TCO Reviewer: Denise

The Beautiful Things Shoppe (Seasons of New Hope Book 2) by Philip William Stover: New Release Review

March 1, 2021 by Denise

Their collections may clash but their hearts are a perfect match.

Moving to eclectic New Hope, Pennsylvania, and running The Beautiful Things Shoppe is a dream come true for elegant and reserved fine arts dealer Prescott J. Henderson. He never agreed to share the space with Danny Roman, an easygoing extrovert who collects retro toys and colorful knickknacks.

And yet here they are, trapped together in the quaint shop as they scramble to open in time for New Hope’s charming Winter Festival.

Danny has spent years leading with his heart instead of his head. The Beautiful Things Shoppe is his chance to ground himself and build something permanent and joyful. The last thing he needs is an uptight snob who doesn’t appreciate his whimsy occupying half his shop.

It’s only when two of New Hope’s historic landmarks—each as different as Danny and Prescott—are threatened that a tentative alliance forms. And with it, the first blush of romance. Suddenly, running The Beautiful Things Shoppe together doesn’t seem so bad…until Danny’s secret threatens to ruin it all.

Seasons of New Hope
Book 1: The Hideaway Inn
Book 2: The Beautiful Things Shoppe

Amazon

Carina Press

I’ll start by saying, I didn’t read the first book, but it definitely was a stand-alone…although after reading this book, and seeing a bit about the MC’s from book 1, I definitely can see going back and reading the first in the series.

This book is an enemies to lovers story, with forced proximity. However, they quickly learn that they have more in common than they expect, and it’s adorable! I loved how the owner of the building set them up without their knowledge, and they kept falling into that trap.

Prescott and Danny, on the surface, were quite the opposites. One really into antiques from the late 19th century, the other into anything kitschy and fun (he described it as things that made him happy), yet both really just wanting to share their love of their items with other people. It didn’t take them long to find a common purpose that brought them together.

The secrets that they held I thought were probably a little too small to be of the level of concern that was portrayed. Meanwhile, Prescott’s ex was everything you don’t want to see in an ex, out for what worked best for him and how he could make that happen.

This was an enjoyable book that brought two opposites together to find their other half.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Philip William Stover splits his time between Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and New York City. He has an MFA in writing and is a clinical professor at New York University.

As a freelance journalist, his essays and reviews have appeared in Newsday, the Forward, the Tony Awards, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Houston Chronicle, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and other national publications. For many years he ghosted for an international best-selling women’s fiction author. He has published multiple middle-grade novels for Simon & Schuster and was the American Theater critic for About.com.

He grew up tearing the covers off the romance novels he devoured so he wouldn’t get teased at school. Now he enjoys traveling the world with his husband of over twenty years and would never consider defacing any of the books he loves.

He can be found on social media as Philip William Stover.

The Gangster (Magic & Steam Book 2) by C.S. Poe: New Release Review

February 3, 2021 by Denise

1881—Special Agent Gillian Hamilton, magic caster for the Federal Bureau of Magic and Steam, has recovered from injuries obtained while in Shallow Grave, Arizona. Now back in New York City, Gillian makes an arrest on New Year’s Eve that leads to information on a gangster, known only as Tick Tock, who’s perfected utilizing elemental magic ammunition. This report complicates Gillian’s holiday plans, specifically those with infamous outlaw, Gunner the Deadly, who promised they’d ring in 1882 together.

The two men stand on the cusp of a romance that needs to be explored intimately and privately. But when Gillian’s residence is broken into by a magical mechanical man who tries to murder him on behalf of Tick Tock, he and Gunner must immediately investigate the city’s ruthless street gangs before the illegal magic becomes a threat that cannot be contained.

This might be their most wild adventure yet, but criminal undergrounds can’t compare to the dangers of the heart. Gillian must balance his career in law enforcement with his love for a vigilante, or lose both entirely.

