Quick Reviews

The Humbug Holiday by Lane Hayes: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

December 13, 2022 by Denise

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Two grumpy bears and a holiday season neither will forget…

Joe

So this sexy silver fox rolls into my small New England town and buys a run-down old house in need of renovation. That’s where I come in. My job is to do some basic repairs, so he can write in peace. Yep, the hotshot is a bestselling author, but that’s not why I recognize Cameron Warren.

No worries, I won’t let a one-night stand make things awkward. I could use the work, but is he seriously asking me to help him buy a Christmas tree too?

No way.

Cameron

I’m a good-natured guy all year long, but I have to admit…I hate the holidays.

There. I said it.

This season, I’m hiding away on the opposite side of the country in a picturesque village. My family isn’t excited about my decision, and the only way to assure them I’m fine is to deck the darn halls. Or hire someone else to do it.

The handyman might not be the logical choice for an elf, but his grumpy act makes me smile. Which makes me think the holidays might not be so “bah-humbug” this year after all.

The Humbug Holiday is a bisexual, age-gap romance featuring two grumpy bears who find unexpected magic and learn to embrace everyone’s favorite time of year!

Title: The Humbug Holiday
Authors: Lane Hayes
Length: 35k
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday.
Tropes: Bears, Second Chance, Holiday Romance, Romantic Comedy.

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Audible – Narrated by Michael Dean

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A playful smile ghosted over Cameron’s full lips. “You’re stubborn, but loyal. You’re extremely private, but I can’t tell if that’s a protective mechanism or defensive. You’re a loner.”

All true.

“Anything else?”

“Well…I think you have a bit of a God complex,” he replied carefully.

I narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me?”

“You’re a control freak. In a perfect world, you’d like to control or manage others’ expectations. You hate that you care what others think, but you do. That probably has something to do with the fact that you come from a good place and you don’t like the idea of anything tainting it. Big cities have a way of desensitizing. Trust me. I know how that goes.”

I was too taken aback by the ultra-personal read to reply immediately. Surprise gave way to righteous indignation and anger.

I glowered as I moved toward him. “What the fuck? You don’t know me or anything about my life or—”

“Hey, relax.” Cameron held his hands up in surrender. “It’s an observation, not an insult.”

“Well…don’t observe me. It’s creepy,” I growled. “Especially coming from someone who writes murder mysteries.”

A slow-moving pirate’s smile took over his face. “Fair point, but as you said, it’s my job to watch and take note of my surroundings.”

I cocked my head, studying his chiseled features and proud carriage in those designer duds. Everything about Cameron Warren screamed “special,” and I had no doubt that was the case. But I was still smarting after his astute analysis. I couldn’t help wondering how much of his dapper bear façade was for show.

“Hmm. Maybe. Or maybe you snoop to dodge your own reality.” I shrugged. “Just a thought.”

He arched a brow but didn’t speak.

Was it my imagination or was the air suddenly buzzing? My gaze darted to the darkening skies out the window, but the sizzle of electricity was all us. I couldn’t read any signs.

Were we joking? I mean, we were throwing some personal shit out there. We were both guilty of being borderline rude…and too familiar. It should have felt unsafe to have someone poke at me for a reaction, but damn it…it turned me on.

He turned me on.

Okay, I have a very soft spot for grumpy bears…my dad was one. Bah Humbug! all the way for him. But he had the softest heart buried in that grumpy face that he was so well known for. So, there was zero chance I was passing up not only a grumpy bear book, but two grumpy bears and a holiday story to boot. I was not disappointed.

I will admit, I’ve not read a lot of Lane Hayes’ books…I’ve seen the error of my ways, I promise! This book just hit me in so many good ways. These two did not love the holidays, and both with very good reasons. However, those around them did (all the older ladies who would not let them just be by themselves was so funny to me!) and so because they loved those people, they “suffered” through the holiday season, with all the gruff exterior they could muster. Until they met their match in grumpiness in the other.

Joe was hit hard in the past by a former lover/boss, as well as some nasty allegations against him, and came home to essentially lick his wounds. After being in that situation, I’m sure you would want to be somewhere where people love you, appreciate you, will leave you alone a bit, and that feels comfortable. A bit like curling up with a hot cocoa under the covers. Cameron meanwhile, needed a change of pace, a slower one in order to breathe, away from his aunts, and everyone wanting a piece of him back in California. He had his own demons to battle with regards to the holidays that had been sitting in the background for decades.

