TCO Exclusives

Blaze (Unbreakable Bonds #5) by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott: EXCLUSIVE Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

June 22, 2018 by Denise

The rings have been selected.
The champagne placed on ice.
The cake decorated.

And the pre-wedding sex is off the charts…

Lucas Vallois and Andrei Hadeon are finally ready to walk down the aisle. There’s just one small problem.

A ghost from Lucas’s past shows up days before the wedding, desperate for help. Against his better judgement, Lucas and his best friend, Ashton Frost, plan a fast trip back to the one place they swore they’d never go: their hometown in Oklahoma. But the danger is worse than they expected.

Now, they’re in a race to track down a killer, keep a young girl safe, and get Lucas back in time to say, “I do.”

Title: Blaze

Series: Unbreakable Bonds #5

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake and Elliott Publishing LLC

Release Date: June 22, 2018

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 75,000

Genre: Romance, Thriller/Suspense

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Shiver (Unbreakable Bonds Series Book 1

Shatter (Unbreakable Bonds Series Book 2

Torch (Unbreakable Bonds Series Book 3

Devour (Unbreakable Bonds Series Book 4

Blaze (Unbreakable Bonds Series Book 5

Lucas rolled his head on the headrest, his smile disappearing as he took in his best friend. Snow’s hands lay in fists on his lap and through his jeans, Lucas could see muscles taut with tension. He should never have agreed to let him come here. While Lucas’s childhood had been neglect and trash, Ashton Frost’s had been so much worse. It had been easy for Lucas to leave this world—but it had been necessary for Snow.

Problem was, Lucas needed him here, too. With him.

“Twenty-one years,” Lucas said softly.

Snow cleared his throat, but his voice came out raspy. “The town hasn’t changed in places.”

“And in others, it has.”

Snow stared through the windshield. “Feels the same, though.” He gritted his teeth so hard, Lucas heard the crunch. “I knew it would be difficult to come here, but I didn’t know the memories would swoop back in so fast.”

Lucas laid his hand on Snow’s leg, reassured by the warmth and strength under his palm. Snow had always been frank and open with him when he guarded his heart against most everyone else. It had been amazing to watch him soften and bloom in his relationship with Jude Torres. Lucas had worried something like that would never happen for Snow. Hell, he hadn’t expected to find that kind of connection himself.

But they both had.

They had grown past this place, and the sooner they took care of business and left, the better.

Snow sighed and closed his eyes. Lucas’s heart ached for him. His memories weren’t great, but Snow had been treated like something less than garbage, and Lucas had spent the majority of his first eighteen years doing what he could to offer him something good. His love for Ashton Frost was fierce—there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for the man, and it had been that way since the first day they’d met when Snow had been a dirt-covered, angry boy facing a group of bullies.

Theirs was a connection he’d never been able to explain. It wasn’t sexual, but it was something deeper than friends and brothers. He just flat-out loved the man. Always had.

He was reminded that Snow felt the same when his light blue eyes opened and focused on Lucas. They stared at each other for a few moments before a small smile pulled up one corner of Snow’s lips. “You’re gonna be a married man.”

“Shocking, isn’t it?”

“A few years ago, it would have been but not now. Not after watching the two of you together the past couple of years.”

“Are you going to take that step yourself?”

“Marry Jude?” Snow shrugged. Some of the tension seemed to drain out of him, but that usually happened when Snow thought of Jude. “We already are, as far as I’m concerned. I’m not like you—I don’t need the ceremony. We drew up legal papers making each other beneficiaries and more. All I need is that man in my life. For the rest of it.”

“I never said I needed a ceremony,” Lucas half growled. “I’d prefer if we met in front of a Justice of Peace.”

Snow snorted, his grin growing. “Don’t give me that bullshit. You want to parade that beautiful man down the aisle and show him off in some lavish ceremony. And don’t tell me you’re doing all this for Ian, either.”

“You don’t think I did?” He lifted an eyebrow. “That boy loves planning these sorts of things.”

“No doubt there, so yeah, maybe this is for Ian some. But be honest. You want to show Andrei off and thumb your nose at all those business associates who only tolerate you because of money. The ones who don’t think men should marry each other.”