Title: The Gangster

Series: Magic & Steam

Book #: 2

Genre: Steampunk, historical, gay romance

Length: 63,000 words (novel)

Publisher: Emporium Press

Release Date: January 12, 2021

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Barnes & Noble

Google Play

iBooks

Kobo

Smashwords

I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to C.S. Poe‘s books. I never really have been much of a mystery/suspense/thriller kind of reader. I love reading my HEA/HFN’s. However, I make exceptions when it comes to this author’s books. This book, leaves us wanting more, not really an HFN quite yet, although I know she will get us there.

However, what it does have, and what all her books have is so much imagery! This book (and the prelude book 1) take us into an alternate reality of 1881, one of steam punk and personal devices that act similar to cell phones. Where Grand Central Station is still a beautiful building, but only a few years old, and you won’t be going down a few levels to get the subway, but up to catch your ride on an airship. Where a clock is not just a clock, but a killer will always be caught.

We continue to see the connection between Gillian and Gunner the Deadly, and it expands and contracts, ebbs and flows, as Gunner learns more about Gillian, and is willing to be patient until all his secrets are revealed. There’s definitely a bumpy road ahead for these two as we learn more about Gillian’s past.

I’m not going to lie, there is definitely a bit of gruesome details here, and I did have to skim a bit in those parts, because EEK!. That being said, as usual this is another well written book by Poe. She manages to bring a lot of emotion into the two MC’s, even as they are running around trying to catch a killer on what was supposed to be a lovely New Year’s Eve for the two. I love that her imagination knows no bounds as to what to create in an alternate steam punk reality.

I really am looking forward to what is next for these two as they try to connect more, and likely are chased around NYC a bit more. Also, side note…who knew Vaseline has been around for so long? 😉

C.S. Poe is a Lambda Literary and two-time EPIC award finalist, and a FAPA award-winning author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction.

She resides in New York City, but has also called Key West and Ibaraki, Japan, home in the past. She has an affinity for all things cute and colorful and a major weakness for toys. C.S. is an avid fan of coffee, reading, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.

C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.

Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.

C.S. Poe Media:

The Captain’s Snowbound Christmas by Catherine Curzon & Eleanor Harkstead: New Release Review

January 18, 2021 by Denise

A Captivating Captains story

Will Reuben be unwrapping a captain this Christmas?

Reuben’s a makeup artist who’s much in demand in the business, from making the beautiful even more gorgeous, to creating an alluring love-scene glow. All of his Christmas wishes come true at once when he’s hired to work on the set of his favorite TV show. And not only that, but on the swoony Christopher Manners.

Bunny is lusted after by millions as the brooding hero of television’s Captain Firth adventures. His manly swash and handsome buckle have earned him a legion of fans and when he strides onto the screen and commands, “draw your sword, sir”, it’s time to get down to business.

When Reuben and Bunny’s first date turns into a disaster, it looks as though the show’s over before it’s begun, but a blizzard, a mysterious bearded man in a red coat and a hot winter night combine to give them a second chance.

Amazon

Pride Publishing

Holiday romances are my favorite. And there were so many to choose from this year! I only was able to read a few of them, but this one was a must read, because I love when these authors co-write. It is seamless to me, and that isn’t always the case with books that are co-authored.

I have to start with poor Rueben. We’ve all been in the situation he was in (well maybe not that exact situation), when you open your mouth, and the wrong thing comes out…despite all your best intentions. That was bound to happen…poor Rueben…and it did. It almost waylaid the budding romance with Bunny (which by the way, this was just a bit of an odd nickname for the MC, it threw me a big). However, thanks to a little bit of car trouble, and a little bit of the old Christmas magic, they were able to find their way to each other.

This novella was all kinds of gooey, and fluffy, and happy, and that’s exactly what we need during the holidays, and really all the time right now. I will probably re-read this in July, when it’s sweltering outside, and I can fall into the joy of a little Christmas love.

