New Release Review

Riven by Roan Parrish: Release Day Review

May 29, 2018 by Denise

Theo Decker might be the lead singer of Riven, but he hates being a rock star. The paparazzi, the endless tours, being recognized everywhere he goes—it all makes him squirm. The only thing he doesn’t hate is the music. Feeling an audience’s energy as they lose themselves in Riven’s music is a rush unlike anything else . . . until he meets Caleb Blake Whitman. Caleb is rough and damaged, yet his fingers on his guitar are pure poetry. And his hands on Theo? They’re all he can think about. But Caleb’s no groupie—and one night with him won’t be enough.

Just when Caleb is accepting his new life as a loner, Theo Decker slinks into it and turns his world upside-down. Theo’s sexy and brilliant and addictively vulnerable, and all Caleb wants is another hit. And another. That’s how he knows Theo’s trouble. Caleb can’t even handle performing these days. How the hell is he going to survive an affair with a tabloid superstar? But after Caleb sees the man behind the rock star, he begins to wonder if Theo might be his chance at a future he thought he’d lost forever.

Amazon

I am a fairly unabashed fan of Roan Parrish. From her first book (that I honestly couldn’t believe was her first book) through and including Riven. She writes stories and characters that I just care about. That I want to know more about. I get immersed in their stories and don’t want to let go.

The dynamics between Theo- lead singer of Riven- and the rest of the band is like nothing I have read before. There’s the tension of Theo getting the most press being the lead singer, but there’s also the tension of him being the outsider. Riven was a band of three who needed a lead singer and song writer. He got hired. I think that this book really showed that even if you are in a rock band and famous, it is a job. And you don’t always get along with your coworkers for one reason or another.

Caleb knows what fame feels like. And the fall from it because of drugs. In recovery again, he basically hides out at his farm, venturing into the city once a month or so to play music in a dive bar without recognition. Until Theo sees him and feels his music deeply.

Oh I loved Theo. He is so broken, so lost, so innocent. He isn’t the angry guy who hates fame and is a total jerk about it. He hates fame but deals with it because it is part of the job. And because he needs music.

And Theo helps Caleb find his music again.

Their relationship started out as sex. And then grew into a really beautiful love. The way they supported each other without becoming a crutch was so sweet. No one was a whiny brat. No one did the whole “you can’t get past my walls!” thing. There was a bit of the you deserve better than me, but they worked through it.

Gah, I’m rambling.

I really loved this book.

4.5 Pieces of Candy

Shades by Jaime Reese: Release Day Review

May 24, 2018 by Denise

Life made him dangerous. Love made him lethal.

Killian Marks is a third-generation hitman. After hunting monsters for over twenty years, he lives under no illusions of happily ever afters and fairy tales. Until he meets a man who threatens to disarm him, by giving him hope for a future and showing him there’s more to life than just death.

For Nick, living in shadows is second nature. He’s all too familiar with the dark side of humanity and knows how delicate life can be. Each new day is a gift, even though it means doing it alone. But he’ll risk his survival for the one man who awakens something deep within and leaves him yearning for more.

Nick wants to solve the mystery behind the dark, brooding man, while Killian craves the life and light emanating from Nick. They soon discover they have more in common than either could have anticipated. With both their lives and hearts at stake, they must confront the ghost from Nick’s past intent on tying up a loose end. Only then will they truly find peace, and discover the shades of life in between.

Title: Shades

Author: Jaime Reese

Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance; Romance Suspense

Release: May 23, 2018

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Jaime Reese’s series, The Men of Halfway House, is in my top 10 probably. I loved how these broken men were trying to get their lives back together, finding love, etc. So I jumped on this book (which is a stand alone, no affiliated with TMOHH at all), because these guys sounded so broken. I am a glutton for angst. Bring it on!

And…..it was ok. I never understood the whole assassin thing. I mean, I get it. They are a real thing. Probably not as prevalent as books would make them seem (they are running a close second with billionaires), but ok. What I don’t really get is that when the object of their affection finds out that they are an assassin- they seem fine with it! Oh, it’s ok because you only kill bad guys, no women or children. Uh, ok.

Anyway. I really liked Nick. The non-assassin half of this couple. He was just a guy, trying to get by in life without the mob finding him. But he wasn’t whiny, wasn’t really with the dramatic “oh woe is me, I can never have love”. He just kind of did his thing. Well, and fell for an assassin. No big whoop.