He smirked. “Yeah, maybe. But don’t think you’re off the damn hook. Ian will turn his sights to you next.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi7t94kgYTA

Siiiiiiigh…

Can you really grasp all the emotions that I meant to convey in that sigh? You will, you will if you read this book. Of course, if you’ve gotten this far in the series, surely you’ve gone and fell in love with this group of guys like I have…and even though Noah and Rowe are such a hard couple to top, because they’re so amazing and dangerous, and every bad boy fantasy come to life. No one will ever top Andrei and Lucas for me. And in this one, it’s mostly about them…though you know where there is one, there is all; so we get them all too…

BUT, it’s finally wedding time. 10 days until Andrei and Lucas finally say “I do”…I dunno about y’all, but I have been WAITING for this…Not so patiently, I might add. There is no one sweeter than Andrei, and I absolutely adore the way he is with Lucas…and Lucas, how everyone’s health, happiness and well-being comes before his, his love for Andrei is…otherworldly. There is no topping it. You can feel it, anytime they so much as look at each other…and as an avid reader that’s quite obsessed with her book boys…feeling it myself about fictional characters is ridiculous… yet, somehow…I do with these two.

Okay, so you get I’m a fan-girl…Moving on.

So, it’s ten days til wedding day, and Ian has been planning his little heart out, everything is going to be perfect…until Snow brings home a visitor from their past, in the form of Lucas’s sister. The same sister that said horrible, nasty things to him and sided with his family when he came out…. It was hard for him to hear her out, but because he’s Lucas, and Lucas has Andrei… he did.

Her daughter, Lucas’ niece is in trouble… a niece he’s never met.. and he’s skeptical and hesitant, but they’re family, and you know how Andrei is about family. Lucas I think just hopes to swoop in like he does, fix things and get on with his life, maybe finding a little bit of closure back in his home town while he’s at it. Of course, he doesn’t go alone, he takes Snow…Little did they know, the little bit of trouble was actually quite a bit of trouble, and it’s a big ol’ whirlwind of danger and death… exactly what fuels guys like Snow, and especially Rowe and Noah…(they are serious BA in this one….again)

It’s hard for the guys to be there and there’s a lot of chasing their tails at first, but they get to the bottom of it. Of course they do… especially w hen the whole gang shows up. But, everything gets worked out in the end, and I think Snow and Lucas get the closure they needed. Maybe not the way they wanted, but, enough. I wish we wouldn’t got a little more Snow and Jude, but, that’s may just be me being selfish lol…And, last but not least…we meet a couple of new people that I hope stick around…oh, and of course, we get our wedding.

This is just another perfect addition to an already amazing series, and I find myself wishing that this series could last forever, because I’m not sure I’ll ever be done with them. For now though, I’ll patiently… or somewhat patiently wait for the next one.

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

I love the Unbreakable Bonds series. One of the reasons is that it wasn’t stretched out. Each guy got a book and a novella. Their stories were complete. So I thought that this book would be stretching Lucas and Andrei’s story with their wedding. But who can resist a wedding? Not me.

But we got so much more!!!

Lucas and Snow went back to their hometown. Seeing both men as anything less than the confident successful men they were was heart breaking. But, they are there to help Lucas’s niece-which isn’t as simple as they thought.

Through the story we get all of the main guys. And of course there is aission, hilarious code names and explosion.

And we still get a wedding. Swoon.

This installment did not disappoint and was a fun, exciting read.

4 pieces of eye candy

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

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Challenge (Kinky in the City Book Two) by Quinn Ward: Exclusive Excerpt, Quick Review and Giveaway

June 21, 2018 by Denise

When two men reveal the secrets they tried keeping, even from each other, sparks will fly…

Freddie’s life changed forever when he walked in on his best friend dancing around the room in women’s lingerie. A lifetime of friendship was buried in the same box as Peter’s lingerie and makeup. The single father isn’t ready to face the man who made him question his sexuality when they were teens.

He may not have a choice.

