Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

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Release Day Review

Color of You by C.S. Poe: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Bowen Merlin—yes, that’s his real name—accepts a position in the quaint town of Lancaster, New Hampshire, as the high school band director. He leaves New York City for the snowy countryside of New England just in time for the holidays. With class, homework, after-school activities, and a surprise Christmas concert to plan and rehearse, Bowen is plenty busy. And since he’s never had much luck with romance, factoring in time to find Mr. Right isn’t a priority….

Until he meets the proprietor of Snowy Ridge Apple Orchard, Felix Hansen. Suddenly, true love seems like a possibility for the first time in Bowen’s life. The two are a perfect match and fill the skipped beats of each other’s hearts. But as wonderful as Felix seems, he’s harboring scars that could end their budding relationship when someone in town goes to great lengths to sabotage their careers.

If Bowen is to survive the holidays, he’ll need to lean on old friends and new, convince Felix he’s worth any hardship, and prove they can come out of the catastrophe stronger if they do so together.

Hello, everyone! I’m C.S. Poe, and welcome to the final stop on the Color of You blog tour, here at Two Chicks Obsessed. We’re only a few days away from Christmas and the release of my first novel-length contemporary romance. I’m so excited, and I really hope you all enjoy Color of You.

I’m happy to introduce you to the main characters at each stop of the tour, and be sure to check out the unique giveaway at the end!

Name: Stephen Kelly

Nickname: n/a

From: Boston, Massachusetts

Current location: Lancaster, New Hampshire

Age: 45

Hair: White with hints of black

Occupation: High school accounting teacher

Hobbies: Reading

Favorite holiday: Valentine’s Day

Favorite piece of clothing: Socks

Summer or winter: Winter

Coffee or tea: Coffee

“I can’t wait to:” Meet someone

Interesting fact: Has always wanted a Dalmatian

Quote: ‘Never order the turkey, meatloaf, or chili.’

 

“Bowen,” he repeated. “I’m Stephen Kelly. Accounting and school newspaper advisor.”

Stephen had a pleasant green voice and a sort of Anderson Cooper thing going on. Nice. And definitely why I’d caught a passing group of girls staring.

“Not me,” he stated.

“Huh?” Stephen smiled and nodded at the girls after they put some distance between us. “A young, cute, new teacher. They were staring at you.” He held out a hand. “Can I carry those for you? I’ll walk you to the music room.”

“Thank you,” I said, offering Stephen the folders before collecting my instrument case and following.

“I used to get those dreamy looks from students…. You know, twenty years ago.” Stephen gave me a wink.

I laughed but felt my cheeks getting warm and hoped I wasn’t blotchy. “Ha-ha… well, I’m definitely not looking to relive acne, long division, and learner’s permits. Nothing is more attractive to me than maturity.”

Stephen chuckled. “Mortgages and worrying when that thin spot will suddenly become a bald spot.”

I stood on my toes to inspect Stephen’s hair. “Nah. Looks full to me.”

He grinned, eyes crinkling in the corners. “Better watch it, Mr. Merlin, or you’ll have more than just fantasizing sixteen-year-old girls hanging around outside your classroom.”

If you read the tagline for C.S. Poe, it is “Murder. Romance. And the bizarre.” And she never fails to slip something bizarre into her books. In this, a contemporary romance, one of the MC’s has a condition that I had never heard of, likely most people have not, synesthesia. For Bowen, that means sound to color synesthesia. He SEES sounds as color. I’d say that qualifies as a bit bizarre. But he is also an incredibly caring and (as this author always seems to do) entirely unique character. And I loved him. I loved all of the characters! Well, except… 😉

Anyway, the sweetness of this is offset by a dynamic that shows the reader that looks can be deceiving, and stereotypes are often miscalculated. And can bring some hotness and fun to your screen! J One of the best moments was with Felix’s son, Alan, as they went to cut down a Christmas tree for Bowen.

“Closer. On your knees,” Felix said.

“Hey.” I looked at him. “I say that.”…

“I can hear you,” Alan stated from nearby.

“Pretend you didn’t,” I called back.

I laughed so hard at that little scene. It showed that Bowen was never afraid to be himself, even at the discomfort of his boyfriend’s teenaged son.

