New Release Review

Upside Down by N.R. Walker: Audiobook Review

February 4, 2021 by Denise

Jordan O’Neill isn’t a fan of labels, considering he has a few. Gay, geek, librarian, socially awkward, a nervous rambler, an introvert, an outsider. The last thing he needs is one more. But when he realises adding the label asexual might explain a lot, it turns his world upside down.

Hennessy Lang moved to Surry Hills after splitting with his boyfriend. His being asexual had seen the end of a lot of his romances, but he’s determined to stay true to himself. Leaving his North Shore support group behind, he starts his own in Surry Hills, where he meets first-time-attendee Jordan.

A little bewildered and scared, but completely adorable, Hennessy is struck by this guy who’s trying to find where he belongs. Maybe Hennessy can convince Jordan that his world hasn’t been turned upside down at all, but maybe it’s now—for the first time in his life—the right way up.

Audible

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Read Erin’s review of the ebook here.
As for the audio…

I am very picky with my narrators. Shocking, right? I know. Glen Lloyd was new to me. I was a bit wary because I am used to Joel Leslie narrating the “not serious” stories NR Walker writes. But let me tell you something. Glen Lloyd NAILED IT.

He absolutely brought the characters to life. He used slightly different voices for Jordan and Hennessy, but nothing over the top or obviously fake. If that makes sense. Jordan was a bit more nasal and Hennessy spoke slower. Jordan also says “motherfucker” a lot in the book. It is a thing. Like a reflex, he can’t NOT say it. And I was waiting for the first one. And the tone was absolutely perfect. He says it almost conversationally, but to himself. So funny.

I really loved this book so when I got my mitts on the audio, it was make or break time. But this absolutely made it. I will definitely listen to this again.

4.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Right As Raine (Aster Valley, Book 1) by Lucy Lennox: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

February 3, 2021 by Denise

Tiller:

As the first openly gay professional football player, I can’t afford to make any mistakes, on or off the field. And the absolute biggest mistake I could make right now would be to fall for Mikey Vining, my best friend, employee and, more importantly, Coach’s baby boy. I might fantasize about Mikey at night-—every night—but actually touching him would be a serious personal foul.

And falling for him? That’s completely out of bounds.

Mikey:

I’ve learned my lesson about falling for one of my dad’s players. They’re a bunch of spoiled jocks with more muscles than brains. I’ve spent years learning to keep my eyes, and my hands, to myself. But resisting the temptation becomes nearly impossible when Tiller Raine and I end up together in a small cabin in a remote Colorado town.

Suddenly, there’s not much to do but look at each other. And talk. And hopefully, hopefully touch.

But what happens when our stay in Aster Valley is over and it’s time to return to the real world? Will Coach blow the whistle on our relationship? Or will Tiller admit there might actually be something he loves more than football after all?

Right As Raine

Aster Valley, Book 1

By Lucy Lennox

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

When we got to the check-in counter at the airport, I split off to go to the regular people’s line while Tiller headed for the first-class one. It took him a second to realize I was no longer behind him, but when he did, he hissed at me loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Get over here, you moron.”

I dutifully followed, knowing from years of experience how this was going to play out.

“I can’t fucking believe you did this again,” he snapped under his breath.

“You cuss like my dad,” I muttered. “And you know how I feel about spending your money.”

When it was our turn at the counter, Mr. NFL Superstar turned on his charm and laid down his celebrity card. “Hi…” He squinted at the woman’s name tag. “Nessa. How are you this morning?”

She blushed right on cue and fluttered her fake eyelashes. “I’m doing great, thanks! How can I help you today, Mr. Raine?”

He put his hand on top of my head and turned me to face Nessa. “My assistant here made a mistake when he booked our reservations, and I need to upgrade him to first class to sit with me, please. We have some work to do, and I don’t want to waste our time in the air.”

It was bullshit, of course. He just preferred sitting next to someone who wouldn’t pester him about his job, the team, stats, and insider information. When I was his seatmate, he had a buffer between him and the oftentimes rabid Rigger fandom. It didn’t hurt that I was so much smaller than he was and he wouldn’t have any issues fitting his giant shoulders and legs into the space between our seats. First-class seats were big, but not NFLer big.

She clicked on her keyboard and sighed, huffed, and scraped her upper lip with her bottom teeth before finally letting out an ah-ha noise. “Got it. Gimme just one… there. I’ll print these new boarding passes out for you and get your bags checked in.”

