Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

TCO Reviewer: Erin

Betting on His BF: A Friends-to-Lovers, Buddy Trip, Bisexual Awakening Romance (Nerds vs Jocks) by Eli Easton and Tara Lain: New Release Review

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Big Bet. Big Trouble. Big Love.

When Felix the Quiz Bowl Champion reveals other oversized assets besides his brain, it takes PJ, the super-wheeler-dealer, to wangle maximum profits from it—in bets, wet jock strap contests, and Wang of the Week.

But winning money turns out to be second to falling in lust, and sexual escapades replace time at the poker tables as the number-one activity of their wicked week in Vegas.

Still, accepting the hospitality of PJ’s father’s client, the mobster Joey Oretano, proves a nearly fatal money-saving scheme, and brings Felix and PJ face-to-face with the serious side of life.
Very. Serious.

Will someone take the chance to be a hero?
Or will someone wind up dead?

BETTING ON HIS BF is a friends-to-lovers, bisexual awakening, what-happens-in-Vegas-can-win-you-money, dash-of-suspense, MM romance—with large assets.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Let me preface this by saying that I KNOW there are some hard core fans of these authors. And while I don’t know who wrote what parts, I can pretty much guess, but I won’t point it out. But, at least to me, it is super obvious that it was written by 2 different people.

The story started out pretty well. Felix and PJ, characters we know from the previous 3 books, on a road trip together to Vegas. First stop- a buffet. Of course! But they got scammed by the small print and PJ being PJ made a wager to get their food for free. And what he was betting was a continuous theme throughout. Constantly. Always. Like omg we get it. It doesn’t need to constantly be talked about. And if I were Felix, I’d be SO PISSED at PJ. The fact that he isn’t is mind boggling.

Ok. Felix and PJ are cute together. Doing that flirty bff thing. You know there will be more, but it is fun to watch them flirt and squirm.

PJ, who has very wealthy parents, scores a free suite for them from one of his father’s clients. Can you say stereotype? “Mafia” springs to mind. And how these kids didn’t realize is beyond me.

Anyway, PJ really persuades Felix into things he is uncomfortable with (again, friends don’t treat friends like that), but whatever. They are having fun until something happens with PJ’s father, which makes the hotel owner/client of PJ’s father mad and drama ensues.

It was SO convoluted and completely unnecessary. It was like they realized they had to fill in a lot more story to make a book and added this whole nonsense. Eye rolling nonsense.

Literally the best part of the book was the epilogue.

2.5 pieces of eye candy

Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN Book 1) by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review with Exclusive Giveaway

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Codename: Chaos.
Former THIRDS agent turned TIN operative Dexter J. Daley is a legend. Just ask him, he’ll tell you. Chaos isn’t so much a codename as it is Dex’s state of being. As a spy for the Therian Intelligence Network, Dex has spent the last four years bringing down the bad guys. Hell, his middle name is literally Justice. But a new mission brings him face-to-face with a different kind of monster, one with a weapon that can alter the course of history. Failure is not an option, but as the mission goes from dangerous to deadly, Dex finds himself up against a far more terrifying force, and this time, there’s no escape.

Codename: Atlas
As former team leader for Destructive Delta and now a TIN operative, Sloane Daley knows what it feels like to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. But no matter the challenge, Sloane knows that together, he and his husband, Dex, can overcome anything. When their latest mission takes a personal turn, Sloane is forced to confront the very thing that created him. Looking back to a past he thought he’d left behind is the least of Sloane’s problems, because the greatest threat he’s about to encounter… is his own husband.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

It’s been 84 years since we last saw Dex and Sloan. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration. But it has been a while. So like all fans of the THIRDS series, we were salivating for this book. And it didn’t disappoint.

We don’t even pick up where we left off. The last we saw of the guys was at their wedding. Where, of course, chaos ensued. But still. Now we are 4 years later. They have both gone through their TIN training and field training. They have had some ops, but nothing too major yet. Until this one.

Dex is older, wiser and more mature. And while we still get glimpses of the Dex we grew to know and love, this Dex is way more James Bond serious during an op. Which, he had to be because they are acting roles to infiltrate a “Therian auction”. So there isn’t a cheesy doodle or gummy bear in sight.

The whole op is complicated and complex. There are young Therians who are obviously not there because they want to be, there are mega rich people who basically keep them as pets. And the man leading the auction is working on humans getting Therian traits without having to shift. When he kidnaps the son of a Senator, TIN is brought in. With Sloan and Dex leading the charge.

Dex, in super expensive clothes, acting all cool and suave was SO HOT. I love his goofy self, so I think that’s why I loved this side of him as well.

The “omg I love yous” got a little much sometimes, but they are schmoopy like that AND they are bonded. So I got over it.

