Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Exclusives

Show Me (Extracurricular Activities Book 3) by Neve Wilder: Exclusive Excerpt and New Release Review

by

Two roommates. One camera. A whole lot of action. 

I get crushes the way some people get seasonal allergies.
And sharing a house with four hot roommates is like being stuck in permanent spring.
Too bad I keep getting friend-zoned.

But it’s senior year now, and I’m done pining for the impossible.
Time to live it up and go out with a bang.
Or a lot of bangs.

And I’m definitely, definitely not getting attached to anyone.
Especially not my straight, gym-loving, football-player roommate Sam whose impressively large… smile I caught a glimpse of once.
Or several times.

That’s why, when Sam asks me for help with a very special, very NSFW project so he can make a little cash, of course I agree. In the name of friendship.

And if it turns out that Sam’s more than just muscles—that he’s sweet, and smart, and a little bit filthy, and a whole lot less straight than I thought—well, that’s neither here nor there, because this time I’m gonna be smart. This time, I’m friend-zoning myself.

We’ve got a list of deliciously hot scenarios, a camera, and Sam’s huge… smile. What could possibly go wrong?

From the author of Want Me comes the third new adult college romance in the Extracurricular Activities series. Expect low angst, high heat, plenty of laughs, a flustered redhead, a gentle giant of a football player, and enough BDE to power a mid-size city.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Attending the palm prom. Beating the meat. Playing one-handed baseball. Tug-of-war with the Cyclops. Firing off knuckle children.

Whatever you wanted to call it, I had approximately twelve minutes to do it.

I speed-walked down one of the sidewalks that wound through campus, darting around disoriented freshmen and slow-moving upperclassmen in no hurry to get anywhere fast on the first day of fall semester.

I hit the Record button on my phone as I walked, keeping the camera angled down so I didn’t inadvertently capture any faces. It would be obvious by the shuffle of shoes on the sidewalk that I was out in public, though. Those were, hands down, my most popular videos and earned me the most in tips on my OnlyFans page.

Veering off the path, I headed toward an outbuilding I’d been scouting for the past two weeks as the summer semester had wound down. I always scouted before shooting, because while I was all over the extra cash, I definitely didn’t want indecent exposure on my record. All the sprints Coach had us do in practice had come in handy more than once.

The dew-damp grass tickled my ankles as I strode around the side of the little shack. I’d figured out during my covert ops that it housed a couple of riding mowers that campus maintenance usually broke out on Wednesdays. Since it was Thursday, I should be home free.

With one last glance at the sidewalk a few yards behind me, I slipped around to the backside where thick bushes stretched out to either side of the building, probably to make it look prettier.

It was perfect, though. Just enough privacy for me to do my thing while passing traffic remained visible through the tree limbs, giving my viewers the thrill factor they seemed to love. And, okay, maybe I got off on it, too. That had been one of those unexpected self-discoveries that I had absolutely no one to share with.

The rush was similar to what I felt on the football field, but with the added bonus of an orgasm.

Dropping my backpack next to the wall, I pulled my baseball cap down low and leaned my shoulder against the metal siding of the building. Then I shoved the waistband on my gym shorts down.

The first video I’d ever done had been on a whim while sitting at my desk in the dorms, and even though I’d been hard as a rock before starting, the second I’d clicked on the camera, my dick had deflated like a windsock.

Now it was an old pro, and my dick had started rising to the occasion the second I’d strayed into the grass. Hell, the buzz of voicexs and occasional shouts, yells, and bursts of laughter behind me got me harder. I wouldn’t have ever described myself as an exhibitionist or risk taker before, but it was funny what you could get used to—even into—after a while.

After pressing the button to start recording, I aimed the camera over my shoulder to give my subscribers a quick, blurry view of passersby through the trees, then aimed the phone down at my crotch as I stroked myself to full hardness.

Was it glamorous? Not particularly, but I couldn’t deny that I got a taboo thrill out of quietly getting off when there were masses of people nearby going about their business unaware.

Apparently my subscribers did, too. I’d puttered along doing solo videos in my bedroom or bathroom for a month before the whim had hit to mix it up and I ended up in a stairwell in the engineering building. The fifteen-second snippet I’d posted on Pornhub of me leaning against the stairwell railing, about to come while the door on the floor below swung open and a few students thundered downstairs, had gotten me more subscribers in twenty-four hours than I’d gotten all month with my desk chair jerks.

Closing my eyes briefly, I tried to focus, listening to the sounds behind me as I worked my dick. Sometimes I didn’t think about anything. Sometimes I mentally replayed a few trusty porn clips. Today, I queued up an old favorite of two footballers with a cheerleader. Trite, but whatever. It did the trick.

Precum leaked down my shaft, and I fought to keep my camera hand steady as I twisted over my head, spreading all the good stuff around and groaning helplessly as pleasure prickled through me when I rubbed my thumb back and forth over my slit.

Shooting a quick glance over my shoulder just to check all was good, I squinted at a slim-figured strawberry blond walking across the quad and slowed my pace.

Was that Jesse? Yeah, definitely Jesse walking with some other guy I didn’t know. The curly ends of his hair and profile were unmistakable.

