Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Reviewer: Erin

Tide To You (Destination Daddies Season Two) by JJ Harper: New Release Review

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When a much-needed holiday turns into so much more than sun and sand.
Hudson
Why have I even entered that competition? I never win anything. Ever.
Colour me surprised I won a weeklong holiday in a resort for Daddies and boys. And at the right time too.

A break from work.
A break from bad choices.
A break from being seen only as a sugar Daddy.

The Hôtel Plaisir looks the perfect place to unwind, relax, and have some fun. Even more perfect is the beautiful young man waiting for me. He’s everything I’ve ever looked for. He’s also the host for the week, which makes him out of bounds.
Doesn’t it?

Yannick
The chance to organise my own event and prove to my father I can be trusted to run our family hotel landed in my hands thanks to Cuffd and their competition. The winner gets an all-inclusive week at our resort.

I didn’t expect him to be my dream Daddy.
I didn’t expect to hurt so much when he played with the other boys.
I didn’t expect to give myself to a man who will leave.

But it is too good to pass up. Even if it breaks my father’s trust.

Tide to You is part of the Destination Daddies Season Two multi-author series. It features an older, jaded Daddy and a boy who knows he has more to lose than his heart. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are so many destinations and Daddies to discover, why not grab them all?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This story sounded like a fun little romp. And it definitely started out that way, but then got a bit serious. Which made it disjointed.

Yannick is part owner of a hotel with his father. It was originally owned by both of his fathers until an ugly break up. So while Yannick basically runs the hotel, his father and his father’s partner micromanage him constantly. To prove his worth, he organized a special week for Daddies and boys. All unattached and wanting to have a fun week at a gorgeous hotel with a pool, activities, playrooms and the beach.

Hudson enters a contest to win the stay at the hotel for free that week. It was done after half a bottle of wine and on a whim. So he completely forgot until he found out he won.

Hudson does enjoy some boys when he first. But he is drawn to Yannick. They cannot fight their chemistry. They spend the rest of the week falling in love. Oh, and having LOTS of sex. There’s a bit of a kerfuffle with another guest, but that is quickly taken care of and isn’t a plot point at all. We see that same guest later in the book. But again, his presence doesn’t seem to fit into the plot.

So you think, that’s it. Cute little vacation romance and they magically figure out how to make life work when they are in two different countries. Instead we get another whole plot involving embezzlement, Yannick’s bio father (the one to leave when the relationship fell apart), Hudson’s best friend, dealing with Hudson’s company and on and on. It seemed like the embezzlement storyline was tacked on to make the book longer. It was just odd.

I hope that wasn’t too spoilery. None of this is mentioned in the blurb. That makes you think it is a lighthearted vacation HEA. But the whole arc of the story is more than that, without it being enough. It needed to be meatier.

3 pieces of eye candy

Prepared (Auctioned, Book 6) by Cara Dee: New Release Review

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Book 6 • Family • Humor • Action • Bachelor Party Fun
It’s time for the happily ever after Gray and Darius have fought so hard for…once they get out of this darn jungle in Belize

“You have to understand, I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I said goodbye to everyone in my head.”

Three years ago, Gray Nolan lost all hope of ever seeing his friends and family again. Now, everyone was gathering to watch him become Gray Quinn. At long last. But before his and Darius’s big day, they had one more mission to undertake. Just a simple in-and-out stint. Nothing to worry about.

Certainly nothing as challenging as a two-day bachelor party featuring a pack of wild children, three best men in charge with an abundance of creativity, a hockey game between the younger whippersnappers and the more…seasoned grunts, and a very open bar.

*Please note the books in the Auctioned Series must be read in order. Auctioned, Stranded, Deserted, Played, Finished, and then Prepared.