These two somehow found a way to learn to like the holidays again, through the magic of being with each other. Or at least, they probably always liked it a little, but came to realize that they did, by finding each other. It was a gradual process, but fun to see the progression.

This book wasn’t super funny, although definitely had its moments. “I picked up a red bulb and gingerly attached the hook to the tree. Okay, that wasn’t so bad.” But it just felt so good to read. Seeing these two big old grumps learning they can be happy inside, and with each other, even if they feel the need to keep up their front to the outside world for their own sanity. Until, of course, everyone just knew they truly loved the holidays. It did my heart more good than I would have ever imagined. It’s definitely on the read again list.

4 pieces of eye candy

Lane Hayes loves a good romance! An avid reader from an early age, she has always been drawn to well-told love story with beautifully written characters. Her debut novel was a 2013 Rainbow Award finalist and subsequent books have received Honorable Mentions, and were winners in the 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020-2021 Rainbow Awards. She loves red wine, chocolate and travel (in no particular order). Lane lives in Southern California with her amazing husband in a not-quite-empty nest.

Connect with Lane:
My Readers’ Group, Lane’s Lovers: https://bit.ly/3aIbMYg
My Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3cICfaK
Blog: www.lane-hayes.com
Twitter: twitter.com/LaneHayes3
FB: facebook.com/LaneHayesAuthor
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/lanehayes
BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/lane-hayes
Instagram: instagram.com/Lanehayesauthor
Goodreads: goodreads.com/LaneHayes

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Vow Maker (Mixed Messages Book 4) by Lily Morton: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 8, 2022 by Denise

. .

Dylan Mitchell wants to get married.

However, after seven years of being engaged, that’s looking slightly doubtful. After going through ten wedding planners, they’re gaining a reputation somewhat akin to Henry the Eighth on the wedding circuit.

Gabe has vetoed symbolic dove releases, forests of flowers, fire-eating performers, and puce as a wedding colour. He’s confounded an army of wedding professionals, and now Dylan, the man who knows and loves him better than anyone, has joined the ranks of the confused. Can anything please his fiancé and get them to the altar?

From bestselling author Lily Morton comes the sequel to Rule Breaker. A romantic comedy novella full of family chaos, meddling friends, sexy bathroom encounters, and love. Always love.

Title: Vow Maker

By: Lily Morton

Series: Mixed Messages, Book 4

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Book 1: Rule Breaker

Book 2: Deal Maker

Book 3: Risk Taker

“Okay. I can certainly see what I can do, but at this short notice, many big venues are booked. They’re probably booked until you both draw your pensions.”

“Really?” Dylan asks.

I stir. “Even if we throw obscene amounts of money at the venue?”

Joe blinks. “You’re going to gazump a bride?”

“If necessary,” I say silkily.

“Well, I like a brave man. Brave or foolhardy? I’ll leave that to posterity and whoever does the speech at your funeral.”

“We are not doing that, Gabe,” Dylan says firmly. “For shame.”

I sit back in my chair. “I sense my bloodthirsty nature isn’t suited to a marital discussion.”

“You’d be amazed,” Joe says cheerily. “You’ve obviously never been near the Harrods bridal department during a sale. Russell Crowe could have done all his research for Gladiator in one fell swoop.”

Engaged for SEVEN YEARS? That’s bonkers. But I digress.

Dylan and Gabe were my first story by Lily Morton. And probably many people. We just fell in love with the cranky, perfectionist boss and sassy, sarcastic assistant. It was hard not to. Two more books with other couples followed and we’ve circled back around to the originals.

Now I am going to admit that sometimes I feel like follow up books like this are thin. No real substance, just wanting to be a people pleaser that sells. But this one didn’t feel that way for me at all. I was thrilled to pick up seven years later and watch them try to plan their wedding. As soon as they could find a wedding planner.

The wedding planner they do ultimately hire had a very easy chance of taking over the story with pratfalls, etc. But nope. He mostly stayed in the background, gently guiding both men toward their goal.

Of course we get a little Ivo, Henry, Jude and Asa. And Dylan’s boisterous family.

In the end, they get their perfect wedding and we get the perfect end to a great story line.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

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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Christmas at Queens Crescent by Kristian Parker: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 7, 2022 by Denise

. .

