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Appeal to You (Beyond the Cove Series, Book 3) by Jaclyn Quinn: Blog Tour, Excerpt and New Release Review

by

Will the demons of the past ruin any hope for the future?

If there’s anyone who knows how to have a good time—be it with a man or a woman—it’s Ryder Pearce. Master of the nail-it-and-bail-it theory, he lives his life for one person and one person only: himself. When a man enters Ryder’s life who challenges him on every flirtation, every sexual innuendo he can come up with, Ryder’s thrown off his game in a big way. Because there’s one thing the man has made perfectly clear—they’ve played this game before, and Ryder doesn’t remember the outcome.

Avery Hamilton has seen all of Ryder’s moves and has witnessed his sex appeal. He knows all too well about his cocky sense of humor and his penchant for one-night stands. There was a time in his life when he’d taken the bait, but this time around, he wants more. He’s seen Ryder’s act; what he hasn’t seen is Ryder—the real Ryder he hides from the world.

When both men come together to help a young boy, Ryder’s forced to face things from his past he’s blocked out. Things he never wanted anyone to know. Now, Ryder has one fear… Will revealing that side of himself be real enough for Avery? Or will it be the reason Avery walks away?

***Warning: This book contains off-page references to sexual/physical abuse of a minor.

***This book is the third book in a series. Reading the books out of order may result in spoilers.

Appeal To You

Beyond the Cove Series, Book 3

Jaclyn Quinn

M/M Romance

Release Date:  07.31.19

Cover design by Cate Ashwood

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“Listen, about earlier…” Avery began, hoping to get some kind of conversation going. “I really am sorry. I have this knee-jerk reaction to jump to conclusions with you.” Avery nudged Ryder playfully with his arm until he looked over at him. “You’re too damn quiet, and it’s making me nervous.”

Ryder laughed. “Never thought you’d say that, huh?” He shrugged his shoulders, looking forward again. “Forget about it, man. Trust me”—he glanced back over at Avery—“I’m nowhere near perfect. I fuck up every damn day.” His gaze shifted forward again as they separated, letting an older couple walk between them. When they met up again, Ryder added, “Most of the time, though, even if it doesn’t seem like it, it’s with good intentions.” His eyes flicked again to Avery’s, but it was as if he didn’t want to hold eye contact and nervously looked ahead once more.

“It hasn’t gone unnoticed. Not by me.” Avery owed him at least that much. Ryder’s surprised smile from Avery’s admission made him laugh. “Don’t look so shocked. I’m a very perceptive man. Not much gets past me.”

All at once, the smile faded, and Ryder looked straight ahead again. “Is that so?”

 Avery stopped short in the middle of the boardwalk, crossing his arms over his chest. Ryder looked back at him as he also came to a stop and turned around. “Yeah, it is. Like the fact that you’re acting weird. What the hell is up with you today?”

“Why does something have to be up?”

“Are you only going to answer me with questions?”

“Do you want me to only answer you with questions?”

Avery hung his head back and groaned. “Jesus Christ, sometimes I just want to strangle you.”

Ryder closed the distance between them with two slow steps. “I’ll try anything once. Didn’t take you for a breath play kind of guy, though. Do you make that groaning sound you just made while you do it? Because yes, please.”

Avery straightened his back then leaned his face only a few inches away from Ryder. “You really don’t take anything seriously, do you?” His tone came out huskier than he’d meant it to, but this man kept him in a perpetual state of frustration—including sexual.

“Sex. I take sex very seriously,” Ryder retorted, but his face didn’t show the conviction of his words. Damn, Avery was so tired of staring at the same fucking wall Ryder had built around himself. Ryder was, surprisingly, the first to break eye contact, moving his gaze to the ocean.

This wasn’t accomplishing anything, and they sure as hell weren’t going to find Chris by standing here. 

Yet, Avery refused to let the man get the last word. He lifted a finger to Ryder’s cheek, turning his head so he was looking at him again. “You’re acting weird, and it has nothing to do with sex.” Avery stepped around Ryder to continue walking, pissed that Ryder always had a way of pushing his buttons. So, push back. He turned abruptly, making Ryder bump into him. He stared down into gray eyes and couldn’t help himself when he said, “Although, if we were talking sex… Breath play? No. But I can make you come so hard, you’ll be gasping for air when I’m done with you.” 

“Hot damn,” Ryder whispered right before Avery forced himself to turn around again, holding back a smug smile as he began to walk and scan the area.

Yes!!!

I feel like I’ve been waiting on Ryder and Avery forever… I mean, I know I’m just impatient, but… come on!
I love this series so much and I couldn’t wait for Ryder’s story, because as much as I can’t stand the whole “player” trope, or as Ryder liked to call it “nail it and bail it” … I just knew there was a reason he was the way he was.
I was not prepared for how heartbreaking it was… growing up both in the system and with parents they kept giving him back to that in no way should’ve been in charge of a child. Abuse was what he was used to, from one home to another until he aged out of the system and did things he wasn’t proud of to survive… both because he needed it to literally survive, but also to do things on his terms….

There is mentions of sexual abuse, but it didn’t delve too deep, just enough to give you the idea of the torment he went through at such a young age. And it didn’t stop there… How could you not fall in love with him and understand a little bit what made him hide behind his crazy sense of humor and his need for distance and easy hookups. He didn’t think he was loveable… or worth love. That is, until Avery….

Avery was Kevin’s best friend and honorary uncle to Eli and Jakes kids. If you haven’t read their story yet… go back and do it; not only because you’ll be caught up on who these people are, but their story is just as amazing.
Avery wanted what Jake and Eli has… having never quite felt good enough for his own family,(and you’ll realize why when you read about them, they’re terrible… at least most of them are)… he loved being apart of the family that made up of all the guys in Eli and Jake’s group…. and that included Ryder.