Prepared by Cara Dee

Series: The Auctioned Series #6
Genre: Gay Romance/Romantic Suspense/Wedding Romance

Tags: #HEA #FoundFamily #TheAuctionedSeries #AgeDifference #Vows #BachelorPartyFun #Wedding #TheJourneyHome #Humor #Action #TraumaRecovery #Homestead #CamassiaCoveUniverse #KindleUnlimited

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

“I’m not ready for this,” Darius muttered into his coffee mug.

He and Gray stood on the porch as four vehicles rolled up. Just as Gray and Darius had finished their chores for the day. Every animal had been fed, the dogs and the kids had been dropped off at Darius’s folks’ house after school and day care, and—

Whoa.

Gray let out a laugh as a dance song from the ’90s blared out of Case and Boone’s truck. They were the first to park, right next to the Wagoneer, followed by Ryan’s truck.

Case jumped out with an actual boombox on his shoulder and bobbed his head to the beat.

Ethan and Avery emerged from Ryan’s truck too.

Gray didn’t actually know exactly who was showing up today. He’d been told it wasn’t mandatory; it was basically a briefing for the bachelor party activities that would take place this week, and Ryan and Avery were in contact with everyone. And those who didn’t have anything better to do today could stop by.

“Jesus,” Darius sighed.

Gray grinned and descended the porch steps. “Come on, baby.” It was time to greet their guests.

Abel and Madigan parked next to Ryan at the same time as the Tenleys appeared on the guest cabin’s porch.

Gage, Gideon, and Gabriel stepped out of the last car.

“Who else is feeling fucking pumped for this wedding?” Case hollered over the music.

“He’s gonna give the pigs a goddamn heart attack,” Darius said.

Gray chuckled and picked up the pace, and he met up with Case and Boone right before the bridge that crossed the stream.

“I see you brought the party with you.” He exchanged a grin with Case and hugged him. “Good to see you again, Casey.”

“You too, man. Since our men don’t dance, I’m hauling you out on the dance floor when we go clubbing.”

“No spoilers, you little shit!” Ryan yelled.

“Oh!” Case shouted and held out his free arm. “Who you callin’ shit, you old fuck!”

Oh God. Gray could only shake his head in amusement—and move on to greet the others. Boone got a hug, Ethan got a hug, they all got hugs. Gideon and Gabriel were already goofing off, dancing to the new song that was playing. All ’90s, give or take a few years. That was Case O’Sullivan. From “Mr. Saxobeat” to “Boom, Boom, Boom” by Vengaboys.

It was possible Gray was subscribing to Case’s playlists on Spotify.

Darius couldn’t stay grumpy for too long. By the time he’d greeted everyone, he’d reached his wry-smirk stage.

Gray threw an arm around Abel’s shoulders and smacked a loud smooch to his cheek. “Are you ready for this mayhem?”

“Are you?” Abel grinned. “Keep in mind, I helped plan it all.”

Yeah, Gray was game.

I’ve been a fan of this series for a while. Luckily, I discovered it a bit late so that I got to read the first three back to back. I was even a bit hesitant with the first one, but I gave it a go and was sucked right in. One of the books was just ok for me, but the rest? A+ So of course I HAD to read this one.

Let me say that a lot of times I feel that the “final” book in a series where they get their super Happily Ever After and the wedding seem kind of forced. Like the fan base loved the couple so much the author felt they had to do the wedding book. Because of that, they were fine. But lacking. Not so here.

At the beginning of every chapter are Darius’ thoughts as he is trying to write his vows. Anecdotes about their relationship, little stories about what has happened or is happening. The love is just so very evident that it is swoony. And not at all cheesy. I hate cheesy.

The story takes us from a rescue op that they couldn’t say no to in the jungles of Belize. It was exciting and fast and didn’t linger. They get 24 hours of R&R at a resort and we really get to check in with a few other characters we know and love. Not only from this series, but also from The Game series. Then they return to Washington a week before their wedding. Which involves plans set forth by the best men (there are 3) and include family, friends and their kids.

