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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Book Excerpt

The Quiet House (Audiobook) by Lily Morton, Narration by Joel Leslie: Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Audiobook Review and Giveaway

August 16, 2021 by Denise

Levi Black has mostly recovered from the events of a year ago. The only lingering effects are that he’s much more well-known in York than he’d like to be, and he’s a lot more cautious about walking around his house naked.

However, those events brought him the capricious and fascinating Blue, so he’s not complaining. On the contrary, he’s happy, in love, and looking forward to Blue finally moving in with him. And if sometimes he wonders what Blue sees in a boring cartoonist, he keeps that to himself.

Blue Billings is finally ready to throw off the memories of his past and move in with the person who means the most in the world to him. His psychic abilities have grown in the last year to his mentor Tom’s consternation, but Blue is determined to look on the bright side. He’s also focused on ignoring all the warning signs that he’s received lately.

However, even deeply buried secrets have a way of rising to the surface. And when a surprise from Blue’s past turns up and draws them away to a lonely house on the Yorkshire moors, Levi and Blue must fight for their survival once again.

From best-selling author Lily Morton comes the second book in the Black & Blue series. The books are intended to be listened to in order.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Audible

Heaving a sigh, Levi flicks the indicator and swings the car into a layby. Switching the engine off, he turns to me.

“So help me. You’d better tell me everything, Blue,” he says grimly. “I think it’s indicative of our strange life that I’m actually hoping you’ve picked up an animal familiar along the way.”

I bite my lip. “Not exactly an animal.” His fingers tighten on the steering wheel like he’s imagining it’s my neck, so I break into an explanation. “But would a grumpy-looking old git who can’t speak be any good to you?”

“What?” he says through gritted teeth.

I nod, smiling like a maniac. “Yes, and we could be seeing a lot of him too, because Tom says a Crow pops in for a visit when there’s trouble ahead.”

There’s a long pregnant silence. “So, that old bloke you saw in the back lane was actually a harbinger of doom and appeared on the night before your dad came into our lives, and you forgot to mention it?” I wince, and his eyes sharpen. “Or decided not to tell me because you thought I’d put my foot down about traipsing over the desolate moors to stay with some rich old bloke in a haunted house.” I try on a winning smile, and he huffs out another heavy sigh. “You can’t do this, Blue. You can’t keep secrets like this.”

My smiles drops away. “I know,” I say earnestly, grabbing his arm and squeezing it. “I do know,” I say. “And I’m so sorry, but I just wanted … I just wanted to know things,” I finish lamely. “And I didn’t want another row. Our last one made my stomach feel bruised for ages.”

He sighs heavily. “Wait here,” he commands.

I hold my breath as he gets out of the car and shuts the door behind him, leaving Tom and I sitting in silence. He crosses in front of the vehicle, the mist swirling around him like he’s a creature from a horror novel. I exhale in surprise as he throws his head back and screams very loudly.

“Well, that went well,” Tom says, his tone cheerful. I throw him a speaking glance. “Don’t look like that,” he advises me. “This is where keeping secrets gets you. Your boyfriend screaming himself silly in a layby.”

My original book review found here.

And now the audio version. Oh man I was excited for this. Loved the book and Joel Leslie is one of my favorite narrators. Bring it on!

It’s really well done. I had previously read and listened to the first book in the series, and although I loved it, the Irish accent lilted up at the end of every sentence to make it sound like a question and that drove me a little bonkers. This time, it’s there a little, but not nearly as prevalent and fairly easy to look past. Especially since this book has a fairly large cast of characters that we hear from often. I think there are about 10 different regular characters and that doesn’t include the scary ghost voices- and there are several of them as well. And yet every voice is different. In tone, accent, volume- all different. I honestly don’t know how the narrator kept track. But they are all so distinct you can pretty easily remember who is talking just by the voice.

And I will say that the audio is a bit scarier than the book. Ok, a lot scarier. Those ghost voices…shudder.

Joel Leslie brings these characters to life in a way that will make this a regular re-listen in your library.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Lily writes contemporary romance novels, and specialises in hot love stories with a good dose of humour.

Lily lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she bought her first Kindle.

She has spent her life with her head full of daydreams and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else could she get to spend her time with hot, funny men!

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys! Her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted by one of her family.

