Book Review

Everything Changes (Resilient Love #1) by Melanie Hansen: RB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

September 15, 2020 by Denise

A childhood in foster care taught Carey Everett to hold tight to what he has. Enlisting in the Marines gave him purpose, but a life-threatening injury ended his career—and took his leg. Now fully recovered, Carey’s happier than he’s ever been. He has a fulfilling job, a chosen family and, best of all, a cherished friendship with Jase DeSantis, the platoon medic who saved his life.

Jase knows how to take care of the people he loves. As the oldest of seven, and then a Navy corpsman, it’s what he was born to do. Still, he’s haunted by his actions overseas. Playing music with his band keeps the demons at bay, but it’s a battle he’s starting to lose.

After a week of sun and fun in San Diego, Jase and Carey’s connection takes an unexpected turn. With change comes a new set of challenges. For Jase, it means letting someone else into his deepest pain. For Carey, it’s realizing love doesn’t always equal loss. In order to make their relationship work, they’ll each have to come to terms with their pasts…

…or risk walking away from each other for good.

Title: Everything Changes

Series: Resilient Love #1

Author: Melanie Hansen

Publisher: Self-Published (formerly Dreamspinner)

Release Date: September 14, 2020

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 65,000

Genre: Romance, Military, disability, amputee, post-traumatic stress, friends to lovers, bisexual

Goodreads

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

With an oath, Carey broke away from Jase, turned, and strode off the dance floor.

Cursing, Jase ran after him.

“Carey, wait!” he called, but Carey didn’t stop as he pushed through the doors leading to the patio. It was almost empty, the chill of the late night air having driven most everyone back inside. Abruptly, Carey whirled and grabbed onto Jase’s T-shirt with both fists.

Bracing for a shove, or a blow, Jase staggered when Carey instead yanked him into the shadows just outside a soft pool of light.

“Damn you,” he hissed, his eyes glittering. “Damn you, Jase.” Despite the harshness of his tone, Carey didn’t let go of him, his fingers twisted in the fabric of Jase’s shirt. His lips were parted, breaths coming in pants, spots of color high on his cheekbones.

His heart thudding painfully in his ears, Jase deliberately took one step closer until their bodies were only inches apart. Carey turned his head away, but still didn’t let go, his grip tightening.

“Damn you,” he said again, but the words were without heat, softer, more like an exhalation. He dropped his head back to the wall, pulse throbbing visibly in the hollow of his throat, eyes drifting shut. “Oh God. I don’t know what’s happening to me.” His voice was barely audible.

Blood racing, body trembling, all Jase could do was wait him out. At last Carey opened his eyes, the normally brilliant blue dark with emotion. His gaze clung to Jase’s, his lips parting as Jase started to close the last few inches of distance between them…

Gasping, Carey shoved him back, then yanked him close again in an abrupt motion that had Jase slamming his palms against the wall to keep from crashing into him. He looked down at Carey’s fists, still twisted in his shirt, then met his eyes once more.

“Let me go,” he said softly. “If you don’t want me to kiss you, push me away.”

For one heart-stopping second, Carey’s grip loosened, then tightened again. Leaning in until their lips were only a whisper apart, Jase breathed, “Let me go. If you don’t want me to kiss you—”

The rest of his words were muffled by Carey’s mouth, crushing his. Hot, slick, eager, Carey’s tongue slid deep, almost devouring him. With a hoarse groan, Jase slanted his head, his own tongue thrusting, parrying. They bit and licked at each other, bodies straining, breaths sawing in and out…

Then Carey ripped his mouth free. “No.”

Struggling to focus, Jase staggered a bit when Carey pushed him away. For the space of several heartbeats they stared at each other, chests heaving, Carey’s body tense, coiled, as if ready to flee.

Seeing it, Jase forced himself to blow out a long, slow breath, and crammed his hands in his pockets as he deliberately took another step back, giving him some room.

“I’m sorry,” Carey whispered. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” With an effort, Jase kept his voice low, calm. “I was a more than willing participant.” He waited until Carey met his eyes. “You think I don’t want this? Want you?”

Carey shook his head wildly. “I can’t risk it. I can’t.”

“Oh, Carey. Risk what?”

His throat worked. “Losing you.”

“Losing me?” Jase took a step forward, but Carey put up a hand to hold him back.

“Three years ago, I did almost lose you. Over this.” He made a sawing motion between them.

“That was different.” Jase still kept his voice low, despite the emotion raging through him that made him want to shout at the top of his lungs. “This is—”

“It’s what?” Carey interrupted. “Unfinished business? Curiosity?”

Pain stabbed Jase down low. “Is that what it feels like to you? Curiosity?”

“I don’t know!” Carey shoved his hands through his hair, then linked his fingers behind his neck, visibly striving for calm. He met Jase’s eyes again. “But whatever it is, it’s not worth risking our friendship over. I can’t—”

He sounded so distressed that Jase dredged deep and summoned a smile. “Then we won’t risk it. We’ll forget this ever happened, okay? Chalk it up to temporary insanity or something.”

The relief that spread across Carey’s face made his heart ache. “Yeah. Okay.” Pushing off the wall, he brushed past him, muttering, “See you at home.”

Melanie Hansen will almost always make you cry. Count on it. Point of Contact? Sobbed through the whole thing. This one wasn’t nearly as bad, but I still cried.

