Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Reviewer: Deanna

Handsome Death by Sara Dobie Bauer: Excerpt and New Release Review

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I’m not hunting him; I’m protecting him.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

In New York City, a beautiful creature like Tristan Clement should not be walking the streets alone, and I’m the perfect vampire to watch his back.

But what if keeping him safe isn’t enough anymore? What if I want to touch? And taste?

I need him. But I’ve never needed anyone.

In a world where paranormal creatures live amongst us and must follow certain laws, living life as a dangerous loner works for vampire Ethan. Inhabiting his gleaming apartment, wearing his designer suits, jetting around the world as a fanged killer-for-hire, Ethan does it all alone.

That is, until he literally runs into Tristan. Tristan, who is clearly trouble wrapped in skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. Tristan, with his shock of angelic blond curls. Tristan, who plays piano more beautifully than the old masters– and Ethan would know; he saw Beethoven.

Tristan is gorgeous, a little sassy, and irresistible. Also, Ethan is horrified to note, Tristan has no idea how incredibly tempting he is to things that go bump in the night.

Overcome by the urge to keep Tristan safe, Ethan begins to… well, stalk is such a strong word. What starts as an obsession quickly becomes something more, something that Ethan needs. And to his surprise, Tristan seems to need him, too…

*This darkly romantic tale delivers steamy passion and a happily ever after. Be advised that Handsome Death includes explicit m/m content, stalking, mentions of past abuse, and graphic violence.* 

Book Title: Handsome Death

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Carnation Books

Release Date: April 10, 2020

Genre/s: Paranormal M/M romance, contemporary M/M romance

Trope/s: Vampires, bondage, hurt/comfort, age gap

Themes: explicit sex, past abuse, dark, immortal, graphic violence, stalking

Heat Rating:  5 flames

Length: 72 000 words

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

Amazon US- Kindle Unlimited

Amazon UK – Kindle Unlimited

I feel an itch on the back of my neck so glance behind me, and indeed, there he is, the blond kid from yesterday. I must have caught him staring, because as soon as I turn to look, he ducks his head and goes back to reading.

I shouldn’t approach him. Granted, he’s stunning. Most vampires would love to get their hands on his bare skin, but I’m not one for picking up humans outside of blood clubs. I’m cautious. Vampires can get in a lot of trouble for biting a human without consent. Like sentenced-to-death trouble. The humans at blood clubs know what they’re getting into. This guy? He looks like a puppy in need of a cuddle. He has no idea what a vampire could do to him.

Maybe some reconnaissance is in order. Just to, you know, make sure he’s all right after yesterday’s altercation.

Or something.

I’m lying to myself. This isn’t a protective detail in Serbia, this is me away from combat too long and bored in New York.

Fuck it.

He sits at one of the heavy wooden tables with the lid off his cup. His hair hangs halfway over his forehead, tilted down over a paperback, but I can still see his mouth, the way he chews his bottom lip, making it pinker, fuller.

I walk right up to his table. I don’t wait for him to look up. I don’t wait for an invitation. I just sit.

He startles at my arrival. His eyes widen and stare at me.

“Who are you?” I ask. I’ve always been really good at openings.

“Uhh.” His forehead wrinkles.

I drum my fingertips on the table. “I’ve never seen you in here before.”

“You saw me yesterday.” He folds the top corner of a page in his paperback: Dracula by Bram Stoker. “You saved my ass yesterday.”

“Before yesterday,” I reply.

He sighs. “A Starbuck’s bought out my favorite coffee shop, so I guess this is now my favorite coffee shop. Buy local.” He scoops his messenger bag off the floor and shoves the book inside.

The kid has one of those runway model faces—gaunt if not so beautiful, sharp and yet soft. Freckles? Zero. Wait, no, he’s got just a smattering that you would only notice close-up … or with well-trained vampiric eyes. He has no shadow of recently shaved facial hair, and that’s no surprise based on the white-blond of his hair. He must moisturize those lips because nobody’s mouth just naturally looks like the perfect mixture of velvet and silk.

He sighs again, louder. “You’re staring at me.”

No, I’m studying him—checking out his vulnerable areas, which are pretty much everywhere considering he’s so thin and fragile-looking.

As for everyone else in the coffee shop, they’re looking at the kid like they want to take him to bed. I catch a girl at the next table over gawking. A big dude with a beard stands in line to our right, his mouth hanging half open as he admires.

“Everyone is staring at you,” I respond.