Connect with Lily:
Facebook | Lily’s Snark Squad Facebook Group
Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Website | Newsletter
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub


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Ghost Light Killer (London Podcast Mystery, #2) by Dahlia Donovan: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 13, 2021 by Denise

Several months after their first brush with death, Dannel Ortea and Osian Garey are back with a thrilling murder investigation in the second London Podcast Mystery Series novel.

While helping their flamboyant neighbour with his play, Dannel and Osian discover more than a ghost haunting the stage at the Evelyn Lavelle theatre. It’s all fun and games until a friend is found kneeling over a dead body.

Is he the murderer or an unfortunate witness?

When one body turns to two, then to three, will the killer ever be found?

As Dannel and Osian work together to solve the mystery, the murderer focuses on them. Their drive to clear their friend’s name puts them centre stage. But not everything under the glow of the bright lights glimmers.

Will anyone be left when the curtain falls?

Author: Dahlia Donovan
Title: Ghost Light Killer
Series: London Podcast Mystery, #2
Genre: M/M Cosy Mystery
Release Date: August 7th
Word Count: Approx. 60k

Amazon

Goodreads

Cosplay Killer (book 1)

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“Not you two again.” Detective Inspector Haider Khan had pushed through the throng of onlookers, coming to a halt when he spotted Dannel and Osian. He pinched the bridge of his nose for several seconds. “Why am I not surprised?”

“We’ve got witnesses. It wasn’t us,” Dannel insisted immediately. “Definitely not us.”

“Inside voice.” Osian bent forward to whisper.

“Sorry.” Dannel grabbed Osian’s hand. “We were definitely not in the room where it happened.”

Haider narrowed his eyes on them when Osian muffled his snort of amusement against Dannel’s arm. “Small mercies, I suppose.”

Surveying the room and the crowded hallway, the detective inspector waved over the constables who’d come with him. He dispatched them to herd the witnesses out into the auditorium. His partner, Detective Inspector Powell, joined him; her eyes widened when she caught sight of Dannel and Osian.

Dannel didn’t want to risk unnecessary attention. He’d seen before how that almost led to Osian’s arrest. “We’ll join the other witnesses.”

“Not so fast.” Haider glanced around the room. Archie still stood in the far corner, pale and shaking, watching the paramedics finish up and step aside for the coroner. “While DI Powell speaks with your friend, why don’t we move down the hall and you two tell me what happened?”

I cannot and will not give anything away about this book. It is a mystery after all. 🙂

What I will say is Os and Dannel are at it again. They are kind of pulled into investigating, despite telling Haider “no we will not!”, the murder of one of their friends’ mother. It goes downhill from there, of course. But the enjoyment of the reader only just begins.

I love these two together. They are smart and funny, and just know each other so well. Os does what he needs to to take care of Dannel when he needs time to be away. And Dannel, while he doesn’t really understand Os’s grief, and how that progresses, he respects it, and does what he can to honor it. They are just great together, both funny and sensitive. It’s the relationship that works best for them, and hits the readers heart.

Something that really struck me with this was the author did not leave the PTSD for Os back in book 1. She carried it through here, giving him options for how to deal with it, how to move forward and even help other emergency responders deal with their own grief and PTSD. I appreciated that so much, because PTSD doesn’t just “go away”, and carrying this through, acknowledges that.

There is the fun cast of characters. A “ghost” that appears and shuts and locks doors when you least expect it. We get to see more of Ian, who is the neighbor that we all want in our life. And of course the mystery that only Os and Dannel can find the clues to. They may bumble right in to solving it.

Another well done book in this series, and I’m certainly ready to read more of their antics in London. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

Website: http://dahliadonovan.com
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1108750876162947/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dahliadonovan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DahliaDonovan
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/dahlia-donovan
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/Q0n0X
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/8184061.Dahlia_Donovan
Publisher Website: https://www.hottreepublishing.com/book-author/dahlia-donovan/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U83sik
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahliadonovanauthor/

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High Alert: A Sweet with Heat Gay Romance by Becca Seymour: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

August 11, 2021 by Denise

It’s a tale as old as time.

I’ve crushed on my brother’s best friend since I sprouted hairs on the unmentionables. Once upon a time, he was straight, until he wasn’t… and talk about bad timing.

