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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Quick Reviews

Treading Water by Alex Winters: New Release Review

October 12, 2023 by Denise

Actor Tucker Crawford is having the worst summer ever. Thanks to a viral video of him trying to swim, he’s the laughingstock of Hollywood and his role in a hit TV series is in jeopardy. The only bright spot is Tucker’s sexy new swim coach, Reed Oliver, but even that has its problems—because Tucker is deep in the closet and has never been with a guy.

Reed Oliver is having the best summer ever. He’s just scored a high-paying freelance gig teaching a Hollywood actor how to swim. The two of them have the run of a deserted summer camp, complete with an Olympic-size swimming pool. But when cocky playboy Reed meets shy, virgin Tucker, sparks fly and Reed’s walk-in-the-park coaching job becomes a minefield of temptation. Once they kiss for the first time, there’s no way to overcome their mutual passion and no looking back. But after two weeks of secluded intimacy, can they keep their romance alive in the real world?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Ok, let me start by saying that the blurb was a bit misleading. Reed wasn’t having his best summer ever. He took this position because he was on probation at work. And why Tucker is called shy and virginal I’ll never know. But these are the best of the worst for me.

When the two men meet and are left alone to get to know each other, we are bombarded with “think of it as” and “for lack of a better term” and “let me put it this way”. What I would do for a red pen.

The language used sounded like a 21 year old frat boy wrote it as a dare. The CONSTANT nicknames. Kid, dude, bro, pops. big guy, kiddo, hot pants.

And let’s go back to why a guy not knowing how to swim is such a scandal that it went viral, he’s a laughingstock AND his job is in jeopardy? He plays a zombie chaser. It isn’t a biopic about Michael Phelps.

And for all of the focus on him having to learn how to swim, very little of that is even in the book. Because once they kiss, it’s all about having sex. Tucker’s fake girlfriend and costar actually says “did you do the old boom-boom in the bum-bum yet?” and “almost losing your butt boy v card.” At minimum eye rolling, but it was honestly pretty problematic.

All of the characters are big stereotypes as well.

This was not fun, not sexy, not cute and not a book I ever want to think about again.

2 pieces of eye candy

Filed Under: Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 2 stars, book, Book Reviews, gay, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

You Can Do Magic: Carnival of Mysteries by RL Merrill: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

October 10, 2023 by Denise

From the author of Foreword Indies Finalist Summer of Hush and BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist Brains and Brawn comes a new installment in the series, a contemporary gay romance with a side of time travel and magic.

Musical prodigy Kallos Alexandrou has played his calliope for countless visitors at Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, but his one-year residency has come to an end. Scars from a terrible tragedy in his past are the only explanation he has for his loss of speech and memory, but it’s time to move on, so when a music festival sets up next to the carnival, Mr. Ame sends him off with identification, a bottomless billfold, and a set of new clothes. Outside the carnival’s perimeter, Kal finds himself in an unfamiliar world surrounded by strange instruments and vibrant people like nothing he’s ever seen.

Ryan Wells is the troubled and celebrated lead singer of the metal band Backdrop Silhouette. He’s brought more than his share of baggage on the last cross-country Warped Tour, including harsh restrictions placed on him by his parole officer and the band’s label, but it’s the treatment from his bandmates that have him feeling unsettled. After a tough morning, he spots a strange young man playing carnival music on a keyboard backstage, and the sound takes him back to a particularly vulnerable time in his youth. Intrigued, Ryan asks the young man’s name, but he flees only to appear later as a replacement stagehand for the tour.

An invitation from the band Hush to ride on their bus gives Ryan and Kal a welcome distraction. They find the camaraderie and support they’ve both been craving…as well as a little magic and a fresh new romance. But personal secrets and the music business make relationships difficult to maintain, and when the tour ends, Ryan and Kal will have to make a choice: move forward together on an uncertain path, or let fear keep them from trusting that sometimes you really can have everything you desire.