Peter refuses to call himself the black sheep of the family, because his life has been nothing but color since he left home rather than face a future he didn’t want. The death of his mother brings him home, and he can’t leave until he knows his sister’s okay. When Freddie offers him a place to stay, he’s not certain his heart will survive.

Can Freddie make Peter believe he’s not turned off by a bit of satin and lace while finally exploring his bisexuality?

Amazon

“And what would you do if I slacked off on my chores?” I asked playfully, grindinig my stiffening erection against him. He wasn’t hard, necessarily, but he was definitely perking up to the idea. “Would you… punish me.”

“Oh fuck,” Freddie moaned. He buried his face against my neck. “You can’t say shit like that when we’re not alone.”

“Why’s that?” I goaded, shoving my hand between our bodies to stroke him. “You thinking about all the ways you could punish me? Have you ever done that before?”

“Nuh uh,” he grunted, canting his hips, chasing my touch as I pulled away.

“Is it something you’ve thought about doing?” His only response was a muffled moan against my shoulder. I knew it wouldn’t take much to get him off at that point, but I’d much rather show him how torturously sweet anticipation could be. Freddie struck me as the type of man who’d, until this point, viewed sex as a perfunctory act. For as long as I was here, I planned to show him how it could also be hours of blissful entertainment, even when he was at work and I was at home.

“Tonight,” I promised him. “After Sophia’s in bed and I take Maria home, we’ll spend some time together.”

“Please tell me that’s a euphemism for I’ll finally get to see you in nothing but those lace underwear,” he pleaded.

“That can probably be accomplished. Anything else you want?”

“Wanna taste you.” His response surprised me, but that was definitely a request I’d happily accommodate. “Want everything with you.”

Oh, hello hot cover…. And hello single hot dad. Is there anything better? I think not.

In this one, we have Freddie, which surprised me…. Pleasantly. After his soon to be ex-wife took off and left him and his adorable five-year-old daughter, Sophia, I wasn’t sure he would trust anyone easily, especially a guy! Even more than that, a guy that had up and ran away years ago when a misunderstanding and a unaccepting family was all he had in the small town he’d grown up in.

Peter is back home after the death of his mother. My heart broke for him, because his father was awful, his sister treated him terrible and nobody seemed to accept him for the makeup wearing, sexy panty loving amazing man that he is. Nobody but his baby sister, though I’m sure she didn’t know the panty part lol the misunderstanding that had jaded a big part of his teenage years had him and Freddie not seeing eye to eye at first…. Both men had had feelings for each other, but in a small conservative town with Catholic parents….. it wouldn’t be easy for them to navigate those feelings in a healthy way…. Now, Freddie had Sophia and the restaurant and Peter had a sister he was trying to be there and no career options and essentially no place to stay…

Fortunately for Peter, Freddie wanted a chance to explain and Peter became fast friends with little Sophia. I loved their relationship…not only was Freddie an excellent dad, but Peter gave her the stability and care that she’d never had from a secondary parent. Her mom was terrible too and I wished a little bit that we’d seen her get her karmic smackdown that she deserved. Everyone was better off without her selfishness and I’m glad that she didn’t cause trouble with the small family that worked so hard to find a new normal that was comfortable for everyone.

I loved Freddie and Peter together and I loved watching them figure out how it was going to work. Peter fell so effortlessly into their lives and they needed him more than they all realized. And Peter needed them just as much, because he’d finally found someone to love him for all the ways he was amazing. I was so happy with the ending, and so happy with the way it all came together.

I cannot wait for Matteo’s story, I have a feeling it’s going to another heartbreaker.

And though I loved Cal and Frankie, I think it’ll be hard to top these two….

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

Comment on this post and be entered to win a set of all three books in the Kinky in the City series. (Book 3, winner will receive on release day).

The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever by Andrew Grey: Exclusive Guest Post, Excerpt and Release Day Review

June 20, 2018 by Denise

How can heartbreak turn into happily ever after?

Tommy Gordon is all set for happily ever after—until heartbreak strikes when his husband-to-be leaves him at the altar. In a bid for distraction, his best friend, Grayson Phillips, suggests he takes advantage of the luxury honeymoon anyway! But the last thing Tommy wants is to go alone, so he invites Grayson and his son, Petey, along.