Not getting off the right foot the first couple of times they met… Avery was charmed by Ryder but wanted more than he knew Ryder was willing to give…. and though Ryder liked Avery and wanted him in the worst way… he didn’t think he was capable of any sort of relationship that Avery deserved…. however, when Ryders elderly neighbor passes away and the little boy that lived with her goes missing…. the two team up to not only find him but do what they can to make sure he has everything he needs to feel safe and loved.

I adored these two and their relationship with the little boy, Chris. Chris was so scared of being sent away and all he wanted was someone to see him and have him matter. His grandma did the best she could, but she was gone now and he had nobody…. well, so he thought… Avery wasn’t going down without a fight and even though Ryder would’ve sworn that he wasn’t role model material or father material…. everything he did was to protect Chris and do what he could for him…. Seeing Avery doing the same thing softened him up, but it wasn’t without bumps in the road and late night confessions that set him back a bit… but they got there in the end…

I loved how real Ryder’s problems weren’t magically fixed just because he found love and let love find him. He was still working on himself and on what he wanted his future to be, even at the end of the book. When someone goes through such trauma, it doesn’t get fixed just like that…. and I liked how Avery pushed just enough and then helped guide Ryder to healing… and i loved that Ryder wanted to heal and had two people worth healing for, if he couldn’t find it in himself to heal for him… though I do think that he got there in the end.

The whole story was just heartbreaking and beautiful and such a great addition to the already amazing series. I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Parker… and I hope it’s intense! I also can’t wait to see more from the rest of the guys, more weddings perhap??!! Fingers crossed!
All the stars for me on this one! All of them!

I have been an artist from a very young age. From drawing cartoon characters and evolving into portraits, making jewelry, photography, and now writing. I have an amazing support system in my family and friends and couldn’t be more grateful.

I live in central New Jersey, love summers at the Jersey Shore, rock music, wine, sexy men, and laughing a lot with my amazing friends and family. Sunday dinners at my parents’ house are crazy, hysterical and you can count on a movie quote…or ten…being thrown out. Insults between siblings is how we show our love for each other!

When I’m not creating, you can find me reading books from my favorite authors. I’m a hopeless romantic, starving for passionate characters and always craving that happy ending, whether in reading or in writing my own books.

https://linktr.ee/JQbooks

Heart Strain by Michele Notaro & Sammi Cee: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway

by

Holden~

When I get a call that my twin brother’s been shot, I’m in shock as I head back to Baltimore to be with him. Seeing him in a coma is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do; sitting here not knowing whether he’s going to live or die is the worst thing I can imagine. But at least Jameson is with me—he makes it more bearable, and I don’t feel like I’m in this alone. With everything going on, I probably shouldn’t be checking out my brother’s work partner, but I can’t seem to help it. Jameson’s been so sweet and kind and considerate; not to mention he’s so sexy I can’t keep my eyes off him.

Jameson~

My partner getting shot and ending up in a coma brings everything in my world to a screeching halt. He’s not only my partner on the police force, but my best friend and confidant. When I see his twin brother, Holden, sitting in the waiting room, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that he neither blames me nor pushes me away. Now I’m doing my best to take care of him and support him; if only I’d stop noticing how his emotions reflect in his eyes and wondering how it would feel to touch him.

Will the bonding that takes place during their long bedside vigils become more than they expected? Can they be honest enough with themselves and each other to take it to the next level? And if they do, will Holden be willing to sacrifice the life he loves for the brother he’s kept at arm’s length for almost ten years and the man who could end up being his everything?

Heart Strain is the first book in the Interlocking Fragments series, but is a standalone novel. Each book in the series will feature a different couple, but the couples will show up throughout the whole series. This is a contemporary romance intended for 18+.

Heart Strain

Sammi Cee & Michele Notaro

M/M Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 07.22.19

Cover Artist: Soxsational Cover Art

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Holden~

As soon as the movie ends, I say, “I’m going to start dinner.” I need to get away from him for a minute before he notices what he’s doing to me. Unfortunately, the sexy bastard follows me into the kitchen with Nala trotting behind him. 

“What can I do to help?” 

I point to a stool. “You can sit down and look pretty while I cook.” 

His eyebrows go up a little. “I can’t help?” 

“Nope.” 

“When did you have time to buy all this stuff?” 

“Uh… I woke up early, so I went out this morning before you picked me up.” What I don’t say is that I’ve been having trouble sleeping—no matter how long I run at night or how tired I am—and it seems to be getting worse every night. But that’s not his problem, so I keep it to myself. 

He hesitantly sits on the stool and tentatively asks, “Why are you doing all of this?” 

Blowing out a breath, I shrug as I get the ingredients out of the fridge. “You’ve been helping me since I got here, and… and I wanted to do something nice as a thank you.” 

“You don’t have to thank me.” When I look at him, I can tell he has something else to add, but he doesn’t say whatever’s on his mind, so I just shrug again and get everything ready. 

“I made this marinade this morning and the tofu’s been soaking it up all day, so hopefully you’ll still like it even though you like eating animals.” 

He laughs out, “Gross.” 

I shoot him a grin. “Anyway, I’m gonna do some mashed potatoes and green beans, so hopefully you’ll like at least one thing.” 

“Sounds delicious, even the tofu.” 

After a minute, I notice him looking a little sad or something, so I finally relent. “Will you stop frowning if I let you help?” 

“Yes.” He smiles, just a tad.

“Fine,” I groan. “Help me with the potatoes.” 

