Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Blog Tour

Barely Regal (Rosavia Royals Book 5) by E. Davies: Exclusive Author Interview, Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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A bratty boy prince needs: a firm but fair Daddy.

Prince Renford is a royal brat. Nineteen and last in line for the throne, Wren hates his made-up job: Commander of Roses. Good thing his long-time valet has a firm hand—if only Wren could tempt him to break all palace protocol and use it.

Thom Pierce is sixteen years older. Old enough to know he should ignore his prince’s less-than-subtle flirtation. He’s been burned by a higher-ranked boy before. His job and reputation are at stake if the palace catches a scandal unfolding under their noses.

Wren needs the part of Thom that he’s kept locked away for years. If the young prince wants to be taken as seriously as his older brothers, he has to grow up fast. Thom’s rules could help Wren become the man Thom knows he can be in time for the Royal Ball… or they could attract the very attention that forces them apart forever.

Welcome to the tiny European country of Rosavia, where roses ramble over alpine slopes and princes fall for the men of their dreams. Every Rosavia Royals book happens simultaneously, so books can be read on their own, or in any order… but keep an eye out for familiar faces around the palace!

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

How did you become a part of this project/world?

Funny story, actually! The covers came first—they started out as premade covers from our wonderful cover designer, AngstyG. The time zones happened to work out perfectly: I was on vacation and Helen (HJ Welch) was awake late, so we saw them straight away. Helen said, “We HAVE to do an MM royalty shared universe!” and that was it!

We’d already learned how to build a shared world while working together to run Men of Hidden Creek (I herd the cats and set up and Helen cheerleads). So we quickly set about recruiting our shared beta reader, editor, etc, and reaching out to authors as we started collaboratively building the world of Rosavia. This time, we’ve really focused on getting all the authors to beta-read for each other as we wrote so that we could nail as many crossovers as possible. And I’ve also been the main series organizer post-draft-completion, so I feel like I’ve been living in Rosavia since late February! It’s very weird but incredibly exciting to finally share it with the rest of the world.

Where did your story’s inspiration come from?

The title of Barely Regal came to me first; I knew I wanted to write the story of the youngest prince, and as a youngest child myself, I knew that he was going to be a feisty little rebel who hadn’t yet learned the importance of his own duties. Muddy little Renford (or Wren, for short) came to life in a flash. I also knew from the very start that I wanted to write his valet, Thom Pierce, experiencing a conflict of interest between his palace duties and the pull he feels to fulfil Wren’s needs.

Also, on the cover, Wren has mud streaked across his neck. I decided that he’s learning to garden, and that the roses in Rosavia represent each family. Each royal family member has their own rose created for them at birth, so when they marry, another rose is created by crossing the couple’s varieties. Of course, when you’re marrying someone you were never expected to end up with, this creates complications…

How did you create your Prince?

Once I realized that Wren had to be the youngest prince, his bratty, flirtatious nature was obvious. And every brat needs a Daddy! The obvious man for the job was Thom, the quiet valet who has guided and steered him for the last decade. These two just came to life at the same moment, because they’re so made-for-each-other.

I really wanted to tell the story of Wren growing into his duties. Through the course of the story, Wren starts off feeling like he’s not taken seriously. I think last-born kids can relate to that feeling of being babied for too long, and it’s not helped by his own bratty nature! But luckily someone’s there to see what’s immaturity and what’s Wren’s need for a strong guiding hand. Over the story, Wren comes to realize that he’s actually playing an important role in telling the royal family’s story, and his unique talents matter.

Five books by five authors about five different brothers who are part of a monarchy in the fictional country of Rosavia. You’ll see this is book 5, but all 5 books occur simultaneously, culminating with the Royal Ball that is celebrating 500th birthday of the country. So they can be read in any order because they are all happily ever afters and those HEAs are revealed at the end of each book. So book 1 reveals the that yes, prince 5 did in fact end up with his valet.

I’ve read three of the books so far, and this one remains my favorite. I think partly because the characters get into a specific type of relationship, congruent with their romantic relationship, and I think it was well done without being too serious. And really, Wren is just kind of funny. He is 19 and acts 19. Which I think is awesome, even with the monarchy. He is kind of awkward trying to flirt and be sexy with his valet who is not only 16 years older than him, but has also been his valet for a long time. He has seen Wren from a child at his worse to a burgeoning man. And while he tries to stay away, he just can’t.