Carey and Jase are Army buddies and best friends. Jase, the medic of their platoon who took care of everyone, helped Carey after a catastrophic injury. Now they are separated by miles- Carey in Colorado working with other vets, and Jase in Los Angeles, working as a medic but also trying to get his band noticed and signed.

Jase has a giant crush on Carey, but Carey is straight. He thinks. Except for that one time. Which when I read about that I was like, huh. You didn’t run with that? But anyway.

Carey drives to LA to visit with Jase. All of the guys in the band know Carey, so this isn’t the first time he has gone out for a visit. This time is different though. Carey is seeing Jase in a different light.

Carey and Jase dance around each other, but Jase is hiding more than his crush. He has some serious PTSD but is so used to being the one who takes care of everyone else, he hides his own problems. But since Carey works with vets, he knows what is going on and tries to get Jase to open up.

Big surprise- they do get together, but then it is dicey and no one is talking and ugh. Why are boys like that? To keep us turning the pages- that is why!

There’s a subplot with the band which is kind of cool, but at the same time it seems really secondary. More like it is for fun than for making it big.

The conflict and resolution were really done well and brought the book to a good close.

So if you like wounded heroes- physically and mentally- and need a good cry, pick this one up.

4 pieces of eye candy

Melanie Hansen doesn’t get nearly enough sleep. She loves all things coffee-related, including collecting mugs from every place she’s visited. After spending eighteen years as a military spouse, Melanie definitely considers herself a moving expert. She has lived and worked all over the country, and hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to the love stories she gets up in the wee hours to write. On her off time, you can find Melanie watching baseball, reading or spending time with her husband and two teenage sons.

http://melaniehansenbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009084006829

http://twitter.com/meljoyaz

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13505006.Melanie_Hansen

meljhansen@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/meljoyaz/

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The Sorcerer’s Guardian (Chronicles of Tournai Book 4) by Antonia Aquilante: RDB, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

September 14, 2020 by Denise

Savarin honed his Talent through years of study, and to achieve his goal of becoming the most powerful and accomplished sorcerer in Tournai, he made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings—which is how Savarin prefers it. He wants to be seen only as the man he’s made himself. When Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack, he is more than happy to do so. The spells are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. But to his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompany him on his journey.

Second son of a minor noble family, Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain with single-minded determination and takes pride in his service to the crown. He must obey the prince’s orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere and his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, Loriot has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. He still believes it’s best to avoid most magic entirely, which is difficult when he’s tasked with playing guard to a powerful sorcerer.

Loriot and Savarin clash repeatedly during their journey, but the simmering tension between them doesn’t only stem from their work, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still secure Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution will endanger both him and the royal family.

Title: The Sorcerer’s Guardian

Series: Chronicles of Tournai, Book Four

Author: Antonia Aquilante

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: September 14, 2020

Heat Level: 3 – Some Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 111400

Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQIA+, Fantasy, romance, family-drama, gay, cisgender, magic, cat shifters, magician, captain of the guards, storm, antagonists to lovers, court intrigue

Goodreads

Amazon

Nine Star Press

As afternoon waned into evening, Loriot approached his house on Dove Lane. Weariness dragged at him with each step. He hadn’t slept more than a few minutes in the last few days, and now that the crisis had passed, he felt the fatigue down to his bones. But the lack of sleep was worth it for the good outcome of the situation.

He trudged up the few steps to his front door, its rich blue color recently freshened, and let himself in. The key turned smoothly in the lock, and the magical protections on the house recognized him as belonging, allowing him inside. He shivered, even though he didn’t feel anything as he crossed the threshold; perhaps someone with a Talent would, but he had neither Talent nor any sensitivity to magic.

Inside, the house was quiet. The formal parlor was empty, which was unsurprising as they rarely used it—only when Joceline and Oriana chose to entertain. He wanted more than anything to go up to his bedchamber and collapse into his bed for the next few days, but he couldn’t. Couldn’t even collapse for a few hours without checking on his family. But he knew where at least one of them was likely to be at this time of day

The sitting room at the back of the house was quiet, too, so quiet he could hear the scratch of his sister’s pen on paper as he stepped into the doorway. Joceline sat at her writing desk, papers spread around her, pen flying across the page. Despite the silence, she didn’t notice him. A good writing day, then. He hated to disturb her, but she’d want to know he was home.

“Story going well?” he asked, keeping his voice quiet so he wouldn’t startle her. He’d learned it was better to have to repeat himself than to scare her when she was absorbed in a world of her own creation.

But he didn’t have to repeat himself today. She glanced up immediately, her gaze hazy and then sharpening. “There you are! I was wondering if you were ever coming home.”

He hadn’t been gone so long—only a couple of days—but he did try not to let a day go by without returning for at least a little while. He stepped farther into the room and sank down into a comfortable chair. “It was unavoidable. You got my notes?”

“Of course. You know I was just teasing.” Joceline narrowed her eyes and studied him with an intensity he could almost feel. “Is everything all right? You look exhausted, and I heard yesterday the guard was searching everyone leaving the city.”

He scrubbed a hand over his face. Sitting had been a mistake. His eyelids wanted to droop; his body wanted to melt into the cushions. “There was a kidnapping.”

“Not Prince Julien?”

“No, no. And it’s fine now,” he reassured her, trying to keep her from coming out of her chair in her alarm at a threat to the heir to Tournai’s throne. “It wasn’t a member of the royal family at all.”