I grinned, thinking about how surprised Jesse had been at Mark’s dad’s party when I’d handed him the napkin with John’s number on it. He could kiss my ass. I was a great wingman. Though I couldn’t really see him with John. Jesse was better-looking than John, and in my opinion, Jesse should be with someone who appreciated him more. I’d noticed John’s eyes straying toward other guys at least five times when he and Jesse had been talking.

Jesse threw his head back, laughing at something his friend said, and I jerked my attention back to my cock as fire spiked through my shaft and raced up my spine.

“Fuck,” I moaned out softly as I unloaded all over my fist. Damn, that one had snuck up on me unexpectedly.

I slicked my release all over my shaft and pumped into my fist, riding out the little lightning-bolt tremors that racked my shoulders, while hoping I hadn’t messed up the money shot when I’d gotten distracted.

I glanced over my shoulder again, but Jesse had moved out of sight.

For funsies a while ago I read the first book in the series. I think I started book 2, but I had to stop because I had ARC deadlines. I might go back and read it though.

Let me tell you- this book was fun. Just kind of silly, it doesn’t take itself seriously, their “acting” had my laughing out loud and at the same time it was kind of sweet and definitely hot.

The book even started with a flashback to freshman year that involved a cheating boyfriend and a dildo in the kitchen.

Jesse wants to be in love. But he is kind of over it right now. College has been fun, but since he was cheated on freshman year he’s a bit leary.

Sam the football player has been filming masturbation videos for a porn site to make some extra cash. He never shows his face or any identifying surroundings. Until he does and Jesse figures it out.

Sam is so nonchalant about so many things. Like, ya, masturbating for money, no big whoop. Jesse finds out, ok, no big deal. Jesse offers some tips, Sam can’t do it alone…and that is how Jesse becomes the Francis Ford Coppola of masturbation videos. It’s funny how he is all in. Directing, getting cool angles, etc.

One thing leads to another and seriously, what hot blooded gay man can watch another man wank without getting turned on?

The whole book was just fun and hot. No angst. Just a total college hottie beach read.

4 pieces of eye candy

Neve Wilder lives in the southern United States, where the summers are hot and the winters are…sometimes cold.

She reads promiscuously, across multiple genres, but her favorite stories always contain an element of romance. Incidentally, this is also what she likes to write. Slow-burners with delicious tension? Yes. Whiplash-inducing page-turners, also yes. And every flavor in between.

She believes that love conquers all. Except the heat index in July. Nothing can conquer that bastard.

For updates on new releases, giveaways, and other fun stuff, subscribe to her newsletter at:nevewilder.com/subscribe

Facebook Readers’ Group:facebook.com/groups/WildersWildOnes

Connect with Neve:
IG: @nevewilder
FB Page: facebook.com/nevewilderwrites
Website: https://www.nevewilder.com/

Split Shift by TA Moore: Blog Tour, Exclusive Short Story, and Giveaway

by

The hard thing about Night Shift is when you realize werewolves are bad news, but people can be worse.

After Night Shift officer Kit Marlow solved the murder of child star Haley Jenkins, he figured he was due a little down time. Maybe even a dinner date with Cade Deacon, the sarcastic security consultant, very good kisser, and werewolf who’d helped with the investigation.

That was before someone in a Night Shift uniform drove them both off the road. With the full moon up the only dinner date Cade is interested in…has Marlow served up on a plate. And not in a sexy way.

It’s the second time that corrupt Night Shift officers have tried to kill Marlow. If he has his way, it will be the last. Problem is he only has twenty-eight days before the next full moon. If he hasn’t identified who wants him dead by then, he’ll have to take to werewolf filled streets with a team at his back he can’t trust.

First things first, though. Get through the next twelve hours alive and uneaten, and hope that if a second date is still on the cards it’s less eventful.

Title: Split Shift

Publisher: Rogue Firebird Press

Release: April 19

Link: https://books2read.com/splitshiftbook2

Amazon

First of all, thank you so much for having me! I’m thrilled to be here with my new release, Split Shift by TA Moore, the second novella in the Night Shift series.

For the blog tour I’ve written a short story set in the Night Shift world. I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 3

Still no text from Brian.

From the icon positioned next to it he had read it, but that was it. Marlow leaned against the back wall of the briefing room and stared at the screen as he tried to work out where he stood.

He started to type and got as far as the second ‘r’ in sorry when he stopped, deleted it, and started again.

I’ll make it up to you?

Or use a full stop and make it a promise. That projected a lot more confidence than he had right now.

He held his thumb over the send button as he debated whether to hit it or not. The rest of the team’s arrival interrupted the debate. He closed the app down.

“Phones away, Marlow,” Bailey said as she headed to the front of the room. “If you make me take it off you, then you won’t get it back till the end of shift.”

A few chuckles circled around the room as everyone took their seats. Piper gave Marlow a glance as he came in, an eyebrow raised to suggest a question. Presumably about the earlier conversation.

Marlow nodded as he tucked his phone into his back pocket.

“OK, Last night went well. No-one died while we were around, so I’m calling it a win,” Bailey said. “We did have an accusation of unnecessary force brought by some bleeding heart from St Michael’s–”

Bennett raised her hand and pointed at herself.”

“–against Bennett,” Bailey confirmed. “So IA is all over that, but I’ve reviewed the files and, unless and until new information comes up, they’re happy to let me keep you on duty. Like I said, no-one died.”