“Yes!” Jameson grins widely and hops off the stool. “I knew you’d cave.” 

I laugh. “Was your plan to sit there looking all sad and pathetic until I did?” 

“I was going to start sighing dramatically to add to the effect.” 

I elbow him in the side with a chuckle and catch his gaze again. I can feel his warmth radiating off him because he’s standing so close to me. The moment I lick my dry lips, I see his eyes track the movement, and my breath catches. Does he want to kiss me as badly as I want to kiss him? Don’t look at his lips, Holden. Don’t look at them! 

I look at his lips. Dammit!

But I catch myself, clear my throat, and force my body to move away from him. 

Lucky for me, Jameson isn’t a huge awkward nerd like I am, and he ends up talking about the movie while we cook. Before I know it, he has me laughing again. 

Interesting…

This is a first from me from either of these author’s, but the blurb had me intrigued. Holden was coming back to his home town after his brother gets shot in line of duty. His childhood wasn’t as happy as his twins was, thanks to his mother mostly, so when he left for college, he never came back. Now both his parents are long since dead and his brother is fighting for his life… so of course, he’s there, no question.

Things are dicey when he arrives and it takes hours before the doctors tell him anything, but luckily he’s got his brothers partner and best friend, Jameson, who was there at the time he’d gotten shot… and although he blames himself heavily for not being able to stop the criminal from hurting Hendrix, he did get him back for shooting his partner. He’s also there holding Holden together.

Jameson is amazing. I loved him. Though in no way would I ever ever ever let anyone call me Foxy as a nickname, nor would I call someone Holds. I couldn’t get behind that. I ignored it. They were Jameson and Holden to me or I couldn’t take them serious. And Drix? Someone needs to teach the art of nicknames because those just didn’t work. At all.

Now, while Hendrix is in a coma Holden and Jameson spend a lot of time together because as you could imagine, Holden’s scared of losing his brother and Jameson is worried about his best friend. They’re kind of all each other has because once you meet Jameson’s family that works with him and Hendrix, you’ll not doubt why he doesn’t have anything to do with them. They make his life miserable, but they’re all like elementary school bullies… not even grown-up ones, they’re so juvenile… and they leave so much up in the air because Jameson has to do something about his innocent father being in prison. He has to do something to get his Uncle, who is his boss, out of his position of power. I mean, he’s a terrible person. He’s a terrible cop, and he deserves to be in prison… I haate haaaaaaaaaaate, hate when bad people get away with being terrible people. It ruins the whole book for me. I need karmic justice and we just don’t get it here anywhere. Jameson’s uncle and his brother and his cousin just get away with being terrible, and they’re people in a position of power in which they manipulate and take advantage of…. It made me sick and brought down the hole tone of the book for me. Ugh. Almost as much as having to say “Holds” and “Foxy.”

However, watching Holden and Jameson get to know one another and be there for each other was sweet. I loved how even though Jameson was jealous of Holden’s best friend, he still accepted him because he knew how much he meant to Holden. And I loved how Holden never question Jameson because he knows he’s an honest and trustworthy man. I loved their animals and the sweet people who had a small hand in getting them to stop beating around the bush and take a chance on each other, and I love knowing that the series is going to continue with Gavin… I hope it’s either with Hedrix or I really, really hope something amazing happens with Aiden. I also wouldn’t be upset if Jovany got his head out and helped everyone get justice from the terrible chief and his son… I hope he redeems himself and I hope we get to see it….

So, the dialogue was a little bit iffy for me and the nicknames were a straight up NO GO for me… but the rest, I found incredibly sweet and I’ll look forward to giving book 2 a chance when it comes out.

4 pieces of eye candy

Michele is married to an awesome husband that puts up with her and all the characters in her head—and there are many. They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with their two young boys and two crazy dogs. She grew up dancing and swimming and taught dance—ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, & modern—for ten years before her kids came along. Now she stays home to write about the sexy men in her head and does PTA everything—as long as coffee is involved. Two other tattooed moms run the PTA with her, and though she wants to rip her hair out from it, she still loves it.

Michele Notaro Links: 

Website: https://notarobooks.com/ 

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/author.notaro/  

IG: https://instagram.com/michelenotaro.author  

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/michelenotaro 

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cseIXT 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2yBe2RD  

My FB Group, Notaro’s Haven: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NotarosHaven/  

Reading Past the Realm (Paranormal group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingPastTheRealm/

Sammi Cee was raised in a family of readers. Summer vacations consisted of a good book while sitting lakeside from as far back as she could remember. After growing up and having her own children, her appreciation of how the written word could transport you on an adventure, bring you to tears, or give you hope, took on a whole new meaning. 

These days Sammi is watching her children develop into fine young ladies while doing the things she enjoys most: drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and writing her own stories. 

Sammi Cee Links:  

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSammiCee/ 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/cee_sammi 

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

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/sammicee

My FB Group, Sammi Cee’s: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SammisSanctuary/

Prolific Works: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/aZYLOwCi

Reading Past the Realm (Paranormal group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReadingPastTheRealm/  

 
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Hearts of Blood (Chevalier Book #2) by Kay Doherty: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Giveaway

by

Omega wolf shifter, Vance, and the rest of his small pack have finally found an Alpha willing to take them on and were still trying to regain their footing when the McBane Pack attacked them. When a vampire appears in front of him, Vance realizes he’s looking into the ice-blue eyes of his mate, and the fact that his mate is something other than wolf scares him.

Sakima knew the wolf shifter was his destined companion the moment he scented him at Elysium, but claiming the gorgeous young Omega wolf is a dangerous proposition. Vance and his unconventional pack have attracted the attention of the vampire coven. As the owner of Elysium, Sakima has been asked to use the club to gather information on the powerful interspecies pack and its Alpha.