“But you were involved?”

As captain of the royal guard, Loriot normally wouldn’t be directly involved in such a situation. “The baby taken was the daughter of Prince Amory’s friend, Master Tristan. The merchant. Though if what I saw means anything, he’ll likely be a member of the royal family soon.”

“Really?” Joceline leaned forward, her interest of a different kind now. “There’s going to be a marriage? To whom? The princess?”

He shook his head. He didn’t need to tell her what he said should go no further. He didn’t ever tell her anything truly secret, but Loriot didn’t see the harm in a little meaningless court gossip now and then, especially since she wouldn’t spread it. “No. Lord Etan.”

She sat back with a huff. “Well, they really are bucking tradition, aren’t they?”

He let out a short laugh. But what she said wasn’t untrue. Both Tournai’s prince and his cousin, a royal duke, had married men in the last couple of years, and now it seemed Lord Etan, another cousin of Prince Philip’s, would do the same. Loriot couldn’t think of a time when such a thing had happened, as the royal family and nobility tended to marry those who could provide bloodline heirs for their titles—and some families were even more conservative, only marrying women.

“Good for them,” Joceline said. “I hope they’re happy.”

“Now that Tristan’s daughter is back with them, I believe they are.”

Concern flooded back into her pretty face. “You found her? And the person who took her?”

“Yes, with Master Savarin’s help.” He’d gotten over any resentment he might have had that he needed the help of magic long before today and was happy to use any tool he had access to. Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, was not someone whose help should be turned away, and Savarin never withheld it, serving Tournai whenever he was called upon.

“The sorcerer? How did he help?” Joceline sat forward, a gleam in her eyes he recognized well. She wasn’t simply curious; she wanted to know because she might use the information in a story.

“Joceline.”

“What?”

He sighed and shook his head. “He used his magic to try to track the kidnappers and then to try to find the baby directly. He pointed us in the right direction, let us know where to search for them.” Loriot didn’t bother mentioning the help they’d received from someone else, a scholar at the university. If he read Savarin right, Savarin would be finding Master Corentin at the university soon and asking him about the magic he used, because it also sounded as if Savarin hadn’t heard of anything like it.

“Interesting.”

“Let me guess, your new story has a sorcerer character.” He arched an eyebrow at her, his mildly disapproving tone mostly put on. Which she would know, as she was aware how proud he was of her accomplishments.

“I have an idea that would call for one. What’s Master Savarin like?”

“I don’t know him very well.” He tried to think of anything he knew about Savarin beyond the surface. “He’s powerful and arrogant with it.”

She shrugged. “I’d be surprised if he wasn’t. Aren’t all powerful sorcerers arrogant about their power?”

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t know any others.” He resolutely pushed his newly acquired knowledge of the royal family’s secret Talent from his mind. He didn’t need Joceline seeing a hint in his expression and trying to badger the information out of him. He would never tell, but life would be easier if he didn’t have to fight Joceline about it.

“All the ones I’ve read about in stories are. Especially the evil ones.”

“Tell me you’re not going to base a character on Master Savarin and make him evil.” Making the most powerful sorcerer in the country an evil character in a book sounded like a horrible idea.

Another shrug. “Powerful sorcerers always seem to be evil characters. Or self-sacrificing ones who save the day.”

Loriot shook his head and heaved himself to his feet. If he didn’t move, he’d end up sleeping right there. “Alain is upstairs?”

“Yes. But wait,” she called after him as he walked toward the door. “You must know something else about Master Savarin.”

“I really don’t.” He didn’t turn.

“Is he handsome?”

Savarin’s image filled his mind—his height and broad shoulders, perfectly carved features, blond hair he thought would be soft under his hands. His stride hitched, but he shook the image away and ignored Joceline calling after him. Perhaps she would forget the idea entirely if he didn’t encourage her.

He doubted it, but he could hope. The idea of Savarin as a character in a book on the shelf of a bookshop made him cringe.

Trudging up the stairs took the last of his energy, but he forced himself to bypass his own bedchamber. He couldn’t go to bed without seeing Alain. Not after so long away, not even if it hadn’t been very long. The door to the room at the back of the house was partially open. He peeked in as he pushed it open the rest of the way. The room was tidy, except for a veritable city built of blocks in the middle of the rug. The nursemaid noticed him first, but Alain wasn’t far behind. He looked up, his bright-green eyes—twins of Loriot’s own—lighting up, and something inside Loriot melted, just as it always did under those eyes.

“Papa!”

With ease of long practice, he caught the five-year-old bundle of energy that came flying at him and swung his son up into his arms. He cuddled him close for as long as Alain would allow. As tired as he was, he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “There’s my boy. I missed you. Show me what you’ve been doing.”

I want to start off by saying I have read and loved this entire series so far. It would be impossible to read book seven without reading the other six, or at the very least the first couple.

This fantasy world is centered around its magical royal family. I’m not going to reveal the “talent” except it’s a novel twist on the expected genre, and in my opinion not explored enough.

Getting to this book, and while saying I loved the series I think this was my least favorite and maybe because it centers on two secondary characters I feel never really come into their own. The court wizard/sorcerer and the Captain of the Guards. I think based on the other books this didn’t have enough external plot to keep the story moving, and I know I shouldn’t review one based on the others, but I can’t.

The love story – sort of enemies to lovers and kind of forced proximity was a little weak.

