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Book Review

American Christmas: A Multicultural Christmas Romance (Dreamers) by Adriana Herrera: New Release Review

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Denpo Myint “Yin” Thuta is living the dream. His dream. A good job, higher education, supportive community and, best of all, his live-in boyfriend, Ari. Yin has his happily-ever-after…if only he and Ari could take the time to actually enjoy it. With the holidays fast approaching, Yin’s determined to change all that and surprise Ari with an over-the-top gift that will leave him in no doubt how much he’s loved—even though they agreed to keep things simple this year.

Like Yin, Aristide “Ari” Douniama worked so hard to secure his future that he may have forgotten how to enjoy his present. Despite there being plenty to be thankful for in the moment. With big plans of his own in the works to surprise Yin, Ari may or may not have gone overboard. Or forgotten to check their respective schedules.

’Tis the season of giving, and in their quest to celebrate the “perfect” American Christmas—and failing—Ari and Yin get a much-needed reminder that they already have the greatest gift of all: each other.

Amazon

Dreamers

 

Book 1: American Dreamer

Book 2: American Fairytale

Book 3: American Love Story

Book 4: American Sweethearts

Full disclosure. I didn’t read the first four books when I read this one. In fact, I didn’t know this was part of a series when I grabbed this. I just went in blind, but who could resist that sweet cover? I had to read it. 🙂

Since this novella is book 5, of course I was a little behind. That being said, the author did a great job of making it a very stand alone story. Characters from what I believe are the first four books make their way into the story…and in fact come through in a big way for this sweet, loving couple.

These two young men definitely had it very rough in their early years, but the love that they developed for each other over a long friendship spilled into their romantic relationship and created a strong bond. All they wanted to do was create a life with each other, and make the other man happy. Their misunderstanding was sweet and the reader just wanted to hug everyone when all was done.

They were already working on their fairy tale happy ending, while their friends helped to bring it to fruition for Christmas. Enjoyed this holiday follow up to a couple I hadn’t read, but definitely want to go back and read their story.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Restricted (The Verge Book 1) by A.C. Thomas: New Release Review

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Dr. Aristotle Campbell is a desperate man. His twin brother has been abducted, and Ari will do anything to find him. Forced out of the comfortable solitude of his laboratory, Ari must leave their home world of Britannia and search the farthest reaches of space for his other half. He hastily equips himself with a flawlessly tied cravat, a handful of clues, and his small science vessel. Now, all he needs is a pilot to get him across the Verge, a barrier separating the civilized world from ungoverned space.

Pilot Orin Stone is a desperate man. No ship, no pay, no prospects. He spends his days barely scraping by in the rough colonies lining the Verge interior. When he gets an offer from a frantic, upper-crust professor in need of a pilot, he has no choice but to take the job. He just can’t believe it when the professor turns out to be the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen and that his offer includes a ship of Orin’s own. If Orin can keep his heart (and other portions of his anatomy) from leaping every time sweet, innocent Dr. Campbell looks at him, this should be his easiest job yet.

Rugged Orin and aristocratic Ari work together to navigate the lawless areas of space beyond the Verge, soon discovering that they work well together in all areas. Their immediate and intense attraction to one another is an obstacle to their plans that neither saw coming. More than sparks will fly when they break through the force field and enter restricted space, all alone together for the perilous journey, leaving barriers to their growing attachment far behind.

In their search across the stars, can two desperate men find their home in one another?

Amazon

Nine Star Press

Restricted kind of reminds me of the Indiana Jones movies. The two sides of Harrison Ford’s character – the adventurer and the mild mannered professor are the two characters in this book.

Ari – quiet, studious, scientific, and doesn’t venture from his laboratory very much hires Orin – pilot of a barely held together spaceship. (Actually this is more like Harrison Ford in Star wars lol) Jaded, world-weary, “nothing good ever lasts” kind of guy who needs the money Ari is happy to hand over when his brother goes missing.

As the book progresses Ari comes out of his shell and is Brave while Orin starts to realise that maybe he is wanted for something better than how good he can fly a plane.

Fun jaunt with lots of action. Ari is adorable.

My only complaint is the rapid ending.

4 pieces of eye candy

I See The Light by Arden O’Keefe: New Release Review

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Heath had always been a misfit—a weirdo who went all over town in a tank top and shorts even on a coldest day, who claimed his dog could talk to him, and who saw this blinding light every Christmas Eve coming from the woods behind his house that no one else ever saw.

Even his mother made all sorts of excuses to stay far away from him. If it had not been for his grandma—who loved him despite all his oddness—he would never have had anyone to call his own.