When Tiller tried handing over his credit card, she blushed again and pushed his hand away, her own hand lingering on his. I turned around so I could roll my eyes without being rude to her face. The businessman behind us in line caught my eye.

“Is that Tiller Raine?” he whispered.

I shook my head. “Bobby Simplethorn. You probably know him from that hemorrhoid commercial.”

The man looked at me in total confusion. “What?”

I sang a little jingle. “Nothing softens bottom thorns quite like Simplethorn… No? You don’t know it? Huh. Bobby here is the CEO. That miracle cream is his baby. I can introduce you if you want?”

The man winced. “Uh, no. That’s okay. Thanks, though.”

I shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

When I turned back to face the lady at the counter, I found both her and Tiller staring at me. Nessa turned to look at Tiller with a raised brow.

“No,” he said before she could ask. “The closest I’ve come to hemorrhoids is dealing with this pain in my ass.” He thumbed at me over his shoulder. “And now I’m regretting the seat change.”

In the beginning of January, a lot- and I mean A LOT- of authors were part of a big winter giveaway. Lucy Lennox was a part of it and her contribution was a short novella called Winter Waites. Set in Aster Valley, Colorado, it featured an occupational therapist and a famous musician.

Now we officially have book 1 of the Aster Valley series. Mikey, the 5th son of a college football coach who is the complete and utter opposite of his 4 burly brothers who played sports. Oh, and he is gay. Not in the closet either, which was nice to see.

Tiller is a hot shot player on Coach’s pro team the Riggers. Problem is, Tiller really doesn’t know how to fuel his body with the right foods. Oh guess what? Tiller is also gay and out. WHEE! Don’t worry- they will hide their relationship for different reasons.

Mikey is hired temporarily as Tiller’s personal cook and dietician. Temporary turns into over five years. And when I say that, I mean there was a 5 year time jump in the book. Which is kind of cool knowing that both of these guys were crushing on each other and doing everything they could to stay away from each other. AND neither knew. HA!

Until Tiller is hurt and since he can’t play, Coach sends him off to Colorado to visit his family. Coach just doesn’t know that Mikey went along.

So Tiller and Mikey alone in a cabin- ok, cabin is a BIG stretch- in the winter with no one else around…let’s just say they finally started acting on their feelings.

What follows is an introduction to the adorable former ski resort town of Aster Valley and a few of the citizens- including who we met in Winter Waites. It is easy to fall in love with the town- and Mikey does. Mikey and Tiller start facing some facts as well. Tiller doesn’t NEED Mikey any longer. Mikey isn’t following his dream- instead he stuck with what was comfortable. But the bigger question- could Mikey leave Tiller in Texas to chase his dream in Colorado?

Mikey’s family and they way they treated him just broke my heart. His mother was just the stereotypical 50’s housewife who just deferred everything to the husband. I wanted to smack her. She was so completely clueless. Ugh.

Anyway. Mikey and Tiller were awesome together. I ADORE that they basically lived together for 5 years before anything happened. There were some really fun characters we met in Aster Valley that I can’t wait to get more of. This is definitely a series I will follow. I hope it is more than 2 or 3 books.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

After enjoying creative writing as a child, Lucy didn’t write her first novel until she was over 40 years old. Her debut novel, Borrowing Blue, was published in the autumn of 2016. Lucy has an English Literature degree from Vanderbilt University, but that doesn’t hold a candle to the years and years of staying up all night reading tantalizing novels on her own. She has three children, plays tennis, and hates folding laundry. While her husband is no shmoopy romance hero, he is very good at math, cooks a mean lasagne, has gorgeous eyes, looks hot in his business clothes, and makes her laugh every single day.

Lucy hopes you enjoy sexy heroes as much as she does. Happy reading!

To celebrate Lucy’s upcoming release, we are giving away 2 e-copies of Right As Raine!

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The Gangster (Magic & Steam Book 2) by C.S. Poe: New Release Review

February 3, 2021 by Denise

1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, magic caster for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has recovered from injuries obtained while in Shallow Grave, Arizona. Now back in New York City, Gillian makes an arrest on New Year’s Eve that leads to information on a gangster, known only as Tick Tock, who’s perfected utilizing elemental magic ammunition. This report complicates Gillian’s holiday plans, specifically those with infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly, who promised they’d ring in 1882 together.

