New Release Review

Treble Maker (Perfect Harmony Book 1) by Annabeth Albert: Re-Release Review

January 19, 2021 by Denise

He’s all about that bass…

Cody Rivers wants to be a music star. And this a cappella singing competition could be his best, last chance to make it happen. However, his punk style and rocker attitude don’t exactly fit in with the world of clean-cut, wholesome a cappella groups or reality music TV shows. Even worse, a bumbling bass singer from a rival group might be his undoing.

Lucas Norwood isn’t cut out to be a star. He’s content being in the background of his college a cappella group, trying not to trip over his feet while attempting to fit in with his more conservative friend group. He’s also determined not to let Cody’s barbs—or his smoking hot good looks—get to him.

When the show forces them to work together, their chemistry is undeniable, both on and off the stage. But giving into their attraction may have real consequences, especially with elimination looming. Will making their dreams come true mean losing each other?

Treble Maker was previously published. This version has received a light editing update, but otherwise it’s the same fan-favorite story. Contains two rival musicians who couldn’t be more opposite, first time feel, plenty of steam, and a guaranteed happy ending.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Treble Maker was Annabeth Albert’s first published book. It has been rereleased with very small changes. I might have read it already, but because of my fabulous memory and the amount of books I read, I don’t remember it. That isn’t a bad thing.

As such, I am going to review this as if it was her first book. Because I liked it, but I didn’t love it. And I found some parts problematic, which I probably wouldn’t have even noticed the first time around. The more you know and all that.

The scene is a reality show a cappella competition. Pitch Perfect on tv. Cody just wants to make it as a singer. If he has to gather together an a cappella group to do it, so be it. He isn’t great at sharing the spotlight though.

Lucas is the opposite. Quiet guy, part of a collegiate group. Said college is very conservative and religious and his father is a professor there who has a small amount of fame from books he has written. Lucas is gay. Even out. But he has chosen abstinence, as they are taught that being gay isn’t a sin. It’s that “gay lifestyle” that is.

This is my problematic part. Cody really pushes Lucas. Pushes him into something he said he didn’t want. Or wanted, but wouldn’t act on. BUT being that when this was first published, the idea of explicit consent wasn’t really at the forefront.

So the story is split between the competition and rehearsing for it, and Cody pushing Lucas’ boundaries.

It was a fun story overall and once Lucas was all in with the sexy times- whew! It was hot. Lucas had a little kink that Cody had no problem working with and playing to which lead to some incredibly steamy scenes.

I also enjoyed Lucas taking a stand for himself with his parents toward the end of the book. I always root for someone standing up for themselves.

If you want to know how Annabeth Albert started off, or if you just enjoy a fun story, give it a go.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Right Move: A Gay Cowboy Romance (Clean Slate Ranch Book 6) by A.M. Arthur: New Release Review

January 18, 2021 by Denise

Opposites attract in this sexy, slow-burn romance, the next installment in A.M. Arthur’s fan-favorite Clean Slate Ranch series.

Levi Peletier is settled—for now. With his life on the rodeo circuit reined in, he’s content doing trick riding demos for tourists at Clean Slate Ranch and spending his off-hours with three finicky felines. It’s a life he’s grateful for, one that keeps his heart safe.

George Thompson couldn’t be less like the ruggedly sexy Levi. A onetime figure skating star, he’s hung up his skates to live in introverted anonymity in San Francisco. An effort to shake up his regular routine finds him at Thanksgiving dinner, dude ranch style, and he immediately falls in love with the gorgeous view—the wide-open spaces and big blue sky aren’t bad, either.

The country cowboy and the stay-put city boy strike up an unlikely friendship that blossoms into something more. But getting attached is a bad idea. Because the open road is calling to Levi, and it’s a call George can’t imagine answering. When the past catches up to them, this odd couple will have to decide if a future together is worth fighting for.

Amazon

Carina Press

The Clean Slate Ranch series is branching out. This time we get to know more about the twins in the upstairs apartment that we met in the previous book. And Levi, the trick rider we also met previously. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

George and Orry are twins who are very quiet and keep to themselves. But, by association, get involved with the Clean Slate Ranch “family”. A big Thanksgiving dinner and an injured cat bring George and Levi together. Even though George is a complete introvert and is bordering on agoraphobia and Levi is outgoing and loves the outdoors.

Levi slowly romances George without even meaning to, I don’t think. But the calls and lunches are definitely romantic. Levi is hesitant because of the age difference and because George is so shy. But with Levi, he slowly comes out of his shell.

I really like how Levi was portrayed. He has done a lot of soul searching the past 4 years after a tragedy and you can tell by the way he speaks how mindful he is. “I hear you and I respect that”. Very new age-y, hippyish, but it totally works for him.

Even though we got to know George, I don’t feel like his story was fully told.

