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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Quick Reviews

December Daddy by Leta Blake: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

December 27, 2022 by Denise

.                                     .

Matthew Angel is stuck. He’s 41 and spent his life denying who he is and what he truly wants—until he stumbles upon a unique offering at a specialty charity auction:

A Christmas Daddy experience. 

Erik Garner has given up on relationships. After his last boy left, he decided it’s better to skip the heartache and stick with casual, short-term contracts. His offer of an exclusive, one-night-only Christmas encounter is all he’s willing to give.

Matthew’s older than expected, but his shy smile and eager surrender charm Erik. What starts out as a business transaction quickly gives way to a wild, thrilling intensity neither expected.

One night isn’t enough.

Good thing there’s a blizzard on the way…

Title: My December Daddy
Author: Leta Blake

A Boy for All Seasons Novel

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Erik

That’s the cycle, because I’m good at my role, and despite how tawdry it sounds, my preference does run young. And young men don’t want to settle down with their first Daddy. They want to go out and explore the world, be free, make mistakes, and, hell, maybe even be the Daddy one day themselves.

That’s what I know, but despite my runaway mouth, I’m not going to tell Matthew this.

Even if we hit it off—and we have—and even if our one night together from the auction is fantastic, and even if we end up arranging another few nights just for the hell of it, there’s no way we’ll fall into the kind of Daddy/boy relationship I crave.

He lives in Nashville.

He’s middle-aged.

He has a life of his own, and there’s no reason to think he’d want to leave it.

I need a boy to live with me—for me to care for, feed and clothe and scold and fuck.

No, Matthew is one night. For a charity auction. Maybe we’ll add a few hookups afterward if it’s hot enough for us both. But then it will be over. He’ll move on and hopefully come out of this experience with some good memories, enhanced self-respect, and a readiness to start looking for healthy relationships with men local to him.

“I hope it works out for you,” Matthew says, but he sounds as doubtful as I feel. Which isn’t great. I need him to believe I can handle him, and I need him to forget all about my scabbed over inner wounds. I never should have shown them to him.

“Let’s not focus on that.”

“Right. We should talk about the details of our night, shouldn’t we?”

The light from the windows glistens on the white strands in his hair, and gleams against the dark. His eyes glow a greener hazel, and I find I’m happy he requires extra time and care. I don’t want to rush the day away. I’m enjoying drawing out this time with Matthew. If we nail down the details, and wrap things up, I’ll have nothing to do but head back to my shared, rented house to be confronted by the loneliness I’ve felt ever since Brandon left. Matthew is so much more interesting than that.

Glancing at my phone to check the time, I say, “The afternoon is still young. I’d enjoy spending more time with you, if you feel the same.”

Matthew’s eyes light with pleasure. He lowers his lashes, but his lips lift at the edges, almost as if he’s trying not to show how happy he is I’m not ready to send him packing quite yet. “I have some time.” He glances at his phone’s lock screen and seems to ponder a moment before meeting my gaze. “In fact, I can stay for dinner if you’d like. My treat.”

“No,” I say sternly.

He winces, and I realize I haven’t been clear enough.

Note to self: Matthew needs absolute clarity.

“I’ll pay. You’re the boy in this December Daddy Experience. Don’t forget that.”

“Oh. I suppose I did win you, and you didn’t come cheap.”

I laugh. “No, I didn’t. But when you’re with Daddy, he always pays. Understand?”

“Yes.” I can see in his eyes he wants to say ‘yes, Daddy’, but holds it back.

Wow! According to my Kindle stats I’ve read over 100 books this year (I can’t even believe that!), and one of the last ones of the year, is also one of the top 3 I’ve read this year. I honestly wasn’t quite sure what was ahead in this book, other than knowing what a stellar author Leta Blake is, but otherwise, sometimes daddy kink can be not well done. However, this book…blew all that away.