The night before Christmas, with the silliest plan in mind and his coward dog tagging along, he set out to find the true source of the mysterious light he could see from his window. When he found the cheerful bunch of elves gathered around the magical bonfire, celebrating like kids high on sugar, Heath could not be more excited. Then, finding out that he was half elf and half human gave a meaning to his life, finally understanding the reason behind his weirdness.

Buddying up with a cute elf named Shea for the night, to see what it meant to possess the magic of an elf, Heath was to go on a journey to spread the gift of happiness amongst those who had been good this year. But when the night came to an end, he was asked to make a decision. Whether he should embrace the magic of the elf within him completely, or become a plain, old human, and go back to living an ordinary—though slightly odd—life, back in the world where he had never been accepted, and to the universe which didn’t have Shea in it…

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

A new to me author and upon looking on Amazon, this is their second book. So I’ll say, it is a cute book for being only the second release, but it definitely needs some cleaning up.

The prologue was far too long and just very mean. It’s a Christmas story- hearing Heath’s mother call him names and say that he ruined her life, especially since he was only 5 years old- was rough. Luckily he had his grandmother.

Fast forward 14 years, he is working at a veterinarian’s office and mourning the loss of his grandmother just a month before. Oh, and it is Christmas Eve.

Apparently Heath can talk to animals. Literally have conversations with them. Which is pretty cute, especially when we hear his conversations with his own dog Leo. He also, on Christmas eve every year, sees a bright light out in the woods behind his house that no one else can see. With nothing left to lose, he decides to go looking for the source.

Enter Shea, his guardian elf. Ok, cute. Except Shea was tasked with watching over Heath when Heath’s father, an elf, died. Because elves aren’t supposed to mate with humans. Ugh.

Since it is Christmas eve, we see the child Shea was overseeing. I guess every elf gets a child to look after for the year? Again- more sad things!

This book just didn’t know what direction to go in. Was it a romance? Was it religious? (when Shea became an elf, they proclaimed something about “Jesus Christ and Santa”) Was it a bit of a riff on It’s A Wonderful Life? I don’t know. There were just so many different little plot points and no real direction.

3 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Light Beneath the Dark: Motorcycle Club MM romance (Dark River Stone Collective Book 1) by JP Sayle: New Release Review

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Lincoln Stone is President of the Dark Angels motorcycle club, and he’s been accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Will this finally be his downfall?

Lincoln lives a life that straddles the fine line between right and wrong. Now he stands accused of a crime that could see him losing everything he holds close and breaking a promise to the one person who loved him unconditionally, his sister.

That is, until Mason.

Mason Davenport believes in the law and what it stands for. When his father asks him to take on Lincoln’s case, he learns some things are not as clear cut as they seem. Can he see beneath the exterior Lincoln hides behind to help him battle for his freedom and keep what he treasures most? Or will those who are conspiring against Lincoln win?

The Light Beneath the Dark is a standalone MM gay romance, with a sassy little girl that can offer one man freedom and another what he never realized he wanted, a daughter.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

JP Sayle is a new to me author, although she has quite a back list of books she has written. I’ve seen her around on social media and I absolutely loved the cover of this book. Between the cover and the title, I thought I would be getting angsty goodness. I was wrong.

This is another case of “could have been”. But just way too much was wrong for me. Let’s start with the crime the main character, Linc, is accused of. In this day and age, having a main character accused of rape- as revenge pretty much- is incredibly tone deaf. There are many other crimes he could have been set up for without it being rape.

Next is Linc’s niece/daughter. I honestly don’t know if he officially adopted her or is just her guardian. His sister died in childbirth. Which is the first chapter of the book before a time jump. Not for nothing, but describing the birthing mother as being bloody kind of gives everyone a big hint that something is wrong. But the nurse and doula think it’s no big deal. Yanno, until she dies. Ok, so back to the little girl River. Adorable, precocious, of course. But on my good the way she spoke. I actually had to stop and look up the author to see if she had children. She does! But ok, she lives in the UK. So what is she using as her model of the way American children speak? I thought it was just River, but she meets another child and he speaks the same way! “I’s River, what’s your name?” Honestly, I was waiting for her to say “I don’t know nothin about birthin no babies!” Because that is what she sounded like. And at the same time, she makes statements that are WAY too mature for a child of five. Reading her dialogue (and there is quite a bit) was painful.

Moving on. The rape case gets taken care of quickly but we still have half a book to go. The second plot is about a possible coup in the motorcycle club that Linc is president of. It was so weak. Ugh. What a waste.

There were other things- Linc and his sister living in the motorcycle club after their mother died. They were children. Thirteen and eight. And no one from social services came? School? They had no one to take care of them? Who paid the bills? Bought them food and clothes? And then Linc was able to become a business owner as an adult? There were just so many plot holes.

Linc and Mason together weren’t enough to save this book. Mason said he was a vers, but mostly topped, but sure, he was fine to be Linc’s “bitch”. No. Just no no no.