Again, this could easily have been a fluffy filler book. But the plans made for them to celebrate a “bachelor” party are just so quintessentially them. You’ll smile. I promise. Ok, twice a tear leaked out of my eye. But mostly smiles.

There are A LOT of characters. It’s a little hard to keep up with them all but the main parts of the story do not hinge on you knowing them at all. But they were still good to see.

Utterly satisfying, still incredibly sexy, so full of love and family. It’s a must.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

I’m often awkwardly silent or, if the topic interests me, a chronic rambler. In other words, I can discuss writing forever and ever. Fiction, in particular. The love story—while a huge draw and constantly present—is secondary for me, because there’s so much more to writing romance fiction than just making two (or more) people fall in love and have hot sex. 

There’s a world to build, characters to develop, interests to create, and a topic or two to research thoroughly. 

Every book is a challenge for me, an opportunity to learn something new, and a puzzle to piece together. I want my characters to come to life, and the only way I know to do that is to give them substance—passions, history, goals, quirks, and strong opinions—and to let them evolve.

I want my men and women to be relatable. That means allowing room for everyday problems and, for lack of a better word, flaws. My characters will never be perfect.

Wait…this was supposed to be about me, not my writing.

I’m a writey person who loves to write. Always wanderlusting, twitterpating, kinking, cooking, baking, and geeking. There’s time for hockey and family, too. But mostly, I just love to write. 

Find Cara on social media here: https://www.caradeewrites.com/cdwlandingpage

Playing Games (Franklin U Book 1) by Riley Hart: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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Brax

Tyson Langley thinks the king in Franklin University Kings is in reference to him. Star lacrosse player and God’s gift to the female and male population, there’s nothing the spoiled jock can’t have.

It’s impossible for us to be in the same room without talking crap to each other. But I also have a secret… As much as I despise Ty, I want him too. I revel in our banter and in never knowing what he’ll say next.

I’ve spent too much time on the wrong side of the law for someone like Ty, though, and if I want to make it through college and escape my past, he’s a distraction I don’t need.

Ty

Braxton Walker needs to learn to lighten up. If you search brooding online, his name pops up. He’s the bad boy with a leather jacket and a scowl. We couldn’t be more different.

Finding ways to annoy him is like the longest foreplay session of my life. And when we end up working together, it gets harder to deny how hot he makes me.

What’s a little hooking up between enemies?

We weren’t supposed to become friends or share secrets. We weren’t supposed to understand each other and all the complicated stuff we’re going through.

I’m used to playing games, only the more time I spend with Brax, the less it feels like playing around and the more it becomes something real.

Title: Playing Games
Authors: Riley Hart
Series: Franklin U Series, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary.
Tropes: opposites attract, enemies to lovers.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Goodreads

“You like that I don’t make anything easy on you. If I had, you would have lost interest already. Everyone gives you what you want without you even having to ask for it, but not me.”

“That’s not why I want you. I want you because you’re hot.”

We stopped walking. Brax didn’t seem to have the same issue I did about wanting to protect what we were doing. He stood close, cupped my cheek, traced my bottom lip with his thumb, which made me chub up because, again, he was hot. “Truth, but it’s also because I don’t kiss your ass, and I don’t sugarcoat shit for you. Eventually, that’ll get old and you won’t want someone who makes you work for it.” For a second, I thought he was going to kiss me, right there under a palm tree, in the middle of campus, but instead he dug his teeth into my bottom lip and bit gently. “I’ll never stop making you work for it, Lacrosse.”

Classic enemies to lovers, Jock and anti-Jock. But since we enter the chat 3 years into the enemies thing, we get the fun turning into lovers part.

Saying they are enemies is a stretch. Brax just doesn’t like jocks- especially rich boy jock Tyson. They guy is a golden boy, handed everything on a platter. Brax is the complete opposite. Works while going to school, mom took off when he was young, dad is prison. He was handed a house though, by his grandmother, that he shares with his Dad 2.0 brother, but still.