But I will definitely pick up the next in the series when it publishes.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Antonia Aquilante has been making up stories for as long as she can remember, and at the age of twelve, decided she would be a writer when she grew up. After many years and a few career detours, she has returned to that original plan. Her stories have changed over the years, but one thing has remained consistent—they all end in happily ever after.

She has a fondness for travel (and a long list of places she wants to visit and revisit), taking photos, family history, fabulous shoes, baking treats (which she shares with friends and family), and of course, reading. She usually has at least two books started at once and never goes anywhere without her Kindle. Though she is a convert to e-books, she still loves paper books the best, and there are a couple thousand of them residing in her home with her.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Antonia is living there again after years in Washington, DC and North Carolina for school and work. She enjoys being back in the Garden State but admits to being tempted every so often to run away from home and live in Italy.

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http://www.facebook.com/AntoniaAquilanteAuthor

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Soothe Me, Daddy by Elouise East: Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt, Release Day Review & Giveaway

September 10, 2020 by Denise

Soothing his boy is a pleasure in more ways than one

Once upon a time, there was a boy who wanted a Daddy…

Henley knows what he wants from a relationship: to be taken care of by a Daddy. He’s under no illusions that he can be a handful. When he starts a new job, his gaze is taken to a prime specimen. Maybe Henley could persuade him to be his Daddy…

Isaac is worn out from the clubs, the scenes, the boys who say they want a Daddy then change their minds. When he’s given the responsibility of training the most obedient guy he’s ever met, Isaac is hooked. But does the guy even know what a boy is, despite acting like one?

They are powerless to stop their relationship. They complement each other so well.

Is Isaac the right Daddy for Henley, and is Henley the right boy for Isaac?

This is a 40,000 words sweet Daddy/boy romance

Book Title: Soothe Me, Daddy

Author: Elouise East

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Elouise East

Genre/s: Contemporary M/M Romance

Trope/s: Daddy kink

Themes: Workplace romance

Heat Rating: 3 – 4 flames

Length: Approx. 42 000 words

It is a standalone book.

Goodreads

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK- Kindle Unlimited

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since May 2019 officially, but I actually have been writing since I was a teenager.

What made you decide you wanted to put yourself out there to be published?

A friend pushed me to try. I was beta reading for them, and in one of our many conversations, I mentioned about my writing. They told me to try. That I had nothing to lose from creating a story. They were right.

Your first published book?

My first published book was First Kiss from the Crush series. It is a taboo nature and follows two brothers who cross a line and end up being blackmailed.

Would you ever write a hetero romance? Why or why not?

Yes, I definitely would and have, although it’s not for sale at the moment. I have several female characters within my Crush series who want their stories told, and I will get to them at some point in the future.

What is your opinion on the “chicks with dicks” analogy? In your opinion, is it wrong for your males to be emotional or romantic?

Not at all. I love it when guys are who they want to be, be it emotional, strong, romantic, withdrawn. What I love most is when guys are able to let go of all the preconceptions that are thrust on them, and they can become who they were meant to be.

Name your favorite authors and some of their stories? What do you like about the writing?

CJ Bishop is one of my favourites. She has several series which are interlinked, The Phoenix Club, Cowboy Gangster to name a couple of series. I love how the characters rise above the horrors they have lived with to become amazing people.

I also love JR Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series. It’s fantastic. She make everything see so real and unique. She doesn’t leave you scratching you head because you can’t figure out how something has happened.

What book are you reading at the moment? It’s okay to give a fellow author a plug!

I’m reading A Hate Story by Abrianna Denae.

What are you currently working on?

I have just started the Crush Book 5, which is Casey’s story, who was a side character in Deep Down and had a very minor role in Instant Desire. I’ve had readers request this character, so I thought I best get on with it, lol.

When creating your characters, do you have models in mind or are they totally fictional?

Usually, they start out completely fictional and then I search to find a photo that links with what I envisage the character being. Occasionally, I’ll find a photo and just know who it is. I don’t know how that works, but it does.

If you write gay romance or erotica, just how descriptive are you in their sex scenes?

I am fairly descriptive in the sex scenes. I think of it like a movie playing in your head. If things seem disjointed or jump from one place to another, I find it difficult to stay in the story. So, that is why I detail a fair amount.

As a gay fiction or m/m romance author, do you feel that the trend is changing where it is becoming more mainstream?

I definitely feel that MM romance is becoming more popular, but I’m not sure if it’s on its way to mainstream. It’s certainly not a taboo genre anymore, which is fantastic, but I think there is a long way to go before it’s properly mainstream. Just my opinion, though.

Recently, a writer sabotaged her career by answering a bad review on a blog. How would you have handled this and do you think authors should answer their reviews?

This is a tricky situation. Personally, I will never respond to a negative review. In fact, now I have a PA, I don’t read my reviews. I have heard several well-known authors recommend that you respond to positive reviews with a “thank you” or something similar, but at present I don’t do that either. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on your work. There is nothing you can do to make every single person happy. It’s impossible. So, it’s better to allow readers to comment their opinions and I will stay quiet. As far as I’m concerned, if I didn’t like the book I had written, it wouldn’t be published.

As an m/m romance or gay fiction writer, what stereotype of gay men bothers you the most?

That they look like twinks, and you can spot them a mile away. I know several gay men, and until they told me, I had no idea. Every person is individual.

Fun questions

Your favorite gay TV show or movie?