Bennett leaned back in her chair, balanced on just the two rear legs, and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Damnit,” she said. “I thought I’d get a night off.”

Everyone laughed. Even Bailey gave an amused snort. “You wish,” she said. “OK. We have a VIP in town, big time lawyer slumming it down here for a client. They can’t get out to the Reserve and make court tomorrow, so dawn hits check the Crate for this guy.”

She held up a photo. The trim, grey-haired man in it didn’t look like someone who’d get tossed in the crate, but the wolf wasn’t the man.

Bailey ran through the rest of the briefing. A wolf in the Gaslamp District with a fixation on someone’s house, drug runners in Encinitas that had used the full moon as a distraction, and pack activity in Mesa Verde that needed broken up. Wolves were mostly solitary, meetings usually lead to fights, but sometimes they weren’t. No one knew why–plenty of people had theories about ‘natural alphas’ or population pressure, but they couldn’t back them up–but everyone agreed it wasn’t something to encourage.

It was supposed to be a pack of wolves that kicked off the French Revolution, when they broke into the Royal Preserve and slaughtered rings around them. Nothing that dramatic had ever happened in San Diego, but even small groups of wolves could be dangerous and destructive. It was best to nip it in the bud.

“Last on the agenda, but not least,” Bailey said as she flipped the folder closed. She waved her hand to the front of the room, where Franklin had taken up residence at one of the desks. “We have a new Night Shift officer on deck. Officer Franklin passed his PFQ with flying colors, and we’re glad to have him here. Keep an eye on him, show him the ropes, and make sure he doesn’t break that other hip.”

Franklin stood up and held his arms out. “I’ve already given one hip to the city,” he said. “I’m here to put the other on the line.”

Someone threw a balled up bit of paper at his head. He caught it before it hit his face and tucked it in his pocket.

“Love notes already,” he said. “I’m touched.”

“Settle down!” Bailey barked. “You are one night in, two nights to go. You’ve held the silver line so far, don’t slip up now. Get out there.”

There was only lime-and-lemon Gatorade left in the cooler stashed under the seat in the back of the Bearcat.

“Sorry,” Franklin said with mock-contrition as he finished his swig on the blue liquid. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve. “I guess I took the last cherry Gatorade. Is that your favorite?”

Marlow grabbed a green bottle and dropped back into his seat. “No, it’s fine,” he said as he twisted the lid off. “I don’t care.”

It was the truth. He didn’t even like cherry flavor. Even if he’d been parched and that was all he was allowed to drink, he’d not have taken Franklin’s bait. If it turned out that they couldn’t work together, Marlow wasn’t going to take the blame for it.

Franklin stared at him and then sniffed to himself as he twisted the lid back on the bottle. Next to him Bennett paused mid-check on her gun to laugh.

“C’mon, Marlow,” she said. “Throw the guy a bone and be pissy about something. It’s his first night.”

Marlow took a drink of the tart, over-sugared energy drink. It cleared the taste of smoke and blood from the back of his throat. There had been a fire in an apartment building. The fire department had handled that, but it had been Night Shift’s job to keep the place clear until it did. “There’s nothing to be pissy about,” he said. “As long as he does his job and I can do mine.”

“Oh yeah?” Bennett jabbed her elbow into Franklin’s ribs, hard enough to make him grunt. “Want to see how it’s done, rookie?”

He gave her a dour look. “You know I’ve been Night Shift before, right?” he said. “Back in Frisco?”

“Didn’t ask and don’t care,” Bennett said. “You want to see how a real San Diego Night Shift officer gets under Marlow’s skin?”

Franklin put the bottle between his knees and crossed his arms. He grinned slowly. “Go on then.”

Great. They’d teamed up. Marlow watched them both grimly as he left the bottle to his lips again.

“That firefighter was checking you out,” Bennett said. She waggled her eyebrows at him. “The hot one.”

“With the hair?” Franklin asked. “The redhead?”

Bennett’s grin widened. “Not his type. No, the Korean guy with the tats.”

“Oh,” Franklin said. He thought about it for a minute and then nodded. “Okay, I can see what you mean. I mean, I think he checked my ass first but who can blame him.

The tips of Marlow’s ears were hot. He tried to pretend they weren’t as he swallowed and put the cap back on his bottle.

“I was too busy doing my job to notice,” he lied. Senior Firefighter West was not someone who went unnoticed, even by someone who had a boyfriend. At least, they did until said boyfriend got around to dumping them. “And I’m sure he was too.”

Bennett rocked back in her seat and slapped her knee. “Please!” she said. “He was ‘thank you for your service’ and bedroom eyes at you. You could have absolutely closed that deal if you’d made a move, Kitty.”

The back of Marlow’s neck stung and he glared at Bennett. “If I–”

He was interrupted by the static of the radio and the clipped urgency of Dispatch’s voice.

“–we have  a 19-03c at Bishop and 9th,” Dispatch conveyed. “Can you respond, David-10?”

“On it,” Piper told them. He glanced over his shoulder into the back. “Hold on.”

The Bear-cat took a hard left and peeled through the intersection. There was, for once, no one else on the roads. A stray wolf shot over the tarmac after something and went under the wheels. Marlow felt the bump of it as it rolled under them. Years of injunctions to be a good driver made him feel guilty, even though the wolf would be back on its feet in a minute.

