Quick Reviews

For Want of a Christmas Miracle by Olley White : Blog Tour, Excerpt, Guest Post and Giveaway

December 10, 2015 by Denise

When one down-on-his-luck gardener and one garden centre owner meet, neither could predict the attraction they’d feel towards each other. Toby is just about turning round the business he’d inherited from his dad, and it’s all going well—until a risk he took looks like it might not pay off. Rhys’s employment at Toby’s garden centre is temporary, just to cover the Christmas sales, and frankly he’d much rather be outside gardening. And avoiding Christmas.

When an accident means Toby can’t be at work at a crucial time, it’s time for Rhys to step up to the mark. But can the Christmas Scrooge make the difference required for the man he’s starting to love?
Author: Olley White

Title: For Want of a Christmas Miracle

Publisher: NineStar Press

Release Date: December 7, 2015

Genre: Gay, Contemporary Romance

Tags: Holiday Romance, M/M, Erotic-Romance

Pairing: M/M

Length: Novella

Such a great short holiday read!
Rhys is an out of work gardener who finds a seasonal job at a garden center. Even being around the hustle and bustle of the holidays, Rhys is having a hard time getting into the spirit of the season. Toby, the owner of the garden center has taken a huge risk in doubling his holiday Christmas tree stock, he will need a Christmas miracle to pull off the biggest gamble of his professional life.

When an accident with Toby’s Dad keeps him away from the store at a crucial time, Rhys steps in to make sure this is the garden center’s best holiday yet. Working together to make Rhys’ idea come to life sparks fly and both wonder if these new feelings will last further than the holiday season.

This was such a cute holiday read. I loved it. It’s sweet, it’s romantic without being cheesy, it’s perfect!

4 pieces of eye candy

Amazon Buy Link

NineStar Press Buy Link

Toby appraised the area in front of him again. He couldn’t believe it; he honestly thought he was going to have a good couple of hours work out here before he could start shifting the Christmas trees that had been delivered earlier. He spent longer looking than it was really worth; it was only a clean shop floor after all, but all the time he spent looking at it meant he didn’t have to meet the gaze of the employee in front of him. He needed a moment to gather himself. A moment was all it took though, and his natural confidence returned.

Turning, he smiled again at Rhys, taking in the tall wiriness of the man and accepting the beat his heart skipped before he spoke.

“So, you’re our newest employee, huh?” he repeated.

“Yep. Just temporary over the holiday period.” Rhys faced him, dark eyes flitting momentarily to his before darting to stare back over the cleared space. “Well, I suppose I’d better go in and see what my next job is.”

Toby supposed Rhys should as well, but he didn’t want him to. “Have you been out here all afternoon?”

Rhys glanced at his watch and nodded. “Since tenish,” he said, and a serene look settled on his angular features.

“You’ve been stuck out here all day?” Damn. It was freezing. “I’ll have a word with your supervisor; nobody should be stuck outside all day. It’s meant to work on a rota system. It’s too cold.”

“No.” Rhys reached and grabbed Toby’s sleeve. “I mean, I don’t mind. I like it outside. I’m a gardener; I’m used to it.” Rhys’s eyes flicked to the shop and the bustle and brightness inside. Toby watched a small frown cross the man’s face.

“Nobody likes it out here at this time of year. Nobody. In the summer, I can’t get the staff to stay indoors, but this time of year, it’s the opposite problem. It’s why I end up doing a lot of it myself. I like it outside, whatever the weather.”

“God, yes, me too. Who’d want to be stuck inside when you can be out in the fresh air?”

Toby narrowed his eyes. “There’s not going to be TV crew coming to tell me I’m the butt of a practical joke, is there?”

Rhys looked at him blankly.

“Never mind. I thought I’d never find anyone who was willing to do the outdoor jobs in winter.”

“Well, I’m more than happy to. But now, I’d better go in and get my next job.” Rhys repeated, turning towards the shop. A look of mild horror crossed his face as he took in the customers looking through the plants, knick-knacks and endless boxes of Christmas decorations.

There was something about the reticent look that tugged at Toby’s heart. He found himself wanting to know all about the newest employee of Brambley Garden Centre; not a good idea, he knew that. He did, he really did.

Still, having someone who didn’t mind working out in the cold was a godsend. It meant he didn’t have to do it all by himself and that was the only reason he made his next suggestion to Rhys. At least that was what he was telling himself.

Guest Post from Olley White

Hi, Two Chicks. Thanks so much for having me on the blog today. It’s a pleasure to be here.