One of the things I loved most about this book was some of the real emotions that played out. Matthew struggled with the fact that he loved his parents, and missed them, yet knew that they did not know him or love him as they should have. He wasn’t able to be out, and he never felt worthy of anyone’s love. He punished himself with his previous encounters. He even allowed himself to grieve, settle their estate before he let himself begin to come out of the closet. These feelings all made sense for how he grew up, and for the process of grieving, and learning about himself. Yet, when he saw that auction, and he stepped in, he was scared, but willing to take a chance on something completely out of his comfort zone. He was continuing to grow and change, even at the “older” age of 41.

Meanwhile, Erik was such a sweetheart, but definitely had some daddy issues. He took care of Matthew from beginning to end. He kept telling himself it was all about the one night that Matthew purchased. Yet they could not allow themselves to let go. He treated Matthew with respect, but also with so much care, even before he found out how innocent Matthew truly was. As he taught Matthew what it would be like for his next Daddy, it really was about creating the emotions that they both craved in each other. Also, Erik loved and cared for his mother too, which shows great character.

The book is split into four sections, which made a lot of sense for how the story played out. I loved that Matthew, when their time was up, respected himself enough to return home, and allow Erik to figure out exactly what they could be. It still made me bawl…but still, it was about real world emotions and situations, which just made it that much more heartfelt.

This is definitely a book to sit back and just enjoy to story, the affection that slowly grows between these two…and also read it again next December. 🙂

This was an easy 5 pieces of eye candy

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

If you’d like to be among the first to know about new releases, you can sign up for Leta’s newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bdn32H

Bonus material for the Heat of Love series, Will & Patrick Wake Up Married series, Training Season series, Smoky Mountain Dreams, Mr. Frosty Pants, The River Leith, and more is available on Leta Blake’s Patreon account. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/letablake

Or you can find out more about her by following her online:

On the web: https://letablake.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letablake

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LetaBlake

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 5 stars, author, bdsm, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, daddy kink, Daddy/boy, excerpt, exclusive, gay, Leta Blake, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

To Trust and To Touch by Vivi Anne Hunt: New Release Review and Excerpt

December 23, 2022 by Denise

.                                  .
Every Friday night, Alex goes to the infamous sex club, Kink World, to perform. He goes in, takes his money, and gets out. No complications and definitely no touching. It’s in the contract. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned, and one night’s incident pushes him into a chance encounter with a man who is the very epitome of the word ‘safe.’

After years of focusing on being a single dad to his adorable baby daughter, Sigh is venturing out into the world of dating, starting at his brother’s club on Friday night. He’s not too excited about any of it until a chance encounter with a man covered with vine tattoos reminds him of the needs he has ignored for far too long.

Will Alex be able to let someone touch him? Will Sigh break through Alex’s defenses and learn what exactly happened to him? Will the two men be able to start again?

Title: To Trust and To Touch

Author: Vivi Anne Hunt

Genre: MM romance, gay romance, bisexual, LGBT, contemporary romance

Tropes: age gap, hurt comfort, single parent

Page count: 225 (52,000 words)

Content warnings: mature language, content, and violence

Trigger warnings: SA (off page), PTSD, unaliving, mental health, therapy

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

It’s Wednesday, my night at Kink World, and I’m running late. I have to speed my bike through a couple of intersections, but I come out unscathed. I could die about a dozen ways riding like this. I know it won’t be that easy, though. When I go, it won’t be soon and it won’t be easy. It’s someone else, who is lucky. I’ve never been lucky in my fucking life.

I almost crash into the building’s entrance, regain my balance, and tie the bike to a nearby rack. Quick as lightning, I sprint to the entrance and knock three times. A small window opens. “Pass?”

I roll my eyes. “It’s me, Frank, open up.”

The window closes and the big gate opens, revealing a smirking individual. “Oh, you’re still with us, are you, Shade?”

Shade is my pseudonym at Kink World. My stage name, if you will.

“As long as there are greedy, horny fuckers in the world, I’ll always be employed, my friend.”