Unfortunately for Vance and Sakima, the vampire coven and the continued attacks by the McBane Pack are only a portion of their problems. Amidst concerns over Alpha Tanner’s abilities growing with Sakima’s addition to the pack, a spurned ex targets Vance in an attempt to remove him from Sakima’s life, and Elysium becomes a hot bed for interspecies mingling where anyone could be an enemy.

Title:  Hearts of Blood

Series: Chevalier, Book Two

Author: Kay Doherty

Publisher:  NineStar Press

Release Date: July 29, 2019

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 42000

Genre: Paranormal, LGBT, wolf shifters, dragon shifters, bonded mates, Elementals, businessmen, vampires, gay

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A few days ago I came across the question, “what do you do and why do you do it?” After thinking about it for a bit, I can to one conclusion. Making stuff up. That has got to be the best part of being an author. I can do whatever i want on those pages. That’s why I enjoy writing this series so much. Creating a fantastic world that doesn’t exist, giving my characters extraordinary abilities, and then writing it in such a way that makes readers think, “what if…” I like playing with reality in a way that allows me to escape it, deal with it, make sense of this insane world we live in. Writing these stories gets me out of my head, out of my rigid way of thinking, so I can escape. “What if…” can be so much fun if when you let yourself bend all the rules you can’t change in real life.

Sakima

Sakima glanced around the yard at the wolf shifters, both in human and wolf form, before settling his gaze on the one he’d come for—his destined companion. He had waited hundreds of years for this creature to arrive. The beautiful golden-brown wolf whined and took a small step back, crouched in wariness, tail tucked.

“What do you want, vampire?” the Alpha asked.

“My name is Sakima Hawke, and I want him,” Sakima answered as he took in the tawny wolf.

The wolf began to shake, making Sakima’s skin itch. This creature was his destined companion; he should never be fearful of him. Sakima squatted so he was eye level with his wolf, his gaze never straying from him, in an attempt to show through action he was not a threat. He’d known the moment the tawny-haired man had brushed against him at Elysium they were meant to be together, but the place had been packed that night and the wolf shifter had quickly melted away into the throng. Sakima had searched the club, attempting to pick the man out from the crowd, but the wolf shifter had turned out to be quite elusive. He’d lost the wolf’s scent for weeks before finding it again quite suddenly moments ago while on his way home.

It was an act of the fates Sakima had decided on a leisurely stroll rather than traveling home at hyperspeed after visiting one of his oldest friends: a human donor who was declining in health. Excitement he’d not felt in decades thrummed through his veins at the sight of the wolf now crouched before him. The sharp tang of fear wafting from him increased Sakima’s discomfort. Perhaps the wolf wasn’t aware of what they were to each other yet, though it was more likely he was simply uneducated about vampires. Sakima was well aware of the fear his kind generated. Too many rumors, myths, and misunderstandings circulated about vampires.

Many believed they were the walking dead, that anyone they fed from would become a vampire as well, but that was all fallacy. Sakima was no more dead than anyone else present, though he knew he appeared to be with his pale skin, long white hair, and ice-blue eyes. He could love, mate, and feed from his partner without changing the beautiful creature. Sakima would take great care in helping his destined understand he was no more of a threat than the Elemental, dragon, or Alpha he kept company with, each of whom had their own myths and rumors.

Desire to touch the gorgeous animal before him had Sakima extending a hand. He did so with extreme caution, so as not to frighten the wolf further, but was unsuccessful. The wolf curled into himself, becoming as small as his bulk would allow, crouching lower to the ground on shaky legs, ears flattened to his skull. Sakima lowered his hand to the grass but otherwise remained still. Instilling trust with a shifter while they were in animal form being ruled a great deal by their animal instincts was difficult. This would be far easier if the young man would shift back to human, though Sakima understood why he wouldn’t do so at this moment. When the man shifted, he would be naked, which the shifter may view as a vulnerability in his human form.

“You must know I won’t hurt you,” Sakima said softly. “We are destined companions.”

The wolf whined and turned to the pack leader. If Sakima understood wolf shifters well, there was a bond between his wolf and the Alpha that allowed them to speak telepathically. He’d never been jealous of such a thing before, but he didn’t like his fated companion being able to communicate telepathically with anyone other than him. Unfortunately, the telepathic bond was an inevitable part of being in a wolf pack. And if he wanted to claim this wolf shifter, he would have to accept the pack as a whole because there would be no removing his companion from them. Not safely. Sakima rose to his feet, his heart sinking a bit when his wolf scurried away to hide within the house. He gave no reaction outwardly, but he gave a mental sigh as he turned to face the Alpha.

“My apologies,” the Alpha said. “I asked him to go inside for a moment. He’s a bit overwhelmed.”

“Frightened, you mean,” Sakima corrected.

The Alpha wasn’t concerned with semantics. “We’ve all been through quite a lot recently, and this is a bit of a surprise. I’m sure you understand…Sakima? May I call you that?”

Sakima inclined his head in acceptance. “And you would be?”

“Tanner McBane. I’m the Alpha, and Vance is a member of my pack.”

Vance. A unique name for a uniquely beautiful wolf. Sakima scanned the “pack,” his gaze drifting from a gray wolf to a gray-and-brown wolf to a dragon to a white wolf with wild eyes to an Elemental, finally coming to rest once again on the Alpha.

“Quite the unconventional pack, if I may say.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Word has spread through the paranormal ranks of a pack of outcasts who have gained more power than is considered safe or wise. I feel I should be concerned for the welfare of my destined companion being bonded to such a pack.”

