Book Review

Promise (Single Dads 3) by RJ Scott: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 2, 2019 by Denise

Leo Byrne is a cop, Jason Banks is an ex-con. Even after one stolen kiss, something has to give before Leo can convince Jason that falling in love is even an option.

Adopted at a young age, Leo is part of the sprawling Byrnes family. With his dog Cap, three siblings and a whole mess of nieces and nephews, he is never lonely, and his life is full. Love is the last item on his to-do list, but seeing his best friends Sean and Eric happy and making new families makes him want things he doesn’t think is possible. Kissing Jason at an event to honor his bravery was one thing, but anything other than that is off limits. Until Jason has no one left to turn to, and it’s Leo who helps him at his lowest. Taking Jason and his daughter into his home is one thing, but falling for the ex-con is something else altogether.

Jason made a deal to keep his daughter safe and spent years behind bars as a result. Volunteering as a convict firefighter was as much about helping the community as saving his sanity, but now that he’s out, he doesn’t even have that. He’s lost his future, his self-respect, and has no friends or a place to call home. Worst of all, even after rescuing his daughter he still can’t keep her safe from the man who wants to use her as a bargaining chip for money. Meeting Leo might give Jason a way to keep Daisy safe, but falling for the stubborn cop means the truth has to be revealed, and he could lose everything all over again.

Length: 57,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Book #1 – Single – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Book #2 – Today – Amazon US | Amazon UK | Universal Link

Oooh, single dads, how I love you!

So, if you’re jumping into book three, then I’ll assume you’ve read books one (the doctor) and two (the firefighter) and now this one, best friend/roommate/chosen family of the others, Leo (the cop). In saying that, I loved the other stories but I didn’t so much remember the situation between Leo and Jason, (the cop and the convict) that happened last book. It gets brought up in this one, a lot, so I suppose I should’ve went back and had a refresh, I didn’t feel like I needed to with as often as it was brought up…..So, I don’t necessarily remember what happened, but apparently, Jason and Leo shared a kiss in what Jason thinks was gratitude and afterward Leo regretted it. Instead of talking about it like adults, it was a pretty big misunderstanding that lasted half the book… however, it also took a backseat to the real problems, which is where this book begins.

While Sean has been busy at the hospital and Eric is away, fighting the wildfires in California, Jason, who you should remember from last book, who was running and hiding with his almost four year old daughter (you will be reminded of this a lot), and he helped save Eric… who told Jason that if he ever needed help, to come find him…which he does… beaten up, exhausted from running, broke and just broken.. he’s gotta keep fighting to keep his daughter safe, but he doesn’t know who to trust.

Working with the FBI who hasn’t done a whole lot to keep them safe and Daisy’s mother in a coma from the guy he’s currently running from, Jason has no choice but to go to Eric and hope he’ll help them. Not counting on Eric not being there, he runs into Leo, Eric’s friend/neighbor/old roommate/chosen brother, and him being a cop is the last thing he needs, because remember, law enforcement hasn’t been able to keep them safe up until then… and the kiss they shared, it left things awkward and misunderstood on Jason’s part.

Leo takes one look at Jason and his daughter and his instincts to turn him in are strong, but Jason asks him to trust him and to give him a little bit of time. Seeing that he’s about to drop and is in no shape okay to take care of his little girl, he gives them someplace to settle until they can figure out what they need to do… of course, Leo hasn’t been able to get Jason out of his head since the kiss, and Jason thinks that Leo couldn’t possibly want him because he’s a cop and Jason’s a criminal….two sides of very different coins, eh?

It bugged me that everything was so secretive for so long, when Leo was doing everything he could to get Jason to trust him. What he’d done wasn’t even that bad and it would’ve made so much more sense for Jason to tell him what was going on so he could help. He needed someone to help him so badly, and here was Leo begging to help and Jason wouldn’t let him. I wanted to shake him so many times, but I understood that he has a child that he had to put first and things hadn’t gone his way when he’d trusted before. So, understandable to a point, but still frustrating. While staying with Leo, both Daisy and Jason learned to trust Leo and it was cute to watch them both warm up to him, especially when Leo was done letting Jason hide from him…. Hello, hot toppy cop. Bonus!