As always, C.S. Poe brings intrigue, humor, sexy scenes and such clear descriptions that I felt like I could understand what it was like to have synesthesia. The characters were wonderfully drawn and clearly, undeniably themselves. And take a good hard look at that beautiful cover, it is so appropriate for this book. It tied it all in together. What a joy to read!

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Tour:

12/18 – Bayou Book Junkie

12/19 – Open Skye Book Reviews

12/20 – Sinfully Gay Romance

12/21 – Love Bytes Reviews

12/22 – Two Chicks Obsessed

 

 

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Barnes & Noble

GooglePlay

iTunes

Kobo

Goodreads

C.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and paranormal books.

She is a reluctant mover and has called many places home in her lifetime. C.S. has lived in New York City, Key West, and Ibaraki, Japan, to name a few. She misses the cleanliness, convenience, and limited-edition gachapon of Japan, but she was never very good at riding bikes to get around.

She has an affinity for all things cute and colorful and a major weakness for toys. C.S. is an avid fan of coffee, reading, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best on a daily basis to sidetrack her from work.

C.S. is a member of the International Thriller Writers organization.

| Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Blog | Goodreads | Newsletter |

 

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The King’s Courage by Charlie Cochet: Release Day Review with Giveaway

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With the wedding of Jack Frost and Rudy Rein Dear only three weeks away, everyone travels to Jack’s palace in Svalbard, Norway, where the happy couple will exchange vows beneath the northern lights. Festivities have been planned leading up to the wedding, and Dasher eagerly anticipates not just the fun, but staying under the same roof as the blustering winter spirit who’s caught his eye—the King of Frost, Jack’s father.

A long-ago tragedy has left Eirik fearing to ever love again. As the King of Frost, Eirik maintains his distance from everyone, especially the young Christmas elf who insists on intruding on Eirik’s solitude. But Dasher is determined to find a way to show the lonely king that his heart still beats and he shouldn’t fear allowing it to beat for another.

Title: The King’s Courage
Series: North Pole City Tales: Book Six
Author: Charlie Cochet
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Category: Fantasy: Fairy Tales, Holiday
Pages: 77

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Kobo Books

I’m seriously not ready for this holiday series to end. I found it late, as I often do, but there are so many little things I love about this series. Charlie Cochet, as always brings such a world to me that I never could have dreamed up.

One of the things I love most about this series (which I know is weird, but I don’t care) is the “cursing”. This author knows curse words, inventive ones, if you need proof just read a few of Ash’s curses at Dex, or the other way around, in her THIRDS series. Meanwhile, all these men are so sweet, and come from such a sweet place, curses are things like “Crabapples!” or something equally sweet.

But honestly, even the dark moments don’t last long, despite these being novellas. There is so much love and joy, that even when Dasher’s deceased beloved returns to create some havoc, it takes the appearance of love to help bring happiness back to all the people in the wedding party.

And always there is an HEA. I loved that these two men had very similar pasts, and it brought them together, even as Eirick fought it for years.

I’m not ready for this series to go away, but honestly, I could probably say that about any series Charlie would write. As long as I get to keep reading all her men, I’m happy.

4 pieces of eye candy

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Roger by SJD Peterson: Release Day Review with Giveaway

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Texas native Colt Burrow isn’t happy about his third cold, lonely Christmas in frozen Michigan. But when fate sends him a gift in the form of an abandoned puppy, he can’t keep his heart from melting. With the puppy’s companionship, he doesn’t feel so isolated anymore, and the holidays don’t seem as bleak. He even finds enough Christmas spirit to take Roger tree shopping. But just when Colt’s starting to hope Roger’s owner doesn’t show up… he does, and Colt doesn’t want to say goodbye.

Will Roger end up being Colt’s Christmas heartbreak… or his Christmas miracle?

Title: Roger
Author: SJD Peterson
Release Date: December 20, 2017
Category: Holiday
Pages: 51

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Dreamspinner Press

Kobo Books

 

Christmas and pets are two things I’m a sucker for, so Roger by SJD Peterson sounded like the perfect read. Colt finds a lost dog who winds up thawing his cold heart and brings love to his life. Sound great, right? Well…

Now, don’t get me wrong, the book was cute. I chuckled when Colt caught himself talking to Roger. Thought it was amusing that the dog was a chick magnet, not the best trait for a gay man. But as the pages turned, I grew unsettled. More than pets, I love stories about people falling in love during the holidays. And maybe Colt did fall in love. With the dog.