I struggled with this book initially. Alex was kind of an ass at the beginning, as you can see by the quote right above this. But I pushed past it, because it felt like there had to be more. I am so happy I continued to give it chance though because To Trust and To Touch did end up living up to my hopes, even if it was hurt/comfort (which is mostly not my jam).

You have two MC’s that were quite different. Alex with the tragic event of his past (it takes a long while to learn what it is, but man…), and so he ends up working at Kinkworld as a side job, by allowing others to watch him, but they cannot touch him. If they do…well, the guy could put them down to the ground in moments, after years of practicing martial arts.

Meanwhile, Sigh seemed a bit too good to be true. Not that I didn’t enjoy their cute milkshake dates, or the love of Sigh’s daughter towards Alex, but it was a bit too easy at times. There were just areas that gave me pause, feeling that the characters wouldn’t act that way in that circumstance. Although when they met was hilarious as Sigh is talking to his daughter, while Alex thinks he’s a Daddy talking to his boy/girl.

This was a lot of hurt/comfort for me which I struggle with it at times. However, the characters drew me in and it allowed me to ignore some of the little things I saw. Those small issues didn’t pull me out of the story. Reading the description of Alex’s assault was…rough for me. I had to stop for a bit.

Overall, there were a lot of very strong issues that were tough for me as a reader, but some heartwarming things as well to create a good balance. A good book if you are in the mood for all that.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

.                                 .
Vivi Anne Hunt is a writer of steamy mm romance books and a big fan of the tropes age gap and hurt comfort. She loves writing and reading about men loving and protecting each other fiercely. She’s also a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Filed Under: Book Excerpt, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 3.5 stars, author, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, romance, Vivi Anne Hunt

Just Say When by Aimee Nicole Walker: Release Day Review

December 21, 2022 by Denise

Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesn’t kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.

Abe and Lio’s thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.

Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesn’t engage in situations he can’t control. They’ve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.

But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?

Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the author’s Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Police Chief Mendoza has made many appearances in different stories. In several of them, the nature of his relationship with Sherriff Abe Beecham has been speculated about. Finally, we get their story.

We get a lot of their background story when they tell it to Lio (Chief Mendoza’s) ez wife’s new husband over pizza. Because even though they are divorced, they are still friends and they coparent a teenage boy. Which is nice to see.

And while the story gave us, well, the background story, it would have been nice to have a non-condensed flashback version. I might have been more invested in their relationship. Not that I wasn’t, but, yanno. More development of the characters and their relationship would have been nice.

Lio’s ex wife is also dealing with an investigation that started in another book. You don’t have to read the other books though as it is easily explained again. But it’s just funny to go from this bad a$$ Chief to a guy with a kid and an exwife who is on the periphery of the police force and a best friend since childhood who is a Sheriff. Who knew he had such a tangled web.

While Abe and Lio dance around each other, we hear a little more about the investigation and meet 2 Army buddies of Abe and Lio. Another thing we didn’t know. It was nice seeing the 4 guys kick back and hang out.

What I didn’t expect from this book were the tears. Which had nothing to do with Abe and Lio’s relationship. But if you don’t cry, I will be really surprised.

A couple of things I really did like. We only get a very brief scene with Locke, and then one comment from him at another point. I like when there is character cross over, especially because they are in the same world, but I feel like, given the chance, he could take over. So I’m glad we saw him briefly and that was it.

I also liked how both guys have no problem with their sexuality and don’t need, want, or have to hide. Especially because there is a teenager in the family. A pretty cool teenager too.

There is a bit of a whodunit going on, which added some interest to the story. No spoilers, natch.

Overall, I really enjoyed these nearly lifelong best friends accept their love for each other and find happiness. Especially since they weren’t 23 years old. I love seeing older characters represented.

4 pieces of eye candy

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

Measuring Up by Dani Hermit & Curtis Star: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

December 19, 2022 by Denise

.                                               .

Monarch Springs is full of hot guys… So why is Aiden determined to be in love with the only one that he can’t stand?