His pale cheeks burn bright red as he swoops his bag onto his shoulder and stands. “No, that’s …” He shakes his head. “Ha, no.” He doesn’t say goodbye. He even leaves his coffee, half-consumed on the table. He up and abandons me without a word, but I do watch him go—as does half of Inky Grounds.

Once he disappears out into the early October morning, I turn back around and stare at his deserted coffee. Granted, I’m not smooth—I get it—but he didn’t have to run out like that. I just wanted to see that he was safe. Shit, I don’t even know his name.

This is not a typical vampire tale, it’s not full of a hungry vamp searching for his next meal. This is a beautiful story of Tris, a piano student recovering from a bad relationship trying to rebuild his confidence and independence and Ethan, a lonely vampire who hasn’t relied on anyone but himself in far too long. In once instant of happenstance Ethan found the one thing he couldn’t live without. Ethan will need to examine his feeling and decide if this is an infatuation or if he’s willing to give up his lonely, safe existence for a chance at the forever. Tris will need to decide if he can trust Ethan to not crush his spirit and help him blossom into the man he’s trying to become. When fate steps in, Ethan will need to make a split second decision, will he leave Tris to his fate or spend eternity loving him.

The book was very well written, at times you could feel Ethan’s loneliness, you can feel Tris’s apprehension to trust. You can feel the sparks jump off the page at you, but more importantly you can feel the love as these two navigate their new relationship.

The characters were well developed, not just the main characters there are a few supporting characters I love as well. The first time I read this book I devoured it because I just needed to see what happened, before I could write my review I had to read it again at a slower pace so that I could absorb all the amazing details.

This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.

5 pieces of eye candy

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, mental health speaker, and LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. Her current obsession with Timothee Chalamet runs deep, and don’t even get her started on Call Me By Your Name.

Author Links

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Candy Hearts by Erin McLellan: Quick Review

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Mechanic Benji Holiday is so over Valentine’s Day and men who don’t get him. A weekend getaway with friends to escape the holiday hubbub is exactly what he needs. But William O’Dare—a stern and silent nightclub owner with “Be My Valentine” practically stamped on his forehead—throws a wrench into Benji’s plans.

William has spent years focused on his career, and it has cost him friendships and love. Inexperienced in the business of romance, he’s on the hunt for the perfect partner, and he’s armed with specific criteria to guide him. But William didn’t expect a hunky mechanic wrapped in satin and lace to show up on his doorstep.

Unable to resist their attraction, Benji and William agree to be secret fake valentines for the weekend, but secrets have a way of getting out. William gets struck by Cupid’s arrow, and as the weekend winds down, he doesn’t want fake or secret. He wants Benji to be his valentine for real and for keeps.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

This is the best Valentine story I read this year and a first time read of Erin McLellan.

The story was creative and entertaining. The characters were interesting and relatable. There were bits of humor sprinkled in over the plot along with enough serious moments and self reflection to make it a well balanced read.

I love insta-love, but we all know that the honeymoon doesn’t last forever. Erin shows us that and it’s perfection. While William and Benji click in all the right ways at the cabin when they get back to the real world it’s a struggle to find balance. Their first date is awful because they were both trying two hard, and doesn’t that just give you all the feels.

In conclusion, this story was perfect! If you haven’t read it yet you totally should.

I’m going to run off and check out all of Erin’s backlist.

5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Roxy’s Recovery by Kim Breyon: Quick Review * 2

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As the newest veterinarian in the small town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Vaughn Winters doesn’t have time for relationships. He is too busy healing injuries and establishing his reputation as a trustworthy vet. But when a strange man waves him down one stormy night seeking help for his injured dog, Vaughn simply can’t refuse.

Obviously homeless and with no means to pay for Roxy’s medical care, Vaughn throws caution to the wind and strikes a deal with the hesitant stranger that would allow Roxy the time to heal and provide some much-needed TLC to his property as well. As the days pass, Vaughn’s curiosity grows. Alex’s dedication to the job is as surprising as the sexy tats hidden beneath his rugged clothes. What could have pushed this kind, hardworking man to the streets, or cast such dark shadows in his otherwise bright blue eyes?

Will six weeks be enough time to earn Alex’s trust? Or will asking questions cause him to tuck tail and run as soon as Roxy is able?

***

Roxy’s Recovery is a 61k standalone contemporary romance involving two men, a meddling sister, and a seriously sassy pug.

