Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Reviewer: Erin

Under the Northern Lights (Love Abroad series) by Kelsey Hodge: Release Day Review

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Luke
I had a plan. Get a job abroad and leave my boring life behind. I land a great job and an even better roommate, but when my feelings move beyond friendship, I do the only thing I can to stop repeating my past — I avoid him. Then, one night, everything changes, and I need to decide if telling the truth is worth the risk.

Dalton
Being attracted to the straight roommate is never a good idea. It only leads to pain and disappointment. But I can manage friendship, so why is Luke suddenly avoiding me? It all comes to a head under the wonder of the Northern Lights, and I have a choice — do nothing or make a move, risking my heart either way.

New to me author, but I love books set in Scandinavia so I was all in.

Quick, light, fun read. Zero angst here. The biggest angst was at the beginning when Luke decided he needed a big change in his life. What bigger change than going from England to a Norwegian island so far north it is in the artic circle for a one year job?

We are introduced to the small town in Norway and Luke’s new roommate Dalton. Sparks smolder for a while until coworkers trick them into going on a date. Definitely cute.

They quickly decided to be boyfriends and the rest is history.

Nice epilogue 2 years in the future as well…

It’s light, short, sweet, steam level low, angst non existent. I’ll call this my first beach read of the year.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Only You (’90s Coming of Age Book 3) by Leta Blake: RB, Exclusive Excerpt and Giveaway

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.                                             .

’90s Coming of Age, Book 3

Join Peter Mandel on his final steps to love in Only You, the highly-anticipated third and final book of Leta Blake’s ’90s Coming of Age series.

Despite the lingering wounds of his past relationship, Peter is ready to take a chance on finding a faithful love and embracing his true self.

Peter and Daniel explore their connection despite Daniel’s complicated home life. But when Adam resurfaces, desperate to win Peter back, Peter must confront his complicated feelings and the painful ghosts of their shared past.

Only You is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the series, and a must-read for fans of New Adult Romance and Coming-of-Age fiction.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

Pictures of You (’90s Coming of Age Book 1)

You Are Not Me (’90s Coming of Age Book 2)

The phone rang just as the buzzer on the toaster oven went off. I hissed as I tugged the pizza bagel free and dropped it, steaming, on a plate. Rushing to answer the phone next, anxiety roiled inside me. What if it was Adam?

“Hey, you.”

Daniel.

The peace his voice gave me was like absolution. No matter what I’d done in the past, somehow, I’d ended up here with Daniel on the other end of the line. Everything was going to be all right. Everything was fine.

Daniel would never lie about me, about us, or about who he was and what he wanted. He’d never be like Adam. He’d always be what he’d been right from the start.

Honest.

“Hey,” I answered, a smile on my lips. “I’ve missed you.”

“Me too.”

“My mom leaves Saturday morning. For real this time. Are you still up for that party I mentioned?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Because I’ve missed my friends, but most of all, I’ve missed seeing you.”

“Daniel?”

“Yeah?”

I didn’t know what I’d been about to say. Was I going to tell him about Leslie’s letter? No. I didn’t want to burden him with that. “Nothing. I just wanted to be sure of you.” I didn’t know how else to explain that I’d wanted to confirm that we were together.

“Be sure of me,” Daniel said, pitching his voice lower. “Saturday night, I’ll show you just how sure of me you can be.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Petey, are you okay?”

I laughed. “You’re such a goofball. And, somehow, that’s just not as good as ‘Danny, are you okay?’ Doesn’t have quite the same ring.”

Daniel snorted. “No, it doesn’t.” He paused. “But yes, it’s a promise. You can be sure of me, and also…are you okay? You sound tense.”

I fingered Leslie’s letter and then wadded it up and tossed it into the trash. “I’m good. Just needed to hear your voice.”

“And I needed to hear yours, so we’re even.”

“Yeah.” I took a bite of pizza bagel. “I love that about us.”

That was as close as I’d come to telling him I loved him. Maybe one day soon.

For now, just being on the phone with him was enough.