4 pieces of eye candy

A String of Lights (Naughty or Nice?) by Alexa Milne: New Release Review

December 17, 2020 by Denise

Sometimes loves shines a light.

Devlyn Collins lives with his mum and stepdad in the north of England. He goes out with his mates, drinks a bit too much and works for his Uncle Sid. The trouble is, he’s begun to think he wants more.

Henry Ward is a man with a secret—he’s a multi-millionaire who owns a landed estate on the edge of Exmoor, thanks to a massive win on the lottery. He’s also a man with a mission, determined to restore Secoombe Hall and village and find out how he shares a history with the place. He’s too busy for love.

Christmas brings these two men together when Henry offers Sid and Dev silly money for a last-minute job of putting up Christmas lights. Dev doesn’t expect to meet an attractive man in this small village and Henry expects them to be just strangers, passing for one night only.

But events conspire to bring Dev back to the village…and keep him there for Christmas. Will this be just a holiday romance, or could it develop into something more?

Amazon

Pride Publishing

I kind of live for the holiday stories every year. I am definitely an HEA, low angst, reader. I don’t mind insta-love, and definitely want some of the fluffy reads. Keep them coming, I say.

This one, although not quite insta-love, qualifies for me as one of those types of stories. Dev doesn’t mind working for his uncle, although you can tell it isn’t his dream job, but putting up the lights…that he really enjoys. Meanwhile, Henry, with money he received from lottery winnings (by the way, I applaud the author for not making the money between the siblings be a source of contention, that would have been disappointing) found this estate that spoke to him and did everything he could to fix it up, make it a place for tourists to come, and locals to feel at home, all in secret.

I loved that Dev was confident in himself, he never felt like he wasn’t worthy of someone’s affections. Meanwhile Henry, besides his millionaire side, also had a little bit of a bad boy side underneath his sweet little sweaters.

This story gave me such joy. I loved reading about the town (and definitely would love to read more about it…maybe the pastor???), the townpeople, as well as the MC’s…and the sassy cat who wouldn’t go back outside. 🙂 Definitely a stand alone, and will give you all the happy feels.

4 pieces of eye candy for me.

On the Run (A Whispering Key Novel) by May Archer: Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

December 16, 2020 by Denise

I was supposed to be partying with a bunch of celebrities in paradise this week, okay?

But then I made one teeny, tiny error in judgement before leaving New York, and suddenly the paparazzi expected me to give a command performance as “the other man” in their straight celebrity “outing” of the week.

Um, no, precious. So much no.

Instead, I did what any self-respecting, secret-keeping man would do in that situation: I cancelled my trip and fled New York to hide out in the last place anyone would look for me–a weird little Florida island where nothing exciting ever happened.

Or at least it didn’t… until I arrived.

Now I find myself shacked up with my fake boyfriend Beale Goodman, Whispering Key’s most adorable, most enormous, most virginal cinnamon roll—a guy who rescues feral cats, believes in soulmates, and talks about happiness like it’s free for the taking.

A guy who nearly convinces me, with every smile and kiss, that it is.

Stranger still? I find myself falling for the people on the island. Fitting in, instead of sticking out. Making, you know… friends. And for the first time ever, I think I’ve found something I want to run to, rather than from…

As long as I can keep my secrets from catching up with me.

On The Run (Whispering Key, Book 2) by May Archer

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads

“I know what I want to do with you today.”

Toby, who was picking up our assorted clothes from the corner of the guest bedroom, paused to give me a flirtatious grin. “Oh, really? You ready to go again already, Goodman?”

I snorted. God, he made me happy.

“Not that.” Although, you know, these days I was always down for that. I had zero hesitation when Toby was involved. “I meant an activity where you can work on your tan.”

We’d been so busy for the last couple of days, what with trivia, and town meetings, and me taking a couple of shifts running Goodmen Outfitters’ tour boat around the island, and Toby being the unofficial social events coordinator for Whispering Key, Toby had joked the night before that he was the only person in the world who’d leave Florida paler than he’d arrived.