I enjoyed Love, Simon. But also a German movie called Free Fall.

Do you feel that celebs who are gay or bi should come out the closet?

Not if they don’t want to. They shouldn’t be forced into something they are not comfortable doing.

Have you attended a pride parade? If so, where you inspired when doing so?

No, but I would really love to one day.

“I don’t want you to change yourself for me, Henley.”

“What do you mean?”

“You need to be yourself from the beginning. Don’t act or speak how you think I want you to. If I think something about your behaviour needs correcting, I will discuss it with you and help you alter it.”

“Through punishments?” Henley asked, eyebrows raising.

“If I believe that is the best way to remind you, yes.” Isaac hesitated. “For me, being a Daddy is a twenty-four-seven responsibility. I would need you to realise that everything I do for or to you is for your own benefit. I want to help you become all that you can be, and in return, you need to trust me wholeheartedly. Telling me the truth at all times, even when it scares you. You need to trust that I will catch you should you fall. I will hold you close and protect you with everything I am.”

Isaac gazed at Henley, seeing a shimmer begin in his eyes before they filled and overflowed.

“Come here.” Isaac issued the order, and they both scooted out of their opposite seats, Isaac guiding Henley to slide over in the booth seat so he could sit next to him. Isaac wrapped his arm around Henley’s shoulder, hugging him close and resting his fingers against the side of his face as his tears continued to fall soundlessly.

Once Henley had calmed, Isaac lifted his face. “Are you okay?” Henley nodded. “I need your words, sweetheart.”

“I’m okay,” he croaked. “I…You…It’s everything I want.”

“Alright. Let’s eat our food, and once we’re full, we can talk some more.”

Isaac reached for Henley’s plate from the opposite side of the table and placed it in front of Henley. Henley smiled, and though a little watery, it filled Isaac’s heart with joy. He couldn’t believe he had found someone who already knew about Daddies and boys, and in fact, was one.

After they had finished their meal and Isaac deduced Henley didn’t want a dessert, he gripped Henley’s hand and left the restaurant. It wasn’t particularly late, and the air was warm, so he suggested a short walk.

“For a relationship to work with me, I would need to give you a routine to stick to—”

“What kind of routine?”

Isaac raised his eyebrows at Henley, waiting until he apologised for interrupting before continuing, “Things like when you’d need to go to sleep, when to wake, when to eat. I don’t do this because I think you are incapable of doing them yourself. I do it because then I will know you are looking after yourself like I have asked you to. I trust that if I ask you to do something, you will do it. For example, if I ask you to eat at midday, and you agree, I expect you to eat at midday, barring any unforeseen circumstances.”

“That sounds good.” Henley glanced up at Isaac from underneath his eyelashes. “I do sometimes forget whether I’ve eaten or not.”

“Good to know, and thank you for being honest with me. I have seen that you can be a little excitable at times. I would like to help you find a way to manage that. I think your work, however amazing you already are at it, would benefit a great deal from you being calmer and more in control of your actions.” He paused and smirked. “And mouth.”

“Hey!” Henley pouted for a second before grinning. “Yes, okay. I know I can be a chatterbox. But I have so much to say.”

“And I wouldn’t ever want to stop you from saying it, but I do think there is a time and place for certain topics of conversation.”

Henley scrunched his nose up. “Is there really?”

“Yes,” Isaac said firmly.

They walked in silence for a few steps before Henley asked, “What should I call you?”

Isaac exhaled deeply. “I would love for you to call me Daddy. But you don’t have to. Isaac is fine, too.”

Henley rested his head against Isaac’s shoulder, wrapping his free hand around his biceps. “I would love to call you Daddy.”

“Does everything sound okay so far?”

Henley nodded, and when Isaac raised his eyebrows, he added, “Yes…Daddy.”

Isaac inhaled and briefly closed his eyes, his pulse skyrocketing at the word. “Perfect.”

Okay, sooooo….I’m not usually big on boss/employee type tropes because it’s just so much drama and I’m just too emotionally messy to handle it, and there was a little bit in this one, but not enough to make me an angsty mess, so that was a plus for me.
Henley, cute name btw, applies for a job within the company he thought was only a pit stop job and as luck would have it, he gets the position AND the hot guy to train him!

Isaac, ready to get back to life after his last failed relationship has given up the prospect of finding exactly what he wants and wouldn’t you just know it, that’s when the perfect one usually falls right into your lap. Enter Henley….

He’s chatty and sassy and knows exactly what he wants. He also knows who would be great to fill that position… I liked that he didn’t play coy or try to hard, everything seemed to start naturally, though very quickly, even for Daddy tropes sake.
I loved how supportive each of their families were, especially Henley’s dad. I thought Isaac’s setting her sister up with the barista was a bit pimpish and I couldn’t understand all the nicknames for Isaac, Is and Isie, like… how is that a nickname for Isaac?
I also thought they were both a bit extra at times, but Daddy’s sometimes have to be, don’t they?

Alls well that ended well too, I don’t want to give everything away (I’ve recently been told I do that from time to time), but I’ll say that it was a short and sweet read with very low angst and a cute little ending. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these two and seeing who might be next in the series!

4 pieces of eye candy

Elouise East is a bestselling author of contemporary MM romance. She writes a variety of themes: sweet and fluffy to high angst to taboo, but there is a huge nod in the direction of friendships being integral to each character’s experience. She writes books that are emotionally realistic, even if liberties are taken with other aspects of her stories.