Beautiful Bonaire lends itself to romance, and along with close quarters, relaxing on the water, and a matchmaking kid, Tommy and Grayson soon find themselves closer than ever… and considering more, much to Grayson’s delight. But before they can plan the best best honeymoon ever, dark clouds descend in the form of Tommy’s ex and a sting from paradise that could ruin everything.

Title: The Best Worst Honeymoon Ever
Author: Andrew Grey
Release Date: June 19, 2018
Category: Contemporary, Dreamspun Desires
Pages: 180

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Dreamspinner Press

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I really love my winter vacations. Dominic and I spend some time each year in the Caribbean taking a break from the cold and snow. For us, its just enough to get us through the rest of winter. Writing this book was like being on one of those vacations. I got to take my characters on many of the things Dominic and I love to do. A snorkeling adventure, a day on the water, even a chance to explore the world underneath, all the while falling in love. Now I have been blessed to have been with my husband going on 25 years now. But whenever we visit Bonaire and some of the other islands, we get the chance to have a little fun and fall in love with each other all over again.

“Did you sleep?”

“Yes and no. I might have dozed off, but then Xavier was there to tell me how much he didn’t love me once again, and I kept playing things over and over in my head.” Tommy sat back. “You know….”

“What?” Grayson prompted, knowing he needed to let Tommy talk.

“This whole thing sucks.” Tommy closed his eyes, and Grayson sat back. He didn’t know what to say and figured keeping quiet was the best thing to do. “Will you and Petey come with me?”

Grayson thought about it and reached for his phone. He stared at it, then pulled up a number and made a call. “Jan, it’s Grayson. I’m sorry to bother you on a weekend, but….” He wasn’t sure how to bring this up.

“Aren’t you supposed to be at a wedding?” Jan was an amazing supervisor and one of the best people he’d ever met. They were friends of a sort and had worked together since Jan hired him out of college. Jan had promoted Grayson to a project manager a few years earlier, pleased with his work. “Yes, I was. But one of the grooms was a no-show, and I’m here with Tommy right now. I know it’s short notice, but he’s asked me to go with him on a trip, and I have plenty of vacation time….”

Jan chuckled. In the world of computers, Tommy was sort of a local legend. “You go. You’re between projects right now. Take the time off. You deserve it.” She seemed happy. “So what kind of trip is this?”

“Bonaire,” Grayson said, and Petey whooped from where he stood near them.

“That’s amazing. I’ve been there with the boys, and they had the time of their lives.” Jan loved to travel, and her sons were huge into scuba diving. There were pictures all over her office. “When do you leave?”

“Wednesday.”

“See me first thing on Monday so I’ll know your schedule.” She ended the call, and Grayson put his phone back in his pocket.

“I get to go too?” Petey asked in that tone that said he was making sure.

“Yes,” Tommy answered. “You definitely get to go too. Your dad will have to talk to your teacher, and before you ask, yes… you will have to do homework and probably a report on your trip because you’ll be out of school, but you get to go.”

Petey whooped again and raced back into the water, then sent up a splash that got both of them sprinkled with spray.

So cute!

Anyone who reads my reviews has to know by now that I’m such a sucker for hot dads! In this one, we meet Tommy, Grayson and Petey from the very beginning. Tommy is being left at the alter and his best friend for going on a decade Grayson and his son Petey are right there with him, making sure he gets through it okay. It was rough, because the ex- Xavier was a real tool, to put it nicely.

Deciding he needed to get away and lick his wounds, Tommy took his best friend- whom he’d always kind of had a crush on, and his son with him on his honeymoon. Sounds good, right? Tommy never dreamed that his gorgeous best friend and single dad would feel the same way about him… but of course he did, because honestly…Tommy was generous and selfless, he was loyal and trusting, almost to a fault. He had such a big heart, and wanted the people around him to be happy….what wasn’t to love? And he and Petey were as close as family, which.to a single parent, is the epitome of attractive. Trust me, I was one, once upon a time. Nothing hotter than seeing your kids happy with someone who treats them like their own.