And when we’re finally at a place for me to make my move, sexy rural firefighter Dan clams up and acts weird and I’m left with pants that are too tight and my heart feeling bruised… but he’s a good friend and I’m grateful he’s in my life.

Because of course Dan is a good guy.

Though him being “good” and ridiculously easy on the eyes and possibly the best man I know only makes me want him more.

When we’re thrust into a situation that brings both of us close to danger, it’s hardly the time to be chasing first kisses or finally acting on my crush. But Dan doesn’t seem to mind.

I just know that when the stakes are high and emotions are running wild, sometimes you have to show your hand and go all in.

And that’s exactly what I plan to do.

High Alert was originally a 7,000-word short story in the March 2020 charity anthology “When the Smoke Clears.” It is now a 64,000-word full-length novel, complete with smouldering low-angst loveliness and a group of Aussie men who will capture your hearts.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Easing off my knees, I stood, groaned, and angled back. A satisfying pop of my joints followed. Before I could respond to Dan’s question, his “Fuck, I hate that sound,” had me chuckling.

“But it feels so good.”

His scrunched-up face looked somehow cute, despite his unshaven jaw and the streaks of dust on his cheeks. “But it sounds bloody awful.”

I grinned and went back to his question. “As for the next job, I’m not sure yet. There’s a few things I want to get done. Maybe start the firepit.”

“Just in time for summer, huh.” He quirked his brow.

With a roll of my eyes, I said, “If you don’t want there to be a fire for toasting marshmallows, then keep up the snark.”

“I wouldn’t dare, not if marshmallows are on offer.”

“Wise decision.”

Oh this book was so sweet. And it was a love story not only between 2 men, but also a love story to Australia and the fires and floods they endured last year.

Classic story of crushing on your brother’s best friend. This time the age difference is only 2 years (why does it always seem like more in books?) AND he wasn’t the annoying little brother, he was often included in whatever they were doing.

Now everyone is a grown adult, the little brother Ross is the high school librarian, and the brother’s best friend, Dan, just moved back to their small town. Dan also has a crush on Ross, but neither know the other’s feelings. Poor Craig, older brother/best friend does know how they feel. Poor Craig.

Dan doesn’t want to lose the friendships he has with Ross and Craig so he decides to take it slow. Feel Ross out. Just be there until the time is right. Ugh, it was so cute without being saccharine sweet. It was almost like they were becoming best friends as well. So if you like slow burn…this is slooooooooooooow burn.

Speaking of burn. Paying homage to the devastating fires Australia had, Craig and Dan are both volunteer firefighters called in to help with the huge brush fires. Ross finds and helps a koala and her baby with burned paws, making note of the devastation to wildlife. And then the floods. It’s all so apocalyptic, but it happened. The country was ravaged by one extreme and then the other.

There is a great little side story about a guy who used to be in a group of bullies in high school who tried to torment Ross coming back to town. It was well done.

And without getting preachy one way or the other, respect is paid to the indigenous people of Australia, their stories and customs.

Overall this could have been a very in your face book about Australia with just the romance as a side note. But all of the facts were woven into the story so well you never felt like you were being lectured- but you did learn things.

And above all Dan and Ross were just perfect together. None of the silly stuff about treating him as the little brother even though they are all adults. No one was proving who they were. There was no relationship drama or angst. Just two normal guys from two normal families who fell in love.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

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

August 5, 2021 by Denise

He loves no-one and never will.

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

He has sworn to never love again.

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

But it isn’t just their hearts at stake.

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

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

A Case for Christmas

The Lords of Bucknall, Book 2

By JA Rock and Lisa Henry

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

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

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

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

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

“Shall I stop?”

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

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

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

“Do you dislike it?”

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

“Well, then I shall never cease.”

Gale snorted in spite of himself.

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

“Chant…”

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

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

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

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

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

4.5 pieces of eye candy

About JA Rock:

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

https://jarockauthor.com

About Lisa:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Goodreads
Bookbub
Twitter

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

Filed Under: Book Excerpt, Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 4.5 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, excerpt, exclusive, gay, historical, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance, series

Flawsome Explorations (Suite Dreams, Book 2) by Ariella Zoelle: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 5, 2021 by Denise

Unexpected sparks fly when a shy, straight, nerdy sweetheart meets a flirtatious, sexy, older Frenchman. Is Zio brave enough to take a chance on Armand?