During the big showdown (no spoilers) I was reading with my eyes bugging out and my mouth hanging open. OH. MY. GOD. And it was left pretty open ended (but not a cliffhanger) to be explored in the next book. Because I really need to know where that is going!

There are familiar faces that make appearances, which is cool since we’ve grown to love them all as well. But again, this isn’t THIRDS. This is TIN.

4 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

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One commenter on this post will win an ebook copy of any backlist from Charlie Cochet.

Got Me Hoping (Vet Shop Boys Book 1) by Casey Cox: Blog Tour, Exclusive Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

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It’s just a one-night stand, they said. It’ll be simple, no-strings fun, they said. They. Lied.

I’m done with love and being broken-hearted. The only dogs I want to deal with are the ones I treat in the veterinary clinic I work at.

But at thirty-four, having my first one-night stand can’t hurt. Right? The rules are pretty simple.

1. Don’t spend the night.
2. Don’t see him again.
3. Don’t share anything personal.
4. Don’t fall in love with him.

But when Haze, the guy I spent a blazing hot night with and haven’t been able to forget about, shows up as our new receptionist, the rules fly out the window.

There’s no way one night could lead to anything more. So why has Haze got me hoping this might just last?

Got Me Hoping is book 1 in the Vet Shop Boys series and can be read as a stand-alone. Expect plenty of humor, found family, an adorable golden retriever, a foul-mouthed parrot, a whole new way of getting clean (as well as very, very dirty) and a heartwarming happily ever after!

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

My thoughts screech to a halt when the guy I’ve been subtly ogling all evening practically bowls me over. Okay, I admit, I may have strategically positioned myself near the hallway that leads to the men’s room so that we’d maybe bump into each other as he left. I wasn’t expecting it to happen quite so literally, though.

He’s nervous, and it’s cute as hell. Maybe that’s why it unleashes a cheekiness in me. As we settle at the bar and have a drink, I’m struck by his eyes. Yes, he’s got the whole Henry Cavill thing going on, and seriously, those biceps are beyond ridiculous, but it’s his eyes that pull me in. They’re a rich, mossy green, but more than that, they’re kind. You can tell a lot about a person by their eyes, and his tell me he’s a decent guy.

Even as we’re chatting away, I can see that he’s a little on edge. It’s endearing, though, and when he tells me he’s never had a one-night stand, the pieces fall perfectly into place.

He’s still a little skittish as we wait for an Uber outside the bar. I zip my bomber jacket all the way up and blow out a puff of steam into the cold night air. “I’ve only had four drinks,” Noah tells me, eyeing the road, on the lookout for the car. “I’m just erring on the side of caution, is all.”

“It’s okay,” I assure him, gripping his forearm. He’s got that irresistible hard-jaw, soft-eyes combination that makes everything okay.

The ride back to his place is a silent one. Our fingers play with each other across the middle of the backseat, threads that tangle, then loosen. His thumb caresses the top of my hand.

We smile at each other, and his eyes gleam under the passing streetlights.

So this was…fine. Nice. Readable. Cute. It is definitely not a book I am going to remember past tomorrow.

I love the setting of the book (and series) a veterinary clinic that is called The Vet Shop Boys. I do have to say that maybe those younger won’t get that. But I enjoyed it. And care was used in representing veterinarians and all they go through. From the cost of school to the long hours and the sadness. But also that most really, really love their jobs. And these guys that work together are all friends and a great support system for each other.

And it was those friends who couldn’t believe that Noah had never had a one night stand. So of course, that means he will have one NOW! TONIGHT! Enter Haze (I eye rolled the name at first but then further along in the book it is explained and I aww’d) super hot guy in the bar who is down for that one night stand. Especially because he is going to London for six months. But of course, they connected. And, of course, when Haze gets back from his six months abroad he starts working at the clinic.

From there it’s a lot of flirting until they finally admit they have feelings. But Haze was so wishy washy. For someone “studying to be an actor” in college (after finishing some bio-something degree) he never talks about acting. Literally. Kind of a weird thing to study- in college- if it isn’t something you had ever done. I don’t know. It was so throw away but a plot point. So it’s a plot point that had no backing.

And if he said, one more time that he was “almost 30” I was ready to throw my kindle. Oy.

Weird plot point intrudes so that Haze has to make a decision. That was also odd. You’ll see.

I just don’t feel like the whole story line was well thought out. The acting thing was completely misplaced and the little side story with the owner of the clinic was seen from LITERALLY the beginning of the book, but Noah didn’t see it? Really? That naive?

If you want kind of mindless fluff, go for it. But I don’t think I will be seeking out book 2.

