Quick Reviews

Kicking it with the Best Man (Out and Kickin’ Book 1) by Riley Long: New Release Review

July 4, 2023 by Denise

I’ve been out and proud for years, happily living my truth. Never did I imagine I would be asked to step back into the closet.

Until that night at the club.

After one too many cocktails, I ended up in a bathroom stall enjoying a hot and steamy tryst with a super sexy guy named Nate. We exchanged numbers and indulged in some spicy sexting.

But when I asked him to meet up again, he ghosted me.

I tried distracting myself by acting as a friend’s plus one to a wedding. Who do I see standing next to the groom, looking like a snack? Nate. He claims no one knows he’s gay and asks me to be discreet. Still, my years of hiding are behind me. Can I help him find the strength to come out to his family and friends? Or will his reservations be too big an obstacle to overcome?

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Fun and low angst. A little silly, a lot sexy. Good beach read overall.

One character is out and proud but getting over a break up. The other is closeted and scared to come out. But they have an encounter at a bar and then actually text each other for a while without meeting up. Closeted guy panics and ends whatever it is.

Till they meet again unexpectedly and after a little stumbling it’s all happy roses and sunshine.

Like I said. It’s cute. A little far fetched, but cute. Perfect no thinker for a beach day

3 pieces of eye candy

The Sunny Side by Lily Morton: Audiobook Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

July 3, 2023 by Denise

. .
Jonas Durand is successful, rich, and controlled. He owns a prestigious modelling agency and has the world at his fingertips, but a turbulent childhood has taught him to be focused and never deviate from a plan.

Dean Jacobs threatens that stance. He’s one of the world’s most sought-after supermodels, but he’s also laidback and lighthearted and free in a way that Jonas has never quite managed.

Dean has always been interested in Jonas and has never made any secret of his admiration, but from the beginning, Jonas put him in a neat little box labelled, “Don’t touch,” turned the key, and never looked back.

However, the universe seems determined to thwart Jonas’s plans. Over the course of one hot summer, the two men come together, and Jonas’s well-ordered life becomes something a whole lot wilder.

Moving from the glamorous worlds of London and Paris Fashion Weeks to the sleepy South of France, Jonas finds himself liberating partridges, chasing his supermodel, and falling in love.

From bestselling author Lily Morton, comes a romantic comedy set in the fast-paced and snarky world of modelling. This is the first book in the Model Agency series.

Title: The Sunny Side
Author: Lily Morton
Narrator: Joel Leslie
Length: 11.1 hours
Series: The Model Agency, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy.

Amazon – Ebook – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Audible

Goodreads

“We’ll be bringing Mister Jacobs up in a bit,” he adds.

I stare at him. “He’s not being charged, then? My lawyer is on his way.”

“No need for that.” He leans closer. “He was really brought in just to keep the peace. No one was hurt, and as the hotel doesn’t want to press charges and neither does the lady concerned, then there isn’t anything that needs to happen. We just left them in the cells to sober up.”

“What exactly happened? Mr Jacobs wasn’t very forthcoming when he rang my assistant.”

“I’m surprised he could speak. He was rather drunk when we brought him in, and he’s slept through most of his time in the cell. I wish they were always that obliging.”

“Oh, he’s always obliging,” I say grimly.

He looks behind me, and as there’s no one waiting, he unbends a little. “Apparently, he was in a hotel room for the night and went to the bathroom. When he came out, he went right rather than left and ended up naked in the hotel corridor.”

I sigh and pinch my nose. “Oh god,” I say faintly.

His mouth twitches into a half-smile. “Then he compounded his error by letting himself back into the hotel room. The only problem was that it wasn’t his hotel room, and the old couple it belonged to were rather startled to find a six-foot-four naked supermodel trying to get into bed with them.”

“That old couple?” I say, pointing to the woman who was before me in the queue. She’s holding hands with an older man who I presume is her husband. He nods and I sigh. “Fuck my life. So, then what happened? Tell me he wasn’t brawling with those two old-aged pensioners?”

He snorts. “Oh, don’t worry, sir. It wasn’t them. That was his…” He hesitates. “His partner for the evening.”