You Can Do Magic is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a Depression-era calliaphone, a Ouija board with a purpose, and tour bus hijinks that will warm your heart and make you gigglesnort. Reading Summer of Hush and Brains and Brawn before this book will give you the full Warped Tour experience, but You Can Do Magic can be read as a standalone as well as the other books in the shared universe. Recommended 18+

Title: You Can Do Magic
Authors: R.L. Merrill
Length: 60+k
Series: Summer of Hush/Carnival of Mysteries Shared Universe. Summer of Hush #3
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Despite Krish and Silas insisting I go with them to the carnival tonight, I’d convinced myself I would stay in, maybe write, maybe lay in my bunk and stare at the ceiling for many hours. I had this hollow feeling that, in the past, I would have filled with alcohol until I either passed out or found someone to fuck. Now that I’d made a promise, a commitment, that I wouldn’t partake of mind-altering substances, music was the only thing that kept me from drowning.

I’d had it out with Parker before the rest of the guys left to go to a bar in Nashville and hear some local music.

“I know the guys are annoying, but Ryan, you gotta get your priorities straight, man. If you can’t get along with them in the long run? Maybe we need to think about making some changes.”

What he meant was, changes that involved my future. Oscar and TJ had been embraced by the fans and were favorites at our signings, and they might accept me being out of the band by now. There had been a vocal minority who’d said I shouldn’t be allowed back after my prison stint. But the majority had welcomed me. I’d received letters from other ex-cons and even folks still locked up that thanked me for showing them there was life after prison. That meant more to me than being worried about Parker’s veiled threats.

“It’s carnival time, dude.” Silas hopped up the steps of the bus toward me and stuck out his hand. I grabbed it and pulled him into a bro hug, holding on a little longer than normal. He didn’t know it, but he’d just saved me from yet another downward spiral. He’d done it once before, the night he’d sang “Angel’s Son” with me. I’d been ready to say fuck it that night and go out looking for booze, but he’d agreed to my plan, agreed to help me finish the album I’d written with Gavin. Silas’s friendship was one of the only positive things keeping me going right now. I should tell him, but he probably wouldn’t believe me anyway.

“Shit. We’re doing this. Okay. Let me grab my wallet.”

I took a minute inside the bus to brush my too-long hair out of my face. It was scraggly at the ends. I barely looked presentable anymore. I grabbed a ball cap someone had given us from a canned water company called Liquid Death. “Murder Your Thirst” it said. So cheeky. I shoved it on backward and put on some lip balm, then turned back to Silas. He was bouncing his knees and looking up at the white board we had hung up on the wall for notes to each other. At this time, we had our schedule for the next five days, and then there were a couple of vulgar drawings.

“I can see you want to add something.”

Silas grinned at me and picked up the marker. He hummed as he drew pictures of TJ and Oscar, and then drew a giant dick ejaculating on them. He popped the pen cap back on and turned to face me. His shit-eating smile made me laugh for probably the first time since…well, since I’d met Kal.

“I mean, it’s not going to win me any awards, but you can tell it’s those two, can’t you?”

I sighed and gestured for him to exit the bus. “Yes, you can tell. I’ll probably hear about it later.”

He stopped and pushed past me. “Then let me leave my name. I don’t want them thinking it’s anyone other than me.”

He signed the drawing Love, Silas, July 2018.

“There! Perfect. I always take credit for my shenanigans.”

“Fucking Franklin. All right. Let’s go. You get Los to agree to come? He seemed leery about hanging out with some colorful folks tonight.”

“Nah, he’s staying behind, but we brought someone else.”

I followed him down the steps, watching as I went because I’d already stumbled twice getting off the damn bus. The steps were really funky. When I finally looked up, there was Kal.

He held up a hand and waved hesitantly.

I wanted to hug him even tighter than I’d hugged Silas. I couldn’t believe how happy I was to see him. After I’d walked away from him earlier, I’d known it was the right thing to do, and yet it took all of my strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I wanted him near me. I wanted something good in my life.

Knowing full well I was an asshole for being happy, I grinned at him. “You survived your first day, huh?”

Silas put his arm around Kal and beamed. “He sure did, and if he survives the rest of the tour, I think we might poach him. Theo is going back to school and wants to be close to Merch Girl Mischa, so we’ve got an opening for a tech, and since we’re headed to Europe, we could really use someone good.”