Once they start working together though, the playful banter turns into playful sex. Which turns into more. It’s so seamless and natural the progression of their relationship. Nothing was forced at all. I loved how Ty just kind of insinuated himself into Braxton’s life.

Brax could have been super emo and angsty about his life, but instead he is determined to do better for himself. Ty is the one who is emo and angsty about his life, but he also doesn’t take it out on anyone, he keeps it to himself.

This was a fun read that also set up the shared world of Franklin University, which consists of 8 books by 8 different authors. I love these types of series and look forward to the rest.

Listen… I’m a sucker for the opposites attract.

Maybe because my husband and I are as different as night and day and yet somehow… that’s what attracted me to him, but these two are really cute!

In this one, we have the nerdy-esque type one and the bro. Ty and Brax.
I love the chemistry between these two, even when they pretended to hate each other.
Why boys think being jerks is a form of flirting, I’ll never know, but these two pulled it off so well.
It’s a low angst read, which I really needed right now and I found Brax really charming.

These two felt they had to be one way to the world, hiding the things that were going on in their lives, but they found a safe space within each other and watching them get to that place was really cute. I really enjoyed it. It felt genuine and real and new.

I found myself rooting for both of them, both separately and together, though, really together.
There were times where I felt like the picking at each other was a little much, I think they went overboard a little bit at times and I wanted to slap them both around, but it worked for them and the development of their relationship. It was comfortable, in a way.

Overall, it’s just a really cute story with little drama and I just really needed that this week. I really really hope we get a story about Ty’s brother next!

4 pieces of eye candy from me!

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Riley Hart has always been known as the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She won her first writing contest in elementary school, and although she primarily focuses on male/male romance, under her various pen names, she’s written a little bit of everything. Regardless of the sub-genre, there’s always one common theme and that’s…romance! No surprise seeing as she’s a hopeless romantic herself. Riley’s a lover of character-driven plots, flawed characters, and always tries to write stories and characters people can relate to. She believes everyone deserves to see themselves in the books they read. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading or enjoying time with her awesome family in their home in North Carolina.

Riley Hart is represented by Jane Dystel at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary Management. She’s a 2019 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Of Sunlight and Stardust. Under her pen name, her young adult novel, The History of Us is an ALA Rainbow Booklist Recommended Read and Turn the World Upside Down is a Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Award Winner.
Join Riley’s reader group here!

Riley loves hearing from readers. You can contact her at rileyhartwrites@yahoo.com

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Notorious (Shifter Scoundrels Book 1) by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake: Release Day Review

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Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.

Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.

Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.

With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This was a match made in heaven. Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake co-authored this series, this being book one. It drew on the strengths of both authors, fantasy, shifters, snark, very hot sex, intrigue and great world building. And I want more already.

They world they created, Bridgerton in contemporary times, was very unique. There was a King and Lords and Dukes and Duchesses who had a Season of parties and seeing and being seen that starts with a matchmaking for some of those that are eligible.

Thrust together in a matchmaking scheme behind the scenes, Saphir and Cassian have the same goal, to find out who murdered the Prince, next in line for the throne and Cassian’s best friend. Both determined to keep their distance, the sparks inevitably fly.

Saphir’s sister plays a fairly big role in the book as well. It is her debut season and while Saphir wants to make it memorable for her, I don’t think he is quite ready for his baby sister to be an adult. She is very funny, charming and witty and can hold her own, not only against her brother, but against Cassian or any other member of the ton.

There are a lot of characters to get to know while the mystery of the smoke beasts that were unleashed on the palace, ending with the murder of the Prince, plays out. But always Cas and Saphir can’t fight what they feel for each other. It’s pretty swoony how quickly Cas goes from stalwarth spy determined to solve his best friend’s murder without the shackles of love to mushy heart eyes guy when Saphir is there.