You asked me what it takes to write a Christmas novella. Well for me it started with Rhys. I knew Rhys pretty much inside out before I started. He was the character who came to me first. There were things I knew about him from the beginning. I knew he wasn’t the biggest fan of Christmas; I knew he wasn’t having the best time workwise; I knew he was a hard worker; and I knew he needed someone to see the real him under the slightly grumpy, antisocial exterior. It was obvious to me that he was not someone who would work your average 9 to 5 in an office. He was the start of my tale.

I admit, I’m a “pantser”; I cannot plot or plan to save my life. I started the opening scene knowing that Rhys wasn’t happy; that life was not going as he’d anticipated. From there, I just started writing. The journey took me to the garden centre and to my other main character, Toby, and then the story really took off.

My favourite part of Christmas is the tree, so I wanted to include trees. There is something incredibly evocative about the tradition of trees; they are so personal.

I also have the idyll of a perfect white Christmas (let’s blame Dickens and ignore the fact that I’ve not actually experienced a proper white Christmas), so I had to include snow. I wanted romance and family and that feel-good factor that sums up the cheesy films I devour at this time of year. And as I wrote, all these factors wove themselves into my story.

Really, it was all about Rhys and Toby and the tale they wanted me to share. I just added the glitter and metaphorical mistletoe.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and that you enjoy reading about Rhys and Toby’s Christmas miracle as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Olley White x

Olley White is the alter ego of Lori Powell. Her home is in England with her husband, children and animals. She uses the fenland where she lives as inspiration for her writing. She loves romance in stories – boy/girl, boy/boy, girl/girl…if they’re in love she loves them.

Website: http://olleywhite.blogspot.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xLori.x

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LorixGlic

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/

Email: pglicp@googlemail.com

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The Greatest Gift by Felice Stevens : Release Day Blitz and Review

December 10, 2015 by Denise

The Greatest Gift

Memories, Book 3

Felice Stevens

M/M Romance

Cover Designer: Dar Albert/Wicked Smart Designs

Cover Photo: StockPhoto

Release Date: 12.10.15

After five years, Alex Stern and Rafe Hazelton have what seems to be the perfect marriage. Alex is entering his last years of residency and Rafe’s veterinary business is busier than ever. For Rafe, all that is missing is a child, but Alex, afraid of ending up to be a man like his father, isn’t as sure. He doesn’t want to make any mistakes.

When a new patient enters the hospital, Alex is drawn to the young, desperately ill single mother, who shares her fears for the future of her young son. Rafe worries about the toll on Alex becoming emotionally invested in a patient, yet he too can’t walk away once he meets the little boy, and together they vow to help in any way possible.

Families are not always born of blood— love is a gift no one can plan for. And sometimes from the darkest of tragedies, the brightest light will shine.

This is a 25k word novella in the Memories series.

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/21Rr0lf

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1Njkl9F

AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/1U5kwds

GreatestGiftFinal

Did I need tissues? Yes, of course I did, its a Felice Stevens book after all. 🙂 But they were happy tears-mostly.

Reading this was all about revisiting with old friends, Alex and Rafe, Micah and Josh, their combined families, as well as meeting new friends, Jude and the little boy that captures the heart of the family.

What I enjoyed most was not just revisiting with them, but finding new places for these men to go in their lives. Alex was so determined to keep pushing the idea of a child aside, and yet fate, despite all of Alex’s grumblings, stepped in and took over. With his residency, and his fears, the only way to get through to him was to just have fate decide for him.

I liked that it wasn’t a quick fix, or even a quick timeframe for these men to fall in love with this little boy. Felice didn’t make this happen in three days of (book) time. There was time written in, outings that happened, and even just hanging out, and learning to love each other as a family.

So worth every second.

4 pieces of Eye Candy

“Okay, Alex. I can see Dylan likes you and Jude is a smart girl. She wouldn’t give her baby to just anyone. But let us know where you are throughout the day, please.”

“Of course.”

They said their goodbyes and Valerie gave them her car seat for Dylan. Rafe expertly buckled it into the backseat of their car and off they went to the Bronx Zoo.

Rafe steered the car up the FDR Drive toward the zoo, and Alex decided to sing a song to keep Dylan entertained. He searched his memory for a song and only one came to mind. He started to sing and Rafe glanced over at him in disbelief.

“Alex.”

“What?” He bit his lip to keep from smiling.

“That is not an appropriate song for a four year old to sing.”

Alex could see Rafe fighting to keep from bursting out in laughter.

“I couldn’t think of anything else.”

“More. Sing more, Alex.” From the backseat, Dylan continued the song. “Hundred bottles of beer on the wall…”

“I can’t believe you’ve had this child less than an hour and you’ve already taught him a drinking song.”