Ugh, sometimes when you are “friends” with an author, reviews can be difficult. There is nothing wrong with this book at all. It is written well, there is a good romance, hot sex, care and respect given to past traumas and current virginities. There are even cute cats. And even though I liked the book and will recommend it- especially for followers of the author and/or series, it might be time to put the Clean Slate Ranch out to pasture.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Captain’s Snowbound Christmas by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead: New Release Review

January 18, 2021 by Denise

A Captivating Captains story

Will Reuben be unwrapping a captain this Christmas?

Reuben’s a makeup artist who’s much in demand in the business, from making the beautiful even more gorgeous, to creating an alluring love-scene glow. All of his Christmas wishes come true at once when he’s hired to work on the set of his favorite TV show. And not only that, but on the swoony Christopher Manners.

Bunny is lusted after by millions as the brooding hero of television’s Captain Firth adventures. His manly swash and handsome buckle have earned him a legion of fans and when he strides onto the screen and commands, “draw your sword, sir”, it’s time to get down to business.

When Reuben and Bunny’s first date turns into a disaster, it looks as though the show’s over before it’s begun, but a blizzard, a mysterious bearded man in a red coat and a hot winter night combine to give them a second chance.

Amazon

Pride Publishing

Holiday romances are my favorite. And there were so many to choose from this year! I only was able to read a few of them, but this one was a must read, because I love when these authors co-write. It is seamless to me, and that isn’t always the case with books that are co-authored.

I have to start with poor Rueben. We’ve all been in the situation he was in (well maybe not that exact situation), when you open your mouth, and the wrong thing comes out…despite all your best intentions. That was bound to happen…poor Rueben…and it did. It almost waylaid the budding romance with Bunny (which by the way, this was just a bit of an odd nickname for the MC, it threw me a big). However, thanks to a little bit of car trouble, and a little bit of the old Christmas magic, they were able to find their way to each other.

This novella was all kinds of gooey, and fluffy, and happy, and that’s exactly what we need during the holidays, and really all the time right now. I will probably re-read this in July, when it’s sweltering outside, and I can fall into the joy of a little Christmas love.

4 pieces of eye candy

Angels in the City by Garrett Leigh: New Release Review

December 21, 2020 by Denise

A fake relationship with a stranger. An office romance with doughnuts and white knights. An addictive arrangement—friends with benefits—fast turns to love.

Jonah Gray is rich, successful, and the most eligible bachelor in the city, according to his mother, at least. But the truth is, despite her efforts to pair him off, he’s fine on his own. All he needs is a date to the Christmas ball.

Sacha Ivanov is a lone wolf, content in the cycle of long days, late nights, and anonymous hook ups, but when a chance encounter in a broken-down lift brings a gorgeous copper-haired CEO into his life, everything begins to change.

As Christmas fast approaches, a favour for a stranger blooms into something more. He doesn’t do second dates or relationships. But for kind-hearted Jonah, his angel in the city, he might just change his mind.

Angels in the City is a Christmas themed MM friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, office romance. Expect fraught days, steamy nights, and true love built around festive snacks and Christmas trees.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Fake boyfriends is always a fun trope. But these guys were strangers to fake boyfriends in 20 minutes! And then fake boyfriends to a one night stand. But they work in the same building on the same floor and share the same break room.

Sacha is a Russian expat living in London. Everyone thinks he is grumpy and scary. But Jonah saw the real Sacha when they first met. It’s the Sacha that keeps drawing Jonah in.

This was Christmas themed, but definitely not just only a Christmas book. In fact, I loved that Sacha (being Russian) doesn’t even celebrate Christmas. It’s nice to see a character that is different from the norm.

Something that surprised me- the low angst! Garrett Leigh is a master of angst! But nope, except for a mother who died when he was young and a father he doesn’t speak to, there was no drama!

Being that it was tame, there was also quite a bit about their respective jobs. Those parts were a little boring. I don’t want to sit in on meetings at my own job, let alone fictional ones.

Overall, a fairly feel good, low angst, Christmas is involved story.

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

A String of Lights (Naughty or Nice?) by Alexa Milne: New Release Review

December 17, 2020 by Denise

Sometimes loves shines a light.

Devlyn Collins lives with his mum and stepdad in the north of England. He goes out with his mates, drinks a bit too much and works for his Uncle Sid. The trouble is, he’s begun to think he wants more.

Henry Ward is a man with a secret—he’s a multi-millionaire who owns a landed estate on the edge of Exmoor, thanks to a massive win on the lottery. He’s also a man with a mission, determined to restore Secoombe Hall and village and find out how he shares a history with the place. He’s too busy for love.

Christmas brings these two men together when Henry offers Sid and Dev silly money for a last-minute job of putting up Christmas lights. Dev doesn’t expect to meet an attractive man in this small village and Henry expects them to be just strangers, passing for one night only.

But events conspire to bring Dev back to the village…and keep him there for Christmas. Will this be just a holiday romance, or could it develop into something more?

Amazon

Pride Publishing

I kind of live for the holiday stories every year. I am definitely an HEA, low angst, reader. I don’t mind insta-love, and definitely want some of the fluffy reads. Keep them coming, I say.