Even though everyone is a shifter, that doesn’t come into play all that often. We really only read about a couple of shifts, but so far that characteristic doesn’t seem to be a major plot device. Which was kind of nice. Like, yes, they are shifters. BUT it doesn’t dominate their lives. There also doesn’t seem to be much of a hierarchy depending on what animal shifter you are. Except the King who is a dragon.

Besides not mattering about your shifter animal, being gay is just as accepted as being straight and women are not treated any less than men. Pretty refreshing.

There is a HEA, but there are many unanswered questions. I eagerly await book 2.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Join Charlie’s newsletter and stay up to date with Charlie’s latest releases, receive exclusive content, giveaways, and more! https://newsletter.charliecochet.com/

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

E-mail: charlie@charliecochet.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/charliecochet/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charliecochet/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/charliecochet

Macy Blake believes in unicorns and fairies, in moonbeams and stardust, and that happily ever after comes in all colors of the rainbow. She loves to lose herself in paranormal romance, living vicariously through her favorite sexy fictional heroes. These days you can often find her pounding away at the keyboard, trying to capture the magic of her own worlds while arguing with her feisty German Shepherds, Minerva and Pomona.

The Barkeep and the Bookseller (Campo Royale #3) by V.L. Locey: RB, New Release Review *2 and Giveaway

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Can two men move past their shattered dreams and create a new future together?

Corduroy Lopez is a hard-working man. He has to be. There really is no alternative. He’s a single father with a beautiful special needs daughter to support. His mother and grandmother help when they can but he’s a proud Pan man who is determined to make it on his own. When his daughter is accepted into a prestigious developmental education preschool Cord needs cash and he needs it yesterday. When the cute owner of the new bookstore mentions wanting to start a drag story hour Cord leaps at the chance. He’s done drag before. Once. Performing on stage at the Campo hadn’t really been his thing but donning a wig and dress to sing children’s songs while strumming a ukulele should be a much more enjoyable experience. Also, the bookshop owner is adorable, newly single, and spending a great deal of time sitting at Cord’s bar sipping virgin piña coladas after the bookstore closes.

Jagger Collins never meant to end up here. He’d been a happily married man with a swanky job in a Philadelphia bank just two years ago. Then the bottom fell out of his life. His marriage combusted, his job quickly followed, and he found himself with only his dog Hamish, his brother, and half the cash from the home he thought he would be starting a family in. Taking the advice of his elder sibling to heart he left the big city and bought a small brick building in downtown Wilmington. Trading in ties for tomes, Jagger is now embracing the simpler things in life. Reading, biking, knitting, and admiring the lithe bartender at the Campo Royale. Cord is ticking all the right boxes in a big way but Jagger’s not sure if he’s ready to put his heart on the line again.

The Barkeep and the Bookseller is a single father guy next door gay romance that features a hard-working dad, a learning-to-love again bookdealer, a precocious preschooler, high heels, loving family, flashy floral fashions, and a ukulele rich happy-ever-after.

Cover Design: Meredith Russell 

Length: 53,000 word approx.

Campo Royale Series

Amazon – All Regions


Book #1 – The Viking and the Drag Queen – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Book #2 – The Bachelor and the Cherry – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Okay, first, I have to start off by saying that I haven’t read the others in this series and I’m coming in completely blind… but I saw a single dad and I’m a sucker for those, so I had to give this one a chance!

So, first, we meet Cord, his mother who is also his neighbor and babysitter and cuter than cute toddler, Paloma. Cord is a single dad, with a lot of help from his family, but he’s working every single day of his life trying to support his darlin girl because, well… we all know how expensive life is, especially now days, but Paloma also has a form of down syndrome that the state will only half provide for, so he’s working himself to death to keep her in a special school that is better equipped for her needs.
He’s a good dad, you can see that right off and I’m so glad he has his family right next door.
Also, he’s the barkeep in this scenario 😛

Next we meet Jagger in his bookstore, along with his besties, Wattley (his brother) and Nate, (a billionaire) who are hilarious together and Jagger’s people. Oh, and his little pupper Hamish as well. He’s the bookseller and a handsome and sweet, semi-damaged one at that. So, you know I’m gonna love him right away! I did.