Whew! From what I have gleaned from social media posts, some of y’all have waited 10 years for this book? Again, so glad I was able to read them one right after the other.

Book 3!

Adam is back in town and went straight to Peter. Who caved like a house of cards. But will he finally FINALLY realize that Adam is the guy who is getting it all? While everyone else barely gets crumbs?

After the ride of the first 2 books, this one is definitely more of a roller coaster at a fair instead of a roller coaster at a theme park. Some ups and downs, but not as drastic.

And let me tell you. Adam who doesn’t get what he wants is a SCARY mofo. I could picture his face at times. Just that angry, evil look meant to make someone scared. Shudder.

Daniel has his own issues, but they are with his family-his mother in fact. So poor Peter keeps dating guys with family issues. Ok, not keeps, but both guys he has dated have some serious trauma. But Daniel manifests his trauma as trying to be the good guy for everyone and not really helping himself.

Shockingly, Peter helps him see that he has to put himself first sometimes. Seems our cute, nerdy outcast Peter has done some growing up.

A lot of the book is Peter and Daniel. Which is fine. Unfortunately, Peter has to reassure Daniel a lot. I wish he didn’t have to do that. I wish Daniel trusted Peter more.

There is a side story going on with the mess that is Minty. That boy. He has some issues and trauma himself. Probably the worst of everyone. I’d like to see him get his happily ever after.

As much as I really loved these books, I feel like the ending was a little anticlimatic. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a HEA and there was drama. But a little more would have been good too.

I still completely recommend these books. Especially if you love angst. And the nostalgia is great too.

4 pieces of eye candy

Author of the bestselling book Smoky Mountain Dreams and the fan favorite Training Season, Leta Blake’s educational and professional background is in psychology and finance, respectively. However, her passion has always been for writing. She enjoys crafting romance stories and exploring the psyches of made up people. At home in the Southern U.S., Leta works hard at achieving balance between her day job, her writing, and her family.

If you’d like to be among the first to know about new releases, you can sign up for Leta’s newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bdn32H

Bonus material for the Heat of Love series, Will & Patrick Wake Up Married series, Training Season series, Smoky Mountain Dreams, Mr. Frosty Pants, The River Leith, and more is available on Leta Blake’s Patreon account. Sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/letablake

Or you can find out more about her by following her online:

On the web: https://letablake.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letablake

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/LetaBlake a Rafflecopter giveaway

You Are Not Me (’90s Coming of Age Book 2) by Leta Blake: New Release Review

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Follow Peter into the summer following his senior year to face new beginnings, new friends, and old baggage.

After a tumultuous final year of high school, Peter Mandel needs a break. It’s the summer of 1991, and his secret relationship with his ‘best friend’ Adam Algedi is put on hold as Adam goes away to Italy for the summer. On the cusp of adulthood, Peter has a couple of months to explore who he is without Adam at his side.

Enter Daniel McPeak, a slightly older, out, responsible college guy with a posse of gay friends and an attraction for Peter. Drawn into the brave new world of the local gay club, Peter embarks on a whirlwind of experiences—good and bad—which culminate in a hotel room where he has to make the ultimate choice.

But Adam will come back eventually, and there are promises that have to be kept. As autumn draws near and college awaits, can Peter break free of the binds of twisted first love? And what exactly is Daniel’s role in his life – a brief temptation, or something more?

After the emotional roller coaster of book 1, I wasn’t sure what to expect for book 2. We got a different emotional roller coaster.

Now, instead of Adam controlling Peter’s life in person, he does it from Italy. Like omg! This guy has a girlfriend (Leslie), has a boyfriend (Peter) and wants permission to sleep with other people in Italy. Because he has needs. Oy!

Peter, for his part, is still listening to Adam and hanging on his every word while still being angry at the whole situation. He’s also avoiding his high school friends in favor of the couple of gay friends he has gotten. Including Daniel. You can feel the chemistry between them. But Daniel is a good guy and knows Peter is loyal to Adam even if Adam doesn’t deserve it.

Peter goes through some things towards the beginning of the book that he tells Adam about and Adam uses it against him. He is emotionally abuse to Peter and everyone can see it but him.