Fabrizio “Zio” Revello
I embrace the philosophy that nobody is perfect by studying the art of imperfection. But then I meet Armand, forcing me to completely reevaluate my world view. From his gorgeous face, teasing sense of humor, and a French accent to die for, everything about him makes me forget one very important detail: I’ve never been attracted to a man until him. I shouldn’t let him tempt me, but the glimpse of the real Armand behind his playful flirtations makes him impossible to resist.

I’ve never been the adventurous type, but Armand makes me want to be brave and daring. Isn’t a lifetime of happiness with a person who understands me worth the risk?

Armand Bellamy
I approach Zio in search of a no-strings-attached evening of fun to kick off my business trip to Hawaii. But I get way more than I bargained for when I discover a shy, nerdy sweetheart who finds beauty in my flaws. He even accepts the parts of my heart that I hide from the world. It makes me want to make him mine—not just for one night but for every night of the rest of our lives.

He says he’s straight, but when have I ever let that stop me from getting what I want?

Flawsome Explorations is the second book in the Suite Dreams series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features a bisexual awakening, shy/flirt, age gap, instalove, opposites attract romance. If you love cute sweetness, sexy fun, and no angst stories that will make you laugh and swoon, you’ll enjoy this satisfying HEA without cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Flawsome Explorations

Suite Dreams, Book 2

By Ariella Zoelle

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Chapter 5: Armand Bellamy

“You’re very confusing.” Zio’s eyebrows furrowed as he studied me. “Like, really confusing.”

I tilted my head as I regarded him. “In what way?”

“You’re impossible, but you’re real. You act as if you want me, but there’s no way in hell that’s true.” He scoffed as if it were the most ridiculous notion he had ever heard before.

The confirmation that he was at least aware I wanted him helped me judge where I stood with him. “Why not?”

“People like you don’t want guys like me.” After hearing about how his parents rejected him, his disbelief was more understandable. I was about to speak when he continued. “And guys like me aren’t supposed to want people like you.”

“Why not?”

He bit his lower lip as he hesitated. “Because you make me want things I shouldn’t, which is so damn confusing.”

“Such as?”

He gave me a pointed look. “You. I’m not supposed to want you. But you keep making me want you, and it’s fucking with my head, not gonna lie.”

“What if I want you to want me?” My question made him flush bright red. “What if I desired that very much?”

He touched the back of his fingers against his cheeks to check if they were as flushed as they felt. “It’s against the rules.”

“What rules?”

“The ones that say I play for the other team,” he mumbled without looking at me. “But you cause me to question the ethics of switching teams, which is scary. It’s not worth it for one game, but…”

Hearing he was straight explained a lot about his scared reactions to being attracted to me. “But you still want to?”

Hiding his face in his hands, he groaned. “But what if it’s not just for one game? What if I end up wanting to sign on for a permanent transfer?”

“Wouldn’t that be a good thing?”

“Only if you were playing for keeps. But that’s not what this is about.” He sighed heavily, avoiding my eyes. “I’m not even sure that’s what I’m hoping for. I’m so confused, I’m using sports metaphors, for fuck’s sake. I don’t know anything about sports.”

“Zio, look at me.” I waited until he obeyed before I continued speaking. “I’m not interested in playing a game with your heart.”

He fidgeted under my gaze. “I’d disappoint you by being an awkward virgin with a man.”

“There would be nothing disappointing about that,” I reassured him. “I’d take very good care of you.”

My words sent a visible shiver through him that made my ego purr. “I’m not saying no. But I need a little more time to sort my thoughts out about this before I can say yes.”

His comment gave me hope I still had a chance with him. “Take all the time you need. I have no intention of pressuring you into something you’re not comfortable doing.”

“Which is a huge tick in the column of why I should give in to you.” His wry grin was adorable. “For what it’s worth, the voice in the back of my mind is very vocal about letting you introduce me to a whole new world of pleasure. You don’t make it easy to tell it no.”

“Whatever it’s promising you, reality will be better than you can fathom.”

I could see the chills on his skin my words inspired. “That’s an awfully big promise.”

“Non, it is a guarantee.”