The two men stand on the cusp of a romance that needs to be explored intimately and privately. But when Gillian’s residence is broken into by a magical mechanical man who tries to murder him on behalf of Tick Tock, he and Gunner must immediately investigate the city’s ruthless street gangs before the illegal magic becomes a threat that cannot be contained.

This might be their most wild adventure yet, but criminal undergrounds can’t compare to the dangers of the heart. Gillian must balance his career in law enforcement with his love for a vigilante, or lose both entirely.

Title: The Gangster

Series: Magic & Steam

Book #: 2

Genre: Steampunk, historical, gay romance

Length: 63,000 words (novel)

Publisher: Emporium Press

Release Date: January 12, 2021

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I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to C.S. Poe‘s books. I never really have been much of a mystery/suspense/thriller kind of reader. I love reading my HEA/HFN’s. However, I make exceptions when it comes to this author’s books. This book, leaves us wanting more, not really an HFN quite yet, although I know she will get us there.

However, what it does have, and what all her books have is so much imagery! This book (and the prelude book 1) take us into an alternate reality of 1881, one of steam punk and personal devices that act similar to cell phones. Where Grand Central Station is still a beautiful building, but only a few years old, and you won’t be going down a few levels to get the subway, but up to catch your ride on an airship. Where a clock is not just a clock, but a killer will always be caught.

We continue to see the connection between Gillian and Gunner the Deadly, and it expands and contracts, ebbs and flows, as Gunner learns more about Gillian, and is willing to be patient until all his secrets are revealed. There’s definitely a bumpy road ahead for these two as we learn more about Gillian’s past.

I’m not going to lie, there is definitely a bit of gruesome details here, and I did have to skim a bit in those parts, because EEK!. That being said, as usual this is another well written book by Poe. She manages to bring a lot of emotion into the two MC’s, even as they are running around trying to catch a killer on what was supposed to be a lovely New Year’s Eve for the two. I love that her imagination knows no bounds as to what to create in an alternate steam punk reality.

I really am looking forward to what is next for these two as they try to connect more, and likely are chased around NYC a bit more. Also, side note…who knew Vaseline has been around for so long? 😉

C.S. Poe is a Lambda Literary and two-time EPIC award finalist, and a FAPA award-winning author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction.

She resides in New York City, but has also called Key West and Ibaraki, Japan, home in the past. She has an affinity for all things cute and colorful and a major weakness for toys. C.S. is an avid fan of coffee, reading, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.

C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.

Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.

C.S. Poe Media:

Charisma Check (Roll for Love Book 2) by Charlie Novak: New Release Review

February 3, 2021 by Denise

Hatred is complicated, clothing is simple—Edward doesn’t need a man, and he certainly doesn’t need cosplayer and tattoo artist, Izzy Montes, AKA The Masked Gentleman, Edward’s ultimate nemesis.

Edward and Izzy have been antagonising each other for over three years. Their rivalry is fierce, and Edward is determined to keep Izzy at arm’s length. Which would be all well and good… if they weren’t engaging in a secret, heated hook-ups.

Forced to appear together at a film premier in LA, Edward is determined to get in and out with minimal damage to his reputation… and his heart. But Izzy Montes proves to be a complication Edward couldn’t have predicted. Biting, funny, and charming in equal measure, he’s the one man Edward needs to loathe.

He’s also the one man Edward can’t get out of his mind.

Not that Izzy plans on letting him.

Charisma Check is a 80,000-word contemporary MM romance featuring comic conventions, snark, many costume changes, and only one bed. It is book two in the Roll for Love series and should be read as part of the series.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

SO FUN!

Ok, Charlie Novak is a new-er to me author. I had read one of hers fairly recently and then when this because available I read book 1 first (must read!) and then immediately went to this book.

We met Edward in book one as the best friend of Jay. A professional cosplayer who has the natural ethereal look that makes him so successful. You can tell what a nice guy Edward is, but at one comic con, another cosplayer rubbed him the wrong way and declared themselves mortal enemies. Except they keep finding themselves naked in bathrooms together…

Izzy started cosplaying with his little brother. He was a total amateur when he met Edward the first time, but with practice makes perfect and he just continues to get better. One of the biggest differences is that Izzy has a full time job and cosplaying is just a hobby for him.

So enemies who meet periodically at various comic cons, who end up having quick and dirty hate sex and avoid each other like the plague. Until they are both hired to cosplay a movie premiere. In Los Angeles.

A comedy of errors- or karma- have them sitting together on an 11 hour transatlantic flight AND sharing a hotel room. And being that they are cosplaying a COUPLE, they are posing together and kissing for cameras. All while hating each other. Honestly, it was hilarious.