Another thing I loved was Leo’s faith and the way he talked to God. Now, it’s not a big part of the story, but it also kind of is. As most LGBT+ stories kind of shun the community and ruin relationships and self-worth, I loved that Leo not only still believed in God and had faith in Him, but also used it in everyday his everyday life and didn’t think twice about it. He has a great family, too, an adopted one that didn’t care if he was LGBT++++++ or any letter that it might entail. They encouraged him to be who he is and they loved him no matter what. I love love loved that! Great seeing it in a same-sex read. (at least to me)

Overall, I enjoyed the trope…. the guy on the run who ends up with the cop who keeps him safe… I love the single dad, the cute kids, the awesome family and slow burn, as it took Jason a while to trust Leo… so, it was a very cute read if you don’t mind some things being repetitive. This will always be a sweet series for me and I’m so glad that Leo got his HEA and that Jason and Daisy were safe and accepted into the growing family of men in uniforms and their partners and babys.

I can’t wait to see who’s next!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott writes stories with a heart of romance, a troubled road to reach happiness, and most importantly, a happily ever after.

RJ Scott is the author of over one hundred romance books, writing emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, millionaire, princes, and the men who get mixed up in their lives. RJ is known for writing books that always end with a happy ever after. She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a bottle of wine she couldn’t defeat.

She’s always thrilled to hear from readers, bloggers and other writers. Please contact via the links below:

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Soft Limits: A Deviations Novel (Deviations Series Book 6) by Jodi Payne: New Release Review

November 21, 2019 by Denise

Fans of the iconic Deviations series will fondly recall Bradford as the beloved owner and Master of the elite and exclusively male BDSM club that anchors the series, and also as the wise man who introduced Tobias and Noah.

Dominant Bradford’s story is one defined by sudden opportunity, unimaginable heartbreak, and new-found purpose. His calling is to provide a safe and supportive environment for men in the lifestyle. Bringing Doms and subs together is his superpower, yet he feels fated to be alone himself.

In this prequel to the series, you’ll not only discover Bradford’s own history, but also how Bradford is first drawn to Nikki, a beautiful and hungry young man living on the streets, and the unexpected ways Bradford grows and changes while helping Nikki understand a world of strange, new desires.

Deviations readers already know outcome of Bradford and Nikki’s journey together. Soft Limits is a deep-dive into Bradford’s story, into what makes the Dom tick, and how he ended up with ownership of the club. It also introduces Nikki, the sub that tests Bradford’s patience, steals his heart, and soothes his soul.

**WARNING: BDSM, mentions of homelessness, loss of spouse (in flashback)

Amazon

Full disclosure: I’ve never read any of the Deviations books. But being that this is a prequel, I figured it was safe. The author states that she means for it to be read last, but hey, I read it first and still liked it,

Bradford is like the Dom of all Doms. He owns a BDSM club- which houses a restaurant and bar as well as various rooms for fun. And being a Dom like that, when he sees a young man in need of help, he jumps right in.

Nikki is homeless and accepts Bradford’s offer of a dishwashing job. I get that this guy is a bit naive, but to have zero clue that there is a BDSM club beyond the kitchen doors is a bit much. But we will let that go.

What I enjoyed the most about this story is that BDSM is explained SO WELL. About how it isn’t always pain or sex or humiliation. And that using a safe word is totally ok. How BDSM means something different for everyone and contracts are entered into for an evening, for months or for years.

It did feel a bit like Bradford was grooming Nikki, but then the way Nikki took to submission so effortlessly made it not creepy. Bradford is extremely patient with Nikki, gently correcting him when needed and praising him as deserved.

Although she says to read this last, I am glad I read it first because now I want to read the others!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

* Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

First Impressions (Auckland Med: Book One) by Jay Hogan: New Release Review

November 19, 2019 by Denise

Michael:

Two years ago I made a mistake—a big one. Then I added a couple more just for good measure. I screwed up my life, but I survived. Now I have the opportunity for a fresh start. Two years in NZ. Away from the LA gossip, a chance to breathe, to rebuild my life. But I’m taking my new set of rules with me.

I don’t do relationships.

I don’t do commitment.

I don’t do white picket fences.

And I especially don’t do arrogant, holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world.