Up-and-coming interior designer Aiden Hart came to Monarch Springs for an intriguing job and an escape from his old life. Redecorating the tourist trap that is the Monarch Mansion in a small town in Pennsylvania sounded like the exact opposite of his trainwreck of a life in Miami. Not to mention a way to jumpstart his DIY celebrity career.

Aiden didn’t want to think that his new start was cursed. But being assigned to work with the disgraced former TV carpenter Brett Jeffries at the last minute and breaking down by the side of the road not two minutes later made being cursed sound reasonable.

Things started looking up when a hot mystery man in a beat up truck stopped to rescue him. This flannel-wearing angel was not the kind of hot that happened in Miami. This was salt-of-the-earth, lumberjack, bearded, knows how to change a tire, H-O-T hotness.

Of course, his hot savior turned out to be none other than Brett Jefferies.

And that was only the start of Aiden’s problems. From a traitorous cat to exes showing up at the worst possible times, he still has to somehow get this remodel done before Christmas.

However, falling in love with the job, the town, and, worst of all, Brett, was not on Aiden’s Christmas list.

Title: Measuring Up

Author Name: Dani Hermit & Curtis Star

Word Count: 62K

Genres: small town romance, contemporary romance, romcom, gay romance

Tropes: hate to love, meeting the love interest before you know who he is, the hot ex shows up

Amazon – All Regions

“You know I’m not afraid of hard work, Brett. I don’t have your guns but I work out.” Aiden removed his fashionably torn sweater to reveal a tight navy blue t-shirt. “But it’s warm in here. I wasn’t expecting such an aggressive Indian summer.”

Brett probably wouldn’t notice but Aiden got a lot of numbers at the club in this very tee. Although that was seven years ago when he was usually covered in glitter and had just enough of the designer party drug of the day to offer to suck off somebody as yummy as Brett with ease.

The shirt was faded and paint-stained but Aiden still felt slightly bolstered with confidence when he wore it. He wasn’t intending to take his sweater off but now that he had, he wondered what Brett thought of him. Would he look at him the way the guys in the club did? Not likely. Not now that Aiden was about five years too old for that scene.

Aiden grabbed a brush and bucket of soapy water. He didn’t want to think about it anymore. Being over thirty and having lost his club boy appeal somewhere in the course of his failed committed relationship, Aiden often felt invisible.

“Are you sure about that?” Brett came up behind Aiden and squeezed his upper arms, lingering at his back for a solid minute. He walked away, not paying attention to the effect he had on Aiden. “I’m going to grab some more supplies. How about you start over there? I’ll start on this other side and we’ll meet in the middle?”

Aiden had to steady his breath. He was far too close to swooning around this guy. He stomped up the ladder to start washing the top of the wall. He tried to use the scrubbing to air out his irritation.

“Stupid jerk.” He muttered under his breath. “No reason to mock me. Maybe I haven’t gotten to the gym in a while. You can’t act like your stupid sexy self doesn’t know you have driven me crazy since the moment I met you. Stupid sexy jerk.”

Returning with more cleaning supplies from the truck, Brett set to work on the far side of the room. After about half an hour of silence, he paused and turned to Aiden. “Hey, pretty boy,” he called out. “Do you mind if I put on some music?”

And now he’s calling me pretty boy. Why would he do that? Oh yeah, cause he’s a stupid, stupid sexy jerk who knows he’s sexy.

Aiden began scrubbing even harder as if the wall had wronged him. “Yeah sure, but just know you are revealing a lot about yourself. So many secrets are spilled by what you listen to.” Aiden didn’t want to bother moving the ladder so he reached out as far as he could with the sponge while he waited to hear what Brett would put on.

Brett opened a door on the built-in cabinet that wasn’t far from where Aiden was scrubbing and plugged his phone into the stereo unit hidden inside. He hit play and classic rock began blaring out of the speakers that were concealed all over the house. Brett quickly adjusted the volume down to a more reasonable roar. Out of the corner of his eye, Aiden watched him as he lingered a moment, enjoying the song.