Unfortunately, this is where my issue comes in. Animals are easy to love. People, not so much. And other than their mutual adoration of the dog, I’m not sure why Killian and Colt will make a good couple. Colt went from being upset with Killian for being so irresponsible to adoring him so fast it gave me whiplash. And then it’s over. It’s a year later and they’re hopelessly in love. How? Why?

Short stories are tough. There’s a fine line and, unfortunately, this one missed it.

3 pieces of eye candy

 

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Kairos by Mary Calmes: Release Day Review with Giveaway

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Sometimes the best day of your life is the one you never saw coming.

Joe Cohen has devoted the past two years of his life to one thing: the care and feeding of Kade Bosa. His partner in their PI business, roommate, and best friend, Kade is everything to Joe, even if their relationship falls short of what Joe desires most. But he won’t push. Kade has suffered a rough road, and Joe’s pretty sure he’s the only thing holding Kade together.

Estranged from his own family, Joe knows the value of desperately holding on to someone dear, but he never expected his present and past to collide just as Kade’s is doing the same. Now they’ve stumbled across evidence that could change their lives: the impact of Kade’s tragic past, their job partnership, and any future Joe might allow himself to wish for….

Title: Kairos
Author: Mary Calmes
Release Date: December 15, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: TBD (Novella)

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

 

Honestly… did you expect this book to be anything other than Mary Calmes perfection? Shame on you, if you did.

If you love Ian and Miro, you’re going to love this one, they reminded me so much of them… not too much, that it’s like reading the same thing but with different dudes, but enough to where I’m like… oh yes, I love them already!

Kade and Joey are PI’s in Chicago, partners, roommates and best friends. Hired by someone that Kade knew, back when he was a police officer, has some truths thrown up in the air along with everything he thought he knew crumbling around them when the guy they were supposed to find. He has a lot of information on Kade…. This kid reminded me a little of Jory and a little of the two kids Ian and Miro found, Cabot and Drake… Can I tell you how much I love them all?

Well, deciding to get out of town, Kade takes it upon himself to reunite Joey with his estranged family. Estranged by Joey’s doing, not theirs and you’ll fall in love with all of them, they’re their own brand of crazy!

Also, like Ian and Miro, they’re best friends, partners and always together, they’re also madly in love with each other and my heart broke for Joey several times because I thought Kade just didn’t see it, or didn’t want to. That wasn’t the case though and I loved every heart breaking minute of it!

It’s short and a bit familiar, but everything we love about this author and the boys she gives to us. It’s short-ish, but you won’t be disappointed…. AND there’s a mention of Mr. Aaron Sutter, would you not read it just for that? I mean, come on!

Overall, it’s an amazing story, with amazing hot guys and their amazing love….

5 well deserved pieces of eye candy from me!


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Operation Green Card by G.B. Gordon: Blog Tour, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Arkady Izmaylov is a family man. He’s also gay. In Russia. His sister Natalya has been telling him to get out for years, but it’s only after an attack in the street that he finally concedes and says yes to her desperate plan of him marrying a stranger for a green card.

Jason Cooley was taught from birth that he’s no good to anyone. Then the military taught him he was good enough to save other lives, but that purpose got amputated along with his leg. He’s now working security at Wolf’s Landing and sending monthly checks to his ex for their daughter’s education. When Natalya asks him to marry her brother, Jason knows right away he’ll do it more for the mission than the money she’s offering. But when he actually meets Arkady, his mission turns complicated.

Jason quickly discovers he’s not as straight as he thought. He’s also the man of Arkady’s dreams. Arkady must convince Jason that he’s worth loving, and that Arkady won’t disappear from his life like everyone else. Because Arkady has always wanted a family of his own, and he’s not letting go of this one.

Amazon

Riptide Publishing

I won’t lie, I am going to miss the Bluewater Bay series by Riptide (last book is out next week!). There have been some really great books in this series. This was a good one in the series, for sure. I like that it was one of the last two, going out in style! 🙂

Green card marriage is a trope which if you grew up reading Harlequin romances, you likely came across a time or two. And this one is based around that trope. However, I did like how this one came about. With as much as you hear in the news about how gay men are treated in countries such as Russia, this makes more sense than not.