Josh:

One thing’s for certain: Dr. Michael Oliver is an arrogant, untrustworthy player, and I barely survived the last one of those. He might be gorgeous, but my daughter takes number-one priority. I won’t risk her being hurt again. I’m a solo dad, a K9 cop, and a son to pain-in-the-arse parents.

I don’t have time for games.

I don’t have time for taking chances. I don’t have time for more complications in my life.

And I sure as hell don’t have time for the infuriating Dr. Michael Oliver, however damn sexy he is.

Title: First Impressions
Series: Auckland Med: Book One
Author: Jay Hogan
Release Date: November 1, 2019
Category: Contemporary Romance

Amazon

Okay, first impression? Hot cover!

Anytime you give me a hot man in uniform, it’s going to give me pause. Throw in a hot doctor, uhm, yes, please! Make one of them a dad? Just take my money…. Take all of it!

In this one, we have Michael, who I’ll get to first. I didn’t care for him in the beginning. He’s arrogant and slutty and no matter what his reasons were, I just didn’t connect with him. After the death of a patient had hit him hard and lead to a multitude of problems in his life fueled by alcohol, guilt, and anger, he tucked his tail and ran away to Auckland, NZ, to take a job there. That’s where he meets K9 officer, Josh something or other and his dog.

A drug sting lead him and his team to the club where he finds Michael in a compromising position in the backroom of a club. He’s unapologetic but he knows Michael’s type, having had his heartbroken by a player of the same type. He wasn’t far off, Michael admits later to have purposefully cheated and though it’s off-page, I just never got over that either. I get the why’s, kind of, but it just wasn’t a good excuse to me. I didn’t like the way he treated Josh one second and then flipped the next and their banter wasn’t fun in the beginning.

So, after a scene at the club that left one officer dead, another injured and Michael a witness… Josh had to put his feelings away for a bit and tolerate Michael. He was insanely attracted to him, but he knew it would only lead to heartbreak. That’s all guys like Michael were good for, right?

Somehow or another, their angry banter turns sexual, which was hot. I hate the friends with benny’s thing, but anyone who saw them together knew how they were lying to themselves because you could tell that even from the beginning, even though they didn’t want to, they developed feelings for each other. I adored how vulnerable Michael let himself be with Josh, and I loved seeing Josh take charge and give Michael what he didn’t know he needed. I loved the relationship with Josh and his sister and his relationship with his daughter. It may have been a secondary storyline, but, it was real and sweet and he was protective and smart when it came to her and her safety and the strained relationship with his parents… who are horrible, by the way. I actually thought they’d be a bigger problem than they were, but I was glad about that.

Of course, with any relationship that starts out casual with one or the other constantly reminding each other that it’s casual, it’s bound to get… messy. And it did. Again, I couldn’t stand how Michael used all these different things to push Josh away and I couldn’t stand how Josh just let him. I didn’t like that even though it was Michael that needed to do the groveling and the growing, that Josh was the one who went after him. To fight for them. Michael should’ve been the one to realize how stupid he was being and stop running for a change. I also didn’t understand the unlikely friendship with the ex and his new fiance, especially a touchy feely one at that.

I dunno, when I adored it, I really, truly adored it but Michael really need a slap or two upside his head to maybe knock some sense into him. The dialogue between them was a little….eeeek, but, only because I didn’t see Michael as the person he let himself sometimes be. It was hard for me to connect with him throughout. I wanted to, ooooh, how I wanted to… it just sadly never happened.

It definitely kept me interested though and I was glad for the happy ending, but my goodness, did it take a while to get there. I’d be really interested to see who’s next. I loved Michael’s makeup wearing charge nurse, Cam and Josh’s bestie, Mark… I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next one!

Even though my review miiiight seems ranty, it’s a solid 4 pieces of eye candy from me

18

Mr. Naughty List: A Gay Christmas Romance (Home for the Holidays Book 2) by Leta Blake: New Release Review

November 18, 2019 by Denise

A cute teacher gets a spanking this Christmas. How hot can it get being on his former student’s Naughty List?

Is Aaron allowed to want a hot holiday fling with his young former student? Even more forbidden, is he allowed to want this student to spank him?

It’s another Christmas, and Aaron is still in the closet as a gay man and a natural submissive. With one youthful indiscretion blacking his ethics record, he can’t afford to indulge his desires no matter how pent up and needy that leaves him.