The statement was met with several growls and a strong wind that only affected Sakima, whipping his long hair in every direction. Sakima smiled. Vance was clearly cared for and protected. Tanner glanced at the dragon on his left.

“Have you ever heard of a wolf mating a vampire? Chevaliers aside.”

“No,” the dragon answered. “But I’d never before heard of a wolf mating an Elemental either. Or a dragon.”

The expression that passed between dragon and Alpha was not missed by Sakima. The name Chevalier shook him, but he pushed the memory aside—a centuries-old mistake best left to the dust of time.

“So, the rumors are true,” Sakima said.

“What rumors?” the Elemental asked.

“Of same-sex, interspecies matings taking place openly. I had hoped, given what I now know of my own destined companion, but had remained skeptical,” Sakima answered.

By way of introduction, Tanner said, “The dragon shifter is Luca. He’s my mate. The Elemental is Deacon and his mate is the white wolf, Ross. The gray wolf is Ean, and the grayish brown wolf is Theran. If you truly plan to claim Vance as your mate, you, too, will be an openly mated interspecies couple. You need to be comfortable with that if you’re going to become part of the pack.”

Sakima showed plenty of fang when he spoke. “Oh, I have every intention of claiming my fated mate, Alpha, but I said nothing of joining your pack.”

Movement at the patio doors drew Sakima’s attention. Vance in human form was as handsome as his wolf was beautiful; golden-brown hair and the lithe, toned physique all wolf shifters possessed. Those hazel eyes showed fear and hesitation, but also recognition, making Sakima believe Vance knew they were destined companions. Vance simply wasn’t accepting it, yet.

“You would risk his safety and sanity by taking him from his pack, severing his pack bond? What kind of mate would do such a thing?” Deacon asked through clenched teeth.

Sakima was surprised by the vehemence and animosity coming from the Elemental. He’d made the simple suggestion that claiming his wolf did not necessarily equate to him joining the pack. Nothing more. Though perhaps removing his destined companion was something to consider, given the volatile nature the pack exuded.

“I won’t leave my pack,” Vance said softly.

His voice was melodic to Sakima’s ears. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Vance’s words didn’t waver. They were strong and decisive, despite the fact the wolf was still hiding behind the pack. Vance had donned a pair of shorts and a tank top, leaving his toned arms, legs, and feet bared to Sakima’s perusal, and he soaked in the sight.

“I know what I’m about to suggest will be difficult for you,” Tanner said. “But I think you should leave. Perhaps stay away for a few days to give Vance time to acclimate to the idea of having a vampire for a mate.”

“Not as difficult as you might think,” Sakima said.

He’d been living a solitary life for nearly forty years, and he planned to use the time apart from Vance to prepare for the wolf to join him. He moved with vampiric speed past the pack to stand before Vance. While he was willing to leave for a short time, he wouldn’t allow his companion to put the pack between them. When he stopped, he stood face-to-face with his beautiful man. Vance yelped and jumped back, but Sakima caught him with an arm around his waist, aborting any attempt at escape. Heat immediately seeped through the cloth of his shirt, warming his skin.

“Until next time, pet.”

Sakima placed a chaste kiss on Vance’s lips so as not to cut him with his fangs. Not yet. He would draw blood from Vance only after they became lovers, and Vance demonstrated his willingness. As quickly as he had appeared before Vance, he disappeared, leaving the outcast pack and his destined mate behind. It was a temporary situation, after all. Now that he knew where his wolf companion was, he felt far more relaxed and willing to let things progress at a pace comfortable for Vance.

Kay Doherty is an omnisexual/polysexual who lives in Colorado with her poly-family, Mike, Keri, and Tigz. Her house is overrun with cats and dogs. Family is important to her so there are daily texts, frequent visits to her parents, and constant banter with her brothers. She happily suffers a severe addiction to coffee and Mexican food. She loves to read and write and can easily become consumed by it for hours, much to the dismay of Mike and Keri (Tigz is an enabler). On occasion she can be convinced to venture out into the world of the living despite being annoyed by the sun shining in her face.

Website | Twitter | Pinterest

http://www.kaydohertybooks.com/

http://www.twitter.com/kdohertyauthor

http://www.pinterest.com/kdohertyauthor

 

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8/12     Love Bytes Reviews     http://lovebytesreviews.com/

8/13     Stories That Make You Smile  https://authoraddisonalbright.com

8/14     Bayou Book Junkie      https://bayoubookjunkie.wordpress.com

8/15     Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy       https://twochicksobsessed.com/

8/16     Joyfully Jay      http://joyfullyjay.com

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Paint It Black (Beneath the Stain Book 2) by Amy Lane: Exclusive Guest Post and Release Day Review

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A Beneath the Stain Novel

Everybody thinks Mackey Sanders’s Outbreak Monkey is the last coming of Rock ’n’ Roll Jesus, but Cheever Sanders can’t wait to make a name for himself where nobody expects him to fill his famous brothers’ shoes. He’s tired of living in their shadow.

Blake Manning has been one of Outbreak Monkey’s lead guitarists for ten years. He got this gig on luck and love, not talent. So hearing that Cheever is blowing through Outbreak Monkey’s hard-earned money in an epic stretch of partying pisses him off.

Blake shows up at Cheever’s nonstop orgy to enforce some rules, but instead of a jaded punk, he finds a lost boy as talented at painting as Mackey is at song-making, and terrified to let anybody see the real him. Childhood abuse and a suicide attempt left Cheever on the edge of survival—a place Blake knows all too well.

Both men have to make peace with being second banana in the public eye. Can they find the magic of coming absolute first with each other?

