Quick Reviews

My Anti-Valentine Collection by DJ Jamison: New Release Review

February 27, 2019 by Denise

THE MY ANTI-VALENTINE COLLECTION

My Anti-Valentine: Jaded by relationships gone wrong, Bret throws an anti-Valentine’s Day party to celebrate being single and burn his ex-boyfriends’ belongings. Bret’s low interest in sex has destroyed every relationship he’s had and tarnished his view of romance, but a cute blond guy at the party who says all the wrong things inspires him to hope for more.

My Anti-Boyfriend: Brad has everyone fooled. He’s the casual, sexy friend. The fun-time guy who sleeps around. Except not really. There’s one man who holds his heart: his best friend — with benefits — Riley. Too bad Riley has no interest in a relationship, and as far as Brad can tell, never will. But once Brad acknowledges his feelings for Riley, he can’t continue to ignore them. iley’s days of having his cake and eating it too are over. Then again, maybe Brad is tasty enough to keep a man satisfied.

My Anti-Marriage: Love has never been a good bet for Chris, so going on a Vegas wedding trip for his friends is bittersweet. Especially when Ant, the last man to break his trust, is suddenly along for the ride. Which explains why Chris wakes up in his hotel room with the mother of all hangovers. Not so much why Ant is in his bed … or worse, wearing a matching wedding band.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This collection of stories came to me at a perfect time in my life! I can totally relate to the anti-valentine theme. Each one has a unique story that is entertaining and at time hilarious, there is something for everyone. This collection provides an Asexual that has sworn off of love and relationships, best friends to lovers, and exes reunited.

The stories were well written with well developed characters and an entertaining plot. This was the first time I have read anything from DJ Jamison, but it definitely won’t be the last.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

The Fall Guy by Chris Quinton: Blog Tour, New Release Review

February 25, 2019 by Denise

In 1920s New York, Pinkerton Agent John Brady is assigned to a brutal robbery/kidnapping, an open and shut case with an obvious culprit – but nothing and no one are what they seem.

Small-time crook Cesare Donati has the perfect getaway: a transatlantic cruise ship. When Brady turns up at his cabin door, Cesare knows he is out of options until they reach England.

Will London be a safe haven or a place of reckoning?

Length: 13,000 words approx.

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

The Fall Guy, an historical short story, took place beginning in NYC, and then over to London, as our two MC’s helped return a damsel safely to her family’s arms.

I liked the story, although with such a short story, it was hard to feel, as the reader, that you got to know the character’s well. In fact, I could totally see most stories with them, as they continue their lives as partners together in the raging 1920s.

I did have a hard time believing that several people were okay with knowing these men were together. I know things were more forgiving in some ways during Prohibition, but having several people be open about it, seemed out of time and place to me.

The historical references, language and visuals were very well done. The author did a great job with research into the language, and names of period items, as well as the name of those items in two separate countries.

3 pieces of eye candy from me.

Chris Quinton started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was ten, and it was probably the best gift she’d ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.

Chris’s reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, writing mostly in the male/male genre. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. Over the years she has been a stable lad [briefly] in a local racing stable and stud, a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, a civilian clerk at her local police station and a 15th century re-enactor.

She lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, three dogs, a frilled dragon [lizard] and sundry goldfish and tropicals.

chris.quintonwriter@ymail.com

http://chrisquintonwriter.blogspot.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/chris.quinton.14
https://twitter.com/Chris_writer
http://uk.pinterest.com/writerchris/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2952441.Chris_Quinton
http://www.librarything.com/author/quintonchris

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Better Place (Rainbow Place #3) by Jay Northcote: Blog Tour, New Release Review

February 22, 2019 by Denise

Joe deserves better. Meeting Dylan helps him see that.

After a recent redundancy, Joe takes a few months off to try and make it as a writer. His partner, Harry, is less than supportive but Joe is used to that after ten years together, just like he’s used to Harry’s controlling nature and his drinking habit.