Until his former student comes home for the holidays.

Dominant and charming, RJ knows what Aaron needs—intense, steamy encounters and a firm hand. As Christmas nears, RJ helps Aaron unlock his true self. But family and fallout await, and all good things must end.

Or can their hot holiday affair turn them into lasting lovers?

Mr. Naughty List is a steamy Christmas MM romance set in the Home for the Holidays series that began with Mr. Frosty Pants, but can be read as a standalone. Featuring light D/s, spanking, an older sub with a younger Dom, former student/teacher dynamics, and, of course, warm, sweet holiday feels complete with a strong happy ending.

Amazon

Most Christmas stories are on the shorter side. Not this one. You get a full length book.

It’s fun, sexy, dirty, a bit angsty and totally worth the read. I definitely liked the characters and the story itself more than the BDSM elements, well scenes, but that is just my opinion. I know Ms Blake has written several BDSM centered books, but this one didn’t totally jibe with me. Maybe lack of experience on both sides? Or not using proper instruments? A ruler- ok. But a braided belt not meant for spanking? Ehh..a little sketchy for me.

Back to the story though.

Aaron kowtows to his mother- also the principal of the school where he teaches. Because of her (and an indiscretion several years ago), he has to not only be on his best behavior, he also needs to stay in the closet. And he is ok with that. Until he isn’t.

RJ was a senior when Aaron was a first year teacher. The ink wasn’t even dry on his diploma when he took off to play guitar. In the 5 years since, he has a solid career touring as a back up guitarist for various bands. But his mother is remarried with twins and RJ comes home for Christmas.

RJ is out, proud and dominant. But, like I said, he hasn’t had that much real time practice. And he had a crush on Aaron during his senior year. He is willing to keep whatever it is with Aaron quiet to preserve his closet status because he is only home for Christmas.

I really liked the two guys with no long term expectations getting together. And slowly realizing independently that it is moving into more. Quickly. Poor Aaron needs love like no one’s business. And even though RJ doesn’t believe in love, he sure is willing to give it.

Watching them each trip over the labels they will use for each other, as well as what defines each label, is adorable. And even though their relationship was built on BDSM, RJ has no problem showing Aaron that it isn’t all he is after.

And then there is a sassy cat, a mom trying too hard, a mom not trying at all, a nosy best friend (I didn’t like her at all, sorry) and a step brother with a crush.

It’s a good story that didn’t feel overtly Christmasy because of the length, but still worth the read.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

* Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

Lucky Break (Clean Slate Ranch Book 4) by A.M. Arthur: New Release Review

November 18, 2019 by Denise

Welcome to Clean Slate Ranch: home of tight jeans, cowboy boots and rough trails. For some men, it’s a fantasy come true.

Shawn Matthews never imagined he’d be living out of his car, trying to make ends meet, but life doesn’t always go your way—he knows that better than most. When an accident leaves the Clean Slate Ranch shorthanded, Shawn is enlisted to help cook and finds himself bunked next to the sexiest cowboy he’s ever laid eyes on.

The first time Robin Butler spots the new chef, he thinks he’s seeing an actual ghost. Shawn is the spitting image of his late husband, and it spooks the hell out of him. The former rodeo-star-turned-ranch-hand does his best to avoid the soft-spoken cook—except it’s kind of tough when the man makes the best damn grub this side of the Mississippi and has a boy-next-door charm that’s impossible to resist.

Even though the tension between them practically sizzles, Shawn doesn’t do hookups and Robin isn’t ready for a new relationship. Besides, Robin can tell Shawn’s been hurt and deserves a partner who isn’t saddled with a tragic past. But chemistry doesn’t lie. Maybe finding each other—and a second chance at love—is the lucky break they both need.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

This book is approximately 99,000 words

Amazon

Oh yea, back on the ranch. The Clean Slate Ranch that is.

We got a hint about something brewing between Robin and Shawn at the end of the last book. And now we get their story. And background stories. Ugh, my heart.

Robin was definitely known as a guy who wasn’t discerning, shall we say, when it came to sex partners. He was all about having fun. Shawn, however, was the complete opposite of that. So they sniffed around each other for a bit until fate sort of threw them together.