Add in some crazy cats, blueberry lube, a serious rose garden and very accepting parents, this was a fun book to read. I suspended all belief for this sweet, romantic, sexy fairy tale of a series. You should too.

4 pieces of eye candy

Book 1: Up for Heir By Stella Starling

A playboy heir needs a man to marry, right now.

After spending half his life dodging his duty to the crown, the rebel heir to the Rosavian throne has been told in no uncertain terms that it’s time to settle down. Crown Prince Leopold has one month and a vetted list of suitable princesses, and he will announce his engagement during Rosavia’s Royal Ball. But Leo’s got his own ideas about what really suits him…

Royal Librarian Edvin Blom is good at not attracting attention. Shy and self-conscious of his stutter, he’s used to being overlooked and more than happy to stay in the background. At least, until the crown prince with a wild reputation shows up at the library’s new opening and decides to flirt with Edvin’s sister…

Edvin isn’t at all what Leo thought he wanted, but turns out to be everything he can’t stay away from. Edvin’s been burned by falling for someone out of his league before, though. And believing that Leo has really fallen for him? While Edvin’s drowning in his own doubts and insecurities, that might prove impossible… unless love gives them both a reason to come up for air.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads | BookBub

 

Book 2: Reign or Shine By HJ Welch

A secret prince needs a lost tourist to save.

Prince Cassander is on vacation from his overdeveloped sense of duty. While hiding out as simply ‘Cas’ in the Rosavian capital, he rescues a gorgeous, distressed American tourist. Matty has no idea that Cas is second in line to the throne. And with only two weeks together to explore the sparks between them, he doesn’t need to ever find out.

New Yorker Matty Doyle is a fish out of water, taking care of his niece and mending his broken heart. When Cas rescues him, the handsome stranger coaxes Matty out of his shell and he throws caution to the wind. Nobody knows him here. Would it hurt to live a little for once?

But a prince can’t stay secret in his own country for long. Cas would give anything to protect Matty from reality, but how can this fantasy together continue when they belong in different worlds?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads | BookBub

 

Book 3: Throne Together By Zoe Dawn

A pining prince needs: a second chance at love.

Prince Julius has only ever wanted one man. Raised alongside Prince Dante of Thedes, the two were inseparable until their unspoken mutual attraction ignited into a single passionate encounter. Convinced that it ruined their friendship, Julius retreated to his duties in Rosavia, where he daydreams of another chance to win Dante’s heart.

After four years apart, fate brings Prince Julius back to Thedes. He offers Dante a coveted invitation: return to the Rosavian palace for ten days, and be his plus-one to the Royal Ball of the century. Before long, they realize one night of passion wasn’t enough, and they can’t imagine losing each other again.

As the clock ticks down to the ball, Julius catches wind of Dante’s family meddling, and he must decide if their feelings are real or if they’ve both been played. Were they always meant for each other, or is it all an illusion that will melt away at midnight?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads | BookBub

 

Book 4: In His Court by Max Rowan

A spy prince needs a man who sees through his disguise.

Prince Benedict is not what he seems. His image as a lazy playboy is carefully constructed to hide the truth. Trained since childhood to become Rosavia’s top spy, he spends his life in disguise—and danger—to protect his country. Nobody sees the loneliness in his heart.

Felix Wright is a genius with four degrees, no real-world experience, and a top-secret job… and he’s never even been kissed. A lifetime of being alienated for his most valuable assets has left him reluctant to trust the charming prince who thrusts him into fieldwork for the very first time.

When the Crown Jewels are stolen two weeks before the royal ball, it’s their job to save the country’s reputation. Benedict helps Felix believe in himself, while Felix slowly coaxes the real prince out of hiding. But can they find the jewels and rescue the most priceless treasures of all: each other?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads | BookBub

 

Rosavia Royals Out Now!

Come join the fun on the Royals Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RosaviaRoyals/
Add them to Goodreads!
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E. Davies grew up moving constantly, which taught him what people have in common, the ways relationships are formed, and the dangers of “miscellaneous” boxes. As a young gay author, Ed prefers to tell feel-good stories that are brimming with hope.

