Blog Tour

Badlands by Morgan Brice: Audiobook Review Tour

April 18, 2019 by Denise

Medium and clairvoyant Simon Kincaide owns a Myrtle Beach boardwalk shop where he runs ghost tours, holds séances, and offers private psychic readings, making a fresh start after his abilities cost him his lover and his job as a folklore professor. Jaded cop Vic D’Amato saw something supernatural he couldn’t explain during a shootout several years ago in Pittsburgh and relocated to Myrtle Beach to leave the past behind, still skeptical about the paranormal. But when the search for a serial killer hits a dead end, Vic battles his skepticism to ask Simon for help. As the body count rises, Simon’s involvement makes him a target, and a suspect. But Simon can’t say no, even if it costs him his life and heart.

A psychic medium and a skeptical cop solve supernatural murders in Myrtle Beach

Book Title: Badlands

Author: Morgan Brice

Publisher: Darkwind Press

Narrator: Kale Williams

Release Date: March 12, 2019

Genre/s: Urban Fantasy, MM paranormal romance

Trope/s: Second chance, wary acquaintances to lovers, detective/mystery, supernatural creatures

Themes: Learning to trust, regaining faith in your own abilities

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 8 hours 20 minutes

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I do like paranormal stories that involve psychics/mediums, etc. And this one really was a good story. The story didn’t overwhelm with the psychic abilities of the MC, or his “skeleton crew”. It was just a part of who they were, even if most of the crew tried to avoid it.

Vic having had a bad paranormal experience previously was tough to turn around, and I did have a hard time with Simon still falling in love with Vic, even as he showed absolutely no belief in Simon’s abilities. It led me to feeling that if you can’t trust all of the person, then you should trust none of the person.

Simon’s independence was admirable, despite all the times he was threatened. However, I did find the reasoning for the killings somewhat unbelievable, like something out of a horror movie. It seemed difficult to believe that it could or would happen, or that someone would believe such a thing.

The storyline, the characters–both MC’s and the side characters–really drew me in, though, and I look forward to seeing where these men take their relationship, and Simon’s new working relationship.

The narration wasn’t quite my cup of tea. It didn’t draw me in as much as other narrators, simply because I didn’t find a lot of voice variation. I’d have liked a bit more emotion told through the voice, not just the words. However, I did appreciate the narrator’s enunciation, as well as word pronounciation.

Story: 4 pieces of eye candy

Narration: 3 pieces of eye candy

Amazon

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Other books include Witchbane, Burn, Dark Rivers, and Badlands. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Author Links

Audible Profile

Blog/Website

Facebook

Twitter: @MorganBriceBook

Pinterest (shared with my alter ego)

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

April 9, 2019 by Denise

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

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

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

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

RELEASE BLITZ

Book Title: Trusting Him (The Retreat #2)

Author: L M Somerton

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Release Date: April 9, 2019

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M BDSM

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 59 495 words

It is a standalone story within The Retreat series.

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Pride Publishing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Remove your kilt, Skye,” Carey ordered.

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

“Hands behind your back,” Carey instructed.

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

“Fetch two menus, please.”

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

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

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

“He’s attracting a lot of attention.”

“Are you surprised?”

“Not at all. He’s stunning.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 pieces of eye candy

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

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

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

You can track her down online here:

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Yes, Chef by T. Neilson: Exclusive Guest Post and Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

April 2, 2019 by Denise

TCO is excited to have T. Neilson stop by today, bringing everyone a guest post, excerpt and giveaway from Dreamspinner Press’ newest release, Yes, Chef. I love the excerpt, especially the ending! Make sure to leave a comment at the end to enter the giveaway.

A savory slice of first love.

Simon’s dad died when he was young, leaving Simon to take the reins of the family restaurant business—and the responsibility for his mother and brothers. His commitment to his duty left Simon time for little else, least of all romance.

Argentinian celebrity chef Luke Ferreya has wanted Simon since their culinary-school days, but for Simon, family always came first. Now Luke’s back in Simon’s life—briefly before he returns to South America—and he’s determined to give Simon a sample of everything he’s missed out on.