Title: Roxy’s Recovery

Author: Kim Breyon

Publisher: self-published/Amazon

Release Date (Print & Ebook): November 21st, 2019

Length: 62k words

Subgenre: contemporary romance

Warnings: Very brief on-page mentions of dog abuse & domestic abuse. It is mentioned after the act has occurred, not during.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

“I’m worried about you, Alex, and it bothers me that I still don’t know what happened to you. You haven’t told me why you left Spokane, so all I can assume is it was something awful.”

He looked away, shaking his head in frustration. “Everyone assumes that.”

“Well, what else am I supposed to think? What could have happened to make you want to live on the streets? Or put Roxy in danger when you clearly love her more than anything? It’s what anyone would think! And it’s why Bri is worried! It’s not normal for people to choose to live that way unless they’re…” I bit my tongue from saying more.

He scoffed. “Unless they’re the cause of their own problems, right? Like a drug addict? Believe me, I know. People have assumed the worst. They’ve accused me of trying to steal shit or take one look at me and assume I’m some criminal!”

“I didn’t,” I argued. “And I still don’t.”

His jaw ticked. “Yeah, well, you were the first.”

I took a step closer, not daring to touch him yet. “One of the first questions I asked you was if you were running from trouble. You didn’t hesitate to say no, and I believed you. You want to know why?”

His jaw ticked again.

“Because I heard the pain in your voice even then. I heard the things you didn’t say, and I saw how tired you were. The shadows in your eyes. You may not have been asking for help, but you wanted someone to give you a chance.” Alex didn’t look away, and I took that as a good sign. “Whether you meant to or not, you’d shown your true self that night, and it was enough for me.”

So, I’m a sucker for a hot dad, even if it is the dad of a fur baby instead of a real one. Vaughn is too, apparently, at least he is when he runs into an unkempt man and his injured dog in the pouring rain.

Alex has nothing left in this world but a few cents, an inherited harmonica and the puppy his dad gifted him before he passed. After falling on hard times and trusting the wrong man, Alex is lost and wandering, trying to just not give up. If not for his little pug, Roxy, he might have. With no destination in mind and nothing to do when he gets there, Alex has been wandering for months. It was pure luck that the man who stopped to help him and Roxy on the side of the highway, was Vaughn.

First things first, Vaughn has a huge heart and while it might sometimes leap before it looks, you just can’t help but fall in love with him. When he sees a down on his luck drifter with pain in his eyes, he offers him a place to stay while he and his dog heal and in return he can do some landscaping work around Vaughn’s clinic. He didn’t plan to fall for the mystery man and his dog, but after taking things slow, earning his trust and getting to know him… he didn’t stand a chance.

Healing after a toxic and/or abusive relationship is tricky and there are a lot of do’s and don’ts there that Alex needed to get through before things could progress with the nice man helping him and Roxy. He didn’t want to do anything to mess up the deal they’d made but he also couldn’t help but falling for the sweet man that just seemed to keep offering everything he and Roxy needed. He was hesitant to accept it because he didn’t want to get thrown back into the same type of relationship he was in before. He knew Vaughn wouldn’t physically hurt him, but he was wary. Rightfully so….

It took the two some time to get to where they needed to be and even then, it’s tossed around by a few speed bumps that had me broken hearted for both of them. I thought they both were too darn stubborn and misunderstandings and confused feelings had a lot of the blame. Understandably though, especially when you’re getting to know someone and figuring out how to navigate a relationship. I loved both of these guys, and I adored them together. I wish the ex that popped up would’ve gotten a bigger dose of karmic justice, but meh…. Not everyone is as petty as me LOL

Such a cute ending, loved to see inside the head of Roxy for a cute minute and really wouldn’t mind reading more about these two in the future!

Very cute read.

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

I loved this story. It’s rare that you have a character as selfless and caring as Alex. When he is down on his luck and homeless, Roxy his beloved pet Pug is all he has. When Roxy gets hurt he knows he has to do what he can to stop her pain, even if that means losing the only thing he has left in the world.

When Vaughn finds them on the side of the road in a snow storm and offers his assistance he know he will do anything he can to save Roxy for Alex. Alex puts his pride aside to take the offered help, but in exchange he works as a handy man for Vaughn’s veterinarian practice.

Vaughn and Alex become friendly and then romantic all the while Alex is trying to keep himself at a distance because he know good things don’t last forever. The two will need to work together to stay together while at the same time not crushing the independence that Alex just earned.

This is such a good read. I love how hard Alex worked on reaching his goals, independence and care for Roxy. I also love how even when Vaughn had a hard time understanding why Alex needed those things he didn’t push him to change his goals or stop all together. The compromise and understanding make this such a sweet holiday read.