Jeremy Brookes is having a mid-twenties crisis. After losing his mother, he’ taken up his father’s offer to move from Canada to London to start a new life. The problem is, he has no idea how to do it. His billionaire father as some ideas… Once Jeremy is installed in the exclusive neighbourhood of Queens Crescent, he will have to sort his life out pretty damned quick if he’s to avoid a lifetime at the pharma company where his father is CEO and his stepmother rules HR.

Jeremy isn’t cut out for that life or that of a spoiled rich kid, worrying where his next designer label is coming from. Then he happens upon Stuart Monroe, the handsome Scottish florist with a shop around the corner. As the only socialist in Kensington, Stuart’s lowly background makes it a challenge to be surrounded by such wealth. Instantly drawn to this rebel in their midst, Jeremy decides to do the sensible thing: go undercover as Stuart’s new shop assistant to get to know the enigmatic stranger better.

What could possibly go wrong?

Title: Christmas at Queens Crescent
Authors: Kristian Parker
Length: 42K
Series: Queens Crescent, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Christmas, Opposites attract.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Jeremy exhaled. “She’s a force to be reckoned with.”

Stuart leant against the counter, grinning. “So are you. You’re going to be running the place if I’m don’t watch ma back.”

Jeremy’s neck burned. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t overstep the mark. I saw you letting go of an opportunity just because she pissed you off. Nose cut, spite face came to mind.”

Shaking his head, Stuart straightened up. “And a bit of psychoanalysis on the side? Is there no end to this man’s talents? Well, how about you show me how talented you are at emptying a van? It’s parked out the back.” He handed Jeremy the keys.

“You’ll be thanking me,” Jeremy said with a grin. “I like expensive champagne.”

“Duly noted.” Always an advocate of quitting while he was ahead, Jeremy wandered into the storeroom, painfully aware that Stuart would be watching him.

When he got to the van, he allowed a smile to creep over his face. It was going to be interesting working here.

This book is all about starting over after a huge loss, and finding something completely new, and hopefully amazing. Jeremy lost his mother to cancer recently, and moves to London to start over…with his life and with his father, and hopeful for a love interest in there also. I loved the idea after such a challenging time with a dying parent that you adored (having been there less than a year ago), he gave himself permission to just see where his new life would lead him, and be open to it.

Stuart, the florist around the corner, had been bullied as a child by rich kids in his private school, that he’d had a scholarship at. He was understandably wary of anyone with more money to spare than sense. However, even with all that, he moved his business to this neighborhood. I struggled with that idea. If it was as triggering as it seemed to be, why would he put himself in that space, no matter how good the space was? And he seemed to at least like some of his clients, but never said anything but negative things. His back and forth with Jeremy, also was a bit exhausting. He was a good hardworking, lovely Scottish man, who just wanted his business to do well.

Meanwhile, Jeremy went about it completely the wrong way, lying to get into the job, to get to know Stuart. It showed a lack of maturity on his part, although in his defense, he went to college, and then right into caring for his dying mother, so he hadn’t learned how to deal with people in the outside world as much. However, he also didn’t learn any sort of humility. At one point he says “I’m not going to apologize anymore” and I just thought it was too soon to make that type of statement.

However, I really liked their interactions, and that they had fun together no matter what they did. Jeremy showed that even though he hadn’t gone to many of the places he tried, he was willing. He just didn’t know how to hide that he had money.

The side characters were great. His stepmother turned out to be so kind and gentle with him (as a child with a stepmother that I adore, I am always happy when I read about good stepmothers). His father, while a bit overbearing, also wanted only the best for his son. And the neighbor, Mrs. Wimpole…I kind of want to be her when I grow up.

All in all, a nice holiday story, with a great visual backdrop.

3 pieces of eye candy

I have written for as long as I could write. In fact, before, when I would dictate to my auntie. I love to read, and I love to create worlds and characters.

I live in the English countryside. When I’m not writing, I like to get out there and think through the next scenario I’m going to throw my characters into.

Inspiration can be found anywhere, on a train, in a restaurant or in an office. I am always in search of the next character to find love in one of my stories. In a world of apps and online dating, it is important to remember love can be found when you least expect it.

Connect with Peter:
Website & Newsletter – www.kristianparker.com
Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/kristiansworld
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @kparkerwriter
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Kind Hearts At Christmas: An M/M Romance Charity Anthology: New Release Review

December 7, 2022 by Denise

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Kind Hearts At Christmas is an mm romance anthology in support of HIV / AIDS charities.