Simon’s brothers are grown, and his mother is doing fine on her own, and Luke is offering a second chance for a future full of the pleasures of fine food, wine, and especially love. Without his obligations to hide behind, can Simon finally allow himself to say “Yes, Chef”?

Title: Yes, Chef
Series: Amuse Bouche: Book Two
Author: T. Neilson
Release Date: April 2, 2019
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 193

Amazon

Dreamspinner

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If you can’t handle the heat…

Well, Simon never could handle the heat, which was exactly why he got out of the kitchen. He’s a much better restaurant manager than a chef. At least, that’s what he’s been telling himself. He was never really chef material. Not like his friend Luke. Luke with a natural ability with flavors, with great knife skills…. and an exceptional ass. But that was more than ten years ago, and anyway, Simon ran away to work the family restaurant at Lake Balmoral, Middle of Nowhere USA. It seemed so much easier than figuring out why Simon did what he did the last time he saw Luke.

As for Luke, he’s had about as much of the kitchen as he can stand. Burnt out after earning two Michelin stars, Luke is ready to leave the culinary world behind, and his family’s ranch in Argentina is singing a siren song. There’s just one thing he wants to do before he leaves forever, and that’s find out if an old culinary school friend could, after all this time, be something more.

Now Simon Love, a man too busy to have his own place let alone go on a date, suddenly finds himself back where he was ten years ago — head over heels with Luke. Which would be fine, if Simon wasn’t prepping for the biggest make-or-break event in the culinary calendar, and if his kitchen wasn’t in total disarray.

On the shore, Simon tried not to watch Luke dress, but he still found himself sneaking glances. He told himself not to be a creep, but he kept right on doing it.

Luke didn’t seem to notice, but then, Luke seemed to be having trouble getting his jeans on over his wet legs. They seemed to stick to his skin, and Luke wriggled and twisted to get them up his thighs and over his ass. Jesus. Simon tugged his own pants on as fast as the fabric would allow and then zipped his cock safely away. Luke left his pants undone as he pulled his shirt on. Ridged belly, black- fuzzed treasure trail, skin all damp and glistening. Simon’s cock pulsed. The lake had not been cold enough.

He pulled on his shirt and saw Luke watching him. Horrified, he glanced down at himself, but didn’t see any evidence of unplatonic interest, at least not visible. “What?” he asked.

Luke shrugged. “I think it’s important for you to know what it is you do and don’t do,” he said.

“What?”

“I mean, I think if you don’t set boundaries, you try to do everything yourself. And then you wind up like me.”

Luke touched Simon’s shoulder with a cool, damp hand, and the contact startled him. He looked at Luke, at his hand.

For an instant he imagined that hand tightening. He imagined Luke stopping him, turning him. He imagined Luke leaning toward him. God, his skin would be cool still from the water, and damp, but his mouth would be hot. He thought of how it would be to feel the thick muscles of Luke’s legs brush against his, slide along his, frame his hips.

“You are worried that you’ll burn out like me. Aren’t you?”

Simon forced his mind back from the brink. “You’re the best chef I’ve ever known,” he answered in a croak. “I should be so lucky.”

Luke’s eyes were fixed on him, dark and soft and warm as an August night. His broad brow creased under the slick of his wet black hair. He’s beautiful. How did I miss it for so long?

Luke’s grip on Simon’s arm softened just a little, and the subtle shift made the hairs on Simon’s arm and neck stand up. The contact was as electric as a rolling summer storm. He found himself holding his breath, waiting for something he couldn’t explain or express. “I should be so lucky,” Simon heard himself say again, in a whisper.

Luke’s mouth parted just a little and curved just slightly into a small, soft smile.

“Simon,” Luke said in a low, soft voice that Simon could hardly hear over the buzzing in his head. It was a rumble—a purr. I want him to kiss me. God, please let him kiss me. “It’s not lucky to burn out. It’s a disaster. I wasted my whole youth building a business I walked away from. And what good have I done in the world? Who have I helped? No one.”

Simon reached for something that would sound sensible, reasonable. “You’ve mentored so many chefs,” he managed at last.