Silas patted him once more and let go. Kal watched him with a shocked expression. I wondered what he thought about all that.

“I suppose it also matters whether Kal wants to remain with you heathens.”

Silas looked at me like I’d just suggested someone might actually be immune to his charms. “What do you mean? What could be better than touring with us?” His confusion quickly morphed into laughter. “You’re right. Kal, I won’t be offended if you think me and my band of messy men are too much of a mess for you. So, do you have other plans? Headed home after Warped? What do you think?”

Kal opened his mouth and then shut it, his cheeks flushing. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his shorts—

Lord, whoever’d dressed him deserved my gratitude. His legs were paler than his arms, but they were sculpted like a statue I’d once admired in a museum, I forget which one. Long and lightly dusted with golden hairs that caught the fading light of the sunset.

My silence must have been noted by Krish. He cleared his throat. “We gave him some of the sample clothes from Roxanne’s brand. It’s so hot out—”

“Hot. Yes. Looks good.”

It was clear I was ogling him, and though these guys were used to my quirks, it was an awkward moment. I’d drawn Silas once. He wasn’t a good model, as he fidgeted and talked the whole time. I knew there were rumors about what happened at my drawing sessions. Nothing had happened with Silas. Couldn’t say that for all of my models.

“Right, well. Shall we?” Silas gave me a look like down, boy. “I keep smelling that damned cotton candy and my sweet tooth is begging me for some.”

I stood next to Kal and looked up at him. I liked the way he met my gaze, unafraid, unashamed, as if he were accepting my challenge, or challenging me. This back and forth had me fired up.

“We shall.”

This book sounded interesting to me. And it’s a stand alone that is set in the same world as 12 other books. But I think I missed the point by not reading at least the first of the others.

After a year in a magical carnival, Kal rejoins the world. He was in the magical world because something bad happened to him. And although we find out WHAT happened, it still doesn’t explain why he was in the carnival.

He meets Ryan, a musician in a band on the Warped tour. Ryan is also a mess- for several reasons. We get an explanation of them all but it didn’t feel complete.

I just felt like there was no real cohesion to the story. Kal is seemingly unsurprised at everything in the world even though a lot has changed since he was last in it. I know he saw things while working in the carnival but definitely not everything.

And everyone seems to crap on Ryan even though he is trying to make amends. He even goes out of his comfort zone so the band doesn’t lose money and they STILL treat him like crap.

I think I would understand Ryan and all of the different things going on with the bands if I had read those books by the author.

If you are a fan of this author and had read previous books with a lot of these characters, I think you will like this book more than I did. But there were too many loose ends that didn’t get tied for me.

3 pieces of eye candy

Whether she’s writing swoon-worthy contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…

Connect with R.L.:
https://www.rlmerrillauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/rlmerrillauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rlmerrillauthor
https://www.twitter.com/rlmerrillauthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/rosroadiesofromancea Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Randomness, Release Day Review, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 3 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, excerpt, exclusive, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, R.L. Merrill, release day review, review, romance

Like I Wanted (Heather Bay book 5) by Charlie Novak: Release Day Review

October 1, 2023 by Denise

Roommates. Best friends. Boyfriends?

Theo and Laurie have been best friends for six years but despite doing everything together, they’ve never been anything more than best friends and roommates.

Then someone calls them boyfriends and upends their neat little world.

As the pair struggle to put a lid on their feelings, a random email from Theo’s brother throws him even further off balance and all Laurie can do is offer a niche form of stress relief. But Laurie’s support doesn’t stop at rope garters. Once the two of them fall into bed, it’s clear things will never be the same between them.

Now, Theo and Laurie must finally address the feelings they’ve tried to hide from and figure out if they really are just friends, or if there’s always been something more between them. Can they give each other everything they ever wanted?

Like I Wanted is a steamy best friends to lovers contemporary MM romance featuring a femme boy who loves zombie horror and weird taxidermy, a goth with a secret love of shibari, interfering adult entertainers, a vicar who takes no shit, and a quest for guinea pigs.

It is the fifth and final novel in the Heather Bay series and is best enjoyed as part of the series.