Aiden wasn’t paying attention to how far he was leaning, and the ladder he was sitting on started wobbling. Before he could correct his position or get his balance back, Aiden was tipping over. He closed his eyes and prayed he would hit the floor and not smash into the pile of tools that were nearby.

The current running tracks of thought in Aiden’s head came out of his mouth as he fell right into Brett’s arms. He couldn’t stop himself from hitting Brett’s chest as he ranted in an awkward attempt to get his heartbeat under control.

“Stupid, sexy jerk who rescues puppies. Of course, you are gonna catch me when I fall off the ladder.”

For his part, Brett didn’t say anything, he just let Aiden wear himself out. He stared into Brett’s eyes, his anger and fear played out, not sure what to do or say. It wasn’t like Brett was moving to set him down on the floor. The fact that the big man wasn’t dropping him like a hot potato was making Aiden’s heart beat fast again and his head filled with all the silly notions he was trying to avoid.

“Would you rather I let you crash to the ground and break your pretty neck?” Brett asked, not letting go of Aiden though he looked like he was tempted to drop him on his butt now that he was out of harm’s way.

Okay, this has gone on way too long, right? Why isn’t he putting me down?

Okay, this is a cute book. I’ve never read anything by this team of authors, so really not sure what to expect, to be honest. The cover wasn’t my favorite, and that is usually a call to me as a must read. It had some really fun elements…(I’m a crazy cat lady, so of course the ‘traitorous cat’ called to me.)

Aiden comes to this new town to start over. It’s a bit of a meet-cute after a car breakdown. I love inner monologues that really seem like they are talking to me and themselves, and Aiden’s inner monologue made me laugh.

Brett, the sexy lumberjack, just let Aiden get into his own little messes, I thought. Which made me laugh just a bit more.

There was a bit of a plot hole that I didn’t quite understand, but that sometimes happens.

Overall, a funny, cute holiday story.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

.                                         .

Dani Hermit & Curtis Star are a married pair of writers who have been perfecting their craft even longer than they have been perfecting their marriage – over 20 years for both! It was a mutual love of slash fic and writing deep, angsty stories that lead to their love for each other.

It has been a rocky road full of pitfalls and potholes that has lead to the current format of writing boy’s love serials that are becoming the bedrock of the Hermit & Star brand.

Author Website: https://hermitstarbooks.com/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/hermitstarbooks

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/hermitstarbooks

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermitstarbooks/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dani-Hermit/e/B00BG3335E/

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Excerpt, Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 3.5 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, excerpt, exclusive, gay, holiday romance, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, review, romance

Sleigh Ride with Kellan by Sophia Nixs: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 14, 2022 by Denise

.                                  .

A rugged, bearded mechanic becomes my knight in shining armor.

Traveling three hours to make my twin daughter’s Christmas come true.

I never expected him.

We are the complete opposites and he infuriates me like no one else.

Love was never on the cards for me.

A blizzard holds up my plans and I end up staying the night with him.

Everything I never thought I wanted.

I thought being stranded at Christmas was the only surprise I was in for. How wrong was I?

Title: Sleigh Ride with Kellan
Authors: Sophia Nixs
Length: 20K
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Grumpy sunshine, Close/ Forced proximity, Secret Billionaire, Alpha male.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

I hated waking up early but I knew that Kellan needed to be back on the road as soon as he could; especially with only two days until Christmas. He needed to get back to his girls. I hated leaving him alone sleeping away in my bed but I’d never seen anything so perfect before as I creepily stood and watched him for a few moments before I got dressed and left him. I bet with the girls it was rare for him to have a full night’s sleep or to even sleep in this late. At least this way he could travel home refreshed and ready for the excitement of Christmas ahead.

I ensured Pip was okay and cleaned up the mess he had made before topping up and giving him a hand fed treat of some wet food and water. I grabbed my truck keys and Kellan’s car keys, determined to try and fix this mess he’d got himself into and help him on his way, while hopefully making sure his Christmas dreams didn’t shatter before his eyes.

