Book Review

The Right To Remain by L.A. Witt: New Release Review

February 21, 2022 by Denise

Levi Harris has never had a reason to stay on the straight and narrow. Nothing he does is ever good enough for his family, his teachers, his bosses, his drill instructors. He can’t do anything right, so why bother trying?

Then he gets caught breaking and entering, and now he’s bound for prison. Or is he?

Austin Caldwell isn’t thrilled about being burglarized, but when he finds himself face to face with the intruder, he sees himself in those terrified eyes. He knows more than most how much prison chews people up and spits them out. Maybe, just maybe, he can save Levi from that fate.

It starts as an arrangement for Levi to work off his debt to Austin. As trust grows between them, so does an undeniable attraction. Especially as Austin begins to see untapped desires in Levi, and he begins to unlock a whole new world of sensuality for his submissive protégé.

Levi’s in heaven. He’s finally wanted. He finally belongs. For the first time in his life, he has something to lose. All he has to do is stay out of trouble.

And hope trouble doesn’t find him.

The Right to Remain is a 150,000+ word standalone contemporary gay romance with a guaranteed happy ending.

CW: criminal activity, brief mentions of past death of a child, brief mention of past suicide, incarceration.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This story has a lot. Age gap, kink 101, the evils of HOAs (no, seriously), the immense need for prison reform and a couple of emotionally manipulative pets.

Levi and Austin are more alike than they are different despite outward appearances. Austin owns a home, has pets, a good job, but he has pretty much no family except for a daughter he gave up for adoption but he luckily has a relationship with. Levi has a family, but whatever he does isn’t good enough so he stopped trying a long time ago. He has a crappy job, a crappy car and a crappy apartment he shares with 2 other guys. So to make a little cash on the side, he breaks into houses to steal what he can carry and sell. Until he finally gets caught. By Austin. In his leather room.

Austin starts off with altruistic intentions of helping Levi stop stealing, but there is chemistry there. Levi doesn’t really know what to do with it because he hasn’t really had relationships. Austin can’t stop thinking about Levi in the leather room. A little curiosity finally gets the conversation going.

Levi has NO idea about kink really. Except that it is a thing. Austin takes the time to explain everything to him as best as he can. What I really liked about this part of the story is that it is explained so, so well without feeling like a lesson in kink. He never makes Levi, or us, feel dumb or silly. And while it is explored why Levi might have the kink he does, Austin never gives a reason for being a dominant. Which just says that some people have reasons for their kink and some don’t and both are perfectly valid.

A lot of time is spent on talking about prison reform, why recidivism happens so often, how ridiculously hard it is for people to get ahead at all when they are released, etc. It was also another lesson for Levi. Go to prison once, you will probably end up back there. And if you don’t, you will probably struggle no matter how hard you try and it will follow you forever. I wish more judgmental people would understand all of this instead of just labeling people as bad or whatever.

There are quite a few lighthearted moments as well. Austin dealing with his “Karen” of an HOA president. his dogs and cat, them just hanging out together, getting to know each other, etc.

Levi’s parents will make you want to scream. They just cannot accept anything less than the best. Because of that, Levi gave up long ago. But they still berate him every chance they get, including belittling him and accusing him of breaking into their house. I really wish he or one of his brothers finally snapped and yelled at them. Oh well, can’t have everything.

This book is LONG. There’s definitely some repetition and I didn’t really expect something to happen toward the end, but looking back on it, it really did need to happen. (Don’t you love spoiler free reviews?) Austin and Levi are great together. The love and tenderness Austin has for Levi is so sweet. Seeing Levi learn to accept that love and tenderness is swoony.

Make sure your kindle battery is charged before you jump in. You will love these guys.

4 pieces of eye candy

To Whom It May Concern (For Him, Book 3.5) by A.M. Johnson: RB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

February 21, 2022 by Denise

To whom it may concern,

I can’t be sure what you’re into, that being said, if you like sexy and sweet romance with a whole lot of quirk, keep reading…

Ever since Clay Saxon’s parents passed away a year ago, he’s been stuck in a rut, running their business, and suffering from the worst writer’s block ever. But when Syrus Albie, aka yellow sweater guy, (you’ll see) walks into The End Book Store, Clay’s mundane little world turns to sunshine.

I don’t want to ruin it, but I can definitely say, when an introverted as hell narrator finally meets his favorite author and crush, all of his usual protocols go up in flames.

Set in the For Him World, this standalone is the perfect introduction or addition to this steamy MM collection.