Please note that one of the MCs is involved in adult entertainment and chooses to remain working in the industry, with the full consent of his partner, once they’re in a relationship. For more information, please see the internal Author’s Note.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

FINALLY!!!!!!! If you know you know! It wasn’t just the original group of friends and their significant others. And probably most of Heather Bay. They acted like they were together. They worked together. They lived together. Were they together? No one knew for sure. But now we do. No. Until now they were bffs. Who lived together, worked together and definitely acted like they were together. But weren’t.

And apparently we ALL saw what they didn’t. That they were perfect for each other and basically already in love with each other but for various reasons, never let the other know.

We are talking about Theo and Laurie of course. Laurie, the resident goth and owner of the local funeral home and Theo, the rainbow chaos goblin who works in the embalming room, is a streaming gamer AND has a porn channel. It’s a wonder he sleeps.

Honestly, seeing them realize what their friends thought was pretty funny. Seeing them realize that they do actually love each other was endearing. Seeing a side of Laurie no one else sees was HOT.

I loved the direction that little tidbit took us. Unexpected, but also totally tracks. Having that dynamic unfold was beautiful actually.

There’s also a bit of a side story involving Theo which really brings out the protective side of Laurie. Swoon. And no, it isn’t Theo’s amateur porn career. Laurie is totally fine with that as long as Theo stays open and honest about what he is doing with whom.

Having Theo and Laurie find their happily ever after- with each other- was SO worth the wait. They were great characters that we got to know so much better and cemented their place in Heather Bay happiness.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Filed Under: Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 4.5 stars, author, book, Book Reviews, Charlie Novak, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, release day review, review, romance

Time To Shine by Rachel Reid: New Release Review

October 1, 2023 by Denise

For Landon Stackhouse, being called up from the Calgary farm team is exciting and terrifying, even if, as the backup goalie, he rarely leaves the bench. A quiet loner by nature, Landon knows he gives off strong “don’t talk to me” vibes. The only player who doesn’t seem to notice is Calgary’s superstar young winger, Casey Hicks.

Casey treats Landon like an old friend, even though they’ve only interacted briefly in the past. He’s endlessly charming and completely laid-back in a way that Landon absolutely can’t relate to. They couldn’t have less in common, but Landon needs a place to live that’s not a hotel room and Casey has just bought a massive house—and hates being alone.

As roommates, Casey refuses to be defeated by Landon’s one-word answers. As friends, Landon comes to notice a few things about Casey, like his wide, easy smile and sparkling green-blue eyes. Spending the holidays together only intensifies their bromance-turned-romance. But as the new year approaches, the countdown to the end of Landon’s time in Calgary is on.

Amazon – All Regions

Audible

A hockey book, by Rachel Reid, without ILYA??? Gasp!

But a different team brings us new players, new characters, new chances at love. This time we are in Calgary with a farm team back up goalie temporarily replacing the regular back up goalie who was hurt. Landon is a VERY quiet guy. Like, painfully quiet. And then Casey, a temporary teammate he met once before, latches onto him like a koala bear. Casey is the COMPLETE opposite of Landon. Loud, friendly, never stops moving and hates to be alone.

What comes next is two guys, each with their own issues and trauma, who are completely opposite from each other, trying not to fall in love. Because once the back up goalie is healthy, Landon will be sent back down.

So Casey OBVIOUSLY has ADHD and I can’t believe it isn’t mentioned. Like at all. You’d think his friends and teammates would even joke about it, as friends and teammates are wont to do. I found that odd. Add in the actual joking he gets about being “stupid”, I wonder if anyone has actually paid attention.

Moving on. Landon’s trauma is so much deeper. A fractured family that he emotionally and physically distanced himself from after his sister died. He doesn’t have any close connections. Is that because he is so withdrawn and quiet or is he so withdrawn and quiet because he doesn’t have any close connections? He isn’t that guy who obviously has walls up, if that makes sense. He is just pretty much accepted for being a quiet loner. Casey doesn’t accept it though.