It’s Christmas…it’s snowing, there are gifts to give and receive, trees to decorate and all the great food to enjoy. It’s a time to spread kindness where men are falling in love, lust and everything in between.

From a school reunion, a morning after a one-night stand, university friends, a secret agent, an ex-husband in a coma, an unemployed truck driver, a naked man in a snowstorm, a village policeman, a motherless boy, Kind Hearts At Christmas has something for everyone. Each story features romance between men during the Christmas holidays, as they express their desires, from sweet kisses, up to spicy so-much-more.

Kind Hearts At Christmas has all the tropes including: snowed in, cowboys, holiday, forced proximity, fairy-tale folklore, established couple, adult film star, only one bed, return to hometown, hurt/comfort, school crushes, opposites attract, good boy/bad boy, found family & enemies to lovers.

Grab some hot chocolate sprinkled with marshmallows, indulge in a mince pie or a slice of Christmas cake, curl up and escape into the Christmassy romance. With thirteen stories by some of your favourite mm romance authors, you’re sure to find something to help you rediscover the joy and kindness of Christmas!

Stories are between 7,000 words (22 pages) to 27,000 words (86 pages) the anthology features stories by:

Sue Brown
Joanna Chambers
Barbara Elsborg
Suki Fleet
Amber Kell
Liam Livings
Clare London
Susan Mac Nicol
Louisa Mae
Jackie North
Jack L. Pyke
Ali Ryecart
K C Wells

AIDS United’s mission is to end the HIV epidemic in the United States. Half the profits from the sale of this anthology will support AIDS United’s work to ensure access to HIV testing, treatment and care in the United States.

This charity anthology is in support of Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), with 50% of profits from its sale going to THT. THT is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity. We support people living with HIV and amplify their voices, and help the people using our services to achieve good sexual health. Our mission is to end new HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030, and to bring an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. By purchasing this anthology, you are supporting us, alongside AIDS United, as we work towards our vision of a world where people living with HIV lead healthy lives free from prejudice, and good sexual health is a right and reality for all.

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My intention in reading and reviewing this was to do 2 of the novellas, maybe 3. I mean, there are so many great holiday novellas out there this year, it’s hard to read them all. Instead I ended up reading 8 of them…so far. I absolutely loved this anthology. So, I will give an overall review, versus for one or two different novellas.

First of all, I loved the theme behind this. All the novellas involved helping someone in need, in some way. From KC Wells story about a man learning to deal with a loss he never expected to Ali Ryecart’s choice of helping those who society (and one of our MC’s) have forgotten, or never acknowledged to begin with. To Susan Mac Nicol’s story of helping a group of homeless musicians with some comfort at the holidays, or even finding their way home. The humor that was displayed in Clare London’s novella…I laughed hard at the MC’s inner monologue. Or the one that absolutely captured my heart…with some tears thrown in there…Amber Kell’s, Kissing the Winter Wizard. These all had to do with helping people who just needed a hand, or an ear, or a little bit of healing of their heart. These stories really captured the reader’s emotions with the Kind Hearts that were displayed on every level.

The other theme that I loved was taking the idea of the Kind Hearts, and then using it to help REAL people living with AIDS and HIV. Giving back to those charities to help people who just need that hand, ear, or heart. I received an arc to review this anthology, but I still purchased the entire anthology. I hope you will too. Such a worthwhile cause.

Overall, these stories just touched my heart, and kept me reading long after I told myself I would stop, and definitely after my bedtime. 🙂 I really hope to see a second version of this anthology come around again. I would definitely review it, but more importantly, I would purchase it to support such a worthy cause. Thank you to the authors for the fun, emotions, and generosity.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

His Last Christmas in London by Con Riley: New Release Review

December 5, 2022 by Denise

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Falling for his final client won’t make leaving London easy…

Ian ~ A talented, young photographer desperate to stay in London.

Guy ~ An older, fierce food critic, determined to keep him in his city.

Ian shouldn’t be attracted to a scathing food critic like Guy Parsons, not after the last time he fell for someone older, arrogant, and gorgeous. He knows better than to let dramatic good looks sway him since his last heartbreak. Besides, he’s accepted a new job at the far end of the country and won’t be staying in London.

Having one month left doesn’t seem enough now Ian’s fallen in love with the city. Working as Guy’s photographer for December might help him afford to stay for longer, even if he hates Guy’s brand of restaurant reviewing. When Guy turns out to be worlds away from the last man Ian fell for, shared meals soon result in shared secrets and feelings.