I’ve enjoyed a few of this author’s books now, for their sweetness, hotness, and the characters that are varied in their lives and loves. This book had themes about learning to love yourself, as well as being open to love when you had no idea that was ever on your radar.

This book was pure sweet insta-love, from page 1. Zio didn’t quite understand where it was going, since he’d always thought of himself as straight. Meanwhile Armand, surprisingly, didn’t seem to have any issues, despite having always felt that he was just going to be a playboy, unable or unwilling to find one love.

Zio’s work passion was so intriguing that I had to look it up myself. It’s beautiful. I loved that Zio received such fantastic support from Armand, but also from his brother with regards to not just his sexuality, but his schooling and work as well.

This book was just gooey, sweet, adorable as well as a visual feast of the land around them.

Very enjoyable, with characters that steal your heart.

4 pieces of eye candy

Ariella Zoelle adores steamy, funny, swoony romances where couples are allowed to just be happy. That means she writes low angst stories full of heat, humor, and heart. But sometimes she’s in the mood for something with a bit more angst and drama. And if you are too, check out her A.F. Zoelle books.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, exclusive visual guides, and more.

Connect with Ariella:

Website: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/
Newsletter: https://www.ariellazoelle.com/newsletter
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/amazingafzoelle/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/extraafzoelle
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AriellaZoelle
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Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/afzoelle
Bookbub: http://bookbub.com/authors/a-f-zoelle

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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 4 stars, Ariella Zoelle, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, excerpt, exclusive, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

King of the Titans by J.K. Jones: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

August 3, 2021 by Denise

Revenge.

Resentment. Malevolence. Desire. It wraps around him like a familiar cloak.

Like a second skin. Years of war hardened his heart into something unfathomable. For centuries he knew nothing but retribution and the ruthlessness of death and decay. His clan lost the war. They were decimated, their way of life stripped and sold to the highest bidder.

Now he finally has a chance to take back everything he lost.

To kill the King of Titans, assassin Julian White pretends to be a courtesan.

Falling in love with Lucious Rex, the man that tortured and killed his family is an unfortunate complication.

King of the Titans
By J.K. Jones

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

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The moment the arctic demon stepped near; a thrill ran down his spine. It was so sharp and sudden he nearly buckled. His knife weighed heavily in his pockets, and his hands itched to thumb the blade and plunge it into the demon’s neck. Yet amid his blinding hatred, something else settled inside him, a spark, quick and strident, something profound.

Ocean-blue eyes made him dizzy as if he were swimming in warm sun-lit currents before being pulled under. That face, he knew that face. For many years, Julian had meditated on it. The night that had brought hellfire and destruction right to his doorstep.

I will set you free. The day he’d taken pity on the worthless Þrælar had been his undoing. They’d been friends once. Julian stopped that thought before it could begin before it could even form and spiral into a well of self-loathing and despair. He went to bed soon after, his mind in disarray. What exactly did the demon want? Why go through all the trouble to scent him and mark his territory if all he wanted to was talk? None of it made sense.

Julian tossed restlessly throughout the night. In the morning, he awoke groggy and disgruntled, wishing he could close the curtains and go back to sleep. The threat of Madame Zelina barging into his room forced him to get up. No matter what, he wasn’t going to incur her wrath. He dressed simply, putting on some pants and his signature coat.

He tied his hair into a low bun, then went downstairs. Madame Zelina stood near the bar, her dress bright red with vines weaving up and down the hem.

I love fantasy when it’s well done, and this was really well done. Classic enemies to lovers. Basically the humans had ruled and treated the wolves like scum for years to the point of rape, torture, and starvation.

Julian (a human) years ago as a boy hears screams in his father’s house night after night and eventually plucks up courage to investigate. He finds a wolf (in human form) bound, starving, and tortured. He doesn’t find out until he’s an adult that his own father was raping the wolf as well.

Julian takes pity on him, lets the wolf go assuming he will escape, but instead the wolf frees other captive wolves and they slaughter the humans and eventually some years later take over and rule.

Now the wolves are in charge but they descend to the same levels of depravity as the humans once were at, except the King–the wolf Julian released all those years ago–doesn’t like what his wolves have become.

The world building, the writing, is amazing and that earns four stars all on its own.

The plot is tight and moves along at a good pace and the last betrayal was well set up and something I didn’t see.