I love how settled down Casey gets with Landon. Like he is his own personal Ritalin. He is so tender and sweet and loving with Landon. And while it takes Landon a bit to open up enough, it’s so worth it.

Landon and his family begin to heal as well. Parents admitting they were wrong, how novel. But so amazing.

So yes, another winner here from Rachel Reid. I can’t wait for more.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Filed Under: Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: Book Reviews, gay, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, Rachel Reid, release day review, review, romance

Find Me Worthy: A small town MM hurt/comfort roommates romance (Safe Harbor Book 3) by Annabeth Albert

September 29, 2023 by Denise

I thought I’d lost myself…

Until Sam found me. I’m back in Safe Harbor, where I haven’t belonged in over twenty years. I’m unsure how I ended up here, yet I’m certain Sam is the key to finally healing.

But it’s complicated.

Sam’s had a crush on me since we were younger. To me, however, he was always the annoying kid tagging along. Now he’s all grown-up and delightfully bossy—and sexy—as he encourages me to reclaim my health.

I enjoy pushing Sam’s buttons, but one button too many leads to a scorching kiss. Soon, we’re using Sam’s cushy bed for way more than sleeping. But I can’t imagine staying in Safe Harbor forever, and no way is Sam leaving.

Sam’s given me a place to stay, a job at his nonprofit coffee shop, and a sense of purpose when I had none. But can I give him my heart? And more importantly, can I overcome my past to make Safe Harbor my future?

FIND ME WORTHY is a hurt/comfort childhood crush-to-lovers MM romance. This unexpected roommate arrangement stars two mature heroes with a minor age gap, mental health representation, and plenty of first times and sexy discoveries for everyone. Deep feels, dual point-of-view, and big fluffy HEA guaranteed.

FIND ME WORTHY is book three and the thrilling conclusion to the Safe Harbor series from acclaimed author Annabeth Albert. This small historic Oregon town has a tight friend group, memorable secondary characters, quirky businesses, and long-held secrets. Each book stands alone with a fresh couple, but the background mystery of the town’s secrets ties the series together, making reading in order more fun!

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Worth, we knew his name, we knew his family story, we knew stories of when he was younger and friends with the guys, but we didn’t know Worth now. We got glimpses through text messages and one disastrous visit, but nothing deep. Until now, when he has returned to Safe Harbor.

Let me say that at the beginning, the depiction of depression was so spot on. It almost brought me to tears. And although Worth continues to get treatment for depression throughout the story, I wish the reality of depression extended further.

Sam being Sam, recognized immediately that Worth was in trouble. I really appreciated that he made of point of saying that HE could not be Worth’s cure to depression.

And since we already know the ending of the mystery of what happened to Worth’s mother, this story could focus more on Sam and Worth as a couple, sort of. At least at the beginning. And Sam’s dreams of continuing Blessed Brew helping out at risk teens and perhaps filling his house with foster kids.

Worth has A LOT of trauma. A LOT. Because it wasn’t just what happened to his family. There was more trauma that brought him back to Safe Harbor. It takes a bit, but he does clear the air with his friends and Cal, the diver who found his mother’s body. Having Sam’s mother around with her profound wisdom was amazing.

Overall I really loved the story. It was a great conclusion to the Safe Harbor trilogy which a very satisfying epilogue. Worth’s recovery was a tad too easy for me and there was a bit more religion than I like but Sam’s dad was the town preacher so…

This whole series was a good representation of small towns, friendship through the years and not letting the past determine the future.

4 pieces of eye candy

Filed Under: Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 4 stars, Annabeth Albert, author, Book Reviews, gay, lgbtq, m/m romance, new release, release day review, review, romance

You, Again: MM Small Town/Hockey Romance (The Elmwood Stories Book 1) by Lane Hayes: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

September 27, 2023 by Denise

The hometown hockey hero and his best friend’s brother…

Vinnie

Hockey is in my blood. I learned to skate before I learned how to ride a bike. I’ve been on a wild ride, playing at the highest level for some of the biggest and best teams in the league. But now it’s over, and I’m not sure what to do with myself.

So I’m going home to Elmwood.