“19-03,” Franklin said. “That’s a wolf-fight, yeah?”

Marlow drew his gun.

“Just a question,” Franklin said with a smirk.

“19-03c,” Marlow corrected him as he checked the action of the gun and holstered it again. “Wolf-fight with children in the area.”

Bennett pulled her helmet on and tightened the strap under her chin. She ran her finger under it to uncrease her ears.

“Or as they like to call them,” she joked grimly. “Hors d’oeuvres.’

TA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide. As her grandmother always said, ‘she’d laugh at a bad thing that one’, mind you, that was the pot calling the kettle black. TA Moore studied History, Irish mythology, English at University, mostly because she has always loved a good story. She has worked as a journalist, a finance manager, and in the arts sectors before she finally gave in to a lifelong desire to write.

Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.

Website: www.tamoorewrites.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TAMoorewrites/

Twitter: @tamoorewrites

| Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads |

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crossing Lines: Hollywood Hopefuls Book Three by Jeris Jean: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Crossing Lines is a sexy and sweet age-gap, opposites-attract mm romance set in Hollywood.

When Matt is propositioned by Jasper, a hot older guy, he’s more than down. That is until he realizes Jasper has a boyfriend, and Matt would be joining them both. He’s not into it, especially since the boyfriend is a jerk, so he ditches them both. What Matt doesn’t expect is the lingering disappointment that the handsome man who approached him wasn’t single and he didn’t get a chance to know him better.

Jasper is not used to rejection. He didn’t become one of the most successful and highest-paid executives in all of Hollywood by accepting defeat. So when Matt, the sexy young barista, turns him down flat not once but twice, he doesn’t quite know what to do. Jasper finds himself going out of his way to get to know what’s behind Matt’s reluctance when it’s clear there is a mutual attraction between them.

Crossing Lines is an age gap, opposites attract mm romance set in Hollywood. There’s some angst and plenty of heat, but you can count on a HEA. (CW: references to past sexual assault.) This is the third book in the Hollywood Hopefuls series, but it works as a standalone novel.

Crossing Lines by Jeris Jean

Hollywood Hopefuls, Book 3

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

“Here we are,” Jasper said, pulling into a parking lot near the waterfront and killing the engine. Surprisingly, Jasper felt oddly nervous now that they were there. He’d thought this was a safe idea for a first date, but he was suddenly second-guessing himself, and he didn’t know why. What if Matt hated it? What if he thought it was too cliché? What if he was expecting more? What if it was too much?

Matt had unbuckled his seatbelt and was looking around the marina through the windshield. “What are we doing at Marina del Rey? You’re not taking me on a boat, are you? Because I’ll have you know I get motion sickness and puking in front of you is not on my list of desirable outcomes for this date.”

Jasper unbuckled his seatbelt, too. “We’re not going on a boat.” He opened his door and said, “Come on, we need to make a quick stop before we settle in.”

Once they were out of the vehicle, Jasper pointed to a big screen hanging near the water. “It’s a drive-in movie night,” he told Matt, biting his lip as he waited for Matt’s reaction.

“Really?” Matt’s eyes lit up as he looked at Jasper. “I’ve never been to a drive-in movie before.”

Jasper grinned, relief easing the tension he’d been holding in his shoulders. “Yeah. I heard about it from one of the writers on our show, and I thought it sounded fun. I hope you can handle a musical, though. It’s La La Land tonight. Have you seen it?”

Matt’s eyes sparkled and his smile spread further. “Have I seen it? Ryan Gosling playing piano? It’s one of my favorites.”

Book three in a connected series, although they can be read as a stand alone. I read book 1, missed book 2, now we have book 3. I will say this one was FAR better than the first. There were still some issues, but still. WAY better.

Matt is out with his brothers celebrating the youngest turning 21. Matt is propositioned by Jasper and at first he agrees, till he finds out it is actually Jasper and his boyfriend and Matt backs out.

Jasper and his boyfriend have an open relationship, but it kind of seems that Jasper isn’t as into it as he seems. So when the boyfriend doesn’t come home until morning, they break up. No one really seems that upset about it. Even though they were living together.

Turns out Matt runs a coffee cart on the studio lot where Jasper is a television producer/writer/creator. So begins the flirtation. And then the honest to god dating. It was cute.

Things naturally progress for them. Matt’s siblings play a decent role in the book, as does Jasper’s business partner. They never explicitly say they are exclusive or open, which turns into a bit of an issue later on.

One head scratcher for me was Matt tensing up and putting a stop to the sexy times when Jasper touched his back. Because of past issues, etc. But… he was ready, willing and able to go home with Jasper from the club without even knowing him.

The book was super tropey as well. Age difference, rich/poor, no parents taking care of siblings, etc.

The misunderstandings didn’t need to happen- especially since Jasper was more experienced.

Overall, it was cute. And easy read with a little past trauma rearing it’s head but not too angsty at all.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Jeris Jean is a life-long Minnesotan with an obsessive love of books. She has a master’s degree in English Literature but didn’t write her first novel until she was in her mid-thirties. Something just “clicked,” and all fell into its rightful place.