Irritation creased Luke’s features. He shook his head. “That’s the absolute least I could do. Besides, I get their labor. It’s not altruism. It’s trade. Listen to me,” Luke said. He turned and gripped both of Simon’s arms, firmly but not hard. “There’s more to life than your kitchen. Don’t do what I did. Don’t let the work become who you are.”

It was too late. Work had poured like sand into every part of Simon’s life and filled up all the empty space inside of him until he was his own shape, but all the him had been displaced… until now.

He felt his breath coming short, as though he were about to give a talk to a banquet room full of guests. His lungs felt too small for his chest, and his heart battered against the cage of his ribs like a bird beating at a window. He knew what he wanted in a way he had never known before. Kiss me, kiss me, please kiss me.

Book one in this series, Sweet Nothings, was a book I really enjoyed. I loved the youngest brother, with the oldest brother, Simon from this book, dynamic. However, Yes, Chef, just fell flat for me.

This being a category romance, usually you do have the MCs separate for a while, before they do finally find their way to each other. In this book, the MC’s don’t even acknowledge to each other that they want the other, much less kiss, before 85% of the book has been completed.

I felt like there was a ton of “I want him, but he doesn’t want me” and “I want him but he’s leaving for Argentina”, and very little of the two men actually re-connecting. As a reader, it felt like a repeating pattern throughout 3/4 of the book.

There were definitely aspects that I really enjoyed. I’d like to see a follow up scene with these two men, to see where they are at six months down the road. I want to know more about Sam’s circumstances, as a future possibility of a story. He was intriguing to me. I also really loved the camaraderie with the Brasserie employees. They all seemed to get along so well, and cared about each other so much. A very different scene versus what Luke had left behind.

Overall, a book that had potential, but needed more character connection for this reader, but still has kept me interested in a next in the series.

3 pieces of eye candy

About the Author: T Neilson is a writer and foodie who lives on Vancouver Island where the bread, beer, and coffee scene is a thing to behold. A romance writer since 2015, and a food industry die-hard for over a decade, Neilson decided to get out of coffee tasting and get into writing for good. These days Neilson spends a lot of time chasing after a toddler, thinking about upcoming books, and working toward the perfect hand-pie crust. It’s not an easy life, but someone has to do it.

https://www.tneilson.com/

https://twitter.com/TamMacNeil

T. Neilson is giving away an ebook copy of her book Submission Guidelines (a book that features some of the side characters who appear in this book). Leave a comment on this blog post and be entered for a copy of it! Check the book out here.

Snow Storm (Haven Hart book 5) by Davidson King: Exclusive Excerpt, Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway

April 1, 2019 by Denise

The city of Haven Hart rests under the heel of Christopher Manos. He reigns over the most dangerous and deadliest citizens as the most powerful crime boss the city has seen in generations. Yet, for the last five years, the harshest edges of his nature have been tempered by the loving devotion of his husband, Snow, and the nephew Christopher adores like a son. His life is a balance of darkness and light until a birthday trip for his nephew, Simon, is interrupted by a hail of bullets and explosions, threatening to destroy it all.

Snow has found a home, a family, and the love of one of Haven Hart’s most powerful men. When Christopher and Simon are kidnapped, Snow risks everything to find his family. Utilizing specialized skills he learned on the streets and the finer points of running a city from his crime boss husband, Snow takes on roles he never dreamed he would–protector, leader, and avenger. No one threatens his family and lives. Experienced enough to know he can’t do this alone, Snow calls in every favor he is owed, risking his life promising favors in return, all to save his family and the man he loves.

The sins of the Manos crime family are escaping the dark recesses of the past and threatening the bright future of everything Snow and Christopher have built. Yet, even with the help of some unlikely and uniquely dangerous people, Snow finds himself wondering if their efforts will be enough to save the two most important people in his life. Will the loving family Snow has finally found be taken from him forever?

SNOW STORM

Haven Hart Series Book 5

Davidson King

M/M Contemporary/Action/Suspense Romance

Page Count: 225

Release Date: 03.20.19

Cover Design: Morningstar Ashley @ Designs by Morningstar

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Christopher

I didn’t go on many trips for my business, but when I did, it was only for a night. When we’d gone up north to keep Snow and my family safe, we’d been together. Leaving Snow behind this time felt all wrong. Of course, when I mentioned it to him, he rolled his eyes, lightly slapped my chest, and told me to relax, he had Bill and like seventy other people watching over him. When it came to Simon, it was a different story.