So, while the guys spend Tommy’s honeymoon enjoying the sun and gorgeous island, they decide to see what could happen between them. The feelings have always been there, it just had never seemed like the right time. Now, the timing was perfect….well, almost…It would’ve been, until the ex made a surprise appearance. I had to say, for story sake I wasn’t surprised… but honestly, how can people just be okay with being such ugly spirited people? I could never use someone and hurt someone like that, even for all the money in the world. That guy was scum… and I loved how Petey stood up for Tommy and told the ex exactly what he thought of him. Supes cute!

Of course, the man didn’t have a leg to stand on, and the bad guy getting away with being the bad guy, is something I cannot stand…Luckily, it didn’t work out for him in this one, because as quickly as he came, he was gone, and the guys were left to their honeymoon getaway.

It was a cute story with low angst, which is exactly what I needed right now; and honestly… .it’s hard to find a story from Andrew Grey that I don’t really enjoy. If you like hot dads, sweet guys and an adorable kid… don’t pass this one up.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Author Links

Amazon Author Page

Barnes and Noble Page

Dreamspinner Press

Facebook

Facebook Group All the Way with Andrew Grey

Goodreads

Twitter @andrewgreybooks

Website

For Other Works by Andrew Grey

(Please Be Sure To Stop by His Website to See All of His Works)

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from RBTL Book Promotions and the Author/Publisher with the hope that I will leave my Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. *

Something About You by Riley Hart: EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT, Release Day Review, and Giveaway

June 19, 2018 by Denise

Lucky Tyler Holloway has never felt particularly lucky. Frankly, he’s about as regular as can be. He works construction with his brothers, loves his small-town life, and shares a close bond with his family—especially his grandmother. Okay, so maybe he has a few secrets in his closet, like his bisexuality…and that other thing he doesn’t talk about… Maybe that’s why he’s always felt a little like an outsider.

Grayson St. Claire has it all: a dream job in LA, money, freedom. Saint has no attachments, which is just the way he likes it. Still, he’d be lying if he didn’t admit he missed his deceased parents who were the only family he had… Until he gets an e-mail from some guy named Tyler revealing the existence of a grandmother he’s never met, and prompting Saint to drop everything to drive across the country.

Saint and Tyler couldn’t be more different. Tyler hates the guy on sight, but there’s something about Tyler that gets under Saint’s skin. It’s not until they get to know one another that everything begins to change. But the Holloways and St. Claire’s have secrets, and their pasts are tied together in tragic ways they don’t know about. The odds are stacked against them and between their distance and their differences, Lucky and Saint have to admit that love alone might not be enough.

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU

RILEY HART

M/M ROMANCE

RELEASE DATE: 06.19.18

COVER DESIGN: X-Potion Designs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wilson Models

Goodreads – Something About You

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Christ, Lucky had been incredible. He’d been so damn hungry for Saint, like he’d been on the ragged edge simply from giving head. He’d felt it in each lick, each suck, seen it as he’d lavished Saint’s cock. He hadn’t expected Lucky to go for it as he had, to nearly vibrate with need, but that had been exactly what had happened.

And the way he’d tasted, the untethered, wild abandon in each breath, each thrust of his hips as Saint had blown him had been amazing.

It was…more than he’d thought it would be, and Saint wasn’t sure how he felt about that.

Now they lay there, Lucky beside him, on his stomach. His sexy, round ass within reach. Would he try to stay the whole night? The thought made Saint’s skin feel too tight. Lucky’s bed was only upstairs. He didn’t need to stay. Saint wouldn’t, if the situation were reversed. Most of the people he slept with at home wouldn’t.

“I kind of wish I swallowed,” Lucky broke the silence, making a loud, unexpected laugh jump from Saint’s mouth.

“Well, that can be arranged for next time. I promise you, swallowing is something I’ll never complain about.” A smile still curved his lips. The man was full of surprises. He had a feeling Lucky was a little kinkier than he let on, or maybe than he knew.

He watched as Lucky shifted, scooted down the bed. Saint frowned as he maneuvered himself between Saint’s spread legs again. His expression wasn’t one of distaste, just…confusion. What was Lucky doing?