Letting the assassin thing go for a minute. There is another part of the story line that was a bit out there for me for many reasons. I won’t say what it is. But here are my issues. 1. money 2. no way can it be a secret 3. the sheer logistics of it. Just, no.

Yes, I am being vague. Sorry, not sorry. I am not one for spoilers.

Killian and Nick were hot together. That goes without saying. I loved the slow burn. I really loved that Nick said no for a long time. Killian’s romantic overtures were swoon worthy. Killian’s partner Dex is absolutely hilarious. He did remind me of a *different* Dex, but I’ll let that go.

It was a fun story to read. Not really the angst I was suspecting and it was wrapped up in the end pretty neatly, but still. It was ok, I liked it.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.

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Ben’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 3) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 17, 2018 by Denise

Benedict Keeler was one of America’s most popular models. Hot body, hot career, and super-hot boyfriend, until a devastating house fire destroyed his face and his dreams. After being told all his life that a pretty face is the measure of his worth, he can’t face another rejection and runs from his lover, eventually hiding out on Rainbow Key.

Zachary Jones, a highly sought after photographer—even if he would rather shoot the homeless in Manhattan than a fashion spread—is now facing the real possibility that a genetic disease will render him blind and his days behind a camera may be over.

Two devastated men, one haunted by his past and one convinced he has no future. Will they both hide from the world, or will they give love, and each other, a second chance?

Amazon

Ben, Ben, Ben….I was most excited for his story….what a big ol’ bag of emotional messes I was with this book!

This one was a little different than the other two, Ben has been on the island for a while, making a home there to hide out after a horrific housefire left him horrible scarred and no longer able to model. Coming from a broken and slummy home with an alcoholic mother who treated him terribly, I could understand his need at a young age to have money and a reputation, so that he never had to endure the things he had to while living with his mom. Unfortunately, his relationship with Zach suffered for it.

Zach was a photographer who didn’t do designer shoots normally, was doing a favor for a friend and that’s where he met Ben. He was captivated by him from the beginning…. Of course, after getting cliff notes from their early relationship, before Ben left him…. We get to see a side of Ben that I didn’t like very much. He was selfish… so extremely selfish, and I hated the way he treated Zach… not bad, really, he just took him for granted and didn’t make him a priority when he should’ve. Zach was on the back burner and it wasn’t until he lost him that he realized how badly he’d messed up.

What he didn’t realize though, was that Zach had never given up looking for him; he never stopped loving him, so when he goes to Rainbow Keys to relax and take it easy after an eye surgery and becoming almost completely blinded… he was so shocked to run into Ben. I knew that Ben couldn’t stay hidden and I was glad for it. I was glad the author didn’t make us watch him hide and wait for when they’d run into each other. Once he saw Zach, he couldn’t stay away, and it was like no time had passed between them at all.

They needed to work on trusting each other and had a lot to talk about, but, they were determined this time around. I think being away from each other really cemented their need to be together. The only thing I kept waiting for, was Zach’s brother Seth to cause problems. He was more than a little overbearing and meddlesome and I didn’t like him at all. He rubbed me the wrong way and I never got over it…..even if he did make up for it at the end.

Another thing I can’t stand in this series, is why do the bad guys get away with being bad guys? Did the reporter ever get in trouble? Did May-bell’s daughter ever get her teeth knocked in? Like, what happened with them? I hate that they caused so much trouble and had no repercussions. I HATE when that happens… It leaves me feeling like something was unfinished, because I needed them to get their karmic justice. Bad people should pay for what they do, and neither one of those two did….. just blah.

What I loved though, was Beth and Chris, and the ending with Beth, Josh and Daniel. I was so hoping for that, and it was so much sweeter when we got it. I love Matt, and I sincerely hope he’s next book, and I hope I don’t have to wait long to get it. I have a feeling that he’s going to be my favorite! I’m looking forward to the new guy and his sister with Downs…. And what about Joe? What happened to him? I was hoping he was for Matt.

This is just such a great series and all three books had me hooked from the first few pages. I’m really looking forward to more! What a sweet ending so far though..

4 pieces of eye candy from me <3

Level Up by Annabeth Albert: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

May 17, 2018 by Denise

Landon can’t believe he’s let himself get roped into participating in a charity calendar, let alone one that features tastefully photographed nudes. The genius physicist is hardly model material and he’s dreading the nude part of the photoshoot. Amid his reluctance, the one bright spot is his emails back and forth with the photographer.