Reading and writing have always been a part of her life, although her debut book wasn’t published until July 2019, when she was 36 years old. Her experience has come from reading thousands of books over the years and being a perfectionist when it comes to trying to make things right. She lives in the centre of the UK with her two children, who make life worth living, keep her (in)sane and make her laugh. She loves Zumba, yoga and walking, all things that can be done alone as she is very introverted.

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Abstract Love by Sara Dobie Bauer: Exclusive Author Interview, Excerpt, and New Release Review

September 9, 2020 by Denise

I hate Sam Shelby. So why do I want to kiss him?

Sam never expected to move back to Cleveland.
Donovan never expected to be attracted to a man.
Well, shit happens.

After high school, Sam Shelby moved to New York. Eight years later, he returns to Cleveland and lands a job at the best ad firm in town. It would be the perfect gig, if his boss weren’t such an ass.

After his wife leaves, Donovan Cooper questions everything. The arrival of a young, arrogant, gifted graphic designer at Donovan’s firm is the last straw.

Tempers flare over office gossip, and following a nasty argument and scathing kiss, Donovan flails away from heterosexuality while Sam struggles to keep his “no relationship” rule intact.

Despite ugly socks, fiery fights, and their best intentions to not fall in love, these bullheaded coworkers can’t deny their chemistry. Donovan seeks happiness while Sam seeks success, but is there room for more?

Book Title: Abstract Love

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Release Date: September 4, 2020

Genre/s: Contemporary MM romance

Trope/s: enemies-to-lovers, age gap, co-workers, office romance,

bisexuality, businessmen, artists, bondage, comedy

Themes: sexual awakening

Possible triggers: depression, suicidal ideations, biphobia

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 71 000 words

It is a standalone book.

Goodreads

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

For new readers, tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Halloween-obsessed extroverted introvert who loves yoga, pizza, horror movies, and my sexy rock-climber husband. I live in Cleveland, Ohio, but I’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. I bartend to retain my sanity. I write mostly MM romance in all genres: paranormal, dark and twisted, fluffy and funny. As long as I get to work with charismatic characters who can’t keep their hands off each other, I’m happy.

What inspired you to publish your first book?

I had dreamt of being an “author” since I was a little kid, so publishing a novel was always the endgame. I’m not sure if I was inspired or just born to do this crazy writing thing.

Where did the idea for Abstract Love come from?

I first wrote a novella entitled “Abstract Love” at the behest of friend and colleague Renee Botbyl for the now out-of-print Come Play charity anthology. It was for a great cause: The Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25. As someone who suffers from severe anxiety and depression, this is a cause I take personally. Initially, the novella had a beginning, middle, and end, but Renee told me to end on a cliffhanger … and write a novel about Donovan and Sam. So I did. Abstract Love is dedicated to her.

What’s so unique about this book as opposed to others you’ve written?

I’ve always infused comedic moments in my work—little bits that make you laugh in the midst of something dark or scary. But this one? This one is FUNNY. F-U-N-N-Y. I started my career writing comedy, so Abstract Love is a nice return to my roots. Also, I dunno about you, but I really need a reason to laugh right now, so comedy feels fitting in these ridiculous times.

What was your favorite thing about writing Abstract Love?

Probably writing the banter between Donovan and Sam. I love writing banter. LOVE IT. However, I also enjoyed designing Sam’s outrageous outfits. Many of his ensembles are based on the real-life clothes of actor Timothee Chalamet, so taking inspiration from Timmy and translating it into Sam was a blast.

What makes a good enemies-to-lovers book?

Tension. Seriously, the main characters need to really dislike each other at the beginning. It makes for such catharsis when they finally get together. Also, back to the banter. You gotta have good banter, that snarky give-and-take, for a strong enemies-to-lovers vibe.

How do you choose your titles?

HA! Oh, dear … I often have a lot of trouble with titles. Usually, I ask my beta readers for their suggestions. Eventually, something stands out or their suggestions inspire me and I reach my eureka moment.

What makes your books stand out from other authors in this genre?

There are so many talented MM romance authors out there, so I can hardly look down my nose and say why I stand out amidst such greatness. I do love to make my characters change. Like, a lot. Donovan in Abstract Love is an excellent example, as is Ethan from Handsome Death. I can’t tell you how they change, because that would be a spoiler, but trust me—they change. I also think my dialogue and sex scenes are a strength.

What are the three things each of your books must have?

Characters who change.

Sexual tension.

A happy ending.

What can we expect from you in the future?

A stalker Santa MM novella in December. (It’s a very dark twist on Christmas.) Then, next year, I have two additional MM romance novels scheduled: one is young adult rom-com, while the other is slow burn fated mates werewolves.

What’s one question you wish we asked in this interview?

Advice for newbie writers? Stop listening to other people; write for you. Rejection is a constant, so get over it. Enjoy the process, not the end game. Writing is your job but not your life. No matter what you do, some people will never like you.

Donovan sifted through a few hand-drawn logos on the desk and froze when he found a crudely drawn sketch of himself. Sam must have done it during a meeting at some point, capturing Donovan’s faux hawk, wide jaw, and severe expression.

Jesus, was this what other people saw when they looked at him? Did he really look so miserable?

“Make yourself at home?”

Donovan dropped the picture and stood straight at the sound of Sam’s voice.