Dylan, a server at Rainbow Place, is fascinated by Joe as he sits in the café and works on his laptop. His attempts to flirt are met with awkwardness at first, but gradually Joe opens up. Dylan is disappointed when he learns Joe isn’t single. As their friendship develops he begins to worry about the nature of Joe’s relationship, especially when he witnesses Harry’s behaviour in person. Abuse isn’t always physical, and Dylan knows that from experience. His concern helps Joe see his relationship for what it is, and gives him the courage to end things with Harry.

Free to act on their mutual attraction, Joe and Dylan dive headlong into something that becomes serious fast. Joe revels in the passion and intimacy he’s been missing out on for so long, but Dylan is worried that Joe is on the rebound. He puts on the brakes, knowing that they need to slow down to make this last. For this new relationship to work, Joe needs to show Dylan that he’s ready to move on from the past.

Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone and has a satisfying happy ending.

Length: 66,000 words approx.

Cover Design: Garrett Leigh @ Black Jazz Design

Amazon US – Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

Rainbow Place Series

Book #1 – Rainbow Place – Amazon US | Amazon UK

Book #2 – Safe Place – Amazon US | Amazon UK

We’re back at Rainbow Place, and can I just say…. I love Seb… there will be no topping him. (no pun intended)…. In this one though, we have Dylan, who works at RP with the guys. He’s quite smitten with a man that’s just started coming in with his laptop and seems to be doing some writing.

It’s slow going with him, as it would be with someone you don’t know who comes in to work and not socialize, but it was cute, how taken with him Dylan was. When he finally gets the courage to give the man his number, he’s disappointed to find out that the man is already taken.

Now, Joe has a long term partner, but lately they’ve been stuck in a rut. I’m not one for already established relationships that break up, or half the story in one relationship and then jump to another… I dunno why, it’s just too close to a love triangle for me. So, I didn’t quite get into it like I hoped I would, but that’s just my own pickiness there….

Once Joe gets the attention from the cute barista at the café, he realizes that things are actually worse than a rut. Henry, the partner is manipulative and controlling, and he takes advantage of the relationship he has with Joe. It’s not about love anymore, neither of them feel much of anything for one another, but
Henry wants him around because he’s gone used to having him there, doing what he wants, when he wants it. Nevermind the fact that he’s boring, verbally and emotionally abusive, and just a selfish jerk. I didn’t have sympathy for him at all, even though I didn’t really like that Joe kind of started something with Dylan without completely ending it first.

Once he did end it, they just kind of jumped into a relationship without Joe taking a chance to just breathe. I mean, I get it… he and Henry hadn’t been good for a long time, and once Joe ended it, it was actually over, there was no back and forth… but I dunno.. it just seemed so quick to me, and after so long together, how can Dylan be anything other than a rebound?…. I dunno.. it felt off to me, because going from a 10 year relationship to another serious relationship within days just seems like jumping from one to another…. Like replacing one with another. Maybe it’s just me.. but meh. Heavy topics, but handled respectfully and realistically…. I liked it!

Other than that…. It’s a cute addition to an already great series, and I’m excited to see what might happen between Wicksy and Lady Gogo… Perhaps they’ll be next?? Fingers crossed!

3.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. He has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

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Diamond In The Rough by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review * 2

February 22, 2019 by Denise

For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this—one that will test his unwavering sense of control.

Leopold de Loughrey is a misunderstood genius whose anxiety and insecurities are sent into overdrive when he is forcefully recruited to work on a top-secret project. Terrified of what his role as “invaluable asset” means, Leo’s stress leads to disappearances, arguments, and blowups that threaten the project and Leo’s future. King’s arrival is a calm in the storm for Leo and his frenetic thoughts.

King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes a happily ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong… if they can survive a deadly betrayal.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

FOUR KINGS SECURITY, BOOK 4

CHARLIE COCHET

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 02.12.19

http://reesedante.com

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“Everything okay?”

Leo bit down on his bottom lip and nodded. “Mm-hm.” How about we not reveal what a complete and total freak we are to the hot soldier guy? Not hot. Obviously hot, but Leo shouldn’t be thinking hot. Ones and zeroes. That’s what he should be thinking. Ones and zeroes and sixes, or was that eights? Six-pack or eight-pack?