He writes full-time, goes on long nature walks, tries to fill his passport, drinks piña coladas on the beach, flees from cute guys, coos over fuzzy animals (especially bees), and is liable to tilt his head and click his tongue if you don’t use your turn signal.

E. Davies Links:

Website | Newsletter
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub

Stella Starling Links:
Website | Newsletter
Facebook | Facebook Group
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub

HJ Welch/Helen Juliet Links:
Website | Newsletter
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Group
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub

Zoe Dawn Links:
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub

Max Rowan (formerly Max Hawthorn) Links:
Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub

Ride the Lightning by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

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Truth seeker. Promise keeper. Guarded heart.

By day, Jonah St. John is a criminal analyst for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. By night, he produces Sinister in Savannah, an investigative podcast, with his two best friends. Jonah’s life revolves around three principles: a man’s word is his oath, friendships are priceless gifts, and love is for other people.

When the Sinister in Savannah team delves into the thirty-eight-year-old murder of a drag queen, they quickly discover that the story doesn’t end with the alleged killer’s confession in 1995. Continuing the investigation could have fatal consequences for Jonah and everyone he holds dear, including his irresistible intern.

To love is to lose: a lesson Jonah has learned the hard way. For a decade, he has embraced solitude as his penance for a past mistake. Then came Avery Bradford, a man whose warmth and sunshine infuses Jonah’s battered soul and challenges his resistance. Over the past eight months, Jonah has soared closer and closer to Avery’s flame until the thing he’s feared the most becomes the one he can’t live without.

The chill of danger merges with the heat of desire, forming a deadly superstorm. Will Jonah seek shelter or ride the lightning?

Sinister in Savannah series is a fictional podcast exploring the city’s most nefarious crimes with Southern-fried snark. The books explore friendship, love, loss, and the irrepressible human spirit. Ride the Lightning is book one of three. While each book is written about a different couple, the series should be read in order. Sinister in Savannah is an LGBT romantic suspense series with mature language and sexual content intended for adults eighteen and older.

Ride the Lightning

Sinister in Savannah Series, Book One

Aimee Nicole Walker

LGBT Romantic Suspense

Release date: 06.23.20

Cover: Jay Aheer

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Model: Ash

 

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“What happened to your flowers?” Jonah suddenly asked, opening the can of worms he’d vowed to leave alone. 

Avery only gaped at him unblinkingly. Who could blame him? The question had come out of nowhere. “My flowers?” 

“The ones Romeo brought you. I caught you making heart eyes at them every time I stepped out of my office yesterday.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Avery scoffed. “I took them to my grandmother.” 

Of all the possible things Avery could’ve said, Jonah hadn’t been expecting this one. “Why?” 

Avery released a deep sigh. “I told you he wasn’t the guy for me.” It was Jonah’s turn to just stare. “Here was this handsome, successful guy who seemed to be interested in me, but I felt…nothing. No spark.” 

Jonah snorted, and Avery scowled. 

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Avery asked. 

“No spark?” Jonah asked. “I’d hate to see how you return from a lunch date when you do feel chemistry with a man.” 

Avery stiffened in his chair. “What are you talking about?” 

“Come on, Avery. Flushed cheeks and swollen lips. I recognize the signs of someone who has been thoroughly kissed…or more.” 

“You th-th-thought I… that we…” Avery stammered. He swallowed hard and briefly closed his eyes. “You’re an idiot, Jonah. My pink cheeks and puffy lips were a result of a medical condition.” 

Jonah raised a brow. “Is that what they’re calling it these days?” 

“I had an allergic reaction to my lunch, asshole,” Avery practically shouted. “I didn’t see the little bites of heaven in my salad until it was too late.” 

“Little bites of heaven?” 

“Avocado,” Avery said. “I was stuffing my face while my date talked about his job. Suddenly, I noticed my face felt numb, and my lips were tingling. I shifted the lettuce around in my bowl and found the cause.” 

Jonah buried his face in his hands. “I’m the biggest dick on the planet.” 

“This isn’t the time to brag about your dick size, Jonah,” Avery chastised.

So fun!

