energy, but he forced himself to bypass his own bedchamber. He couldn’t go to bed without seeing Alain. Not after so long away, not even if it hadn’t been very long. The door to the room at the back of the house was partially open. He peeked in as he pushed it open the rest of the way. The room was tidy, except for a veritable city built of blocks in the middle of the rug. The nursemaid noticed him first, but Alain wasn’t far behind. He looked up, his bright-green eyes—twins of Loriot’s own—lighting up, and something inside Loriot melted, just as it always did under those eyes.

“Papa!”

With ease of long practice, he caught the five-year-old bundle of energy that came flying at him and swung his son up into his arms. He cuddled him close for as long as Alain would allow. As tired as he was, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “There’s my boy. I missed you. Show me what you’ve been doing.”

I want to start off by saying I have read and loved this entire series so far. It would be impossible to read book seven without reading the other six, or at the very least the first couple.

This fantasy world is centered around its magical royal family. I’m not going to reveal the “talent” except it’s a novel twist on the expected genre, and in my opinion not explored enough.

Getting to this book, and while saying I loved the series I think this was my least favorite and maybe because it centers on two secondary characters I feel never really come into their own. The court wizard/sorcerer and the Captain of the Guards. I think based on the other books this didn’t have enough external plot to keep the story moving, and I know I shouldn’t review one based on the others, but I can’t.

The love story – sort of enemies to lovers and kind of forced proximity was a little weak.

But I will definitely pick up the next in the series when it publishes.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Antonia Aquilante has been making up stories for as long as she can remember, and at the age of twelve, decided she would be a writer when she grew up. After many years and a few career detours, she has returned to that original plan. Her stories have changed over the years, but one thing has remained consistent—they all end in happily ever after.

She has a fondness for travel (and a long list of places she wants to visit and revisit), taking photos, family history, fabulous shoes, baking treats (which she shares with friends and family), and of course, reading. She usually has at least two books started at once and never goes anywhere without her Kindle. Though she is a convert to e-books, she still loves paper books the best, and there are a couple thousand of them residing in her home with her.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Antonia is living there again after years in Washington, DC and North Carolina for school and work. She enjoys being back in the Garden State but admits to being tempted every so often to run away from home and live in Italy.

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High Heat (Hotshots Book 2) by Annabeth Albert: New Release Review *2

August 10, 2020 by Denise

Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all…

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: Burn Zone, High Heat, and Feel the Fire.

Amazon

Oh Garrick. We met him in book 1 as the best friend of Linc. The super cocky smoke jumper who was gravely injured (seriously gasp inducing as I read it) at the end of book 1. Book 2 gives us a bit of a time jump as Garrick is home now, but still in recovery mode.

His neighbor across the street is an older lady he gets along with well. And then, because of a stray dog that ended up on his porch, he meets his neighbor’s grandson. Much younger grandson.

I loved Rain. This poor kid is so lost but tries to act like he has it together. Growing up in basically a hippie commune, he is definitely a free spirit. But he is feeling the pressure of not really knowing what he wants to do with his life. He is a natural caretaker though, so when Garrick needs help with the stray dog, Rain is all in.

And so begins the older/younger we shouldn’t/but we want to game. Garrick was the typical grumbly older guy feeling like he was taking advantage of Rain. But Rain was sex positive, has no hangups about age and has no problem teasing Garrick until he caves.

All the while Garrick is determined to beat the odds and get back to smoke jumping. Even though he is still on crutches at best and in a wheelchair at worst. Being such an active guy his whole life, his ego and self worth are taking a serious beating. But Rain is so good and anticipating Garrick’s needs without taking over or making Garrick feel useless.

Oh- and a cute dog! If anything can make you feel better- I am convinced it is a dog. And Cookie definitely is her own character in the story.

Garrick and Rain each have their own personal ups and downs. They have the relationship crisis that then brings them back together again with eyes and hearts wide open.

This was sweet, fun, sexy as hell, exciting and a bit romantic. Really good follow up to book 1. Can’t wait for book 3!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

I am just loving this series. It has heat from fires, and heat from the bedroom. All the HEAT! 🙂

Garrick, the injured smoke jumper from Book 1, is now home, and recovering from his injuries, hoping to get back to his high stakes job soon. And when he meets a sweet and skittish dog, and his neighbor’s grandson, Rain, his world is turned upside down again. Just what he needed.