Title: Paint It Black
Series: Beneath the Stain: Book 2
Author: Amy Lane
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Category: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Pages: 322

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

And the Children Shall Lead Us By Amy Lane

So I admit it—this story has nothing to do with the actual plot of the book I’m pimping but it might make you laugh, and that’s good too.

When I wrote Beneath the Stain, I chose all of the chapter titles from classic rock songs—I had a browser open to Rolling Stone’s top 500 rock and roll songs for about two months, and boy, did I fall down some rabbit holes. For Paint it Black, I figured since it was a smaller story than Beneath the Stain, I would only focus on one artist for the chapter titles, to maybe help me narrow my focus. The title was one of the Rolling Stone’s most iconic hits, so I went with the Stones.

So for a month and a half, all my family heard–in the car, at my desk, when I was doing the dishes—was the Rolling Stones. In particular, “Paint it Black.”

My son, ZoomBoy, was particularly enthralled. “What is this music, Mother? How might I get me some of that on my Spotify account?”

And suddenly it wasn’t just me, it was both of us. And for a little while, I thought that was fine. I had my family with me, right? I mean, he learned to whistle so he could whistle the riff! That was awesome!

And then, one night, after I’d finished the book and had moved on to the next Fish, his father and I were sitting, watching television, and I heard… well, I wasn’t sure.

“Mate—hit pause!”

We frowned at each other.

“What is that?” he asked.

“It’s ZoomBoy—does he need anything?” I said.

“Forget does he need anything—is he sacrificing small animals and singing an unholy hymn?”

I listened for another moment. “Mmmaybe…”

Both of us listened again. “What in the furry hell?”

“Do you think we’re safe in our sleep?” I asked.

Mate laughed uncomfortably. “Sure. I’ll be sure to wake you if he comes after us with a knife.”

Now, before anybody sends sage to burn, or an exorcist to my address, I want you all to look up the lyrics to “Paint it Black.” Dark stuff, right? Painting shit black? Serial killer fantasies? Now imagine that song being sung by a tone-deaf fifteen-year-old in the shower, echoing through three rooms in a small house.

Yup. Scared the shit out of us.

And then ZoomBoy came out of the bathroom, still humming, and Mate and I met eyes again—and started laughing our asses off.

“I blame you,” Mate said.

“Go ahead—I’m still having nightmares about satanic cults and live sacrifice!”

“That’s fine—you can always write another genre,” he told me, and then hit play, and we went back to our regularly scheduled programming.

But that song has stuck with us. Right now? As I was writing this? I turned on the song, for old time’s sake.

When the song ended, ZoomBoy was still whistling along.

It sticks with you—as I hope Blake and Cheever will stick with you too. I know those boys ripped my heart out in the good way, and not in the live sacrifice way. But they put it back in again, and that’s why it’s romance instead of horror.

We’ll save the horror for ZoomBoy.

Before we go any further, two things.

1. Read the first book Beneath the Stain. Rock stars and angst galore. And you have to read book 1 to really understand book 2

2. These books are a committment. Book 1 is over 650 pages. This book is 500 pages. Just giving you a heads up.

Moving on to the review, let’s assume you’ve read book 1, mmkay?

Approximately 10 years has passed between books. Our boys are old, wiser, still sober, husbands and fathers. Mackey and Grant have gotten married and he still manages the band. And now the focus is on Cheever, the youngest Sanders brother. too young to join the band at the time, he focused on art. He is about to graduate college, but a harsh review of his art makes him snap and he sets out to destroy himself.

Blake, always feeling like the outsider in the band and Cheever, the outsider with the brothers bond and bond quickly. Together they work to not only validate each other but also to validate their places in the band, in the house and in the family.

Ugh they poor boys are so damaged. And they held most of that damage inside for 10 years. While I am not surprised it took Cheever that long to snap, I am surprised that Blake held it in so long.

Throughout the book we see not only Cheever and Blake fall in love, but Cheever accept the love of his brothers again. He was so closed off he had no idea how much they wanted him in their lives. It was sweet but also really sad.

I do think that Cheever and Blake were a bit codependant with each other. Especially Cheever. Not for nothin, I don’t care how rich you are, they aren’t going to let someone who isn’t in treatment spend the night with you in rehab.

I really loved seeing the band, Grant and the wives so settled into their lives. They were grown ups! Ok, the wives did kind of really fulfill gender stereotypes that wasn’t totally necessary. Sorry, boys. Kick in and help in the kitchen a little more.

Yes, I am a picky bitch. Sue me.

I still really enjoyed this book. Not as much as the first, but so worth the read.

4 Pieces of Candy

Amy Lane lives in a crumbling crapmansion with a couple of growing children, a passel of furbabies, and a bemused spouse. She’s been nominated for a RITA twice, has won honorable mention for an Indiefab, and has a couple of Rainbow Awards to her name. She also has too damned much yarn, a penchant for action-adventure movies, and a need to know that somewhere in all the pain is a story of Wuv, Twu Wuv, which she continues to believe in to this day! She writes fantasy, urban fantasy, and gay romance–and if you accidentally make eye contact, she’ll bore you to tears with why those three genres go together. She’ll also tell you that sacrifices, large and small, are worth the urge to write.
Beneath the Stain Free Extras: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/YeFYLUdH

Small Town Sonata by Jamie Fessenden: Guest Post – Exclusive Excerpt

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Jamie Fessenden is here today with an exclusive excerpt from his second chance romance, Small Town Sonata. What a gorgeous cover this book has as well. This book has been on my TBR for a while, and I can’t wait to dive in this weekend. Check out the extended excerpt, let us know what you think.