We met Jonah and his podcast friends in Ms Walker’s previous series. Mostly I remembered him as a total computer nerd with a super computer he built himself. Those things are true. But he was a fairly complex character. He is a war veteran who hates guns and works for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations, but isn’t a typical law enforcement officer. He is happiest behind his super computer Stella and coming up with new ways to beat cyber crime.

We also met Avery before. But I’ll let you read more about that. He is working as Jonah’s assistant/intern and they both have major crushes on each other. But don’t do much about it except for some flirting. Silly boys.

Luckily they don’t dance around each other for too long. Jonah is kind of adorable wanting to be proper with dates and stuff. Avery just wants to get naked. Oh and have dates and stuff.

The focus is more on solving a crime that someone confessed to. But that confession was coerced and whoever did the coercing doesn’t want anyone sticking their noses in.

Jonah enlists his podcast partners to do some digging, as solving this murder is a promise made to a dear friend. That dear friend being an amazing genderqueer person Marla. You will love Marla. It is impossible not to. Eventually we get Locke and Key to bring down the real murderer.

There’s some twists and turns and connections that are unexpected and lies unraveled all while Jonah and Avery fall in love with each other. There are some excellent sex scenes, but one of the things that I appreciated is that not all sex scenes were explicit for ten or more pages. Some of them were fade to black. Because Ms Walker knows that sex is important in a new relationship and they can hardly keep their hands off of each other. But we don’t need a play by play of every single encounter.

I look forward to more crime solving by these podcast guys- and Avery.

4 pieces of eye candy

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you 

https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

The Chocolate Works by Geoffrey Knight: New Release Review and Excerpt

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Henry Dawson knew that Levi Jones was his complete opposite from the moment they met. After all, what on earth could a nerdy, slightly neurotic risk assessment analyst like Henry possibly have in common with a wild, passionate and sexy chocolate-maker like Levi? The answer is, more than Henry could ever have imagined.

Henry Dawson lives a quiet life of perfect order and routine. His job as a cross-checker at a Chicago-based risk assessment firm means there’s no detail unmissed, no error unfixed and no room in his world for curve balls. That is until the day he loses his job, finds out his apartment building has been condemned, and receives an inheritance from an uncle he never even knew he had.

Now with no job, no home and no hope for the future, Henry suddenly finds himself in the tiny dead-end town of Los Encantado in the middle of the New Mexico desert, ready to sell the small roadside diner bequeathed to him by the uncle he never met. Given the circumstances, what choice does he have but to offload the diner—operated by waffle-loving Doris Day fan, Gracie Garcia—in an effort to try and fund his way back to his old life in Chicago?

But Henry was never planning on the arrival of wild, passionate and incredibly sexy Levi Jones. Nor was he ready for Levi’s crazy plan to turn Gracie’s Diner into the greatest Chocolate Works the world has ever known. For Levi claims to be the country’s finest chocolatier… or is he?

Before he knows it, Henry is pulled into Levi’s plan to create the most delicious, irresistible, mouth-watering, knee-buckling chocolates the world has ever imagined. At the same time Henry finds himself falling head over heels for the reckless, romantic allure of a man who is the complete opposite of everything Henry holds sacred.

Will Henry succumb to the charms of a handsome stranger despite every instinct warning him that Levi is nothing but a snake oil salesman? Will the secrets of Levi’s past destroy Henry’s hopes of ever finding true romance?

Or is Levi destined to melt Henry’s heart as he discovers that chocolate truly is the food of love?

The Chocolate Works is a mouth-watering 85K-word standalone opposites-attract gay romantic comedy. Warning: Reading this book WILL make you crave your absolute favorite chocolates and demand you indulge in them while you read… one delicious, delectable, discipline-crushing mouthful at a time.

Title: The Chocolate Works

Author: Geoffrey Knight

Series: Standalone

Genre: Gay Romance

Tropes: Opposites Attract, Romantic Comedy, Foodie Romance

Release Date: July 10, 2020

Formats Available: Ebook, Paperback, Kindle Unlimited

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Chocolate, like the tender and tangled entwine of two lovers, must be many things—

It must be sweet and delicate, yet knowing of the power—and sometimes the balance—that its own darkness and bitterness can bring;

It must grant us the illusion, if only for a moment, that we are made wealthy by its richness, wicked by its decadence, and forgiven of all our sins in its utter purity;

It must be solid and firm, yet versatile enough to soften its edges and melt with grace when the moment is right;

It must bring comfort in hard times, abundance in lean times, and happiness in lonely times;

It must be made with hands that are strong yet gentle with their touch, watched over by eyes that are observant and careful in their measurement, and created by souls that have known and will never forget a need that must be fulfilled.