“Leo?”

“Eight.”

“I’m sorry?”

Leo’s jaw went slack. Holy shit, he’d said that out loud! He promptly shut his mouth, eyes wide. Something banged somewhere, and he flinched. Lifting his gaze, King scanned the room, his expression turning pensive, like he was trying to figure something out. For Leo, it was easy. Noise. It filled the room. Clicking of keyboards, talking, whirring of equipment, and movement. The hostility that rolled off some of the analysts like little clouds of doom didn’t help either.

“I’ll be right back,” King said before he headed toward the analysts.

Leo followed King’s movement as he walked down the rows of workstations until he seemed to find what he was looking for. With a warm smile at Heather, one of the first analysts to be recruited, he pointed to a pair of heavy-duty noise-canceling headphones. He said something that had her blinking up at him, and he checked her ID before his next words were followed by him putting his hand to his chest. She raked her gaze over every inch of him—way to be subtle, Heather—and her cheeks went pink before she lifted her wide eyes to his. Leo wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it, but she visibly sighed. Like a dreamy sigh, not the frustrated “why do you have to breathe the same oxygen as me” sigh she’d given Leo that morning when he’d asked to borrow a highlighter.

Heather nodded, and King took the pair of large headphones from her desk, then returned to Leo, Heather’s gaze never leaving him, or rather his ass. Leo narrowed his eyes at her, and when she realized she’d been busted, she started typing away at her keyboard like she was Sandra Bullock in Speed and her desk would blow up if she typed under fifty words per minute.

“Does anyone actually ever say no to you?” Leo asked.

King chuckled and handed him the headphones. “You’d be surprised. My family certainly has no problem giving me a piece of their minds. Noise-canceling headphones. Why don’t you use these for now and let me know which brand you prefer, and I’ll be sure to get a pair brought to you right away.”

“How did you know?”

“One of my brothers-in-arms, Jack, handles cybersecurity for Four Kings Security, and when he’s working on an important project, he puts on headphones to block out any noise that messes with his concentration. Usually it’s when our other brother, Ace, is in the same building.”

Leo couldn’t help his smile. “King, Jack, Ace? I’m sensing a pattern here.”

There are authors that are “autobuy” for us or must read or whatever. Their books are a comfort for whatever reason. No big surprises in the story lines or tropes. Or maybe because it is always a different story line or trope. Charlie Cochet is a must read for me. Because I know they will be fun stories with hot sex and a lot of laughs. To some people, they might get bored. But for me, it’s kind of a comfort. Because I know what I am going to get.

We have the snarky who always jokes around. The tough in charge guy. The computer nerd. The fighter. The play it by the book guy. But so what? They are fun to read. Sure I can draw parallels between characters in different series. But it’s still fun to read.

All of that being said, in this book we get King- who everyone thinks of as the boss (even though they are all partners) in Four Kings Security and Leo, son of a four star general who worked closely with King and his brothers in the military.

In the previous three books King was kind of gruff and grouchy. But Leo seems to melt him almost immediately. And we get way more of the back story of what happened to them on their last mission. When they lost half their team and the surviving half almost lost themselves. King definitely becomes more human to the reader.

Leo is, of course, adorable. The genius nerdy computer guy. Who is kind of a hermit. And has anxiety. He is funny, but what makes him more funny is that often he doesn’t know he is funny. The first scene when he is introduced to us cracked me up.

Leo and King together are also adorable. As they are meant to be. King takes care of Leo- who desperately needs taking care of. But King also NEEDS to nurture Leo. It is just in his nature. Just like he takes care of his brothers. This is just more obvious.

There’s a bit of a mystery in the story and the penultimate fight scene. And of course, the happily ever after.

I go to McDonald’s because I like their Big Macs. And I like reading Charlie Cochet books because I always have a good time.

4 pieces of eye candy

If Charlie writes it, I am reading it, no matter what. That being said, I was really looking forward to King’s story. It was going to take the right kind of person for King to let go enough to let someone in, and be willing to take the harassing that was bound to happen from his brothers.