He leaned against the doorframe, with one ankle crossed over the other.

“It’s really bullshit when people say that, you know?” Sam said. “Make yourself at home. No one actually wants their friends to take off their pants, drink all their beer, and binge The Great British Bake Off.” He paused. “What are you doing in my office?”

“I didn’t mean to snoop.”

The office door closed as he stepped inside. “Sure you did, or you wouldn’t be in here, so what’s up?”

Sam circled the desk, so Donovan circled the other way, although he noticed it was true what coworkers said: Sam did smell good—like clean laundry and cedar. “I think we started off on the wrong foot.”

Sam snort laughed and flipped through some files on his desk. “More like wrong continent, man.” When he found what he was looking for, he tapped the file’s corner against his palm. “I can handle guys like you, you know.”

Donovan shifted back on his heels. “Guys like me?”

“Hmm. Corporate assholes. All you see are dollar signs. You take no pleasure in your work. Advertising is money to you, not art, but without the artists, there wouldn’t be advertising, so…” He sucked his cheeks into his mouth, a momentary fish face.

Donovan wanted to tell him it wasn’t true. Donovan loved art.

He used to love art.

Sam continued, “I know I look like a six-foot-two Disney princess, but you’re not gonna rattle me.” To prove his point, Sam got right up in Donovan’s personal space until Donovan took a step back. Again, he was not used to dealing with someone his own height. “And I’m right about the Great Lakes ad campaign. If you’d pull your head out of your ass, maybe you’d notice.” He turned away abruptly.

“Sam.”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” Ouch, that hurt coming out.

Sam’s rebuttal: “Prove it.”

“Excuse me?”

He rested a hand on the desk and cocked his hip out—the very picture of young attitude. “Listen to me in meetings.”

“I was listening.”

“Nope.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his unkempt, unprofessional hair. “No, you were hearing. I need you to listen. There’s a difference. And I know I’m just some fucking kid to you, but I ruled the New York City advertising scene. I know what I’m doing, Donovan, so let me do it.”

“Fine.” He’d had enough. He’d apologized, okay, so he’d done his Monica-enforced duty. He didn’t owe Sam anything else.

He didn’t run for the door, but he definitely moved with speed.

I’ll admit, I went back and forth on this book. Donovan was an a$$hole. Sam was a d!ck. Then Donovan wasn’t as much of an a$$hole, but Sam was still a d!ck. However, what you learn quickly, is these two guys are pretty messed up, and so you can forgive a little more knowing that they are products of the lives lived.

*small spoiler* First, I will say, if you are someone who is adamantly against one of the MC’s having sex with someone else on page, while reading a romance, this may not be the right book for you. Sam, who professes from the beginning that he doesn’t do relationships, but loves sex with pretty much anyone (except his best friend), spends a bit of this book sleeping with others. So, if that is a huge no-no for your reading, you may want to find something else.

However, if look past that, and see what really is happening with Sam, you might understand where he is going with all the sex with whomever. He’s been hurt, badly, and when he is hurt badly again, he either has sex with whomever is closest, or he lashes out. The dichotomy that was Sam was equally fascinating. He was confident, brash, knew his worth as both an artist, and his physical beauty. Yet, when it came to matters of someone’s heart, he could be shy and scared. All in all, though, his personality was fantastic. He didn’t care if Donovan was pissed, or if he was busy, or if he knew he was going to make Donovan pissed, he went forward with whatever he wanted to say or do. We all kind of want to be that person a little in life, right? 🙂 Also, moving back to Cleveland, basically for Joe…super sweet. It was great to see how their relationship evolved.

Donovan had his entire life upended, and then had to deal with a new snarky employee with brass balls, who knew what he was doing, and how best to get it done. He had a different kind of awakening than Sam. He needed to realize that he had basically hated everything about his life, but until circumstances made all of that clear, and gave him no choices, he didn’t want to change it. I loved how he worked so hard on his “heart”, only to have it shredded (or almost shredded) and then brought back to life again. It really was a metaphor for his entire life.

These two men changed in the book, just as the author says in her interview, really almost 180 degrees from their previous personalities, but they changed for themselves, not for each other or for their relationship. That is the kind of change they needed.

4 pieces of eye candy

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film.

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On the Wings of War (Soulbound 5) by Hailey Turner: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

September 8, 2020 by Denise

Remembering the dead will always give them life.

The coveted Morrígan’s staff is up for sale on the black market to the highest bidder, and SOA Special Agent Patrick Collins will do whatever it takes to ensure the Dominion Sect doesn’t get their hands on it. Returning the weapon to its rightful owner is another step on the long road toward clearing Patrick’s soul debt, but he won’t walk it alone. Jonothon de Vere won’t let him.

Obeying the gods means Patrick must travel to London. For Jono, it means facing a past he thought he’d left behind forever. His return to England isn’t welcome, and neither is their pack, but Jono and Patrick will face the antagonism together. Politics aside, their priority must be the mission, but the bone-chilling secret they uncover in the London god pack will have far-reaching repercussions no one can ignore.

A race against time takes Patrick and Jono from the streets of London to the bright lights of Paris, where hospitality is thin on the ground, the air is filled with whispered prayers for the missing, and the Morrígan’s staff will end up in the one place it should never have gone—a graveyard.

For beneath Paris lie the long-forgotten dead, and when they rise to walk again, the living can only hope to die.