“Do you have your allergy medicine, hypoallergenic pillow, and bug spray?”

Simon chuckled. “Yes, because you packed it all and then you checked my bag a hundred times.”

“Okay, well, if you forgot anything, I’ll send someone up to bring it. Don’t hesitate to call me.” Snow pressed his hands against Simon’s cheeks, making him look like a fish.

“Babe, we won’t have reception, but I have a satellite phone in the car. Don’t worry about him.”

He smiled and gave me a strong hug. “Be good, you. No murder.”

This earned a laugh from Frank and Jerry, who were waiting by the front door. “None, I promise.”

He nodded and shooed us out the door. “Remember, if a bear comes toward you, assume the fetal position and pretend to be a baby!” he shouted right before the door shut.

Fun, fun, fun. Fast paced, exciting, and hot.

I’m going to start with the meh. I kind of hate how many people die and it’s like “well, they knew what they were signing up for”. Why do I care about this in books but not movies? They could kill everyone in a movie and I’m like, whatev. I guess it shows how much more invested I am in books and the characters there.

Ok, on to the good stuff. We are back to Chris and Snow! You love Snow. You know you do.

Christoper is kidnapped! WHA??? The all mighty mob boss got himself and his nephew snatched. And while it seemed to be super professional, the expertise dwindled quickly from there.

The story moved well and never got boring. Chris never lost his…”Chris-ness” even though he was being held against his will, threatened, his nephew threatened, his very empire threatened. Note to self: don’t piss off Christoper Manos.

I, once again, absolutely adored Snow. His backbone of steel in the face of possibly losing his husband and nephew he thinks of as a son. He definitely learned a thing or two from Chris, whether he wants to admit it or not.

We get to see just about everyone in the Haven Hart universe at least briefly. Most importantly Black and his merry band of assassins. But it is Poe who breaks or heart. I am dying to finally hear his entire story. He absolutely killed me and broke my heart with just a few words.

So give me more! Please give me Poe. Don’t make me wait. I NEED IT!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.

When she’s not writing you can find her blogging away on Diverse Reader, her review and promotional site. She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.

If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.

Links

Website: https://www.davidsonking.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DavidsonKingsCourt/

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonKingAuthor/

Personal Page: https://www.facebook.com/DiverseReader

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidsonkingauthor/?hl=en

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YztgRD

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/davidson-king

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17286464.Davidson_King

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidsonKing11

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Kiss Me, Daddy (Club 83 #1) by Quinn Ward: RDB, Release Day Review and Giveaway

March 28, 2019 by Denise

Andy’s a recent college graduate with a mountain of debt and a load of regret over earning a degree he’ll never use. When he takes a job at a local gay bar, he doesn’t expect the first person to catch his eye to be the man he’s been dreaming about since a chance encounter.

Joshua’s comfortable in his life. He has an amazing son who’s wise beyond his years, an ex-wife who’s one of his best friends, and a great job. Now, if only those closest to him would quit hounding him to start dating again after the divorce.

Joshua finds what’s been missing with the other people he’s tried dating the first time Andy slips up and calls him Daddy. What starts as a slip of the tongue could lead to what both men really need and want.

Length: 70,000 words approx.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Holy insecure insta-love….

While I adored this author and the Kinky in the City series, especially the Daddy kink one, this one just kind of missed the mark for me. See, Andy was just set to graduate college with a degree his father didn’t approve of. I was proud of him, because his parents were the worst kind of people that undoubtedly gave him such low self-worth, and such low self-esteem, but he stuck with it and now he was getting a degree…..

Unfortunately, like many degree holders in our country, the struggle to find a job in your field isn’t easy. So, being broke and jobless, I can understand where he’d be a little insecure meeting such an established and together older man that he’s attracted to when they keep running into each other.