Because much of their story exists only at comic cons, the time frame spans a few years. Until Izzy’s full time job lands him in the same town Edward lives in. And then Edward’s best friend Jay gets involved. And there are invitations to game nights at the book store. And then not necessarily hate sex, but more friends with benefits sex. But they’re not really friends, right?? HA!

This is one of my favorite enemies to lovers I have read. Mostly because they seemed to pretend to hate each other right from the beginning. But everyone- from Edward’s PA to their friends and people that they meet at the movie premiere- all see right through it.

Hate sex, not hate sex, sex with kinky toys, and pretty panties. This book was hot, funny, sweet and yummy.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Love Me Tenor (Perfect Harmony Book 2) by Annabeth Albert: New (Re-)Release Review

February 1, 2021 by Denise

Their fake relationship may trick the viewers—and also themselves…

Trevor Daniels is out of chances. The recent college graduate doesn’t know what to do with his life, and going back home to his family is no longer an option. The one thing he can do though is sing. A chance to be on a reality show designed to find the next superstar boy band group may be exactly what he needs to turn his life around.

But the show wants him to fake a relationship. With another guy. A really, really hot guy who is none too happy to be paired with Trevor. And now they have to room together too?

Jalen Smith doesn’t want to be stuck with the uptight tenor, but he might have no choice. He too wants a shot at stardom, and if he has to fake attraction, then so be it. Except as the show goes on, less and less faking is needed, and more and more lust is springing up off camera.

But Trevor’s hiding a dangerous secret, one that could ruin more than their chances at winning the show. Can the truth give them the opportunity of a lifetime?

Love Me Tenor was previously published. This version has received a light editing update, but otherwise it’s the same fan-favorite story. Contains two reluctant allies faking a relationship, fake boyfriend hijinks, bunkbed escapades, first time feel, plenty of steam, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

The second book in a series of 3 that were rereleased by the author.

Another singing competition, this time trying to create a boy band. We met Trevor in the last book as the best friend of Lucas. Since then, Trevor has come out of the closet and been disowned by his family. With no where- literally- to go, he reluctantly agrees to be part of a group competing to be the next big boy band.

Like the previous, perhaps a little dated in the concept of singing competitions and boy bands. But it was still kind of fun. Fake boyfriends, real boyfriends who are eerily alike, religious zealot parents all while being recorded almost 24/7.

We definitely get to see another side of Trevor, mostly because he assume Jalen is straight. I did like that those stereotypes were challenged. Just because Jalen looks like this, doesn’t mean he is straight. Jalen did cause a bit of unnecessary angst by not just coming clean, but that’s a bit understandable too.

The story was definitely more in the house and their everyday life rather than the competition, but we still follow that as well. Although there are only 3 groups competing and, again, a bit stereotyped. But with the addition of social media and how important it is for competitions like this, it was fun.

Cute read, especially if you are a fan of singing competitions.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Running Lines by Jeris Jean: RB, Excerpt and Release Day Review

January 29, 2021 by Denise

Onscreen chemistry. Offscreen action.

Finn may look like a Romeo + Juliet-era Leo, but he’s out to prove he’s got what it takes to break the teen heartthrob mold. Grayson is a serious actor, with “serious” as the operative word, so he’s not thrilled to find himself hopelessly attracted to his young new co-star.

Starring on a teen soap may have made Finn Everett Hollywood’s latest “it” boy, complete with the 10 million Instagram followers to show for it, but does he have the chops to cut it as the newest cast member on television’s biggest drama, Frost Manor? Finn’s determined to prove himself as more than just as sex symbol and win the respect of his co-star, Grayson Winter.

Grayson is gorgeous, talented, and the celeb Finn has been secretly crushing on for years. Grayson is dedicated to his job. He has big aspirations to be Hollywood’s best leading man, and he’s willing to make personal sacrifices to get there. When his new scene partner is the charismatic and intensely distracting Finn Everett, Grayson is shaken loose from his single-minded ambition.

When Finn and Grayson start running lines, their off-the-charts chemistry has them wondering if big things are in store for more than just their careers.

Running Lines is an MM Romance featuring hot TV stars, Hollywood drama, and a sweet and sexy gay love story.

Book Title: Running Lines

Author and Publisher: Jeris Jean

Cover Artist: Jeris Jean

Release Date: January 26, 2021

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: Celebrities, Workplace Romance

Themes: Overcoming the past, self-confidence, defying expectations

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 55,000 words/ 142 pages (ebook)

It is a standalone story and is the first book in a series.