But most important of all—chocolate must be made with love.

For chocolate is love.

And love conquers all.

These are the things I learned from Levi Jones, a man as reckless and wild as he was passionate and kind; a man whose creative genius was matched only by his mystery; a man who added the dash of hope, the dollop of love and the sprinkling of surprises that would change my life forever.

Geoffrey Knight is a new author to my reading list. And I have to say I did enjoy this one.

Poor Henry…I mean how much bad luck could one person have in a day. He was sort of a caricature of himself. Nobody remembered his name, except Levi. He lost everything he had in one day, but also gained something he didn’t know he had on that same day.

Levi was a mystery, and one that Henry had no desire to solve. Henry definitely did not like change. Meanwhile, Levi was the epitome of change, a drifter with only the cash in his pocket, but a positive attitude towards all he saw.

They develop an opposites attract relationship, along with trying to turn an empty town around. The banter between the two is funny and endearing as they work on finding a place for everyone, as well as an HEA. But also it was a “treat” to see someone as closed off as Henry find his way out of his shell. And the side characters, delightfully delicious. Just like chocolate! 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

Geoffrey Knight is the author of more than 30 gay fiction novels, novellas and short stories, ranging in genre from gay adventure, gay romance, gay suspense and gay comedies.

The heroes of Geoffrey’s books love to spend their time jumping off the page, seeking lost treasures, unraveling mysteries or falling in love.

Geoffrey is the recipient of two Rainbow Awards including Best Mystery Winner and Best Overall Gay Fiction Runner-up. His work has been featured in several anthologies including Best Gay Erotica 2013, and he appeared as Guest of Honor at the inaugural Rainbow Con in Florida, 2014.

Geoffrey has worked in advertising, politics, journalism and event management, but nothing is as fun as telling stories. He lives with his partner, their young daughter and their small furry family in a rambling old house in North Queensland, Australia, where the paint is fraying and life is good.

Social Media Links:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGeoffreyKnight/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2071470232887565/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgeoffreyknight/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorgknight

Website & Newsletter: https://www.authorgeoffreyknight.com/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gKpkG6

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/geoffrey-knight

Single Omega Dad (The Omega Misfits, Bk 4) by Wendy Rathbone: Excerpt and New Release Review

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My new financial guardian, Mathias, is a cold, self-centered, rude-ass Alpha, and the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country. To him, I am a burden on society, only fit to live on a chattel farm.

It doesn’t matter that I’m drawn to him, to his ominous presence and chiseled jaw, his muscular body in his fitted silk suits. I’m a single dad with kids and responsibilities –I don’t have time for that rich bastard.

He keeps coming by the house so I can sign documents, fine. But then he’s got cute gifts for my kids. It’s got to stop. I don’t have time to fix him. Don’t have time to fall in love with an Alpha right now.

A non-shifter Alpha/Omega love story with mpreg, a single widower Omega dad, an Alpha who cannot knot, emotional issues, two adorable identical twin boys, and an HEA.

Some characters from “Trust No Alpha” make appearances in this novel, however, this book is a standalone read.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

He moved up in the bed, his mouth kissing along my ribs and then latching onto one of my hard nipples. His tongue and lips caressed it, leaving me still writhing as he finally took me into his arms and found my mouth with his own.

Tongues collided.

I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t care.

I had a craving to touch myself again. Apparently I hadn’t had enough.

My ass leaked with ‘honey’ as most Alphas had called it.

As he kissed, I reached between us, feeling his big, firm erection.

I leaned back. “Fuck me,” I said.

“Insatiable and demanding.”

“Fuck yes,” I agreed. “But it is your turn, too.” I sat up.

“Are you sure in your condition?”

“It told you. It’s okay. Really. Have you never been with a pregnant Omega?”

He shook his head.

“It’s actually good for us hormonally to have this, uh, this sort of affection. And stretching is good. All the way up to the birth.” My face heated at the words.