This one, although not quite insta-love, qualifies for me as one of those types of stories. Dev doesn’t mind working for his uncle, although you can tell it isn’t his dream job, but putting up the lights…that he really enjoys. Meanwhile, Henry, with money he received from lottery winnings (by the way, I applaud the author for not making the money between the siblings be a source of contention, that would have been disappointing) found this estate that spoke to him and did everything he could to fix it up, make it a place for tourists to come, and locals to feel at home, all in secret.

I loved that Dev was confident in himself, he never felt like he wasn’t worthy of someone’s affections. Meanwhile Henry, besides his millionaire side, also had a little bit of a bad boy side underneath his sweet little sweaters.

This story gave me such joy. I loved reading about the town (and definitely would love to read more about it…maybe the pastor???), the townpeople, as well as the MC’s…and the sassy cat who wouldn’t go back outside. 🙂 Definitely a stand alone, and will give you all the happy feels.

4 pieces of eye candy for me.

On the Run (A Whispering Key Novel) by May Archer: Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 16, 2020 by Denise

I was supposed to be partying with a bunch of celebrities in paradise this week, okay?

But then I made one teeny, tiny error in judgement before leaving New York, and suddenly the paparazzi expected me to give a command performance as “the other man” in their straight celebrity “outing” of the week.

Um, no, precious. So much no.

Instead, I did what any self-respecting, secret-keeping man would do in that situation: I cancelled my trip and fled New York to hide out in the last place anyone would look for me–a weird little Florida island where nothing exciting ever happened.

Or at least it didn’t… until I arrived.

Now I find myself shacked up with my fake boyfriend Beale Goodman, Whispering Key’s most adorable, most enormous, most virginal cinnamon roll—a guy who rescues feral cats, believes in soulmates, and talks about happiness like it’s free for the taking.

A guy who nearly convinces me, with every smile and kiss, that it is.

Stranger still? I find myself falling for the people on the island. Fitting in, instead of sticking out. Making, you know… friends. And for the first time ever, I think I’ve found something I want to run to, rather than from…

As long as I can keep my secrets from catching up with me.

On The Run (Whispering Key, Book 2) by May Archer

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

“I know what I want to do with you today.”

Toby, who was picking up our assorted clothes from the corner of the guest bedroom, paused to give me a flirtatious grin. “Oh, really? You ready to go again already, Goodman?”

I snorted. God, he made me happy.

“Not that.” Although, you know, these days I was always down for that. I had zero hesitation when Toby was involved. “I meant an activity where you can work on your tan.”

We’d been so busy for the last couple of days, what with trivia, and town meetings, and me taking a couple of shifts running Goodmen Outfitters’ tour boat around the island, and Toby being the unofficial social events coordinator for Whispering Key, Toby had joked the night before that he was the only person in the world who’d leave Florida paler than he’d arrived.

Meanwhile, I’d started thinking maybe I didn’t want him to leave at all.

He straightened, narrowed his eyes, and set his hands on his hips. “What kind of activity?”

“I…” Somewhere around Monday, he’d developed a line of freckles across his nose that were the cutest, most distracting thing ever. I wanted to boop them with my fingertip. I also knew better than to mention this on pain of death.

“You, what?” he demanded. “Finish the thought, Goodman.”

His scowl made me grin. “So suspicious.”

Toby went back to gathering up clothes. “Wonder why. Possibly because we’ve already re-enacted Titanic? Or because we were nearly stranded on a deserted island? Or because you fed me vegan seitan hotdogs yesterday and claimed it was an accident? Or—?”

I laughed out loud. “We absolutely were not stranded, you enjoyed the seitan before you knew what it was, and nothing has tried to murder you in hours and hours.I’m starting to think you enjoy being almost-murdered, Toby.”

“Nonsense. I do not have a murder fetish, thank you very much, and I am the perfect amount of suspicious.”

Another May Archer winner for me.

Poor Toby…talk about a bad day, which only got worse, before it got even worse. Honestly, though, he presented himself as someone who couldn’t deal with all the “icky” stuff that was dumped on him all throughout the book, but he did. He handled it all as well as a man who’d transplanted himself from Ohio because his family didn’t want anything to do with him.

Meanwhile, Beale was the sweetest 28 year old virgin you’d ever meet. All he wanted was to find what and who he was meant to be, and the soul mate that his mother taught him to wait for. He took a lot of ribbing from the people on the Key, and just let it all go, because he knew in his heart he was right to wait and let the Universe tell him what was next.

Complete opposites, but they fit like two pieces of a puzzle. I also loved how Toby, without really meaning to, ended up getting involved in the local “scene” on the Key, but was Beale’s champion.

Lots of snark, fun, and some sweet and sexy times. All the antics that’s are a fun and funny May Archer book. Mostly stand alone, although there were parts where I felt like a little more explanation could have been given for the unaware reader.

4 pieces of eye candy

May is an M/M author who lives in Boston. She spends her days raising three incredibly sarcastic children, finding inventive ways to drive her husband crazy, planning beach vacations, avoiding the gym, reading M/M romance, and occasionally writing it. She also writes MF romance as Maisy Archer.

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