We get some new regular characters. Minty is the most visible being Daniel’s best friend. He is the type of completely fearless guy who also refuses to realize that HIV and AIDS is a thing. He is out, proud and loud. Tutus and dresses without a care in the world.

We also meet Bobby, Daniel’s PWA-person with AIDS that he helps. Bobby broke my heart. Dying of AIDS far too young. Withering away because in 1991, there wasn’t much that could be done medically. It very much was a death sentence. But Bobby’s wisdom and advice to both Peter and Daniel will probably stick with them forever.

Peter struggles throughout the book between wanting to stay faithful to Adam but realizing that what he feels for Daniel is just better.

Book 1 ended with Adam going to Italy. Book 2 ends with Adam coming home.

Imma just say, I am SO GLAD I got to read all three books back to back!

4 pieces of eye candy

Team Orders (Lights Out Book 1) by RJ Scott: Release Day Review

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When tragedy strikes and team orders are called for, will Archie and Noah’s love survive the fallout?

Noah is devastated when his best friend is badly hurt in a fiery crash, and shocked when the team’s rookie steps up to take Augusto’s place. Not only is Archie inexperienced on the track, but he’s a threat to Noah’s heart when giving in to lust and passion could only end badly. Caught in the chaos of Formula 1, and despite being terrified of losing everything, Noah falls for Archie one passionate but secret moment at a time.

In his rookie F1 season as Deacon-Graaf’s reserve driver, Archie is called up to cover for an injured driver. He’s determined to earn a permanent place in a team, but for now he’s thrilled that he’s driving alongside his idol, Noah. Falling for his teammate is as simple as breathing, but their romance threatens to expose them to a media frenzy, leaving Archie facing a stark choice — love or career.

This M/M romance from RJ Scott features teammates, a secret affair, hurt/comfort, and is set in the high octane world of Formula 1 featuring fast cars, driving at the limit, spectacular crashes, heated rivalries, and of course, a HEA.

Please note, ‘Team Orders‘ contains details of a serious motorsport accident and subsequent fire.

Each book in the Lights Out collection is a standalone story, and the books can be read in any order.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

New series! Shared world! Formula One!

Ok, car racing has always seemed boring to me. Watching the same cars go around and around and around. But that is as a spectator. Reading it from the point of view of a driver changed things for me a lot.

F1 racing, and let’s be serious, NASCAR, etc are not what you would call accepting of the LGBT+ population. I mean, it’s a MANLY sport, right? Eye roll. This book does not ignore that reality and why it is. I really appreciated it. Normally it’s a locker room thing. This is about sponsorship which is in the millions. And countries where even being gay is illegal. It’s really sad.

ANYWAY. On to the good stuff.

Archie and Noah are a good match. They sort of butt heads at the beginning after an accident, but neither back down. Which was fun to watch being that Archie was a rookie with a tenuous hold on the position he was handed and Noah is a veteran hoping for a podium.

There’s a lot going on with the politics of racing which puts both guys in a tough position. Add to that some scuttlebutt of them being seen together outside of racing. Not in a compromising position, but still.

Admittedly my eyes crossed a little with the technical F1 racing stuff. But I kept reading because I liked the dynamic between Archie and Noah. And I liked them as characters. No one had a chip on their shoulder. No one was a jerk. Ok, Noah was a little bit of a jerk toward the beginning. But he got over it fast.

I also liked that Archie had a sounding board with his brother. They had no secrets, but AJ also told him like it was. No beating around the bush there.

If you come for the F1 racing, stay for the guys. If you come for the guys, enjoy the racing. I learned a few things.

4 pieces of eye candy

Merlot Rebellion: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Leigh Jarret: New Release Review

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Devastated when things don’t work out, Patrick refuses to even consider risking his heart again. As soon as he proclaims his love, everything always falls apart.

One afternoon while heading a wine tour, Patrick recoils when he encounters a man he’s been told is a monster by his latest ex-boyfriend.

Heartbroken, Charles is convinced his last breakup was his fault. His seductive looks are the only reason anyone ever picks him up. He has no other worth. His latest partner of seven years told him as much. He was cheated on, abandoned for another—replaced by a blond boy toy.