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Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Not a single interviewer had failed to mention Finn Everett, and it was getting really damn old. He didn’t want to talk about Finn Everett. He didn’t even want to think about Finn Everett. That just led to Grayson thinking about sexy blue eyes and lean muscles and no. No. Nothing good would come of that line of thought. It was going to be hard enough to work with him everyday on the show and maintain his standards of professionalism.

As Grayson clung to his last shred of patience for this interview, he answered the question the same way he had all night. “I trust our showrunners and casting director. But I haven’t personally met Finn Everett yet, so I don’t have an opinion of my own.” The words sounded colder, more robotic than he’d intended.

As if on cue, his agent Kayla’s familiar voice broke into the conversation, interrupting the interview. “We can fix that, Grayson! You can meet right now.” She was tugging someone by the hand and then shoving him into the interview right next to Grayson. The interviewer was clapping her hands in thrilled excitement, her smile widening to an even more frightening degree. Before he knew what was happening, he was shaking hands with Finn Everett, looking right into those dark blue eyes. There were only two words Grayson’s brain could manage at that moment: Holy. Fuck. Finn Everett was gorgeous.

Gaining his composure was difficult, but Grayson was a professional actor, so he knew how to pull himself together before anyone noticed how dumbstruck he was at the sight of Finn Everett. He hoped. The interviewer was now asking Finn how it felt to meet Grayson. Finn was staring at Grayson with the oddest expression – it was almost like…admiration? Grayson felt himself hold his breath, waiting to hear Finn’s answer.

Finn turned back to the interviewer, and he said smoothly, “It is an absolute pleasure. I can’t wait to work with him. I’m sure there’s a lot he can teach me.” Finn smiled shyly, his eyes dipping to the carpet and then back up to glance cautiously at Grayson through his lashes. Grayson met his eyes briefly, and he felt a tingle in his belly. His lips automatically quirked up at the corners without his permission. What was happening? Why was he acting like a total fool all of a sudden? It had to be that this red carpet media circus had finally wore him down completely. He was exhausted and too warm. That would make anyone’s head spin. That was totally it.

Thankfully, Kayla came to his rescue, grabbing both him and Finn by the hands and dragging them away from the interviewer, barking something about needing to get inside to take their seats. Grayson’s head was dizzy as he finally stepped into the cool air conditioning of the theatre.

“Look at this, my two favorite clients making friends,” Kayla said, smiling at Grayson and then Finn. “I had a hunch you’d hit it off,” she added as she let go of Grayson’s hand and dragged Finn further into the building.

Grayson was left in the entryway of the theatre, finally alone for the moment. He leaned against the marble wall behind him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to steady himself.

He was in trouble.

New author with her very first book. I hate to say it, but it is completely obvious that it is her first book. The story was there, but it was just a little bit of a mess. At times it read like a fleshed out outline, not a full story.

Finn, teenage heartthrob has landed a part on a very popular period show. And the lead is a guy he has crushed on. Finn has one day to learn his lines for the next day’s shoot, and Grayson shows up to help him.

They have a great time. Running lines, feeding off of each other’s energy, etc. Grayson invites him over for Thai food. I am expecting some flirting, longing glances, accidental touches…nope. He gets invited in one chapter and the next chapter Finn is reminiscing about the night before. That was never on page.

The whole book was like this. There was no connection at all with the characters. We knew more about the PA Ethan than these two. The entire season worth of filming this show was over in a matter of a few chapters. There was just no substance. It was all superficial.

Once they are “found out” (even though they really weren’t hiding), the producers tell them to act like they hate each other in public. Do we ever see that? Nope.

And even with that, the story dragged on well past it’s natural ending point.

Superficial, no chemistry, no substance. Needs a brutal beta reader (or 2) and a serious edit.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Jeris Jean is a life-long Minnesotan with an obsessive love of books. She has a master’s degree in English Literature but didn’t write her first novel until she was in her mid-thirties. Something just “clicked,” and all fell into its rightful place.

Jeris is a lover of cats, coffee, binge-watching tv shows, her bffs, puzzles, knitting, white sunglasses, black nail polish, purple hair, and reading and writing like it’s going out of style, especially mm romance.

She lives with her husband, two sons and their cat, Fluffy Cat Love, in a lovely little suburb of Minneapolis.

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