I could see his cock bobbing in the shadowy dimness. Big and fully hard. Thick like I liked them when I was young on the chattel farm and serviced Alpha Burns.

At the root of his cock, Mathias wore a silver ring. I had heard of cock-rings, of course, but never seen one in person and on an actual man standing before me. The idea that he wore it, and had had it on all this time, turned me on even more than I already was.

I don’t read a ton of omegaverse books. I tend to read more in the contemporary genre, but every once in a while, I grab one. I haven’t read anything in this series, or even anything from this author, so I was going in blind. I definitely wasn’t disappointed. It also seemed like having read the previous books was not a requirement for enjoying Single Omega Dad.

I liked that even though Saber lived in a society that did not value omegas, and had children, with more on the way, that he didn’t wallow in self-pity. He had always taken care of his children, and himself on his own, so losing his Alpha didn’t change much other than having to have someone approve his financial life.

Mathias was a study in contrast. Most definitely an asshole, who didn’t care much for anyone, except one of his brothers. He seemed to connect quickly with Saber, and even his children-although it seemed one child more than the other. However, he still carried a grudge to one of his other “litter mates”, his other brother, that I didn’t ever quite understand the complexities of it. It had something to do with their father, and a heat, and Mathias blaming his brother when he should not have. But this just didn’t really make sense to me fully. It could have been something explained in a previous book, though so I set that aside as I was reading.

I was personally turned off as a reader by a couple of things, although not everyone would be.

I did though really like how the relationship between Saber and Mathias progressed. Simple dates, with the children, these are often missed in romance books, because of all the other things going on in the story. It allowed the characters to grow and love each other, and for Mathias to connect with the kids. Even with Mathias’ “problem”, at some point, that was dealt with to ensure that happy ending we are all after.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Read Wendy Rathbone where… imposters and outcasts, princes and lost boys always find love and a happily ever after!

Sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/cqDVcX
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Currently, I write all male/male romances.
For many years it has been my first love and is my focus.

If you are not sure which of my books to try first, pick a genre. If it’s contemporary, you will enjoy The Foundling Trilogy: Rescue Me, Sacrifice Me, and Remember Me where a billionaire underworld businessman rescues an amnesiac man at sea.

If you love fantasy, The Imposter Prince and The Imposter King tell the story of a double for a prince who must continue in his role after the prince is secretly killed. How can it get worse? He falls for an enemy prince!

Or you might enjoy stories set in present-day Earth where the owning of pleasure slaves is legal, in which case you can start with The Slave Palace.

All my books are available in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!

Connect with Wendy:
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cqDVcX
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Shoot the Moon by Jacqueline Grey: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

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I’m so excited that Jacqueline Grey is joining us today with a TCO exclusive author Guest Post about her latest book, Shoot the Moon!! Her post is about BDSM, and it’s use in her book. Check it out, along with the excerpt and there’s a giveaway at the end, so don’t forget to enter!

All Adam Kern was looking for when his best friend dragged him to the club Harte was some good dancing and a little flirting to distract him from his troubles. He never anticipated meeting the club owner, Jesse Harte, and having a whole new world of experiences opened up to him. On an impulse, Adam follows Jesse to the upper, kinkier floors of the club where an informative tour ends in a steamy scene that both men are looking forward to repeating. The attraction between the two is scorching and over the next few weeks their adventures into kinky sex are nothing short of daring.

Adam loves the thrill of sex with Jesse but soon a gnawing fear sows doubt into his mind about the possibility of a relationship with the other man. Though he loves every moment he spends with Jesse, he fears what these sexual explorations may mean for him. Jesse is successful, an entrepreneur, and a well-known Dominant in the BDSM community, but Adam cannot see himself as a submissive. What sort of future could they have if he is unable to give his lover what he needs?

Title:  Shoot the Moon

Series: Suit of Harte’s, Book Two

Author: Jacqueline Grey

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: June 29, 2020

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 27700

Genre: Contemporary, LGBTQIA+, BDSM, romance, contemporary, gay, sex industry, prostitution, D/s

Amazon

NineStar Press

Goodreads

Thank you so much for having me here today and letting me share the re-release of Shoot the Moon, the second book in the Suit of Harte’s series. As the series is a romance centered around BDSM, I thought I’d talk to you today about my love of kink, particularly the mental aspect of it.