Saint opened his legs wider to give Lucky room.

“God, the sound you made when you came…the whole time, really, but especially when you came. I damn near had an orgasm myself. It was so raw, so primal. Made me feel…powerful, if that makes sense.”

Saint was surprised when Lucky reached out, ran his forefinger through the drying come on Saint’s hip, then lifted it to his tongue, touching just the tip and allowing himself to taste it.

Whoa, hey, hot cover!

So, I’m in love with Lucky and Saint. Let’s discuss, why.

Lucky is the epitome of the boy next door. Small town, Mayberry type town, where everyone knows you and has since birth. He’s the baby of his family, and even though his family is very protective of him, he’s the one who doesn’t know a stranger, and helps everyone when he can. Always. He’s his Grandma’s favorite, and how can he not be? He’s so polite and respectful and helpful. He’s just a sweet guy. All around handyman and helper of his brother’s construction company, he’s content in his little town. Content, but not really able to be himself. That is, until Lucky’s grandma confesses that her best friend/roommate/honest soul mate, if you believe in that sort of thing…. Has a grandson out there that she’s never met. And in their aging years, I thinks he knew that Lucky would do something about it…It’s what he does. He lives to make people happy. So, he looks the guy up and contacts him.

Lucky lost his mom and dad in a plan crash that his dad was piloting, leaving him with no other blood relative and alone in California. Or so he thought, he was mighty surprised when he gets the email from Lucky, telling him that he has a grandma who’d love to meet him. It takes him a month to gather the nerve, but when he eventually does, I don’t think either man was ready for the other one. Or maybe they were, they were just fighting in.

Lucky didn’t like the arrogant out of towner at first; in my opinion, he envied the life he had, he just didn’t realize it at the time. Saint was everything that Lucky didn’t allow himself to be and Saint didn’t care who knew it. It was hard on them, but agreeing to live together to fix up Saint’s grandma’s house, they realize their jabs at each other and banter, is really attraction. Saint offers up himself for Lucky’s experimentation and they both jump on it. It’s hot too, shew!

At first, Saint gets to know his grandma and he learns so much about his dad and his family that he didn’t know before. I loved their relationship, I loved Alice and way she supported the people she loved. She was outspoken and crude and just..amazing. I wanted to wish her real so I could know her. And she had more in common with the boys than they could ever realize. Between getting to know his only living family and helping Lucky fix up the house that was destined to be his one day… he also taught Lucky some things in owning who you are as a person and not to be ashamed of the things you like and the way you like them. I loved watching Lucky come into himself, and I loved watching Saint help him get there.

Unfortunately, the more time they spent together, the more the experimenting turned into feelings and pretty soon, the feelings turned into love…. How would it work though? Saint lives in California and Lucky is halfway across the country? And Saint has to go back, his whole life is there…So, what do we do?

It’s a humbling, sometimes heartbreaking story to read, but it was beautiful. I don’t say that often, and I know it’s cheesy, but I loved it. It’s about growing up and finding yourself and in finding yourself you find love. A great one.

I would most definitely recommend this one; there’s little angst, no cheating, no unnecessary junk. Just goodness and a very satisfying happy for now. I wouldn’t mind reading more about these two, but if not…I’m happy where they ended up…together.

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

Riley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She’s a hopeless romantic, a lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together.

She loves reading, flawed characters, and hanging out with her husband and children, who she adores. She and her family live in Southern California, soaking up the sunshine while also missing seasons. Not a day goes by that she isn’t thankful she gets to wake up and do what she loves.

Life is good. Riley also writes young adult and new adult under the name Nyrae Dawn.

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Exploration (Kinky in the City Book 1) by Quinn Ward: Exclusive Excerpt, Quick Review and Giveaway

June 18, 2018 by Denise

No one enters the world of kink knowing exactly what it is they crave…The reluctant manager of his family’s restaurant, Frankie attempts to live up to the legacy of his father and grandfather. Running a business that isn’t his passion and trying to do it without asking for help leaves him turning to less-than-legal means when he wants to surrender control.