I look up, my stomach roiling. “Who?” I ask sharply.

“I’m afraid I can’t divulge names, sir.”

I wave my hand. “Don’t worry about it. I doubt he’ll ever see him again anyway.”

“Like that is it, sir?”

“You have no idea. So, what happened after that?”

“The young gentleman that Mr Jacobs was with was under the impression that Mr Jacobs had found new company for the evening and had abandoned him. So, he stormed into the room and proceeded to drag him out.”

I stare at him. “It is very late,” I say slowly. “I only got back from New York this afternoon. I have sat in more aeroplanes this week than Douglas Bader. My brain might be a little blurry, but I’m sure you said that Dean’s hook-up thought he’d left him in his bed and tried to score with an octogenarian.”

He bites his lip. “I believe that’s a fair summing up, sir. The young man dragged him into the corridor. Mr Jacobs objected strongly, and there was a bit of a scuffle.”

“Was anyone hurt? Was there property damage? I fail to see why this was a police matter.”

“Well, they were both naked, which caused a bit of a stir amongst the other guests.”

Lily is a bestselling gay romance author. She writes love stories filled with heat and humour.

She lives in sunny England with her husband and two children, all of whom claim that they haven’t had a proper conversation with her since she got her Kindle.

Lily has spent her life with her head full of daydreams, and decided one day to just sit down and start writing about them. In the process she discovered that she actually loved writing, because how else would she get to spend her time with hot and funny men?

She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – Chocolate Baileys.

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He’s The One (Fate We Make Book 1) by Barbara Elsborg: New Release Review

July 3, 2023 by Denise

Col’s world is falling apart. His relationship has been exposed as a sham, he’s lost his home, and been fired from his job as a stonemason. Who says bad luck doesn’t come in threes? With no option but to move back in with his parents, and with his efforts to find a new job hitting a brick wall, Col’s life is going nowhere.

Theo, unwilling heir to the ancient Asquith Hall estate, is desperate to gain some independence from his overbearing family. Despite his efforts to live up to the role he never wanted, he’s constantly battling to earn his family’s respect. Being made to feel lacking takes its toll, and sometimes, it’s hard to stay happy.

When a near fatal accident forces their paths to cross, Col and Theo discover in each other the connection both have been craving. As their love story unfolds, so do the secrets and sadness hidden at the heart of Asquith Hall. The past can’t be changed, but with Col’s stonemasonry skills and Theo’s determination, they might just be able to restore what’s broken and find happiness.

Warning – past child abuse of a secondary character (no on-page detail), descriptions of violence, horrible parents and lovely parents, wayward brothers, a man who mends stone and hearts, and a young man who never has an unspoken thought.

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The feeling of this story brought me back to my first reading of The Making of Jonty Bloom, which I *think* was my first book by her that I read. Interesting setting, story, characters and backgrounds. The story wasn’t rushed nor was there any suspension of reality necessary. There was even a bit of a subplot surprise that I totally didn’t see coming. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

I read quite a few British authors, so this wasn’t the first to feature an old castle or estate with aristocracy as main characters. It does always surprise me how these people generally aren’t wealthy and it takes A LOT to keep their estates running.

Lord Theo, Theo to most of us, is actually “the spare” as his older brother disappeared years ago. And for someone who takes the brunt of his parents depression and general unhappiness as well as the snide remarks he gets from the estate manager who is supposed to be training him, Theo is a pretty happy guy. He’d be happier if his parents weren’t trying to force him to marry a woman knowing he is gay.

Col has had a fairly difficult life. Abusive, neglectful, drug addicted parents. An older brother he practically worships in prison for killing them. He was in the system for a couple of years before ending up with the couple he lovingly calls mom and dad, although they never formally adopted him. And then he finds out his live in boyfriend is actually married and not taking care of his parents on the weekends, but going home from London to his wife and children. Ouch.

Theo and Col find each other when Col is working at the estate. There are quite a few obstacles in front of them but they take them one at a time and knock them down. Each wonder if they are good enough for the other. Each taking the others concerns to heart. Col really doesn’t mind that Theo talks. A lot. And Theo doesn’t care that Col comes from an ugly background. They worked to get to know each other AND unravel a bit of a mystery.