3 pieces of eye candy

I’ve been wanting to do this ‘authoring’ thing since forever. But this thing called ‘life’ kept getting in the way. And then this thing called ‘turning 40’ happened. Eep!

So I did what any responsible newcomer to middle-age-hood would do: I quit my day job, started drinking copious amounts of coffee, and reconnected with my life long passion–donuts, er, I mean writing.

So here I am. And there you are… Hello!

I live on the east coast of Australia, I’m the proud paw-rent of two of the most utterly adorable French Bulldogs, Ralphie and Lilly, and when I’m not writing, you’ll most likely catch me down at the beach (I’m the one drinking Rosé and eating donuts while other people are doing healthy things like ‘walking’ and ‘swimming’).

Connect with Casey:
Website: https://caseycoxbooks.com/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casey.cox
FB Reader Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/casetheplace
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/caseycoxbooks
Email: caseycoxbooks@gmail.com

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Salvation: A Second Chance Gay Romance (Darkest Skies) by Garrett Leigh: New Release Review with Giveaway

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Reformed gang boss Dante Pope is out after a four-year stretch in prison. But freedom has found him faster than he’s ready for. His only brother hates him, and with nothing but PTSD and a newfound fascination with plants for company, the outside world is a terrifying place.

A prisoner rehabilitation scheme lands him at a stately home that might as well be the moon. Working for gorgeous gardener Sid is a welcome distraction—his shoulders are broad, his rugged jaw unshaven, and his long, tanned legs?

Wow.

But Sid has problems of his own. A life-changing disease has left him limited in ways he can’t bear and accepting help, even from a stranger, makes him want to curl up and die.

If Dante would let him.

Newsflash: he won’t, and he’s not a stranger for long. With his dark smile and sinister ink, Dante Pope is the most beautiful man Sid has ever seen. Life is hard, but falling for each other is easy.

Sunshine and shadows.

Old ghosts can haunt Dante all they like. Loving Sid is the only salvation he’ll ever need.

Salvation is a sweetly angsty standalone MM romance novel in the Darkest Skies series. Expect: second chances, forced proximity, friends-to-lovers, and buckets of hurt/comfort themed loveliness. Content warnings for childhood trauma, violence, and chronic illness.

Cover Design: Black Jazz Design

Darkest Skies Series 

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Oh my heart. I LOVED this book.

The last we saw of Dante, he was getting shot in the foot and then sent to prison. He has served half his time and is up for parole (set in England so it isn’t called parole, but you know) and gets an amazing work release job as a gardener. While in prison, his most recent job there was as a gardener and he really loved it. But Dante is broken. So, so broken. He went from being the head of his road boys (gang) to having nothing. He isn’t even excited about getting out of prison. Because what does he have? He is the polar opposite of the Dante we knew before.

Sid is the head gardener at a posh estate that is open to the public. He also has MS and never knows when an attack will hit. Of course he doesn’t WANT help, but he has no choice. And as soon as he sees Dante’s picture, he is immediately drawn to him. Sid is angry at having MS, at needing help, at his sister and best friend always trying to help, at all of the weird symptoms from MS, and on and on. But your heart breaks for him too.

These guys are so perfect together. They are both broken but I feel like together they make each other whole. I love all of their interactions- from being at work together to hanging out in one of their cabins. It is all just so natural.

There was closure from Dante’s road boys days and even what happened with his brother toward the end was just perfect. Because it wasn’t perfect. Because life isn’t perfect.

This might very well end up being my favorite book this year.

PS- read the first 2. You really have to so you know what Dante has done, what he has been through and the connections to the different people.

5 pieces of eye candy

Garrett Leigh is an award-winning British writer and book designer.

Garrett’s debut novel, Slide, won Best Bisexual Debut at the 2014 Rainbow Book Awards, and her polyamorous novel, Misfits was a finalist in the 2016 LAMBDA awards.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible, all the while shouting at her menagerie of children and animals and attempting to tame her unruly and wonderful FOX.

Garrett is also an award winning cover artist, taking the silver medal at the Benjamin Franklin Book Awards in 2016. She designs for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com, and co-owns the specialist stock site moonstockphotography.com with renowned LGBTQA+ photographer Dan Burgess.

Website: http://www.garrettleigh.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garrettleighauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Garrett_Leigha Rafflecopter giveaway

Dearest Milton James by N.R. Walker: New Release Review

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Malachi Keogh finds himself in a job he neither wanted nor asked for when his father, boss of Sydney’s postal service, sends him to the end of the business line, aka The Dead Letter Office. Malachi expects tedious and boring but instead discovers a warehouse with a quirky bunch of misfit co-workers, including a stoic and nerdy boss, Julian Pollard.