However, Bailey ends up being not quite what Landon expects, and their first meeting is decidedly awkward. Bailey’s persistent though, and gradually Landon warms to the burly photographer, and they discover they have a shared love of gamer culture.

A tentative friendship is born, but the road from friends to lovers isn’t easy. Landon’s battling past trauma and must decide how much of a risk he’s willing to take. A sexy connection may not be enough to keep them together unless both are willing to put their hearts on the line.

Approximately 40,000 words. Previously released as part of the EXPOSED anthology, and loosely linked to the #Gaymers universe, this friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort story stands alone with a guaranteed happy ending. Contains a brief mention of a prior assault, but no on-screen violence or flashbacks.

Goodreads

Amazon

I’m so excited to be here today! I’m celebrating the re-release of my novella LEVEL UP which is loosely connected to my #gaymer universe and was originally in the EXPOSED anthology with some other great authors. Landon, our hero, is a genius physics professor and the book centers around his decision to pose nude for a charity calendar featuring rising stars in their professions. These sorts of charity calendars are all the rage lately what with Naked Rowers and other causes. I love these calendars of all genders and body types because there’s something so brave and real about posing nude. A talented photographer captures so much more than just skin.

Here’s a little glimpse of what Bailey sees as he photographs Landon for the first time.

“Pull the robe off your shoulder,” Bailey suggested. Baby steps. They’d get to pictures they could potentially use eventually.

One slim but muscled arm emerged as Landon freed one arm from the robe. He kept his lower half behind the sculpture, but more of his upper body was visible now. He was lean, but his arm and chest had the sort of muscular definition that suggested he was no stranger to exercise. His ropey neck and prominent collar bones were particularly hot, and Bailey tried to capture the way the light played with the contours.

The robe fell open more, and a hint of blond fuzz showed in the gap of the robe. He hadn’t waxed, for which Bailey was selfishly thankful, as a lot of the guys on these calendar projects always seemed to go for the totally smooth look.

“How about both arms now? Leave the robe around your waist.”

“Okay.” Landon slipped out of the other sleeve and leaned forward more, looking at Bailey instead of Savannah. Snap. Snap. That inquisitive, cautious stare was catnip to the camera, as it gave Landon a vulnerable air, would make the viewer feel like they got to see something secret.

“Kick out a leg, like you’re about to run away,” Bailey directed.

“That allowed?” Landon laughed. “It’s hard to kick with all this fabric, but I’ll try.”

“Let it drop. Then show us the one leg and your upper body, like you’re about to sprint, but stay playful about it.”

Landon took longer to comply this time, but then a bare leg emerged along with Landon’s upper body.

“Woohoo!” Savannah called. “Now stop looking like you’re running from an alien invasion and start looking like you’re on the hunt for fun.”

“Hey, alien invasions are fun,” Landon protested. “Point me to the nearest LAN party. That sounds way more my speed than anything risqué.”

“Smart guy,” Bailey said as he got a few more pictures. He had to remind himself not to let his voice get too light. Landon was not here for flirting, no matter how much they had in common. “Me too. And we don’t need you looking like you’re heading to an orgy. Just like you’re ready for a good time. Rachel, can you grab the robe so it’s not visible at the bottom of the frame?”

Landon looked down with a sagging face like Bailey was removing his security blanket.

“I’ll be right here,” Rachel promised, standing just out of the frame.

“You’re doing great,” Bailey encouraged. He was rapidly scrapping huge portions of his shot list in favor of things that might coax more smiles out of Landon. “Can you turn, make it look like you’re about to duck behind the piece instead of emerging from it?”

Landon sucked in a deep breath before following directions, turning so that Bailey had a great view of the curve of his ass and one thigh. He had a gorgeous tat above one shoulder blade that Bailey wished he could see more clearly of some sort of colorful bird.

“What’s the tattoo?” he asked because he was never very good at restraining his curiosity.

Landon’s blush was seriously adorable and Bailey managed several good shots as he waited for an answer. “It’s Fawkes the Phoenix from Harry Potter. Laugh and I’m done.”

“Never! I love it. Turn your shoulder more toward me.” He set up the shot before asking, “What’s your favorite book in the series?”

And with that, they were off to the races, discussing the books as Bailey got more of the pictures he was hoping for.

“And now, move about three feet to your left, back to me, and look over the rail.”

“Away from the sculpture?” Landon frowned.