But I’ll tell you what I’m not gonna do—I’m not going to coach my buddy’s junior hockey league. No chance. I don’t know how to deal with kids, and besides, the other coach—who happens to be my best friend’s brother—hates me. With reason.

That may be old news, yet something tells me we’re going to have to deal with the past.

And that’s almost as scary as coaching teens.

Nolan

No, I don’t hate Vinnie, but he drives me nuts.

He’s cocky, goofy, selfish, and yeah…after all these years, I’m still attracted to him. But I’m a responsible adult now. I run my family’s business, and with the help of my ex, I’ve made Elmwood Diner into a New England institution.

So maybe my life isn’t particularly exciting at the moment, and maybe Vinnie isn’t the worst. Nonetheless, I have no desire to rekindle a friendship with the hockey hero who no doubt will be on the first flight out of town the second he gets bored or gets a better offer.

And I’m not coaching with him. No way.

Ugh…

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

You, Again is an MM bisexual, best friend’s brother, frenemies to lovers romance featuring old friends, a new quest, and a little hockey HEA!

Title: You, Again
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 57k
Series: The Elmwood Stories, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Bisexual awakening, Best friend’s brother, small town, hockey, frenemies to lovers

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

We sipped our coffee in silence, lost in our own thoughts.

“Are you staying with your dad?”

“No,” Vinnie replied. “He’s in London for the summer, so I suppose I could have, but I bought the Asburys’ old place. It’s private and it’s in good condition.”

The Asbury estate was more like a log cabin on steroids than a basic house. It was situated at the very edge of town, accessible via a winding dirt road, and surrounded by woods. The perfect spot for someone who needed a little privacy. But it was a lot of house for one person.

I didn’t say that, though. I went with, “I heard the Collinses redid the kitchen and bathrooms before they moved to Burlington last September.”

“Yeah, they did some nice work. You should come by and see it.”

Like that was ever gonna happen, I mused sarcastically.

I cocked my head. “How long are you staying?”

“Through the summer…I think.”

“Then you should coach for Ronnie.”

Vinnie widened his eyes comically. “You think I should do it. Why?”

“Ronnie could use a break. If that’s you…so be it,” I said flatly.

He furrowed his brow hard enough to give himself a headache. “Now I’m really suspicious.”

“Don’t be. It’s a simple proposition.”

“But?”

I sipped my coffee thoughtfully before setting the mug on the counter, my gaze locked on his. The ensuing stare-down was epic. Standing gave me a bit of an advantage, but Vinnie’d had years of practice intimidating opponents on the ice.

I finally looked away and leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “But…I think you’ll walk away when it gets tough or when you get a better offer, or when you just get bored of this place. Like you always do.”

“Ouch. That’s gonna leave a mark.”

“I’m not being a dick. I’m being honest. Your life isn’t here…Ronnie’s is. You can walk away whenever you want and not lose a thing. It’s a little different for the rest of us,” I continued conversationally.

“And this is the part where you’re not being a dick?”

“Trust me, it is,” I huffed.

This is a nice, cozy, friends/enemies to lovers small town story. They kind you wish you were under a blanket in your favorite chair with tea or hot chocolate. And cookies.

Pro hockey player Vinnie is hanging up his skates. Not really going out on top, but definitely not at the bottom. With no real friends and definitely no family in Washington state, he heads home to New England and his small town of Elmwood. There are his best friend, his best friend’s brother and their mother. All of whom he considers family. Except the brother isn’t happy to see him and Vinnie has no idea why.

Nolan has crushed on Vinnie pretty much since he figured out he was gay. He was the third wheel in the friendship trio, but he was always welcome. He’s also back in Elmwood after giving up a career to take over the family diner after his father died unexpectedly. He isn’t happy Vinnie is back. Or that they are working together to coach hockey at his brother’s rink.

Vinnie is that happy go lucky guy who just wants to be friends with everyone. Even after growing up with a father who treated him as an afterthought on a good day, Vin always looks for the silver lining.

Nolan isn’t bitter, really, about giving up on his career. Especially since he redid the diner and make it into a restaurant with a wait list. He adores his mother, his brother and his niece. Vin, he hates but secretly still wants.