I am an avid believer that for sex or kink to be fun the brain needs to be engaged just as much as the body.  No one wants to be intimate with someone who’s trying to remember if they turned the stove off before they left the house. Or worse, being the person who’s bored enough to think about the stove when they should be having a great time!

When it comes to kink, it’s not just about the physical. Sometimes it’s the brain that’s responsible for the pleasure more than what’s happening with the body. An example of this would be what I like to call hidden exhibitionism.  Most definitions of exhibitionism mention performing sexual acts in public or being naked in public.  Being watched is what turns the exhibitionist on, but for some it is the idea that matters more than the exposure. These people enjoy the idea of being observed or the possibility of being caught despite not wanting to be seen. The latter is what I mean when I say, “hidden exhibitionism”.

In Shoot the Moon, Jesse incorporates this kink when he has sex with Adam against a window above a dance club full of patrons. Jesse teases Adam with the idea that everyone could look up and see them. Even though they are both aware of the fact that the window is one-way, the idea turns Adam on. In this case the thrill of the kink comes from Adam’s mind more than the physical act.

Our minds and the fantasies and ideas they can create are powerful.  I find the use of the mind in sex and kink fascinating and I love reading stories that incorporate it. What do you think about the mind’s power when it comes to kink?  What are some books you like that utilize this aspect of BDSM and kink?

“We’re going to Harte.”

Ash said this as if Adam would know what the hell he was talking about.

“Where?”

Ash waved the question away with a flick of his wrist and an expression that clearly said it didn’t matter. “You’ll know when we get there. Now, come on.” He linked their arms and half dragged Adam out the door.

On the taxi ride to wherever they were going, Adam tried to get more details, but all Ash would tell him was that Harte was a local nightclub.

“You didn’t let me get dressed.”

“Why do you think I lent you that shirt to begin with? You look fantastic. Trust me.”

The crowd outside the club wrapped around the side of the building and back again. Thankfully, it wasn’t too cold out, or they would have frozen solid before getting inside.

“Is this place always so crowded?” Adam asked as they took their place at the end of the line.

“Packed like sardines,” Ash confirmed. “Best place in the city for good drinks and dancing.”

A man in skintight leather pants and what Adam guessed was a harness walked by. “Varied crowd,” he said.

Ash spotted the man and did that wrist-flick thing again. “He’s headed around back for the upper floors.”

“The upper floors?”

“Yeah, the nightclub is only on the first floor. It’s got three dance floors, each with their own bar, and a backroom, which was most likely meant to be a bathroom but is usually otherwise occupied. Upstairs is the kinky stuff. From what I hear, Harte has the best dungeon in the city, and he’s known to be top-notch on safety. It’s pretty well-known despite being members only up there. The entrance to the second floor is in the back, though, because there’s a difference between exhibitionism and indecent exposure.”

“Huh.” Adam had never been to a kink club. Granted, they didn’t have plans to head upstairs, but this was the closest he’d ever been to one.

Eventually, they made it inside. With the beat of the music and the press of sweaty bodies grinding around him, it was easy for Adam to be distracted from thoughts of the upper floors. It wasn’t long before he’d lost Ash to the throng as well. His friend tended to sidle toward the nearest hot guy before passing him up for the next one on the dance floor. It gave him more exercise than the dancing itself. When he wanted a break, he’d pop up next to Adam as if finding someone in a crowd was the simplest thing to do.

Tonight, Ash’s method fit Adam’s mood. He scanned the floor for someone to dance with. It didn’t take him long to find what he was searching for.

The man was dancing alone and, apparently, without a care in the world. He seemed lost to the music, his body moving with enviable grace and confidence. He was lean with boyish good looks and the kind of face that would still look thirty when he was fifty-five. His light-brown hair was just long enough to be spiky, and though his clothes were casual, he dressed stylishly.

When the dancer turned his head, he caught Adam staring. A jolt ran through Adam, but he couldn’t look away. Even from a distance, the man’s pale eyes had him trapped, and Adam found himself moving through the crowd as if pulled by an invisible string. When he was close enough, he reached for a seductively swaying hip. The touch of a hand on the back of his neck encouraged him to move even closer.