“We’re almost done here. I want a few without the sculpture, just to have that option. You looking out over the atrium will be an epic shot.”

“It’s just ass,” Savannah called. Not helping. Bailey shot her a look.

“Okay.” Landon scooted into position, keeping his back to Bailey. And damn, he did have a nice ass, high and plump and muscular.

“Stretch your arms over head, like you’re owning the space. Think War Elf chieftain surveying his realm.”

Landon laughed and turned his head over one shoulder. Gorgeous. Bailey got that shot before Landon did as requested and stretched, totally a textbook study in back muscles, tat adding to the visual appeal of the shot. He was shorter than Bailey, maybe five foot ten or so, but stretched like that, he seemed much taller. Mythic almost.

Want to see more of their photoshoot? Be sure to check out LEVEL UP!!! Thanks so much!!

Aww…I kind of love an opposites attract love story. Especially when one of the men isn’t your typical romance hottie.

This is a short, maybe novella? I don’t know, but fewer than 200 pages for sure. It was part of an anthology that is now being released alone. And although it is part of the Gaymers series, there is little reference to the other books and is an easy stand alone read.

Landon is a science geek (by profession and hobby) and pretty unaware of how good looking he is. Bailey is a photographer and gamer, well aware of how not perfect he is. And they are totally adorable together.

There is a bit of angst- past trauma on the part of Landon, and although it is part of the story and what makes Landon the man he is today, it isn’t overwhelmingly angsty. There is quite a bit of humor, romance and hotness. So don’t be turned away by the bit of angst there is.

Definitely a fun, fairly quick read. If you’ve never read one of Annabeth Albert’s books, this would be a good start. She creates characters that just nestle into your heart.

4 pieces of eye candy

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. The #OutOfUniform series joins her critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance #Gaymers, #PortlandHeat and #PerfectHarmony series. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

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Website: http://www.annabethalbert.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabethalbert

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AnnabethAlbert

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Charlie’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 2) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 16, 2018 by Denise

Eventually being diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder as a child, difficult didn’t even begin to describe the nightmare of Charlie’s life. Escaping the drug-induced limbo he existed in and running from his alcoholic mother and despotic grandfather, he finally finds some peace and a home on Rainbow Key.

Noah is also running, even if he doesn’t realize it, and the guilt he feels over his brother’s suicide chases him no matter where he goes. When he meets and falls for Charlie, he finally thinks he might have the chance to make a home and a future with the adorable man, except he doesn’t realize that the secret that Charlie is hiding is the one thing that he fears the most.

And not even a chance of mending their future can heal the scars of Charlie’s past.

Amazon

Sigh…. I think maybe I loved this one more than the first one….and hey there, hot cover!!!

In this one, we have Charlie, who we got to know in the first book of this series. He has trouble with touch, tactile sensitivity, and in a lot of cases, being touched even causes them physical pain. I couldn’t even imagine that, especially as a child, or having a child with such a …. I don’t want to say disability, but, it kind of is. My heart broke for Charlie, because living with this was brutal; with an alcoholic mother who didn’t know how to live with him and selfishly made it all about her, and a grandfather who tried to toughen him up by forcing it on him. I didn’t begrudge him for a second. He was a survivor, and I loved reading his story.

Noah gets left at the altar and was set to go on his honeymoon to the resort that we got to know and love last book. Unfortunately, Joshua was away with Daniel, so it left Charlie in charge of getting him set up and comfortable. It didn’t well in the beginning, but something about Charlie kept Noah wanting to be around him. Plus, being alone on your honeymoon….probably not a lot of fun.

However, it didn’t take Noah to realize that not going ahead with the wedding was a blessing in disguise. I was mad at the ex at first, but only for the way he done him on his wedding day; after that, I didn’t give him another thought.

While Noah was on the island, Charlie gets upsetting news and goes into this protective mode that wanted to help Charlie out. It was obvious that they felt for each other and it was kind of seamless, even though Noah had just gotten out of a very long-term relationship. It didn’t feel rushed to me, and maybe it should’ve, but they went through a lot together in such a short time that it didn’t feel forced or rushed at all. Bravo author, that’s hard to accomplish! Plus, Noah had his own demons he was battling, and I think helping Charlie kind of muted it, in a way….I understood it.