Malachi’s intrigued by Julian at first, and he soon learns there’s more to the man than his boring clothes of beige, tan, and brown; a far cry from Malachi’s hot pink, lilac, and electric blue. Where Julian is calm and ordered, Malachi is chaos personified, but despite their outward differences, there’s an immediate chemistry between them that sends Malachi’s head—and heart—into a spin.

To keep his father happy, Malachi needs to keep this job. He also needs to solve the mystery of the pile of old letters that sits in Julian’s office and maybe get to the bottom of what makes Julian tick. Like everything that goes through the mail centre, only time will tell if Malachi has found his intended destination or if he’ll find himself returned to sender.

#gayromance #forbiddenlove #oppositesattract #comedy

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Something to know about me. I am pretty much a stickler about putting my book down at 11pm to go to sleep. Especially on a work night. But I SERIOUSLY contemplated staying up an other 90 minutes to finish it. I didn’t, which ultimately I got to enjoy this newest NR Walker for 2 nights rather than one, but it was close.

I adore quirky characters who just own who they are. Malachi is that guy. He is kind of aimless, never being able to stick with a job. Usually out of boredom, although his most recent firing was for a pretty spectacular reason. Anyway. This time his father gets him a job in what everyone calls the Dead Letter Department, but that isn’t the official name. Malachi doesn’t hold out hope that he will like it there, but he will try. For at least a day.

It cracked me up because Malachi knows that he doesn’t want to sit at a desk and doesn’t want to deal with customers. I totally get that!!! He just wasn’t made for it.

Surprisingly, he actually LIKES his job. And most of the employees and especially his boss Julian. There is some heavy flirting on Malachi’s side- which is mostly not knowing when to shut up or use a filter of any kind. It is both adorable and hilarious. There is also a mystery pile of letters that has never been delivered- probably because there is no address- for 40 years.

This is definitely a slow burn. What what a fun slow burn it is. Julian just likes and appreciates Malachi for who he is. And even though Julian is not his type at all, Malachi is completely drawn to him. And the mystery letters.

All of the other employees are just as fun and quirky and one of them probably isn’t a serial killer and they all genuinely like each other. It’s kind of amazing. An entire story with no fights, no misunderstandings, no giant break ups over something stupid. They were NORMAL people who were just unique but found their place in this world and the perfect job for them.

The mystery letters are just swoony and heartbreaking all at once. I was so nervous about the outcome of the mystery, but as always, NR Walker brought it to a completely perfect conclusion.

I loved it so much, I am giving it the very rare 5 pieces of eye candy.

Whiskey Dreams by Sam E. Kraemer: New Release Review

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He’s got rhythm while his new man’s got a record. Will history destroy their ballad, or can two beautiful souls sing in tune?

Country music star Kelso Ray Anderson found the passion he craved in his songs. Rejected by his religious family because of his sexual orientation, he regrets his painful visit home just before a massive European tour. But when he encounters his brother’s handsome friend who was his adolescent crush, he’s captivated by the melody stirring in his heart.

Tanner Bledsoe’s hopes were broken in prison. Determined to make the most of an opportunity offered by an old high school buddy, he never expected to blush like a teenager when he’s re-introduced to his pal’s magnetic brother. Falling hard and fast for the striking musician, Tanner’s terrified his wrongful incarceration will be a devastating deal-breaker.

Hellbent on giving their budding relationship a chance despite his looming international concerts, Kelso pours his musical soul into his troubled new man. But Tanner is torn apart by the agonizing choice between a once-in-a-lifetime love and doing what’s right to protect his partner’s dreams.

Will their undeniable spark find its place in loving harmony?

Whiskey Dreams, On the Rocks is the touching first tale in the On the Rocks M/M contemporary romance series. If you like captivating characters, sweet attractions, and tortured choices, then you’ll adore Sam E. Kraemer’s delicious escape.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

I’ve never read a book by this author, but I liked the blurb so I figured I’d give it a try. Sorry to say, I was pretty disappointed. Judging by the ratings of his other books, I am in the minority. But, I have reasons.

When we first meet Kelso, he is pulling up to his family’s ranch for the first time in years after being rejected for being gay. So, totally show up as a surprise! His twin sister is a bitch and his parents are nasty to him. Cut right to the next morning when he is leaving. So that’s all we get of that.

Off he goes to see his older brother who was never great to him, but not nasty. And at least this time he was invited. His brother had a reason for inviting him, which I get, but also how about just trying to be a good brother?

At the beginning of the book, his brother Leo treats his best friend with kid gloves, but then treats him like an equal.

I just felt no connection to any of the characters at all. Inserting most of the back story into why the characters are who they are just didn’t work for me. And until the end, I didn’t feel any connection between Tanner and Kelso.

The writing and dialogue were very stiff and formal and it was just kind of boring.

2 pieces of eye candy