Joshua is a wonderful dad with a strange sort of relationship with his live-in ex-wife. It puts a damper on dating, because being bisexual is hard enough… throw in the 10-year-old genius kid and live in ex, I don’t blame people for running far away from that…. but the ex is nice and the kid, albeit annoyingly smart and just too wise for his age to seem believable, it kind of worked for them all I guess.

When the Daddy gets slipped out the second meeting between these two, and things start getting hot and heavy, it all feels like playtime to me. It was all so sudden and extreme, like Joshua completely flipped into this other person. Maybe that was just me, I dunno… but it just wasn’t working for me.

Then every other minute he was having to reassure Andy about something or other because Andy would flip out and assume the wrong thing and the dialogue was so “woe is me”, and I usually like the wounded bird and sweet caring reassurer…. I dunno… if you’re looking for something along those lines, this one would be a lite, easy read.

There’s little drama, though Andy’s parents are awful, and then literally everyone either man speaks to gives them relationship advice, mostly without even being asked. I’ve never seen so many people with so many opinions on one man’s relationship… but, meh… if you’re looking for an easy read with a little kink…. then I’d say this one might work for you.

I’m not sure I’ll be waiting for the next one in the series to come out, but I’m curious to see who might be next.

3 pieces of eye candy from me

Quinn writes LGBTQ romance with a kick. Their stories center around the relationship building between the characters, but also shows how compatible they are in the bedroom (or wherever else the urge strikes).

Goodreads Page

Facebook Reader Group

Email Quinn at: quinn(at)quinnwardwrites(dot)com

Website

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Family Camp (Daddy Dearest Book 1) by Eli Easton: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

March 28, 2019 by Denise

When Geo signs up for Family Camp, he envisions nature hikes, s’mores, and a chance to win over his recalcitrant new foster kids, Jayden and Lucy. He’s tried to become a dad for so long, and he hopes the three of them can be the family he’s always wanted. What he doesn’t anticipate is the prickly and gorgeous camp counselor who constantly comes to his rescue.

Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.

Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?

Length: 219 pages

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Sixth inning. Geo was ready for the game to be over. It was fucking hot on the ball field, all open and exposed, the sun baking down. And he was also not sure how much more Travis-watching he could take—him with his silky burgundy gym shorts and a sweaty Camp Evermore green shirt stretched over those muscles. His long legs were tanned and well-defined from hours at the gym.

Those thighs could fucking crack walnuts. Dude.

Damn, but that was one fine-looking man. Geo knew he should lay off, though. Travis had made himself clear.

Only he hadn’t. At all. One minute, Travis seemed into him him. He sought out Geo’s company, like the way he kept coming by the cabin at night. And the next minute, he’d put distance between them, ignoring Geo or closing himself off behind a granite-like expression and those eye-hiding shades. And Travis had laid a clear line in the sand. Not at camp. Not gonna happen.

Yup. That was fine. Sure, Geo hadn’t been mutually attracted to a guy that hot in ages. Or ever, really. But Geo hadn’t come to camp to fool around. He had other priorities.

It did make him wonder though. Bridget had said Travis wasn’t out. A quick Google search last night had confirmed that. In fact, Geo had been shocked to discover there’d never been an out baseball player in the major leagues. Like, in the history of American baseball. Which was tragic. No wonder Travis was in the closet. It had to suck monkey balls living like that. Especially with all the women who threw themselves at him constantly. There were a dozen women on the sidelines right now that looked ready to have his babies. That had to be weird for a gay guy. Didn’t it?

Geo himself was always super uncomfortable when women came on to him. He felt compelled to blurt out “I’m gay!” in the first five minutes. It was just too weird otherwise.

Then again, Travis’s love life was none of Geo’s business. Maybe the guy was bisexual. Maybe he liked dating women just fine.

Jayden came up to bat. Geo focused on his son, clapping hard. “Come on, Jayden! You’ve got this!”

Jayden took a wide stance beside the plate, both hands gripping the bat, choked up a little. Travis had spent a few minutes with Jayden at the start of the game, showing him how to stand, and Jayden copied him exactly. The kid was a great mimic. He’d been nervous at first, tense and defensive. But by now he just looked focused. He stared, narrow-eyed, at Frank as Frank pitched an easy ball.

Geo loved that about this game, that everyone tried to give the kids easy wins, and no one took the competition seriously.