Sincerely yours, A.M. JOHNSON

To Whom It May Concern (For Him, Book 3.5)

By A.M. Johnson

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

It was noon when he walked into the bookstore wearing a yellow sweater and pale blue jeans. The yellow, not quite yellow, more mustard than canary, stood out against the muted colors of the book spines stacked against each other on the shelf. A shock of dark brown hair fell over his brow as he dipped his head, kneeling to get a closer look at something on one of the lower shelves. His long legs folded neatly beneath his trim waist, his broad back facing me, I most certainly checked out his ass. He was fit, built more like a runner and less like a tank. And from my first glance, I thought he had a nice face. Handsome with a short, trimmed beard, and a strong profile. I wanted to ask him if he needed any help, but something in the way he held himself, eyes down, shoulders tight, told me he didn’t want to be bothered. I’d been working at The End, my parents’ bookshop, long enough I’d learned how to read people. Hell, I’d worked here ever since my folks had deemed it safe for me to climb the ladders on the stacks. I wouldn’t have ever considered my parents the cautious type, they’d allowed me to cook my own pancakes at the age of six, but apparently climbing a ladder had been too perilous for anyone under the age of ten.

“Do you have this in paperback?” A pimply teen pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and set down a copy of The Street Vendor’s Son, blocking my view of the yellow sweater guy.

Sighing, I leaned an elbow on the counter and shook my head. “The paperback hasn’t been released yet.”

“I heard on Reddit that Wilder Welles hid a bunch of copies throughout the city.” He stared up at me with a superior look on his face.

I’d heard the same rumor, but I didn’t have the heart to tell the kid it wasn’t true. I actually knew Wilder, the author of said book. I was represented by the same literary agency, Lowe Literary, and had met him through our mutual publisher, Bartley Press, at a Christmas party a couple of years ago.

“Maybe try Book on Main?” I suggested and he nodded, his hazy blue eyes widening. I imagined he was plotting out his next move. “I’d hurry though. I heard yesterday there were only a total of three.”

“Three,” he hissed. “Dammit.”

He turned for the door and left without a thank you. Maybe I should have broken his heart. Laughing to myself, I picked up the book and placed it under the counter next to the small pile I planned to reshelve when we closed in an hour. Distracted, I didn’t realize the cute yellow sweater guy had approached the counter. He cleared his throat, keeping his quiet gaze pointed at his feet.

“Hey, man,” I said, smiling in what I hoped was my best flirty, easygoing, no-I- wasn’t-staring-at-your-ass-earlier smile. “Did you find everything okay?”

He cleared his throat again, setting two books down in front of me. “I’d like to purchase these.” Though unsure, his voice was the perfect harmony of smooth and low. It settled in my stomach, warm and heavy. “No bag, please. I prefer to carry them.”

“Yeah… sure.” I picked up the titles, both nonfiction reads on shipwrecks, and rang them up. “Are you a fan of Jack and Rose?” I teased and his shoulders stiffened.

“What?” he asked, and I couldn’t tell if he was confused or aggravated.

He raised his gaze, revealing in short blinks, bursts of green and amber. I’d never seen eyes like his. Hazel, but more. Shiny, but shy. I struggled to remember what the hell I’d said in the first place.

“Um… uh…” I smiled, rubbing at the back of my sweaty neck. When he didn’t smile in return, I scratched my head, looking down at the shipwreck books, and it came back to me. “Titanic. Jack and Rose? I’m the king of the world.” I held out both of my arms like an idiot. Who knew I had such a thing for yellow sweaters?

He blinked again, his throat working as he stared at me. “I haven’t seen it.”

I didn’t waste too much time thinking about how that was possible, and told myself not everyone was into overly produced blockbuster movies. “It’s not the greatest film of all time or anything, but if you’re a shipwreck kind of guy, it would be right up your alley.”

“I’m not a shipwreck kind of guy,” he said, his cheeks ruddy as he handed me his credit card. “This is research.”

I swiped it through the card reader and let the three words hang in the air, hoping he’d elaborate. He didn’t. He didn’t seem much older than my twenty-three, but I was a shit gauge when it came to age. He couldn’t be over thirty, though, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t in college. Or maybe he was a scientist? A sexy, sweater-wearing nerdy chemist or botanist, or something equally intelligent.

“Cool.” I slid his receipt across the top of the counter along with his credit card. “Are you a scientist?”

“What?” He grumbled as he picked up his card and slipped it into his wallet. “No? Why?”

“Research? I figured…”

“That I was a scientist? Lots of people do research for their work. Actors… I could be an author, or a professor, or a… ship maker. Among many other options.” He didn’t sound rude, per se, but definitely annoyed. “A treasure hunter.”

“Now that sounds like fun.” I tried a smirk this time and his entire face flushed.

“I can’t say I agree.” He scooped up his books and tucked them under his arm. “It’s dangerous, for one, and stealing history seems unethical.” I wanted him to keep talking. Honestly, I could listen to him talk for hours. His voice was like a balm, even if he was kind of an asshole. “And there’s no guarantee you’ll ever find what you’re looking for. Seems like a waste of time.”