Meanwhile, I’d started thinking maybe I didn’t want him to leave at all.

He straightened, narrowed his eyes, and set his hands on his hips. “What kind of activity?”

“I…” Somewhere around Monday, he’d developed a line of freckles across his nose that were the cutest, most distracting thing ever. I wanted to boop them with my fingertip. I also knew better than to mention this on pain of death.

“You, what?” he demanded. “Finish the thought, Goodman.”

His scowl made me grin. “So suspicious.”

Toby went back to gathering up clothes. “Wonder why. Possibly because we’ve already re-enacted Titanic? Or because we were nearly stranded on a deserted island? Or because you fed me vegan seitan hotdogs yesterday and claimed it was an accident? Or—?”

I laughed out loud. “We absolutely were not stranded, you enjoyed the seitan before you knew what it was, and nothing has tried to murder you in hours and hours.I’m starting to think you enjoy being almost-murdered, Toby.”

“Nonsense. I do not have a murder fetish, thank you very much, and I am the perfect amount of suspicious.”

Another May Archer winner for me.

Poor Toby…talk about a bad day, which only got worse, before it got even worse. Honestly, though, he presented himself as someone who couldn’t deal with all the “icky” stuff that was dumped on him all throughout the book, but he did. He handled it all as well as a man who’d transplanted himself from Ohio because his family didn’t want anything to do with him.

Meanwhile, Beale was the sweetest 28 year old virgin you’d ever meet. All he wanted was to find what and who he was meant to be, and the soul mate that his mother taught him to wait for. He took a lot of ribbing from the people on the Key, and just let it all go, because he knew in his heart he was right to wait and let the Universe tell him what was next.

Complete opposites, but they fit like two pieces of a puzzle. I also loved how Toby, without really meaning to, ended up getting involved in the local “scene” on the Key, but was Beale’s champion.

Lots of snark, fun, and some sweet and sexy times. All the antics that’s are a fun and funny May Archer book. Mostly stand alone, although there were parts where I felt like a little more explanation could have been given for the unaware reader.

4 pieces of eye candy

May is an M/M author who lives in Boston. She spends her days raising three incredibly sarcastic children, finding inventive ways to drive her husband crazy, planning beach vacations, avoiding the gym, reading M/M romance, and occasionally writing it. She also writes MF romance as Maisy Archer.

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Secret’s Hold by L.M. Somerton: New Release Review

December 3, 2020 by Denise

Hiding in plain sight is a risky business—in more ways than one.

Jamie is hiding from the past and sacrificing a lot to do so. After witnessing a murder, he’s on the run from powerful enemies. Taking a job at a rough leather bar, Spikes, is a way to survive off-grid.

Bubba is the bouncer at Spikes who takes a personal interest in protecting Jamie’s very cute behind, but when Jamie runs from the club in panic straight into the path of a van, there’s nothing Bubba can do.

Amnesia puts Jamie at risk, but his returning memories are even more dangerous. Desperate to protect his friends, he puts his life on the line for Bubba—the only person he can rely on to save his neck.

Reader advisory: This book contains a scene of attempted rape. There are also scenes involving abduction, violence, and the forcible administration of drugs.

Amazon

Pride Publishing

There are quite a few things this author does really well in her writing. First, is working in some suspense, thriller and action into her books. Another is she doesn’t feel the need to write a lot of words to create a story. Her books are not loaded with “fluff”, but what the reader needs and wants to understand and enjoy the story. She does both of these things exceedingly well again in this thriller short story.

Jamie definitely has seen his fair share of trauma and pain, and fortunately Bubba is there to try to help him through it, and keep him safe. These two were sweet together, as it was obvious they had been circling each other for a while. When Jamie wakes up in the hospital with amnesia, Bubba steps in and does what he can to help him figure out what happened to cause Jamie to run.

It’s a short story, so the resolution comes quick, but as always a fun ride to read with this author’s book.

4 pieces of eye candy