Then there are two epilogues which are very satisfying.

This one is fighting Jonty for my favorite Elsborg book.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Loving Lennox (Out in Austin) by KD Ellis: Release Day Review

June 27, 2023 by Denise

FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANCE KD ELLIS

Book four in the Out in Austin series

Riley didn’ t know home wasn’ t a place… It’ s a person.

Riley would rather sell himself on the streets again than go back home. Only a chance encounter with a stranger saved him from becoming another statistic as a teenager, but now he’ s aging out of the youth shelter and has nowhere left to go— until a kind act from the shelter’ s director sends him straight to Lennox.

When Lennox’ s older sister begs him to rent out his spare room to a kid about to become homeless, he gets way more than he bargained for. He expects an acne-spotted, Red-Bull-bingeing teenager. What he does not expect is Riley.

Riley, who has a dominant streak a mile wide but somehow submits so beautifully.

Riley, who has a tough exterior but hides a sensitive soul.

Riley, who might just be what Lennox never knew he was looking for.

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Pride Publishing

Overall, I liked this book. The story flowed really well even though there was a lot of content. But there were also things that didn’t get enough time- or any time, that left me a bit wanting.

We start with Ryland, soon to be Riley, as a homeless teen because he ran away. We’re kind of left wondering exactly from whom and what he ran for a long time. And then when we find out, it made me wonder how he didn’t get caught for so long. It’s close to 10 years. But ok.

The first friend he makes while being homeless disappears. And we basically never hear about him again. That was kind of sad.

We see Riley get to a shelter for gay youth, where he makes a good friend and seems to do well. He also gets to kind of be a kid.

Flash forward to Riley aging out and meeting Lennox who takes him in as a roommate. Lennox also has issues at home. He is in the closet, his parents want him to be a doctor, he wants to be an artist, etc. He ends up getting his law degree, but makes his money as an artist.

There’s immediate chemistry with them. They dabble in D/s, Riley starts camming for money, there’s a bunch of shelter cats that Riley steals/rescues, Lennox and Riley start doing porn together, there’s a lot going on.

Oh and we find out who and what Riley ran from almost 10 years ago. There’s a situation, several weeks go by, things are glossed over…and it’s resolved. And then apparently Riley is fine. Uh, sorry but that guy has some trauma to deal with.

OH! And Riley was an alcoholic when he was in the shelter but we don’t see it. How did he buy it? With what money? How did he not get caught? And even though it’s mentioned that he has been sober since before he left the shelter, Lennox finds empty bottles. GAH! I hate inconsistencies like that.

BUT, even with all of that, I loved Riley and Lennox together. They were perfect for each other. They get a little more into D/s and BDSM, which is fun, and hot, but also Lennox belongs to a BDSM club but we never saw him there.

If all of these little things were fleshed out, this easily could have been a 2 or 3 book series. Alas, it’s all crammed into this book.

Was it worth my time? Yes
Good story? Yes
Good characters? Yes
Do I recommend? Yes

I do wish more things were fleshed out to just get deeper into the characters.

4 pieces of eye candy

Rookie Mistakes by Beth Laycock: Release Day Review

June 27, 2023 by Denise

Can a rookie mistake lead to love?

Mitch Griffiths is an ordinary man just trying to make ends meet. He lost everything thanks to his ex: his restaurant, his partner, his home. So, when his dad gifts him a ticket to the British Grand Prix and a Silverstone Driving Experience, well, a change of scene for the weekend couldn’t hurt, could it? Even if Formula 1 is kind of boring.

Robert Andilet is a veteran F1 driver on his returning season after a six-year absence. He has a lot to learn, not least of which is how to deal with the media attention, a “rivalry” between him and his rookie teammate, as well as his attraction to a man who readily admits he thinks F1 is tedious. It was a rookie mistake to let Mitch walk away after their first meeting, will Robert make the same mistake again?

This M/M romance from Beth Laycock features a famous/ordinary man, older MCs, and is set in the high-octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, an HEA

Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order.