More than attraction sparks between them as Christmas approaches. Intimate moments lead to intense passion, but is being well matched in the bedroom enough to stop the clock counting down to Ian leaving London, and Guy, for good?

♥ Steamy, snarky, and sweet, His Last Christmas in London is an utterly British, low-angst, age-gap, workplace gay romance set in London and Cornwall. ♥

Celebrate the holidays with a lovely long novella full of heartfelt hurt/comfort and second chances from Con Riley, author of the much adored Charles: Learning to Love.

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I was looking forward to His Last Christmas in London quite a bit. I just love reading holiday romances, especially based in the UK, so this one was right up my alley. This one had a fairly large age gap, and found family was a big part of the story as well.

Ian, quite the rough ride he had been on. He had a complete tool for a boss, who not only slept with his employee and made him feel like crap, but stole his work as well. He was down to very little money, considering selling a graduation gift from his mother, and decided to move back to Cornwall with his mother to do some work he wasn’t really looking forward to. His old boss tricks him into the assignment that brings him into Guy’s orbit.

We don’t learn a lot about Guy until later in the story, but what an interesting story with his deceased husband. And now the tables were turning and Guy would become the champion and support for Ian, just as Guy’s husband had been for him. It also turned out that Guy was a champion of far more than just the man in his life, and in so many ways.

It did make me laugh how Ian and Guy were basically dating without Ian really knowing it. There were a lot of references to Guy’s “bad side” (of his face) and his bad nose, which I just thought were a bit out of place. However, Ian’s flatmates were so supportive of him, as well as each other, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who needs to read their story. (After you’ve read this story, head over to the author’s website to read a bonus scene with all 4 men, discussing what can sometimes be a difficult subject.)

Ian was such a stickler for him commitments, but by keeping them, he showed what kind of man he was, and that just made Guy fall that much harder.

An enjoyable holiday story set in London during the holidays. Nothing sounds better to me.

4 pieces of eye candy

The Secret Plan (The Game book 10) by Cara Dee: New Release Review

November 25, 2022 by Denise

The Game Series Book 10 Their Boy sequel BDSM Humor DD/lb Christmas Party
Forget about Mommy kissing Santa Claus. It’s Daddy you’ve got to watch out for in this scorching holiday romance where we check in with Colt, Kit, and Lucas—and all their kinky friends.

Forty-five years on this planet. A prestigious career as a fighter pilot. A wonderful relationship with Lucas—nine years and counting. Decades of experience as a sadistic Daddy Dom in a community he’d helped start. And those corn-fed Texas genes too. Damn right, Colt Carter reckoned he was entitled to be assertive. Not a whole lot could rattle his cage.

Except Kit Damien, the young brat who’d turned Colt’s and Lucas’s lives upside down in the best ways the past six or so months. The two Daddy Doms had finally found their Little forever. But when Kit confessed to having certain fantasies, Colt had to admit, in some ways, he was still a beginner.

Good thing Santa was on his way. Santa knew exactly what to say. He was also a stellar partner in crime when the brats of Mclean House were up to no good and making secret plans for their holiday party.

Ho, ho, ho. Are there any naughty boys in the house?

—

The Game Series is a BDSM series where romance meets the reality of kink. Sometimes we fall for someone we don’t match with, sometimes vanilla business gets in the way of kinky pleasure, and sometimes we have to compromise and push ourselves to overcome trauma and insecurities. No matter what, one thing is certain. This is not a perfect world—and maybe that’s why the happily ever after feels so good.

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It’s almost Christmas and the Doms and subs are ready to party and to play.

This book mostly focuses on the triad of Colt, Lucas and Kit. Colt and Lucas have been a couple for a while, but Kit completed their lives fairly recently (at least in McLean House time) and while there hasn’t been strife, it’s Kit who wants Colt and Lucas to focus on themselves as a couple. Because they are the foundation of the life they are building.

Against the backdrop of preparing for Christmas and a party at their house, we get the three men bringing up new boundaries and safe play partners. They way they do it is so respectful of each other AND of their relationship. No one gets feelings hurt or is afraid to say anything. And ultimately, what makes Lucas and Colt happy will make Kit happy.

A few of our favorite club members make an appearance, while the absence of others is explained. And then…**fans self**. Remember the orgy in Senseless? They turned that up to an 11. Seriously one of the hottest things I have ever read.

This is a short book, a bridge to the next. Which is hopefully coming out soon.

4 pieces of eye candy