I normally have no issues when an author from one country writes a story set in another country. But do your research.

2 Pieces of Eye Candy 

Cupcakes and Christmas: A Bake Off inspired MM Christmas Romance by RJ Scott: Blog Tour, New Release Review and Giveaway

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The story of long nights in a wintry mountain hotel, a baking show with secrets, a snowman called Jeremy, and finding the greatest love of all.

After winning season four of ratings hit the World’s Best Baking Show, Brody Thomas had become a sought-after cake maker to the stars. Happily married, he dreamed of a bright future, but his perfect life imploded when he discovered that his husband had done nothing but lie to him. A year later, Brody is mid-divorce, and his life has been turned upside down, so being part of the WBBS charity event is excellent timing. He’s sure it will give him time away from home and space to get his head straight, only he never expected to meet the man of his dreams in a snowy Alberta.

Winning season one of WBBS gave Justin Mallory a chance to outrun the demons of a childhood lost in the foster system. He’s a social media influencer, with millions of followers, and works every hour to make money that equals security for the rest of his life. His marketing team signs him up for the WBBS Christmas charity show, but he’s convinced he’ll fall at the first hurdle. Only, after a few days in the competition, his worry isn’t that he’ll be the first to leave, it’s that he’ll lose his heart to a rival baker, Brody.

Title: Cupcakes & Christmas

Author: RJ Scott

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Length: 67,000 words approx.

Amazon

This book was sweetness, 100%. How could it not be with a title like Cupcakes & Christmas? It was like getting that cupcake with the most decadent filling, coated in icing. It could be too much sweetness, but you still have to have it all. 🙂

I don’t watch much TV, and so haven’t seen much of these baking shows, but you can tell that the author has loved every second of them, and made me want to run out and watch them myself. What I loved though was that the two MC’s clearly had a love for baking, especially as they kept watching the show even after they won their own seasons. At one point one of the MC’s mentions baking every day. (Don’t you want to live next door to him???). Having had crushes on each other during the other’s season, I thought it was fun how the author brought them together with a reunion show as the backdrop (oh, and now I really want to go to Banff!). This added a little drama, but honestly it was mostly drama free. It was about the two MC’s finding their way to each other despite their lack of communication.

I loved Brody’s family, especially his twin, and that even though they’d been through some serious challenges the previous year due to Brody’s marriage, they were all still completely behind each other (and later Justin as well). Meanwhile, Justin was just trying to figure out how to transition to a career he could be proud of, and still feel successful, with a balance in the bank.

Jeremy was the icing on the cupcake. I loved that little piece of the book. It was just awesome that that became their time together, their place to talk, to work through issues or even to be alone. We all need a Jeremy in our lives.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

RJ Scott is a USA TODAY bestselling author of over 140 romance and suspense novels. From bodyguards to hockey stars, princes to millionaires, cowboys to military heroes to every-day heroes, she believes that love is love and every man deserves a happy ending.

Find RJ here: Amazon | BookBub | Facebook – Also, Never miss a release


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Blind Warrior (The Weavers Circle Book 3) by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliot: RDB, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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Grey Ackles

The Soul Weaver feels useless.

A burden endangering his brothers.

The last battle with the pestilents cost Grey his sight and powers.

Now he’s dependent on his vision rehabilitation therapist Cort to learn how to function on a daily basis.

But as he grows closer to Cort, Grey is left wanting his powers back for a new reason—how will he ever know if the man he’s falling for is actually his soul mate?

Cort Newton

There is some really weird stuff going on at that house.

Spell books, guns, and a giraffe in the backyard?

But no matter how strange it gets, Cort is not going to leave the grumpy writer.

Adjusting to sudden blindness is hard for everyone, but Grey clearly has deeper reason for needing his vision back at any cost. Cort just wished Grey would confide in him.

Even with Grey’s secrets, Cort has never been drawn to a man like he is with Grey and he will do anything to keep this man safe.

Blind Warrior is the third book in the Weavers Circle series. It includes fast-paced action, running through Savannah, secrets, shapeshifting, brainwashed assassins, a gorilla, sexy times, fun with water, insecurity, three crazy old ladies, and magic!

Title:  Blind Warrior

Series: The Weavers Circle #3

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott Publishing LLC

Release Date: November 20, 2020

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 98k

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Goodreads

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Grey reluctantly got out of the vehicle and felt his way to the warm hood. “Gotta be a lot of glass bottles in there for me to knock over,” he warned as Lucien placed a hand on his biceps.

“We’ll steer you in the right direction.” Lucien pressed on his arm as they started walking. “You need the exercise.”

“Makes more sense for me to wait in the—” he broke off when a horrid smell hit his nose. It was like rotting meat left out on a hot summer day. “Shit, pestilents,” he hissed. Fear gripped his heart, his lungs freezing in his chest. How the hell was he supposed to protect himself?