“But if you do find what you’re looking for, what then?” I asked.

He’d avoided direct eye contact until that very second, and holy shit, my lungs forgot how to work.

Air out, air in. Or was it air in and then air out.

Shit.

“It has been my experience that life is only a game of mishaps and unexpected coincidences,” he said, and I laughed.

“You just quoted my book.”

“Your book?”

“Yeah… The Branches Between Us,” I said, feeling a puff of pride as I exhaled, remembering how to breathe after all.

His throat bobbed again, his face paling as he took a step backward. “Your book. I didn’t realize you were—”

“I’m flattered.” I leaned both elbows on the counter. “Not a lot of people liked… or read that book.”

“I enjoyed it immensely,” he said but not in a starry-eyed, starstruck way. He was matter of fact in the delivery, and even more so when he continued. “I’ve read it ten times.”

“Wow.” My grin pinched at my cheeks. “Ten times.”

The air snapped in the brief silence that descended. I stole a few seconds to unabashedly stare at him while he glared at the floor. His thin nose twitched, and I noticed his upper lip was fuller than his bottom. A subtle crease sat between his thick brows, and it deepened when he scowled.

“I need to go,” he said, tacking on a curt, “Thank you,” before he turned to leave.

I watched him exit the store, bewildered and a bit shocked.

Okay, after I read this novella, I went and looked the author and the series up. I had never read either before. I have every intention of rectifying that. 🙂 I really enjoyed this, and after getting a tiny glimpse of other characters in the series, I’m looking forward to going back and checking it all out.

To Whom It May Concern has to be one of the sweetest books, with a super introvert. Myself being married to an introvert who has so many of the same characteristics, I can see how challenging it would be for Syrus to find love. Putting himself in a situation where he could be embarrassed, or seen in any negative light is one of the most terrifying things extreme introverts can go through. This author portrayed that so well. Syrus’ expressions about how much he loved Clay’s book were 100% on the mark. His logic said he loved it, so why would someone else, even the author NOT love it.

Meanwhile Clay, who is still grieving for his parents, running the store they loved, even as he knew his mother would have wanted him to keep writing had to find little ways to stay within Syrus’ orbit. Their communication via email in regards to Clay’s book, which Syrus wants to narrate is cute and sweet, and oh so flirty. Clay really just didn’t let Syrus get away. He had to make a little more of the effort to win some time with Syrus, even if it meant just saying he wanted a date, even when Syrus couldn’t fathom that. So sweet!

There wasn’t a need for there to be grand gestures, and in fact, with such an introvert as a couple there could not be, but just a sweet story about two people finding each other, and a little more of themselves.

4 pieces of eye candy

Amanda is an award winning and best selling author of LGBTQIA and contemporary romance and fiction. She lives in Utah with her family where she moonlights as a nurse on the weekends and hikes in the mountains as much as possible.

If she’s not busy with her three munchkins, you’ll find her buried in a book or behind the keyboard where she explores the human experience through the written word, exploring all spectrums and genres.

She’s obsessed with all things Hockey, Austen, and Oreos, and loves to connect with readers!

Stay up to date by signing up for her newsletter here: http://bit.ly/NewsLetterAMJBooks

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Doll Parts (The Game Series Book 4) by Cara Dee: RB, Excerpt and Release Day Review

February 19, 2022 by Denise

The Game Series, #4 [Standalone.]

I have the best boyfriend in the whole world, but there’s one thing I won’t tell him. It’s that I don’t believe in absolute happiness anymore. Not with the cards we’ve been dealt. I mean, come on! Why do we fall for people who don’t want us back? While he’s been pining after Lucian, one of the Masters in his kink community, I’m the lovesick monster-puppy Little who can’t forget my former stepdad KC. Or the kinky porn I once found on his computer…but that’s beside the point!

It’s complicated, to be honest. I try not to think about it. I have Cameron, and I love him so damn much. Why can’t we try to make it on our own? Why does he want us to find a Top that’s just ours? It won’t work. Our stupid hearts refuse to move on.

What’s even stupider is that Cameron insists we seek out a Dom for our relationship in the very kink community where we can find both KC and Lucian.

Ohhh crap. I think he’s got a plan.

The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, two things are certain. This is not a perfect world, and life never turns out the way you planned.

Series: The Game Series #4 (Standalone)
Genre: Gay Romance/BDSM Romance/Daddykink Romance
Tags: #TheGameSeriesByCaraDee #WelcomeToTheFunhouse #MMMMRomance #ObjectifyMeDaddy #HowToShutUpAMaster #LightSadistsShitRightUp #ThereWillBeClowns

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Top Priority (The Game Series Book 1)

Their Boy (The Game Series Book 2)

Breathless (The Game Series Book 3)

I couldn’t go up there, could I?