“Hey,” said Alex, protesting Rafe’s accusing tone. “I can’t help it if he’s a smart kid and picks things up quickly.”

“Impossible.” Rafe muttered under his breath, turning into the parking lot of the zoo and finding a spot to pull into. He killed the engine and turned to face Alex who gave him a wide-eyed stare.

“What’s wrong?”

“Don’t pull that innocent look on me.” Rafe huffed. He tried to affect a stern look but Alex could see the twinkle in his eyes behind his glasses.

“It would help your outrage if you didn’t look like you were about to laugh yourself.”

“Hmmph.” Rafe turned away, but not before Alex saw his lips twitch with suppressed laughter.

“Hey,” said Alex. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

That got him a full blown smile and a kiss.

Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn’t until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth’s court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.

But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.

Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl

Newsletter: http://felicestevens.us8.list-manage2.com/subscribe?

Promises by A.E. Via: Review Tour

December 1, 2015 by Denise

Title: Promises

Series: Bounty Hunters #1

Author: A.E. Via

Genre: M/M Romance

Published: October 17, 2015

Duke Morgan owns and operates one of the largest bail bond companies in Atlanta. Not only does he bond criminals out of jail, he and his notorious group of bounty hunters will also track them down and ensure they show up for court.Roman ‘Quick’ Webb is Duke’s business partner and best friend. Both men are in their forties and have given up on the happily ever after with the ranch-style home, and white picket fence. They’d both tried it and failed miserably. But they have their friendship and they have the business.

When Quick’s son, Vaughan Webb returns – after seven years – from studying abroad with his law degree in hand, he’s back to claim what he’s always wanted…his fathers’ best friend… Duke Morgan. Vaughan has always claimed to be a classic gentleman with an old soul. He didn’t party and screw up in school like his buddies. He was focused and dedicated to becoming the man worthy of Duke’s love.

It’s a complex and messy situation as Duke and Quick figure out how to still be best friends when one of them is sleeping with his friend’s one and only son. But when Duke is hurt on the job, all the unimportant trivialities fall to the wayside and Vaughan and Quick put their heads together to save Duke.

Part I of the Promises story is about Duke and Vaughan. Part II will be about Quick and his realization that it’s not too late for any of them to find love.

Paula’s Review

I was so happy when I found out Duke was getting his own story. He really needed to have someone special. Lucky for him, Vaughan knew he was just that guy. Both of these characters were well written and I enjoyed this story very much. Vaughan had known for a very long time that he wanted Duke. He made his plans to finish school and get his life together so that when all was said and done he would be in the perfect position to claim his man. I loved the devotion and absolute certainty that Vaughan had about him and Duke. He left Duke with no real option but to be with him. When Duke gets hurt Vaughan steps up and does what he can to fix the situation. All in all a extremely well done story that I will be reading again.

5 pieces of Eye Candy

“This is a must read, a must have and an amazing start to a new series! This author will always and forever have me as a fan and a supporter she is my go to and I will sing her book writing poweress to any and all who love the M/M fiction.” ~ ★ ★ ★★ ★ Amazon Reviewer

“When I saw this was part 1 my heart sank but it’s all good! This is Vaughan and Duke’s story and it will leave you more than satisfied whilst you wait for part 2 which will be Quick’s story and hopefully involve Cayson.” ~★ ★ ★★ ★ Prism Book Alliance

“Love Duke and Vaughan. Nice start to a new series. Can’t wait for the next book to come out. Love A.E. Via books.” ~ ★ ★ ★★ ★ Goodreads Reviewer

A.E. Via is still a fairly new author in the beautiful gay erotic genre. Her writing embodies everything from spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.

When she’s not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family—a husband and four children, her two pets, a Maltese dog and her white Siamese cat, ELynn, named after the late, great gay romance author E. Lynn Harris.

While this is only her eighth novel, she has plenty more to come. So stalk her – she loves that – because the male on male action is just heating up!

Go to A.E. Via’s official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, and where she’ll appear next.

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Strong Enough by Cardeno C : Book Review

November 15, 2015 by Denise

When a casual hookup turns into the potential for love, staid Spencer realizes he wants to build a life with vibrant Emilio.

When twenty-two-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor. Getting Spencer into bed isn’t difficult, but Emilio soon learns that earning the trust of a man deeply hurt will take time and patience. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge.

Spencer is surprised when he’s approached by the gorgeous construction worker he’s admired from the safety of his office window. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his thirty-eight years, Spencer takes Emilio home. When the casual hookup turns into the potential for love, Spencer realizes that if he wants to build a life with Emilio, he’ll need to be strong enough to slay his personal demons and learn to trust again.