Pestilents were these…humanoid creatures…from another realm who were trying to kill him and his brother Weavers. Their world was dying, and they wanted to leech energy off this one to save their own. Grey and the other Weavers had been tasked to stop them, using magic they’d gained from three goddesses. Insane. All of it sounded absolutely insane, but it was now his life.

One positive was that they were easy to spot, thanks to their awful stink. They rotted slowly in this world because they didn’t belong.

“I just smelled them, too,” Lucien grumbled under his breath.

“Can you see them?” Grey asked.

“They have to be in the store. Do pestilents drink alcohol?” Baer’s voice was moving away from Grey, possibly toward the Jeep.

“How the hell would we know?” Lucien led Grey back, too. Doors opened around him and he reached out with his left hand, coming into contact with the familiar durable fabric covering the rear bench seat in Baer’s Jeep.

“That’s it? We’re going to run?” Grey slid inside the vehicle, inwardly fuming. They were running to protect him.

“You expect us to just attack them in broad daylight in a wine shop?” Baer’s voice came from the driver’s side this time. “I can’t believe they’re rallying forces this fast. We had a three-month break last time.”

“There is obviously more than one set out there, or they wouldn’t have been chasing us over the United States.” Grey grabbed the front seats and pulled himself forward to lean between them as Lucien got into the passenger side. “I don’t think we should just leave them.”

Lucien cleared his throat. “I see only one at the counter now.”

“Doesn’t mean there aren’t more in the back,” Baer countered.

“Why don’t you go in there and lure him out?” Lucien suggested. “See that field behind those trees? We could fight it there.”

Grey saw nothing, but he didn’t bother to point that out. All he knew was, he felt wrong running and leaving any pestilents free to attack them later. Or even an innocent human who just happened to get in their way. If there were only a few, Baer and Lucien would be able to easily take care of them on their own. “I think that’s a good idea. But you should both go inside, just in case there are more than one.”

“And leave you help-er…alone out here?” Baer snapped. He cursed softly. “Sorry, Grey.”

But he was fucking helpless, and he knew it. Before losing his sight, his powers hadn’t done a lot when it came to fighting, but he’d been able to shoot a gun, use a knife. He wasn’t bad in a fight. And he’d been able to serve as a lookout, offer cover for his brothers. Now, he didn’t even have that.

Of course, his powers were tied to his sight, so he couldn’t use those. All he got were the occasional broken thoughts and emotions from others. His ability to see auras had been nipped in the bud. As was his ability to see into people’s souls, to read their past, motives, desires, and thoughts. He didn’t know if he could still manipulate people, hadn’t even tried.

“I’m going in,” Baer announced. “I’ll lure him into the field and shift into something fierce. We’ll dispatch this asshole, grab our booze, and go home.”

I have been eagerly awaiting this book! This is book 3. It is not a stand alone, you absolutely have to read books 1 and 2 as it is a continuing story. That being said, spoiler from book 2 coming. Although the title kind of gives it away.

Grey, the Soul Weaver, introvert, mind reader, goes blind after the last big battle with the pestilents. And even though Dane, the healer, can help with everything else, he cannot restore Grey’s sight. Without his sight, Grey has no powers. Without powers, Grey can’t help the other Weavers in the war against the pestilents. Oh, that was the cliff hanger for book 2 and why I couldn’t wait for book 3.

We pick up pretty much right where we left off. A week or two has passed, Grey has been to a doctor who couldn’t do anything except offer the number of a vision rehabilitation specialist so that he can learn to manage his life better.

There were some funny scenes when they were all trying to keep the whole Weaver thing from Colt- the VRS. “Was that a giraffe?” BAHAHA! They tried, but keeping the secret was next to impossible.

And so they brothers continue on, trying to figure out a way to beat the pestilents for good, while trying to come up with a healing spell to get Grey his sight back, and Grey and Cort slowly falling for each other.

Even with a story taking place almost solely at one house, with the same people always interacting and the two main characters thrust together because of necessity, there is still some really sweet and romantic scenes. And Grey does know how to use his words to woo Cort. And woo he does.

There is a bit of drama when Grey hears one of Clay’s thoughts. Working through that was tough for them.

Oh wait! I forgot we also got another Weaver! This time it is the Water Weaver. (PS- I love the diversity of the characters. Out of 7 there are two black men and one Asian man.) He isn’t freaked out at all and takes to it like a duck to water. Whomp whomp. Sorry, had to.

There are battles and invaders and spells and shifters and everything that makes this series so fun, intriguing and readable.

I loved it and can’t wait for book 4. Luckily there was no cliff hanger on this one.

4 pieces of eye candy

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

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