I hope these other boys have their own stories because I want to read all of them now! Nate, might be the one I’m most looking forward to, so fingers crossed for me on that one!

So, okay…their meeting is cute and their dynamic as the complete opposite of what I kept expecting and I really enjoyed them getting to know each other and then spending time together when Cord works so much and has a daughter to take care of full time … it wasn’t always easy, but I loved Paloma’s relationship with Jagger and the way that developed and just the whole.
It was so very very cute.

I’m honestly about to go check out the others in this series because I must know more about all of these people. I enjoyed all of them, they were all meddlesome and pushy and overbearing, but in all the best ways that your bestie-made family can be. It’s their job, right?

I loved how supportive everyone was even though there are a few references to past trauma, I just found myself wanting to hug both of these guys, the cute girl and wiley puppy too. It was a super cute story, would definitely recommend! Off to see who’s next!

4 Pieces of Eye Candy

First off, this is book 3. I haven’t read book 1 or 2 and I was completely fine. ALSO the cover is exactly as Jagger is described and I love that.

Jagger has some serious damage. And while there are glimpses and one story told of what he went through with his ex, a lot is left unsaid. But it’s made clear that he was in a very abusive relationship and it has had lasting effects on him.

Cord is a pretty well adjusted guy considering his dad died, the mother of his child took off, he is raising a special needs child and he gave up his career dreams. He is the first to say that giving up that dream was completely worth it if it meant keeping his daughter. Which he did.

This is a very slow burn romance. But I really loved that it was. There was flirting and romance. Innuendos and smoldering looks across a bar. I feel like they got to know each other and people and friends first. Which also gave Jagger a look into what Cord’s life was really like. Living with his mother and grandmother and daughter.

And his mother and grandmother are really great strong women. I love seeing strong women like them represented.

Back to our couple. I love how in tune to Jagger Cord was. I think a lot of that has to do with his daughter and how he needs to be in tune with her needs. But he was never condescending. He was just chill.

I adored Jagger’s best friend Nate and seeing that his book is next made me happy.

If you don’t fall a little bit in love with Paloma, Cord’s daughter, there might be something wrong with you. I kid, I kid.

There was a happily for now vibe but I kind of wish it went further into their relationship to see how things progressed. But maybe we will get some hints in future books. That is why 3 1/2 rather than 4. I needed more at the end than I got. Too many “but what about…” questions.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

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USA Today Bestselling Author V.L. Locey – Penning LGBT hockey romance that skates into sinful pleasures.

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, Torchwood and Dr. Who, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.) She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a pair of geese, far too many chickens, and two steers.

When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in one hand and a steamy romance novel in the other.

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One Step Forward, Two Steps Back by Cyd Sidney: RB, Exclusive Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

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A stuffy composer meets a flirty ballet dancer. Can these opposites make music together, or will their dreams pull them apart? This is a sweet and steamy MM romance set against the sun-soaked hills of Los Angeles.

Joshua

I should be applying for grad school. Or looking for a job. Anything to get out of my awful rut. But instead, I’m obsessing about the dancer I hooked up with at the ballet studio. Who would have thought a gig playing the piano would lead to the hottest sex of my life? Before we got down to it, I think I promised to help out on a dance concert he’s producing. I was in such a lust haze I barely remember. He’d better text soon. I wonder if he’s still interested in seeing me in a *very* unprofessional capacity.