I absolutely adore Emilio and Spencer. Emilio is such a great character. So outgoing and sure of what he wants. At 22 he is so mature and has his life together. I like how mature he was and how he just went after what he wanted, and by that I’m talking about Spencer. Spencer, dear sweet shy Spencer, he was such a brilliantly written character. His utter cluelessness at the beginning was so endearing. He was so unsure of what Emilio wanted from him, not really believing that Emilio was hitting on him. I like the joy Emilio brought to his life. Emilio’s family is full of a wonderful cast of characters. As with most Cardeno’s books this is just a sweet straight forward romance, no huge drama’s.

5 pieces of Eye Candy

It’s no secret that I love CC’s books. How I have not binge read all of them by now, I have no idea. I think my brain has decided to savor them. And I have recently started reading/listening to her Mates series (reviews on that to come), when I don’t really read shifter books. But there you go, I have decided that if CC writes it, I will read it.

I loved this one. A hookup to an HEA, always a great love story for me. These two were such well drawn up characters, and really offset each other well. May-December romance that just hits all the great feels that you want in a story like this. Two men finding love, where they don’t expect it. In CC’s hand, that always adds up to a great read for me.

5 pieces of eye candy

Amazon

One commentor on this post will receive a copy of any of the books in the Family Collection by Cardeno C.

Aftermath by Cara Dee : Book Review

November 15, 2015 by Denise

Austin Huntley and Cameron Nash are like night and day. One is a family man, works in a nice office, drives an expensive car, and is content to be content. The other one is an antisocial car mechanic with a short fuse.

Some things don’t change. Others definitely do.

After surviving a five-month long kidnapping together, they struggle to return to normalcy, all while realizing that they’re more drawn to each other than they ever could’ve imagined.

“I know I’m not normal, but I’m not fucking stupid.”

“Define normal,” Austin countered quietly, meeting Cam in the doorway. “And for not being normal, you’re the only person in the world who makes sense right now. What does that say about me?”

Warning: This story contains violence and scenes of an explicit, erotic nature between two men and is intended for adults, 18+.

Wow. Just wow. This was a book that I bought months ago, on a recommendation, and then just hesitated to read. Whether it was that I was scared that it would be too violent, or that I wouldn’t get an HEA, I’m not sure. But I will say it right now, I was dead wrong. This book was so well done, and hit all the marks, I couldn’t have been happier with it.

Yes, there is violence in it, but what I appreciated about the way it was written was that it was presented as flashbacks. This allowed the reader to get caught up in the lives of Cam and Austin as they were in present time, while still learning throughout the story what they went through during their five months of hell. So, although you are sad, and heartbroken, you don’t have to worry about crying your eyes out, before you move to happier times.

Cam and Austin for me were just a perfect match for me. Opposites, but they clearly were falling in love in the cell they were locked in, finding comfort and strength in each other, while they worked to get out, gun or no gun.

What a fantastic story, and I honestly am excited to see what the second book in the series will bring.

5 pieces of eye candy for me, without question.

Amazon

Challenge the Darkness by Dirk Greyson : Pre-Release Day Review

August 29, 2015 by Denise

When alpha shifter Mikael Volokov is called to witness a challenge, he learns the evil and power-hungry Anton Gregor will stop at nothing to attain victory. Knowing he will need alliances to keep his pack together, Mikael requests a congress with the nearby Evergreen pack and meets Denton Arguson, Evergreen alpha, to ask for his help. Fate has a strange twist for both of them, though, and Mikael and Denton soon realize they’re destined mates.

Denton resists the pull between them—he has his own pack and his own responsibilities. But Mikael isn’t willing to give up. The Mother has promised Mikael his mate, told him he must fight for him, and that only together can they defeat the coming darkness. When Anton casts his sights on Denton’s pack, attacks and sabotage follow, pulling Denton and Mikael together to defeat a common enemy. But Anton’s threats sow seeds of destruction enough to break any bond, and the mates’ determination to challenge the darkness may be their only saving grace.

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

This was such a wonderful wolf shifter romance. Mikael and Denton are 2 very well written characters. One of the things I liked the most about this story opposed to a lot of the other fated mates stories I have read is that the two MC’s don’t “share” feelings. I really like watching them trying to figure each other out the old fashion way. Mikael is very much the ALPHA in this story, and it was fun watching Denton teach him how to lean on someone. Denton makes a great compliment to Mikael. Watching these two figure out how to be together and not let their respective packs down was very nice.

Another difference from other books in this genre is how truly segregated and small the wolf packs are. And the mystical elements are different between the two packs in this story. The plot as a whole kept me interested throughout the entire book and none of it felt overdone. I would very much like to see some more books come out of this “world”.

4 pieces of eye candy for me.