Jeris is a lover of cats, coffee, binge-watching tv shows, her bffs, puzzles, knitting, white sunglasses, black nail polish, purple hair, and reading and writing like it’s going out of style, especially mm romance.

She lives with her husband, two sons and their cat, Fluffy Cat Love, in a lovely little suburb of Minneapolis.

Connect with Jeris:
https://linktr.ee/jerisjeana Rafflecopter giveaway

Love Practice by A.F. Zoelle: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Wren is kinda sorta super in love with his best friend. Asking Izzy to go on practice dates as his dating tutor probably isn’t the best idea to keep those feelings hidden. But a bad idea has never stopped Wren before.

Wren Ferres

Does anyone know how to make Prince Charming fall in love with you? I’m asking for a friend.

…yeah, that friend is me. I’m secretly a little in love with my best friend and roommate. Okay, I’m a lot in love with him. Like, truly, madly, deeply in love with him. But it’s not my fault! He’s hot, French, and laughs at all my stupid jokes. He’s the prince of my dreams, minus the part where he isn’t actual royalty and not in love with me. Determined to change that, I come up with a brilliant plan to challenge Monsieur Know-it-all to be my dating tutor. I’m hoping that’ll tempt him into acting on our flirtatious banter.

If it doesn’t, maybe I’ll push my luck by suggesting some kissing practice?

Isidore “Izzy” Devereaux

Wren is flirty, quirky, très cute—and completely oblivious about how much I love him. His wild ideas usually make me laugh, but his request to go on practice dates to give him pointers? Yeah, that pushes all my buttons. Agreeing to his outlandish request means risking him discovering my secret. But, it also presents a tempting opportunity. This is my one chance to make him see me as more than just his best friend. It could be my only shot at making him my boyfriend for real.

I may not be a real prince like he teases me about, but can’t we still have a happily ever after?

Love Practice is the seventh and final book in the Good Bad Idea series and part of the Sunnyside universe. This novel features a friends to lovers, roommates, fake dating romance. Full of cute sweetness and sexy fun, every story ends with a satisfying HEA and no cliffhangers. Each book can be read as a standalone or as part of the series in order.

Love Practice by A.F. Zoelle

A Good Bad Idea Story, Book 7

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Add to Goodreads

Books 1-6 – Kindle Unlimited

Chapter 5: Felix Murphy

Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I tried to move things onto safer topics. “I’d love to hear more about you, Izzy.”

He was silent as he ate more of his dinner before answering. “I live with my roommate and best friend. He keeps my life lively.”

I blamed the rush of blood to my dick for making me slow to understand why he was talking about me as if I wasn’t there. How many times did I have to remind myself to act like we were strangers? It was so hard to do when he was the person I could most be my true self around. “That seems like a polite way of saying he’s a pain in the ass.”

“Non, my world is a much better and brighter place because he’s in it.”

Red’s points from earlier replayed in my mind. I couldn’t resist the temptation to play devil’s advocate. “Really? That almost sounds romantic.”

“Most of our friends assume it is.” He pinned me under his gaze as he sipped his wine.

I drank several swallows of my blue lagoon drink as a flush crept over me, making it feel too hot. “Do you disagree?”

He chose his words carefully. “There are many ways of loving someone, some more romantic or platonic than others.”

“Which is it with him?” I held my breath as I waited for him to respond.

His answer wasn’t the least bit helpful. “I’m not sure.“

“How does he feel about you dating?”

“I suspect he wouldn’t like it very much.”

He was damn right about that. The thought of him going out with Red made my blood boil, which was absurd when I liked both of them as friends. Things were getting too meta for my taste, but I kept playing the game out of morbid curiosity. “Does that mean we can’t go out again?”

“Non, because he has not laid claim to me yet. I’d love to see you next week if you have time.”

Thank god for autopilot, because my mouth said, “Great, it’s a date,” while my mind screamed, “What the fuck does that mean?” The coded double-talk gave me a headache as I tried to decipher his mixed meanings. Did he want me to claim him as my boyfriend? And what would that entail? Was I supposed to kick down his door and give him a hickey? Should I inform him he was my boyfriend for life because I claimed him like a shifter beast in heat in a romance novel? Was he giving me an invitation to fuck him and shoot my load on him, to mark him as mine like an animal claiming my territory? Did I want to do that? And god help me, what if he meant claim him like he wanted me to top him? The thought broke my brain.

My throbbing erection wanted him, but my head was a mess. As always, Izzy continued talking like he hadn’t upended my world by floating the possibility that maybe he wanted me to make a move. If throwing myself at him every chance I got wasn’t enough of an invitation for him to take advantage of, what else could I do?

I wasn’t ready to admit to myself that I was actually in love with him and not just a little bit like I lied to myself about all the time. There was no way I was owning up to the embarrassing fact that I had fallen for him the moment I first laid eyes on him during freshman orientation week. No, that was a secret I’d take to my grave. I needed him as my best friend too much to lose him over me being stupid enough to catch feelings before we had even said hello.

Now what the fuck did I do?

A new to me author, branching out yanno. Plus it was SO tropey I had to go in. Friends to lovers. Roommates. Fake relationship. They even reference a character who writes romances just like this. That was definitely cute.