We’ve seen the ranch with guests and the ghost town before, during and after construction. Now we see the in between. The ghost town closes for several months when it gets colder and the ranch closes for the Christmas holidays. Except for those who live there full time and a skeleton crew. It was cool to see more behind the scenes without guests there.

Robin doesn’t speak to his family, so staying on the ranch suits him fine. And Shawn really has no where else to go. Even though he is an employee of the ghost town, he gets an opportunity to work at the ranch while the ghost town is closed.

Robin was SO PATIENT with Shawn. Taking the time to even romance him a bit. Going at Shawn’s pace in the bedroom. It was kind of surprising based on Robin’s reputation. But so, so sweet.

The down time on the ranch let them get to really know each other and spend time together. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Miss Angsty Author loves to make readers cry, wrote a really sweet book.

Ok, Robin’s back story is sad. Shawn’s back story is sad. But nothing that made me cry. This might just be a first for me.

Two likable characters, a slow but steady burn (which turned wicked hot) and some redemption.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

* Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *

For Sam, times infinity by Suki Fleet: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

November 15, 2019 by Denise

After growing up in care, all Sam wants is to make a home for him and Tommy, his kid brother by choice. But it’s not as easy as he thought, especially when his social worker finds him a job miles away. And falling for the surprising boy at work only makes things harder.

Evra is different, his past a mystery. Being truly himself is not something he’s ever felt safe enough to be with anyone, not until Sam, the shyest boy ever, saves his life at work and Evra finds himself inexplicably trusting him. Wanting him.

Problem is, Sam is leaving, unable to stand being so far away from Tommy. And Evra can’t leave, not when he has consequences to face.

Making things work might seem complicated, but sometimes falling in love has its own consequences.

Length: 60,000 words approx.

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

Okay, so, I have a hard time with stories where bad people get away with being bad people and it really seemed like that’s all there were here in the beginning, apart from Sam and Evra, but everyone was terrible to them. I’m also not a big fan of young adult, so I was wary in the beginning of this one.

First we meet Sam and Evra, who work together at the same factory, though in different parts. Work isn’t good for either of them, their boss is terrible, as are the people they work with, both men have a bully that seems intent to make work miserable for the pair of them, but for different reasons. Sam is only there because the home he aged out of helped him find the job, though it was hours away from who he considered his little brother from the home, Tommy. They will break your heart. Sam loved Tommy so much and hearing the two talk, you knew that they only had each other, but unfortunately, Sam not really being Tommy’s brother and the fact that Tommy’s only 13 and has special needs, he needs the care system still, especially while Sam gets established… they’re working towards it though and I was glad to see that for them, even if it did seem that there were hundreds of hurdles in their way.

Evra was a little mysterious for me. Not only his relationship with Mav (who I eventually came to adore, despite he and Karl’s bullying) but also the home they lived in. Taken in as refugees when their shipping container was found, Mav and Evra had come across each other while in care, but was now living in a support house tht tried to help them get established, but didn’t at all because of the tyrant, militant, manipulative person they lived with. How he could dictate their every moment (even bowl movements) was so strange to me and I don’t know how nobody noticed this or how he wasn’t in prison or locked in a loony bin. I didn’t understand that entire storyline. It seemed so unbelievable because who would willingly go along with that?

Evra though, especially because of his upbringing, didn’t understand the whole right from wrong 100% though, he didn’t realize what Berill was doing was wrong. Strange, but not wrong. Not until Maverick found out. I loved how much Mav had Evra’s back. I hate that we didn’t get to see the “consequences” that Beril got, but maybe next book??? I’m hoping so. I cannot handle when bad people get away with being bad.. I need karmic justice… I’m petty that way!

So, it’s a complicated situation for all involved, but together, with all of them being there for one another, things get worked out, all while Sam and Evra fall for each other. It was a bittersweet ending, especially knowing how much the boys had gone through to get to where they ended up… I love happy or happy for now endings, I wouldn’t mind reading more about Karl and Mav. I have a feeling they’ll break my heart too.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

About The Author

Award Winning Author. Prolific Reader (though less prolific than they’d like). Lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.

Suki Fleet’s first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult story in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.

You can contact Suki at sukifleet@gmail.com

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* Disclosure of Material: We may have received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that we would voluntarily leave unbiased and unsolicited feedback. We have not been asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review – nor were we compensated in any way. We are posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. *