Jayden hit the ball hard. It flew through the air a short ways then plonked to the ground and skipped along fast. It was heading right down the center line, though a bit more towards third base and Travis’s side of the field.

“Go Jayden! Go!” Geo shouted. He went after the ball. In his peripheral vision, he saw Jayden round first base and keep running.

Travis was going after the ball too, dodging low. He scooped it up. He was going to throw it to third base, keep Jayden back on second. Geo couldn’t let that happen.

He dove in front of Travis, crowding him, holding an arm out to block Travis from throwing the ball.

Travis snorted, bemused. “What are you doing? You’re on my team.” He backed up, trying to get away from Geo.

“Blood before bros, man,” Geo said with fake seriousness. He kept up with Travis, step for step, grabbing Travis’s right arm in a firm grip so he couldn’t raise the ball.

“Stop it!” Travis laughed. “Dork. That’s not legal.”

“Don’t care.”

They took three steps back, like they were dancing. Geo held Travis’s right arm, staring him down. Travis met his gaze, a goofy smile on his lips. Back and back they stumbled. Suddenly, Travis got a sparkle in his eyes. He wrapped his left arm around Geo’s waist and picked him up, swinging him around so he ended up behind Travis.

Geo was still finding his feet as Travis drew back his arm and sent the ball sailing.

Right to home plate. But Jayden got there first. Umpire Cindy made the motion with her hands, safe.

Geo laughed and raised his arms in triumph. “Yeah, baby! Great job, Jayden! Home run, whoo!”

Then he realized everyone was staring at them. On the sidelines, there were a dozen cameras raised, filming.

Oh. Er. Hmm. Geo wiped his face, feeling sheepish.

That’s when a piercing scream rent the air.

First, let me start off by saying that I adore stories about family. Give me a hot dad any day of the week. I’m a sucker for em… throw in some foster kids that need someone sweet and patient and amazing, like Geo, and I’m droolin’ all over myself page after page.

In this one, Geo is on his way to Family Camp. It’s exactly what it sounds like and he’s excited to take his new foster kids to hopefully do some bonding over the next week. Both kids, twelve year old, Jayden and five-year-old, Lucy, both come from neglectful and troubled pasts, and you will melt for them. They’re both so sweet, though Jayden a little prickly, but understandably so… and Geo is doing everything that he can to make them feel wanted and loved. He’d wanted to be a dad for so long, and now that he has his chance, it’s just not going the way he hoped it would. Still…. He cares for them so much, and it’s obvious that no matter how discouraged he gets, he’s made these kids his family.

Unfortunately, on the way to camp, everything that could go wrong, does go wrong… with the icing on the cake being he’s run out of gas before camp. With a moody almost-teenager and a little girl attached to her dolly’s and not much else, he praying for everything, but mostly a miracle.

Enter Miracle…. Professional major league player, Travis, who’s family owns the camp that they’re all attending for the next week, (though neither of them know it yet)….he stops to help the broken down family and the attraction is more than obvious… however, a misunderstanding has them starting off on the wrong foot, and though I can understand where Travis was coming from, I did want to be like… “you know what they say about folks who assume”….. but, again…. It’s hard not to understand why he felt that way…

ANYWAY…. Once everyone gets to Big Bear, it’s a week of fun in the sun, with hilarious mom’s with their likeminded children…and a pro-baseball player that everyone has their eye on… especially Geo. He’s cool about it though, and over the week, the attraction is reciprocated and acted on, even if it has to be secret, because spoiler alert…. Travis isn’t out… not only not out to his teammates and manager, but also his family… especially his parents, though they’re amazing, so it’s more of a fear thing….which you’ll understand if you read it.

Watching these two fall for each other was entertaining, sweet, cute and downright swoon-worthy, especially when you see Travis with the kids. Both men are so reassuring and patient with the kids who so badly needs all of that from them. It’s just a feel good family type read with some secret sexy times between the trees. I loved every second of it… and though things come to light and careers are tested, and friendships and family are questioned… it all comes together perfectly in the end.

You really just can’t go wrong with this one, and the happiest of happy endings is well worth it!

5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

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