Part of a series, easily a stand alone. Twice in the book were all of the guys from the previous books and that kind of made my eyes cross because I had no connection to them, but I can see how others who had read the previous 6 books would appreciate it.

Like I said, super tropey, but it was still a fun read. I would almost call this a beach read. It wasn’t long, there was zero angst, it wasn’t long and drawn out. One fake date before kissing. Two fake dates before they both fess up their feelings.

Izzy is French and that is made painfully obvious by his mixing of French and English, which, sorry, was really dumb. Like, if you are going to revert to your native language it is because you can’t think of the English word. Not “merci” or “oui” or “non”. Sorry, silly and completely unnecessary.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Under constant siege from persistent plot bunnies, A.F. Zoelle enjoys humoring them by writing about gorgeous men being in love. Her contemporary romances are full of witty banter, sexy fun, and lovable smart-asses. She’s left academia behind for a new adventure, which will hopefully include adopting Ragdoll cats of her own someday soon.

For real time updates on her writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to extra epilogues, previews of upcoming books, and more.

Connect with A.F.:
Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram
Website
Amazon Page | Goodreads | BookBub

To celebrate the exciting cover reveal of A. F. Zoelle’s upcoming Love Practice, we are giving away 2 advanced e-copies before its release!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How To Love (LOVESTRONG, Book 8) by Susan Hawke: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Take one hurting guy recovering from scandal…

Two years ago, Hunter Riley was ghosted by his long-term boyfriend, then stuck with a ruined reputation when the town mistakenly thought he’d cheated on his ex… a man fighting breast cancer. These days, Hunter is happiest simply taking care of the sick kittens he fosters and rarely leaves his house.

Add one sunny man healing from loss…

Quinn Sullivan is alone in the world but doesn’t let it get him down. He dealt with the grief of losing the last piece of his family by looking to the future, finishing college, moving to a new town, and hitting reset on his life. An instant connection on a never-ending blind date has him ready to move in with Hunter and Quinn can’t see anything possibly ruining it.

To equal a pair who find even instalove requires time and patience.

Life can always catch you off guard, as Quinn discovers when child services arrives with an adorable angel—a piece of his lost twin he didn’t even know was out there—needing a family, needing… him. While Quinn is floundering with his parenting role, Hunter is left thinking he’s been ghosted again until Quinn comes up for air and sets things straight.

Can two guys who fell together so easily have what it takes to build a family?

This is the eighth and final book in the LOVESTRONG series about finding love and being yourself in a small town. Watch out for a three-year-old with an addiction to daytime TV, a diabetic kitten, and the worst wedding interruption ever. This is an mm romance full of all the fun, laughter, and sweet feels you’d want from an S. Hawke book.

Note: The book mentions the death of a sibling through suicide in the past, but no details are on page.

Title: How To Love (LOVESTRONG, Book 8)
Author: Susan Hawke

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

We lay there quietly for a minute or two before Hunter sat up and pressed a sweet kiss to my lips. “Be right back. We both need counseling after this conversation, and I have the best kind in the other room.”

As he dashed down the hall and returned, I lay there, wondering what he had in mind. It didn’t matter. I trusted whatever he came back with would make me smile. Sure enough, I was smiling as soon as I heard the sound of a happy kitten. With the lights dimmed, I couldn’t see who he was holding until he got closer, but I could sure hear those loud, rumbling purrs. It was crazy how a tiny kitten could make so much noise when content.

Hunter carefully got back into place, then passed Humphrey into my hands, while keeping Lady Margaret for himself. Nuzzling the little gray kitten and running my hand through his soft, silky fur was indeed the best kind of therapy. As we lay there talking, cuddling the kittens and connecting with both them and each other, I realized maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t alone in the world anymore.

Glancing at Hunter, from the sense of peace flowing through my body, I knew putting a label on things was the correct decision. “So… I was thinking about this whole boyfriend thing. It feels right, but I was thinking maybe we should slow down and enjoy the ride, since we got together so fast.”

“Sounds reasonable, as long as by ‘going slow,’ you don’t mean our sleepovers have to stop. Or the fun stuff like you pinning me against the door and kissing me stupid because that was worth waking up with the sun.” His smile turned into a yawn, proving Hunter was still tired himself.

The thought of skipping the fun stuff at this point was ridiculous, so I was quick to shake my head. “Yeah, no. I definitely don’t, not in the slightest. No, I was thinking maybe we wait before going further. Maybe if we put off making love until we know we’re solid, we could even consider getting tested and skipping condoms altogether. Unless you wouldn’t ever be into the idea, in which case, forget I said anything. The going slow part, I do mean.”

Hunter’s jaw slackened, his eyes widening as he considered it. “I’ve never gone bare. You really picture us being so committed?”

I didn’t even need to think about my answer. “Yeah, I really do. I don’t know what quirk of fate dropped us into each other’s laps, but I feel like this is the right time, and you’re the right person for me to build my forever with. I don’t want to screw it up by hurrying.”

Expression softening, Hunter leaned over to kiss my cheek. “I’ve never heard anything so romantic in my life. Yes, so much yes to all of the above, except the part where I forget you said anything because you would erase my yes. You’re definitely worth waiting for, Quinn. We can take it as slow as you want. There are plenty of fun things we can do in the meantime.” He kissed me again before rolling onto his back to snuggle Lady Margaret some more.