I squinted for the sun and peered up at the pale-green–painted trendy restaurant, all three stories of it, including the rooftop terrace. It was one of those restaurants that used to be an apartment building, so you had a bunch of smaller dining areas inside.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek and wondered how the hell I hadn’t connected the dots sooner.

Fuck, it was hot. I ran a hand through my hair and looked around me. The restaurant was right on the corner of a busy intersection, and the sleepy locals on their way to brunch were sharing the sidewalk with tourists.

Maybe I should text him and call it off…

“Excuse me, are you going to the munch?”

I cocked my head to the guy to my left. He was about my age, I estimated. “What if I didn’t know what a munch was?”

He grinned, and it was hot. Hot and cute. “I would’ve said never mind and hightailed it out of here,” he replied. “But I’ve been around long enough to spot someone too nervous to join an event.”

Oh. I wasn’t nervous to join an event. My very first munch, I’d been the first to arrive.

I scratched my head. “I’m stalling because I’m pretty sure I’m barging into someone else’s territory,” I admitted. “My mom’s ex-husband is kinky too.”

The guy made a yikes-face, and I felt the need to elaborate.

“I check his Instagram sometimes, and if he posts four pictures every month, one is from this place,” I explained. “Usually with a caption like ‘Luke is teaching me to post foodporn, whatever that is’ and ‘Macklin’s eggs Benedict are a bit of a religious experience.’”

I could tell I’d mentioned names the guy recognized. I was right. This was the munch of KC’s kink community. Motherfucker. I’d seen eight pictures from this place on KC’s dusty Instagram—or parts of the place. Mostly from the rooftop terrace. Maybe that was where they hosted the munch.

“You know them, don’t you?” I pressed.

The guy smiled uncertainly and shrugged slightly. “We take integrity seriously, but…”

Yeah.

“Who’s your mother’s ex-husband?”

“KC Hayles.”

He nodded once. He’d heard that name too. Then he eyed someone else, or two someones, coming up the sidewalk. They were twins. Hot-as-shit set of twins in their forties.

One of them smirked upon seeing the guy I’d been talking to. “You hidin’, Cameron?”

I observed the guy’s reaction. Cameron. A crooked grin full of mischief lit up his face. He was really fucking cute, and I didn’t usually feel attraction toward men my age. He was a bit taller than me but not much. Blue eyes.

“Does that sound like something I would do, Sir?” Cameron countered.

Definitely a submissive.

One of the twins chuckled and ruffled Cameron’s shaggy, dirty-blond hair. “See you upstairs, boy.” He spared me the quickest of glances, lifted his brow a little, maybe in curiosity, before he and his brother took the steps up to the restaurant.

Cameron turned back to me. “It’s possible you’ve stumbled upon your stepdad’s community.”

I figured. “I’ll just reschedule with the guy I was gonna meet. Thanks for letting me know.”

It wasn’t too important I met him today anyway. It was only a bite to eat to see if I was compatible to play with him and his boyfriend.

Cameron cleared his throat. “Hey, wait. If you know KC… Does that mean you know Lucian too?”

That would be a stretch. “I’ve met him a few times, sure. I wouldn’t say I know him, though.” I’d had my suspicions about Lucian—that he was kinky too. It wasn’t a surprise whatsoever to have it confirmed. He was big-time Master material. “Why? Are you together or something?”

Cameron snorted. “I wish. No, he’s with some dude who’s manipulating him like fucking whoa, and Lucian won’t see it.”

I frowned. That didn’t compute with my impression of Lucian.

“Anyway,” Cameron went on. “Here’s a crazy idea. You wanna get out of here and grab a burger or something? Your plan fell through, and I can think of better things to do than watch Lucian and his little troll.”

I stood straighter instantly. This guy wanted to hang out? Fuck yes! I could use a new friend.

“Absolutely,” I said, sticking out my hand. “I’m Noa.”

Cameron smiled, visibly relieved. “Cameron.”

Ok, I’m calling it. Cara Dee is the undeniable Queen of Kink.

I only discovered her books a year or so ago and since then I devour them. Her characters have depth, they are unapologetic in their kink and if they don’t know who they are and what they want or need in the beginning, they sure will by the end.

The beginning was a little unconventional as it has 3 prologues. One from three years ago, from 18 months ago and one year ago. These set up the relationship KC and Noa started with and what has happened since.

We start off in present day with Noa and Cameron meeting each other outside of a restaurant they were both set to go to for a munch. Instead, they hang out together and find romance and love with each other. But both are submissives- very different kinds of submissives- but still. As much as they loved each other, they needed more. Which means they came as a package because they weren’t willing to give each other up.