My problem is the ending. They have an enforced three year separation which is never properly justified and then in the last few paragraphs the King sends for Julian and they have maybe three sentences worth of I love yous.

That isn’t enough for me.

After all that death, bloodloss, execution, murder and death I want to wallow in a happy ending. I want declarations of love and devotion that go on for days, and I didn’t get that.

But that’s me. It was a good book, I just wanted another chapter of smoochiness!

4 pieces of eye candy

J.K Jones is a University Graduate with a B.A in Sociology, also a TESOL certificate for teaching English as a Second Language. Literature is in my veins and the words pour out of my blood. Message me privately to join the mailing list. I like my artys with a bit of fartsy. I love Sundays spend drinking massive amounts of coffee and lingering over whichever book I am currently enthralled with. Favorite movies: American Beauty. Duh. What can I say? It’s a classic. Favorite place: The fort I built in my basement which my mom forced me to take down. Favorite food: Cheetos. Puffs. I don’t know what everything is crazy about the crunchy ones are crap.

Connect with Susi:
Website: www.jkjonesauthor.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/j.kjonesauthor
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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: ASYSTOLE by @jillian_wray_author releasing September 24th! Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…🚁Friends to Lovers🩺Surgical Resident x Helicopter Pilot🚁Bi-Awakening🩺F*ck It🚁Workplace Romance🩺Cheating (not between MMCs)LOGANI excel at running from my problems and my past.Unfortunately, I’m also really good at running straight into trouble.While trying to get as far away as possible from the man who broke my heart, I ended up sharing an apartment with his fiancé’s best friend.I’m determined to keep Chase at arm’s length, but Chase is determined to get inside my skin. Who knew straight guys with long term girlfriends were so into platonic cuddling?Chase’s stressful days as a medical resident have me doting like an eager housewife—which is ridiculous…Until we cross a line, and I’m left wondering what’s crazier: Chase still thinking he’s straight, or me thinking this could end in anything other than heartbreak.CHASENinety-hour weeks as a general surgery resident leave me hollow and mentally fried, so when running into an old acquaintance offers me a break I desperately need, I jump at the opportunity.As the Life Flight helicopter pilot for Boston Memorial, I expected to see Logan from time to time.What I wasn’t expecting was to become his roommate so soon after reconnecting.Nor was I expecting my platonic feelings for him to turn into something… more.I blame it on my need for physical touch and the long-distance relationship I have with my girlfriend.Until a kiss with Logan at the stroke of a New Year’s midnight changes everything.I need Logan in ways I never imagined, but by the time I figure that out, it may be too late.Asystole is book one in the Boston Memorial series. It can be read as a complete standalone but does feature characters from—and contains light spoilers for—Avalanche (Part of the Ricochet Ridge series).#jilliandwray #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: DELICIOUS ANTHOLOGY II releasing November 3rd! All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Black Trans Alliance & Galop. Participating authors are: @beckgreyauthor ∙ @em.denning ∙ @kate.hawthorne ∙ @rhyswritesromance ∙ @rory.maxwell.writes ∙ @authorkmcintyre ∙ @leeblairbooks ∙ @charlienwrites ∙ @hipsterwriter ∙ @tobywisewrites ∙ @helenjwrites ∙ @kc_carmine Sometimes, you just need another slice…The Delicious anthology returns for a second helping, so grab your plate as an amazing group of authors serve up stories that are sure to make your mouth water!We’ve got barbecue, breakfast sandwiches, breakup burgers, and heaps of tasty treats. And you can get them all topped with your favourites like meet cutes, brother’s best friend, hot new boss, chance meetings, hurt/comfort, age gaps, plenty of spice, and melt-in-the-mouth sweetness.With celebrity chefs, pub owners, grilling dads, and an array of treats, Delicious: A Second Slice has twelve brand new contemporary short stories for you to savour!All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Black Trans Alliance & Galop#anthology #charity #ffromance #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: THE SPARE AFFAIR by @ellafrank1 & @brookeblaine1 releasing September 29th! Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…👑Royal Romance👑Prince x Prince👑Rivals to Lovers👑Competitive Flirting👑Keeping Score👑Forced Proximity👑Slow Emotional Burn/Fast Physical Burn👑Golden Retriever x Black Cat👑Playboys👑Brother’s Ex-Fiance👑Secret RelationshipGabrielWinning people over has always been my greatest talent. One smile, one joke, one perfectly timed wink, and I have them eating out of my hand. But I don’t think that’s going to work so well on Prince Alejandro of Solterra. The man my twin, King Nicholas Valemont, cast aside for his footman in his pursuit of true love. Alejandro is infuriatingly handsome, impossibly stubborn, and determined to turn every conversation into a competition. Every move feels suspiciously like a trap designed to make me—the other Valemont brother—suffer.So naturally, I decide to make a game of it. No feelings. No jealousy. No falling in love. Simple.At least…it was supposed to be.AlejandroI’ve already been the world’s biggest royal headline because of a Valemont once. I have no interest in becoming one again. Then Gabriel arrives—charming, relentless, impossible to ignore—and somehow turns every argument into flirtation and every competition into something dangerously fun. We agree on one rule above all else: no falling in love.It should’ve been easy. Instead, every sharp word, every stolen kiss, every moment no one else is watching makes it harder to remember where the game ends…and where real feelings begin. Because the most dangerous thing about competing with Gabriel isn’t losing. It’s realizing I’d happily let him win. #ellafrank #brookeblaine #royalromance The Author Agency ...