4 pieces of eye candy

I am an Idaho native who grew up dreaming about traveling the world and writing stories. As a child, I would often spend my spare time curled up with my favorite blanket and a notebook, writing another fairy tale. I never would have guessed those fairy tales would one day grow into gay romances, but that is where my heart led me and I am so glad it did. I write about love because I believe it can happen to anyone, with anyone. I also believe dreams never expire, redemption is possible, and true forgiveness can heal us in ways we never expect. I know firsthand how messy life can get, but as any artist will tell you, a little mess is needed to create something beautiful. You can often find me with a mug of coffee in one hand and a dog toy in the other. There is never a day that goes by without my sweet boy insisting on a game – or twenty – of fetch.

Author links:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/KimBreyon

IG: www.instagram.com/kimbreyon

FB: www.facebook.com/kimbreyon

FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/breyonsbraveones

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/BREYON-newsletter

GR: http://bit.ly/Goodreads-Breyon

Digging Deep by Jay Hogan: Blog Tour, New Release Review * 2

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A Digging Deep Story

Drake Park has a complicated life. As a gay male midwife, he’s used to raising eyebrows. Add Crohn’s disease and things get interesting—or not, considering the sad state of his love life. Experience has taught Drake that most men are fair-weather sailors when it comes to handling his condition—gone for dust when things get rough. Staying healthy is a full-time job without adding in any heartbreak, so a little loneliness is a small price to pay. If he says it often enough he might even believe it. One thing for sure, the cop who arrested him isn’t about to change that.

Caleb Ashton does not have a complicated life. A senior detective with the Whangarei Police Department, he likes his job and is good at it. He works hard and plays hard, happy to enjoy as many men as he can while he’s still young enough—or at least he was. These days he feels adrift for the first time in his life, and the only thing sparking his interest—a certain prickly young midwife.

But can Drake find enough faith to risk opening his heart again? And does Caleb have what it takes to cope with the challenges Drake’s condition presents?

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

This book will take you on a journey about a young man living with Chron’s disease and a playboy cop who thinks he may have found “the one.” Drake will need to decide if he can open his heart again or if the fear of rejection is too much to overcome and Caleb needs to decide if he can be by Drake’s side for the long haul or if he’ll run at the first sign of trouble.

As someone that doesn’t have Chron’s disease I can’t speak to the validity of Drake’s story. However, the disease and symptoms were well researched and presented in a way that didn’t read as a clinical encyclopedia. The characters were well developed and the story flowed so organically. The supporting cast of characters were just as charming and engaging as the main characters. I would love to see more of Carmen in a future book.

4 pieces of eye candy

This is a first for me with this author, and I saw the length of this book and was a little wary about it. It’s hard to hold my attention, but I love love love realistic reads about real-life problems and relationship hurdles. In this one, we meet Drake, who has Chron’s disease. Now, I’m not going to lie… I don’t know much about the disease, other than the generic, basic info you can look up, but it seemed to be Drake’s entire life. He literally can’t make one decision about anything without factoring in how it’s going to affect his day-to-day living with the disease.

An emergency trip to the bathroom is common, and when he has to go… it has to be
NOW… so when he enters a restricted area of a building during a protest, of course, he gets questioned by the police. His attitude was probably the reason why he was taken in… had he calmly explained, …. But then that would’ve been boring, eh? So, that’s where he meets Caleb… a detective on parole at the building during said protest.

Caleb is made to seem like a jerk, but the dude was just doing his job. If you look at how cops work here in the states, right or wrong, they wouldn’t have had as much patience as Caleb did with Drake. He tries to understand his predicament, but again, the man was just doing his job. Not only was Drake on a watch list because of the protest, he also ignored (because he had to) a direct order, several times and then gave the cop attitude for doing what he had to.

That seems to be the general goings-on in the whole book. Caleb, though not one for relationships and having never had a serious one, ever… seems to like Drake and his snarky comebacks and flair for dramatics. He tries several times to even get that first date, and I’ve gotta be honest… I dunno if I’d have bothered. I understand, at least a little bit, having been described in detail about what Chron’s does to one’s body and how living with it affects not only the person who has it but everyone else, especially a partner… but my goodness…. How many times can you tell someone no and to go away before they’re just like.. okay, see ya!
Infinity, it would seem, if you’re Caleb…

I couldn’t handle the push and pull… like, Drake pushed him away and then got upset when he went away…not even just once, but throughout the whole book. I felt for him, I really did… this story gives you a really clear picture of the disease and I couldn’t imagine it. My heart broke for him in so many ways… but romantically. I just wanted to punch him. I know he’s been hurt before in large part because his partner of two years couldn’t handle the complications of the disease, but, Jared wasn’t Caleb and he tried and tried and tried to show you that he was all in….

I also didn’t care for such meddlesome friends. Believe me, I have the most in your face, nosiest, well-meaning but annoying friends, but each of their friends were just obnoxious to me.

Annnnnnyway….it ends sweet and I’m a sucker for a happy ending, so I can’t be too hard on it, despite what it may look like. I actually fell for Caleb a bit, because the man truly had patience of a Saint and didn’t often let Drake get away with pushing him away before letting him have it right back… but, still… I’m exhausted. I need a nap now lol

3 stars from me

Fire and Agate by Andrew Grey: Audiobook Review

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When Chris Anducci is moved off jail duty and into the sheriff’s office, he doesn’t expect his first assignment to be protecting a witness against a human-trafficking ring. Knowing the new sheriff doesn’t abide screwups, Chris reluctantly agrees to work the case.

Pavle Kasun has spent the last four years of his life at the mercy of others. When an opportunity presented itself, he took it, resulting in his rescue. Now, the safe houses he’s placed in are being threatened, and he needs protection if he is to have any sort of chance at a life.

Chris opens his home to Pavle, but he doesn’t expect Pavle and his story to get under his skin…and stay there. Soon, they discover they have more in common than either of them thought. Slowly, Pavle comes out of his shell, and Chris finds someone who touches his heart. But as the men looking for Pavle close in, they will stop at nothing to get him out of the way. Even if Chris can keep him safe, he might not be able to protect his heart if Pavle moves back home.

Amazon Ebook

Audible

I love this series so I wasn’t surprised that I liked this one as well. Andrew Grey has a unique way of taking a sensitive subject and painting the picture so that it’s bearable and not so dark.

Chris is newly promoted to the sheriff’s office and his first real assignment is a favor to the Carlisle PD. Keep their human trafficking victim, Pavle safe until he can help the DEA, FBI and every other three letter agency identify his keepers. Chris will need to find a way to keep Pavle save without making it seem that he’s just exchanged one prison for another and without any of those pesky feelings getting in the way for the strong, enigmatic man.

The story was entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were well developed as was the storyline. I love that we get to catch up with old characters like Red and Terry. The audio performance was perfect, as is to be expected from Greg Tremblay. He didn’t get to be one of my go-to narrators for no reason. This was the perfect way to spend 6 hours.

4 Pieces of Candy

Ramen Assassin by Rhys Ford: New Release Review

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When life gives Kuro Jenkins lemons, he wants to make ponzu to serve at his Los Angeles ramen shop.

Instead he’s dodging bullets and wondering how the hell he ended up back in the Black Ops lifestyle he left behind him. After rescuing former child star Trey Bishop from a pair of thugs in the middle of the night, he knows it’s time to pick up his gun again. But it seems trouble isn’t done with Trey, and Kuro can’t quite let go… of either the gun or Trey Bishop.

Trey Bishop never denied his life’s downward spiral was his own fault. After a few stints in rehab, he’s finally shaken off his Hollywood bad-boy lifestyle but not his reputation. The destruction of his acting career and his relationships goes deep, and no one trusts anything he says, including the LAPD. When two men dragging a dead body spot him on a late-night run and try to murder him, Trey is grateful for the tall, dark, and deadly ramen shop owner he lusts over—not just for rescuing him, but also for believing him.

Now caught in a web of murders and lies, Trey knows someone wants him dead, and the only one on his side is a man with deep, dark secrets. Trey hopes Kuro Jenkins will stick around to see what the future holds for them once the dust settles, but from the looks of things, neither of them may survive to find out.

Amazon

Dreamspinner Press

I haven’t read anything written by Rhys Ford before, but I was in the mood for something a little different than my usual. I wanted a little mystery, a little intrigue and I got that in spades.

Trey and Kuro both stumble into the alley at the wrong place and wrong time, but maybe the universe got something right, as long as they can make it out alive. The plot has a few twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The characters were so well developed that when Trey felt like there was no one in his corner, I felt that! I felt his despair and helplessness.

This was a wild and entertaining ride. The perfect book to pull me out of my reading slump.

4 pieces of eye candy