Then the vapid adulterer walks into his winery.

Amazon – All Regions

Another first time author for me. And another near miss.

Two men with the same ex boyfriend. They hate each other because of said ex boyfriend. Until they actually talk to each other.

Patrick is the free spirit type of guy. Just working to make money to live. Charles is the manager of a very nice winery.

They end up together but there was no heat there. No connection. All very surface for me. And Patrick, the guy who barely has enough money for rent we come to find out (toward the end) that he is a hoarder? Finding that out earlier would have given the story a little more interest.

Otherwise it’s Patrick thinking he isn’t good enough for Charles and Charles thinking how could anyone love him and just eye roll.

And other one with the characters who talk too formally. I’m sorry, but a guy in his 20’s, even with an ex boyfriend who knew wine, wouldn’t talk about buttery notes and oak aged versus not. I mean, maybe they would but, I don’t know.

Sorry, total miss for me.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

The Realist (The Vers Podcast book 3) by Riley Hart: New Release Review

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.                                              .

Marcus

To listeners of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m known as The Realist—I accept life the way it is, believe in honesty over sugarcoating, and okay, I can maybe be a little bossy.

If you asked The Vers guys, they’d tell you I’m a caretaker who’s always thinking of others, but they also give over-the-top hugs and don’t believe me when I say feelings are the worst.

It’s why I have no business offering Kai Lewis a place to stay when he’s in need. He’s a flirt who makes no secret about wanting in my bed…somewhere I’d like to have him if he wasn’t the employee of one of my closest friends. But he’s too trusting and leaps before he thinks, so at least he won’t get taken advantage of if he’s with me.

Now he’s always around, wearing shorts that leave nothing to the imagination and saying he wants to take care of me because I’m always doing it for others. It’s not long before I can’t resist him—a man who likes listening in the bedroom but is stubborn in other situations.

Kai is sweet and funny and gets me to open up to him. Maybe this whole relationship thing wouldn’t be so bad…if he wasn’t nine years younger…and leaving Southern California soon…or if I had any idea what I was doing.

The Realist is an age-gap, forced-proximity romance with a bossy realist and a sunshiny flirt who has Marcus wrapped around his finger.

If you read books 1 and 2, you already know Marcus and Kai. Marcus the super successful real estate agent who is always there for his friends in a myriad of ways. And Kai, the super cute twink who works at Declan’s bar.

On a bit of a whim, when Kai is about to lose his housing and move back home with mom and dad, Marcus invites him to live at his house. And it’s not like it’s a small place. Now Marcus and Kai have flirted hard when they saw each other, but it is Marcus who holds back. Because Kai is a bit younger and because he is an employee of his best friend. Now he can add roommates to the list which makes him untouchable. HA!

I really enjoyed seeing firsthand the family dynamics of both men. Kai’s family is far from rich. Probably a solid lower middle class. But they ooze love. They enjoy spending time together and his mother complains she doesn’t see him enough. Whereas Marcus’ parents are quite cold, constantly cancel plans and take work calls when they are together.

These family dynamics really play a role in their lives. We’ve all seen Marcus with the other 3 guys. He loves and loves hard, but he isn’t demonstrative at all and hates being called out on his soft side. Whereas Kai is super demonstrative, but his defense mechanism is the whole “not a relationship guy”, when really you know he wants what his parents and siblings have.

Honestly, I feel like Marcus toyed with Kai a bit too much. Flirting to the point that Kai thought they were getting somewhere, but pulling back at the last second. And being proud of it when Kai was upset.

Other than that, they really gelled as a couple. They are very yin yang. Including their families- with Kai’s family recognizing that Marcus didn’t have anything like that himself.

I also appreciated that Kai was willing to make a huge decision for himself, without falling back on Marcus. Showed a maturity that he hasn’t yet had.

In the last and final book coming, I’d really like to see Marcus loosen up some. Now that he and Kai are together and happy, it’s time for him to jump in the pool as well.

4 pieces of eye candy