There was an instant connection on both sides for these men. Arkady knowing he was attracted. Meanwhile, Jason, never having considered himself to be bisexual, gave himself a ton of excuses, yet didn’t have any problem with it once he realized that he was attracted.

I loved that Arkady was free with his love. He loved his family and friends that he moved from, and wanted to have a new family and friends in his new life, throwing himself fully into loving and caring for the people around him as much as possible. Even down to wanting to do renovations for Jason. The reader could feel that it wasn’t just boredom, but a need to do something for someone who meant something to him.

Jason’s lack of belief in himself, didn’t start with his amputated leg, but as a child, and carried through his adult life. His belief that he couldn’t trust anyone to stay, or to appreciate him, not just himself made it difficult for Arkady to get through. So, he did it in small ways. Whether beers on the couch, or shooting at nuts on a log, he worked his way into Jason’s subconscious minute by minute.

I loved that their moment of realization came while sitting in a government office, it seemed so poetic. Another good entry into this fantastic series.

4 pieces of eye candy

About Bluewater Bay

Welcome to Bluewater Bay! This quiet little logging town on Washington state’s Olympic Peninsula has been stagnating for decades, on the verge of ghost town status. Until a television crew moves in to film Wolf’s Landing, a soon-to-be cult hit based on the wildly successful shifter novels penned by local author Hunter Easton.

Wolf’s Landing’s success spawns everything from merchandise to movie talks, and Bluewater Bay explodes into a mecca for fans and tourists alike. The locals still aren’t quite sure what to make of all this—the town is rejuvenated, but at what cost? And the Hollywood-based production crew is out of their element in this small, mossy seaside locale. Needless to say, sparks fly.

This collaborative story world is brought to you by eleven award-winning, best-selling LGBTQ romance authors: L.A. Witt, L.B. Gregg, Z.A. Maxfield,  Heidi Belleau, Rachel Haimowitz, Anne Tenino, Amy Lane, SE Jakes, G.B. Gordon, Jaime Samms and Ally Blue. Each contemporary novel stands alone, but all are built around the town and the people of Bluewater Bay and the Wolf’s Landing media empire.

Check it out at Riptide Publishing!

G.B.Gordon worked as a packer, landscaper, waiter, and coach before going back to school to major in linguistics and, at 35, switch to less backbreaking monetary pursuits like translating, editing, and writing.

Having lived in various parts of the world, Gordon is now happily ensconced in suburban Ontario with the best of all husbands.

Connect with Gordon:

To celebrate the release of Operation Green Card, one lucky winner will receive a $10 Riptide credit! Leave a comment with your contact info to enter the contest. Entries close at midnight, Eastern time, on December 16, 2017. Contest is NOT restricted to U.S. entries. Thanks for following the tour, and don’t forget to leave your contact info!

Cruising By Cate Ashwood: FREE novelette Release Day Review

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Best friends Dylan and Jake have been inseparable since college, but Dylan has one secret he can’t bring himself to share with Jake—he’s completely, utterly in love with him.

Jake’s friendship is the most important thing in the world to Dylan, so as much as it hurts to see him with other people, Dylan keeps his mouth shut about his true feelings. When Jake wins a cruise to Alaska, he asks Dylan to go along, but what Dylan doesn’t know, is that there’s more on offer than a dream vacation.

Can Dylan and Jake sail off to their happily ever after, or are they cruising toward disaster?

Release Date: December 8th, 2017
Word Count: 13,000 words
Publisher: Cate Ashwood
Genre: Contemporary m/m romance
Cover Artist: Cate Ashwood

Cruising is FREE via Instafreebie, so go check it out!

This was not a long story by any means, but it definitely spoke volumes about the relationship of these two men who had been in each others’ lives for so long. One in love with the other since college, while the other only realized it a short time ago, and decided to woo his man and win him over.

Well, Cate won me over with this one. I normally don’t read short stories, other than holiday ones, a second time. But this one, I will bring back, because it was just a fun romance that brought these two together in a way that was meaningful and still told about their past, their present, and even their future. See? Sounds like a holiday story to me! 🙂

3.5 pieces of eye candy