Noa can’t forget KC, his former step father who has hasn’t seen in three years. And Cameron is smitten with KC’s best friend Lucian, even though when Lucian had previously suggested they play together Cameron said no. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he wanted to play AND have a relationship with Lucian.

The boys devise a plan to go to the community’s compound and come face to face with both men. It was sketchy at first, but their plan seemed to work.

Now we get to see these four men navigate what their relationships will look like. With each other and as a whole. KC and Lucian were already best friends and play buddies. Cameron and Noa were in love and boyfriends. KC and Noa were Daddy and Little. Lucian and Cameron were Master and slave. It could have gotten awkward with Cameron and KC as well as Noa and Lucian. But they story is so well written that they just come together naturally.

Most of it is all set at the McLean compound, which if you have read previous books in this series you are well aware of. But it is a big Victorian house set up for kink play with rooms that you can reserve to stay over night. The founders of the group each have cabins within sight of the house for privacy.

The kink scenes are written just so well. And we got kink that we don’t see a lot in books. Sounding, needle play, fear… All of them were just so incredibly hot! They also like to set elaborate games up for Doms and subs to play together and this one is a biggie!

The games are meant to test limits with the subs, but also to have fun. The subs ended up having a surprise for the Doms (or D types as they say which is amazing) and it was fantastic.

But then…the book was over. The games were set to be played over two days, but we got only one. And then there was an epilogue. I need more! It was finished but it felt a bit unfinished. Who won the game? WHAT did they win? Did Noa ever talk to his mother? How did that go? I HAVE QUESTIONS!

Sigh.

I know there will be more but I really hope that these 4 guys get another book to themselves and their story isn’t over.

4 pieces of eye candy

I’m often awkwardly silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there’s so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex.

There’s a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly.

Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve.

I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.

Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.

I’m a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, cooking, baking, and geeking. There’s time for hockey and family, too. But mostly, I just love to write.

Find Cara on social media here: https://www.caradeewrites.com/cdwlandingpage

Charlie Sunshine (Close Proximity, Book 2) by Lily Morton: Audiobook Review

February 14, 2022 by Denise

Sometimes love is a lot closer to home than you think.

Charlie Burroughs can’t keep a man. All he wants is a good relationship like the ones he sees his friends having, but none of the men he picks ever work out. Despite him trying to be the perfect boyfriend, the men are either threatened by his looks or his epilepsy or a combination of the two. It’s lucky that he has his best friend Misha to turn to. The two of them are closer than peas in a pod and fiercely loyal to each other. He can’t imagine his life without Misha in it.

Misha Lebedinsky is the complete opposite of his best friend. Being the support system for his mum and twin sisters leaves Misha with neither the time nor the inclination for a relationship. Quick and frequent hook-ups are his favourite means of communication and any other pesky emotional needs he has are met by Charlie, who he’s devoted to. He lives a life of happy compartmentalization with no intention of ever changing.

All of this changes when the two best friends move in together. Being in close proximity means that they suddenly start to see each other in a very different light. But Charlie struggles when his drive to be the perfect partner clashes with the fact that he’s in love with a man who knows every little thing about him. And even if he can get past that, can a relationship ever work with a man who’d need a dictionary to tell him what love means?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a love story about a sunny librarian who has relationship written all over him and a cynical banker who doesn’t even have it in his blurb.

Amazon Ebook – KU

Audible

My original book review from last year here.

Story wise, I don’t have a lot to add to the review. I really enjoyed the book, the quirky characters and the representation of a disability. So let’s talk about the narration, which is ultimately what I am reviewing, right?

Overall, I enjoy Joel Leslie’s narration. He isn’t one to shy from verbalizing sex scenes well and his tone is very nice. Within the story you can tell who is speaking by the tone, which is very helpful as I tend to flip to the beginning of a chapter to see who is speaking because I can never remember.

This is the second Joel Leslie in a row that I have listened to, so maybe I need a break. Although the characters are differentiated by voice within each book, those same voices seem to carry from book to book. Charlie sounds like the main character in the one I just listened to that was a different author. Misha the same. Charlie’s step dad Aidan has the same Irish lilt as Blue Billings.

I probably wouldn’t have really noticed that much if I didn’t listen to Joel Leslie back to back.

My biggest complaint is that when it is an intimate scene- not just sex wise- his tone goes from a regular speaking voice to almost a whisper at the end of each sentence. It gets to a point that it is almost hard to hear. Like the difference of watching a tv show and then the commercials are so much louder. I’ve tried with ear buds, through my car stereo and with a bluetooth speaker. All the same. I understand WHY he is doing it, but I feel like I miss so much because I am straining to hear. If I turn it up, the regular speaking voice is far too loud.

Ultimately, I think I need a Joel Leslie break. I am sure I will go back to listening to him, but some new voices and better modulation would be great.