Newly divorced, Calvin no longer lives in the closet, leaving him searching for what he most desires- control. So when he finds Frankie on his knees in the back room of a local bar, Calvin sees the sub he’s only ever fantasized about having.

Can Calvin find the confidence to explore his dominant side while showing his younger roommate that submission isn’t only about whips and pain?

Amazon

“I did what you asked and looked up all that shit, and I have to tell you, if this is all about you trying to get in my pants, there’s no reason to work so hard?” There wasn’t? Did that mean he was even half as attracted to me as I was to him? “In case you’ve forgotten, I’m easy and not expecting anything with strings.”

“Is that why you trick?” I asked, even though I didn’t think it was the full explanation. I’d ruled out him doing it for the money, but it’d bugged me all week that he was doing it at all. If it was out of desperation, this conversation would take a completely different turn, because I wasn’t a heartless ass who would allow someone I cared about to sell his body—or at least his mouth—to make ends meet.

“It’s as good a reason as any,” he responded flatly.

“But it’s not all of it, is it?” I pushed. He shook his head. “Would you like to explain it to me?” He shook his head again. Fuck, this wasn’t much different than trying to have a deep conversation with Ryan. I groaned and Frankie chuckled. The little shit was trying to get a rise out of me. “Fine. You don’t have to tell me, but if the time comes when you feel comfortable, I’d like to hear more.”

“Just like that?” He gaped at me as if he was waiting for me to demand answers.

“Yep. Just like that,” I confirmed. “And telling you to do a little research wasn’t because I want to fuck you.”

Okay, so not usually a fan of the BDSM genre… It’s just not my thing, however, hot older guys and younger guys needing a firmer hand in the relationship…. Totally my thing.

In this one, we have Frankie who inherited his family restaurant after his dad passes away, even though it wasn’t at all what he envisioned himself doing. Even though it was ran by him, his brothers and their mother, because it was technically “his”, he wanted to run it like his father used to, and that meant taking everything on himself and that was hard for him….. he had to be in control of everything and everyone went to him for answers…. So he needed a way to unwind, to let loose and let someone else be in control for a while… even if it was in the form of tricking for money….. This, I didn’t like… I also don’t like the rent boy trope, I think it’s gross. I guess I’m old fashion, but I don’t know how someone can be comfortable sleeping with someone who prostitutes themselves… I’m like…. Diseases are a real thing, I’d rather not have to worry about that…. And in today’s world… yuck. ANYWAY… in the back room of Cal (Frankie’s much older roommate) catches him in the back room of a club that Cal’s friend owns.

Cal needed some financial help to be able to afford his son’s potential future hockey career and taking him out of town for tournaments and getting him all the expensive gear and stuff, so he gets a roommate. That ends up being Frankie, and even though he’s attracted to the much younger man, he knows he’s got a lot on his shoulders since taking over his family’s business.

It isn’t long that he notices the world sitting on Frnkie’s shoulders and seeing him hooking up with a stranger for money in the back storage closet at the club is a real eye opener for both men. He thinks he knows what Frankie needs, and that’s someone to finally put Frankie’s needs first for once, and he sets about learning the art of Dom/sub roles, but the beginners addition, I’d say.

Although there is spanking and like I said, a firm hand… it’s pretty light compared to other BDSM reads, and I liked that. It wasn’t big into the lifestyle and the power exchange and humiliation and whips and leather and pain and all that. This was the basic fundamentals where Frankie needed someone to take care of him and Cal needed to be the one to do it.

Their relationship was sweet and I enjoyed watching them fall in love with one another. It wasn’t always easy, but it felt real in the aspect that they were learning their way together. I would be interested in reading more about these two, as it kind of ended abruptly. I’m also curious to read more about Frankie’s family and his brothers. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone was so accepting; Cal’s ex and his son, as well as Frankie’s brothers and mom. It made for a nice change.

4 pieces of eye candy for me on this one. On to the next!

Comment on this post and be entered to win a set of all three books in the Kinky in the City series. (Book 3, winner will receive on release day).