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24 hours ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨Let’s celebrate! It’s release day for FALLEN ROOK by @authorljshen! Grab it in KU!Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥Dark MM romance🔥Forbidden🔥Age gap🔥Nerdy FBI agent x golden retriever Camorra enforcer🔥Grumpy sunshineFrom New York Times bestselling author L.J. Shen comes a sizzling age-gap, forbidden MM romance about an FBI agent and the Camorra enforcer who thaws his frozen heart.TomI know a secret that can destroy the most powerful crime organization in America.For years, I’ve watched Enzo Ferrante get away with murder. Literally.He’s slipped between the FBI’s fingers time after time, spreading terror and mayhem on the streets of New York, masked beneath a gorgeous face and elegant pedigree.A sloppy error on his part results in an incident that unexpectedly binds us together.Suddenly, I’m no longer the special agent who is thirsty for his blood.I’m his savior. His god. The light in his pitch-black existence.Now that I caught the social butterfly in my spider web, I’m never letting go.He is about to taste the venomous kiss of betrayal as I put him and his entire family behind bars for the rest of their lives.Because when the night falls, the Camorra’s enforcer crawls between my sheets and whispers all his sordid secrets in my ear.Enzo Ferrante is completely and utterly mine, and nobody knows.Not even his lovely fiancée.#newrelease #ljshen #kindleunlimited #darkromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

2 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨EXCERPT: ROOKIE MOVES by @jodioliverauthor releasing September 24th!“You said last night you don’t know whether people are genuine, so maybe I can help you find a girl? I can be like your wingman. I’ll vet them beforehand,” he suggests, offering a reassuring smile.A girl.The word hits me like a hulking defenseman into the boards.Fuck. I really didn’t think this through. Because it’s not just admitting I’m still a virgin.It’s the fact that I have to come out to him as well.I dip my gaze back to the floor, anxiety swirling inside me like a tornado. I’ve come this far, so I can’t back down now.With my eyes fixed on his beaten-up Vans, I conjure up the courage to let one more person in on my secret and hope like hell he can figure it out on his own without me saying the words out loud.Not in here, at least.“What if I don’t want to find a girl?” I mumble.Silence descends over us once again, and the only sound I can hear is the rapid thud of my heartbeat in my ears.When I finally glance back up, his brows are pinched. A mixture of confusion and shock is written across his face as his dark eyes bore into me.“Colby…” he says slowly with a hint of apprehension.His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows hard. Taking a step closer, he erases the distance between us until I can feel the breath of his whispered words against my skin.“Are you…” He shakes his head, like he’s shaking the words aside before he gives me an understanding smile. “Thank you. For telling me. I promise I’ll take it to the grave.”A sense of relief washes over me, and my lips twitch in a lopsided smile as my breath comes out in a rush.One challenge down, just one more to go.I straighten my spine, take another deep breath, and muster up all the confidence a projected first overall draft pick should own and confess, “I don’t want you to be my wingman to find someone. I want it to be you.”#jodioliver #hockeyromance #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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