I just needed to hope my skills were up to the job because no matter what, I couldn’t be the man to destroy two little girl’s hearts. They needed Kellan and one way or another, I’d get him back to them, even if I ended up buying him a brand new car myself.

This was a quick read, and since I haven’t read anything by this author (or her original pen name), I figured I’d give it a shot.

This is 100% insta-love. If you don’t like insta-love, this isn’t going to work for you. It was a sweet and sexy story, with a cute dog, even cuter twins and a little bit of alpha male thrown in.

Kellan, as a foster parent, was all about just getting back home to his girls with the puppy that they so desperately wanted. But as can happen in the winter, blizzard comes along and takes out the car, leaving Kellan and little Pip in a dangerous place. Eli, the son of the people Kellan purchased the dog from, came to the rescue. As a mechanic he could take care of the issues. However, first they had to stay at Eli’s for the night.

This was a feel good story, with insta-love, and an ever so patient man left back in Pennsylvania. Eli never called or even texted for three weeks. That seemed odd to me. I know he was giving Kellan space, but even a “I’m thinking about you” would have been good. And Kellan never once looked Eli up on his phone? “Man of my Dreams”? I guess I struggled with that a bit.

Probably my biggest issue, and it’s one I very rarely bring up, was the editing. When I receive ARCs, I very rarely comment on editing, as often the book hasn’t been through a final round of edits, etc. However, it needed a good edit, from either an American editor, or one who is very experienced in editing America based books. One of the MC’s was from Manhattan, the other Pennsylvania. Somebody should have caught things like “we’re a right pair” or “stay at mine”. It does jump the reader out of the story.

In the end, a lovely holiday ride. It did have a very happy ending, with the twins falling in love with Eli instantly, when Kellan introduced them. Couldn’t ask for more from a holiday romance.

3 pieces of eye candy

.                                .

Sophia Nixs is a romance author from the United Kingdom that writes steamy contemporary MM romance.

Sophia is a romantic at heart, she adores everything to do with love. In her eyes, when someone finds loves that’s all that matters.

Sophia’s dream is to live in the countryside where she can write her stories from her book nook whilst looking out at the gorgeous scenery in peace and quiet.

Connect with Sophia:
https://www.facebook.com/SophiaNixsAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/sophianixsauthor
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Book Excerpt, Book Review, Giveaway, New Release Book Blast, New Release Review, Quick Reviews, TCO Exclusives, TCO Reviewer: Denise Tagged With: 3 stars, author, blog tour, Blog Tours, book, Book Excerpts, Book Reviews, gay, giveaway, Giveaways, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, novella, review, romance, Sophia Nixs

Prince of L.A. (FBI Files Book 1) by Patricia Logan: Audiobook Review

December 13, 2022 by Denise

.                                              .

Special Agent Leo Reeves is new to the FBI’s LA field office. His career has been on track since the day he joined the bureau. He loves his job as a profiler, and being assigned to a new team in one of the busiest offices in the nation will be the opportunity of a lifetime…if he can put the past behind him. The face Leo shows the world is strong, focused, dependable, and capable. The long list of citations in his file only serve to prove how good he is.

If he could only forget he was sired by a monster.

Former marine staff sergeant Max Prince leads by example. Whether it means protecting men in battle, working for the US marshal service, or being the best damn field agent the FBI has ever seen, he brings a special kind of bravery to the job. His teammates depend on his ready smiles and his funny jokes and know him as the excellent agent he’s proven to be. They never see the man who buried his heart eight years ago.

The last thing he wants is to fall for the new guy.

When a serial killer suddenly starts targeting innocents, both men have trouble pinning down who they’re dealing with. With victimology all over the place, Leo can’t make sense of a profile, and Max simply wants to put the bastard away before he murders anyone else. The case is maddening, but worse, the attraction the two men find every time they look at each other is beginning to get in the way.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Audible

What can I say about this book?

First, the action and suspense were all done very well. It was obviously well researched and plotted out. And even though we don’t get a full resolution, there is the beginning of one.