They moved together for a while, sliding their bodies against each other but in no hurry to make it anything more than dancing. They simply let the pleasure of touch build on itself. The feel of his partner’s body against his was electric.

Adam was about to ask if they should find the “bathroom” when the man asked, “Care to go upstairs?”

Adam hesitated. “Isn’t it members only?” He figured that was a simple way to change the subject without having to turn the guy down.

“I can bring a guest if I want to.”

There went his easiest excuse. His reluctance must have shown on his face because the man asked, “Not your thing?”

“Not really,” Adam admitted.

“Ah” was the only reply, but Adam heard the disappointment in the word.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.”

Truthfully, Adam had never given kink much thought. He’d heard about it, read a little online, but he’d never considered putting what he’d read into practice.

Jacqueline Grey currently lives on an island on the east coast of the United States. She spends her time outside her day job juggling her many interests which include reading, writing and drinking tea. She loves M/M romance, usually focusing on stories that include BDSM themes to one degree or another.

Jacqueline has always been driven by characters. She loves a good plot, but it’s the characters that pull her into a story. She loves romance and believes everyone has a right to be happy. She enjoys seeing her characters find that happiness for themselves.

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7/6       MM Good Book Reviews             http://mmgoodbookreviews.com/

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Redemption: Second Chance Gay Romance by Garrett Leigh: RB, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Reformed gangster Luis falls hard for his boss. When friendship turns to love, it’s up to Paolo to convince him second chances are worth the pain.

Luis Pope is back on the street after a six year stretch in prison, but life on the outside seems just out of reach, especially when the whole neighbourhood knows his face for all the wrong reasons.

Paolo’s temper makes it hard to keep staff, and he knows Luis’s rep all too well. But his nonno believes in redemption, and Luis isn’t the tough guy Paolo remembers. Prison has left its mark, inside and out, and all the kindness in the world can’t fix the three inch scar on Luis’s skull.

And it can’t keep ghosts locked up. Luis’s the best worker Paolo’s ever had, and Luis’s happier than he’s ever been. But his old life doesn’t want to stay in the past. Trouble comes to call, and when it makes him an offer he can’t refuse, keeping Paolo safe hurts the most.

Redemption is an angsty, standalone MM romance novel, with second chances, found family, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

What do I like? Broken main characters! What is better than one? TWO!

So yes, this book sucked me RIGHT in. And let me tell ya, I needed it after reading 3 bombs in a row. I actually started it 10 minutes after I finished a book because I needed good writing in my brain.

Luis walks out of prison after 6 years with nothing. He was a member of his brother’s gang and when he got caught stealing, he admitted it and did his time. It also cost him most of the hearing in one ear. (more on that later)

He is restless without the schedule he had to follow in prison and wanders into a local cafe to inquire about a job. Paolo, owner of the cafe, recognizes him immediately from when they were in school together and later from the rumors about the gang. Paolo is a mess as well. Running his grandfather’s cafe, literally by himself, 7 days a week is killing him slowly. But he needs the money to take care of his grandparents who raised him. He doesn’t trust Luis, but he will give him a chance.

Ugh, Luis. He is like that puppy in a shelter who was beaten daily by his previous owner. He broke my heart. He just wants to live his life. He expects nothing. He doesn’t want what little family he has and all of his “friends” are tied up with that family.

Paolo just plods on. Day by day, doing what he needs to do, never really thinking about the future. These two broken men belong together.

They very quickly fall into a routine, and become hesitant friends. Until the booze comes out. Then perhaps more than friends?

Watching them slowly open up and trust each other and begin to fall in love is swoony. There are no great declarations. So huge romantic gestures. Because they are just 2 guys, working 7 days a week because they have to. Spending time with Paolo’s grandparents when they aren’t working.

Back to Luis’ hearing loss. I am deaf in one ear and everything she described is so spot on. From not being able to hear at all if someone is on the “wrong” side to being overwhelmed with too much sound. Including anxiety attacks because of it. Kudos for that. I think this might be the first character I’ve read that was hard of hearing in the same (or similar) way that I am and I really appreciate the representation.

4 pieces of eye candy

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with renowned LGBTQA+ photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigh

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