Unfortunately, Noah’s time away had come to an end, and he had to get back to his life. Charlie had made the impression though and an even bigger surprise, was so did Noah, to Charlie. He was so mindful of Charlie’s obstacles, and instead of getting frustrated by them or thinking there was something wrong with him, he just took it for what it was and worked around them. He didn’t judge Charlie or make him feel bad; he cared about him in a way that no one had before….so when he left, both men were left missing the other.

Leave it to Josh to concoct a reason to get him back on the island some weeks later, though….and though I want to gush some more and give you a step-by-step encounter of every piece of it, starting with what I loved and then moving on to what I adored…. I won’t. though I think you should just stop right now and go read it.

I cannot wait to see what happens with Ben, and I really, really, really need for Matt to get everything his heart could ever want. Knowing a little bit more about his story made me want to wish him real so I could spend all day every day, just hugging him for how unfair he was treated and how much of his life he missed out on. I sincerely hope he gets some justice for that!!! And Joe… I hope Joe is a part of all that happy…. Even though I’m curious to read about the new guy, Ryder and his little sister.

Overall, fantastic addition to a really great series. I cannot wait for more!

5 well deserved pieces of eye candy from me.

Joshua’s Rainbow (Rainbow Key Book 1) by Victoria Sue: Quick Review

May 15, 2018 by Denise

Rainbow Key – an idyllic island retreat off the west coast of Florida. Think wedding destination, white sandy beaches, lurve… except at the moment Joshua is struggling to pay the electricity bill, they’ve no paying customers, and even if they did they can’t afford the repairs from the devastating hurricane that struck three years ago – and to top it off they have to take in Daniel, a grumpy businessman who has been ordered by his doctor to take some time off before he has a heart attack from too much stress.

Funnily enough, Daniel owns a very expensive hotel chain that has been trying to buy the island for the past two years. Not that Joshua knows that yet, and boy are sparks gonna fly when he thinks he’s been set up.

Of course, sparks of a different kind are also soon flying between them.
Then there’s Matt who just got let out of prison, Charlie who ran away from home, and Ben, a famous model until a devastating house fire destroyed his face.

Welcome to Rainbow Key – held together by love, family, and sticky tape.

Amazon

This author is new to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in; by page three, I couldn’t put it down! Although it was a little bit confusing for me, being thrown in with so many characters at once, I quickly fell in love with all of them….. granted, they’re secondary character’s, so they don’t get their own POV’s or anything, for a second I was like, okay, now…who’s who? After getting to know them though, I was pleased to know that most of them get their own story ! Yes, I paused to go look lol

So, in this one…. Daniel is a very busy, fast paced, very wealthy investor. He’s got hotels and resorts all over the place, and at the opening of his latest one, he suffers from a very serious panic attack that he confuses for a heart attack. It’s enough to scare him into agreeing to a little time away to recoup and let his body slow down and heal.

While there, he meets Joshua, the small little hotel’s manager, I guess he would be. Technically, it’s his hotel, though not for long if the man he inherited from’s family has any say in the matter….which, they do. Needing all the help he can get, he’s glad when Daniel comes and stays, with his time there paid in advance. Joshua knew that the hotel needed more than the few guests that he had, but he was determined to keep the place he’d deemed a safe haven for him and his friends. They’d all ran away from something, and all of them had the most heartbreaking stories, and we only got snibbits of each one. I truly cannot wait to uncover the terribleness that each one had endured to get there…. I want them all to get their pieces of happy, especially Charlie, Ben and Matt!

The days that Daniel stays, has Joshua hoping for things he thinks he can’t have. His self-worth is non-existent, and I hated the reason’s why. I hated the way he was treated, and I hated that he never got justice from any of the people who hurt and humiliated him. I hate when people get away with being terrible people. I need bone crushing vengeance or I Just feel unsettled LOL I may need to look into that. And Daniel, the more time he spends with Joshua, the more he wants everything that Joshua wants, and more!

The problem is, while in the beginning, Daniel could only see himself buying the hotel and thinking about what he could do with it. Because of that, he didn’t tell Joshua who he was, or what he really done for a living. Secrets are never easy, and I knew it wouldn’t end well…. Then, a poorly timed emergency with his sister just left everything seeming one way, when it was really something completely different.

It was low-angst, which I liked… I feel like I’m not emotionally able to handle angsty reads, but this one was sweet and hopeful, and by the end, I was so happy for all of them, especially what Daniel gave them all…. I loved him so much for that. I loved it for their whole broken and slowly mending, amazing family. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of them, and hopefully it’s not the last I’ll see of this couple either.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!