Leo was a great foil to King. Smart as a whip, he could engage King’s mind, as well as his body. As he gained confidence in himself, he was able to see that he could be a person many people would like or love, and not just his family. Following that up with becoming part of an entirely new family.

These two were great together. Leo could tease the serious King, and he could let his softer side show by taking care of Leo when he was too involved in his work to take care of himself.

There was one small piece missing for me with regards to Leo’s dad, but it certainly wasn’t enough to change my enjoyment of this story. This entire series has been so good from beginning to end. And of course, we get the spin-off now. 🙂 Who is next???? (You have to read to find out!)

4 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: www.charliecochet.com

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Twitter: @charliecochet

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/CharlieCochet

Instagram: www.instagram.com/charliecochet

THIRDS HQ: www.thirdshq.com

Follow Charlie on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/charliecochet

Educating the Professor by Sean Michael: New Release Review

February 19, 2019 by Denise

Kenneth Brannigan is a small-town history professor. He’s happy with his life, loves the classes he teaches, and lives in a tiny apartment in a converted house with his best friend, Tim, next door. He’s still recovering from a bad breakup and is content to stick to his comfortable routine. It’s Tim who insists he come to the Queer Alliance’s Rainbow Mixer.

At the mixer, Kenn meets David Burgundy, a new-to-town TA who is working on his masters. Dave is drawn immediately to Kenn and is thrilled when Kenn offers to show him the best pizza place in town. One meal leads to two, which leads to Dave and Kenn spending most of their free time together… and Kenn loosening his self-imposed rules regarding dating and sex for some kinky fun.

Kenn’s ex isn’t going to just let Kenn be, though, and the happier Kenn is with Dave, the less the ex likes it. Will Kenn continue to run away from his past, or will his relationship with Dave help him face it head-on?

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Love this story!

This story has it all: a little bit of kink, a little bit of drama, one hell of a good story. The characters are well developed with great backstory. Even the secondary characters were entertaining. The story is believable and thoroughly enjoyable.

Once I picked this one up I couldn’t put it down which is why Sean Michael has become one of my favorite authors.

4 Pieces of Eye Candy from me!

Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper by Carole Cummings: New Release Review

February 18, 2019 by Denise

When unassuming college student Emery Sutton wakes up in the morgue, it takes him a few minutes to remember he has magic (superpowers, damn it!) and free himself from the refrigerated drawer. And the body bag. (God.) It doesn’t take long, though, for him to remember the hot guy with wings he ran into just before a city bus ran into him.

Junior Reaper John must explain to his supervisor how his first solo assignment went so wrong. All he knows is that he happened upon Emery quite by accident, that Emery saw John when he shouldn’t have been able to, and when they accidentally touched, a bus came out of nowhere and plowed Emery under. (John really does feel bad about that.)

Hot angels, annoying demons, hijinks, absurdity, drunk siblings, a dash of silly romance, an inordinate attachment to wings, and a highly disorganized bid for world domination—Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper follows Emery and John down the rabbit hole where they find that moms are scarier than demons from hell, a goat is not a puppy no matter what Emery’s sister says, and awkward romance can happen anywhere.

Title: Don’t Fear the (Not Really Grim) Reaper
Author: Carole Cummings
Release Date: January 11, 2019
Category: Paranormal
Pages: 62

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

This is a short novella that I grabbed not knowing what to expect. Initially, I was a little confused as to what was happening, but it kicked in quickly.

What a fun story. I laughed out loud several times.

He’s luckier than most–actually any–who might find themselves in this ludicrous situation, though, because Emery is a little bit magic–

God, Dad, they’re superpowers, okay?

Emery, turning your sister’s hair green and purple is not a superpower.

I felt bad for John, finding himself in a rather odd situation, and falling in love with a human with superpowers. However, it made for some additional awkward situations that you couldn’t help but enjoy as a reader.

If you are looking for a fun little read, this is a great one for it.

4 pieces of eye candy