Being forced together as coaches plus Vin’s affable charm slowly break down Nolan’s walls. AND Vin actually get him to tell him why he is so mad at him. And honestly, it was with pretty good reason. But they clear the air and keep whatever is going on between them on the down low. Because that always works.

I absolutely adored Nolan’s niece. Precocious, a book worm and a wicked slapshot on the ice, I loved the scene’s with her in it.

The story was a bit cookie cutter, but the characters really made the book so enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next book who I hope is this guy and that guy. LOL

4 pieces of eye candy

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. She loves wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband and her fabulous pup, George.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
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Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, Release Day Review, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Erin Tagged With: 4 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, excerpt, exclusive, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, Lane Hayes, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, release day review, review, romance

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We are two chicks who love books (m/m romance with an HEA) and enjoy our eye candy. http://twochickso

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

23 hours ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: TEMPT by @authoremlindsey & @coraroseauthor releasing October 14th!#PreOrderNowbooks2read.com/u/mK1pLLWhy you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥Forbidden Romance🔥Forced Proximity🔥Double Monster 🍆, 🔥Breeding Kink🔥Hurt/Comfort🔥Sex Pollen🔥Deaf Human and Scarred MonsterWhen portals from another world split open the sky, humanity braces for war… only to discover the monsters from Erethar aren’t here to conquer. They need something from humans. Something oddly specific in order to survive.But being a Deaf man, they’ve wanted nothing to do with me. At least, up until I meet a very high-ranking monster in Las Vegas.My night with Eissa is meant to be a one-time thing with very specific rules, but when we get back home, he’s there, and still cornering me in dark alleys to take what he wants.Unfortunately, just as I’ve decided to move on, I become a target of an anti-monster faction, and I have no other choice but to take sanctuary on Erethar……as a newly contracted Vyastil companion to none other than Eissa himself.While Eissa hasn’t changed, here on Erethar it’s becoming obvious there’s more to his story than I thought. And if I play my cards right and learn exactly how to tempt him, he may be willing to do more than just take what I have to offer.He may be willing to keep me.My name is Luca, and I’m working my gym-tightened ass off to win the heart of a scarred Vyastil who needs more than just a little romp in the sheets.You’re welcome, Eissa.Tempt is the third book in the MM Monster Romance series Feed and Feast. It contains a touch-averse monster with scars both inside and out, a gym-bro human who has no idea how he got himself into this predicament, an Eretharian pet who likes to rearrange furniture, political intrigue, rebellion, and a little high treason…you know, as a treat. This book is high heat, high swoon, and ends with a happily ever after.✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up here for this amazing release: bit.ly/TEMPTSIGNUP#corarose #emlindsey #monsterromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

2 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
Vengeful Monster by JR GrayMy reviewWell. That book was a lot. Royalty in disguise, secret societies, families of assassins, "phyco-spicy" as one main character puts it and a whole lot more.From the beginning I didn't fully understand why Ash was told to do everything he could to secure a spot in the secret society that starts at his college. Just that it was needed to protect his brother who was next in line for the throne. Rurik is in the secret society and part of the trials for people to join. He sets his eyes on Ash immediately. I will say I didn't like how much Rurick was making sexual advances toward Ash who said no many, many times. Consent is a thing. So that really bugged me because it continued throughout a lot of the book before Ash relented and admitted he was into it.And that whole first act which was a back and forth between the two was really long and repetitive. Especially since I took issue with the consent thing.There also seemed to be huge swaths of time where nothing happened with the trials. It was even mentioned that the last part of the trials really weeds them out because it's so hard. But that didn't happen. And we never even met any of the other wannabes. But once we got down the the nitty gritty...then the book got good. I can usually suss out what is coming, but I was pleasantly surprised by the reveal.So the first 2/3 was a bit slow and a bit non-con with a lot of different characters, I did enjoy the last third.3 PEOC ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