However, this book could have easily been about 1/3 shorter, and gotten the same amount of story across. There was a large excess of, while not fluff, unnecessary verbiage. In almost every new location, every single detail was laid out for the reader. The color of the sofa, along with the type of material, etc. It was too much. It was a perfect example of forgetting to “show, not tell”.

It was the same with the characters. The reader received so much information on the characters that entered the scene, their height, eye color, hair color, skin color, etc that it was too much. It all washed into the background. In addition, there were SO MANY times that the new character(s) to the scene were described as beautiful, gorgeous, best looking, etc. It was complete overkill.

And not to pile on, but maybe not 600 characters in one book. I exaggerate, but only a little. There were A LOT of characters to keep track of. (One major character in one scene, I can’t figure out why he was introduced at all. Maybe it will make sense in a second book?) It was impossible. Many were from what I was able to glean, a different series. As this is book 1, it should read as a book 1, and not a continuation of the other series.

The narrator, Michael Dean, was usual did a great job of keeping the characters distinct, which wasn’t easy with different accents, multiple characters, and different first languages.

If you are a fan of this author’s books, you will likely love this one. There’s a lot going on, but the action and suspense flows well. There’s just too much other stuff that I felt got in the way of telling the actual story that the author was intending to tell. I’m going to give book 2 a shot to see if it fares better for me.

2 pieces of eye candy

Filed Under: Audiobook Reviews, Book Review, New Release Review, Quick Reviews Tagged With: 2 stars, Audio Book, author, book, Book Reviews, lgbtq, m/m romance, mmromance, new release, Patricia Logan, 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

2 hours ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
Every November by Bec BensonMy reviewIf you've ever moved away from your hometown and returned for holidays, you will totally understand some of the feelings in this book. Thanksgiving- especially the night before Thanksgiving- is always a big one for seeing people. People are home, they want to see friends before family obligations the next day and you see a million people at the local bar. Some people love it, some hate it. And with Evan and Marcus we get both.Marcus hates going home but does it out of some sort of twisted loyalty in his head. The black sheep of the family who moved away to the city, has a job that he hates and who seemingly never does anything right. Evan, on the other hand also moved away, but he loves his job and he loves coming home to see his adoring family for the holidays.They meet in the bar, have a quick hook up and that's the end of that. But it isn't.They run into each other again the next year. And the quick hook up is a bit longer.And the following year.And as much as Marcus hates going home and dealing with his family, he looks forward to seeing Evan again. But one terrible conversation with his parents causes Marcus to spiral into a deep depressive episode and he cuts off communication with Evan.I was impressed with the portrayal of depression in this book. It gets glossed over, joked about, and "cured" way too easily usually. But Marcus' fight with depression felt so real. Because even when you are doing well, it's there, lurking, just looking for a reason to take over. And once it has it's claws in you, it's really hard to break free. No matter how much you want to.And Evan tried to help. He really did. But there's only so much you can do. The only thing I didn't like was Evan being upset/mad at Marcus. But I tried to remember that most people don't know what depression truly entails.I enjoyed this unique story and obviously the portrayal of mental illness. I was very glad to see them get their happily ever after.4 Pieces of Eye Candy ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

3 hours ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: PUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT by @hipsterwriter releasing November 18th! You will love Puck Around and Find Out if you love…🏒hockey🩷bi-awakening🏒forced proximity (Roommates)🩷enemies to lovers🏒teammates🩷college🏒MM romanceI took his twin brother’s place on the team and he’s had it out for me ever since.I’m the newest player on the Gods hockey team, but I don’t belong here. I’m from an entirely different world than the rest of them. But my mother’s death left me with nothing. No ties to family, no place to live. It’s this or the street. So I have no choice.To make this work, I have to play with the guy whose brother I replaced. Coach wants us on the same line, but Ridgeway wants me off the team, and if all of that wasn’t bad enough, he’s my roommate.Ridgeway is dark and angry, holding pain under the surface that I recognize. He hates me and gets under my skin in a way no one else has before, which only makes me want to push his buttons more.We’re at each other’s throats by the end of the first week.But I’m determined to figure out a way to work with him.Maybe I’ll have to seduce him, because I don’t think he’s as straight as he claims.#jrgray #hockeyromance #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