3 pieces of eye candy

In Step: Painted Bay #3 by Jay Hogan: Excerpt and Release Day Review

February 10, 2022 by Denise

When hearts collide on the dance floor.

Karma. You reap what you sow, and KANE MARTIN isn’t looking for forgiveness.

But the arrival of ABE TYLER in Painted Bay has Kane dreaming of the impossible. The sexy, silver fox choreographer is determined to pull Kane out from the shadows, but Abe’s career isn’t about to shift to Painted Bay, and Kane’s life is in neat little boxes for a reason.

A past he isn’t proud of.

A family he’s walked away from.

A job he doesn’t deserve.

A secret he’s ashamed of.

But life’s dance can make for unexpected partners, and learning to trust and keep up with the footwork is the name of the game.

Two steps forward, one step back.

It takes two to tango.

Trigger Warning: Contains references to past abuse and bullying.

In Step: Painted Bay #3

Author: Jay Hogan

Genre: MM Romance

Standalone: Yes

Amazon

Off Balance: Painted Bay #1 – Kindle Unlimited

On Board: Painted Bay #2 – Kindle Unlimited

Apart from the rain clearing, nothing had gone right on the mussel farm all day, and everyone was in a foul mood by the time we docked at six, in the dark and much later than usual. We’d let Martha know not to hang around, and the entire wharf was cloaked in evening shadow apart from a glow in Morgan and Judah’s boathouse and another in the studio out back.

Were Judah and Abe still working? I knew Morgan didn’t like Judah pushing himself too hard. Then again, it was none of my business.

We cleaned up and left Patrick talking furtively on his cell while the three of us, and Mack, headed toward Leroy’s SUV, still bitching about the pissy day.

“Is Patrick seeing someone?” I glanced back. “He’s been very close-mouthed about his social life lately. And he’s been on his phone a ton.”

Leroy snorted. “Wasn’t aware he ever had a social life.” He caught the rugby bag Fox threw his way from the SUV.

“Didn’t think you guys had training on a Friday?”

“We normally don’t,” Leroy grumbled. “But our beloved coach has decided we need to win this bloody game tomorrow afternoon against Russell United, and we apparently sucked big hairy donkey balls at Wednesday’s run on the paddock. Like another lot of drills is gonna somehow raise our standard of ball handling from pitifully woeful to hands of steel. If there isn’t a beer in this after we’re done, I’m gonna be fucking ropeable.”

Fox chuckled and pulled Leroy into a kiss. “You’re such a big softy.”

“Idiot.” Leroy wriggled free but failed to hide his lopsided grin.

“Do you need me to take Mack home?”

The dog cocked her head at her name and Fox opened the rear door, waving her in. “Nah, she likes to run with the team. Tires her out.” He headed for the passenger seat, buckled up, and then pinned me with a look. “And here’s a novel idea. Since Patrick only needs you tomorrow morning, maybe you could actually leave the bedsit for once and go have some fun.”

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that.”

Fox rolled his eyes and I waved them off. So, I didn’t have a life. There was nothing new about that. I threw my bag over my shoulder and set off up the hill, my attention drawn to the glow in the studio and the upbeat music leaking through the fire door, which had been propped open with a chair.

The closer I got, the slower my steps, until I found myself at a complete stop about ten metres from the open door. I glanced around but I was alone. Beyond the studio lay Madden land and the hill up to the homestead. Judah’s boathouse, the wharf and Painted Bay were out of sight to my right, at the front. And behind me, the road was flanked by a steep, bush-covered bluff up to the township perched on top of the hill.

Feeling like a spy in some low-budget movie, I detoured down the small bank and picked my way across the sodden grass to the open fire door, the muffled thuds of feet hitting the floor growing louder by the second. The studio floor sat about thigh height, and I dropped my bag on the damp ground and sneaked my head through the opening.

The room was about twenty by thirty metres, big enough for Judah’s kids to comfortably move around with their wheelchairs and canes and other equipment that might be necessary, but tonight there was only one person using the space. Abe. And I was instantly spellbound.

His body flew across the room in a whirlwind of turns and leaps in sync with the rhythmic bass so loud it rattled my spine and thundered in my chest. Big band music—horns and saxophone, and double bass and piano, and drums. Memories crashed through my head and almost took my knees from under me—my mother dancing in our kitchen, my tiny hands in hers, spinning and laughing, dipping me, spoon in one hand like a mic as she crooned words that never seemed important at the time. The music was everything. How had I forgotten that?

A word popped out at me. Swing. This was swing music.

I startled as Abe landed a jump close to where I was hiding, so close I could pick out the small holes in those soft-as-butter leggings. The thin material outlining every fibre of muscle in his thick thighs and the bunched muscles of his arse, his cock nestled soft and large in his groin. The waistband rolled low on his flat stomach tight with ridged abs over a steel core lightly dusted with hair. The cut-off T-shirt wet with sweat and clinging to his toned chest and budded nipples.