I loved these two together. Rain didn’t fuss over Garrick, just gave him time to find what he needed to do, and was willing to help when he was asked. Rain also had no problem being himself, whatever that was for him that day. Meanwhile, Garrick wasn’t the super masculine fire fighter who cared that his friend/boyfriend wanted to wear silver shorts or glittery tops. They were just each other when they were each other, what they both truly were looking for, first in a friend, then as lovers.

Cookie brought them together, but their own desires kept them together. Desires to be with each other, but also their future desires. Rain wanting to finally find a place he belonged. Garrick wanting to get back what he once had, but then stepping back up when he couldn’t and taking on a new place for himself.

Really enjoyed the wrap-up on this. It was just what these guys deserved.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Pieces of Me (Missing Pieces, Book 2) by N.R. Walker: Excerpt and Release Day Review

June 26, 2020 by Denise

Missing Pieces Series, Book Two

Justin’s recovery is slow, but any step forward is a win in Dallas’ eyes. Having always been a source of strength for Justin, even before the accident, Dallas is trying to find his feet again as he struggles to get some normalcy back in their lives.

But now, with added financial pressures and Justin’s ongoing medical needs, Dallas isn’t sure how much longer he can be the strong one.

As missing pieces of Justin’s memory return, Justin realises the physical side of their relationship is another piece of the puzzle he desperately wants to put back together. And as he gets to know Dallas all over again, he realises what his mind can’t remember, his heart can’t forget.

Title: Pieces of Me

Author: N.R. Walker

Series: Missing Pieces, Book 2

Standalone: No

Genre: MM Romance

Release date: June 26, 2020

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“Did you say accounts?” Justin asked, nodding toward where I’d stacked the papers on top of my laptop.

I wasn’t gonna tell him about my money worries, but I didn’t want to hide this from him. Maybe just not the extent of it. It was a fine line. “Yeah. I just have a few things to get done tonight. I’ll need to be working in the shop with the boys this week and not in the office, so if I can keep on top of the paperwork . . .”

“Is that because I’m not there?” he asked. “Do you have to do my job?”

Shit. I withheld the sigh that threatened to escape and put my fork down. “Not exactly. I mean, yes, a little bit. But it’s nothing we can’t handle until you’re ready to come back.”

His brow furrowed and I gave him time to think about what I’d said. He ate some more of his pasta but then pushed what was left around his plate with his fork. “Do Davo and Sparra have to do my work too?”

Shit.

I didn’t want him to feel bad, but I also wouldn’t lie to him. “The three of us are filling in the gaps. When I was at the hospital every day, Davo and Sparra did everything. They really covered my arse. So now we’re home, I’m trying to do as much as I can to help them out. We have an important contract coming up, one we do every year, and it’s good money. I can’t drop the ball on it.”

“I don’t like letting you down,” he whispered.

I reached over and squeezed his arm. “You’re not. At all. In any way. You’re my priority, first and foremost, Jussy. But my business is important too. Davo and Sparra depend on me for a job and I don’t want to let them down. I just need to get the balance right, that’s all. So if I have to do some work on the computer while we sit on the couch after dinner, then so be it.”

He tried to smile but couldn’t quite manage it. “My accident . . .”

When he said nothing else, I did. “Your accident was not your fault. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. And we’ll get through this, I have no doubt. I just want to try and do the right thing by everyone, that’s all.”

“I want to help. I can do . . .” He frowned again, like he couldn’t find the right word. He shrugged. “I don’t know what I can do.”

“You can get better, and you can rest and recover,” I said. “And you can make an awesome spaghetti.”

That earned me a small smile, but it didn’t last long. “I hate that everything is so hard. I want to do things but I’m tired, and my leg and my arm are stupid, and my head hurts most of the time. And the worst part is that I can’t think properly. Like sometimes it’s clear, and sometimes it’s foggy, sometimes it’s like I’m underwater. I hate that I can’t remember everything, and I hate that I feel so lost.”