Refraction by Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga: Exclusive Author Guest Post

June 14, 2018 by Denise

In celebration of their new release, Refraction, a book in the Collaborations series, the amazing authors, Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga stopped by for a little banter about Tucker and Calvin and the inspiration for their story. So excited to have them! I’m reading this now, and they aren’t kidding…this one starts with the reader needing a serious fan!

Texas artist Tucker Williams arrives in New York City for a gallery showing of his work and finds the city blanketed in snow. He meets free-spirited underwear model Calvin McIntire on the steps of the Midtown library and is captivated by a wild beauty that manages to compete with the demons that occupy his soul and fuel his work with their lust for blood and erotic imagery.

Unable to deny a new inspiration, Tucker sublets a studio and finds the city’s energy almost as addictive as Calvin.

Tucker is obsessive, barely holding on to sanity as his art consumes him, and Calvin is dealing with demons of his own, trying desperately to protect his soul in a business where only his appearance has value. They each prove to be the perfect remedy for the other’s personal brand of crazy until, in the midst of stress and exhaustion, they discover that a promise Calvin needs is the one thing Tucker can’t give him, and their heaven turns to purgatory.

Can both men find a path toward wholeness in Tucker’s beautiful but chaotic Texas home? In order for them—and their passionate relationship—to thrive, they’ll need to adapt, share their psychoses, and find a true balance between New York City and rural Texas.

Title: Refraction
Series: Collaborations
Authors: Jodi Payne and BA Tortuga
Release Date: June 12, 2018
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 250

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

Jodi: Hey there! I’m Jodi Payne. I’m a proud Jersey Girl, and I’m here with BA Tortuga, the self-proclaimed resident redneck, to talk about our new release, Refraction!

BA: The question is how were Tucker and Calvin born? The answer is, well, we were hard at work trying to come up with a concept and Jodi said, “Let’s just work on something to keep the words going.”

HA!

Ha, I say.

I write a sentence about a Texan sitting on the steps of the NYC main library and BOOM.

Just work on something to keep the words going. No big deal. Nothing serious.

HA.

Jodi: Right. These two were not supposed to be a book, remember? And then Calvin dragged that poor frozen Texan out of the snow and into a coffee shop, and Tucker did that thing with a spoon and turned Calvin on, and BOOM. Again.

BA: Yeah…these boys are very BOOM, with a little ARGH and a touch of UHN.

Jodi: No slow burn here for sure, these guys hit it off fast and work backward to the romance. Because Tucker is only in town for the weekend, and Calvin is busy, and they were not supposed to be a Thing.

BA: Yeah, well… You know, these assholes never do what they’re supposed to, do they? (FYI, the answer is no.)

Jodi: But I think I was seduced by the idea of making everything that’s different about them be an asset, not a liability. That one really could be a light to the other one’s dark. That what seems impossibly complicated to one man can be clear as day to the other.

BA: While I was all caught up by the sparkly. (I know, y’all are not surprised. Rainbow glitter is the easiest way to catch my attention.)

Jodi: (If that doesn’t work, try shouting “squirrel!” *snort*) Okay, so we talked about how we started writing them, so what kept us writing? Tucker is fascinating to me. His creative energy is so raw and the obsessive way he works is almost scary. And so many everyday things, socially and sexually, were foreign to him. All that discovery was fun to write. What was it about Calvin for you?

BA: Calvin? He’s a good man trying to pretend he’s not. I love that. I love his heart. Calvin would argue with me, of course, but he’s allowed to.

Jodi: So that’s where Tucker and Calvin came from. I think they’re some of the best characters I’ve ever not intended to write. *grin*

BA: In other words, I went fishing and caught myself a co-writer. I’m a lucky girl.

Jodi Payne takes herself way too seriously and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after. For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila any way you pour it.

Twitter https://twitter.com/JodiPayne

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/payne.jodi

FB Author Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/jodisgents/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/267617.Jodi_Payne

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jodipayne1800/?hl=en

BA Tortuga: Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy’s Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds and her beloved wife, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she’s not doing that, she’s writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. BA’s personal saviors include her wife, Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.

Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has heard the call of the high desert and lives in the Sandias. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.

Twitter https://twitter.com/batortuga

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

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

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

Instagram https://instagram.com/batortuga/