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The final book in the Lights Out shared world gives us a veteran driver who gets a second chance with a new team and a guy who is licking his personal wounds and knows nothing about F1.

This one sounded interesting. But alas, I found it a little boring.

Mitch is such a wet noodle. Apparently he had a catering business with his ex who drove the business into financial ruin and Mitch had no idea until it was too late. So he is back home with his parents temporarily, while they go on vacation.

His dad leaves him tickets for F1 that is racing locally as well as a driving experience. It’s just odd because Mitch has no interest in F1 and his father knows that. But, whatever.

Robert lost his position with a team a few years ago, but was invited back by a brand new team. And a brand new team means doing all of the non-racing things he hates. Until Mitch ends up in the passenger seat during the driving experience.

In books 1-5, the characters really worked to keep the fact that they were gay or bi private. Besides the fact that they depend on sponsors who might not like one of their drivers being gay, but they also raced in countries where being gay is a literal crime. And while Robert and Mitch certainly didn’t flaunt their relationship, they didn’t stress out or go out of their way to hide it either.

And while other drivers on the circuit are fighting for podium wins, Robert just wants a top 10 finish to get some points and get his contract renewed. Besides mentioning his diet here and there, there was no other mention of the conditioning that goes into driving. If this was my first F1 book, I wouldn’t have even noticed. But it seems like such a huge part of their training that was just ignored.

And Mitch, I think late 30’s? is just so blah about his career. He’s a chef. But when Robert asks him something like “Oh you like to cook” he says it is his dream. Just really weird.

Overall the book was fine I guess. Just kind of boring and the characters didn’t seem real.

3 pieces of eye candy

Black Flagged (Lights Out) by Emma Jaye: Release Day Review

June 20, 2023 by Denise

Will a Black Flag end love before it leaves the starting line?

Dren is a mercenary, not a babysitter, yet protecting an F1 “bad boy” from his own recklessness is his next contract. The media darling everyone loves to hate is annoying as hell and a target both on and off the track.
Staying close is the only way to protect Karl from himself and others, but the forced proximity reveals the man behind the uncaring, flippant mask. In public and private, Karl craves attention, but it’s not Dren’s job to provide it. But Dren can’t help falling for Karl’s provocative passion, and he shouldn’t because when the contract ends, he’ll return to the organization that holds his soul.

Karl avoids people he can’t trick, charm, or buy, and his new bodyguard falls into that irritating category. But before he knows it, Dren’s imposing presence becomes his seatbelt in the rocky, perilous world of F1 because there’s genuine concern and interest behind the gruff exterior.
When a fiery crash gets Karl suspended for dangerous driving, can the pair find his mysterious enemy before Karl loses his career and Dren?

This M/M romance from Emma Jaye features an arrogant F1 driver with a hidden past and a bodyguard who is in way too deep. Set in the high-octane world of Formula 1, it features fast cars, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.
Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

If you’ve been reading along with this shared world series, you know that Kurt is the driver who people like to punch. I mean, it’s not without merit, but still.

He’s a jerk. Cocky, attention seeking, unrepentant jerk. We first met him in Team Orders when he was the driver responsible for (directly or indirectly) a serious crash that almost killed another driver. He walked away.

Besides his punchability, it seems that someone wants him dead. Or at least seriously maimed. So his team owners hire him a body guard. One of those lethal, blood oath to the brotherhood type deals. (FTR- the author has several books with this group, the orta, but I’ve not read them). Kurt does not want a bodyguard.

We get to know Kurt better throughout the book. And don’t get me wrong, he is still pretty much a jerk, but his background explains a lot. Dude needs some serious therapy.

Dren is a dutiful bodyguard. He also wants to figure out who is trying to kill Kurt. And resist Kurt’s not so subtle sexual invitations. Of course that last one didn’t last long.

This was a good read. While reality certainly had to be suspended for some things, it was entertaining and kept me reading. It was fun to have a main character that you already didn’t like from previous books. And he didn’t even get a big redemption arc. Which I appreciated. Some guys are just the way they are. Sometimes making them see the error of their ways just shouldn’t happen.

4 pieces of candy