“Lost?”

He gave a small nod. “I dunno who I am. I mean, I know I’m Justin, and I know where I come from, and all that shit. But I dunno who I was. The last five years were so important and I’ve lost that. I dunno who that Justin is.”

I pulled my chair around so I faced him, and I took his hand. “Baby, I wish I could fix that. I wish I knew how to get everything back. I hate that you feel that way, but I completely understand why you do. I’m sure I’d feel the same if it were me in that van that day.”

“I just feel . . . lost. And sad.” He shrugged. “I guess today’s just a bad day, but I . . .” His chin wobbled and his eyes became glassy. “I dunno.”

“Oh, baby,” I whispered. “You’re allowed to have bad days.” To be honest, I was surprised he hadn’t had more bad days before now. “Do you want a hug?”

He nodded quickly, and I stood up and helped him to his feet. I pulled him against me and he snuggled in, fitting the side of his head against my neck. I rubbed his back and held him tight, and for the longest moment, we never moved.

“Thank you,” he mumbled.

“What are you thanking me for?”

“For everything. For knowing what I need when I don’t.”

He made no attempt to move and I certainly wasn’t going to. “I need your hugs too.”

“I mean it. When I’m all fuzzy and . . . not together . . . I can’t think of the word. Anyway, when I’m like that, you hug me and it fixes me.”

“Well, you’re welcome. You can have a hug any time.”

He was quiet again for a bit and he leaned heavily against me as though he were falling asleep. “Thank you for staying.”

“Staying where?” In this hug?

“With me. For not leaving me. You could have, but you didn’t.”

I pulled back then so he could see the seriousness in my eyes. “Justin, baby. I love you. I’ve loved you for years. You are loved. And I know that’s probably weird for you, but I need you to know this: I’m not leaving you. Not then, not now, not ever.”

His face softened and he almost smiled. “It’s not weird. Well, maybe a little bit but not really. We’ve been on like, one date.”

I laughed. “Does tonight not count? You cooked me dinner. It could be our second date.”

“Nope. I forgot the candles.”

I chuckled and pulled him back in for a hug. His left arm went around me and held me just as tight as I held him. He was warm and smelled like home. “Candles make it a date,” I said quietly. “Got it.”

He was quiet again and heavy against me. “I like hearing you say it,” he mumbled. “That you love me. I know you do. You look after me, and you care.”

He liked knowing he was loved, and I couldn’t blame him. It was an amazing feeling, comforting like a soft bed and warm blankets on a cold night. I knew he loved me too. I knew he did. It was just trapped, hidden under the surface. He’d already remembered slivers of me from our life before the accident. He said my wing tattoos felt safe, like home. And he trusted me, and for a guy who was surrounded by strangers, that was a helluva statement.

His heart knew me, even if his head didn’t.

And I clung to that with everything I had.

Stop! Read book 1!

Picking up where we left off, Justin is really struggling with recovery, Dallas is the perfect boyfriend. Too perfect. He is struggling with money, mostly. Waiting for insurance, worker’s comp, etc. But he doesn’t want Justin to know.

This installment is mostly Justin’s recovery, Dallas and Justin rediscovering each other, watching Justin fall in love with Dallas all over again, and the realities of life.

The subject of sex does come up, eventually, when something else comes up (wink, wink) and Justin kind of realizes that he hasn’t thought about it once. That has to be kind of a shock for a 30 year old guy who before the accident had a very healthy sex life with Dallas.

So they go slowly. Which I kind of love. When they spend time on the couch making out without any expectations. It’s just so sweet.

I am going to say that Dallas is a little TOO perfect. He needs to snap. Not necessarily in front of Justin, but maybe alone in the shop or something. Or get mad at someone. Even with all of the stress he is under, he just keeps it all in and goes with the flow.

I did really enjoy this book, as the story is continuing in a mostly realistic manner. Progress, set backs, memories, recovery, etc. I definitely can’t wait for book 3. Is this it? As far as Justin goes with recalling memories? Will he get more? It will be interesting to see.

4 pieces of eye candy

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

For more about N.R. Walker you can find her at: