TCO Reviewer: Denise

Antagonist by Ana Ashley: Blog and IG Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

May 16, 2022 by Denise

One artist. One attorney. Two single dads.

Meeting at a bachelor auction for charity had trouble written all over it as far as I was concerned, especially when the guy that won the bid for me seemed to be after only one thing…a good time between the sheets.

Refusing Fletcher’s advances was easy the first time round. After all, we weren’t meant to see each other again.
Except I’ve just moved to Stillwater where Fletcher lives.
Except both our kids are in the same class.

Now the kids are fighting and I’m ready to throw my own punches.
If only Fletcher wasn’t as goddamn irresistible as he is irritating.
When the fight moves from the playground to the bedroom, who will come out on top?

Antagonist is book 1 in Ana Ashley’s new series, Dads of Stillwater.
Single dads, sassy kids, Ana’s usual cast of intriguing secondary characters, Stillwater has it all.

Title: Antagonist
Authors: Ana Ashley
Length: 72k
Series: Dads of Stillwater, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Single dads, Small town, Opposites attract.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

If I could get under Harrison’s skin as much as he’s already under mine, we’d have the most explosive sex known to humankind.

That was one of the many Harrison-related thoughts running through my head most of the parent meeting, which Harrison didn’t show for, and it’s been the same over the last two days.

I can’t blame him for leaving. I’m annoyed, but I get it.

When I pulled him into the supply closet, it wasn’t with the intention of kissing him. The way he spoke to Karina was…I don’t even know. I’m sure no one has spoken to her like that ever. Not even her parents, who come from a modest background and tried, even if they failed, to raise her to be a good person.

I guess she was always a law unto herself. Determined to be just like the people she admired, which is basically anyone with money, regardless of who they really are.

So, no, I hadn’t planned on kissing Harrison. At most, I just wanted to hug him and make sure we were on the same page before walking into the meeting.

Of course, as soon as we walked into the dark closet, all my intentions went up in smoke. I didn’t pick the closet on purpose. I thought we were walking into a classroom or office.

So now I can’t stop thinking about Harrison. His lips, his hard body, his long cock straining against his slacks…

Fuck.

I need to apologize.

If the few interactions I’ve had with him have taught me anything, it’s that he’s wound tight. He likes to be in control of a situation, and as much as I would give anything to see him unravel, I don’t want it to be at the detriment of our tenuous relationship.

God, the way he let me take charge of the kiss. That moment he lost the battle against his own conscience and flipped us, pressing me so hard against the door. When my hair tie snapped, I thought I was going to come right there.

Christ. Get yourself under control, Fletch.

As I turn onto the last street to get to Bittersweet, I feel hot, and not just because of the lack of breeze. Walking to George’s school rather than driving was a good idea, in principle. It’s giving me a chance to put my thoughts in order because it’s only a matter of time before I see Harrison again, and my brain needs to be in sync with my mouth.

I’m not sure it’s working though. The more I think about Harrison, the more I think about all the things I shouldn’t be thinking.

Having not read anything by this author, wasn’t really sure what to expect, but figured starting with the first book in a series was a safe bet. There were quite a few side characters that I am guessing are from a different series, since most were in a relationship, but it didn’t really make me feel lost in the story, as it really was quite focused on the two MC’s and dealing with the new world they now lived in, Stillwater…somewhere in New England, not far Boston.

I liked the varied personalities of the MC’s, although, as the reader gets to know Harrison, his personality seems to morph a bit into what is likely his “real” personality, but not one we had seen previously. I actually liked this side of him. As he became more comfortable with the bisexual side of himself, he allowed himself to be more assertive, more open.

Meanwhile, Fletcher was 100% himself from Day 1. Which honestly is my biggest issue with the book. Consent was not given on multiple occasions by Harrison, he said emphatic no’s several times, and not only did Fletcher not accept them, he kissed (and more) Harrison anyway. More than once. And while Harrison could easily stand up for himself, and did. Fletcher was much more aggressive about it than I felt he should have been. One time I can see as that hot “see, you really want me” kiss, but Harrison said no many times, and Fletcher still did it, and was convinced Harrison wanted him.

Above all, though, both men were great fathers, who put their children above all else…I mean how adorable is it that Harrison could French braid his daughter’s hair, and then even Fletcher’s? They spent time helping the school and the community, as they became closer, and both men were close to Harrison’s ex-wife (I do love a story where a previous spouse can be on great terms with their co-parent. This was a fantastic example.)

Overall, I liked the story, and am seriously invested in book 2, wanting to know how Ellis and the sweet baby toting store clerk hit it off. I want to know his story, and see how it unfolds.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Ana was born in Portugal but has lived in the United Kingdom for so long, even her friends sometimes doubt if she really is Portuguese.

Ana Ashley writes sweet and steamy gay romance set in America, often in small towns where everyone knows everyone. Coming from a small town herself, she knows all about meddling families, nosy neighbors and that community spirit that comes from knowing people all your life.

You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana’s website anawritesmm.com

Connect with Ana:
anawritesmm.com
Twitter: @anawritesmm
FB: https://www.facebook.com/anaashleyauthor
IG: @anawritesmm

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Forever After (Finding Forever, Book 3) by Marie Sinclair: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

May 9, 2022 by Denise

After a fire destroys his apartment, Diego has no choice but to move in with the person least likely to welcome him with open arms: Alex, the recently divorced, presumably straight guy who didn’t take kindly to Diego hitting on him at a friend’s wedding.

Unfortunately, Alex isn’t exactly in a position to complain about the living arrangements. After his wife cheated, he moved across the country to San Francisco to start over. The place he’s living in belongs to a friend, so when Jake also offers Diego a room, Alex needs to figure out how to deal with the exceptionally hot, sex-positive, queer youth counselor whose gaydar has picked up that Alex isn’t as straight as everyone thinks he is.

Forced to live in the same house, Alex and Diego are about as combustible as fire and gasoline. But when Alex’s thirteen-year-old comes out as trans masc and moves into the house with them, Alex begins to see another side of Diego, and Diego realizes this sullen, complicated man has a heart of gold that’s been stomped on a few too many times.

Once the walls start to come down, Alex and Diego realize they have a lot in common. Not to mention an attraction that blazes hotter the more they get to know each other.

Forever After is an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, bi-awakening story. It is Book Three in the Finding Forever series but can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Title: Forever After
Authors: Marie Sinclair
Length: 85k
Series: Finding Forever, Book 3
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: Enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, bi-awakening

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

Book 1: A Kind of Forever

Book 2: Nothing Like Forever

Alex waited for Jesse to wind down.

“So,” he said, “you probably know some of what I’m going to say.”

“Yeah, Dad.” Jesse grinned and sat at the kitchen table, primly folding their hands on the surface. “I just want you to know that whatever you have to tell me, it doesn’t matter who you love, you’re still my dad, and I love you.”

Alex stared at his kid until they couldn’t hold back the laughter, and then he joined Jesse at the table. “I guess we are doing this a little backwards, huh?”

Jesse shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I don’t want you coming out to me to suck as much as me coming out to Mom.”

“Thank you. So this is the part where I tell you that I’m bi, right?”

“Pretty much. And I ask, does Mom know, and is this why you guys broke up?”

“Yes, Mom knows, and no, it’s not why we broke up. At least not directly.”

“Are you going to tell her about Mr. D?”

“I think I’m going to have to.”

“You two have been like a couple since I got here. I kind of thought, at first, but it was weird because I had no idea that you…I mean, it wasn’t impossible, but…” Jesse suddenly blushed. “You guys gave off a certain…vibe. And Mr. D is really hot, so who wouldn’t want him?”

“What about me?” Alex asked and laughed when Jesse wrinkled their nose and shook their head. “Are you telling me my boyfriend’s out of my league?”

The mix of emotions that crossed Jesse’s face had Alex laughing even harder: surprise, embarrassment, but most of all, a confused mix of horror and shock. They scrambled off Alex’s lap. “Ew. Don’t make me think about the two of you…ungh. Just no. No!” They started for the stairs. “I’ve got some homework to do. Try to remember there’s an innocent child in the house when you’re with your boyfriend, Dad.”

Enjoyable book, but I feel like they should have focused on one or two things outside the budding relationship between Diego and Alex rather than a little bit of a bunch of sub plots.

Alex is newly divorced and moved back to San Francisco where he has friends from when he went to college. One of them has a beach front bungalow that is empty and offers it to Alex; he will also work on some renovations in the house.

Diego is a youth counselor at an LGBT+ center in the city. But when his apartment building burns down, he also moves into the bungalow until something better comes up. SF living is not cheap.

The forced proximity was what it was, nothing really new there. But then Alex’s oldest comes out as trans and moves across the country and in with him- and Diego. Luckily Diego has experience in this. Alex’s ex wife is a bit transphobic to put it mildly.

There are also subplots with a kid staying at the LGBT center, a new volunteer looking for a boyfriend from 40+ years ago, a house renovation that uncovers the history of a lesbian couple, one of which may have been trans, etc. There’s just all of these little things sprinkled about and while they all got closure, I don’t think any of them got the depth that they deserved.

The romance between Diego and Alex was fairly generic for a bi-awakening guy with an out gay man. It was nice, but nothing overly special.

This is book 3, but I read it as a stand alone. I don’t know if I enjoyed this one enough to go back and read the previous 2.

3 pieces of eye candy

Marie Sinclair is a queer writer living in San Francisco. Though she’s been a writer all her life, it wasn’t until she stumbled upon MM romance that she knew she’d found a home for herself and all the characters in her head.

Her focus is on contemporary romance, usually on the steamy side. While HEAs are guaranteed, it will always take some work for the couples to get there, and it might not look the way they expected at the beginning. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Marie believes in rooting her stories in the real world of queer culture and showing how love can survive even in challenging times.

Connect with Marie:
Facebook group: Marie’s Sin Bin
Instagram: marie.sinbooks
Twitter: @marie_sinbooks
Website: www.sinbinbooks.com

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Green Eyed Boy (All American Boy Series) by BL Maxwell: New Release Review

April 25, 2022 by Denise

After quitting his job, Billie Watts hits all the food festivals he can as he drives across the country. When he finally reaches Stoney Brook, Maine, he’s excited to find he’s there just in time to try one of the lobster rolls he’s heard so much about. The bright neon yellow food truck with a giant red lobster on top looks like the perfect place to try it.

Lance Karl is as ready as he can be for the start of the three-day Tall Ships Festival and hopes to sell enough lobster rolls out of his food truck to make a good start towards owning a restaurant. The day begins cold and misty, and a text from his nephew saying he can’t help him is not the perfect start he’d hoped for.

When a green-eyed stranger interrupts his frantic morning, Lance doesn’t realize meeting Billie will not only change his day, but maybe even the rest of his life. Two strangers, drawn together over their work ethic, and sealing the deal over delicious lobster rolls. They could just be the perfect match. A small-town MM Vacation romance.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I hadn’t realized that I had not read anything by this author as of yet. I keep meaning to, but just hadn’t gotten to it, so I was determined to read this one, and I wasn’t disappointed.

If you aren’t into insta-love, this one isn’t for you. This was definitely a bit of love at first sight, or pretty darn close. Even better, though, they found they had a ton in common, right away, so it wasn’t just about lust, it was about their love of working in the food industry, and working together, whether on a food truck, when Billie shows up to save Lance’s day, or for a catering job to help Billie’s family out. They work really well together.

There wasn’t really any angst in this book, even when they realized they hadn’t told each other everything, but how much can you really tell someone in just a few days, especially when those days are spent working your tail off serving people food? Billie and Lance just clicked from the beginning, and it worked. They saw each other’s skills, and let them know they appreciated all the ways they helped each other out. They had fun and fell in love, all over lobster rolls. Nothing could be better. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

BL Maxwell grew up in a small town listening to her grandfather spin tales about his childhood. Later she became an avid reader and after a certain vampire series she became obsessed with fanfiction. She soon discovered Slash fanfiction and later discovered the MM genre and was hooked.

Many years later, she decided to take the plunge and write down some of the stories that seem to run through her head late at night when she’s trying to sleep.

No More Secrets (Zone Defense Book 2) by Becca Seymour: New Release Review

April 7, 2022 by Denise

Some things you can’t just blurt out… right?

When you’ve shared a kiss with your best friend and it blows your mind—and other parts of your body—it’s inevitable that everything changes.

That’s the way it now is with me and Jayden Moore, my best friend who thought he could rock my world with no consequences, all while throwing me his signature grin.

But this is Jayden we’re talking about. He gets himself into unexpected trouble no matter what, and when visiting Australia, I’m compelled to make sure he doesn’t get eaten by a croc or try to steal a kangaroo. Like the glutton for punishment I am, I follow him.

And that’s all great until my desperation and big mouth send our worlds spiraling. Apparently, we’re now officially a couple. And because of course it goes one step further, I’ve now got my very own fake fiancé.

Being in the media is one thing, but being inspiration for others creates a whole new set of guilt and problems. But we’ll tackle it together and find our way back to how things were.

And if that’s not possible, just maybe Jayden and I can find ourselves with a brand-new label. One that’s real, and one I don’t run from. That’s the thing with Jayden: he has a way to extract my secrets. Whether he’s prepared for them or not.

Title: No More Secrets

Author: Becca Seymour

Series: Zone Defense Book 2 – Stand-alone (book 1 is available to read)

Genre: MM Romance

Release Date: March 16th

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

No Take Backs (Zone Defense Book 1)

I’ve really been enjoying this series. The first book was a friends to lovers, but more estranged for years. This one was friends to lovers, but estranged for a year after having kissed and blown Sutton’s brain apart, when he realized fairly quickly he was in love with Jayden. They are still on the same pro basketball team, but barely are able to talk due to the tension.

Meanwhile Jayden has no idea why Sutton has turned away from him, all he knows is he misses his best friend. He has no idea what his life is like without him in it. He ends up doing stupid stuff, which does end up coming back to bite him a little. When Jayden is seriously injured out of the country, Sutton doesn’t hesitate to be there in a heartbeat…and the secrets begin.

This was a bit of a slow burn, in that Jayden clearly took some time to get his brain wrapped around the idea of actually wanting Sutton. However, once he did…he was ALL IN. **Side note, Jayden trying to figure out his new sexuality…really hit home, because how can you make a change like that and not wonder…now what? Then it was Sutton’s turn to back away, because he was scared of all the consequences.

This book was sweet, very little angst, funny in many places, hot in a few, and just left me feeling happy. And I’m over here hoping for somebody special to be next. 🙂

4 pieces of eye candy

Becca Seymour is the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series, having sold more than seventy thousand copies of book one in the series so far. Known for “steamy and endearing” and “emotionally profound love stories” (InD’tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.

Becca lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, Becca’s life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.

Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.

Forever, Again (Shelby Beach Romance Book 4) by Skylar M Cates: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

April 4, 2022 by Denise

Their lives didn’t turn out as they’d imagined as boys, but they never forgot each other.

Personal trainer Oliver Knox is strong and graceful, dedicated to his clients, and fiercely loyal to friends and family. But the thing he takes pride in the most, his business, is failing.

Single father and entrepreneur Nico Kastellanos knows success is hard-won and tries to give back to those who, like him, have to fight for their dreams. His one regret is how things ended with his childhood best friend. Their friendship and their secret kisses linger in his mind.

When Oliver unwittingly hires Nico’s PR firm to breathe life into his failing gym, their connection rekindles instantly. The chemistry is potent, the memories heart-wrenching. They’re no longer awkward, troubled kids. They are men who know what—and who—they want.

Will Oliver and Nico finally get their long-overdue forever together, or will the ghosts from their past continue to haunt them?

Note: Forever, Again, is a friends-to-lovers, heartfelt, second-chance romance set in the Shelby Beach world. Forever, Again can be read as a standalone or enjoyed with the series.

Title: Forever Again
Authors: Skylar M. Cates
Length: 70k
Series: Shelby Beach, Book 4 (Books 2-4 available for review)
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: best friends/reunited years later, single parent.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

“We’ve been seeing each other for weeks, but I’m nervous too. Something has shifted, hasn’t it?”

Oliver’s breath hitched. Something had shifted. Everyone said love was simple, but it wasn’t. It was layered and complicated. And there were different levels of love.

Childhood love. Adult love. Instant love.

Lasting love.

Still shaky, Oliver made his way to Nico. He had loved Nico in secret. Could Oliver love him in the light? Where every flaw would be exposed, Nico’s and his own? He hadn’t realized how heavily those fears had been inside of him until this moment.

Finally accepting the loan had been like turning a glaring spotlight on, and he’d been fearful of what he’d see.

Only he’d seen Nico. Standing with him, whatever path he chose. And something had shifted. The fears oozed away. The darkness stopped pressing on his chest.

And now, his heart could beat, could soar.

Oliver smiled. Slowly, at first, and then wider and wider. By the time he reached Nico on the couch, he was weightless, gliding on air.

Oliver swept him up and wrapped his arms around him.

“What the hell.” Nico laughed.

Oliver spun him in his arms. And, just the way he’d always fantasized about that long-ago hotel room night, he carried Nico to the bed.

Undressing, touching, kissing, Oliver kept some part of them linked. Nico’s braces and their clothes came off, but they never ceased caressing each other. Usually, he used sex to forget himself, to escape for a while, but this was the opposite.

Touching Nico, Oliver was totally himself. His skin flushed. Joy bubbled through him as they kissed. Nico’s lips on his made his pulse pound. Their tongues, tasting and teasing, made him ache. Their torsos pressed, leaving no space between them. It was timeless. Today felt like yesterday and tomorrow converging. Their touches were more than a memory. Without beginning or end. Without distance or boundaries.

No music except the music of their bodies. No light needed, except their hearts.

This book is fourth in the series, although I haven’t read any of the previous. However, the cover for The Christmas Lights Battle (Book 1) is so darn adorable, I think I have to go back and read it anyway. I didn’t feel lost at all by not having read the previous books, although you do get to see all the previous couples make appearances in this second chance romance, friends to lovers book.

This book is super sweet, with an MC with an ongoing disability (yeah for representation!), although sadly that disability led to abuse from his father towards his mother. The other MC is his high school sweetheart (are they sweethearts if they aren’t out?) who was left in pain with no answers, and built a wall that nobody has been able to tear down in all these years.

It took a lot of plucking at those bricks, over and over and over by Nico, to get through that wall. Even when he did, Oliver patched it right back up again, not trusting himself when it came to loving someone. For me, it was a bit too much of back and forth by Oliver. He kept seeing Nico, falling in love with him and his daughter, but then pulled back often. He did finally let go, including swallowing his pride some, but it seemed a bit too prolonged for me.

Nico definitely had his reasons for leaving, and it would be easy to condemn him for making a “promise” to show up that night. However, at that age, how many people are able to make those types of decisions, taking people outside themselves into account? It’s unlikely, especially with the differences in situations. Also, I really didn’t understand the name thing, especially after he was of age. That one was a complete mystery to me. What a fantastic father though!

This one didn’t quite hit the fluffy beach read that I was expecting, and had some unexpected pieces that didn’t work as well for me. Overall, a sweet romance, that brings back characters from previous books, that should make readers of this series happy.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Skylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.
Connect with Skylar:
https://twitter.com/SkylarMCates
https://www.facebook.com/skylar.cates
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cxODzT

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Going Public (Jade Harbour Capital Book 2) by Hudson Lin: Release Day Review

March 29, 2022 by Denise

A boss. His employee.

And a scandal that’s about to change everything…

As an operating partner at Jade Harbour, Raymond Chao prides himself in fixing even the most disastrous of portfolio companies—no matter the cost. While his colleagues might not always like his methods, they love his results. But his latest business partner isn’t cooperating, and what’s worse, Raymond’s underhanded tactics have landed him in hot water with the law.

Elvin Goh has been Raymond’s assistant for years, and he’s been in love with the charming, ruthless playboy for just as long. There’s very little that Elvin won’t do—or hasn’t done—for Raymond. Impossible crush aside, it’s his job. But this time, even Elvin can’t see a way out.

When long nights in the office lead to whispered confessions and a newfound intimacy, it seems like a dream come true—for both of them. But with the prospect of failure on the horizon, can this dream team beat the odds and come out the victors in the office and in their hearts?

Jade Harbour Capital
Book 1: Hard Sell
Book 2: Going Public

Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters. Discover a new Carina Adores book every month!

Amazon

Harlequin

There is a lot to unpack in this book. Book 1 had fallen a bit flat for me, but I really liked that the author had representation from the Asian community, as this one also does. So, I wasn’t sure what to expect with book 2, as sometimes the second in a series can be underwhelming. I enjoyed this one quite a bit more.

One of the biggest reasons why I enjoyed it, was the reality that was brought into it. Ray was super rich, and along with that, he had a job where he did things as he wanted, no matter what, and always got away with it. The consequences, thus far had been minimal. However, in the case of the situation he found himself in, Ray was going up against something unexpected at a paper company of all places (I won’t say what, because spoiler), and clearly had no idea how to handle it. In the end, that is quite obvious. Even that, though, shows a reality when you get yourself in over your head, and you think you can do what you want. Sometimes life will just kick you in the nuts and say “Nope, I win”. Meanwhile, though, Ray finally figured out what a great person he had in Elvin, his assistant, but more than that, his person.

Elvin, very clearly, was in love with Ray. How nobody saw that, it’s truly a mystery. Even knowing, though, that he would likely never get a chance to be with Ray, he continued to help him with what he could, (even in a particularly yucky situation), knowing he was making Ray’s life easier. Ray was a fixer, always wanting to clean up for everyone in his life, and taking so very little for himself. It was lovely to see him finally get a chance at the love of his life finally. And once they got together, they were good for each other…other than some dumb stuff Ray did…but he got his crap together, so we’ll forgive him. 🙂

Having an MC that was pansexual and one that was demisexual (and a virgin!) was great. With Ray being the type of person he was, Elvin as well, it seemed appropriate for both of them.

Side note: Ming grew on me quickly.

Definitely recommend this one. It has some action, some unexpected twists, some heart-wrenching moments, but an HEA.

4.5 pieces of eye candy