As Humphrey fell asleep, I carefully moved him onto the pillow and rolled onto my side, scooting back enough to make room for the tiny furball. Hunter lifted up, double-checking Humphrey’s safety before scooting him a few inches. Lady Margaret jumped onto the pillow, protectively curling herself around Humphrey with a loud purr.

“Aww, I was going to ask you to consider letting me have Humphrey when he gets old enough to be adopted, but if you’re keeping the little lady, you might need to keep them both. She’s the perfect big sister.” Frustrated now, I petted the baby with the back of my finger, picturing the thirty-day notice I’d found in my apartment. “On second thought, I can’t adopt him anyway. Apparently, I’m going to be moving soon.”

Alarm flashing through his eyes, Hunter jerked to look at me. “Moving soon? What’s going on?”

“They sold my apartment complex, effectively breaking everyone’s leases. There was a notice on my door when I stopped by my place to grab some clothes. I would’ve told you sooner, but I completely forgot until this very moment. To be fair, I’ve been a bit distracted since I got here, and I really do need to get some sleep. When I wake up, I’ll have plenty of time to worry about where I’ll be living at the end of the month.”

Yawning again, Hunter nodded, slipping a leg between mine. His head rested against my arm, hand gripping my side. “My mom’s a real estate agent, but she also deals with a lot of rentals. I’m sure she can help you find something. I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“Sounds good, thanks. And if it’s a sneaky way to get me to meet your mom, I’m good with an introduction too.” I was sleepy as hell, but not tired enough to miss a chance to tease him. Hunter’s blushes were too cute. I could already see myself wanting to tease him as often as I could simply to see those cheeks get red.

Closing my eyes, I started to drift off when Hunter gasped, his grip tightening on my waist. “You should move in here. I have a spare room. Why pay rent somewhere if you’re sleeping at my place anyway?”

I was instantly and fully awake, my eyes popping open. “Umm, Hunter? No offense, babe, but isn’t me moving in the opposite of us taking things slowly?”

I’m coming in late, reading the last one first, but I read the blurb and it didn’t register right away, but that’s okay… I don’t feel like I missed a whole lot that wasn’t explained perfectly to bring me in. I am intrigued by this Matthew family though, who doesn’t seem so nice in this one…so perhaps I’ll go back and give them a read.

In saying that, we have a quick burn here, with a little bit of insta-love, but I have to say, it works for Quinn and Hunter… It felt real with them and not forced at all.

It all starts when Hunter, who is fostering some sick kittens, has a wedding coming up that his sister thought she’d help him out by finding him a date… through a dating app.
To attend his ex’s wedding…
Who lied about him so hardcore, it made half the town treat him terribly….
For years….
Luckily, the date ended up being a great sport and though Hunter and his ex did get a little bit of closure, I was disappointed that Hunter didn’t get any karmic justice, I know I sure would’ve!

So, as their first date extend into a week of a never ending date, I had to say that the two of them were so cute together, it felt like they’d always been best friends, even from the very beginning, and it’s that just the best kind of relationship? Where the other person is your best friend?? It just worked.

Unfortunately, it isn’t without a little bump and I’ve got to say that Hunter had more faith than I ever could because I would’ve thought the very worst when Quinn disappears after a perfect week and though I won’t spoil anything else, I will say that I’m glad they worked it out like adults and Hunter was mature and trusting and not at all psycho, like I would’ve been LOL

Overall, it was a very sweet, short-story that seems to be the final book in the series, but it made just want to go read the rest of them…

4 pieces of eye candy

As an avid reader and big romance fan myself, I love sharing the stories of the different people who live in my imagination. My stories are filled with humor, a few tears, and the underlying message to not give up hope, even in the darkest of times, because life can change on a dime when you least expect it. This theme comes from a lifetime of lessons learned on my own hard journey through the pains of poverty, the loss of more loved ones than I’d care to count, and the struggles of living through chronic illnesses. Life can be hard, but it can also be good! Through it all I’ve found that love, laughter, and family can make all the difference, and that’s what I try to bring to every tale I tell.

I’m a happily married mom with one snarky teenage boy, and three grown “kids of my heart.” I’m more widely known for my mpreg writings as Susi Hawke; this new name is a departure from that. Whether written by Susan or Susi, the books are filled with that all-important love, laughter, and family I mentioned; the only difference is that this name has no male pregnancy. I look forward to sharing my stories with you, and to bringing more romance and laughter into this world that needs it so very badly.

Connect with Susan:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authorsusanhawke
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanHawke
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-hawke
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/SusanHawkeNewsletter
Audio: http://bit.ly/SusanHawkeAudio
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/TheHawkesNest
Website: http://www.susihawke.com a Rafflecopter giveaway

Emerett Has Never Been In Love (Love, Austen Book 1) by Anyta Sunday: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

by

A man who acts before he thinks, a man who thinks before he acts, and the ensuing mishaps on the path to the ultimate love match.