Holy fucking hell.

I barely contained a yelp, ducking back into the shadows until the sound of his feet fell into the distance and I risked another look. Perspiration coursed down his face, his dark hair threaded with silver pulled into a topknot that bobbed with every leap and turn, eyes closed like he was dancing by feel, led around the space by some invisible force. And I stood transfixed, my ridiculous dick thickening in my jeans like the traitorous fucker that it was.

And still Abe danced, sliding past the open door where I crouched watching, his voice low with the music, singing, stray words catching in my ears, arms wide, then high, then circling into a spin. Around and around until he suddenly stopped, dancing on the spot, tap, shuffle. Whatever the fuck it was called. His body dipping and rocking to the beat, a wide smile on his face.

And then he was off again, and I lost myself in the pure, raw joy of his energy, pretty sure of only one thing: that I’d never felt anything close to whatever Abe was feeling in that moment—the energy of life rippling through him, power and hope and emotion. I’d never felt that, not even close. There was a magic to it, and heat and lust and wonder. A hunger I’d never allowed myself to feel ripped open in my heart. In that moment, Abe was alive to his core, and I couldn’t even begin to imagine what that felt like.

You definitely need to read the first two books in the series. There is a lot of background story that plays out.

I really enjoyed the first two books and I couldn’t wait for Kane to get his happily ever after. He was ostracized already by so many people. Partly because of how he acted in high school and partly because of his father. Mostly because of high school.

Kane has a story to tell, though. But no one wants to hear it. He wasn’t looking for absolution for what he did to Judah back then. And then Abe showed up. Abe, an independent choreographer that knows Judah and is there to help with the recital for the disabled kids dance class.

Kane has NOT had an easy life. Like so many kids, he hid it well. But he is dealing with an alcoholic, homophobic father (who doesn’t know Kane is gay) who wants Kane to sign over his half of the farm that was willed to him. Kane’s father is the classic bully. I think a lot of us know or knew at least one. But because of his father, Kane has been in the closet his whole life. The only time he had one foot out of the closet was when he was in college. But that was never about relationships and only about taking care of needs.

I loved how Abe saw everything from a different perspective because he was an outsider. He had no preconceived notions of Kane. He saw a guy who was shy and quiet, wasn’t included in things but had a killer blush.

I really loved these two guys coming together. There was a 14 year age difference which isn’t necessarily huge, but I think Kane needed that maturity in his life. Kane is really so tender hearted- obvious with the way he was with the litter of kittens in a previous book, the cat he kept, the rabbit he is fostering and the other cat he is fostering so the cat can lose weight. It was just adorable.

And Abe really is a down to earth person, even though he has been living a nomadic lifestyle for 20 years. He genuinely CARES about Kane, well before they developed a sexual relationship.

After Kane’s ENTIRE story is out, not only to Abe but also the Judah, Leroy and various parents and boyfriends it was kind of like, oh. Kane ISN’T still this jerk bully from high school. And once they realized that, they really rallied around him when he needed help. I loved it.

There is a HEA, naturally, but I really like how it was done. Which wasn’t necessarily the easy way out. I hope we revisit them if there are more books in the series.

4 pieces of eye candy

Heart, Humour, & Keepin’ It Real

Jay is a 2020 Lambda Literary Award Finalist in Gay Romance and her book Off Balance was the 2021 New Zealand Romance Book of the Year. She is a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense, primarily set in New Zealand. She writes character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality and a splash of angst. She’s travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life she was a critical care nurse, nurse educator and counsellor.

Jay is owned by a huge Maine Coon cat and a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel

Find Jay in all the places: https://www.jayhoganauthor.com/landingpage

Suspiciously Sweet by Samantha SoRelle: Exclusive Excerpt and Release Day Review

February 8, 2022 by Denise

Trevor Hill has a secret.

By day he’s a mild-mannered journalist, but by night he’s the hottest—and most hated—food critic in town. When he walks into Nana O’Neill’s Bakery looking for his next scathing review, the last thing he expects is someone like Owen behind the counter. The scowling man looks more like a bouncer than a baker, but after one bite, Trevor is in love—with Owen’s baking at least.

Owen O’Neill has secrets of his own.

Scarred, tattooed Owen would rather be in the kitchen whipping up pastries than dealing with actual people. But with the business failing, he can’t bring himself to kick out any repeat customers, even ones as annoying, dismissive, sarcastic, funny, and gorgeous as Trevor.

All Owen wants is to be left to run his little bakery in peace—a task made more difficult not only by Trevor’s distracting presence, but also by the legions of fans that show up following a review by a famous yet secretive critic…

A 35,000 word novella, Suspiciously Sweet is as light and fluffy as a genoise sponge, but served hot and filled with plenty of spice!