On the Wings of War is a 109k word m/m urban fantasy with a gay romantic subplot and a HFN ending. It is a direct sequel to A Vigil in the Mourning. Reading the first book in the series would be helpful in enjoying this one.

Title: On the Wings of War

Author: Hailey Turner

Series: Soulbound V

Publisher: Self-Published

Release Date: Print & ebook – September 2, 2020

Length: 109,151 words

Subgenre: LGBTQ Urban Fantasy

Warnings: None

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Jono frowned at him. “Why are you angry?”

“You shouldn’t come.”

“To London?”

“Yes.”

Jono shook his head. “I’m not letting you go off on your own. I already told you we’re doing this together.”

Patrick finally pulled away, glaring up at Jono. The anger in his scent was strong, but worry cut deeper. Jono wished he could soothe it all way. “The London god pack exiled you.”

“That doesn’t change the fact I’m going with you.”

“You coming with me is a good way to piss them off and get hurt.”

“None of us are safe anywhere. You know that. Stay, go, it doesn’t matter. Someone is always out to get us these days.”

Whether gods, hunters, mercenary magic users, or rival god packs, they had giant targets painted on their backs. If Patrick couldn’t see they were stronger and safer together, Jono would have to argue with him until he did.

“We risk losing too much if we all leave New York. Even with Emma as a secondary and proxy dire, that doesn’t fix the problem of us not being here,” Patrick said flatly.

“I risk everything I care about by letting you fight alone. We tried that with Chicago, and look how things went pear-shaped.”

The strain put on the soulbond by the distance between them had been hard, but being separated was worse. Not knowing what was happening with Patrick had been stressful. Jono didn’t regret the choices he’d made in Patrick’s absence, but he regretted the hurt it had caused the other man. Jono wasn’t willing to go through that again.

Patrick’s mouth twisted, lips going white from the pressure. Jono reached up and pressed his fingers to the seam of them.

“We’re a pack, remember?” Jono said softly. “I’m not leaving you.”

Okay, this series…it’s just, well it’s just awesome. Another great book in the series.

I love Patrick and Jono together. They just work, and the fact that Jono makes Patrick feel safe, even for a moment here or there, when he’s never had that, is fantastic. However, the side characters in this one really help to make this book shine. Wade made me laugh continually (the Jaffa cakes!), but he also had the chance to be himself, literally, to shine and it just made the book that much better. Spencer and Fatima made me laugh, and were great additions. And even Lucien, who has always been seen as an a$$hole, was still one, but also was helpful. 🙂 The women were very strong in this book, they were necessary to the plot, which was awesome. Patrick and Jono did not carry everyone, it was definitely a group effort by the New York god pack, as well, as Lucien’s Night Court crew, and Nadine, Spencer and Fatima.

The scenery, especially the final scene in Paris, was so visual. I could literally see everything happening in my head as I read it. It also had some seriously creepy moments…if you are claustrophobic, you may want to skim over a bit of that, just saying. Wowza! However, it was great fun to travel through London and Paris with everyone.

Again, Hailey Turner leaves us with poor Patrick not quite finishing his goal of getting his hands on the Morrigan’s Staff, and still wanting more. It isn’t a cliffhanger, just a HFN. There is a lot more story to tell here, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Hailey Turner is big city girl who spoils her cats rotten and has a demanding day job that she loves, but not as much as she loves writing. She’s been writing since she was a young child and enjoys reading almost as much as creating a new story.

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A Sweet Man (The Men of Halfway House Book 7) by Jaime Reese: Quick Review

September 4, 2020 by Denise

Two men. One sweet dream of family and forever.

Gabriel “Bull” del Toro loves his fast-paced globe-trotting job, but aches for an honest relationship and the trust that comes with it. After a few too many heartbreaks, he’s nearly given up hope of finding that special someone.

Until Ben.

Born deaf, Ben is used to working twice as hard for what he wants, but risking a newfound friendship on an impossible dream is scary. After all, there’s one lesson he’s learned: everything is temporary—freedom, friends, even family.

Neither man expects the undeniable spark between them or for every moment together to fuel that connection. For the first time, a happily ever after is within reach, but they must trust that the dream of acceptance, family, and a place to call home is more than a sweet fantasy.

It can be forever.

Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

What a beautiful, lovely story. I’m not sure I wanted it to end.

Ben has not had it easy, to say the least. Growing up deaf, and really being almost ignored as a deaf child. His mother basically tossed him aside, his sister, well, she was a piece of work, and people he thought were his friends, just used him until he was sent back to jail.

Bull could not have been more patient or more supportive with Ben. He didn’t try to turn him into something he wasn’t, he just wanted to find a way to be friends. I loved that texting was important to them initially, since Ben was mostly a lip reader. But Bull was so patient, and just slowly worked with Ben, no pressure, as they became closer on his sign language. It just became a part of their interactions, but not the sum total.

Ben had so many people in his corner, and he was not aware. It was so heartbreaking when someone(s) hurt him intentionally. His heart was so big, and so soft, that pain came quickly for him. (I might have cried several times during this book).

It was so great to see Ben find his way into something that he loved, that he earned, and not just what was easiest for him to do. It was so rewarding for him to finally earn something for himself, because he worked so hard at it. (Another tissue buster).

I absolutely loved this story. Jaime always hits with the feels, and this one may be my favorite so far.

5 pieces of eye candy