Brandon

I can barely focus on the upcoming dance concert or my move to New York. I’m thinking about that cute pianist instead. Did I tell him I’m moving? Things happened so fast between us I can’t remember. I’ve never had an experience like that where I was totally unraveled by a stranger. If I wasn’t about to move across the country, I would definitely want to go another round. But I’m leaving, so no more hot domination games with Joshua. I’ve got to keep things professional and not fixate on the way his elegant fingers moved across my body.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back is the first book in the Ballet Boys series. Each book is a standalone, but for maximum enjoyment, I suggest starting with book one.

Title: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Authors: Cyd Sidney
Length: 35K
Series: Ballet Boys, Book 1
Genre: Contemporary, BDSM, Romantic Comedy.
Tropes: Opposites attract, Grumpy/sunshine, Instalust.
Content: Dominant/submissive BDSM relationship with impact play, Sex is described explicitly, and Parental illness/death is mentioned.

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Brandon was packing his bag for their fourth rehearsal with Joshua. Three meetings and three quick goodbyes; the clock was literally ticking on his departure, and all this potential sex time with Joshua was gone with no sex in sight. It was a fucking tragedy in Brandon’s opinion, but he would just have to make peace with it. Joshua was holding firm on not socializing with them and Brandon didn’t want to push.

Tristan strolled in and started stretching on the floor. Brandon tried to cover his frustration when he greeted his roommate.

“Hey, man.”

“Hey, yourself. Listen, Brandon, we’ve got to talk.” This was news to Brandon. Everything seemed to be going well for his team of dancers.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s you.” Brandon felt a sting of anxiety tighten in his chest as Tristan continued, “You and Joshua.” Brandon was relieved that it wasn’t something serious but irritated that Tristan was bothering him with this.

“There’s no me and Joshua. How could there be something wrong?” Tristan rolled his eyes.

“You and Joshua have been doing some weird kind of avoidance dance ever since day one, and it’s painful to watch. That, and the eye fucking, and pining looks. There’s been a lot of pining and yearning. You guys need to get it together and figure out what’s happening between you. Sarah and I thought about locking you two in the closet,” Brandon let out a little gasp, “but we think you need more than a good fuck. We think you need to talk to each other, and then maybe fuck.”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.” Brandon’s cheeks were hot with embarrassment.

“You have made it our business. It’s everybody’s concern because you two are emoting all over the place, and it’s a real distraction.”

“Fine, I’ll talk to him.”

Sarah skipped into the room.

“Did you talk to Brandon about the sad puppy dog faces, Tris?”

“Yep.”

“Is he going to do something about it?”

“I’m right here, you guys! Fuck.” Brandon was starting to get ticked off for real. Tristan gave him an appraising look.

“He says he’s going to take care of it, but I have a feeling he’s going to try to weasel out.”

“I will not weasel out.”

“We know you won’t,” Sarah smiled sweetly, “because if you do, we’ll confront him ourselves and tell him how pouty you get every time he turns down one of our invitations.”

“You would never.”

“Don’t test us. Talk to him.” Sarah gave him a quick hug and turned to get her stuff.

You know I always want to read a book that has ballet in it. So I figured I would give it a shot. Let’s say, I’m glad it was short.

There is a story there, but it needed WAY more fleshing out. There’s very little dialogue so the book just tells me what they are doing. The book starts with Joshua sounding like a hot mess…but he isn’t. At least not for the rest of the book. He also tries being a Dom, or at least a very strong top, to Brandon and it just comes off as silly.

Joshua comes off as very meek and mild. Damaged by his previous boyfriend, yet we don’t really get a lot about that whole situation. A natural Dom he is not. More like he wants to be a Dom to take back control he lost to his previous boyfriend.

Brandon is very outgoing but immediately let’s Joshua take control sexually. When it seems like it is going to be a one off. It just didn’t hit right.

So I am going to give it a meh and be glad that it only took less than 2 hours to read.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

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My name is Cyd Sidney and I write queer, romantic tales with a lot of spice/steam/heat (let’s just call it sex). My stories are funny, surprising, and include lots of banter. I’m thrilled that you’re here and hope you’ll join me for the ride!


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