Amazon

Just inside the front door, a man in an expensive coat was eyeballing the bakery with interest, his eyes flicking from the long wooden counter to the glass display case to the small tables along the front window with their chairs still stacked on top. He was unwinding a scarf from his neck with quick, fluid movements and turned sharply at the sound of Owen’s voice.

Owen just had time to notice dark hair and a darker smile before he caught the guy’s eyes and oh.

Oh, damn.

He couldn’t make out what color they were at this distance—that’s what he got for living fast without dying young—but the man’s eyes glittered with humor and intelligence, like he was the only cat in a world full of mice, and he enjoyed toying with his prey before eating them alive. He looked like he was smart, he was a dick, and he knew it.

He was gorgeous.

Alarm sirens immediately went off in Owen’s mind. No matter what he might wish, hot, well-dressed men had no business anywhere near him. Besides, maybe it was the long legs encased in perfectly tailored pants, or the hint of gold at his wrist where his watch peeked out from a perfectly pressed shirtsleeve, but there was something about this guy that he instinctively didn’t trust.

He frowned at the stranger. “You’re not Yvonne.”

The man quirked an eyebrow at him. The sirens blared louder.

“And you don’t look like a ‘Nana O’Neill’, but I’m not one to assume,” he said, turning toward the front window where the words “Nana’s O’Neill’s Bakery” could be read in reverse on the glass. Everything about him was neat and precise, from the way he moved to the clothes he wore to the crisp staccato of his voice. The only exception was his hair. It might have started the day as neat as the rest of him, but Owen was delighted by the way the wind had tousled it around the man’s head with wild abandon, revealing just a hint of gray at the temples.

Late thirties, Owen figured. Maybe a little older if he’d had as cushy a life as his clothes suggested. About the same age as Owen himself, but Owen knew for a fact he showed every single one of his years. Lifting heavy sacks of flour seven days a week kept him in good shape, but every time he forgot to shave for a few days he noticed a little more silver in his stubble than he remembered.

Feeling suddenly shabby in his stained shirt and apron, he raised a hand instinctively to stroke his chin, nearly upsetting the tray of tarts and undoing all his hard work. It hadn’t been that long since he’d shaved, had it? What was today anyway? Wednesday? Or was it Thursday? They all ran together.

He set the tray on the counter.

“Nana O’Neill’s been dead for years. Now what do you— Fuck.” Owen swore as the timer for the croissants went off. Without thinking, he pointed a finger still caked in flour and tart filling at the man. “Stay.”
He turned to go into the back, then paused. “And don’t steal any goddamn tarts.”

Heart pounding, Owen scowled at himself as he walked back into the kitchen. Smooth, O’Neill. Real smooth

What a cute little read.

First, we have Owen, who inherited his grandmother’s bakery after she passed away while he was in prison. He’s brash and broody with a mouth like a sailor, but he’s sweet once you get to the heart of him. I had a hard time believing he was once considered a bad guy because despite his gruff and defensive attitude, he didn’t seem like a guy who would do the wrong things and land himself in prison off and on. Maybe I just have a soft spot for him or maybe he’d been a different person in that past life, I dunno… I adored him as the grumpy bakery owner though and I’m happy Trevor appreciated him too.

Trevor is a secret food critic with a well-known voice of the cities eateries. He’d been surprised by a foul-mouthed even fouler tempered bakery owner while checking out the place to write his column.
Intrigued by the surly owner, he had a little fun with him at the expense of Owen and had fun going back in to try new things while secretly being super impressed with not only the man and his one worker/friend, Yvonne.

It was easy to see that these two had chemistry, even if they did try to hide it behind sarcasm and subtle digs. Once Trevor tells the city how amazing this little hidden hole in the wall is, business is booming for Owen, which means he needs help of all kinds that Trevor is more than willing to give him.

Of course, he has a secret though because he can’t tell Owen that he’s the foodie that keeps writing all these wonderful business improving things about Owen’s bakery, or that he lusts after the tattooed and ill-tempered man. Luckily, secrets don’t stay secret for long and though Owen seems to have a low opinion of himself, he puts himself out there for Trevor and is not disappointed.

I enjoyed the quick read wouldn’t mind reading more about these two in the future. They’re cute!

4 pieces of eye candy

Samantha SoRelle grew up all over the world and finally settled in Southern California when she soaked up too much sunshine and got too lazy to move.

When she’s not writing, she’s doing everything possible to keep from writing. This has led to some unusual pastimes including, but not limited to: perfecting fake blood recipes, designing her own cross-stitch patterns, and wrapping presents for tigers .

She also enjoys collecting paintings of tall ships and has lost count of the number of succulents she owns.