3 hours ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨It’s cover reveal day for VICIOUS LITTLE GAME by @raleighruebins releasing December 3rd !You will love Vicious Little Game if you love…🔥Morally Grey🔥MM Dark🔥College Romance🔥Former Mobster x Chaotic Tattoo Artist🔥Pierced/Tattooed MC🔥Touch Hungry MC🔥Rule Enforcer x Rule Breaker🔥Stalking & Protection🔥Found Family🔥Bi Awakening🔥Hurt/Comfort🔥Deep Emotional ScarsI can’t shake my Bratva past… but the man protecting me is far worse.I got out of the mob, but I don’t feel close to normal.I have needs. Urges. And working night security at Crimson College isn’t meeting them.When Tristan Thorne crosses my path, I break.He pins me to the wall and I flip the tables on him fast, taking him down.Then the gorgeous nightmare starts following me. Fixating on me. Saying he’s protecting me.I enforced rules in the mob, and I don't tolerate chaos… so why am I drawn to his?Now I’m addicted. Physically, this thing is pure fire, but I can’t crack his armor.Tristan inks people every day with beautiful tattoos, but he was a student until something changed that.So why is he so comfortable with violence?And so obsessed with me?When I’m attacked by my former Bratva, he goes unhinged, vowing to destroy them.But he doesn’t know how cruel my family is.Inside, Tristan is deeply wounded. Broken. With a darker past than I knew.And I might be crazy enough to want to protect him, too.#coverreveal #raleighruebins #mmromance #darkromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

3 hours ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨Let’s celebrate! It’s release day for EVERY NOVEMBER by @authorbecbenson!You will love Every November if you love…🔥hurt/comfort✈️hookups to lovers🔥long distance situationship✈️ opposites attract🔥mental health rep✈️ pining🔥 found family✈️mm romance Two thousand miles & one night a year in a town neither of us lives in anymore.MARCUSGoing home is a performance. One I’ve rehearsed my whole life, even if I’m not sure why I keep showing back up.Then I met him.Evan is confident, happy, free in a way I’m immediately drawn to. Our chance encounter was only meant to be a one-time thing – a way for us to blow off some steam while we were both in town for the holiday.But three years later, I find myself looking forward to going home in a way I never thought possible.Evan is the first good thing in my life in a long time. Which is exactly how I know it won't last.EVANI have a great life in Seattle with good friends and my dream job, but it still feels like something is missing.Maybe it’s being so far from my family. Going home to see them is always one of the highlights of my year.Even more so since meeting Marcus.I know our situation is meant to be a holiday fling, but after three years of hotel rooms and opening up to each other in a way that feels like so much more, it’s hard not to wonder what we could be – if he’d give us the chance.Are we strong enough to survive the distance, or is one night a year all we’ll ever get?Every November is a standalone MM romance with a long-distance situationship, opposites attract, mental health rep, and hurt/comfort themes. HEA guaranteed.#newbookalert #becbenson #hookuptoloversromance The Author Agency ...

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Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy

1 day ago

Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy
✨TEASER: DELICIOUS ANTHOLOGY II releasing November 3rd! All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Black Trans Alliance & Galop. Participating authors are: @beckgreyauthor ∙ @em.denning ∙ @kate.hawthorne ∙ @rhyswritesromance ∙ @rory.maxwell.writes ∙ @authorkmcintyre ∙ @leeblairbooks ∙ @charlienwrites ∙ @hipsterwriter ∙ @tobywisewrites ∙ @helenjwrites ∙ @kc_carmine Sometimes, 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 favourites 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 savour!All proceeds will be donated to the LGBTQ+ charities Black Trans Alliance & Galop#anthology #charity #ffromance #mmromance The Author Agency ...

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