2 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: THE SPARE AFFAIR by @ellafrank1 & @brookeblaine1 releasing September 29th! #PreOrderHere geni.us/TheSpareAffair Why you need to #ONECLICK this book…👑Royal Romance👑Prince x Prince👑Rivals to Lovers👑Competitive Flirting👑Keeping Score👑Forced Proximity👑Slow Emotional Burn/Fast Physical Burn👑Golden Retriever x Black Cat👑Playboys👑Brother’s Ex-Fiance👑Secret RelationshipGabrielWinning people over has always been my greatest talent. One smile, one joke, one perfectly timed wink, and I have them eating out of my hand. But I don’t think that’s going to work so well on Prince Alejandro of Solterra. The man my twin, King Nicholas Valemont, cast aside for his footman in his pursuit of true love. Alejandro is infuriatingly handsome, impossibly stubborn, and determined to turn every conversation into a competition. Every move feels suspiciously like a trap designed to make me—the other Valemont brother—suffer.So naturally, I decide to make a game of it. No feelings. No jealousy. No falling in love. Simple.At least…it was supposed to be.AlejandroI’ve already been the world’s biggest royal headline because of a Valemont once. I have no interest in becoming one again. Then Gabriel arrives—charming, relentless, impossible to ignore—and somehow turns every argument into flirtation and every competition into something dangerously fun. We agree on one rule above all else: no falling in love.It should’ve been easy. Instead, every sharp word, every stolen kiss, every moment no one else is watching makes it harder to remember where the game ends…and where real feelings begin. Because the most dangerous thing about competing with Gabriel isn’t losing. It’s realizing I’d happily let him win. ✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up here to promote this awesome release: bit.ly/THESPAREAFFAIRSIGNUP#ellafrank #brookeblaine #royalromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

2 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨It’s cover reveal day for UNDER WATER by @authoremlindsey releasing October 26th!#PreOrderNowa.co/d/0gw44CnTWhy you need to #ONECLICK this book…🔥Rivals to Lovers🔥Friends with Benefits🔥Single Dad MC🔥Fake Dating🔥Workplace Romance 🔥Forced Proximity🔥Only One Bed🔥MM Romance That’s it. My co-worker has to die. There’s no other way around it. If I have to spend one more day cleaning up his mess—no matter how good he makes the mess look—I’m going to lose it.It’s too bad Easton’s beloved around the station. It’s too bad my kid also loves him.It’s too bad I’m starting to see what the hype is all about. Especially because the hype is making me want things I can’t have. And it’s not just because I’m lonely, tragic, and in the middle of a messy divorce.It’s also because Easton is straight…Isn’t he?Under Water is the second book in the Storm Season series. It’s a workplace rivals to lovers romance with a bi-awakening, baby ducks, a snarky pre-teen who sees way too much, and a steamy happily ever after.✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up here for this amazing release: bit.ly/UNDERWATERSIGNUPCover Credit:Natasha Snow, PhotographerEmma Jane Photography#coverreveal #emlindsey #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

2 days ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨It’s cover reveal day for the DELICIOUS ANTHOLOGY II releasing November 3rd! All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Black Trans Alliance & Galop.#PreOrderNowmybook.to/deliciousvol2Participating authors are: @beckgreyauthor ∙ @em.denning ∙ @kate.hawthorne ∙ @rhyswritesromance ∙ @rory.maxwell.writes ∙ @authorkmcintyre ∙ @leeblairbooks ∙ @charlienwrites ∙ @hipsterwriter ∙@tobywisewrites ∙ @helenjwrites ∙ @kc_carmineSometimes, you just need another slice…The Delicious anthology returns for a second helping, so grab your plate as an amazing group of authors serve up stories that are sure to make your mouth water!We’ve got barbecue, breakfast sandwiches, breakup burgers, and heaps of tasty treats. And you can get them all topped with your favorites like meet cutes, brother’s best friend, hot new boss, chance meetings, hurt/comfort, age gaps, plenty of spice, and melt-in-the-mouth sweetness.With celebrity chefs, pub owners, grilling dads, and an array of treats, Delicious: A Second Slice has twelve brand new contemporary short stories for you to savor!All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Black Trans Alliance & Galop✨INFLUENCERS: Sign up to review this awesome release: bit.ly/DELICIOUSANTHOLOGYIISIGNUP#coverreveal #anthology #charity #ffromance #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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