~ ~ ~

Emerett “Lake” Lakewood has a healthy ego and a flair for the dramatic. After losing his best friend to marriage—completely crushing his heart—he deems it prudent to distract himself, and what better way than playing cupid?
He’s already got his eye on two young men desperately seeking romance, and he has a plan to hook them up.
Barbecues.
Photoshoots.
Reciting Shakespearean love declarations.
Lake is killing it. Love is positively pulsing in the air. Anyone could see it.
Well, anyone other than Knight, his best friend’s dad, who cautions Lake to stop meddling. To leave love to its natural course.
Lake has always valued Knight’s frankness, but this time he’s wrong. Without him, two hearts might be doomed never to find love.
Besides, what does Knight know about romance? He’s barely dated in all the seven years Lake’s known him. He’s clueless.
Though, there’s a thought. Knight has everything going for him. Sensibility. Kindness. Generosity. And for a forty-four-year-old, he’s—objectively—freaking hot.
Why is he single?

~ ~ ~

“. . . [T]here may be a hundred different ways of being in love.”
~ Jane Austen

And a hundred different ways not to recognize it.

~ ~ ~

“Emerett Has Never Been In Love” is a fun, fast-paced gay romance retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Lake tried not to look in Knight’s direction when he arrived with takeout. And, even though he’d done it a thousand times in front of Taylor, he didn’t swap his Malai Kofta for Knight’s Tandoori Chicken.

They spent the hour after dinner in Taylor and Amy’s darkened living room, looking at pictures projected onto the wall and hearing amazing stories of misadventure.

All too soon, the lights came on again. Lake felt Knight’s eyes on him.

Did Lake have to undrape himself from the couch and leave the happy couple to themselves? Was that really necessary?

On the smaller sofa, arm curled around Amy, Taylor laughed. “I know that look, Dad.” He glanced at Lake. “It’s time to leave.”

Knight said, “It is getting late, and you both . . . well.”

Was Knight blushing faintly at the thought of his son being intimate?

Lake smirked. “Probably a good idea to leave the love birds.”

Knight threw him a cautionary look.

It probably didn’t say much about the graciousness of his character that Lake was laughing inside. Laughing, and itching to make Knight squirm. “Staying longer would be encroaching—”

Knight strode over and pulled Lake to his feet with startling ease. Lake laughed. “Hey.”

“We’ll see you at the barbecue tomorrow,” Knight said pleasantly to Taylor and Amy.

“Sure thing, Dad.”

Knight ushered Lake out of the house, and Lake tossed a goodbye over his shoulder.

Outside, in the fresh early-summer breeze, Knight softly clapped the back of Lake’s head. “Really, Lake?”

“Hey, I didn’t do anything.”

Another chastising look. “That’s my son.”

“And adult, married sons don’t get intimate?”

“No—Yes. I’d just prefer not to make a thing of it. Bedroom affairs are private.”

“Bedroom affairs. I’m still shocked you didn’t call it your manhood or member. And, holy shit, now I’m wondering if you’re prudish in bed. If you’ve ever had one night stands, or if you only have sex after forging a deeper connection—and I’m gonna run home now.”

Lake started to hoof it and Knight snagged his shirt, holding him back. “Are you asking if I have sex just for the sake of it?” Lake looked at him, which took a little more courage than normal. “I prefer to know—and actually like—a guy, but occasionally release is the ultimate goal.”

What a fun read that had me smiling from the first page to the last.

A modern retelling of Emma, except, yanno, gay.

Retelling, or reimagining, of a classic is no easy feat. Not only is the author updating it to current times, but also switching from traditional male female relationships to male male relationships. And you know what? She did it really well.

The whole tone of the book was so similar to the original. The main character- in this take, Lake, has a heart of gold. He wants everyone happy. He unwittingly played matchmaker once and now his best friend is married to the woman of his dreams. So now he wants to help others find love. Even when they haven’t asked for help.

He moves himself into his best friend’s father’s house but is absolutely oblivious to the fact that this man, Knight, is all heart eyes for him. As is another character who he is trying to set up with Harry. Because Harry actually has a crush on his cousin. And then there is Josh who acts kind of sketchy and seems to flirt with Knight which makes Lake a little (a lot) jealous. And who is West???

Oh the tangled webs they weave.

There were a few things that niggled. They seemed to always be throwing a party. Lake’s back story is alluded too with some brief mentions. Maybe knowing more of those things would have made Lake’s motives more clear. We get more description of Knight’s house than of Lake’s background. But ultimately, I don’t think these things really detracted from the story as a whole.

Lighthearted, cute, fun, silly at times… put this on your tbr.

4 pieces of eye candy

I’m a big, BIG fan of slow-burn romances. I love to read and write stories with characters who slowly fall in love.

Some of my favorite tropes to read and write are: Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers, Clueless Guys, Bisexual, Pansexual, Demisexual, Oblivious MCs, Everyone (Else) Can See It, Slow Burn, Love Has No Boundaries.

I write a variety of stories, Contemporary MM Romances with a good dollop of emotion, Contemporary lighthearted MM Romances, and even a splash of fantasy.

My books have been translated into German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Thai.

Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/about-anyta/
Sign up for Anyta’s newsletter and receive a free e-book:
http://www.anytasunday.com/newsletter-free-e-book/

Contact Anyta:
Join my Facebook group to chat all things Slow Burn Romance:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SlowBurnSundays/

You can also find me here:
 www.anytasunday.com

For information about new releases and freebies, follow me on BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/anyta-sunday a Rafflecopter giveaway