Can the trusted town handyman rebuild a broken pianist’s heart?

When a freak accident ends Aiden’s career as a world-renowned classical pianist, he retreats to his New Hampshire hometown, where he finds the boy he liked growing up is even more appealing as a man.

Dean Cooper’s life as handyman to the people of Springhaven might not be glamorous, but he’s well-liked and happy. When Aiden drifts back into town, Dean is surprised to find the bond between them as strong as ever. But Aiden is distraught over the loss of his career and determined to get back on the international stage.

Seventeen years ago Dean made a sacrifice and let Aiden walk away. Now, with their romance rekindling, he knows he’ll have to make the sacrifice all over again. This time it may be more than he can bear.

Title: Small Town Sonata
Author: Jamie Fessenden
Release Date: August 6, 2019
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 249

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Dean listened in absolute silence, his eyes seemingly transfixed by Aiden’s hands as they flowed across the keys, his coffee forgotten. “Brahms,” he said, after the final chord had settled. “Intermezzo in A-Major.”

Aiden quirked an eyebrow at him in surprise. “Yes. I wasn’t aware you listened to classical music.”

“Some,” Dean said, frowning down into his mug. He suddenly seemed uncomfortable. “I picked up a record of piano music when we were… whatever we were doing as teenagers… because I knew you liked it. I can’t say it beat out Springsteen, but I listened to it now and then. That was one of the tracks on the album.”

“You like it, then?”

“Uh… yeah. Why don’t you play something else?”

Aiden had the distinct feeling Dean wasn’t telling him something. Had he been insulted by Aiden not expecting him to recognize the piece? He’d never given Aiden any indication he liked classical music when they were in high school, though he’d seemed to enjoy listening to Aiden play.

Not having any idea what else to do, Aiden began playing again, this time some Chopin and Debussy. After a while, he realized he’d been monopolizing Dean’s attention for a long time, and it was getting late. His hands were aching too. So he wrapped up “Clair de lune” and said, “I suppose that’s enough.”

To Aiden’s delight, Dean nuzzled his ear, kissing him on the earlobe. “Thank you. It was wonderful.”

“Anytime.”

“You’re gonna call that orchestra in Manchester, aren’t you?”

Aiden was startled by the change in direction, and it threw him. “I, uh… I don’t know.”

“You’ve gotta do it,” Dean said, looking at him sternly. “You know you’re not gonna be happy hiding out here in the music room where nobody can hear you. You were meant to be on stage!”

Aiden knew he was right, but things weren’t that simple. The dull ache in his tendons was a harsh reminder of that. But he didn’t want to think about that—not right now. He got up from the bench, went to the filing cabinet, and opened one of the drawers. “You play clarinet?”

“Yeah. But… not all that well.” Dean sounded nervous.

Aiden found what he’d been searching for in the hanging folders and withdrew it—Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A Major.” He pulled out the second movement, the adagio, and set the rest of it on top of the filing cabinet. Then he closed the drawer and went back to sit on the bench. “Do you remember when we watched Out of Africa on DVD?”

“Jesus.” Dean rolled his eyes. “I remember we both cried like babies, and I told you I’d kill you if anyone at school ever found out.”

Aiden laughed and kissed him on the cheek. “Your secret’s still safe.”

“It better be.”

“But remember when Meryl Streep and Robert Redford danced to a piece of music playing on an old Victrola?”

“Yeah. I loved that. That scene was one of the reasons I picked clarinet when I joined the school band.”

Aiden hadn’t known Dean was in the school band. But he supposed he had to have learned to play somewhere, and that was the most likely starting point. “Do you read music?” he asked, handing Dean the pages.

As Aiden played the beginning of a piano version of the orchestral part of the Concerto, Dean glanced at the music. “I can read music,” Dean said. “Are you saying you want me to learn this?”

“I’m asking you if you’d like to learn it. This is a version for just a solo clarinet and a piano. I already know the piano part.”

“Wouldn’t it be kind of a waste of your time, then?”

“Performing with you? I don’t see that as a waste. I think it would be fun.”

Dean took a long time to think about it before responding, “Okay. Sure. I’ve always wanted to learn this piece.”

“Then take it home and give it a try.”

Dean let out a puff of breath and glanced up at the clock. “I should get going.”

Aiden escorted him back through the kitchen, and they kissed at the door…. Then they made out at the door. At last Dean growled and said, “All right, this time I’m really leaving.”

Aiden looked down into his soft brown eyes. “Will I see you tomorrow?”

“Count on it.”

Aiden gave him a final kiss good night and watched him head out to his truck. This idea of taking it slow wasn’t going to last long, he knew. At the rate they were going, they’d probably end up in bed together tomorrow night.

What am I doing?

It wasn’t that he didn’t like Dean. He liked him a lot. As in… a lot. But was stirring things up between them a good idea? He’d been desperate to escape Springhaven when he was a teenager. Was he really ready to give up on his career and settle down there for good? The last thing Aiden wanted to do was hurt Dean—again.

Jamie Fessenden is an author of gay fiction in many genres. Most involve romance, because he believes everyone deserves to find love, but after that anything goes: contemporary, science fiction, historical, paranormal, mystery, or whatever else strikes his fancy.

He set out to be a writer in junior high school. He published a couple short pieces in his high school’s literary magazine and had another story place in the top 100 in a national contest, but it wasn’t until he met his partner, Erich, almost twenty years later, that he began writing again in earnest. With Erich alternately inspiring and goading him, Jamie wrote several novels and published his first novella in 2010. That same year, Jamie and Erich married and purchased a house together in the wilds of New Hampshire, where there are no street lights, turkeys and deer wander through their yard, and coyotes serenade them under the stars.

Blog: https://jamiefessenden.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/349365308959423/

Heart Unbroken by Andrew Grey: Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Car restorer Dean Milford knows how to make damaged things beautiful again. Only, after a bad breakup, he loses sight of who he is, playing the field and distracting himself with any man he comes across. But now there’s only one guy who really matters to him. And maybe with his latest restoration job—a vintage Cobra—he’ll get the chance to let him know.

Losing his sight wasn’t the worst thing to happen to Lee Studer—losing his independence was. It’s taken a while, but he’s finally found his place in the world—in a garage. Funny enough, his acute hearing allows him to pinpoint engine problems just by listening. And even better, he’s going to have a chance to help his long-time crush, Dean, rebuild his fantasy car.

As the restoration comes together, so do Lee and Dean, building a friendship that quickly turns into so much more. But before they can think about a future together, they have to deal with the past. Only that turns out to be more dangerous than either one ever dreamed….

Title: Heart Unbroken
Series: Hearts Entwined: Book 4
Author: Andrew Grey
Release Date: August 6, 2019
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 192

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Lee  and Scott were done with the Cadillac. Scott was just moving the car out of the bay  when a hand touched Lee’s shoulder. Lee tensed until he smelled Dean. “You two do amazing work.”

“I hear the problems, and he sees them. I know my way around most engines, and he guides me. I wouldn’t be able to do this job without him.” Lee was well aware that Scott would be a great mechanic whether he was there or not. He was grateful that Scott worked with him, and he hoped he was helping Scott more than he was slowing him down.

“Trevor and I have come to an agreement. I’ve been restoring cars for the last decade out of my home garage, but I can’t keep my head above water. So he and I are going to partner together.”

“Down at the old Sears place? Trevor has been looking into that lately, and he always seems to be able to find the right fit for his ideas.”

“Yeah, exactly. And he said you and Scott might be interested in working with me. I do a lot of the body work—that’s my specialty—but I need experienced people to rebuild the engines and things like that. I can do it, but I’m better at other parts of the process.”

“I can talk with Brent and Scott.” Lee was excited about the possibilities. He’d heard one of the guys mention that Dean had just come across a Cobra he intended to restore. Lee’s hands itched to spend some time with that engine.

“Please do that. We’d all be working for Trevor, so things wouldn’t really be that different. But you’d have the chance to work on classic cars for a change, bringing them back from the dead.” Excitement filled Dean’s voice, and it was catching.

Lee nodded as his nose filled with the richness of Dean’s cologne , even over the garage’s exhaust fumes and grease. “Okay. I’ll think about it,” Lee said, wishing he had more questions, if only so he could get Dean to stay and talk with him a little while longer.

Where to start….

First.. love the cover!

Okay, so in this one, if you’ve read the first two in this series, you should remember
Dean, who is best friends with Trevor and Brent. He’s a bit of a player and still stuck in the bachelor life, even though his friends are both loved up and living their own lives… he seems a bit bitter about it, and to be honest, he was hit and miss with me in the other books, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him… even at the beginning of this one, I didn’t really… but it all changed when he met Lee…

Lee works with Trevor at the garage, he’s the ears in the duo of him and Scott, who is deaf. A blind and deaf mechanic? I know… it’s hard to wrap your head around, but they seem to make it work and they’re both good at it…. Plus they have very supportive friends, whom I love.

Because Dean is a restorer of old classic cars and Trevor owns his own garage, he offers Dean a partnership of sorts to work for him but still do his own thing… which Dean appreciates because he was barely keeping his head above water financially as it was. A bonus was getting to work with Lee, who he had his eye on for a while but never did anything about because a bad breakup had him playing the field and not interested in getting hurt again, and Lee was a bit younger than him as well….which showed, a lot in my opinion.

Dean seemed kind of jerky until he caught Lee’s attention too. I liked watching them get to know one another and watching them both kind of navigate something new. Dean because he was opening himself up for something more than random hookups and Lee just getting to experience a normal type relationship with a normal guy… not that his impairment was abnormal, but it was just the way he felt. I can understand how hard it would be feel normal when everyone treated you with kid gloves…

And that brings me to the few things that I didn’t like…. There was the stereotypical overbearing mother… which I get… I’m a mother of two teenagers and sometimes I still treat them like they’re 10…. And they let me, why? Cuz I’m their mom and sometimes you just gotta humor your mom…but my goodness, Lee’s mom was too much….every conversation with her, literally every single one was him telling her that he’s not a kid… that he wants to be independent… that he cares about Dean, because yes, she was even a jerk to Dean…” what are your intentions with my son”, and “I think you need to break up with him”… like, really?? … I understand her concern, but it was too much, though she did redeem herself by the end I guess.. was still very stereotypical.

Also, things kept happening at work and when the guys went out to the club… elaborate things that you’d expect in a superhero movie with over the top villains … I knew exactly who was causing problems though I didn’t guess how they were related, I was annoyed when nobody seemed to know who was behind it all when it was so glaringly obvious.

Lastly…. Lee can smell illness? Is that a superpower? Someone walks up and asks to talk to Dean and he’s like…. Hepatitis or HIV? … I can smell it.
That whole part had me like…. Whaaaaat?

Overall though, I love this author’s stories and I love the way in which he uses impairments and real life problems with life and love. I like the complex situations and realistic views and solutions in handling things. I like the little embarrassing moments that some author’s skip over and I love the happily ever after’s that we get in this series. I was glad to see Dean get his happy and I loved the way he loved Lee.

It was a sweet read and I hope the series continues.

4 pieces of eye candy

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing)  He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

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Twitter @andrewgreybooks

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